Chapter 254: Regaining Control

Regaining control

"Wait!"

Zhang Cheng suddenly spoke up. His voice was not loud, yet at this moment it was exceptionally clear, forcibly cutting short the Stardust Witch's triumphant wild laughter.

Everyone's gaze focused on him—puzzlement, confusion, and a faint glimmer of barely believable hope.

He slowly raised his hand and pointed toward a direction behind the Stardust Witch that appeared completely empty,

"There—that is the source of her power."

The crowd looked in the direction Zhang Cheng was pointing, but saw nothing except flickering stardust and endless darkness.

The Stardust Witch's laughter stopped abruptly, a flicker of barely perceptible panic flashing through her eyes.

The Shadow Assassin also subconsciously adjusted his stance, as if trying to conceal something.

Zhang Cheng's gaze grew even sharper. In his mind surfaced an ancient formation that a reclusive elder had taught him during his studies on Lan Xing.

This formation could interfere with and absorb specific energy fluctuations. If applied correctly, it might be able to counter the Stardust Witch's magic.

But this formation required extreme precision and teamwork; the slightest misstep would spell failure.

"I need your help,"

Zhang Cheng said firmly, looking around at everyone,

"We need to form a formation to disrupt her power."

Xingyun Zhizhe furrowed his brow deeply and pondered aloud:

"A formation? Here in the Xingyun, the energy fluctuations are so chaotic—how can we possibly set up a formation?"

The mysterious Elf looked at Zhang Cheng with worry, her eyes full of concern,

"But... we don't know anything about formations..."

Zhang Cheng took a deep breath. He knew this plan sounded far-fetched, yet he felt an inexplicable certainty in his heart.

He briefly described the layout of the formation and each person's position, and emphasized the importance of coordination.

"This is too risky!"

Guangming Shizhe said, his tone full of doubt,

"We know nothing about this formation. If it fails..."

"There is no 'if'!"

Zhang Cheng said resolutely,

"We must try. This is our only hope!"

His eyes shone with a determined light, as if harboring boundless power.

Xingji Xiake laughed heartily and clapped Zhang Cheng on the shoulder,

"I like this kid's guts! Count me in!"

"I..."

The mysterious Elf hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded firmly,

"I'm willing to believe you too!"

Zhang Cheng looked at Kelinda. She met his gaze with a firm look—no words were needed; everything was understood without saying.

"Alright, then..."

Zhang Cheng's gaze swept over everyone,

"Do as I say!"

He paused, his tone low and forceful,

"Get ready..."

"This is sheer madness!"

Guangming Shizhe pointed at Zhang Cheng, his voice agitated,

"You want us to trust some formation of unknown origin—how is that any different from walking to our deaths?"

"He's right,"

Though not as agitated as Guangming Shizhe, Xingyun Zhizhe also expressed his concern,

"The energy fluctuations in the Xingyun are extremely complex. The slightest mistake and we'll all be swept in and annihilated."

Xingji Xiake roared with laughter, his rough voice echoing through the Xingyun,

"What's there to fear! I threw my life on the line long ago! Fighting alongside this kid beats waiting to die!"

He slapped Zhang Cheng heavily on the shoulder,

"Kid, I believe you! Just tell us what to do!"

"You..."

Guangming Shizhe was choked by Xingji Xiake's boldness and was momentarily speechless.

He looked at Xingyun Zhizhe as if seeking help, hoping he would step forward to stop this mad plan.

But Xingyun Zhizhe had fallen into deep thought. He carefully observed Zhang Cheng, trying to find a trace of hesitation or fear in his eyes, yet all he saw was absolute resolve and confidence.

He recalled the astonishing talent and courage Zhang Cheng had displayed in battle earlier, and a faint hope rose in his heart—perhaps this young man really could create a miracle.

Zhang Cheng paid no heed to everyone's doubts. He looked around at them all, his tone steady and forceful,

"I know this is risky, but we have no other choice. The Stardust Witch's power grows ever stronger. If we don't fight back, we can only wait to die! Do you believe me?"

His gaze fell on Kelinda, and she nodded without hesitation,

"I believe you."

The mysterious Elf also nodded gently,

"I believe you too."

Seeing more and more people express their support, the doubts in Guangming Shizhe's heart gradually dissipated as well. He sighed,

"All right, I'll give it a try."

Xingyun Zhizhe also gave a slight nod,

"Since that's the case, I'll join too."

Zhang Cheng nodded in satisfaction and began directing everyone's positions,

"Xingji Xiake, you stand here. Guangming Shizhe, you stand opposite him…"

As he spoke, he traced the outline of the formation in the air with his finger. Each person's position was precisely calculated, meticulously exact.

Even Xingyun Zhizhe could not help but be surprised by Zhang Cheng's command ability. He had not expected that this young man was not only powerful, but also possessed such outstanding leadership talent.

He nodded slightly, his confidence in the success of this operation growing a few degrees more in his heart.

"Prepare…"

Zhang Cheng's voice was deep and powerful, echoing through Xingyun.

The Stardust Witch and the Shadow Assassin watched their bizarre actions with contemptuous smiles on their faces, as if watching a troupe of buffoons.

They did not know that a storm powerful enough to turn the tide of battle was about to arrive…

"Futile struggle!"

The Stardust Witch's shrill laughter pierced through Xingyun. With a wave of her staff, a dark green beam of energy shot straight at Zhang Cheng.

The Shadow Assassin's figure flickered like a phantom, his sharp dagger tearing through space, aiming straight for Xingji Xiake's throat.

The formation activated. A pale blue light enveloped everyone, forming an indestructible barrier.

The green beam struck the barrier, stirring up layer upon layer of ripples, yet could not shake it in the slightest.

The Shadow Assassin's dagger was also blocked by an invisible force field, emitting a piercing screech of friction.

"Hold on!"

Zhang Cheng shouted loudly, fine beads of sweat seeping from his forehead.

Maintaining the formation consumed a massive amount of energy. He felt his body was about to be drained dry.

The two sides were locked in a stalemate. The collision of energy whipped up wave after wave of storms in Xingyun.

Just then, the mysterious Elf suddenly let out a cry of alarm:

"I see it! Her magic array—there's a weak point!"

Everyone's gaze focused on the mysterious Elf.

She pointed at the magic array beneath the Stardust Witch's feet, her tone urgent:

"Right there—a crack almost impossible to detect!"

Zhang Cheng's heart stirred, and he immediately understood the mysterious Elf's meaning.

He took a deep breath and shouted loudly:

"Everyone, focus your power and attack that point! Guangming Shizhe, use your holy light! Xingji Xiake, use your strongest strike!"

Guangming Shizhe pointed his holy sword at the crack without hesitation, and a dazzling white light burst forth.

Xingji Xiake roared, clenched both fists, his entire body's muscles bulging, and slammed a heavy punch toward the crack.

Xingyun Zhizhe and the Blue Star Guardian also struck at the same time. Various energies converged into a powerful torrent, surging toward the Stardust Witch's magic array.

The Stardust Witch's magic array began to shake violently. The crack grew larger and larger, on the verge of collapse.

But she showed not the slightest panic. Instead, she revealed a bizarre smile and muttered to herself:

"This has only just begun…"

The dark green magic array trembled violently. Cracks spread outward like a spider web, emitting a teeth-grating sound of shattering.

The Stardust Witch's laughter stopped abruptly, replaced by a sinister, cold sneer.

"You think you've won? Naïve!"

She raised her staff high. A dark red gem atop it flickered with an ominous light.

"Taste despair!"

"This is bad!"

Xingyun Zhizhe's expression changed drastically,

"She's sacrificing her life force to activate a forbidden art!"

The dark red gem's light grew ever brighter. The surrounding space began to distort, and a powerful suction pulled everyone toward the center.

Xingji Xiake roared, slamming both fists hard into the ground, trying to steady his stance.

"Damn it, this power…"

"Everyone, be careful!"

Zhang Cheng shouted loudly. Blue light circulated around his body, forming a protective shield that covered him and Kelinda nearby.

"Elf, get everyone out of here, quickly!"

The mysterious Elf dared not delay. She flapped her wings, scattering specks of starlight.

The starlight transformed into a shimmering path, guiding everyone to escape from this terrifying vortex.

Guangming Shizhe and the Blue Star Guardian shielded everyone as they fought and retreated, while Xingji Xiake covered the rear, using his powerful body to withstand the spatial distortion.

Just then, the Shadow Assassin's figure appeared once more. The dagger in his hand flickered with a cold, eerie light, aimed directly at Zhang Cheng.

"Your life is mine!"

Zhang Cheng's eyes sharpened. He was about to strike, but saw Kelinda block his way. Her face was pale, yet her eyes were resolute.

"Zhang Cheng, get out of here! I—"

Before Kelinda could finish, the Shadow Assassin's dagger had already pierced through her shoulder.

Blood gushed out, staining Zhang Cheng's lapel red.

Zhang Cheng's eyes instantly turned cold, and a sky-surging fury burned in his heart.

He held Kelinda tightly, his voice low and brimming with killing intent,

"You deserve to die!"