Chapter 229: Breaking the Barrier

The stream of light that Qin Sang and his group had acquired earlier contained not only the operational methods of the Nine Radiant Galaxy Array but also the techniques of the reversed array—the Galaxy Backflow Method.

One end of the galaxy plunged into the black hole. A few individuals at the forefront had already stepped halfway into the void, seemingly on the verge of entering it to make contact with the stone stele. Yet, just as they were about to proceed, Che Yutao suddenly commanded them to withdraw, though his reasoning was unclear.

Despite their confusion, no one dared defy his orders. At the sound of the command, they reversed the array without hesitation.

The stars within the galaxy, which had been moving in accordance with a precise rhythm, abruptly halted. In the next instant, the entire constellation reversed its motion, creating an illusion of time flowing backward.

Streaks of meteors swept across the void, retracing their previous paths in reverse.

Hum!

The reversed galaxy did not attack the black hole. Instead, it forcibly pulled itself out of its gravitational grasp.

Waves of distortion emanated from the black hole, flickering unpredictably. Fortunately, no ominous black light erupted, and as the galaxy retreated, the black hole gradually stabilized and fell silent.

Everyone exhaled in relief. While maintaining the galaxy, they awaited further instructions. Their gaze shifted toward Che Yutao and his group, but it was Sikong Muyue they focused on with anticipation.

Hovering mid-air, Sikong Muyue radiated a serene and aloof aura, untouched by dust. From the moment the galaxy had made contact with the black hole, she had closed her eyes, fully immersing her spiritual consciousness in probing every fluctuation within the void.

As the galaxy retreated and the black hole began to fade, Sikong Muyue remained still, her focus unwavering as she analyzed the intricate barrier within the black hole.

An incense stick's worth of time passed. Suddenly, Sikong Muyue opened her eyes. Her gaze shimmered with stars as galaxies appeared to rise and fall within them. Her expression turned contemplative as she studied the black hole. After a moment, she softly commanded, "Proceed again."

Without hesitation, Qin Sang and the others followed her orders. Their earlier experiences had prepared them well. As they ventured into the black hole again, they soon received the order to reverse the array and promptly complied.

This process of entry and withdrawal repeated three times.

Finally, Sikong Muyue's brows relaxed. After a brief pause, she flicked her fingers, sending out another stream of light toward the group.

Qin Sang noticed the stream contained details of the Nine Radiant Galaxy Array, but with subtle modifications. Evidently, these changes were adjustments Sikong Muyue had made based on her analysis of the barrier.

Amazed by her profound ability, Qin Sang focused intently on comprehending the alterations.

Building on their prior understanding, the group swiftly grasped the adjustments and reconstructed the array accordingly.

𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

On the surface, the radiant galaxy seemed unchanged, but only those within the array could detect the subtle differences—certain areas now had enhanced defenses, while others had been deliberately weakened.

As the three segments of the galaxy prepared to merge, Sikong Muyue suddenly interrupted, saying, "This time, there is no need to layer the arrays. Only nine people need to proceed."

Her gaze swept across the group before she pointed casually. "You shall go first."

Her gesture landed on the team led by Wandering Man, which included three disciples of the Taiyi Core Sect.

Seeing Sikong Muyue dispatch her own disciples to lead the exploration, the other leaders had no objections. Wandering Man and his companions began moving cautiously toward the black hole.

Qin Sang observed them closely and noticed that as they neared the void, Sikong Muyue, Di Que, and Daoist Master Xuanyu exchanged subtle, inaudible communications.

It was clear that these Core Formation Realm experts had a certain level of understanding about the ancient ruins, ensuring they wouldn't enter blindly.

This realization reassured Qin Sang somewhat. He believed that when it was his turn, Che Yutao would undoubtedly provide necessary instructions to prevent unnecessary sacrifices.

In the blink of an eye, Wandering Man and his team reached the black hole. The moment their galaxy penetrated the void, Sikong Muyue once again ordered them to reverse the array.

However, this time, the reversed galaxy failed to break free from the black hole's grip. Instead, it was instantly sucked into the void.

The black hole resembled a gaping black maw, swallowing Wandering Man and his team in an instant. As they were pulled inside, they were struck by an overwhelming, mysterious force that rendered their array completely ineffective.

The galaxy dissolved with a deafening roar. The nine individuals, akin to lone boats caught in a tempest, were swept up by the chaotic winds without a shred of resistance. Amid the turbulence, they were hurled toward the stone stele.

However, just as they made contact, the anticipated collision did not occur. Instead, black whirlpools abruptly emerged on the mottled surface of the stele, which proceeded to draw them in.

In a flash, all nine vanished without a trace, leaving only the stone stele standing within the black hole. Moments later, the stele itself faded away.

Witnessing this bizarre scene, the expressions of those outside turned pale. None could fathom what lay within the stele or what dangers awaited beyond its threshold.

The unknown was the greatest source of fear.

To their surprise, however, Che Yutao and the others appeared elated. Bowing slightly to Sikong Muyue, Che Yutao praised her, saying, "Daoist Sikong’s mastery of barriers is truly remarkable. With just minor adjustments to the array, you achieved such impressive results."

Sikong Muyue, her face calm and devoid of pride, sighed softly. "It’s merely a reflection of my inadequacy. If someone from the Yuanshen Sect had been here, this wouldn’t have taken nearly as long. Moreover, with their expertise, an array of nine would have likely broken free entirely."

Che Yutao chuckled at her humility. "The Yuanshen Sect is renowned for its expertise in arrays, so they indeed have their unique strengths. But there’s no need for modesty, Daoist Sikong. Your swift insights into the barrier’s changes are extraordinary. Shall we let another group of three try next?"

"Hold on."

Sikong Muyue shook her head slightly. "Let’s send another nine first. I’ve gained some insights and need to test them further."

Che Yutao nodded in agreement and turned to address the crowd. Noticing their uneasy expressions, he laughed and scolded, "That stone stele is the gateway to an ancient cultivator’s estate. Others would give anything to get in. What’s there to fear?"

Reassured by his words, the group’s tension eased. Another nine individuals entered the black hole, meeting the same fate as the first group—they failed to resist the black hole’s pull and were absorbed by the stele.

Now, only Qin Sang and eight others remained. Sikong Muyue once again adjusted the array, sending out a stream of light that incorporated her refinements.

This time, Qin Sang and his group formed the galaxy and approached the black hole. When they activated the reversed array, the array nearly dissolved under the immense pull of the black hole. Yet, against all odds, they barely managed to break free.

"Excellent!"

Sikong Muyue’s eyes gleamed with excitement. "Now, let’s try it with just three people."

The new array that appeared in Qin Sang’s mind was a completely revised version of the Nine Radiant Galaxy Array. Remarkably, it required only three individuals to form the array, with each person occupying one of three positions.

However, the power of the revised array was significantly weaker. As the first group of three touched the black hole, the array instantly dissolved under the overwhelming force of the barrier. The trio was nearly crushed into pulp by the oppressive barrier’s strength, but they were narrowly rescued by the joint efforts of several Core Formation Realm cultivators.

For the first time, Qin Sang personally experienced the sheer power of the barrier, leaving him both horrified and awestruck. No wonder these Core Formation Realm cultivators were so cautious.

After several failed attempts, Sikong Muyue’s expression remained composed. She spoke firmly, "Given more time, I could refine the array further. With three people, the barrier could be broken. But time is not on our side, and this will suffice for now. Let the juniors proceed."