Chapter 884: Magu’s Appearance
Chapter 884: Magu's Appearance
Hong Xiao led the group in a swift retreat. Zhong Shan understood the terror of a "Fate Formation." In the past, in the small world, Zhong Xuan's Fate Formation was invisible and formless, and even Kong Xuan had suffered greatly from it!
A Fate Manipulator was an extremely rare existence. Practicing fortune, this was the pinnacle of fortune cultivation.
As Zhong Shan and the others retreated, so did the other dozen or so factions. Everyone knew to ensure their safety first before discussing Nuwa's relic. Magu's previous display had clearly had an effect.
However, among the tens of thousands present, some were not afraid to die.
Cheng Baiyi! Cheng Baiyi from Zixiao Daoist Temple dismissed his followers with a wave of his hand but remained on the island, looking intently at Magu.
"Why don't you retreat?" Magu asked softly.
"I don't need to retreat, and you can't do anything to me," Cheng Baiyi replied with a faint smile.
"The Five-Colored Divine Stone? Yes, your jade pendant made from the Five-Colored Divine Stone can indeed resist the Life Loss Formation," Magu said calmly.
The Five-Colored Divine Stone? Nearly everyone turned their gaze to the jade pendant on Cheng Baiyi's waist. Was that the Five-Colored Divine Stone?
Cheng Baiyi's expression grew increasingly serious.
"I once saw a portrait of a great person whose figure was identical to yours. I don't want to make things difficult for you; I just want to see your face," Cheng Baiyi said earnestly.
"A portrait? You're basing this on a mere portrait?" Magu replied indifferently.
"It's not just that. There's a hint of your aura in that portrait that is unforgettable," Cheng Baiyi said with certainty.
"And what if you're right?"
"I must see your face!" Cheng Baiyi demanded, his expression extremely serious.
"You've mistaken me for someone else. I advise you to leave like the others. If you persist, you'll meet the same fate as the man who offended me earlier," Magu said coldly.
"I can't leave without solving this mystery," Cheng Baiyi said, taking a deep breath, as if Magu's appearance was of great importance.
Those who had retreated were confused. What was Cheng Baiyi doing?
"Cheng Baiyi isn't known for being impulsive. Why is he being so insistent over a woman he's never met?" Su Afo wondered, frowning.
"Who knows," Princess Jiuwei replied, shaking her head.
Most people had some knowledge of Cheng Baiyi, and his unusual behavior now only made them more curious.
Magu turned to Cheng Baiyi. Though her face was hidden, everyone sensed her seriousness.
"Today, I must see your face. You can lift your hood yourself, or I can help you," Cheng Baiyi said sternly.
"Impudent!" Magu said, her voice cold.
Though her anger was mild, it was a stark contrast to her earlier calm demeanor.
As Magu spoke, a large amount of energy gathered near Cheng Baiyi, and a strong white light flashed. Suddenly, another figure appeared before Cheng Baiyi.
This new figure radiated an immense pressure, making it clear to everyone present that a powerful entity had arrived. The surrounding air seemed to crackle with tension.
The figure was clad in a similar hemp robe, its features obscured. The presence of this new figure further intensified the already tense atmosphere.
"Who dares to challenge the will of Magu?" the new figure's voice echoed, carrying a weight that made those nearby feel an instinctive urge to retreat.
Cheng Baiyi stood his ground, unyielding. "I am Cheng Baiyi of Zixiao Daoist Temple. I do not seek to challenge but to uncover the truth. Magu's face is a mystery that I must solve."
"Magu's will is not to be questioned," the figure responded, stepping closer to Cheng Baiyi. "Leave now, or face the consequences."
Cheng Baiyi's resolve did not waver. "If seeing her face brings consequences, then I am prepared to face them."
The tension in the air was palpable as everyone watched the standoff. The stakes had risen, and the mysterious figures' true powers and intentions remained shrouded in uncertainty.
Magu remained silent, observing the exchange. Her presence was a reminder of the power and mystery that surrounded her, and the potential danger of defying her warnings.
As the new figure and Cheng Baiyi continued their confrontation, the crowd held their breath, anticipating the outcome of this intense encounter.
Another Cheng Baiyi appeared, or rather, a replica of him formed from energy.
The replica looked exactly like Cheng Baiyi, with a murderous glint in its eyes, as if it intended to kill the original.
"Heart Mirror Technique?" Cheng Baiyi raised an eyebrow.
As he spoke, Cheng Baiyi launched a palm strike at the replica, which retaliated with the exact same move. In the air, two identical handprints appeared and collided.
"Boom~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!"
With a loud explosion, both handprints dissipated.
"This isn't the Heart Mirror Technique; this is real?" Cheng Baiyi's face changed.
"Indeed, it's real. It's called the 'Life Mirror Technique.' It will be as strong as you are. Enjoy," Magu said calmly.
Magu then sat down cross-legged.
The replica of Cheng Baiyi immediately began attacking him fiercely. When Cheng Baiyi drew a sword, his replica did the same, producing an identical weapon.
"Boom~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!"
The battle commenced with a fierce intensity. Cheng Baiyi and his replica clashed violently. It became clear that every technique Cheng Baiyi knew, his replica also knew, making all of Cheng Baiyi's secret moves ineffective. The fight escalated from the sea to the sky, the two destroying islands below them and illuminating the sky with dazzling displays of power. The replica attacked Cheng Baiyi with lethal intent, every move aimed to kill.
"This Life Mirror Technique is incredible! If I had this, I'd fear no one!" Su Afo exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Keep dreaming. Fate Manipulators are extremely rare," Princess Jiuwei said.
"Rare, but they exist! Maybe I'll become one someday," Su Afo persisted.
"Let me tell you how rare they are. There's a story of a great immortal who spent his entire life trying to meet a Fate Manipulator and never succeeded. You're lucky to encounter one here," Princess Jiuwei explained.
"That rare?"
"Of course. They represent the pinnacle of fortune cultivation and sometimes gain worldly authority merely through their knowledge. But the requirements to learn are incredibly high. You don't have what it takes," Princess Jiuwei said bluntly.
Ignoring their banter, Zhong Shan focused on Cheng Baiyi's battle. The fight had moved high into the sky and was still raging fiercely. The combat lasted through the night and into the next day, the seventh of June, the day the Supreme Sage had fallen.
As the sun rose, Cheng Baiyi grew increasingly agitated.
"Everyone listen! A Fate Manipulator can only control one Fate Formation at a time. She's now maintaining the Life Mirror Technique Formation, so the previous Life Loss Formation has stopped. Let's all attack together; noon is approaching!" Cheng Baiyi shouted.
But no one responded. Everyone preferred to continue watching.
Cheng Baiyi felt a surge of frustration. He suspected that Magu would only stay until noon, after which she would leave.
"Listen up! Anyone who removes Magu's hood, regardless of who they are, will receive an 'ancient immortal artifact' from the Zixiao Daoist Temple. I swear on my name and the name of Zixiao Daoist Temple!" Cheng Baiyi declared.
His announcement caused a stir. An ancient immortal artifact?
Cheng Baiyi's and Zixiao Daoist Temple's names were not taken lightly. Such a solemn reward meant they would honor their word. Offering an ancient immortal artifact just to unmask Magu?
"Has Cheng Baiyi gone mad?" Su Afo exclaimed.
The promise of such a rare and powerful reward created a buzz among the onlookers. Many began to reconsider their previous reluctance to act, weighing the risk against the potential reward.
Seeing the shift in the crowd, Cheng Baiyi pressed on, "This opportunity is unprecedented! Removing Magu's hood will not only reveal her true identity but will also grant you an ancient immortal artifact! Who among you is brave enough to seize this chance?"
A few individuals started to step forward, driven by the allure of the reward. The atmosphere grew tense as more people considered the offer. Even those who had been hesitant were now weighing their options.
Zhong Shan observed the scene, understanding the gravity of the situation. Cheng Baiyi's desperation to uncover Magu's identity had driven him to offer an extraordinary reward, one that could change the balance of power among those present.
Magu remained seated, her expression unchanged despite the growing interest in Cheng Baiyi's offer. Her calm demeanor suggested she was either confident in her abilities or prepared for what was to come.
As the tension reached its peak, a voice from the crowd called out, "I'll do it!"
A cultivator stepped forward, his eyes filled with determination. He began to approach Magu, the crowd parting to let him through.
Zhong Shan watched closely, knowing that the next few moments could determine the course of their encounter with Magu and the fate of Nuwa's relic.