To avoid escalating the situation, Nalan Qiushui quickly said, "This matter requires careful discussion; I'm sure a solution can be found."

"Before we decide how to lure out the Yellow Spring Cult Leader, there's one thing that must be made clear: how did the Yellow Spring Cult Leader appear within the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array? Only by understanding this can we formulate a plan to lure him out," Hong Tian quickly added.

"Precisely!" Elder Lei said, "Could you perhaps describe in detail the circumstances of the Yellow Spring Cult Leader's appearance back then?" Elder Lei inquired.

"I recall it happening quite suddenly," I replied, trying to reconstruct the scene. "At that time, the Vanguard Hall, led by Elder Feng, charged into the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array. Halfway through the fight, the Yellow Spring Cult Leader suddenly materialized out of thin air and immediately launched an attack. Elder Feng and everyone in the Vanguard Hall were killed before they could even react."

"Charging into the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array," Hong Tian murmured. "Could it be that someone must enter the array for the Yellow Spring Cult Leader to show himself?"

"I'm not certain about that," I admitted helplessly. "We didn't know the exact situation outside then. Before entering the array, we confronted high-level undead outside and within for quite some time, but the Yellow Spring Cult Leader did not appear. Only when the Vanguard Hall entered the array did he suddenly show up."

"It seems undeniable," Hong Tian concluded. "The Yellow Spring Cult Leader only appears if someone enters the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array."

"Does that mean we are quite safe as long as no one rushes into the array from the outside?" Mo Ling asked.

"If only that were true," Jian Li remarked. "If my guess is correct, the passage to the next level must be hidden within the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array."

In truth, the passage to the next level was indeed concealed within the array, though Jian Li found it difficult to state plainly. Through years of scouting, Jian Li and his people had long since figured out a way to breach the fifth illusionary layer.

However, this method was one they were absolutely unwilling to use unless it was the last resort: using people to lure the Yellow Spring Cult Leader away. Naturally, those tasked with this mission faced near-certain death; it was little different from a suicide run. This explained why Jian Li's expression had drastically changed when he heard Mo Ling suggest I lure the Cult Leader alone.

An intense silence filled the tent. If Jian Li’s speculation held true, it meant that to reach the next level, someone had to risk entering the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array.

The true difficulty, however, extended beyond that. To defeat the Yellow Spring Cult Leader, they would inevitably have to kill the high-level undead and the Skeleton Legion guarding the array, which was no easy feat. At the very least, eliminating them would require a significant number of personnel, and too many people would only invite even greater peril when facing the Cult Leader.

"It seems this problem is unavoidable," Nalan Qiushui stated.

Everyone else nodded subconsciously.

"If all the Mages and Daoists combined their power, I believe we would have sufficient capability to destroy the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array from a distance and slay the high-level undead and Skeleton Legion inside," Mo Yin continued. "Do you think the Yellow Spring Cult Leader would still appear under those circumstances?"

"Even if that could successfully force the Yellow Spring Cult Leader out," Hong Tian sighed, "the crux of the matter is how the main force would escape his pursuit once he appears. I don't believe we could kill him without relying on the ambush prepared in Jue Valley."

Undoubtedly, Hong Tian had hit upon the core issue.

"It seems attempting a shortcut is impossible," Nalan Qiushui conceded. "This operation requires someone to enter the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array." As he spoke, Nalan Qiushui instinctively glanced around at the assembly. "Only this way can we minimize casualties among the main force."

"........." Everyone present was stunned into silence.

"But who should be sent?" Elder Lei asked instinctively.

"This task cannot be accomplished by one person," Nalan Qiushui stated. "Therefore, this operation must be carried out by a small, elite squad." Nalan Qiushui continued, "I propose that each major faction send two top experts to participate in this mission; this way, it is fair to everyone."

"Ah!" Each faction sending two experts meant two members per faction were designated for certain death. Faces turned ashen.

"Of course, anyone unwilling may withdraw now," Nalan Qiushui added gently. "After all, this endeavor is extremely risky."

Though Nalan Qiushui phrased it tactfully, every person present was a renowned figure. To back down now due to risk would inevitably invite ridicule from others later. Thus, even if it meant risking their lives, they were bound to send representatives.

No one present stepped forward to announce their withdrawal from the mission. As if anticipating this outcome, Nalan Qiushui smiled faintly. "Let us decide who will participate now. I believe an elite squad composed of twenty Elders or higher-ranked experts will be enough to infiltrate the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array and lure the Yellow Spring Cult Leader out."

"It seems this is the only way," Hong Tian said gravely.

The general strategy was quickly decided, and hesitation vanished from the group. Compared to the potential casualties of the main force, sacrificing a few for the safety of the many was considered a worthwhile exchange, especially since these individuals were not entirely without a chance of survival.

Soon, the twenty elite experts tasked with luring the enemy were selected. The Azure Dragon Gang, Black Tortoise Alliance, White Tiger League, Brotherhood, and the Six Great Families each dispatched two Elder-level experts. The Scarlet Moon Villa, Dragon Shadow Villa, Flowing Cloud Villa, and the Vermilion Bird Alliance had fewer than a dozen participants this time, and they moved in concert with the Yun Family. Thus, I, along with Yun Ju, represented the Yun Family in this operation.

Originally, Jian Li did not want me to participate. However, among the group, only I had encountered the Yellow Spring Cult Leader before and possessed some understanding of him.

More importantly, I was immune to magical attacks, making me arguably the most crucial core member of this mission. In Nalan Qiushui's plan, my role was not to charge headlong into the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array to die, but to wait just outside the array for the Cult Leader to appear and try to draw him toward the small ravine seven hundred meters away.

Put simply, I was the final link in the plan: if Yun Ju and the other nineteen experts were unfortunate enough to be killed by the Yellow Spring Cult Leader, I would be the last remaining person to draw him into the ravine.

Compared to the others who were essentially going to die, my position was relatively safer. Although Jian Li was reluctant, he could not press the issue further. Naturally, I had some confidence in my own speed.

The next day!

The twenty Elder-level experts, accompanied by one hundred elite Mages from the Brotherhood, formed an elite squad and marched under my guidance toward the passage on the other end of the valley.

These one hundred elite Mages from the Brotherhood were not part of the original plan. They were included solely to test whether the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array truly possessed the magic-defying properties I had described.

If they could use the hundred elite Mages to destroy the array from a distance, that would be ideal. If they failed, they were to retreat back to the valley. This hundred-person team of elite Mages was the same group that had intercepted the Woma Cult Leader with us that day, possessing top-tier capability. They were still led by Mo Ling, that 'dead girl' whose fate clashed severely with mine.

Not long into the journey, we finally arrived before the vast clearing where I had first encountered the Yellow Spring Cult Leader in the Yellow Spring World.

Just as I remembered, about a hundred meters ahead lay an open space the size of a football field, shrouded in eerie, pale blue mist that lent it a somber, strange atmosphere. Upon closer inspection, this pale blue mist originated from a massive hexagonal, peculiar magic array in the center of the clearing. A huge tripod within the array burned with a purplish-blue flame, and the blue mist emanated from that fire.

However, the attention of the group was immediately seized by the dense swarm of skeletons within the formation—identical to the high-level undead I had seen in the Yellow Spring World. These skeletons stood nearly three meters tall, enveloped in the pale blue mist. Positioned within the array, they exuded an indescribable sense of strangeness and gloom; even from a distance, everyone felt waves of intensely tragic killing intent surging upward.

"Is that the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array?" Yun Ju asked.

"Yes, those inside are the high-level undead," I reminded them. "These creatures are extremely formidable; do not let your guard down."

"Let us see if the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array truly resists magical attacks," Mo Ling and the others, already impatient, immediately launched a fierce barrage of magic.

One hundred thick bolts of lightning converged in the air, forming a colossal sword that plunged viciously toward the large blue array a hundred meters away.

With a resounding CRASH, the massive lightning bolt was immediately repelled upon making contact with the top of the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array, leaving only concentric, ripple-like blue waves faintly pulsing in the air. The high-level undead within remained completely undisturbed; their hollow eye sockets still held sinister, green eyes that coldly surveyed the outside.

"Ah! This Netherworld Devouring Demon Array really isn't afraid of magic!" Mo Ling refused to accept it. "Hit it again! I don't believe we can't break through!" Mo Ling commanded the squad of one hundred elite Mages to launch the next wave of magical attacks.

Countless lightning bolts coalesced into giant thunder swords, smashing down upon the blue light formation, but every single one was deflected.

".........." Although they had anticipated this outcome, Mo Ling and the others still looked frustrated and disbelieving.

They scrutinized the light formation with fluctuating expressions, then subconsciously turned to look at me.

"Now you believe me, don't you?" I said gruffly.

".........." Mo Ling, though somewhat unwilling, had no choice but to yield.

"Since magic is useless here, you should leave now," Yun Ju stated gravely.

"Everyone, take care," Mo Ling replied without delay, leading the one hundred elite Mages, she turned and ran back toward the valley without a backward glance.

"Alright, now it's up to us!" Yun Ju and the others looked solemn.

"Roar! Kill!" The twenty Elder-level experts shot into the array like lightning. Almost the instant they charged in, the high-level undead, previously standing still, suddenly moved as well, rushing toward Yun Ju and the others like lightning strikes. From the gaps behind them, countless arrows flew out, aimed at Yun Ju’s group.

It was the same surprise attack tactic that had once ambushed the Vermilion Bird Alliance's Vanguard Hall. However, Yun Ju and the others, having been forewarned, showed no panic whatsoever.

Twenty people were certainly fewer than the six hundred members of the Vermilion Bird Vanguard Hall from before, but these twenty were all monster-level experts at the Elder rank. Their combat power far surpassed that of the previous Vanguard Hall.

The twenty super experts simultaneously activated their protective Battle Qi and wielded their greatswords, setting up layers of sword shadows around themselves.

With rapid CLANGING sounds, dazzling golden lights erupted around the twenty experts simultaneously. All incoming arrows were sliced down.

The twenty streaks of golden light instantly plunged into the dense army of high-level undead.

"Roar! Die, scum!" Yun Ju and the others who had charged into the formation immediately launched fierce attacks. Countless flashes of fire flew up and down, mercilessly shredding any high-level undead that approached them. In the blink of an eye, a large portion of the high-level undead were cut down.

While these high-level undead might be terrifying foes to ordinary Scarlet Moon Rangers, against these monstrous Elder experts, they were simply being butchered, not even given a chance to fight back. The twenty-plus figures surged left and right like twenty hungry wolves entering a flock of sheep, unstoppable.

However, the sheer number of high-level undead was overwhelming—they seemed endless. As soon as one wave was repelled, another arrived, quickly enveloping Yun Ju and the others.

I remained outside the array, carefully monitoring every subtle disturbance in the environment. Compared to more than a year ago, my strength had greatly increased. I was confident that under the state of the Eye of Death Desire, I could detect the Yellow Spring Cult Leader’s appearance in the shortest possible time.

Not long after, while in the Eye of Death Desire state, I suddenly felt a strange sense of dread and trembling. Terrifying killing intent surged around me like a monstrous tidal wave.

Ah! It's the Yellow Spring Cult Leader! I reacted instantly, shouting frantically, "Retreat quickly!" This was the signal we had agreed upon beforehand; upon hearing my warning, they were to disengage from the Netherworld Devouring Demon Array at maximum speed.

Hearing my roar, Yun Ju and the others showed no hesitation. Ignoring the high-level undead attacking them, they channeled their protective Battle Qi to its absolute limit at the same moment.

"Savage Charge!" At that instant, the twenty Elders recklessly smashed open a path through the dense high-level undead. Twenty figures radiating golden light shot out like twenty cannonballs fired from a barrel, rushing toward me.

BOOM! Almost simultaneously, a heaven-shattering explosion erupted. A terrifying shockwave of energy burst forth. Although prepared, I was still involuntarily thrown into the air. In a daze, I saw that familiar, god-like figure.

The Yellow Spring Cult Leader—it truly was him, identical to the one I had killed in the Yellow Spring World.

While suspended in mid-air, I distinctly saw several golden lights being struck directly by a giant crescent-shaped wave of Battle Qi, instantly shattering them into fragments.

Ah, those were Elders from the six major families, including Lei and Feng, who were just a fraction of a second too slow. They were obliterated by the crescent wave swept out by the Cult Leader's hammer blow.

The others were terrified beyond measure, knowing that being caught by him meant certain death. In mid-air, I executed a light flip and landed smoothly, but in that brief moment, the Yellow Spring Cult Leader had already flashed within seventy meters. His massive hammer was raised again; clearly, he was about to launch a second crescent attack.

Twenty meters in front of him were Yun Ju and the other dozen Elders. If they were swept by that hammer, they would certainly perish.

Almost without thinking, the moment I landed, I exploded forward like lightning, charging toward the Yellow Spring Cult Leader. Two Dragon Shadow Lightning bolts shot out, aiming directly for the Cult Leader's head and face.

Seventy meters is not a great distance; I covered over thirty meters in the blink of an eye. Combined with the twenty-meter range of the Dragon Shadow attack, my technique struck the Yellow Spring Cult Leader just as the lightning flashed.

"Roar!" Apparently caught off guard that someone dared to sneak-attack him, the Yellow Spring Cult Leader roared violently, and the half-swung hammer executed a deft flip.

With a CLANG, the two Dragon Shadow Lightning bolts were instantly repelled. Almost as soon as he batted away my attack, the Cult Leader's blood-red eyes locked onto me. Whether it was my imagination or not, I felt the Yellow Spring Cult Leader pause slightly upon seeing me. But the insane killing intent quickly locked onto me with terrifying intensity. It felt the same as when Luo Yan used to stare at me—as if we shared an irreconcilable, deep-seated hatred.

No one expected the Yellow Spring Cult Leader to ignore Yun Ju and the others so close by and charge maniacally toward me.

Ah! Does he recognize me? A very bad feeling washed over me in that instant. The first thing that came to mind was the Yellow Spring Cult Leader I had killed in the Yellow Spring World—I just didn't know what kind of relationship this one had with that one.

But one thing was certain: this Yellow Spring Cult Leader absolutely hated me to the bone.

This sudden shift happened in mere moments.

"Leave him to me," I suddenly remembered the concept of 'aggro' in Legend. Yes, the Yellow Spring Cult Leader was clearly drawn to me now. Regardless of the reason, this was an excellent opportunity for everyone else.

None of those present were novices; they were all battle-hardened super experts. They quickly understood my meaning. Instead of following the established retreat plan back the way we came, they rapidly scattered to the sides of the open area.

"Roar!" With another roar, another crescent sweep flew out, heading straight for me.

"Hah!" I slammed my feet down suddenly, channeling all my strength. My Battle Qi instantly reached its limit, the intensity inside my body nearing explosion. I immediately activated the Gale Ring. Before setting out, I had changed into this lightest set of scaled armor specifically to maximize my speed.

In the state of the Eye of Death Desire, I clearly tracked the landing point and trajectory of the Cult Leader’s crescent sweep.

I also calculated that with my speed, I could evade this crescent attack.

BANG! The Battle Qi, pushed to its limit, surged toward my feet and exploded outward, carving a large crater in the hard ground. Then, I shot forward like a bullet fired from a barrel, flying back toward the direction we came from.

THWUMP! Almost simultaneously, I felt the ground behind me seemingly blast open, and the terrifying magical shockwave propelled my speed to its maximum. In just an instant, I had shot out over fifty meters.

"Roar!" Apparently taken by surprise by my incredible speed, the Yellow Spring Cult Leader, having missed his aerial strike, immediately pursued me in flight.

THUD! Upon landing, I immediately bounced up again and bolted away. Now it was a contest of who could run faster!