When the Beautiful, Strong, and Tragic Meets the Unbeatable Protagonist | Chapter 29

The so-called Illusion Array is a formation that pulls cultivators who step into it into a dreamlike realm to test them. Only by fulfilling the requirements set by the array's creator can they escape.

Why is it said that the Illusion Array is difficult to set up? It's because this array integrates various theoretical knowledge from the cultivation world, and its internal logic is incredibly complex. The number of people it accommodates determines the type of array used. A ten-person Illusion Array is relatively simple, while a hundred-person array is more complex, and anything over a thousand becomes incomprehensible. It is said that ancient texts even mention arrays for ten thousand people, which are not meant for human eyes.

The more people involved in the Illusion Array, the more complex the dreamscape provided by the creator must be, and it must also appear realistic. If the situation becomes too unrealistic and the trapped individuals realize they are in an array, the creator automatically fails.

In the Illusion Array, each person encounters different dreamscapes, and these do not shift according to their thoughts; everything depends on the creator's intentions. If a malicious person sets up the Illusion Array, those pulled in may not be able to escape. If they cannot break the array, they will be trapped inside forever, turning it into a killing array.

Whether it is a killing array or a trapping array depends entirely on the creator's will. The original creator of this array must have been a capricious and mischievous person.

Lin Ji still remembers in his past life that he studied the Illusion Array for several years, and he only managed to comprehend the hundred-person array. He got stuck in the middle when trying to understand the thousand-person array and still couldn't recreate the Illusion Array from the secret realm. As for the so-called techniques, if you can't do it, you just can't.

Just like in his past life, when he finally found five keys scattered around the city based on clues in the dream, he opened the lock of a large chest placed in his family's treasure vault. Inside was a letter written by his father.

In the dream, he couldn't help but forget the reality, just like in a dream; Lin Ji didn't even remember that his father had died long ago. He tore open the envelope, only to find another envelope inside. After tearing open several envelopes, he finally unfolded a thin sheet of paper, which surprisingly contained several classic arithmetic problems from "Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art."

At the end of the letter, his father stated that if he couldn't solve the problems before sunset, he wouldn't be allowed to eat dinner that night.

"......"

When Lin Ji was in school in the mortal realm, he dreaded studying arithmetic the most. However, his family was in trade, and calculating profits and losses from account books and negotiating prices in business was a basic requirement for him; otherwise, how could he inherit the family fortune? Therefore, his parents specifically hired a teacher to teach him.

But he forgot that his father never pressured him. Even if he didn't do well, his father would find a way to comfort him, which was not the stern image of a father in the dream.

Yet, he really did sit up straight on a stool and began to solve those damned problems, wasting precious time in the secret realm.

Later, Lin Ji asked many people, and they all encountered similar issues in the Illusion Array—homework they usually struggled with and cultivation they feared and avoided, each one scratching their heads trying to break the array.

During his reflections, Lin Ji secretly praised the predecessors of the immortal sect who designed the secret realm for their thoughtful approach, truly understanding how to teach according to individual capabilities.

Now, he sat above the stone array, watching Lu Xiaobai slowly walking with a wooden stick, gritting his teeth.

What a Lu... teacher!

After the secret realm in his past life, the various sect leaders wanted to save face and not discourage their juniors, so they accepted that the Illusion Array was set by predecessors and did not reveal the cruel truth of their disciples being toyed with by Lu Xiaobai.

Others couldn't understand how Lu Xiaobai suddenly emerged and was the first to exit the secret realm, taking the top spot in the immortal sect.

Now, from the outside, Lin Ji realized that Lu Xiaobai's strategy wasn't particularly profound; he merely relied on the fact that normal people wouldn't think he would reverse the situation, increasing the difficulty for everyone else while lowering his own challenge in the secret realm.

But he thought deeper than others, and by using the rules, he indeed created the Illusion Array, trapping others in his game. How could that not be considered clever?

Excitement couldn't be hidden in Lin Ji's eyes.

Later, he regarded Lu Xiaobai as a lifelong rival, often pondering the methods behind his actions and leveling up, recalling everything from the moment he first made an impression on him, even tossing and turning at night thinking about him.

He speculated countless possibilities about Lu Xiaobai's performance in the secret realm, and now it seemed to be validated.

Lin Ji watched as Lu Xiaobai passed through the Maze Stone Array, and he finally began his own challenge.

The Maze Stone Array tested disciples on the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams, as well as the Mysterious Gates and Escaping Techniques. Entering from different doors led to different formations.

Lin Ji changed his entrance and experienced it again; with the experience of living two lifetimes, passing through was no problem.

After crossing the domain mirror, the challenges became much calmer, at least he didn't have to worry about losing his life.

Later, the two of them passed through several more challenges one after the other, obtaining many magical treasures and spiritual items along the way.

As time passed, more people began to emerge from the Illusion Array, clutching their chests, still shaken.

Who could tell them why, after solving the mystery, opening the box would lead to the most undesirable situation they could imagine?

Some were afraid of battle, still not having emerged from the shadow of chaos, and encountered chaos again in the dream, as if trapped in layer upon layer of nightmares, unable to wake up, only to find it was indeed a nightmare...

Some disliked the tedious study of magical techniques and slacked off, only to be cursed in the dream, crying desperately because they couldn't remember the incantation to break the curse;

Some were reckless by nature and too lazy to think, but in the dream, they faced monsters that couldn't be killed unless they attacked in the correct sequence;

Some lacked patience, and thus their patience was tested;

Even some who disliked manual work found themselves cutting paper in the dream until they broke down...

If anyone treated cultivation equally without preferences or dislikes, they could all do well, and the Illusion Array would gather these rare few together to complete special tasks to break the array.

They might transform into different roles, only able to pass through by recognizing each other; they might work together to unravel certain events recorded in ancient texts, experiencing the mindset of the predecessors at that time; or they might forget themselves and fall into a specific scene, only able to escape by remembering...

This Illusion Array was too comprehensive, making those who were not good at something encounter it. It was about recognizing one's own weaknesses and breaking through shortcomings.

Even if they couldn't break through, they would still be released after the time limit.

However, most cultivators emerged with some shadows and dazed expressions.

As more people came out, they noticed something unusual.

They looked down at the array on the ground: "Wait, why does this array seem much clearer than before I entered? The color seems to have turned bright red!"

"I can even smell the scent of cinnabar... Is this the Shadow Powder?"

"This array is newly set; we’ve been played!"

Outside the sky, the various sect leaders were speechless.

That kid Lu Xiaobai was indeed too young and impatient, not afraid of drawing attention and being hated by others, actually worried that others wouldn't discover his masterpiece... But it could also be that his Shadow Powder wasn't good enough to conceal for long.

However, even if he took a crooked path, this disciple still ranked high; otherwise, with his cultivation, he wouldn't have been able to be the first to exit the secret realm.

But this way, these sect leaders couldn't hide the truth from their disciples. They hoped that learning the truth wouldn't break anyone's spirit.

From another perspective, he was indeed a great benefactor.

This time, over a thousand disciples entered the secret realm, and those who made it into the top ten or hundred were ultimately just a minority.

The Illusion Array made them aware of their shortcomings in cultivation, and everyone benefited; whether they could improve in the future depended on the individual.

The seniors outside the secret realm were momentarily filled with emotion.

"Look, someone has reached the exit of the secret realm!"

At that moment, an elder with sharp eyes pointed out, and everyone looked to find it was Lu Xiaobai, which was no surprise.

Lu Xiaobai walked steadily toward the vortex without pausing, when suddenly a strong wind rushed in, and he quickly raised the Hidden Light Stone barrier for protection.

Lin Ji flew over, and his sword blade shot straight toward Lu Xiaobai.

Lu Xiaobai looked up, and their eyes met, seeming to span a thousand years, crossing over past and present.

Lin Ji sneered, "It really is you."

Lu Xiaobai chuckled lightly, "I'm also quite glad it’s you."

He never thought it would be anyone else.

The Hidden Light Stone barrier, which could withstand a blow from chaos, was surprisingly broken by Lin Ji within three moves.

The sword energy sliced through the ground, creating a crack; if Lu Xiaobai didn't dodge in time, it wouldn't be a problem to split him in half.

Lu Xiaobai looked at the cracked ground, feeling a lingering fear, but instead of berating Lin Ji as he usually would, he smiled even more and kept dodging, drawing out the Mo Huai Sword to defend.

They had spent three years together, and were very familiar with each other's techniques.

Lu Xiaobai lacked spiritual power, and Lin Ji didn't bully him; he restrained part of his spiritual power to fight him, using his newly understood style to attack.

Lu Xiaobai wasn't so gentlemanly; he used swords, talismans, and formations, employing everything he could.

At this point, the sect leaders became excited again, all hoping Lin Ji would win.

Compared to letting Lu Xiaobai take advantage and secure first place, they naturally valued a stronger cultivator winning based on strength.

But they gradually realized that under equal spiritual power, Lu Xiaobai's every move and his ability to evade and defend were not too far behind Lin Ji; the biggest gap between the two was their spiritual root talent.

At this point, Yun Zongzhu, enjoying the spectacle, said, "Ling Yun Zunzhe, these two are both your disciples; who do you favor?"

The Sect Leader of Peifeng Sect interjected, "I think both of them, having the same master in Ling Yun, one excelling in martial prowess and the other in intelligence, are not to be underestimated. If they work together in their cultivation, they will surely complement each other and may one day be revered as masters of the righteous path. Wouldn't that be wonderful? My junior brother truly has a sharp eye."

Yun Zongzhu snorted dismissively: "How could that be possible?"

The Sect Leader looked at Meng Wanqiu, only to see him with a serious expression, unable to help but wonder: Could it be that this pair of brothers doesn't get along well?

That wouldn't do! Peifeng Sect had finally produced two prodigies, and he was already fantasizing about the sect's revival!

Meng Wanqiu thought: Yes, he too hoped that Xiaobai and A Ji would be as close as brothers and cultivate together in the future. It seemed they didn't dislike each other as much as he imagined; after all, A Ji had rushed over to save Xiaobai, hadn't he?

But he still worried, fearing that once the two displayed their extraordinary abilities, they would become rivals, unable to coexist...

Well, for now, he could only continue watching.

Lu Xiaobai set up the formation Meng Wanqiu had given him again, trapping Lin Ji.

He coughed from outside, knowing he probably wouldn't be able to defeat A Ji today, but he wanted to exhaust all his efforts before losing, both to respect his opponent and to be responsible for himself.

Lu Xiaobai, too, was a competitive person, but he wasn't one to take a loss lightly; he never practiced a crooked path.

Lin Ji, after all, wasn't like chaos, which had powerful demonic energy but lacked intelligence; he diligently cultivated and read texts without any slack, and Lu Xiaobai's spiritual power alone wasn't enough, so Lin Ji quickly broke through the array's restrictions.

"You actually used the formation your master gave you against me," Lin Ji questioned, each word deliberate, but his tone held no displeasure.

Lu Xiaobai panted and smiled, "So what? It's all about skill."

Just as he was about to strike again, Lin Ji suddenly used his spiritual power to interrupt his spellcasting, stepping forward to grip his wrist, "You're so weak; you might as well not waste your spiritual power."

Lin Ji's sudden action stunned Lu Xiaobai for a moment, and when he came to his senses, he actually got angry: "Who are you calling weak?"

Many times, he really wanted Lin Ji to learn how to speak more appropriately; his words were too harsh! Saying a man was weak was no different from saying he was incapable!

Lin Ji laughed, "What I mean is, I have a better way to compare."

With that, he took out a magical artifact from his storage bag.

Lu Xiaobai squinted when he saw it, "You still dare to criticize me? Aren't you using the magical artifact you got from Master specifically to deal with me?"

There was no helping it; Lin Ji's ability to draw formations wasn't that strong, and Lu Xiaobai wouldn't let him interrupt midway.

The magical artifact he took out from the spiritual artifact library was a Spirit Seal Talisman; as long as he drew the formation on paper in advance and affixed the talisman, he could instantly replicate the formation on the ground.

Lu Xiaobai looked at the formation that trapped them both: "Illusion Array?"

"I can't set up a thousand-person array, but for just you and me, creating an Illusion Array isn't difficult," Lin Ji said brightly; this was a good idea he thought of on the way.

"When you were pranking others, did you ever think I would use their own methods against them?"

Lu Xiaobai raised his eyes: "In that case, trapping me is fine, but the exit of the secret realm is right there."

As the formation took effect, they both soared into the air, and Lin Ji quickly grabbed Lu Xiaobai's hand to prevent him from leaving: "Why rush to exit the secret realm? What I want is to have a decisive battle with you!"

Lu Xiaobai turned his hand to grip Lin Ji's hand, curiously asking, "Will we fall into the same Illusion?"

Lin Ji: "No, you and I will each seek our own inner demons and see who can escape the maze of illusions first."

"This Illusion is called—Nightmare."

The two disappeared.

The sect leaders outside: "......"

Having reached the exit, why were they doing this? Didn't they care about their rankings and rewards?

If at that time, the two were trapped in the Illusion Array while a third person exited the secret realm first, that would be interesting.

Moreover, as observers, they noticed that although this pair of brothers were at odds with each other, the atmosphere between them felt a bit strange...

In the realm of nightmares.

Lin Ji seemed to return to the Guixu, a place that made him want to lose his consciousness.

He named this place Guixu because it was a void of black sky, only illuminated when the original text of "Xiaobai Cultivates" lit up once.

But now, Guixu was not pitch black, but gray.

There was gray mist and desolate ruins, reminiscent of the countless dark pasts he had experienced.

Yet, after avenging himself in this life, Lin Ji planned to treat those dark memories as ashes: whether it was hatred or enemies, he didn't want to dwell on them anymore.

Only one person, he knew he couldn't let go.

Suddenly, the surroundings brightened, and the original text of the story polluted his eyes again, with countless words flashing before him.

It was no different from this secret realm: Lu Xiaobai suddenly emerged, surpassing him to become the top of the immortal sect while he remained second... always second, unable to break the curse.

Lu Xiaobai was the first to exit other trial grounds again.

Lu Xiaobai's realm surpassed him...

Lu Xiaobai's cultivation surpassed him...

Lu Xiaobai became the master of righteousness, while he fell into darkness...

"Your inner demon is me?"

Lin Ji suddenly opened his eyes wide.

A figure in a water-blue robe, with an exquisite hairpin and flowing long hair, appeared before him, then vanished. It reappeared in another place, then disappeared again...

It seemed tangible, yet intangible.

Years later, Lu Xiaobai had become the head of the righteous path, admired by all. His attire, magical artifacts, and spiritual pets were all the finest in the cultivation world.

His brows were cold, and his eyes deep; he no longer needed to feign kindness or smile, hiding his true self. He wore an expression of arrogance and indifference, looking down on all beings.

When Lin Ji saw the person before him, he tensed up, filled with vigilance: "Should I call you Sect Leader Lu, or should I call you Ling Yun Immortal?"

"Call me whatever you like," Lu Xiaobai replied, "I'm fine with anything."

Lin Ji couldn't help but breathe heavily: Yes, in his memory, Lu Xiaobai was always like this, indifferent to how others viewed him, not caring about anyone.

It was truly irritating.

"Just like you hope I address you as Fallen Immortal? Or should I call you Demon Lord?" Lu Xiaobai rubbed his fingers, "It's all you, it's all the same."

Before he finished speaking, Lin Ji attacked with his sword. No matter what, he had to eliminate his inner demon to escape the nightmare.

He had taken the initiative to compare his will with Lu Xiaobai's; he couldn't let himself be trapped first and make a fool of himself!

But the more Lin Ji thought this way, the more chaotic his mind became, and as he thrust his light sword toward Lu Xiaobai's face, Lu Xiaobai easily caught the sword's tip.

"I told you, I can always keep you under my thumb, and it is indeed the case."

Lu Xiaobai lightly flicked the sword, causing Lin Ji's body to tilt, his wrist aching from the impact.

His second attack was even more outrageous; he couldn't even get close to Lu Xiaobai.

It was as if there was an invisible barrier around Lu Xiaobai preventing him from approaching, and Lin Ji's sword tip seemed to face countless resistances, making it impossible for him to stab through.

Lu Xiaobai raised his hand, his fingertips moving slightly, and suddenly it began to rain in Guixu.

The raindrops were like fine needles, turning into blades that poured down on Lin Ji.

Decades later, Ling Yun Immortal, who ascended to the pinnacle of the cultivation world, indeed possessed such power.

Lu Xiaobai stood leisurely with his hands behind his back, speaking slowly: "It's you; you mythologized me in your imagination."

"In your heart, I am your invincible nemesis."

Lin Ji shouted, "I don't believe it!"

He didn't believe that anyone in this world was truly invincible! Even if he was the protagonist! He was Long Aotian! The favored child of this world!

He refused to accept it! Why should he, after painstakingly cultivating, fall behind others? Why should he, as a supporting character, become a stepping stone for the protagonist? He didn't believe he was born to highlight others!

But the rain pierced through his body, leaving him riddled with wounds, from body to heart, without mercy.

Lin Ji closed his eyes, feeling his blood flowing out through the countless wounds, his once clean and elegant robe now stained with blood droplets.

He looked so disheveled, yet he remained untainted.

Lu Xiaobai suddenly smiled: "Am I really that powerful?"

Lin Ji abruptly raised his head: "……"

That expression and tone were not something Ling Yun Immortal would show.

Lin Ji suddenly came to his senses, standing up with his sword pointed at him: "Are you messing with me?"

Lu Xiaobai feigned innocence: "What have I done to mess with you, Junior Brother?"

"……"

Dreams are illogical. The person before him was not the real Lu Xiaobai, but the Lu Xiaobai he had spent day and night with had intruded.

Seeing him, Lin Ji quickly regained his focus, his mind much clearer.

Right, everything was starting anew; he would no longer be bound by the plot. He shouldn't belittle himself or carry the shadows of his past life into this one.

Is fate unchangeable? But Long Aotian always said that his fate was determined by himself, not by heaven.

Why should he see himself as a supporting character? He should be the master of his own life!

Suddenly, all of Lin Ji's injuries healed, and his spiritual power was no longer restricted. He pointed his sword at Lu Xiaobai: "Everyone says I am jealous of the talented, inherently malicious, and that being easily surpassed by you led me astray and into the demonic path."

"I am not willing!"

Lin Ji laughed loudly: "What I am unwilling about is why, with your appearance, everything about me has been denied!"

"They look down on me, deny my cultivation, deny my abilities, countless gazes fixated on me, as if saying, 'Aren't you quite impressive? There are people in this world who are even more impressive than you!'"

"They force me down the wrong path and then scorn my lack of resolve."

"Only you have never looked down on me."

Lin Ji stopped laughing, sighing: "The past is gone. So in this life, I only care about your opinion."

"Lu Xiaobai... just wait, I will definitely compete with you again in this life."

This time, he would set the plot; he wanted fairness.

Lin Ji swung his sword, cutting through the illusion before him, and Ling Yun Immortal vanished from his sight.

The illusion shattered.

Lin Ji returned to reality, nervously opening his eyes and looking around.

What he feared the most was that Lu Xiaobai had no inner demons, his will flawless, and the Illusion Array was like floating clouds to him.

But he saw no one around.

Could it be that he had already exited?

Lin Ji looked down and saw the array still continuing.

Lin Ji stood there in a daze: "Lu Xiaobai..." Had he been trapped in the Illusion Array?

No, he was trapped by his own inner demons.

After being stunned for a long time, Lin Ji gritted his teeth, planning to leave first, no matter what! After all, he could be the first to exit the secret realm!

Though he thought this, as he walked toward the exit, he kept looking back at the array on the ground.

He hadn't set a time limit; what if Lu Xiaobai couldn't come out...

Lin Ji didn't realize that at this moment, his concern for Lu Xiaobai outweighed his long-standing competitive spirit.

Just as he was about to head toward the exit, Lin Ji suddenly felt the spiritual power in his dantian gathering, and the sky within the secret realm seemed to start flashing with lightning.

Was his promotion coming at this moment because he had dispelled the gloom in his heart?

In the realm of nightmares.

Lu Xiaobai's world was indeed colorful, but the further he walked, the paler the path became, the colors slowly fading.

Beneath his feet was a vast expanse, his inner demon... only the fortune-telling old man he had encountered not long ago.

The fortune-telling old man smiled at him: "Back then, why didn't you dare to listen to my unfinished words?" He weighed the money in his palm: "You even gave me your favorite money."

Lu Xiaobai smiled: "Then you took my money and didn't keep your word?"

"But I am indeed your inner demon; just because you close your mouth doesn't mean I cease to exist."

"Lu family boy, your fate has been tumultuous since childhood; once you step onto the path of immortality, the worst will lead to the best."

"Looking at your face, your fate is indeed very good."

"However, great fortune can bring misfortune to kin."