Chapter 308: A Cursed Sea Domain
A thick, chaotic aura whirled continuously inside the massive array.
It was a terrifying power. Even a Sage’s power would be completely engulfed and dispersed if they came into contact with that aura.
It was rumored that Chaotic Star Island was not a mystic realm of this world. It was formed from the fallen remnants of alien stars.
There was another saying that the island inside this Chaos Array was a fallen mystic realm from the Celestial World.
Anyway, regardless of its origins, Chaotic Star Island had a transcendent reputation across the five regions. It was a forbidden area in North Sea.
Only humans who the top demon races had acknowledged could enter this mystic realm to seek out the treasures there.
Of course, it was also because of this mystic realm that the top races, like Black Dragons and Great Void Kuns, could flourish and be as powerful as they were today.
The Chaos Array was already starting to crack, and obvious gaps were already showing.
One could see the azure blue waters inside the Chaos Array, as well as those islands floating upon those waters, all covered in a thick layer of Spirit Qi through these gaps. All sorts of exotic plants grew across the islands.
In addition, many adorable creatures were playing amongst those exotic plants.
White rabbits were eating grass, magpies were cleaning their feathers on the tree branches, baby turtles were sunning themselves on the beach, fishes were frolicking in the waters...
It was an otherworldly paradise, peaceful and harmonious. One immediately felt calm and tranquil just looking at it.
“Divine Firmament Saint, Purple Mansion Saint, you are both not from North Sea and might not know much about Chaotic Star Island.”
The Dragon elder explained. “During this trial, you must remember three important points.
“Number one: Although the Chaos Array is opened now, it will only remain open for a year.
“Toward the end of that year, everyone must exit the array as soon as they can. Once the array closes up, and you are trapped inside, even a deity cannot save you.”
Qi Shaoxuan shuddered.
He gazed at the creatures inside Chaotic Star Island and asked. “But aren’t these living creatures surviving inside Chaotic Star Island?”
The Dragon elder shot Qi Shaoxuan a woeful look. “Those creatures are the transmogrifications of all the prodigies who didn’t manage to leave the island in time.”
Oh!
Spine-chilling!
The temperature seemed to drop at the Dragon elder’s words.
Everyone gazed at Chaotic Star Island again, and their eyes betrayed a tinge lingering fear.
Those who couldn’t leave Chaotic Star Island in time would be transmogrified into those small creatures? Lose all self-awareness?
This kind of curse was just too bizarre!
The Dragon elder added, “Greed is the greatest affliction inside Chaotic Star Island. It has resulted in the ruin of many prodigies in each trial.
“They were people who already found a lot of treasures but remained dissatisfied. They couldn’t bear to leave even at the 12th month.
“When the Chaos Array starts to recover, there’s a very high chance such people will be trapped within.
“Many of my good friends during my time were cursed and trapped forever because of that.”
The White Prince nodded tensely. “I also have many elders who were trapped in the Chaos Array and never managed to come out.”
The Dragon elder also nodded. “So I recommend everyone to explore the island as much as they can during the first nine months.
“But thereafter, you must start to make your way out. Perhaps you might even encounter some fortuitous opportunities in the periphery!
“After all, compared to those fortuitous opportunities, your lives are still much more important!”
Shen Tian nodded. “Thank you, sir, for your reminder.”
The elder looked at Shen Tian with a satisfied eye. He continued. “Number two: there will be a faint chaotic aura swirling within the Chaos Array. The deeper you enter the array, the more prevalent this aura will be. It might even cover the entire island.
“Everyone must try their best to avoid this chaotic aura. Once it enters your body, it will be a huge drain on your essence energy.
“Your limbs will be broken if you suffer minor damage to your essence energy. But you might be completely dismembered if you suffer major damage.
“Apart from that, please do not think of bringing out any of those animals in the array. They are already cursed.
“The moment they leave Chaotic Star Island, their bodies will disintegrate into nothing.”
There would still be chaotic aura inside the Chaos Array?
This was definitely bad news. This meant that during the trial, one must be on high alert all the time.
After all, it was a power that would threaten even a Sage.
The Dragon elder continued. “Number three: Those creatures in the Chaos Array are not as docile as you might think.
“All those who enter the Chaos Array for the trial must leave behind the live roots of any plant they gather. They must not kill off the entire plant. Otherwise, they will trigger an all-out attack. or even a terrifying beastly retaliation.”
The Turtle Prince smiled. “Those tiny things. What can they possibly do to me?”
He had double protective shell armor and was very confident of his ability to protect himself.
The Dragon elder stared impassively at Wu Wudi. “Those creatures were morphed from powerful prodigies. Although they no longer have any self-awareness, their cultivation levels and battle prowess remain perfectly intact.
“If you push them too far, having several dozen rabbits execute the Dragon Claw technique on you is a very real possibility.
“There might also be a few hundred sparrows using their Emerald Cursed Sword to stab you to death.
“Anyway, do not let down your guard just because of how those creatures look. They are far more dangerous than they appear!”
The Dragon elder’s eyes betrayed a tinge of lingering fear as he said those words. It was as if he was recalling some distressing memory.
Shen Tian nodded. “Senior, don’t worry. I will look after Brother Qi, Ao Wu, and the rest.”
Look after?
Do I need you to look after me?
What do you mean by that? Do I look like a three-year-old kid?
Qi Shaoxuan snorted. “I have already successfully cracked my core to form the Nascent Soul. I can take care of myself!
“And I have survived all sorts of mystic realms before. I have always had luck on my side. I won’t meet with any danger!”
“Brother Shen just needs to look after Princess Pianxian and the rest!”
Oh? Sounds like this fellow is feeling rather aggrieved?
Shen Tian glanced at Qi Shaoxuan thoughtfully. But the latter just arrogantly tossed his head and turned away.
Although they were currently of the same level, Qi Shaoxuan felt that his battle prowess was still a tad lower than Shen Tian’s.
But battle prowess was battle prowess. Providence was providence!
Qi Shaoxuan’s battle prowess might be lower, but he had a natural providence protecting him.
Just look at his armor and halberd. They were invaluable Divine artifacts. In addition, he had gained all sorts of imperial sutras and legacies.
I am definitely the Son of Providence!
What did Shen Tian mean by he will look after me?
I still have my pride!
...
After some preparations, the time had come.
Shen Tian, Qi Shaoxuan, Ao Wu, the four princes, and Yu Pianxian were a team. Taking advantage of yet another ripple across the Chaos Array, they all shot through one of the cracks.
The chaotic aura forming the Chaos Array was extremely thick. Just that roiling energy alone was several thousands of feet thick.
It surged and ebbed like layers of clouds. But it was not white. Instead, it was an indescribable color. Somewhere between white and grey, it gave off a very creepy vibe.
It was like you might lose all sense of self and be submerged in the chaos if you just went near it.
Although the Chaos Array had already cracked, one still felt fearful and anxious when passing through the cracks.
It was not cowardice. It was the instinctive fear and respect that all living creatures had for the chaotic aura.
It was not easy to pass through the cracks. One would feel an immense pressure.
The distance was just several thousands of feet, but the prodigies spent over an hour to finally make it through.
As if they broke through an imperceptible layer, they suddenly felt very happy and carefree. It was like they had entered a brand new world.
This was an extremely vast and wide ocean region. The skies and ocean were as blue as precious jewels.
The sun hung in the middle of the sky. It was a mixed color, but it exuded an extremely strong energy.
Shen Tian’s internal energy stirred. He realized that the Spirit Qi here was more than 10 times the amount on Saint Mountain.
What did this mean?
This meant that a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s one day of cultivation here was the equivalent of 10 days on Saint Mountain.
One day here could even be the equivalent to several years in the grotto-heavens, blessed-lands, or the rest of the more commonplace regions.
They could even just do away with the need to cultivate with Spirit Stones, as the speed would be about the same.
This mystic realm was just too extraordinary!
“Created by nature’s forces. I can’t believe there is such a wondrous place on earth.”
The black-dragon-armored Qi Shaoxuan took a deep breath and sighed.
Even with his astonishing providence and his vast experience of mystic realms, he had to admit that this Chaotic Star Island was extraordinary.
Just the periphery was already amazing. What would they encounter as they ventured deeper?
...
At that moment, a sudden shriek came from behind.
The chaotic aura behind them had suddenly surged forward, engulfing several ocean race prodigies.
They struggled to defend themselves, executing all sorts of powerful techniques. Dazzling beams of light and avatars appeared.
But it was all to no avail. All the attacks dissipated completely the moment they made contact with the chaotic aura.
Moreover, the chaotic aura seemed to be incensed. It surged even more aggressively toward those prodigies.
Those prodigies were soon completely engulfed by the chaotic aura.
Their physical bodies started to dissipate. All their Spirit artifacts and protective talismans were dissolved into nothing. It was a spine-chilling sight.
“No! Why is this happening?
“Why is this stupid chaotic aura targeting me? It’s not fair!
“Help! I am the Prince of the Sea Anemone race. Who can save me? I can give you all my precious treasures!
“Charge in! Just charge in, and you can save me!
“I refuse to die. I will not fall that easily!”
One of the prodigies looked like he had gone insane. He tore apart a certain forbidden talisman, and his body instantly morphed into a shadow, tunneling through the chaotic aura.
Just as he was smiling in relief, the chaotic aura behind him erupted.
Terrifying wave-like energy morphed into a giant palm and smashed him to death.
...
In the blink of an eye, that powerful prodigy transformed into a red fish and dropped into the sea.
Ripples formed on the surface of the endless sea. But after just a few moments, all was calm again.
To the great ocean, the great Chaotic Star Island domain...
It was like nothing had happened.