Chapter 295: Illusion Arrives

The deadline estimated by the dedicated exorcists is drawing near.

In the past two days, the sky towards Dragon City has started showing noticeable changes.

At first, it was just an exceptionally blue sky, but gradually, a reddish tint could be felt. In the last two days, the sky has been filled with colorful cloud lights, and occasionally, phantom images resembling a heavenly temple can be seen in the clouds, fading quickly in the mist.

The Soul Mirage Realm is brewing in the Soul World of the fifth dimension, the most mysterious place that people from the Nine Heavens Continent have ever encountered. It gives birth to various absurd legends and religious histories. When it truly opens, it appears like a palace within the clouds and will exist stably for a period of time, becoming the origin of the most ancient legends on the Nine Heavens Continent, captivating everyone.

Everyone has already realized that this time it's not just a prediction; the Soul Mirage Realm is truly about to open.

The number of disciples heading towards Dragon City from both sides has started to decrease. On one hand, it's to make final preparations before the event, and on the other hand, there was time to recover from injuries before, but since the realm is about to open, no one would risk getting injured easily now. Therefore, in these days, even when the few disciples from both sides meet while shopping in Dragon City, they act with unusual restraint, with no provocations, just a glance exchanged before hurrying away.

The Rose Team is also prepping supplies alongside the Ice Spirit crew.

Everyone is trying to keep their baggage as light as possible, with at most one set of spare clothes. Apart from some life-saving potions prepared individually, the main focus is on trying to bring as much dry food as possible.

According to past experiences of the Soul Mirage Realm opening, there might be some demon beasts to hunt and edible plants inside, but no one can be sure; it’s all up to chance. This desert Soul Mirage Realm might just turn into a barren desert.

Moreover, hunting demon beasts also means danger, at least consuming your energy. What if you need to hide for ten days to half a month... starving to death wouldn’t exactly be a great way to go.

Consumables like food and potions are definitely essential, and it's hard to go light. However, Old Wang is quite pleased; Oscar's oil lamp comes in handy now, letting him haul a ton of stuff with ease.

Speaking of which, Old Wang hasn't really explored how much can be stored inside, but it feels like there’s still room to spare after packing enough food and potions, with no visible limit to its capacity.

Xue Zhiyu brought a lot of information about the Soul Mirage Realm, and Winnie also has some. In the past two days, everyone’s been brushing up on it in their downtime. Although the Soul Mirage Realm has many uncertainties, some basic common sense still follows patterns.

The realm is divided into several layers of space, like the base of a pyramid, with the first layer being the largest and most expansive.

Everyone will be randomly scattered into the first layer upon entry, making it nearly impossible to regroup with all teammates in such a huge area.

Old Wang's idea is to stay low-key after entering, as running around increases the risk. When the entrances to the second layer randomly open in various places, decide whether to push further based on how things are going.

Ah Xi fully supports this proposal, while Xue Zhiyu and others are troubled by how to regroup after entering the second layer.

Honestly, although the second layer is definitely smaller than the first, judging by the level of the Soul Mirage Realm, it probably won't be much smaller, possibly spanning over a hundred miles, or even larger. With scattered individuals and no ability to send conspicuous signals, regrouping would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

"Don't worry, what's the captain for? To solve difficult problems!" Old Wang boasted, "The captain doesn’t usually say much, but that’s because there’s no need. When it’s difficult, he speaks! Just go in, and I'll find a way to regroup everyone."

Others were skeptical, while Ah Xi opened his mouth, "Feng, are you going into the second layer?"

"Otherwise?" Old Wang said helplessly, "Originally, this captain didn't need to go in, as this captain sees fame and fortune as floating clouds and dung, just staying in the first layer waiting for the realm to end would be enough. But since you don't have a way to regroup, it's not right, so this captain’s gotta step up and show what he’s got!"

"Big brother, pure manliness!" The three barbarian brothers gave a thumbs up.

Old Hei said, "After I enter the second layer, I'll stay put. No matter what method you have, find me first. If possible, it's best to find me in the first layer."

Wang Feng nodded, this isn’t the time to boast. Old Hei is his personal big weapon, and if he can be found, he must be the first.

Ah Xi was a bit worried next to him. He originally planned to hide in the first layer until the end, but even Feng, who is the last in ranking, isn't afraid to enter the second layer. Being the second last, there's no reason to be cowardly, but he still feels uneasy...

While everyone was discussing the details, suddenly, a powerful energy surge rippled from afar, its terrifying aftermath rapidly spreading in the air. Even sitting inside the house, everyone felt their internal organs slightly shaken.

"It's out! It's finally out!"

"The Soul Mirage Realm has appeared!"

Outside the dormitory, many buzzing voices immediately sounded. Everyone quickly ran out of the house to see a huge, layered cloud mass in the distant sky of Dragon City.

"Five layers! It's a five-layer illusion!"

The scene erupted into chaos as many Holy Sanctuary disciples gathered outside the dormitories gasped in astonishment.

The highest level ever recorded of the Soul Illusion Realm in history was four layers, the very realm where the Supreme Sage Teacher was said to have comprehended the runes.

But a five-layer Soul Illusion Realm? It’s beyond imagination!

A higher-level illusion realm means more opportunities and treasures of immense power.

In some three-layer illusion realms recorded by the League of Blades, there have already been supreme-grade soul artifacts that could be considered treasures of national significance. For example, the Frostmourne wielded by the Ice Spirit Kingdom's ruler, Xue Cangbai, was born from a three-layer Soul Illusion Realm in the Frozen Dragon Path.

As for a five-layer realm? Two or even three supreme-grade soul artifacts? Or even... legendary divine artifacts?!

It’s beyond belief!

While strength plays a significant role in seizing opportunities, luck is also crucial. If one were to stumble upon a divine artifact by a stroke of luck...

Any divine artifact that boosts combat prowess, even the lowest-ranked one, could instantly make someone the strongest in both academies, surpassing the so-called top ten and becoming the ultimate victor!

After a brief period of commotion, the area gradually fell silent. Many people gazed eagerly at the five-layer, cloud-like Soul Illusion Realm, imagining the opportunities within, feeling their throats go dry.

Meanwhile, in the command center, Yakray stood by the window, staring at the unprecedented five-layer Soul Illusion Realm.

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as he calmly ordered, "Contact the Eighth Divine General to confirm the entry time. Notify all Holy Sanctuary disciples to be ready to depart at any moment. Heh, their battle is about to begin!"

...

The Soul Illusion Realm in the sky captured everyone's attention. It was so vast, even larger than Dragon City itself, hanging high in the air. From the moment it appeared, it had been continuously expanding, so much so that no matter where you stood within a hundred-mile radius, you could clearly see it.

If you tried to fly directly into the sky, no matter which direction you approached from, you could see it but not touch it, like a mirage. The only true entrance was at the very center of the 'mirage,' at its base, which was also the spot where the Soul Illusion Realm was first discovered while it was still forming. This area corresponded to a guesthouse in Dragon City, and the nearby residents had already been evacuated by the warriors from both the Blade Fortress and the Divine Blade Fortress a month ago. The area had been tightly guarded since then, leaving no room for anyone to sneak in.

They had received the notification yesterday, and everyone woke up early to gather at the gate of the Blade Fortress.

Naturally, the gathering of five hundred Holy Sanctuary disciples was noisy and bustling. Yakray hadn’t arrived yet, and almost everyone carried a large bag, their faces filled with either barely contained excitement or nervousness.

Ah Xi was among the nervous ones, carrying what was probably the largest bag in the crowd. His eyes were slightly dark, clearly indicating a lack of sleep. He had been thinking about it all night but still couldn’t fully decide whether to enter the second layer or not.

Noticing his unease, Aota said casually, "Ah Xi, stop looking so gloomy all the time. Overthinking is pointless! A real man should be bold and progressive, like me!"

"A real man?" Maxwell, who was nearby, couldn’t help but chime in. He laughed and said, "Aren’t you a virgin? The number one virgin of Winterfell! You call yourself a man?"