Chapter 371: Chapter 371: Setting Up the Spatial Barrier
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founding of the Yang Yan Alliance, as expected, immediately caused a massive uproar throughout the entire Imperial Capital—like a major earthquake.
And this shockwave, with the capital as its epicenter, began to spread rapidly throughout the entire Jia Ma Empire.
Countless people were utterly shaken by the emergence of this newly formed, massive power.
This alliance, formed by the Empire’s three great clans, the Alchemist Association, the Imperial Family, and the Xiao Clan...such a lineup had already surpassed the former Yun Lan Sect and was undoubtedly a behemoth of unimaginable scale.
From this point forward, it seemed likely that the Jia Ma Empire would soon fall under the dominion of the Yang Yan Alliance.
While the outside world was in an uproar over the alliance’s establishment...in the rear courtyard of the Xiao Estate, before a massive black structure, Wei Yang, the ghostly figure of Yao Lao, Queen Medusa, and the three Xiao brothers were gathered.
"This great hall has been hollowed out beneath the surface and turned into an enormous underground space. The entire structure is forged from black rock, which can withstand full-force blows from a Dou Wang without sustaining the slightest damage," Xiao Ding explained.
Xiao Yan nodded with a smile. "A structure like this is more than enough to serve as the alliance’s treasury."
Wei Yang stepped forward and said calmly, "Then let’s begin."
Hearing this, the three Xiao brothers slowly retreated, while Yao Lao and Queen Medusa took a step forward.
With that, the three—Wei Yang, Yao Lao, and Medusa—suddenly flickered and split up, forming a triangle formation as they hovered in midair, surrounding the structure completely.
Then, all three began to rapidly form hand seals.
In an instant—
Buzz—
The surrounding space began to ripple like water, radiating outward layer by layer from the trio as the center.
"Spatial force..." The three Xiao brothers focused intently, their gazes fixed on the scene above.
"Brat Wei, girl Medusa—your manipulation of spatial force is far too rough. The spatial barrier you’re building is riddled with holes. Any experienced practitioner could see through it—it’s no better than a sieve..." Yao Lao’s voice rang out.
"Follow my rhythm. I’ll teach you how to construct a proper spatial barrier using spatial force..." he continued while guiding the two step by step.
At the same time, Yao Lao deliberately slowed down his own movements to let Wei Yang and Medusa keep pace.
The two wore serious expressions, studying intently.
This was, after all, the experience and insight of a peak Dou Zun in the use of spatial force—utterly invaluable.
If they were to rely solely on their own efforts to explore and comprehend these concepts, who knew how much time they would waste?
With insufficient talent, some might never even grasp this level of power in their lifetime.
Moreover, each individual’s comprehension and application of spatial force was inherently unique.
It was much like Dou Techniques—everyone’s creation and understanding was different.
Of course, Yao Lao wasn’t pouring out everything he knew; he was merely offering a bit of casual guidance.
Yet even so, the knowledge Wei Yang and Medusa picked up during this process of working together with Yao Lao to construct the spatial barrier would benefit them immensely.
As the spatial fluctuations continued to spread, the three Xiao brothers watched in stunned silence.
The space around that black building gradually began to blur and distort.
Like the moon reflected on the surface of water... like flowers seen through a mist.
It was as if one were standing on the shore, gazing down at something submerged in water.
Or perhaps like a mirage—something illusory and unreal.
It felt as though that piece of land was forcibly peeled away from the real world.
Utterly bizarre.
Even though they clearly knew it was still there, and even though it hadn’t been moved at all—just isolated by a spatial barrier—what their eyes perceived still gave rise to a powerful illusion.
An illusion that caused the mind to instinctively question whether reality itself was as it seemed.
In truth, to put it loosely, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that section of the world had indeed been severed.
A spatial barrier, from a certain perspective, could be seen as a kind of sub-space.
That region, through the spatial force used by Yao Lao and the others, was isolated from the primary space, forming its own small domain.
Like how, in legends, a Dou Sheng was capable of creating an independent small world...
And this method of world creation, theoretically speaking, could be seen as a higher-level version of a spatial barrier.
Of course, creating a stable small world was far more complex and difficult than forming a spatial barrier.
As the barrier gradually took shape...
Buzz buzz buzz—
The spatial ripples it generated became increasingly intense. Layers of transparent waves undulated continuously, spreading outward in all directions.
The fluctuations soon expanded to encompass the entire rear courtyard of the Xiao Estate.
Even the massive Xiao Estate itself was faintly affected by the spatial disturbance.
Some pedestrians walking near the estate could clearly sense the unusual energy coming from within.
"What’s going on?"
"What’s happening inside the Xiao Estate to cause all this commotion?"
A few onlookers couldn’t help but stop in their tracks, eyes full of confusion as they looked toward the interior of the estate.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Just then—
Figures swiftly emerged from within the Xiao Estate, standing atop the high walls with cold gazes sweeping across the surroundings.
Those who had intended to sneak a peek instantly felt their pupils contract.
"All guards, hear this: Anyone who dares to trespass or spy—kill without mercy!"
A cold, emotionless voice echoed from within the estate, reverberating through the air.
"Yes, sir!"
The many guards responded in unison, voices firm and powerful.
Back in the rear courtyard of the Xiao Estate...
The area was now completely empty—aside from the three Xiao brothers, no one else was allowed to enter for the time being.
In front of them stood a dome-like, blurry, translucent barrier that resembled an inverted bowl.
Wei Yang, Yao Lao, and Queen Medusa were hovering near the edge of this hazy barrier.
Through the distorted spatial surface, one could vaguely see the silhouette of the black structure standing firmly within.
At this moment, the intense spatial fluctuations were also beginning to subside.
Seeing this, the three of them revealed faint smiles.
Exhaling softly, they exchanged glances and nodded slightly.
"The barrier is mostly stabilized. Next, we just need to lay down a spatial mirage layer. That’ll create visual distortion and concealment," Yao Lao said as he continued to form hand seals, a wry smile appearing on his face.
"Since I’m limited by my soul form, the amount of spatial force I can control is nowhere near what it was in my prime. So I can’t construct a truly perfect barrier. I have to settle for something as crude as this to hide it."
"A truly flawless spatial barrier wouldn’t just be incredibly stable—it would also automatically conceal itself. Those below a certain cultivation realm wouldn’t even be able to sense its existence. In essence, it would be a fully independent sub-space," Yao Lao explained slowly.
"Senior, no need to worry. I believe it won’t be long before you revive and reclaim your physical body," Wei Yang said with a warm smile.
Medusa also looked at Yao Lao in silence, eyes calm.
"Hahaha, hearing you say that almost makes me impatient now," Yao Lao chuckled, a hint of warmth in his eyes.
Living like a half-man, half-ghost for all these years... to be honest, he had long grown weary of it.
As someone who had once stood at the peak of the Nine-Change Dou Zun level, now reduced to such a frail state—how could he bear it?
But fortunately, this long night of suffering seemed almost over. The goal was no longer far.
Then, Yao Lao shook his head with a laugh. "No more thinking about that. Otherwise, the days ahead will feel even longer."
"Haha, senior, maybe you should look at it differently. I once heard a saying: ’The closer a person is to their goal, the more beautiful that moment becomes,’" Wei Yang said with a grin.
"I think that’s very true. People often find the greatest joy not in reaching their goals, but in the process of chasing them. The thrill you feel when you finally attain your dream... it’s often not as strong as the passion you had while pursuing it."
"Oh? That’s the first time I’ve heard such a perspective," Yao Lao raised a brow, contemplating for a moment before nodding. "Hmm... it does make a bit of sense."
"But I’m not looking to enjoy any so-called thrill of the chase. I just want to get my body back as soon as possible and come back to life," Yao Lao said bluntly.
"Tsk. Now that’s where you’re wrong, Senior," Wei Yang glanced at him and said, "Don’t tell me you haven’t enjoyed teaching us and watching us grow?"
"Er..." Yao Lao was momentarily stunned, then let out a dry laugh.
He gave Wei Yang a glare and said, "If I did enjoy teaching anyone, it’d be Xiao Yan. As for you, brat—you’re way too monstrous. I don’t even need to teach you anything."
"There’s absolutely no sense of achievement being your teacher."
After all, when the student was too outstanding, the teacher could hardly feel any joy from nurturing them.
There was no real "growth" to witness.
Hearing this, Wei Yang burst out laughing.
Below, Xiao Yan’s face turned slightly dark as he shot a resentful glance at Yao Lao.
"Master... I’m standing right here, you know. What’s that supposed to mean?"
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