For several minutes, Grand Master Huang and other Formation Master studied the barrier intently, their hands weaving intricate symbols in the air, faint glimmers of spiritual light following their gestures.
Yet, despite their combined efforts—probing with spiritual sense, tracing ancient runes, and attempting various methods—one by one, their expressions grew solemn.
Finally, they exchanged silent glances, a wordless understanding passing between them.
Grandmaster Huang finally stopped, his hands dropping to his sides. A deep sigh escaped his lips.
The gathered crowd, watching intently, noticed the shift in his demeanor.
From his position, the Royal Commander’s sharp gaze fixed on the Grandmaster.
“Grandmaster Huang, what is the result?”
His voice carried authority but held a trace of anxiety.
Grandmaster Huang turned to face the crowd, but his expression already gave away the answer.
“This barrier… is beyond what I had expected. I can now confirm—it is a Grade-8 formation or perhaps even higher. No one in the empire can break through such a formation.”
A ripple of shock spread through the crowd.
“Grade-8?!”
“Impossible! For thousands of years, the Desolate Heaven Empire didn’t even have a Grade-8 Formation Master.”
“So, this formation can’t be broken?”
Grandmaster Huang nodded solemnly.
“Indeed! This formation’s complexity and power surpass the limits of what we can breach. Even if we gather all the Grandmasters in the Desolate Heaven Empire, it would be futile.”
A Grade-9 formation was a true relic of ancient power. Breaking it by force was a fool’s dream.
“So what can we do?”
The Royal Commander asked with a frown.
They had attempted to break through with brute force, only to suffer the consequences as the barrier reflected their attacks back at them, causing harm instead.
And now, even a Grade-7 Formation Master stood powerless before it.
Grandmaster Huang’s lips curled into a thin, resigned smile.
“We cannot break this formation. However, the formation itself is not a sealed tomb—it is a trial.”
“A trial?”
The Royal Commander echoed.
“Yes! After extensive observation, I can confirm that the formation is designed to open on its own—exactly ten days from now.”
Grandmaster Huang’s words sent another wave of murmurs through the crowd.
“Ten days? That’s all?”
“Then we simply need to wait?”
“Haha… That is easy, then. What’s waiting ten days? I can even wait a year for this.”
…
Many sighed in relief.
If it was just a matter of waiting, then all the powerful factions present still had a chance to seize whatever lay within.
To a cultivator with a very big lifespan, 10 days was like a blink of an eye which they can ignore.
But before they could celebrate, Grandmaster Huang’s voice rang out again, cutting through their hopes.
“But there is another condition.”
The crowd fell silent, all eyes on the Grandmaster.
“This formation… is only accessible to those aged thirty or below.”
Silence!
Then an explosion of outrage.
“What?!”
“This is ridiculous!”
“Only the younger generation?!”
Bai Tianheng’s expression also turned grim.
“Are you certain, Grandmaster Huang?”
“I am!”
Grandmaster Huang’s voice was absolute.
“The formation itself will reject anyone above that age, perhaps even harming the one who breaks its rule. I suspect this was a deliberate design by its creator.”
Tian Yuheng remained calm. If the younger generation was the only one who could enter, then he had no problem.
The Heaven Sword Sect had the most geniuses, and he was certain they could gain the most from whatever was inside.
“Only those under thirty…” Elder Shi muttered. “Then whoever set this up might be looking for an heir or someone worthy of their inheritance.”
It was an easy guess since only young people could enter the barrier.
Such formations had been found before, and most of the time, they were inheritances left by their creators for those they deemed worthy, like a genius or someone with great potential.
But no formation has ever been that of Grade-8 or according to Grandmaster Huang, higher than Grade-8.
As a result, the inheritance left behind should also be unimaginably powerful because only those who are Grade-8 Formation Master can make such a formation.
If true, then whatever lay beyond the barrier was something that could change the dynamics of the Desolate Heaven Empire.
“Elders, we must immediately choose the disciples to go on this expedition.”
Tian Yuheng declared.
Three of them understood. This matter should be taken as the priority and they need to make preparation as soon as possible.
He wasn’t the only one—other factions also began making plans to prepare their younger generation.
But some weren’t satisfied.
Powerful rogue cultivators, lacking clans or sects, were furious.
“No! This can’t be! You must be lying!”
“Yeah! How can a Grade-8 Formation appear? Even if it was, I don’t believe it can resist the power of Immortals.”
Their heated words offended Grandmaster Huang, but their frustration was clear.
“Hmph! Believe it or not, that is your choice. You can try to break the formation yourself or attempt to enter after ten days. You will see whether I am lying.”
Grandmaster Huang declared.
Tian Yuheng and the other leaders didn’t waste time arguing.
Grandmaster Huang’s reputation was at stake, and if his words were proven false, his status would be ruined.
Moreover, just because Grandmaster Huang said it would open after 10 days, doesn’t mean everyone would let their guard down and leave this place.
They will have someone keep their eyes on this place and regularly update it to their respective clan or sect.
So, it wasn’t like Grandmaster can sneakily go inside thinking no one is looking at him.
“Clan Leader Bai, I will take my leave.”
Tian Yuheng said to Bai Yuheng.
Now that they understood the nature of the barrier, he knew there was no point in staying any longer.
Better prepare for it!
“Yes, let’s catch up next time!”
Bai Tianheng replied.
Bai Tianheng quickly used his transmission jade, sending messages to the elders at the Bai Clan Estate.
“Immediately gather all the disciples below age thirty!”