This Is What a Villain Is Like

Chapter 136: Chapter 87: Once a Crack in Trust Widens, This Is the Taste

And yet, Jiang Lan had brought it here to help him break the Array.

Ling Zhuyun glanced over, a hint of surprise in her eyes. She hadn’t expected him to be so well-prepared.

Ye Ming, on the other hand, curled his lip in silent disdain and began to communicate with the Old Ghost.

"Old Ghost, you’re knowledgeable. Is there a way to break this Array?"

"We haven’t even entered the Array. How are we supposed to break it from the outside? Unless you have power that surpasses the Eighth Realm, then you could give it a shot," the Old Ghost’s slightly hoarse voice replied casually.

Ye Ming nodded to himself. ’No matter what, if I want to break this Array, I have to go inside first.’

Just then, one of the Elders who was investigating the area frowned and ventured a guess, "It seems this really might be some kind of Ancient Array, similar to the legendary Dragon Trapping Array. That Grand Array is said to be incredibly mysterious; no one knows by what means it was laid."

"Even if a true member of the Dragon Race were to step inside, they would lose their way. They could even be trapped for countless years, eventually dying of old age within..."

"However, the Dragon Trapping Array was lost long ago. Even if one were to reappear in the world, it would likely be just a remnant."

"Since the Purple Mist True Monarch left behind his inheritance, he must have given it much thought. It’s unlikely he would deliberately create trouble for future generations."

"At worst, one would be trapped for a while. Once the cultivator’s estate officially emerges and someone claims the inheritance, the Array will likely dissipate on its own."

His theory resonated with the crowd, and many found it convincing.

The Disciple from Yijian Mountain nodded and chimed in, "That was my guess as well. That’s why I was thinking of returning to Anyang City to have someone look up the relevant ancient texts."

"If we can find a way to break the Array, then everything will be much simpler..."

"In that case, why waste time?" Jiang Lan waved his hand with an air of impatience and prepared to walk right in.

"Young Master..."

Behind him, the expressions of Li Daoyi, Ao Xu, and the others shifted slightly, but they could only signal their men and hurry to follow.

’He really doesn’t fear death. They might say there’s no danger, but that’s just speculation.’

’I hope he doesn’t get himself killed in there and drag me down with him.’

Qi Heng sneered inwardly at the sight.

In his view, Jiang Lan was accustomed to a life of luxury and had never faced true danger. He lacked even a shred of caution.

’Without his bodyguards, a person like that is bound to die in a place like this sooner or later.’

Seeing this, Ling Zhuyun sighed softly to herself and instructed her disciples to follow. Only the lead Elder remained behind to provide support for their return.

"The aura of this Array... it doesn’t feel like the Dragon Trapping Array. There are similarities, yes, but I can’t quite recall what specific type of Array this is."

"But that old man from earlier was right. The Purple Mist True Monarch was no great villain. Since he left his inheritance for posterity, he wouldn’t have made it needlessly cryptic or overly dangerous."

The Old Ghost’s voice resounded in Ye Ming’s mind.

"If it were the Dragon Trapping Array, how would one break it?" Ye Ming asked.

He wanted to show off his skills in front of Ling Zhuyun, especially since Qi Heng had been targeting and belittling him the entire trip.

And while Jiang Lan hadn’t said anything outright, the expression he wore when looking at Ye Ming was one you’d give a clown.

The other young elites present couldn’t even be bothered to give him a second glance.

Normally, he would have just endured it and paid them no mind, but in front of Ling Zhuyun, he found he couldn’t bear it.

This was especially true when Jiang Lan and Chu Chan were chatting and joking around, and Chu Chan asked—whether intentionally or not—"Young Master, what does it take to be called an Array Master?"

Jiang Lan just chuckled and replied, "I was just speaking casually. Did you really take it seriously, Chan’Er?"

"An Array Master? If I called myself an Alchemy Master, would you believe me?"

"Whatever you say, Young Master, Chan’Er will believe..."

And then, the young Celestial Pride from the Dragon-man Race at Jiang Lan’s side would step forward to add,

"The Young Master is correct."

"To achieve anything significant in the Dao of Arrays requires immense focus and energy. Where would one find any time left over for cultivation?"

"My older sister is a peerless talent, and some time ago she immersed herself in the Alchemy Dao. But even just dabbling in it for a short while nearly caused her cultivation to fall behind..."

Although no names were mentioned, it was clear to everyone that they were talking about Ye Ming.

Even some of the female disciples from the Jasper Pool Sect were giving him strange looks.

After all, everyone only has one mind. How could someone possibly cultivate and study Arrays at the same time, giving both the attention they require?

Ye Ming was naturally infuriated as he listened. Though the barbs were aimed at him, any discerning person could tell they were really mocking Ling Zhuyun for her poor judgment in people.

He didn’t care about himself, but he couldn’t stand the thought of Ling Zhuyun losing face and being mocked because of him.

"It’s not that difficult," the Old Ghost said. "It’s just a matter of deduction—finding the correct bearings and number of steps. You can’t make a single mistake. One wrong step, and all your previous efforts could be for naught."

"The process is draining, mentally and energetically, but as long as you have enough Elixir Pills, it shouldn’t be a problem," the Old Ghost added.

The night grew deep and the purple mist thickened. As the group ventured further in, the surroundings grew so dark it felt like you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face.

The few Elders walking at the front held Compasses, constantly making deductions to find their bearings.

One of them summoned a Bronze Ancient Lamp that cast a dim, yellow light, barely managing to push back the encroaching purple mist.

"Young Master, stay behind us. This Array is bizarre; we can’t rule out the possibility of danger," Ao Xu said. He was a tall, imposing figure with the blood of the Dragon Race, and Dragon Scales were visible on his arms and face. He stood guard, his expression vigilant.

Jiang Lan felt a flicker of something unidentifiable, but he maintained his smile and said, "Ao Xu, you are so loyal. Once I obtain the Purple Mist True Monarch’s inheritance and we return, I will reward you handsomely."