As Hu Bayi's mood gradually improved, everyone felt a sense of relief. At least Hu Bayi wasn't overly agitated.
"Alright everyone, I think the location of the demon pagoda should not be far from us."
"When we reach the canyon, we will proceed according to the plan."
Zhang Tian looked at everyone. Hu Bayi was somewhat hesitant, but thinking of Zhang Tian's plan, he eventually nodded. Originally, Hu Bayi had intended to personally resolve Xi Zi's matter, but Zhang Tian's reasoning was sound; the demon pagoda was very dangerous, and they were safest within the space.
"Don't worry, Old Hu. You can come out anytime when we encounter them," Zhang Tian patted Old Hu's shoulder. Hu Bayi nodded.
Subsequently, Hu Bayi took out his compass and began to plot the path ahead. After all, Hu Bayi had only been here before and hadn't gone to other places, so to reach deeper, he obviously had to calculate the location first. The compass's needle kept changing, and Hu Bayi's mind was in constant calculation. As each direction was determined, Hu Bayi's gaze gradually became firmer.
"It's at this location," Hu Bayi said, and then he walked ahead. Zhang Tian and the others followed behind Hu Bayi. Gradually, Zhang Tian also noticed a problem. On the path Hu Bayi was taking, there were blue insects burned by death and turned to dust all along the way. Those insects, upon falling to the ground, turned into powder, looking like falling dust.
"These insects, they didn't fall out from inside the demon pagoda, did they?" Wu Tianzhen looked at the traces on the ground and couldn't help but wonder. Zhang Tian nodded.
"It's not impossible. They might be a type of defensive animal formed within the demon pagoda."
"These animals might produce defensive capabilities to keep others away from the pagoda," Zhang Tian mused. This possibility was quite high. These insects were relatively speaking, some kind of protective barrier for the demon pagoda.
Soon, the group walked further in for another while. After about an hour, Fatty looked at the distant mountain valley and spoke.
"Boss, it must be quite late now. Why don't we rest and enter the valley tomorrow during the day?" Fatty said from the side. Zhang Tian looked at the valley under the night sky. The mountains were vast, and around the vast mountains, several fissures had appeared. And among those fissures, one definitely contained the demon pagoda. Zhang Tian also nodded. Entering the demon pagoda at night, the yin energy mixed with demon energy might be more difficult. Instead of that, Zhang Tian felt it was better to set off during the day.
"What does everyone think?" Zhang Tian's gaze swept over those around him.
"It's fine. If we go in now, it will definitely be a bit complicated. We can take a short break and adjust," Hu Bayi said. He wasn't in such a hurry anymore. He had waited for so many years, and a few more hours wouldn't make a difference. Shirley Yang stood in front of Hu Bayi.
"Brother Zhang, we'll listen to you," Shirley Yang said. Zhang Tian nodded, then beckoned everyone to start setting up tents. The wind on the mountain was a bit strong, and it was night, so the temperature had likely dropped to tens of degrees below zero. Fortunately, no one was afraid of the cold, so it wasn't a problem.
After entering the tent, Zhang Tian immediately entered the illusory space. He had a few things to tell the Queen of Jingjue.
Inside the illusory space. Zhang Tian looked towards the spiritual water. Beside the spiritual water, the Queen of Jingjue stood straight. And next to the spiritual water, the medicinal flower buds looked very vibrant. The spirit grass seemed to be doing well with the Queen of Jingjue.
"Um, I'd like to ask for a favor," Zhang Tian slowly walked to the edge of the lake. His voice was not loud.
"What?" The Queen of Jingjue's voice came, falling into Zhang Tian's ears like a valley echo.
"Tomorrow, I will send them in. At that time, you will let them see the situation outside."
"If possible, if I'm in danger, pull me in as well," Zhang Tian said. The Queen of Jingjue was in the illusory space, and if he encountered danger, he might need her help. After Zhang Tian finished speaking, to his surprise, the Queen of Jingjue did not answer directly. Instead, she kept looking at the spiritual water in front of her. Zhang Tian did not rush. He didn't think the Queen of Jingjue would refuse, as this was just a small matter. It wouldn't hurt anything to simply pull him in. However, who knew that when the Queen of Jingjue said her next words, Zhang Tian was stunned.
"Your request is not difficult, but I cannot fulfill it."
"Once within the range of the demon pagoda, all spatial magical artifacts will be rendered useless, including this space," the Queen of Jingjue said. Zhang Tian's expression froze. He hadn't expected that even the illusory space couldn't be used around the demon pagoda. Had all his plans gone awry?
"Are there any other ways?"
"No," the Queen of Jingjue replied directly.
"Something is sealed within the demon pagoda. You will know when the time comes."
"I do not recommend you go to the demon pagoda. It is very dangerous inside," the Queen of Jingjue said. It seemed she was reminding Zhang Tian, and also trying to dissuade him. Zhang Tian didn't know what the Queen of Jingjue was hinting at, but the fact that the illusory space couldn't be accessed created a certain amount of trouble for him.
"We must go to the demon pagoda. So, when the time comes, I will send them in. You should be able to see outside from your side, right? Then you can let them see." Zhang Tian finished speaking and said no more.
"If you die, we will also be trapped in here," the Queen of Jingjue said. Since the illusory space could not be opened, it meant that the Queen of Jingjue and the others would have to remain trapped as well. In such a scenario, it would essentially be a case of one person's demise leading to the ruin of the entire family. Zhang Tian became a little depressed. This seemed like a dead end. He frowned slightly.
"Let's just say, we'll deal with it when it comes." Zhang Tian said, and then got up and left the spot. If something unexpected happened, then Old Hu and the others would be truly wronged. It would be better for them to go together. That way, everyone could look out for each other. With this thought, Zhang Tian stopped thinking about it and walked out of the space.
Late at night.
Zhang Tian's tent was knocked upon. A figure stood outside the tent. Zhang Tian slightly opened his eyes.
"Come in," he said. Hu Bayi slowly entered Zhang Tian's tent.
"Old Hu? What are you doing here so late at night?" Seeing the person, Zhang Tian was not surprised. Hu Bayi coming in the middle of the night was most likely about those few matters. Zhang Tian could easily guess.
"I don't want to enter the space. I want to go with you," Hu Bayi said. He thought Zhang Tian would refuse, but to his surprise, Zhang Tian readily agreed.
"Alright, Old Hu, we'll enter together then." Saying this, Zhang Tian patted Hu Bayi's shoulder.
"Good."
"Then get some rest. I'll leave now." Hu Bayi nodded, then left Zhang Tian's tent under his gaze. Old Hu must have thought about it for a long time to come find him so late at night. Zhang Tian sighed. He would see what Fatty and the others said tomorrow.