Chapter 83

Hundreds of Zuo Ci, all identical, stood before Wu Mian. Despite his ability to see through Xu Fu's illusions, he could not discern which one was the real Zuo Ci. He continuously struck these hundreds of identical Zuo Ci with thunder and fire, causing the hall to be filled with rolling thunder and flashing fire. However, the hundreds of 'Zuo Ci' seemed unaffected, disappearing instantly after being struck by lightning and fire. As they disappeared, even more identical 'Zuo Ci' continued to rush towards Wu Mian.

At that moment, dozens of lightning arcs appeared on Wu Mian's body, continuously striking the 'Zuo Ci' rushing towards him. The 'Zuo Ci' struck by the lightning arcs instantly disappeared. However, hundreds more 'Zuo Ci' continued to rush towards him. It seemed they intended to wear Wu Mian down until he was exhausted, and then overwhelm him.

These 'Zuo Ci' were different from the other illusions Wu Mian had seen. He could sense that these 'Zuo Ci' were not so simple; the ones closest to him were beginning to materialize. It seemed that as soon as he was unable to use his magic, these 'Zuo Ci' would make their move. However, Zuo Ci's illusions were indeed exquisite. Even Wu Mian, who had seen through Xu Fu's illusions, could not find the real Zuo Ci among the many illusions.

At this moment, Guang Ti, who had been staring at Guang Yi with a cold smile, suddenly said, "Senior Brother Guang Yi, your talented disciple truly has a natural aptitude for illusions. No wonder the former Great Master Qing favored him and taught him the three methods of illusion. This child is indeed clever; he hid his true form among his fellow disciples in the Sumeru position. No matter how deep our Brother Wu's cultivation, it would be very difficult to notice him if he wasn't paying attention."

Guang Ti's words were clearly a hint to Wu Mian. Guang Yi glared at her angrily, while Guang Ren smiled and watched the two, as if enjoying a play that was reaching its climax.

Just as the nearest 'Zuo Ci' was about to reach Wu Mian, Wu Mian saw a middle-aged fangshi standing on the Sumeru position about four or five zhang away from Guang Yi. When the Great Master Guang Ren and his people entered, this person was not among them. No one else had entered since then, so it seemed that this unfamiliar face was indeed Zuo Ci in disguise.

Wu Mian had no time to think. Regardless of whether this person was Zuo Ci, he had to act. As the 'Zuo Ci' in front of him reached out to grab him, a loud "Crack!" echoed overhead, followed by a bowl-thick, orange lightning bolt striking the middle-aged fangshi on the Sumeru position. The person was unable to dodge, and the lightning struck him, sending him flying four or five zhang away, landing right next to Guang Yi.

The moment Zuo Ci landed, a second, even thicker lightning bolt struck. By this time, Zuo Ci was covered in blood and could not withstand another strike. Just as the lightning was about to hit him, his master, Guang Yi, appeared beside him and waved his arm at the descending lightning. The lightning, which had almost reached Zuo Ci's hair, was suddenly attracted to something and veered towards Guang Yi's sleeve. Wu Mian saw a flash of lightning, and then the bolt disappeared into Guang Yi's sleeve, leaving only a few sparks that eventually dissipated in the air.

Zuo Ci, who had narrowly escaped death, was expected to return to Guang Yi to heal. Instead, the old fangshi suddenly jumped up and rushed towards Wu Mian at an incredible speed. Seeing this, Guang Yi frowned. Although Wu Mian had found Zuo Ci with Guang Ti's hint, it still counted as a victory for him. Zuo Ci should have conceded and returned to Guang Yi's side. However, the old fangshi, who looked to be over sixty, could not accept defeat. As he rushed towards Wu Mian, countless more illusions appeared around him.

These illusions looked identical to the previous ones, but when struck by Wu Mian's thunder and fire, none of them disappeared. Countless illusions surged towards Wu Mian like a tidal wave.

Wu Mian could vaguely see Zuo Ci's true form among the illusions, constantly changing position. However, the speed was too fast, and there were too many illusions, making it impossible for his eyes to keep up. Suddenly, Gui Bu Gui, who was standing behind him, spoke up: "The one in the second row on the left, third, fourth, and fifth, is now on the right, from left to right, first row ninth, eighth, seventh, second row..."

Gui Bu Gui spoke so quickly that Wu Mian could not react in time. He had almost caught the rhythm of Zuo Ci's movements, but Gui Bu Gui's interference caused him to lose track of Zuo Ci's position. Gui Bu Gui continued to give Wu Mian 'advice' until a final lightning bolt struck him, making him shut up.

As the tidal wave of 'Zuo Ci' rushed towards him, Wu Mian suddenly roared and extended his left hand towards the concentration of 'Zuo Ci.' A fiery, lightning-filled dragon emerged from his palm.

The dragon, a mix of fire and lightning, instantly rushed towards the countless 'Zuo Ci.' As the dragon moved through the 'Zuo Ci,' they let out cries of agony. All the 'Zuo Ci' who came into contact with the dragon first froze, then exploded like soap bubbles, disappearing into the air.

In a moment, more than half of the 'Zuo Ci' before Wu Mian had disappeared, and the dragon continued to move towards the remaining 'Zuo Ci.' These mindless illusions began to hesitate and retreat. Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of the dragon, grabbing its head with both hands. The figure then pulled the dragon's head off, causing the dragon's body to disintegrate into countless sparks.

The one who pulled off the dragon's head was Zuo Ci's master, Guang Yi. He stood with his hands behind his back, coldly looking at Wu Mian and said, "I didn't expect your magic to have advanced so much in a few years. It seems I underestimated you. If you continue to wander outside for a few more years, you might really start to look down on us, your senior brothers and sisters."

As Guang Yi spoke, the illusions behind him disappeared, leaving only the real Zuo Ci, drenched in cold sweat. The dragon had almost reached him, and if not for his master's rescue, he would have been killed. Zuo Ci now understood the gap in strength between him and Wu Mian and dared not make any further moves, lowering his head and returning to his place in the formation.

"Junior Brother Zuo Ci, stand on the side of the Great Master's main disciples," Huo Shan pointed to a spot beside him and continued, "You have observed the Great Master for ten years. For the next ten years, you are considered a disciple of the Great Master's main lineage. You do not need to pay respects to any other elders or uncles except the Great Master."

Hearing Huo Shan's words, Zuo Ci hesitated, then glanced at his master. Seeing Guang Yi nod slightly, he lowered his head and walked to the end of the line of the Great Master Guang Ren's disciples. When Zuo Ci first entered the fangshi order, the then Great Master Xu Fu favored him and personally taught him the three methods of illusion. In terms of illusions, among the disciples of the Guang generation, Zuo Ci was undoubtedly the best. His illusions were even more sophisticated than those Xu Fu used to test Li Si. By recruiting Zuo Ci to observe for ten years, Guang Ren also had the intention of taking him as a disciple. After all, who knew what could happen in those ten years?

As Zuo Ci walked towards the Great Master's main disciples, Wu Mian glanced at Zuo Ci's master and said, "So you want to take your disciple's place and fight me?"