Chapter 1012

When Fu Rong began dismantling the formation, Ye Mo realized the man hadn't lied; he genuinely understood its intricacies. Within half a day, the formation vanished, revealing a defensive array. However, Ye Mo now suspected Fu Rong's explanation was partially false. He himself required two to four hours to breach such a stealth formation—a first encounter. Prior experience with similar formations would reduce that time to approximately eight minutes. Yet, Fu Rong, at most a level three formation master, had expertly targeted the formation's weak points, a feat unlikely achievable in a single year, especially considering Ye Mo's superior level five mastery.

"Brother Fu, your skill is truly impressive," Cheng Yugeng exclaimed, bowing respectfully. "To break it so quickly…"

Fu Rong chuckled. "I wouldn't have invited you if I wasn't confident." He hadn't anticipated encountering a level five formation grandmaster.

Zheng Yidao urged, "With the defensive formation exposed, let's proceed swiftly. This location is remote; we can't afford any mishaps."

Ye Mo smiled subtly. "Brother Fu's abilities are remarkable. However, I'm alone, while you three are old friends…"

Fu Rong felt relieved. Ye Mo's awareness of their camaraderie, yet lack of initial caution, had caused him unease. This question eased his apprehension.

Cheng Yugeng quickly replied, "Brother Ye, you're overthinking. I've known Brother Fu just over ten years. He's always been in Mo Hai City; we've partnered in many ventures. Brother Zheng joined us similarly. There's no need for concern."

Zheng Yidao affirmed, "I met Brother Fu upon his arrival in Mo Hai City."

Ye Mo pondered. A cultivator who'd only resided in Mo Hai City for ten years, yet possessed the fortune to discover Yu Baisheng's ruins and the skill to break his level five formation, was extraordinary. Ye Mo sensed Fu Rong's purpose in Mo Hai City was solely Yu Baisheng's ruins; obtaining the Huang Star rock was paramount. His actions wouldn't matter, as long as Ye Mo wasn't affected. Fu Rong had chosen them because they shared a common trait: few close associates, minimizing the risk of investigation should anything go amiss.

Unbeknownst to Fu Rong, Ye Mo was already suspicious.

Fu Rong explained, "This level five defensive formation isn't insurmountable. It has four access points. Simultaneous attacks should succeed within a day."

Cheng Yugeng questioned, "Wouldn't simultaneous attacks be faster?"

Fu Rong shook his head. "Then I wouldn't need you. Simultaneous weakening is crucial; otherwise, a counter-attack formation will activate, leaving none of us unscathed."

Cheng Yugeng, startled, expressed nervousness.

Ye Mo nodded; while he could break it solo, Fu Rong's assessment was accurate.

Under Fu Rong's guidance, they attacked the four access points. Half a day later, the formation weakened, visibly pleasing Cheng Yugeng and Zheng Yidao. Fu Rong's knowledge seemed genuine.

After further attacks, Ye Mo inquired, "Brother Fu, what was Yu Baisheng's daughter's name?"

"Yu Niangyan…" Fu Rong replied instinctively.

Ye Mo's internal sneer confirmed his suspicions; Fu Rong's intimate knowledge of the formation and the daughter's name were telling.

Fu Rong's expression shifted momentarily before regaining composure.

Cheng Yugeng asked curiously, "You even know Yu Baisheng's daughter's name?"

Fu Rong responded dryly, "I obtained her storage ring; that's how I learned her name."

While Cheng Yugeng remained unconcerned, Zheng Yidao sensed something amiss. Fu Rong's casual response raised his suspicions.

Ye Mo achieved his objective; Zheng Yidao now regarded Fu Rong with distrust.

Fu Rong's response to Cheng Yugeng's question brought a bleakness to his face. He discreetly observed Ye Mo, who appeared focused on the formation, making his previous query seem nonchalant. His certainty wavered.

After nearly a day of assault, the formation rumbled ominously. Even Cheng Yugeng and Zheng Yidao sensed its imminent collapse.

Ye Mo knew they must cease; a simultaneous final attack was necessary to prevent the counterattack. Otherwise, the first to breach the formation would bear the brunt. A level five formation's counterattack could inflict serious injury.

But Fu Rong continued his assault. Ye Mo remained silent, seeing no reason for self-sacrifice.

Cheng Yugeng's section exploded open. Before he could rejoice, Fu Rong shouted, "Brother Cheng, move!"

A powerful force flung Cheng Yugeng, Fu Rong, and Zheng Yidao outward. Ye Mo, however, retreated voluntarily. The others suffered the formation's attack. Cheng Yugeng sustained the most severe injuries.

After consuming a recovery pill, Zheng Yidao confronted Fu Rong. "What happened? You said a simultaneous attack prevented activation."

Wiping blood from his mouth, Fu Rong replied, "It wasn't activated; otherwise, we'd be dead. I didn't anticipate this defensive formation's counterattack mechanism. I apologize, Brother Cheng." Guilt etched itself on Fu Rong's face.