The true power of the Four Symbols Formation lies in its four corners, closed and self-contained, difficult to shake. The only gateway leading to the Central Palace opens outward, allowing you entry, hence Zhang Yan sought this route when entering the formation.
Upon entering the formation, he was surrounded by a dark mist on all sides, with a tunnel-like path left in the center. This represents the array’s concept of "Opening Door to Welcome Guests."
Typically, when one enters the formation, it does not immediately activate; instead, it conceals its killing intent until the entrant reaches the depths of the formation, then suddenly activates.
Zhang Yan understood this was to be expected. He flew along the opened path and soon arrived at a high platform adorned with dozens of banners. Suddenly, he heard a thunderous sound behind him as the passage he entered closed off, and the gray clouds above and below rolled like thunder while flying clouds revealed four grand doors on the platform.
These doors branched from the Central Palace to four directions. For anyone wishing to reach the array’s corners, they cannot go straight; they must enter from here and follow the array’s twists and turns, progressing step by step.
No matter which door you choose, all lead to the four corners of the array, though each varies in transformation.
True Master Meng had deduced the changes behind these four doors, so Zhang Yan was unafraid. Without hesitation, he chose the closest door before him and stepped in.
Upon passing through the door, the scenery transformed. Previously, he could see a hundred yards around, but now the surroundings were dim and obscure, with neither celestial light nor earth fire to illuminate them, leaving him unable to distinguish north from south or east from west.
At this point, Zhang Yan had officially entered the evil formation, staying wary while pondering. According to his arrangement with that person, after entering the formation, he only needed to summon the "Harmony Carrying Cover," and that person would find a way to guide him through. However, that person also reminded him that the closer he was to the corner they guarded, the greater the assurance.
Knowing this person’s cultivation level demanded such care in speech, Zhang Yan understood there was indeed some danger. To be prudent, he resolved to use all his strength to approach that corner, and only if all else failed would he consider using the Dharma Treasure.
When he activated his aura, the talisman True Master Meng bestowed emerged from his forehead, transforming into a spirit light that illuminated the path ten yards ahead, floating in guidance.
Smiling slightly, he followed without hesitation, thinking to himself, "If a disciple unfamiliar with arrays entered, they would surely need this Daoist Talisman; otherwise, they’d soon lose their way."
He had only walked a few steps before the clouds parted, revealing hundreds of fierce beasts with horns on their foreheads, resembling both tigers and leopards, with wings on their backs, rushing out. Each roared thunderously, ferocious and terrifying.
A cold gleam flashed in Zhang Yan’s eyes as he let out a low shout. The Star Sword Ball flew out from his crown, instantly transforming into sixteen rays of light. In a sweeping motion, it became a vast star storm, tearing forward.
This strike, however, greatly surprised Zhang Yan. These beasts appeared fierce, but where the sword light passed, they were easily crushed like rot, unable to offer any resistance.
Finding this curious, Zhang Yan intentionally let one beast approach, gripping its neck without relenting despite its struggles and roars. Upon careful inspection, he realized the truth and slapped it from above, causing it to disperse.
These beasts were merely condensations of Evil Qi within the formation, lacking any consciousness and solely intent on exterminating those who entered. Though seemingly formidable, they were only equivalent to a cultivator who had undergone Opening Meridians, not even reaching the level of a Ming Qi Cultivator, naturally unable to withstand Zhang Yan.
Yet, if a disciple charging into the formation lacked a firm Dao Heart, they might panic upon seeing these overwhelming hordes of beasts rushing at them. Meanwhile, the guiding Daoist Talisman would not pause once in motion; any disciple following might miss a step due to the disruptive interference of the formation monsters, losing track of the talisman.
Without the talisman, they’d be left to wander aimlessly in the formation, not far from death.
Understanding the nature of these beasts freed Zhang Yan from fear as he followed the talisman further, encountering no real danger. Although more beasts occasionally leapt out to attack, a few casual sword strokes sufficed to clear a path.
By now, he had a rough understanding of why he journeyed so smoothly: the direction indicated by the talisman pointed to the most vital lifeline within the formation’s array.