409 - Rebirth of a Star: Another Day, Another Drama

**Chapter 409: Calculating to the Point of Death** Ye Ling Long was currently a high-level formation master at the Xuan rank, but she still had a long way to go before reaching the Tian rank. Relying solely on her own strength would require considerable effort. However, things were different with this group of people. They were like ready-to-use tools; why not take advantage of them? All she needed to do was identify the weak point within this formation. The rest was up to them. Focusing intently on the formation spinning before her, she quickly discerned a weak spot. But instead of directly pointing out the most vulnerable spot, Ye Ling Long indicated an area that was less protected but required more effort. She could ensure that while they would be able to break the formation, the process wouldn't be easy for them. After all, weakening their strength was to her advantage. Although the group had some doubts about Ye Ling Long's guidance, after attempting an attack, they quickly realized the truth in her words. The formation began to tremble immediately after their assault. "It's working!" they exclaimed, eyes lighting up. With renewed enthusiasm, they unleashed their techniques upon the formation. Sure enough, the formation's radiant glow dimmed swiftly under the combined assault of five peak-level Immortal Lords. It seemed it would soon collapse. The group was overjoyed, having anticipated a ten-day ordeal against this formation, yet they now saw hope of breaching it in just one day. Spurred by this thought, they attacked with even greater vigor. Ye Ling Long watched the five laboring so earnestly for her benefit, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. It really was more enjoyable letting others do the work while she could take a break herself. Qian Jun couldn't help but comment, "Seems like you're having them do free labor for you." Ye Ling Long replied, "Free labor delivered to my doorstep? Why refuse? By the way..." She shifted the topic, "You know about the traps and hidden treasures inside, right?" Qian Jun nodded confidently. "I'm quite certain about that. The layout of the treasure vaults was something I helped set up alongside him back then." His tone was brimming with self-assurance. Ye Ling Long sighed with relief. “Great. We can wait for the show.” Ye Ling Long’s face was full of mischief as she turned to watch the diligent attackers. Qian Jun glanced sympathetically at the five individuals laboring fervently against the formation. To be targeted by someone like Ye Ling Long, who seemingly bore a righteous demeanor, yet harbored a dark heart, spelled misfortune for them. After a day of relentless effort, the glow of the formation had dimmed completely, on the verge of collapse. Victory seemed within reach. Although their immortal energy was nearly depleted, they pressed on without rest, intent on destroying the formation that had hindered them for so long, before pausing to rest and seek treasures inside. Increasing their assault, the already fragile formation began to crack. The anticipation in their eyes intensified. Ye Ling Long was equally pleased, her eyes sparkling with joy. After all, having such dedicated fools help dismantle the great formation protecting her master’s treasure vault for free was indeed something to be happy about. However, what they didn't know was that the most lethal retaliation often comes just before the end. As more and more cracks appeared in the formation, with one final attack, it completely shattered. But as soon as triumphant smiles spread across their faces, a powerful force erupted instantly. The mysterious Tianjie formation, in its final moments, unleashed all remaining energy in a single explosion. The five were caught right at the epicenter, blindsided by the unexpected turn during their triumph. They were hurled away by the devastating blast. Ye Ling Long had been prepared. Her body, inherently strong and fortified further by anticipation, emerged unscathed. Yet, to dispel any suspicion, she feigned an injury, allowing herself to be thrown by the blast. She landed gracefully, unhurt, merely smearing some soot across her face to complete the guise of being ravaged by the explosion. "Curse it! Was this your doing!?" One of the men rushed over, seizing Ye Ling Long by the throat, his eyes blazing with rage. The explosion had inflicted significant internal injuries, having been so close to the blast. One of them was tragically killed by the shockwave—this was the brother of the very man now throttling Ye Ling Long. Driven to madness, his eyes brimmed with a terrifying murderous intent, as if he wished to devour Ye Ling Long whole. Despite the choking grip on her neck, turning her cheeks a flushed red, Ye Ling Long gestured subtly to Qian Jun, restraining him from intervening. She knew the others wouldn't let this man kill her; they still needed someone knowledgeable of formations, uncertain of potential threats still lurking within. Sure enough, just as Ye Ling Long was about to lose consciousness, Ge Lao intervened, swiftly prying away the man's grip. "Dong Lang, this girl might still be useful!" he declared. "She caused my brother’s death!" Dong Lang's eyes were ablaze with murderous intent. Ye Ling Long, curling up like a frightened rabbit, stammered, “It’s... it’s not my fault. I... I didn’t know... I had no idea this would happen.” She refrained from saying too much, realizing excessive explanation might arouse suspicion rather than dispel it. Contrarily, appearing confused and unaware seemed more convincing. An Award-winning Actress indeed, Ge Lao scrutinized Ye Ling Long, eyes locked on her for some time before speaking again. "Dong Lang, think of the treasures inside. Your brother’s death was an accident. It's impressive enough for a Xuan-rank formation master to find a flaw in a Tianjie formation." With deep breaths echoing in the silent space, Dong Lang eventually conceded, throwing one final scornful glance at Ye Ling Long before returning to his brother’s side. Ye Ling Long, appearing thoroughly frightened, scurried to a corner, curling up as if in fear. Only after the group’s attention was wholly diverted, did she allow a smirk to form on her lips. The game had just begun. Qian Jun was left speechless, thoroughly impressed by her cunning yet again.