Choose Liu Bei at the start, I am the only one who knows the plot of the Three Kingdoms.

An invisible mental fluctuation spread out like ripples, attempting to create a brief illusion, confuse the mind, and lead the soldiers into infighting or disorientation.

Fortunately, Gu Rubing was resolute and shouted in time to break the spell. In addition, Guan Yu, Zhao Yun and others had strong auras and stable minds, so there was no great chaos. When the spellcasters saw that the spell was broken, they immediately fled and did not linger.

The most chilling attack occurred during a nighttime encampment. The camp was chosen under a sheltered rock, and the campfire had just been lit when the soldiers on watch were horrified to discover that the shadows around the camp began to creep and gather unnaturally!
Finally, dozens of translucent, intangible "ghosts" formed from dense yin energy appeared out of thin air!
They emit a silent shriek that pierces through physical barriers and rushes towards the life of the living!
Swords and blades struck them as if skimming across water, having negligible effect, only causing slight ripples. Arrows passed right through them, having no effect whatsoever.

"It's a Yin energy gathering form! Physical attacks won't be very effective!"

Wu Moushi shouted, his face pale.

At the critical moment, it was Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Ma Chao and Huang Zhong, these five top generals, who simultaneously unleashed their boundless blood energy and extremely powerful internal strength!
Five intensely hot auras, like those from an oven, shot into the sky, merging together as if five small suns had been ignited in the darkness!

Upon being struck by this pure and righteous yang energy, those "ghosts" immediately let out a shrill scream, their forms fluctuating violently, as if ice and snow had encountered the blazing sun, rapidly thinning and finally dissipating unwillingly into the night sky.

Every encounter, regardless of size, constantly drained the soldiers' already limited physical strength and heightened mental tension. Continuous marches, harsh environments, and unpredictable enemies left everyone exhausted, their eyes bloodshot.

However, a steadfast belief, like an inextinguishable flame, always sustained them.

Whenever they saw Gu Rubing standing at the very front of the group, no matter what danger he encountered, he would hold a long sword and lead the charge. There was never a wavering or retreat in his deep eyes, only unwavering determination and resolve!

Whenever they saw the five generals Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Ma Chao, they were like five insurmountable mountains. Whether facing physical monsters or ethereal ghosts, they would step forward time and time again, using their absolute strength and courage to repel the powerful enemies and protect the safety of the team!
It was this fearlessness and sense of responsibility from the commanders and generals that acted as the most effective stimulant, allowing the soldiers' nearly exhausted morale to be rekindled time and time again, enabling them to grit their teeth, drag their weary bodies, and continue to advance.

They traversed a swamp filled with a colorful yet highly poisonous mist, proceeding cautiously with every step, lest they sink into the invisible quagmire.

They climbed over rocky, extremely steep mountain ridges, where the mountain winds even carried the decaying bone fragments of unknown creatures, and occasionally, disturbed rocks would roll down from above.

They crossed an underground current with icy, dark water and countless eerie whirlpools at the bottom. The swift current seemed to hide countless pulling hands, nearly sweeping away several soldiers.

After overcoming countless hardships, they finally arrived at dusk on the seventh day after entering this death zone.

The setting sun, like a gaping wound from exhaustion, struggled to cast its last few crimson rays, piercing through the thick, murky, seemingly impenetrable gray-yellow clouds in the sky, bringing a brief and desolate glimmer of light to this lifeless land.

Just then, the scout who was in charge of exploring ahead came running back, panting and stumbling. His face was a mixture of extreme exhaustion and barely suppressed excitement. He rushed to Gu Rubing, knelt down on one knee, and his voice was distorted by excitement and lack of oxygen.

"My...my lord! We've found it! It's up ahead! Right ahead!"

He pointed southwest, his voice trembling but clear.

"Beyond that last stretch of rocky slope, there lies a colossal black mountain range, seemingly cleaved by a giant axe of a god! Embraced by this mountain range... there is... a massive man-made complex!"
Black mist swirled around, and even from a distance, one could feel the suffocating energy fluctuations! Looking further afield, one could see towering, strangely shaped towers, and... and constantly flickering lights that resembled runes!

The news struck like a thunderbolt through the exhausted ranks!

Everyone's gaze instantly turned to the southwest. Although the terrain still obscured their view, everyone understood—

The target they had been searching for and paid a huge price for—the evil core of Penglai in Liangzhou, the headquarters that hid the secret of "reaching the heavens"—was finally... within reach!

However, the densely packed guards surrounding the main altar, as well as the soaring evil energy and fluctuations that almost solidified into reality, clearly foreshadowed that this final battle would be extremely arduous, far surpassing any previous battle!
The enormous, black mountain range, as if soaked in ink, resembles an ancient dragon coiled on the earth. With its massive and ferocious body, it tightly embraces the ominous complex of buildings, forming a natural and awe-inspiring barrier.

Gu Rubing led his elite troops, who were extremely tired but still had sharp eyes, and quietly lay in ambush behind a hidden rock ridge on the outer edge of the mountain range, which was high up and covered by wind-eroded rock pillars and shadows.

Using the last vestiges of dusk's dim light and the malevolent aura emanating from the altar itself—so thick it distorted the light—they observed from afar the legendary Liangzhou altar, the place believed to hold the ultimate conspiracy of Penglai.

Even from several miles away, a heavy, oppressive feeling that made one's heart feel like it was about to stop still swept over them like a tide, causing every soldier in ambush to subconsciously hold their breath.

The architectural style of the main altar was completely different from any known civilization of the time.

They are mostly constructed from huge, seemingly light-absorbing black stones and some kind of material that shimmers with a dark metallic luster. Their sharp edges seem to pierce the sky, and their overall shape is full of aggressive and inhuman coldness.

The towering towers resemble black swords pointing to the sky, and their tops are often inlaid with huge, eerie crystals that emit a ghostly green or dark red light.

These crystals seemed to pulsate slowly, constantly spraying visible, distorted, and fluctuating streams of energy into the gray sky, emitting a low hum.

At the very center of the complex is a particularly massive pyramid-shaped structure, its base almost the size of a small hill!

At the top of this black pyramid, there appears to be a wide platform where the most terrifying energy gathers, forming an incredibly thick pillar of light that is a mixture of black, green, and red, constantly twisting and tumbling, like a demonic pillar supporting the heavens and the earth, fiercely piercing the sky!
The beam of light stirred the perpetually murky clouds above, forming a massive, slowly rotating energy vortex that covered almost the entire headquarters. At the center of the vortex, electric snakes crackled and thunder rumbled faintly.

The entire headquarters area was shrouded in a semi-transparent energy screen that shimmered with countless complex runes.

The light screen resembled an inverted giant bowl, with flowing runes on it that seemed alive, flickering and radiating powerful energy fluctuations. It was clearly an extremely powerful protective array, inspiring awe and fear.

Beyond the magic circle lay a truly chilling sight—the Divine Marching Army's formations stood solemnly like a forest!
These advanced units are no longer the somewhat sluggish and poorly equipped early-stage units at the Qilian Mountains base.

Their armor was thicker and more refined, gleaming with a cold metallic gleam, and they seemed to be taller and more robust, standing there silently like a black steel jungle.

The ghostly light in their eyes blazed even brighter, filled with a pure and efficient killing intent; they were clearly an enhanced elite version.

Besides the massive main force of the Divine March, one can also see squads of sorcerers dressed in black robes embroidered with eerie patterns and wielding staffs topped with various colored crystals, patrolling along fixed routes. They are surrounded by faint elemental fluctuations or mental interference fields, clearly indicating that they are units responsible for magical support and vigilance.

Further away, a small number of demon cavalrymen who had previously caused Gu Rubing's army great suffering were still patrolling a specific area as a mobile force. Their demonic horses burning with green flames and their black flame swords remained a huge threat.

The main entrance to the main altar is a huge stone staircase, wide enough for ten riders to ride abreast, that seems to lead straight to the depths of the underworld.

On either side of the stone steps stood two rows of enormous, grotesquely carved gargoyle sculptures, seemingly ready to come alive and pounce on any living creature. Their scarlet gem-like eyes gleamed with malice in the dim light.

The entire stone staircase was covered with densely packed glowing runes, with powerful energy flowing within it. It was clearly filled with deadly traps and restrictions, and was by no means a place that could be easily passed through.

"Gudong."

Someone swallowed hard, their voice unusually clear in the deathly silent hiding place.

A chilling and solemn look flashed in Guan Yu's narrowed phoenix eyes. He stroked his long beard, the Green Dragon Crescent Blade that had accompanied him in battle for many years.

Seemingly sensing the boiling, magma-like fighting spirit and killing intent in its master's heart, the blade spontaneously emitted a deep and clear humming sound, and a chilling blade intent permeated the air.

Zhang Fei grinned, revealing two rows of gleaming white teeth. His leopard eyes flashed with ferocity as he lowered his voice, speaking as if a beast were grinding its teeth.

"Hey...what a big show!"

That's more like it! Enough for me, Old Zhang, to really enjoy myself!

Zhao Yun's gaze was calm as still water, and his fingers gripping the bright silver spear were as steady as a rock, but his slightly constricted pupils revealed his extreme vigilance.

Huang Zhong silently inspected the few remaining specially made evil-repelling arrows in his quiver, his eyes sharp as an eagle's.

Ma Chao licked his slightly chapped lips, his face filled with eager excitement and solemnity in the face of a formidable enemy.

Gu Rubing took in the scene before him, which resembled a dragon's den or a tiger's lair. He took a deep breath of the air, which was thick with the smell of sulfur and decay. The resolute flames in his chest burned even more fiercely.

The goal is in sight, and even if there are mountains of knives and seas of fire, or bottomless abysses ahead, we will... forge ahead without hesitation!

Lurking behind the cold rocks, everyone's nerves were on edge, their eyes scanning the distant, hellish headquarters.

Zhao Yun's gaze was calm and composed. His eyes followed the patrolling formations of the Divine Army and the squads of black-robed sorcerers closely. His mind raced as he silently calculated the precise time intervals between their shifts and memorized every turning point and blind spot in their patrol routes.

This is crucial for planning the raid route.

Huang Zhong narrowed his eyes, which were weathered yet still sharp as a hawk's, and looked past the outer guards to the dark green or crimson crystals atop the towering towers that were constantly spewing out streams of energy.

His rough fingers unconsciously rubbed the bowstring lightly, silently estimating the distance and altitude between them, as well as the influence of wind direction and the convection of evil energy. He seemed to be calmly judging whether his arrow, which contained the power to ward off evil, could cross this deadly distance and accurately hit those possible key points.

Ma Chao's gaze, as if drawn by a magnet, was firmly locked onto the demon cavalrymen roaming in a specific area.

His handsome face showed no fear, only a burning, almost bursting fighting spirit! The pride of the Xiliang Iron Cavalry made him yearn to confront these strongest enemies head-on, to use his tiger-headed golden spear to weigh the true strength of these monsters.

Gu Rubing's brows furrowed deeply, forming a deep furrow. The defensive strength displayed by the main altar far exceeded his worst-case scenario.

The tight military formations, the eerie sorcerers, the powerful demon cavalry, and the protective magic arrays and ubiquitous traps that covered the entire area formed an almost impenetrable net of death.

storm?

He forcibly suppressed the thought as soon as it arose.

Even if every member of their team was an elite soldier capable of taking on ten men, and even if Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were fierce generals who could defeat ten thousand men, the result of their forced charge against such a formidable defense was still uncertain.

It would inevitably be a mountain of corpses and a sea of ​​blood, with losses reaching their extreme, and it's even very likely... that the entire army would be wiped out, and they still wouldn't be able to truly reach that core pyramid.

Moreover, the intense unease in his heart mainly stemmed from the energy beam that shot into the sky and stirred up the wind and clouds at the top of the central pyramid!

The "Project to Heaven" and the so-called "final stage ritual" mentioned in the bamboo slips may very well have taken place at the top of that pyramid!
Every moment of delay increases the chances of the ceremony succeeding!
We must find a way to infiltrate it, or at least disrupt its defense system and find the key or weak point of the protective array!

“Mr. Wu,” Gu Rubing lowered his voice and beckoned to the strategist who was proficient in geomancy, as well as several scribes who had some knowledge of ancient runes.

“Look closely at this protective light barrier and the energy flow throughout the main altar. Is there any pattern? Or… is there some kind of weakness that can be exploited?”

"Yes, my lord, we will do our best!"

Wu, the strategist, and several scribes bowed quickly, then huddled together. By the dim light, they took out compasses and paper, concentrating intently on observing and deducing, trying to find a flaw in the flowing runes and energy fluctuations. (End of Chapter)