A Farmer's Journey To Immortality

The imperial cultivators might not be formation experts.

But at least they had been prepared to fight against formations, thanks to their deep backgrounds, top-tier techniques, high-grade artifacts, and vast experience.

The Sun Ocean Lord, on the other hand, didn’t have access to any of those.

Plus, he was especially helpless against above-average 3rd Order formations. One had to know that the 3rd Order Formation set up for his own Sun Ocean Sect had been established with the Green Glory Lord’s help.

If Aksai stopped protecting him and instead used the Demon Vines, demon beasts, and various killing mechanisms of the formation against him as revenge for dragging him into this conflict, the old Lord doubted he could survive for even a minute.

He couldn’t help but feel bitter.

He had thought that getting Aksai involved would give him another powerful ally. He could then offer him some 3rd Order Spirit resources as compensation to settle the matter.

How could he have known that Aksai was the least likely native Lord who would be in need of 3rd Order Spirit resources from him?

Instead, he had somehow become an additional combatant under Aksai’s command.

The Sun Ocean Lord took a deep breath.

All the native Lords of the subcontinent might not be capable combatants when put against the imperial cultivators, but they knew how to survive by adapting to the situation.

"Alright."

He looked at Aksai.

"Lord Aksai, let me do my share and deal with that shield bastard. Of course, you’d have to give me full control of the Array Eye and help me defend myself using the formation."

The Sun Ocean Lord’s tone became serious.

He wasn’t foolish enough to fight a peak mid-stage Lord from the empire without any support. If he was going to fight Droven, he needed the formation’s assistance.

Otherwise, he would simply be throwing his life away.

Aksai didn’t take long to answer.

"Fine."

The Spirit Farmer had already anticipated the condition. The Sun Ocean Lord was useful, at least for now. Moreover, having another Lord inside the formation would allow him to conserve his own Spirit Essence.

Aksai raised his hand.

A faint green light flashed between his fingers.

Immediately, the formation responded, and the fog around the Sun Ocean Lord twisted.

Space seemed to distort for a brief moment.

Then—

Whoosh!

The Sun Ocean Lord’s figure disappeared.

In the next instant, he reappeared within Droven’s isolated battlefield.

The armored giant immediately noticed the sudden arrival.

His eyes narrowed.

’Hmm? Is it the formation master?’

The Sun Ocean Lord hovered several dozen meters away.

Even though it looked like he was completely exposed to Droven’s attacks, the Sun Ocean Lord was inside a mobile Array Eye at this point.

His expression was solemn as he looked at Droven.

Then at the countless Demon Vines surrounding them.

He could also see the destruction that Droven had caused around him.

’Haah...’

The old Lord sighed inwardly.

’Why did I have to pick such a troublesome opponent?’

Droven’s expression became cold as he looked at the Sun Ocean Lord.

"You? The rat who stole from us and fled now dares to fight us?"

The Sun Ocean Lord forced a smile.

"Unfortunately, yes."

His Spirit Essence began circulating.

At the same time, the surrounding formation trembled, and the vines immediately shifted.

Several thick vines rose from the ground behind the Sun Ocean Lord, forming a defensive barrier around him.

The old man’s expression relaxed slightly.

At least he wouldn’t have to fight the imperial cultivator head-on.

Droven noticed the change as well, and his eyes narrowed.

"So you’re the master of this formation."

"No."

The Sun Ocean Lord immediately shook his head, not wanting to incite any more hatred from the imperial cultivators than he already had.

"I’m merely borrowing its help."

Droven’s expression became thoughtful.

Then his gaze sharpened.

"Interesting. Who is the formation master, then? Care to give me a name?"

The Sun Ocean Lord didn’t answer.

He simply raised both hands as a deep golden-red Spirit Flame erupted around his body.

Since he had decided to fight Droven, the Sun Ocean Lord had decided to go all in.

Even though the Sun Ocean Lord was not a particularly capable fighter, he was a skilled schemer and survival expert. Plus, he had lived a long life spanning almost five centuries. During that time, he had collected and refined many trump cards.

Droven, too, decided to take the Sun Ocean Lord seriously.

Earlier, it had only been a coincidence that the two teams of imperial cultivators had come together. However, the Sun Ocean Lord had not only managed to steal from them but had also successfully escaped their encirclement.

Although the four imperial cultivators hadn’t taken the Sun Ocean Lord seriously at first, Droven had to acknowledge that the old Lord was quite skilled at evasion and sneak attacks.

Droven was separated from his peers at this point. Plus, with the formation’s assistance, the Sun Ocean Lord had earned the qualifications to face him.

Furthermore, Droven was not someone who would belittle the Sun Ocean Lord simply because he was a native of this region.

Both the Sun Ocean Lord and Droven prepared themselves to face each other to the best of their abilities.

At this point, the isolated layer within the formation helped them concentrate solely on their opponent without worrying about outside interference.

As soon as both sides completed their initial preparations, the battle began.

Sparks flew, and Spirit Pulses from various Spells began erupting in abundance.

***

Aksai’s Spirit Sense quietly withdrew from the battlefield as Droven and the Sun Ocean Lord initiated their attacks.

He had no intention of helping the Sun Ocean Lord anymore.

He also had no great expectations from him.

As long as the old Lord could keep Droven busy for a while, that was enough.

With Varesh and Droven being temporarily dealt with, Aksai’s eyes then shifted toward the remaining two isolated sections.

Saelyr and Neshara.

Those two female cultivators from the empire were his next targets.