"Phew——!!!!"

Xu Ran let out a long breath, feeling not the slightest surprise about this matter.

"The origin I analyzed from the Celestial Secret Divine Gaze allowed me to identify the array eye of this formation immediately!"

When this formation was just taking shape, Xu Ran closed his eyes, not just to harness the power contained within his body, but for a very crucial task: to determine the location of the array eye of this formation.

As is well known, powerful formations can combine a few tier-one entities to exert several to hundreds of times their power; formations are extremely rare no matter where they are placed.

Since Xu Ran entered the Origin Realm, he hadn’t had the chance to witness any formation, except for the previously encountered Celestial Spirit Sword Array.

Moreover, this current formation was deployed by nine powerful war puppets, and with his present cultivation, it was impossible to break it by sheer force.

Unless... he could find the array eye within it!!!!! Break it with a single strike!!!

The array eye is the most critical part of a formation, also its weakest, and simultaneously its most concealed aspect.

Usually, those knowledgeable about formations would place the array eye in the most hidden place; otherwise, if discovered, the formation could be destroyed effortlessly.

Initially, Xu Ran couldn’t locate the array eye of this formation, but he suddenly recalled the peculiar feeling he encountered while analyzing the origin from the Celestial Secret Divine Gaze. By reverse deduction, he then pinpointed the array eye of this formation.

Otherwise, even with the force of the previous punch multiplied by hundreds, there would be no means to shatter the formation successfully and escape.

Although Xu Ran’s voice wasn’t loud, it reached every corner, and the soul bodies observing outside the Dueling Arena clearly heard his words.

"What did that newcomer just say? He deduced the location of the Nether Array’s array eye by analyzing the origin from the Celestial Secret Divine Gaze?"

"Is his comprehension ability truly this formidable?!"

"Finding the location of the Nether Array’s array eye in such a short time—what a genuine genius!"

"Could this newcomer also be a formation prodigy?"

"..."

Inside the Dueling Arena, discussions erupted, with everyone talking about Xu Ran.

"He’s deduced even the array eye of the Nether Array—what other array’s array eye can’t he deduce?" The junior sister’s bright eyes trembled incessantly at that moment.

Xu Ran’s performance had utterly shattered her worldview.

One must know that the just-formed formation was the Nether Array, from the Nether Abyss.

Besides, as explained by the senior brother, the Nether Array has only two functions—transformation and entrapment!

Generally, the intended function of a formation determines the characteristics of its array eye.

Entrapment implies extremely strong defense; without significant explosive power, even finding the array eye won’t allow breaking free.

"Not entirely so!" The senior brother’s voice carried slight comfort at that moment.

"As I just mentioned, the primary functions of the Nether Array are entrapment and assimilation. Although there are two functions, the entrapment serves as preparation for assimilation!"

"Meaning there are no offensive means within the Nether Array, granting time for the newcomer to analyze the array eye and harness his strength!"

"Had it been an offensive formation, it wouldn’t be this easy—even escaping would require considerable time!"

After a brief pause, the senior brother continued.

"But regardless, this newcomer’s talent is immense, unrivaled since ancient times!"

"If it were me, even deducing the array eye’s location wouldn’t prevent the Nether Array from assimilating me into a Nether Abyss creature due to time consumption!"

Although the senior brother initially highlighted Xu Ran’s weaknesses, he didn’t hold back in praising his exceptional qualities!

"Sigh!" The second senior brother sighed deeply upon hearing this. "Such a figure, if born in an era abundant with Spiritual Qi, would undoubtedly become the unrivaled first!"

"But now, with Spiritual Qi scarce, and this individual emerging from a region extremely deprived of Spiritual Qi without a complete cultivation system, it has severely hindered his cultivation progress!"

Now, both the senior brother and the second senior brother were certain Xu Ran would successfully pass this trial.

It was no longer a matter of disbelief; he had achieved too many miracles to be doubted.

Passing the Five Elements Trial was merely a matter of time.

...

While all the soul bodies were discussing, the black aura around the nine Chaotic Ancient War Puppets gradually dimmed. However, their previous failure did not hinder them from continuing to execute techniques against Xu Ran.

Soon, the nine Chaotic Ancient War Puppets reappeared at the spot where the black stone pillar had shattered previously. As they settled, the originally dim blackness restored rapidly, even becoming more intense. The black fog surrounding their bodies seemed to solidify, and the stench in the air grew stronger!

Xu Ran watched the sudden change of the nine Chaotic Ancient War Puppets intently, always on guard for their next move.

Under Xu Ran’s watchful gaze, the flesh on the originally black bodies melted away like spring snow, transforming into pools of black blood that flowed to the ground. In an instant, nine dark golden bones appeared before Xu Ran.

Xu Ran wasn’t surprised at this sudden change.