As they ventured deeper into the desert, the surrounding environment began to grow increasingly bizarre. At times, what appeared to be an endless desert ahead would turn out to be a mere illusion upon closer inspection, revealing the true terrain to be an abyss or hills. At other times, strange sounds would suddenly echo through the air—sometimes resembling whispers, other times singing—unnerving everyone who heard them.
"This is a desert illusion," Ye Wuji reminded the group. "Stay alert and don't let your minds be disturbed."
Relying on the cultivation techniques within the Heaven-Defying Formula, he kept his own mind clear and free from the influence of the illusions. At the same time, he set up a simple array among the troop to mitigate the illusions' effects on the others.
Chapter 34