Chapter 162: Ruan Xing Ling Breaks Through to Foundation Establishment (Seeking Subscriptions)
“As expected, he’s recklessly bold. . . ”
Inside the Shard World, Fang Xi's Divine Consciousness swept over this scene, and he couldn't help but chuckle wryly.
Today, he had listened to the Great Wu preach, and it had left him deeply contemplative.
“The method of opening Spiritual Apertures for the people of this world is truly exquisite, but their subsequent methods for absorbing spiritual energy are rather crude. How can merely sensing and absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth through acupuncture points compare to cultivation methods based on a full Heavenly Cycle? ”
Therefore, Fang Xi casually took out a Qi Refinement cultivation art, added some of his own understanding, then modified it, compiling it into the 'Spirit Awakening Scripture', which he imparted to Ba Ji.
According to his estimation, this should significantly improve the efficiency with which the boy absorbed spiritual energy, at least equivalent to one complete Spiritual Aperture, perhaps even two!
As for the crudeness of the cultivation method, potentially leading to Qi Deviation?
The Wu people of this world are physically robust, so they aren't afraid of haphazard cultivation. Besides, even if he dies. . . it's no big deal, Fang Xi could just find another 'Mirror Holder'!
...
Before the Great Wu's cave abode.
“I succeeded! ”
Ba Ji, his expression elated, stood before the Great Wu.
“Oh? You have indeed become a formal 'Wu'! ”
The Great Wu grasped Ba Ji's arm, sensing carefully, a hint of shock in his murky eyes, which soon turned into a smile: “Go, go into the cave and choose the Battle Glyph that suits you best! ”
“Yes! ”
Ba Ji, brimming with excitement, stepped into the cave.
The interior of the cave was dim, lit by torches.
On rows of stone platforms, lay sheets of beast hide, covered with numerous complex patterns and symbols.
Some symbols didn't even require beast hide; they were recorded on stone slabs, their lines incredibly clear.
“Battle Glyphs! Using the Yuan Qi of heaven and earth as ink, and oneself as the canvas, inscribing Battle Glyphs onto one's body allows one to cast Wu spells! ”
Ba Ji's expression shifted, and he took out the fragment of the All-Heavens Precious Mirror.
Knowing that this item was extraordinary, he intentionally brought it along when choosing his Battle Glyph.
Fang Xi's Divine Consciousness swept over them, and he was even more moved: “These. . . could these possibly all be. . . Array Glyphs? ! ”
He looked at the numerous Array Glyphs he had never seen before, his heart deeply stirred: “That's right. . . according to the oral traditions of the Wu people, their Wu spells are learned from fierce beasts, and these beast hides here are all from fierce beasts. . . ”
Fang Xi had previously found the Wu people's power inheritance to be quite peculiar.
Upon closer observation, he immediately drew more conclusions: “The Wu's inscription of Law Glyphs onto their bodies is equivalent to a method of 'refining arrays into the body'. . . ”
Refining arrays into the body!
In the South Barrens Cultivation World, only some grandmasters of formations dared to attempt this, as cultivators' bodies were inherently fragile.
But these Wu people were clearly physically robust; even young boys and girls could effortlessly lift bronze cauldrons. They could also open Spiritual Apertures, indicating some special aspects in their physical composition.
“Refining arrays into the body to activate Wu spells. . . ”
“This behavior is quite similar to how demon beasts awaken their innate demon arts. . . ”
Fang Xi's Divine Consciousness swept across, rapidly memorizing the patterns on each beast hide.
These were all invaluable treasures!
“The 'Law Glyph' chosen at the very beginning determines a Wu's subsequent path. . . ”
Ba Ji muttered to himself: “Qing Lang chose the 'Wind Blade Law Glyph', enabling him to manipulate wind pressure to form wind blades. . . What should I choose? ”
Unfortunately, the shattered mirror fragment in his hand remained motionless, offering no hint whatsoever.
After all, Fang Xi was completely in the dark regarding the path of the Wu's Battle Glyphs, so he wouldn't make a fool of himself by offering advice.
Moreover, guiding this kid was nowhere near as important as memorizing these Array Glyphs.
...
South Barrens Cultivation World.
Peach Blossom Pavilion.
“Congratulations, Young Master, on emerging from seclusion! You've been in secluded cultivation for several months; your cultivation must have greatly advanced, I presume? ”
Jin Ling's face was beaming with joy as she saw Fang Xi emerge, and she couldn't help but offer her congratulations.
“Haha, yes, there's been a small improvement. ”
Fang Xi couldn't hide the smile at the corner of his mouth.
Through comprehending the vast number of Array Glyphs he had 'acquired' from within the Great Wu's cave abode, he felt that his diligently cultivated path of formations had finally achieved a breakthrough.
He could now vaguely touch the threshold of a second-tier Array Master! He would soon step into the second tier!
Second-tier formations!
Whether it was the ancestral grounds of Foundation Establishment families or a Cultivation City. . . a second-tier grand array was needed for defense. Once Fang Xi released this news, a continuous stream of people was guaranteed to come to his door, and he would definitely earn a large amount of Spirit Stone resources.
If he reached the third tier. . .
His status would be almost on par with a Core Formation ancestor.
Didn't the Song Clan secure their stronghold as stable as Mount Tai merely by relying on a third-tier formation?
“After reaching the second tier, I'll be able to set up a low-grade second-tier grand array. Of course. . . the formations I lay out will inevitably have some flaws; self-creating formations is, after all, more troublesome than learning existing second-tier ones. . . ”
“However, I can at least try to repair that 'Wood Spirit Divine Lightning Incomplete Array'. . . ”
Although both were second-tier Array Masters, Fang Xi's craftsmanship might not necessarily surpass that of the Foundation Establishment cultivator who had repaired the array before.
But Fang Xi also had his unique skill: the peculiar Array Glyphs from another world!
If it was just a minor repair to the 'Wood Spirit Divine Lightning Array', he had the confidence to do it.
“Haha. . . Uncle, I've broken through! ”
Wei Yi Xi also arrived in the courtyard, gnawing on a peach, a cheerful smile on her face.
Observing her cultivation, she had already reached the seventh level of Qi Refinement.
“Hmm, good, keep up the effort. ”
Fang Xi's expression was indifferent. If he hadn't told Jin Ling to send her a breakthrough pill, would this little girl have been able to break through so quickly? Dream on!
Fortunately, his initial constraint on everyone was merely to avoid being affected by the aftermath of the Core Formation Spiritual Item auction. Now, it was almost over.
...
After emerging from seclusion, Fang Xi found an excuse to leave the city, but he merely wandered around before returning with two second-tier demon beasts, which he then sold at the Cultivation City for materials.
Besides materials for repairing the second-tier puppet, there were also some spiritual materials he prepared for repairing the 'Wood Spirit Divine Lightning Array'.
Inside the secret chamber.
Fang Xi summoned his azure Innate True Fire, using it to scorch a piece of golden ore.
As the temperature continuously rose, the ore gradually melted.
Just as the ore was on the verge of fully melting, he rapidly tapped his fingers, drawing out strands of golden silk threads, which he then wove into the wings of the second-tier flying puppet beside him, as if knitting.
Although he had acquired the inheritance for second-tier puppets, he currently lacked the ability to independently create them.
However, performing simple repairs and maintenance posed no significant problem.
Several hours later, gazing at the crow puppet, which now subtly shimmered with gold amidst its black feathers after being re-forged, Fang Xi nodded in satisfaction:
“Not bad, not bad. . . The speed of this flying puppet should be a notch faster than the escape speed of an ordinary mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. . . excluding cultivators with special spiritual roots like wind or lightning! ”
Fang Xi then took out the formation plate and flags of the 'Wood Spirit Divine Lightning Array', beginning to ponder methods for repairing the array.
Time ticked by. Just as some ideas began to form in his mind, he suddenly furrowed his brow.
The next moment, he opened the restrictions of his secret chamber, and a sound transmission talisman flew out.
Fang Xi took the talisman, listened for a few moments, and a hint of joy flashed across his face. He immediately emerged from seclusion.
In the courtyard.
Beneath the peach blossom tree, Ruan Xing Ling stood timidly in her peach-colored magical robe, her beauty surpassing that of the flowers.
“Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Ruan, on successfully breaking through to Foundation Establishment! For Fellow Daoist to achieve Foundation Establishment at such an advanced age is truly a role model for our generation! ”
Fang Xi smiled at the sight and performed an ancient congratulatory bow.
Counting the time, indeed several months had passed since Ruan Xing Ling entered seclusion for Foundation Establishment. Her successful emergence now was perfectly timed.
“It was merely a stroke of luck. . . ”
Ruan Xing Ling's hair was entirely black, showing no signs of the previous gray roots, clearly indicating a significant increase in her vitality.
She smiled gently, then continued: “I suddenly thought of something that I must resolve quickly back at Myriad Islands Lake. Dan'er will still need to be guided by Fellow Daoist. . . ”
This unusual behavior immediately caught Fang Xi's attention: “Why such haste, Fellow Daoist Ruan? ”
Ruan Xing Ling gave a bitter smile, her face even a little pale.
She released her Divine Consciousness, confirmed that no one was eavesdropping, and then, as if finally making up her mind, said:
“To tell you the truth. . . there are indeed some unspoken difficulties regarding my Foundation Establishment this time. ”
‘I knew it. Even selling Peach Blossom Island wouldn't be enough to buy a Core Formation Spiritual Item. . . ’
Fang Xi's heart stirred as he listened to Ruan Xing Ling's narration.
“. . . This time, I was able to successfully achieve Foundation Establishment because I received assistance from an outsider. Upon my return, I must repay this karmic debt. . . ”
Ruan Xing Ling said with a bitter smile, still concealing the matter of the Demonic Cultivator. Fang Xi felt that this was probably due to her many scruples, and also because she didn't want him and the others to worry needlessly.
“Myriad Islands Lake. . . is not a benevolent place. ”
Fang Xi thought for a moment, then revealed a little of his own background: “I actually secretly participated in the Battle of Dragon Fish Island last time, in pursuit of a Core Formation Spiritual Item. . . I felt that Fellow Daoist Ye San Ren of the Thirty-Six Islands Alliance seemed to have other forces backing him! ”
“Ye San Ren? ”
Ruan Xing Ling was startled, then murmured to herself: “So it was him. Then everything makes sense. Thank you, Fellow Daoist Fang, for telling me this! ”
“Fellow Daoist Ruan, are you still returning to Myriad Islands Lake? Now that you've escaped the cage, why go back? Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing to lie low in the Immortal City for several decades and wait for everything to pass? ”
Fang Xi asked.
“I'm afraid not. . . ”
Ruan Xing Ling gently shook her head, a hint of poignant beauty in her demeanor: “This is the cultivation method I practice. Please, Fellow Daoist, hand it over to Dan'er in the future. . . ”
She handed over a jade slip. Fang Xi swept his Divine Consciousness over it and discovered it was titled{Profound Sound Art}. It was actually a rare sound-based cultivation method, skilled in various sonic spells, fiercely offensive, and could be cultivated all the way to the late stage of Foundation Establishment. Furthermore, it could be practiced by cultivators with any of the five elements' spiritual roots, making its value astonishing.
‘This woman even handed over her fundamental cultivation method to me, she clearly trusts me greatly. . . ’
‘Yet, even so, she refuses to speak plainly. . . Eh, there's even a message at the back of this jade slip? ’
Fang Xi's heart stirred. He could only cup his hands: “May Fellow Daoist have a safe journey. I will personally see Fellow Daoist out of the city! ”
...
Several days later.
Fang Xi, accompanied by Ruan Dan and others, saw Ruan Xing Ling off.
Even Ruan Dan, despite her cool demeanor, couldn't help but have red eyes at this moment.
“Alright, let's go back. It's not like it's a parting of life and death. . . Your master is just going to handle some matters. . . ”
Fang Xi waved his hand, leading everyone back.
In the afternoon, Lu Guo exited the Peach Blossom Pavilion, seemingly captivated by the prosperity of White Peace Immortal City, intending to explore the outer city thoroughly.
As he wandered, he suddenly slipped into an alley, and then an old man with a white beard emerged from it.
The old man walked out of the Immortal City and arrived at a deserted spot in the suburbs, where he took out a talisman.
This talisman was square, surprisingly a rare jade talisman!
When he bit his finger and dripped blood onto it, the surface of the talisman immediately shimmered with light.
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