Chapter 180: Second-Order Array (Dedicated to the Silver Grand Alliance! )
Chapter 180: Second-Order Array (Dedicated to the Silver Grand Alliance! )
South Barrens Cultivation World.
Inside the abode.
Fang Xi idly examined the two demon cores in his hand, pondering silently.
This time, he had traveled to the Da Liang world and replenished some monster beast materials. However, his luck was poor, yielding only two demon cores.
One of these two demon cores was entirely black, dotted with starlight, while the other resembled a boundless blue sea, from which the faint sound of surging waves could be heard. It was truly peculiar.
Putting the two demon cores away, he casually retrieved the array, abandoned this abode he had casually opened in the spirit-less land, and flew in another direction.
During his flight, the muscles and bones of his face writhed, transforming him into the appearance of an old man. This was the mastery of the Martial God over his body, combined with the techniques of the 'Hundred Illusions Art'. Even a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator might not be able to see through his disguise.
......
White Peace Immortal City is the largest cultivation city in the nearby three countries, while Green Spirit Mountain Market can be said to be the largest cultivation city in the State of Yue. Its true master is the Black Heaven Sect!
The Black Heaven Sect holds sway over the cultivation world of the State of Yue, occupying the 'Black Heaven Mountain Range' which boasts a third-order superior-grade spirit vein, brimming with spiritual energy.
Furthermore, several miniature spirit stone veins within the State of Yue's borders, as well as its largest cultivation markets, are all properties of the Black Heaven Sect.
Green Spirit Mountain Market is naturally no exception. Within the market, a second-order superior-grade 'Five Elements Heaven-Confusing Array' is set up for protection, and it is permanently guarded by a mid-stage Foundation Establishment or several early-stage Foundation Establishment sect deacons.
Even when the Heaven Extermination Alliance was at its most rampant, they dared not invade Green Spirit Mountain Market.
On this day.
A black cloud descended upon the entrance of Green Spirit Mountain Market, revealing a long-bearded Daoist.
“Greetings, Senior! ”
The usually arrogant patrol spirit guards instantly changed their expressions, bowing obsequiously, their faces filled with fawning smiles as they saluted: “Senior, are you entering the market? This humble one shall immediately activate the array. . . May I ask for Senior's esteemed name? ”
The Qi Refinement cultivators who were originally queuing didn't feel the slightest impropriety about a Foundation Establishment cultivator cutting in line. Instead, they all looked at the lean Daoist with gazes of admiration and curiosity.
“This venerable one. . . is Daoist Mu! ”
Fang Xi's voice was hoarse, and he revealed a faint smile.
After entering the market, he walked along the main thoroughfare, observing that the passing Qi Refinement cultivators all respectfully stepped aside, not daring to walk alongside a Foundation Establishment grandmaster.
Fang Xi paid no heed to the rogue cultivators' stalls or other shops around him, heading directly to the largest establishment, 'Black Heaven Pavilion'.
Undoubtedly, 'Black Heaven Pavilion' was also an asset of the Black Heaven Sect.
“This Senior. . . please proceed to the third floor! ”
The greeter on the first floor, upon seeing Fang Xi, immediately bowed with utmost respect and invited him to the third floor.
Only after Fang Xi's figure disappeared did the Qi Refinement cultivators in the hall, who had not dared to even breathe, finally let out sighs of relief.
“Is this. . . a Foundation Establishment Grand Cultivator? To think he can go directly to the third floor? ”
A young girl in a red skirt couldn't help but exclaim, her face full of envy: “Even if our family's Old Ancestor came, he would at most have only been to the second floor. . . ”
......
The third floor's ambiance was exceedingly elegant. Not long after Fang Xi took his seat, a streak of escape light hastily arrived, transforming into a dignified-looking middle-aged man.
He wore a glistening azure Daoist robe, with a red mark on his brow. His features were refined, and he first bowed with a smile: “This humble one is Yan Huayang, the Black Heaven Sect's Garrison Elder and Black Heaven Pavilion's Head Steward. Greetings, Daoist Mu. . . May I inquire about Daoist Mu's immortal abode? It is truly shameful to admit, this humble one considers himself well-connected in the State of Yue, yet I am so ignorant as to have never heard of Daoist's esteemed name. . . ”
“This humble Daoist has dedicated himself to arduous cultivation and rarely leaves his abode. It is only natural that Daoist is unaware. ”
Fang Xi's voice was hoarse, and he revealed a faint smile.
‘This person is collecting auxiliary materials for Foundation Establishment Pills. It seems he's preparing Foundation Establishment Pills for a relative or disciple. . . ’
Yan Huayang's heart settled, and he chuckled: “If it were second-order demon cores, this humble one truly couldn't provide them. . . But this Pavilion happens to have one set of Dragon Transformation Ginseng and Verdant Spirit Liquid. I shall fetch them for Daoist. The price is one thousand four hundred spirit stones, what do you think, Daoist? ”
“These two spirit materials usually sell for around one thousand five hundred spirit stones. Consider it me owing Daoist a favor. . . ”
Fang Xi laughed heartily.
What did Daoist Mu's favor have to do with Fang Xi anyway?
Moreover, the price of these two auxiliary materials was actually the same as a single Dragon Transformation Ginseng at the auction back then, which truly showed the benefits brought by a Foundation Establishment cultivator's status.
When the maidservant brought the box containing the materials, Yan Huayang picked up his teacup, feeling a little dejected.
He had conversed with Fang Xi, trying to subtly probe his background, but Fang Xi had deflected his questions with soft rebuffs, proving to be completely impenetrable.
“Not bad, not bad. This Dragon Transformation Ginseng is brimming with spiritual essence. It must have been recently picked, right? ”
Fang Xi carefully inspected the Dragon Transformation Ginseng and Verdant Spirit Liquid, and satisfied, handed over the spirit stones. After a thought, he smiled again: “This humble one is still short of a few materials. . . ”
He then rattled off several spirit materials he lacked, causing Yan Huayang's expression to subtly change: “Five-hundred-year Heavenly Silkworm Silk, Sky Disk Stone, Star-Patterned Steel. . . these are all materials for refining second-order array disks and array flags! Daoist, are you perhaps an Array Master? ”
“Heh heh, just a slight dabbler. . . ”
Fang Xi replied noncommittally: “Does your esteemed Pavilion have these materials? ”
“Of course, we do. Please wait a moment, Daoist. . . ”
Yan Huayang picked up a communication talisman and gave a few instructions, his eyes growing even more eager: “Does Daoist have any affiliations? Are you interested in joining our Black Heaven Sect? Our Black Heaven Sect has always treated guest elders exceptionally well. . . ”
Fang Xi laughed evasively, artfully changing the subject to brush him off.
Although Yan Huayang was somewhat disappointed, he wasn't discouraged, as it was only their first meeting after all.
After the transaction was complete, as he watched Fang Xi's retreating figure, he thoughtfully rubbed the red mark on his brow, his expression exceedingly solemn:
‘Who exactly is this person? Even my spiritual eye feels a sense of incomprehensibility. . . ’
......
After leaving Green Spirit Mountain Market, Fang Xi controlled his escape light and vanished in an instant.
He circled a few times, confirmed he wasn't being followed, and then arrived at a desolate mountain, where he opened a cave abode and set up an array. . . everything flowed with practiced ease.
Upon the crude stone bed carved by an artifact, Fang Xi sat cross-legged. He first took out the box containing the demon cores and medicinal herbs, as well as the second-order alchemy furnace refined by Ruan Xing Ling.
The furnace itself exuded a brassy luster, its surface faintly adorned with beast patterns.
“Foundation Establishment Pill. . . ”
He thought for a moment, then directly opened his mouth and spat out a stream of verdant innate true fire, beginning the alchemy.
He was already intimately familiar with the refinement of this pill.
Moreover, with his Foundation Establishment cultivation and the aid of a second-order alchemy furnace, it was incomparable to before.
“This time, I can add more auxiliary materials to see what my pill formation rate truly is. . . ”
Refining auxiliary spiritual medicines, adding Dragon Transformation Ginseng. . .
Then, refining the demon cores, using Verdant Spirit Liquid to combine their medicinal properties. . .
Every step Fang Xi took was unhurried, yet contained a unique rhythm.
A month later.
“Open! ”
He cast the pill-collecting incantation and slapped the alchemy furnace.
Buzz!
The second-order alchemy furnace opened, and medicinal fragrance overflowed.
Three pills flew out and landed in Fang Xi's hand, all of them Foundation Establishment Pills emitting a dazzling blue light!
However, one of them was slightly smaller, its faint blue radiance receding instantly, turning into a pile of black ash.
Another had a grey pattern appearing on its surface.
“Two pills formed, one perfect-grade, one inferior-grade. . . Alas, it's been too long since I refined pills; my skill has regressed a bit. I thought I'd get at least two perfect-grade pills. . . ”
Fang Xi, with a touch of affected modesty, then took out a jade bottle and carefully stored the two Foundation Establishment Pills.
He then rested for a while, meditating and recovering his magic power. . .
Several days later, his expression turned solemn as he took out the Heavenly Silkworm Silk, Sky Disk Stone, Star-Patterned Steel, and other materials he already possessed. . .
“These materials. . . are barely enough to refine second-order superior-grade array flags and an array disk. . . ”
“But I don't need permanent ones at all; a single-use array disk will suffice. . . ”
If they were permanent, it would be easy for their secrets to be discovered after repeated use. Single-use ones were perfect: used and then destroyed.
Moreover, single-use arrays required less demanding materials.
Fang Xi then took out the jade slip recording the 'Earth-Shaking Treasure Glyph' and examined it carefully.
Following that, he spat out a stream of innate true fire and began refining a 'Earth Element Array Flag'. . .
Three days later, the 'Earth Element Array Flag' was refined. Fang Xi then immediately began refining the 'Petrify into Mud Array Flag'. . .
These two array flags could form a 'Earth Escape' array gate!
“Earth Escape, Mountain Shake, Void Break. . . three array gates can be formed. Then, within the array disk, I will refine the path of treasure glyph fusion. . . ”
“Thus, the grand array will be complete! ”
......
Several months later.
Daoist Mu, Fang Xi's disguised form, returned to Green Spirit Mountain Market.
Black Heaven Pavilion, third floor.
“Daoist Mu. . . ”
Yan Huayang was slightly surprised to see Fang Xi: “Has Daoist Mu perhaps acquired the demon cores? Are you still in need of an alchemy grandmaster? This humble one can certainly introduce one or two. . . ”
“Alas, demon cores are hard to find. This humble Daoist can only try his luck with the beast tide in White Peace Immortal City. . . ”
Fang Xi sighed: “This time, I came to ask. . . does Daoist's establishment here purchase arrays? ”
“That. . . naturally, we do. ”
Yan Huayang unhurriedly sipped his spiritual tea: “May I ask what grade of array Daoist's array is? ”
“Just a second-order superior-grade single-use array. . . capable of unleashing a blow comparable to a quasi-third-order one, merely for destroying spirit veins. . . ”
Fang Xi answered with an unperturbed expression.
“Cough cough. . . ”
Yan Huayang immediately covered his mouth, his face flushed crimson as he stared at Fang Xi, speechless for a long time. . .
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