Chapter 6 Formation Arrays

Within the ring there are 5,000 low-grade spirit stones, 1,000 mid-grade spirit stones, and a precious collection of 100 high-grade spirit stones. Rare books on formation techniques and precious materials, formation flags filled the space.

On Other side of map it's written

To my descendants or any who chance upon this map,

I am Li Zhao, a rogue Formation Master of the Shen Kingdom. On the 166th day of the Year of the Celestial Dragon Ascension, Dragon Son Shen Yao led an expedition to the high garde small world - Gale Realm. I was entrusted with the formation duties. However, the perils we faced were beyond our reckoning. In despair, we abandoned our quest, returning with but a fraction of our original number. The wounds we sustained were grievous, beyond healing.

This map reveals the location of the path to the Gale Realm. Heed this warning: do not unseal the path to the Gale Realm.

— Li Zhao

Note is from 2000 years ago based information provided 

Xiao Chen, eyes wide with astonishment, exclaimed, "A gateway to a new realm! This is monumental and beyond value."

The royal clan of each kingdom holds dominion over pathways to small worlds. In the Verdant Sky Empire, Beyond the royal clans, influential families like the Wang clan and the Tang clan also possess access to these realms. These worlds are rich with resources, making them incredibly valuable.

Currently impossible for him to travel or make such plans. He throws such thoughts behind his mind and try to comphrend Formations arts from book. 

These formations, crafted using intricate symbols, runes, and arrays, channel spiritual energy for various purposes such as defense, offense, trapping enemies, or enhancing cultivation.

The training of a Formation Master involves extensive study of spiritual energy, runes, and natural elements, along with practical application and experimentation.

They often learn under the guidance of experienced mentors within sects or clans, which provide a structured environment for mastering these arts.

Formation Masters apply their skills in real-world scenarios, continuously refining their techniques to create powerful and complex formations. Their expertise is highly respected, symbolizing wisdom and influence within their realms.

Formations are deeply connected to nature and the surroundings, often drawing power from the natural elements and landscapes. Different types of formations include:

- Defensive Formations: Protect areas or individuals from attacks.

- Offensive Formations: Attack or trap enemies.

- Illusionary Formations: Create illusions to confuse opponents.

- Supportive Formations: Enhance abilities or cultivation speed.

- Environmental Formations: Utilize natural elements like mountains, rivers, and forests to amplify their power.

Xiao Chen commanded AI to compile a new art from current knowledge 

[10%... 30%... 60%... 100%... removing flaws...compiling all formation insights to forge a new art.]

Xiao Chen's eyes flickered with anticipation as a fresh, tailored formation art slowly took shape before him, imbued with his knowledge and cultivation path.

The formation Art is categorized into 1- 10, sub-graded by low, mid, high, pinnacle , Transcedent, Heaven

[Compiled art is grade 3 Formation compendium, please name it]

"Heavenly formation compendium," said Xiao Chen

"Naming completed, Saved 3 Heavenly formation to Knowledge Database," said Xiao Chen. A grade 3 Heavely formation compendium appeared inside his mind" 

He cultivated the occupational art, using resources inside the ring, he created a defensive and Qi gathering array called the "Golden Lotus Array" around the sect. It's a Mid-grade Formation.

The Golden Lotus Array is a dual type array with Qi gathering and high-tier defensive formation that symbolizes Qi purity, resilience, and enlightenment. When activated, this formation conjures a radiant golden lotus beneath the feet of the practitioner, expanding outward to form a protective barrier and increase Qi in the surroundings. The lotus petals continuously rotate and shimmer with golden light, absorbing incoming attacks and converting hostile energies into nourishing spiritual power for the users.

Each of the petals embodies a different aspect of defense—nullifying offensive spells, dispersing physical force, and purifying harmful energies. The array is renowned for its unparalleled ability to ward off tangible and intangible threats, making it a favored choice for cultivators prioritizing a balance between defense and spiritual stability.

Materials used are Nine Golden Lotus Seeds each seed must be infused with a different spiritual element - Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, Light, Shadow, Wind, and Thunder, Five Spirit Stone Pillars these pillars act as the core anchor points of the array and must be placed in the formation's perimeter, Formation Flags, and Runes that are Inscribed with golden ink. The flags and runes are placed at key points to channel and guide the spiritual energy of the array.

Trr...ring!!!

Suddenly, the formation roared to life. Spiritual Qi surged, increasing fivefold in intensity. Elder Le and Sect Master Mo Yuan stood awestruck as the air buzzed with energy, the very essence of the formation fortifying the sect's defenses. With a sweep of his spiritual sense, Mo Yuan pinpointed the source—Xiao Chen.

"This boy… Not only does he dabble in alchemy, but he's now mastered formations too. Alas, I cannot say whether it will be a blessing or a curse for him in the future."

With a flash of light, Sect Master Mo Yuan appeared before Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen immediately clasped his hands and bowed in greeting. Elder Le soon joined, followed by a host of disciples, all drawn by the commotion.

"It seems you've had quite the fortuitous encounter, Xiao Chen. Tell me, what manner of formation is this?" Mo Yuan asked.

Xiao Chen raised his head and spoke calmly, "It's the Golden Lotus Guardian Array, a grade 3 defensive and Qi gathering formation capable of withstanding even a mid-Spirit Emperor Realm expert."

Mo Yuan's expression remained composed, yet inwardly he was rejoicing. A formation master! Finally, their sect had its very own formation master!

"You have rendered great service to the sect," Mo Yuan declared solemnly. "As a reward, you may choose any treasure from the sect's vault. Elder Le will assist you."

"Elder Le mentioned you recently attempted the alchemy exam. It's fine if you didn't pass; since Elder Le has vouched for your skills, the sect will continue to nurture your talent. You can always retake the exam when you're ready."

Xiao Chen hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Sect Master, I actually earned the Two-Star Alchemist badge." He revealed a glimmering badge, its brilliance catching everyone's eye.

For a split second, Mo Yuan's composure shattered. His voice cracked as he said "Good…" three times in a row, struggling to maintain his calm.

"I hereby appoint you as Honorary Elder. You will be our sect's Alchemy Master and Formation master of the sect!" he proclaimed. "You shall assist Elder Le in managing the sect's internal affairs. But worry not—your duties will only concern alchemy and formations. You'll receive a monthly stipend of one hundred low-grade spirit stones and ten thousand mortal gold coins."

Xiao Chen's tense shoulders relaxed. He'd feared being worked to the bone, leaving no time for cultivation. "Many thanks, Sect Master," he replied with a respectful bow.

In truth, even a one-star alchemist typically received five hundred low-grade spirit stones. It was clear the Mo Sect was the poorest of the lower-tier sects. Xiao Chen, however, was wealthier than the sect master could ever imagine. If he dared to flaunt his wealth, the old master would likely cough up blood in sheer disbelief. Wealth mattered little to Xiao Chen now; he accepted the position merely for convenience.

Yet, the next words from Sect Master Mo Yuan almost made Xiao Chen regret his decision.

"Xiao Chen, as the Mo Sect's Alchemy Master, I must inform you… our supply of medicinal pills is running dangerously low. The sect requires two hundred Qi Pills and two hundred Foundation Establishment Pills urgently. You have free access to all necessary resources."

The sect master spoke with a straight face, shamelessly imposing an immense burden without hesitation.

Just as he was about to leave, the Sect Master turned back to Xiao Chen with a cheeky grin. "Oh, and by the way," he added brazenly, "if you happen to pick up any other profession, Just say so I will make you the head of that department too. We're a bit... ahem... short on masters around here. Of course, I'll double your salary as well!"

Without even waiting to hear Xiao Chen's response, the Sect Master hurriedly made his escape, as if fearing Xiao Chen might change his mind at any moment.

"Congratulations, Elder Xiao Chen,...ha..ha," Wei Junhao remarked, he was trying to suppress his laughter as hard as possible.

"Others felt the same way.

'Boo, now I can't call him 'junior brother Xiao Chen' anymore,' Yan Rong joked.

'Seniors, you can stop that now. I'm still your junior, Xiao Chen,' he replied with a grin.

Elder Le joined the conversation. 'It's great that you're now an Alchemy Master; the sect can get discounts from our suppliers, including the Wang Clan.

Thanks to you, the burden on the sect has lessened. On another note, we have a lower sect competition coming up in six months, and I expect all of you to participate since our generation doesn't have many disciples. Each year, it's becoming more challenging as our reputation declines.

Last year, we didn't even make it to the final round. This year's competition will take place at the Emei Sect in the west, and we've received an invitation.

We need at least five participants, and the age limit is under 20, with cultivation below the Core Formation Realm. There will be multiple rounds for each sect, and I believe over 100 sects will compete.

The prize hasn't been disclosed yet, but rumors suggest it includes the coveted Dragon Bloodline Pill, which grants a dragon bloodline and enhances one's physique to be 25 times stronger than others at the same cultivation level.

That's even better than the renowned Vajra Body Art from the Shaolin Temple!

I believe in you all. That's also why the sect master urged Xiao Chen to produce more pills," Elder Le concluded."

"You guys can practice your skills and anything related to pills now you can ask Xiao Chen directly, There will be a minimum quote for pills, and for anything more, you can ask Xiao Chen and pay using sect points"