The Divine Realm's Test
The group emerged from the vortex of light into a realm so ethereal that it left them momentarily breathless. The vast expanse before them felt like a dream brought to life. The ground was covered in soft, verdant grass that shimmered faintly as though infused with spiritual energy. Towering trees with crystalline leaves reached for the heavens, their branches swaying to a melody only they seemed to hear. Streams of water, impossibly clear and sparkling with flecks of light, meandered through the land, feeding vibrant flowers whose petals radiated soft, colorful glows.
Above them stretched a pristine blue sky, unblemished except for wisps of cloud that seemed painted into place. In the distance, a majestic palace crowned a hill, its golden outline glowing faintly, as if untouched by time. It seemed otherworldly, as if it didn't belong to this plane of existence.
Qin Xuan'er broke the silence, pointing toward the palace. "According to the map, that palace holds all the opportunities, treasures, and the inheritance left behind by the fallen immortal ascension realm cultivator."
Tianyang, holding Yuqing's hand intimately, turned to her with a playful smile. "Shall we?"
Yuqing blushed at his tone but nodded, her voice soft yet steady. "Let's go."
Beside them, Yao'er chirped excitedly, flapping his small wings as his azure scales shimmered under the bright sun. He dashed ahead, only to circle back and nuzzle Yuqing's leg before bounding forward again, his excitement contagious.
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The Journey Through the Enchanted Land
As they began their journey, the group was enveloped by the sheer beauty of the realm. They passed serene lakes where lotus flowers glowed softly in shades of blue, pink, and gold. Ethereal butterflies with translucent wings danced above the waters, leaving trails of glittering light in their wake. Occasionally, small spirit beasts peeked out from behind trees, their curious eyes watching the group but darting away at the slightest movement.
The air was filled with the faint hum of life—a soothing melody of rustling leaves, chirping spirit birds, and the soft gurgle of streams. The environment was so tranquil that even Qin Xuan'er's usually stoic guards found themselves captivated, their hardened expressions softening.
Yuqing knelt by a patch of vibrant flowers, plucking a few petals and examining them with interest. "These petals are rich in spiritual energy," she remarked, turning to Tianyang. "They could be used to refine mid-sky-tier pills."
Tianyang smiled at her enthusiasm, leaning close. "You always notice the little things."
Yuqing's cheeks turned a soft pink as she turned away, muttering, "Someone has to."
The group continued their trek, passing towering trees with fruit that shimmered like gemstones. Qin Xuan'er's entourage hesitated, tempted to pick the fruit, but her stern voice halted them. "We don't know if these are safe or if they're part of a test. Stay vigilant."
Hours turned into what felt like days, yet the palace seemed no closer. The group's initial excitement gave way to confusion and unease.
Tianyang halted abruptly, his expression darkening. "Something's wrong. I've been marking our path since we started, but we haven't moved an inch."
His words sent a ripple of tension through the group. A elder stepped forward, his voice laced with concern. "What do you mean, Lin Xiao xiongdi?"
Tianyang gestured to the ground, where faint marks he had etched earlier glowed faintly. "We're trapped in a formation—a high-level one. At least low divine-tier."
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Unraveling the Formation
Panic began to set in among Qin Xuan'er's guards, but Yuqing's calm voice cut through the rising tension. "This isn't a killing formation. It's a trapping formation, likely a test left by the owner of this realm."
She turned to Tianyang, her eyes sharp and knowing. "And not just any test. Whoever designed this is at least a divine-tier formation master."
Qin Xuan'er frowned. "Elders, can you analyze this formation and find a way out?"
The five legendary-tier formation masters immediately set to work, spreading out and examining the flow of qi that intertwined with the landscape. The four low legendary-tier masters positioned themselves at the cardinal points while the mid legendary-tier elder took the center. They closed their eyes, their mental strength probing the intricate threads of the formation.
After an hour, the mid legendary-tier elder opened his eyes, his face pale. "Your Highness, this formation is beyond us. It is an entire tier above our comprehension."
A heavy silence fell over the group. Qin Xuan'er's usually confident demeanor wavered, her brow furrowed in thought.
Tianyang stepped forward, his tone calm yet commanding. "This is a Qiankun Sealing Formation."
All eyes turned to him in surprise. The mid legendary-tier elder's expression shifted from disbelief to awe. "Lin Xiao xiongdi, your knowledge of formations... Are you truly above me in mastery?"
Tianyang didn't answer directly. "Not only do I know how to escape this formation, but I can also break it."
Gasps rippled through the group. Breaking a divine-tier formation was a feat unheard of for anyone below the Immortal Ascension Realm.
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The Plan to Break the Formation
Tianyang explained his plan with precision. "This formation has three key points: Qian (Heaven), Kun (Earth), and Shen (Spirit). To break it, each point must be overwhelmed with the mental strength of a mid legendary-tier formation master. Yuqing and I will handle Qian together. Three of you low legendary-tier elders will handle Kun, while the remaining two will take Shen."
He handed them a method inscribed on a jade slip, detailing how to channel their mental strength in harmony with the formation's flow. "When I signal, pour all your mental strength into the formation according to this method."
The elders nodded, their respect for Tianyang growing by the second.
At the designated points, everyone prepared themselves. Tianyang stood with Yuqing, their hands clasped as they focused their combined mental strength on the Qian point. The formation retaliated immediately, a suffocating pressure descending upon them.
Sweat dripped from their brows as they poured their all into breaking the formation. Cracks began to appear in the sky, spreading outward like a web of light. The entire space trembled as the formation resisted with all its might.
After three grueling days and nights, the formation shattered with a resounding boom. The landscape shimmered as the illusion dissolved, revealing the path to the palace now unobstructed.
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Towards the Palace
Exhausted but victorious, the group rested for a night. The celestial realm mirrored the outside world, with the sun setting and stars appearing in the sky. The soft chirping of nocturnal spirit creatures filled the air, a soothing backdrop to their much-needed respite.
By morning, the group resumed their journey, their spirits renewed. The palace on the hill no longer seemed distant.
As they walked, Qin Xuan'er's entourage expressed their admiration for Tianyang. The mid legendary-tier elder bowed deeply. "Xiao xiongdi, your mastery of formations is unparalleled. Without you, we would still be trapped."
Tianyang waved it off modestly, his focus on the path ahead. Yuqing, walking beside him, smiled softly, proud of his accomplishments.
Yao'er darted ahead, occasionally returning with curious items he found along the way—shimmering stones, glowing fruit, and once, a small glowing fish that flopped playfully before vanishing in a puff of light. His antics brought laughter to the group, lightening the tension of their journey.
The palace loomed closer, its golden walls gleaming in the sunlight. They could now make out intricate carvings on its surface, depicting battles, celestial beings, and scenes of alchemical refinement.
Their hearts raced with anticipation, knowing the true test lay ahead. The treasures, techniques, and inheritance awaited—but so did unknown dangers.
Important Information!
Formation Master Ranks and Tiers
Formation masters are cultivators skilled in creating, maintaining, and deciphering formations. These formations serve a variety of purposes, from protecting territories to trapping enemies and amplifying cultivation. Like cultivation techniques, formation mastery is categorized into tiers, with each tier representing the level of complexity and strength the formation master can handle.
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Formation Master Ranks and Their Capabilities
1. Mortal Tier Formation Master
Capability: Can create simple defensive or offensive formations. These are often used for basic protection, such as guarding small villages or personal belongings.
Examples:
Basic protective barriers.
Simple trapping formations.
Significance: Entry-level formations, easily comprehended by beginners.
Common Application: Personal defense or assisting low-tier cultivators.
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2. Earth Tier Formation Master
Capability: Designs intermediate formations capable of affecting larger areas or providing moderate enhancement to cultivators within the formation.
Examples:
Barrier formations to guard small sects.
Spirit-gathering formations to aid cultivation.
Significance: Popular among small sects and kingdoms for their affordability and reliability.
Divisions:
Low Earth Tier: Basic enhancements and single-purpose formations.
Intermediate Earth Tier: Multi-layered formations with basic trapping mechanisms.
High Earth Tier: Stronger defense and minor offensive capabilities.
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3. Sky Tier Formation Master
Capability: Can craft highly complex formations that can trap, protect, or enhance large regions or sects.
Examples:
Trapping and killing formations for tactical purposes.
High-efficiency spirit-gathering arrays.
Significance: Masters of their craft, often employed by prominent sects or royal families.
Divisions:
Low Sky Tier: Strong protective formations for medium-sized sects.
Intermediate Sky Tier: Advanced multi-purpose formations capable of handling multiple scenarios.
High Sky Tier: Nearly impenetrable defenses and powerful offensive arrays.
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4. Legendary Tier Formation Master
Capability: Handles formations that influence entire regions, combining elements of spiritual energy manipulation, trapping, and amplification.
Examples:
Large-scale defensive arrays protecting entire empires.
High-level trapping formations capable of restraining top cultivators.
Significance: Highly sought-after for their unique and invaluable skills.
Divisions:
Low Legendary Tier: Mastery over single-element formations of immense power.
Mid Legendary Tier: Able to combine multiple elemental forces in a single formation.
High Legendary Tier: Nearly divine-level precision, capable of altering natural laws within the formation.
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5. Divine Tier Formation Master
Capability: Creates formations that defy the laws of nature, bending space and time itself. These formations are often capable of trapping or defending against even Immortal Ascension Realm cultivators.
Examples:
Qiankun Sealing Formations that lock entire dimensions.
World-altering arrays that amplify spiritual energy on a continental scale.
Significance: The pinnacle of formation mastery, their creations are often the stuff of legend.
Divisions:
Low Divine Tier: Strong enough to trap early Immortal Ascension Realm cultivators.
Intermediate Divine Tier: Capable of influencing entire regions, affecting weather, spiritual energy, and natural laws.
High Divine Tier: Can alter entire realms or create independent dimensions.
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Key Characteristics of Formation Master Ranks
Mental Strength: The higher the rank, the more profound mental strength is required to comprehend and control complex formations.
Qi Manipulation: Mastery over spiritual energy and qi flow increases with each tier, allowing higher-tier masters to manipulate vast amounts of energy.
Complexity: As the rank increases, formations become multi-layered and capable of performing multiple functions simultaneously.
Longevity: Higher-tier formations can last for centuries or even millennia without degradation.
Specialization: At higher levels, formation masters often specialize in certain types of formations, such as trapping, defensive, or amplification arrays.
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Formation masters, like alchemists and blacksmiths, play a vital role in the cultivation world, and their ranks reflect their contributions to the protection, growth, and prosperity of sects, empires, and regions.