Chapter 8: Meeting the Wanderer and the Formation Genius

Three Years of Growth

Time had passed like flowing water. It had been three years since Yi Zhen's escape from Black Hallow Veil and his arrival at Zhen Mansion. Within this period, his cultivation had steadily progressed, reaching the 5th Layer of Qi Transformation. Though the journey was not without struggle, his understanding of array formations had deepened, allowing him to manipulate energy in ways that even experienced cultivators would find difficult.

In the world of formation masters, cultivation was divided into clear ranks:

Apprentice Formation Master – Those who could only replicate known formations.

Skilled Formation Master – Those who could construct and modify formations with greater efficiency.

Advanced Formation Master – Capable of designing entirely new formations and altering ancient designs.

Formation Grandmaster – Rare figures who could create self-sustaining formations powerful enough to rival Nascent Soul cultivators.

Formation Sovereign – Almost mythical beings who could shape entire realms with formations alone.

Despite his young age and relatively low cultivation, Yi Zhen had already surpassed the Skilled Formation Master level and was treading into the realm of an Advanced Formation Master—an achievement that should have taken decades.

ARRIVAL OF FU XENG, THE FORMATION OF GENIUS

The vast expanse of the Tianwu Realm had always been a backwater compared to the greater planet clusters, but today, Fu Xeng found himself standing at the edge of Shadowcliff City, a place that should have held no interest for him. And yet, the moment he stepped in, he felt it. Something familiar.

As an array formation, he was always inquisitive about many different kinds or arrays, man made as well as natural. But a faint yet distinct sealing formation energy lingered in the air—one that should not exist on this planet.

"Damn… Not on this dilapidated planet. I didn't expect those bastards to be here." Fu Xeng muttered, narrowing his eyes.

Years ago, in his wanderings, he had stumbled upon an ancient ruin on a distant, spiritually rich planet. Within it lay a formation so profound that even after studying it for years, he had only scratched the surface of its mysteries. It had been that very same formation he later modified and used to seal a secret within Xiao Wei's mind.

Yet, inexplicably, he was sensing traces of the same formation here.

With this unsettling thought, Fu Xeng masked his presence and followed the energy trail deep into the heart of Shadowcliff City. His search led him to an ordinary-looking young man, casually strolling through the market, buying array-building materials with the calm demeanor of a seasoned formation master.

But that wasn't what shocked Fu Xeng.

As he observed, the energy of the ancient formation resonated faintly from this boy.

"Impossible… How can this brat be connected to that ruin?" Fu Xeng's curiosity flared.

Before he could act, something even more unexpected happened.

The Impossible Sensory Perception

Yi Zhen suddenly stopped walking. His expression didn't change, but Fu Xeng saw the subtle shift in his posture.

A feeling of being watched washed over Yi Zhen. He didn't know who or where, but he knew someone was observing him.

Fu Xeng stiffened.

"He sensed me?!"

That was impossible. Even powerful Nascent Soul cultivators struggled to notice him when he masked his presence. Yet, this Qi Transformation brat had detected his gaze?

"Interesting. Very interesting." Fu Xeng's curiosity skyrocketed.

A Glimpse of Xiao Wei's Shadow

Fu Xeng continued following Yi Zhen discreetly. The boy soon found a quiet spot and began constructing a protection array using the materials he had purchased.

As Fu Xeng watched, he noticed something familiar in Yi Zhen's hand movements.

"No way… This is Xiao Wei's formation style. But he couldn't have taught him, could he?"

Fu Xeng recognized the array—it was one he had personally taught Xiao Wei, a rather advanced technique that Xiao Wei had only managed to perfect in his late-stage training. Yet, here was Yi Zhen, who was still at the intermediate stage, constructing it flawlessly.

However, before the array was activated, Yi Zhen frowned and muttered, "There's a flaw in this design. It can be improved."

Fu Xeng's eye twitched.

"A flaw? In my array? Brat, you're getting ahead of yourself."

He was about to leave, but then something even more ridiculous happened.

Yi Zhen simplified the energy channeling pathways on his array plate, making only slight adjustments.

Fu Xeng didn't see anything special—until Yi Zhen poured energy into it.

The output efficiency jumped from 85% to a staggering 96%, with only a 1-2% energy drain on the user.

For the first time in centuries, Fu Xeng felt his entire world shatter.

"WHAT?!"

The design he had perfected for years—improved in mere minutes?

That was it. He couldn't hold back anymore.

With a flash, he materialized in front of Yi Zhen.

The First Meeting

Yi Zhen took a step back instinctively. The sudden appearance of a stranger, exuding overwhelming cultivation pressure, put him on high alert.

Fu Xeng studied Yi Zhen carefully before smirking.

"Impressive work with that array, Zhen'er. But tell me—where did you learn to tweak it like that?"

Yi Zhen remained silent, his eyes filled with cautious curiosity. He could tell that this man wasn't hostile, but he also wasn't normal.

"Who are you?" Yi Zhen finally asked.

Fu Xeng waved off the question. "No need to worry about that just yet. I just need to confirm something."

Then, without warning, he tapped into the energy frequencies surrounding Yi Zhen.

The result?

The same formation resonance from the ancient ruin.

Fu Xeng's pupils shrank.

"It really is the same… What kind of monster are you, brat?"

Yi Zhen, still confused, simply stared at him. "Are you done staring?"

Fu Xeng blinked—then burst into laughter. "You've got guts, I'll give you that! Fine, fine. I'll let you be for now."

With that, he vanished.

But that wasn't the end. Not even close.

A Frustrating Discovery

Despite his words, Fu Xeng couldn't let go of his curiosity. He continued following Yi Zhen, watching where he would go next.

His investigation eventually led him to Zhen Mansion.

As Yi Zhen entered the gates, Fu Xeng froze.

There, waiting for him, was Xiao Wei.

Fu Xeng's face darkened.

"No… No way."

Yi Zhen greeted Xiao Wei, speaking casually, like a disciple to his master.

Realization hit Fu Xeng like a lightning strike.

"This brat is Xiao Wei's disciple?!"

A mix of frustration, amusement, and absolute disbelief filled him.

He had just found the most promising array genius in centuries—only to realize he was already taken.

His eye twitched. Hard.

"Damn it! If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have let him go so easily!"

Fu Xeng rubbed his temples.

"How can I snatch my own disciple's disciple? That would be too shameless… Wouldn't it?"

But the temptation was too great.

"…Let's see how this plays out."

And so, the legendary Array Wanderer found himself caught in the most ridiculous dilemma of his long life.

Would he resist?

…Probably not.