Starting as a Talisman Master

Chapter 79 The Heavenly Eye is Clear, Illuminating Illusion (Seventh Update)

As expected, as soon as he learned the basics of array formation, the panel triggered the unlocking quest for array master.

Lu Chi looked at the targets on the panel and then turned his gaze to the relics of Ge Jiuzhang that had just been seized.

The mission states "to form an array independently once," which means that as long as he personally sets up a low-grade first-tier array, it will be considered accomplished.

He took out the mid-grade array plate called "Octagonal Netherworld Array Plate", placed the three cracked and mottled black array flags in front of him, and then sat cross-legged under the osmanthus tree.

The Record of Seeking the Pulse Formation states that setting up a formation cannot be separated from the two cornerstones of formation flags and formation plates.

The array flags are the anchor points for "stabilizing the veins," driven into the earth's veins and acupoints to cut off and guide spiritual energy; the array plate is the "central brain" of the array, responsible for coordinating the overall situation.

The most difficult hurdle for aspiring array masters is establishing a subtle connection between their mind and these two array artifacts, and Lu Chi happens to possess a rudimentary form of spiritual consciousness far exceeding that of the Qi Refining stage.

In terms of simply mastering the basics of array formations, he is exceptionally gifted.

His eyes were slightly closed, and his nascent spiritual consciousness spread out like invisible ripples. It no longer spread aimlessly, but rather accurately captured several "acupoints" where spiritual energy gathered, following the texture of the courtyard's earth veins.

"fall!"

Lu Chi pointed his fingers like a sword, and subtly released his magical power.

A dark array flag transformed into a streak of light, precisely disappearing beneath the artificial hill in the southeast corner of the courtyard.

Then came the second and third poles.

The landing point of each array flag was repeatedly calibrated by his nascent divine consciousness to ensure a perfect match with the earth's energy.

As the array flags were lowered into the ground, the flow of spiritual energy within the courtyard subtly changed, as if three invisible chains were firmly locking down the surrounding energy.

Finally, he held up the "Octagonal Netherworld Disc" with both hands and pressed it firmly into the center of the array, pouring his profound magical power, as deep as the abyss, into it without reservation.

"Shadow Array, activate!"

As the final hand seal was pressed into the array plate, the clear sunlight in the blue stone courtyard suddenly trembled.

Immediately afterwards, a thin layer of mist rose from the ground, obscuring the scenery in the courtyard.

If an outsider were to push open the door and enter, they would only see a courtyard overgrown with weeds, and would never see the old osmanthus tree or the monk in blue robes beneath it.

The formation is now stable; it's successful!

Within his mind, the panel shone brightly, and the original mission objectives were instantly refreshed:

[Unlock New Class: Array Master]

Immediately afterwards, dazzling spiritual light intertwined and transformed into a brand new profession column, deeply imprinted on the panel.

[Occupation]: Array Master [Level]: Lv.1 (0/30)

[Innate Nature: Square Inch]: With perfect harmony with the principles of formations, a domain of magic is created within a small space. All formations that are set up or controlled are as clear as the lines on the palm of one's hand, and the energy within the formation is entirely at one's disposal. The more one is within it, the stronger one's magical power becomes, the more powerful one's techniques become, and the more vigorous one's muscles, bones, and blood become.

[Talent: Insight into Illusion]: With a clear and discerning third eye, one can see through illusions. Within the scope of one's cultivation, one can perceive the flow of spiritual energy, the location of the array's core, and the strength and weakness of its illusions; even when encountering profound techniques, one can only glimpse their form, not their essence. Therefore, one can detect gaps in the battle and seize the opportunity to break through the technique.

As Lu Chi stood quietly under the old osmanthus tree, almost the instant the words on the panel were imprinted, he immediately experienced the enlightenment surging in his sea of ​​consciousness, as well as the strange changes that directly affected him.

The maze-like energy of this small courtyard seemed to connect with his bloodline at this moment, transforming into an invisible foundation that continuously nourished him.

Lu Chi could clearly feel that the magical power in his dantian instantly became more powerful and profound, and the hidden power of the water-based magic was elevated several levels. Even the blood and qi of the second level of body tempering were subtly boiling under the resonance of the array's energy.

This is the effect of the [Array Master]'s inherent nature. The area covered by the array is like the domain in his palm, and all changes can be manipulated at will, instantly shifting the balance of power between host and guest.

The [Breaking Illusion] talent is even more ruthless.

Lu Chi slightly raised his eyes, a flash of inspiration in them, his innate instincts activated, and his gaze swept over the maze surrounding him once more.

The array light screen, which was originally shrouded in mist and formed a unified whole, instantly shed all its disguise in his eyes and deconstructed into clearly visible spiritual energy veins.

He could see clearly which array flag was connected to the earth vein nodes underground, how the array plate hub absorbed and transformed spiritual energy, and even the slightest hidden damage left inside this mid-grade array plate due to Ge Jiuzhang's years of rough use. He only needed to glance at it to see everything clearly.

"When ordinary people observe battle formations, it's like standing in a foggy abyss; but when I observe thousands of formations, it's like looking at the lines on my palm."

Lu Chi slightly withdrew his magical power, the spiritual light in his eyes gradually faded, and his confidence increased greatly.

In the art of battle formations, the most important factors are advantageous location and seizing the initiative.

With the [Breaking Illusion] skill by his side, if he encounters a formation master of the same level again in the future, even if the other party sets up a killing formation first, in his eyes it will most likely be difficult to be considered complete.

Whether it's a matter of quick thinking or the apparent or actual nature of the formation's core, one can glean some clues from it. If one truly falls into its trap, the formation is nothing more than a scheme with hidden flaws and easily detectable weaknesses.

He could navigate through it with ease, not only avoiding all dangers but also seizing the opportunity to spot the most fatal weakness in the formation, turning the tables and breaking the deadlock in one strike.

"I have now mastered a little bit of everything: drawing talismans, cultivating plants, refining elixirs, forging weapons, and setting up formations."

"Among the myriad arts of cultivation, there are also paths like puppetry and beast taming. If one can gradually explore these in the future, one will eventually gain more self-control on this path of cultivation."

Lu Chi put aside his thoughts and turned to walk into the spirit field in a corner of the courtyard.

He took out several spiritual plants that he had previously found in Ge Jiuzhang's storage bag and planted them in the soil.

After doing all that, his gaze fell on the purple thunder bamboo rice.

This is a genuine Tier 2 spiritual plant.

This grade of spirit rice is so rare that even the most powerful Foundation Establishment ancestors in the three great families wouldn't have the luxury of using it as their staple food, let alone ordinary cultivators in the Qingque Mountain market.

Lu Chi picked a small handful of Purple Thunder Bamboo Rice and, following the old method, took out the Azure Beginning Furnace used for alchemy and cooked the spiritual rice in the furnace.

Before long, the stove lid shook slightly, and a delicate fragrance mixed with extremely subtle thunderous sounds wafted out.

Lu Chi ladled out a bowl and savored it carefully. The purple thunder bamboo rice was soft and sticky, and the spiritual energy instantly exploded between his teeth and cheeks; the taste was indeed excellent.

Moreover, the bamboo rice transformed into a pure and domineering stream of heat, flowing straight down the throat into the abdomen and rapidly merging into the limbs and bones.

Lu Chi felt his blood and qi surging throughout his body, as if his physical body had been cleansed by the life force of thunder. Under this nourishment, his progress in the second level of body tempering actually jumped forward.

After finishing a bowl of spirit rice, Lu Chi sat cross-legged on the futon, his eyes turning slightly cold as he began to carefully recall the battle with Ge Jiuzhang the previous night.

"It's still not stable enough."

He gently shook his head, mentally dissecting everything from the previous night, examining each detail meticulously, unwilling to overlook even the slightest oversight.

Firstly, when facing the enemy, he forgot to wear the black talisman robe that Qin Su Niang had given him in the past.

No matter what, that talisman robe was still a low-grade magic artifact, possessing some protective power. If he had worn it earlier last night, even if it couldn't reverse the situation, it could at least have shielded him from some ambushes, preventing him from having such a dangerous journey.

Secondly, he ultimately underestimated the abilities of a late-stage Qi Refining array master.

He originally thought that even if Ge Jiuzhang set up an array, there should still be some room for maneuver, but he never expected that as soon as the other party made a move, the array closed in an instant, and the surrounding energy was completely controlled by him, leaving little room for retreat.

"When Ge Jiuzhang appeared last night, the first thing I should have done was not to deal with him, but to immediately activate a speed talisman and escape from the area covered by the formation."

Lu Chi's eyes were deep and dark, but his mind became increasingly clear.

In hindsight, he relied on his powerful magic and some trump cards to ultimately kill Ge Jiuzhang. However, from a purely prudent perspective, knowing he was in the enemy's territory, his decision to remain in place and fight them head-on was a miscalculation.

"The path to immortality is long and arduous. What matters is never about having superior skills or strength at any given time, but rather who can preserve their life and go the furthest."