Immortality and Cultivation: I can extract entries from all things.

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.

Fang He opened his eyes in the quiet room in the backyard of the pharmacy. The liquefied spiritual energy in his dantian flowed smoothly and harmoniously, and his cultivation at the eighth level of Qi Refining had been completely stabilized.

For the past two weeks, he has been meditating and practicing his breathing exercises every day, occasionally studying the techniques for using formations.

On the cheat sheet, the parameters of the blue bars are clearly displayed:

【Formation Master (Blue)】

[Effect: Formation control accuracy +100%, formation deployment speed +50%, can analyze formations below level two]

Status: Activated

The power of the blue entries is indeed astonishing.

Fang He tried using the array master to analyze a part of the Zhou family's island protection array. The array patterns that used to take several days to understand could now be understood in just half a day.

This is the qualitative change brought about by a breakthrough in one's realm.

"Counselor Fang."

A knock came from outside the courtyard; it was Zhou Qing's voice.

"The video message from Deacon Ye has arrived. Master Zhou requests your presence in the council chamber."

Fang He stood up and straightened his robes.

finally come.

The atmosphere inside the Zhou family's council hall was heavy.

Zhou Tieshan sat in the main seat, while Zhou Yuanhai stood to the side.

Zhou Xiaolan sat at the lower end of the table. Today she had changed into a plain-colored outfit that made her look neat and tidy, as if she had been prepared in advance.

When Fang He stepped into the council hall, a beam of light was hanging in the center of the hall.

That was Ye Shuanghua's video message.

In the light and shadow, Ye Shuanghua's face was cold and stern, her aura was powerful, and the pressure of a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator could be faintly transmitted through the communication array.

"Fang He, has your two-week rest been sufficient?"

Her voice was cool and clear, but it carried a hint of approval compared to when they had first met.

"Thank you for your concern, Deacon Ye. My cultivation has stabilized." Fang He said, cupping his hands in greeting.

Ye Shuanghua nodded slightly, then her expression turned serious.

"Today's message is to formally issue the mission to the sect leader."

She raised her hand and waved it, and a jade slip appeared, displaying a map of the sea.

"Half a month ago, the sect leader's faction received reliable intelligence."

The deputy sect leader has dispatched elite troops to the edge of the outer sea, aiming to find the ruins of an ancient sea race.

Ye Shuanghua's gaze swept over everyone present, her tone grave:

"According to reliable sources, this site contains the secret method for breaking through to the Golden Core stage."

Once acquired by the deputy sect leader's faction, they will completely suppress the sect leader's faction in the peripheral seas.

Zhou Tieshan frowned deeply.

"The secret technique of the Golden Elixir? Does this thing truly exist?"

"It is absolutely true that the Sea Clan civilization mastered the secrets of breaking through to the Golden Core stage in ancient times," Ye Shuanghua said. "The Sect Master's faction will never allow the Deputy Sect Master's faction to monopolize this legacy."

Her gaze fell on Fang He.

"Fang He, you need to lead the Zhou family's elite forces, in coordination with the sect leader's faction, to explore the ruins first."

Fang He felt a chill run down her spine.

This task is more challenging than anticipated.

"Steward Ye, the edge of the outer sea is three thousand miles from Qing'ao Island. Since the Vice Sect Master's sect has taken the lead, they have probably already gained the upper hand."

"That's why we need you," Ye Shuanghua said. "Your array mastery can analyze sea race arrays, an ability that other cultivators in the sect do not possess."

"If you can crack the entrance to the ruins, you'll have a chance to overtake them."

The master of the formation.

Fang He silently made his calculations.

The blue entry is indeed powerful, but the formation systems of the sea race and the human race are completely different, so whether it can be successfully analyzed is still unknown.

"I see."

He bowed and accepted the order.

"Fang He receives the order."

Ye Shuanghua's expression softened slightly.

"The sect leader will send formation advisors to assist you."

also--"

Before the words were finished, a clear voice suddenly came from outside the hall.

"I apologize for being late, Mr. Qin."

Fang He turned his head and saw a person stepping in.

He was in his thirties, with a thin face and deep, unfathomable eyes.

He wore a blue Taoist robe, and his aura was restrained yet unfathomable.

Qin Wujiu.

Fang He felt a sense of unease.

He had met this person before; after their parting on Ironbone Island, this guest of the Meng family had left a very deep impression on him.

Teacher, friend, and enemy all at the same time.

"Mr. Qin," Zhou Tieshan stood up to greet him, "Deacon Ye just mentioned you."

Qin Wujiu nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Fang He for a moment, a half-smile on his face.

"Counselor Fang, how have you been?"

"Mr. Qin." Fang He returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his expression remaining unchanged.

In his mind, the cheat code panel suddenly popped up:

Fang He secretly memorized this information.

He had long suspected that Qin Wujiu was unfathomable, and now the warning from the golden finger further confirmed his judgment.

"Mr. Qin is the array consultant sent by the sect leader," Ye Shuanghua's message image said. "His array skills are second to none in the edge sea area. With the two of you working together, breaking the ruin array should not be a problem."

Qin Wujiu smiled faintly.

"I have long heard of Councilor Fang's formation, and I would like to take this opportunity to exchange ideas with him."

Fang He remained noncommittal.

A friendly exchange?

This person is cunning and scheming; his so-called "exchange of skills" probably has ulterior motives.

"Now that the mission has been assigned, does Councilor Fang have any questions?" Ye Shuanghua asked.

Fang He pondered for a moment.

"The spiritual energy on the edge of the outer sea is chaotic and sea monsters roam freely. I need a guide who is familiar with the outer sea environment."

"You can find someone yourself," Ye Shuanghua said. "The sect leader's faction can provide the necessary resources, but you need to judge the candidates yourself."

"clear."

"There's one more thing." Ye Shuanghua's tone suddenly softened. "This operation concerns the sect leader's influence on the outlying islands, and it cannot be lost."

Fang He, the sect leader has high hopes for you; do not disappoint me.

Fang He sensed the deeper meaning in the words.

This is both a sign of high regard and a source of pressure.

"Fang He will do his utmost."

The video message gradually faded, and the council chamber returned to silence.

"Counselor Fang."

Zhou Tieshan's voice broke the silence.

Fang He turned her head and saw Zhou Xiaolan standing up next to Zhou Tieshan.

"Father, I have a request."

Zhou Tieshan frowned.

"What is it?"

Zhou Xiaolan took a deep breath, her gaze resolute.

"My daughter requested to accompany me on this offshore exploration."

Upon hearing this, the council chamber fell silent.

Zhou Tieshan's expression darkened slightly.

"The open sea is dangerous; how could a woman like you go there alone?"

"My daughter is not a hothouse flower," Zhou Xiaolan said seriously. "Last year, my daughter sailed with the family's merchant ship to the edge of the open sea and is quite familiar with the marine environment."

"Since Councilor Fang is going to the open sea, the Zhou family needs a direct representative to be present."

Her gaze shifted to Fang He, a barely perceptible glint of tenderness flashing in her eyes.

"Counselor Fang needs a partner familiar with the open sea, and my daughter is willing to take on this responsibility."

Fang He was speechless for a moment.

He could understand the deeper meaning in Zhou Xiaolan's words.

The so-called "family representatives" and "familiarity with the sea" are nothing but pretexts.

What she really wanted to say was that she didn't want to be separated from him.

"Nonsense!" Zhou Tieshan said in a deep voice, "The outer sea is not like the inner sea. Second-tier sea beasts can be seen everywhere, and the deputy sect leader's faction is eyeing us covetously."

What could you possibly do there?

"Although my daughter's cultivation is not as advanced as Councilor Fang's, she has already reached the peak of the late stage of Qi Refining." Zhou Xiaolan said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "My daughter excels in array formations, ice spells, and naval combat experience."

"If Councilor Fang encounters a crisis, his daughter can assist him."

She turned to Fang He, her gaze earnest.

"Counselor Fang, would you be willing to accept your daughter traveling with you?"

Fang He remained silent.

He understood Zhou Xiaolan's intentions and knew that she was indeed very capable.

With his late-stage Qi Refining peak cultivation level, combined with his ice magic and array formation skills, he would be far from a burden in the outer seas.

But the open sea is dangerous, and if anything happens to Zhou Xiaolan, Zhou Tieshan will surely take his anger out on him.

More importantly, Zhou Xiaolan was his Achilles' heel.

Bringing her along would be tantamount to revealing our weakness.

"Xiaolan".

"Counselor Fang."

Qin Wujiu suddenly spoke, his tone leisurely.

"Since Miss Zhou is so determined, I think it is worth a try."

The open sea is dangerous, but Qin's defensive formation is passable.

With Mr. Qin present, Ms. Zhou's safety is assured.

Fang He frowned inwardly.

Qin Wujiu's words were clearly an attempt to secretly fuel the flames.

What exactly is this person planning?

Zhou Tieshan pondered for a long time, his gaze shifting back and forth between Fang He and Zhou Xiaolan, before finally sighing.

Never mind.

Since Xiaolan insists on going, I grant her permission.

He turned to Fang He, his expression solemn.

"Counselor Fang, Xiaolan is the future hope of the Zhou family."

Please ensure her safety during this trip to the open sea.

Fang He felt a chill run down her spine and bowed to accept the order.

Fang He understands.

A hint of joy flashed in Zhou Xiaolan's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Thank you for your kindness, Father."

She nodded slightly to Fang He, a smile playing on her lips.

Fang He saw all this, but felt no relief whatsoever.

With more responsibility comes more vulnerability.

A voyage to the open sea is destined to be anything but peaceful.

After the meeting adjourned, Fang He went straight to the dock area.

The exploration team needs to find manpower, and more importantly, a guide familiar with the open sea.

Zhao Hengdao was the first to sign up.

"Wherever Councilor Fang goes, I, Zhao Hengdao, will follow."

The burly man stood with his sword in his hand, his gaze resolute.

Fang He nodded and wrote down his name.

Zhou Qing was also assigned to the team, where he was responsible for logistics and communications.

Su Yun'er prepared a large amount of healing pills and nourishing ingredients for Fang He.

She didn't say much, but silently organized all the supplies and handed Fang He a storage bag before leaving.

"Counselor Fang, take care."

Fang He took the storage bag and felt her concern.

Thank you.

The dock area was bustling with noise, with fishing boats and merchant ships coming and going.

Fang He stood on the shore, his gaze sweeping across the bustling port.

The exploration team is in its early stages, but it's still missing one person.

Outer sea guide.

Captain Chen looked troubled when he learned of Fang He's purpose.

"Counselor Fang, offshore guides are extremely scarce."

Most of those who went did not return, and those who did return were unwilling to risk their lives again.

Fang He frowned slightly.

"No suitable candidate?"

Captain Chen thought for a moment, then his eyes suddenly lit up.

"There is one, but he has a strange temper and may not agree."

Tell me about it.

"Xu Haichuan," Captain Chen said in a low voice, "This man is over fifty years old and a legendary figure among the rogue cultivators who hunt demons in the outer seas."

It is said that he ventured three thousand miles into the open sea and was the only one to return alive.

Three thousand miles?

Fang He was startled.

The edge of the outer sea is only three thousand miles from Qing'ao Island. This person managed to penetrate deep into the core area of ​​the outer sea edge and return alive, which shows his strength and experience.

Where is this person?

"He frequents the docks near Ironbone Island year-round," Captain Chen said. "He's not greedy for money, but he values ​​strength."

If Councilor Fang can convince him, perhaps we can persuade him to agree.

Xu Haichuan.

Fang He silently memorized the name.

"Thank you for your guidance, Captain Chen."

"Counselor Fang, you're too kind," Captain Chen said, cupping his hands in greeting. "I wish you a safe journey."

As the sun sets, the dock glitters with golden light.

Fang He stood on the shore, gazing out to sea, pondering the preparations to come.

Guides, elixirs, equipment, formation plans... each item requires meticulous planning.

"Counselor Fang."

Footsteps sounded behind me.

Fang He turned around and saw Qin Wujiu walking slowly towards her, holding a jade slip in his hand.

"Mr. Qin."

"This is all the information I could find about sea creature formations," Qin Wujiu said, handing over the jade slip. "It's not much, but it's better than nothing."

Fang He took the jade slip and sensed the array fluctuations contained within it.

"Thank you, Mr. Qin."

Qin Wujiu smiled slightly, his gaze deep.

"Counselor Fang, the journey to the open sea is extremely dangerous."

If the two of us work together properly, we might be able to each get what we need from the ruins.

Take what you need.

Fang He understood the deeper meaning behind the words.

Qin Wujiu always positioned himself as a "collaborator" rather than a "subordinate".

"Mr. Qin is absolutely right," Fang He said calmly. "However, the open sea is dangerous, so I hope Mr. Qin will take good care of us."

"No problem."

Qin Wujiu turned and left, his figure disappearing into the glow of the setting sun.

It should not be taken as gospel.