I rely on learning to achieve immortality.

Xu Zhou sat in the wooden house, pondering what he had just experienced.

If the other party is not an unknown wandering cultivator, this seems to be just a simple visit.

When a cultivator first arrives at a new place, they always greet their fellow cultivators. After all, no one likes to find a strange neighbor next to their cave dwelling right after finishing their seclusion.

This can be considered an almost unwritten etiquette in the cultivation world.

When he first arrived at the market, he should theoretically have visited the other Foundation Establishment cultivators. However, because he was backed by the Golden Flame Sect, the other Foundation Establishment cultivators had to show him some respect on the surface, so they took the initiative to organize a welcome dinner for him.

"I've heard that many wandering cultivators, after gaining something from their travels, will seek out a quiet place to cultivate."

"Could it be that Cui Donglin is the same?"

Xu Zhou pondered for a moment, but still couldn't figure it out.

He didn't care.

Cui Donglin's tone had been mostly polite, saying he was visiting his neighbors, but in reality, it was just a greeting.

As for saying we'll talk about it another time when we have time, that's just talk.

Without any conflict of interest, most neighborly interactions are merely nodding acquaintances.

Xu Zhou shook his head, not thinking about it too deeply.

However, he was somewhat curious about what the other party had sent.

Since it's Foundation Establishment cultivators exchanging gifts, even if the gifts aren't actually valuable, they still need to be creative to be worthy of their respective statuses.

A moment later, Xu Zhou received the wooden box and took out a disc from it.

Upon seeing this, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"This person is quite thoughtful."

This jet-black stone disc was actually an array plate.

It does not possess much spiritual power, clearly indicating that this array plate is not something that can be used to harm enemies or protect oneself, but rather for cultivators to admire and play with.

It is said that in some great powers, some cultivators with refined tastes would exchange such array plates. In the Mu Kingdom, the art of array formations is not prominent, and these array plates are not practical, which is why there is no such custom.

But for Xu Zhou, this gift was far more pleasing than any fine wine or beautiful women he might receive.

He brought the array plate to his eyes and examined it carefully.

The array plate is not anything special; it has few array patterns engraved on it and looks like a cleverly designed array.

However, if you look closely, you can see quite a few interesting things.

Xu Zhou held the array plate in his hand and played with it.

Subconsciously, he wanted to dismantle the array on the array plate.

His smile suddenly froze.

He thought that with his skill level as a second-tier array master, breaking this array would be a piece of cake, but he didn't expect that he would be blocked immediately after making a slight attempt.

The seemingly simple array patterns actually conceal a hidden mystery.

Xu Zhou remained silent for a moment, then looked down at the array plate in his hand again.

He had originally considered this thing merely a pastime, but now it seemed he had underestimated it.

At that moment, Xu Zhou straightened his posture.

He carefully placed the array plate in front of his eyes, observing the array patterns on it, and gradually became serious.

Strangely enough, these array patterns were unremarkable, and the small arrays they formed looked rather rudimentary. Yet, despite Xu Zhou changing his approach several times, he encountered obstacles each time.

He couldn't help but wonder if his Kingdom's Dao was different from Mu's.

However, as time went on, Xu Zhou finally came up with a general idea for disassembling the device.

After several attempts, he finally found the trick and was able to disassemble the small arrays on the array plate.

"good."

"The seemingly simple formation actually contains hidden secrets."

"The formation itself is not complicated, but the way it works is different from what I learned before. I have learned something new."

Xu Zhou was delighted to have successfully disassembled the device.

Although it was just a toy, after studying it in depth, he actually grasped some array techniques.

"These small array plates are quite interesting."

Xu Zhou sighed inwardly, "It's a pity that there are no such array plates in Mu Kingdom. They must be made in another country, perhaps they are specially made for array masters to practice in the major sects."

He secretly regretted that this item was so hard to come by.

After putting away the array plate, Xu Zhou returned to his desk and continued studying the "Miscellaneous Essentials and Elixir Chapters".

...

Half a month later.

Xu Zhou's understanding of alchemy deepened, and he finally fully comprehended all the techniques of the second-order alchemy formula "Yi Mu Xuan Dan".

Next, one must stockpile medicinal herbs and practice extensively until all techniques are mastered, at which point one can begin refining elixirs.

Xu Zhou happened to be short of some materials for setting up formations, so he decided to go out for a stroll and go to the market to buy the materials.

For common materials, ask the Golden Flame Sect; for slightly rarer materials, ask the Merchant Guild.

I originally wanted to ask if they sold the kind of array plate that Cui Donglin gave me.

But upon closer examination, even if it's just a toy, it still contains a lot of array techniques, making it a treasure no matter where it is, and it's not something that can be easily sold.

Instead of buying this, it would be faster to just acquire a legacy machine.

After dismissing the idea, Xu Zhou remembered something else.

Manager Huang once sought the help of a formation master to repair the formation.

Now that I've mastered the art of array formations, I can lend a hand.

To his surprise, when he inquired, Manager Huang said helplessly, "Thank you for your concern, senior, but unfortunately, the Chamber of Commerce's formation was repaired a few days ago."

Xu Zhou raised an eyebrow slightly: "Who is it?"

"It's not appropriate to say much about this matter."

Manager Huang explained with a wry smile, "This person has a long-standing relationship with our chamber of commerce. We helped him this time, and he asked us not to spread the word."

The other party said that if this matter were to become public, he would likely be frequently disturbed. Therefore, he regretted that he could not disclose it.

Xu Zhou had no intention of prying into other people's privacy, so he didn't ask any more questions after hearing this.

However, the sudden appearance of a second-tier array master still made him wary.

"Could it be that wandering cultivator who delivered the array plate a few days ago?"

After all, there were only so many Foundation Establishment cultivators in the market, and Xu Zhou had seen them all, but none of them were second-tier array masters.

While Shen Guanlan and his ilk possessed considerable array formation skills, given their level of spiritual awareness in Qi Refining, it would have been absolutely impossible for them to break through to the second tier of array formation within the next decade.

After much thought, the only one who could be the sudden appearance of this cultivator, Cui Donglin, is the most likely candidate.

However, this is ultimately just speculation.

After all, it cannot be ruled out that he is someone skilled in array formations but unwilling to reveal his identity.

After thinking for a moment, Xu Zhou decided to go to Shen Guanlan's house to inquire whether he knew about the new array master who had recently appeared in the market.

Upon his arrival, the doorman, recognizing him, respectfully invited him in.

"Please don't take offense, senior," the doorman said with a smile. "My master is in seclusion these days. Please wait a moment while I go and inform him."

"Is Master Shen in seclusion?" Xu Zhou couldn't help but wonder. "Could it be that he's trying to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage?"

The reason for this question is that Shen Guanlan's cultivation has reached the peak of Qi Refining, and he is already old, so there is almost no need for him to go into seclusion to cultivate.

The doorman explained with a smile, "No, it's because my master recently acquired an item related to array formations, which is why he suddenly went into seclusion."

Xu Zhou nodded, seemingly lost in thought.

He didn't have to wait long; Shen Guanlan came out after only a short while.

He was quite delighted to see that Xu Zhou had come in person.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Shen Guanlan mentioned that he had recently gone into seclusion and gained some insights, resulting in a slight improvement in his mastery of array formations.

Xu Zhou casually asked, "I heard you've been researching something lately?"

At this point, Shen Guanlan's face immediately showed a hint of excitement.

"If you hadn't asked, I would have almost forgotten!"

He immediately stepped forward and carefully took something out of his pocket.

Xu Zhou's eyes flickered slightly.

It seems that my previous guesses were mostly not unfounded.

In Shen Guanlan's hand was a stone array plate that he found somewhat familiar.

Shen Guanlan said, "This item was a gift my father-in-law received a few days ago. He found it very interesting and asked me to study it carefully."

I initially thought this thing was just a toy, but when I started to study it, I discovered that it had many profound mysteries.

I've been studying this for several days, but I still haven't figured it out. It's fortunate that a senior has come to visit; I'd appreciate any guidance.

Xu Zhou took the array plate, examined it briefly, and his eyes flickered slightly.

The underlying logic of this array is almost identical to that of the one he obtained before.

However, the changes in the array patterns of the two are not entirely the same.

He quickly deduced the key points after a few moments and disassembled the entire array.

Shen Guanlan was stunned for a long time, his eyes sparkling with surprise.

After a long pause, the array master sighed, "Senior Xu's mastery of arrays has probably exceeded my expectations."

He held the array plate and thanked Xu Zhou repeatedly.

Xu Zhou simply waved his hand and said, "The approach to this formation is slightly off and does not conform to the formation principles of my Mu Kingdom, but it is not obscure after all."

You've already got the hang of it; with a little more time, you can solve it yourself, even without my help.

He secretly noted down some of his insights from previously breaking the formation, then asked, "Where did you get this?"

"Oh, this..."

Shen Guanlan pondered for a moment, then said, "It seems that a Foundation Establishment senior has recently arrived near the market and is temporarily residing in Wusong Ravine. A few days ago, he visited other Foundation Establishment seniors in the market and brought them quite a few things."

My father-in-law is quite interested in divination, and the other party, knowing his interest, gave him this item.

Shen Guanlan's father-in-law was naturally Luo Lingxiao, the Luo family's guardian in the market.

really.

Xu Zhou pondered to himself.

The array formation system of the Mu Kingdom is in decline. Outside the sect, let alone second-tier array masters, even first-tier high-grade array masters are extremely rare.

Over the years, he has been exploring behind closed doors. Although he has reached the second level in array formation, many things still lack verification.

The sudden appearance of someone who appears to be a second-tier array master presents him with a rare opportunity.

Even if the other party is not a second-tier array master, obtaining some array plates would still be a good gain.

How about we pay a visit and see what's going on?

Xu Zhou pondered for a long time before finally letting out a soft sigh.

There are very few people who can communicate with him about array formations. It would be a pity to miss such an opportunity after finally meeting one.

As for its origin... I can invite other fellow Daoists to accompany me, and I don't think there will be any problems.

Thinking of this, Xu Zhou secretly decided to visit Luo Lingxiao first, and then invite him to go to Wusong Ravine together.