I am the snake demon!

"It's all thanks to my eldest sister's excellent teaching. Eldest sister, I've condensed my first array pattern. So, is the next step to learn array formations and then condense array seals?" Bai Xuan asked expectantly.

"Array formations must be learned, but there's no rush to condense array seals. Array formations require various mediums, so although array masters played a significant role in the past, their status was far less prestigious than it is today. It wasn't until the advent of array seals, which allowed array masters to set up arrays anywhere, that their status was greatly elevated. However, there are differences between array seals. Generally speaking, the first array seal a array master condenses represents the array path they will specialize in in the future," Xu Yuhua said slowly.

There are countless formations in the world. Even if we only consider attack formations, they can be divided into killing formations, trapping formations, and illusion formations. These three types of formations can be further subdivided into countless types. For example, killing formations can be composed of the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth).

Generally speaking, array masters first learn the basics broadly, then specialize in one type, and only after mastering it do they learn others.

After all, a person's energy is limited.

And that's where the importance of this first array seal lies.

Generally speaking, powerful forces will select a suitable array path for a cultivator based on their aptitude, then condense the corresponding array seals, and continuously learn advanced arrays. It is a complete and systematic way of cultivation.

The conditions here are too rudimentary to do that.

We can only continue after Bai Xuan arrives at the Prince of Zhenbei's residence.

"I see." Bai Xuan nodded. Speaking of which, what kind of formation should he specialize in?

A killing formation?

"Third brother has just condensed the array patterns, so it is not suitable for him to cultivate too complicated and profound arrays. He can start with the simplest feng shui array to solidify his foundation."

As Xu Yuhua spoke, she stood up, went into the room, took out a fine sheet of Xuan paper from her bundle, and pasted it on the table.

Immediately afterwards, a sharp light flashed in Xu Yuhua's eyes, and the primordial energy of heaven and earth surged wildly. A palm-sized array seal condensed in the void in Xu Yuhua's hand, and then landed on the Xuan paper, carving out intricate patterns. Lines intertwined, shining brightly and radiating light, dazzling and mesmerizing.

Bai Xuan's expression changed slightly when he saw this scene. Why did the pattern look a bit like the pattern in his treasure map?

Could it be that his treasure map is also a formation diagram?

Thinking of this, Bai Xuan felt a slight chill and secretly paid attention, saying, "Elder sister, this must be the legendary array diagram. I've heard that powerful array diagrams are priceless and are unparalleled treasures."

"That's right. Array Masters are the most prestigious people in the world, and array diagrams are what array Masters dream of most. They are the foundation of every major family and sect. Whether or not a family has a high-level array diagram is the ultimate measure of its strength. However, the array I drew on it is just the simplest feng shui array, not worth mentioning, and it won't last long. It will dissipate in five or six days, and then I will draw a new one for my third brother," Xu Yuhua said.

"What are high-level array diagrams like? Do they radiate brilliance as soon as they are born, with intricate array patterns? And eldest sister, what is the most powerful array in the world? What powerful array diagrams does our Zhenbei Prince's Mansion possess?" Bai Xuan asked, feigning curiosity.

"Advanced array diagrams, first of all, depict powerful arrays, which goes without saying. The material of the array diagram alone is different. Unlike the Xuan paper I use, which dissipates in a few days, true advanced array diagrams can withstand the passage of time. They are mostly made of the hide of ninth-grade demon beasts, and a few are even directly magical artifacts." Xu Yuhua had no doubts and was happy to explain to Bai Xuan.

"As for the most powerful formation in the world, there is no consensus. Every formation has its strengths and weaknesses, and their effects differ. There are killing formations, trapping formations, illusion formations, and formations that are both killing and illusion formations, making it difficult to judge. Even among killing formations, although there are differences in strength among formations in this world, the more crucial factor is the skill of the formation master. For example, the Great Zhou's National Protection Formation, the Mountain and River State Formation, and the Northern Wilderness's National Protection Formation, the Eight Desolate Dragon Imprisonment Formation, have clashed several times, each with its own victories and defeats. It all comes down to the skill of the formation masters."

Upon hearing this, Bai Xuan's heart stirred slightly. So, the treasure map in my possession must be an array diagram crafted by a Daoist master, possessing the effects of a magic weapon. He then smiled nonchalantly, saying, "So, there are only weak array masters, not weak arrays?"

"You could say they're formations of the same caliber. But that only applies to formations of the same caliber. For example, the Great Fortune Formation—even the most skilled formation master couldn't defeat the complete Mountain and River Formation with it," Xu Yuhua said.

Just like martial arts, a martial arts master is highly skilled and can defeat disciples of sects who have mastered superior sword techniques even with the most ordinary Five Tigers Breaking the Gate Saber. But if the opponent is also a martial arts master, then it won't work.

"Then what is the strongest formation in my Zhenbei Prince's Mansion?" Bai Xuan asked.

"The Heavenly Pivot Demon-Slaying Formation was created by my father after he followed the late emperor to quell the rebellion of the feudal lords. He collected and summarized the formations he had obtained from conquering various powerful families and sects. It is centered around the three stars of Killing, Breaking, and Wolf, and is used to slay immortals and vanquish demons. It can be called the number one killing formation in the world." Xu Yuhua said with a complicated tone. In the past, she was always proud when she mentioned this formation, but now the formation is still there, but her father is no longer here.

Bai Xuan felt uneasy. Just now, they said that they were all of the same level and that there was no difference in strength between the formations. Now they were talking about the number one killing formation. However, he wisely did not refute it. After all, it was obviously influenced by personal emotions. If he refuted it, wouldn't he just make himself uncomfortable?

As a student, when you're learning knowledge, you need to be aware of what's going on.

Not to mention we're repaying a debt of gratitude, so we have to respect them.

So Bai Xuan, half flattering and half genuinely praising, said, "The Prince of Zhenbei's prestige is unparalleled; his reputation is truly well-deserved."

Even if Xu Yuhua's words were influenced by personal bias, the fact that she was so proud meant that the Heavenly Pivot Demon-Slaying Formation must be extremely powerful.

The Prince of Zhenbei was able to build upon the foundations laid by his predecessors and create such a formation.

It absolutely deserves the title of legendary.

If I had known, I would have knocked him out when he came to Yuzhen Temple and then made him teach me formations.

Pity.

"The Heavenly Pivot Demon-Slaying Formation is extremely profound, and I don't know it either. However, since my third brother will be in charge of the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion in the future, he must learn it. After we return to the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion, we will ask Master Li to teach him. With my third brother's aptitude, it shouldn't be difficult for him to master it," Xu Yuhua said.

"What level of array master is Uncle? And what are the different levels of array masters and array formations?" Bai Xuan asked.

"Arrays are divided into five grades. A simple array like the Hongyun Array is a basic array. One seal is considered a primary spirit array, ten seals are considered an intermediate spirit array, one hundred seals are considered an advanced spirit array, and one thousand seals are considered a top-level spirit array. The Tian Shu Demon-Slaying Array is a top-level spirit array in this world."

"Array masters are also divided into five ranks: the first is 'Guarding Simplicity,' the second is 'Using Wisdom,' the third is 'Sitting in Illumination,' the fourth is 'Understanding the Mysterious,' and the fifth is 'Entering the Divine.' There are no ones who have entered the Divine realm in the world today. I am only at the second rank now, while Master Li is one of the only three array masters in Xiliang who have reached the Understanding the Mysterious realm. Arrays have no fixed form and are unpredictable to ghosts and gods," Xu Yuhua said.

Upon hearing this, Bai Xuan asked, "Then can I be considered a beginner?"

"Indeed, once the first array pattern is formed, it is a first-grade defensive technique, guarding one's own simplicity, leaving the opponent with no way to counter it," Xu Yuhua said.

"Then I'll learn with you, elder sister. I hope you won't think I'm stupid and can teach me," Bai Xuan said.

Being near the water gives you an advantage.

Learning together fosters a closer relationship and makes it easier to repay kindness.

"Alright then." Xu Yuhua smiled faintly.

Bai Xuan chuckled, then focused his gaze on the array diagram Xu Yuhua had given him, eagerly asking, "Big sister, are all array diagrams like this? Is it enough to just follow this?"

"Not all of them are like that. The truly powerful array diagrams are all concealed and difficult to detect. Such array diagrams need to be activated by inputting mental power into the array patterns," Xu Yuhua explained.

Bai Xuan had a good idea of ​​what was going on, and then asked, "What kind of formation is this 'Good Fortune Formation'?"

"Naturally, it's a formation that brings good luck to people," Xu Yuhua said.

"You can add this too?" Bai Xuan asked in surprise.

"Naturally, people experience fortune and misfortune, and their luck fluctuates. Qimen Dunjia, by seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune, and by conforming to the way of heaven, is just a simple example of good luck. There are also more refined forms for romantic luck, official luck, and wealth luck, each with corresponding formations," Xu Yuhua said.

"You have all of these?" Bai Xuan looked curious. The Jade True Temple didn't mention these things. Why would they say that? Did the Prince of Zhenbei add a bunch of peach blossom formations to his body before he died?

"They all exist, but ordinary formations don't have much effect. They only slightly amplify the original effect. Advanced formations can amplify it by about 10%, but it still depends on the original formation itself," Xu Yuhua said.

Unless it's a formation that directly seizes a nation's fortune and injects it into a person, but such formations are not within the scope of today's topic.

Bai Xuan nodded and asked a few more questions, his face full of joy.

A while later, Li Daoyan returned.

"Mr. Li, have you found it?" Duan Baiyu asked.

"Just like the Blood Shadow Cult members assassinated at Yuzhen Temple before, they were instructed by Shi Yexing, the leader of the Blood Shadow Cult's Liangzhou branch. They bribed the post station manager and revealed the location of the Liangzhou branch: Hanshui County under Wuwei Prefecture. Once we meet up with the Duan family's iron cavalry, we can capture them and interrogate them," Li Daoyan said.

"Shi Yexing, good." Duan Baiyu muttered the name, his eyes revealing a murderous intent.

"Don't worry, he can't escape in Liangzhou," Li Daoyan said.

Liangzhou, after all, was Liangzhou of the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion.

In the past, I was too lazy to care, after all, there's always a black side to every white.

But if you really want to deal with a specific person, that's very easy.

Let alone the branch leader of the Blood Shadow Sect, even the sect leader Xue Tianjun would be powerless in front of the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion.

Duan Baiyu nodded, and the matter was temporarily concluded. They each returned to their rooms.

After returning to his room, Bai Xuan calmly released his divine sense, enveloping the entire post station under his divine sense to ensure there were no accidents. Then, he carefully took out the treasure map, and with a surge of powerful magic in his hand, he instantly condensed a hundred array patterns out of thin air.

The array patterns floated in mid-air and, under Bai Xuan's control, fell into the treasure map that Bai Xuan cherished as his life.

Since falling into Bai Xuan's hands, the treasure map, which had never been very cooperative, was now emitting a faint light.

Bai Xuan was overjoyed, but the faint light flashed and disappeared as if it had never existed.

Bai Xuan frowned slightly, gathered his magic power in his right hand, and conjured a hundred array patterns out of thin air, which he then infused into the treasure map. The treasure map emitted a faint light, and before it could dissipate, Bai Xuan gathered another hundred array patterns in his left hand and infused them into the treasure map.

He can only condense a hundred array patterns at a time now.

If we compare a formation master's spiritual power to a pool, then understanding the formation is like the water pipes that supply water to that pool.

Bai Xuan's pool was large enough, almost like an ocean, but his water pipes were small, so no matter how much water he had, he could only spray out that much water.

But he has a lot of fluids, so he has a high frequency; if he runs out of fluids, he can immediately replenish them from the back.

After countless array patterns were added, the treasure map finally reacted, as if it had come to life. Its light flowed like a black hole, absorbing Bai Xuan's soul before he could even react.