The system's voice echoed in my mind once again, its tone cold and mechanical, yet its message stirred no small joy in my heart.
[Host has gifted his disciple the Three Techniques 708x. As a return, Host has received the following array formations: Divine Azure Constellation Array, Heavenfract Prism Nexus, Myriad Heavenseal Fortress Array.]
As I read the names, a smile tugged at my lips, curling higher until it nearly reached the heavens themselves. Each name bore the weight of grandeur, the power of legacies long forgotten.
Divine Azure Constellation Array.
This wasn't just an ordinary energy pillar formation—it had transcended that primitive stage. Upon activation, a vast constellation unfurled across the sky, shimmering with azure glyphs and ethereal stars. These celestial points linked with glowing ley lines that pulsed like electric veins amidst misty currents. Drawing directly from the Azure Spirit Realm, it imbued everything within its bounds with the might of the elements—water, ice, and lightning.
More than just amplification, the array tailored its energy flow to each individual within its radius. It identified their elemental affinity and constructed a personalized support matrix to elevate their abilities. How generous... how terrifying.
[Earth-rank tier array formation.]
Heavenfract Prism Nexus.
My eyes glinted as I read this one. A refracting crystal prism burst forth upon activation, its many surfaces reflecting countless versions of myself—each on a different path of cultivation. Alchemy, sword Dao, even array mastery—all progressing simultaneously. It split my consciousness, allowing parallel comprehension and practice. An impossibility made mundane by this divine construct.
[Earth-rank tier array formation.]
Myriad Heavenseal Fortress Array.
A fortress not just of walls but of law itself. This formation repelled all—it rejected the world. Anchored to space-time itself, it formed a barrier that negated physical, spiritual, and even dimensional intrusion. Inside its core, only the laws I permitted would function. Want to fly? Ask for my permission. Want to burn me with fire? Not unless i allow
[Earth-rank tier array formation.]
I inhaled deeply, allowing the taste of power to settle on my tongue. But just as my joy soared, the system struck again.
> [Host has received Robe Lord and Lord Mask 10x as a return. Items are of the highest Heaven-ranked tier.]
My eyes twitched involuntarily. That again? I'd already received these sure, they were of exceptional quality—but receiving duplicates left a bitter taste. Still, I couldn't complain. Heaven-rank items were the best rank, and owning more simply meant more options for future
I let out a small sigh. If even one major sect knew about my collection of treasures, they'd dispatch Void Realm cultivators instantly. No, that couldn't be allowed. For now, mystery would be my strongest shield.
I turned my gaze toward the peak, noticing that my two disciples remained in seclusion. An idea brewed in my mind, and I nodded to myself. I should ask Yan Mei to construct two more houses on this summit in the coming weeks. She'd be confused at first—building residences for disciples she hadn't met—but a tenth-tier pill could clear up any doubts she might harbor.
The first week passed in silence. I didn't cultivate. Instead, I immersed myself in studying the three arrays. I consumed three pills specifically crafted to double one's comprehension speed. Combined with my 100 combined physique
As for Lu Qing, I only provided her with low-tier comprehension pills. Her body was still too weak to handle the higher ones.. Yet I could see it in her eyes: the hunger, the drive, the burning desire to grow stronger. She would become someone formidable... given time.
Within that week, I pushed my understanding of each array to near the Second Layer. When I cast miniature versions of them, the results were staggering.
The Divine Azure Constellation Array nearly doubled my water, ice, and lightning attributes. As someone with a mixed-element physique, the boost was considerable—but not as beneficial for me as it was for others. I already had advanced sword and defense techniques that could carry me through most encounters. But for someone like Xue Lian, this array could amplify her talents exponentially.
The Heavenfract Prism Nexus made me in satisfaction. A 1.5x multiplier to cultivation and comprehension speed was no small feat. I couldn't help but sigh wistfully.
"Now, if only enlightenment could be bought…"
The Myriad Heavenseal Fortress Array? That one was a monster. At the first layer alone, it could withstand a full-powered barrage from five Core Formation cultivators. Even a Nascent Soul might struggle to breach it in a few hits. Not to mention its ability to deny enemy flight or fire entirely—it was more than a formation; it was a tyrant's domain.
I decided to take a break and visit my disciples. First, I checked on Lu Qing.
She was forming an Ethereal Prism Array, her fingers nimble, spiritual threads weaving effortlessly in the air. I stood silently behind her for a moment before placing a hand on her head.
"You've done well," I murmured.
She turned, startled, then quickly looked away. Her cheeks colored faintly, but she said nothing. Pride glimmered in her eyes, tempered with embarrassment and confusion. But above all else, I saw something rare—pride. My praise, though given sparingly, meant something to her.
"I'm already at the Second Layer for all three techniques you gave me, Master," she said, clearly trying to suppress a proud smile.
I nodded calmly, as if I had expected this all along—though inwardly, I was slightly impressed. She was adapting faster than predicted.
Just then, Xue Lian emerged from her seclusion. Her spiritual aura had grown deeper, more stable. She remained at the peak of Foundation Establishment, but her foundation was now a fortress unto itself.
Jealousy flickered through me for a moment, but I shook it off. I had the system, after all. If I wanted to, I could climb past Core Formation tomorrow. But that wouldn't suit the character I was playing.
I smiled faintly and waved my hand, transferring the Black Python Cultivation Technique to her.
She stiffened. Knowledge flooded her mind like a storm. Her eyes widened in shock, then gradually narrowed in understanding. She bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Master."
A new notification chimed.
> [Host will not receive a reward. The Black Python Technique has been transferred. Technique is now unusable by Host.]
I flinched. It felt like someone had stabbed me through the heart. But my expression remained unreadable. A true master gives without asking.
Xue Lian approached, her usual blank face softened slightly as she whispered, "Master, I'll reach Core Formation soon."
Her voice was cold, but there was a smugness buried in it. She was proud. That pride soothed my bruised heart.
I looked at the two of them—one blushing, the other smug—and allowed a rare, content smile to bloom.
"Good," I said simply.