Xun Er Learns Array Formations

The journey to the Dragon Domain let Xun Er truly see the vast hidden power under Gu Long's command, and it also made her desire to grow stronger all the more urgent.

She did not want to be someone who was merely protected. She hoped that one day, she could truly stand beside Brother Gu Long and face everything shoulder to shoulder with him.

Several days after returning to their courtyard near Jia Nan Academy, Gu Long called Xun Er over to the stone table in the courtyard.

"Xun Er, you have already seen what happened in the Dragon Domain."

Gu Long looked at the young girl before him, who had grown ever more graceful and beautiful, his tone calm.

"Though external strength is important, one's own strength is the foundation.

"You possess a Divine Bloodline and unmatched talent. Your future is limitless.

"But beyond Dou Qi cultivation, mastering another skill can sometimes produce unexpected results."

Xun Er nodded seriously. "Xun Er understands. Brother Gu Long means that I should not focus solely on my Dou Qi cultivation, right?"

"Yes, but not entirely."

With a flip of his palm, a white Jade Slip emitting a gentle glow appeared in Gu Long's hand.

The Jade Slip appeared ordinary, but upon closer inspection, one could discover countless tiny points of light within it, like stars, as though it contained some profound principle of Heaven and Earth.

"This is the Elementary Introduction to the Profound Array Dao, an array formation inheritance I obtained by chance."

Gu Long handed the Jade Slip to Xun Er.

"The path of array formations is vast and profound. At its smallest, it can gather spiritual energy and provide defense; at its greatest, it can trap and kill powerful enemies, even alter the heavens and earth. Once cultivated to a deep enough level, one can form an array with a single thought, wielding boundless power."

Xun Er carefully accepted the Jade Slip. It felt cool and smooth against her hand.

Although she came from the Ancient Clan and possessed broad knowledge, the Ancient Clan excelled in Dou Qi and bloodlines rather than array formations.

Holding this clearly extraordinary array formation inheritance, she felt both curious and somewhat pressured.

"Brother Gu Long, this is too precious. Besides, the path of array formations is extremely difficult to begin. Xun Er fears she may waste it..."

She hesitated, worried that she would fail to learn it properly and waste Brother Gu Long's goodwill.

Gu Long smiled faintly and reassured her, "There is no need to feel pressured. The Elementary Introduction to the Profound Array Dao progresses from simple to advanced, placing the greatest emphasis on foundations and comprehension. It is perfectly suited for beginners.

"You are naturally intelligent, and your Soul Power far surpasses others at your level. You have a natural advantage in learning array formations.

"I do not expect you to become an array formation master immediately. I only hope that this will broaden your horizons, temper your soul, and help you understand another principle behind the movement of Heaven and Earth Energy.

"This will also greatly benefit your future Dou Qi cultivation."

After a pause, he continued, "Besides, mastering some basic Spirit Gathering Arrays and defensive arrays will be beneficial whether in your daily cultivation or when you travel in the future."

Listening to Gu Long's gentle and persuasive words, the hesitation in Xun Er's heart gradually faded, replaced by eager anticipation.

She gripped the Jade Slip tightly and nodded firmly. "Mm! Xun Er will definitely study diligently! I will never disappoint Brother Gu Long's expectations!"

"Good." Gu Long nodded. "Immerse your Soul Power into the Jade Slip, and you will be able to read its contents.

"At first, you need only understand and memorize it. Do not rashly attempt to set up complex arrays, lest you suffer backlash.

"If there is anything you do not understand, you may ask me, or consult relevant texts yourself for confirmation."

"Yes!" Xun Er eagerly pressed the Jade Slip against her smooth forehead, closed her eyes, and slowly extended her Soul Power into it.

In an instant, a vast sea of information poured into her mind.

First came the most fundamental concepts of array formations: what an Array Base was, what an array eye was, how to draw upon Heaven and Earth Energy, how to inscribe runes...

The knowledge was systematic and detailed, as though a patient teacher were explaining it piece by piece.

Then came detailed explanations of dozens of basic arrays, from the simplest Small Spirit Gathering Array and Mist Array to the somewhat more complex Essence Solidifying Array and Warning Array.

Each one included clear diagrams of energy flow and key points for inscribing runes.

The sheer amount of information was enormous, but it was arranged with exceptional order, progressing layer by layer. Rather than leaving Xun Er confused, it stirred up immense interest within her.

She immersed herself in that profound world of array formations, forgetting the passage of time.

Watching Xun Er gradually lose herself in it, sometimes furrowing her brows in thought and sometimes smiling in sudden realization, Gu Long knew that she had found the way in.

He did not disturb her. Quietly rising to his feet, he walked to the other side of the courtyard and began his uninterrupted daily cultivation.

He knew that with Xun Er's intelligence and talent for the soul, entering the path of array formations would not be difficult for her.

This inheritance was not merely meant to improve her overall abilities.

Its deeper purpose was to help her cultivate a broader perspective and rigorous logical thinking through her study of array formations.

Array formations emphasized planning, calculation, and drawing upon the power of heaven and earth. In that respect, they shared much in common with taking command of the bigger picture and devising strategies from afar.

In the future, whether she chose to lead the Ancient Clan or follow him, this ability would be of crucial importance.

Only as the sun set did Xun Er slowly open her eyes, a mingling of excitement and exhaustion shining within them.

She let out a long breath. Her head felt somewhat swollen, but her spirits were unusually high.

"Brother Gu Long, array formations are so marvelous!" She ran to Gu Long's side, her little face faintly flushed with excitement. "So the flow and combination of energy can create so many different changes!"

"How does it feel?" Gu Long asked with a smile after ending his cultivation.

"There is a lot of information, but it is very interesting!" Xun Er nodded vigorously.

"I feel like a door to a whole new world has opened!

"Especially that Small Spirit Gathering Array. If I can set it up, my cultivation speed will surely improve considerably!"

"Take things step by step. Do not be too hasty," Gu Long reminded her. "Begin with memorization and understanding. Once you have fully mastered the basic runes and methods of guiding energy, it will not be too late to try it yourself."

"Xun Er understands!" Xun Er replied obediently, then added somewhat bashfully, "Brother Gu Long, I need some materials for practice, such as low-grade Spirit Stones or energy crystals..."

Setting up array formations, especially for a beginner, required the consumption of materials for practice.

Gu Long had long prepared for this and handed her an ordinary Storage Ring. "There are some Low-grade Spirit Stones, Basic Rune Ink, and array plates inside. They will be enough for your initial practice. Tell me when you run out."

Xun Er accepted the Storage Ring and swept it with her Soul Power. Inside were several thousand neatly stacked Low-grade Spirit Stones, along with all kinds of basic array formation materials in plentiful quantities.

Warmth surged through her heart. Brother Gu Long always considered everything for her so thoroughly.

"Thank you, Brother Gu Long!"

From that day onward, alongside her daily Dou Qi cultivation and games of Go, another important part was added to Xun Er's life—studying array formations.

She devoted nearly all of her spare time to the Elementary Introduction to the Profound Array Dao.

The stone table became covered in rune sketches she had drawn, while in the corners of the courtyard, she could often be seen carefully arranging Spirit Stones into simple array patterns.

Failure was commonplace, and small explosions caused by energy conflicts occurred from time to time, but she never tired of it. Every time she successfully guided energy and lit up a basic array, she would be happy for a long while.

Gu Long would occasionally watch from the side. Whenever she encountered a bottleneck, a few words of guidance from him often brought her sudden enlightenment.

Xun Er's rate of progress was even faster than Gu Long had expected.

Her Soul Power was further tempered through her study of array formations, becoming more condensed and keen.

Her perception and control over subtle changes in energy also improved without her realizing it.

Watching Xun Er advance step by step along the path of array formations, her gaze becoming ever more focused and wise, Gu Long knew that the seed of this inheritance had already been planted.

Given enough time, it would surely grow into a towering tree.

And after arranging matters for Xun Er, he too needed to devote more of his energy to the restless Falling Heart Flame within Jia Nan Academy's Inner Academy.

The time left to him seemed to be growing ever shorter.

The tranquility of the courtyard might soon be broken.