Five Elements, Four Directions! Core Support!

Chu Qing said solemnly, "These past few days, I have also been studying the rules of the Nine Peaks Martial Meet, and I happened to develop a formation. Though it has flaws, if properly executed, it can multiply our strength severalfold without issue. This formation is called the 'Blade Edge Formation.' One person serves as the core, while the rest act as supporting wings.

"The core must be the strongest, possess the most concentrated blade intent, and be able to withstand the greatest pressure at critical moments. The supporting wings each perform their own duties—attacking or defending, restraining or supporting. Once the formation takes shape, Blade Peak's strength will far surpass the sum of its individuals."

Li Bufan knew Chu Qing's words were not groundless. From their exchange just now, he had already realized that Chu Qing's attainments in formations were no less impressive.

The Spiritual Sense formation laid upon those flying blades was an embodiment of the path of formations.

He nodded. "When I exchanged blows with Brother Chu just now, I knew your blade arts were exceptional. But your formations are no less exquisite than your blade arts. Could you explain them in detail?"

Chu Qing said, "Of course. This Blade Edge Formation is founded upon the mutual generation of the Five Elements, with blade intent as its soul. Five people take the offensive, four take the defense, two provide support, and one serves as the core."

"The attackers are assigned to the Five Elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—each with its own role. Metal's sharpness breaks the enemy; wood's vitality restrains them; water's enduring flow wears them down; fire's blazing heat delivers explosive force; earth's weight suppresses them."

"The five complement one another, cycling endlessly in a ceaseless flow of generation."

"The defenders are based upon the