Unparalleled Talent, Beyond Compare

The way of arrays can be subdivided into many categories.

Common arrays involve refining items like array flags and array stones, then setting them up according to the terrain.

This method of array formation requires a mastery of array principles and an understanding of spiritual energy flow.

There is another type of array that integrates all the necessary components—flags, stones, and the like—into a single array disk.

When in use, one simply needs to inject spiritual power, and the array will operate on its own.

Such arrays are portable, quick to deploy, and require no deep knowledge of the way of arrays.

The inscription techniques in the [Heavenly Cauldron True Fire Hundred Refinement Scripture] are, in essence, a form of array disk craftsmanship.

Shen Yue had come to study arrays specifically for this array disk style.

The diagram on the table was the design for exactly such an array disk.

If he could master it, he would be able to refine complete spiritual artifacts.

Shen Yue examined the diagram carefully.

The array patterns and internal structure of the disk on the blueprint were incredibly complex; the flow of the patterns... the placement of the array bases... the angles at which the array stones were set...

"This diagram utilizes four variants of the Spirit Gathering Array, two of the Obstacle Breaking Array, two of the Light Splitting Array, and one of the Evolution Array..."

Shen Yue reeled off more than twenty types of array patterns in one breath, then pointed to two spots, "I haven't seen these two patterns before. But they appear to be a combination of several illusion arrays, such as the Evolution and Light Splitting types."

Xuanzhenzi's eyes narrowed slightly.

This diagram was the "Yin-Yang Prisoner Killing Array," a large-scale offensive and trapping array he had recently designed.

Some of the patterns on it were his own unique creations, which even Xia Qingqing and Zhou Feng had never seen.

Yet, Shen Yue, a minor cultivator who had only been studying for two months, was able to decipher his combination array.

This lad's comprehension of arrays was truly high.

Xuanzhenzi rose slowly: "Not bad. Zhou Chongwen didn't send over a blockhead after all."

"Senior Brother," Xia Qingqing was squatting under the window outside, eavesdropping, "Who is Master calling a blockhead? He isn't talking about me, is he?"

Zhou Feng turned his gaze away, expressionless.

Father said his talent was peerless, so it certainly wasn't him.

Half a day later.

At Refining Lake, aboard the Green Jade Gourd.

"Father, is my talent truly peerless?"

Zhou Chongwen did not turn his head, his fishing rod as steady as a rock, his tone certain: "You are the best in the world."

Zhou Feng rubbed his fingers, a look of confusion on his face.

"Senior Xuanzhenzi has returned, hasn't he? He must have tested Shen Yue by now. You see, while others fail, you are capable of achieving great things." Zhou Chongwen added.

Zhou Feng gritted his teeth: "Master said Shen Yue has great talent for arrays."

"Didn't Father tell you? Shen Yue is the smartest one at Refining Lake. If even he can't do it, but you can, that means you... what?!"

Zhou Chongwen whipped his head around, "Senior Xuanzhenzi praised Shen Yue for his array talent?!"

"Yes." Zhou Feng's face was full of unease.

Zhou Chongwen thought to himself that this was bad.

His true intention in sending Shen Yue to the Mystic Array Pavilion was to serve as a foil for Zhou Feng, to consolidate his dear son's Dao heart.

But not only had Zhou Feng not consolidated his Dao heart, it seemed to have been damaged instead!

Zhou Chongwen's expression turned serious: "Shen Yue's meager talent is nothing compared to yours. Feng'er, you must remember, your talent is unparalleled; no one can surpass you."

He stared into Zhou Feng's eyes, saying every word clearly: "Hasn't Senior Xuanzhenzi praised you countless times as well?"

"That's right!" Zhou Feng's brows lifted, "Who hasn't been praised? My talent is incomparable!"

Zhou Chongwen breathed a sigh of relief and picked up his fishing rod again: "Go back now, Father wants to fish for a while."

"Right!" Zhou Feng held his head high and chest out, "Once I master the way of arrays, I will help Father break through to the late stage, achieve Foundation Establishment, and dominate the Golden Core realm!"

Zhou Chongwen's mouth twitched.

Once his dear son had left, he pulled back his fishing rod, channeled spiritual power into his feet, and the Green Jade Gourd violently broke the water's surface, speeding toward the shore.

He had to persuade Shen Yue to give up arrays and take a different path.

Otherwise, it would surely damage his son's Dao heart in the future.

In the small courtyard by the lake.

Shen Yue sat before the table, his expression focused, head bowed as he drew the "Yin-Yang Prisoner Killing Array" diagram on paper.

But unlike the version Xuanzhenzi had designed to be refined into an array disk, his diagram was designed for the forging of a spiritual artifact.

The flow of the array patterns, the arrangement of the array bases, the path of spiritual power circulation... every single line had to be redesigned and laid out anew.

"The trajectory of these array patterns needs to be more precise..." Shen Yue sketched in the corner of the array diagram, changing the originally straight lines into spiraling, ascending arcs.

"While straight lines conduct spiritual power quickly, they lack the space to build up momentum. By switching to a spiral pattern, the spiritual power gains a measure of force with every rotation, which is far better suited for a spiritual artifact."

"The connectivity of these two array bases also needs adjustment. The array bases forged for an array plate are static, with each node operating independently. However, once forged into a spiritual artifact, the bases must move in tandem with the artifact; static connections are far too fragile..."

He modified and perfected it bit by bit, at times furrowing his brows in deep thought, at others writing with intense focus.

The array diagram on the table grew increasingly rich and detailed.

As the sun slanted toward the west, a brand-new array diagram finally appeared before his eyes.

"That's just about it. Next, I can attempt the artifact forging."

That night.

"You're going to forge artifacts again?" Changqin Wuming said with a stern face. "You have only just managed to enter the threshold of the array path; you should continue to pursue it. How can you give up halfway!"

Zhou Chongwen, however, laughed. "Emperor Ming, you are mistaken. We cultivators should follow our hearts. I support General Shen in forging artifacts."

Changqin Wuming frowned. "Minister Shen, listen to me. You cannot forge artifacts; you have already tried before, and that is beyond doubt. But in the way of arrays, you have entered the threshold in only two months—something many cannot achieve. This shows you have immense talent for arrays; how can you speak of giving up so lightly?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chongwen grew anxious and hurriedly countered, "Emperor Ming, you are harming General Shen. With the Sword Sect currently encircling the Demon Sect, all array masters are being sent to the front lines to set up formations. The front lines are perilous; even Senior Xuanzhenzi says that a moment of carelessness could cost one their life. General Shen is only at the mid-stage of Qi Refining; he must not go."

"An artifact master is different. No matter what happens in the outside world, they only need to forge in the rear. It is perfectly safe."

"By the way, doesn't General Shen need materials for forging? I have connections."

Shen Yue watched Zhou Chongwen's uncharacteristic behavior and guessed what was afoot.

Thus, he wore a troubled expression and sighed, "Brother Zhou, you know as well as I do that I just bought Spirit Gathering Pills, and now I don't have a single spirit stone left. As for the materials... forget it, I had better continue studying arrays."

"That is being far too formal!" Zhou Chongwen hurriedly waved his hand, his tone grand and heroic. "Don't worry about using the materials; just pay me back whenever you have spirit stones."

Seemingly afraid that Shen Yue might not be firm enough, he gritted his teeth and tapped his storage bag.

"I just remembered, I obtained a cauldron previously. General Shen, take it and use it as well!"

Before the words had even faded, a fiery red cauldron appeared out of thin air.

The body of the cauldron was as crimson as a flame, its surface engraved with fire patterns.

Changqin Wuming's brows knit together.

What was Zhou Chongwen up to today, being so generous?

But thinking it over, what Zhou Chongwen said was not without reason.

Are array masters truly that dangerous?

Forget it.

Changqin Wuming shook his head to himself.

In truth, it made no difference what Minister Shen studied; in the end, he would still have to rely on the Emperor to lead the way.

Forging and arrays were merely auxiliary paths.

Shen Yue had originally only intended to swindle some materials, never expecting that Zhou Chongwen would possess a treasure like the Fire Cloud Cauldron.

Although the cauldron had cracks and was only sixty or seventy percent intact, it was undeniably a graded cauldron.

"Then I shall trouble you, Brother Zhou. With this cauldron, becoming an artifact master is not far off."

Zhou Chongwen beamed, thinking to himself that this was perfect.

The night was deep and quiet.

Shen Yue sat cross-legged, the Green Fire Cauldron and the Fire Cloud Cauldron standing opposite each other before him.

The Green Fire Cauldron was as green and clear as jade, gentle and restrained, while the Fire Cloud Cauldron was as red as fire, covered in dense spiritual patterns.

"The Fire Cloud Cauldron is of a higher grade, but its body is damaged. The Green Fire Cauldron is in tune with my heart and mind, yet it is not a graded artifact..."

Shen Yue hesitated, unsure which cauldron to use for his attempt at forging.

He took out the Heavenly Cauldron True Fire Hundred Refinement Scripture and studied it carefully.

Suddenly, his expression jolted, his divine sense locking onto the jade slip.

"Melting cauldrons to upgrade their rank?"