Below Kunlun Mountain, lush green grass carpeted the ground, while ancient trees towered high enough to blot out the sky.
Bai Ze, stepping out of his cave abode for the first time, had dazzling light flowing through his eyes as he could not help looking around.
He remained constantly vigilant against the danger of severe injury the compass had divined for today.
His cautious demeanor piqued Duobao's curiosity. Duobao deliberately slowed his pace and teased,
"Brother Bai Ze, what's wrong with you? You're wound up so tight."
Bai Ze smiled awkwardly, his gaze still fixed on a swamp not far away.
"You may not know this, Brother Daoist, but my innate talent can sense fortune and misfortune. The moment I left the cave abode, I sensed dangerous auras coming from every direction."
Duobao followed Bai Ze's gaze, then shook his head with a laugh. "Brother Bai Ze, you're too tense. Kunlun Mountain may be covered in Prohibitive Arrays, but as long as you're careful, you'll be fine."
Bai Ze smiled without saying more. He merely followed closely behind Duobao, silently memorizing every place where array runes flowed.
He memorized these Array Formations partly to remain vigilant, and partly so that once he grew strong enough, he could return and explore and comprehend them.
His Insight Divine Ability seemed exceptionally effective when it came to comprehending Array Formations. Therefore, he did not wish to give up any opportunity to strengthen himself!
Especially after encountering someone like Duobao, who possessed an innate talent that ignored Array Formations, he became even more determined to comprehend Primordial Forbidden Formations.
Primordial Forbidden Formations were unlike the Primordial Concealment Formation he had mastered, which left traces that could be followed.
They were called Prohibitive Arrays because they contained the laws of the Heavenly Dao, and thus possessed immense power.
Like the Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation and the Twelve Heavenly Capitals Formation, they could easily slay Daluo Golden Immortals or even destroy the avatars of Quasi-Saints.
More importantly, they could evolve autonomously according to the laws of the Heavenly Dao, even giving birth to array spirits.
They could even seal off space, forming independent minor worlds or forbidden lands that devoured those who entered the formations and even nourished themselves in return.
In later ages, apart from the few well-known ones, the remaining Primordial Forbidden Formations had nearly vanished after the Primordial World shattered and was reforged.
They were nothing like the abundant formations of the present.
Thus, he greatly coveted these Prohibitive Arrays. After all, his strength was weak, and he possessed no particularly powerful divine abilities.
Only these extraordinarily powerful Prohibitive Arrays, which no one else cared about, were perfectly suited to him.
The only pity was that his cultivation remained too shallow for him to approach and comprehend them.
Following behind Duobao, Bai Ze silently noted the locations of these Primordial Forbidden Formations.
Because these Prohibitive Arrays had evolved autonomously from the laws of the Heavenly Dao, they came in all manner of forms.
Some were swamps, some were Crimson Lands, some were flourishing ancient trees, and some were jagged mountain rocks.
Yet without exception, their outward forms were covered in all kinds of flowing law-runes.
However, because he carefully memorized each of these Prohibitive Arrays, his progress became extremely slow.
Duobao, who led the way ahead, seemed to notice. He turned to Bai Ze. "Brother Bai Ze, are you interested in these Prohibitive Arrays?"
Bai Ze nodded. "The way these Prohibitive Arrays operate is extremely peculiar. If I can comprehend and master them, they may become a powerful means of slaughter."
Duobao was speechless. "These Prohibitive Arrays are merely incomplete formations. Only after an array spirit is born can they become complete Prohibitive Arrays.
Precisely because they are incomplete formations, the danger within them is impossible to gauge. Some may hold no danger at all, while others may be certain death.
They are not worth much study. If you like them, once we reach the mountain, I'll show you the real good stuff!
There's no need to waste time here."
A trace of surprise flashed through Bai Ze's eyes. "Brother Daoist, are you saying there are complete Prohibitive Arrays on the mountain?"
Duobao patted his chest and threw back his head with a laugh. "Naturally! My Master's attainments in Array Formations are unparalleled throughout all ages!
Even Eldest Senior Uncle praises him without end, while Second Senior Uncle cannot help but admire his mastery of Array Formations.
The Array Formations he has collected are countless. He even has several complete Primordial Forbidden Formations!"
Bai Ze was overjoyed, but then another thought occurred to him. These Prohibitive Arrays were so precious. He was neither related to Venerable Lingbao nor connected to him in any way—would Venerable Lingbao really allow him to see them?
After calming down, he looked at Duobao Daoist. "Brother Daoist, these Prohibitive Arrays are so precious. Would the Celestial Venerable allow an outsider like me to comprehend them?"
Duobao's lips curled slightly upward. He hooked an arm around Bai Ze's shoulders and winked at him.
"My Master is utterly obsessed with Array Formations. If anyone else wanted to comprehend them, there would basically be no hope. But don't you have the Primordial Concealment Formation?"
Bai Ze abruptly looked up at Duobao. He had never expected this thick-browed, big-eyed fellow to be so crafty. A faint smile appeared on his face as he cupped his hands.
"Thank you for the advice, Brother Daoist. But if we do this... won't the Celestial Venerable punish you and implicate you?"
Duobao stroked his chin and pondered for a moment.
"It's fine. Once we return, I'll enter seclusion—directly enter seclusion for several decades or even a century. By then, even if there's punishment, it will have to wait until I come out. Who knows, perhaps Master will have forgotten all about it by then."
Bai Ze's cheek twitched. Good grief, he was just going to play dirty. I thought he had some brilliant plan.
So he was planning to act shamelessly.
He shook his head. "There is no need for that, Brother Daoist. Though I enjoy Prohibitive Arrays, I cannot let you be punished because of me."
Duobao was slightly stunned. He looked at Bai Ze for a long while before finally flashing a toothy grin.
"You have such a kind heart, little brother. That is truly rare in the Primordial World.
But leave this matter to me. It's only comprehending a few Prohibitive Arrays. If anything happens, your elder brother will cover for you!"
Bai Ze was deeply moved. During his time with Duobao, he had seen and remembered everything: the arrogance of their first meeting, the cautious shrewdness during their transaction, and now his loyalty and sense of righteousness.
He truly could not bring himself to let Duobao be punished because of him.
"Brother Daoist, everyone has their own karmic fortune. Let this matter end here. I cannot let you suffer punishment because of me."
Duobao frowned, but before he could speak, Bai Ze said resolutely,
"I know your temperament, Brother, but I cannot let you be punished alone just because of my own preferences!
If you insist on having your way, then I would rather not go up the mountain."
Duobao looked at Bai Ze's serious, stubborn, unwavering expression. His brows knitted tightly, yet the appreciation in his eyes only deepened.
Apart from his Master, senior uncles, and fellow disciples in that small courtyard, who in the Primordial World would not stop at nothing for their own benefit?
After wandering the Primordial World for so many years, this was the first—and only—time he had met an outsider willing to give up his own interests simply to keep Duobao from being punished.
How could that not move him?
"Phew—"
"Fine, I'll do as you say." Duobao let out a long breath, then suddenly laughed. "Who would have thought that beneath your quiet appearance, you'd be so stubborn?"
Bai Ze smiled noncommittally. "Those who treat me sincerely, I repay with my heart. Those who deceive me with falsehood, I cast aside like worn-out shoes.
One should treat others as one wishes to be treated. Since you have treated me so well, Brother, how could I let you risk yourself?"
Duobao laughed loudly and patted Bai Ze on the shoulder.
"Well said—treat others as you wish to be treated. Hearing you say that feels good!
Come, let's head up the mountain!"
Before you continue