The Feeling of Being a Leader (Please Follow)

After making his decision, Yang Wenqing raised his left hand and swept it through the air. A flash of spiritual light passed through the center of the living room, and the traces of the Foundation-Stabilizing Formation etched into the floor immediately vanished. He then took out a sheet of white paper, pulled up the formation materials for Second Refinement cultivation, and first inscribed the formation onto the paper.

This formation was called the Origin-Stabilizing Meridian-Nourishing Formation. It could regulate the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, forming a stable force field that prevented damage to one's foundation while tempering the skin and membranes. It could also ease the physical discomfort caused by the tempering process and protect a cultivator's mind.

This formation was far more complex than the Foundation-Stabilizing Formation used for the First Refinement. Its overall layout resembled a nine-grid pattern, with three nested rings inside and out. The three formation eyes in the inner ring formed a triangle and required embedded energy cores; the middle ring had six auxiliary nodes, where special spirit-guiding runes had to be drawn with silver sand or gold sand; the outer ring required a complete spread of Clearheart Grass powder, creating a barrier that soothed the mind.

The most crucial point was the center of the formation, where a Black Tortoise Shell had to be placed as the formation base. A "Stabilize" rune also had to be drawn upon it using century-old Stone Marrow Liquid.

"Just the materials alone will cost quite a bit..."

Yang Wenqing calculated. Around three hundred grams of silver sand would cost more than six thousand yuan. Clearheart Grass powder was even pricier at fifty yuan per gram; roughly two hundred grams would be enough, which came to ten thousand yuan. Fortunately, it was not consumed too quickly. The Black Tortoise Shell was the most expensive part, and one piece would likely cost ten thousand yuan.

He already had Stone Marrow Liquid on hand, and inscribing a single "Stabilize" rune would not require much. Even so, about half of his savings of over fifty thousand yuan would be gone.

Judging by the silver powder consumed by the previous Foundation-Stabilizing Formation, this formation would probably cost about the same. It meant a fixed monthly expense of several thousand yuan, which was no small sum for him.

At that moment, he suddenly missed the Spiritual Energy Riot. Though it was dangerous, it was a rare opportunity to legally seize wealth through force. Or perhaps he should enter the Second Squad as soon as possible. Then he could escape the disputes within the city and lead his team beyond the county seat to hunt demons and spirits for money.

The unnecessary thoughts passed in an instant. Yang Wenqing soon cleared away the distractions, fetched a bowl of clean water, and used his finger as a pen to carefully trace the rune paths of the Origin-Stabilizing Meridian-Nourishing Formation across the floor. He was familiarizing himself with the new formation.

He focused completely, recalling every detail recorded in the jade slip. The positions of the three formation eyes in the inner ring had to be exact, forming a perfect equilateral triangle. The turns in the spirit-guiding runes at the six auxiliary nodes of the middle ring had to be smooth and natural, without the slightest hitch. The boundary of the outer ring had to be stable as well, ensuring that the Clearheart Grass powder could form a complete barrier when spread.

Though this formation was small, there were countless details to watch for. He even had to apply knowledge of mathematics and physics to ensure that the formation was properly aligned.

His first attempt was slow and awkward. After finishing, Yang Wenqing studied it carefully for a moment, summarized his experience and shortcomings, then waved away the water marks. He took a deep breath and began again.

After repeating the attempt eight times, supported by his Qi Refining Stage cultivation and the powerful awareness brought by his Golden Core, he no longer needed to consult the materials to inscribe the formation. By then, the moon outside the window had already sunk westward.

On his ninth attempt, he was able to trace the complete outline of the formation in one go. Though it was still somewhat unpracticed, at least all its parts could now connect properly.

"I'll stop at this level for now. If I try twice more tomorrow, I should be able to draw it properly!" Yang Wenqing rubbed his slightly swollen brow and put away the bowl of water.

However, he did not rest. Instead, he took out the Azure Edge shortsword and continued nurturing it. Once he was done, he checked the time, spread out talisman paper, steadied his breathing, and inscribed that day's batch of talismans. By the time he finished, it was already deep into the night. Yang Wenqing lay down fully clothed and rested for only two hours before waking punctually to his body clock.

The balcony was already bathed in sunlight. He rose briskly, used a Dust-Cleansing Technique to remove the dust from his body, then went out onto the balcony and performed a set of punches to loosen his muscles and bones. When it reached seven thirty, he left home.

Yang Wenqing first went to a bank near the neighborhood and exchanged six thousand yuan for three hundred grams of prepared silver powder, which he carefully stored in his storage pouch.

Afterward, he headed to a relatively quiet street in the eastern part of the city and found the materials shop called Listening Rain Pavilion. The storefront was not large, but its decor was elegant. It was the shop Deputy Director Gao had introduced to him.

As soon as Yang Wenqing entered, the shopkeeper came forward to greet him. He had visited several times already, so after exchanging a few pleasantries, they began their transaction. Talisman paper here cost eighteen yuan per sheet, one yuan more than at the sub-bureau's logistics department. Yang Wenqing had brought half a month's worth this time, and after deducting the cost of the talisman paper, he could earn five thousand yuan.

After the talisman paper transaction was complete, Yang Wenqing took out the list for the formation and said to the shopkeeper, "Prepare another set according to this list."

The shopkeeper took the list and glanced over it without any noticeable reaction. He quickly brought out two hundred grams of high-quality Clearheart Grass powder, as well as a Black Tortoise Shell with distinct patterns.

"Captain Yang, the Clearheart Grass powder will be nine thousand five hundred. Director Gao specifically instructed us to save this Black Tortoise Shell for you, so we'll only charge eleven thousand for it."

Yang Wenqing nodded. The price was slightly cheaper than the warehouse at the sub-bureau's logistics department.

After paying and carefully putting away the materials, Yang Wenqing headed straight back to the City Defense Sub-Bureau. By the time he entered the Third Squad's office, the hands of the clock on the wall pointed to nine fifteen.

The office was livelier than usual. Lin Wan and Liu Qin were chatting, while Wu Yan and Liu Rong had presumably gone to handle the tasks he had assigned them. Zhao Qin and Qian You were reading old case files and familiarizing themselves with investigative procedures.

Two unfamiliar faces sat properly on chairs near the door. The moment Yang Wenqing's gaze swept over them, he understood what was happening. They were the final two squad members, Sun Yi and Li Yue. As soon as they saw Yang Wenqing enter the office, they immediately stood at attention and saluted.

"Captain!" Both of them spoke loudly.

Yang Wenqing looked over the two last members to report in.

Sun Yi stood straight, with a suitably respectful expression on his face.

Li Yue stood just as straight as a spear. Her epaulets bore the two silver bars of a Senior Guard rank, while her brows and eyes carried a firmness and sharpness rarely seen in ordinary women. Her skin was a healthy wheat color, and as she stood there, she naturally radiated a calm, capable air. Her gaze met Yang Wenqing's steadily, without the slightest trace of timidity or evasion.

For a woman to rise to Senior Guard on the front lines of city defense, she was clearly no ordinary person.

"Sit."

Yang Wenqing walked over to his desk and sat down. In an even tone, he said, "Welcome to the Third Squad. We are mainly responsible for internal coordination and certain complex regional cases. From now on, we'll be colleagues fighting side by side."

Sun Yi immediately replied with a smile, "Yes, Captain! We'll get familiar with the work as soon as possible."

Li Yue gave another crisp salute, her voice clear and steady. "I'll adapt as quickly as possible."

Yang Wenqing nodded slightly. "The two of you will investigate cases as a pair from now on, with Li Yue taking the lead." There was nothing wrong with this arrangement, considering Li Yue was a Senior Guard.

As the two nodded, Yang Wenqing turned to Zhao Qin and instructed, "Zhao, take them to the logistics department and request another standard desk and matching chairs."

"Yes, Captain!" Zhao Qin reacted so quickly that he startled Qian You, who sat across from him.

Watching the three leave, Yang Wenqing finally felt what it was like to be a leader.