On the fifth day after the sparring match at Star-Shift Platform, Han Li was organizing his deduction notes on the "Twofold Formation-Pill Induction" in Green Bamboo Courtyard when Elder Sun's voice suddenly came through his cave abode's wards. "Steward Li, come to the Steward Hall at once. There is something important to discuss."
When he entered the Steward Hall, Elder Sun was sitting opposite an elder in a black robe patterned with stars. A yellowed map lay spread across the table—the layout of the Star Palace treasury. Seeing Han Li arrive, Elder Sun rose with a smile. "Steward Li, this is Mo Chen, the elder who guards the treasury. He will take you to retrieve the 'Two-Ceremonies Formation-Pill Manual' today."
Han Li's heart tightened. Ever since Elder Sun had mentioned the manual after the grand tournament, he had known it was a crucial secret text for cultivating formations and pill refinement together. Now, seeing Elder Mo Chen's solemn face and the Vault Key covered in ward patterns hanging at his waist, he could tell the treasury was closely guarded.
"This disciple greets Elder Mo." Han Li cupped his hands in salute, his gaze falling on the words "Two-Yi Hall" at the center of the map. That was where the "Two-Ceremonies Formation-Pill Manual" was kept, deep within the Spirit Vein Core, a forbidden area of the Star Palace. Only the Array-Pill Twin Seals could serve as the key to open it.
"The Star Palace treasury has nine levels. The first eight hold scriptures and magical treasures, while the ninth, the Two-Yi Hall, houses only the 'Two-Ceremonies Formation-Pill Manual,'" Elder Mo Chen said in a low voice. "You must pass three trials to enter the hall: distinguishing false formations, timing pill flames, and achieving array-pill harmony. Since Elder Sun recommended you, you