Chapter 7: The Way of Formation

Mu Feng examined the jade piece handed to him, marveling at the intricate, seemingly random patterns that almost made him dizzy upon close inspection.

"The first step is inscription. What comes next?" Mu Feng asked thoughtfully.

"The second step is infusing spirit," Elder Bai explained carefully. "Raw jade pieces like these don't contain any spiritual energy, which is necessary for the formation's core to function. We need to inject spiritual energy to power it.

Alternatively, using beast cores or crystals containing the essence of heaven and earth can bypass this step."

Elder Bai then demonstrated by channeling a small amount of spiritual energy into a round jade stone. The three inscribed jade pieces and the infused stone were neatly arranged in front of Mu Feng, who watched in awe as the jade shimmered with flowing light.

"The third step is connecting the patterns. Merely inscribing and infusing isn't enough.

You must link the inscribed patterns on the jade pieces to the infused jade stone," Elder Bai explained while arranging the jade pieces in a triangular formation with the infused stone in the center.

"Watch closely," Elder Bai called out. Mu Feng saw the inscribed patterns on the jade pieces come to life, stretching towards the central stone, intertwining to form a 'Soul Locking Pattern' in a triangular shape on the stone.

A soft chime sounded.

"This is the fourth step, the Array's Chant. When a formation is successfully established, it often emits a chant. Advanced formations can produce sounds that resonate across the heavens, though these can also be masked with special techniques," Elder Bai elucidated.

When Mu Feng looked again, the jade pieces had vanished from their original places, disappearing to an unknown location.

"Don't think that knowing how to inscribe is enough. You must be able to set up formations silently. If everyone knows there's a formation here, no matter how ingenious, it won’t trap anyone," Elder Bai concluded before walking outside the bamboo house.

"To master formation setting, start by learning to break them. Understand well, you have three hours to leave this containment formation."

Mu Feng was still immersed in the mystique of formations and didn't immediately grasp the implication of Elder Bai's words until he noticed something amiss.

Suddenly, the three jade pieces appeared in midair, arranging themselves in a triangular orbit around him, forming an invisible barrier, with the core stone still hidden.

Mu Feng tried to step outside the triangular enclosure but was jolted back as he approached the edge, feeling a heavy shock and breathlessness, unable to cross the barrier.

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"Even the simplest of containment formations can lock down a Soul Master of the first realm?" Mu Feng mused in frustration, acknowledging Elder Bai's exceptional skills despite knowing he was no ordinary formation master.

After numerous failed attempts to escape, Mu Feng began to study the book Elder Bai had left him, poring over each annotation and explanation.

"Array diagrams, core, jade, patterns..."

"Inscription, infusion, connection, chant..."

As he studied, Mu Feng recalled Elder Bai’s technique during the formation setup. Immersed in the book's secrets, time swiftly passed. He picked up the leftover jade pieces and carving knife, heading towards the southernmost piece.

His knife movements were precise, replicating the patterns. Despite several failed attempts resulting in shattered jade and minor injuries, Mu Feng persisted, successfully carving a nearly identical pattern after four attempts. Referring to the 'Essentials of Array Techniques,' he tried to apply the piece against the barrier.

A loud 'bang' echoed, and he was thrown back against another barrier.

Catching his breath, Mu Feng wondered aloud, "What went wrong?"

Dismissing the thought that Elder Bai had intentionally provided incorrect breaking techniques, he revisited the essentials book, discovering a small footnote on one page:

"Each formation has its unique posture, the more profound the formation master's strength, the stronger the setup. If the posture cannot be broken, this technique won't apply, and you must approach from the formation's fundamental principles."

Frustrated but enlightened, Mu Feng realized the subtlety of the instructions and the little time left as dictated by Elder Bai. He meticulously reread the essentials, internalizing every word, yet found no clues.

A sudden glimpse of the broken jade, oddly reversed in angle, sparked an idea. Reflecting on the recent recoil, he speculated, "If I reverse it, could I dislodge the piece?"

With renewed determination, Mu Feng set about carving again, aware that only two pieces remained. Failure was not an option, and carving the 'Soul Locking Pattern' in reverse proved significantly more challenging. His hands were sweaty with tension.

As expected, the first attempt failed.

But with failure came valuable experience. After calming his mind with meditation, Mu Feng resumed with confidence. His carving was swift and decisive, impressing any onlooker with his improved comprehension and skill.

Holding his breath after the final cut, he hoped fervently for success as he approached to fit the pieces together again, readying himself defensively in case of another blow.

A loud bang followed, and this time the faraway bamboo door burst open, with jade pieces scattering everywhere.

"Success!" Mu Feng exclaimed joyfully.

Stepping out from the debris, he saw Elder Bai and Elder Hei enjoying tea in the pavilion outside.

"Hahaha," Elder Bai laughed heartily, clearly pleased, "Old Stubborn, you lose. Convinced now?"

Elder Hei, rising to greet Mu Feng, expressed bewilderment, "How did you break the formation so quickly, lad? Weren't you just a beginner?" Handing over a finely crafted wristguard as a token of his lost wager, he added, "Luck."

Taking the 'Qilin Ring' from Elder Hei, Elder Bai playfully tossed it to Mu Feng, "This ring contains an impressive life space, consider it a gift from your teacher." This gesture was a boastful win over Elder Hei.

The 'Qilin Ring,' known for its ninety-nine storage spaces and a life space large enough for Elder Hei's imagination, was a treasure. Mu Feng, understanding the burden of carrying such a rare artifact, decided to wear it discreetly along with his own storage ring until he was strong enough to protect it.

"Don't forget to thank Elder Hei," Elder Bai reminded with a smile.

"Thank you, Teacher, thank you, Elder Hei," Mu Feng responded graciously, slipping the wristguard onto his left wrist, aligning it with the ring on his pinky.

A sharp pain suddenly shot through his wrist, the soul shock nearly causing his newly stabilized heavenly soul to burst. Thankfully, the elders quickly intervened, stabilizing the situation.

"I forgot to mention, wearing this wristguard binds it to the owner, testing the soul," Elder Hei said sheepishly, a mischievous grin on his face.

"Would it hurt more to take it off?" Mu Feng, still sweating from the pain, inquired curiously.

"No, you can remove it anytime without pain. However, each reattachment will be just as painful, especially as your power and soul strength grow," Elder Hei explained, his tone mixed with reluctance but resolved as it was best for Mu Feng.

Once Mu Feng stabilized and adapted, the three laughed together, Linglong Valley revitalized by the vibrant scene, a reminder of the life and energy rarely seen in recent times.