Luo Jinyao blinked as she gazed at the array map etched across the sky, turning to Bai Qiuran, "This array map is impossible to memorize just by looking at it... Elder Sword Ancestor, please take care of it."
Her movements were gentle, like a lover's embrace, yet her hands were cold to the bone. After locating all the positions of the arrays, the two of them retraced their steps back to the cliff they had come from. Bai Qiuran casually executed a palm technique, crushing the giant creature. Li Jinyao then explained, "Let's first find all the locations of these array maps. Once Sister Ruowei arrives with the surveying tools, we can imprint these arrays that produce high-grade spirit stones."
The young girl paused for a moment, then her face turned vigilant as she shouted, "Watch out! It seems the trial of the Resentment Gathering isn't over! Scoundrel, prepare yourself!"
Bai Qiuran pinched Lin Fan's flying sword between his fingers and said, "Your skills aren’t refined enough; go back and ask your master for more guidance."
It's not just arrays that regenerate high-grade spirit stones here. There are also arrays that create monsters, arrays that summon lightning tribulations, all mixed together into an incredibly complex array formation. For now, we can only imprint it all and slowly analyze the results once we're back.
"Your footwork is decent, but your moves are overly complicated."
With improved production capacity, the cultivation world can further develop. Thinking back, before the war between humans and demons, the human race was able to establish a united, thriving immortal dynasty, and things like this were certainly indispensable.
At this moment, Lin Fan picked up his flying sword, wanting to attack again, but Yu Meiqiao stopped him. Although he could technically perform the Phantom Fragrance Technique's moves, it was ultimately a technique for women, and it felt too inappropriate for a man like him to use.
"Let go of me!"
Indeed, Bai Qiuran was repeatedly taking this trial not just for spirit stones, but also to find a way to record the array that can produce spirit stones and take it back for study. Although he had cleared this area and removed the enemies, who knows what tricks they still have up their sleeves? If they decided to destroy the array in desperation, it could ruin the whole dwelling.
There must be complex arrays for various purposes. For instance, the lush green flame was deflected around Bai Qiuran, dividing into a clear path behind him like a river blocked by a rock. Bai Qiuran was aware; after all, behind that grand hall, there might be an Earthly Immortal waiting. When he first approached the hall, his spiritual awareness immediately detected a fierce wave of energy within. As he neared the hall's entrance, the spiritual energy fluctuated wildly, much like a rollercoaster ride.
Even though many methods could be employed, just one accidental brush against these arrays during a fight could result in disaster. Bai Qiuran had been through the trials repeatedly, and it wasn't just to gather spirit stones. His goal was to take the method of producing spirit stones and study it back home. Spirit stones are crucial consumables for cultivation, used as energy for arrays and devices. The cultivation world still uses spirit stones as currency because the sparse population can rely on mining infinite-looking veins for use.
Upon noticing Yu Meiqiao’s actions, Bai Qiuran hesitated briefly, then deftly grabbed her wrist and skillfully restrained her. This time, she seemed to have two helpers.
"There's no need to continue fighting," Bai Qiuran said, using a hand to pin Yu Meiqiao. "Just like your master, whenever she acts, I'm never sure if she wants a hug or intends to kill."
Looking at the array map carved in the sky, Luo Jinyao blinked and turned to Bai Qiuran. "This isn't something you can memorize... Elder Sword Ancestor, please do something about it."
Surrounded by sword light, Lin Fan, who had honed the Golden Sword to perfection under Jue Yunzi’s guidance, was on full display. Bai Qiuran matched his moves with a casual air, testing Lin Fan’s progress.
Despite overcoming the trials in the abode and defeating the enemies within, Bai Qiuran's primary aim wasn't just the spirit stones. The mining of spirit stones was never guaranteed to meet the future needs of the growing cultivation world.
"The key to the Golden Sword lies in rapid and endless change. Attack from angles and with methods your enemies cannot anticipate," Bai Qiuran instructed Lin Fan. Meeting these words, Yu Meiqiao charged forward with a graceful and alluring movement, her twin palms creating a flaming sea of green around Bai Qiuran.
“Your posture is too pretentious,” Bai Qiuran advised while watching Yu Meiqiao and Lin Fan’s interactions. Understanding that in cultivation, ingenuity often decided outcomes. Trying new styles, though embarrassing for some, was sometimes necessary.
Holding Yu Meiqiao, Bai Qiuran continued, "Like your master, her intentions are always a mystery when she attacks—whether it's for an embrace or with a murderous intent." But this time, she appeared to have two comrades ready to offer support.
“Let go! Let me show you what I’m capable of!” Lin Fan persisted, thrusting his sword forward once more before Yu Meiqiao quickly intercepted him.
The expansive sky was filled with floating sword light. Bai Qiuran matched his pace, noting Lin Fan's precise yet tense demeanor, a bead of sweat forming on his brow.
The trial's arrays were intricate and numerous, not only limited to regenerating high-grade spirit stones. Originally focusing on identifying each array position, Bai Qiuran and Li Jinyao spent an entire day pinpointing every array's position within the trial.
With the enhanced production, the cultivation world's flourishing future seemed promising, as such strategic elements were invaluable for human civilization's zenith before the war with demons.
And now, with the development in mind, Bai Qiuran’s thoughts raced, understanding the potential for an age of unprecedented abundance through this breakthrough array.
Despite the unpredictability of these trials, Bai Qiuran’s persistence paid off, firmly holding Yu Meiqiao, then casually tossing aside another long-time rival. Together with Li Jinyao, they intended to return with the knowledge, hoping for a brighter dawn for the cultivation world.