Min Longyu was naturally no man of hollow reputation.
Under Fu Jiusheng's explanation, Luo Chen gradually came to understand.
Min Longyu possessed profound attainments in the Seven Fundamental Restrictions and an exceptionally solid foundation, which was why he had progressed along the path of arrays both swiftly and steadily.
The reason he had never mentioned such overarching fundamental knowledge to Luo Chen before was mainly that Luo Chen had lacked any grounding in the dao of arrays at the time.
His grasp of restrictions had merely amounted to the little he had picked up through trial and error while unraveling the owner imprints on storage bags.
Therefore, Min Longyu had not brought up the overarching concept of the Seven Fundamental Restrictions, instead having him start by copying and tracing glyphs to enter the craft.
"What Min Longyu excels at most is the Mountain Restriction. That is why most of the arrays he sets up draw upon the power of mountains, rivers, and earth veins," Fu Jiusheng explained at an unhurried pace.
Luo Chen listened with keen interest.
Reflecting upon it carefully, Fu Jiusheng was indeed right.
Throughout Min Longyu's journey—whether attacking Crescent Moon Valley, the Chaos Stone Array on Gaoling Plain, or the Seven-Colored Danxia Grand Array—his works were fundamentally tied to the Mountain Restriction.
"Does that Seven-Colored Danxia Grand Array also incorporate the Cloud Restriction?" Luo Chen asked curiously as he listened.
Fu Jiusheng stroked his beard with a smile. "Indeed it does. Danxia Peak's protective mountain grand array relies primarily on Mountain and Cloud Restrictions, supplemented later by the added magic treasures and flying swords that form Manifest Restrictions. That is why its might is so tremendous."
"Furthermore, the spiritual sense imprints and divine sense imprints you mentioned earlier both belong to Obscure Restrictions."
Guided by Fu Jiusheng's explanations, Luo Chen gradually developed a systematic understanding of the so-called Seven Fundamental Restrictions.
Mountain Restriction: heavy, ancient, and simple; a spiritual energy restriction formed by imitating the earth, mountains, and rivers.
Water Restriction: the highest good is like water, following the path of seamless harmony and yielding gentleness.
Wind and Cloud Restrictions: flowing wind and drifting clouds, ever-shifting in a myriad of forms, whether hard or soft, unpredictable and elusive.
Anyone who skillfully mastered even one of them and incorporated it into an array would see its power multiply several times over.
As for the remaining three—Obscure, Manifest, and Spatial—they were rather peculiar.
Obscure Restrictions were formless and intangible. They could be established using divine sense or specters, could follow the circulation of qi, and could even entangle karma and destiny. Most ordinary cultivators knew a trick or two, but only a trick or two; when it came to true mastery, few dared to boast.
Manifest Restrictions, as the name implied, were visible on the outside, mostly hosted within physical artifacts. This fundamental restriction covered such vast ground that one could hardly finish describing it in several days and nights.
As for the final Spatial Restriction, in Fu Jiusheng's words, it was a restriction of space.
Mastering this restriction and blending it into spells or divine abilities yielded techniques like Shrinking the Earth into an Inch or the Universe in the Sleeve. The most common product of the Spatial Restriction was the storage bag.
If integrated into arrays, shifting through the void, teleporting tens of millions of li, traversing entire continents, or crossing vast oceans were commonplace feats.
There were even legends that Celestial Venerables of the Immortal Realm harbored boundless Spatial Restrictions within themselves, giving rise to tales of creating worlds inside their bodies.
"These Seven Fundamental Restrictions are myriad and vast as an ocean; virtually no one in the cultivation world can master them all."
"Derived from these Seven Fundamental Restrictions arose many traditions—formation masters, seal masters, incantation masters, barrier masters, and more."
"And because the dao of formations is most aligned with heaven and earth, displays the greatest power, and is also the most practical, we ordinary cultivators customarily equate restrictions with formations. In truth, there are subtle differences between the two."
Fu Jiusheng spoke with eloquence and fervor, warming to his subject.
Luo Chen listened with great enthusiasm.
He had thought restrictions and formations shared a parent-child relationship, never imagining that restrictions would encompass so many domains.
Looking back now, when he cast spells—forming incantation gestures, mobilizing magic power, creating specific output patterns—it was actually an alternate manifestation of restrictions.
"Listening to your words is truly worth ten years of reading!" Luo Chen remarked with genuine feeling.
Fu Jiusheng gave an amused chuckle. "I simply know a fair amount of general knowledge. In truth, my talent for formations is quite mediocre, far inferior to a formation genius like Min Longyu."
"It is already very impressive!" Luo Chen said sincerely.
Fu Jiusheng smiled and shook his head. "Chatting like this, time slips away unnoticed. Let us not delay the construction of the Trapped Dragon Array!"
Luo Chen hummed in agreement. "I follow your lead. Wherever you need me, just say the word!"
Fu Jiusheng pondered for a moment.
After a pause, he spoke. "Originally, I intended to have you engrave restrictions onto the materials using magic power and embed them into the array base. Now that I know you started your study of restrictions by unbinding countless storage bag imprints, it means you have some foundation in Obscure Restrictions. In that case..."
"The task of channeling the earth qi and smoothing the circulation of heaven and earth's spiritual energy shall be entrusted to you!"
If Luo Chen had previously relied on the panel to boldly boast, 'I learn things fast,' now, having learned the vastness and depth of restrictions, a sense of reverent awe had welled within him.
He pursed his dry lips. "Can I really do it?"
Fu Jiusheng smiled easily. "It isn't actually that difficult, especially for someone like you with such powerful soul foundations. Listen closely..."
***
Danxia Peak.
The mountain gate of Luotian Sect.
The remaining Foundation Establishment True Cultivators gathered in one hall, all looking with joyous expressions at Sima Huiniang seated at the head.
Under their eager gazes, Sima Huiniang put down the intelligence jade slip sent back by Xing Zonghan.
Her face blossomed into a smile.
"We succeeded!"
"The Supreme Elder led our forces and conquered a spiritual ground with a Tier 3 spirit vein in the Howling Moon Mountain Range."
At these words, a roar of cheers erupted within Huixin Hall.
No one had expected they would truly conquer it.
How much time had passed?
It had gone so smoothly!
And that was not all!
Sima Huiniang continued, "The conquered spiritual ground is far from the frontline battlefields and very close to Broken Moon Immortal City. From a safety perspective, it is also an exceptionally fine territory."
Another burst of cheers broke out!
After the cheering subsided, everyone looked eagerly at Sima Huiniang.
"Sect Master, when can we move over?"
"Indeed, with the spiritual ground newly secured, they must need manpower. When can we go over to help?"
"This Qian is willing to offer my humble strength!"
Facing this enthusiastic atmosphere, Sima Huiniang couldn't help the corners of her lips curling up.
She roughly understood what they were thinking.
Now that the sect had a Tier 3 spirit vein, there would naturally be Tier 2 cave dwellings for the Foundation Establishment cultivators to cultivate in.
If they went earlier, they could enjoy them sooner.
Over the years, the number of Foundation Establishment True Cultivators in Luotian Sect had reached as many as twenty-five.
With such a large number, relying solely on renting Tier 2 cave dwellings in Tianlan Immortal City was no longer enough.
Every year, most of the wealth of Luotian Sect's Foundation Establishment True Cultivators was spent on cave dwelling rent.
Especially after Luo Chen formed his core, the majority of the sect's revenue had to go toward supporting Luo Chen, leaving very little for the backbone cultivators below.
If they had free Tier 2 cave dwellings, they would save on rent, and their finances would instantly become much easier.
However!
Understanding them was one thing; relocating the entire sect was quite another!
First of all, Danxia Peak had been developed for a long time, and virtually all of Luotian Sect's businesses radiated outward with Danxia Peak as their center.
Abandoning it outright was completely out of the question.
Therefore, people had to stay behind here.
Secondly, Luo Chen had mentioned that the spiritual ground was newly secured and many latent threats remained. In that case, sending all of Luotian Sect's forces there was ill-advised.
If an accident happened and they were wiped out, the loss would far outweigh any gain.
Finally!
Sima Huiniang turned her gaze toward Min Longyu, who was equally excited.
"Has the Danxia Spirit Seizing Formation been set up?"
Min Longyu nodded hastily. "Combining the Heavenly Work Spirit Seizing Formation and the Incense-Burning Spirit Seizing Formation, I tailored this Danxia Spirit Seizing Formation to local conditions. Within ten years, it can nourish this place's spirit vein up to the Tier 2 level."
"In that case, you head over first. They need you over there."
Min Longyu naturally had no objection.
The others were somewhat puzzled, but after Sima Huiniang explained, they had to rein in their eagerness.
There would be plenty of time ahead; there was no rush.
The cave dwellings at Snow Wolf Flat had not even been planned yet. Going now would only mean waiting around doing nothing.
They had best remain here dutifully and handle their own duties first.
Besides, the Sect Master had also mentioned that materials were in short supply over there and needed to be gathered from the rear.
"Sect Master, when should I depart?" Min Longyu asked impatiently.
Sima Huiniang already had a plan in mind. Calm and poised, she said, "Pick five Foundation Establishment cultivators from the sect who have no urgent duties to accompany you. In addition, leave your apprentice at Danxia Peak; this side still needs an array master to watch over it."
"Understood." Min Longyu nodded, his eyes falling upon the newly ascended Foundation Establishment True Cultivators in the hall.
***
Ten days later.
Led by Min Longyu, a party of sixteen from Luotian Sect arrived at Snow Wolf Flat.
As soon as they landed, Chu Kui came out to greet them.
Before Min Longyu could catch up, his gaze was instantly drawn to the silhouette floating above the mountains.
"Is that... the Supreme Elder?"
Chu Kui nodded with a smile.
Min Longyu watched for a moment, his eyes quickly filling with astonishment. "Is the Supreme Elder channeling the earth qi and smoothing the flow of heaven and earth's spiritual energy?"
Chu Kui shrugged. "I don't understand any of that. Come with me first; Elder Fu and the others have been waiting for you for quite some time."
High in the sky, Luo Chen's eyes were half-open, seemingly unfocused.
Yet his vast divine sense had been fully released, blanketing the area.
Once he sensed the trend of the earth veins and the general pattern of spiritual energy circulation, he raised his hands into the air and cast one incantation seal after another.
Centered on himself, using magic power as a guide, he manipulated the heaven and earth spiritual energy to contract inward, finally amassing within the sect's spiritual ground.
He had been carrying out this task for a while now.
Whether from Luotian Sect or the other factions, whenever the cultivators looked up recently, they could almost always see Luo Chen standing resolute in the sky.
Whenever he made a move, the originally formless and intangible spiritual energy would be manipulated by him, turning into a spiritual tempest that swept across the surrounding peaks.
Such profound methods, even after being seen countless times, still drew admiration every single time.
'Obscure Restrictions are esoteric and obtuse, difficult to master, but their might is truly unfathomable.'
'Manipulating free-flowing heaven and earth spiritual energy is clearly a technique that only Nascent Soul True Cultivators can perform, yet relying on the Trapped Dragon Array and Obscure Restrictions, I can exercise simple control over it.'
'Though it cannot be used against enemies, it suffices to alter its direction of flow, preventing spiritual energy from leaking out and benefiting creatures outside the sect.'
'I wonder if such restrictions can be applied to my casting of spells?'
Having cast Obscure Restrictions for days, Luo Chen had gained a preliminary understanding of this type of restriction.
Faintly, he sensed that this kind of restriction could be merged with spells.
The might of spells was vast and grand, no weaker than attacks from magic treasures.
With the capabilities of a Golden Core cultivator, through ample practice, one could often master several profound spells.
Yet those who relied on them in combat were still a minority.
Aside from the well-worn problems mentioned before, another issue was that the signs of casting a spell were too conspicuous, and the speed was far too slow.
With his proficiency panel, Luo Chen could achieve instantaneous casting or rapid casting for most spells.
However, the heavy traces left behind had previously been difficult for him to resolve.
Take that Innate One Qi Great Handprint—its might was extraordinary!
Yet after Luo Chen formed his core, the few times he used it against peers of the same realm, the results could only be described as mediocre.
It was too obvious! It was far too easy for enemies to guard against!
At his Golden Core Grand Ceremony, it had been broken by Hongling with a single sword strike.
In the battle of Huimeng Ridge, Ancestor He had sensed it in advance with divine sense and evaded it.
Even that Tier 3 demon wolf king had prepared, mounted a counterattack, and had even broken it. Had he not attached the Wither-Bloom Fire to it, he would hardly have achieved such thunderous results.
'If I integrate Obscure Restrictions into such spells, not only will casting them be instantaneous and swift, but I can also conceal all signs of disturbance. Erupting with thunderous suddenness without a sound, I can overwhelm the enemy and seize victory!'
This thought lingered in Luo Chen's mind, making him eager to try it out.
The reason this thought had occurred to him stemmed originally from Diwu Qi.
His counterpart's trump card was named Green Duckweed Nether Wind.
Not only was this move exceedingly powerful, but it was also remarkably concealed, making it difficult even for Golden Core cultivators to notice.
Truly an essential killing move for ambushing people!
Luo Chen also wanted such a killing move to be prepared for any eventuality.
Among his three magic treasures, the Profound Fire Sword and Heavenly Moon Purple Gold Wheel were both meant for direct, frontal assault.
The Soul Breaking Nail had a very unique effect, yielding miraculous results by catching foes unawares.
However, its grade was too low, making it easy to deflect and hard to deliver a decisive blow.
Thus, Luo Chen turned his attention to what he excelled at most: spells.
The Innate One Qi Great Handprint was merely one example.
What he most wished to put into practice was actually another Tier 3 spell—Mirror Flower, Water Moon!
With all its complementary Tier 2 spells already at Great Perfection, this spell had reached the Perfect level.
It could now be used in battle, if barely.
Furthermore, this spell belonged to a rather unique category: an illusion technique leaning toward the soul and capable of deceiving the five senses.
Even if it were broken and backfired, it wouldn't injure him as crudely or excessively as the Soul Intimidation Art.
If he could activate this illusion technique without a sound, then Luo Chen would truly possess a formidable standing among experts of the same realm!
'No rush for now. Perhaps I can discuss it with Min Longyu and the others, letting these formation masters help me refine this idea.'
Luo Chen had naturally noticed the arrival of his sect members long ago.
After finishing his work for the day, Luo Chen descended and sought them out.
The catching up went without saying.
Soon enough, Min Longyu threw himself into the work of refining the Trapped Dragon Array.
Of course, a grand array meant to serve as a foundation for tens of thousands of generations was by no means the work of a single day.
Even with a host of formation masters toiling and people like Diwu Qi and Cen Qiusheng helping to gather formation materials, they had merely managed to construct an embryonic outline.
If they wanted to make genuine headway later, many steps remained.
For instance, moving mountains and filling seas!
Moving mountains and filling seas in the literal sense.
Later on, they would have to find several Tier 1 and Tier 2 spirit vein mountains, move them over to build around the perimeter of the main vein, dig channels to redirect water, establish feng shui configurations, and ensure the smooth flow of earth qi.
Thus, one had to eat one bite at a time and walk one step at a time.
Everyone busied themselves in a steady, orderly fashion.
***
Nighttime.
Inside Luo Chen's cave dwelling.
Fu Jiusheng and Min Longyu, who had come upon invitation, quietly listened to his conception.
"Integrating restrictions into spells?"
"Isn't that a bit of a pipe dream?!"
"Why call it a pipe dream? Fellow Daoist Fu, didn't you say that great figures have integrated Spatial Restrictions into spells and divine abilities?"
"That's why they're called great figures!"
"Er..."
"In my humble opinion," Min Longyu chimed in, "fusing Obscure Restrictions into spells is indeed arduous. It is very easy to cause conflicts, resulting in either a sharp drop in power or the spell spinning out of control to backfire on oneself. However!"
Under the gazes of the two Golden Core Masters, Min Longyu licked his lips, his expression brimming with excitement.
"If it is merely constructing an auxiliary array to conceal magic power fluctuations—making the signs less noticeable when casting a spell—it isn't actually that difficult."
Luo Chen's eyes lit up. "Do you have a solution?"
"Not yet, but once we have an approach, searching for the solution is just following the clues, isn't it?" Min Longyu smiled with self-satisfaction. "Give me some time, and it shouldn't be too hard."
Fu Jiusheng shook his head in admiration. "Indeed, Min Longyu's talent for formations surpasses mine. What an isolated restriction cannot accomplish, he can find a new angle through formations."
Min Longyu chuckled. "Elder flatters me."
On the spot, Luo Chen successively demonstrated several of his signature spells in front of Min Longyu so that he could familiarize himself with them and await his results.
Before leaving, Min Longyu suddenly brought up a suggestion.
"Supreme Elder, if you wish to make achievements in the dao of arrays, relying solely on delving into Obscure Restrictions won't do; that would be walking on one leg. In my humble view, you must also learn more of the other fundamental restrictions."
Luo Chen nodded, taking the advice to heart.
After forming his core, although he had many affairs to handle, time had also become much more abundant.
Aside from the primary pursuits of cultivation and alchemy, taking up an auxiliary craft was an idea he had harbored for a long time.
His target was naturally the formations he had coveted for so long.
Coincidentally, within Luotian Sect, there happened to be two formation masters.
Min Longyu possessed extraordinary talent in formations and frequently came up with unexpected ideas.
Though Fu Jiusheng was conventional, he had a solid foundation and broad knowledge.
With the instruction of these two, Luo Chen believed he could certainly lay down an impressive foundation, just as he had with alchemy!
The future was full of promise!
Chapter 488