Chapter 854
Myriad Array Cave Heaven
A young cultivator dressed as a servant of the Array Dao Academy, holding a jade slip that emitted a hazy glow in both hands, quickly entered the main hall with small, quick steps. He respectfully addressed a spirited cultivator in white robes ahead, saying, "Elder Tuoba, news has arrived from afar."
Tuoba Hongyi reached out and picked up the jade slip. After reading the inscription on the outside of the jade slip, he said in a booming voice, "Fellow Daoist Zixu, a message has arrived from the Myriad Manifestations Palace."
He then emphasized again, "Send an urgent message; I think you should take a look now."
Upon hearing this, Song Changsheng frowned. The Wanxiang Palace knew his whereabouts and would not normally send him messages. The only exception was the Song family.
It's highly likely that someone from the Song family entrusted Wanxiang Palace to send the message, indicating that something particularly urgent must have happened.
Song Changsheng hurriedly stepped forward to take the jade slip. After seeing the words "Bai Zhengchun died and his Dao disappeared," he felt a slight dizziness and his mind became somewhat dazed.
Among the elders of Luoxia City, besides Mu Guibai, Bai Zhengchun was the one who helped him the most. Not only did Bai Zhengchun help him out of trouble several times, but the two had also fought side by side before.
They were not only teachers and juniors, but also comrades-in-arms who had shared life and death. His death was no different from the passing of a close relative for Song Changsheng.
Most importantly, he couldn't even return his remains to Luoxia City.
"If Yuechan knew..."
Song Changsheng was heavy-hearted. Compared to him, Zhuang Yuechan and Bai Zhengchun had a much deeper relationship, and he didn't know how to tell her such bad news.
He did not try to hide his emotions, and everyone present quickly realized that something was wrong.
"What happened?"
Through this period of getting along and cooperating, Song Changsheng, a formation master who came from an unorthodox background, has gained their recognition, and his contribution to the rapid progress is indispensable.
We are currently at a critical juncture, so everyone has shown some concern.
Song Changsheng put away the jade slip, calmed his mind, and said, "An elder of my sect has passed away. He was a close relative of my wife. I must go to Jueyin Heaven Valley to inform him that I cannot participate in the next verification. Please forgive me."
"The death of an elder is a matter of utmost importance, fellow Daoist. You should act swiftly and not let other matters delay you," Tuoba Hongyi said without hesitation.
“That’s right. If necessary, we should go back. I will inform the True Lord later.”
Li Chengjun quickly stepped forward and said, "This is only a preliminary verification. It's enough that I'm here. Teacher, please focus on the important matters."
"In that case, I, Song, will take my leave now."
As Song Changsheng strode out of the main hall, he pondered how to bring up the matter with Zhuang Yuechan.
During this period, Zhuang Yuechan first used the unique environment of the Absolute Sound Valley to adjust the flaws in her musicality and make up for her shortcomings. Then, she cultivated the Wonderful Sound Treasure Book of the Wonderful Sound Pavilion and entered a rare state of enlightenment. This was a long-term enlightenment that only ended a few days ago.
She is currently at a crucial stage in improving her musical skills, and Song Changsheng doesn't want to interrupt her at this moment, as such an opportunity is rare.
But he also knew that even though they were husband and wife, they couldn't make decisions for each other in the name of love.
"The Silent Valley lies ahead; all who come must halt."
A faint, ethereal voice emanated from the air, carrying an indescribable magic that made people unconsciously stop in their tracks.
"This junior, Song Changsheng, has come at the invitation of True Monarch Yingyue. My wife is currently cultivating in the valley. Our sect has suffered a misfortune, with an elder falling in the line of duty. I beg you, senior, to grant me this favor."
"So it's you. Just wait outside the valley for a moment."
As soon as she finished speaking, Zhuang Yuechan emerged from the mist that shrouded the valley, her face full of doubt. The moment she saw Song Changsheng, her heart trembled inexplicably. Her intuition told her that something extraordinary must have happened.
Song Changsheng's Adam's apple bobbed with difficulty. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Just now, the family sent urgent news that Uncle Bai... has fallen."
"boom……"
The simple words exploded in Zhuang Yuechan's mind like a thunderclap, leaving her brain blank for a moment and her body staggering as if she were about to fall.
Fortunately, Song Changsheng reacted quickly and pulled her into his arms, offering her silent comfort.
After a moment, Zhuang Yuechan gradually regained her composure and said in a deep voice, "Let's set off immediately and return to our clan."
“Alright, let’s set off immediately. If we can use the spatial teleportation array of the Array Dao Academy, it will save us at least ten days.” Song Changsheng agreed without hesitation.
Just as he was about to set off to find True Monarch Yingyue to discuss the matter of borrowing the space teleportation array, Zhuang Yuechan held his hand tightly and wouldn't let go.
"what happened?"
“I can go back by myself. You still need to perfect the ‘Self-Carved Array’, and later you need to help True Man Mingtai remove the corpse poison. You also need to explore the treasure left by True Man Lunzhuan. Your time is not plentiful.”
Without a second thought, Song Changsheng immediately refused: "No, the journey is long and arduous. How can I trust you to travel alone?"
"I've already crossed the Tianshan Mountains, so what is there to worry about? There are priorities, and this opportunity is hard-won, so you must seize it."
If we give up this opportunity, my uncle in heaven won't be happy to see it.
"This is the last of my favors with Senior He. Once it's used up, it's truly over. Don't worry about me; with the Jade Cleansing Sword and your sword talisman, ordinary people can't harm me."
After saying that, before Song Changsheng could object, she stretched out two slender fingers and sealed Song Changsheng's mouth, saying, "It's settled then. I can handle things with the family and the sect."
Seeing that Zhuang Yuechan was determined, Song Changsheng stopped trying to persuade her and nodded, saying, "I will go to apply for a space teleportation array from True Monarch Yingyue now. You should set off as soon as possible and not linger too long."
After crossing the Tianshan Mountains, remember to avoid the Tianqin cultivation world.
Upon hearing this, Zhuang Yuechan couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. She had long known about the tragedy that had occurred in the Tianqin cultivation world. When Lingyin Zhenren handed the "Wonderful Sound Manual" to her, she had a premonition that something big might happen.
Unexpectedly, in just a few years, Miaoyin Pavilion and Qiansheng Valley were destroyed by Leiwang Palace one after another, an outcome she had never anticipated.
The Myriad Sounds Pavilion had done her a great favor, so she had long ago secretly resolved that if she had the chance, she would definitely find the surviving cultivators of the Myriad Sounds Pavilion and return the Myriad Sounds Manual to its rightful owner.
"I understand. You must be careful while you're staying here alone."
"Do not worry."
……
Yingyue Zhenjun readily agreed, saying that this spatial teleportation array would help Zhuang Yuechan cross the Tianshan Mountains, directly shortening the journey by more than half.
Song Changsheng hugged her goodbye and watched her leave, unwilling to look away for a long time.
"Aren't you going back together?" Yingyue Zhenjun asked calmly.
"I haven't fulfilled my promise yet, so how could I possibly desert my post?"
"Is that so? Tuoba and the others didn't tell me that before." True Monarch Yingyue bluntly exposed his thoughts, then took out an ivory-white jade token from her sleeve and handed it to him, saying, "This is the pass to the Myriad Array Cave Heaven. Everything you want is inside."
Your previous assumptions have been successfully verified on Li Chengjun. The rest will be much simpler. Just follow the steps to verify them. There is not much room for you to make your own moves. Once you have achieved results, you will be able to leave.
Before leaving, you can use this item to visit the Myriad Array Cave and start practicing the "Inscribing Arrays with Your Body" technique again.
Don't worry, this is not an order to leave. I and even the Array Dao Academy will remember your achievements. If you have any other achievements in the future, you have the right to make a copy.
However, some things need to be said in advance: whether north or south of the Tianshan Mountains, there has been constant turmoil in recent years, especially in your border areas.
"The 'Self-Inscribed Array Technique' is no ordinary method. You may pass it on to your disciples and clansmen, but remember, it must not fall into the hands of evil sects. If I discover it, don't blame me for showing no mercy." A cold glint flashed in True Monarch Yingyue's eyes.
This was the first time she had issued a warning in such a serious tone. Song Changsheng felt a chill in his heart and quickly cupped his hands, saying, "This junior will remember the True Lord's teachings: the Dharma should not be passed on lightly, and I will absolutely not let it fall into the hands of evil demons and heretics."
"Remember what you said today, and go."
As True Monarch Yingyue finished speaking, his figure gradually faded and finally disappeared into thin air...
Over the next three months, Song Changsheng and a group of array masters from the Array Dao Academy repeatedly verified the fused and optimized "Inscribed Array with One's Body".
Compared to him, a self-taught practitioner, the array masters from the Array Dao Academy were undoubtedly stronger in their professional fields. He benefited greatly from this period and secretly learned a lot from them.
Most people turned a blind eye to his "outrageous" act of stealing knowledge, and some mentors, such as Tuoba Hongyi, would even take the initiative to guide him. This would be absolutely impossible in other places, but in the Array Dao Academy, everyone had become accustomed to it.
As long as they are not extremely wicked, they are all willing to share their knowledge.
Because the Array Dao Academy is an academy for all people, and the Star-Picking Tower is a star-picking tower for all array masters.
"Thanks to the concerted efforts of all fellow practitioners and the tireless verification by Cheng Jun and Fellow Daoist Zi Xu, we have finally filled in most of the shortcomings of 'Inscribing Formations with One's Body'. Although there is still a lot of room for improvement, this is not something that can be accomplished overnight."
"In my opinion, we can report back to the True Lord now." Tuoba Hongyi said, holding the jade slip in one hand and stroking his white beard with the other.
Another highly respected cultivator present agreed, saying, "Now, the power of the formation has changed from uncontrollable to controllable. It can also actively absorb external spiritual energy to reduce its own consumption. If the physical strength is sufficient, it can perfectly accommodate two large formations, one main and one auxiliary."
Furthermore, we have retained two offensive methods, and I believe we have initially achieved the goals set by the True Lord, so we can report back.
Do you all agree? Since everyone was able to report back sooner, they naturally had no objections.
"Then this task will be assigned to Cheng Jun."
As he spoke, Tuoba Hongyi handed the jade slip in his hand to Li Chengjun beside him. He had now obtained the qualification to stay by Yingyue Zhenjun's side to cultivate. Although he was not even a nominal disciple, his treatment was the envy of many personal disciples.
Having gained the favor of True Monarch Yingyue, Li Chengjun's future at the Array Dao Academy will undoubtedly be smooth sailing, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he will rise to prominence overnight. It's impossible for the other cultivators not to have some thoughts about this.
But all of this was achieved at the cost of Li Chengjun's life; they can't blame others for not seizing the opportunity.
Having achieved his goal, Li Chengjun remained humble and respectful as he accepted the jade slip from Tuoba Hongyi's hand. He then bowed to Song Changsheng and said, "Teacher, this disciple will take his leave first."
Song Changsheng nodded slightly and said, "Go."
Once Li Chengjun's figure had completely disappeared from everyone's sight, Tuoba Hongyi said with a smile, "It seems that Chengjun has made up his mind about you, fellow Daoist. Why don't you go with the flow and take him as your disciple?"
With your expertise in formations, fellow Daoist, it's more than enough."
Upon hearing this, Song Changsheng couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Cheng Jun is a disciple of the Array Dao Academy. I'm afraid this is against the rules."
"Cheng Jun is indeed a student of the academy, but he has not formally become a disciple of any of the academy's instructors. There is nothing wrong with choosing a disciple, and it does not matter if you are not a cultivator of the academy. There are many precedents in history."
"Well, fellow Daoist, are you tempted?"
Hearing this, Song Changsheng shook his head again, a relaxed smile on his face, and said, "Fellow Daoist Tuoba, you may not know, but I already have a son, an adopted daughter, and a disciple."
To my shame, I taught them very little during that time; most of the time they had to figure things out on their own. It would be a waste of their talents for them to become my students.
Moreover, Cheng Jun is currently cultivating under the True Lord's guidance, and his future is bright. If he were to follow me, his future would likely be bleak.
Although these words were mostly said in jest, Song Changsheng did indeed believe that he was not a good teacher.
As for Qingyun, I have spent very little time with him since he was a child, and I didn't teach him much during that time. After we parted ways in Sifang City, I still don't know where he is.
He took Chi Li as his disciple not only because Chi Li did have some talent, but also mainly to do a favor for Old Ghost Chi Huo. Chi Li had been almost completely left to his own devices all along.
Fortunately, Chi Li was ambitious and sensible, so he didn't have to waste any of his efforts and cultivated to the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment on his own.
In contrast, Xu Miaoyin was the one who received the best care among them. His divine soul avatar took on this responsibility, taking the little girl by his side to cultivate from a young age.
He was extremely unqualified as both a father and a teacher.
Therefore, he tacitly allowed Li Chengjun to call him teacher, continuing this teacher-student relationship, but that was all. If he were to actually take him as a disciple, it would ruin his future.
Tuoba Hongyi was somewhat surprised: "Fellow Daoist is so young, yet you already have offspring. It is truly rare."
The higher one's cultivation level, the more difficult it is to have offspring. For Golden Core cultivators, it is common to spend decades or even hundreds of years working hard only to end up with nothing.
Song Changsheng is far from two hundred years old. At such an age, let alone in the Golden Core stage, he is considered relatively young even among the Purple Mansion cultivators. It is indeed surprising that he has offspring.
Unless it's a child born when the person is young, but according to the conventional thinking in the cultivation world, this possibility is extremely slim for a genius cultivator like Song Changsheng.
Song Changsheng naturally knew that he had misunderstood, but he did not offer any explanation or correction. He simply nodded silently.
Song Qingyun was adopted, but he always treated him as his own son. He just didn't know if the father and son would ever be able to reunite in his lifetime.
Just then, Li Chengjun, who had left earlier, quickly returned. With a hint of joy on his face, he said, "The True Lord has recognized our achievements and instructed us to continue our efforts."
Upon hearing this, everyone present smiled sincerely. This affirmation meant that their efforts over the past period had not been in vain, and these few simple entries on the merit list could become stepping stones for them to climb higher in the future.
Song Changsheng also had a smile on his face, but he knew he should leave.
The Array Dao Academy was ultimately not his final destination.
"Judging by the time, Yuechan should be arriving soon..."
"Teacher, this is what the True Lord asked me to give you." Li Chengjun respectfully presented a jade scroll to him.
In an instant, everyone present was drawn to it.
Song Changsheng was equally curious. He had already obtained the waist token for entering the Myriad Array Cave, and he had also made a copy of the new version of "Carving Arrays with One's Body" as soon as possible. So what would be recorded in this jade slip?
A wisp of divine sense probed into it, and after briefly browsing through its contents, his eyes widened involuntarily. This jade slip actually contained the insights of True Monarch Yingyue on the Dao of Arrays, and in extremely detailed form at that.
For True Monarch Yingyue, this item might simply be a record of as much cultivation experience as he wanted, but in the outside world, the array insights of a fifth-order array master would be enough to cause a huge uproar. Moreover, this was a fifth-order array master from the Array Dao Academy, so its value would at least double.
For a formation master like Song Changsheng, who came from a "self-taught" background, the contents recorded here are even more precious, because they contain almost the entire training system of the Formation Dao Academy. Even if Song only learns some of the basics, it is more than enough.
"What a heavy favor." Song Changsheng held the jade slip in his hand and couldn't help but sigh softly.
The Moon Reflection Lord wouldn't give him such an opportunity for nothing; he simply recognized his talent and made some investments in his future, which would have to be repaid at the crucial moment.
Throughout history, favors are the hardest thing to repay, and he was indebted to someone who owed him a huge debt. He was stuck with it, either needing a favor from someone or receiving so much that he had no choice but to accept it.
He put away the jade slip in his hand, looked up at everyone present, and bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you all for your care during this time. I have benefited greatly. If it weren't for my many worldly entanglements, I would really like to stay and discuss the Dao with you all."
My mission has been successfully completed. As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Fellow Daoists, we bid farewell here, and may we meet again someday.
Everyone knew this day would come, and they all returned the gifts and offered their blessings.
As he left the main hall with Li Chengjun, he took out an ivory-white waist token from his pocket and asked, "Do you know where the Myriad Array Cave Heaven is?"
Upon seeing the waist token in his hand, a hint of surprise flashed in Li Chengjun's eyes, but he quickly replied, "This disciple is here to guide the master."
"good"
After passing through numerous restrictions and spending most of the day, the two finally arrived in front of a dark blue barrier that resembled a waterfall.
"Once you pass through this barrier, you can directly enter the Myriad Array Cave Heaven. Teacher, you only need to hold the waist token in your hand to pass through."
Holding the jade tablet, Song Changsheng tentatively reached his hand towards the barrier, passing through it without any hindrance; the cool touch was exceptionally clear.
A strange power enveloped him, forming a semi-transparent film on his body that was barely perceptible to the naked eye.
With one step, he successfully entered the barrier. The familiar feeling of weightlessness came over him, as if he were riding a spatial teleportation array, and a dazzling seven-colored light completely enveloped him.
"Wow"
When the colorful light that enveloped him dissipated, Song Changsheng found himself in a completely unfamiliar space.
This is a world without sun, moon, or stars, appearing exceptionally desolate and dilapidated. If he hadn't been told it was a hidden paradise, he might have mistaken it for some nameless desert or Gobi.
Compared to the Five Flowers Grotto Heaven of the Great Zhen Immortal Dynasty, the difference is far too obvious.
Rather than calling this a grotto, it's more accurate to describe it as an ancient battlefield.
At this moment, Song Changsheng suddenly remembered that He Yunxuan had entered an ancient battlefield and accidentally saw the legendary "Third Killing Formation in the World," which ultimately damaged his Dao heart.
Now it seems that the ancient battlefield he was referring to was this Wanzhen Cave Heaven.
An ancient battlefield is an ancient battlefield. Why would the Array Dao Academy call it a grotto-heaven? Is there some mystery behind it?
Song Changsheng rose into the air on the wind and stood high in the sky, gazing into the distance. He could see the barrier formed by the array in the distance.
"Looks like this is it, the [Third Killing Formation Under Heaven], here I come!"
He rushed over as fast as he could, and the entire landscape of the area shrouded by the array barrier appeared before Song Changsheng. There were tens of thousands of ancient stone tablets, densely packed together, stretching as far as the eye could see.
Looking down from above, it is clear that the pattern formed by these stone tablets is a standard Bagua diagram.
Each of these stone tablets is several meters tall, and their surfaces are covered with marks left by wind and sand erosion.
On the way here, Li Chengjun had told him that every stone tablet he encountered in the Myriad Array Cave Heaven was inscribed with a great array, all of which were famous arrays in the world, and many of them had been lost to the outside world.
To comprehend the array inscribed on the stone tablet, one must first capture the Daoist essence of the corresponding array.
The remnants of the "Third Killing Formation Under Heaven" are also among them, but for many years no one has been able to grasp its Daoist essence.
Song Changsheng's gaze swept over all the surrounding stone tablets and finally landed on the very center of the Bagua diagram, where a broken stone tablet was releasing a terrifying killing intent!
"The Third Killing Formation Under Heaven!"
……
P.S.: Sorry to keep you waiting, fellow cultivators. Today's chapter is a long one of 6,000 words, and I still owe 12,000 words... (End of Chapter)