Initial Understanding of Array Formation

What is the essence of array formation?

In "An Introduction to the Way of Formations," the author begins by clearly explaining this issue.

Gu Fan provided a brief summary based on the description in the jade slip.

The so-called array method is a Taoist technique that controls the flow of spiritual energy within a region to achieve various incredible effects.

As for the method of controlling the flow of spiritual energy, it is called an array.

In nature, the terrain often forms unique patterns based on the direction of mountains and rivers, such as places where yin energy gathers or places where mountains and rivers are spiritually beautiful.

Or perhaps in some houses, the family is thriving, while the neighbor next door is widowed and lonely, as if some incredible rule is at work.

In the secular world, this rule is called feng shui, while in the cultivation world, it is regarded as a formation created by nature.

According to ancient legends, ancient cultivators comprehended the mysteries of heaven and earth, and the great formations they comprehended could not only change the world, but also resonate with the laws of heaven and earth, reshape the earth's wind, water, and fire, and even evolve into different realms.

Of course, such a lineage of array formations is a luxury today, not to mention that Gu Fan only has a first-order lineage of array formations, and can only imagine the power of ancient cultivators in his mind.

Over countless years, the cultivation world has witnessed the evolution and simplification of array formations by numerous sages, resulting in countless array formations. Unfortunately, most of these formations were lost in the midst of conflict, leaving only fragmented array diagrams.

The Lingxiao Sect's protective mountain formation is a fourth-order formation called the Zhou Tian Yun Jin Formation, which is already a top-tier offensive and defensive formation in the Qionghua Realm.

The book "An Introduction to the Art of Formation" provides a very detailed explanation of the principles of formation.

Setting up an array first requires a carrier.

Depending on the grade of the array, the requirements for the carrier will naturally be different.

Some low-level formations only require ordinary rocks as a carrier, while higher-level formations require array tools, namely array flags.

The higher the level of the formation, the higher the quality of the equipment required to set it up; otherwise, it will not be able to withstand the power of the formation.

The second key point in setting up the formation is to depict the formation patterns.

The array patterns are composed of runes, and the flow of spiritual energy within the array, as well as the effectiveness of the array, are determined by these array patterns.

The diagrams formed by the array patterns are called array diagrams. The array diagram of the Lesser Spirit Gathering Array is recorded in the other jade slip that Gu Fan exchanged.

The array patterns of high-level arrays are extremely complex, and it takes a lot of time to inscribe them on the spot. Therefore, some talented people invented array plates.

Simply inscribe the array patterns on the array plate in advance and bury them at the location of the array. This saves the time of inscription and allows for reuse, making it quite convenient. Therefore, this method spread widely as soon as it came into existence.

The difficulty in cultivating array formations lies in the complexity of the array diagrams.

A single ordinary array pattern may involve more than a dozen runes, while a low-level array requires more than a dozen array patterns to be inscribed. There are many intricacies to the inscription of array patterns, such as the One Yuan, Two Yi, Three Talents, Four Symbols, Five Elements, and so on.

In comparison, a low-grade first-tier spirit talisman involves fewer than ten runes.

The difficulty of comprehending the Dao of Formations can be seen from this.

The dense text in "An Introduction to the Dao of Arrays" is mostly about how to depict array patterns and explain their functions. It also includes two first-tier low-grade array diagrams at the end.

The first array diagram is called the Rejuvenation Array. Its function is to slightly increase the concentration of spiritual energy within the array, which can accelerate the recovery of a cultivator's mana.

The other formation is called the Thick Earth Formation, which can draw upon the earth's energy to form a protective light barrier. It is considered the simplest defensive formation.

Gu Fan glanced at it and felt dizzy from looking at the intricate array patterns.

He took out another jade slip and compared it with the other one. Although the array diagram of the Small Spirit Gathering Array was broken, it was more complicated than the two diagrams in "Introduction to the Dao of Arrays".

"Fortunately, I have the Myriad Manifestations Eye." Gu Fan muttered to himself and immediately activated the Myriad Manifestations Eye.

Under the all-encompassing Dharma Eye, the array diagram immediately changed.

The redundant array patterns were erased, and individual runes formed lines, which were the circulation paths of spiritual energy within the array.

Thus, the operating mechanism of each rune is fully revealed.

The hub of the spiritual energy circulation path, which we can call the array point, is the core of the array.

Logically speaking, with a formation diagram in hand, as long as each rune is carefully inscribed, even someone who doesn't understand formations can complete the formation.

However, this means that the person setting up the formation can only use the formation rigidly and does not understand how to adapt it.

The higher the level of the formation, the more emphasis is placed on the formation mastery of the person in charge; otherwise, it would be fortunate if the formation could unleash even 30% of its power.

Moreover, some runes are extremely similar, and there is a risk of miscarrying them if one is not careful.

Using Gu Fan's memories from his previous life as an analogy, it's like asking someone who doesn't understand mathematical symbols to memorize the answers and participate in a competition. Without understanding the underlying principles, they might end up making a fool of themselves.

With the All-Seeing Eye, Gu Fan didn't need to worry about not being able to understand the function of the array patterns. Countless people were stopped at the gate of the array path by this step.

From that day on, Gu Fan began to study the art of array formations diligently.

Aside from his daily cultivation, he even gave up making talismans to earn spirit stones, constantly activating his Myriad Manifestations Eye to comprehend the combination of runes and understand the function of array patterns.

During these days of painstaking effort, Gu Fan's first gain was not about formations, but about the Myriad Manifestations Eye.

On the first day, Gu Fan discovered that the usage time of the Myriad Manifestations Eye was significantly longer compared to when he was at the third level of Qi Refining.

This discovery greatly excited Gu Fan.

"Based on this calculation, as cultivation level increases, the Myriad Manifestations Eye can also evolve!" Gu Fan thought excitedly.

Recalling the shock he felt when he observed the mountain-protecting formation on the day he entered the outer sect, Gu Fan was eager to try observing it again with his Myriad Manifestations Dharma Eye, but after thinking about it for a long time, he finally gave up.

The complexity of a fourth-order grand formation is far beyond his current comprehension.

......

From the vibrant peach blossoms to the bleak autumn winds.

When Gu Fan came to his senses, half a year had passed.

Over the past six months, Gu Fan has refined the remaining Qi Gathering Pills and is steadily advancing towards the fifth level of Qi Refining.

However, after breaking through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining, the amount of mana required for the breakthrough doubles. According to Gu Fan's calculations, even with the help of Qi Gathering Pills, it would take at least two more years to break through to the fifth level of Qi Refining.

This is under the premise of cultivating both skills simultaneously without any bottlenecks.

However, this speed is already extremely fast for cultivating high-grade techniques. Countless people spend their entire lives without ever crossing the threshold of the mid-stage of Qi Refining.

After half a year of dedicated study, Gu Fan finally achieved some success in the art of array formations.

He has thoroughly understood the principles behind at least the two array diagrams recorded in "An Introduction to Array Formations," and he has also completed the incomplete array diagram of the Minor Spirit Gathering Array.

The most crucial step in repairing the incomplete array diagram is that Gu Fan can use his Myriad Manifestations Eye to deduce the location of the incomplete array pattern's core.

After attempting to complete the array patterns, I examined it again using the Myriad Manifestations Eye.

If the spiritual energy circulation naturally connects with the original circulation of the array, it is considered correct; if no circulation is formed, or if it conflicts with the original circulation, it represents an error.

In this way, Gu Fan, with an extremely fast trial-and-error speed, finally completed the missing array pattern hub of the small spirit gathering array.

Next, he prepared to test the effectiveness of the small spirit-gathering array.