Mysteries of Immortal Puppet Master

Chapter 1292: Chapter 503: Overly Outstanding

Bluestone Cave Mansion.

Ning Zhuo sat alone, cross-legged in the cultivation room, his eyes slightly closed.

Nine Curves Corridor Array, Earth Fire Abundant Field Formation, Ten Thousand Miles Ice Seal Formation, Mountain River Society Map, these trial processes rapidly flashed through his mind.

"The Nine Curves Corridor Array is the most complex and the most difficult. It requires layer upon layer of identification and breaking. The master level Array Realm is the greatest contributor."

"In the Earth Fire Abundant Field Formation trial, I set up four layers of formations and solved the problem. The Fire Realm provided key assistance."

"The Ten Thousand Miles Ice Seal Formation dragged by the Ice Dao Realm, but still reached the third level."

"The Mountain River Society Map belongs to the realm of Boundary Arrays. Although I passed, with decent results, the standard for this trial is actually too low. I am still far, far away from truly understanding this boundary array."

The process of breaking the Nine Curves Corridor Array gave Ning Zhuo his first real combat experience in breaking an array, more vivid than the memories of the Demon Soul, leaving a deeper impression on him.

The distinct levels of the Nine Curves Corridor Array accumulated experience that allowed Ning Zhuo to choose to set up multiple layers of arrays in the Earth Fire Abundant Field Formation trial, achieving success in one stroke.

In the Ten Thousand Miles Ice Seal Formation, Ning Zhuo’s ability to locate the Array Heart was greatly honed.

While in the Mountain River Society Map, his ability to search for the Array Eye was also tempered.

In the Xingyun Trial, there were many formation trials. Ning Zhuo did not participate arbitrarily; each was carefully selected in advance.

After several rounds of trials, not only did Ning Zhuo perform well, but he also truly engaged in practice, accumulating his own unique experience, increasing his confidence in formations, and better utilizing his knowledge in Array Dao.

"But it’s still not enough."

The flexibility and variability of Luoshu’s Water Array were crucial, and Ning Zhuo had to succeed in one attempt. Otherwise, if the Water Array couldn’t be broken, the ensuing explosion would inevitably draw attention.

From the sect’s rules, Ning Zhuo’s prior reconnaissance into Shuyu Pavilion was a violation. Of course, if it really happened, he could still defend himself with his identity as Meng Yaoyin’s child.

It would undoubtedly be a huge problem.

Even if Ning Zhuo weren’t punished by the sect rules, the Luoshu, a Taoist Artifact, might attract covetous eyes and be taken away.

Should such a situation occur, although Ning Zhuo would not be completely helpless, he would certainly pay a higher price.

Therefore, the optimal outcome for Ning Zhuo would be to succeed in one go, silently breaking the Water Array and acquiring the Luoshu Book Pages.

"I need more practical training."

Ning Zhuo’s pace in breaking arrays did not stop.

The next day.

Chenyuan Pond.

The ancient pond, a thousand years old, was bottomless, its water still as a mirror, reflecting the light of the sky and clouds. A modest thatched hut stood by the pond, with an old man in a gray robe sitting in front of it, none other than the Nascent Soul Cultivator, Zheng Yue.

Ning Zhuo walked slowly to Zheng Yue, bowing in respect: "Junior Ning Zhuo greets Lord Zheng Yue."

Zheng Yue looked at Ning Zhuo calmly, scrutinizing him for a moment, then said: "Go ahead."

He had issued this trial but was selective with participants. Often, days passed without a single person truly capable of participating in the trial.

As a top talent of this time, Ning Zhuo even showed signs of genius, naturally standing out among the common ranks.

With Zheng Yue’s approval, Ning Zhuo walked confidently to the pond’s edge and began his comprehension.

Standing by the pond, Ning Zhuo spread his Divine Sense, regulating his breath, calming his mind.

Zheng Yue had returned to the thatched hut, out of sight.

By Chenyuan Pond, the only figure was the large-headed young man in white, quietly gazing at the water.

Sunlight fell from above, casting a halo around him. His breath grew slower and lighter, until it was almost imperceptible.

After another 30 minutes, Ning Zhuo began to act.

Thoughts in his Divine Sea continuously surfaced, intertwining to form the embryonic shape of a formation.

He used his own state of mind as the Array Heart.

Using stillness to control movement, responding to changes with constancy.

The array began to slowly take form.

During this process, invisible array patterns rippled out from around him like waves, merging into the surrounding spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

One breath, ten breaths, a hundred breaths...

Ning Zhuo remained motionless, not even his eyelashes fluttered. His breathing had stopped, and his heartbeat had slowed to an almost unnoticeable pace. His mind fully immersed in the Water Mirror, merging with the pond, melding with heaven and earth.

Time seemed to stand still.

A cup of tea later, Ning Zhuo slowly opened his eyes.

His eyes were as calm as an ancient well, utterly serene.

Jingyue Abyss Formation, complete.

"Not bad." Zheng Yue emerged from the hut, offering a calm appraisal.

Then, he took out a jade slip from his robe and handed it to Ning Zhuo: "This is the Essence of Jingyue, all my insights on the Jingyue Abyss Formation. You have passed."

Ning Zhuo received it, cupping his hands in salute: "Thank you, senior."

Zheng Yue nodded slightly, gesturing with his hand, his voice lowering: "Go on."

Ning Zhuo saluted once more, turned, and left.

The Essence of Jingyue was a reward for passing the trial. Zheng Yue had set this trial not only to promote his original skills but also to select a suitable heir.

But although Ning Zhuo performed brilliantly, he never mentioned such intentions.

"This young man’s prominence is hard to capture. Even if he can maintain inner calm, the external environment will be ever-changing, turbulent. No matter how outstanding his talent or aptitude, it does not align with my cultivation path," Zheng Yue sighed inwardly.

This was his first genuine meeting with Ning Zhuo, but he had long discerned Ning Zhuo’s situation.

Ning Zhuo was not the outstanding successor he envisioned.