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hearing this, Qingchen cupped his hands and said, "To be honest, this brother's cultivation is still shallow, far inferior to some of our more advanced members.

But it is precisely because of this that he needs such an opportunity for training. We teammates always advance and retreat together, and naturally, we should help each other.

If it weren't for the other more advanced teammates having other important matters to attend to, we would certainly have come along to increase your chances of success on this expedition."

Cao Banxian, hearing this, felt a hint of relief in his eyes, stroked his beard, and smiled, "Fellow Daoist Li is loyal and righteous, truly admirable.

In that case, please invite this fellow Daoist to come along. While cultivation level is important, teamwork is even more crucial."

As he spoke, he took out a jade slip and a small black flag about a foot long and handed it over.

"This contains the basic mental cultivation method for controlling the formation and a small flag. Please, Fellow Daoist Li, study and familiarize yourself with it carefully over the next three days."

Qing Chen accepted the jade slip with both hands, scanning it with his divine sense. He discovered that it didn't record the complete formation, nor did it provide a diagram for its arrangement; only some simple incantations to activate the small flag.

Although he had doubts, he remained outwardly calm.

The small black flag felt cold to the touch. The flagpole was made of an unknown material, neither metal nor wood, possessing a heavy, substantial feel.

The flag surface was even more peculiar, not made of ordinary cloth. It was delicate to the touch yet carried a chilling aura;

Faint, flowing patterns appeared on it, but upon closer inspection, their patterns were impossible to discern.

With a gentle shake, the flag surface emitted a barely perceptible tremor, as if it possessed a life of its own.

Although Qing Chen was unfamiliar with formations, he also sensed something strange about this object.

He discreetly put away the jade slip and the small flag, cupped his hands, and said, "Fellow Daoist Cao, I apologize for disturbing you today. I will definitely visit again in three days."

"Of course, of course," Cao Banxian said with a smile, seeing Qingchen to the shop door.

After Qingchen's figure disappeared around the street corner, Cao Banxian's smile gradually faded. He turned and strolled back into the shop, muttering to himself:

"In this way, it's an extra layer of protection. I didn't expect it to be a buy-one-get-one-free deal. This Fellow Daoist Li is quite a kind person..."

...

After leaving the Hundred Forging Pavilion, Qingchen did not return directly to the sect.

He wandered around the market a few times, making sure no one was following him, before slipping into an inconspicuous inn and asking for a secluded superior room.

In the room, he skillfully activated a basic shapeshifting spell, his bones emitting subtle cracking sounds, his body and face slowly changing.

He then changed into a simple gray-blue robe, typical of a rogue cultivator, and concealed his aura to the fifth level of Qi Refining before quietly leaving through the back door.

After traversing several streets and alleys, he entered an elegantly decorated restaurant on the edge of the market and went straight to a private room on the second floor.

While not bustling, the place was serene and quiet, and more importantly, each private room had basic soundproofing, which suited him perfectly.

After ordering two light spiritual dishes and a pot of Biluochun tea, Qingchen flicked his finger, sending a communication talisman flying out of the window towards Su Zixuan's usual secluded cultivation spot.

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, soft footsteps sounded outside the door.

Qingchen put down his teacup and said calmly, "Come in. The private rooms are soundproofed; there's no need to worry."

The wooden door was gently pushed open, and Su Zixuan, dressed in a simple and elegant dress, stepped inside.

She was startled at first upon seeing Qingchen's unfamiliar face after his disguise, but then, sensing the familiar connection of the demonic seed's soul, she quickly curtsied:

"This servant, Su Zixuan, greets Young Master. How have you been, Young Master? Are you well?"

Qingchen's gaze swept over Su Zixuan, scrutinizing her from head to toe. His brows furrowed slightly, and his tone carried a hint of displeasure:

"Zixuan, I remember you already mastered the setup of the Small Spirit Gathering Array. With your mid-grade spiritual root, you've been training in this market for four years, yet your cultivation remains at the third level of Qi Refining, unable to break through to the fourth level...

Could it be that you've focused your energy elsewhere, neglecting your cultivation?"

His voice wasn't loud, but it made Su Zixuan's face turn pale. She hurriedly knelt on the ground, her voice trembling slightly: "Young Master, please understand! This servant would never dare to neglect my cultivation!"

"I meditate and cultivate Qi every day without fail, but alas, my aptitude is dull, and my bottleneck remains stubbornly insurmountable... This servant has failed your high expectations, young master, and deserves to die!"

Her voice choked with emotion at the end.

Qingchen gazed at her for a moment, noticing that while her spiritual energy wasn't abundant, it was quite pure, indicating no sign of laziness. His expression softened slightly:

"Enough. Cultivation cannot be forced. Some time ago, I carefully read your transmission talisman and learned that you were able to skillfully set up the basic array commonly used by Qi Refining stage cultivators—the Small Spirit Gathering Array—several months ago. Such an achievement is truly remarkable."

He abruptly changed the subject, his gaze sharpening: "Let me ask you, have you ever studied, or even dabbled in, the more complex formations available in the early stages of Qi Refining? Tell me a thing or two."

Upon hearing this, Su Zixuan's eyes flashed with confidence, then quickly turned to humility as she softly replied:

"Young Master flatters me. My ability to set up a small spirit-gathering formation is entirely due to your meticulous guidance."

As for other formations, this servant has indeed studied the Maze Formation and the Falling Tree Formation, and has even attempted to refine the corresponding formation plates.

The Maze Formation can confuse the five senses, trapping the enemy within a small space; the Falling Tree Formation utilizes the power of the forest, making it both offensive and defensive.

However, this servant's cultivation is shallow, and I am still not capable of refining advanced formations... I'm afraid I will need some time and cultivation to assist me.”

Upon hearing Su Zixuan's words, Qingchen was overjoyed.

The Maze Formation was one thing, but the Falling Tree Formation was a true killing formation!

Once set up, early-stage Qi Refining cultivators who entered would either die or be seriously injured, and even mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators would have to exert considerable effort to escape.

If this array plate were sold, it would be worth at least a hundred spirit stones!

He suddenly understood why Su Zixuan's cultivation progress had been slow.

She must have devoted a great deal of time and energy to the in-depth study of array formations.

After all, this was his master's task.

Thinking of this, Qingchen's displeasure vanished instantly, replaced by an irrepressible joy.

"Good! Very good! Excellent!"

He rarely showed such approval, "The path of array cultivation is also a great path. Your achievements are a testament to my guidance."