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Qingchen was very satisfied with Su Zixuan's performance. "Zixuan, I knew I hadn't spoiled you for nothing! Very good, very good."

His gaze towards Su Zixuan was intense, as if he were admiring a money tree that could yield countless spirit stones.

Upon hearing this, Su Zixuan's cheeks flushed slightly. She was delighted to hear Qingchen's praise.

She spoke softly, a hint of hesitation in her voice: "Young Master, actually, there's something else I wish to report to you.

During this time, I've not only devoted myself to studying array formations, but I've also made a decision: to sell all the spirit stones I've accumulated to purchase a damaged array diagram."

"It's alright!"

Qing Chen waved his hand dismissively, showing no sign of reproach, and said without a second thought:

"As long as you believe this will help improve your array formation skills, what are a few spirit stones? If you need them, just say the word; there's no need for any hesitation."

He was joking, of course. Su Zixuan was already a true first-tier low-grade array master.

If she could further master a first-tier mid-grade array formation, her value would increase dramatically!

At that time, it would not only bring substantial profits but also become a great asset in life-or-death battles.

You must know that a first-tier mid-grade array formation already has considerable value in battles at the late Qi Refining stage!

Seeing that Qingchen showed no sign of reproach, Su Zixuan cautiously explained, "Young Master, what I purchased is a mid-stage Qi Refining Yellow Sand Array Plate.

This array plate was slightly damaged and was practically unusable, almost beyond repair.

But coincidentally, while studying mid-grade first-tier arrays recently, I came across this array. So I boldly bought it to try and repair it, and unexpectedly... I actually succeeded!"

"What?"

Qingchen abruptly stood up, completely stunned, his eyes filled with disbelief. "You... you actually repaired the Yellow Sand Array? I, Qingchen, obtained a mid-grade first-tier killing array?"

He quickly stepped forward, extremely excited: "Do you know what this means? You've touched the threshold of a mid-grade first-tier array master! You've truly given me a wonderful surprise, Zixuan!"

Qingchen was deeply shocked.

To be able to repair an array plate beyond one's tier—such talent is rare even among array masters.

This...this...this is truly unbelievable!

If this [Yellow Sand Formation] were intact, it would be worth at least four hundred spirit stones in the market!

More importantly, this formation doesn't require cultivators to expend mental energy to activate; simply embedding spirit stones into the formation plate is enough for it to operate.

Of course, if a formation master were to personally control it, its power would be even greater.

He suppressed his excitement and carefully inquired about the formation's mysteries.

Su Zixuan explained in detail: "Once this formation is set up, the area it covers transforms into an endless world of yellow sand.

Once an enemy steps into it, they immediately feel dizzy, with sandstorms surging around them like raging waves. As far as the eye can see, there is only endless yellow sand, making movement extremely difficult.

Even more terrifying is that the Yellow Sand Formation conceals numerous deadly traps, conforming to the principles of Bagua—those seemingly ordinary grains of sand, under the formation's activation, can transform into sharp blades, indiscriminately attacking all living beings within the formation."

She paused, then continued, "If the formation is pushed to its limit, the power of these sand blades is comparable to a full-force attack from a mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator. And if one chooses to detonate the formation..."

Su Zixuan's voice deepened, "The entire formation area will transform into a destructive storm, its power reaching the full-force attack of a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator."

Qing Chen's heart surged with excitement. This kind of killing formation was exactly the trump card he needed!

Suddenly, he remembered the gift from Cao Banxian and hurriedly took out the black formation flag and jade slip from his storage bag:

"Zixuan, this formation flag seems to originate from some kind of combined attack formation; it's one of the sub-flags. Examine it carefully and see if you can glean any clues or find its origin."

Qing Chen sensed something was amiss with Cao Banxian, yet he still dared to accept Cao Banxian's invitation. Besides his confidence in his own strength,

more importantly, he had the loyal Su Zixuan by his side.

If Su Zixuan could find something useful in it, this trip would be worthwhile.

Conversely, if Su Zixuan couldn't see through it, then breaking his promise three days later wouldn't matter; he simply wouldn't go.

Breaking promises was something Qingchen didn't care about at all.

He'd go if he was confident, and slip away if he wasn't.

In the world of cultivation, assessing the situation and acting according to one's abilities was the best strategy.

Su Zixuan took the array flag and jade slip from Qingchen and focused intently on studying them.

After a while, she let out a soft exclamation, seemingly having made a discovery: "Young Master, the material of this array flag seems a bit off... somewhat suspicious."

Upon hearing this, Qingchen quickly asked, "Oh? Zixuan, have you discovered anything new?"

"The flag is covered with a layer of array mud specifically for maintaining array flags, the technique is extremely exquisite, almost indistinguishable from the real thing." Su Zixuan lightly stroked the flag surface with her fingertips.

"The person who set up this setup, their technique is so meticulous, almost to the point of being indistinguishable from the real thing, their array cultivation is mediocre, but their weapon-refining skills must be superb."

Upon hearing this, Qingchen said eagerly, "In that case, then quickly remove this array mud so I can see what material is inside!"

Su Zixuan shook her head, "Young Master, don't be hasty. This array mud is tightly bonded to the flag surface. If you rashly try to remove it with magic power, you might damage the flag itself."

"It requires special spiritual water." She took out a jade bottle from her storage bag, poured out a little clear liquid, and applied it to the flag surface.

Then, she swiftly formed hand seals, creating several subtle gestures that guided the spiritual liquid to slowly seep into the flag's surface, interacting gently with the array mud.

As the spiritual liquid seeped in, strange ripples began to appear on the flag's surface.

The originally dark surface gradually faded, revealing a deathly pale underside, within which countless fine blood vessels could be faintly seen moving.

Su Zixuan suddenly gasped, exclaiming, "Young Master, this...this is vengeful spirit silk!"