Mortal: Starting with the Seven Mysterious Sects, I proved my Dao through sacrifice.

After bidding farewell to his master, Hong Fu, Murong Fan embarked on his travels. Gazing at the small array plate his master had given him, he resolutely decided to begin his cultivation with array formations.

He urged his flying vessel forward, stopping not far from the Tianxing Grand Sect. He remembered his master Hong Fu's instructions: "Act cautiously, return soon; observe and contemplate more, for all things in the world can lead to enlightenment!"

When Lin Xiaotian and Lin Qingzhao arrived at the Thousand Machines Pavilion in Xingyue Sect Market, they warmly welcomed him. That day, they drank and chatted, only talking about their reunion and not mentioning cultivation.

The next morning, Murong Fan was meditating in a side room of the Lin family home. Lin Qingzhao had sent a maid to bring him some snacks early in the morning. Murong Fan simply gestured for the snacks to be put down and then continued his cultivation.

"Has Young Master Murong had any snacks?" Lin Qingzhao asked with a shy smile.

"Never tried it before!" He didn't even look up, focusing only on practicing his martial arts. Lin Qingzhao wasn't angry when she heard this; she turned around and went to find Murong Fan.

"Brother Murong..." A sweet girl's voice came from outside the door, her voice preceding her arrival.

Murong Fan slowly opened his eyes, saw that it was Lin Qingzhao, smiled and asked softly, "Miss Lin, what brings you here so early?"

The girl, blushing shyly, said, "It's nothing, thank you for saving my life, Brother Murong. These are snacks I made especially for you. Try them and see how they taste!"

Murong Fan picked up a pastry and examined it. Seeing that he hadn't taken a bite, Lin Qingzhao said anxiously, "Try it first, it's quite delicious. Don't worry! It's not poisonous." As she spoke, she picked up a pastry and ate it herself. Murong Fan was amused by this and burst into laughter.

……

"Brother Murong didn't mention the purpose of his visit to Yuanwu Kingdom during yesterday's banquet. Surely he didn't come here just to see me?" Miss Lin finally mustered up the courage to speak up, but her face was already flushed red as she lowered her head.

"Miss Lin, you flatter me. I came here to learn more about formations and to visit my father and you," Murong Fan said casually, cupping his hands in greeting.

"Last time, my father was chatting with some senior Golden Core cultivators, and I happened to overhear them saying that the most powerful array master in the Tianxing Sect of Yuanwu Kingdom is Qi Yunxiao, the head of Yunxiao Pavilion. He's quite young, but he's incredibly powerful."

"Yunxiao Pavilion, Qi Yunxiao!" Murong Fan noted down this important information.

"I wonder what this Pavilion Master Qi's preferences are? Or what his rules are?" Murong Fan asked. He knew that when visiting a master, one had to be prepared and could not be rash.

Lin Qingzhao tilted her head and thought for a moment, then said, "I've heard that this Pavilion Master Qi is a bit eccentric. He usually lives a secluded life, focusing all his energy on array research, and doesn't care much about worldly etiquette. I've only heard this much, but my father is quite close to him! I'll go and call him to tell you."

"Sect Master Qi is young and promising, with superb array formations! However, I heard that he seems to be in urgent need of finding a thousand-year-old spiritual herb. According to him, this spiritual herb is extremely rare, but as for what it is and what its purpose is, I did not inquire further," Pavilion Master Lin said patiently.

Murong Fan's heart stirred. "A thousand-year-old spiritual herb? Thank you for informing me, Pavilion Master Lin. I will remember this favor." He said solemnly.

Seeing his reaction, Lin Qingzhao's smile grew even sweeter: "Brother Murong, why are you so polite? You are a benefactor of our Lin family. I'm more than happy to be able to help you."

Murong Fan rose to take his leave, "Miss Lin, Pavilion Master Lin, then I shall take my leave now."

"Take care on your journey, Brother Murong!" Although there was reluctance in Lin Qingzhao's eyes, she also knew that the path of cultivation was full of unpredictable gatherings and separations, so she could only whisper her words of advice.

Murong Fan thanked them again and left the Lin family. A simple cloud pattern was carved on the stone wall of the Tianxing Sect market, and an ancient pavilion stood in the center of the courtyard.

The plaque above the pavilion bears the three powerful characters "Yunxiao Pavilion," written in a flowing, elegant style, as if containing some profound truth of the universe. There is no one else in the courtyard, only a few unknown spiritual herbs growing quietly, and the air is filled with a faint scent of ink mixed with spiritual energy.

"I am a cultivator from Huangfeng Valley, and I pay my respects to Pavilion Master Qi," Murong Fan said respectfully, cupping his hands in greeting.

"Come in." A slightly cold voice came from the attic, devoid of any emotion.

Murong Fan straightened his clothes and entered the pavilion. The first floor of the pavilion was simply furnished, with only a large table piled with various array diagrams, jade slips and array materials. A handsome man in a blue Taoist robe, with a handsome face, about forty years old, was standing with his back to him, intently looking at an array diagram on the table.

"I am Murong Fan, and I pay my respects to Pavilion Master Qi." Murong Fan bowed again.

The man slowly turned around, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping over Murong Fan. After a moment, he withdrew his gaze and said calmly, "You want to learn formations?"

"Indeed!" Murong Fan said respectfully. "I am quite interested in formations. I have heard that the Pavilion Master has profound knowledge of formations, so I have come to ask for your guidance."

Qi Yunxiao asked, "How much do you know about formations?"

Murong Fan pondered for a moment before answering truthfully: "I only have a superficial understanding of formations, knowing some basic principles of formations and simple combinations of formation patterns. As for more advanced formations, such as trapping formations, killing formations, and illusion formations, I know very little."

Qi Yunxiao nodded, seemingly satisfied with his frankness and humility. "The way of formations is profound and complex, and cannot be mastered overnight. You have neither a foundation nor a master to guide you, and relying solely on momentary interest, I'm afraid you will find it difficult to even begin to understand it."

Upon hearing this, Murong Fan's heart tightened, and he quickly replied, "I understand that the path of cultivation is arduous, but I possess perseverance and willpower. I hope that the Pavilion Master can give me a chance, even if it's just a little guidance; I would be eternally grateful!"

Looking at the determination in Murong Fan's eyes, Qi Yunxiao remained silent for a moment before suddenly asking, "Do you know what the core of the formation is?"

Murong Fan's heart stirred. He had seen related discussions in some ancient fragments. After a moment's thought, he replied, "In my opinion, the core of an array lies in 'guiding' and 'controlling'—guiding the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and controlling the power within the array to make it operate according to the array master's will, thereby achieving various different effects."

A hint of approval flashed in Qi Yunxiao's eyes: "Interesting. It seems you're not entirely a novice. Indeed, 'guiding' and 'controlling' are the core of formations, but they're not comprehensive enough. A true formation resonates with heaven and earth, aligns with the Great Dao, and is a manifestation of the 'Dao'."

"What would it take for the Pavilion Master to grant me this? Spirit stones, talismans, pills—please name your price!" Murong Fan asked urgently, his words full of sincerity.

Qi Yunxiao paused for a moment, then continued, "This is not a matter of how many spirit stones there are. I have important matters to attend to at the moment, and the situation is very urgent. I am afraid I will not be able to teach anyone formation cultivation in the near future."

"Is it about the thousand-year-old spiritual herb? Pavilion Master Lin of the Thousand Machines Pavilion mentioned this to me! If Pavilion Master Qi trusts me, please tell me. I am willing to help."

"Oh, so you're on good terms with Pavilion Master Lin! However, I appreciate Fellow Daoist Murong's kindness, but this thousand-year-old spiritual herb is truly rare. Even if you've reached the Foundation Establishment stage, you might not be able to obtain this 'Thousand-Year Purple Osmanthus' easily!"

Upon hearing this, Murong Fan was overjoyed and quickly said, "Please tell me, Pavilion Master! I am willing to give it a try!" He knew that this was not only a test from Qi Yunxiao, but also an excellent opportunity for him to step into the realm of formations. Perhaps Qi Yunxiao really had encountered that difficult matter.

Qi Yunxiao did not answer, but pointed to a formation diagram on the table: "This is an incomplete 'Seven Stars Trapping Dragon Formation'. The formation core is missing, and the formation patterns are damaged in many places. Take a look and see if you can repair it completely."

Murong Fan stepped forward and carefully examined the array diagram. The diagram depicted seven stars connected by intricate lines, but the position of one star was unclear, and several connecting lines were broken, making the entire array incomplete and lacking any semblance of a formation.

Murong Fan focused his mind and drew upon his full understanding of formations, combining it with his perception of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth during the operation of the "Eternal Spring Technique" and the "Azure Wood Manual," attempting to find clues to repair the incomplete formation. Time passed slowly, his brows furrowing at times, his face thoughtful at others, completely immersed in the task.

Qi Yunxiao stood aside, quietly observing him. His eyes shifted, revealing a mixture of scrutiny, expectation, and a barely perceptible test. He wanted to see what this arrogant brat was capable of, daring to come to his Yunxiao Pavilion to learn about formations.

Soon after, Murong Fan successfully broke the formation. "This talent is truly rare," Qi Yunxiao thought to himself.

Seeing that Murong possessed an extraordinary bearing, remained humble and modest despite having reached the peak of Foundation Establishment, and displayed considerable talent in formations, Qi Yunxiao felt a sense of mutual respect and immediately said, "Fellow Daoist Murong, if you can find any spiritual herbs, I, Qi, will certainly impart all my knowledge to you!"

"What does it matter if it's a thousand-year-old purple osmanthus? Can't he go to the Thousand Machine Pavilion to inquire about opportunities? Can't he also have the altar to help him? It's a deal! I will definitely find the thousand-year-old spiritual herb for you within seven days!" Murong Fan was determined to succeed!

Murong Fan's promise reignited the flames in Qi Yunxiao's frozen heart. Although he was not entirely certain, he was deeply impressed by the other party's heroic spirit. In a daze, the two were already like close friends who had known each other for a long time.