Cultivating immortality begins with formations.

He closed his eyes and rested for a long time.

Lu Yuan calmed down, focused his mind, and slowly picked up the inscription brush, placing it on the array plate.

Divine sense, imbued with spiritual power, converged at the tip of the engraving brush, leaving array patterns on the surface of the array plate.

The output of spiritual energy was smooth, like a babbling brook, without the stagnation of the past.

The twists and turns of each array pattern flowed smoothly and with unparalleled precision.

In the past, either the focus on controlling spiritual energy caused the array patterns to shift or become misaligned, or the concentration on the array patterns caused the output of spiritual energy to stagnate.

But none of them appeared at this moment.

"Thirty years of experience and insights into Qi Gathering Arrays are enough for me to find the perfect balance here."

Lu Yuan was so excited that he almost lost his composure. He quickly regained his focus and concentrated on the carving in his hands.

For a moment, the only sound inside the wooden house was the clanging of the engraved array plates.

Sunset and moonrise, the stars shift and the constellations move.

Five days later.

Lu Yuan let out a heavy sigh, put down his carving brush, and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

The spiritual energy in his dantian was nearly exhausted once again.

The Qi Gathering Array is a first-tier, low-grade array with a total of sixty-four array patterns.

Five days passed, and he had only completed forty array patterns.

During these five days, Lu Yuan basically maintained a routine of engraving for one day and restoring his breathing for one day.

The main reason is that the cultivation level is too low, the spiritual power is insufficient, the body is weak and the spirit is depleted, resulting in unstable consciousness.

If one can break through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining, the total amount of spiritual power will increase significantly, and the inscription time of the Qi Gathering Array can be shortened by at least half.

"Last time, we only completed thirty array patterns in the same five days, but this time we have increased it to forty. It seems that in addition to the improvement in array formation skills, we have also strengthened our control over spiritual power."

While eating spirit rice, Lu Yuan summarized and reviewed the situation.

He had no pills to quickly replenish his spiritual energy, so he could only sit cross-legged and regulate his breathing.

And so another day has passed.

Then he picked up his engraving brush again and began to meticulously draw the array patterns.

For a formation master, there are two ways to set up a formation.

One method is to engrave array patterns on array plates or magical artifacts to form an array, which is then activated with spirit stones or unique techniques.

The biggest advantage of this type of formation is that it is easy to carry, but its power is slightly weaker.

Just like the Qi-gathering array he is engraving at this moment, if it is successful, it can be set up anywhere after activation.

Another one.

This means adapting to local conditions and deploying resources on-site.

Arranging formations using this method often results in greater power, but they cannot be moved.

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but generally speaking, most array masters start with array plates.

After all, before you become famous, few cultivators would ask you to set up an array in person.

Four more days have passed, slipping away quietly from my pen.

As the last array pattern was drawn by the spiritual light, it quietly connected with the previous sixty-three array patterns.

Sixty-four array patterns appeared perfectly, surrounding the diamond-shaped void in the center of the array plate.

Seeing this, Lu Yuan suppressed his excitement, carefully picked up the porcelain bottle, slowly tilted it, and poured out the spiritual essence liquid.

As the spiritual essence liquid filled the array patterns, it quickly solidified and merged with the array plate.

"Buzz..."

The array plate trembled slightly, and all the array patterns lit up simultaneously.

A faint light flowed, and the array patterns on the array plate resembled the veins of the human body, as if they had come to life.

The Qi Gathering Array is complete.

Only now did Lu Yuan relax his tense emotions and reveal a smile.

Then, the laughter gradually became more unrestrained.

"Hehehe..."

He laughed heartily, finally releasing years of gloom.

"The power of thirty years of lifespan is truly terrifying."

……

Name: Lu Yuan

Lifespan: 30/36 (Lifespan increased, triple effect)

[Realm Level: Qi Refining Level 3]

[Spiritual Root: Five Elements Spiritual Root (Low Grade)]

[Technique: Five Elements Technique (Mastery required; breakthrough possible after 30 years of practice)]

[Skills: Qi Gathering Array (Perfect, can be broken through after fifty years of cultivation); Five Elements Mist Array (Beginner, can be broken through after fifteen years of cultivation)]

[Techniques: Fire Separation Spell (Beginner level, breakthrough possible after three years of practice); Qi Concealment Technique (Minor mastery, breakthrough possible after five years of practice)]

[Lifespan can be infused into skills and techniques to increase cultivation progress. Currently, lifespan can be infused: 5 years]

Relaxed, Lu Yuan checked the panel again.

He only has five years of lifespan left to use, and apart from the Fire Separation Spell, he cannot break through with any other spells.

After thinking for a moment, Lu Yuan decided to leave it alone for the time being.

Breaking through the Fire Release Spell to the Proficiency level seems to increase one's chances of winning when facing an enemy.

But right now, he has no desire to compete or vie for anything; he's only focused on getting spirit stones.

The most important thing is to exchange spirit stones for cultivation resources, break through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining as soon as possible, and increase lifespan.

In the world of cultivation, one's level is still determined by their cultivation realm.

He has been stuck at the third level of Qi Refining for five years.

Lu Yuan secretly reminded himself not to lose sight of the bigger picture and become complacent just because he had awakened his cheat ability.

Formations are merely a means of protection; true cultivation is the ultimate path.

Concealing one's abilities, avoiding arrogance and impetuosity, and steadily improving—this is the proper way for independent cultivators to operate.

The initial excitement and thrill of successfully engraving the array gradually faded, replaced by the weariness of days spent inscribing the array patterns, which quietly spread throughout his body.

Lu Yuan decided to get a good night's sleep first before making any plans.

……

The next day.

As dawn breaks, Jiulingfang Market gradually awakens and returns to its bustling state.

"We're hunting the Blue-Faced Demon Ape in the Nine-Ling Mountains. A senior at the ninth level of Qi Refining is leading the team, but we're one short."

"Grain-Clearing Pills, Qi-Gathering Pills, and Miracle Pills... High quality and low price, with discounts for bulk orders."

"Talismans, all kinds of talismans, we have them all."

Walking through the market area where independent practitioners gather, one is constantly bombarded with the cries of vendors.

In the past, when Lu Yuan went to Bailian Hall as an apprentice, he found this place very noisy.

But now it feels full of the warmth and life of everyday life.

Look around, then look around.

I became interested in several things.

However, he was penniless at the moment, so he could only enjoy the view.

I visited the Treasure Pavilion again.

The moment Manager Luo saw Lu Yuan, his mouth stretched into a wide grin like a lotus flower.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Lu..."

Lu Yuan did not speak.

But when Manager Luo saw that his eyes were bright and clear, his posture was upright, and his confidence was overflowing, how could he not know that the formation had been successfully engraved?

"Manager Luo, you have really sharp eyes."

Lu Yuan replied with a smile, looking relaxed.

He did not choose to sell the Qi Gathering Array Plate in the market for scattered cultivators, even though the price might be slightly higher, it would also bring risks.

After all, the market for independent cultivators is a mixed bag, and incidents of robbery, stalking, and murder to steal treasures are common.

Moreover, formations are not like elixirs or talismans.

Even the price of a first-tier formation is enough to deter many low-level cultivators.

"Please come to the private room on the second floor, Fellow Daoist Lu."

Lu Yuan followed Manager Luo into the private room on the second floor and sat down. Immediately, a maidservant served him fragrant tea.

He had successfully carved the Qi-gathering array plate last time, which allowed him to enter the private room on the second floor. Five years later, stepping into this place again, he couldn't help but feel excited and filled with emotion.

"I will definitely become a regular here from now on."

Lu Yuan took out the array plate from his robes and placed it on the table. Manager Luo first cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Allow me to test it. Fellow Daoist Lu, you don't mind, do you?"

Lu Yuan took a sip of tea and said calmly, "It's alright."

With permission granted, Manager Luo slowly probed in his spiritual energy, proceeding with extreme caution as he followed the array patterns.

Smooth and unobstructed movement, exceptionally silky smooth.

The array patterns are smooth and without any burrs or breaks, making it a rare gem among first-order spirit-gathering arrays.

"Fellow Daoist Lu, you're amazing!"

Manager Luo returned the sentence, his gaze towards Lu Yuan filled with barely concealed surprise.

Last time, the opponent's engraved Qi-gathering array was not as sophisticated.

The Spirit Gathering Array is a mid-grade first-tier array, suitable for cultivators in the Qi Refining stage to use during cultivation and when breaking through to the next level.

In general, the patterns on a Qi-gathering array may have rough edges or uneven depth, which can affect its lifespan.

After about two years, the wear and tear becomes severe, and the effectiveness is greatly reduced.

The array plate that Lu Yuan engraved at this time was called a masterpiece because the sixty-four array patterns were of uniform depth and without any rough edges, and could be used for at least three years.

"Isn't that amazing? You traded your lifespan for it..." Lu Yuan smiled and then said, "Don't laugh at me, Manager Luo, but this time I was determined to burn my bridges when I engraved the Qi Gathering Array. If I fail, I plan to leave the market and become a spirit plant grower."

"Perhaps it was a desperate gamble, and with the utmost sincerity, that he actually grasped the key."

Manager Luo naturally wouldn't believe this so-called sincere explanation.

Five years ago, when Lu Yuan first engraved the Qi Gathering Array, he secretly sent someone to investigate it.

I thought it was a master-disciple relationship where the old leads the young, but I never expected that this Fellow Daoist Lu was actually a lone cultivator all by himself.

They also knew that he was an apprentice at the Hundred Refinements Hall, and that aside from the basic living expenses in the market, he was accumulating spirit stones and relentlessly investing in array formations.

Such great perseverance has finally borne fruit today.

Manager Luo was genuinely happy for Lu Yuan.

"This Qi Gathering Array Plate is available for purchase by our organization for 120 spirit stones."

"I wonder if Fellow Daoist Lu is satisfied with this price?"

……