I am in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have a demonic beast clone!

Half a month later, at the Lingmu Peak cave.

It was midday, and sunlight refracted through the cleverly crafted crystals on the cave ceiling, casting dappled shadows in the cave hall, warm yet not dry.

The air was filled with the faint fragrance of herbs and tea, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

On a stone platform in a corner of the cave, Zhou Ding and Xin Ruyin sat facing each other, with a rather old leather array diagram spread out in front of them.

This is a sketch of a complex defensive early warning formation that Xin Ruyin recently derived and simplified from the "Tianyuan Formation Manual".

After Zhou Ding formed his core, his ability to perceive and utilize the spiritual energy of heaven and earth greatly increased. Through this process of analogy, he also gained many new insights into the Dao of Formations.

The two were discussing in hushed tones the details of one of the connection points between the runes and the spiritual energy node, sometimes frowning in deep thought, and sometimes sketching a few lines on the jade tablet next to them.

"...If a trace of the sharpness of 'Geng metal' is added as a bridge to the transformation between 'Kan water' and 'Li fire' here, it may be able to speed up the flow of the formation and enhance the instantaneous response to a surprise attack. However, the requirements for the spiritual conductivity of the formation materials will be higher."

Zhou Ding gathered a point of pale golden magic power at his fingertips and outlined a simple three-element structure in the void.

Xin Ruyin stared intently at the magical lines, pondered for a moment, and nodded gently: "What Zhou Lang said makes sense. However, the sharpness of this 'Geng Metal' needs to be pure, and it needs to be compatible with the 'Green Wood' attribute of the main formation, otherwise there may be internal friction. I still have some 'Golden Thread Vine' cores that I collected in my early years. This substance belongs to the metal and wood elements, which may be useful."

The two were engrossed in their discussion when a light footstep approached from afar.

Xiao Mei held a faintly glowing communication talisman in her hand and walked over quickly, her face showing a mixture of curiosity and caution.

"Miss, young master,"

Xiao Mei handed the communication talisman to Zhou Ding: "The signal came from the formation outside the cave just now, it seems to be for the young master."

Zhou Ding took the transmission talisman, scanned it with his divine sense, raised his eyebrows slightly, and revealed a hint of doubt in his eyes.

A slightly mature and respectful female voice came from the talisman: "Feng Sanniang, the chief steward of the Six-Linked Palace stationed on Kui Xing Island, has taken the liberty of visiting and humbly requests an audience with the newly promoted Core Formation True Person Zhou Ding to congratulate him on his great success in achieving the Golden Core stage. I also have a matter to discuss with him, and I hope that he will spare some time to meet with me."

Feng San Niang?

Zhou Ding remembered this woman; three years ago, when Zhou Jin reached the Core Formation stage, she brought several managers from the Six Linked Halls to watch.

She is a female cultivator at the Pseudo-Core Formation stage, capable in her actions, and holds a high position in the Six Halls of Kui Xing Island.

However, he had no dealings with the Six-Linked Palace, and had never had any interaction with this Feng Sanniang.

Why did she suddenly come to visit?

Was he representing the Six-Linked Palace to extend goodwill and make friends, or did he have ulterior motives?

As thoughts raced through his mind, Zhou Ding remained outwardly calm and said to Xin Ruyin, "It's Steward Feng from the Six-Linked Hall. Please invite her in."

"I'll go greet them." Xiaomei understood and turned to leave.

Xin Ruyin quickly tidied up the array diagrams and other items on the table, sat quietly beside Zhou Ding, and resumed her usual elegant and composed demeanor.

Before long, Xiaomei led in a middle-aged woman dressed in a purple palace gown, with an elegant demeanor and a beautiful face.