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

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Chapter Fifty-One: The Azure Sun Array Manual! The Five Elements Profound Light Array! Han Li Establishes His Foundation! He is Instructed on the Three-Turn Replenishing Yuan Technique!

A moment later, Zhou Ding, holding a storage bag, carefully finished picking the last spiritual herb in the herb field. His gaze swept over the empty cave, and he felt no lingering attachment.

He flashed and disappeared at the entrance of the cave.

Half an hour later, Zhou Ding returned to the secluded valley where his cave was located.

Upon entering the cave, Zhou Ding activated the Five Elements Mystic Light Array and released Little Gold to keep watch underground, finally letting out a sigh of relief.

He sat cross-legged in the quiet room, took out the dusty storage bag, and placed it mouth-down—

slam-la-

The contents spilled out, piling up all over the floor.

Zhou Ding's gaze swept over them, and his breath hitched slightly.

The first thing that catches the eye is a fist-sized bead, entirely blue, with a faint starlight shimmering within it.

The bead lay there quietly, yet it exuded an aura completely different from that of any magical artifact—more profound, more vast, and more awe-inspiring.

magic weapon.

This is a true magic weapon.

Zhou Ding carefully picked up the bead and probed it with his divine sense.

Inside the bead, there seems to be a miniature starry sky, with countless starlight slowly flowing within, dazzling and brilliant.

A gentle yet powerful force was slowly emanating from the bead, creating a faint resonance with his divine sense.

"Good darling." Zhou Ding murmured to himself, a look of excitement flashing in his eyes.

But he quickly suppressed his excitement and carefully put the beads away.

Although the magic weapon was powerful, he was unable to activate it with his early Foundation Establishment cultivation level.

Forcing its use will only drain your mana and may even damage your foundation.

We'll discuss that after we reach the Core Formation stage.

Next came the spirit stones—a total of three thousand three hundred low-grade spirit stones, and thirteen mid-grade spirit stones with even purer spiritual energy.

This amount of spirit stones is enough for him to cultivate for several years without having to worry about resources.

Then there are the array equipment and array deployment materials.

A complete set of "Five Elements Mystic Light Array" flags consists of thirty-six flags, each engraved with intricate runes, with faint flow of the five elements' light.

Once this formation is set up, it can withstand attacks from early-stage Core Formation cultivators and is a commonly used protective formation for Core Formation cultivators.

There are also a large amount of array materials—array plates, array flags, array bases, spirit stones… enough to set up several medium-sized arrays.

Finally, there were two jade slips.

A dark blue scroll, warm to the touch, with four ancient characters engraved on the front: "Qingyang Array Manual".

A pale purple scroll, faintly exuding a medicinal fragrance, with the inscription "Qingyang Danshu" on the front.

Zhou Ding probed with his divine sense, and after a moment, an uncontrollable look of ecstasy appeared on his face!

This is actually the complete inheritance of a Core Formation cultivator who is proficient in both formations and alchemy!

The "Qingyang Array Manual" records more than a dozen ancient array formations—from basic concealment and defensive formations to complex trapping and killing formations, and even some long-lost ancient formations. Each formation is accompanied by detailed instructions on how to set it up, an analysis of the formation diagram, and Qingyangzi's own insights into the art of array formations.

The Qingyang Dan Shu is equally precious, not only recording dozens of ancient elixir formulas—from the Qi Refining stage to the Core Formation stage, but also Qingyangzi's lifelong alchemy insights, including many secrets such as fire control, herbal compatibility, and application of alchemy techniques.

"Qingyangzi..."

Zhou Ding murmured the name.

From the fragments of information in the jade slip, we can infer...

This senior Qingyangzi was a rogue cultivator who reached the Core Formation stage several hundred years ago in the Yue Kingdom. He was proficient in both array formations and alchemy and was highly respected in the cultivation world of the Yue Kingdom at that time.

Later, for reasons unknown, he went into seclusion deep in the Taiyue Mountains and eventually passed away in a cave.

By sheer chance, Zhou Ding received the complete inheritance from this predecessor.

He sorted and organized everything, putting it into different storage bags.

Spirit stones and common spiritual herbs are used for daily cultivation and alchemy.

The array equipment and deployment materials should be temporarily stored away for future research.

After sorting through the harvest, Zhou Ding thought of the medicinal herbs transplanted from the herb field.

He quickly got up and went to the medicinal garden that had been opened up on one side of the cave.

The herb garden was small, only about three zhang square, but he took great care of it. The soil was specially purchased from the market, and he irrigated it with a stream of water from the Spirit Eye Spring. The spiritual energy was far richer than that of the outside world.

Zhou Ding took out the spiritual herbs he had brought from Qingyangzi's cave and carefully transplanted them one by one into the herb garden.

In particular, Zhou Ding specially cultivated a small spiritual field in the deepest part of the herb garden, where the spiritual energy was most abundant, and planted it there alone.

After planting, he even took out a mid-grade spirit stone and buried it next to the tree roots to nourish its growth.

After doing all this, Zhou Ding looked at the dozens of vibrant medicinal herbs in the herb garden and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

These medicinal herbs will be a solid foundation for his future cultivation.

But then, he thought of a crucial question—

Safety.

Within his cave dwelling lies a spring of spiritual light and thousand-year-old medicinal herbs.

If any one of these things were exposed, it would be enough to bring about one's death.

Zhou Ding's eyes flashed as he took out the "Five Elements Mystic Light Array" from his storage bag.

As each array flag was placed, a ray of light flashed, and the five elements' power intertwined, gradually forming a complete array.

As the last flag was in place, Zhou Ding activated the hand seal—

"Buzz!"

A five-colored light curtain instantly appeared, enveloping the entire entrance to the cave.

Above the light screen, the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth flowed endlessly, exuding a resilient and profound aura.

The Five Elements Mystic Light Array is complete!

Zhou Ding took out another jade tablet and refined it with a drop of blood.

In the future, when entering or leaving the cave, simply hold this token, and the formation will automatically open a door.

He stood in front of the light screen, looking at the protective array that was strong enough to withstand attacks from early-stage Core Formation cultivators, and felt somewhat relieved.

With this protective formation, it is extremely difficult to break through unless a cultivator at the mid-stage of Core Formation or above launches a strong attack.

……

Time flows like water, passing by silently.

In the blink of an eye, another year has passed.

In a quiet room.

Zhou Ding sat cross-legged, holding a jade scroll in his hands, his brows furrowed.

That jade slip was none other than the "Qingyang Array Manual".

one Year.

For a whole year, apart from practicing the "Azure Origin Sword Technique" and the "Hundred Beasts Body Forging Technique," he devoted almost all his time to this array manual.

However, progress... has been minimal.

"The art of formations is indeed difficult to learn..."

Zhou Ding sighed, put down the jade slip, and rubbed his temples.

That year, he learned to set up some basic formations—the simplest concealment formation, warning formation, and spirit gathering formation.

These formations can be easily set up by simply following the diagrams in the formation manual, placing the formation flags and infusing them with spiritual power.

But if you go any deeper, you'll find it impossible to move forward.

Those complex enemy-trapping formations, killing formations, and even ancient wonder formations require a profound understanding of the Dao of Formations, a subtle grasp of the interactions of the Five Elements and the changes of Yin and Yang, and the ability to flexibly adjust the arrangement of formations according to the terrain, spiritual energy, and environment.

These are not things you can learn simply by following a diagram.

He needs to truly understand the principles of array formations.

With a thought, Zhou Ding took out an item from his storage bag.

A golden treasure chest.

The box was twelve feet long and half a foot wide, with a tightly closed lid. The surface of the box was covered with blurry patterns and emitted a faint aura of restriction.

This item was the treasure chest he had brought out from the Crimson Forbidden Land.

According to the original work, this treasure chest contains the key to the pagoda area, the core of the Crimson Forbidden Land.

Only with the key inside can the ancient barrier surrounding the pagoda be opened.

Within the pagoda area, there is not only the legacy of the master of the Crimson Forbidden Land.

There's also the corpse of that ancient cultivator from the Tianfu Sect.

The legendary "Six Ding Heavenly Armor Talisman" mentioned in the original work is on the corpse of this ancient cultivator from the Heavenly Talisman Sect.

Zhou Ding risked everything to seize this golden treasure chest so that he could one day re-enter the Crimson Forbidden Land and obtain the inheritance and treasures within.

However, the restrictions on this golden treasure chest are extremely extraordinary.

Zhou Ding tried to probe with his divine sense multiple times, but was gently pushed away by a soft yet firm force.

I also tried to pry it open with the golden blade, but the moment the sword tip touched the lid, a light blue light screen would appear and deflect the sword.

His choice to study formations was largely aimed at unlocking the ancient restrictions on this golden treasure chest.

But with his current level of array formation skills, which is barely even at the beginner level, it's unknown when he'll be able to break the restriction.

"I need to find a way to speed things up," Zhou Ding muttered to himself.

Simply working in isolation will lead to slow learning.

He needs a true inheritance of the art of array formations, he needs guidance, he needs...

"Tianxingzong Market".

A glint of light flashed in Zhou Ding's eyes.

The Heavenly Star Sect, located in the Yuanwu Kingdom east of the Yue Kingdom, is even stronger than the Yellow Maple Valley.

However, the Heavenly Star Sect is different from the Yellow Maple Valley. This sect is famous for its array formations, and its disciples are all proficient in array formations. It is known as the orthodox array formation sect of the Eastern Yu Continent.

If you can go to the market of the Heavenly Star Sect, you might be able to buy some introductory books on array formations, or even meet a real array master to give you some pointers.

Zhou Ding pondered in his mind, his gaze falling on the "Qingyang Array Manual" in his hand.

I must make time to visit Tianxingzong Market.

……

at the same time.

Yellow Maple Valley, Fire House.

A figure walked out of the house, radiating the spiritual pressure of a Foundation Establishment cultivator who had just broken through and had not yet had time to fully subside.

It was Han Li.

He stood at the entrance of the Fire House, took a deep breath of the fresh air outside, and a look of delight spread across his face.

After emerging from the Crimson Forbidden Land, he spent three years cultivating the medicinal herbs needed for the Foundation Establishment Pill using small green bottles.

It took another year to refine the Foundation Establishment Pill, and he finally succeeded in breaking through.

Four years.

Four whole years.

Now, he has finally become a Foundation Establishment cultivator!

Han Li felt the liquid true essence flowing through his body, and the immense power that far exceeded that of the Qi Refining stage filled him with an indescribable sense of satisfaction.

But he quickly suppressed his emotions, and his gaze became calm.

Foundation building is just the beginning.

He recalled the agreement he made with Zhou Ding three years ago—that after he established his foundation, he could go to Senior Brother Zhou's cave to obtain the secret technique that could increase the chances of forming a core.

Core formation.

Han Li silently repeated these two words in his heart, his eyes flashing with an unprecedented longing.

He possesses four spiritual roots, a pseudo-spiritual root, and is widely recognized as the most useless of the useless in the cultivation world.

To be able to build a foundation is already a stroke of good fortune.

As for forming the Golden Core, he didn't even dare to think about it.

But now, someone has told him that there is a secret technique that can increase the chances of forming a Golden Core.

He was determined to give it a try, no matter what.

"First, let's open up a cave dwelling, and then... let's visit Senior Brother Zhou."

Han Li made a decision.

……

Several days later, deep in the Taiyue Mountains.

Outside Qingyuan Cave, a beam of light descended.

Han Li stood at the cave entrance, looking at the five-colored light curtain in front of him, a look of shock flashing in his eyes.

This is... a protective formation for the manor?

He could sense that this formation was exceptionally powerful, something that no ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator could set up.

This Senior Brother Zhou is indeed unfathomable.

He took out a communication talisman, whispered a few words, and tossed it out.

The talisman transformed into a streak of fire, pierced through the five-colored light curtain, and disappeared into the cave.

A moment later, the light screen rippled and a portal opened.

A figure in cyan emerged from within; it was Zhou Ding.

"Junior Brother Han, congratulations on your successful Foundation Establishment!" Zhou Ding said with a cupped hand and a smile, his gaze sweeping over Han Li and seeing through his cultivation level.

In the early stages of Foundation Building, the energy is stable and the foundation is solid.

Han Li quickly returned the greeting: "Thank you, Senior Brother Zhou. I was just lucky."

"No need to be modest."

Zhou Ding waved his hand and stepped aside to make way, "Junior Brother Han, please come in."

The two entered the cave and sat down in the living room on the outer side of the cave.

As for the Spirit Eye Spring and the Medicine Garden inside, they had already been isolated by Zhou Ding using an array.

Zhou Ding brewed a pot of spiritual tea and handed it to Han Li.

Han Li took the teacup, took a sip, and felt a refreshing stream flow down his throat, instantly invigorating him.

"Junior Brother Han, you've come today because of that secret technique, haven't you?" Zhou Ding asked bluntly.

Han Li nodded, put down his teacup, and said solemnly, "I ask Senior Brother Zhou to grant my request."

He took out two jade bottles from his storage bag, placed them on the table, and pushed them in front of Zhou Ding.

"I recently refined some pills. This bottle of Purple Essence Pills was made according to the formula that Senior Brother Zhou gave me last time. It is quite helpful for Foundation Establishment cultivators to improve their cultivation. These two bottles are just a small token of my appreciation. Please accept them, Senior Brother Zhou."

Zhou Ding picked up the jade bottle, opened the stopper, and a rich medicinal fragrance immediately filled the air. The pills inside were bright in color, with a pure aroma, and of excellent quality.

"Junior Brother Han is very kind." Zhou Ding smiled slightly and, without being polite, put the jade bottle into his storage bag.

Anyway, this guy has no shortage of elixirs.

He took out a jade slip that he had prepared beforehand from his bosom and handed it to Han Li.

"This is what Junior Brother Han wanted."

Han Li took the jade slip and probed it with his divine sense.

A moment later, his expression changed, and an uncontrollable excitement flashed in his eyes!

Three Revolutions of Renewal Technique!

This secret technique requires cultivation during the Foundation Establishment stage. After each breakthrough to a minor realm, the mana is repeatedly compressed, purified, and rebuilt, for a total of three cycles. After the three cycles, the foundation is far more solid and the mana more refined than others of the same level, greatly increasing the chance of forming a core!

What excited him even more was that this secret technique was a perfect match for the Azure Origin Sword Art he was cultivating!

The jade slip containing the cultivation techniques bestowed by Li Huayuan only contained the mental cultivation method of the Qingyuan Sword Technique, not this secret technique.

The jade slip given by Zhou Ding not only contained complete secret techniques, but also detailed cultivation insights!

This means that Han Li, a pseudo-spiritual root cultivator, now has the hope of forming his core!

Han Li took a deep breath, stood up, and bowed deeply to Zhou Ding.

"I will never forget Senior Brother Zhou's kindness in bestowing upon me this technique!"

Zhou Ding waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down: "Junior Brother Han, there's no need for that. This is what you deserve; you traded it for those silver pages—it's a fair trade."

Han Li shook his head, his expression serious: "Senior Brother Zhou, you are mistaken. Although that silver page has an extraordinary origin, to me it is nothing more than an ancient artifact of unknown use. But this Three Revolutions Rejuvenation Technique is a secret technique that can increase the chances of forming a core, and its value far exceeds that of the page."

"Even though it's a fair trade, I am still extremely grateful."

He paused for a moment, then said solemnly, "If Senior Brother Zhou needs anything in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. Although my cultivation is low, I will do my best."

Zhou Ding understood as he looked at Han Li's serious expression.

For Han Li at this moment, Core Formation is the ultimate goal that transcends everything else.

This Three-Turn Rejuvenation Technique is indeed of extraordinary significance to Han Li.

"Junior Brother Han, you're too kind."

He nodded: "However, we are now fellow disciples and brothers, so there's no need to be so formal. If you have any questions about your cultivation in the future, feel free to come to me anytime."

Han Li thanked him again, chatted for a few more minutes, and then got up to take his leave.

Zhou Ding escorted him to the cave entrance, watching the streak of light disappear into the clouds.

He returned to the quiet room, picked up the two bottles of Purple Essence Pills, and smiled slightly.

"This guy knows how to get things done."

The Purple Essence Pill is exactly the kind of pill he needs right now.

With these two bottles of pills, his cultivation level will improve significantly.