An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

Chapter 594: Fiend Control and Formation Arts, Fei Ming’s Intervention, Rebuilding Danxia, The Legacy of Zheng Xian and Xuan Yu (II)

”By the way, here are the formation fundamentals you asked for, along with detailed explanations of restrictions. There are four books in total. Besides the Min family’s inheritance and other notes, I’ve added some of my own insights,” Min Longyu said as he presented the texts.

”Mm, thank you,” Luo Chen replied and took them with great care.

Curiosity flashed in Min Longyu’s eyes. ”President, do you intend to actually master formations?”

”I am thinking about it, but not for now. I’ll read these books first and build some knowledge before I decide,” Luo Chen said, glancing down at the texts.

Min Longyu nodded. ”In that case, you may want to try calligraphy and painting.”

”Oh? Why do you say that?” Luo Chen asked, raising his head. His expression was attentive, much like a student seeking instruction from his teacher.

A faint smile curved Min Longyu’s lips. ”The foundation of formations lies in discerning the natural flows of energy within mountains and rivers, borrowing the power of heaven and earth to create favorable circumstances...”

He spoke at length, explaining the basic principles one by one. Doubts and questions that had lingered in Luo Chen’s mind began to unravel. Heaven and earth held great natural power; even without human intervention, natural forces alone could wipe out living beings with ease. Floods ravaged the land, mountains collapsed, volcanoes erupted, and earthquakes shifted the landscape as if dragons were thrashing around beneath the earth. These were the grander examples of nature’s power. On a smaller scale, there were natural labyrinths, mists that wove into mirages, and sudden strikes of heavenly lightning.

The Dao of formations sought to imitate such powers through the careful use of resources. Common five-element formations were based on the cyclical flow of the five elements. The Thunderwave Tempest Formation Luo Chen had witnessed was like the artificial birth of thunderclouds. The Seven-Colored Danxia Grand Formation drew strength from mountain terrain and the brilliance of light filtered through the clouds.

Thus, what was known as talent in formations was not limited to the strength of the divine soul, spirit power, or knowledge. The greater weight lay in observing nature itself. Keen observation was the true foundation of a formation master—even in the mortal world, brilliant individuals who had never cultivated could arrange simple formations by relying on pure geography.

Min Longyu’s powers of observation were extraordinary. His talent extended not only to the natural world but also to human affairs. Without such insight, he would never have abandoned his old allegiances so early to side with Luo Chen.

Besides observation, there was also the ability to imitate what one observed. It began with copying calligraphy and paintings, then sketching formation lines, and eventually imitating the patterns of nature itself. Once a cultivator commanded true power and insight, they could harness the very heaven and earth to set up formations! Mountains, rivers, and the countless phenomena of the world could all serve as the basis for formations!

Min Longyu, ever the meticulous one, had already noticed that Luo Chen’s natural talent as a creator was fairly average. Yet while creating things from scratch requires a great amount of talent, imitation is something that can be trained.

”To build a solid foundation, merely reading is not enough,” Min Longyu explained. ”You will know the ’what’ but not the ’why.’ Once you grow familiar with calligraphy and painting, you can practice tracing and reproducing patterns. That skill will prove invaluable in the Dao of formations.”

Min Longyu spoke gently, but his words struck Luo Chen like a sudden revelation. Indeed, he had read extensively, yet his progress had been sluggish. Even inscribing restrictions with spirit consciousness felt slow and clumsy. Only now did he realize it was because he had no grounding in calligraphy or painting. The realization made perfect sense. Thinking back, those restriction paths and formation lines were nothing more than intricate brush strokes interwoven into a single grand painting.

”A single lesson from you is worth ten years of study!” Luo Chen cupped his hands respectfully. ”Master Min, your knowledge is boundless!”

Min Longyu let out a helpless chuckle. ”President, since when have you become so scholarly?”

Luo Chen grinned. ”I used to think formation masters and feng shui masters were the same. Now I realize formation masters and talisman makers share even closer ties.”

Min Longyu nodded in acknowledgment. In his eyes, formations formed the very foundation that shaped heaven and earth. Because of this, the Dao of formations could encompass countless branches of cultivation. Talismans, feng shui, artifact creation, puppetry, and even spirit planting were all connected to formations in some way. For instance, the spirit fields once cultivated around Danxia Peak had thrived so abundantly not only through the Agriculture Palace’s efforts but also because of the work Min Longyu had poured into them during the early days.

”By the way, I have a third-tier large-scale spirit-gathering formation,” Luo Chen said, drawing out several storage pouches filled with resources he no longer needed. He singled out one in particular. ”Take this back with you.”

Min Longyu’s eyes sparkled. ”A large-scale spirit-gathering formation? I’ve been studying these for years! President, you’re giving pillows to the sleepy!”

”That’s what I was hoping for,” Luo Chen replied with a nod. ”Set it up at Danxia Peak and see if it can raise the spirit energy density.”

Min Longyu accepted it with delight and added casually, ”If this formation is paired with Ailao Mountain’s immortal architecture, the effect will be even greater. Conveniently, Ailao Mountain is currently on rotation in the city. I can consult them for some insight.”

Architecture influenced feng shui patterns, and these patterns influenced how formations operated. What might appear to be nothing but mortal theory was, in the cultivation world, far from simple decoration. Ailao Mountain had secured its standing in the Jade Cauldron Domain, with this craft proved the uniqueness of their expertise. From small-scale structures such as residences, alchemy rooms, and forging chambers to the grand scale of immortal cities and sect gates, their handiwork could be seen everywhere.

At the mention of Ailao Mountain, Luo Chen’s heart stirred. ”Perhaps you could invite Elder Fei Ming, who resides in Tianlan Immortal City, to visit Danxia Peak and give us some guidance.”,

”Can we really invite him?” Min Longyu asked in surprise.

”Let’s try,” Luo Chen replied with a faint smile. ”Perhaps he will give me that honor.”

Min Longyu remained doubtful, yet the memory of Fei Ming intervening during the Luo Tian Society battle made the idea seem possible. If an Adept from Ailao Mountain could assist in restructuring Danxia Peak, it would be a blessing beyond measure.

After leaving behind the resources he had brought for Luo Chen, Min Longyu took his leave. Luo Chen closed the cave residence once more and examined the two pouches he had delivered. One held assorted processed herbs for refining Jade Dew Pills, Spirit Passage Pills, and Spirit-Feeding Pellets. The other contained a spirit beast pouch filled with small live creatures, perfect for training divine soul techniques.

Once everything was in order, he stepped into the alchemy room. The fire was lit, the cauldron opened, and pill refinement began.

***

Half a month later, news arrived from the Luo Tian Society. Min Longyu had managed to invite Elder Fei Ming for the fee of one hundred thousand spirit stones. The figure seemed enormous, yet for an Adept, it was surprisingly cheap. If anything, the fact that Elder Fei Ming had agreed to visit for any fee at all was outright shocking. Many in the city were left stunned.

The prestige of the Luo Tian Society had truly reached remarkable heights. Of course, Luo Chen understood that this success was most likely connected to the century-old Lightning Essence he had personally offered rather than to his organization’s standing.

Whatever was the case, an Adept from a major force like Ailao Mountain would never act perfunctorily. After just half a day at Danxia Peak, Elder Fei Ming presented a comprehensive reconstruction plan. The former arrangement of the Luo Tian Society’s buildings had been scattered, lacking any proper planning. They had been neither aesthetically pleasing nor conducive to cultivation, and some even disrupted the natural flow of spirit energy.

In his plan, the nine great palaces of the Luo Tian Society were to be completely reorganized. For instance, the Grand Hall, belonging solely to Luo Chen, would be rebuilt on the mountain peak. This way, it would not only symbolize authority but also serve as the central hub of Danxia Peak’s grand formation. According to his design, the hall’s spirit energy concentration would become the highest on the peak, comparable to that of a low-grade second-tier cave residence. This would grant the Initiates stationed at Danxia Peak a suitable environment for cultivation.

Truly, when an expert took action, the results spoke for themselves. Once the new plan was received, the Luo Tian Society launched into fervent reconstruction. Old buildings were torn down, and new ones rose in their place. Within just a few months, Danxia Peak transformed from a mere haven for rogue cultivators into a majestic estate worthy of an immortal sect.

White jade paved the pathways, immortal trees lined the mountain, and spirit eagles circled overhead. Clouds gathered in layers, rainbow mists shimmered, and grand structures loomed faintly within the haze. A single glance was enough to evoke the image of a proper sect’s mountain.

During those same months, Luo Chen finally found time to unlock Xuan Yu’s storage pouch. Inside the cave residence, he held an Ocean-Swallowing Jar of superior grade, his expression grave. The scent it released was so dense that it was almost nauseating.

Illusions surged violently into his mind—countless figures crying out in pain, their voices filled with venomous curses and bitter resentment. Luo Chen shook his head sharply. At once, clarity returned to his mind, thanks to the divine essence-preserving ability of Myriad Path Convergence derived from Divine Breaker of Malevolence.

Luo Chen let out a heavy breath.

The jar brimmed with the blood essence of countless cultivators.

”Xuan Yu... What a tremendous blood debt you carry....”