“Niu Niu, stop!” Ling Han hurriedly shouted.
Hu Niu then flipped and landed back into Ling Han’s embrace. Still in a bad mood, she scowled at Yin Hong.
The white light on Yin Hong’s chest dispersed, and because the clothes were torn, her snow-white skin could be seen indistinctly. However, what was surprising was that there were the vein-like lines on her skin, just like a tattoo.
“Formation marks!” Ling Han had Heaven Tier experience; his eyes immediately lit up, focusing his gaze on it.
Formations were already waning and almost lost in his previous lifetime. Only coming across it when he visited historic sites, Ling Han only knew how to solve them, and the only formation he could set was a warning formation.
However, in the ancient times, formation was lined up against martial arts and alchemy. Once formation masters attacked, they could trap tens and hundreds of martial artists of the same tier; the power of it was definitely there.
He was very interested in formations, but placed all his energy on alchemy and had no time to delve into formations. Additonally, there were no formation masters he could ask for guidance and no formation scrolls were left from the ancient times, so how could he learn it?
Never would he have thought that he would really encounter a formation master!
As expected of the blossoming of a prosperous martial arts age, not only were there freaks Rong Huan Xuan, Yan Tian Zhao, Ma Duo Bao, and Hu Niu, but also the formation masters that long disappeared reappeared.
“Your eyes are so fixed on me? Why don’t I take off my clothes and let you look to your heart’s content?” Yin Hong said, clenching her teeth; although she had a faint smile, she emitted a dangerous presence.
Ling Han didn’t withdraw his gaze. He was not at all interested in Yin Hong’s body, only looking at the formations on her body. He had seen quite a few formations in his previous life, but seeing formations that were carved on the body was a first.
“Formations, it’s certainly a pretty good thing,” Ling Han said. “If you don’t mind, take off your clothes and let me study it carefully.”
“Get lost!” Yin Hong hurriedly covered her chest and ran into the building to change into new clothes.
Zhu Xuan Er looked extremely surprised at Hu Niu. She couldn’t see through Hu Niu, thinking that Hu Niu didn’t cultivate at all. She never expected to judge so wrongly; Hu Niu not only awaked a spirit base, but also was a Spiritual Ocean Tier cultivator.
A five to six year old at the Spiritual Ocean Tier—what did this mean?
In comparison, her cultivation was not worth mentioning; the difference was way too large!
In the martial arts world, all those below the Flower Blossom Tier were nobodies—mortals. However, it could be said that the preceding five tiers were relatively easy to attain, and no matter how young a Spiritual Pedestal Tier warrior was, it wouldn’t be strange; however, a five to six year old at the Spiritual Ocean Tier?
How could she not be shocked!
Hu Niu’s senses were extremely amazing; she immediately discovered Zhu Xuan Er’s gaze, then made a face at her, displaying intense enmity.
Ling Han laughed, and said, “Lady Zhu, what do you need Crimson Red Chilling Ice Grass for?”
Zhu Xuan Er was momentarily starled, and said, “So you were there that day.” She paused for a moment, then went on, “I need it to refine a Heaven Grade medicinal pill, and Crimson Red Chilling Ice Grass is one of the supplemental ingredients.”
Crimson Red Chilling Ice Grass could only act as supplemental ingredient?
Well, that was a Heaven Grade medicinal pill!
Ling Han felt it strange, and said, “I heard your teacher has been possessed by the devil, but I think that medium level, or at most high level Earth Grade medicinal pill can take care of it, no need for the Heaven Grade ones.”
If another person were to say these words, Zhu Xuan Er would definitely ignore them. However, Ling Han was a low level Earth Grade alchemist; regarding actual status, he was far above her—even the sect master of the Winter Moon Sect would show respect when seeing Ling Han.
She said, “My teacher received a dao injury, and it can’t be cured without a Heaven Grade medicinal pill!”
Ling Han felt it even stranger, and said, “Your master’s is at most a Spiritual Infant Tier cultivator, so how could he possibly receive a dao injury?” Dao injury, also known as Injury of the Great Dao, was a backlash injury received when fathoming the power of heaven and earth.
Only the Shattering Void Tier warriors had the right to fathom heaven and earth, so naturally only they could receive dao injuries. Other than that, the Shattering Void Tier martial aritsts could invoke the power of heaven and earth—enemies inflicted by it would also suffer a dao injury.
The problem was, if a Shattering Void Tier warrior attacked, could someone with the strength of the Spiritual Infant Tier only receive an injury…? More probably, they should’ve died several hundred times.
Zhu Xuan Er shook her head and didn’t answer. Obviously, this matter involved a secret; they simply had an intimate talk as mere acquaintances, so how could she reveal the bottom of it so easily?
Ling Han didn’t asked any further, but obviously, he and Zhu Xuan Er would be competing against each other for that Crimson Red Chilling Ice Grass.
“Sorry, but I also need the Crimson Red Chilling Ice Grass,” he said.
Zhu Xuan Er immediately revealed a fierce enmity; this was the life-saving medicine for her teacher! Besides, the reason why she accepted to battle for Yin Hong was because Yin Hong promised to help her find the other main ingredients and head to the middle state to request a Heaven Grade alchemist to refine the pill.
Chapter 386
Chapter 386: Exchange For Formations
Translator: Reverie_ Editor: Kurisu
Hu Niu revealed a vicious expression as well. Zhu Xuan Er dared to direct killing intent at Ling Han, making the little girl instantly enter a battle stance; her small figure sprung tightly, already prepared to attack.
Ling Han pressed his hand on Hu Niu’s shoulder, stopping her from being rash, and said, “Let me guess, there are four types of Heaven Grade medicinal pills that can cure dao injuries, but only Hidden Tiger Heavenly Luck Pill needs Crimson Red Chilling Ice Grass.”
Zhu Xuan Er’s pupils immediately narrowed—Ling Han was right and she was collecting ingredients precisely to refine Hidden Tiger Heavenly Luck Pill.
Ling Han nodded, confirming his thoughts with her reaction, and went on, “The Hidden Tiger Heavenly Luck Pill’s main ingredients are Nine Dao Sound Heaven Fruit, Four Elephant Heaven Wolf Grass, and Extreme Dark Dragon Emperor Fruit. The main ingredients can’t be replaced, but the supplemental ingredients can.”
“You’re saying all this just to make me not compete with you for the Crimson Red Chilling Ice Grass.” Zhu Xuan Er immediately saw through Ling Han’s intentions.
Ling Han laughed and said, “That’s right. I’m not afraid of you, but seeing that we’ll be fighting side by side in the future, I’m giving you an advice and a notice—you won’t be able to get it. However, you don’t have to worry even if you don’t get Crimson Red Chilling Ice Grass, since the supplemental medicines can be exchanged.”
“Master Ling, even if the Crimson Red Chilling Ice Grass can be exchanged, just how many seven tier spirit grasses are there in the world?” Zhu Xuan Er replied with a question. “This Crimson Red Chilling Ice Grass… I’m determined to have it!”
Ling Han shrugged his shoulders and said, “Then it’ll be a match of our abilities. However, when I snatch it, don’t snivel.”
Zhu Xuan Er instantly wanted to roll her eyes—she wasn’t a child and wouldn’t snivel! She was a bit irritated inside. This was the first time she encountered someone who didn’t care for her charm, making it somewhat hard for her to adapt.
The second of course was Hu Niu with enmity all across her face, as if she would fight with her over Ling Han!
&
nbsp; Pah, pah, pah, even if Ling Han was a Heaven Grade alchemist, she would at most ask him to refine pills… as for liking him? Impossible! Someone she would like should be a martial arts genius, and not a blockhead that only knew to refine pills.
“Yo, seems you guys were having a great talk, did I come back at the wrong time?” Yin Hong walked over, swinging her plump buttocks; with her naturally slender and supple waist, once she started walking, she was exceedingly seductive, which couldn’t be concealed at all.
Ling Han laughed loudly and said, “Not at all. Lady Yin, do you have any secret scrolls on formations that you can lend me for reference?
Yin Hong rolled her eyes at Ling Han right away, and said, “What do you think secret scrolls on formations are? You think I would let you use it for reference just because you said so?”
“I can exchange using arts and techniques of a similar level,” Ling Han said with justification. He didn’t need to spend his thoughts on alchemy inthis lifetime, and already had experience in martial arts—simply treading over it again—so he had large amounts of time left over.
Using it to learn formations was just right.
He saw the power of Yin Hong’s formations, which was even able to block Hu Niu’s attack; this was quite out of the ordinary, which made him deeply interested. Besides, he would definitely enter all sorts of historic sites in the future, and if he was highly accomplished in formations, it would be extremely helpful.
Moreover, the treasure troves and medicinal gardens of every sect were protected by formations. Blood Sucking Origin Gold could open the locks, but couldn’t deal with formations.
Yin Hong laughed mischievously and said, “Alright, if you can bring high level arts or techniques, then I’ll exchange with you.”
“Sure!”
Ling Han had no intention of staying any longer and immediately said goodbye. He returned to pick some arts and skills to exchange for a few formations to study. It gave him something to do before he ventured into the Dark Demon Forest.
He left with Hu Niu, and the courtyard was suddenly left with Zhu Xuan Er and Yin Hong.
“Huh, this guy is truly a weirdo; ignoring my charm isn’t a big deal, but even ignoring you? Could he be a eunuch?” Yin Hong said, baffled.
Zhu Xuan Er instantly turned red all across the face and said, “Sister Hong, you’re shooting your mouth off again!”
So the two girls already knew each other.
It wasn’t strange; Zhu Xuan Er sought to find the materials for refining the Hidden Tiger Heavenly Luck Pill, and the fastest way was through the Spirit Treasure’s Pavilion. So, Zhu Xuan Er and Yin Hong knowing each other was naturally very normal.
“However, you can really consider it. This guy truly has the possibility of becoming a Heaven Grade alchemist before thirty years old. That would be equivalent to a mighty Shattering Void Tier warrior, and with his help, finding those main ingredients would be much easier. Otherwise, a ninth tier spirit grass… a Spiritual Pedestal Tier cultivator like you can’t possibly obtain it!” Yin Hong said again.
Zhu Xuan Er sighed. The supplemental medicines were not a problem, but the three main medicines would really drive her to death.
And what did she have?
Unmatched looks! Would she have to exchange for them with her body?
***
After Ling Han returned to the inn, he immediately entered the Black Tower, searching through his mind for suitable arts and techniques.
Inside the Black Tower, he was almost omnipotent… cough, reviving the dead was obviously undoable. Hundreds of charcoal pens moved and sheets of silk paper floated in the air. With a zhi, zhi, zhi , there were several rows of writing on the silk papers.
With only one night’s effort, Ling Han already wrote a hundred volumes of arts and techniques.
“Should be enough.” He smiled slightly and left the tower, heading to the Spirit Treasure’s Pavilion again.
“Young Master Ling, you’ve returned so quickly? Is it because you still want to see Sister Zhu? Unfortunately, she left early in the morning and headed to the Dark Demon Forest,” Yin Hong said with a smile.
Ling also smiled and said, “I came here just to see Lady Yin.”
“What’s to see about me, I’m not even one hundredth the beauty of Sister Zhu.”
“I have some arts and techniques. Have a look and see how many formations it can exchange for.” Ling Han threw out the ten volumes of arts and techniques.
Yin Hong no longer jested, picking up an art and swept a glance, instantly revealing a shocked expression. She said, “Earth Grade art!” She continued to pick up other books to read, and her charming face continued to change colors.
These were not only Earth Grade arts, but also those of different elements, suited for people of all sorts of spirit bases, which was very hard to come by.
“Young Master Ling is truly a person of extraordinary talent!” She sighed in exclamation.
Ling Han laughed and said, “Some people asked me to refine pills but couldn’t pay the price, so they could only use arts to make up the numbers.”
This was the truth, but also things that happened in his previous life. For example, he demanded the Three Styles of Black Origin and War Elephant Fist from Sword Emperor and Na Lan Tu.
“Since Young Master Ling is so straightforward, then it would be rude of me to keep hiding things.” Yin Hong wiped the table with her right hand, and instantly three ancient records appeared; these books were definitely not made of normal materials as the books each emitted an ancient presence.
Ling Han picked up them up to read. Written separately on the three books were, “Formation Basics Introduction (one)”, “Formation Basics Introduction (two)” and “Formation Basics Introduction (three).”
He shook his head and said, “Lady Yin, I’ve taken out ten Earth Grade arts, yet you give me three books on formation basics?”
Yin Hong giggled, throwing out another book, and said, “I’ll add this ‘Small Heavenly Origin Spirit Snake Formation,’ but no more, or else I’d rather not exchange!”
“That’s more like it!” Ling Han picked up the book “Small Heavenly Origin Spirit Snake Formation,” revealing a smile.
Chapter 387
Chapter 387: Studying Formations
Translator: Reverie_ Editor: Kurisu
Although Ling Han wrote several hundred books on arts and techniques, he had no intention of giving out them all. The three formation basics and on top of that one branch of formation was enough to study intensively for a while.
So, he decided to leave and head to the Dark Demon Forest.
Bringing Hu Niu, he hired a carriage since the journey would take over ten days; it was better to hire a carriage to serve as transport.
Inside the carriage, Hu Niu relished and nibbled on the dried meat while Ling Han took out the formation basics and began flipping through it.
Very soon, he revealed an awed expression.
Martial arts were a process of cultivating oneself, viewing the human body as a large treasure and excavating the endless potential within. There was a saying in the martial arts world: one man, one world. It meant that when martial arts were cultivated to the extreme, a martial artist oneself could become an enormous world, possessing supreme power.
Formations were exactly the opposite.
This path revered the natural power of heaven and earth. It purported to be borrowing the power of heaven and earth and changing it for personal use. Therefore, the key was of it was how to borrow the power of heaven and earth.
A medium was needed to borrow the power of heaven and earth, called the formation’s eye.
A formation’s eye could appear in all shapes and forms, such as a sword, a saber, or a flag. However, not just any sword, rock, or flag could serve as the formation’s eye; there were still very strict requirements. First, the material’s quality, and second, the formation patterns carved on it.
The one who compiled this book on for
mations liked to use flags as the formation’s eye, and called them formation flags. Formation flags were like martial arts, separated into ten tiers, and formations arrayed by different tiers of formation flags had differing powers.
High-tier formation flags could be used to array low-tier formations, but not the other way around. High-level formations had to be set by high tier formation flags; otherwise, the formation flags couldn’t possibly endure the power of heaven and earth drawn in, instantly exploding.
Thus, effective tools were necessary for the successful execution of a job. Only by finding the suitable materials and making them into formation flags or using other formation’s eye could one begin to discuss how to array the formation.
Ling Han was eager to give it a try. When they passed by a large city, he spent thirty thousand Origin Crystals and bought a chunk of Purple-Veined Gold, which was an extremely high cost for about one pound.
This was a fifth tier cast metal, which could be forged into Spiritual Ocean Tier level spirit tools; of course it would be expensive. Thankfully, it was only a little over one pound, not enough to be formed into a sword, saber, or other weapons, or else thirty thousand Origin Crystals wouldn’t be enough.
Ling Han immediately entered the Black Tower. Inside, he could summon raging flames and easily melt the chunk of precious gold into seven small metal poles. Since he lacked the materials, he didn’t make it into a formation flag; it was more important to carve the formation patterns, and as for what form the formation’s eye had, it made no difference.
This was the first step; the second step was to carve formation patterns on the metal poles. This was the most crucial step—formation patterns drew in the power of heaven and earth, so the effects were completely different based on the element of the formation pattern and the type of formation arrayed.
Ling Han forged seven metal rods fastidiously based on Small Heavenly Origin Spirit Snake Formation; once he carved the formation patterns onto it, it could become a true formation’s eye. He would then be able to spread it beside him and the formation would become complete by itself, having both defensive and offensive effects.
Alchemy Emperor of the Divine Dao c1-1294 Page 208