Chapter Fifty-Two: The Spirit Gathering Array!

Of course, different formations require entirely different foundational stones. The one He Song was currently inscribing was the foundation for the Spirit Gathering Array.

The Spirit Gathering Array.

A total of five foundational stones were needed for this array. Only after inscribing all of them could he proceed to the next step: array placement.

This too required a unique method. Using special techniques, each foundational stone had to be set in a precise location and then linked together in a particular sequence to establish a connection with the forces of heaven and earth.

Only then could a true array be formed.

When the patterns within the foundational stones resonated with the power of the world, continuously generating special effects, the formation was complete.

Such were the fundamentals of array techniques as described in the introductory text to the Dao of Arrays.

This was also what He Song had been striving towards.

At a certain moment, as He Song sat cross-legged on his meditation mat, carefully carving the array patterns, he let out a heavy breath. A look of delight blossomed on his face.

“It’s done!” Holding the spirit stone with the completed pattern in his hand, He Song admired his handiwork, a surge of intense accomplishment welling up inside him.

It was a truly exhilarating feeling!

After more than three years of effort, He Song had finally finished carving all five foundational stones needed for the Spirit Gathering Array.

With these five stones completed, He Song had taken a great stride on his path to mastering the Spirit Gathering Array.

Next, all he needed to do was use the special techniques described in the introductory text to embed the five stones into their designated positions, link them together to trigger the array’s connection with the world, and supplement the process with a few additional spirit stones to activate the formation—then the Spirit Gathering Array would be successfully established!

He Song had long since committed these special techniques to memory. Over these past three years, he had practiced them tirelessly and had already mastered them thoroughly.

Now, with the foundational stones complete, all that remained was to find a suitable place to set up the array and he would become a true Array Master!

However, after glancing at the freshly carved foundational stones in his hand, He Song reconsidered and put them away in his storage pouch.

He was currently inside the Spirit Building Pavilion. If he set up the array here, it would be troublesome when Wei Fan returned, as he would have to dismantle the array and move it back home. To avoid unnecessary hassle, He Song decided to save the task of array placement for when he returned home that night.

He resumed his meditation and cultivation.

While He Song immersed himself in cultivation, time outside passed swiftly.

Soon, dusk settled.

After bidding farewell to his colleagues at the Spirit Building Pavilion, He Song returned home alone.

Within the quiet chamber, he reached out, and the five special spirit stones appeared in his hand. Each stone bore intricate array patterns, no longer mere spirit stones but true foundational stones for an array.

These five stones needed only to be set in their specific locations with the special technique and then linked together to draw upon the power of heaven and earth. The array would be formed.

Yet He Song did not immediately begin. Instead, he took a deep breath, adjusted himself to his best condition, and only then did he act.

He picked up one foundation stone, formed a complex sign with his fingers, and the stone flew from his hand, settling gently at the very center of the chamber like a fledgling returning to its nest.

He repeated this process with each stone, and after several rounds of intricate gestures, all five were set in their designated positions.

At the same time, beams of spiritual light emerged from the patterns within each stone, quickly linking all five foundational stones together and weaving a profound and mysterious array diagram.

This was the unique diagram of the Spirit Gathering Array.

The purpose of inscribing the patterns on the stones was precisely to use them as conduits, forming this enigmatic diagram.

At this point, He Song needed only to employ the special technique to activate the diagram and draw upon the forces of heaven and earth—the Spirit Gathering Array would be complete.

The key instructions for the array flashed through his mind, and He Song began to perform the incantation.

In the next instant, a brilliant flash lit up the dim chamber before fading as if it had never appeared.

Inside the chamber, however, He Song’s face was radiant with joy.

With his final incantation, the array diagram he had set triggered the forces of the world—he had succeeded in establishing a Spirit Gathering Array!

To set up such an array meant He Song had now become an Array Master.

Though he could only lay the simplest of arrays for now, he could rightfully claim the title of Array Master.

This was a transformation of identity and a rise in status.

Should He Song reveal that he was an Array Master, he would surely attract both the respect and the covetous eyes of other cultivators.

“Excellent! My path is now open!”

Feeling the spiritual energy within the chamber growing denser, He Song’s joy deepened, his heart filled with exhilaration.

More than three years!

Over three years had passed.

He had finally established the simplest Spirit Gathering Array.

During these years, He Song had devoted himself entirely to the study of array techniques.

Now, at last, he could see the fruits of his labor.

There was joy, exhilaration, and a sense of accomplishment—a mixture of emotions swelled within him.

However, the completion of the array did not mean He Song could rest easy.

With this thought, his expression grew serious, and he quickly began further incantations.

After several rounds of adjustments, He Song finally relaxed.

“Good, good. The Spirit Gathering Array’s range can be controlled—as long as I keep the spiritual energy it draws within this chamber, there is no need to worry about being discovered.”

He sighed inwardly, reminding himself to remain vigilant.

The identity of an Array Master could only be used in secret, to aid his own cultivation.

If he made it public, he would surely provoke countless greedy eyes.

He only wished to cultivate quietly and had no desire to fight and kill with those ruthless cultivators.

As one who sought longevity, he needed the wisdom and caution such a path required.

Fighting and killing for advancement—other cultivators might choose that, but it was not a road he would take.

After this reminder came renewed delight.

With the Spirit Gathering Array in place, He Song’s cultivation speed would increase dramatically!

This meant his progress through the Qi Condensation stage would be much faster than before.

Perhaps what once took five years to break through a realm could now be accomplished in four, thanks to the denser spiritual energy within the array.

The time saved would also help He Song avoid attracting undue attention.

After all, in the early stages of his cultivation, he had never used spirit stones or consumed pills.

All his progress had come slowly, through the gradual absorption of spiritual energy.

Compared to other cultivators with four spiritual roots, He Song’s cultivation speed had always been extremely slow.