Chapter 521: The Power of Formations, Jiang Chen's Far‑Reaching Scheme

Li Xueru asked again, "How is it? What insight does that being have?"

"He offered a special formation, said to be able to suppress the Soul‑devouring Beast." Jiang Chen took a yellowed scroll from his pocket and handed it to Li Xueru.

This is the formation diagram obtained from Antares; it is said that only a master of formations can grasp its subtleties.

Jiang Chen also tried to study it, but the runes were tangled and complex, and he could only stare helplessly.

Formation?

Li Xueru took the scroll; it exuded an ancient aura, as if it contained endless wisdom.

He closed his eyes and focused, letting Spiritual Power slowly seep into the scroll.

In an instant, the runes on the scroll seemed to come alive, emitting a dazzling light.

Countless runes fluttered in the air, weaving into a complex pattern, and a massive formation gradually materialized.

Li Xueru was so stunned by the sight that they could not speak, and only after a long while could they begin to digest the formation's information.

The others watching nearby were dazzled, able only to feel the formation's might and mystery.

They silently marveled that once activated, the formation would surely unleash astonishing power.

After a long time, the light on the scroll faded, and the formation vanished into the void.

Li Xueru took a deep breath, slowly opened their eyes, and said, "This formation is indeed extraordinary, worthy of deeper study."

Jiang Chen asked eagerly, "Master, can we set it up?"

Li Xueru nodded, "Although it is somewhat complex, I am confident we can succeed. However, we still need some time to prepare."

Chu Yao also added, "I will also research a medicine against the Soul‑devouring Beast; together we will surely solve this problem."

Li Xueru nodded in agreement

, then looked at Jiang Chen, "Let's go back first."

They rode the Shenlong Tower, leaving this mysterious place.

Li Xueru sealed off the Secret Realm to prevent outsiders from intruding.

Chu Yao and Chu Yao returned to their own residence to continue their research.

Li Xueru then led Jiang Chen and Yue Dapeng back to Hong Shen Courtyard.

Hong Jishi was meditating and cultivating in the courtyard; seeing them return, he asked, "Xiao Chen, how has your friend's injury recovered?"

Jiang Chen replied, "It has already healed."

Yue Dapeng at that moment also saw Hong Jishi's figure, and he was so moved he almost cried.

He fell to his knees with a thud, respectfully kowtowed three times, "Lord Hong Shen! I never thought I would still see you in my lifetime! Truly, I would die without regret!"

The sudden gesture surprised Hong Jishi, "Xiao Chen, your friend seems to hold me in great reverence."

Jiang Chen smiled and shook his head, "He is like that, a bit overly enthusiastic. No need to worry too much."

Li Xueru then said seriously, "Old Hong, could you first take this youngster to Shenlong University to settle him? I have some matters to discuss with Xiao Chen."

Hong Jishi nodded; he understood that Li Xueru's solemn tone signaled urgency, so he rose at once and said to Yue Dapeng, "Boy, come with me; I will take you to Shenlong University."

Yue Dapeng, still in an excited state, heard Hong Jishi's words and, bewildered, followed along.

After the two left, Jiang Chen looked at Li Xueru, a hint of seriousness on his face, "Teacher Li, you must have discovered something as well."

Li Xueru nodded, his gaze deep, "Hmm, I…"

I can guess a few things. But you go ahead and speak first.'

Jiang Chen took a deep breath and revealed what had not been mentioned before, "Actually, besides the Soul‑Melding Grand Formation, Antares also gave me a formula for a Soul‑Melding Elixir."

A flash of surprise crossed Li Xueru's eyes, but they quickly regained composure, "Continue."

Jiang Chen poured Li Xueru a cup of tea, then detailed Antares's explanation of the Soul‑Melding Grand Formation and the Soul‑Melding Elixir.

After listening, Li Xueru tapped his fingers lightly on the table, seeming to ponder. After a while, he lifted his head, a steadfast light flashing in his eyes, "It is correct; becoming a Transcendent holds extraordinary significance for the entire continent."

"Since it believes the Soul‑Melding Grand Formation could help you lay the foundation to become a Transcendent, we should give it our all."

"However, I also agree with your view; the Soul‑Melding Grand Formation is powerful but not without risk. We must act cautiously and also prepare both options."

"The Soul‑Melding Elixir is also a good choice; it can serve as our backup plan."

Jiang Chen nodded in agreement, handed the Soul‑Melding Elixir formula to Li Xueru, "Everything follows the teacher's arrangement."

Li Xueru took the formula, studied it carefully, then raised his head, a steadfast light in his eyes, "Very well, I will research this formula as soon as possible and begin preparing the required materials."

"At the same time, I will discuss with Chu Yao and the others to see if we can obtain more assistance from other avenues."

Jiang Chen gratefully nodded, "With you, Teacher, I feel much more at ease."

Li Xueru nodded in agreement, "Then…

…we will use the Shenlong Empire as the boundary to construct this Soul‑Melding Formation. When the time comes, you will become the core of the formation, absorbing the soul power to the fullest."

"For others, we can have them take the Soul‑Melding Elixir to enhance their aptitude, cultivating more talent for the Shenlong Empire."

Li Xueru examined the Soul‑Melding Elixir formula meticulously; although not a pharmacist, his extensive knowledge and experience allowed him to understand some of the ingredients.

"The main ingredient of this Soul‑Melding Elixir is a rare material called Red Stone; I recall seeing these red shells that grow on rocks in the Secret Realm," Li Xueru mused.

Jiang Chen interjected, "Teacher, I have some thoughts regarding the distribution of the Soul‑Melding Elixir."

"Oh? Let me hear them." Li Xueru looked at Jiang Chen, curiosity in his eyes.

Jiang Chen took a deep breath, speaking slowly, "I don't think merely increasing the number of geniuses greatly benefits the Shenlong Empire. In my view, a person's character, will, and resilience matter more than talent."

"I have seen people of mediocre aptitude but noble character, brave in the face of life and death; and I have also seen those from illustrious families who are cowardly and lack responsibility."

"Moreover, the times are different now; hearts are complex and temptations many. Even a genius can be exploited by evil forces and become their puppet."

Li Xueru listened quietly, nodding from time to time, evidently contemplating Jiang Chen's words seriously.

Jiang Chen continued, "Therefore, I wish to allocate the surplus soul power to those I trust—such as you, Teacher Hong, Teacher Ao, as well as my sister, Cai Er, and Yue Dapeng."

"I know this idea is somewhat selfish, but I have to do it," Jiang Chen said candidly.

"I know this way of thinking is a bit selfish, but I have to do it," Jiang Chen said honestly, expressing his thoughts.

Li Xueru pondered for a moment, then let out a long sigh: "You're right, the times have changed, and people's hearts are unpredictable. Then I will need to modify the formation to suit your needs."

"However, in doing so, you as the core of the formation will bear greater pressure. You need to be mentally prepared."

Jiang Chen breathed a sigh of relief; he knew Li Xueru had accepted his suggestion. Though somewhat selfish, it was also for the future of the Shenlong Empire and the safety of those around him. He looked at Li Xueru with gratitude, nodded firmly, and said, "I will."

Jiang Chen said to Li Xueru: "As long as the teacher can finish modifying the formation, leave the subsequent arrangements to me."

"As for the soul‑fusing elixir, we can keep it as an alternative. Once everything is ready, we will hand it over to senior Chu Yaoshen to begin development."

After a detailed discussion, the two of them finally settled on the upcoming plan.

The coverage of this grand soul‑fusing array is vast, almost spanning the entire Shenlong Empire, so the selection of the formation's nodes requires extremely precise calculations.

During this process, military assistance may be required. Considering Li Xueru's and Hong Jishi's status and positions, mobilizing troops should not be an issue.

At the same time, Chu Yaoshen has already begun researching the formula for the soul‑fusing elixir. Jiang Chen knows the formula is extremely complex, and the Difficulty of successfully producing the elixir is considerable.

On the other hand, the imperial royal family also acted swiftly. Orders after orders were issued from the Huang Gong

and dispatched, reaching every province and city. High officials of the Empire mobilized, traveling across the nation to conduct investigations.

Jiangbei Province, as a key area, has already imposed strict martial law. A large number of personnel operate covertly, individually screening people whose bodies have shown abnormalities in the past six months.

After investigation, they found that such individuals were not few. Especially in Baiyun City, where Yue Dapeng is located, multiple suspected infected persons were discovered.

To Control the further development of the situation, the Empire decided to gather these suspected infected individuals for treatment.

All actions proceeded quietly, with the Empire sealing the news within the smallest possible scope to avoid causing public panic.

Meanwhile, trainees at Baiyun University abroad also received an urgent notice demanding they return to the university immediately. Whatever they were doing, they must drop their current tasks and return to school at once.

Jiang Chen returned to Tian Shan and unexpectedly ran into Chen Zixuan's party again.