Chapter 204: Three Years Later, Promoting to a Third-Tier Array Master, Array Heart Gu

"Array Heart Gu? Let's first test the power of this Gu Insect."

Zhou Sui stroked his chin.

The most suitable array for this Gu Insect is naturally the Guardian Mountain Array of the Xianxia Sect, the Purple Cloud Yin-Yang Array.

This is, after all, a Third-Tier High-Grade array.

Even on the entire Xianxia Island, it can be considered a top-tier array.

If the newly born Array Heart Gu can devour this array, it will certainly be of great benefit.

And the core of this array happens to be at Xianxia Peak.

Whoosh!

In an instant, under the control of Zhou Sui's intent, the Array Heart Gu transformed into a gray ray of light and instantly submerged into the deep interior of this Third-Tier array.

It was as if by instinct, the Array Heart Gu directly found the deep core of this great array and immediately burrowed inside.

Rumble—

In an instant, the power of the Array Heart Gu permeated out; it seemed as if streaks of array patterns were surging from its body, constantly eroding this array.

This was just like a virus invading a computer system.

Once the invasion is successful, the computer system will be at the mercy of the virus.

The Array Heart Gu is the same.

If it can completely assimilate this great array, it will be able to completely master this Third-Tier array, become the Array Spirit of this array, and easily control the power of the array.

"This!"

Suddenly, Zhou Sui sat cross-legged on the ground. As the Array Heart Gu continuously invaded and assimilated this Third-Tier array, the mysteries regarding the array surged into the depths of his consciousness like a tide.

This also caused his understanding of arrays to reach a higher level.

"First-tier arrays are merely the most basic arrays in the world of cultivation. This level of array only makes preliminary use of the power of heaven and earth Spirit Qi; they are seen everywhere and have no great requirements for the environment in which they are set up."

"But second-tier arrays are different. They cannot be set up casually; they need to borrow the environment of heaven and earth to be able to set up a second-tier array."

For example, by borrowing a Yin Sha environment, one can set up a Yin Sha Array; by borrowing the environment of an Earth Fire Spirit Vein, one can set up an Earth Fire Array; by borrowing a cold ice environment, one can set up a Cold Ice Array, and so on. This is an array that adapts to local conditions.

It can be said that once one reaches the level of a second-tier array, one can easily manipulate the power of heaven and earth and nature, thereby exerting power far exceeding that of the Cultivator themselves."

"As for third-tier arrays, they are even more terrifying. By borrowing the heaven and earth environment, they form the power of a boundary, which is somewhat similar to the Golden Core Domain of a Golden Core Real Person, transforming into an array barrier."

Once one breaks into a third-tier array, one will be shrouded by the array barrier, with nowhere to hide and nowhere to escape. That is why third-tier arrays become the Guardian Mountain Arrays of Golden Core sects, and even a Golden Core Real Person cannot force their way in."

At this moment, Zhou Sui perceived that his understanding of arrays was increasing crazily.

Originally, by borrowing the power of his Dao Companion Xia Jingyan, he had raised his understanding of arrays to the level of second-tier low-grade.

But now, by borrowing the power of the Array Heart Gu, his understanding of second-tier arrays was increasing crazily.

Second-tier mid-grade!

Second-tier high-grade!

In just a few hours of time, his understanding of arrays had increased to the level of second-tier high-grade.

Even the distance to the realm of third-tier arrays was not particularly far anymore.

"The Array Heart Gu is simply a supreme tool for comprehending arrays."

Zhou Sui was immediately filled with wonder.

Originally, if he wanted to comprehend arrays, it would not have been so simple; it would have required years of study to potentially comprehend them.

But now, by borrowing the power of the Array Heart Gu, he was able to easily dissect the mysteries of the third-tier Purple Cloud Yin-Yang Array, making him realize the profound secrets of many third-tier arrays.

It is said that once one principle is understood, all principles become clear.

Even if one only fully comprehends one third-tier array, then for other third-tier arrays, it is actually just a matter of time.

To a certain extent, the comprehension of arrays is easy if you say it is easy, and difficult if you say it is difficult.

If one does not have sufficient comprehension, then even if one reaches the Spirit Severing realm, one will not be able to fully comprehend arrays.

But if one has enough comprehension, even at the Qi Refining stage, one can comprehend third-tier arrays, or even fourth-tier arrays.

However, such people are as rare as giant pandas, few and far between.

"The Array Heart Gu is constantly devouring the Purple Cloud Yin-Yang Array."

"Once the devouring is successful, it will become the Array Spirit of this third-tier array."

"And I can also borrow the power of the Array Heart Gu to step into the realm of a third-tier Array Master in one go."

Zhou Sui stroked his chin, feeling very satisfied.

If he becomes a third-tier Array Master, he will be able to manipulate this third-tier array at will and exert unparalleled power.

And even if he goes to other places, he can set up the same array.

After all, if one wants a safe cultivation environment, an array is quite necessary.

Otherwise, if any random cultivator could break into one's Cave Abode, wouldn't that be a joke?!

…………

This cultivation lasted until the evening, when the sun set and the moon rose.

"By the way, I wonder how that Blood Demon Tree is doing?"

At this moment, Zhou Sui's heart stirred; he had always kept a clone near the Cave Abode of Xueying Laozu.

He was constantly monitoring every move of this demon.

If any accident occurred, he could run away with his wives and concubines at any time.

He saw that in that Cave Abode, the power from the Blood Demon Tree was still spreading toward the surroundings incessantly.

The entire earth had been eroded by the demon's power, appearing to have turned blood-red.

At this moment, the earth had also completely dried up, and many cracks had appeared.

Many weeds, trees, and other plants had lost their vitality and withered one after another.

It seemed this place had turned into a forbidden zone.

It could be said that in just a few days' time, the power of the Blood Demon Tree had expanded once more, already spreading for twenty miles.

Deep within the earth, it seemed that terrifying blood-colored roots had grown, extending to who knows where.

The entire region was permeated with boundless blood-colored mist.

It was as if a peerless demon was gestating deep underground, causing one's heart to tremble with fear.

If not for the Fourth-tier Great Array sealing this demon, it would likely have already escaped from within.

"Damn it, the growth rate of this demon is too astonishing."

"If it is truly allowed to recover its full power, I fear there will be almost no one who can escape."

"It seems I must have Yuexi pack her valuables as soon as possible and run for it."

Zhou Sui took a deep breath.

Even though it was only his clone monitoring the situation, he still felt his heart pounding with fear.

This was simply an unbeatable enemy.

Although he also wanted to save the Humans in this region, he unfortunately lacked the ability to do so.

The saying goes: when successful, help the world; when poor, attend to one's own virtue.

This is also true in the Immortal Cultivation World.

Without the ability, it is good enough to preserve oneself; running off to fight the enemy to the death, aside from leaving behind one more corpse, actually has no meaning and is purely serving as rations for the demon.

He was not the kind of saint who would sacrifice his own life for the sake of all the people in the world.

Of course, it would be fine if it were useful, but if it were useless, it would be purely throwing one's life away.

…………

At this very moment, deep within the Cave Abode of Xueying Laozu.

This Blood Demon Tree remained quietly deep within the earth, but the roots on its body were constantly extending, seemingly infiltrating the various Spirit Veins deep underground, releasing boundless Demon Qi.

With every breath of time, it could swallow and spit out massive amounts of energy.

Its originally withered body was now actually gradually recovering.

"Damn Xianxia Sect, damn bald donkeys."

"To think you sealed me for three thousand years; I will definitely repay this debt."

"Just you wait, even if you are dead, I will surely slaughter your disciples and grand-disciples until not a single one remains."

A human face suddenly appeared on the trunk of the Blood Demon Tree, its expression ferocious; it looked exactly like the Xueying Laozu of three thousand years ago, and its body was permeated with a terrifying, evil aura that made one's hair stand on end.

Bursts of roaring sounds emanated from deep within the earth, and the surrounding living creatures were all trembling with fear, keeping their distance.

However, chains of seals still appeared on its body; even though it struggled with all its might, it remained locked and unable to move.

It had no choice but to endure for the time being and accumulate strength.

…………

On the other hand, at the Xuanbao Pavilion branch.

Many Golden Core Real Persons were gathered together; they were all Elders of Xuanbao Pavilion, holding high and powerful positions.

Basically, all affairs of Xianxia Island were managed by them.

"Pavilion Master, how is it? What did the headquarters say?"

"That's right, that demon is about to break free; this is a serious matter."

"It is said that it is a Nascent Soul-level demon; relying on us alone, we are simply unable to contend with it."

Many Elders asked, looking at the Pavilion Master of the Xuanbao Pavilion branch.

After all, this matter was of great importance to the future of Xuanbao Pavilion.

"This matter has already been reported to the headquarters."

"However, the headquarters stated they are powerless to help, because the Nascent Soul Ancestors at the headquarters have other important matters on their hands."

"They are unable to head to Xianxia Island for the time being."

The Xuanbao Pavilion branch Pavilion Master said with great helplessness; knowing that the demon was about to break free from its seal, he had contacted the headquarters immediately, hoping they would dispatch a Nascent Soul Ancestor to exterminate this demon.

But, even the number of Nascent Soul Ancestors at the Xuanbao Pavilion headquarters was limited.

They also had their own affairs to attend to and could not possibly come to this remote island to exterminate a demon.

Moreover, success was not guaranteed.

Once they failed, then many years of cultivation would be destroyed in an instant.

"What? Does the headquarters not know the severity of this matter?"

"If this demon breaks free, it won't just be Xianxia Island that suffers; the entire Canglan Sea will suffer."

"That is correct; according to the cultivation speed of that demon, perhaps in the future it will not only be a Nascent Soul demon, but could also advance to become a Spirit Severing-level demon; by then, it will be a disaster for the entire Canglan Sea."

The many Golden Core Elders had very grim expressions.

They did not expect the headquarters to give such a reply.

"There is no helping it; the headquarters is also in a difficult position right now, and Nascent Soul Ancestors are not people you can just summon at will."

The Xuanbao Pavilion branch Pavilion Master was helpless.

He was merely a small Golden Core Real Person; wanting to summon a Nascent Soul Ancestor was undoubtedly a pipe dream.

He himself was also unable to act as he wished.

"If that is the case, then what are we to do?"

Some Golden Core Elders were filled with worry.

For a time, the Elders present all fell silent.

After all, they were unwilling to leave Xianxia Island; despite this island's very remote geographical location, its resources were extremely abundant, allowing them to act with authority and obtain vast resources here.

If we were to head elsewhere, we might not necessarily be able to obtain such great benefits.

"Let's take a look first."

"Try to see if we can seal that demon away once more."

"If the matter proves impossible, then we will have no choice but to withdraw."

The branch master of the Xuanbao Pavilion said in a deep voice; he had already prepared for the worst.

…………

Xianxia Island, another location, where many Golden Core Real Persons gathered.

They were all invited by the Youmo Sect Sect Master, Luo Hua.

"Sect Master Luo, you gathered us here, surely not to deal with the Xianxia Sect, right?"

A Golden Core Real Person asked straightforwardly.

"That is correct, it is precisely to deal with the Xianxia Sect."

"I believe everyone knows that this trip to the Cave Abode of the Xueying Laozu was fundamentally a trap, and many Golden Core Real Persons died."

"Yet only the Xianxia Sect lost no one; I believe this matter is definitely a conspiracy by the Xianxia Sect, a trap deliberately set by the Xianxia Sect Sect Master, Leng Yuexi."

"That is why so many Golden Core Real Persons were killed; do you not all wish to take revenge and wipe away this humiliation?"

Youmo Sect Sect Master Luo Hua clenched his fists, gnashing his teeth, his hatred surging to the heavens.

To tell the truth, this exploration of the Cave Abode of the Xueying Laozu caused the Youmo Sect to suffer heavy losses; not only did a Supreme Elder die, but a large number of Foundation Establishment Cultivators also perished.

It could be said that with new and old grudges combined, he wished he could immediately eradicate the Xianxia Sect and completely annihilate this damned sect.

And that female Golden Core Cultivator—he wanted to capture her even more, to tear her into ten thousand pieces, only then could he vent the hatred in his heart.

"Sect Master Luo, the Xianxia Sect is indeed suspicious, but the Immortal Cultivation World still relies on strength."

"It is said that the Xianxia Sect, the Qingmu Sect, and the Pill Cauldron Sect are united, standing together through thick and thin."

"Added to the protection of their Guardian Mountain Array, even if we all attacked together, we would have no chance of winning."

A Golden Core Real Person said gloomily.

He was indeed very dissatisfied with the Xianxia Sect and even suspected that this was simply false information released by the Xianxia Sect, with the goal of eliminating other Golden Core Real Persons.

But suspicion is just suspicion; this world still values strength.

Without sufficient strength, even a blood feud must be endured.

Otherwise, acting rashly would be nothing more than seeking one's own death.

"On this, you may rest assured."

"I have already received reliable information previously."

"This matter of the Cave Abode of the Xueying Laozu also led to the deaths of two Supreme Elders from the Qingmu Sect and the Pill Cauldron Sect."

"The previous Sect Master of the Xianxia Sect, Leng Chan, also died due to severe injuries."

"Although that Leng Yuexi tried her best to hide it, how could she possibly hide it from me?"

"This means that the entire Xianxia Sect has only one Golden Core Real Person left."

"If we join forces, we will certainly be able to take down the Xianxia Sect completely."

Youmo Sect Sect Master Luo Hua's eyes revealed a trace of Cold Glow, and his body was permeated with deep killing intent.

He had never forgotten the previous failure and wanted to take revenge at every moment.

Now, he had finally found an opportunity.

"It is not that simple; even if the Xianxia Sect only has one Golden Core Real Person left, with the Xianxia Sect's Guardian Mountain Array in place, it remains as stable as Mount Tai."

Another Golden Core Real Person shook his head; if the Xianxia Sect were truly so easy to destroy, it would have been destroyed countless times over the past thousand years.

It is precisely the existence of that Third-tier Array that has blocked who knows how many ill-intentioned people.

"Normally speaking, that is indeed the case."

"But even the sturdiest city wall can be breached from within."

"I have a mole inside the Xianxia Sect; with internal and external coordination, the mere Guardian Mountain Array of the Xianxia Sect is not worth mentioning."

Youmo Sect Sect Master Luo Hua smiled slightly.

"If that is the case, then it is not impossible to consider."

Many Golden Core Real Persons felt their hearts stir; after all, if they could destroy the Xianxia Sect, the resources obtained would be immeasurable, enough for every Golden Core Real Person to make a fortune.

"But we must not be impatient; let us wait for a while."

"When the Xianxia Sect becomes careless, we will strike immediately and destroy this sect."

Youmo Sect Sect Master Luo Hua clenched his fists; he seemed to see the scene of himself trampling the Xianxia Sect, feeling incomparably delighted in his heart.

……

Three years later.

Xianxia Sect, Xianxia Peak, a quiet room.

Zhou Sui sat cross-legged on the ground, circulating the Gu God Scripture; every Gu Insect within his body was exhaling and inhaling the Spirit Qi of heaven and earth, his body like a Kunpeng, devouring the boundless Spirit Qi of heaven and earth.

His body was like a vortex, greedily devouring the Spirit Qi of the universe, and the Dharma Power within his body was also increasing bit by bit.

Fortunately, this was a Third-tier Spirit Vein, containing vast Spirit Qi of heaven and earth.

Otherwise, the Spirit Qi emitted by an ordinary Spirit Vein location would not be enough for his daily cultivation.

"Hoo!"

At this moment, Zhou Sui opened his eyes, revealing a trace of terrifying brilliance, as if piercing through the Void and seeing through many mysteries, enough to make countless people tremble with fear.

"Not bad, my cultivation has improved by a large margin."

Zhou Sui sensed the liquid Dharma Power deep within his Dantian Qi Sea; at this moment, his Dantian was like a deep pool, containing a large amount of liquid Dharma Power, like a surging river, flowing through every meridian in his body and penetrating every acupoint.

The Dharma Power within his body was incomparably vast, surging like ocean waves.

Clearly, compared to three years ago, his cultivation had improved by a significant margin.

Thinking of this, he took a look at his Virtual Panel.

【Host: Zhou Sui, Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Mid-stage (70% progress), Lifespan: 35 (1400) years】

【Aptitude: Sixth Grade Spiritual Root (99%)】

【Sword Dao: Second-tier High-grade (60%)】

【Rune: Second-tier Low-grade (60%)】

【Array Formation: Third-tier Low-grade (50%)】

【Alchemist: Second-tier High-grade (5%)】

【Phantom Demon Transformation Art: Minor Achievement (90%)】

【Five Elements Alchemy Formula: Major Achievement (95%)】

【Seven Apertures Exquisite Book: Heart Eye Identifying Objects, Heart Eye Insight, Heart Eye Communicating Language (40%)】

【Fireball Technique: Grandmaster (90%), Wind Blade Technique: Proficient, Golden Light Technique: Proficient, Cold Ice Technique: Proficient, Spring Breeze Turns to Rain Technique: Proficient, Lightning Summoning Technique: Proficient...】

【Infatuation Gu: Third-tier Middle Grade, Clone Gu: Second-tier Middle Grade, Wine Insect: Second-tier Middle Grade, Gold-Eating Insect: Second-tier Middle Grade, Book Gu: Second-tier Middle Grade, Dream Soul Gu: Second-tier High-grade, Dragon Elephant Gu: Second-tier Middle Grade, Golden Light Myriad Poison Gu: Second-tier Middle Grade, Teleportation Gu: Second-tier Middle Grade, Array Heart Gu: Third-tier High-grade.】

Instantly, a series of data about him was revealed in full.

"It actually increased to 70%?!"

Zhou Sui smiled slightly, feeling very joyful inside.

Clearly, his cultivation was not particularly far from the perfection of the Foundation Establishment Mid-stage.

Generally speaking, for a Foundation Establishment Mid-stage Cultivator to cultivate bitterly for three years, even with the assistance of pills, it would be impossible to progress this quickly.

To reach the peak level of the Foundation Establishment Mid-stage, it would be impossible to achieve without thirty or fifty years of time.

Even for a genius with a Superior Spiritual Root, it would require twenty or thirty years of bitter cultivation.

But now, Zhou Sui had only cultivated for three years and reached 70%, which was already inconceivable.

Of course, the reason this situation occurred was entirely because he had obtained the Yin Essence from within the body of the Golden Core female Cultivator Shen Biqian.

This surge of Yin Essence was not merely as simple as helping him break through the bottleneck of the Foundation Establishment Early Stage.

In fact, a vast amount of energy had remained in the past that had not been digested.

Once he completely digested this energy and transformed it into liquid Dharma Power, his cultivation had risen to the 70% level of the Foundation Establishment Mid-stage, which could be called rapid progress.

Even the progress speed of a Cultivator with a Superior Spiritual Root would be no more than this.

This was the importance of opportunity.

If one obtains an opportunity, one can save decades of bitter cultivation; the benefits are self-evident.

Of course, this period of bitter cultivation did not only result in astonishing progress in cultivation.

More importantly, the hundred arts of immortal cultivation had also received astonishing improvements.

Among them, the improvement in Array Formation was the most formidable.

After three years of bitter cultivation, his Array Formation cultivation had reached the level of Third-tier Low-grade.

The speed of progress was simply faster than his Sword Dao cultivation.

This was truly inconceivable.

However, all of this had to be credited to the Array Heart Gu.

If it were not for the power of the Array Heart Gu, his Array Formation cultivation progress speed would not have been this fast.

"It is worthy of being a Heaven and Earth Strange Gu, the Array Heart Gu; now it has completely devoured the Third-tier High-grade array, the Purple Mist Yin Yang Array, becoming the Array Spirit of this array and mastering its mysteries."

Zhou Sui's heart stirred.

Through the power of the Array Heart Gu, he instantly perceived every move within the entire Xianxia Sect; the surrounding mountain peaks were all under his perception, with nowhere to hide.

Even every wisp of Heaven and Earth Spirit Qi was under his control.

It seemed that as long as his mind moved, he could manipulate this Third-tier Array to erupt with power comparable to Golden Core Perfection.

This was the might of a Third-tier Array.

At the beginning, it was relatively difficult for the Array Heart Gu to completely assimilate this array.

But as time passed, its strength became more and more formidable, and the speed of assimilation became faster and faster.

By the second year, the Array Heart Gu had basically completely finished assimilating this array.

In this way, the mysteries regarding the Third-tier High-grade array, the Purple Mist Yin Yang Array, were completely integrated into his Soul.

Thereby allowing him to understand the mysteries of Third-tier Arrays.

It could be said that as long as there were sufficient materials, he could now recreate this Third-tier Array at any time.

Therefore, his Array Formation cultivation naturally rose to the Third-tier Low-grade realm.

Basically, his Array Dao cultivation could already be considered the best in the Xianxia Sect.

No one could compare to him.

"The abilities of the Array Heart Gu and the Book Gu are somewhat similar."

"If the Book Gu obtains endless knowledge of books by devouring them one by one, forming a library."

"Then the Array Heart Gu devours the mysteries of arrays one by one, absorbing the nutrients of the arrays, thereby strengthening the power within itself, causing it to record arrays within its own body."

"The more arrays it devours and the more arrays it records, the more powerful its cultivation becomes."

Zhou Sui clenched his fists.

He could also be considered to increasingly understand the formidable nature of this kind of Heavenly Gu Insect; it was absolutely a unique existence.

It was even capable of more than just manipulating arrays; it could also invade arrays.

If he encountered some unfamiliar Cave Abode or the array of a hostile force.

Then, by utilizing the power of the Array Heart Gu, he could also silently invade the enemy's array.

It can even silently seize control of an enemy's Array Formation, thereby turning the tables.

It can be said that this type of Gu Insect has endless wonderful uses.

"As expected, no matter what Array Formation one studies, one still needs to cheat."

"Array Formations are indeed very difficult, but what does that have to do with me?"

"Just leave everything to the Array Heart Gu."

Zhou Sui felt very joyful inside; it could be said that he had simply become a Third-tier Array Master while lying down, muddle-headedly mastering the power of Third-tier Array Formations.

If this matter were to spread, one could only imagine how many Array Masters would be filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred.

This simply defies common sense.

But Gu Insects are creatures that defy common sense, containing incredible power, and there is simply no logic to speak of.

They are all wondrous insects nurtured by heaven and earth, containing the Dao and principles.

That is why they possess inconceivable abilities.

And his foundation is the Gu God Scripture, controlling ten thousand Gu; every Gu Insect is equivalent to his tool, or perhaps his hands and feet.