Chapter 216: How Could They Do This to Me? (6k)

Hearing Lin Shi’s words, Er Daye subtly glanced at Zhou Qing.

You lucky bastard got the inheritance of a Level-Five Array Master—surely the number of spirit seals within it is enormous, right?

You might even be able to directly repair all of them.

As if sensing Er Daye’s gaze, Zhou Qing forced a faint smile.

The late Xuan Qingzi indeed left him many one- to five-color arrays, including various rare spirit seals.

But each one, to be comprehended and internalized, was extraordinarily difficult.

Yet, with the help of the [Sudden Enlightenment Scroll] and the [Lucky Scroll], he had indeed successfully copied many rare spirit seals.

Lin Daochen said: “A Level-Five Array Master—that’s mastering fifty thousand distinct spirit seals. Just thinking about it is awe-inspiring…”

But before he finished speaking, the spirit seal he had just successfully repaired suddenly dimmed at a visible rate, then cracked with a sharp snap and shattered.

Instantly, the entire core array trembled, but fortunately, only one talisman seal had broken; overall, the damage was minimal, and the array still struggled to maintain operation.

Lin Daochen leapt to his feet, his face filled with shock and confusion.

He quickly pulled out the jade slip given by Su Lishan and examined it closely, frowning as he muttered to himself: “Impossible—I followed every detail recorded here exactly.”

Meanwhile, Su Lishan and Wu Tiangang, who were nearby tidying up chaotic lines and cracks, also sensed the tremor.

But they showed no surprise—instead, they exchanged a subtle glance, their lips curving into a faint, sinister smile, then resumed their work as if nothing had happened.

“Master, you and Master Su have been repairing this four-color array for five years. Master Lin is just a newly promoted Level-Three Array Master. Now you’re handing him the core area to fix—aren’t you just handing him all the credit?”

Nearby, Fang Jun, who was assisting his master Wu Tiangang by filling cracks, couldn’t help complaining.

The others nodded in agreement.

“Exactly, Master! After all this time and effort, are we just letting him snatch the fruits of our labor?”

Another thin, tall disciple added, his face full of resentment.

“A college instructor, dragging two young novices—who could possibly compare to us? We’ve spent five years crawling through this array, knowing every detail inside out. Yet he shows up, and immediately gets the most important task.”

Another round-faced disciple chipped in, his face filled with resentment.

Wu Tiangang paused his movements, frowned, and said: “Enough. Master Lin was invited by the Prince for a reason—he has his abilities. Repairing the array is to protect our nation, not to compete for credit.”

Fang Jun still felt bitter, muttering under his breath: “Master, I know you’re right, but I just can’t swallow this.”

“You’ll swallow it anyway. Repairing the Seven-Star Binding Demon Array isn’t something we can do alone. More experts mean greater chances,” Wu Tiangang said.

Fang Jun clenched his teeth but couldn’t help saying: “Master, even if he has ability, what about those two students? They look like complete beginners, clueless, just meddling. What if they mess up and bring down the whole array?”

Wu Tiangang instinctively glanced toward Su Lishan and the others, sternly saying: “Don’t speak nonsense! Anyone trusted by Master Lin must have exceptional qualities. We must broaden our horizons—don’t fixate on petty gains and losses.”

Fang Jun and the others immediately lowered their heads, silent.

On the other side, several disciples beside Su Lishan were also indignant on their master’s behalf.

“Master, you’re too kind. Master Wu merely suggested something, and you handed over the core repair work to him?”

A slender-faced disciple spoke first.

“Exactly, Master. You and Master Wu have both cultivated over four thousand spirit seals—you’re veteran Array Masters. Master Lin, as a junior, should show some humility.”

Su Lishan sighed deeply, then gazed toward the core area, a flicker of guilt in his eyes as he murmured: “Yes—we’re veteran Array Masters. We can’t afford mistakes.”

…

Meanwhile, Lin Daochen felt uneasy; after confirming no chain reaction occurred, he quietly exhaled.

Er Daye stepped closer, examined it closely, then reassured: “Sir, there’s likely no issue. This four-color array has self-repair capabilities—this talisman seal was probably already failing. Its self-elimination is normal.”

Lin Daochen said nothing, but looked again at the jade slip in his hand.

The entire four-color array’s structure was broken into fragments—he could only study it this way. After that mistake, he needed to carefully reanalyze the core’s operational trajectory.

Zhou Qing frowned, then immediately activated his daily appraisal.

【Damaged Array: This is the central region of a four-color array, critical to the entire array’s function. Unfortunately, time has eroded it severely.】

Especially after Su Lishan and Wu Tiangang’s botched repairs, it’s now riddled with holes; to protect their own reputations, they have framed the poor Lin Daochen.

【Friendly Reminder: If you fail to repair the eighteen most critical talisman seals within ten days, the entire array will collapse completely.】

Seeing this, Zhou Qing’s pupils shrank sharply—he stared in disbelief at the figures in the distant side passage.

His scalp prickled; a cold chill shot from his soles straight to his heart.

How could people be this evil?

Because you’re renowned Level-Three Array Masters, you’re willing to sacrifice Master Lin to protect your reputations?

Your reputation matters, but his doesn’t?

He reveres you so deeply—what do you see him as?

A pawn to be manipulated?

A shield to absorb all blame and scorn when things go wrong?

He worked so hard, spent his whole life to reach Level-Three—he should be full of hope for the future.

But if this array truly fails under his hands, his remaining years will be drowned in endless guilt and regret.

A pack of hypocritical hypocrites!

Zhou Qing’s fury surged—he clenched his fists until they cracked.

Suddenly, a hand gently tapped his shoulder. Er Daye asked, puzzled: “What’s wrong? Why so angry?”

Looking into Er Daye’s questioning eyes, Zhou Qing realized he was the only one he could trust now.

He immediately whispered the truth.

Er Daye’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“You’re certain?” Er Daye asked.

Zhou Qing nodded firmly.

Er Daye immediately frowned at the sea of talisman seals before them.

He had no doubt about Zhou Qing—he’d received the Level-Five Array Master’s inheritance, and this boy never lied.

Add to that the fact that those two had handed over the critical area to Master Lin on their first day, and the strange incident just now—Er Daye couldn’t help but suspect.

“This is a blatant scheme. Do you have any ideas?” Er Daye asked.

What could Zhou Qing do? He didn’t even know which eighteen seals were critical.

If he was lucky, maybe tomorrow’s appraisal would offer new hints.

Even if it did, he couldn’t guarantee Master Lin could repair those ten seals—unless—

Zhou Qing’s eyes suddenly lit up.

He still had one [Lucky Scroll]. Maybe he could try it.

He’d originally planned to wait until he refreshed another [Sudden Enlightenment Scroll], stack both buffs, and deeply comprehend a Mingwen-level divine art.

But plans change—and Master Lin was such a gentle man. How could he stand by and watch him be destroyed in just ten days?

Yet facing Er Daye’s question, Zhou Qing dared not overpromise—he merely shook his head slightly, then looked at Er Daye’s calm face and asked: “Aren’t you angry?”

Er Daye said: “Why be angry? If you’d been through as many sects as I have, seen as much deceit, you’d find it ordinary.”

Zhou Qing fell silent.

“What now? Should we tell Master Lin the truth?” Zhou Qing asked.

Er Daye smiled: “Do you think he’d believe those two hypocrites—or two green kids like us?”

Su Lishan and Wu Tiangang had been famous in the Shengwu Imperial Court’s array world for decades, revered and esteemed. Lin Daochen had always respected them deeply, even seeing them as mentors and role models.

He’d rather blame his own lack of skill than suspect them.

Zhou Qing urgently said: “We can’t just watch him make more mistakes! This place is clearly a mess created by those two—if he keeps repairing it their way, it’s not just wasted effort—it’ll accelerate the array’s collapse.”

Er Daye fell silent for a moment, then said: “We can’t stand idle—but we can’t act recklessly. We need a careful plan.”

As he spoke, Er Daye quietly extended his spiritual sense to observe Su Lishan and Wu Tiangang’s movements.

The key problem now: Master Lin had already begun repairs—and accidentally damaged one spirit seal.

Just that one seal—if those two insist it was the critical one causing the array’s collapse, there’s no defense.

Add to that Master Lin’s inherently kind and trusting nature—he’d likely confess unknowingly and take the blame.

Then it’d be like shit in your pants—not shit, but still shit.

And those two had silently repaired this array for five years; to everyone’s eyes, they were venerable, hardworking elders.

We’ve only been here a few days—and now the array’s failing. Who would believe us over them?

As the two frowned in thought, Lin Daochen set down the jade slip recording the repair method, exhaled deeply, and prepared to resume repairs.

Seeing this, Zhou Qing and Er Daye instinctively moved to stop him—but Er Daye quickly retracted his hand just before touching Master Lin’s shoulder.

“Master, don’t repair it!” Zhou Qing whispered.

Lin Daochen turned, puzzled, his gaze gentle: “What’s wrong?”

Zhou Qing froze, glancing at Er Daye.

But Er Daye wore the same “confused” expression, his eyes holding a hint of mischief.

Zhou Qing felt utterly speechless.

Old man, sure, I found the problem—but this isn’t credit, it’s a hot potato. Don’t you dare pass it back to me like this!

Yet facing Master Lin’s puzzled gaze, Zhou Qing took a deep breath and calmed himself.

Then he said: “Master, repairing it further won’t help. This place is a trap.”

“What do you mean? Explain clearly,” Lin Daochen still didn’t understand.

Zhou Qing couldn’t think of a convincing explanation on the spot.

In desperation, he asked: “Master, why, the moment you arrived and knew nothing, did those two masters hand you the most critical area to repair?”

Lin Daochen chuckled softly: “You’re overthinking. Those two masters are being very kind to me.”

Saying this, he raised the jade slip in his hand. “Don’t be fooled—though this is the core zone, it’s like the eye of a hurricane: seemingly perilous, but actually the simplest and calmest.”

“The damage in the outer zones is far more complex and difficult to handle—it demands immense effort and time.”

Zhou Qing, however, shook his head gently. “I’d bet you’ll repair one rune, and another will immediately unravel. If you’re unlucky, it’ll trigger a chain reaction and collapse the entire array.”

Seeing Zhou Qing wasn’t joking, Lin Daochen’s expression grew grave.

“How do you know?” Lin Daochen asked.

Zhou Qing merely shook his head, offering no direct answer.

Lin Daochen turned to Second Elder, who rolled his eyes and said, “His Nascent Soul amplification is unusually unique. So I’m backing him.”

Lin Daochen was stunned. Even the most powerful Nascent Soul amplification couldn’t possibly affect a Level Four array.

Soon, he seemed to realize something. “I know you’re worried about me. Relax—I’ve got this under control.”

With that, he exhaled deeply. The spiritual seals around him reappeared, and he resumed repairs.

This time, Zhou Qing did not intervene.

Second Elder now understood Zhou Qing’s intent. Some things can’t be explained in words—only firsthand experience can bring true awakening.

As time passed, one rune finally brightened again from its dim state.

Seeing this, Lin Daochen finally exhaled in relief, a smile of satisfaction on his face. “Looks like I was careless earlier—I didn’t control the rhythm of my spiritual power output properly…”

Before he finished speaking, the newly restored rune violently trembled—and then exploded.

Worse still, it dragged eight other nearby linked runes into destruction. Instantly, the entire array shook violently again.

A heavy, groaning sound echoed, like a dying beast wailing.

Lin Daochen’s face turned pale. He staggered backward, eyes wide with shock and disbelief.

“Impossible… this can’t be… I followed the jade slip exactly. I was careful. No mistakes!”

Fortunately, the localized damage only caused the array to tremble briefly before stabilizing. After all, the system’s appraisal stated the entire array wouldn’t collapse for ten days.

Zhou Qing stepped forward, his expression calm. “Master, I’ll make another bet: no matter how loud the noise, neither of the two Masters will come to check. Or—if you go to beg them—they’ll claim they’re too busy. Do you believe me?”

Lin Daochen stared deeply at Zhou Qing, then turned abruptly and hurried toward Su Lishan and Wu Tiangang.

Second Elder extended a thumb to Zhou Qing. “Highly skilled. Better to verify for yourself than to beg others to believe your words. Far more effective than endless explanations.”

Zhou Qing, however, stared grimly at the runes before him. He had no choice.

This was the cultivation world. You don’t harm others, but others will harm you.

And he’d already been burned too many times.

Soon, Lin Daochen returned, hollow-eyed and dazed. The two rushed forward to support him.

His gaze was vacant, muttering endlessly: “How could this happen… How could they treat me like this…”

He had lived over two thousand years. With Zhou Qing’s hint and his recent plea for help, how could he not understand what had happened?

But—it was just—

Yesterday we drank together, bonded as if we’d known each other for lifetimes. How could they turn and conspire against me so quickly?

This massive four-color array had operated along the border for millennia. It was the spiritual pillar of countless imperial soldiers—their courage in battle, their unshakable confidence.

It was also the shield protecting countless civilian cities behind it.

And now, a man who had only recently ascended to Level Three Array Master, invited to maintain it… and the array collapsed?

Lin Daochen stared at the drifting runes before him, then suddenly laughed. The laughter grew louder, wilder.

“What a venerable Master! What thoughtful care!” Lin Daochen’s eyes reddened, filled with fury, resentment, and sorrow. He gritted his teeth.

Zhou Qing couldn’t help but suggest: “Why not tell the Prince first? At least prepare in advance?”

Lin Daochen turned, furious. “Prepare for what? You think I was recommended here without their help? This is fate. Why now? Why did I become a Level Three Array Master at this exact moment?”

Zhou Qing sighed deeply, unsure how to comfort him.

He turned to look at Second Elder.

Second Elder frowned tightly, searching desperately for a solution.

“Second Elder, you two know each other. I’m sure the Prince will believe you!” Zhou Qing whispered.

Second Elder turned. “Of course he believes me. But will the Nine Army Corps stationed here, the millions of soldiers, believe me?”

“When these barbarian-level beasts breach the walls from all sides, burning, killing, and looting—will the civilians believe me?”

“Even if they pretend to believe, can you control what they think inside? Can you control what the Master will think when he’s condemned by ten thousand mouths?”

Zhou Qing fell silent again.

It seemed only the [Lucky Slip] could help now.

If that failed, he’d have to resort to the final option—ask Number Six for help.

“Master, don’t lose heart—we’re here with you!” Zhou Qing forced a determined tone.

Lin Daochen stared blankly ahead.

No one else would come to this place—only the three of them.

And the array’s collapse would begin right here.

“You two should leave early,” Lin Daochen said, voice hoarse with exhaustion. “I’ll tell the Prince you’re returning to the academy to fetch some items for me.”

These two were still young. They’d inherited his legacy. The path of array crafting shouldn’t be stained by this disgrace.

Zhou Qing smiled faintly, sitting down beside him. “Master, I told you—there’s a way.”

Second Elder sat down as well, calm and composed. “I trust Zhou Qing. I trust you. And if all else fails, I’ll step in myself.”

Lin Daochen looked at the two who refused to leave. Tears burst from his eyes.

Then the three fell silent.

…

Much later, Lin Daochen’s gaze slowly swept over the weathered array runes. His expression grew serene, even peaceful.

“I understand them. For so many years, the Holy Wu Empire had only these two Level Three Array Masters.”

“They were like seeds, struggling to take root and grow in this barren soil of array crafting, propping up the entire empire’s array backbone.”

“People like me, countless others eager to learn arrays and seals, have studied their books. To meet them was like encountering the founding ancestors.”

Lin Daochen spoke calmly, yet with a faint bitterness.

“Now, at least seventy percent of Level One Array Masters—and even several Level Two Masters—in the entire Level Four cultivation realm have been deeply shaped by them.”

“Their virtue, status, and honor must remain untarnished. That’s why they fear failure.”

His tone held no resentment—only deep understanding and helplessness.

“I, Lin Daochen, will bear this blame. I hope they’ll use their influence in the future to cultivate more Array Masters for this empire.”

The Holy Wu Empire had existed for only three thousand years. Both Soul Severing cultivators and Array Masters were far too few.

As a newborn capital, it needed leaders to guide its growth—and it needed sacrifices.

Hearing Lin Daochen’s words, both Zhou Qing and Second Elder felt a profound respect rise within them.

Compared to those two, this man was the true Master.

…

Just after midnight, Zhou Qing eagerly activated the [Lucky Slip], prayed briefly, then performed another appraisal.

【Damaged Array: This is the central zone of a four-color array, now on the verge of collapse. But no one knows—if you repair six key runes—the ‘Thunder-Inducing Spirit Glyph’ in the northeast, the ‘Wind-Gathering Spirit Rune’ in the southeast, the ‘Fire-Melting Spirit Seal’ in the south…—you can preliminarily stabilize the array’s spiritual flow.】

【Within the inner layer, along the north-south axis, the ‘Yang Flame Radiant Spirit Glyph’ and the ‘Yin Cold Condensing Spirit Rune’ are embedded… Additionally, on the east-west axis’s critical nodes, repairing the ‘Dawn-Initiating Spirit Seal’ and the ‘Dusk-Defending Spirit Charm’ is vital.】

【At the array’s core triangular zone lie the ‘Chaos-Nurturing Spirit Glyph,’ the ‘Taiji-Deriving Spirit Rune,’ and the ‘Yin-Yang-Unifying Spirit Seal’—these three runes resonate with each other…】

Reading the detailed description, Zhou Qing’s eyes lit up. Without hesitation, he pulled out a sheet of paper and swiftly recorded the runes needing repair.

Seeing Zhou Qing suddenly move, Second Elder and Lin Daochen looked over in confusion…

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(End of Chapter)