: Array Slit Shuttle

This meal was enjoyed by both host and guests.

Ning Zhuo established a better relationship with Yu Heye, Shen Su, and the others.

Shen Xi's ability to assess the situation and make timely choices earned Ning Zhuo's considerable approval.

Seizing the opportunity, Ning Zhuo asked Shen Xi for information about the Nine Palaces Array here, showing some interest in the array artifacts left behind by Xie Tang.

In Ning Zhuo's words: "I've always been quite interested in array studies. I believe that after exchanging ideas with Fellow Daoist Shen, I might make some small progress."

"Perhaps the array artifact left by Senior Xie Tang could serve as a goal to test what I've learned."

"Of course, even if my array skills allow me to obtain this artifact, I would still carefully weigh the pros and cons of joining the Heavy Array Peak."

"Anyway, having an extra path to consider wouldn't be a bad thing."

Xie Tang set up the array here, left behind array artifacts, and widely publicized it—he certainly didn't just reveal this secret during lectures in Nine Palaces Immortal City.

The reason for spreading it far and wide is clear to anyone with insight: it's a method to attract external talent to join the Heavy Array Peak.

The array artifact here serves as a test, helping Xie Tang efficiently screen for cultivators with array skills and an interest in joining the Heavy Array Peak.

Such setups are actually quite common in the cultivation world.

Array artifacts aren't that easy to obtain. Superficially, they're left for the fated, but in reality, they often come with hidden demands for benefits.

Without other motives, who would just take out an artifact as a game prize for no reason? Such good fortune doesn't come without strings.

Free things often come with the highest price!

The Chess Maniac's search for a suitable successor for his friend's legacy is likely a similar situation. The quasi-Transcendent Divinity sword cultivator Ling Xiao wasn't a qualified inheritor (already set in his ways), so he retreated severely injured.

Many cultivators, even after death, include additional tasks in the legacies they leave behind. For example, passing on the teachings, expanding a certain sect, or pointing out enemies to seek revenge, etc.

In short, karma is rarely absent.

Truly free gifts are exceedingly rare in reality.

Take Xie Tang's array artifact, for instance. If a short-sighted or inexperienced young cultivator passes the test and takes it, they would inevitably be drawn into joining the Heavy Array Peak.

Don't think this is necessarily a good thing.

Ning Zhuo already sees the future: this session of the Flying Cloud Assembly in the Myriad Forms Sect is different from previous ones, occurring at a critical juncture of transition, with fierce competition. In such circumstances, newly joined cultivators would undoubtedly become pawns in this brutal game; those with weaker strength would basically serve as cannon fodder on the front lines.

Someone might ask: "If you take the array artifact, just don't join the Heavy Array Peak, right? Xie Tang didn't openly announce his intentions. Just pretend you don't understand, wouldn't that work?"

Anyone saying this is quite naive.

If one really did that, it would be like cutting oneself off from the power dynamics within the Myriad Forms Sect—no one would cooperate with someone so ignorant of the rules.

The Myriad Forms Sect has few explicit rules, but actually has many more unwritten ones.

These unwritten rules have gradually formed through internal struggles and strongly constrain the cultivators.

In fact, the Flying Cloud Assembly, as an open system, is an excellent solution produced after negotiations among various factions. It not only resolves internal conflicts and determines outcomes but also curbs the extent of internal strife, preventing it from becoming too brutal, while also absorbing fresh blood from outside to replenish the Myriad Forms Sect.

"This is one of the reasons for the Myriad Forms Sect's strength. It's like the Myriad Forms Cloud Sea, always in a state of expansion." Ning Zhuo sighed inwardly.

After this banquet, he gained a clearer understanding of the Myriad Forms Sect's situation.

Because Ning Zhuo asked Shen Xi many questions, after the banquet ended and they parted, Shen Xi directly took out a jade slip and gave it to Ning Zhuo on the spot.

"These are my lecture notes regarding this Nine Palaces Array and matters related to Xie Tang's artifact."

"I gift them to Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo. Please don't find them unworthy."

Ning Zhuo immediately showed a surprised and delighted expression. After accepting it, he thought for a moment and took out a Golden Core to give to Shen Xi.

This startled the other three.

Ning Zhuo, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, actually took out a Golden Core just like that!

Yu Heye felt a chill run down his spine.

At this moment, Su Lingkou also felt that Ning Zhuo wasn't just all talk. She clearly understood one thing: if Ning Zhuo casually took out a Golden Core to give away, it meant he had more than just one Golden Core on hand!

Shen Xi quickly waved his hands in refusal, his impression of Ning Zhuo rising again: "The force behind Ning Zhuo is definitely not small. He's only at Foundation Establishment, yet his faction entrusted him with a cultivator's Golden Core, indicating his status within that force is certainly not low!"

"This is truly too valuable."

"My array notes are definitely not worth such a Golden Core!"

"This is... a Ghost Path Golden Core?"

Although Shen Xi firmly refused, his gaze was inevitably drawn, showing interest.

If he could obtain a Golden Core in advance to study, he could gain a more practical understanding of higher realms. This held great value for Shen Xi.

Moreover, he couldn't help but have a thought: "If I used a Golden Core as an array core, how powerful would the array I set up be?"

Once this thought emerged, it became particularly tempting, making Shen Xi dwell on it, unable to suppress it.

Ning Zhuo, observing his expression, saw the longing deep in Shen Xi's eyes. He laughed heartily and directly pressed the Golden Core into Shen Xi's hand, "forcefully" making him accept it.

Touching the cold surface of the Golden Core, Shen Xi's fingers initially retracted slightly, but soon clung to it, somewhat reluctant to let go.

His inner voice grew stronger, and Ning Zhuo's "forceful" stance fully displayed sincerity and determination, making it harder for Shen Xi to refuse.

Finally, he nodded with difficulty and accepted the Golden Core.

But the next moment, he took out a magical artifact and gave it to Ning Zhuo in return: "This Array Slit Shuttle is a handy tool I use for exploring and studying arrays, and for fine-tuning after setting them up."

"Brother Ning, since you're interested in array studies and want to learn, you can make good use of this treasure."

"If you discover any clues, you can also use this shuttle to explore deeper. Perhaps you might even find the artifact left by Senior Xie Tang."

Ning Zhuo hadn't expected any return, but Shen Xi, coming from a great clan, had his own grace and would never easily take advantage of others.

Educated as an elite since childhood, he knew well—small gains often lead to greater debts!

Moreover, the artifact he gave was exactly what Ning Zhuo needed.

"Next, I need to secretly explore Vine-Clutching Cliff to find the teleportation array my mother left here. This Array Slit Shuttle is perfect for the job!"

Thinking this, Ning Zhuo stopped being polite and directly accepted it.

Su Lingkou's gaze was glued to the Array Slit Shuttle. She worried inwardly for Shen Xi: "This is cousin's most useful artifact, a reward from the family for placing first in the grand exam. It holds great significance for him. I never thought he'd give it away so easily."

"Ah, cousin only has three artifacts. Although this one isn't for offense or defense, just an auxiliary tool, and it's only at the Golden Core level, it's still an artifact after all."

"Even though he got a Golden Core in return, which is indeed rare, is it really more valuable to cousin than the Array Slit Shuttle?"

Su Lingkou calculated silently.

Shen Xi, meanwhile, breathed a sigh of relief.

During this banquet, Ning Zhuo successfully, through Yu Heye, subtly displayed his formidable side. This made Shen Xi even more certain that contacting Ning Zhuo was the right move.

But he never expected that at parting, Ning Zhuo would directly give him a Golden Core!

This multiplied the pressure on Shen Xi!

Ning Zhuo's generosity made Shen Xi even more worried that the former might later make some difficult requests.

But Ning Zhuo's lavish gift was hard to refuse.

Refusing would spoil the atmosphere. After all, he still wanted to maintain good relations with Ning Zhuo!

Would anyone not want good relations with someone who casually gives away a Golden Core?

So, Shen Xi preferred to give away the Array Slit Shuttle to offset this heavy gift in advance. This way, he essentially preemptively blocked any future requests from Ning Zhuo that he might find hard to fulfill.

The group formally parted. Ning Zhuo left Vine-Clutching Cliff and returned to his temporary cave dwelling.

He released Chef Lao, Qing Chi, and Sun Lingtong from the Ten Thousand Miles Roaming Dragon, first having them all examine the unexpectedly acquired artifact together.

The treasure shuttle was three inches and seven-tenths long, with green jade as its frame, flowing star sand inside. Cloud and water motifs were carved in intaglio on its body, and dragon-fish eyes were inlaid at both ends, emitting blue-white light.

The handle was wrapped in dark blue vine bark, and the tail was adorned with Five Elements Barrier-Breaking Tassels.

Qing Chi just looked at it curiously, but after inspection, both Chef Lao and Sun Lingtong confirmed it had no issues.

Sun Lingtong took a liking to the treasure shuttle at first sight, his small hands constantly stroking its surface: "I've always wanted to buy such a treasure to enhance my thieving methods. This shuttle is far superior to those sold on the market, truly worthy of being a product of the Shen family from Nine Palaces Immortal City."

Ning Zhuo smiled slightly: "Boss, if you want it, it's yours."

Sun Lingtong didn't stand on ceremony, not even offering thanks, merely grunting in response.

The two communicated via divine sense, not revealing their true relationship in front of Qing Chi and Chef Lao.

Sun Lingtong always acted as a subordinate, "serving" by Ning Zhuo's side.

In the eyes of Qing Chi and Chef Lao: Ning Zhuo was a noble young master from a great clan, and Sun Lingtong was the young page by the master's side.

Of course, neither dared to underestimate Sun Lingtong in the least.

Because previously, it was Sun Lingtong who disguised himself as multiple Foundation Establishment cultivators, defeating Yu Heye's Foundation Establishment subordinates one by one with ease in the training hall.

Sun Lingtong's cultivation was similar to Shen Xi's, at the peak of Foundation Establishment. Back in White Paper Immortal City, he had considered forming a Golden Core but was delayed by the matters concerning the Forgotten River Mansion Lord.

After communicating via divine sense, Ning Zhuo immediately ordered both Chef Lao and Sun Lingtong to move into Vine-Clutching Cliff.

Their main task, led by Sun Lingtong, was to refine the Array Slit Shuttle and actively explore the teleportation array within the mountain. Chef Lao would assist him.

As for Qing Chi, due to memory loss, Ning Zhuo kept him by his side for care.

Sun Lingtong and Chef Lao accepted the orders immediately.

Ning Zhuo then took out the jade slip given by Shen Xi for everyone to study together.

Chef Lao had little involvement with array studies. After looking through it, he stated he would actively follow Sun Lingtong's arrangements and instructions.

Sun Lingtong, however, found it fascinating.

His array skills were even stronger than Ning Zhuo's!

Ning Zhuo only had solid array foundations, while Sun Lingtong had studied more texts and had rich practical experience.

"Little Zhuo, we're quite lucky. If we had tried to act alone from the start, we might have failed and been exposed. The arrays here are quite complex!" Sun Lingtong transmitted via divine sense, feeling fortunate.

Ning Zhuo agreed, thinking to himself: "It wasn't easy for my mother to set up a teleportation array. Most likely, she knew about the two mountain-protecting arrays at Vine-Clutching Cliff and Cloud Rubbing Summit, and also knew about Xie Tang's Nine Palaces Array setup. Otherwise, rashly setting up a teleportation array would easily conflict with these three major arrays."

Ning Zhuo wasn't guessing blindly.

In White Paper Immortal City, inside the Paper Giant, he witnessed the astonishing scene of the Buddhist Physician, Meng Yaoyin, repairing the arrays within the giant.

At that moment, he was deeply impressed by his mother's profound and unfathomable array skills!

Sun Lingtong nodded, a glint of confidence flashing in his eyes: "I think the same way. So, by calculating the layouts of these three arrays, we can deduce the possible locations."

"I think we can find that mountain teleportation array soon!"

Ning Zhuo was also very confident: "Of course."

"Don't forget, we thwarted the Forgotten River Mansion Lord's century-long scheme, contributing to Yang Heaven."

"Right now, we're under heaven's favor."

"If not for that, we wouldn't have gotten a pillow when sleepy—Shen Xi just happened to give us this jade slip."

Sun Lingtong nodded: "If it weren't for the fate-suppressing spiritual treasure within the Myriad Forms Sect, the treatment we'd receive would be even more exaggerated."

"I really wish we had a fortune-telling inheritance."

"Hey, Little Zhuo, Auntie is so skilled at divination. Could there be a divination inheritance in her cave dwelling?"

A gleam of anticipation also shone in Ning Zhuo's eyes: "If there is, that would be fantastic!"

After the battle with the Forgotten River Mansion Lord, the Sun and Ning brothers had a profound understanding of fate and luck. They both desired a divination inheritance.

Sun Lingtong and Chef Lao smoothly entered their respective cave dwellings.

The former biggest obstacle, Yu Heye, had now become their greatest helper.

Sun Lingtong formed hand seals for the Earth Escape Technique and submerged into the mountain.

Inside the mountain, he moved as freely as swimming, but still encountered obstacles.

Deep within the mountain rock, countless vine roots were embedded, coiled and tangled like pythons. Wood element spiritual energy continuously flowed between these roots, preventing the Earth Escape Technique from passing through.

Sun Lingtong wasn't surprised, already aware of this situation.

He continuously detoured, searching for passages.

He couldn't act recklessly; cutting these vine roots might trigger a counterattack from the Thousand Vines Drinking Clouds Array.

In such circumstances, the Array Slit Shuttle was extremely useful. If nothing else, the Five Elements Barrier-Breaking Tassels alone allowed Sun Lingtong to directly bypass these vine root obstacles.

The treasure shuttle could also drill through gaps in major arrays, letting Sun Lingtong slip inside.

Sun Lingtong's childlike, small physique was perfectly suited for such exploration.

"Found the teleportation array." Not long after, Sun Lingtong discovered an inner mountain stone chamber.

The stone chamber was small, containing only a teleportation array.

Markings on the wall hinted at Meng Yaoyin's identity, which only Ning Zhuo could recognize.

"Little Zhuo, I'll go scout the path first." After communicating with Ning Zhuo, Sun Lingtong directly activated the teleportation array.

The next moment, he arrived at the Jade Rinsing Studio.

(End of )