Daoist Competition

Zhang Yan immersed himself fully in simulating the Erosion Text, and before he knew it, a month had passed; within the Broken Jade, that translated to more than three years.

When he withdrew his Heart and Spirit from it, the doubts in his chest had already dissipated.

The Erosion Text mentioned not only the Array Breaking Formation Skill but also the ways of Array Formation, Formation, and Array Setup.

Crucially, all the Dharma techniques here were methodically guided, arranged from simple to complex. The transformations contained within the previous formation evolved further in the subsequent one, and the Great Array that followed built upon this process.

Even someone unfamiliar with formation techniques, if they meticulously pondered these thirty-six formations, could eventually become a person who broadly understands array principles through years of diligent study.

Zhang Yan boldly speculated based on this that the master who set up the formation likely intended to use that Dharma Treasure as a guide to teach the Dao Technique of formations to future disciples.

Yet, even with the Array Breaking Technique, dismantling the remaining twenty-seven formations was no easy task with his current cultivation level; it would be impossible without twenty to thirty years.

In another time, he might have been able to calm his mind, act prudently, and climb upward step by step, while also delving into the Dao of formations.

But he had come here to gather the Green Sun Gang Spirit to achieve Nascent Soul in time to shine at the Sixteen Sects Sword Fighting Conference, so he couldn’t afford to wait that long.

Zhang Yan looked towards the flashing golden light of the Array Gate, contemplating, realizing there was indeed a shortcut to the mountaintop.

Currently, this formation was not being actively controlled, meaning the changes within could not be triggered and would only rotate according to the array principles.

He had the Dharma techniques in hand, and if he sought only to pass through the formation himself, it would not be a difficult matter.

Even if he made a small mistake while crossing the array, taking a wrong step, he could rely on his Protective Treasure Clothes and God Contract Technique to withstand one or two mishaps.

However, entering the formation like this, if Duanmu Li and others were to discover and had further tricks, it would be inappropriate.

After contemplating a bit longer, his eyes flashed with determination, and he had an idea.

He pinched a spell with his fingers, pointed three feet ahead, and said, "Appear!"

A mist passed, and a doppelganger identical to him appeared, sitting cross-legged on the ground.

This True Form Spell, with the aid of True Seal Essence Qi from the other day, now created a doppelganger not only identical in appearance and form but also without a stiff and dull aura; apart from being unable to speak, it was almost indistinguishable from a True Master.

He pondered that with this doppelganger here, it would certainly confuse some people, and by the time Duanmu Mian and others realized something was amiss, he would likely already be out of the Great Array, reaching the mountain peak.

After circling the doppelganger once more and finding no flaws, he flicked his sleeve and walked into the Array Gate, disappearing in a moment.

Zhang Yan, following what the Erosion Text demonstrated, carefully placed his foot on the formation position and cautiously proceeded up the mountain path. After an hour, he successfully passed through this formation and arrived before the tenth Great Array.

The setup here was no different from before, with a copper token still embedded before the Array Gate, inscribed with the Array Breaking Formation Skill.

He concentrated and read it over once, committed it to memory, then sat down cross-legged, holding the Broken Jade, and silently began to simulate it.

Three days later, he had understood the key to passing through the formation. With a slight smile, he stood up and stepped inside.

Following such a pattern of stopping and moving, without realizing it, three months passed.

At this moment, he was standing before the last formation.

Zhang Yan stood with his hands behind his back before the Array Gate, a grave expression on his face.

He did not rush inside but instead mentally rehearsed the Array Breaking Technique repeatedly.

After all, he only had a superficial understanding of the Dao of formations, and mistakes were inevitable; during his previous attempts to pass through arrays, it wasn’t all smooth sailing, and there were times when he stepped on the wrong formation position. Luckily, he had his Protective Treasure Clothes’ Mysterious Skill protecting him, allowing him to navigate the journey with some close calls but ultimately without danger.

However, the formations grew more difficult toward the end. This final Great Array was sure to be extraordinarily formidable. A slight misstep, and he could face utter catastrophe, so he had to be exceptionally cautious.

After repeatedly simulating it for ten entire days, he hesitated no longer, lifted his robe sleeve, raised his foot, and resolutely proceeded into the Array Gate.

After advancing not more than twenty steps, he suddenly heard a fierce wind, screaming sharply like a wail, transforming into blade-like air, rushing towards him. With a "chi" sound, it sliced a cut across his cheek.

After dozens more steps, even with the Protective Treasure Clothes safeguarding him, he accumulated over a hundred wounds. Another hundred steps, and he became like a bloodied figure. The fierce wind grew ever more furious, seemingly blocking his progress, making one suspect that if this continued, it might peel his skin and rip his bones apart.