Daoist Competition-Chapter 958 - 219: The Three Forms of Formations

When a Dharma Treasure reaches the stage of a True Artifact, it can lead a carefree life in the deep mountains and old forests for hundreds of years, unfettered by worldly concerns.

However, if it goes without sacrificial refinement by a brilliant master for more than a thousand years, its True Spirit will find it hard to endure over time. Therefore, after the original master departs, if possible, it still hopes to find someone it can trust.

After the downfall of the Lu Family, the "Essence Prisoning Pot" willingly sought refuge with True Master Tao.

As the head of a sect, founder, and Cave Heaven True Master, proficient in the art of Array Formation, True Master Tao was naturally a suitable choice for this True Artifact. However, when it heard it was to be sent to another, the Dharma Treasure immediately felt resistant, experiencing a sense of discontent akin to "I offer my heart to the bright moon, but the bright moon shines upon the ditch."

True Master Tao looked at the young girl for a few moments and, seeing her displeasure, smiled and said, "Since you are unwilling, I will not force you, come with me."

With a wave of his hand, he emitted a brilliant light. The young girl, seeing him relent, beamed with joy and did not resist. Her form shimmered and transformed into a delicate treasure pot, allowing herself to be taken.

Yet no sooner had she reached True Master Tao’s hands, she suddenly cried out in shock and panic, "Old Tao, what is your intention? Why trap me?"

True Master Tao remained silent, emotionlessly casting several spells upon it. The Jade Pot trembled non-stop, as if it wanted to fly away, but could not break free. The girl’s voice grew weaker until eventually, it fell silent.

Seeing that it no longer struggled, True Master Tao smiled faintly, tossed it into his sleeve, and nodded at Zhang Yan, speaking warmly, "Fellow Daoist, you helped resolve a matter for my Qingyu Sect this time. I originally intended to repay you with this True Artifact, but such beings are often unruly and require proper discipline. Once it is tamed, it will be gifted to you as thanks."

He had initially intended to give this treasure to Zhang Yan to repay the favor owed.

As for this Essence Prisoning Pot, he did not value it greatly. He merely wished not to let it fall into True Master Qu’s hands for free, lest it provide him with unwarranted support.

Now that Bijiao Prefecture is gone, the result of this event could certainly be seen as a deterrent to the East Sea. For at least a century or so, Qingyu Sect can enjoy stability. When he refines his own True Artifact in the future, having this treasure or not will be irrelevant.

Zhang Yan, however, smiled and said, "Such treasures are often hard to control, and if I had it, I would have no use for it."

The True Spirits of these Dharma Treasures are indeed seldom well-tempered, and ones like the Mountain and River Child are indeed rare gems.

Furthermore, the "Essence Prisoning Pot" had been with Bijiao Prefecture for thousands of years, and he was the one who destroyed Bijiao Prefecture. How much help this treasure could be to him was quite questionable.

Since it was unwilling to follow him, he would let it be. Otherwise, even if he took it back, he could not tame it, so why bother with such trouble?

Seeing that he truly did not want to accept it, and not just making polite conversation, True Master Tao no longer mentioned it. After a brief pause, he said, "Since that doesn’t work out, I shall find something else to thank you for. Is there anything in my Qingyu Sect that you are interested in, fellow Daoist?"

Zhang Yan pondered briefly and then, with eyes ablaze with Divine Light, said solemnly, "What I would like to learn is the Dao of Array Formation, from Master Tao."

True Master Tao gave him a long look, then laughed softly, "Since you wish to learn, I will not withhold. Here I have a page of an ancient text, acquired from an Immortal Mansion, called the ’Comprehensive Balance Book,’ which I can gift to you."

From his sleeve, he drew a page shining with golden radiance. With a flick of his finger, it floated gently away.

Zhang Yan raised his hand to catch it, and upon squeezing it with his fingers, he could feel its toughness, neither gold nor silk. Casting a cursory glance, he saw it densely covered with Erosion Text, evidently an ancient volume.

The Erosion Text on the page might be a headache for others, but for him, it posed no great obstacle, merely requiring time to deduce, so he didn’t read it closely, but stored it away first, bowing, he said, "Thank you, True Master, for imparting the technique."

True Master Tao waved his hand with a smile and said, "No need to thank me yet. This Daoist Book is profound and difficult to understand; it won’t be easy to learn. I also have here a simpler book, ’Array Essence,’ which discusses the transformation and interaction of array formations. You could take it first for a detailed study. If anything is unclear, feel free to come see me."

He waved his sleeve and sent over another inconspicuous Daoist Book.

Catching the meaning in his words, Zhang Yan understood that without comprehending the ’Array Essence,’ one could not grasp the more advanced array techniques. Moreover, it might even be a practice unique to True Master Tao himself, so he immediately stood and respectfully accepted it.

Once he saw it stored safely, True Master Tao shifted the conversation with a smile and said, "Earlier, I noticed Lu Changsu sought refuge with you; might I borrow this person for a while?"