"When you get within three zhang of him, this pearl will glow," Xian Jianchen had once said.
As Song Qianji recalled these words, the spirit pearl dimmed again. It seemed the distance was far more than three zhang, the connection faint and unstable.
He scanned his surroundings - dark masses of people covered both riverbanks, most Rogue Cultivators perched on high tree branches or hidden behind mountain rocks. Sect and family delegations stood openly on the slopes, even raising their banners to gather their members.
The Thousand Canals disciples and Wei Zhenyu's Silver Armor Squad had formed opposing battle lines, drawing thousands of spectators both overt and covert.
Wuxiang, or whoever stood behind Wuxiang, was hiding among them right now.
If their positions were reversed, if he himself had been struck by Xian Jianchen's sword, he wouldn't have chosen a secluded place to recuperate but rather mingled with the crowd - there must be a purpose worth taking such a risk for.
The enemy remains still, so I remain still.
Various Magical Artifacts, emblems, and signals lit up successively along both banks like massive colored lanterns, painting the mountain walls in dazzling hues.
The rolling red river shimmered with shifting colors, flowing past like a brilliant ribbon of light.
Ji Chen turned with a laugh: "Friends and fellow cultivators, those with money support us with coins, those without support us with your presence!"
He sounded exactly like a street performer soliciting customers, provoking waves of cheers and thunderous applause from the crowd.
Song Qianji chuckled inwardly - this kid was always like this, not just overly familiar but also a bit of an exhibitionist.
Wei Zhenyu's face darkened further as he coldly spat out four words: "Disgraceful spectacle."
Song Qianji found it strange - if Little Ji was disgracing anyone, it was at most himself or me. No matter how unruly he acted, why should you be angry?
After some thought, he said quietly:
"If we brawl here, someone might take advantage of the chaos."
Wei Zhenyu glanced at him, seemingly surprised he'd offer such concerned advice, his tone slightly softening: "I know."
In recent years, his reputation had grown, and people often used his name to cause trouble, making him the scapegoat and causing him considerable trouble.
"Little Song!"
An exclamation sounded behind Song Qianji.
Because "Song Xun" was currently standing beside Wei Zhenyu, the Rogue Cultivator team rushed up in their usual dramatic fashion without being stopped by the Silver Armor Squad.
"You said you were going for a walk, but you ended up here? Let's go, don't interfere with Wei Wang's important business." Captain Lu Zhou said loudly while simultaneously transmitting: "When we needed you to step up and save face you wouldn't, but now you stand at the front? What if the Thousand Canals side remembers you?! Do you think Song Wang is someone easy to offend?!"
Song Qianji couldn't help but laugh, touching his cheek: "I look quite ordinary, they won't remember me."
Wei Zhenyu looked down at the Array Lines: "Since you're here, stand behind me and watch."
The Rogue Cultivator team was overjoyed, thanking Wei Zhenyu before brandishing their Magical Artifacts to clear dense branches, creating an open viewing area.
Zhang Hou hid in a tree while the stronger captains and Sword Cultivators stood at the front, with Array Cultivators, medical cultivators, and "Song Xun" positioned slightly behind.
Song Qianji saw they were all spirited, eyes shining, as were most other spectators.
Had he known about tonight's events, he should have brought some melon seeds, peanuts, and preserved fruits from Thousand Canals.
The Silver Armor Squad stood ready, as if they'd charge through even a river of fire and hell itself at Wei Zhenyu's command.
Wei Zhenyu only called Li Ciquan to step forward.
As Li Ciquan listened to his analysis of the Grand Formation before them, his expression grew grave.
Wei Zhenyu finally said: "I taught you everything you know."
Li Ciquan's spirits lifted: "I won't fail this important task!"
Just as he was about to step forward, Song Qianji grabbed his arm."This formation is not only in the river but also in the air above it. It utilizes the flow of water with twelve layers of transformations inside and out. Charging in alone would be unwise."
Li Ciquan exclaimed in surprise, "Little Song, you can understand formations?"
"I know a little."
Li Ciquan thought Song Xun was worried about him: "It's fine. Compared to setting up formations, I'm better at breaking them." He laughed, "Besides, Ji Bianxiu and I are around the same age and began our cultivation journeys almost simultaneously. I also want to see whose Formation Arts are superior."
Song Qianji was momentarily taken aback.
He suddenly realized that no matter how amiable and friendly the other appeared when smiling, he was still a young man venturing through the world.
They eagerly sought a worthy opponent and were willing to bear all consequences for it.
Though he wished to see neither side harmed, he could only release his concerns at this moment and turned to the equally enthusiastic Ji Chen:
"Go ahead."
I respect your right to challenge each other.
Li Ciquan gathered his Spirit Qi and declared loudly, "Li Ciquan of the Northern Desert comes to learn from Ji Bianxiu's expertise!"
The crowd from Thousand Canals had expected Wei Zhenyu to order the Silver Armor Squad to charge the formation forcefully. Instead, he also sent a Formation Master to face Ji Chen one-on-one in a duel.
Confident in Ji Chen's abilities, they immediately cheered in approval.
Spectators also remarked with admiration that Wei Wang conducted himself with propriety, displaying the bearing of a true ruler.
The wind howled fiercely, and waves surged violently.
The bright moon shone upon the great river.
Ji Chen adjusted his Array Disk and said with a laugh, "Fellow Daoist Zhao, congratulations on completing your merits!"
As soon as he spoke, a figure burst out of the water. Like a live fish tossed ashore by the giant waves, it was caught by the Array Lines and gently deposited on the riverside meadow.
As the figure rose and fell, countless Array Lines flickered intermittently, resembling a vast fishing net enveloping the river surface.
Formation Masters gasped in astonishment.
Zhao Ren, who had fallen to the ground believing death was certain, found himself unexpectedly spared. His courage shattered, he no longer harbored thoughts of revenge and scrambled to his feet in panic, fleeing.
"What are they shouting about?" asked a Sword Cultivator from the Rogue Cultivator team.
"As an outsider, you wouldn't understand. With that single move, Ji Bianxiu demonstrated two things: first, the vast scope of this formation with its intricate and seamless Array Lines, and second, his precise control over the formation. The shifts between lightness and heaviness were imperceptible—the life and death of living beings rested entirely on his whim." The plump Formation Master said solemnly, "What an impressive display of power! This is a warning to Fellow Daoist Li Ciquan that once he enters the formation, he'll meet the same fate!"
Song Qianji chuckled inwardly. After the spring rain in Thousand Canals, he had Ji Chen practice manipulating the Array Lines of Song Courtyard to pick up earthworms from the brick pavement and return them to the vegetable garden.
Through repeated practice, Ji Chen eventually mastered retrieving cats from a distance within Song Courtyard without harming them.
When Meng Heze was unavailable, Ji Chen would catch the cats to feed them and then gently return them to their nests.
Capturing Zhao Ren now was as effortless as playing cat's cradle.
They heard Ji Chen proclaim loudly, "Fellow Daoist Li, I've never crossed paths with you before, but I watched you play chess at Huawel Sect. During the Grand Audience Assembly, Brother Song analyzed your chess strategies step by step for me. That was when I first began my path in the Dao. Wei Zhenyu taught you, and Senior Brother Song taught me…"
The crowd's cheers gradually quieted as they wondered why Ji Chen was discussing mentorship and origins, repeatedly mentioning Song Qianji. They couldn't help but murmur:
"Li Ciquan was taught by Wei Wang, and Ji Bianxiu was taught by Song Wang. Who do you think is stronger?"
"Are you really asking who's more powerful between Song Wang and Wei Wang, and which is stronger now—Thousand Canals or the Northern Desert?"
"Although I've never seen Song Wang set up a formation, if he could teach Ji Bianxiu, his mastery of Formation Arts must be even greater.""A 'polymath' who masters all schools of thought yet forges their own path—one emerging every two centuries is already rare, but now two have appeared to establish sects and preach their doctrines..."
"I see! Because Song Wang isn't here tonight, Ji Bianxiu is promoting his reputation in his stead!" Lu Zhou suddenly exclaimed.
Song Qianji choked back a retort: "I think he just wants to talk and can't stop himself."
"Xiao Song, you don't understand! A genius Formation Master like Ji Bianxiu must have deeper meaning when he speaks before a battle," Zhang Hou said. "After all, with everyone watching, both sides need to maintain decorum."
Song Qianji: "..."
Ji Chen was still speaking: "While observing your gameplay, Senior Brother Song said your chess style is treacherous, adept at laying deceptive formations. You strike from shadows in narrow paths, produce divine moves in desperate situations—hitting east then west, making others see flowers through fog, unable to grasp your intentions. If you're left bewildered by your strikes, you'll be devoured by the long dragon."
"But since your chess style was taught by Wei Zhenyu, it's no surprise. That person also leaves me utterly perplexed."
Song Qianji started—that last part wasn't what I said, don't you dare pin it on me!
Just as Wei Zhenyu was losing patience, his brows gradually furrowing, Ji Chen finally concluded: "Fellow Daoist Li, I apologize for the offense!"
Ji Chen stood on the southern bank. As his words faded, countless Array Lines vanished into invisibility. The northern bank's water level surged violently, massive waves scouring the cliffs as if the river itself were tilting outward.
Li Ciquan stepped forward to meet the tidal surge, his foot landing on an invisible Array Line midair.
Instantly, heaven and earth spun, the moon vanished from sight, and the crowds and scenery on both banks grew hazy as if veiled by gauze.
With no support in any direction, only sky-obscuring giant waves remained.
"What's happening in the formation? Why isn't Senior Brother Li Ciquan moving? Could he be frozen in fear?" Lu Zhou gasped.
Song Qianji replied, "He's likely calculating positions."
"What does that mean?"
"The formation warps space—each point's location differs from reality. Taking a step forward might actually move him backward; stepping east could send him west. Inside the formation, your eyes deceive you."
A portly Formation Master suddenly cried out, "Xiao Song! I see you have talent for formation dao! Don't be a talisman cultivator—come study array deployment with me, it's more promising!"
Song Qianji smiled faintly: "We'll see."
Ji Chen had chosen the location well—it was indeed ideal for an Entrapment Formation.
The great river flowed ceaselessly, ever-changing. Without reference points on either bank, it resembled a natural labyrinth. On the river, one easily lost all sense of direction.
Li Ciquan's Array Disk vibrated, shooting ten silver rays like arrows toward different directions. Seven vanished silently while three tore through the air with sharp whistles.
Hidden Array Lines revealed traces like a great net torn by a slender rift.
Li Ciquan moved like a swimming fish, shouting sharply as he broke through the net.
Ji Chen remained leisurely poised, lightly sweeping his Array Disk.
A gale swept through, whipping waterspouts across the river.
Everyone on the cliffs squinted against the wind, watching thirty-six water pillars coalesce like mountains erupting from the earth.
"Will they even let veteran Formation Masters like us survive?" the portly Formation Master wailed. "Truly, the Red River's new waves push the old—the old waves can't face their ancestors!"Song Qianji gazed through layers of water curtains toward the opposite bank, an unconscious smile of contentment gracing his lips."
Ji Chen's heartstrings trembled. He lifted his eyes to search, but that familiar sensation had already vanished.
Li Ciquan seized a gap between waves, narrowly bursting through the formation's first layer with perilous precision.
"Could this be a tactic from Wei Zhenyu's side to distract me?" Ji Chen steadied his spirit, focusing wholly on controlling the formation.On the river, the positions of the water pillars in the chart shifted, rising and falling in height.
Li Ciquan’s diminutive figure moved among them, sometimes submerged by towering waves, sometimes treading atop the crests.
As the raging torrents and silver light clashed fiercely, the onlookers on both banks focused intently, their eyes fixed on the river’s changing spectacle, gasps and exclamations rising intermittently.
A faint shadow quietly withdrew from the Rogue Cultivator ranks.
Song Qianji, with a spirit pearl concealed in his sleeve, slipped unnoticed through the crowd.
OpenNovel