Eternal Sacred King Chapter 106 to 110

 Chapter 106: Things Are Getting Interesting Now

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Initially, a new record on the Ten Formations Stele wasn’t something trial disciples of the five peaks would be concerned about.

That was because everyone knew that it must have been broken by Zhong Wen and because of that, they were already used to it.

However, when they heard that the new record was broken by an unknown, mysterious disciple, it piqued everyone’s curiosity.

Following that, news spread of how Zhong Wen had returned to challenge the pagoda once more but he still lost to the mysterious challenger. Right now, it was his third attempt and the outcome was unknown.

A clash between two top geniuses of Array Peak was akin to the year end Array Peak face-off being brought forward!

It wasn’t just the young and inquisitive trial disciples who were interested, even the five peak masters were aroused with slight curiosity.

The number of people gathered before the Ten Formations Pagoda was increasing as time went on!

Other than Array Peak, disciples of the other four peaks came as well to witness the final outcome.

Led by Feng Haoyu, a group of talents from Spirit Peak arrived. Little fatty was among them.

After three months, little fatty was already at the peak of Level 8 Qi Condensation.

Leng Rou’s appearance caused a huge stir as many disciples turned their gazes towards this ice cold beauty.

In less than a year, she was regarded by quite a number of people as the top beauty of all five peaks.

It wasn’t just because of her looks, it was also because she was extremely strong. Right now, she was the same as Feng Haoyu at the peak of Level 9 Qi Condensation.

She was his biggest competitor for the year end Spirit Peak’s face-off.

More than that, Leng Rou had displayed a shocking talent in the craft of talismans!

She also stood a high chance of taking the number one spot on Talisman Peak’s year end face-off!

Disciples of Elixir, Talisman and Weapon Peak had arrived to watch the show with Xue Yi and the others among them.

There were still three months left to the year end face-off. This challenge of the Ten Formations Pagoda was probably the biggest event in all five peaks till then.

In the blink of an eye, the third day was already half gone.

As dusk arrived, Level 5 of the Ten Formations Pagoda lit up, indicating that Zhong Wen was about to challenge Level 6 once more.

If he could clear Level 6 within an hour, he would be able to reclaim his honor as the number one of Array Peak!

Little fatty squeezed through the crowd to get to Xue Yi and whispered, “Senior Brother Xue, why haven’t I seen bro at all recently?”

“I’ve not seen him for a couple of days now as well. But I think things should be fine, don’t worry,” Xue Yi consoled.

Little fatty frowned and murmured, “Strange. I haven’t seen him in three months and his cave abode was empty too. I was contemplating to help bro sharpen his fighting techniques.”

Xue Yi smiled without saying anything.

In his opinion, Su Zimo might have realized he had no hope of winning at the end of the year and made an excuse to leave.

That way, he could avoid the year end face-off. Even though he might get mocked by others for it, it was better than losing in front of everyone.

Right then, Level 6 burst forth with a bright, bedazzling light of formation patterns.

“He did it!”

“How long did it take?”

“Around 45 minutes! It’s less than an hour!”

“As expected of Senior Brother Zhong. He is backed by a strong foundation of knowledge towards array formations after all.”

As the discussions went on, some of the Array Peak disciples who were closer to Zhong Wen heaved a sigh of relief.

Before long, Zhong Wen was sent out of the Ten Formations Pagoda.

At the same time, the top row of the Ten Formations Stele shone brightly as the words shuffled. “Zhong Wen, cleared Level 6, 45 minutes!”

“Not bad, not bad.”

Elder Luo nodded with a smile.

“Congratulations, Senior Brother Zhong!”

“You’re still the best! You’ve cleared Level 6 with such speed!”

Some disciples of Array Peak hurriedly congratulated him with cupped fists.

Hands behind his back, Feng Haoyu nodded to Zhong Wen.

Given Feng Haoyu’s haughty character and status within the five peaks, he was already giving face to Zhong Wen by showing that gesture.

Zhong Wen smiled and raised his voice. “Everyone, please quiet down.”

The noisy crowd gradually calmed down.

“It’s all thanks to your care and concern that I’m able to return to the top of the Ten Formations Stele. It’s been a tiring few days, everyone, but...”

Zhong Wen changed the topic and with a sharp gaze, looked towards the Ten Formations Pagoda intently and declared, “The person I must thank the most is that unknown challenger. I’ve mentioned previously, his appearance will force the best out of m-”

Before Zhong Wen could even finish saying ‘me’, his pitch changed and his pupils constricted as though he had witnessed something horrifying.

Everyone looked in Zhong Wen’s direction.

Level 7 of the Ten Formations Pagoda was lit up!

The light was a little blinding.

Before anyone knew it, Elder Luo was already standing up and looking at Level 7 with a blank look of disbelief.

The atmosphere in front of the Ten Formations Pagoda had turned extremely strange.

No one spoke.

Everyone was mesmerized by the light coming from Level 7 that they forgot to breathe; it was as though they had lost their souls.

Zhong Wen’s expression changed a couple of times before settling on an ashen look with a dim gaze.

He had lost.

He had lost completely!

Right then, he tried countless times to muster his courage and gather his confidence, but he couldn’t do it!

The shining light of Level 7 gave him a pressure that no one could understand!

It was a pressure called despair.

He knew better than any other disciples among the five peaks about the obscurity of Grade 2 formations. Even that mysterious challenger had spent an entire two days and nights before deducing his way to clear Level 7.

However, a clear was a clear.

Yet, Zhong Wen was completely lost in the face of Level 7’s formation. He was trapped by the illusion formation and could not locate any loopholes of it at all.

In fact, he could not last for more than four hours within Level 7.

If he continued to stay on, there was a high chance he would suffer irrecoverable damage to his psyche.

“Ugh.”

Sighing sadly, Zhong Wen turned around and mumbled to himself despondently, “I’ve got no chance of surpassing him.”

“You do.”

Right then, a warm voice rang out beside Zhong Wen.

Zhong Wen looked up.

Out of nowhere, Array Peak’s master, Xuan Yi, had appeared and was standing not far away, smiling and looking at him encouragingly.

When he met with that gaze, Zhong Wen shuddered and the haze within his heart dispersed, allowing him to see the light once more.

Taking a deep breath of air, Zhong Wen nodded his head and replied deeply, “Don’t worry, master. I won’t be defeated that easily. I’ll be back once more!”

“Well done. That’s more like my disciple.”

With his confidence regained, Zhong Wen left the Ten Formations Pagoda once more.

Xuan Yi looked at the fading Level 7 light and a trace of curiosity flashed in his eyes. He floated towards Elder Luo and set up a soundproof barrier with the wave of his hand, asking, “Who is inside? When did someone like that appear in our Array Peak?”

“That lad... is not from our peak,” Elder Luo chuckled bitterly and shook his head.

“Hmm?”

Xuan Yi frowned and asked, “What’s his name?”

“Su Zimo.”

Xuan Yi’s heart skipped a beat and his expression turned odd.

Sensing the change in Xuan Yi’s expression, Elder Luo asked, “Why? You know that person? His name does sound somewhat familiar, as though I’ve heard it somewhere.”

Xuan Yi did not reply him. He seemed to have thought of something fun as he smiled. “Things are getting interesting now.”Chapter 107: Gradual Emergence

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Elder Luo was flustered as he urged, “Don’t beat around the bush. Who is he?”

“The one that slashed at me on the front peak. That’s the lad,” Xuan Yi chuckled.

“Him?”

Elder Luo realized what was going on. However, he was even more puzzled and frowned. “Hasn’t he already issued a challenge to Feng Haoyu and caused a huge stir about wanting to prevent the latter from getting number one for Elixir and Weapon Peak? What has that got to do with us?”

“If he can challenge the Ten Formations Pagoda, he must have put in quite a lot of effort on learning formations. Why do you think he’s doing this instead of spending his time on refining elixirs, weapons and raising his cultivation?”

“I’ve got no idea too,” Xuan Yi shook his head and smiled. “But, don’t you think that this is really interesting?”

“So what if it is? He’s not a seed from our peak, sigh,” Elder Luo replied regrettably.

Xuan Yi looked at the Ten Formations Pagoda meaningfully and whispered, “I’m just curious now to see how many levels he can clear.”

...

Gradually, night arrived.

Many Array Peak disciples left while disciples of the other four peaks waited to see who the challenger was.

Little fatty rolled his eyes and stopped an Array Peak disciple casually, asking with a grin, “Senior brother, why aren’t you guys waiting anymore?”

“Heh! Junior brother, this is where you lack experience.”

The person replied mysteriously, “Think about it. Even if you wait here the entire night, you might not get to see who the person is. You might as well come back tomorrow morning. Furthermore, even if that person can clear Level 8, it’ll take at least two days and nights too.”

Little fatty nodded his head in agreement. “Senior brother, you’re really smart! That does make sense!”

The mysterious person had taken two days and nights to clear Level 7. Even if he could clear Level 8, it wouldn’t be that soon.

At that thought, little fatty headed back to rest.

There was no activity in the Ten Formations Pagoda for the next two days as more than half of the gathered disciples had lost their patience and left.

Zhong Wen arrived at the Ten Formations Pagoda on the morning of the sixth day, ready to challenge it once more.

Before night arrived, he was sent out by the pagoda. Even though he had cleared the first six levels even faster than before, he still failed at Level 7.

Just as he was about to leave, Level 8 lit up!

“Level 8! That person has cleared Level 8!”

“That’s a full three days and nights!”

“That means that he’s been inside for a whole six days now! What sort of a body does he have to withstand such a draining experience?”

In fact, many disciples did not know that Su Zimo’s physique was much more terrifying than they had thought.

Moreover, he was tortured by little crane endlessly back in his Weapon Peak cave abode and it was almost ten days of sleepless nights back then...

It could be said that Su Zimo’s current achievements in array formation was forced entirely by a stupid bird...

When he saw the glowing light of Level 8, Zhong Wen felt a bitterness surge within him – he no longer had any hope.

The difference was too great.

Once again, he looked at that familiar name at the top of the Ten Formations Stele. He found it a little eye-piercing and could not help but laugh at himself bitterly before leaving.

When he saw Zhong Wen’s back view, Elder Luo shook his head and sighed. “What a pity. If that person had not appeared, Zhong Wen would have been a really great genius of array formations.”

By now, the disciples of the various peaks had a rough grasp of the timing for the Ten Formations Pagoda.

Based on that logic, the mysterious person was going to take even longer to clear Level 9!

With the year end face-off approaching, most disciples would naturally not choose to spend their days wasted here. Moreover, it was already dark and everyone dispersed to rest in their cave abodes.

Before long, it was peaceful at the Ten Formations Pagoda once more. Elder Luo was the only one still guarding as he stood up and stretched.

Xuan Yi walked over from afar and said, “Elder Luo, go and rest first. I don’t think there’ll be much activity for the next few days now that the lad’s at Level 9.”

Elder Luo shook his head.

“Why? You’re still worried?” Xuan Yi chuckled. “If you are, I’ll help you watch over tonight.”

Elder Luo let out a mysterious smile and asked, “Do you know what type of formation is at Level 9?”

“Killing?” Xuan Yi was puzzled as to why Elder Luo would raise that question.

Elder Luo asked once more, “Do you know how long that Su Zimo took to get through Level 4’s killing formation?”

Realizing that there was something more to it, Xuan Yi’s eyes gleamed as he made a guess, “15 minutes?”

Elder Luo snickered, beating around the bush slightly before replying slowly, “17 seconds!”

Psst!

Xuan Yi’s expression changed entirely as he gasped, “How could that be?!”

After a deep silence, Xuan Yi asked in a testing manner, “Is it a coincidence?”

Gazing at the Ten Formations Pagoda, Elder Luo remarked softly, “We’ll know soon if that’s the case.”

All of a sudden!

The moment Elder Luo said that, Level 9 lit up the night skies!

Xuan Yi and Elder Luo exchanged glances – both could tell of the other’s shock.

“How long did he take this time round?”

“Around 47 seconds.”

“Seems like that lad really does have a method to get through killing formations.”

“Level 10 comprises a combination array formation of two types. If one of them is a killing formation, the combination formation would be extremely easy for that lad.”

“If he manages to clear Level 10...”

...

Su Zimo who had just entered Level 10 did not know that he would cause such a huge commotion among the five peaks with his challenge of the pagoda.

He had reaped a lot from this challenge.

Even though he had spent a lot of time studying in the Array Chamber, that was all just theory without any practical aspect.

However, Su Zimo had witnessed and learned from the various methods and techniques deployed by different Array Formation Masters in setting up the formations in the Ten Formations Pagoda.

Observing carefully in Level 10, Su Zimo smiled.

It was a combination formation comprising of a killing and trap formation. A killing formation was almost nonexistent for him and the only thing he had to dispel was the trap formation.

“Seems like my luck’s better this time round.”

A deep fatigue could be seen from Su Zimo but still, his eyes remained clear and resolute.

For six whole days, Su Zimo had not rested at all as he spent his time dispelling formations. Even though it didn’t expend much spirit qi, he was physically and mentally exhausted.

It was a huge toll on one’s mental state to dispel formations.

However, fully motivated by the thought of not having to worry about that stupid bird after getting out of this place, Su Zimo picked himself up and worked at dispelling the formation.

On around midnight of the eight day.

The moon was bright with little stars in the skies. Other than Elder Luo, there was no one else in front of the Ten Formations Pagoda.

Just as Elder Luo was about to fall asleep, the peak of the Ten Formations Pagoda lit up without any warning!

Astonished, Elder Luo looked at those shining formation patterns for the longest time in silence.

According to the time that Su Zimo cleared Level 10, it was now short of six hours to make a full eight days since he had entered the Ten Formations Pagoda!

A challenge of this duration was not merely a test of a cultivator’s ability to set up and dispel formations, it was also a test of their determination, physique, mental state et cetera.

Elder Luo was very pleased.

It was as though he was looking at the gradual emergence of a monster in array formations from this pagoda that he was guarding in a corner of Tianhuang Mainland!

Chapter 108: Sword Formation

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Level 10 of the Ten Formations Pagoda.

When Su Zimo dispelled the formation, he saw a man clad in white robes. Hands behind his back, the man’s black hair was casually draped over his shoulders and swayed gently against the breeze.

Standing at the exit on the top of the pagoda, the man was back facing Su Zimo, looking as though he was part of the night skies.

Even though Su Zimo could not see the person’s face, he caught sight of a hexagonal, obscure emblem on the person’s sleeve.

It was Array Peak’s master, Xuan Yi!

Su Zimo furrowed his brows slightly.

Was this an illusion formation?

Could Level 10 be made up of three instead of two different formations?

There was an illusion formation left after he dispelled the killing and trap formation?

“This is not an illusion. You’ve already cleared the Ten Formations Pagoda successfully.”

Xuan Yi’s voice suddenly rang, gentle and calm, as though he could read Su Zimo’s thoughts.

Certain powerful Array Formation Masters were experts of games and could deduce the other party’s thoughts with just some clues.

Su Zimo did not get careless despite hearing Xuan Yi’s reply.

After all, similar circumstances could happen within an illusion formation as well. It was hard to differentiate between reality.

Standing on the spot, Su Zimo observed for a long time. When he sensed no aura of formation patterns, he advanced and cupped his fists. “Greetings, peak master.”

Xuan Yi did not turn around, merely asking, “How long have you been studying formations?”

“Three months,” Su Zimo did not hide anything.

A shocked expression flashed through Xuan Yi’s eyes and disappeared quickly.

“T-Three months...”

Xuan Yi mumbled repeatedly to himself. After a long time, he turned slightly and smiled at Su Zimo, nodding. “Come on, stand beside me.”

Momentarily startled, Su Zimo continued walking forth until he was beside Xuan Yi.

“Tired?” Xuan Yi asked with a smile.

Su Zimo nodded his head. Right then, the only thing he wanted was to head back to his cave abode and sleep in silence without a care for the world.

“I’ve heard about your challenge with Feng Haoyu as well. Why did you suddenly come and learn about formations despite not having much time?” Xuan Yi was curious.

The image of that stupid bird flashed through Su Zimo’s mind as he shook his head with a bitter chuckle. “There’s a long story behind it.”

“It’s less than three months until the year end face-off. I’m not concerned about elixir and weapon refinement, but I heard that you challenged Feng Haoyu to a fight after the Spirit Peak face-off?” Xuan Yi asked.

“Yes.”

“Are you confident?”

Hesitating for a moment, Su Zimo shook his head. “No.”

He would be confident if not for his concern that his demonic self might be exposed.

However, in terms of pure cultivation techniques, Su Zimo was far inferior.

Xuan Yi replied deeply, “Actually, the killing methods of Qi Refinement Warriors are rather simple because the spirit qi in their dantian is limited. Even at Perfected Qi Condensation where their dantian opened up like a vast sea, it will still be in spirit qi state. One can only deploy stronger spirit arts when they advance to become a Foundation Establishment Cultivator and their spirit qi’s quality condenses into liquid form.”

Su Zimo’s heart skipped a beat as he recalled when he was being pursued by Joyful Sect. Some of the Foundation Establishment Cultivators deployed strange techniques like the Ground-caving and Vinewood-twining Skills which caused him great trouble.

Those must be the spirit arts that Xuan Yi was referring to.

“Between Qi Refinement Warriors, the only thing that they compare is one’s mastery of sword wielding.”

Xuan Yi continued, “In terms of sword wielding, one of our sect’s three major secret skills, Ethereal Sword, is famous through the northern region of Tianhuang and is ranked at the top. Feng Haoyu is already cultivating it.”

Su Zimo could tell what Xuan Yi was implying.

In other words, he had no chance of winning against Feng Haoyu who was already cultivating Ethereal Sword.

In the hazy, starry night, both men stood at the peak of the Ten Formations Pagoda. One was clad in white and had a graceful bearing while the other was clad in green with a delicate, handsome face. If any trial disciples of the five peaks saw this scene, their jaws would drop in shock.

Every single peak master was a Golden Core – what sort of status did they bear in the sect?

The fact that a mere trial disciple at only Level 6 Qi Condensation was able to stand shoulder to shoulder and chat with Array Peak’s master was a treatment that would make anyone envious.

Noticing Su Zimo’s silence, Xuan Yi spoke once more, “Initially, I had not meant to say these things to you. However, since you’ve already cleared the Ten Formations Pagoda, I can offer you a way out. Whether or not you succeed depends on yourself.”

“Thank you, peak master,” Su Zimo’s heart skipped a beat as he bowed hurriedly to express his thanks.

Xuan Yi continued slowly, “Other than the standard skills and secret techniques of sword wielding, there is another method that can raise a cultivator’s fighting strength... it’s called a sword formation!”

“Sword formation?” Su Zimo furrowed his brows in deep thought.

In Array Chamber, he had chanced across a bamboo scroll named Tripartite Sword Formation

Xuan Yi replied, “Most Array Formation Masters are weak because in fights, opponents would not give you a lot of time to set up your formation before rushing in blindly. However, there exists a special branch amongst Array Formation Masters – the Sword Formation Master.”

“The prerequisite of becoming a Sword Formation Master is that they must first be an Array Formation Master with a deep understanding towards formations. Secondly, they had to cultivate a type of sword formation.”

Su Zimo nodded.

“Sword formation manuals are extremely rare and even within our sect, we only have two. One is called the Tripartite Sword Formation while the other is the Hexagonal Sword Formation. The former is a Grade 1 formation while the latter is a Grade 2.”

“The activation of a sword formation is through remnant marks created by tearing through the void with a flying sword. By using them as replacement for formation patterns, an Array Formation Master is able to create a formation that can produce a powerful force!”

Su Zimo was shocked to hear this.

Just setting up of formation patterns was something that was extremely difficult for Array Formation Masters – any single mistake and the formations would fail.

Furthermore, they were now talking about using the remnant marks in the void as a replacement for formation patterns.

Xuan Yi spoke, “The reason why there are so little Sword Formation Masters is because the conditions are way too harsh. Every single Sword Formation Master is an elite among the Array Formation Masters and have a far superior understanding of formations. Furthermore, sword formations usually require the use of multiple flying swords. Using a single flying sword in battle is tough enough, let alone using many for a sword formation.”

Su Zimo nodded.

For example, three flying swords were required for the Tripartite Sword Formation.

As the name implied, Hexagonal Sword Formation would most likely require six flying swords!

“Also, controlling multiple flying swords would cause one’s spirit qi to deplete faster. If the formation was a failure, it would be a waste of spirit qi for the Sword Formation Master and he would end up placing himself in danger.”

Xuan Yi chuckled. “Furthermore, how are normal Array Formation Masters going to get that many flying swords? For example, many of our trial disciples barely have a single inferior-grade flying sword, let alone three, six or even more.”

“Can they use flying swords of different grades as replacement?” Su Zimo asked.

“No.”

Xuan Yi shook his head. “You have to understand that the flying swords used for a sword formation must be of the same grade. If the grades were different, the formation patterns left in the void would deviate and the formation would definitely fail!”Chapter 109: Earth-shattering

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

“Of course, if the flying swords used are of the same build, size, weight and sharpness et cetera, it would be even easier to set up a formation.”

Pausing for a moment, Xuan Yi chuckled. “But that’s not too realistic unless the flying swords are created by the same Weapon Refinement Master who had specially created them as a set.”

“A set of flying swords?” Su Zimo’s eyes twinkled meaningfully.

“You’re a disciple of Weapon Peak. Even though you have yet to become a Weapon Refinement Master, I’m sure you understand how difficult it is to refine weapons. It’s already difficult enough to create a single graded spirit weapon, let alone a set.”

The mention of that had Su Zimo’s heart skipping a beat.

Everything else aside, it wasn’t really difficult for him to create a set of almost identical inferior-grade flying swords.

“But of course, I know that this is not an easy path to undertake and this idea might not even be of help for you to defeat Feng Haoyu. After all, with just three months left to the year end face-off, time is limited for you.”

Xuan Yi continued expectantly, “However, you’re the most talented Array Formation Master that I’ve ever seen. Perhaps, you can one day be a true Sword Formation Master if you continue in this direction.”

“Peak master, are you a Sword Formation Master?” Su Zimo suddenly asked.

“I’m the only Sword Formation Master in our sect,” Xuan Yi nodded his head with a smile.

It was only then that Su Zimo understood why Xuan Yi was waiting for him and telling him about those things – the latter wanted to find a Sword Formation Master successor in the sect.

Pulling out a scroll from his storage bag, Xuan Yi passed it over to Su Zimo. “I believe you must have come across the Tripartite Sword Formation in the Array Chamber. This is the Hexagonal Sword Formation. Burn it after you memorize it, do not spread it.”

Su Zimo received it with both hands and nodded his head.

Xuan Yi pondered for a moment and continued, “Zimo, don’t harp on a moment’s failure. There is still a long way to go.”

Su Zimo knew that Xuan Yi was worried he would lose to Feng Haoyu and have his confidence dashed, hence that advice.

In truth, Xuan Yi was not the only one. Neither of the four peak masters nor anyone in the sect had their eyes on Su Zimo winning.

Perhaps he might be evenly matched with Feng Haoyu in terms of elixir and weapon refinement.

However, in everyone’s eyes, the outcome was already decided if the both of them fought – Su Zimo would only humiliate himself.

Of course, there was a single existence in Ethereal Peak who thought highly of Su Zimo. Only, that existence wasn’t human...

“Go on, time is precious. Spend more effort on elixir and weapon refinement so that you can get number one for those two peaks,” Xuan Yi instructed.

Su Zimo nodded his head and closed the Hexagonal Sword Formation’s manual. Summoning his flying sword, he left the Ten Formations Pagoda and disappeared into the night skies.

The moment Su Zimo left the Ten Formations Pagoda, the names on the Ten Formations Stele started shifting as everything was pushed down for a blank space above.

Zhong Wen’s previous record was now pushed to the second row.

A line of words appeared on the first row of the Ten Formations Stele.

“Cleared Level 10, 7 days 18 hours!”

However, the portion where his name was supposed to be was a complete blank!

Right then, Xuan Yi descended from the Ten Formations Pagoda and accidentally caught sight of what happened. Slightly surprised, he murmured softly, “That lad must be so tired that he forgot to place his sect badge on the Ten Formations Stele.”

Stunned for a moment, Elder Luo suddenly realized. “Aiya, I forgot to tell him about this!”

The Ten Formations Stele would only record one’s name after they tapped their sect badge on it after the pagoda challenge.

For the past three months, Su Zimo spent his time buried in the ancient texts in Array Chamber with absolute focus. He did not interact with any Array Peak disciples as well. In fact, he did not even know about the function of the Ten Formations Stele.

When he saw the huge stele before his challenge, he did not think much nor ask about it and headed for the pagoda straight.

Elder Luo thought that as a disciple of Weapon Peak, Su Zimo was merely there to join the crowd and did not mention it since he had not expected the latter to leave a mark on the stele either.

“Should I call him back?” Elder Luo leapt into the air, prepared to chase after Su Zimo to inform him about it.

Xuan Yi waved it off and shook his head. “Forget it. That lad hasn’t slept a single week in nearly eight days. Let him have a good rest.”

“Should I look for him tomorrow then?” Elder Luo asked.

Xuan Yi remained silent for a moment. “Perhaps after the five peaks face-off. Let’s hide this for him for the time being. Needless to say, something like this would definitely cause a commotion among the five peaks and it’ll attract trouble for him if the other disciples knew that he was the one who cleared the Ten Formations Pagoda.”

“Yes, that’s good too.”

Elder Luo nodded his head. “It’s less than three months to the end of the year. Let’s not affect his cultivation because of this.”

The both of them chatted casually for a little more before leaving the place.

Elder Luo could finally rest in peace as well.

Once again, the Ten Formations Pagoda returned to normalcy. Disciples of the five peaks were fast asleep at the moment as no one realized that overnight, a new line had appeared on the Ten Formations Stele.

...

Yu Ping was a disciple of Array Peak. His habit for the past few days would involve running to the Ten Formations Stele for a look in the morning before going off to do his own things.

This morning, Yu Ping arrived on his flying sword and took a spin around Ten Formations Pagoda, glancing at Ten Formations Stele casually.

“Yeah, no changes.”

He murmured softly.

There were a total of 100 lines on the Ten Formations Stele and there were truly not many changes with a single glance.

All of a sudden!

Yu Ping’s expression changed starkly as he turned around, glaring at the first row intently. His eyes widened as his pupils constricted.

Something changed!

There was a change on the Ten Formations Stele!

Senior Brother Zhong was pushed to the second row!

The name of the first row was...

“Mmm?”

What was the meaning of this?

Blank?

Yu Ping was dazed.

Blinking his eyes, he looked again – it was truly a blank.

Landing on the ground, he approached even closer and rubbed his eyes. However, it was still blank.

The challenger had no name?

Instinctively, Yu Ping continued reading the row of words as his jaws dropped apart while his eyes flooded with shock.

“Cleared Level 10, 7 days 18 hours!”

That line of words had him rattled silly.

Yu Ping stood there motionlessly, absolutely stunned as his mind went into chaos. The only thing he did was mumble subconsciously, “Cleared Level 10, cleared Level 10...”

“Junior Brother Yu, you’re so early today?”

Someone greeted him from the back to be met with his silence.

“What are you doing standing here and getting immersed in the Ten Formations Stele?”

A disciple of Array Peak who came after Yu Ping patted him on the shoulder and commented casually before raising his head.

Instantly, that person’s smile froze as well.

After a long time, a shrill shriek tore through the skies, waking countless of Array Peak disciples who were still deep in their sleep.

“Cleared! Cleared!”

“The mysterious challenger cleared Level 10!”

“A new record is born! Zhong Wen has lost completely!”

Within an hour, the news spread through all five peaks.

It was earth-shattering!

Chapter 110: Just Who Was It?

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

This day, the five peaks quaked as countless of trial disciples rushed towards Array Peak.

Not just that, more than half of Ethereal Peak’s inner sect disciples rushed over because of the news as well.

Logically speaking, the birth of a new record on the Ten Formations Stele shouldn’t have created such a stir. However, it was said that the record was downright broken!

There were only 10 levels to the Ten Formations Pagoda and the challenger had cleared them all!

Before long, many sect disciples gathered before the Ten Formations Pagoda and in the skies, many were still continuously streaming in on their flying swords.

Spirit Peak’s Feng Haoyu, Leng Rou and little fatty were among them.

Xue Yi and the others from Weapon Peak came over too.

Zhong Wen looked at the first row on the Ten Formations Stele with a deep sorrow in his eyes.

Had he known that this would be the case, he need not have tried repeatedly to challenge the pagoda previously just to beat this person – the both of them were not even on the same level of understanding towards formations.

“One can be called an Intermediate Array Formation Master after clearing Level 10 of the Ten Formations Pagoda.”

“Becoming an Intermediate Array Formation Master at the Qi Condensation realm is way too terrifying.”

“Not only is this record unprecedented, no one should be able to surpass it in the future. This guy spent close to eight days without eating or sleeping. How did he manage to survive?”

The fact that the challenger did not leave his name piqued everyone’s curiosity as countless guesses were made.

“Just who is that person?”

“There must be a reason why the mysterious challenger did not leave his name!”

No matter how hard everyone tried, they would not be able to guess the reason was because Su Zimo did not know the purpose of the Ten Formations Stele and neither did he know how to leave his name on it.

“Could it be Senior Brother Liu? Other than Senior Brother Zhong, he’s the only one with the deepest understanding of formations.”

“I saw Senior Brother Liu a couple of days back. It can’t be him.”

“Or could it be Senior Brother Ceng? He hasn’t appeared for the past few days. There’s a chance it’s him.”

“I heard that Senior Brother Ceng left to do a sect mission.”

Everyone continued discussing fervently with wild guesses.

“I think this senior brother must be the true genius hiding within our Array Peak. Definitely someone handsome and extraordinary. Most importantly, he is someone indifferent to fame and isn’t cocky.”

A female disciple of Array Peak muttered to herself, immersed in her fantasy as her eyes swooned with love.

“I think that he probably wants to reveal his identity at the year end face-off and shock everyone,” Another disciple deduced.

All the gathered disciples looked on with awe.

Clearing Level 10 meant that one could set up a Grade 2 formation.

In Elixir and Talisman Peak, the geniuses were barely able to refine Grade 1 elixirs or talismans.

In Weapon Peak, no one could even create an inferior-grade spirit weapon.

From that perspective, that mysterious challenger had already surpassed all the trial disciples in the five peaks!

Within the crowd, Feng Haoyu suddenly chuckled and shook his head. “The Dao of formations is merely a supplementary skill at the end of the day. In the cultivation world, one’s true strength is what matters in life and death situations.”

With that statement, Feng Haoyu turned around to leave with a bunch of Spirit Peak disciples behind him.

“Hmph! What’s he getting cocky for? He thinks he’s a somebody just because he’s good at fighting?”

“Isn’t that right? If this mysterious senior brother were to set up an array formation for him, he’d have to obediently surrender!”

“Listen to how salty he sounds. That’s the number one of Spirit Peak? How crass.”

Instantly, many Array Peak disciples were displeased as they mocked behind Feng Haoyu’s back.

To them, Feng Haoyu’s disdain of that mysterious challenger was equivalent to his disdain of Array Peak and indirectly, them.

Furthermore, even though the Dao of formations was a supplementary skill, it was extremely important.

If a sect was weak but possessed an extremely strong Array Formation Master, he could set up a sect protecting formation to withstand powerful enemies.

That was why some sects in the cultivation world who had strong Array Formation Masters were almost impenetrable.

“Amazing! That’s amazing!”

Little fatty rubbed his chubby palms and declared, “It’d be such a pity if I don’t get to know someone so amazing! Just who is this person?”

Leng Rou’s gaze lingered for a long time on the Ten Formations Stele before she nodded her head. “Impressive.”

With that, Leng Rou left Array Peak too.

When the many disciples beside Leng Rou heard that, they could not help but yelp.

She had a cold and aloof nature and barely spoke. Even a genius like Feng Haoyu had not received an appraisal as such from her.

However, that single word she said was enough to tell of her thoughts.

Little fatty squinted his eyes and looked around the crowd for a long time as though he was searching for someone.

After a while, he found nothing and frowned, murmuring to himself, “Where did bro disappear to recently? He isn’t even here to take a look at such a huge commotion?”

“No, I’ve got to go take a look at Weapon Peak.”

His mind made up, little fatty summoned his flying sword and sped towards Weapon Peak.

...

In the distant skies, five Golden Cores stood among the clouds, watching the rare spectacle on Array Peak.

They were the five peak masters.

“Just who is the person who challenged the pagoda? Even I’m curious,” The brown haired youth of Elixir Peak said with a gaudy tone.

Four pairs of eyes landed on Xuan Yi as Wen Xuan chuckled. “Say it. I don’t believe that you don’t know who it is as Array Peak’s master.”

Hands behind his back, Xuan Yi smiled in silence.

“Stop beating around the bush! Say it!” Talisman Peak’s master, a cold-looking woman, barked.

Xuan Yi’s smile froze on his face.

“Haha!”

The disheveled old man rubbed his hands in laughter. “You wouldn’t want Qi Shan to get angry. If she throws a bunch of talismans on your face, you’ll know what’s true suffering.”

“No, no.”

The brown haired youth shook his head with a serious expression. “Qi Shan won’t bear to attack Xuan Yi.”

Qi Shan’s face blushed for a brief moment as she glared at the disheveled old man and brown haired youth with grit teeth. “You damned fogies! Nothing good comes out of your mouths!”

With an awkward expression, Xuan Yi looked at Qi Shan warily before coughing. “I... really can’t reveal this.”

“Eh?”

Wen Xuan was puzzled. “That’s strange. How unique is the identity of this lad that you can’t tell us?”

Xuan Yi shook his head in silence.

The disheveled old man waved it off. “Forget it, let’s not make things difficult for him.”

Pausing for a moment, the disheveled old man couldn’t help but remark, “But, you’re quite something, Xuan Yi. To think that you’ve managed to groom such a talent without letting us know about it. That’s quite skillful of you.”

“Hmph, I reckon he must have spent quite a bit of time and energy on that lad,” Qi Shan scoffed.

Xuan Yi smiled. “Not really. He’s self-taught.”

“Self-taught?”

The four peak masters exchanged surprised glances.

If someone could clear the Ten Formations Pagoda based on his own studies without the guidance of a strong Array Formation Master as backing, that was truly something incredible.

“Damn, that’s going to make us even more curious,” Wen Xuan laughed bitterly.

Xuan Yi pondered for a moment and replied, “Don’t worry. His identity won’t be hidden for long. It’s just a matter of time before you guys know about it.”