Chapter 282

Chapter 282: Formation Path Expansion Decision

Lou Yun carefully read the words inscribed on the Dragon Suppression Plate again, scrutinizing every character from beginning to end! And this time, a full seven days passed!

Back when Lou Yun first laid eyes on the Dragon Suppression Plate, he had skimmed over them in a cursory manner, taking in ten lines at a glance. Even that fleeting glimpse had sent him into a profoundly trance-like state. Therefore, now that he calmed his mind and read them properly, it consumed such a vast amount of time.

Even so, when Lou Yun finally regained awareness, he couldn’t help but shake his head repeatedly. Spending seven days to read these mere several thousand characters still left him feeling as if he had been plunged into a dense fog. He comprehended less than one percent of the content described within this "Formation Path Expansion Decision."

The name of this set of martial principles concerning formations was "Formation Path Expansion Decision." Divided into upper, middle, and lower scrolls, the upper scroll served as an introductory volume, elucidating what formations were and the principles underlying their arrangement. Mastering the contents of this scroll would allow one to easily discern various environments and terrains, and understand what type of formation should be deployed in each specific situation!

The middle scroll was an in-depth treatise, detailing the categories of formations and outlining general methods for breaking them. It provided corresponding examples for each category with detailed explanations. Mastering this scroll’s contents enabled one to swiftly determine the type of a formation, whether observing it from outside or trapped within. Once the type was identified, one could attempt to dismantle it using the corresponding breaking methods.

However, this scroll expressly emphasized that due to the sheer number and infinite variations possible in formations, where even the slightest alteration could drastically alter the formation’s entire operation, the breaking methods should only serve as a reference and not be rigidly applied.

The lower scroll contained the true essence of the entire martial principle set. It taught methods for setting up formations. Nan Qu Xing had meticulously recorded the arrangement techniques for several formations he had researched throughout his life, including the sealing formation inscribed on this Dragon Suppression Plate that imprisoned the Illusory Wolf Heavenly Fire. It was the formation Nan Qu Xing himself was most proud of—the Binding Dragon Formation!

Combined, the three scrolls totaled only several thousand words. Yet, the path of formation arts was profoundly vast and intricate. Lou Yun privately surmised that to fully understand and master all three scrolls of the Formation Path Expansion Decision would likely require several decades.

Nevertheless, Lou Yun did grasp one key point: the path of formations was intricately connected to the Dao of Heaven and Earth. Strictly speaking, the fundamental principle that allowed formations to function was the harnessing of energy from between heaven and earth. Therefore, if one could perceive the Dao of Heaven and Earth and freely command its energy, understanding formations might become much easier through analogy.

Knowing this fact, Lou Yun also understood that he currently lacked the time and energy to delve into the Dao of Heaven and Earth. Many pressing matters surrounded him. He could only place the Dragon Suppression Plate back into his storage ring, thinking he would thoroughly study it later when he truly had ample time. Still, he could teach this Formation Path Expansion Decision to the brothers of the Lu Family. Perhaps they could find within it methods to break through the bottleneck restraining their own progress.

Of course, these seven days weren’t entirely without gains. At present, Lou Yun had one foot firmly planted in the doorway of formation arts; he was no longer the complete novice he once was.

Lou Yun meditated briefly to regulate his breathing, then stood up, pushed open the door, and walked out.

With Xia Guanqiu personally directing the reconstruction, the rebuilding of the Ancient Weapon Academy proceeded apace and was now nearing completion. It was believed that in just two or three more days, the entire project would be finished.

Observing these familiar yet unfamiliar buildings rising anew, scenes from his first arrival here spontaneously surfaced in Lou Yun’s mind. A wave of emotion washed over him: time truly flew. Several years had passed in the blink of an eye.

At that moment, Xia Zhilan appeared before Lou Yun. Seeing him lost in thought one moment, shaking his head the next, and then smiling softly, she couldn’t help but burst out into a light laugh. "Brother Lou," she asked gently, "What are you thinking about?"

Lou Yun snapped out of his reverie. Looking at Xia Zhilan before him, he smiled. "Nothing much, just remembering the old times."

Xia Zhilan nodded softly. "Yes. These past days, standing beside Grandfather as these once-familiar buildings are reconstructed layer by layer… that nostalgic familiarity brings forth a torrent of emotions."

"Heh, come now," Lou Yun chuckled, "let’s not stand here sighing endlessly! Since the academy is no longer facing trouble, shouldn’t we prepare to leave soon? I want to go home!"

Their purpose in returning to the Ancient Weapon Academy had been solely to assure Dean Xia of their safety. Unexpectedly, they had gotten embroiled in this ordeal, significantly delaying their journey. Deep down, Xia Zhilan felt a pang of guilt; were it not for assisting Dean Xia and the academy, Lou Yun would have long since reunited with his family.

But Xia Zhilan knew his character well. She understood that voicing apologies would only displease him. So, she quickly nodded. "Yes. Grandfather says it should be completed in two or three days. We can leave then. I’ll go inform Grandfather first!"

"Alright!"

…

Two nights later, two figures slipped silently out of the Ancient Weapon Academy’s main gate. Hand in hand, they made their way to the valley entrance.

As they walked, they conversed quietly. "Brother Lou, is it really okay for us to sneak away like this?" Xia Zhilan inquired.

Lou Yun chuckled softly. "What’s wrong with it? The academy will officially be considered rebuilt the day after tomorrow. I heard from A Jiu that Dean Xia sent out invitations the very day he returned, announcing a grand opening ceremony. He invited many people to witness it. Starting tomorrow, crowds will probably begin swarming the academy. If we waited until then to leave, it wouldn’t be so easy."

Naturally, these two figures stealing away from the Ancient Weapon Academy under cover of night were Lou Yun and Xia Zhilan.

Two days prior, Xia Zhilan had informed Xia Guanqiu of their desire to depart. Dean Xia readily agreed, but requested they stay until after the opening ceremony. He mentioned the ceremony would gather prominent figures from many clans and schools.

Xia Guanqiu intended to use this event to introduce Lou Yun to the assembled luminaries, establishing his fame and laying a solid foundation for Lou Yun to eventually succeed him as Dean of the Ancient Weapon Academy.

Unfortunately, Lou Yun despised such social obligations. Upon learning the news from Nie Jiu, he decided to slip away two days early. Thus, their "elopement" that night.

Truthfully, Xia Guanqiu’s plan proved utterly redundant. Lou Yun, by this point, held considerable renown throughout the Spirit Weapon Star. Even disregarding his powerful elder brothers, his own numerous titles were impressive enough: Patriarch of the Lou Family, Master of Yulu Mountain Manor, leader of the skilled weapon makers, Head of the Divine Weapon Alliance, and overlord of the Eastern Ling Sea Area. None were anything less than illustrious; further introduction was unnecessary.

And so, the two left the Ancient Weapon Academy. Lou Yun summoned his magical weapon and, carrying Xia Zhilan, raced through the sky towards Yulu Mountain Manor.

Aside from returning home, Lou Yun had a few smaller tasks: to find his disciple and visit Wan Huier. However, the extended delay at the Ancient Weapon Academy forced him to temporarily postpone everything else. He pushed all thoughts aside, focusing solely on going home.

Though a vast distance separated the Ancient Weapon Academy from Yulu Mountain Manor, Lou Yun was driven by a homesickness sharp as an arrow. He scarcely stopped during the journey, breaking only briefly when he worried Xia Zhilan needed rest. Finally, after a month, they arrived at Yulu Mountain Manor.

The defensive measures of Yulu Mountain Manor were exceptionally strict. Even with Lou Yun’s current strength, it was impossible to enter unnoticed. When he appeared at the main gate, both visible and hidden guards visibly startled.

However, some among the guards recognized Lou Yun. They instantly knew he was the sworn younger brother of the Old Manor Master, Beichen Ming. Someone hurried inside to announce him.

In no time, practically the entire populace of Yulu Mountain Manor poured out to welcome Lou Yun at the gate.

Lou Yun walked directly to his father, Lou Tianming. With a thud, he dropped to his knees. "Father! Your unfilial son, Yun’er, has returned!"

Though the Patriarch of the Lou Family, he was eternally Lou Tianming’s son; this truth was immutable!

Seeing Lou Yun kneel, the sensible Xia Zhilan promptly knelt before Lou Tianming too. But being confronted by so many people, shyness overwhelmed her. Her cheeks burned bright red; she felt utterly tongue-tied.

The suddenness of this joyous arrival left Lou Tianming momentarily frozen. He stood stiffly until Lou Tianzhi beside him subtly jabbed him in the ribs, making him snap back to reality.

"Ah! Quick! Rise! Rise!" Lou Tianming reached out, trying to help Xia Zhilan up—after all, she was a young lady. "This… young lady, you are? That… Yun’er, help her up! You… stand up yourself!"

His excitement rendered him almost incoherent.

At that moment, Lou Qian, standing beside Lou Tianzhi, stepped forward cheerfully. She helped Xia Zhilan rise with a grin. "Oh? Who’s this? Oh it’s schoolmate Xia! No, no… I must address you differently now. I should call you younger sister-in-law Xia!"

These words naturally caused Xia Zhilan, who had just lifted her head, to instantly lower it again. Her hands could only twist at her sleeves; she dared not even glance up or offer a reply.

Undaunted, Lou Qian pulled a still-bashful Xia Zhilan and turned her towards Lou Tianming and Lou Tianzhi.

"Father, Uncle!" Lou Qian announced brightly, "This is Miss Xia, granddaughter of Dean Xia of the Ancient Weapon Academy, and Lou Yun’s fiancée!"