Lu Fan had been living a peaceful and secluded life on Crown Island, far from the struggles of the main Lu family. They had never paid much attention to him, believing he was just a Level 6 Qi Cultivator, unworthy of involvement in important family matters.
But when he heard about the attack on a Foundation Building elder, he decided to visit—not to help, but to understand the situation.
Leaving Crown Island
Before departing, Lu Fan gathered his family.
Lu Fan: "I'll be leaving for a few days. Keep the island secure."
His eldest daughter, Lu Qingxue, already a Level 3 Qi Cultivator and Level 1 Mid-stage Body Tempering expert, stepped forward confidently.
Lu Qingxue: "Father, rest assured. Even if a Golden Core cultivator comes, the arrays will handle them."
Lu Fan nodded. Over the years, he had strengthened the defensive formations, ensuring that even a Golden Core expert could die if they attacked recklessly.
With everything in place, Lu Fan left alone, heading toward the Lu Family Estate.
Arrival at the Lu Family
When Lu Fan arrived, no one paid much attention to him. The family elders were gathered in the main hall, discussing the recent attack.
Lu Jianhong (Patriarch): "Elder Zhong's condition is worsening. If we don't stabilize him soon, we might lose a Foundation Building expert."
Lu Cheng (Elder): "And what of the attackers? Have we identified them?"
A younger cultivator shook his head.
Lu Guard: "No. They were masked and vanished after the attack."
Lu Fan quietly listened. He had no intention of getting involved.
Elder Lu Cheng glanced at him and sneered.
Lu Cheng: "Why is he even here? Lu Fan, these are serious matters. You should go back to your little island."
Lu Fan simply smiled but said nothing.
Lu Jianhong: "Ignore him. He's not important to this discussion."
Lu Fan remained silent, observing. If the Lu family was being targeted, it was only a matter of time before the enemies moved again.
Learning the Truth
While staying at the estate, Lu Fan picked up small details. He learned that the attack happened during the purchase of a Foundation Building Pill, which suggested it was a planned ambush rather than a random robbery.
But who was behind it?
Lu Fan could guess a few possibilities, but he didn't intend to investigate further. It wasn't his problem.
After a few days, once he had gathered enough information, he made his decision.
Lu Fan: "This has nothing to do with me. I'm leaving."
No one tried to stop him.
Lu Cheng scoffed.
Lu Cheng: "Go. You were never important anyway."
Lu Fan smiled faintly.
"You will regret underestimating me one day."
With that, he left the Lu Family Estate and returned to Crown Island, uninterested in the struggles of the main family.
But deep down, he knew… this was only the beginning of something bigger.
Breakthrough to Foundation Building
Months passed in focused preparation as Lu Fan diligently refined his cultivation and techniques. Finally, after much effort, he reached the Foundation Building Realm. The process was intense, but Lu Fan had never been one to back down from a challenge. His Qi cultivation had already been exceptional, and now it was time for him to transcend the mortal realms.
Upon reaching the Foundation Building Realm, Lu Fan experienced something unexpected: Enlightenment. As his cultivation foundation stabilized, his mind and soul began to resonate with the vast knowledge he had accumulated. The years of study, the endless hours of experimentation, and his experiences with arrays, weapons, and spiritual cultivation all merged into one.
For most cultivators, the Foundation Building stage was about creating a firm foundation in their Qi cultivation. But Lu Fan, with his deep understanding of arrays, felt an even greater transformation. He never expected to experience such a thing, as it was rare for someone of his background to form something so profound.
Lu Fan had formed an Array Map.
The Array Map
Array Maps were typically reserved for gifted array masters, those whose talents transcended the ordinary. These individuals, upon reaching the Foundation Building stage, were able to consolidate all their knowledge into a single, intricate map that could guide them in arranging arrays more powerfully and efficiently. It was said that an Array Master who created an Array Map could control the very essence of arrays and enhance their power beyond what most could imagine.
Just as a Sword Cultivator developed Sword Intent, an Array Master formed an Array Map. Alchemists were said to form Elixir Scrolls, and Weapon Refiners developed Weapon Codices. These were the symbols of their mastery in their respective fields.
Lu Fan stood still, eyes closed, as his mind opened up. He saw a glowing, vast network of patterns, symbols, and connections, each one representing different arrays, techniques, and methods he had mastered over the years. His knowledge of defensive arrays, weapon arrays, spiritual arrays, and more coalesced into a singular, cohesive structure. He could feel the intricacy of it all. The Array Map had every detail, from the simplest of formations to the most complex, all interconnected like a living organism.
Lu Fan couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. The map was not just a tool; it was a living record of his journey as an array master, something that no one else in the Lu family could comprehend.
He focused on the Array Map, realizing that it could guide him in arranging and evolving arrays with far greater precision and power. It was now more than just a collection of knowledge; it had become his weapon. The Array Map wasn't just for defense or attack—it was a key to unlocking new heights in array mastery.
The Path Ahead
As Lu Fan emerged from his moment of enlightenment, he could feel the power surging within him. The Foundation Building Realm had changed him, elevated him to a level he had never imagined. His Qi was now far purer, and the spiritual resonance he could create with his arrays was unmatched. The Array Map had formed not just as a tool, but as an extension of his very being.
Lu Fan's gaze hardened. Now that he had the Array Map, he could refine his abilities in array manipulation further than ever before. His next step was to experiment with even more powerful arrays, pushing the boundaries of what he could achieve. There was no limit to what he could create now.
As his Foundation Building Realm stabilized, he knew that his true journey had only just begun. The Array Map would serve as his guide, but the path ahead would require further cultivation, experimentation, and insight.