Yu Rui gazed at Fang Hao, who sat in close proximity to her, and commenced her address. ''I was the one who setup this misty array here, along with a few others in the city of Cloudsour. I will teach you as much as you can manage, understood?'' she inquired.
''Yes, Master,'' Hao nodded, awaiting her instruction.
With a gentle smile, she produced the first manual. ''Since this is your initial lesson, we'll delve into the basics. There exist countless formations and arrays, with new ones being discovered each day. Essentially, an Array Master is a creator.'' She paused briefly before continuing.
''This is the 'Bloomweave Formation.' As the name suggests, it aids in accelerating plant growth, primarily used for resource cultivation. It stands as the simplest and most fundamental formation, quite straightforward to establish. Study the manual and describe its function,'' she explained, handing over the manual to Hao.
Hao focused his gaze on the manual, his attention unwavering. This time, he remained absorbed without getting sidetracked, swiftly comprehending the contents.
Watching him wake up so quickly after just an hour surprised Yu Rui. Formations had more information and detail than sword techniques.
Fang Hao got back to his senses and examined the manual in his hand, finding it fascinating. The way to use it seemed simple yet incredible.
''Master, the formation needs four corners, one at each side. You use things like spiritual wood as a medium to gather energy from the sun. This energy goes to the plants, making them grow faster while keeping them damp. Setting it up happens in four stages,'' he explained, his excitement evident as he thought about trying it out.
''You're right, it's a gardening formation. It's not too large, which makes it ideal for your first attempt. Follow the instructions in the manual to set it up,'' she affirmed, handing him four pieces of low-grade spiritual wood and a small flag.
As he took the wood, he sensed a slight infusion of spiritual qi.
"These are grade 8 materials. Now, go ahead, Hao, and set it up," she encouraged, eagerly anticipating his efforts. She observed as he temporarily stored the flag in the ring.
Hao nodded, taking one of the sticks and inserting it into the ground. He then employed his spiritual qi to inscribe basic symbols on it.
Moving to the opposite side, he repeated the process before forming a square with each piece of wood at a corner.
He surveyed his work and nodded in approval, having completed the initial step. At the moment, the arrangement emitted a faint glow, though it hadn't yet displayed any other effects.
''You need to draw lines connecting each of them,'' Yu Rui advised, noting the correct setup of the initial part.
Fang Hao walked over to the first stick and used his spiritual qi to create a thin, invisible line that extended to the other side.
Repeating this process for all four sticks, he connected them, causing the wood to emit a gentle glow and rendering the lines visible to the eye.
As an invisible square took shape, his excitement mounted, yet he managed to steady his emotions.
''Master, what about the ground beneath the plants? Does the formation cover it?'' he inquired, his curiosity piqued as he approached the third stage.
''No, this is a basic design that only encompasses the top side,'' she replied, shaking her head, and further clarified.
Fang Hao stepped into the center of the square and retrieved a small flag from his spatial ring. He then linked the lines extending from the sides to the flag, designating it as the central point of the formation.
Only step 4 remained. Fang Hao took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and placed his hand on the flag. He channeled his spiritual energy into it, causing the flag to glow brighter, emanating a blue light.
A smile graced Yu Rui's face as she witnessed the lines connecting to the flag also shining, their brilliance spreading to each corner with a faint sound akin to electricity. The four pieces of wood grew even brighter, their symbols radiant as they surged upward into the sky, ultimately merging to form a domelike roof.
Surrounded by the soft, light blue hues, Fang Hao found himself captivated by the spectacle. However, in his fascination, he momentarily overlooked the need to supply spiritual power, resulting in a series of cracking noises before the energy dissipated, causing the array to deactivate.
Recognizing his mistake, he felt embarrassed and scratched his head before using the second method to power the formation with external items. Retrieving a grade 8 spiritual stone, he positioned it at the heart of the flag.
Mimicking the process he had just undertaken, the stone initiated a sequence akin to his own, albeit radiating a gentle white glow in contrast to the blue of his spiritual energy.
Observing the distinct color, Hao inquired, ''Master, does it glow with a different color?''
Yu Rui smiled, pleased with the successful attempt, and responded, ''Yes, spiritual stones emit a white aura. Meanwhile, cultivators each have their own unique signature power color. Yours, for example, is light blue.''Although there was an additional reason, she opted not to disclose it.
''Alright, that's enough for now. You did well, and the formation was set up perfectly. Even if it's a basic one, you could start considering yourself a gardener array master,'' she joked, a playful tone in her voice.
''Now, take these other three manuals. You can work on them during your free time, Hao,'' she continued, handing him similar books.
As he held the manuals in his hands, he saw their names. It didn't take much to understand what they were about: 'Guardian Barrier,' 'Veiled Mist,' and 'Blade Cyclone Assault.'
Fascinated by their potential, Hao grasped the purposes of each manual: defense, concealment, and attacking.
''Thank you, Master'' he expressed his gratitude, realizing that these were her own creations.
''That's enough about formations for now, Hao. I'll be straightforward— the cultivation world is unforgiving. Formations require time to set up and can make the difference between life and death in critical situations, like ambushes."If you're not properly prepared, you won't survive,'' she explained, noticing that her words didn't have a strong reaction from Hao.
''For the time being, we will concentrate on Arrays, is that clear?'' Yu Rui inquired.
''Master, can you teach me offensive arrays?'' Hao inquired eagerly, his anticipation evident as he looked forward to enhancing his self-defense.
''I will, but let's save that for tomorrow. Right now, you've depleted your spiritual qi. You performed even better than I anticipated by successfully setting up the formation,'' Yu Rui acknowledged.
''Your diet will undergo a transformation from this point onward. Bid farewell to regular mortal food, as you'll subsist on these offerings until you advance to the next realm,'' she stated, handing him a stack of white pills.
''What are these?'' Hao questioned, a hint of perplexity in his voice. He had grown fond of the food in this realm, finding it superior to what he had experienced on Earth.
''These are alchemy pills, the lowest grade for cultivators at the Shell Realm,'' she disclosed, and Hao examined the pills closely.
Feeling a sense of bewilderment, Hao sought further clarification. ''Master, I understand, but what are these pills for?''
Yu Rui gave him a sharp look, seeming a bit annoyed by his persistent questions. She replied straightforwardly, ''Just eat one.'' Her response was clear and to the point, indicating that she didn't want to explain further.
''This..I'll consume them once I'm back at my place,'' Hao answered, already having an idea of what the pills might do.
''No, you will eat it now,'' she firmly stated, not allowing him to delay.
''Master, I...'' He began to speak, but suddenly found himself immobilized. Yu Rui controlled his mouth using her spiritual power, forcing it open and swiftly placing a pill inside, making him swallow it.
Fang Hao had no option but to comply as the tasteless pill went into his mouth and down his throat. It felt similar to taking medicine—tasteless and slightly sour. However, he felt no immediate effects and glanced at Yu Rui, puzzled and awaiting her explanation.
Before he could utter another word, a distinct "growl" resonated from his stomach, prompting him to clutch it in discomfort. He realized he urgently needed to use the restroom.
Rui glanced at him with a smirk, seemingly satisfied that her plan had succeeded. Without delay, she lifted him up and took flight, carrying him back to the castle. This time, unlike his previous experience, he was enveloped in a protective barrier.
Massaging his stomach, he struggled to suppress the urgent need, which only seemed to amuse Rui. Her laughter rang out through the air as they made their way back to the castle.
Fang Hao practically raced to the toilet, his desperation evident in every step he took along the long corridors. He inwardly cursed the castle's inconveniently placed restrooms.
Finally reaching his destination, he slammed the door shut and muttered under his breath, ''Damn, these cultivators are truly addicted.'' The sound of 'dragon roars' reverberated across the castle, causing the guards to contain their laughter. Among them, Fang Hao had earned the humorous nickname 'The Dragon'.