Fang Hao found his place on the mat, the mist formation book unfolded in front of him once again. This time, his mind was set on comprehending it fully before he even attempted to decipher the function of the symbols.
In contrast to the uncomplicated defensive symbols Yu Rui had taught him, the mist formation appeared significantly more intricate and bewildering.
Taking in a deep breath, he engrossed himself in the study of the mist formation, diligently seeking to grasp the intricacies and make sense of its puzzles.
"Veiled Mist" -This was the title of the formation book Yu Rui had given him. Inside, there was a detailed description of how to set up the formation, including the specific lines he needed to draw.
After dedicating an entire week to focused efforts, he managed to grasp the basics of how it worked, although his understanding remained incomplete.
The process involved placing four formation flags on each side, followed by setting up the central area where he needed to position an object resembling mist.
"So, I can utilize objects that carry a trace of mist or moisture, and those associated with water and fire, to generate steam and similar effects. However, Yu Rui also included some specific examples in the notes, with one of the most common being the Aquamist Orchid," Fang Hao murmured.
The image of the orchid's appearance was truly striking: its petals are translucent, shimmering akin to water droplets glistening in sunlight.
At its core, the flower houses a delicate, swirling mist that releases a mild and soothing fragrance. It's classified as a rank 8 plant and is fairly common to find, typically cultivated near lakes. Fang Hao noticed the note and smiled, pondering over it before sharing a few helpful tips.
"Let's start by outlining the formation before finding an item to release mist," Fang Hao muttered, his excitement evident as he rose from his seat.
Peering into his spatial ring, Fang Hao counted a total of 12 formation flags. His father and Yu Rui had thoughtfully provided them before his departure for the sect, allowing for reuse unless they were damaged. Among them, eight were of rank 8, while the remaining four were rank 7 formation flags.
"I'm fortunate they prepared these for me; otherwise, I'd have to purchase them. Regrettably, arranging the rank 7 ones consumes more time and depletes my spiritual energy rather swiftly," Fang Hao murmured, retrieving the rank 8 flags.
He opted for the design he had created for the defensive formation, selecting just three of them and arranging them in a triangle. This choice aimed to conserve spiritual energy.
Creating a small triangle around the prayer mat, he sketched the connecting lines that joined them. Subsequently, he placed a fourth formation flag in front of him, designating it as the central brain.
While he could potentially energize them by utilizing his spiritual qi and infusing them as he had done with the defensive formation, this would not allow him to focus on cultivation, on which he would have to spend the necessary time and energy to keep them consistently powered.
As the lowest-ranking spiritual stone was positioned at the base of the brain flag, a soft glow ignited, while lines intricately connected, giving rise to a formation reminiscent of the guardian formation. However, despite its resemblance, this formation proved ineffective; devoid of the crucial mist element, it offered neither protection nor any discernible function.
"Where should I inscribe the symbol of darkness, fellow Daoist?" Fang Hao pondered aloud. He directed his gaze at the mirror, and to his surprise, it displayed the words 'core formation.'
"So, the center," Fang Hao mused as he scrutinized the softly radiant formation enveloping him.
"I suppose I'll embark on the search for the flower before testing it out," he remarked, casting a stern glance at the mirror. With determination, he removed the stone from the formation, causing it to dissipate.
Emerging from the cave, he meticulously adjusted and straightened his robe. After a refreshing stretch, he proceeded on his way. As he glanced towards the neighboring cave, he silently hoped for no comments.
Unfortunately, his wish was short-lived, as he was soon interrupted."Junior brother, are you facing cultivation issues once more?" He heard a voice, breaking his thoughts.
With a swift reply, Fang Hao retorted, annoyed, "I require an Aquamist Orchid flower. Do you happen to possess one, senior brother?" He turned on his heel, taking a chance as he put his question forth, yet making small steps, trying to get away.
"I indeed possess one, junior brother," the young male began, his words flowing in a poetic manner. "The world of lakes and the wonder of the mountains, especially during the early mornings..."
The speech got on Fang Hao's nerves, prompting him to interject, "Senior brother, what's the price?" The flow of words ceased abruptly, followed by a response, "Ten low spiritual stones." Fang Hao nodded curtly and walked toward the barrier.
As the barrier opened, his gaze fell upon the cultivator—the so-called senior brother. The figure knelt before him, eyes sealed shut, a sword resting beside him.
Clad in white robes with flowing green hair, Fang Hao found himself considering his own appearance, now believing it to be rather handsome in this new body.
However, the individual before him occupied a league of their own. Possessing an air of melancholy combined with the wisdom of a sage who comprehended the world.
Fang Hao's eye twitched, and he mustered a strained smile as he spoke, "'Senior brother, here are your spiritual stones," as he held out the stones with a polite smile.
The male, standing outside the barrier, gazed at Fang Hao, slowly rising to his feet. He opened his green eyes, a deliberate and measured motion, before making his way to a small garden next to him. There, he carefully snipped a flower. "You can call me Ping Jing. Here's the Aquamist Orchid," he said, passing the freshly cut flower to Fang Hao.
Fang Hao opened his mouth and then closed it in surprise as he noticed the 'small' garden behind Ping Jing, filled with numerous plants and an abundance of Aquamist Orchids. In comparison, his own garden seemed trivial, serving mainly as a display of colors.
"Senior Brother Jing, thank you," he said quickly, taking hurried steps towards his own residence.
Jing began speaking, but Fang Hao's patience wore thin as he heard himself referred to as "the younger generation is impetience" Without looking back, he entered his barrier, irritation gnawing at him.
"Impatience, my ass. I've been trying to cultivate, and something always has to happen," Fang Hao muttered, contemplating whether it might be better to remain a mortal.
Upon reaching the formation, he carefully positioned the plant at its base and set the spiritual stone to power it. As he activated the formation, a small mist emerged, spreading around him and forming a compact triangle. The mist engulfed the sky, leaving only the ground untouched.
"Amazing, I can't see what's beyond it," he murmured, placing his hand through the mist as it dissipated around his touch.
"Though it's not quite like the one back at home, where I could distinctly sense the directions, this is still advantageous for potential ambushes, I suppose," Fang Hao reflected with satisfaction.
Seating himself, he prepared to draw the symbol of darkness. Despite studying it for a while, he found himself unable to comprehend its meaning.
"Guan Xin, are you certain there isn't something else I need?" Fang Hao inquired, glancing toward the mirror, only to find the mist obscuring his vision. Left with no alternative, he sketched the symbol '𐒣' at the base of the flag.
An unexpected occurrence followed: the white mist underwent a peculiar transformation, shifting in hue from light to progressively darker shades, until it evolved into a deep black.
Enveloped by the profound blackness, he ventured to employ the foundational technique, seeking to merge it with the darkness of the formation.
At first, it was confusing, but as time went on, Fang Hao's progress became increasingly more noticeable to the naked eye. He spent a full week practicing the foundation technique until he could gradually synchronize his aura with it.
He had arrived at the initial stage of the technique, something that normally would take months if not a year.
Should someone enter the cave now, only those possessing heightened perception would be capable of detecting him. For all others, merely a veil of black mist would greet their gaze, revealing nothing within. Although Fang Hao's physical form occupied the space, his presence remained hidden.
If Fang Hao was able to see the mirror now, that was obscured by the mist, he would come to comprehend the tranformation behind the mist's without the use of an medium item. Written onto the mist-covered mirror, a reply awaited him: 'Dao Mark Law 'Darkness'.