TL: Etude
Array Talent!
This was a magical talent. Many of the arrays in the Demon Sea Base were set up by array masters. While their combat abilities might not be particularly strong, their methods of array setup were incredibly diverse—killing arrays, defense arrays, illusion arrays, sound-proofing arrays, energy channels, qi gathering arrays, and so on.
Ye Tian wanted to replicate array talent. His aim was not to master arrays, but to create an qi cultivation chamber for himself, obviating the need for a cultivation tower.
Array masters weren't hard to find; they were vital figures within the Demon Sea Base. Many major powers had array masters stationed within them. The Martial Pavilion headquarters even housed a high-ranking array master.
Previously, Ye Tian had reviewed the talent profile of an array master but had not chosen to replicate it as array talent was not his target then.
That day,
Ye Tian returned to the Martial Pavilion headquarters again.
Whoosh!
His talent-copying ability enveloped the entire Pavilion, and he finally located that same array master again.
Human: Nie Qi
Cultivation Talent: Top-grade
Array Talent: High-tier
"Copy!"
Silently, Ye Tian copied the man's array talent. He then discovered another high-tier array talent.
"My array talent is only high-tier; if I copy two more high-tier array talents, I can advance to top-grade array talent!"
Ye Tian's eyes lit up in delight.
So, he copied this high-tier array talent as well, recognizing that such talents were rare opportunities not to be missed.
Having copied two talents, Ye Tian had completed his mission. However, he didn't leave immediately. He wanted to purchase a basic array inscription manual and a Qi Gathering Array design diagram.
To build a cultivation chamber, a Qi Gathering Array must be laid to gather the Yuan Force of heaven and earth.
The Qi Gathering Array design diagram was indispensable, and he also needed to learn the basics of array inscriptions. After all, even if Ye Tian copied array talent, without inscribing the arrays, he couldn't set them up.
"Do you have basic array inscription manuals and Qi Gathering Array design diagrams here?"
Ye Tian approached a counter to inquire.
The service attendant smiled, "Respected Master, we do have basic array inscription manuals, but we don't have Qi Gathering Array design diagrams. Those can only be purchased from the Array Masters Association."
"Array Masters Association!"
Ye Tian understood. High-level confidential items like Qi Gathering Array design diagrams were generally not for sale and were controlled by the Array Masters Association.
The Array Masters Association was an organization formed by array masters within the Demon Sea Base.
"It seems I must first become an array master and then join the Array Masters Association to get the Qi Gathering Array design diagram," Ye Tian mused.
Joining the Array Masters Association was not an issue for him. He knew it was a loose organization, not binding its members, who were affiliated with various powers or were freelancers.
He had no objections to joining such a casual organization.
"Then please give me a basic array inscription manual," Ye Tian spoke up.
The attendant nodded, "Alright, a basic array inscription manual will cost 50 million."
After paying, the service attendant quickly brought over a basic array inscription manual and handed it to Ye Tian.
He then returned home to study the basic array patterns.
…
Opening the basic array inscription manual, it was filled with numerous array inscriptions that looked like mysterious characters.
At first glance, it was hard to discern their function.
So, Ye Tian activated his high-tier array talent.
Boom!!!
The world before him transformed; each array inscription became an illumination, flying out of the manual.
This was the world of arrays!
"Amazing!"
"Power!"
"Control!"
"Illusion!"
Ye Tian stared at the various runes and quickly understood the meanings of these basic symbols, knowing their functions.
"No wonder only those with a natural talent for formation arrays can become array masters. If you don't have this talent, you can't even understand the runes, let alone become an array master," Ye Tian exclaimed, his face lighting up in sudden realization.
Shortly thereafter, he began to study how to engrave formation arrays. To do so, he needed engraving pens, beast blood, and paper or materials infused with energy.
To prepare these items, Ye Tian spent tens of millions. It was clear that being an array master was a costly profession. Entering this field was difficult without enough money, unless one chose to join a powerful organization, which would then nurture the individual to become an array master. But doing so would undoubtedly sacrifice one's freedom.
The second type of array master slowly accumulated wealth to study array knowledge. Once they successfully entered the field, making money became easier.
Ye Tian was not concerned about money; he purchased large quantities of materials and practiced engraving runes fervently. Coupled with his high-level array talents, his progress was exponentially faster than that of a regular array master.
On the first day, he mastered ten runes; on the second day, he mastered eight; and on the third, seven. As he progressed, the runes he needed to master became increasingly complex, requiring more time.
However, after half a month, Ye Tian had already mastered fifty runes. With just twenty runes, one could be considered a junior array master. Mastering fifty runes undoubtedly made Ye Tian a true array master. He only needed to draw an array design, and he could then set up an array.
"It's time to go to the Array Masters Association!" Ye Tian announced, leaving his home to head toward the Array Masters Association.
Before long, a magnificent building appeared before him.
"Array Masters Association!"
The five ancient Chinese characters were engraved on the placard of the Array Masters Association.
"Beautiful writing!" Ye Tian exclaimed.
Actually, these were no longer just characters but a combination of various runes, ingeniously forming the words 'Array Masters Association.' If one activated their array talents, they would see another image: the five words composed of countless intricate runes.
However, most people lacked the talent for formation arrays, so they couldn't perceive the intricacies of these five characters.
As Ye Tian entered the Array Masters Association, a young girl approached him.
"Master, may I assist you with anything?" the girl inquired, bowing slightly.
Clearly, she was a staff member of the Array Masters Association. Ye Tian glanced at her and realized that she didn't possess any array talent; otherwise, she wouldn't be working here as regular staff.
Quickly, Ye Tian used his cloning talent to survey the area. There were only about twenty or so array masters in the Association, most with either beginner or intermediate-level talents for formation arrays. This matched his expectations. True array Grandmasters would not be staying in the Array Masters Association; they either had their own dwellings or were sponsored by large organizations.
That's why he didn't come here first to clone array talents; instead, he went to the Martial Hall to clone high-level array talents.
"I want to participate in the array master examination," Ye Tian declared his intention.
"Ah, Master, you have an array talent as well?" the girl asked, surprised.
"Yes," Ye Tian nodded.
"Very well, let me handle the examination procedures for you," the girl said, leading Ye Tian to complete the necessary formalities and pay the exam fee.
Soon after, a notice arrived in Ye Tian's hands: "The examination will commence in three days."
...
Guys!!! Please add this story to your collection and support with power stones. I'm begging...