"A Supreme Yellow Level formation diagram? I've gained quite a lot this time."
Xiao Chen examined the diagram with interest, nodding in satisfaction.
Formation masters, who cultivated their soul energy and relied on grand formations to battle, possessed a mysterious and unpredictable power. They were among the most difficult opponents to deal with.
Theoretically, a qualified formation master was on par with an expert at the Xuanwu Realm.
Formation diagrams were categorized into four levels: Sky, Earth, Black, and Yellow—just like martial arts techniques. Each level was further divided into four grades: lower, middle, upper, and supreme.
However, an ordinary formation master could only inscribe a lower-grade Yellow Level formation. A talented one might be able to create an upper-grade Yellow Level formation, capable of threatening higher-level Xuanwu Realm experts.
As for a supreme-grade Yellow Level formation, most formation masters were incapable of inscribing it. Only those who could were known as grand formation masters.
Such individuals were comparable to Lingwu Realm martial artists.
"Perhaps I should study formations when I have time?" Xiao Chen mused.
If he possessed the aptitude for formation mastery, his combat strength would soar even further.
As he was lost in thought, a deep voice interrupted him. "Oh? You actually managed to obtain the Nine Xuan Spirit Convergence Formation plate? Not bad, not bad."
A figure in green appeared before Xiao Chen—a young man in his twenties, exuding confidence with every movement. Behind him stood a middle-aged man, motionless like a mountain, his aura oppressive and terrifying.
"Hehe, behind that formation plate is a supreme-grade Yellow Level formation diagram. Even a grand formation master would be tempted by it."
The young man clasped his hands behind his back, his sharp eyes brimming with arrogance. He issued a direct command: "Something like this is beyond your reach. Hand it over, and I'll spare your life."
"Hand it over?" Xiao Chen glanced at him with an amused smile.
"This fool thinks highly of himself. I went through so much trouble to obtain this, and he expects me to just give it up?" he thought.
Furthermore, he dared to threaten Xiao Chen's life? Even Xiao Chen himself had never been so domineering.
"Ridiculous! Who do you think you are? How dare you speak to the young master like that! Do you have a death wish?" the middle-aged man behind the youth bellowed, his cold voice filled with killing intent.
Xiao Chen's gaze turned frosty. Without a word, he stored the formation plate away.
That action immediately enraged the middle-aged man.
"You've got guts!" he sneered. "Do you even know who you're standing before?"
"Even if you were the Heavenly King, would it matter?" Xiao Chen raised an eyebrow and replied indifferently.
"Haha! The Heavenly King? He isn't as powerful as the young master!" The middle-aged man laughed proudly before lowering his voice. "Listen closely—my young master is the heir of Jitian Prefecture."
Beside him, the young man wore a smug expression.
Jitian Prefecture?
Xiao Chen frowned. "What's that? Another Prefecture City?"
He wasn't pretending to be ignorant—he genuinely had never heard of Jitian Prefecture.
"What? You don't even know about Jitian Prefecture?" The middle-aged man looked at him in shock. Jitian Prefecture ranked tenth in Yunhai City, its influence so great that even the major families of Yunhai City feared offending it.
How could this brat not know such a famous place?
Realizing this, his face darkened with killing intent. "Are you playing with me?"
He stepped forward, his cold gaze locking onto Xiao Chen, a terrifying aura pressing down as if he was about to strike.
Xiao Chen remained unfazed. Instead, he smirked. "Jitian Prefecture? Sounds like a joke."
"Heh, since you don't know, allow me to educate you." The young man in green waved his hand, halting the middle-aged man. He spoke slowly, "In Yunhai City, there are ten Prefecture Cities. Jitian Prefecture is one of them. This region belongs to Tianyang Prefecture, but compared to Jitian Prefecture, Tianyang is nothing more than a larger town."
"Furthermore, the heads of Jitian Prefecture have always been favored by the governor. They oversee the Thousand Bulls Guard and manage the entire county, possessing the authority to execute first and report later."
"Oh, and one more thing—the Ji family rules Jitian Prefecture."
The young man smirked, glancing at Xiao Chen. "Now do you understand the significance of Jitian Prefecture?"
"Oh, so that's Jitian Prefecture." Xiao Chen nodded. After hearing the explanation, he understood its importance.
But so what?
No matter how powerful Jitian Prefecture was, it was just another Prefecture City.
"Hmm? Interesting... very interesting..."
Seeing Xiao Chen remain indifferent, the young man chuckled as if he had discovered something amusing.
His eyes gleamed as he suddenly said, "It's been a while since I've seen someone like you. Why don't you follow me?"
The middle-aged man looked at the young master in surprise before turning to Xiao Chen. "Bow down and thank him! The young master cherishes talent and is offering you a rare opportunity! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance—you're incredibly fortunate."
"Are you insane?" Xiao Chen spat out coldly, turning to leave.
They expected him to grovel? To him, these two were simply delusional.
Seeing Xiao Chen's reaction, the young man's face instantly darkened. "Do you even know who I am?"
Before Xiao Chen could reply, he continued arrogantly, "My name is Ji Yuan, heir of Jitian Prefecture. At birth, the governor personally awarded me the right to walk ahead of the palace guards. Do you understand my nobility now? If you follow me, your miserable fate will change instantly. Calling it a 'skyrocketing success' wouldn't be an exaggeration!"
"Would you really turn down such an opportunity?"
Ji Yuan smirked confidently, expecting Xiao Chen to be awestruck and bow in admiration.
However, he was doomed to disappointment.
Without even looking back, Xiao Chen uttered two words coldly.
"Get lost."
His voice was like a thunderclap.
Ji Yuan's expression turned ice-cold in an instant.
"You insolent dog! You court death!" he roared. "I gave you a chance to change your fate, but you didn't cherish it. Now, I'll show you why the strong are to be revered!"
A powerful aura exploded from his body.
Level six of the Spirit Incarnation Realm!
"Take this!"
With a furious roar, he clenched his fist and punched at Xiao Chen, aiming to crush him with overwhelming force.
Xiao Chen's gaze turned icy. He suddenly stopped moving, then casually lifted his hand.
Slap!
A crisp sound echoed.
Before Ji Yuan could react, an immense force struck his face, sending him flying dozens of meters through the air before he crashed heavily onto the ground.