"Oh, I see. So does that mean if I want to create tier 2 arrays, I need to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm?"
Elder Duan shook his head. "The Array and Alchemist Dao don't work like them. They are separated from Qi Cultivation. Elder Peng, for example, is a Nascent Soul realm cultivator, but he is a tier 5 alchemist."
Feng Fan nodded. "If that's the case, why are arrays and pills classified like that?"
"It's just a common convention," Elder Duan explained. "For example, tier 2 pills typically affect Foundation Establishment realm cultivators, tier 3 pills work on Golden Core Formation realm cultivators, and so on. But it's still rare to see someone like Elder Peng, who's able to create something a tier higher than his own cultivation level."
Elder Duan paused as he remembered something. "What you did, using three low tier 1 arrays to affect Foundation Establishment and Golden Core Formation cultivators, is almost unheard of."
Feng Fan had already realized that Elder Duan had come here to recruit him as a disciple in the Array Dao. Deciding to take the initiative, he asked.
"Well, I still have a lot to learn about the Array Dao. Elder Duan, would you teach me?"
Elder Duan smiled, feeling that Feng Fan was truly a sensible young man.
"You are a promising talent. From today onward, I will be your master in the Array Dao."
Feng Fan cupped his hands and bowed slightly. "Disciple greets Master."
Elder Duan waved his hand, and Feng Fan immediately felt a powerful aura envelop him. He chose not to resist as the energy lifted both of them into the air.
In less than half a minute, they landed on another peak, in front of a house that was even larger than Xue Qiang and Huang Xue's quarters.
"This is where I live, on the Sixth Peak," Elder Duan said, gesturing to the area. "All of the White Crown Sect's array knowledge is concentrated here. From now on, you'll live close to me."
He pointed to another house nearby, about half the size of his own.
Feng Fan nodded, already liking his new home. He didn't even need to look inside to know it was far better than his previous one.
Feng Fan was eager to check out his new home, but Elder Duan had other plans.
"Let's go inside," Elder Duan said as he opened the door to his house and stepped in. Feng Fan followed closely behind.
To Feng Fan's surprise, the house wasn't luxurious but rather simple in design.
There was a couch and a small artificial pond, similar to the one in Huang Xue's quarters. A separate room held a double bed and another one a bathroom
In the center of the main room, a staircase led to the next floor.
Elder Duan walked straight to the stairs, with Feng Fan trailing behind.
The second floor was completely empty—a wide, open space with plain white walls and flooring.
"This is where we'll train your Array Dao," Elder Duan said, turning to Feng Fan. "For most people, that would be an impossible goal, but for you, it might even be too easy. I want you to become a tier 2 Array Master within a month. What do you think?"
Feng Fan smiled confidently. "Since you believe in me, I have no reason not to try."
Elder Duan nodded in approval. "Good!"
"Since you only know auxiliary arrays, how about we start with offensive ones? They can be incredibly useful in large-scale battles or for defending a specific area" Elder Duan suggested.
Feng Fan nodded in agreement. He had often thought about the lack of offensive arrays that could directly harm enemies.
When he rested or cultivated inside the pocket dimension, he could only rely on alarm arrays to warn him if anyone breached the perimeter.
However, once triggered, he still had to face the enemies himself. Offensive arrays would certainly fill that gap.
"Pay close attention," Elder Duan instructed.
Spiritual Qi surged into his hand as he moved it slowly through the air with precision.
The moment Elder Duan began, Feng Fan activated his spiritual Qi vision. With it, he could not only observe the movements of Elder Duan's hand but also see how he manipulated the spiritual Qi to alter the heavenly laws.
Elder Duan's strokes extended into both the air and the ground, intricately weaving an array that encompassed the area a few meters around him.
As the array took shape, Feng Fan felt a heavy, oppressive killing intent in the air. However, the moment Elder Duan finished, the killing intent vanished entirely.
"This is a peak tier 1 sword killing array," Elder Duan explained. "Of all the tier 1 arrays I know, this one boasts the highest attack power."
For the next month, Feng Fan set aside his cultivation to focus entirely on arrays, and his Array Dao soared like a rocket piercing the skies!
A few hours after Feng Fan left with Elder Duan, a man with blond hair appeared in front of his door.
It was Gong Long, or rather, the Heavenly Demon Monarch, who possessed Gong Long's body.
He stood there, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Little bastard, I'm back for you," he muttered.
Raising his hand slowly, he made a subtle motion. Within moments, every array inside Feng Fan's room was dismantled. To him, these arrays were nothing more than child's play!
He opened the door and stepped inside, expecting to find Feng Fan.
"Hmph. Took me a while to find his room, but the little bastard isn't here... No matter. Sooner or later, he'll come back," he muttered.
Realizing Feng Fan wasn't home, the Heavenly Demon Monarch moved to a corner of the room and began constructing a simple array.
It was a tier 2 illusion array, powerful enough to conceal him from prying eyes. Once activated, he entered the array and stationed himself in the corner, waiting.
Hours turned into days, and days into weeks.
He remained there, unmoving, waiting for Feng Fan to return.
By the end of a month, his patience had run dry. Fury consumed him, and his eyes burned red with rage.
"Where the hell is that bastard? Doesn't he ever come home? For making me wait this long, I'll tear your soul apart, piece by piece!"