159: About the business of 350,000 spirit stones!

Behind the Sword Pavilion.

Blood-colored rune markings slowly emerged, reflecting on the grass as if it had been stained with fresh blood.

Mo Fan was stunned; he concentrated his Mental Energy and looked toward the blood-colored rune markings on the grass.

A moment later, his brows furrowed into a knot.

"What ancient rune markings," Mo Fan frowned slightly.

"These rune markings need to be broken to activate the teleportation array and enter the sealed small space."

Mo Fan had learned from the ancient texts that although the two "saint corpse" were nominally sealed on Hidden Sword Peak, they were not actually inside Hidden Sword Peak itself. Instead, they were in an independent small space constructed through the natural Field on Hidden Sword Peak.

The so-called "saint corpse" were within that independent small space.

To open the teleportation array leading to the small space, one must first resolve the blood-colored rune markings before them.

"This is somewhat troublesome—"

With a slight perception, Mo Fan knew these ancient blood-colored rune markings were very troublesome.

"Almost every rune marking contains several Formation Source Runes.

"The blood-colored rune markings on the periphery are fine; breaking them isn't too troublesome.

"But the closer to the center, the more complex the rune markings become. Most of the rune markings in the core area are advanced Formation Source Runes, making them too difficult to break.

"Furthermore, none of these rune markings are simple; they are interconnected and embedded, woven together into an array.

"If forced open, I fear it would unleash terrifying power."

Mo Fan estimated in his heart, and his expression sank a few degrees.

"At that point, I fear the entire Hidden Sword Peak, or even most of Yuxu Academy, would be razed to the ground."

Thinking of this, Mo Fan wiped away cold sweat and abandoned the idea of forcibly breaking this blood-colored array.

Just then, Liu Xiyan walked over, though he didn't know when she had arrived.

"You noticed it too. You are truly the most outstanding Genius in the history of Chixia Peak."

She looked at the blood-colored rune markings, her expression calm, seemingly unsurprised.

At this, Mo Fan was surprised: "Elder, you knew there was a Magic Array here?"

Also, where did the title "most outstanding Genius in the history of Chixia Peak" come from?

How come I didn't know?

Liu Xiyan shook her head and said: "I found out a few days ago."

After pondering for a moment, she explained: "After Liu Jian led people from the Heavenly Demon Cult to sneak into the back of Hidden Sword Peak, the Academy began to pay attention to this place.

"Later, when the Demon Race spared no cost to tear through space and forcibly attack Yuxu Academy, it wasn't hard to guess that their goal was likely Hidden Sword Peak.

"Therefore, the back of Hidden Sword Peak has always been an object of attention for the Academy.

"For this reason, your Master has actually come many times; the reason you didn't see her is simply because you missed her every time."

"So that's it." Hearing this, Mo Fan had already guessed the answer.

Liu Xiyan paused and continued to explain:

"Actually, as a leading figure in the Field of Magic Array, your Master realized something was wrong here long ago and knew a Magic Array was hidden here.

"It's just that the Magic Array is too ancient, and many rune markings are things never seen before on the Blue Star, so she couldn't find a way to activate it for a while.

"Until ten days ago, she discovered a book of ancient texts in the Sword Pavilion.

"The book recorded several ancient rune markings.

"Although she didn't recognize the characters in the ancient book, she felt that those few ancient rune markings were likely related to the hidden Magic Array on the back mountain, so she gave it a try."

"This attempt revealed this terrifying blood-colored array."

At this, a cold glint flashed in Liu Xiyan's eyes: "This blood-colored array is a great killing weapon. If detonated, I fear more than half of Yuxu Academy would be razed to the ground.

"The last time the Heavenly Demon Cult people snuck into the back mountain, it was very likely that they wanted to detonate these blood-colored rune markings to completely destroy Yuxu Academy."

After finishing, Liu Xiyan frowned and added: "Of course, combined with the Demon Race's crazy attack on Yuxu Academy last time, there may be deeper reasons.

"As for what exactly those reasons are, it is unknown."

Hearing these words, Mo Fan said directly: "It's the saint corpse."

It involves the realm above Supreme.

Even as a corpse, it is full of unknowns.

It is very likely that a trace of residual energy could directly kill a novice like him in the Transcendence Realm.

Therefore, Mo Fan never thought about exploring it alone.

At this time, it is more reliable to let the Academy act as a backing.

There is a sense of security when there are taller people to hold things up.

At the very least, the main force for exploration should be his Master, Xu Chaomu, not him, a Magic Array novice who just debuted.

"saint corpse?" Liu Xiyan was stunned, her face full of surprise.

"Yes, saint corpse, likely existences above the Supreme realm. There are two of them, both sealed within the small space connected to Hidden Sword Peak."

Taking a breath, Mo Fan continued: "I suspect the Demon Race's goal is those two saint corpse.

"As for what they want to do with the saint corpse, I don't know.

"By the way, I accidentally saw this in the ancient texts of Hidden Sword Manor."

Speaking of this, Mo Fan looked at Liu Xiyan seriously: "If I guessed correctly, the Sword Mountain of Hidden Sword Manor is actually the current Hidden Sword Peak, right?"

Liu Xiyan was stunned for a moment, then nodded: "You guessed correctly. The Sword Mountain of Hidden Sword Manor is indeed the Hidden Sword Peak under our feet. It was dug out entirely by the Academy's ancestors using special means…"

Hearing this, Mo Fan covered his forehead and continued: "Then what I said just now is likely correct; there are two saint corpse hidden in the small space of Hidden Sword Peak.

"I just don't know why the saint corpse have such a great attraction to the Yao Race and Demon Race."

"Hmm." Liu Xiyan nodded thoughtfully.

She pondered for a moment, furrowing her brows: "It may involve the issue of a Supreme Breakthrough; otherwise, the Demon Race would not have joined forces with the Yao Race and gone through such great trouble to set up this layout."

"It should be." Mo Fan nodded.

He had thought about this problem too.

Making the Yao Race and Demon Race go crazy, above Supreme, saint corpse—

With these three keywords put together, it is not hard to associate them with something.

"I will go back and discuss with my Master to see how to break this blood-colored array."

Mo Fan prepared to say goodbye and turned to leave.

This matter should indeed be handled by Xu Chaomu.

He cannot take it upon himself.

He doesn't have that much time to crack this thing.

His primary task is to earn Spirit Stones and upgrade as soon as possible.

"Your Master is away and won't be back for a while," Liu Xiyan said.

Hearing this, the step Mo Fan had just taken paused.

He turned around, looked at Liu Xiyan, and asked in surprise: "My Master is away?"

Then who should I get to take the lead?

Does the Academy have other Magic Array experts?

Are there any Senior Sisters?

Mo Fan was dumbfounded.

Liu Xiyan shook her head and explained: "This blood-colored array is very difficult to crack. She watched it here for five days and five nights without any clue.

"But clearly, leaving the blood-colored array here is another ticking time bomb.

"Since the Spiritual Qi Recovery, each peak echoes with the others, forming a natural Field, which has evolved into the current Mountain Protecting Great Array.

"Many facilities must be powered by these natural Fields to operate, such as the Trial Tower, the Stele of Hidden Dragons, and some important cultivation rooms—"

Pursing her lips, Liu Xiyan continued: "Actually, the Sword Pavilion is the same; the reason it can continuously produce Sword Qi is also because of the existence of the natural Field.

"The other peaks have a similar situation.

"Therefore, if the Academy moves, its foundation would be mostly ruined, and its status would drop sharply.

"Considering this, the Academy applied to the authorities and sent your Master into a special Secret Realm—"

"A special Secret Realm?" Mo Fan was puzzled.

"Yes, a special Secret Realm that possesses the Legacy of a Supreme Magic Array."

"Understood—" Mo Fan was speechless.

In this situation, it is undoubtedly that Xu Chaomu was sent for further study.

It's a good thing he didn't come out at that time.

Otherwise, he would have had to go with Xu Chaomu.

However, for him, the Trial Tower is the best place to learn Magic Arrays.

If he could comprehend all three thousand Formation Source Runes in the Trial Tower, breaking the blood-colored array in front of him wouldn't be a difficult task.

As expected, Liu Xiyan focused her attention and explained: "The Academy wants your Master to go for advanced training, hoping that her attainments in the Formation Field will have a Breakthrough, and ultimately solve the blood-colored array.

"Unless it is an absolute last resort, the Academy will not move, and if there really is a saint corpse inside, it cannot be left for the Yao Race and Demon Race to obtain."

Liu Xiyan turned around and looked at the gradually disappearing sky of rosy clouds, lost in thought.

At the same time, the seven ancient rune markings that Mo Fan had carved in various positions on the grass also slowly dissipated.

Finally, the blood-colored array slowly faded away, as if it had never appeared.

As the afterglow faded, Liu Xiyan turned around, a smile appearing on her previously tense face:

"Your Master said before she left that when you returned, the matter of the blood-colored array would be temporarily handed over to you.

"She said that you are the most outstanding Genius in the history of Chixia Peak and will definitely have a way to break some of the blood-colored rune markings in advance."

Hearing this, Mo Fan was completely dumbfounded.

Well, this task still has to fall on his own head!

Seeing Mo Fan looking troubled, Liu Xiyan smiled and said, "Rest assured, the Academy won't let you work for free."

"If you have any conditions, feel free to mention them. I will go talk to the higher-ups. Remember to raise your conditions a bit, and I will try my best to fight for you."

"By the way, your Master said you are very keen on earning Spirit Stones. All the merit points you earn from missions are used to exchange for Spirit Stones."

"When you were in the Outer Sect, you were always in seclusion practicing Alchemy to earn Spirit Stones. You have an obsession with hoarding Spirit Stones that is beyond that of an ordinary person."

Mo Fan: "..."

As expected, the higher-ups of the Academy know everything he has done.

However, he really wasn't hoarding Spirit Stones.

No matter how many he had, it was never enough, so why bother hoarding.

Smiling again, Liu Xiyan said, "Although the Academy's reserves of Spirit Stones are not large, there will definitely be no problem as long as you need them. Think about it."

Mo Fan focused and thought for a moment, then asked, "How is the compensation calculated?"

Hearing this, Liu Xiyan turned to look at the crimson grassland and said slowly,

"There are a total of three thousand five hundred blood-colored rune markings here. Your Master said that even if only one rune marking remains, it could potentially trigger the Magic Array."

"Therefore, the goal is to break all three thousand five hundred of them."

"You will be the one to break them before she returns. It will likely be a set compensation for each rune marking broken, just like the merit point missions you usually take, except it skips the process of issuing merit points, so you don't have to go and exchange them."

"Then how many Spirit Stones can I get for breaking one rune marking?" Mo Fan pressed.

"Shall I ask the Sect Head now?" Liu Xiyan said.

"Alright, thank you, Elder." Mo Fan nodded.

"It's no trouble." Liu Xiyan shook her head and took out a palm-sized, crystal-clear jade tablet from her bosom.

She slightly closed her eyes, focused her Mental Energy, and channeled it toward the jade tablet.

A moment later, she opened her eyes and said with a smile, "The message has been sent to the Sect Head. He will reply as soon as he sees it."

Seeing Mo Fan's curious expression, Liu Xiyan smiled and explained,

"This is a communication jade tablet made of special materials. It contains many profound and ancient rune markings that form a mysterious communication Magic Array."

"Holding this jade tablet, you can communicate with each other from any corner of Blue Star without any delay. It is much better to use than a mobile phone."

Mo Fan nodded.

Because of the existence of Yao Beasts, it is impossible to build communication towers all over the world. Mobile phones basically have no signal in the wild, so they are indeed not very useful.

Focusing, Liu Xiyan continued, "Unfortunately, communication tokens are rare. They were all dug out from ruins, and they have not been cracked yet."

"Currently, only a few people in various factions possess them, and they have been connected into a communication network. You can communicate privately or send public messages."

Mo Fan nodded, not asking any more questions.

If he spent some time, he, having mastered many Formation Source Runes, might be able to crack this thing.

But he was not interested in this thing for the time being.

Anything involving ancient rune markings requires a lot of time to study.

What he lacks right now is time.

If his leveling up is even a little slow, he fears he might die young.

Just then, the jade tablet in Liu Xiyan's hand flickered.

Seeing this, Liu Xiyan quickly focused, gathered her Mental Energy, and read the information inside.

Before reading it, she explained, "The function of this thing is actually lossless, ultra-long-distance mental communication. It is very convenient."

After reading the information, Liu Xiyan said, "The Sect Head said he can give you seventy Spirit Stones for breaking one rune marking."

"Seventy Spirit Stones for one rune marking?" Mo Fan focused and began to ponder.

Seventy Spirit Stones for one rune marking is not a small amount.

After all, he would start by picking the easy ones to crack.

In the beginning, he would probably be able to crack dozens of blood-colored rune markings a day.

Converted into compensation, that would be several thousand Spirit Stones!

Furthermore, while cracking them, Mo Fan would also take time to go to the Trial Tower to comprehend Formation Source Runes.

The more Formation Source Runes he comprehends,

the easier it will be for him to crack them.

Even if the difficulty of cracking increases gradually later on,

his cracking speed will eventually stabilize within a certain range.

This way, on average, it won't be a problem to earn three to four thousand Spirit Stones a day.

Earning three or four thousand Spirit Stones a day—why would he still bother with Alchemy!

As for waiting for Xu Chaomu to come back and study together?

Mo Fan felt that with his speed of progress, he would probably be able to completely solve these blood-colored rune markings in at most two months.

In two months, Xu Chaomu would probably still be in the Secret Realm.

Thinking of this, it was as if he could already see himself counting Spirit Stones until his hands cramped, and leveling up rapidly!

Calming his emotions slightly, Mo Fan looked at Liu Xiyan and nodded, saying, "I think that's fine."

Seeing this, Liu Xiyan smiled and concentrated her Mental Energy to send a message to the jade tablet.

Then, the jade tablet flickered every few seconds. Liu Xiyan seemed to be negotiating something with Sect Head Gu Qingshan.

A moment later, Liu Xiyan snapped her fingers, put away the jade tablet, and a rare, bright smile appeared on her face:

"Done. One hundred Spirit Stones per rune marking. Use all your skills; you're about to strike it rich!"

Hearing this, Mo Fan was stunned: "Didn't you say seventy Spirit Stones per rune marking?"

Liu Xiyan spread her hands: "Didn't I say I would try my best to fight for you? Unfortunately, the Sect Head is still too stingy. After much persuasion, he only agreed to give one hundred Spirit Stones for breaking one rune marking."

Hearing this, Mo Fan was taken aback, and a trace of warmth flowed through his heart.

Seeing this, Liu Xiyan shook her head: "There is no need for polite words. I owe you too many favors, and this is just a small way to repay some of them."

Hearing this, Mo Fan was moved.

This is not just 'a small way to repay'!

Now the compensation for breaking one blood-colored rune marking has increased by thirty Spirit Stones.

Calculating for three thousand five hundred blood-colored rune markings, the earnings directly increased by one hundred and five thousand Spirit Stones!

This is life-saving!

"However, you can also try to understand the Sect Head a little."

"The time since Spiritual Qi Recovery is still too short, and spirit mineral veins are pitifully scarce, so naturally, the various factions do not have many Spirit Stones that they can allocate."

"For some high-level Alchemists in the Academy who earn a lot of Spirit Stones, because of the shortage of Spirit Stones, the Spirit Stones that belong to them are often not issued."

"In this case, the Academy can only set up exclusive accounts for them, and wait until the Spirit Stones are circulating before letting them go to the Logistics Department to collect them themselves. After all, with so many Disciples in the Academy, the Spirit Stones they need for Cultivate must be guaranteed first—"

Hearing this, Mo Fan was dumbfounded.

He thought of Li Xinghe and Liu Jian.

They probably still had a lot of Spirit Stones stored in their accounts.

Unfortunately, after they ran away, the accounts were effectively gone.

"Your Master said that your talent in the Field of Magic Arrays is somewhat terrifying. Maybe you can crack a small portion of the rune markings before she returns."

"She might only be able to return a year later. By that time, if you work conscientiously to break the array, the Spirit Stones will probably be close to one hundred thousand, or even exceed one hundred thousand."

"If the Academy's expenses are high later on and they cannot come up with so many Spirit Stones for a while, they might also have to set up an account for you..."

Hearing this, Mo Fan's face turned black. He had already foreseen the outcome.

He could crack three thousand five hundred rune markings in two months.

Converted into compensation, that would be three hundred and fifty thousand Spirit Stones.

Without thinking, he knew the Academy couldn't come up with so many Spirit Stones at once!

By then, setting up an account would be inevitable!

Mo Fan reckoned that it would be pretty good if he could withdraw twenty or thirty thousand Spirit Stones from the account a month in the future!

In this way, it would seriously affect his progress in leveling up!

"Damn it! Why is it so hard to earn some Spirit Stones?!"

"Uh, what's wrong with you?" Liu Xiyan looked at Mo Fan, whose expression was a bit strange, with a look of surprise.

"Actually, you can't use up too many Spirit Stones anyway."

"Even if you use Spirit Stones to Cultivate twenty-four hours a day, you won't use many Spirit Stones in a month. It's better to save them; you can leave them for your son to use."

Mo Fan: "..."

You might not believe it if I say it.

Actually, no matter how many Spirit Stones there are.

I can use them all up in one second!

What a sin—

Mo Fan was full of sorrow.

However, soon, he seemed to have thought of something and quickly said, "Elder, my speed of cracking the rune markings might be a bit fast. I'm afraid I'll empty the Academy all at once—"

Liu Xiyan: "???"

What nonsense are you talking about?

Mo Fan took a breath and continued, "How about this? The Academy should also have reserves of Origin Stones, right?"

"Although I am keen on earning Spirit Stones, I actually have a special Physique. I don't need Spirit Stones to quickly break through realms; my cultivation progresses by leaps and bounds."

"So I have seriously considered it and feel that it's better not to waste the Academy's Spirit Stones."

"How about exchanging the Spirit Stones for Origin Stones? I discovered in the Secret Realm that this thing called Origin Stones is very effective for studying Magic Arrays! It helps me more!"