564: Master-level knowledge of formations and runes! The Dragon-Eating Old Taoist!

"Hmm? Is there a Weird Monster hidden inside this stone wall?"

Su Lie's heart stirred. He carefully read the information on the book page while listening intently to the sounds around him.

He heard:

"Yu Jianying! According to the rules! You certainly have the right to choose your food, and we can't snatch him from you! But until you confirm that he is the one, we can lure him tonight or by other means!"

"Exactly! Yu Jianying! Within this Sword Sect, you are not an Undying existence! You must also abide by the Ancestor's rules! Therefore, let's see who prevails through our methods!"

"Haha! Yu Jianying, you are bound to lose! Tonight, we will break down his door and eat his flesh and soul!"

"You!"

Yu Jianying panted heavily, enraged.

The other Weird Monsters became even more rampant.

"Yu Jianying! Don't you dare secretly inform him! We are all watching you!"

"That's right! Yu Jianying! If you dare give him a hint and break the rules, we will eat you too!"

...Suddenly.

Yu Jianying erupted with power, causing all the chaotic noises by Su Lie's ears to cease.

Su Lie sensed a massive oppressive force.

This pressure was so great that he could barely breathe.

Under his Crisis Perception Talent.

He felt the crisis of death arising from this oppressive force.

"If I were to fight Yu Jianying, I would surely die!"

Su Lie's heart trembled.

This made him even more vigilant.

Immediately after.

He heard Yu Jianying's command.

"Good! Good! Good! Then let's follow the rules! The Ancestor has spoken! Although the old dragon in the back mountain of Heavenly Sword Peak and the Sword Spirit of the Holy Sword are currently in dire straits—one is severely wounded and imprisoned in the Dragon Palace at the bottom of the abyss, and the other is coerced, forced to constantly release power to save the juniors of the Sword Sect!"

Yu Jianying's icy voice rang out again: "However! Because too many people in the sect have died, outsiders have begun to speculate about the Sword Sect! The Ancestor has ordered us to quickly set up the Ten Days Weird Land Heartless Heart-Extinguishing Aberration Great Array!"

"This is our top priority! Therefore, all of you must work together to help me complete the Great Array! Otherwise, you will surely die!"

As soon as she said this.

The other Weird Monsters immediately chimed in, expressing their willingness to cooperate with Yu Jianying's plan.

Yu Jianying immediately continued: "Yesterday, Mysterious Feather, the Haotian Sword Master of Heavenly Sword Peak, was successfully corrupted by the Ancestor, and he provided extremely important intelligence!"

"That is, besides the Elders visible on the surface, the Sword Sect also has a Supreme Elder Council! These Undying old fellows are located inside the Sword Mound!"

"The Sword Qi within the Sword Mound is terrifying to us, so the Ancestor requires some of us to use the bodies of inner disciples to enter the Sword Mound to search for the Supreme Elder Council, or to destroy the Sword Mound!"

"For this mission, 10 of you will be selected to carry it out!"

Her words provoked dissatisfaction among the other Weird Monsters.

"Why should we wear the bodies of inner disciples to go to the Sword Mound? That's too dangerous!"

"Exactly! Only true disciples can enter the Sword Mound, and we have to use the bodies of true disciples to enter the Sword Mound!"

...Facing the dissatisfaction of the Weird Monsters.

Yu Jianying sneered: "These are the rules set by the Ancestor. If you have the ability, go talk to the Ancestor!"

"Haha! We'll go talk to him then!"

The Weird Monsters burst into laughter and left the area one after another.

Yu Jianying did not stop them. After all the Weird Monsters had left.

She sat down cross-legged and looked at Su Lie in the secret room, muttering to herself: "This kid has good eyesight! He can see such small print clearly. As expected of a genius who can read ten lines at a glance and never forget what he reads!"

Su Lie blinked after hearing this: "Damn it! If she had said so earlier! I wouldn't have had to struggle so hard to hold it in!"

Immediately.

He began to slowly and rhythmically increase his reading speed.

This book recorded knowledge about basic Runes and basic array formations, including how to manipulate the array formations in the spiritual fields to remove pests from spiritual herbs and irrigate them.

It also included how to operate the array formations to harvest spiritual herbs and sow new ones.

It even contained knowledge and techniques such as repairing array formations and crafting replacement materials for array formations.

This was all knowledge Su Lie had wanted to access before but hadn't been able to.

"Great book! Great book! The way this book introduces concepts is truly unique and refreshing! Other books explain things starting from the basics and the esoteric, but this one uses a breakdown approach, mainly focusing on the practical aspects of cleaning the secret room and managing the spiritual fields!..."

Su Lie praised it repeatedly as he read.

This caused Yu Jianying, who had been watching him, to pause slightly: "This kid can understand the content of Rune Array Formation? Good brain! Eating him should help increase my intelligence, right?"

Her low, cold voice echoed faintly.

This quickly quieted Su Lie's excited heart: "Damn! Now is not the time to be happy! It seems I need to find some help!"

He thought of what Yu Jianying had said earlier.

He realized.

The entire Sword Sect had basically been occupied by these monsters whose origins were unknown.

The only helpers he could count on were the old dragon and the Holy Sword.

Thinking of this.

Su Lie formulated a plan: "First, contact the Holy Sword! Then, find a way to approach the old dragon!"

"Also, the gourd vine in this mountain! I must get my hands on it quickly!"

While multitasking, he simultaneously pondered his plan and studied the knowledge in the book.

About three hours later.

[Buzz!]

The scene before Su Lie's eyes trembled, and a prompt appeared in his vision.

[Congratulations on successfully entering the beginner level of Array Formation Knowledge!]

[Congratulations on successfully entering the beginner level of Rune Knowledge!]

"Oh! Just by finishing this book, I actually advanced directly from novice to beginner level! It seems Yu Jianying does have some ability!"

Su Lie's eyes lit up upon seeing this.

Array Formation Knowledge and Rune Knowledge were added to his list of knowledge.

Following this.

Su Lie used his Enhancement Talent on both types of knowledge.

Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!

After each piece of knowledge was Strengthened.

Array Formation Knowledge and Rune Knowledge rose from beginner level to professional level, and then to the top Master level.

During this process, Su Lie received an overwhelming infusion of knowledge.

This allowed Su Lie's mastery of Rune Array Formation knowledge to reach a level where he could independently research, deduce, and innovate.

The process of infusion was extremely fast, as if a basin of water was poured directly into a jar.

Because of his Black Iron Saint Body, Su Lie's brain capacity had increased.

He instantly digested this massive amount of knowledge and memories.

After Su Lie finished receiving the knowledge.

He finally looked at the identity token Yu Jianying had given him.

This Rune could both control the array formation restrictions in the secret room and contained a trace of Yu Jianying's aura.

"There's nothing else of note!"

Su Lie nodded silently.

He immediately manipulated the identity token to activate the array formation in the secret room.

Buzz!

A beam of light swept across, and all the dust and garbage in the secret room were completely eliminated.

Su Lie then followed the cleaning requirements recorded at the end of the book, entered the laboratory to organize various tools, and washed the equipment.

After finishing.

He then entered the other rooms to organize the manuscripts that were scattered everywhere.

"I don't know if these things are useful or not!"

Su Lie glanced at them carefully, then put them back where they were: "Now is not the time to leave! I should first take away the items I can carry from other areas!"

"No!"

"Then I'll make a big move!"

After completing all the sanitation cleaning and the work of tending to the spiritual fields.

The time had just reached 12 o'clock.

Su Lie wiped the sweat from his brow. Just as he was about to leave, he saw Yu Jianying walking in from outside.

She nodded at Su Lie: "You did well today! Your ability has earned my recognition! Go back and think things over carefully! Tomorrow, I will take you to the Sword Pavilion to impart knowledge!"

"Yes, Master!"

Su Lie replied, feigning delight.

After Su Lie left.

Yu Jianying then walked into the laboratory with relaxed steps. Looking at the clean and tidy surroundings, she couldn't help but smile: "Hehe! This kid Su Lie is quite diligent! If I have him as my assistant in the future, I might be much more relaxed!"

...After Su Lie left the main hall.

He headed straight for the back mountain, guided by the Exploration Hint.

When he walked through a narrow path and arrived in front of the Heavenly Pond in the back mountain.

An old Daoist sitting cross-legged on the Heavenly Pond viewing platform stood up and asked Su Lie: "Who are you? Why have you come here?"

"Greetings, Elder! My name is Su Lie! I am the newly accepted disciple of Master Yu Jianying! I heard there is an old gourd vine here that can be used, so I wanted to come and try my luck!"

Su Lie didn't recognize the person or know his identity, but he knew the man wasn't wearing the robes of a servant, so he spoke politely.

The old Daoist laughed heartily after hearing this and said to Su Lie: "So you are the new disciple of Peak Master Yu! Since you want the gourd vine, you can go and take it from the stone wall over there!"

"Thank you!"

Su Lie bowed deeply, then turned and walked in the direction the old Daoist had indicated.

The old Daoist nodded, then said to Su Lie again: "Su Lie! This Heavenly Pond is near Emperor Sword Peak, and besides the Peak Master, no one else is allowed to approach it! You are a new disciple, so this time is forgiven! But don't mistakenly enter this forbidden area again, lest you lose your life!"

"Thank you for the guidance, Senior! This junior will remember!"

Su Lie quickly turned around again after hearing this.

After Su Lie walked far away.

The old Daoist then sat down cross-legged again.

He struck out golden Runes into the Heavenly Pond one after another: "Old Dragon! Since you refuse to yield, don't blame me for sealing off your retreat! And for killing your dragon sons and grandsons!"

Splash!

Before long.

A small dragon leaped out of the Heavenly Pond.

The moment the small dragon emerged, it was grabbed by the old Daoist and thrown directly into his mouth, where he began to eat it.

Su Lie left the main road and walked about 1 kilometer through the chaotic wilderness before arriving at the mountain wall the old Daoist mentioned.

There was originally a path here, but it was overgrown with weeds because no one maintained it.

Su Lie found the purpose of his trip on this stone wall—the gourd vine.

The gourd vine was located in a fissure of the stone wall. It was the only plant nearby, and this direction faced east.

However, he did not move, but turned his head to look down the mountain.

Standing here, he could see the Heavenly Pond of Emperor Sword Peak nearby, which was like a mirror.

Water rippled in the Heavenly Pond.

Looking from afar.

The Heavenly Pond appeared calm and peaceful, as if nothing was happening.

But!

Su Lie, through his Revelation Eye Talent, saw the true scene within the Heavenly Pond.

What the old Daoist was doing stunned Su Lie completely.

He could also perceive the aura of weak Divine Dragon bloodlines constantly emerging within the Heavenly Pond through the Divine Dragon bloodline attribute he had fused with.

"He is eating dragons!"

Su Lie's mind trembled.

He could see the Heavenly Pond, which was covered by the old Daoist's magic, through the Revelation Eye.

But he could not see through the old Daoist's true body.

This shocked Su Lie deeply.

After watching for a few seconds, he quickly turned to look at the gourd vine.

When his hand touched the gourd vine.

Su Lie clearly perceived the trembling of the gourd vine: "It truly has sentience!"

Su Lie immediately used his Wood Speaker Talent.

He heard the cries of the old gourd vine.

"It's too terrifying! Too terrifying! These monsters are all over the mountains! I, the old gourd vine, have no feet and no wings; it's impossible to escape!"

"Oh no! Oh no! That old monster is eating dragons! If even dragons can't escape death, I, such a precious gourd vine, will probably be used as medicine by that old man!"

"This kid is overestimating himself, actually trying to pull me out directly! Aren't you thinking too highly of yourself?"

"No! No! No! Not like this! Not like this! It hurts me to death!"

...Hearing this, Su Lie immediately said: "old gourd vine! I am here to save you! If you still want to blossom and bear fruit, then come with me! I promise to give you a safe home to grow in!"

"Kid! You can understand what I'm saying?"

The old gourd vine was stunned and asked in disbelief.

Su Lie nodded: "Yes! I have had the ability to communicate with plants since I was young. I came specifically to help you today! If you are willing to come with me, then contract your root system and let me take you away from here!"

At this moment.

The old Daoist sitting cross-legged on the Heavenly Pond viewing platform turned his head to look at Su Lie's location.

Looking at Su Lie, who was using brute force to pull out the gourd vine, he couldn't help but laugh: "This old gourd vine has become a spirit; it shouldn't be so..."

Before he could finish speaking.

He saw that Su Lie had actually forcibly pulled the old gourd vine out of the stone wall.

He clearly saw many of the old gourd vine's roots snapping off on the stone wall.

This slightly startled the old Daoist: "Holy crap! What powerful physical strength!"

As he spoke.

A hint of greed flashed in his eyes, and a trace of saliva dripped from the corner of his mouth: "If I ate that, it would definitely taste exceptionally good, right!"

Buzz!

Suddenly, a strong fluctuation emanated from the Heavenly Pond water.

Seeing this, the old Daoist stopped observing Su Lie: "Forget it! It's just an old gourd vine! Now that its roots are broken, it will be extremely difficult for it to survive! This kid is also about to become Little Yu'er's food, so let him be!"

"The gourd vine is useless to me anyway!"

"But this Divine Dragon flesh and blood is a great tonic!"

As he spoke.

He raised his hand and pressed down toward the water.

Buzz!

The Heavenly Pond water trembled slightly.

A giant hand materialized underwater and landed on the bottom of the pond.

A white dragon struggling at the bottom of the pond let out a low cry, and instantly fell silent beneath the giant hand.

Dying along with it.

Were the thousands of dragon sons and grandsons sheltered beneath its body.

The old Daoist immediately became excited: "Good! Good! Good! What a great pot of Divine Dragon feast!"

On the other side.

Su Lie had already walked back the way he came. When he reached the edge of the Heavenly Pond and saw the old Daoist sitting with his eyes closed in meditation, he immediately bowed to the old Daoist: "Elder! This disciple is leaving! Thank you for your guidance!"

After speaking.

He turned and followed the path he had taken, heading toward the front mountain.

The old Daoist, who was excited after having just eaten thousands of dragons, heard Su Lie's respectful farewell. This caused him to pause slightly. He then turned his head and glanced at Su Lie: "This child is more polite than those other little brats! Rare! Rare!..."