7: Small cloud and rain technique, the formation has been laid out!

Even as they entered the City Lord’s Mansion, there were still some impish guards blocking their way.

Shen Li was too lazy to speak, only instructing Qiu Ya to kill all these guards.

Black Ridge City was already rotten and needed a complete overhaul, from top to bottom, inside and out; otherwise, how could it still be called a Shen Family outpost?

It would have probably changed its name long ago.

Naturally, this action caused panic among many surrounding common folk, but Shen Li couldn't bother with such trivialities.

In fact, the so-called infiltration plot was nothing but a joke in Shen Li's eyes.

This wasn't ancient times; this was the Cultivation World, where might made right.

Without sufficient strength, one couldn't protect what was held in their palm.

The slaughter lasted for three consecutive days, and all the heads were thrown to the city gates.

Some of the remaining people fled, while others confessed everything they knew.

In the end, only Zhou Ba, half-dead, was still clinging to life; everyone else was dead.

Martial Artists and Cultivators are different; Martial Artists temper their Physical Body, nourish Qi and blood, and Cultivate Evil Qi, so their vitality is extremely tenacious. That Zhou Ba was an Acquired Perfection Martial Artist, which is why he could endure for a considerable amount of time.

Unlike Cultivators, the Realm of Martial Artists is somewhat peculiar.

Nowadays, Spiritual Qi is abundant, and everyone uses Spiritual Qi to Cultivate, hoping to become Cultivators and achieve longevity.

Thus, Martial Artists have become rare.

There's another significant reason for their rarity: the path for Martial Artists to advance has been cut off.

Currently, the Martial Artist Realms only consist of Acquired, Innate, and Grandmaster, three Realms.

Each Realm is divided into nine layers.

And the strongest Grandmaster Ninth Layer is merely a Physical Body comparable to an Immortal Master.

Although invincible in close combat, facing Foundation Establishment True Persons who move swiftly and use Spells and Divine Abilities, they are simply living targets.

Moreover, they have to train rigorously in winter and summer, and very few people can endure such hardship.

As a result, the proportion of Martial Artists within Cultivation Families has become increasingly small.

Except for Dao Protectors specially trained for their Martial Artist combat strength, major Families no longer Cultivate Martial Artists upwards.

And Qiu Ya's Innate Realm, with close combat comparable to Qi Refining Stage 5, made dealing with the Acquired Perfection Zhou Ba a piece of cake!

This was why the Shen Family felt so confident in dispatching him to this dangerous place, and it was also the confidence for Shen Li to act.

Next came the changes to the City Lord's Mansion. Shen Li waved his hand, inviting many city residents and artisans to renovate the City Lord's Mansion.

Then he distributed money and food.

Subtly changing their ingrained impressions.

Gradually, the news of Shen Li's new appointment spread.

The entire Black Ridge City, however, began to exude an aura of tranquility.

A month passed in a flash. On this day, Shen Li sat in his study, Cultivating a Spell he had exchanged from the Shen Family's treasury: 'Small Cloud Rain Technique'.

Before his departure, Shen Li knew he was heading to the boundless yellow sand desert, so he chose two Spells: one offensive, one supportive.

One was the Small Cloud Rain Technique, naturally for transforming the yellow sand environment.

The other was the Little Vajra Technique, which could enchant weapons or even the Physical Body with Vajra sharpness, enhancing defense and damage.

Earlier, Martial Artists were mentioned; now, it's about Cultivators.

Although the Qi Refining Realm of Cultivators is extraordinary, their Physical Body is still very weak and requires Dao Protectors.

The extraordinary part is that the Spiritual Qi stored in their Dantian can now release Spells.

Thanks to the Shen Family's Spirit Control Art instruction during the Qi Introduction, Shen Li was incredibly proficient at releasing spell seals.

This was another benefit of having a background.

The Qi Refining Stage 1 Realm was enough to support him in using two Spells.

However, people differ; after consuming moon essence spirit water, his Innate Foundation was increased, and now he could release a full five Spells.

Spells are not guaranteed to succeed; any mistake in the spell seal will lead to the dissipation of Spiritual Qi.

It can only be released through repeated practice and Comprehension Ability.

And a little more Spiritual Qi means one more casting experience, which is the so-called proficiency +1.

In some ways, this can be considered a small advantage.

Of course, there are also experts who can cast more Spells at Qi Refining Stage 1, but those Prodigies are too distant for Shen Li!

The profound spell seals gradually took shape in mid-air. Shen Li's palm Spiritual Qi was like silk threads, and the invisible Spiritual Qi transformed into azure lines, drawing Dragons and snakes on the spell seal in mid-air.

Shen Li, who was concentrating, felt his spirit wander slightly. The obedient Spiritual Qi suddenly became violent, then burst open forcefully.

As the spell seal was outlined to its end, the stored Spiritual Qi was already nearing saturation.

The backlash at this point was also more intense.

Then, a knock on the door slowly came from outside.

"Enter."

The door slowly opened, and Qiu Ya stepped in. Seeing Shen Li's blackened face and explosive hair, she couldn't help but want to laugh.

But she quickly lowered her head.

Shen Li helplessly smoothed his explosive hair, glanced at Qiu Ya, and said,

"If you want to laugh, just laugh."

Qiu Ya didn't laugh, only repeatedly apologized.

"Lord Shen, it's Qiu Ya's fault. I didn't know Lord Shen was Cultivating Spells."

"It already exploded twice before, and I thought Lord Shen had already used up his Spiritual Qi."

"...Is something wrong?"

Shen Li felt that the Qiu Ya in front of him had become somewhat unpleasant.

Truly unlikable!

Qiu Ya quickly said,

"The two Seniors from the Wang Family have arrived and are in the reception hall. They said the Formation has been set up and is awaiting Lord Shen's inspection."

Shen Li's eyes lit up, then he stood up.

And ran outside.

Qiu Ya behind him repeatedly said,

"Lord, Lord, mind your demeanor, mind your demeanor."

Arriving at the reception hall, Shen Li wiped his face and said with a smile,

"Greetings, two Seniors."

Feeling the aura on Shen Li, Wang Chen's eyes showed even more appreciation.

Although he had become an outer disciple and came out to work for the Family, he hadn't forgotten to Cultivate; he was a diligent child.

Qi Refining Stage 1 wasn't something he cared about, but this solid Foundation earned his considerable praise.

Ordinary Qi Introduction Cultivators only thought about breaking through Qi Refining, taking a wrong path by using Medicinal Pills, but there would inevitably be pill toxins, and it would also affect their state of mind.

Far inferior to Qi Refining Cultivators who break through after experiencing the pain of Spiritual Qi dissipation.

And there were also traces of Spell Cultivation on him.... This smell, moist and fresh, is the Small Cloud Rain Technique?

Adapting to local conditions, truly clever.

Wang Chen's heart stirred slightly, but he said with a smile,

"We've delayed you, worthy nephew, from Cultivating Spells."

"No worries, no worries, I was just idle."

Wang Chen nodded, then handed Shen Li a Formation Plate, saying with a smile,

"The Yunmai Heshui Formation has been set up. However, it consumes twenty Low-Grade Spirit Stones every month. If the grand Formation is activated, it will consume one hundred Spirit Stones. You should know this, worthy nephew, right?"

Shen Li nodded, taking the Formation Plate, then Wang Chen continued,

"You can modify the incantation within the Formation Plate yourself. No one else can use it except with your incantation."

"This Formation of my Wang Family is different from the Formation you picked up, worthy nephew. There are also the Three-Vein Water Merging Array and the Six-Vein Clear Water Array. If you are interested, worthy nephew, you can come to Crescent Lake Market to find me."

Shen Li said with a bitter face,

"If only I were that rich, I would directly ask the Wang Family Immortal Master Elder to set up the Nine-Vein Dragon Water Array for me. When that Formation comes out, it would directly suppress and kill Immortal Master experts."

Wang Chen laughed heartily at this, no longer saying much, only standing up and instructing,

"The Yunmai Heshui Formation has ample defense, but its offense is a bit lacking. However, entering the Formation, those below Qi Refining Stage 9 can be slain. It's enough for the early stage."

"We won't stay long either. The Dharma Boat will arrive soon, and we will depart."

After a moment of thought, Wang Chen took out a piece of paper. The paper was folded into a pigeon, and he smiled,

"This place is in ruins, and there aren't any established markets in the Black Horn Mountain Range. I imagine you're lacking many things."

"If you have any needs, worthy nephew, use the message pigeon to send information and contact me."

After a few more casual remarks, the two left.

And Shen Li looked at the 'delivery' phone on the table and shook his head.

A moment later, Qiu Ya slowly arrived and said,

"Lord Shen, the platform you asked them to build is complete. What is this thing for?"

Shen Li said indifferently,

"To pray for rain."