Bamboo Mound

"Is that so? Given that the formations are attacking each other and the situation has spiraled out of control, it's normal that Xiaoyu, whose cultivation level is still low, couldn't control it."

"The subsequent reckless insertion of high-intensity spiritual energy caused the two formations to explode. Judging from the power, this can indeed be considered the whole story."

Ge Shu nodded, then turned to look at Ning Chang, his tone subtly lowering slightly, "However, the Five Elements Dragon Trapping Formation inexplicably strengthened after it was formed. Since it was created by you, young friend, why don't you explain its characteristics?"

Suppressed by Ge Shu's aura, Ning Chang unconsciously took a half step back, his gaze shifting to the open space to the side. "Um... well... the Five Elements Dragon Trapping Formation itself absorbs spiritual energy from both inside and outside the formation to maintain itself."

I think... it's probably because the spiritual energy here is too concentrated, causing the formation to absorb it too quickly and thus strengthen. As for why it stopped afterward... it should be because Lin Yumeng's cultivation level limited the formation's upper limit."

Ge Shu narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of inquiry flashing in his gaze, and stared at Ning Chang as he slowly said, "The Astrology Pavilion does not contain any formation called the Five Elements Dragon Trapping Formation."

"As compensation for accidentally injuring Xiaoyu, you should personally demonstrate it to me. Whether it's a case of the same name or something similar, let me see how it works and what it does."

"Is that all...? Okay."

Ning Chang breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Ge Shu's request.

In his view, Ge Shu must have been a little angry just now, but he only wanted him to demonstrate the Five Elements Dragon Trapping Formation, learn it and record it, which was almost the same as not scolding him at all.

Perhaps it's because I'll be going to that secret realm later to verify it, and maybe Ning Tongyu's influence is also a factor.

After thinking for a moment, he pursed his lips slightly, turned his palm over, bent his arm and pointed out a finger, and a formation the size of a washbasin appeared in the air in front of the three of them.

However, after he had condensed the array pattern, he did not activate it. He just glanced at Ge Shu, who understood Ning Chang's meaning and took over the control of the array pattern.

Then, in a flash, the five round holes emitted a light even brighter than the spiritual power used to construct the array patterns. In an instant, the array shield took shape, emitting a unique spiritual power fluctuation, like a miniature spiritual power vortex, constantly devouring the surrounding spiritual energy!

But in the blink of an eye, Ge Shu stopped the array from absorbing spiritual energy, and then disappeared without a trace with a flick of his hand.

Ning Chang was not surprised by this. Since Ge Shu was able to become the sect leader, his ability was beyond doubt. He could fully understand this simple formation the moment he took control of it.

On the contrary, Lin Yumeng, after a look of surprise, suddenly had a flash of understanding in her eyes, which made Ge Shu nod in agreement.

As for Ning Chang, from the moment Ge Shu activated the formation until it ended, it was only about a breath's time. His attention was entirely on the formation, and he didn't notice Lin Yumeng at all, so naturally he didn't discover anything.

Then Ge Shu looked up and stared in a certain direction for a few seconds. At the same time, in a space where starlight flickered and patterns were everywhere, an old woman suddenly opened her eyes, tilted her head and nodded, and drew a pattern in her hand. It was the array pattern of the Five Elements Dragon Trapping Array!

With a flick of her wrist, the old woman caused the newly formed array pattern to rise slowly, blending into the dense patterns in the space. It was so subtle that it could not be found again if one shifted their gaze even slightly!

After doing all this, the old woman straightened her body and closed her eyes again, as if nothing had happened.

Ge Shu quickly turned around and said to Ning Chang, "This formation does have some unique features; it can barely be considered an intermediate-level formation."

There is also a similar array in the Astrology Pavilion, but its function is quite different.

That formation is a basic one, capable of condensing harmless light spots, primarily used within the sect to assist disciples in cultivating their movement techniques.

After saying that, she turned to look at Lin Yumeng, her expression softening considerably, and said, "Xiaoyu, you should continue to cultivate in peace. This accident can be considered a lesson. You must never be so reckless in your cultivation in the future."

As she spoke, she glanced almost imperceptibly at the bare ground beside the three of them, which wasn't even tiled, and continued:

"As for the time before Zhiying Courtyard is rebuilt, you can stay in a side room of my palace."

"Thank you Master!"

Lin Yumeng nodded obediently. Seeing Ge Shu's expression, she didn't formally bow to Ning Chang anymore, but made some subtle movements as a matter of courtesy. Then she walked towards the center of the floating island.

After watching Lin Yumeng leave, Ge Shu looked at Ning Chang and said, "Now that the tour is over, let's set off for the secret realm immediately."

“Alright.” Ning Chang nodded, agreeing with Ge Shu’s suggestion.

Given the current situation, he can only take care of important matters first, and then familiarize himself with the Astrology Pavilion when there is a need for array formations later.

Following Ge Shu to the entrance of the Astrology Pavilion, they passed through the portal and returned to the mountain peak outside the gate.

Then Ge Shu stood on a platform atop one of the mountain peaks, and after activating it, a teleportation portal appeared that could accommodate one person at a time.

Upon entering, Ning Chang felt dizzy and disoriented, as if the world was spinning and the stars were shifting. The dizziness was comparable to when he was flying at high speed!

Fortunately, this feeling quickly disappeared. When they regained their senses, the two had arrived at a place that resembled the Medicine King Valley Secret Realm Square. Bronze gates stood all around, but the environment outside the square had been replaced by endless darkness!

At this moment, Ge Shu was already standing at the edge of the square, in front of a somewhat casual array pattern, and activated the array again.

Seeing this, Ning Chang had no choice but to follow. After another brief moment of dizziness, Ning Chang opened his eyes and saw a huge sinkhole!

Looking down from the edge of the sinkhole, the interior is barren, filled only with scorched earth and broken stones. Only in the very center, a piece of white jade, or rather, pure white marble, about the size of a person, is suspended abruptly. It is rough and uncarved.

Ning Chang gazed at the marble suspended in the center of the sinkhole, and the answer was already in his heart.

"Sect Master Ge, this white stone must be the entrance to that secret realm."

Ge Shu nodded slightly and said, "Yes and no."

"Hmm? There's another explanation?" He turned his head to look at Ge Shu.

"According to Zong Zhi, the secret realm itself is the remains of a person who fell from outer space. As for this stone, it was just a device created by the former sect leader to preserve the remains. Calling it an entrance is not wrong."

"Using any random stone as a tool... feels a bit hasty," Ning Chang said, pursing his lips.

"I think so too. However, once you reach that level, a cultivator's remains are neither decayed nor immortal, so there's no need to go to great lengths to embellish them."

Simply wrapping it like this is enough to protect it from wind and rain.

"Oh, I see. Then it's alright. But what should I do next? Can I just approach directly?" Ning Chang nodded and asked.