The Heavens: From Film and Mythology to Conquering Myriad Realms

"The second one is a formation cultivator from a declining family. His cultivation level is at the peak of Qi Refining. His family used to be an affiliated family of the Heavenly Star Sect and has made great achievements in the art of formations. The price is not expensive. He charges thirty spirit stones per month, but the effect is not guaranteed."

"The third one is a female array master. Although her cultivation is only at the mid-stage of Qi Refining, she is a well-known array genius in the market. Unfortunately, she seems to have a physical problem. Such a genius, even the Tianxing Sect has given up on recruiting her into the sect. Her price is a bit high, fifty spirit stones a day."

When Wei Wushu spoke of this female array master, he couldn't help but sigh.

If Lu Yao is not short of money, he will choose the former Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Heavenly Star Sect, given that the Heavenly Star Sect is a major sect of formations and has a good reputation.

Conversely, if Lu Yao were short of money, he would choose the cultivator from the declining cultivation family, since it would be more cost-effective and sufficient for a beginner to learn from.

"What's the name of that female formation master?"

Although he was fairly certain that Wei Wushu was referring to Xin Ruyin, Lu Yao still intended to ask for clarification.

"Her name is Xin Ruyin. Does Fellow Daoist intend to study under Array Master Xin?"

Wei Wushu was taken aback. She had only mentioned Xin Ruyin to make up the numbers, and she never expected that Lu Yao would be interested in Xin Ruyin.

"is it not OK?"

Lu Yao chuckled and looked at Wei Wushu, asking in return.

"Of course, but... Fellow Daoist, don't underestimate this Xin Array Master. I've heard that a Qi Refining Perfection cultivator once caused her trouble, only to be trapped by her array for three days and three nights, and finally had to leave in a sorry state."

Wei Wushu's expression shifted slightly, and he suspected that Lu Yao might have designs on Xin Ruyin because of her illness, so he offered a tactful warning.

“I certainly won’t underestimate her. Fellow Daoist Wei, please lead the way. I also want to see this Array Master Xin’s prowess in the Dao of Arrays.”

Lu Yao couldn't help but chuckle, never expecting that Wei Wushu would mistake him for someone with ulterior motives.

But it's true that a master of formations would naturally possess considerable wealth, and it's not unreasonable for someone with cultivation level to be eyeing Xin Ruyin's wealth.

Wei Wushu was skeptical of Lu Yao's words, but he was just a gossipmonger and couldn't really care about such things.

Lu Yao casually tossed a spirit stone onto the shop counter and then walked out with Wei Wushu.

Half an hour later, Wei Wushu led Lu Yao to the edge of the market area, where the flow of people was far less than in the central area.

"Ruyin Pavilion".

Looking at the shop in front of him, Lu Yao mentally read out the shop name on the plaque above the door.

After Wei Wushu led Lu Yao into the shop, a beautiful young woman walked over.

"Miss Xiaomei, this gentleman has come to learn formation techniques from Master Xin."

Wei Wushu smiled and pointed at Lu Yao, explaining their purpose.

"Studying formations? That's great! I knew it! My young lady is the best at formations in the world; someone will always recognize her talent!"

When Xiao Mei heard that Lu Yao had come to learn about formations, she burst out laughing, revealing two small tiger teeth, indicating that she was not very old.

Lu Yao glanced at Xiao Mei and realized that this woman was the maid who had always been by Xin Ruyin's side and was also one of Xin Ruyin's close confidantes.

"Brother, my young lady is currently seeing guests. Let me take you to a side room for a while. They should be out soon."

Xiao Mei clapped her hands with a smile and skipped over to Lu Yao.

"It's alright, I'll wait a moment."

Lu Yao smiled. Now that he had found Xin Ruyin, he didn't need to waste any more time.

"Thank you, Brother Wei. This is a small token of my young lady's gratitude."

Xiao Mei handed Wei Wushu five spirit stones with a smile, clearly as payment for bringing a guest.

"Then please convey my thanks to Master Xin for me, Miss Xiaomei."

Wei Wushu nodded, smiled, wrote down the spirit stones by hand, gestured to Lu Yao, and then left Ruyin Pavilion.

He has done what he needed to do, and it's time for him to leave.

"Big brother, come this way."

Xiao Mei first put up a "Closed for Business" sign at the shop entrance, then waved to Lu Yao and walked towards the backyard.

In front of Ruyin Pavilion was a shop selling array formations. Lu Yao guessed that Xin Ruyin made some array plates and array flags to sell, which would earn her some spirit stones.

Stepping into the backyard felt like entering a new world; Lu Yao immediately sensed several formations in operation.

After passing through a bamboo grove, a place that resembles a paradise comes into view.

With its small bridge over a flowing stream, lush greenery and vibrant flowers, and three or four pavilions, it resembles a hermit's abode, a scene of poetic beauty.

Xiao Mei led Lu Yao to a smaller pavilion on the side and poured him a cup of tea.

"At this moment, Miss is explaining the formation to a guest. This is the last day. That guy is so hateful. He's clearly stupid, but he blames Miss for not teaching him properly and says we're after his few dozen spirit stones!"

Xiao Mei sat down directly opposite Lu Yao, propped one hand on her face, and explained to Lu Yao.

When she talked about the guests in the opposite attic, her small, cute cheeks puffed up, making her even more adorable.

"Oh? Such an unpleasant guest?"

Lu Yao looked up at the largest pavilion opposite. Because it was shrouded in an array, rashly probing with his divine sense would definitely alert Xin Ruyin, so it seemed that he had no further action.

"That's for sure! Sigh, earning spirit stones is so hard these days. If it weren't for Miss's sake..."

At this point, Xiaomei poured out her grievances, but when she mentioned Xin Ruyin, she quickly covered her mouth.

"Is there something you're having trouble saying, Miss Mei?"

Lu Yao knew that Xiao Mei was referring to Xin Ruyin's Dragon Roar Physique, which obviously touched on Xin Ruyin's privacy, and Xiao Mei knew that she had already mentioned it.

After all, Lu Yao was just a guest who came to learn formation techniques. It was only because Xiao Mei felt sorry for her young lady and Lu Yao's gentle and handsome appearance made her feel more relaxed that she unconsciously talked a little more.

"Ahem, well... wait, they're out."

Xiao Mei was about to explain when she suddenly noticed the door to the opposite attic open, and a burly man with stubble and Xin Ruyin came out.

"Hmph! What kind of array master! I've studied arrays for so long and haven't made any progress. I can't even set up the most basic earth trap array. He's just a name without substance!"

"Money back!"

The burly man with stubble had a very unpleasant expression, and he pointed at Xin Ruyin and launched into a long, unrestrained tirade.

"It's clearly because you're unwilling to learn properly, and you always cause trouble when I'm teaching you formations!"

Even with her excellent self-control, Xin Ruyin was still quite angered by the burly man with stubble, and a hint of anger flashed in her clear, bright eyes.

"What? You still want to extort my spirit stones? I know this is your territory. I can't beat you, but I'll go find the enforcement team of the Heavenly Star Sect. You'll be sorry then!"

The burly man with stubble didn't dare to provoke Xin Ruyin. He glanced at the surrounding formation with some apprehension, then revealed a fierce expression and threatened her.