431: The importance of personality

Below the arena,

Qin Shutong stood blankly to the side, holding her long sword, not knowing what she was thinking. The young girl beside her gently shook her arm and asked in a low voice, "Shutong, who was that person who just saved you?"

Qin Shutong immediately became alert and asked warily, "What do you want?"

"Just asking, hurry up and tell me." The girl, with flushed cheeks, pulled her arm, acting spoiled, her gaze constantly drifting towards the high platform, practically engraving "ill intentions" on her face.

"Hmph, I'm not telling you. I warn you, you little slut, don't even think about our Liang gege, or don't blame me for turning my back on you!"

"We promised to be good sisters for life, and now for a man, you want to turn your back on me?"

The girl looked sad, but secretly noted in her heart that the man's surname was Liang.

Qin Shutong said without a doubt, "Anything else is fine, but not this."

The girl whispered, "Actually, I don't mind being your sister..."

"Go to hell!"

...

The sky gradually darkened, and today's competition also came to an end. The first round was completely finished, and the second round would begin tomorrow.

The Provincial Test lasted for three days. In the first round, each person played two matches. Those who lost both were eliminated. Those with one win and one loss received Grade C and D tokens, while those with two wins received Grade A and B tokens.

Tomorrow's drawing of lots would pit those holding Grade A and B tokens against those holding Grade C and D tokens. This system aimed to ensure that strong competitors would not meet too early.

Qin Shutong had one win and one loss, receiving a Grade C, Token Number Seven. Tang Huanhuan won both her matches, receiving a Grade B, Token Number Five.

Xu Sanyan had observed for a full day and had a general understanding of the strength of the participants. Qin Shutong's strength was upper-middle, with no hope of winning the championship.

However, Tang Huanhuan shone brightly. If she didn't encounter Jiang Longchang too early, placing among the top three should not be an issue. Even if she did encounter him, she was not without a fighting chance.

Although there was a small Realm difference in their cultivation, Tang Huanhuan's fighting style was more aggressive and fiercer. If Jiang Longchang couldn't fight freely, he might indeed be defeated.

As they walked out of the government office, everyone's attitude towards Xu Sanyan was completely different from before. Whether they recognized him or not, people actively greeted him, and Xu Sanyan responded to each one.

Qin Shutong walked over and tugged at Xu Sanyan's sleeve, speaking in a low voice, "Liang gege, if you're not busy, why don't you come home with me? There happens to be a Formation at home that needs someone to look at."

Xu Sanyan hesitated for a moment, then nodded, "Alright."

Dan Qiuyu had told him earlier that the Qin Residence wanted to invite someone to set up a Formation, which was why he had been invited from Zhangzhi City. However, it had been put on hold due to the Provincial Test. Since he had nothing to do today, it would be good to go and take a look. It just so happened that he also had some questions he wanted to ask Prefect Qin.

"Then let's go quickly!" Qin Shutong looked warily at the girl beside her and pulled Xu Sanyan away quickly.

"Tsk~"

The girl pouted and turned to leave.

Upon entering the Qin Residence,

Qin Shutong first led him into the inner residence to see the Formation. Xu Sanyan had not previously understood this Spirit Gathering Formation, but with his understanding of the Dao of Formations, he could understand most of such a simple Formation with just a glance. Therefore, he immediately saw the key to the problem.

Because this Formation was too old and lacked maintenance, the Formation patterns were too worn, making it difficult for Spiritual Qi to flow through, which greatly reduced its effectiveness. It only needed the Formation patterns to be redrawn.

Xu Sanyan requested spirit ink and used his hand as a brush to redraw the Formation patterns. Qin Shutong stood obediently to the side, her eyes sparkling with admiration as she watched him work, her heart filled with happiness and contentment.

How wonderful it would be if it could be like this forever.

Qin Shutong was full of fantasies, looking forward to getting married in the future and being able to accompany him like this.

"Done."

Xu Sanyan stopped writing, feeling the Spirit Gathering Formation regain its vitality, and was very satisfied in his heart.

As expected of himself, he was truly amazing!

"As expected of Liang gege, truly amazing!"

Qin Shutong praised loudly, her eyes full of adoration.

"Not at all, this Formation is very simple, not worthy of praise." Xu Sanyan humbly waved his hand.

"Haha, Nephew is too modest. This Formation was laid by Dan Array Master. It is difficult for ordinary people, let alone to repair it, even to understand it."

Prefect Qin's voice came from behind. Xu Sanyan turned around and bowed, "Greetings, Associate Prefect."

"Father."

Prefect Qin had a kind expression and said to Qin Shutong, "A guest has arrived, and you don't even know to serve tea."

"I'll go right now." Qin Shutong quickly ran off.

Looking at her retreating figure, Prefect Qin smiled helplessly, "My daughter is accustomed to being carefree. I'm afraid she has made Nephew laugh."

Xu Sanyan shook his head and said, "Shutong is innocent and lively; I like her very much."

However, Prefect Qin did not continue the topic. Instead, he changed the subject and said, "There is a waterside pavilion in the residence, and the scenery is quite beautiful. If Nephew has nothing to do, why not accompany this old man for a walk? How about it?"

"Alright, please lead the way, sir."

Inside the waterside pavilion, the two sat facing each other, looking at the rippling clear lake water, each lost in their own thoughts.

After a long while, Prefect Qin pointed at the bundle behind Xu Sanyan and spoke first, "This old man has observed that Nephew has always carried this item. Is there something special about it?"

Xu Sanyan explained, "This was given to me by my master. He once said that this item must not be opened, and I will know what's inside when the time is right. So, I don't know what's in it either."

Prefect Qin smiled. He had only asked casually. Then he changed the subject again,

"I heard that Nephew is quite skilled in Formations. Seeing it today, it truly lives up to its reputation."

"You flatter me, sir. The Dao of Formations is vast. I am merely a beginner, not worth mentioning."

Prefect Qin nodded slightly, then suddenly said, "Does Nephew have any desire to enter officialdom? With Nephew's abilities, it is not impossible to become an official in the capital."

Capital officials could always be by the emperor's side. Although accompanying the monarch was like accompanying a tiger, danger also came with benefits. Being an official in the capital undoubtedly offered more opportunities.

Xu Sanyan lowered his head in thought, seemingly genuinely considering the question.

After a long while, he shook his head again, "I am accustomed to being free and do not wish to be constrained by others. Moreover, we cultivators seek immortality and aspire to benefit the world and do good deeds. If I were to enter officialdom, I fear I would not be able to act on my own will..."

Xu Sanyan's words held a deeper meaning, which Prefect Qin naturally understood and agreed with wholeheartedly.

Once one became an official, one was no longer truly oneself. Some people always believed that as long as they held onto their bottom line, they could be good officials, but how easily could that bottom line be maintained?

"Benefit the world..."

Prefect Qin suddenly laughed, not knowing what he was thinking, but there was a hint of bitterness in his smile.

He considered himself not a good official, but not an evil one either. Although he couldn't achieve the ambition of benefiting the world, he truly admired noble individuals like Xu Sanyan.

"I heard that Nephew laid a Formation in Zhangzhi City to regulate the geomancy of the land, doing good deeds wholeheartedly without seeking Rewards. It is truly admirable."

Xu Sanyan smiled shyly, "You flatter me, sir. I merely do what is within my capabilities, it's not worthy of praise. After this matter is resolved, I still wish to travel the world and do what I can, so as not to betray my master's teachings."

Xu Sanyan established his persona in advance, so that when he carved Formations for other cities, it would not seem abrupt.

"It's just that my cultivation in the Dao of Formations is still shallow. If only I could personally lay down a grand Formation..."

At this point, Xu Sanyan looked into the distance, then shook his head in disappointment, "It's just that such an opportunity is rare."

Prefect Qin understood his meaning and asked with a smile, "Does Nephew wish to leave a Formation for Qian Province City?"

Xu Sanyan's eyes gleamed with excitement. He abruptly stood up and bowed, his tone full of anticipation, "Does Uncle have a way?"