398: Chapter 333: A Battle of Formations: Using Formations to Break Formations Reveals Wisdom

The forty-eight hours of preparation time flowed away like water amidst intense and efficient deductions and drills.

Within the Xinghai University preparation space, the completion rate of the [Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array] rose from 78% to 96%. Li Mo optimized the Formation change logic, refining the switching time between the nine variations to the second; Qin Qing perfected the embedding of Legalist rules within the Formation, making the "Order Suppression" effect more stable; Wang Meng led the Behemoth Legion through twenty simulated combat sessions, practicing the School of Military's Formation transitions until they became muscle memory.

Meanwhile, Lin Zhou, inspired by the Moon magnificent Crystallization left by Su Yueyao, further refined the core strategy of "Using the Dao to Break the Dao."

At this moment, the countdown hit zero.

[Xinghai University Team vs. Honghuang Academy Second Team — Match Start!]

[Battlefield generating... Battlefield Type: Void Plain (No terrain advantage, neutral rules)]

[Both sides' Divine Realms expanding, distance: 300 kilometers.]

A flash of light occurred, and Lin Zhou's consciousness descended onto the battlefield along with the projection of his Divine Kingdom.

Before him lay a grayish-white Void Plain, the ground as flat as a mirror without any terrain fluctuations. The sky was a uniform pale gray, with no sun, moon, clouds, or wind. This was the most "fair" battlefield generated by the tournament System—offering no environmental advantages, purely testing the Divine Realm foundations and tactical levels of both sides.

Three hundred kilometers away, a towering phantom of a Jinao Island floated in mid-air like a mirage.

That was the projection of [Jinao Island].

Palaces stood in clusters on the island, surrounded by Immortal Qi. Countless Daoist Disciples could be vaguely seen flying on swords, with Formation Flags fluttering. At the top of a high tower in the center of the island stood a young man wearing a green Daoist robe and a purple-gold crown. He had a handsome face and an otherworldly temperament, holding a fly-whisk, with a rotating phantom of a Taiji Diagram floating behind him.

That was the captain of the Honghuang Academy Second Team—Dao Xuanzhen.

“Xinghai University, Lin Zhou.” Dao Xuanzhen's voice was peaceful and clear, like a mountain stream, yet it spread clearly across the entire battlefield. “I have long admired Way of Civilization. It is a pleasure to meet you today.”

Lin Zhou stood at the edge of his Divine Kingdom projection, with the phantom of the Temple of Civilization behind him. Beside him were Su Yueyao's Moon magnificent projection, Qin Qing, Wang Meng, Li Mo (projection), and Zhao Hao's Dragon legion. He cupped his hands slightly: “Brother Dao is too kind. Please.”

Dao Xuanzhen smiled slightly and flicked his fly-whisk: “Then... pardon my offense.”

Before his voice had even faded, the Jinao Island phantom behind him shook violently!

Buzz—!!!

A visible golden ripple spread from the center of the island, instantly enveloping the Void Plain for a hundred miles. Wherever the ripple passed, countless golden Formation patterns, Talismans, and Dao seals manifested out of thin air in the void. They intertwined, overlapped, and rotated, finally condensing into a Formation phantom so massive it was suffocating!

The Formation took a winding shape with nine bends, like a sleeping golden Dragon coiled upon the earth. Each "bend" was an independent Formation domain, with yellow sand filling the air and rocks flying within. The figures of countless Daoist Disciples could be seen moving and arraying themselves inside. On the periphery of the Formation, nine golden pillars of light shot into the sky, connected to the Luck of Jinao Island, continuously channeling energy.

[Nine-Bend Yellow River Array (Simplified Version)]

- Type: Innate Formation (Daoist Legacy, using Jinao Island projection as the Formation base)

- Coverage Area: 150 kilometers in diameter.

- Number of Formation Cores: Nine (one per bend), with the main core located at the heart of Jinao Island.

- Formation Characteristics:

1. [Yellow Sand Labyrinth]: Visibility within the Formation is extremely low, causing a loss of direction. Non-Daoist Disciples entering suffer Movement Speed -40% and Accuracy -30%.

2. [Nine-Bend Strangulation]: Each Formation domain is guarded by Daoist Disciples who can launch joint attacks with stacked power.

3. [One Qi Primordial Unity]: The Formation resonates with the Heavenly Dao, resulting in extremely low energy consumption and allowing for continuous operation.

4. [Core Concealment]: The nine Formation cores randomly shift positions every fifteen minutes, increasing the difficulty of breaking the Formation.

- Current Status: Fully activated, Formation stability 98%.

“What a massive setup,” Wang Meng took a sharp breath. “This thing... looks even more troublesome than an Abyssal Gate.”

“Though the Formation is strong, it has flaws.” Lin Zhou's eyes were like torches as he quickly scanned every detail of the [Nine-Bend Yellow River Array]. “Their cores shift every fifteen minutes. At the moment of transfer, there will be a brief energy fluctuation. As long as we can capture 그 fluctuation, we can locate the core.”

“The problem is, we have to survive for fifteen minutes first.” Qin Qing's brow furrowed. “And we need to set up our Formation as well.”

Lin Zhou nodded and, without further hesitation, gave a low command:

“Star Sea members—Deploy the [Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array]!”

Buzz—!!!

The Temple of Civilization phantom erupted with light as countless pale-golden rule threads surged out, spreading in all directions like a spiderweb. These threads were not physical but were condensed from the rule power of the Confucian, Legalist, Mohist, Daoist, and Military schools of thought, each thread carrying a different "Truth."

The threads intertwined, tangled, and wove together, finally condensing into a Formation phantom on the periphery of the Star Sea Divine Kingdom projection that was equally massive but far more fluid and versatile.

The Formation did not have a fixed shape but was a continuously flowing and changing halo. Inside the halo, five-colored lights flashed alternately—Gold for Confucianism, Black for Legalism, White for Mohism, Azure for Daoism, and Red for the School of Military. The five colors moved like living things, shifting, merging, and separating within the Formation, with each transition bringing subtle changes to the Formation's layout.

[Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array (Combat Version)]

- Type: Acquired Composite Formation (Fusion of Confucian, Legalist, Mohist, Daoist, and Military schools)

- Coverage Area: 100 kilometers in diameter (contractible/expandable).

- Number of Formation Cores: Five (each hosted by a core hero of the five schools), with Lin Zhou himself as the main core.

- Formation Characteristics:

1. [Myriad Manifestation Changes]: The Formation layout automatically changes every ten minutes, randomly selecting from nine variations. During a change, the Formation cores randomly shift positions, increasing the enemy's difficulty in breaking the Formation.

2. [Order Suppression]: Enemy forces within the Formation are enveloped by the Legalist "Net of Law," suffering -10% to all attributes and undergoing a "Rule Check" every ten minutes; failure results in brief confusion (3-second duration).

3. [Five Schools Resonance]: The rules of the five schools support each other, granting allies +20% to all attributes and +30% to skill synergy effects.

4. [Fire of Civilization]: Allies within the Formation deal +50% damage to Chaotic and Evil alignments and are immune to mental pollution.

- Current Status: Fully activated, Formation stability 94% (slightly lower than simulated values due to first actual combat).

- Formation Change Sequence: Randomly generated, switching every ten minutes.

The two great Formations, one golden and one multicolored, stood in opposition on the Void Plain.

The [Nine-Bend Yellow River Array] was like a sleeping golden Dragon, stationary and exuding a thick, ancient, and unshakable aura.

The [Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array] was like a river of stars constantly shifting colors, flowing endlessly and exuding a fluid, wise Concept that embraced all things.

“Interesting.” Dao Xuanzhen looked at the constantly changing Formation in the distance, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. “An Acquired Formation can actually evolve such a presence. Fellow Daoist Lin Zhou truly lives up to his reputation.”

He flicked his fly-whisk again: “In that case—enter the Formation!”

Following his command, the first bend of the [Nine-Bend Yellow River Array] suddenly opened like the maw of a giant beast, spreading toward the [Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array]! Golden sand surged like a tide, covering the sky and blotting out the sun!

“Hold steady!” Lin Zhou shouted in a low voice. “Contract the Formation, defend to wait for an opening!”

The outer light of the [Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array] contracted, the five-colored halo compressing inward by thirty kilometers, becoming more solid. The Legalist core hosted by Qin Qing released the [Net of Law], weaving pale-golden rule chains into a barrier at the Formation's edge to resist the encroachment of the yellow sand.

Screech—!

The yellow sand made a piercing grinding sound as it touched the Legalist barrier. The power of "One Qi Primordial Unity" within the sand attempted to assimilate and erode the barrier, but the Legalist definition of "This domain is protected by Order" prevented the sand from crossing the line.

The first contact between the two great Formations ended in a stalemate.

“Their Formation is indeed difficult to handle.” Qin Qing's face was slightly pale; maintaining the Legalist barrier was a significant drain. “The One Qi Primordial Unity in the sand is constantly battering my definition. If this continues for too long, the barrier might be worn through.”

“It won't take that long.” Lin Zhou's gaze was fixed on the operational trajectory of the [Nine-Bend Yellow River Array]. “Their cores shift once every fifteen minutes. As long as we can capture the fluctuation during the transfer, we can find a flaw.”

Time passed second by second.

[Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array] first change — Countdown: 8 minutes.

[Nine-Bend Yellow River Array] core transfer — Countdown: 12 minutes.

The two great Formations were like two masters playing chess, each gathering strength and waiting for the opponent to reveal a weakness.

At that moment, Dao Xuanzhen made another move.

“First Bend of the Nine Bends—Yellow Sand Fills the Sky!”

Boom—!!!

In the first Formation domain, countless Daoist Disciples cast Spells simultaneously, turning the sky full of yellow sand into countless golden sand spears that poured down toward the [Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array] like a torrential rain! Each spear carried the piercing power of One Qi Primordial Unity, which ordinary defenses could not withstand.

“Mohist Core—Non-Aggression Barrier!” Lin Zhou commanded.

The Mohist core hosted by Li Mo (projection) erupted with light, and a translucent white dome rose at the Formation's periphery; it was a simplified version of the [Non-Aggression Barrier]. The sand spears struck the dome with a dense clattering, causing ripples on the surface, but it did not break.

[Non-Aggression Barrier (Simplified Version)] Durability: 85%... 72%... 63%...

“Consumption is too fast!” Li Mo's electronic voice carried a hint of urgency. “At this rate, we can only hold for three more minutes!”

“That's enough.” Lin Zhou said calmly. “Once their first wave of offensive passes, we will change the Formation.”

Sure enough, the rain of sand spears lasted for about two minutes before gradually thinning out. The Divine Power of the Daoist Disciples was not infinite; they needed a brief recovery period.

“Now—Change Formation!”

The first Formation change of the [Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array] was activated!

The five-colored halo suddenly contracted and then expanded outward like a blooming flower! The layout shifted from "Defensive Type" to "Guerrilla Type"—the Military core took the lead, and Wang Meng led the Behemoth Legion charging out from the Formation like a red torrent, pouncing toward the edge of the first Formation domain!

“Swift as the Wind, Fierce as Fire!”

The Behemoth Legion, bolstered by the School of Military's "Wind-Forest-Fire-Mountain," saw their speed surge by 100% and attack power by 150%! They were like sharp blades, ruthlessly slicing into the edge of the First Curve Formation Domain!

Boom—!

The golden sands were torn apart, revealing the Daoist Disciples within the domain. They clearly hadn't expected the opponent to strike first, and their Formation fell into brief chaos.

"Legalist—Edict Chains!" Qin Qing seized the opportunity to activate it.

Several pale golden chains extended from the [Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array], precisely binding several Daoist Disciples and restricting their movements. Wang Meng took the chance to lead his army in, unleashing a barrage of attacks that killed those Disciples!

[Killed: Honghuang Academy Team Two Daoist Disciples x7.]

[Nine-Bend Yellow River Array First Curve Formation Domain Stability: Decreased by 5%.]

"Great!" Wang Meng roared excitedly, but Lin Zhou's brow furrowed.

"Retreat! Immediately!" he ordered in a low voice.

Though puzzled, Wang Meng obeyed and immediately led the army back into the Formation.

Almost the instant they retreated, more Daoist Disciples surged from the depths of the First Curve Formation Domain. Leading them was an elite in a silver-white Daoist robe (Rank LV65), wielding a longsword with Sword Qi sweeping across! If Wang Meng had retreated three seconds later, he would have been surrounded.

"Their reaction speed is very fast," Qin Qing said solemnly. "Furthermore, the core of the First Curve hasn't been exposed yet."

"I know," Lin Zhou nodded. "That was just a probe. To truly break the Formation, we need to find the core."

[Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array] Second Change Countdown: 8 minutes.

[Nine-Bend Yellow River Array] Core Transfer Countdown: 5 minutes.

"When the next change occurs, we will launch an all-out attack simultaneously," Lin Zhou deployed quickly. "Li Mo, use the Mohist Mechanical Beasts for a feint from the front to draw attention; Qin Qing, use the Legalist Edicts to lock down potential core transfer locations; Wang Meng, lead the Behemoth elites to cut in from the flank; Zhao Hao, your Dragon Legion will stand by in the air. Once the core is spotted, dive and attack immediately!"

"Understood!" everyone responded in unison.

Time passed.

[Nine-Bend Yellow River Array] Core Transfer Countdown: 0!

Buzz—!

Nine golden light pillars flickered simultaneously, and the cores began to transfer! In that instant, the energy fluctuations of the entire [Nine-Bend Yellow River Array] experienced an extremely slight disturbance—for only about 0.3 seconds!

But those 0.3 seconds were captured by Lin Zhou.

"Third Curve, thirty degrees east-southeast, twenty meters underground!" A sharp light flashed in his eyes. "The core is there!"

"Change Formation! All-out attack!"

[Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array] Second Change initiated!

This time, the Formation changed from "Guerrilla Type" to "Power Attack Type"—Mohist Mechanical Beasts charged from the front, thousands of mechanical war-beasts like a steel torrent lunging toward the Third Curve Formation Domain! Li Mo simultaneously released a Logic Bomb, creating a small-scale Logic Paradox at the edge of the domain, causing the Spells of some Daoist Disciples to fall into chaos.

Qin Qing's Legalist Edict Chains followed closely, binding the defensive nodes at the edge of the domain and forcibly tearing open a gap.

Wang Meng's Behemoth elites cut in from the flank, heading straight for the location Lin Zhou had locked onto!

"It's there—dig!"

The Behemoths swung their giant claws, digging frantically into the ground. Sure enough, about twenty meters underground, they discovered a Formation Plate flickering with golden light—that was precisely the core of the Third Curve!

"Zhao Hao!"

"Coming!"

In the sky, Zhao Hao led the Dragon Legion diving down, Dragon Breath spewing, instantly incinerating the defenses around the core. Wang Meng shattered the Formation Plate with one claw!

Crack—!

[Nine-Bend Yellow River Array Third Curve Core—Destroyed!]

- Third Curve Formation Domain Stability: Zero! Domain collapsed!

- Overall Formation Stability: Decreased to 89%.

"We did it!" Wang Meng was overjoyed.

But Lin Zhou did not lower his guard, for he saw that Dao Xuanzhen still stood atop Jinao Island with a calm expression, even carrying a faint smile on his lips.

"Breaking one of my curves is indeed not bad," Dao Xuanzhen's voice drifted over. "But the true power of the Nine-Bend Yellow River Array lies not in the 'Nine Bends,' but in the 'Yellow River.'"

He waved his horsetail whisk: "The Nine Bends of the Yellow River are connected by a single Qi. A curve can be broken, but the Qi is never-ending. Core transfer—accelerate!"

The cores of the remaining eight curves flickered simultaneously, their transfer speed doubling! Moreover, they no longer stayed in fixed positions but moved constantly through the domains like swimming fish!

"This..." Qin Qing's expression changed. "Their cores can move at high speeds?"

"This is trouble." Lin Zhou's brow was tightly knit. "Moving cores are extremely difficult to lock onto."

[Nine-Bend Yellow River Array] Remaining eight curves core transfer frequency: Increased from once every fifteen minutes to once every five minutes, with random paths.

- Formation Stability: Rose back to 92% (Due to accelerated operation, consumption increased, but stability improved).

Dao Xuanzhen spoke again: "Fellow Daoist Lin Zhou, your [Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array] is indeed exquisite and ever-changing. However, the more changes there are, the greater the consumption. How long can you hold out?"

Lin Zhou did not answer, but he knew clearly in his heart.

[Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array] Maintenance Consumption: Approximately 2000 Divine Power every ten minutes (Due to frequent Formation changes, consumption is 15% higher than expected). His Divine Power reserves: 78,000/200,000. Theoretically, he could last for six hours.

However, the opponent's Formation consumption was lower (Innate Formations resonate with the Heavenly Dao, consuming about one-third of an Acquired one), and the Jinao Island projection itself could provide energy.

A war of attrition was unfavorable for Lin Zhou.

"I must settle this quickly," he thought to himself, his gaze sweeping over the high-speed moving cores.

"Li Mo, can you calculate the movement patterns of the cores?"

"Analyzing..." Li Mo's electronic voice carried the static of high-speed computation. "The core movement paths seem random, but they are pulled by the Luck of Jinao Island. If the Luck can be interfered with, the core movement will slow down."

"Interfere with the Luck..." Lin Zhou's eyes lit up. "Yue Yao!"

Su Yueyao's Moonlight Projection nodded slightly, her cool voice ringing out: "Moonlight can temporarily isolate the Luck connection between Jinao Island and the cores, but it can only last for ten seconds."

"Ten seconds is enough." Lin Zhou ordered decisively. "At the next Formation change, Yue Yao will isolate the Luck, and we will attack all visible cores simultaneously!"

"Understood!"

[Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array] Third Change Countdown: 2 minutes.

Two minutes felt like two years in the tense standoff.

Finally, the countdown reached zero.

"Change Formation—All-out power attack!"

[Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array] Third Change initiated. This time, the Formation shifted from "Power Attack Type" to "All-around Type"—five-colored halos bloomed simultaneously, and the rules of the Confucian, Legalist, Mohist, Dao, and Military schools were all activated!

Su Yueyao's Moonlight Projection formed hand seals, and a beam of silver-white moonlight shot toward Jinao Island, like a sharp blade cutting the Luck connection between Jinao Island and the cores!

"Now!" Lin Zhou shouted.

Qin Qing released the Net of Law, locking onto all moving cores; Li Mo commanded the mechanical beast swarm to attack; Wang Meng led the Behemoth Legion to strike different cores; Zhao Hao's Dragon Legion covered with Dragon Breath.

Eight attacks hit eight cores simultaneously!

Boom boom boom boom—!!!

Eight explosions merged into one, and the cores of the remaining eight curves of the [Nine-Bend Yellow River Array] were all damaged! Although only some were shattered, cracks appeared in every single one!

[Nine-Bend Yellow River Array Core Damage Statistics:]

- Second Curve: Core Integrity 60%

- Fourth Curve: Core Integrity 45%

- Fifth Curve: Core Integrity 30% (Edge shattered)

- Sixth Curve: Core Integrity 70%

- Seventh Curve: Core Integrity 55%

- Eighth Curve: Core Integrity 40%

- Ninth Curve: Core Integrity 65%

- First Curve (Already broken): 0%

- Overall Formation Stability: Decreased to 65%!

"Good!" Wang Meng raised his arms and cheered.

But Dao Xuanzhen's expression remained calm, even carrying a hint of admiration: "To hit eight spots simultaneously while my cores were moving at high speed is indeed impressive. However..."

He waved his horsetail whisk, and Jinao Island shone brightly as a thick surge of golden energy poured into the Formation, beginning to repair the damaged cores!

[Jinao Island Projection Trait: Core Repair]

- Repair Speed: Each core restores 1% integrity per second.

- Consumption: Jinao Island reserve energy.

- Estimated Full Repair Time: Approximately two minutes.

"It can even auto-repair?" Qin Qing's face looked grim. "This Formation is too shameless."

"It's not shameless; it's a deep foundation," Lin Zhou said calmly. "Honghuang Academy Team Two certainly lives up to its reputation."

He glanced at the status of the [Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array]. The Formation stability had dropped to 87% due to continuous changes and power attacks; Divine Power consumption had also increased significantly (Current Divine Power: 72,000/200,000).

"We can't give them time to repair." A flash of determination crossed Lin Zhou's eyes. "Li Mo, prepare [Logic Bomb · Enhanced Version]. Target: The connection nodes between Jinao Island and the Formation. Qin Qing, use the Law to define 'repair' as illegal. Wang Meng, Zhao Hao, prepare for the final blow."

"You're... going to storm Jinao Island?" Qin Qing asked in surprise.

"It's not a storm; it's a decapitation strike." Lin Zhou's gaze locked onto Dao Xuanzhen in the distance. "Breaking the Formation is not as good as breaking the person. As long as Dao Xuanzhen is defeated, the Formation will naturally collapse."

"But he has Mid-Tier Divine Power and the Jinao Island projection protecting him..." Wang Meng hesitated.

"That's why I need your cooperation." Lin Zhou took a deep breath. "Next, I will personally take action."

He took a step forward, the phantom of the Temple of Civilization solidifying behind him as the river of civilization surged ceaselessly. Five-colored light circulated around him—the benevolence of the Confucians, the strictness of the Legalists, the ingenuity of the Mohists, the tranquility of the Daoists, and the courage of the Military—all converged into his single person.

"Hundred Schools Return to Source — Sword of Civilization!"

A longsword condensed from five-colored light formed in his hand. The blade was inscribed with the flowing texts of the Hundred Schools' classics, and the tip flickered with the brilliant white light of the Fire of Civilization.

"Prepare—General offensive!"

With Lin Zhou's command, the [Hundred Schools Myriad Phenomena Array] suddenly contracted, all its power converging into a single point!

And Dao Xuanzhen finally put away his smile, a look of solemnity appearing in his eyes.

The last duel between the two great Formations was about to erupt.