25: Array Eye Nail

Cuizhu Lane, Courtyard Jia 16.

Zhou Wannian spread out a blank Talisman paper, but this time, he didn't use spirit ink. Instead, he took out the Second-Tier Low Grade Talisman Brush he'd salvaged from the junkyard.

"The Li family's Clan-Protecting Formation is a First-Tier High Grade 'Mystic Turtle Covering Water Formation'."

Zhou Wannian recalled the Formation diagram provided by Gu Fan, quickly sketching on the paper. "This was originally a water-elemental Formation known for its defense, but that half-baked Formation Master forcibly embedded a 'Fire Gathering Formation' to increase its attack power."

"Water and fire are incompatible; it would be strange if it didn't explode."

He shook his head, and the tip of his brush changed direction, drawing an extremely complex spiral structure at the core node of the Formation diagram.

"Fellow Daoist Gu, look here."

Zhou Wannian pointed at the spiral on the drawing. "This is the point of conflict. To solve it completely, either dismantle the Fire Gathering Formation (which the Li family definitely won't agree to), or... add a 'Buffer Valve' at the intersection of water and fire."

Gu Fan's eyes widened as he looked at the never-before-seen spiral structure: "This... what kind of Formation Pattern is this? Why have I never seen it before?"

"This is my self-created 'Spiral Spirit Guiding Pattern'."

Zhou Wannian spoke nonsense with a straight face (in fact, he just modified the drawing method of the Spiral Ascension Talisman). "Its purpose is to turn the originally direct flow of spiritual power into a spiral, thereby extending the time of spiritual power convergence and reducing conflict."

As he spoke, he took out three specially made "Formation Eye Nails".

These three nails, polished from the star-patterned copper recovered last time, were only finger-length, their surfaces covered with dense, miniature spiral patterns.

This was his developed "Proto-Talisman for Formations".

"You embed these three nails into the Kan Position, Li Position, and Dui Position of the Li family's grand Formation, respectively."

Zhou Wannian handed the nails to Gu Fan. "Remember, they must be embedded at the third quarter of the midnight, at the moment of Yin and Yang transition. After embedding, immediately inject spiritual power to activate them."

"This... will it work?" Gu Fan was a bit apprehensive.

"Don't worry, if it explodes, it's on me." Zhou Wannian patted his shoulder. "However, to be safe, you'd best pick up your nephew before you go, or... bring a few more defensive Talismans."

Gu Fan: "..."

...Three days later.

Gu Fan, beaming, knocked on Zhou Wannian's courtyard door.

"It worked! Fellow Daoist Zhou! It worked!"

Before even entering, Gu Fan shouted excitedly, "As soon as those three nails were embedded, the restless spiritual power of the Formation instantly calmed down! And I even adjusted the Formation eye slightly according to your instructions. Now, the 'Mystic Turtle Covering Water Formation' is not only stronger in defense but can also occasionally shoot out a spiral Water Arrow to injure people!"

"The Li family patriarch was overjoyed! He not only released my nephew but also rewarded me an additional fifty Spirit Stones!"

With that, Gu Fan directly stuffed a heavy bag of Spirit Stones into Zhou Wannian's hand. "Fellow Daoist Zhou, as agreed, this money is yours!"

Zhou Wannian weighed the bag of Spirit Stones and did not decline.

This was a dividend from a technical partnership, taken with a clear conscience.

"Fellow Daoist Gu, you are too kind." Zhou Wannian put away the Spirit Stones and smiled, "However, those three nails are only a temporary suppression. If you want long-term stability, it's best to maintain it every three months."

"Ah?" Gu Fan was stunned. "It still needs maintenance?"

"Of course." Zhou Wannian said meaningfully, "The Dao of Formations values perseverance."

In fact, he had secretly implanted a miniature Time-Delayed Explosion Talisman structure into those three nails.

Although it was currently a "Buffer Valve" used to guide spiritual power, if Zhou Wannian wished, or if the set deadline passed without new spiritual power being injected to stabilize it, that "Buffer Valve" would turn into a "Detonator."

This was a "technical backdoor."

With this backdoor, the Li family's Clan-Protecting Formation, in Zhou Wannian's eyes, became like the gate to his own backyard; he could open it whenever he wanted, and detonate it whenever he wanted.

"Fellow Daoist Gu, if the Li family has any more problems with Formations in the future, remember to come find me."

Zhou Wannian smiled like a fox who had stolen a chicken.

"Definitely! Definitely!" Gu Fan was utterly impressed with Zhou Wannian. "Fellow Daoist Zhou, your attainment in Formations is even more formidable than that of Hundred Herbs Hall's Guest Elder Formation Master! How about we partner up and open a Formation shop?"

"No."

Zhou Wannian quickly waved his hand. "I'm a lazy person; I just want to draw Talismans and drink tea at home. You handle these public-facing matters, Fellow Daoist Gu. I'll be a... mm, a behind-the-scenes consultant."

...After seeing Gu Fan off, Zhou Wannian was in a great mood.

Not only did he earn fifty Spirit Stones, but he also successfully planted nails in the Li family's grand Formation.

"Next, it's time to consider that 'auction' matter."

Zhou Wannian stroked his chin.

He had been stuck at Qi Refining Third Layer Perfection for some time now. Although he could slowly advance through daily Cultivation, in these chaotic times, time was life.

He needed a 'Qi Gathering Pill' to aid his Breakthrough.

This type of Medicinal Pill sold for twenty Spirit Stones each at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, and required real-name registration to track the Cultivation progress of Loose Cultivators. Zhou Wannian didn't want to expose the fact that he was about to Break through to the Middle Stage Qi Refining, so official channels wouldn't work.

"The black market."

"Only black market auctions don't ask about origins or names."

Last night, at the midnight, he had specifically performed a divination for this.

The divination showed: [Three days later, the 'Dark River' auction in the market's underground will have High Grade Qi Gathering Pills available.]

The "Dark River" auction was Qinghe Market's largest underground trading venue, rumored to have a Foundation Establishment Stage Robber Cultivator background, which even the Chen family dared not easily provoke.

To enter, one not only needed money but also an introduction from an acquaintance.

"Acquaintance..."

Zhou Wannian recalled the Black Shopkeeper from Miscellaneous Goods Street.

"It seems I'll have to meet that old friend again."

Zhou Wannian changed into his "down-and-out middle-aged Loose Cultivator" attire and once again headed to Miscellaneous Goods Street... to the Old Black Junk Shop.

Business was still slow. Since the Chen family's strict investigation into "demonic path Talismans" last time, business here had cooled down considerably.

The Black Shopkeeper was dozing behind the counter. Hearing footsteps, he lazily looked up.

"It's you?"

The Black Shopkeeper recognized the guy who sold "ugly talismans" at a glance. After all, those Talismans had earned him a good sum.

"Shopkeeper, still well, I see."

Zhou Wannian lowered his voice and got straight to the point, pulling out a Mid-Grade Spirit Stone and placing it on the counter. "I want to buy an entry ticket for the 'Dark River' auction."

The Black Shopkeeper's eyes narrowed, and he scrutinized Zhou Wannian.

"You want to go to that place?"

"I have some spare money and want to get some unregistered Medicinal Pills." Zhou Wannian said frankly, "You know, we Loose Cultivators are most afraid of being targeted."

The Black Shopkeeper chuckled, pocketing the Spirit Stone.

"Understood."

He pulled out an iron Card engraved with black wavy patterns from under the counter and tossed it to Zhou Wannian. "Three days from now, at the midnight, at the dried well in the market's northern district, just jump in. You know the rules: only the token is recognized, not the person. If you die, no one will bury you."

"Thank you."

Zhou Wannian put away the iron token and turned to leave.

"Wait."

The Black Shopkeeper suddenly called out to him, "Do you still have those 'ugly talismans' recently? Someone from Black Wind Stockade is asking, and the price is negotiable."

Zhou Wannian paused.

Black Wind Stockade?

The Black Wind Stockade where he had killed three experts in his own courtyard?

"No more."

Zhou Wannian said without looking back, "The rumors are tight lately, so I don't dare to draw them. We'll talk about it later."

With that, he quickly left.

It seems that Black Wind Stockade was not severely weakened by the deaths of three people; instead, they were still searching for clues about the demonic path map.

"I need to be careful."

"This trip to the auction, I must be fully prepared."

Back home, Zhou Wannian began to organize his equipment.

Twenty Scabby Vajra Talismans, fifty Spiral Ascension Talismans, ten Time-Delayed Explosion Talismans, one hundred Earthworm Version Cleaning Talismans.

And that Demonic Qi Poison Talisman he had always been reluctant to use.

As well as... his Mid-Grade Flying Sword, which had been "washed" beyond recognition.

"With this much, even if I encounter a Late Stage Qi Refining Robber Cultivator, it'll be enough to give him a hard time."

"As long as I don't encounter a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator, I can run."

Zhou Wannian took a deep breath, his eyes firm.

Qi Refining Level Four is a must-achieve.