Chapter 423: Is My Body Failing Me?

Countless formation patterns intertwined, forming a unified whole. Dim, ethereal light flickered intermittently as the Great Formation drew in heaven and earth spiritual energy, transforming it into a swirling vortex that surged inward.

Xu Sanyan’s hands moved ceaselessly, seizing this critical moment to embed soul crystals into the formation. Soul power flowed through the formation’s intricate pathways, resonating with the spirit energy yet remaining distinct, like two parallel lines.

The once-vibrant soul crystals gradually lost their color, crumbling into fine powder that scattered across the ground.

Moments later, the light dimmed, the luminous streams on the barrier faded into invisibility, and the formation patterns on the city walls vanished, leaving no trace of their presence.

Everything returned to its original state, indistinguishable from before, except for the noticeably richer wood-attribute spiritual energy permeating the area.

The formation contained the five elements, with wood corresponding to the west. By emphasizing the wood-attribute spiritual energy during its activation, it could harmonize feng shui and revitalize the earth veins.

“Ah…”

Xu Sanyan took a deep breath, closing his eyes to sense the changes. A gentle breeze stirred through the air, carrying a refreshing, fragrant scent that invigorated the senses.

At that moment, Shan Zhoushan’s voice drifted over:

“Heh heh, congratulations, Martial Nephew, on completing the Great Formation and earning another meritorious deed.”

Shan Zhoushan genuinely admired his martial nephew. Despite Xu Sanyan’s profound cultivation level and exceptional mastery of the Formation Dao, he willingly expended resources and effort to construct formations for ordinary people. Who could deny that he was a true righteous path hero?

Xu Sanyan’s expression turned serious as he replied solemnly, “Martial Uncle, you flatter me. Our sect’s teachings dictate that cultivators who pursue the Great Dao must perform good deeds to benefit the nation and its people.”

All thanks to the Harmonious Heart Demonic Sect’s excellent guidance, Xu Sanyan thought.

Shan Zhoushan nodded in deep agreement. “Well said.”

He then turned his attention to the formation, sensing its subtle shifts. With a casual gesture, he retrieved a bamboo scroll and began recording observations with his finger as a brush.

Xu Sanyan glanced at the scroll. The entries detailed the formation’s functions and transformations:

“West of Qian Prefecture lies the city of Zhangzhi. With the formation now complete, its name shall be…”

Shan Zhoushan paused, turning to ask, “What shall we call this formation?”

“The Benevolent Wind-Presenting Grand Formation,” Xu Sanyan blurted out, making it up on the spot.

“Hmm.”

“Its name is the Benevolent Wind-Presenting Great Formation. When activated, a refreshing breeze enters the heart, invigorating the wood element and benefiting the people’s livelihoods. This formation requires no financial investment or maintenance, making it truly remarkable. – Recorded by Shan Zhoushan.”

Shan Zhoushan selectively omitted the crimson glow, focusing solely on the formation’s benefits.

In his view, the crimson glow was indeed insignificant.

As everyone knew, formations, whether righteous or malevolent, fell into two main categories: offensive/defensive and functional. This formation, which gathered wood essence, was undoubtedly functional.

Functional Great Formations typically have a single, specialized effect—a fundamental principle. For example, a spirit-gathering formation can only gather spirit energy, and a concealment formation can only conceal.

Since this formation already had the function of gathering wood essence, it couldn’s have any other effects. Therefore, Shan Zhoushan’s description was perfectly accurate.

“Now that my task is complete, I’ll be taking my leave. If you have time, Martial Nephew, you’re welcome to visit me in the Prefectural City. We can catch up then,” Shan Zhoushan said, rolling up the bamboo scroll.

Xu Sanyan clasped his hands in a respectful bow. “Safe travels, Martial Uncle. If I find the time, I’ll certainly come to trouble you.”

“Hmm.”

Without lingering, Shan Zhoushan conjured a whirlwind beneath his feet, propelling him swiftly into the distance.

Watching Shan Zhoushan depart, Xu Sanyan felt even more reassured. His cheap Martial Uncle’s cultivation level in the Formation Dao was considerable. If even he hadn’t detected any flaws, it proved the plan was viable.

No sooner had Shan Zhoushan left than Yu Huisheng arrived, his voice trembling with anxiety. “Junior Brother,” he asked, “now that the formation is complete, we don’t need to kill for blood anymore, do we?”

“Hmph…” Xu Sanyan’s gaze turned icy. “What, are you afraid?”

Yu Huisheng lowered his voice. “N-no… not afraid. It’s just that most of the vagrants and beggars in the city are already dead. If more people disappear, it might arouse suspicion.”

Xu Sanyan considered this for a moment before slowly nodding. “Then let’s slow down the pace.”

Yu Huisheng’s point was valid. Caution never hurt, and prudence was always wise.

“Yes.”

Yu Huisheng visibly relaxed. He truly loathed killing, especially during Shan Zhoushan’s stay. Every day had been a nerve-wracking ordeal, fearing his evil deeds would be discovered.

Xu Sanyan pointed to several plots of land in the distance. “Buy some spirit plants and plant them there.”

“Yes.”

Recently, Lin Fan had been running back and forth, exchanging various worthless items for soul crystals from the secret realm. Xu Sanyan now possessed several hundred, though still short of the required amount, it was close enough.

The next step was to head to the Prefectural City. The Soul-Gathering Brilliance-Preserving Grand Formation encompassed five cities: the Prefectural City of Qianzhou City, Zhangzhi City, Yuhuo City, Xin’an City, and Dam City.

Zhangzhi City was already completed. The remaining three cities were similar in scale to Zhangzhi, requiring minimal effort.

The greatest challenge lay in Qianzhou City. Not only was it a massive metropolis, but convincing its leaders to allow the formation’s deployment would require careful planning.

Returning to the County Magistrate’s Office as dusk fell, Xu Sanyan sat on his bed, absorbing spirit stones. Watching the Vitality stat on his panel slowly increase, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

Knock, knock, knock~

A knock echoed from outside the door, followed by the County Magistrate’s Wife’s strained voice, clearly attempting to sound more sweet and melodious.

“Uncle, are you resting?”

“Come in,” Xu Sanyan replied, opening his eyes.

Creak—

The wooden door swung open, and cold moonlight filtered through the treetops, scattering across her figure. A few stray strands of hair framed her face, partially obscuring her eyes, lending her an air of fragile beauty.

Damn… Has it been too long?

Xu Sanyan was surprised to realize he wasn’t as particular about appearances as he thought. Come to think of it, if their faces were covered, they’d all look about the same.

“Uncle, would you like a bath? I’ll have hot water prepared and sent right away,” the County Magistrate’s Wife said solicitously, noticing the spirit stone fragments clinging to Xu Sanyan’s robes.

Xu Sanyan didn’t answer, his gaze fixed on her pale, cold face. His eyes then drifted downward, lingering on her slender neck, half-concealed by her collar, which only accentuated its graceful length.

Below lay a pink, gold-embroidered outer robe. Even through the fabric, the two mounds at her chest hinted at an extraordinary fullness.

Perhaps embarrassed by his blatant stare, the County Magistrate’s Wife lowered her head slightly, her fingers instinctively tucking stray strands of hair behind her ear.

“Uncle… what are you looking at?”

Xu Sanyan remained silent, shaking his head. “Nothing. You may leave now.”

“…Oh.”

The County Magistrate’s Wife couldn’t hide her disappointment. She had clearly sensed his initial interest, yet for some reason, he had withdrawn.

Could it be… that he was physically incapable?

Lost in her chaotic thoughts, she walked out. Xu Sanyan waved his hand, closing the door behind her.

Her choice of timing was obvious to anyone with eyes, and Xu Sanyan understood it perfectly well. Yet he had chosen not to act.

Firstly, the woman’s appearance was decidedly average. For a palate accustomed to delicacies, forcing himself to eat wild greens would be rather unappetizing.

Secondly, she was the wife of one of his subordinates. While planting a Demonic Seed carried minimal risk, it was better to err on the side of caution. Risking trouble for a plate of pig’s head meat simply wasn’t worth it.

Of course, the primary reason was the former.

(End of the Chapter)