Chapter 464: Mindset and Power
“I’ll bury you in prime feng shui land… Oh my apologies, that was my inner monologue leaking out. Just pretend you didn’t hear that. We encountered an array formation issue in another world.”
“We? Who else is with you?”
Jiang Li stepped aside with dramatic flair, revealing the Wishful Gourd and Li Er.
Bai Hongtu instantly understood the situation.
The matter was simple: Empress Yu Yin worried the Wishful Gourd might misbehave in another world, while Ao Chengcheng feared her husband Li Er might fool around. Thus, they both hoped Jiang Li would secretly follow them. Jiang Li accidentally revealed his presence, leading to this trio situation with the gourd.
Bai Hongtu was sharp – he could deduce entire scenarios from the slightest clues, often leaving others in awe.
“What array formation issue?”
Jiang Li showed Bai Hongtu the formations found in the dungeon, while Li Er displayed those from the demon castle. Four dungeons and one demon castle totaling five distinct formations.
Bai Hongtu calculated with finger gestures, his frown deepening. “These five formations resonate with each other, but this clearly isn’t complete. There should be more.”
“Could other dungeons have formations too?” Jiang Li rose and flew at blinding speed, scanning hundreds of dungeons with his spiritual sense.
Bai Hongtu gasped, “This is massive engineering. Each dungeon floor is a small precision formation. Combined floors make medium formations. All dungeons together form a mega formation.”
“Did you visit a magic world or an array formation world?”
Jiang Li ignored the quip, asking seriously, “Calculate this – why would Outer Realm Demons create such enormous formations?”
Without hesitation, Bai Hongtu imprinted the layered formations in his mind, his spiritual platform operating at full capacity.
“Fascinating design.” Bai Hongtu analyzed the results: “The dungeon formations serve dual purposes – channeling power to the Demon King, and awakening potential in three races.”
“When demons control a dungeon, it only powers the Demon King. But when the three races conquer a dungeon lord and gain control, the formation’s second function activates – enhancing children’s abilities.”
“You there, yes you.” Bai Hongtu pointed at Lance. “You’re native to this world? How old?”
“Twenty-five.”
“Your cultivation… ah you wouldn’t understand. Your rank?”
Jiang Li answered for him: “Fifth-level mage. Physically weak but can temporarily enhance his body with magic. Overall comparable to a weakened Spirit Transformation stage.”
“That’s precisely the issue. A twenty-five-year-old at Spirit Transformation? Besides Wuzhi and the True Dragon you trained, who in the Nine Provinces could achieve this?”
Jiang Li nodded slowly. “This world’s people have remarkable potential. Not just Lance – several Hero Party members are similar. I assumed it was systemic differences, but you’re saying it’s the dungeon formations?”
Bai Hongto finally got to showcase his intellect before Jiang Li, recalling their old rivalry during Human Sovereign candidacy days.
“If I’m right, this world didn’t always have so many geniuses. The surge is recent, correct?”
This required Lance’s input.
“Yes. Recent centuries saw fifth-level warriors, mages, assassins etc. getting younger, constantly breaking age records. My former captain Andrew the Dragon Slayer is currently the youngest fifth-level warrior. I’m the youngest mage.”
“See? Correct again.”
Li Er looked puzzled. “Why is this happening?”
Jiang Li understood: “Because they’re conquering dungeons. Each victory releases the formation’s stored energy to nourish their children’s growth.”
“And the formations change appearance after conquest, right Old Bai?”
“Go away, always stealing my thunder,” Bai Hongtu shooed Jiang Li.
Jiang Li continued: “This world overemphasizes power while neglecting mental cultivation. Like children wielding sledgehammers – they can’t control the power, nor consider consequences.”
“Rapid leveling makes them feel invincible, charging recklessly into dungeons until they die there.”
Li Er mused: “Their education system is flawed. They teach power usage but not caution. Every child thinks they’re the legendary hero destined to defeat the Demon King, marry princesses, receive royal honors and public adoration.”
By contrast, the Nine Provinces’ system was comprehensive. Before cultivation, teachers emphasized restraint – cultivation pursued longevity, not dominance. With ample resources, aggression conflicted with longevity pursuits.
Another factor prevented Nine Provinces cultivators from arrogance – Human Sovereign Jiang’s presence. However strong you became, could you surpass him? Even without Jiang Li, they understood there were always greater powers beyond – the endless paths of human, immortal and heavenly dao required eternal humility.
“According to your maps, demons have lost nearly half their dungeons. As more fall, the age limit for powerful individuals will keep dropping.”
“If all dungeons are conquered, we might see eight-year-olds at Spirit Transformation.” Bai Hongtu disliked using terms like “warrior” or “mage.”
An eight-year-old at Spirit Transformation could wield power capriciously – disastrous for any world. A child’s tantrum stomp could trigger earthquakes.
Jiang Li pondered: “A vicious cycle – dungeon demon tides attack the races, forcing conquests. But more conquests empower younger children, ultimately harming the races.”
Bai Hongtu added: “That’s not even the worst part. Combined, all dungeon formations will create a greater formation further lowering the power age limit.”
“How low?”
“Spirit Transformation from birth.”
A Spirit Transformation infant could literally destroy worlds. Babies lack self-awareness, only knowing to wail. Any random thought could cause mass casualties.