Chapter 2201 - 2202: Formation
Chapter 2201 - 2202: Formation
"Don't underestimate him just because he's only at the second stage of the Spirit Pill realm."Sun Tianming chuckled lightly, then patted Lin Chen's shoulder, saying, "This world is vast; some people's strength can't be judged by common sense. You should understand this better than I do."
Sun Tianming looked at Lin Chen with a meaningful gaze, the depth of which was apparent, causing Lin Chen to cough lightly.
"He's precisely like that. Though his realm isn't high, his skill in formation is exceptionally refined. He's even been accepted as a closed-door disciple by the elders, which speaks volumes about his talent."
"Cultivating Spiritual Energy is difficult, but cultivating formations is no easy task either. Someone like Guo Zhi can set up several formations with ease, without consuming much Spiritual Energy. Breaking these might require you several attacks, during which he has ample time to deal with you."
Sun Tianming's gradual explanation made Lin Chen gradually understand the man's terrifying capabilities. To set up several formations at hand, facing opponents of the same realm or even higher, provides immense assistance—possibly even allowing cross-realm slaying!
After all, the duel between experts is decided in an instant.
Seeing Lin Chen grasp the concept, Sun Tianming smiled and said, "Now you understand. I'm quite familiar with him. Initially, I wanted to invite him before the grand competition, but I didn't expect his master to release him early, which will be a great help at that time."
Lin Chen nodded secretly. If it was as Sun Tianming said, it would be extremely beneficial, even if he didn't fully understand the nature of formations.
But seeing Sun Tianming's high regard and the oddities observed in the trial grounds, Lin Chen could sense the marvel of formations.
"But that person..."
Lin Chen recalled his meeting with Guo Zhi earlier and increasingly felt that this person was unfathomable. The rapid change in expressions made it hard to discern his true intentions.
"Don't mind his demeanor; he's actually a good person."
Sun Tianming, who seemed to know him well, defended him.
"Got it, got it."
Lin Chen didn't say much else and suddenly remembered something, asking Sun Tianming, "But why in the trial grounds do those above the Spirit Pill realm need Spirit Stones to enter?"
This was a concern for him as it related to whether he could master that sword technique inside.
"Naturally, activating formations requires Spirit Stones. As one's realm increases, this demand only grows. Those in the Spiritual Realm don't need them because their realm is low, and they can't gather enough Spirit Stones."
"But for those in the Spirit Pill realm, if the formations that consume enormous Spiritual Energy were funded entirely by the sect, it would be an enormous expense, unbearable for the sect, so it's to be expected."
Lin Chen had an epiphany, understanding that nothing in the world comes free. He suddenly realized why so many disciples gathered in the library—were they too lacking enough Spirit Stones to enter the trial grounds?
Lin Chen mused silently.
…
As they walked slowly, Lin Chen and Sun Tianming returned to their room.
The room was slightly different from before. On the table were talismans and medicine bottles.
They were arranged in small groups on the table, divided into several sections.
Chen Jie was meticulously classifying them; she'd gathered these in recent days. Among them were healing pills, short-distance teleportation talismans, and more, all gathered at great expense of Chen Jie's Spirit Stones.
"You're back."
Chen Jie continued to move her hands, not looking up, merely pointed at the table and said, "These are the pills and items identified. Their properties and talisman effects are different; you each pick some later."
"Thank you."
Lin Chen wasn't sure how to express his gratitude and merely bowed slightly, clasping his hands.
"Why so formal? You'll have to pay me back later."
Chen Jie raised her eyes, giving Lin Chen a glancing look before her face turned a little red, thinking of something unknown. She lowered her head quickly, unnoticed by Sun Tianming and Lin Chen.
"With these items, we're much safer."
Sun Tianming looked at everything on the table. With his extensive knowledge, he relaxed. Although not claiming they'd reach the top ranks of the competition, as long as they didn't encounter monstrous adversaries, escaping unscathed wouldn't be difficult.
Especially the short-distance teleportation talisman that could instantly transport the holder several meters away. Though the distance wasn't far, it could be lifesaving.
Sun Tianming picked up the talisman, patiently explaining it to Lin Chen.
They each chose several items, and in no time, the table was empty.
"Alright, maybe now we should go register." Sun Tianming estimated the time. The sect competition registration was open for a month, early or late didn't matter, but registering early could stabilize their footing sooner.
"Are you both... going?" Lin Chen was startled. He had guessed that Chen Jie might go, given her high cultivation, which was understandable.
But he didn't expect Sun Tianming, who had just entered the Spirit Pill realm like him, to also go.
"What, are you looking down on me now that your strength is greater than mine?"
Sun Tianming jokingly smacked Lin Chen on the head, barely grazing him, causing no pain.
"That's not what I meant..."
Lin Chen hurriedly defended, scratching his head. Initially, he thought Sun Tianming was distributing these things to stay back and guard against retaliation from the Azure Dragon Association; he didn't expect him to go too.
"I know what you mean; you'd probably prefer if Chen Jie didn't go, but..."
Sun Tian looked up at the distant sky, paused, then said, "You don't want us getting hurt, and we don't want you getting hurt either. The competition isn't as simple as you think. Although neither of us has gone in directly, we know more about the inside than you do. One more person means more mutual support."
Lin Chen lowered his head slightly, his fists tight. True friends step up in times of crisis without regard for consequences.
His eyes were slightly moist. In this other world, he cherished such emotions even more.
"Let's go!"
Sun Tianming patted Lin Chen's shoulder, laughing heartily.
odessanovel