Li Fan had a premonition that if an ordinary late-stage Qi Condensation cultivator forcefully read the contents of the "Hundred Veins Formation Diagram," the surging information would undoubtedly overwhelm their brains. Even though Li Fan's mental strength was higher than that of an average cultivator, the outcome might not be favorable.
Withdrawn his spiritual sense, Li Fan solemnly stored the jade slip in his storage ring.
"How is your learning progress in formations?" Gong Boyu asked casually.
Li Fan pondered for a moment, "I've studied for two years and gained some understanding. However, I'm not sure how proficient I've become."
Gong Boyu said, "That's easy!"
He then took out a small black sphere and tossed it to Li Fan, saying, "Separate a strand of your spiritual sense and enter it."
Li Fan examined the black sphere, seemingly with flowing starlight on its surface, and followed the instructions.
In an instant, Li Fan felt like he was in a pitch-black tunnel. His thoughts raced as if on a roller coaster, swiftly sliding through the tunnel. Questions and answers on formations came at him, and Li Fan involuntarily responded. If he knew and answered correctly, the speed of his thoughts would accelerate. If he didn't know or answered incorrectly, the speed would decrease. The feeling of having his thinking speed amplified a hundredfold was somewhat similar to the artificial enlightenment of the Tianxuan Mirror but even more effective.
After a while, Li Fan felt his thoughts slowing down, eventually coming to a complete stop. He was expelled from the black sphere.
Gong Boyu took back the black sphere, looked at the nearly invisible light point on it, and stared at Li Fan with an incredulous expression. "Did you really study for only two years?"
Li Fan's expression remained unchanged, "Indeed."
After a moment of silence, Gong Boyu kindly consoled, "The path of formations is heavily dependent on talent. It's normal if you progress slowly. Don't be discouraged."
Li Fan nodded appreciatively.
However, this comforting remark unexpectedly angered another cultivator present.
"What nonsense is this? The path of formations depends only on diligence! Gong Boyu, your talent in formations might be high, but dare you say that your understanding of formations surpasses mine?"
Li Fan looked over and saw that the speaker had white hair, but his eyes gleamed with a hidden brilliance, making it difficult to look directly at him.
"Brother Zhiliang, don't be so impulsive. I was just consoling the younger generation, just a casual remark. Why take it so seriously? Everyone on Ten Thousand Immortals Island knows that you, Zhang Zhiliang, are the number one in formations," Gong Boyu said somewhat helplessly.
"The path of formations relies on diligence. How can you spout such nonsense?"
Zhang Zhiliang coldly snorted, seemingly dissatisfied with Gong Boyu's explanation.
He turned to Li Fan, gazing sternly, "Kid, don't be disheartened. Know that when I had just studied formations for two years, the result of my spiritual orb test was worse than yours!"
"For five hundred years, I almost spent all my time studying formations, making progress bit by bit. That's how I reached today's understanding of formations. Diligence can make up for deficiencies, especially in the path of formations."
"Although the world of formations claims to have an infinite variety, the commonly used formations are limited, and they can be mastered with enough effort."
"If you study diligently, do not slack off, and never give up, several hundred years later, who knows, you might become a master of formations of your generation?"
Li Fan listened, his expression solemn, "Thank you for your guidance, Senior. I will definitely keep it in mind."
After Zhang Zhiliang finished speaking, he gradually calmed down.
He scrutinized Li Fan for a moment, then slowly said, "Although diligence can make up for deficiencies, having a master to guide is equally important."
"When I was self-studying formations, I was well aware of how difficult it was to grope around on my own."
After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Zhiliang said, "I see your temperament is steady, not arrogant or impetuous, quite similar to me when I was younger."
"He Zhenghao's 'Hundred Veins Formation Diagram' has greatly benefited me. You bringing the incomplete scroll is also a favor to me."
Zhang Zhiliang looked at Li Fan with a serious expression, "I wonder, are you willing to follow me and learn formations?"
Gong Boyu on the side hurriedly reminded, "Quickly worship Master Zhang!"
Li Fan was also extremely delighted and quickly bowed in respect.
Zhang Zhiliang calmly accepted Li Fan's bow and continued, "I'll be frank. I don't want to take on disciples, so there won't be a formal master-disciple relationship between us."
"The unique formations I created will not be taught to you."
"I'll only be responsible for guiding you into the realm of formations. I won't withhold any insights or experiences."
"With my busy schedule, I can only spare some time to guide you."
"I am meticulous in my work, and I am extremely strict with others. If you are found to be lazy or slacking off, you will definitely be expelled without mercy."
...
Zhang Zhiliang laid out a series of seemingly strict but reasonable conditions.
Finally, he asked, "So, are you willing to follow me and learn formations?"
Li Fan suppressed his inner excitement and composed himself.
He bowed to Zhang Zhiliang again and said, "I am willing."
Zhang Zhiliang watched Li Fan's performance and contentedly stroked his beard.
"Good, diligence requires time. Your formation learning begins today!"
With that, Zhang Zhiliang grabbed Li Fan, and in a flash, they disappeared from the conference room.
Gong Boyu and other formation masters exchanged glances, all revealing a bitter smile.
...
Following Zhang Zhiliang, Li Fan suddenly arrived in a starry sky.
Everything around him was pitch black, set against countless twinkling stars.
"Do you know what a formation is?" Zhang Zhiliang asked.
Li Fan was about to answer, but after some thought, he shook his head, "Disciple does not know."
"A formation is a formalized set of laws."
Zhang Zhiliang said each word deliberately.
"Burning, freezing, lightning..."
"These are natural phenomena existing in the world, and what supports their occurrence and operation are various laws in the world."
"Laws remain unchanged throughout eternity, except in certain special circumstances."
"Cultivators often need to observe and comprehend the laws of the world."
"Formations are the formatted, mechanized, and standardized application of these laws."
...
In Zhang Zhiliang's narration, the gateway to the world of formations slowly opened to Li Fan.
Li Fan immersed himself deeply, losing track of time.
In the blink of an eye, the 20th year had come.
Above the Cong Yun Sea.
Zhang Haobo stood in mid-air, looking up.
"Is your dying blow about to come?"
In his memory from the previous life, a terrifying wind disaster would occur soon. Its might was enough to change the colors of the sky and earth. Over two hundred islands, including Dayu Island, were razed to the ground, and countless mortals' souls returned to the sea.
Compared to this dreadful wind disaster, the storm he currently manipulated was pitifully weak.
However...
He, Zhang Haobo, the reborn one, the son of destiny, the guardian of the Cong Yun Sea, was about to perform an audacious act, and...
Shepherd wind!