In fact, aside from the "Formation Outline," Zuo Dao possessed many unique texts, but he understood the principle that greed leads to ruin. Zhao Yanwu was talented in formations, but talent is developed step by step; there are no shortcuts in mastering formations.
The other party had helped him resolve issues related to his Celestial Realm identity, which made him feel indebted, though he didn't mind this small favor.
Ever since Zuo Dao gifted the "Formation Outline" to Zhao Yanwu, her attitude towards him changed immediately. Previously, she had doubted the old man's claim that Zuo Dao's realm in formations surpassed her own. However, after receiving the "Formation Outline," she had no choice but to reassess Zuo Dao's abilities.
Once Zhao Yanwu obtained the "Formation Outline," she quickly forgot about Zuo Dao and immersed herself in studying the book. For this, Zuo Dao felt both understanding and helpless.
However, the environment in Zhao Wang Village was quite pleasant, and Zhao Elder was talkative. Whenever he had free time, Zuo Dao would engage the elder in conversation over drinks. Zhao Kuangyi also enjoyed the peace; without Zhao Yanwu around, he could drink freely! As long as it didn’t involve any principles, he generally listened to Zuo Dao.
During this time, Zuo Dao took the opportunity to diligently supplement his knowledge about the Great Celestial Domain. Here, he learned a lot from Zhao Elder's insights into the Great Celestial Domain; some lesser-known aspects were revealed. More importantly, Zuo Dao received valuable advice, and despite everything, he greatly benefited during this period.
The current court no longer existed; the entire Great Celestial Domain resembled a warlord's territory where the strong ruled their lands and mutually constrained one another. In times when the Immortal Emperor did not appear, the Immortal Kings represented the highest combat power in the Great Celestial Domain. They governed vast territories within it.
Zhao Elder was unsure of how many kings existed within the Great Celestial Domain. Many Immortal Kings preferred to remain hidden, yet they held significant renown within the domain.
Some wandered through the Celestial Realm while others blended into crowds; these individuals cared little for power or enjoyment. Their only desire was to ascend to greater heights.
These were precisely the people Zhao Elder urged Zuo Dao to pay close attention to. After all, these individuals were rootless and free-spirited; even kings from major factions were reluctant to provoke them.
Occasionally, powerful fluctuations emanated from Zhao Yanwu's room. Without needing to guess, it was clear that she had begun experimenting with new formations based on her insights into "Formation Principles."
Zuo Dao expressed his admiration for this. Zhao Yanwu indeed excelled in her understanding of formations compared to many others.
The origins of the "Formation Outline" could no longer be verified, but its name had spread widely. Anyone who obtained this book could reach the pinnacle of formations. Some believed that possessing this outline would allow them to dominate in the Celestial Realm.
However, only those who had read this book truly understood that the "Formation Outline" was merely a key to unlocking the door of formations. The Great Power who originally wrote this book may have intended for future generations to better comprehend formations; thus, the entire outline contained little profound knowledge—only some foundational concepts.
The foundations that once seemed so basic had now become echoes of the past. Zhao Yanwu found herself at a loss for words to describe her feelings.
The "Formation Outline" had completely opened the door to the world of formations for her, propelling her forward countless steps. If there were still a few individuals in the Great Celestial Domain who could surpass her in formations, they would be the few Immortal King-level formation masters. Zhao Yanwu had already surpassed countless others in her understanding of formations. All of this was thanks to Zuo Dao, which inevitably reminded her of his presence.
A young girl's emotions are like poetry; even immortals are not exempt from such sentiments. Moreover, the mutual resonance between the Formation Master One lineage and Zhao Yanwu led her to develop new thoughts about Zuo Dao.
After emerging from seclusion, Zhao Yanwu's attitude towards Zuo Dao had changed significantly. It was a mix of youthful infatuation and admiration for a strong figure, particularly regarding Zuo Dao's prowess in formations.
Zhao Elder was pleased to see this development and was quite satisfied with Zuo Dao himself. Otherwise, he wouldn't have recognized him as his granddaughter's fiancé on their first meeting. If Zhao Yanwu had let slip that she was engaged, it would have caused chaos throughout the Great Celestial Domain.
At this moment, Zuo Dao's primary concern was still about his identity. After Zhao Yanwu emerged from seclusion, she clearly stated that this was not an issue; the real problem lay in the absence of a Celestial Pool in Zhao Wang Village. The nearest Celestial Pool was hundreds of thousands of miles away. Although there were Teleportation Arrays available along the way, Zuo Dao's identity meant he could not use them.
In fact, a more significant issue stemmed from Zhao Wang Village's unique geographical position. The villagers did not want to be discovered by outsiders. Thus, resolving the identity issue transformed into a question of how to travel.
Zuo Dao realized that ever since entering the Great Celestial Domain, things had been going poorly for him. Fortunately, he encountered Zhao Elder and his granddaughter, which saved him from many detours. Otherwise, his journey through the Great Celestial Domain would have turned into a bloody path.
Zhao Yanwu had not anticipated that helping someone would lead to so many complications. All Teleportation Arrays within the Great Celestial Domain automatically rejected individuals like Zuo Dao; these were completely beyond human control. Even if Zhao Yanwu's influence grew immensely after her emergence, it would be impossible to ensure absolute safety.
Walking on foot? When Zuo Dao suggested this idea, it was immediately dismissed by both Zhao Clan members. Despite being in the Great Celestial Domain, the potential dangers were incalculable; even Immortal Kings dared not wander freely within its confines.
With no other options, Zhao Yanwu turned her attention to her grandfather.
Zhao Kuangyi's identity remained shrouded in mystery; although Zuo Dao had never asked him directly, just the name "Zhao Wang Village" hinted at something significant.
In the Celestial Realm, anyone who could be referred to as "Wang" was undoubtedly a person of great renown. Since entering Zhao Wang Village, Zuo Dao had not seen anyone other than Zhao Kuangyi and his granddaughter. However, he sensed that beyond this courtyard lay other life forces present.
The villagers never bothered Elder Zhao for some unknown reason. In such cases, it was usually because the owner of the courtyard held a very prestigious status or had an extremely reclusive personality. Zuo Dao couldn't think of any other reason that could make an entire village ignore the existence of this grandfather and grandson pair. Given Elder Zhao's character, it was clear he was not the latter; thus, the answer was obvious.
Zuo Dao's generous gift weighed heavily on Zhao Yanwu's heart; such a significant favor was also a dilemma. The short journey of several hundred thousand miles felt like a chasm in her eyes. She was well aware of the environment around Zhao Wang Village; even an Immortal King could fall within it, let alone Zuo Dao, who had just stepped into the Celestial Realm.
"Grandpa, look at how pitiful Daozi is; please help him," Zhao Yanwu said, transforming into a neighborly girl as she clung to Zhao Kuangyi's side, acting cute. It was rare for Elder Zhao to receive such treatment; not putting on some airs would be doing a disservice to himself.
"When did you start calling him Daozi? My dear girl, you wouldn't have been sold out by a mere book, would you?" Zhao Kuangyi chuckled, stroking his white beard.
"A mere book!" Hearing her grandfather say that, Zhao Yanwu tightened her grip on his shoulder. "If Formation Outline is considered a mere book, then you should go get me a few copies."
Zhao Kuangyi didn't notice that his granddaughter would resort to such "blackmail," letting out a dramatic cry.
"Are you trying to murder your dear grandpa? You really can be ruthless for that boy!" Of course, with Zhao Kuangyi's strength, he wouldn't be harmed by Zhao Yanwu; it was all part of the act. "You should plead with your grandpa more; who knows, maybe he'll come up with a solution if he's in a good mood."
"Are you sure?" The sweet voice of Zhao Yanwu came from behind Zhao Kuangyi, almost sickeningly sweet as she asked Elder Zhao.
Elder Zhao shivered slightly; the gentle massage from Zhao Yanwu made his shoulder muscles tense up.
"There is indeed a way!" Zhao Kuangyi said with some reluctance. However, now under his granddaughter's influence, he had no choice but to relent.
Seeing her grandfather feign calmness, Zhao Yanwu secretly smiled to herself. From her understanding of her grandpa, she wasn't asking him to come up with a solution; she wanted something from him. Once she had that item, Zuo Dao's journey would be completely unproblematic. As long as they reached their destination and underwent the celestial rites, she would have repaid him a favor.
What she obtained from her grandfather was a magical artifact known as One-Handed Concealment. This celestial-grade treasure resembled an exquisitely carved jade hand and emitted no aura whatsoever. In Zhao Yanwu's words, this item had only one function: to conceal one's presence so effectively that even Dao couldn't detect it. However, it had one significant drawback—it was a one-time-use item.
How Zhao Kuangyi acquired it remained unknown; all he knew was that such items were mostly remnants from ancient times—each one used meant one less in existence. For this artifact, Zuo Dao felt undeserving. Although it was merely a one-time-use treasure, it could save someone's life in critical moments.
Especially upon reaching the Zhao Elder's Realm, the One-Handed Concealment would undoubtedly be of great use to him.
Seeing Zuo Dao refuse without hesitation, Zhao Kuangyi's eyes revealed an appreciative smile.
"Let her have it; she can take it. Otherwise, who knows how that stubborn girl would torment the old man. Truly a headstrong girl."
"Grandpa!" Hearing Zhao Kuangyi speak like this in front of others made Zhao Yanwu's face flush crimson.
"Look at that! After all these years, I've never seen our Zhao Yanwu blush," Zhao Kuangyi laughed heartily at her reaction.
No matter how tough Zhao Yanwu was, she couldn't withstand such blatant teasing from the Zhao Elder. After giving Zhao Kuangyi a fierce glare, she dashed back into the house.
Zuo Dao realized he had incurred a significant debt of gratitude this time and decided not to refuse any longer. However, he was contemplating how to help Zhao Yanwu elevate her Formation Realm once again.
He could see Zhao Yanwu's status in the old man's heart. What had the old man not seen in his Realm? Moreover, with his current abilities, he had nothing substantial to offer.
Once everything was prepared, Zuo Dao and Zhao Yanwu officially set off on their journey.
Departure: Liu Yue City.
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