Chapter 109: Formation

“I see, so it’s not only Xiao Miao’er who wants to find a position through your husband.”

Wen Qing spoke beside them, winking mischievously at Shui Miao’er as she said it.

“You two senior ladies misunderstand. I am already married, and my alchemy skills are genuinely excellent—not just for show,” Lin Yang replied firmly.

He could tell these two thought he was a freeloader, and that was intolerable. If he lacked ability to support himself, he wouldn’t mind their remarks, but now as a master alchemist, a man of true skill must carry some pride. If he didn’t prove his worth, they would continue to look down on him.

“Oh, really? Then we must see this for ourselves,” one of them said.

“But a man can still have multiple wives and concubines, after all. Shui Miao’er isn’t bad-looking,” the other added.

Ling Xiaotian, who had been watching the commotion, understood completely—it was the Shui family’s scheme to bind Lin Yang to them by pairing him with Shui Miao’er.

Meanwhile, Shui Miao’er’s eyes involuntarily reddened, but she quickly composed herself. The brief flush in her eyes passed unnoticed by any man.

Only Wen Qing caught the subtle change—women truly understand women.

At this moment, Lin Yang and Ling Xiaotian found a common topic. Ling Xiaotian had once roamed this world himself.

Curious about Lin Yang’s fabricated background, combined with Lin Yang’s skill in persuasion and genuine talent, the two men—though centuries apart in age—engaged in a lively, engrossing conversation.

They discussed everything under the sun, from grand affairs to trivial matters, even sharing risqué jokes about women.

Nearby, Wen Qing, Shui Miao’er, and their daughter Ling Yuling chatted softly, setting up a formation to prevent the two men from overhearing. Ling Yuling, now about six or seven years old, was lively and adorable—one could only wonder what mischief she might cause when she grew up.

“I heard you repaired the Shui family’s teleportation formation. Is that true?” Ling Xiaotian asked.

The men did not overhear the women’s conversation. Lin Yang’s knowledge astonished Ling Xiaotian. It seemed Lin Yang had acquired knowledge like an inheritance passed down over tens of thousands of years—complex yet precise.

To achieve such mastery, countless generations would have had to study, modify, and verify the knowledge over thousands or even tens of thousands of years.

The formation incorporated the ingenious ideas of various prodigies and geniuses. Ling Xiaotian felt he himself was inferior in matters of formation arrays.

If Lin Yang’s cultivation were higher, able to tear open space to set up teleportation formations, he might have already completed one flawlessly.

“That’s true,” Lin Yang admitted. He saw no reason to hide this and spoke openly.

“Well then, that formation was originally laid out by an old friend of mine, and it holds his heartfelt effort. If you truly repaired it, show me the formation diagram,” Ling Xiaotian requested.

“Alright.” Lin Yang produced a scroll depicting the teleportation formation’s pattern. Only part was drawn; the rest remained in his mind.

Ling Xiaotian unrolled the scroll and his eyes immediately brightened. He became immersed in it, while Lin Yang calmly sipped tea nearby.

After an hour passed, Ling Xiaotian finally looked up, astonished. He had just witnessed something seemingly impossible.

The scroll contained no advanced formation symbols, yet the pattern was undeniably correct.

In other words, Lin Yang had composed the teleportation formation using only basic formation principles and a certain rhythm.

This revelation stunned Ling Xiaotian. Lin Yang could potentially establish a new, unconventional school of formation arts.

Ling Xiaotian felt a twinge of jealousy. Lin Yang’s future as a Nascent Soul cultivator seemed assured.

Not to mention, Lin Yang claimed his alchemy was even more superb. Rubbing his temples, Ling Xiaotian tried to compose himself.

“I didn’t expect you to have such a solid foundation, young brother. I have truly benefited from this. I’m curious to see how far your alchemy skills extend.”

“Then let me perform an alchemical demonstration and show you the pills,” Lin Yang said.

“Here may not be the best place. This is the residence of a Nascent Soul Lord,” Ling Xiaotian cautioned.

Lin Yang felt embarrassed. This was their doorstep—what if a heavenly tribulation struck and he caused an explosion?

“No worries. Feel free to proceed. This is an independent space, beyond the jurisdiction of the heavens. It is a place without rules,” Ling Xiaotian explained, understanding Lin Yang’s concerns.

“Very well. I’ll first set up an auxiliary formation.”

Lin Yang typically arranged an auxiliary formation that generated abundant fiery energy during alchemy, greatly reducing consumption and time.

“Alright, let’s go outside to the open ground to concoct the pill,” Ling Xiaotian said, opening the door and stepping out. Lin Yang hurried after him.

Curious, Wen Qing and Shui Miao’er left their practicing daughter Ling Yuling behind and followed.

“This spot is suitable,” Lin Yang said, surveying the open space and beginning to draw the formation.

Ling Xiaotian watched as Lin Yang’s movements resembled an artist’s brushstrokes.

Every rune was placed with precision; every ounce of spiritual energy was utilized to its utmost.

Though composed of basic runes, the formation was intricately assembled like a fundamental program layered repeatedly.

Ling Xiaotian felt as though he grasped something profound, yet it slipped through his fingers.

Although Lin Yang’s pattern was complex, most runes were simple, sketched with a single stroke.

Soon, a nearly thirty-foot-diameter circular formation took shape.

This artistic approach to drawing formations deeply impressed the two women as well, who watched the pattern on the ground with fascination.

Lin Yang then infused spiritual energy into the formation; red flames flickered within.

Just a spark was enough to ignite it fully.

He transformed a small ember into blazing fire and other fire attributes. Despite the intense spiritual energy, no explosion or uncontrolled burning occurred.

This raised Ling Xiaotian’s estimation of the formation’s quality.

Lin Yang then brought out his alchemy furnace, placing it at the center of the formation.

This black, three-legged furnace could expand or contract as needed and boasted formidable defenses.

After a moment, he connected the fire attribute energy to the furnace, which began to float as the first step of alchemy commenced.

He first heated the entire furnace, preparing it to transform all medicinal ingredients into liquid and then to fuse them together.