Chapter 65: Chapter 65 Xie Xie
Chapter 65 Xie Xie
"Stand up. Tell me about your history and the City Lord Manor," Shangguan Yi said, his voice steady.
Xie Xie slowly rose to his feet, his expression a mix of resignation and resolve. He met Shangguan Yi's gaze with a semblance of calmness. "I understand, Young Master. What would you like to know?"
Shangguan Yi's eyes narrowed slightly as he inquired, "First, tell me about the real power of the City Lord Manor. I want to know the full extent of their strength and capabilities."
Xie Xie took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "I joined the City Lord Manor thirty years ago, after being a lone Cultivator for a long time. Despite my relatively short time with them, I've had the opportunity to learn quite a bit."
He paused, considering his words carefully. "The City Lord Manor is indeed a formidable power. There are at least five Core Formation Cultivator ancestors hidden within their ranks. All of them have level 3 Core Formation cultivation or above. Their strength is substantial, and they have access to a wealth of resources and techniques."
Shangguan Yi nodded, absorbing the information. "And what about the other high-grade families? How do they compare to the City Lord Manor?"
Xie Xie's expression darkened slightly. "In my estimation, the other high-grade families are weaker compared to the City Lord Manor. While they do possess some level of Core Formation Cultivators, their overall strength and resources are not on par with the City Lord Manor's."
Shangguan Yi's eyes gleamed with a mixture of interest and contemplation. "I see."
Xie Xie nodded, his voice firm. "Yes, Young Master. The City Lord Manor's dominance is well-established, and their power is not to be underestimated."
Shangguan Yi remained silent for a moment. "How do you compare them to the array I laid?"
Xie Xie was quiet, deep in thought. He was a level 3 Array Master, but he couldn't identify the protection array that safeguarded the Xia Family. Nor could he deduce the method to break the Serpent Embrace Entrapment Array.
"Young Master," Xie Xie began slowly, choosing his words with care, "I am a level 3 Array Master, yet I could not identify or break the arrays you employed. The Serpent Embrace Entrapment Array, in particular, is beyond my comprehension. Its complexity and effectiveness are unparalleled."
"I guess they are level 3 high-grade arrays, right?" Xie Xie asked while observing Shangguan Yi. One of the reasons he was willing to yield was to study the array from the one who laid it. Now that it was Shangguan Yi himself, his respect for him rose to another level. In his opinion, Shangguan Yi must be a high-grade level 3 Array Master.
Shangguan Yi didn't deny it. The Serpent Embrace Entrapment Array is indeed a high-grade level 3 array, but the protection array was not high-grade; it was supreme grade. But Shangguan Yi didn't feel the need to tell Xie Xie.
Xie Xie considered this, his eyes brightened. "The City Lord Manor possesses some of the finest array masters. Their defensive arrays are strong, capable of withstanding formidable attacks. However, the intricacy and power of your arrays surpass anything I have seen from them. Even the great families, with their ancient techniques and formidable resources, cannot match the brilliance of your work."
Shangguan Yi remained contemplative, his mind analyzing the implications. "So, the City Lord Manor's arrays, while powerful, would not withstand an attack using my techniques?"
Xie Xie nodded, his expression solemn. "In my professional opinion, they would not. Your arrays are simply on another level. The City Lord Manor, despite its strength, lacks the depth of understanding and execution evident in your formations."
Shangguan Yi's gaze grew distant as he absorbed this information. The knowledge that his arrays outclassed those of the City Lord Manor and other high-grade families provided him with a strategic advantage. He could leverage this superiority in his future endeavors, reshaping the power dynamics in his favor.
Shangguan Yi finally said, "Hm, since that's the case, the City Lord Manor and other families will be easier to handle than I expected."
Xie Xie bowed slightly, acknowledging Shangguan Yi's words. "I am glad to be of service, Young Master."
Shangguan Yi's expression softened slightly. "You have proven yourself useful, Xie Xie. I will need your help in the coming waves of attacks."
Xie Xie's eyes shone with a mix of relief and determination. "I will not disappoint you."
"Go and talk while we stroll around the Xia Family territory," Shangguan Yi spoke up and started walking. He didn't intend to return yet, as he needed Xie Xie's knowledge to choose the areas to lay the supplementary arrays.
Xie Xie nodded in excitement and followed him.
While they were strolling, the Xia Family Cultivators were busy clearing the scene and searching for Xia Zu. Shangguan Yi, of course, didn't give much attention to this small matter. Even if Xia Zu had perished, it had nothing to do with him.
The first place they visited was where Tie Tu was hidden underground. Shangguan Yi might not have a method to deal with him directly, but he could use an array to seal the area.
"I trust you can seal this place," Shangguan Yi said, looking at Xie Xie.
Xie Xie nodded confidently. This was his first task to prove himself, and he couldn't afford to disappoint Shangguan Yi. "I can handle it."
With Shangguan Yi observing, Xie Xie began to lay the low-grade level 3 array, the Five Metals Array. Despite being low-grade, it was formidable enough that even a Core Formation Cultivator might take a day to break through it.
First, Xie Xie took out a bottle containing Metal Gold Powder, sprinkling it in a precise pattern on the ground to form the array's foundation. The powder shimmered as it settled, forming intricate lines and symbols that began to glow faintly with energy.
Next, he placed the skull of a level 3 Metal Beast at the center of the array. The skull, still emanating a faint metallic aura, served as the core focus for the array's power. Xie Xie carefully adjusted its position, ensuring it aligned perfectly with the array's foundational lines.
He then took out a level 3 Metal Crystal, its surface glistening with a silvery sheen. Xie Xie positioned the crystal at the four cardinal points around the skull, embedding each one into the ground with precise movements. The crystals acted as conduits, amplifying the array's power and stability.
Following this, Xie Xie retrieved a piece of Metal Tree, a rare and sturdy material known for its exceptional conductivity of metal essence. He cut the Metal Tree into five equal parts, placing them in a pentagonal formation around the array's core. Each piece was then connected by thin threads of metal essence, forming a web that interlinked with the array's foundational lines.
The final major component was the 10,000 essence stones. Xie Xie meticulously arranged these stones in concentric circles around the array, each stone acting as a reservoir of energy. As he placed each stone, they began to pulse in unison, synchronizing with the array's core components.
In addition to these primary materials, Xie Xie used another hundred supplementary materials. Small metal shards, various metallic herbs, and enchanted inks were applied to enhance the array's durability and complexity. He moved with precision, his hands a blur as he integrated each element into the array.
Three hours passed as Xie Xie worked diligently, sweat forming on his brow despite the cool air. Finally, he stood back, admiring his work. The array glowed with a soft metallic light, humming with contained power.
"It is done," Xie Xie said, turning to Shangguan Yi. "The Five Metals Array is in place. It will hold."
Shangguan Yi nodded in approval, a faint smile touching his lips. "Well done."
Xie Xie, relieved and proud, stepped back and observed the sealed area.
"Let's move on to the next area." Feeling relieved, he started walking again.
Xie Xie followed quickly behind.
Shangguan Yi began discussing his next project for another array.
"Thunderstrike Offensive Array!" Xie Xie exclaimed in excitement. As a level 3 Array Master, he naturally recognized it. It was a high-grade level 3 array with destructive power; with it, a Core Formation Cultivator could be defeated in three strikes. With this array, no one in Red Maple City would be a threat to him anymore.
[So, this is his confidence. Luckily, I made the right choice; otherwise, how could I fight such an enemy?] Xie Xie thought to himself.
"Tell me if Young Master needs any help from this old man. I will do my best," Xie Xie said excitedly. Creating a high-grade level 3 array would benefit him greatly, and he couldn't wait to try it.
However, Shangguan Yi had no need for his help; his array knowledge was lower than Xie Xie's, and the array was created by the system.
"There's no need for your assistance in this process. However, once it is finished, I'll need you to control a part of it and lead the Xia Family Cultivators to fight the enemy. Remember to separate a Core Formation Cultivator from the group," Shangguan Yi said simply.
Xie Xie was disappointed but brightened at the prospect of being able to control part of the array.
They continued walking and talking for an hour before Shangguan Yi returned to the Meditation Garden.
He arranged for Xie Xie to stay outside the Xia Family's protection array.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone