Chapter 709: Inheritance
Upon hearing the words of Xuan You Array Emperor, Xiao Ze let out a sigh.
"Senior and your wife demonstrated incredible devotion, sacrificing yourselves to seal the demon and protect the Great Thousand World. As a junior, I can only express my deepest gratitude!"
"Haha, we simply did what we were meant to do," Xuan You Array Emperor replied with a shake of his head. Seeing the respect and acknowledgment in Xiao Ze's gaze, a faint trace of relief flickered in his eyes.
"In ancient times, most battle array masters passed on their legacies within tightly connected lines not out of sectarianism, but because finding a suitable successor was exceedingly difficult."
"The method of cultivating one's will for battle array masters is incredibly dangerous. A poor match could cause irreparable harm to the disciple, possibly even death. If done poorly, this could destroy the path of array cultivation entirely."
"A battle array master's strength is inseparably tied to their army. The two must complement each other without balance, neither can reach their full potential. And the key to determining the power of both lies in the formation of battle runes, which depend on the array master and the army alike…"
Xiao Ze listened attentively. While he had some understanding of battle array masters from the original text, Xuan You's explanation was far more detailed.
The elder spoke with passion, recounting the rise and prominence of battle array masters in ancient times, as well as his personal experiences and insights into their cultivation. His words carried both wisdom and reverence for the art.
When Xuan You finally finished his detailed lecture, he looked at Xiao Ze with satisfaction, noting the younger man's serious and focused demeanor.
With a wave of his sleeve, a crystalline sphere of light floated in front of Xiao Ze.
"This contains my complete battle array master cultivation methods and experience, including the will cultivating technique known as the Xuan You Heart Refining Visualization Method. Extend your will to connect with it and see if it resonates with you."
"Thank you, Senior!" Xiao Ze bowed respectfully, then closed his eyes, sending forth his will to probe the crystal sphere.
Xuan You Array Emperor watched with anticipation. Based on Xiao Ze's earlier performance in suppressing the demon, as well as his ability to command battle runes, the elder was impressed. He sincerely hoped that Xiao Ze would inherit his legacy.
However, as time passed and the crystal sphere remained unchanged, a hint of disappointment appeared in Xuan You's gaze. Despite Xiao Ze's evident strength and potential, the lack of resonance suggested they were not a match for this particular inheritance.
Xiao Ze slowly opened his eyes, a trace of regret flashing across his face.
"It seems that fate has not aligned, Senior. I am unfit for your inheritance."
"It is unfortunate," Xuan You sighed, shaking his head. "The compatibility between a cultivator and a visualization method is crucial. Forcing an unsuitable technique would only lead to disaster mildly, it might damage your mind; at worst, it could shatter your will entirely."
Pausing, Xuan You retrieved a jade slip and handed it to Xiao Ze.
"Fortunately, my wife's legacy remains. Her path as a spirit array master is no less illustrious than mine as a battle array master. This jade slip contains her complete inheritance."
"Thank you, Senior, for entrusting me with this!" Xiao Ze accepted the jade slip with calm gratitude.
After a brief silence, Xuan You hesitated before speaking again.
"If you are not deterred by incomplete techniques, I also possess fragments of other will cultivation methods. Some of these fragments belonged to renowned battle array masters of ancient times."
Xiao Ze's eyes brightened. For now, an incomplete technique would suffice to advance his skills in battle arrays. He could always seek a complete inheritance later.
"Senior, I am willing to try!"
With another wave of his sleeve, Xuan You summoned several more crystalline spheres, each radiating a distinct aura.
"These are the fragments I've collected. If none resonate with you, then I fear I can do no more to help you walk the path of a battle array master."
Xiao Ze's gaze quickly locked onto one particular crystal sphere at the center. It exuded a faint golden glow, which grew brighter as his will reached toward it.
Golden light erupted, filling the chamber.
Xuan You's eyes widened in surprise.
"Remarkable! Your compatibility with this technique is extraordinary. This is the legacy of the famed Sacred Flame Battle Emperor the Supreme Sacred Flame Visualization Method!"
"Thank you, Senior, for your guidance and generosity!" Xiao Ze bowed deeply, sensing the perfect resonance between himself and the technique. It was clear that his control of the Primal Emperor Flame was a major factor in this compatibility.
"Haha, if I could aid you in your journey, then I am truly content. With your talent, the day may come when you stand among the strongest. Perhaps the Great Thousand World will one day rely on you for protection."
Xuan You's tone softened, his expression one of peace.
"It is time for me to reunite with my wife, Baian'er. I've lingered too long. I wonder if she'll scold me for the delay."
His gaze turned distant, a hint of relief glimmering in his deep eyes.
Xiao Ze bowed low. "Junior respectfully bids Senior farewell."
With a faint smile, Xuan You looked down at the army below him, his expression tinged with guilt.
"I have one final request. Please… lay my soldiers to rest. For countless years, they have endured, helping me suppress the demon within. It is time they found peace."
"Your wish shall be granted, Senior."
With a satisfied nod, Xuan You closed his eyes, his form growing still as his soul departed.
A Final Rest
Xiao Ze approached the stone throne and gazed at the army below.
"Warriors, the demon has been slain. Your mission is complete. Rest now, with honor."
At his words, the soldiers' expressions seemed to soften, their tense forms showing relief.
Xiao Ze's spiritual energy surged as he dismantled the bronze pillars surrounding the hall. Using the Primal Emperor Flame, he forged the bronze into caskets, placing each warrior inside, even gathering the remnants of those who had been shattered.
Finally, he approached Xuan You's body, placing it into a specially crafted casket.
To commemorate their sacrifice, Xiao Ze forged a massive bronze monument, inscribing upon it the words:
"These brave warriors gave their lives to protect the Great Thousand World. May they find eternal peace."
Placing the monument before the caskets, Xiao Ze bowed deeply.
"Rest well, heroes."
A gentle breeze swept through the chamber, carrying with it a profound sense of serenity.
Leaving the palace, Xiao Ze emerged into the open air. The devastating energy storm had already passed, allowing him to move freely once more.
"This journey has brought great rewards, but there's no time to reflect now. I must catch up to Mandala and the others."
With that, he vanished into the horizon, pressing onward.
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