Lu Haotian arrived at the Array Hall early in the morning.
He did not stop at the outer area this time. Instead, he walked directly toward the inner counter where techniques were issued.
The clerk glanced at him. "State your purpose."
"I want to select an array technique."
The clerk's expression changed slightly. "Array techniques are not freely given. You need approval from the elders."
"What is required?"
"You must demonstrate your control. Five stable nodes, formed in front of the elders."
Lu Haotian nodded. "Understood."
The clerk stood. "Follow me."
He was led into an inner chamber. The space was quiet, with a simple stone floor and no distractions.
Two people were already present.
Shen Yuan stood to the side, calm as usual.
Beside him was an older man in formal Lu robes. His aura was heavier, his posture straight. He was the elder in charge of the Array Hall.
The elder looked at Lu Haotian once. "You want an array technique?"
"Yes."
"Then show your foundation. Five nodes. Stable."
Lu Haotian stepped forward without hesitation.
He took out five small pebbles and placed them on the ground with measured spacing. His movements were steady, neither hurried nor overly cautious.
Then he raised his hand.
Qi gathered at his fingertips.
He guided it into the first pebble. The node formed smoothly and stabilized almost immediately.
The second followed without delay.
The third.
The fourth.
The fifth.
Each node formed cleanly, with no visible fluctuation. The flow of qi remained even throughout, with no signs of strain or instability.
He maintained all five at once.
Silence filled the chamber.
Shen Yuan's gaze lingered on the nodes a moment longer than usual. The Lu elder's expression changed slightly as well, his eyes narrowing in focus.
Forming five nodes was not difficult.
Maintaining them this steadily, using only one's own qi, was different.
"Hold it," the Lu elder said.
Lu Haotian did.
His control did not waver.
After a few breaths, the elder spoke again. "Enough."
Lu Haotian withdrew his qi. The nodes faded one by one.
The room remained quiet for a brief moment.
Shen Yuan finally spoke. "His control is refined."
The Lu elder gave a small nod. "And stable. No unnecessary leakage."
He looked at Lu Haotian again, this time more carefully. "You pass."
The clerk stepped forward and placed three jade slips on the table.
"Lu Family Mortal-Rank Array Techniques."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Most families possess only one. The Lu Family has three." Mortal ranked techniques are the highest rank found in heiyan city anything beyond that is usually owned by sects or ony found at the capital.
Lu Haotian looked at the slips.
The clerk began explaining.
"The first — Elemental Cycle Inscription Technique."
"This method focuses on the usage of different qi attributes. It uses cyclical flow of the element to stabilize formations. Once formed, the structure can maintain itself more efficiently, especially in longer arrays."
"It is suitable for defensive and environmental formations, but requires a good understanding of that element"
He moved to the second jade slip.
The clerk lifted the second jade slip.
"Spirit Inscription Refinement Art," he said. "This technique allows the user to project qi as if they were drawing the array itself. The placement of nodes, the flow of lines, and the formation of the core all respond to your own understanding. It does not force the user into a fixed structure; instead, it amplifies your control and interpretation."
"The array forms in real time according to your intent. Nodes connect more smoothly, lines adjust automatically, and corrections can be made instantly without dismantling the structure. Qi loss is minimized, and even complex arrays can be handled efficiently by someone with proper focus."
"It is particularly useful for small or practical formations, for maintenance over long periods, or when repeated adjustments are needed. The more you understand an array's structure, the more effective and precise this technique becomes."
Lu Haotian considered it quietly. This was exactly the kind of guidance he needed—something that let him apply his own insight while reducing the strain of forming arrays from scratch.
Then the third.
"Phases Tempering Art."
"This method strengthens the structure itself. Nodes formed through it are denser and more resistant to disruption."
"It is suited for combat arrays, but consumes more qi and requires stronger control to maintain."
The clerk stepped back slightly.
Lu Haotian understood.
An array technique would not increase his power directly, but it would make everything he had been doing more efficient. It would reduce mistakes, improve stability, and allow him to form structures faster.
He looked at the three jade slips again.
Then reached out.
"Spirit Inscription Refinement Art."
The clerk nodded and pushed it forward.
Lu Haotian picked it up.
His choice was simple.