Chapter 432: Channel Connection Failed

The scene was quiet for a full ten breaths before anyone slowly came back to their senses.

In the past, if Xu Xiaoshou had dared to utter such words, it would have instantly drawn endless scolding and doubt.

But at this moment, everyone had been so thoroughly overwhelmed by Xu Xiaoshou's continuous displays that they had completely lost their resolve. Their immediate reaction was not to refute him, but rather to entertain a simple doubt.

"Is what he said true? A spirit array master... Xu Xiaoshou's words, they must be true!"

"I think it's very possible!"

"If it were anyone else, they would definitely be joking, but Xu Xiaoshou... His spiritual refining, sword path, body tempering, and alchemy are already so terrifying, would adding the path of spirit arrays really be too much?"

"But how is that possible? This isn't something that can be achieved just by cultivating from the womb. Did he prepare for this in his previous life?"

"Impossible? If it's impossible... then did you eat your words?"

The whispers among the crowd were frighteningly soft. Even those who spoke with a questioning tone dared not raise their voices. They feared that a single rebuttal would result in Xu Xiaoshou humiliating them again the next second.

They were scared. Everyone was scared. Watching Xu Xiaoshou stand up and speak loudly, the crowd thought of his alchemy. If his alchemy was already so terrifying, what tricks would Xu Xiaoshou pull off with the even more mysterious path of spirit arrays?

"Swish, swish, swish!"

Shouye stood in front of the host's platform. He watched in shock as the crowd below, prompted by Xu Xiaoshou's words, slowly began to retreat. These people, without prior agreement, all wore expressions as if bracing for an explosion. Some even took out defensive spiritual artifacts. Sweeping his gaze back, Shouye saw the old spirit array masters who had already approached but suddenly hesitated.

In fact, one of the faster ones had already picked up a jade slip from his table. But because of Xu Xiaoshou's single remark, the old spirit array master's movements paused. After looking back and confirming the identity of the speaker, he actually, without thinking, gently placed the jade slip back in front of Shouye.

"What does this mean?"

Shouye's face turned green, and lines of frustration appeared on his forehead.

"I..."

The old spirit array master hesitated for a moment, his lips parted, and he meekly said: "I am only a Grandmaster-level spirit array master, and I don't think I'm qualified enough to study this spirit array diagram at the moment..."

Shouye: ???

"A Grandmaster-level spirit array master is already very strong! What do you mean 'not qualified'? Are you kidding me? What's with the fear in your eyes? Is Xu Xiaoshou that terrifying? It's just taking a jade slip before him, that's all! Will you die?!"

Shouye was so angry his lungs felt like they would burst. He hadn't expected the pressure Xu Xiaoshou exerted on everyone to be so terrifying already.

"What about you all, do you feel the same way?" He glanced around at the other dozen or so people whose footsteps had halted, and asked.

All the old spirit array masters turned slightly to the side. They said nothing. But anyone with a discerning eye could read their body language: "Let Xu Xiaoshou go first; we are not worthy to make a move before him."

"Phew!" Shouye let out a long breath. After calming his mind, he calmly looked at Xu Xiaoshou again: "You'd better truly be a spirit array master, otherwise, if you disrupt the rules, I will give you the punishment you deserve."

Although earlier during the alchemy competition, he had indeed noticed Xu Xiaoshou's knack for using spirit arrays. However, alchemy methods formed by integrating spirit arrays into one's path were not unheard of on the continent. While certainly precious, it wasn't surprising for someone to use them. The true path of spirit arrays, for a true spirit array master, involves setting up, dismantling, and creating arrays. Merely knowing how to use arrays was far from reaching the level of a spirit array master.

"Suspicion received, passive points, 1211.""Anticipation received, passive points, 1223."

Amidst the crowd's anticipation, Xu Xiaoshou flicked his sleeve, offered no explanation, and walked directly forward. Although the crowd's reaction was unexpectedly subdued, with no more loud clamoring, it felt quite unaccustomed. But at the same time, such a small influx of passive points also indicated that the passive point reserves of everyone present had basically been almost completely drained by him.

Although this situation was a first, Xu Xiaoshou knew that the crowd's psychological defenses had long since collapsed. Now, no matter what outrageous thing he did, everyone would take it for granted.

"Numb worship?" Xu Xiaoshou sighed softly, "How pitiful, these people don't even have an opinion of their own anymore..."

Walking up to Shouye, and disregarding the man's unpleasant expression, Xu Xiaoshou directly picked up a jade slip, intending to retreat.

"Stop." Shouye ordered, "Read it here, and solve it on the spot!"

Xu Xiaoshou slowly made a question mark gesture. "Solve it on the spot? Your earlier intention, wasn't it to distribute this jade slip to outsiders later? What's the difference between me solving it now or later?"

Shouye sneered, "Of course there is. Whether you're faking it, I'll know just by you placing it against your forehead."

Xu Xiaoshou's heart stirred. He immediately knew that this jade slip definitely had something peculiar about it; perhaps there was an additional threshold spirit array on its surface to verify the identity of a spirit array master. But with his "Textile Mastery" at the Grandmaster level, how could he be afraid of these things?

"Unnecessary." Xu Xiaoshou snorted and placed the jade slip against his forehead.

Everyone watched intently. When the jade slip was placed against his forehead, a barrier of light enveloped Xu Xiaoshou.

"A trapping array?" The crowd was startled. To read this jade slip, there was actually a prerequisite of breaking a trapping array?

"It's not just a trapping array; there's also an illusion array."

"This is a nested spirit array with two arrays overlaid!" The closest spirit array Grandmaster spoke up, with surprise in his eyes, asking: "Senior Hongyi, the existence of this nested spirit array basically excludes Spirit Vein realm spirit array masters. Why didn't you mention it earlier? If one is unprepared, once trapped, spirit array masters below the Grandmaster level certainly won't be able to get out."

Everyone's heart tightened upon hearing this. At this, those Spirit Vein realm spirit array masters who had already come most of the way but whose strength still lingered at the threshold of Grandmaster, immediately chose to retreat.

What a joke! Nested spirit arrays, at this level, are considered extremely difficult to handle even among Grandmasters. What business do these Spirit Vein realm spirit array masters have joining the fun? Just this threshold is impassable; what's the point of talking about the White Cave Spirit Array Diagram in their memory?

Shouye looked at the space in front of him, which had instantly gone from over a dozen people to five, with Xu Xiaoshou being one of them, and his brows immediately furrowed.

"Without even reaching the Grandmaster level, you want to break a spirit array? If this thing were so simple, would I need to bring it here for you to see? This old man could shatter it with a single finger."

He was truly a bit angered. Some things, did he really need to explain them so clearly? Did they really think there was no one capable within the Red Coats? They couldn't even break a Spirit Vein realm spirit array?

Fu Yinhong quickly stepped forward to console him, "Senior Shouye, please calm down. You were previously operating in the White Cave, so naturally you're not yet accustomed to the pace here..." As she spoke, her face flushed slightly, "It's already quite good that we can gather four Grandmaster-level spirit array masters here right now. If you hadn't said anything, I might not have thought of this aspect either. After all, most of the people we usually deal with are at the Spirit Vein realm, and Grandmasters are already quite rare."

Shouye was momentarily speechless. He somewhat understood. Different worlds naturally lead to different things encountered.

"Enough," he waved his hand, "those below Grandmaster level, retreat!" He looked back at the other four people: "Even if you are Grandmaster level, there's only a slight possibility you can dismantle the array. But as long as you have an idea, you can contribute it. Even a small hint will earn you a reward. The White Cave Spirit Array Diagram is very formidable; relying on one person alone, even at the Sovereign level, cannot dismantle it."

The crowd below heard this and instantly gaped in astonishment. A spirit array that even Sovereigns couldn't dismantle, and you bring it here for Grandmasters to solve? This must be an insult to the spirit array masters here!

"Senior, you're making things difficult for us..." At this, even the four Grandmaster spirit array masters felt their faces flush.

Shouye, however, shook his head, not entirely agreeing. "To enter the Grandmaster realm is to have the foundation to establish one's own sect. At the very least, on the path you've chosen, your insights are definitely much deeper than others'. There's no need to belittle yourselves. This spirit array diagram requires gathering the points of mastery from everyone, and only then, by pooling all knowledge, can it be overcome."

As Shouye's words fell, before the crowd could react, the nested spirit array enveloping Xu Xiaoshou on one side was already broken. Everyone turned their heads, completely stunned.

"Broken?" The leading spirit array Grandmaster's old face trembled in disbelief. In the time it took to say those two sentences, a nested spirit array, reputed to be difficult even for Grandmasters to approach, was broken? Although it was just a threshold spirit array, this speed was simply too fast, wasn't it? What a joke! You, Xu Xiaoshou, could it be that you're not just a spirit array master, but also a Spirit Array Grandmaster?

"You solved it?" Shouye was equally astonished. Although he had some expectations, Xu Xiaoshou so easily dismantling the entry threshold of this spirit array diagram was still beyond his wildest expectations. He had also been involved when this threshold spirit array was being set up. An ordinary Grandmaster spirit array master, if they didn't realize it while inside, would probably spend half a day and still not figure out that it was actually a nested spirit array, let alone dismantle it.

Xu Xiaoshou...

Shouye touched his teacup; the residual warmth had not yet faded!

"I've solved it!" Xu Xiaoshou casually spread his hands, with a similar look of surprise in his eyes. He admitted he had indeed underestimated what Shouye had brought. Just now, upon a spiritual scan, the outer threshold layer was indeed a joke, but the actual content within the jade slip truly exceeded his expectations.

"Heavenly Secrets Art!" Heaven knows how astonished he was when he saw through the true spirit array diagram within. He had previously seen the superficial aspects of the Heavenly Secrets Art in the sea of flowers, and then witnessed the true splendor of the Heavenly Secrets Art on the "Celestial Pivot Mechanism." In fact, Xu Xiaoshou had even repaired this very thing. With repeated exposure, he was naturally familiar with the Heavenly Secrets Art.

But the Heavenly Secrets array diagram within the jade slip, with its rigorous construction and exquisite structure, was simply rare in the world. A full thirty-six layers of Heavenly Secrets arrays were repeatedly nested, interlocking tightly like mortise and tenon joints. Because it was a replica, some crucial parts were missing. Even the most fundamental connection to the rules of heaven and earth was difficult for a replica diagram to convey. Therefore, as Xu Xiaoshou observed the structural flaws of this Heavenly Secrets array diagram, he had no choice but to deduce the remaining incomplete parts. If it weren't for "Textile Mastery" itself having the ability to weave the rules of heaven and earth, he would truly have lost face to Shouye at this moment.

But...

"Although it was quite difficult, I only used... less than an incense stick's worth of time, right?" Xu Xiaoshou asked, "Does this count as passing? Can it prove that I am a spirit array master?"

Shouye swallowed. He was stunned. Perhaps tonight, he had truly stumbled upon a treasure. That was a nested spirit array! A full two layers! A threshold spirit array of this complexity was terrifying enough on its own. Its purpose was to intercept all sorts of miscellaneous outsiders who were unaware of their own limitations and wanted to get involved. For Xu Xiaoshou to dismantle it so quickly, either his spirit array attainment was extraordinary, almost reaching the Grand Grandmaster realm. Or, he had a very deep understanding of the structure of nested spirit arrays! The former was acceptable; there were many such individuals within the Red Coats. But nested spirit arrays, these were a real challenge! If Xu Xiaoshou truly mastered nested spirit arrays, then he would be quite accomplished. This kind of treasure, perhaps if taken to the White Cave, could truly allow them to study the legendary "Thirty-Six Heavenly Seal Array"!

"Not bad." Although excited internally, Shouye concealed it well. On the surface, he merely nodded calmly, "What did you see?"

Xu Xiaoshou glanced at the others. Unlike Shouye, the shock on these guys' faces was completely undisguised. And even without looking at them...

"Admiration received, passive points, 16.""Admiration received, passive points, 16."

The information bar was constantly refreshing, also signifying the spirit array masters present acknowledged Xu Xiaoshou's speed in dismantling the array.

"Spirit arrays, huh." Xu Xiaoshou was somewhat surprised by these guys' reactions. He put away the jade slip and casually said, "Besides seeing the spirit array, what else could I see?"

"How did you dismantle it?" Before Shouye could speak, the old man on the side had already eagerly asked.

"With my eyes!" Xu Xiaoshou extended his hand: "It's not a physical spirit array; am I supposed to reach into the jade slip's space to dismantle it?"

Shouye was taken aback. He vaguely felt that Xu Xiaoshou's words were a bit odd, seemingly not aligning with his own thoughts or those of the others, but he didn't ponder it further.

"You can see for yourself; it's quite simple." Xu Xiaoshou stopped the old man from asking further. He picked up another jade slip from in front of Shouye and tossed it over. "Practice yields true knowledge; I'm too lazy to teach you."

Everyone: "...""Cursing received, passive points, 4."

The old man held the jade slip, hesitating slightly. A double nested spirit array, was it as simple as Xu Xiaoshou claimed? Could it be... He glanced at Shouye, "Is this guy bluffing?" Without further hesitation, he placed the jade slip against his forehead. The next second, a barrier of light enveloped the old man.

"You all try too?" Xu Xiaoshou looked at the other three Grandmaster spirit array masters, and also tossed them jade slips. He knew these guys harbored fear, and if he didn't make a move, they truly wouldn't dare to step forward and take the jade slips. The other three clenched their hands, but didn't immediately make a move. Shouye was the same; everyone's gaze fell on the old man already enveloped by the spirit array.

"What does this mean?" Xu Xiaoshou was somewhat surprised. Why was no one speaking? He waited. Everyone else waited too. Time ticked by. One breath. Two breaths. The time for a cup of tea passed. The time for an incense stick to burn passed.

"What are you waiting for?" Xu Xiaoshou couldn't help but ask.

By this time, the astonishment and shock on everyone's faces were completely undisguised. Shouye stared at Xu Xiaoshou in shock, pointing at the nested spirit array around the old man, "He's still not out?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Xu Xiaoshou was startled. Suddenly, he realized. "I didn't do it, it's not my business!"

Shouye: "..."

"That's not what I meant!" Shouye said seriously, "The spirit array is indeed normal, how could you come out so quickly?" Did Xu Xiaoshou really have the power to surpass this old man and break this array in just half a cup of tea's time? No comparison, no harm. Shouye had initially thought it was acceptable, but seeing that the old man still hadn't emerged after so long, he suddenly felt that Xu Xiaoshou was the one who was off.

"Brat, confess honestly: what level is your spirit array attainment?"

Xu Xiaoshou was startled: "None."

"It just means no level; I haven't been tested."

Shouye's brow furrowed. He looked at the other three: "You three, dismantle the array immediately, now!"

"Old Zhao hasn't come out yet..." The three saw that the Grandmaster spirit array master who had entered earlier was still trapped, and hesitated. This jade slip was not simple! Xu Xiaoshou was being excessive, wasn't he! Could what he got have been an easy version?

"Immediately!" Shouye's eyes widened. He had to verify whether it was a problem with his jade slip, or if Xu Xiaoshou's speed was truly exceptional. The three old men couldn't withstand Shouye's pressure, and could only place the jade slips against their foreheads. Instantly, three barriers of light descended.

Xu Xiaoshou looked at Shouye, and Shouye looked at him. Finally, the scene fell silent once more.

"No way, it's been almost half an hour, and they still haven't broken through?" By this time, Xu Xiaoshou also realized that something was amiss. It seemed that his "Textile Mastery," when applied to these puzzle-like spirit arrays, was like having the standard answer. Because he could refer to the standard answer, his speed might have been faster than others'... By more than just a little! Below the stage, due to the comparison in array-dismantling speed, the atmosphere also began to become subtle.

"No way, no way, what exactly is this nested spirit array? I've never seen my Grandpa Zhao need so much time to dismantle a spirit array!"

"Spirit arrays... I'm not clear on that, but watching Xu Xiaoshou dismantle it, wasn't it quite simple?"

"Yeah, it's very simple. Why haven't these old guys come out yet?"

The entire place was filled with doubt. At first, the crowd remained silent. As time passed, a large number of "Suspicion received" messages began to flood the screen. Everyone looked at the relaxed Xu Xiaoshou and realized that the situation was very strange.

"You're not right!" Shouye withdrew his gaze from the four spirit array barriers, staring intently at Xu Xiaoshou: "You're very much not right!"

"What did I do now?" Xu Xiaoshou spread his hands, taking a step back in surprise. If Shouye wanted to mess with him, he really couldn't do anything. From the kicks he had just received on his backside, one could tell how formidable this person was.

"How exactly did you dismantle the spirit array? What did you see?" Shouye asked again.

"With my eyes, I saw the spirit array!" Xu Xiaoshou said this again, as if it were obvious. What kind of nonsense questions were these!

"Details?" Shouye pressed. His intuition told him that Xu Xiaoshou was far from simple.

"Details? It's just a nested spirit array, multiple layers of nesting, the difficulty was acceptable. It's the strongest nested structure I've ever seen," Xu Xiaoshou said. After all, the highest nested structure he had seen was Fu Zhi's Sea of Flowers Heavenly Secrets Array.

"The strongest?" Shouye murmured, "If you're seeing such a complex nested spirit array for the first time, how did you manage to dismantle this combination of trapping and illusion arrays in such a short time?"

"Huh?" Xu Xiaoshou raised an eyebrow. "Trapping array plus illusion array?" He finally realized where the disconnect between himself and Shouye had originated. His gaze fell on the faint light barrier in front of him. Xu Xiaoshou asked, "Are you talking about this?"

Shouye was startled, and then erupted in anger. "I wasn't talking about this. What was I talking to you about, just spouting nonsense?" This roar made Xu Xiaoshou shrink his neck in fright, but remembering the man's previous cruel hands, his imposing manner did not falter in the slightest, and he lifted his head, saying:

"This thing still needs to be dismantled? Couldn't it just be kicked open?" As he spoke, Xu Xiaoshou delivered a kick, and with a loud bang, the structure of the nested spirit array directly exploded.

The crowd below was dumbfounded. "This..." They looked at the spirit array barrier shattered by Xu Xiaoshou's kick, and then compared it to the barrier trapping the four Grandmaster spirit array masters. "Are these the same thing?"

"Oh my god, as expected of Xu Xiaoshou, he truly doesn't play by the rules, truly violent, I like it!"

Shouye was also dumbfounded. Unlike the clueless onlookers below, what made him stunned was: if Xu Xiaoshou