Volume One: A Young Man Enters the World Chapter Ten: A Visit to the Door Here is the second update for today—

About ten miles from the town, Fang Tian had already chosen a vacant plot of land. The surroundings were deserted and sparsely populated, making it ideal for testing formations. Without hesitation, he began to draw the formation, opting for a grade one superior array—the Gale Formation.

This formation was far more complicated to construct than the previous Rainfall Formation. Fang Tian spent most of the day sketching the diagram, exhausting a considerable amount of spiritual energy. It was a strenuous task, for the higher the grade of the formation, the more spiritual energy required.

Spiritual energy coursed through the diagram, and the formation slowly activated. In truth, formations could be powered not only by spiritual energy but also by spirit crystals or other materials imbued with spiritual power. As long as the power source was placed as the formation’s core, it would suffice. However, Fang Tian was merely testing the formation, so there was no need for such measures—otherwise, the formation would linger indefinitely, which would be troublesome for him.

The formation continued to operate, expanding rapidly. Once it ran smoothly, fierce winds howled within the array, forming turbulent currents that carried the might of heaven and earth.

Watching the formation, Fang Tian knew he could begin engraving the formation patterns. He stood at the center, where a clear space was reserved for the caster, to prevent accidental injury. He hadn’t anticipated the formation would become so vast.

Pattern after pattern was etched into the formation, which kept expanding. In the blink of an eye, forty-nine patterns had been inscribed.

“I can’t add any more. If I engrave another, the formation will collapse.”

“It seems that testing my limits with just a grade one formation isn’t enough.”

“I’ll have to construct a grade two formation.”

With that, Fang Tian stopped, observing the formation, which had grown to more than twice its original size. He was somewhat satisfied, though the inability to test his limits left him slightly discontented.

He still couldn’t ascertain the degree of his soul’s cultivation and its standing among disciples who explored forms.

After tidying up, he waited for the formation to dissipate before departing.

Returning to the inn, Fang Tian sipped tea and pondered. His cultivation realm could not advance further in the short term.

“It’s time to visit the Zhou family. If I wish to understand this continent, I must seek out fellow cultivators.”

“After all, the Elder has resided in Qingchuan for over two thousand years. Times have changed greatly since then.”

“I’ll visit them directly. As a cultivator myself, they shouldn’t turn me away.”

With these thoughts, Fang Tian decided to rest, intending to pay the Zhou family a visit the following morning.

The next morning, after grooming himself, Fang Tian set out for the Zhou household, whose location he had already inquired about. Today would be his formal visit.

Upon reaching the entrance, he saw attendants posted at the gate and approached to ask them. The servant at the door, seeing someone nearing, hurried to stop him.

“What’s your business here?” The tone was polite enough.

Fang Tian replied, “I am Fang Tian, a wandering cultivator from the mountains. I have some matters I wish to discuss with your patriarch.”

“A wandering cultivator? So you are a practitioner!”

Upon hearing Fang Tian introduce himself, the servant understood the visitor was a cultivator and dared not be negligent. He quickly said, “Honored cultivator, please wait here for a moment while I go inside to report.”

“Very well, I’ll wait here.”

One of the attendants entered the residence, evidently to announce Fang Tian’s arrival. Fang Tian waited patiently at the gate.

Soon enough, the servant returned, “Honored cultivator, our patriarch invites you in.”

“Please follow me.”

Seeing he was permitted entry, Fang Tian followed the servant inside. After a short walk, they arrived at the Zhou family’s reception hall.

“Sir, please sit and have some tea. The patriarch will be here shortly.”

He gestured to a nearby maid to pour Fang Tian a cup of tea.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

“Very well, you may go.”

After the servant left, Zhou Tianshu arrived not long after. Upon entering, he was surprised to find that the visitor was a young man, still in his youth, and a cultivator at that.

Sizing up Fang Tian, he spoke, “Young man, I hear you have questions for me. What might your business be?”

Seeing the patriarch enter, Fang Tian quickly rose, clasped his hands, and saluted Zhou Tianshu.

“I am Fang Tian, greetings to Patriarch Zhou Tianshu. I have some queries and hope it is convenient for you to answer.”

Zhou Tianshu motioned for him to sit, then took the seat opposite Fang Tian, appraising him. Noticing the flow of spiritual energy about Fang Tian, he surmised the youth had already reached the Spirit Gathering stage—no ordinary feat and certainly deserving of respect.

“Brother Fang Tian, you seem to be about the same age as my daughter. You may call me Uncle Zhou; there’s no need for formalities.”

“Very well, Uncle Zhou. I came today with questions and hope you can unravel my doubts.”

“Speak freely.”

Fang Tian then inquired about the surrounding lands, explaining that he was a wandering cultivator unfamiliar with the area. This astonished Zhou Tianshu, for someone so young with such cultivation was likely the scion of a distinguished family. After all, his own family’s younger generation were still lingering at the Spirit Induction stage.

Yet with Fang Tian’s high realm, he was probably taught by some reclusive master, now out in the world for training. While these thoughts crossed his mind, Zhou Tianshu continued to explain everything.

After two hours, Fang Tian gained a thorough understanding of the region: it was part of the Zhao Dynasty’s territory. There were numerous towns and cities nearby; Zhou Tianshu did not elaborate, only saying that Redleaf Town was under the jurisdiction of a city called Maplewood. The imperial capital of the Zhao Dynasty was nearly one hundred thousand miles distant, exceedingly remote.

Given Redleaf Town’s outlying location, Zhou Tianshu’s knowledge was limited, so Fang Tian refrained from further questioning. Nevertheless, he had learned the general situation.

Having achieved his purpose, Fang Tian prepared to leave, rising to bid farewell to Zhou Tianshu. At that moment, Zhou Tianshu had a thought and quickly spoke:

“Brother Fang Tian, please wait.”

“Uncle Zhou, is something the matter?”

“I see you are out for training, and your stay in any place may be brief or extended. Why not remain with my family for a while, rest up, and make plans for what comes next? The trial between our three great families is imminent; you could offer guidance to our younger members. It wouldn’t be too late to depart after the contest. What do you think?”

Zhou Tianshu wished to keep Fang Tian, hoping to forge a connection with such a talented youth.

Upon hearing this, Fang Tian pondered for a moment.

“Lately, I have no pressing decisions. Staying here might not be a bad idea. As for instructing the juniors, perhaps that’s just his excuse for my retention.”

“He seems kind-hearted. I’ll agree.”

Looking at Zhou Tianshu’s sincere gaze, Fang Tian replied, “Since Uncle Zhou earnestly wishes me to stay, I shall not refuse and will shamelessly accept your hospitality. Also, Uncle Zhou, please just call me Tian.”

Zhou Tianshu laughed heartily, pleased that Fang Tian had agreed.

“Very well, Tian. I’ll have a maid arrange a guest room for you, so settle in. I have some family matters to attend to, but once I’m finished, I’ll come chat with you.”

“Uncle Zhou, you may go about your business. I’ll follow the maid to my room shortly.”

“Good, then I’ll take my leave. You may wander the residence as you please; there’s no need to feel constrained.” With that, Zhou Tianshu instructed the maid beside him and departed.

The maid stepped forward and said, “Sir, please follow me.”

Fang Tian nodded and followed her to his lodgings.

Upon arrival, the maid opened the door and stepped aside.

“Sir, this is your room. Please rest here. If you have no further instructions, I will withdraw.”

“I have nothing for now. If I require anything, I’ll call for you.”

“Very well, sir.”

After Fang Tian entered, the maid closed the door and left.