The Programmer Cultivator

For this reason, Zhang Deming had never dared to study the Array Dao carelessly. As of now, he had only learned the Basic Techniques for Tiers One to Three.

The Array Dao was different from many other forms of Magic. Cultivation of the Array Dao was divided into two types. The first was like the vast majority of Magic in Hongmeng, where the Skill itself is the Dao. A single Fireball Technique could be developed into a unique Fire Dao, just as a single Array could be developed into the Array Dao.

Such an Array typically includes both Array Dao theory and the actual Technique. For example, the legendary Ancient Grand Array known as the Nine Bends Yellow River Array. This single Array was said to possess power that could reach the heavens.

Starting from Tier Two, one only needed to specialize in this one Array, developing countless variations from it and gradually becoming a top-level Array Cultivator.

The other category is generally divided into two steps: the Dao and the Skill.

For the vast majority of Array Dao Techniques, learning the “Dao” only means you can set up Arrays of a corresponding tier. However, to actually deploy these Arrays, you must still learn each specific Array individually.

In simpler terms, the core theory and the practical application are separate in the Array Dao. You must first learn the theory and then the specific techniques to become a professional Array Cultivator. The easiest way to understand this is by comparing the names of techniques from the same tier.

For example, the core of the Tier Four Array Dao is called “Array Talisman,” while other Tier Four Arrays are named “Hundred Turn Array,” “Fish Scale Array,” and “Tri-Element Array.” The names alone reveal the distinction.

Until now, because of his Rune Core, Zhang Deming had never dared to recklessly study specific Arrays, having only learned the fundamentals of the Array Dao from Tier One to Tier Three.

Now that the exchange conference had begun, and both sides were clearly eager and in perfect accord, the exchange of information on intelligent life—that is, Rune Life—was sure to be the grand finale.

Zhang Deming had held off on formally studying the Array Dao and raising it to Law Level precisely because he was anticipating this opportunity. With it now fast approaching, he needed to take a proper look.

As his mind wandered, Zhang Deming slowly flipped through the Array Dao section of the catalog. He skipped right past the basic Law Level theories, as those were available on every peak.

What Zhang Deming was mainly looking for were specific Arrays, because he had yet to learn a single one.

He possessed a Tier Three Array Rune Core, but only knew the most basic illusion, kill, and trapping effects. He didn’t know a single powerful Array, which showed just how pathetic his Array Dao cultivation truly was.

A moment later, having browsed more than halfway through the Array section, Zhang Deming suddenly paused.

Array Name: United Force

Tier: None (A High-Tier Array Cultivation Technique; Special Tier One Technique.)

Category: Array Dao

Status: Viewable

Tags: Basic, Combat, Survival

Effect: Gather the many into one, giving rise to a united force. This Skill can be used in conjunction with an Array to achieve the Fusion of power from different individuals.

Note: This is both a Skill and a Dao, a special type of Array. Strictly speaking, it has no specific tier. However, grasping the Entry Level is extremely dependent on natural talent. One with an affinity can learn it effortlessly, while one without an affinity will be helpless, even with an Immortal Spirit Root.

Furthermore, the effect of this Skill is not fixed; it depends entirely on the user’s Array Dao Cultivation, their own power level, the cultivation of those they are combining forces with, and the number of participants. Like other Array Dao skills such as ‘Stacking,’ ‘Diversion,’ and ‘Gathering Spirit,’ it is considered an un-tiered High-Tier Array Cultivation Technique.

Because it is strictly tier-less, this Skill can only be advanced by integrating it with the specific Array Dao one practices.

Reading the description, Zhang Deming paused. ‘United Force? The Sect’s Six-Star Sect Protection Array uses this very Dao. And the potential of this Skill… it’s absolutely incredible.’

After a moment of thought, Zhang Deming tapped on the entry, and the Magic Scripture flew out.

He glanced down at his hands; he already had nine magic books. His selections were mostly complete, with just one slot left. After a moment of deliberation, Zhang Deming followed his usual custom and chose a special Bloodline Transformation Technique, one that could only be found in the Main Pavilion.

Of all the techniques he hadn’t yet equipped, Bloodline Transformation Techniques were by far the most numerous. ‘I’ve collected enough to complete a set of the twelve zodiac animals!’

Having selected his ten magic books, Zhang Deming let the massive catalog in his hands fly away.

He then sent a mote of Spiritual Light from his fingertip, which passed through the grand hall’s Light Curtain over to the counter. He dropped the ten magic books onto the surface and said, “Senior Brother Dang, please transcribe these.”

Dang Mengfu looked at the magic books, and the first to catch his eye was the Geng Metal Refining Essence Technique. He paused, then said with a wry smile, “You’re really something else… It’s a rare chance for anyone to enter the Main Pavilion. Most people who get in cherish the opportunity, trying to maximize their gains.

But you!

You’re using this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—a free one, no less, that doesn’t cost any Contribution—as a chance to build your collection. With this book, you’ve actually managed to complete a full set of the Five Elements Cultivation Techniques, haven’t you?”

Zhang Deming nodded. “Yes, I’ve completed the set. The rumors are just too tempting. A Core Cultivation Technique for a Blessed Land Grotto Heaven has to be at least Tier Six, right? I can’t help but want to study them.”

Dang Mengfu shook his head. “With a disposition like yours, you might as well become a Guardian Tower. Given your status, you could enter the Main Pavilion directly and study any of the techniques on this floor to your heart’s content.”

Zhang Deming paused, then said, “That’s alright. On Spirit Nurturing Peak, I’m not short on Contribution. I can get most Magic from the Spirit Nurturing Scripture Pavilion. Besides, with enough Contribution, I can study anything in the Sect, not just techniques.”

“Er…” Dang Mengfu’s face stiffened. He had tried to tempt Zhang Deming, but not only had it failed, he’d been force-fed a mouthful of sour grapes for his trouble.

‘Oh, so being from Spirit Nurturing Peak is such a big deal, is it? Being rich makes you all that, does it? How infuriating!’

…

Dang Mengfu’s expression remained stiff for a moment, and he found himself completely at a loss for words. He could only lower his head and continue examining the other magic books.

Once he had looked through all ten books, he was left completely speechless. Apart from a single, half-useless technique called Divine Separation and Thought Transformation, which was at least related to the Summoning Path, the rest were all just bizarre oddities.