Batian Martial Soul

"You're right." The head dean finally nodded in agreement, "Ling Xiao is indeed too dazzling. We may have really made a mistake before. Perhaps we should really re-evaluate our attitude towards him."

……

In the majestic and solemn Sutra Library of the Holy Mark Sect, Ling Xiao sat upright with an ancient battle formation diagram spread out in front of him.

His eyes flashed with a deep blue light, as if they could see through the barrier of time and see the essence of the formation diagram. He stared at every line and every symbol on the formation diagram with full concentration, trying to analyze and absorb the mysteries in it.

Next to him, Lu Hang saw Ling Xiao was so devoted that he couldn't help but start to introduce him: "Little friend Ling Xiao, do you know the origin of this small fusion formation? This is the fifth-grade upper-grade holy pattern formation that our Holy Pattern Sect is proud of. It is known as the strongest formation in the entire Southern Region. Its power is so great that it is said that when it is fully activated, it is enough to rival the attack of a peak martial soul realm expert."

"However, in our Holy Mark Sect, no one except our ancestor has been able to successfully practice such a powerful formation."

At this point, Lu Hang's eyes flashed with a hint of regret, but then became full of expectation: "However, I believe that your talent and perseverance will definitely break this shackle. If you are willing to join my Holy Mark Sect, I can even make an exception and give you the formation diagram of this small fusion formation to help you understand its secrets as soon as possible."

"No need!" Ling Xiao suddenly opened his eyes, his eyes flashing with a satisfied and deep light. He smiled slightly and said to Lu Hang beside him: "Elder Lu, this small fusion formation is too difficult after all. I am satisfied after observing it. Now let's go and see your sect's mountain protection formation. After I help you repair the formation, I will leave."

When Lu Hang heard Ling Xiao's words, he showed a little surprise on his face. He asked doubtfully: "My friend, this formation is a fifth-level upper-grade holy pattern formation. Don't you want to study it more deeply?"

Ling Xiao shook his head and sighed softly, "Senior, this small fusion formation is indeed exquisite and ingenious. It is not something that ordinary people like us can easily comprehend. I am already satisfied that I have the honor to have a glimpse of its secrets. Moreover, I know that my current cultivation level is not enough to fully master it. It is futile to read it several times. It is better to use my time on more practical things."

Hearing this, Lu Hang could not help but admire Ling Xiao's honesty and self-knowledge. He nodded and smiled, "My friend is indeed a man of character, not obsessed with fame and profit. In that case, let me send someone to take you to the location of the mountain protection formation."

After that, Lu Hang turned to his two disciples, Hong Yue and Li Xuan, and instructed them, "Hong Yue, Li Xuan, the two of you will follow little friend Ling Xiao to the mountain protection formation, and you must do your best to assist him in repairing the formation. If you need anything, report to me in time."

Hong Yue and Li Xuan responded in unison: "Yes! Sect Master."

Afterwards, the three of them left the Sutra Library and headed for the location of the mountain protection formation. Lu Hang went to see the ancestor and reported Ling Xiao's situation and decision one by one.

With a look of contempt, Lu Hang stepped into the ancestor's meditation place and reported to the old man who was sitting on the futon with his eyes closed: "Ancestor, Ling Xiao's talent is probably not as outstanding as you think. He only glanced at the diagram of the small fusion formation for less than an incense stick of time, then lost his patience and chose to give up."

The old man slowly opened his eyes, a sharp light flashed in his eyes, and he coldly scolded: "Idiot! How can you judge the potential of a genius so rashly? Since he has decided to give up looking at the formation diagram, it means that he has already grasped the essence of it. Naturally, there is no need to waste time."

Lu Hang was shocked by the rebuke from the ancestor. He quickly explained, "Ancestor, are you saying that Ling Xiao has already learned the small fusion array? How is that possible? Learning the small fusion array in just one stick of incense is simply a fantasy! Even when you learned this small fusion array, it took you three years."

The old man shook his head slightly, with a bit of dissatisfaction in his tone: "You always measure others by your own standards. A true genius can often surpass the imagination of ordinary people. Just like the number one in the world of Tianxiahui back then, weren't you also skeptical at the beginning? But what was the result? He finally proved his strength and became a legendary figure that no one could match."

"Hmph, you just need to wait and see. This young man will soon be able to carve his name on the majestic dragon bone tower of our sect and become a legend in the entire Southern Region and even the entire Demon Suppression Mansion!" The old man's words were full of determination. He snorted coldly, then closed his eyes, obviously unwilling to get entangled with Lu Hang any more.

Lu Hang was deeply shocked by the old ancestor's assertion. He had never seen the old ancestor evaluate a young man so seriously. He felt a strong sense of uneasiness in his heart, as if he had missed something important. So he rushed out of the old ancestor's retreat in a hurry, eager to find Ling Xiao.

However, when he arrived at the location of the mountain protection formation, he found Hongyue and Li Xuan standing there, staring blankly ahead, as if they were startled by something.

"Where are the people? Where is Ling Xiao?" Lu Hang asked anxiously, his voice full of anxiety.

Hongyue came back to her senses and replied calmly: "He's gone."

"Gone? How is that possible! Didn't he say he would help us repair the mountain protection formation? Why did he leave so soon? He didn't keep his promise!" Lu Hang's voice was filled with anger and confusion.

Seeing Lu Hang so excited, Hong Yue quickly explained: "Master, you misunderstood. Ling Xiao has already repaired the mountain protection formation. And... he took a very short time, less than ten breaths. You see, the holy pattern on the formation has appeared perfectly, as if it has never been damaged."

Lu Hang looked in the direction pointed by Hong Yue, and saw that the broken holy patterns on the mountain protection formation had been reconnected, emitting a faint light, like a huge barrier, protecting the entire Holy Pattern Sect. He widened his eyes, unable to believe what he saw.

"This... How is this possible..." Lu Hang's voice trembled. He had doubted the words of the ancestor before, but now he had to believe that Ling Xiao did have extraordinary talents. He stood there for a long time without speaking, his heart filled with shock and awe.

Lu Hang began to reflect on his previous thoughtless attitude. He realized that his contempt for Ling Xiao might have caused him to miss the opportunity to make friends with a genius.

……

After completing the task of repairing the Holy Mark Sect's mountain protection formation, Ling Xiao did not choose to rest or celebrate immediately, but resolutely returned to the Tianxia Association and immediately chose to go into seclusion. He knew very well that this seclusion was a crucial opportunity for him. (End of this chapter)