C44 Battle Array

When Wen Shanmei heard Lu Lixing declare his certainty of becoming an exceptional Battle Formation Master, she wasn't the least bit surprised. To her, it seemed like a foregone conclusion.

"I had a feeling this was your destiny the moment I witnessed you wield the Thunder Guiding Rune to vanquish your opponents and triumph in the Battle of the Hidden Dragon Platform," she confessed.

In the current age, respect for runemasters was widespread, yet few regarded them as formidable cultivators. The common perception was that runemasters predominantly served in a supportive capacity, both in everyday life and on the battlefield.

During the Great Chaos Period, runemasters were a collective term for both Battle Formation Masters and Support-Array Masters, with the former being more prevalent. Throughout the millennia of relentless conflict, the stalwart Battle Formation Masters bravely fought on the most perilous frontlines. With each battle, their ranks thinned, leading to an inevitable decline in their legacy. As time passed, the era of the Battle Formation Master faded, and the nearly unscathed Support-Array Masters rose to prominence, eventually taking their place in public esteem.

Today, the term 'runemaster' conjures up images of the Support-Array Master in people's minds. The Federation has all but forgotten the Battle Formation Master, with the notable exception of Blackmoon Academy, which steadfastly upholds their heritage.

Lu Lixing's lightning attribute Talent Rune, known for its explosive potential, made him an ideal candidate for the Battle Formation Master role. His decision to join Blackmoon Academy was hardly unexpected. Even if he didn't rise to become a formidable Battle Formation Master, he was sure to excel as a Support-Array Master. From any perspective, Blackmoon Academy was unequivocally the best fit for him.

"I may not be well-versed in the intricacies of Blackmoon Academy, but from what I've gathered, they do possess a lineage of Battle Array knowledge. Your Talent Rune will find its fullest expression there. It's truly the perfect choice for you," Wen Shanmei advised, always looking out for Lu Lixing's best interests. Clearly, Cosmic Star Academy just wasn't the right place for him.

When Lu Lixing heard Wen Shanmei's words, a slight smile graced his lips, but he offered little in the way of explanation. Even without an inheritance of Lightning Battle Formations from Blackmoon Academy, he was confident in his ability to become a formidable Battle Formation Master. After all, he had his own legacy to draw upon.

To be exact, he possessed a Rune Inheritance.

From the bronze box, Lu Lixing had acquired the Sea of Runes, which could awaken his Talent Rune and bestow upon him the innate ability to become a Runemaster. Surely, there were deeper mysteries within it, waiting to be discovered. This was the foundation of Lu Lixing's confidence in his potential to rise as a powerful Battle Formation Master.

He was convinced that as his power grew, he would uncover even greater opportunities within the Sea of Runes.

Yet, these were details he couldn't quite share with Wen Shanmei.

"I'm actually quite troubled at the moment. You've made your decision, but Mr. Sheng is under the impression that you'll be joining Cosmic Star Academy. He's even informed the school's leadership, who are thrilled about it. Do you think they'd be upset if we were to reveal the truth now?" Wen Shanmei inquired, her gaze fixed on Lu Lixing. She could hardly believe the influence he wielded now, something she hadn't anticipated when they first met.

With a helpless shrug, Lu Lixing responded, "I never once claimed I'd be joining Cosmic Star Academy."

In truth, Lu Lixing was as innocent as they come. Sheng Qing had penned the script and extended an invitation for him to play a role, but before Lu Lixing could even respond, the promotional wheels were already in motion. How could he be faulted for that?

"Don't worry, I'll handle the explanation with Mr. Sheng," Wen Shanmei said with a reassuring smile. "I'm here today to deliver a notice. Tomorrow at 5 AM, we'll meet at the school gates."

At her words, Lu Lixing perked up from his spot on the bed, his curiosity piqued. "Are you suggesting another trip to Cloud Dragon Mountain?"

The memory of their recent expedition to Cloud Dragon Mountain was still fresh in his mind. If he had the chance to train there again, his strength might see another leap forward. And as for the last time's harrowing chase by a massive black bear, Lu Lixing was certain that history would not be repeating itself.

Meeting Lu Lixing's hopeful eyes, Wen Shanmei shook her head and replied, "I'm taking you to the special training camp."

Lu Lixing paused, puzzled. "What training camp?"

"To boost the college entrance rate across Skyhaven, we organize a special training camp after the qualification tests. It's designed to bring together all students eligible for the Six Great Academies and provide intensive training to enhance their chances of admission."

Of course, the training camp's purpose wasn't quite so straightforward, but that was the gist of it.

"I'm not interested."

Lu Lixing dismissed the idea immediately. He had no fondness for congregations of prodigies. As a young man with a mature mind, he preferred the perilous and deadly Cloud Dragon Mountain to the somewhat juvenile training camp.

Wen Shanmei offered a knowing smile. "To get your hands on the Thunder Guiding Stone and Rune Pen, you've sold nearly all your cultivation resources. Can you really afford to continue your training now? Plus, the Zhang family is done for, their assets seized. Na Youye has decided to convert some of those assets into advanced cultivation resources for the camp's students. The supply is limitless, as long as you can make use of it. Are you sure you don't want to join the camp? This opportunity exists because of you; it'd be such a waste if you didn't take advantage of it."

Lu Lixing hesitated, then earnestly told Wen Shanmei, "Truthfully, I'm not concerned about the resources. My main reason for wanting to join the camp is to make some friends."

With such attractive conditions, there was no way he would pass up the special training camp.

"I thought you'd say that," Wen Shanmei said with a meaningful glance. "As the camp's instructor, I expect you not to be late tomorrow morning. Otherwise, you'll be making your own way there."