C8 Three Years in a Dream

Chapter Eight: Three Years, A Dream

Time flew by, and before he knew it, Lu Feng had spent three years in Exquisite Valley. During that time, he dedicated his mornings to practicing Array Dao, his afternoons to perfecting the Exquisite Body Technique, and his evenings to studying the intricate knowledge of Array Dao without a moment's rest.

Lu Feng was now rich in theoretical knowledge, but his own strength limited his access to advanced array formations. At best, he was just scratching the surface of Array Dao.

Another challenge was the sheer volume of information involved in Array Dao. In comparison, an alchemist must memorize a plethora of Spirit Items, medicinal substances, and alchemy techniques; however, an Array Master's task is no less daunting. They must commit to memory innumerable array formations, understand and integrate them, adapt and modify their application, and remember a vast array of bizarre and profound Array Patterns. On top of that, they need to master various Engraving Techniques and Pattern Connecting skills, among others.

Not every Soul Master is willing to devote endless hours to the 'tedious' study of Array Dao, which is why it's considered a niche path on the continent, with far fewer practitioners than Martial Masters and alchemists.

Another, more critical reason for the scarcity of Array Masters is the risk associated with their craft. If an array formation they've learned is deciphered and the Array Breaking Technique becomes public, the formation loses its effectiveness and could even be exploited by enemies.

Elder Bai often stressed this point to Lu Feng, urging him to innovate and adapt each new array formation he learned to ensure its 'flexibility.' That way, even if the formation was compromised, a simple alteration could turn the known Array Breaking Technique into a trap for unwary foes.

Initially, Elder Bai was Lu Feng's sole mentor in the secluded valley. But as Lu Feng's prodigious capacity for learning became apparent, Elder Hei couldn't resist getting involved. The two elders would compare their teachings, using Lu Feng as a pawn in their game of skill and knowledge.

During that time, it could be said that Lu Feng faced some of his darkest days. He was diligently studying Elder Bai's Array Making Dao, and just when he had finally managed to set up an array, Elder Hei would push him to use the Array Breaking Technique he had been taught to dismantle the very array Elder Bai had passed on to him.

In the end, it was a draw, with each having their own victories and defeats. However, Lu Feng's performance was impeccable in demonstrating his learning ability, earning high praise from both the Black Elder and White Elder.

Yet, when Lu Feng inquired about how he compared to Liu Su, the two elders hesitated, clearly indicating that despite Lu Feng's exceptional performance, they still considered him inferior to Liu Su. This piqued Lu Feng's curiosity about Liu Su to an immense degree.

Regrettably, Liu Su had left Exquisite Valley four years prior to gain experience and had planned to return only after a decade, making it impossible for Lu Feng to meet her anytime soon.

Not to mention, Lu Feng wasn't even sure if he would live long enough to see that day, as he had been stuck in the One-soul realm for the past three years, with no insight into the remaining six formations.

He had less than four years left to live.

According to the two elders, even if Lu Feng were fortunate enough to connect all Seven Souls within four years, survival would still be a challenge. Comprehending the Seven-soul Array was merely the beginning; mastering the seven formations would require the aid of Dragon Saliva to fully integrate the Seven Souls and reach the Spirit Gathering Stage. Only Dragon Saliva could extend Lu Feng's life.

However, Lu Feng had never even heard of Dragon Saliva, and the two elders had only heard its name without ever seeing it. Despite their efforts over the past three years, they had yet to uncover any leads.

Despite his life hanging by a thread, Lu Feng refused to be disheartened. He clung to hope and dedicated himself to relentless cultivation.

Having been given a second chance at life, even if it was only for seven years, he was determined not to squander a single moment.

...

"There it is, there it is, there it is..."

Lu Feng was engrossed in an Array Diagram under Elder Bai's tutelage when Elder Hei's voice, filled with excitement, echoed from a distance. Turning towards the sound, the first thing Lu Feng saw was Elder Hei's round, rolling belly, and then, in his hands, a slightly tattered book.

"You're already up there in years, yet you still can't keep your cool," Elder Bai teased with a chuckle. Deep down, he had already surmised that the only thing that could stir Elder Hei so deeply must be news regarding the Dragon Saliva's location.

"Azure... Azure Dragon Town!"

Considering Elder Hei's level of cultivation and strength, it was unlikely he would be out of breath after just a few steps. Yet here he was, panting heavily, clearly not due to age but rather from sheer excitement. Over three years of companionship, Elder Hei had come to see Lu Feng as family, with no barriers left between them, genuinely wishing for him to have a long life.

Humans are not emotionless like plants; Elder Hei, despite his usual stance of not getting too involved or emotionally invested, was actually the one who treasured relationships the most. He feared and loathed the pain of parting more than anything.

Elder Bai, somewhat puzzled, inquired, "You only found out the location? You didn't retrieve it?"

"Do you really understand what I'm trying to say? You're just firing off answers," Elder Hei said, bending over and giving Elder Bai a look of mild reproach.

"Isn't it about the whereabouts of the Dragon Saliva? Since you know, why not just go and fetch it?" Elder Bai asked, still smiling.

Lu Feng, observing from the side, was visibly excited as he watched the exchange between the two elders. The Dragon Saliva was crucial to his survival. Although mastering the Seven-soul Array seemed a distant goal, and the Dragon Saliva might not be immediately necessary, securing it would provide a safety net. With it, he could pursue the comprehension of the Soul Array with one less worry.

A flicker of frustration crossed Elder Hei's face as he responded with a hint of disappointment, "It's not that simple. I've only managed to uncover a lead after much effort. If I had actually found it, I wouldn't have returned empty-handed."

"A lead?" It was now Elder Bai's turn to grow impatient, more agitated than Lu Feng. Pointing at Elder Hei, he demanded, "What are you implying? Explain yourself clearly."

"Calm down, there's no need to rush. Let me explain," Elder Hei said, now more composed. He spread out the slightly yellowed book in his hands and pointed to a specific region on the page. "Right here. After a lengthy search, if the Dragon Saliva truly exists, this place is the most likely spot. It's the only location where twin dragons have been sighted in the last few thousand years."

Lu Feng and Elder Bai simultaneously turned their attention to the book, where they noticed a small area the size of a fingernail circled, with the vivid ancient characters 'Azure Dragon Town' inscribed in cinnabar ink.

"Don't get your hopes up too high," Elder Hei cautioned softly, worried they might be overly optimistic. "I've been in this town for several days without catching even a whisper of news about the Dragon Saliva."

Before Elder Bai could respond, Elder Hei continued, "However, I did faintly detect the presence of a True Dragon. It was brief, but the sensation was real, and the aura carried an intense threat."

Both Lu Feng and Elder Bai were visibly startled by his revelation.

Elder Hei went on, "Since then, I've tried repeatedly to sense it again, but the Dragon Qi has eluded me, leaving me uncertain." He turned to Lu Feng, adding, "Maybe it's time for you to see for yourself. The secular world is full of barriers, and at our level, Elder Bai and I face certain constraints. That might explain why we can't detect it."

After a moment of reflection and a heavy sigh, Elder Bai conceded, "It's indeed time for him to venture out and gain experience. Staying here any longer might just be a dead end."

Looking at Lu Feng, Elder Bai's eyes betrayed a touch of reluctance. "Azure Dragon Town is a remote place, and the Cultivators there are fairly average. Given your proficiency in Array Dao, few can pose a threat to you. Should you encounter an unbeatable foe, the agility of your Exquisite Step should ensure your escape, provided you don't make any rash moves."

Elder Hei expressed his own reluctance, "Don't be too concerned. Elder Bai and I will keep on the trail of the Dragon Saliva. Consider this a chance to clear your mind."

Lu Feng had long harbored thoughts of departure, yet struggled with how to broach the subject. Now presented with the opportunity, he found joy elusive. Overwhelmed by the elders' care and advice, a wave of emotion surged within him. Kneeling before them, his voice caught with emotion, he said, "I was meant to have passed on long ago, yet I've been granted extended life. I am truly grateful. The kindness you've shown me over these three years is something I'll never forget."

The two elders watched Lu Feng with eyes tinged with red, their hearts filled with a sense of relief.

...

Before parting, Elder Bai offered a final piece of advice, "The world has been in turmoil for the past three years. Many with exceptional talents like yours from three years ago have been ambushed and killed by assailants of unknown origin, with almost no survivors. Therefore... even though you've changed a lot in the past three years, those who know you might still recognize you. For your safety, avoid using the skills you've learned before, and don't contact people you knew to prevent those enemies from targeting you until you've grown stronger than ever before."

Lu Feng listened intently, committing every word to memory. After Elder Bai's counsel, he accepted the map to Azure Dragon Town and made his way to the node connecting the valley with the outside world.

Exquisite Valley's terrain was unique, encircled by mountains with no roads leading in or out, save for a small Teleportation Array. Elder Bai had temporarily set the other end of the array in a secluded forest near Azure Dragon Town.

Lu Feng repeatedly looked back as he approached the Teleportation Array, his eyes brimming with tears. The farewell to the two elders today might very well be their last, which filled him with sorrow.

Stepping into the array, the specks of light grew until they enveloped Lu Feng, and he vanished from sight.

After Lu Feng's departure, the elders' eyes reddened further. They understood all too well the daunting challenge of connecting the remaining six arrays.

"Old Turtle, do you think we'll ever see the lad again?" Elder Hei asked, visibly touched. Lu Feng had brought them more than just fleeting moments of joy over the past three years.

Elder Bai, filled with emotion, expressed his concerns, "Without facing a life-or-death ordeal, it's unlikely that his temperament will change. His heart is too resilient, which now, ironically, might be to his detriment."

Elder Hei shared the sentiment. Over the past three years, no matter how complex the arrays they devised, Lu Feng had mastered each one, finding unique solutions to break through. Despite numerous injuries, his resolve never faltered, which reassured the elders of the formidable strength he possessed before his trials.

With such extraordinary talent and the courage to be reborn from the ashes, should he withstand this trial, there's no doubt he will grow stronger.

Currently, Black Elder and White Elder found themselves unable to decide who was more exceptional, Lu Feng or Liu Su. They eagerly anticipated the day when both would return to Exquisite Valley to spar and showcase their skills.