After Changing to the Ruthless Way, the Brothers Cried and Begged for Forgiveness-Chapter 401: Let Yu Zhao Handle It

In the world of cultivation, four masters of the Array Path were universally recognized. Two hailed from the Aspiration Pavilion, while the remaining two were Sword Sovereign Jiu Hua of the Heavenly Sword Sect and Elder Chi Yan of the Tai Bai Academy.
Yu Zhao only sent letters to these four, but to her great surprise, the leaders of the One-Sect Two-Schools Four-Factions unexpectedly arrived in person, each leading their respective groups. This overwhelming response left Yu Zhao utterly astonished.
Half a month later, those privy to the matter gathered at the Harmony Sound Temple. They would construct the ancient Formation on the temple’s cleared grounds. Prior to this, a small ceremony was held, led by Sect Master Ji Yuan to inspire morale.
Sect Master Ji Yuan, ever cautious, offered a subtle disclaimer, implying that if the Formation failed, blame should not fall on Yu Zhao. After all, her efforts were sincere and well-intentioned.
His words were tactful, but the seasoned cultivators present understood the undertone of his protective stance. Valley Master Fei Ye of Hundred Flowers Valley, however, grew impatient. “Enough chatter! We’re not unreasonable people. Let’s begin already!”
“What’s a few Spirit Cores? We can afford it,” Sect Leader Chong Yang muttered through gritted teeth.
Sect Master Ji Yuan glanced at Chong Yang’s slightly greenish face and quickly withdrew his gaze, laughing amicably. “Perhaps I was overthinking it. Let’s proceed.”
“Yu Zhao!”
Yu Zhao stepped forward at the call, retrieving four Jade Slips from her storage space. In a clear voice, she announced, “The ancient Formation is profoundly complex. I lack the strength to fully transcribe it, so I’ve divided it into four parts for your review.”
The four masters advanced to examine the Jade Slips. After a brief discussion, each selected a slip.
Sword Sovereign Jiu Hua spoke on their behalf. “We’ve reviewed the contents. If we have sufficient materials for the Formation, completing the inscriptions and setting the Formation Eyes will take at least a year.”
“A year?” the crowd exclaimed in unison.
“Using Spirit Cores as Formation Eyes is rare. A year is an optimistic estimate; it could take longer in practice.”
The explanation resonated, quelling the initial murmurs of surprise.
Sect Master Ji Yuan solemnly said, “We’ll rely on you four, then.”
“This is our duty,” Sword Sovereign Jiu Hua and the others replied earnestly before beginning their planning. Several other array-savvy elders joined in to assist. Meanwhile, Yu Zhao, Zhou Jin Yue, and their younger peers acted as aides, fetching materials and lending a hand where needed.
Though Sect Master Ji Yuan and the other leaders didn’t directly participate, they didn’t leave either. Instead, they moved some sect affairs to the Harmony Sound Temple.
Time passed swiftly, and a year soon elapsed.
Throughout this year, the area beneath Chaozong Gorge remained eerily still. Gradually, more cultivators and demonic beasts abandoned the gorge. Meanwhile, the long-deserted Harmony Sound Temple regained some of its former vitality.
Following the array masters closely over the year, Yu Zhao progressed from knowing nothing about arrays to understanding their basics. Most importantly, the ancient Formation reached its final and most crucial step: placing the Formation Eyes and activating the Formation.
Who would complete this critical step?
The crowd exchanged uncertain glances. Sect Master Ji Yuan scanned the room, noticing no volunteers. Just as he straightened and prepared to step forward, Sword Sovereign Jiu Hua’s voice rang out. “Let Yu Zhao do it. After all, she provided this ancient Formation.”
Sect Master Ji Yuan hastily pulled his foot back, nodding with forced nonchalance. “Haha, an excellent suggestion from Sword Sovereign Jiu Hua.”
The other three array masters voiced their agreement, and no one else raised objections. Sword Sovereign Jiu Hua gestured for Yu Zhao to step forward, a smile on her face. “Yu Zhao, it’s your turn.”
Yu Zhao glanced at Zhou Jin Yue beside her. Zhou Jin Yue smiled warmly and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Yu Zhao’s lips curved slightly before she strode forward confidently.
Sword Sovereign Jiu Hua handed her a storage pouch, explaining the necessary precautions. Though Yu Zhao was already well-versed in the procedure, she listened attentively.
“Go on. Believe in yourself,” Sword Sovereign Jiu Hua encouraged, patting her shoulder lightly. Years of wielding a sword had given Jiu Hua’s hand a firm strength, which bolstered Yu Zhao’s courage.
With a resolute nod, Yu Zhao opened the pouch and took out forty-nine Spirit Cores. The moment they appeared, surrounding spiritual energy converged wildly, forming a faint mist. Yu Zhao’s internal energy stirred at the influx but was quickly suppressed.
Hovering in the air, the Spirit Cores arranged themselves neatly. With a graceful motion, Yu Zhao guided them into the designated Formation Eyes in a precise sequence. Each core’s placement triggered a burst of light and a faint rise of dust. The light flowed along the array patterns, illuminating the surrounding areas.
Finally, Yu Zhao placed the last Spirit Core. A blinding beam shot skyward, filled with complex runes and waves of mysterious energy.
Everyone looked up, eyes fixed on the floating symbols. The runes began to attract and merge, forming two ancient characters.
Among the crowd, Dean Mo Xin of the Tai Bai Academy, known for his vast knowledge, immediately recognized them. “Dao Field!” he exclaimed in shock.
“Dao Field? Could it be the legendary Ancient Dao Field?”
The mention of the Ancient Dao Field evoked awe, as most had only heard of it in ancient legends. Back then, it was simply called the Dao Field.
Yu Zhao’s heart raced. Was the Formation given to her by the Heavenly Divination Shell meant to unlock the Ancient Dao Field? Yet her intention had been to seek the Heavenly Ladder, not enter an Ancient Dao Field.
Before she could make sense of it, her storage space opened on its own. Two Jade Medallions floated out, their surfaces faintly reflecting golden symbols. These medallions were keys to the Ancient Dao Field. Now that it had appeared, the keys had revealed themselves.
Yu Zhao’s doubts dissipated. She tried to return the medallions to her storage space, but the special power attached to them resisted, preventing her from doing so. When she attempted to grasp them, only one settled into her hand. The second remained elusive, evading her touch.
Understanding dawned. Likely, the field’s creator had designed it to ensure no single individual could monopolize entry. Each person could hold only one key.
Just as this realization struck, a faint sting pricked her fingertip. Instantly, she felt a subtle connection with the medallion. It had recognized her as its master, granting her the qualification to enter the Ancient Dao Field.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation