Formation treasure!
The memory was vivid for Shu Han. If it hadn't been for the Four Phases Formation Plate back then, he might have ended up a lost soul beneath White Feather Sect's spirit stone mine.
The most significant feature of a formation treasure is that it doesn't depend on the cultivator's level of cultivation. As long as there are spirit stones to support it, it can manifest its power. Moreover, each formation treasure has a strength that is at least of the Foundation Establishment stage.
It wasn't just Bai Xingyan— even cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage could suffer greatly if caught unprepared. Back then, quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators perished by Shu Han's Four Phases Formation Plate.
Seeing the smug expression on Huang Zheming's face, Shu Han was filled with rage. He immediately took to the air, flying straight to the arena.
To Huang Zheming's surprise, Shu Han dared to disregard the arena rules and charged straight at it. Huang hurriedly blocked Shu Han, reprimanding loudly, "How audacious, Yu Tiancheng! The Earth Fire Leaderboard arena is sacred. How can you interfere with—"
Before he could finish, Shu Han blinked and appeared in front of him, moving so quickly that Huang could hardly react.
"Get out of my way!"
Smack!
Shu Han's backhand struck Huang Zheming's face hard. Huang's teeth shattered and flew out, followed by his entire body being sent flying after them.
At this moment, Shu Han noticed that Zhang Huajian had set his spirit stones, and the formation treasure began to glow.
"Damn! Xingyan doesn't know about these formations!"
When it comes to formation treasures, not just those in the Qi Refining stage, but even those in the Foundation Establishment stage are largely ignorant.
Bai Xingyan, unsure of what Zhang Huajian was up to, instinctively raised his sword in defense.
A sinister smile spread across Zhang Huajian's face as he prepared to unleash his fully charged formation treasure and incapacitate Bai Xingyan.
However, a beam of golden light suddenly descended from the sky. In an instant, a massive oppressive force pinned him firmly onto the platform.
The arena floor gleamed gold, suppressing Zhang Huajian's formation treasure.
"How dare you!"
Seeing Shu Han interfering with the battle, Huang Chendong, who oversaw the Earth Fire Leaderboard, immediately acted. Carrying the might of the Core Formation stage, a symbol of Earth Dragon Fire formed above Shu Han's head, intending to suppress him.
Shu Han snorted in anger. He realized that if he were suppressed now, Bai Xingyan would be in danger on the platform. That was the descendant of his master and his own disciple; he couldn't let anything happen to him!
Thus, he gathered thick black patterns on both arms and threw eighteen consecutive punches toward the suppressing Earth Dragon Fire Seal, causing it to shatter instantly.
Huang Chendong was taken aback. How could a mere late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator break his Earth Dragon Fire Seal with bare hands?
"You audacious rebel! How dare you disrupt the Earth Fire Leaderboard and defy the elders!"
Huang Chendong was fueled with anger. Although he was the lowest-ranked elder, he still held that status, and his authority was not to be defied by a mere Foundation Establishment disciple, especially when he was tasked with overseeing the Earth Fire Leaderboard.
In an instant, a hint of murderous intent appeared in his eyes. Three crimson long knives flew out from his sleeves, forming the Earth Dragon Fire Knife Array in mid-air, aiming to slice through Shu Han.
Danger!
Wei Haolong and Song Changyi saw this scene and hurriedly intervened. A long sword and a spear appeared in front of Shu Han, deflecting the incoming knife array.
Seeing Song Changyi take action, the animosity that Huang Chendong had harbored came rushing forth. He shouted, "Song Changyi, why are you obstructing the elder's enforcement?! This man disrupted the Earth Fire Leaderboard and defied our sect's elders, his crimes are unforgivable. Stand aside immediately!"
Song Changyi glanced at Shu Han, acknowledging that his actions were indeed against the rules. However, he knew Shu Han wouldn't act so recklessly without reason. He said, "Enforcing the rules also requires discerning right from wrong. Elder Huang, your attempts at lethal force aren't in line with our sect's regulations. Let's hear Brother Yu's reasons before making judgments."
Huang Chendong's face darkened. No one could outwit Song Changyi in terms of sect rules. Instead of engaging further, he turned to Shu Han and sternly asked, "Yu Tiancheng! Why did you interfere with the Earth Fire Leaderboard? Do you realize you've committed a grave offense against the sect?"
Shu Han coldly replied, "Why shouldn't I intervene in a biased Earth Fire Leaderboard?"
He pointed to the triangular array plate in Zhang Huajian's hand, stating, "This is a formation treasure! It can be activated with just spirit stones and wields the power equivalent to a Foundation Establishment magic treasure. The Earth Fire Leaderboard is about gauging combat strength. How can one determine genuine power discrepancies when using such a magic tool? Isn't this cheating?"
Formation treasure?
All eyes converged on the triangular array plate in Zhang Huajian's hand, and the audience immediately erupted in jeers.
Song Changyi calmly said, "Indeed, the original intention of establishing our sect's Earth Fire Leaderboard was to select disciples with profound cultivation and exceptional combat prowess for rewards and promotions. Using such a thing where a low-level cultivator can easily defeat a high-level cultivator indeed goes against the spirit of the ranking."
Wei Haolong mocked, "Ah, so that's how someone could effortlessly break through every challenge to reach the finals. Using such a gadget is utterly despicable!"
Huang Chendong was momentarily at a loss for words. Although he looked down on disciples who resorted to cheating with formation treasures in the arena, Shu Han's defiance of his authority infuriated him more.
At this moment, Huang Zheming, with half of his face damaged, flew over. Speaking with a lisp due to his injuries, he angrily retorted, "Elder Huang, the Earth Fire Leaderboard did not explicitly prohibit the use of formation treasures! My disciple's actions are within the existing regulations and did not violate any rules! It is him instead!"
Huang Zheming pointed angrily at Shu Han, "This insolent man has shown disrespect to the rules, defied the elder, attacked fellow disciples, and is beyond redemption! I urge Elder Huang to execute him on the spot and let the Earth Fire Leaderboard continue!"
"Yes!"
Huang Chendong had a sudden realization, "The rules do not forbid the use of formation treasures, so Zhang Jianhua's actions aren't against the Earth Fire Leaderboard! Yu Tiancheng, any further objections are pointless. Surrender now! I will escort you to the adjudicating elder for judgment!"
Song Changyi interjected, "But Zhang Jianhua went against the very essence of the Earth Fire Leaderboard first. Brother Yu had doubts and tried to stop it, which is understandable. Considering he hasn't caused any actual harm to Zhang Jianhua that would hinder his subsequent fights, isn't escalating this matter to the adjudicating elder a bit much, Elder Huang?"
Huang Chendong snorted in anger, "Too much?! If I don't execute this rebel right here, that would be considered 'too much'!"
"Hmph!"
Song Changyi stepped in front of Shu Han, defending him, "If you're planning on being so unreasonable and abusing your power, then let's go see the adjudicating elder together. I have complaints to lodge as well."
Hearing Song Changyi's tone, Huang Chendong felt a chill. When it came to disputes, who could best Song Changyi?
He hesitated for a moment, then coughed a few times, saying, "Fine! Since the incident hasn't caused major disruptions, I'll let it go for now. But leave the Earth Fire Leaderboard arena immediately and do not interfere, or I won't be so kind next time!"
Song Changyi whispered to Shu Han, "Brother Yu, let's drop it. After all, there is no written rule against it. It's good enough that he's backed down. Advise your disciple to quit, lest he gets seriously injured."
Wei Haolong also chimed in, "Exactly, Old Yu. Your disciple is still young. He can compete in the next Earth Fire Leaderboard. It's not worth going head-to-head with these despicable master and disciple."
Shu Han brushed them off, staring defiantly at Huang Zheming as if challenging him to continue the match.
"Continue!"
With a flick of his sleeve, Shu Han recalled the gold brick, lifting the suppression.
Huang Zheming was momentarily stunned, not expecting his taunt to work. He was amazed that despite knowing about the formation treasure, Shu Han was still letting his disciple fight.
He sneered and sent a silent message to Zhang Jianhua, "Disciple, seize this opportunity. Use the formation treasure to cripple that boy. Just spare his life. Let's make this arrogant master-disciple duo weep for their folly."
At the same time, Shu Han whispered to his disciple, "Xingyan, take your best shot but ensure he remains alive. No matter the consequence, your master will bear it."
Formation treasure!
The memory was vivid for Shu Han. If it hadn't been for the Four Phases Formation Plate back then, he might have ended up a lost soul beneath White Feather Sect's spirit stone mine.
The most significant feature of a formation treasure is that it doesn't depend on the cultivator's level of cultivation. As long as there are spirit stones to support it, it can manifest its power. Moreover, each formation treasure has a strength that is at least of the Foundation Establishment stage.
It wasn't just Bai Xingyan— even cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage could suffer greatly if caught unprepared. Back then, quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators perished by Shu Han's Four Phases Formation Plate.
Seeing the smug expression on Huang Zheming's face, Shu Han was filled with rage. He immediately took to the air, flying straight to the arena.
To Huang Zheming's surprise, Shu Han dared to disregard the arena rules and charged straight at it. Huang hurriedly blocked Shu Han, reprimanding loudly, "How audacious, Yu Tiancheng! The Earth Fire Leaderboard arena is sacred. How can you interfere with—"
Before he could finish, Shu Han blinked and appeared in front of him, moving so quickly that Huang could hardly react.
"Get out of my way!"
Smack!
Shu Han's backhand struck Huang Zheming's face hard. Huang's teeth shattered and flew out, followed by his entire body being sent flying after them.
At this moment, Shu Han noticed that Zhang Huajian had set his spirit stones, and the formation treasure began to glow.
"Damn! Xingyan doesn't know about these formations!"
When it comes to formation treasures, not just those in the Qi Refining stage, but even those in the Foundation Establishment stage are largely ignorant.
Bai Xingyan, unsure of what Zhang Huajian was up to, instinctively raised his sword in defense.
A sinister smile spread across Zhang Huajian's face as he prepared to unleash his fully charged formation treasure and incapacitate Bai Xingyan.
However, a beam of golden light suddenly descended from the sky. In an instant, a massive oppressive force pinned him firmly onto the platform.
The arena floor gleamed gold, suppressing Zhang Huajian's formation treasure.
"How dare you!"
Seeing Shu Han interfering with the battle, Huang Chendong, who oversaw the Earth Fire Leaderboard, immediately acted. Carrying the might of the Core Formation stage, a symbol of Earth Dragon Fire formed above Shu Han's head, intending to suppress him.
Shu Han snorted in anger. He realized that if he were suppressed now, Bai Xingyan would be in danger on the platform. That was the descendant of his master and his own disciple; he couldn't let anything happen to him!
Thus, he gathered thick black patterns on both arms and threw eighteen consecutive punches toward the suppressing Earth Dragon Fire Seal, causing it to shatter instantly.
Huang Chendong was taken aback. How could a mere late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator break his Earth Dragon Fire Seal with bare hands?
"You audacious rebel! How dare you disrupt the Earth Fire Leaderboard and defy the elders!"
Huang Chendong was fueled with anger. Although he was the lowest-ranked elder, he still held that status, and his authority was not to be defied by a mere Foundation Establishment disciple, especially when he was tasked with overseeing the Earth Fire Leaderboard.
In an instant, a hint of murderous intent appeared in his eyes. Three crimson long knives flew out from his sleeves, forming the Earth Dragon Fire Knife Array in mid-air, aiming to slice through Shu Han.
Danger!
Wei Haolong and Song Changyi saw this scene and hurriedly intervened. A long sword and a spear appeared in front of Shu Han, deflecting the incoming knife array.
Seeing Song Changyi take action, the animosity that Huang Chendong had harbored came rushing forth. He shouted, "Song Changyi, why are you obstructing the elder's enforcement?! This man disrupted the Earth Fire Leaderboard and defied our sect's elders, his crimes are unforgivable. Stand aside immediately!"
Song Changyi glanced at Shu Han, acknowledging that his actions were indeed against the rules. However, he knew Shu Han wouldn't act so recklessly without reason. He said, "Enforcing the rules also requires discerning right from wrong. Elder Huang, your attempts at lethal force aren't in line with our sect's regulations. Let's hear Brother Yu's reasons before making judgments."
Huang Chendong's face darkened. No one could outwit Song Changyi in terms of sect rules. Instead of engaging further, he turned to Shu Han and sternly asked, "Yu Tiancheng! Why did you interfere with the Earth Fire Leaderboard? Do you realize you've committed a grave offense against the sect?"
Shu Han coldly replied, "Why shouldn't I intervene in a biased Earth Fire Leaderboard?"
He pointed to the triangular array plate in Zhang Huajian's hand, stating, "This is a formation treasure! It can be activated with just spirit stones and wields the power equivalent to a Foundation Establishment magic treasure. The Earth Fire Leaderboard is about gauging combat strength. How can one determine genuine power discrepancies when using such a magic tool? Isn't this cheating?"
Formation treasure?
All eyes converged on the triangular array plate in Zhang Huajian's hand, and the audience immediately erupted in jeers.
Song Changyi calmly said, "Indeed, the original intention of establishing our sect's Earth Fire Leaderboard was to select disciples with profound cultivation and exceptional combat prowess for rewards and promotions. Using such a thing where a low-level cultivator can easily defeat a high-level cultivator indeed goes against the spirit of the ranking."
Wei Haolong mocked, "Ah, so that's how someone could effortlessly break through every challenge to reach the finals. Using such a gadget is utterly despicable!"
Huang Chendong was momentarily at a loss for words. Although he looked down on disciples who resorted to cheating with formation treasures in the arena, Shu Han's defiance of his authority infuriated him more.
At this moment, Huang Zheming, with half of his face damaged, flew over. Speaking with a lisp due to his injuries, he angrily retorted, "Elder Huang, the Earth Fire Leaderboard did not explicitly prohibit the use of formation treasures! My disciple's actions are within the existing regulations and did not violate any rules! It is him instead!"
Huang Zheming pointed angrily at Shu Han, "This insolent man has shown disrespect to the rules, defied the elder, attacked fellow disciples, and is beyond redemption! I urge Elder Huang to execute him on the spot and let the Earth Fire Leaderboard continue!"
"Yes!"
Huang Chendong had a sudden realization, "The rules do not forbid the use of formation treasures, so Zhang Jianhua's actions aren't against the Earth Fire Leaderboard! Yu Tiancheng, any further objections are pointless. Surrender now! I will escort you to the adjudicating elder for judgment!"
Song Changyi interjected, "But Zhang Jianhua went against the very essence of the Earth Fire Leaderboard first. Brother Yu had doubts and tried to stop it, which is understandable. Considering he hasn't caused any actual harm to Zhang Jianhua that would hinder his subsequent fights, isn't escalating this matter to the adjudicating elder a bit much, Elder Huang?"
Huang Chendong snorted in anger, "Too much?! If I don't execute this rebel right here, that would be considered 'too much'!"
"Hmph!"
Song Changyi stepped in front of Shu Han, defending him, "If you're planning on being so unreasonable and abusing your power, then let's go see the adjudicating elder together. I have complaints to lodge as well."
Hearing Song Changyi's tone, Huang Chendong felt a chill. When it came to disputes, who could best Song Changyi?
He hesitated for a moment, then coughed a few times, saying, "Fine! Since the incident hasn't caused major disruptions, I'll let it go for now. But leave the Earth Fire Leaderboard arena immediately and do not interfere, or I won't be so kind next time!"
Song Changyi whispered to Shu Han, "Brother Yu, let's drop it. After all, there is no written rule against it. It's good enough that he's backed down. Advise your disciple to quit, lest he gets seriously injured."
Wei Haolong also chimed in, "Exactly, Old Yu. Your disciple is still young. He can compete in the next Earth Fire Leaderboard. It's not worth going head-to-head with these despicable master and disciple."
Shu Han brushed them off, staring defiantly at Huang Zheming as if challenging him to continue the match.
"Continue!"
With a flick of his sleeve, Shu Han recalled the gold brick, lifting the suppression.
Huang Zheming was momentarily stunned, not expecting his taunt to work. He was amazed that despite knowing about the formation treasure, Shu Han was still letting his disciple fight.
He sneered and sent a silent message to Zhang Jianhua, "Disciple, seize this opportunity. Use the formation treasure to cripple that boy. Just spare his life. Let's make this arrogant master-disciple duo weep for their folly."
At the same time, Shu Han whispered to his disciple, "Xingyan, take your best shot but ensure he remains alive. No matter the consequence, your master will bear it."
