A banquet where both host and guest had a wonderful time was not an ending, but merely a beginning.
Fang Yuan and Chi Shang became friends.
In the days that followed, Fang Yuan frequently invited Chi Shang over, and Chi Shang regularly visited the Wu family base to call on Fang Yuan.
Getting close to someone, building a good relationship — it could be difficult, or it could be easy. It all came down to a few simple principles: lower yourself, accommodate their wishes.
Fang Yuan was a seasoned schemer, and with Attitude Gu in hand, how could Chi Shang possibly stand a chance against him?
Chi Shang was known as the "Formation Maniac." Even ordinary Gu Immortals couldn't catch his eye. But as it happened, Fang Yuan was already a quasi-grandmaster in the Path of Formations — he and Chi Shang, a grandmaster of the Path, had plenty to resonate about.
The two exchanged views and discussed all manner of topics related to the Path of Formations.
Chi Shang was soon astonished by Fang Yuan's attainments in the Path of Formations and expressed his puzzlement. After all, Fang Yuan's primary cultivation was clearly the Path of Transformation.
Fang Yuan told him, "I've always maintained a keen interest in the Path of Formations. During my mortal days, I studied it extensively. Through some fortuitous encounters, I was even able to make it my primary path. But fate had other plans, and I ultimately achieved Immortal status through the Path of Transformation. Still, I count myself lucky — how many independent cultivators actually become Gu Immortals?"
This note of resignation resonated with Chi Shang, and a stir of sympathy arose in his heart.
"If you wished to switch to the Path of Formations, I could offer my assistance. The Chi family's Immortal Gu related to formations are not scarce. I could negotiate on your behalf to arrange a trade," Chi Shang offered proactively.
The fact that he proposed this was no small thing — it was proof of Fang Yuan's efforts over these past days.
Switching one's cultivation path was possible, but one's Life Gu would need to be replaced.
Fang Yuan put on a deeply moved expression. "If I ever decide to switch, I will certainly seek your help, Chi Shang."
Chi Shang nodded. "When that time comes, you must tell me!"
He knew, of course, that getting a Gu Immortal to switch paths was no simple matter — it wasn't something one could just do on a whim. It was a major decision with far-reaching implications, and it often had a temporarily adverse effect on one's immortal aperture.
This exchange with Chi Shang brought Fang Yuan considerable gains.
Though it wasn't an advancement in his realm, it greatly expanded his horizons and supplemented some of his foundational knowledge in the Path of Formations. Fang Yuan now had a far more comprehensive and profound understanding of formations.
What was the difference between a Gu formation and a killer move?
Chi Shang explained to Fang Yuan, "A Gu formation is simply a type of killer move. A killer move involves activating multiple Gu insects simultaneously, and a Gu formation works the same way. A Gu formation is a killer move that belongs to the Path of Formations — every distinct Gu formation is a different killer move. That's why the Path of Formations has more killer moves than any other path. Of course, there are subtle differences between Gu formations and other killer moves. For instance, Gu formations tend to last longer. Once deployed, they also consume less of a Gu Master's mental energy and attention."
"What is the essence of the Path of Formations?" Fang Yuan asked.
Chi Shang shook his head. "Though I am a grandmaster of the Path, I don't consider my understanding deep enough to speak of its essence. However, Lord Chi Quyou of my clan once told me that the quintessence of the Path of Formations is the creation of environments."
Upon hearing this answer, Fang Yuan felt as though a bell had been struck inside his skull, its reverberations clearing the fog from his mind.
The Gu formation in the Silken Web Cavern — wasn't it designed to create a living environment conducive to breeding more Long-Hate Spiders?
"I've heard that a supreme grandmaster of the Path of Formations can read the natural Dao marks of heaven and earth, and with very few Gu insects, deploy a Gu formation. In places where natural Dao marks are dense, one can even form an Immortal-level Gu formation using only mortal Gu. Is that true?" Fang Yuan pressed further.
Chi Shang nodded and answered frankly. "That is indeed the case. But in truth, even cultivators at our level can utilize Dao marks. Some Gu formations use not just Gu insects as their foundation, but also formation materials. However, we can only make use of the Dao marks within immortal-grade materials. Over time, these materials will gradually deteriorate. A supreme grandmaster goes even further — not limited to immortal or mortal materials, they can adapt to local conditions and harness the Dao marks found naturally in heaven and earth."
These conversations and explanations provided Fang Yuan with tremendous inspiration.
This made him all the more enthusiastic in entertaining Chi Shang.
Fang Yuan quickly discovered that holding banquets was not very effective in building relationships — a proper discussion on the Path of Formations worked far better with Chi Shang.
Sometimes, a heated debate could stir up Chi Shang's sense of mutual admiration between heroes.
Fang Yuan had yet another powerful tool: writing letters to Qiao Siliu.
In every letter, he made a point of lavishly praising Chi Shang — extolling his astonishing attainments in the Path of Formations and his remarkable talent and aptitude.
Chi Shang was almost embarrassed by all the flattery, and his impression of Fang Yuan rose even higher. He thought of Fang Yuan as a gentleman — forthright in his conduct, magnanimous in spirit.
In a spirit of reciprocity, Chi Shang also praised Fang Yuan in his own letters to Qiao Siliu, expressing surprise and admiration that Fang Yuan, whose primary path was Transformation, had also cultivated the Path of Formations to such a profound level.
Qiao Siliu: "..."
She stared at letter after letter, realizing with a mix of amusement and exasperation that these two suitors of hers were actually praising each other — they had practically forgotten she existed.