Chapter 414 - Like Formations, Like Inscriptions (2/2)

After his visit to the Valley of Finesse, Lu Tianzi already had a fairly good idea of what he wanted to do for the Inscription Meet.

Back at the valley, the perpetual nourishment of World Origin Energy over countless years had ended up transforming the terrain itself into a natural medium of energy.

This resulted in the different parts of the terrain acting in the same manner as formation nodes, forming into a natural yet complex web of interconnected formations that covered the entirety of the Valley of Finesse.

It was different from a natural formation of a grand scale. Instead, it was more like numerous individual formations stacking upon each other.

And as these individual formations overlapped, it was only inevitable that they had a certain influence on each other as well.

This created a mess of irregularities within the valley, or at least that would seem like the case to most others.

But to Lu Tianzi, with his wealth of knowledge on formations as well as the Limitless Mirror Eye, this environment was akin to a textbook on formations, one that was filled with live examples that he could adjust and test as he wished.

After spending months in the valley, Lu Tianzi's knowledge of the art of formations had taken a great leap forward!

His teacher Formation Master Beimu had once told him to think of a formation as a larger version of an inscription array.

Be it formations or inscriptions, they were both made from the combination of multiple energy nodes.

For inscriptions, these would be the numerous inscription runes that the inscription master had to draw by themselves. As for formations, these could be anything that could transmit energy, ranging from formation flags to mere stones.

The two were clearly different because of the scale and energy nodes involved, yet it was undeniable that they had their similarities as well.

Like inscriptions, like formations.

As long as someone knew both subjects well enough, it was very possible to apply concepts in one field to the other!

Lu Tianzi slowly opened his eyes that were shining with a silvery light.

He had the theory and calculations completed.

Now, he just had to put everything into practice!

His hands started moving. And once they did, they did not stop.

Even without the concealing formation in place, most people here would have seen nothing but a blur as his arms moved too quickly for the eye to follow.

Of course, with the concealing formation in effect, it no longer looked nearly as impressive.

Nevertheless, just like every other participant, there was something that could not be hidden from the crowds – the number of inscription runes drawn.

One by one, inscription runes started appearing in front of him at an alarming rate.

Those in the audience who still had their eyes on him were mostly those who were ridiculing his progress, or the lack thereof. Because of that, all the more did they were find themselves rendered speechless by his sudden eruption of speed.

”This speed... he might not be as fast as Grandmaster Xiqin, but he is pretty damn close!”

With the two of them positioned side by side, it was extremely easy for others to compare the rate of progress between Lu Tianzi and Grandmaster Xiqin.

Grandmaster Xiqin might have a huge lead in terms of the number of inscription runes completed, but that was mostly due to him having started off first.

Now that Lu Tianzi had begun his work in earnest, everyone could see that their rate of progress was about even.

About even, but not exactly.

Grandmaster Xiqin, with the years of experience under his belt, was still a little faster.

Nevertheless, Lu Tianzi's actions instantly dispelled all thoughts that he could have been having trouble with drawing up inscription runes.

Not just that, but his sudden burst of speed caused the crowd's blood to boil in excitement.

Cheers erupted from the audience as they welcomed the appearance of yet another participant who had the potential to fight for that top spot.

”Yes! That's the way!” Young Master Xuan Hao exclaimed out loud with his fists clenched tight. He could not help but feel a rush of adrenaline along with the cheers of the crowds.

”But he started really late. Will he be able to complete it in time?” Ruan Ling was still feeling a little worried.

”This...” Young Master Xuan Hao felt his mood dampened when he heard Ruan Ling's words.

While Lu Tianzi's progress was indeed fast, he was not the fastest among the participants. Yet even those faster than him had begun working on their inscriptions long before he did, showing how they dared not let down their guard despite possessing superior techniques.

Placing an inscription was not a simple thing, much less something that had to stand out among the thousands of participants.

The three hours given was not a lot by any measure.

For Lu Tianzi to have started this late, there was indeed the possibility that he might not be able to complete his inscription in time.

”Don't worry, he will be able to do it.”

The voice full of confidence caused both Young Master Xuan Hao and Ruan Ling to look over, only to be faced with a cheerful Nanlan Qianxue smiling right back at them.

It was almost as though her thoughts were contagious.

Seeing the confidence in her eyes, Young Master Xuan Hao and Ruan Ling could not help but feel their worry dissipating, even if ever so slightly.