《Log Entries of a Formation master》 Formation master Log of Jian Feng - Year 1 Entry 1: The Bitter Start Entry 2: The Allure of Structure Entry 3: Humble Beginnings Entry 4: First Spark Log of Jian Feng - Year 2 Entry 5: The Whispers of the Elder Entry 6: The Art of Sheng Fui Entry 7: Tools of Trade Log of Jian Feng - Year 3 Entry 8: A Gradual Shift Entry 9: First Commission Entry 10: The Road Ahead Log Entry 1: Before the Storm - Sunken Jade Pavilion, Year 124 of the Azure Dragon Dynasty The Elder Council has decreed it. We are to join the Northern Alliance war against the Scarlet Moon Sect. Our small Sunken Jade Pavilion, nestled amongst the mountain peaks, will be thrown into the meat grinder of the battlefield. I, Jiang Feng, a mere disciple specializing in formations, am to be a cog in their machine. I''ve spent years studying the flows ofsheng fui, the hidden energies of the land, striving to harmonize them with the grand formations. I envisioned my life spent in study and creation, not war. Still, obedience is the bedrock of our sect. Perhaps I can use this experience to broaden my understanding of formations in a combat setting. I''ll record my experiences diligently, hoping to find some value amidst the chaos. I have been assigned to a small team, alongside other formation masters. Log Entry 2: The Tide Turns - Frontlines of the Obsidian Wastes, Year 125 The war is¡­ unlike anything I imagined. The scale is staggering. Mountains tremble under the weight of colliding energies. Here, on the front lines of the Obsidian Wastes, the resources are near infinite. Talisman paper, spirit ink, jade cores, they flow like rivers. But for what, the lives of our disciples are like pebbles in the mud. I¡¯ve been tasked with bolstering defensive formations, crafting barriers against the Scarlet Moon Sect¡¯s onslaught. The first battle was a blur of chaos. I remember the screams, the scent of scorched earth, the feel of damp earth and the constant, gnawing fear. But I also remember the way the land responded to my formations. I saw how the qi can be bent and shaped. It has been horrifying, yet... fascinating. Log Entry 3: Learning Through Carnage - Frontlines, Year 125 (Later) I''ve been using the abundance of resources to experiment, pushing the boundaries of my understanding. I¡¯ve studied the battle formations of the old masters, modified them, seen them shatter, then rebuilt them stronger. I''ve adapted them to this broken land, manipulating the Obsidian Wastes¡¯ jagged terrain, turning it into weapons. I¡¯ve learned to channel the chaotic energies of battle itself into the formations. I''m becoming skilled. But it comes at a cost. I see fellow disciples falling to the earth each day. The loss feels¡­ distant. My focus now is survival, and the constant improvement of my craft. My team is down from five to three. Is it correct to think of it this way? I record the passing of each of my teammates, but the emotions I felt for each are... distant. Log Entry 4: Pragmatism - Siege of the Bone Citadel, Year 126 The war has become a brutal rhythm. Deploy, reinforce, adapt, retreat, and repeat. The resources have started to feel.. like nothing. Life has become nothing. I''ve become efficient, cold. My formations are no longer artistic expressions; they are tools of war, intricate systems designed for maximum devastation. I calculate probabilities, optimize placement, and minimize loss¡­ within my team of three now two. It is more practical, more logical to think of my calculations rather than the fact that I have been spending months sleeping next to the corpses of my brothers. I¡¯ve seen the raw power of the Scarlet Moon Sect''s cultivators firsthand. They are not so different from us. We are all cogs in a machine of senseless violence. It is¡­ a lesson I will not forget. Log Entry 5: Departure - Foot of the Azure Dragon Mountains, Year 127 The Northern Alliance has secured victory. Our sect is returning to the mountains. I have seen enough. I have learned enough. I no longer have any desire to return to the halls of the Sunken Jade Pavillion. I have filed the required paperwork, and collected the tokens that they would have given me. I leave before anyone asks me questions that I do not care to answer. I will walk my own path now. My knowledge of formations will be my guide and my shield. I will use the tools that I have honed to survive. I will no longer be a tool for others. Log Entry 6: The Winding Path - Dusty Road toward the Crimson Desert, Year 127 The world feels different, seen through the eyes of a survivor. My senses are sharper, my reactions quicker. I''ve been trackingsheng fuiflows, charting the local energies, and creating my own mobile array, a small formation that I weave into my very being. I no longer want to destroy and build, I will just improve myself. It enhances my senses, allowing me to quickly identify potential threats. I observe the world with a critical eye, noting the structures, the flows and the weaknesses. My body is slowly healing from the stress of the war, my spirit however¡­. remains the same. I have started a training regiment of walking for several hours a day and meditating in the sun to calm the chaotic energies within me. No emotional outbursts, no friendships, no mistakes. Just¡­ survival. Log Entry 7: The Edge of Chaos - Borderlands of the Crimson Desert, Year 128 I have arrived at the edge of the Crimson Desert. The land is harsh, unforgiving. Thesheng fuiis turbulent, volatile, mirroring the chaos of my past. I¡¯ve been studying the local patterns, using the desert''s harshness to test my formations. I found an abandoned ruin of a long-forgotten sect and used that to practice new defensive formations. I will delve further in when I feel my skills have improved enough. I will continue to push the limits of what is possible, using both the knowledge I gained from my old sect and the techniques gleaned from the battlefield. I seek knowledge, power, and the means to ensure I am never reliant on others again. Log Entry 1: Crimson Sands, Year 1 Date: Cycle 7, Day 23 The Crimson Desert. A fitting backdrop for my present state. Arid, unforgiving, and populated by weaklings and simple beasts. My Qi has stabilized at the peak of Qi Cultivation. I no longer feel the pull of breakthroughs. This stagnation, while irritating, is temporary. It is a period of refinement, an opportunity to hone my formations. I''ve established a temporary base in a secluded canyon, hidden beneath a rudimentary Illusion Formation. The ambient spirit energy is meager, but manageable. First priority: establish a resource network. Local merchants are fools, easily manipulated. I will use their greed to line my own pockets. Earnings Today: 17 Spirit Stones. Unacceptable. Will find better opportunities. Log Entry 2: Crimson Sands, Year 1 (cont.) Date: Cycle 7, Day 28 Exploited the local caravan routes. A simple Disorientation Formation laid across their path led them directly into a sandstorm that I had further manipulated with a Wind Guiding array. The resulting chaos provided ample opportunity to relieve them of their most valuable goods. Stones of minimal value were left to satisfy their need to believe they were robbed due to bad luck. Their pathetic outrage is of no consequence. I have learned their routes, they are predictable. Earnings Today: 112 Spirit Stones. An improvement. Still, the yield from mere merchants is insufficient. Log Entry 3: Crimson Sands, Year 2 Date: Cycle 8, Day 12 Discovered a hidden oasis. The spirit energy is marginally stronger here. I will establish a secondary base. A more complex array of defensive formations are required. Learned of a nearby sect of ¡®Cultivators¡¯ who practice in a nearby mountain range. I will investigate, there are more lucrative opportunities to be found there. Their spirit stone holdings are sure to be much larger than that of some mere peddler. Earnings Today: 0, focus on formation set up. Log Entry 4: Crimson Sands, Year 2 (cont.) Date: Cycle 8, Day 27 The ¡®Cultivators¡¯ of the ¡®Scorched Bloom Sect¡¯ are predictably weak in spirit. Their understanding of formation is pathetic. I observed their training grounds. A poorly designed and executed spirit gathering formation. They are ripe for exploitation. I will infiltrate their ranks under the guise of wanting to join, they are too ignorant to recognize the cold calculation hidden within my eyes. Earnings Today: 0, initial outlay of time for future profit. Log Entry 5: Scorched Bloom Sect, Year 3 Date: Cycle 9, Day 5 My plan has begun. The sect elders accepted me readily. They are fools who preach of kindness, they are blind to the underlying motives. I have convinced them of my ¡®genius¡¯ in formation crafting. They have shown me a treasure trove of spirit stones and resources, all of which will become mine in due time. I have crafted a minor formation to subtly drain their spirit energy during training, a small decrease to them but a small boost to my cultivation. Earnings Today: 30 Spirit Stones, gained through ¡®favors¡¯ for setting up training formations. Long-term gains are far more significant. Log Entry 6: Scorched Bloom Sect, Year 3 (cont) Date: Cycle 9, Day 29 The sect is growing reliant on my formations. Their spirit stone reserves have become more accessible. I have begun siphoning a small percentage into my own private stores. They suspect nothing. The subtle spirit draining formation has been expanded and improved, the benefits of this are starting to show in my cultivation. They are nothing but stepping stones for my advancement Earnings Today: 150 Spirit Stones, direct siphoning from sect treasury. Log Entry 7: Crimson Sands, Year 4 Date: Cycle 10, Day 17 I abandoned the sect. Their usefulness was exhausted. My personal store of spirit stones is now sufficient. I have returned to one of my earlier bases. I will now focus solely on my cultivation. The stagnation I once felt is starting to crack, I have began to feel the draw of the next stage. I have entered secluded cultivation for the next 3 months. Log Entry: Day 1, Verdant Embrace Crimson sand¡­ good riddance. The desert was a barren teat, finally dry. Foundation Establishment is a fickle beast. The breakthrough was¡­ messy, but now my meridians thrum with a nascent power. The crimson sands no longer hold profit; the insects and trade routes there are spent. The dense, suffocating humidity of this jungle is a stark contrast. The air is thick with the stench of decaying vegetation, but also potential. I can feel the stirrings of elemental energies far stronger than anything readily available in the desert. The potential wealth buried in the earth beneath this canopy¡­ it is intoxicating. I have taken refuge in a temporary cave system I created with a few earth manipulation formations. Its camouflaged well. Better than nothing for the time being. I will spend the first few days studying the area. Log Entry: Day 7, Whispers of the Wild The jungle has its rhythms. Strange, chirping creatures and the hushed rustle of unseen things. I''ve spent the last week observing. There are several minor spirit beast trails near these caves, and a significant one that leads towards a waterfall a few miles away. I will investigate that tomorrow. I can sense the presence of some medicinal herbs, these are low quality but they are a start. The most important thing is to find a place of high concentration of spiritual Qi. I will use the waterfall as my starting point. I¡¯ve also noted the general absence of large cultivators in this region. Good. Less bother. I also experimented with creating basic Qi gathering formations. I''m going to set a few around my cave. Even this jungle air will be enhanced by it. Log Entry: Day 15, Trade and Treasure The waterfall is... promising. The flow of water seems to enhance the ambient spiritual Qi, a natural formation in itself. There are a few herbs of decent quality growing near its mist. I have also observed some small cultivators, none of which pose a threat. They seem to be collecting common mushrooms and berries. I will observe them. I have decided to set up a temporary stall near the outskirts of a small logging village I found along a tributary. I offer a few simple protection talismans, and some basic spiritual incense in exchange for spirit stones. The fools think they are safe with such trinkets. I am making a killing off their ignorance. They come for protection and offer their resources freely. This is far more efficient than scavenging. Log Entry: Day 30, A Hint of Power My gains have been substantial. The logging village is a steady stream of naive clients. The spirit stones I have accumulated are enough to purchase some basic cultivation pills. My cultivation is progressing, albeit slowly. I am now at the early stages of Foundation Establishment, a solid foundation. This jungle holds more potential than I imagined. I did see some young disciples of some unknown sect exploring in the depths of the forest today. Likely looking for treasure. I will stay away from them. I have no need to get involved in sect rivalries. The best path is the one that ensures I am left undisturbed. Log Entry: Day 45, Sanguine Harvest I have observed the logging village for a while now, It is clear they are not going to yield much more. I have exhausted their reserves and my demand has outstripped supply. The villagers are starting to be suspicious and I overheard of a caravan coming to trade with the village. That could be a good source of resources. I used a very basic illusion formation to disguise myself and I have left the village. I am following the caravan and will look for an opportunity to take what I want. The caravan has some rudimentary defensive formations, easily dismantled. Tonight I will set an ambush. The fools are traveling in the dark through a narrow pass. The forest will make a perfect natural trap. I will use my formations to amplify the sound of the forest, making them lose their bearings. It should be very easy to take them by surprise. I am starting to be annoyed with these weaklings. Log Entry: Day 46, Another Step The caravan is no more. They fought pathetically. There was an overseer who was a cultivator. He was barely at Qi condensation level 8. He was the only one that posed any challenge worth mentioning. His blood stained the earth, and his spirit stones are now mine. The caravan was carrying a decent batch of spiritual herbs and some weapons. The herbs are useful for my cultivation, and the weapons will be useful in trading. I have destroyed the bodies and removed any trace of my involvement. I am moving deeper into the jungle.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. I have discovered a hidden cave system with a source of concentrated spirit Qi. It''s close to the waterfall, but hidden behind a layer of rock. The perfect place to cultivate without interference. I will be setting up a more permanent residence here, and focus on my cultivation, and plan my next move. Log Entry: Day 60, Whispers of Core Formation The dense spiritual Qi in this cavern is a boon. My cultivation progresses far more quickly now. I have created a complex array of formations to constantly draw in the energy of the surrounding area. I have been consuming the herbs and using the remaining spirit stones to refine my Qi. I can feel the pressure building in my dantian. Core Formation is not far. But I must be patient. I will not rush this. The foundation must be perfect, lest the process fail. I will spend the next few weeks honing my control over Qi. I have also been working on a few new formations. This time, I will focus on offensive formations. I will need them for the future. I have noticed that there are rumours among the weaker cultivators in the nearby villages about a powerful cultivator terrorising the area. I need to be more careful with my movements. Log Entry: Day 90, Focused Fury Another month, another step closer. My control over Qi is reaching a new level. I can subtly manipulate the natural energies of the jungle. The concentration of spiritual Qi in this cave is palpable. I spend each day training and meditating, refining my dantian. I have also been experimenting with some new formations that will amplify my power. I will need to be ready for the next stage of my cultivation. I have stopped interacting with the nearby villages. The rumours have grown too strong, and the attention is unwanted. I will focus on my training and continue to cultivate in this secluded spot. I¡¯m starting to get restless. It will not be long until the Core Formation stage is within my reach. Then, my real work can begin. I can feel the power building in my dantian. I will be ready when the time comes. Log Entry: Day 120, Looming Change The signs are undeniable. My dantian burns with the fire of nascent power. The energies are swirling with such intensity that I can feel my very bones trembling. The boundary of Core Formation is thin now, and I can almost see it. The concentration in my cave is no more than a gentle breeze, I am now using most of the ambient Qi to sustain the power growing within myself. I will initiate the breakthrough soon and set up my array of defensive formation around myself. Log Entry 1: Moonfall Peak, Year 11 of Core Formation The endless jade moon mocks me tonight. Another meditation session, another frustrating wall. My Qi refuses to coalesce, refusing to surge. I¡¯ve tried every method, devoured every pill. Nothing. The Core remains, stubborn and unyielding. A century in this realm¡­ a hundred years spent in the purgatory of stagnation. Surely it won''t be like this forever? Log Entry 2: The Whispering Caves, Year 27 of Core Formation I stumbled upon them, these so-called Whispering Caves. They are certainly misnamed, no whispers, but a cacophony of chaotic energy. Inside I found ancient formations. I thought the array I used to manipulate winds was complex! The carvings here hum with a power that defies my understanding. I dared to tinker, a fraction of what I understand. It nearly cost me my life. My own formation shield barely deflected the first backlash, my spirit nearly dissolving under a flood of corrupted power. I barely escaped. It was a foolish gamble, driven by a desperate hunger for¡­ something to move me forward. I must never be so reckless. Yet, also¡­ I felt something, a spark of understanding, buried within that chaos. Perhaps¡­ perhaps that is the key to breaking the impasse. Log Entry 3: Crimson Peak Trading Post, Year 43 of Core Formation Flea-bitten, greedy merchants. But, they do have what I need. My hands ache after a week of setting up a concealment array for a merchant convoy. The spirit stones are hefty, I even managed to get a portion of rare fire-resistant silk as payment. I''ve been refining and adjusting my mobile formation lately. The layered shielding, the heat signature disruption, the scent masking... it grows more complex, always. I¡¯ve learned over the years. It started from a desperate need to keep the core stable so I could grow. Now, it''s become a tool to survive. I had a close call near the Jade Valley. Some old fogey, one of the elders of a lesser sect, recognized the work I did in that market. Turns out, I fleeced his nephew. Lucky my new stealth formation includes sound dampening. It¡¯s sad that I have to run around because of my past deeds. Log Entry 4: The Azure Wastes, Year 68 of Core Formation The wind howls across the wastes like a hungry beast. This is¡­ lonely. I haven''t seen another cultivator in weeks. The desolation¡­ it¡¯s a mirror of my inner state. I can feel my cultivation, it''s¡­ stable. Too stable. Like a pond that never rises or falls. The formation research is my only company. I am dissecting a defensive array I found etched into the wall of a ruined temple. It uses the earth itself to reinforce the wards. Ingenious, really. I am thinking of adapting this principle to create a sort of mobile fortress. It would take me time to gather the correct materials. But, the challenge occupies my mind. It has to be done, it is what keeps me moving forward. Log Entry 5: The Serpentine River, Year 81 of Core Formation I managed to sell a series of advanced array diagrams to a wealthy merchant caravan. It netted me enough spirit stones to replenish my dwindling supply of jade marrow, that is an ingredient necessary to maintain the core stabilization array I cast every few weeks. The river flows with a strange energy, like liquid moonlight. It is almost... calming. I have begun to meditate, sitting on the banks of this strange river. I am focusing on the flow, both of Qi and of the water. Maybe, just maybe, I have been focusing on too much power and too little of the fundamentals. Perhaps, cultivation is like a river, it cannot be forced, it simply needs to flow naturally. I will rest here a season, and re-examine the basics. I feel like there''s something... something waiting. Log Entry 6: Nomad Camp, Year 94 of Core Formation I¡¯ve joined a nomadic tribe for a while, they live on the outskirts of civilization, away from the bustle of towns and cities. They are not cultivators, but they possess a strange understanding of the land, a harmony I envy. I''ve been trading formation advice for their hospitality. Teaching them to protect their flocks from predatory beasts and how to conserve heat during the winter months. It doesn¡¯t feel wasted, I feel¡­ useful. The simplicity of their lives is a stark contrast to the complicated web of formations and intrigue I usually exist within. My mobile fortress is almost complete, the earth-based defense array is coming along nicely. I spend less time in forced meditation now, sometimes I just sit around the campfire and listen to stories and sing songs. It is¡­ peaceful. Log Entry 7: The Shifting Sands, Year 100 of Core Formation A century. One hundred years. And yet, I feel no closer to breakthrough. The formation work is advanced. The mobile fortress hums with power, and I am a master of stealth and defense. I am a resourceful survivor, a seasoned manipulator of arrays, but¡­ I am not growing. Is this my fate? To be forever bound to this level, to merely continue existing in the same stagnant pool? The shifting sands mirror my own shifting path. But¡­ I am not giving up, Not yet. Perhaps, the answers lie not in the pursuit of more power, but in understanding of the fundamentals, of rediscovering the core values, that I seem to have lost somewhere long ago. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll have to move on, go towards the rising sun, in a quest for knowledge and maybe¡­ for peace within myself. Log Entry 1 - Day 17, Cycle 3, Year 121 The jade gleam of the formation core hums beneath my palm. My mobile fortress, the ''Iron Tortoise,'' is nearly complete. The final offensive array, the ''Wrath of the Storm,'' is proving... temperamental. It channels the gathered Qi through an unstable conduit, threatening to overload the entire system. Today, the conduit shattered again. A minor explosion, singed my eyebrows, nothing serious. Still, progress is being made. I''ve managed to refine the control matrix further, allowing for more precise channeling of energy. The Iron Tortoise is more than just a shell now; it''s becoming a weapon. Once the Wrath of the Storm is operational, I''ll be ready. The whispers of Nascent Soul resources echo in my mind. That power¡­ that breakthrough¡­ It''s within grasp. My practice has given me a strong foundation, and my battle experience, although limited, has proven my ability to punch above my weight. I¡¯ve dealt with several Core Formation cultivators, only a couple of encounters were truly dangerous. They underestimated me, and they paid the price. Log Entry 2 - Day 23, Cycle 3, Year 121 Success! The Wrath of the Storm is stable, for now at least. I tested a portion of its power on a nearby mountain, and the results were¡­ satisfying. The mountain was sheared in half, leaving a smoking, blackened scar. The power is immense. My Iron Tortoise is no longer just a mobile fortress, it is a battering ram. It can generate a vortex of raw Qi power that can tear apart anything in its path. Now, for the plan. I need a Nascent Soul cultivator who is known for being overconfident, perhaps someone complacent in their strength. Someone who relies more on their title than their true power. The ''Jade Serpent Sect'' comes to mind, their elder, Li Mei, known for her arrogance. She¡¯s rumored to possess a wealth of spirit stones and rare herbs, precisely what I need. I''ve been tracking her movements for the past few weeks ¨C she¡¯s predictable in her patrol routes. I will lure her into a location I have scouted beforehand, a large, desolate valley where my formation will give me a massive advantage. Log Entry 3 - Day 28, Cycle 3, Year 121 The preparations are complete. The valley is wreathed in subtle layers of camouflage formations, disguising the powerful Qi conduits I¡¯ve laid beneath the earth. The Iron Tortoise is fully charged, its energy core humming like a restless beast. I¡¯ve laid out the plan meticulously: I¡¯ve accounted for her known abilities ¨C her affinity for venomous qi, her speed, her reliance on close-quarters combat. I¡¯ve crafted counter-formations for each. This isn''t a reckless gamble; it''s a calculated risk. My breakthrough hinges on this. Log Entry 4 - Day 30, Cycle 3, Year 121 - The Fight The plan worked, at least initially. The illusions held her for a few precious moments as I maneuvered the Iron Tortoise. Li Mei arrived in a burst of violet energy, her face contorted with rage. The decoy formations slowed her, but her attacks were powerful, shaking the very earth. She underestimated me, letting her arrogance get the better of her. She called me "a pathetic worm" and "an ant, unworthy of her time." I smiled. And then I unleashed the Wrath of the Storm. The valley warped, the air crackling with raw Qi. She recoiled, her venomous energy struggling against the sheer force of the attack. It was glorious. Her jade robes tore, her meticulously coiffed hair was thrown about by the vortex. She took damage, but not enough. She unleashed a torrent of venomous qi, a sickly green cloud that threatened to corrode the Iron Tortoise. She was relentless, a predator backed into a corner. My shield formation held, but it was weakening. She recovered quickly and started attacking Iron Tortoise''s formation matrix, targeting my weakest points. I had to disengage the Wrath of the Storm to preserve my formation core. The Iron Tortoise shifted, becoming a massive shield, absorbing blow after blow. I felt the energy core strain, each impact a hammer blow to my inner organs. I knew I couldn¡¯t keep this up. I activated a secondary formation, a siphon, that began absorbing her venomous qi, converting it into usable energy. She seemed surprised by the move. She launched a powerful attack, venomous claws aimed at the control room of the Iron Tortoise, but I was faster. She had given me and opening. This time her attack was absorbed by the Iron Tortoise with no damage delivered to the shield. I used that moment to unleash a final, concentrated burst of fire qi at her, the type of energy that counteracts her venom. I felt the surge of power, both from my own core and from the absorbed toxin. Finally, she faltered. I moved quickly. Log Entry 5 - Day 30, Cycle 3, Year 121. Late. Victory. The valley is a ruin, scorched and scarred. Li Mei¡¯s storage ring rests in my palm, heavy with the spoils of victory, a Nascent Soul cultivator¡¯s fortune. I suffered injuries, both internal and external, but I am alive. More than that, I have what I need. The resources, the spiritual herbs, the refined spirit stones¡­ they are all here. The Iron Tortoise is heavily damaged, and I am exhausted, but my core is vibrating with anticipation. This victory, this calculated risk, will allow me to break through. Once I recover, with this new found power and knowledge, I will reach the Nascent Soul realm myself. My journey is not done. It has only just begun. Log Entry: Year 1, Cycle 1 - Post Tribulation Slumber The lightning...it still crackles behind my eyelids. To think, that terrifying power was meant toempowerme. It felt more like it wanted to shatter me into dust. I barely clung on, guided by the remnants of my core. It aches now, a dull throb beneath the newly formed nascent soul. The world feels different. Sharp. Brighter. The Qi flows through me like a river, no longer a trickle. I need rest, long deep rest. And then, the true work begins. Log Entry: Year 1, Cycle 3 - Reforging The core is stable, and I have spent the last few cycles refining my nascent soul. It pulses with an energy I only dreamed of. Today, the real changes begin. My old arrays feel clumsy, like children''s toys in my hands. I must retool them, infuse them with the power befitting a nascent soul. The ''Five Elements Binding Array'' will be my first focus. It needs an overhaul. And my treasures¡­ my poor old treasures. The jade compass is now merely decorative, the talisman paper feels like dry leaves. I must reforge them, using resources befitting this new stage. I have begun refining some spirit stones using the nascent soul power, transforming them into high grade materials for array crafting. Log Entry: Year 2, Cycle 1 - The Northern Lord Word spreads. The sects of the cold north have finally accepted their new reality. They send envoys, bearing gifts, seeking protection. They see me, a new nascent soul cultivator, and assume a certain weakness. Fools. They offer resources ¨C rare ice crystals, cold iron, spirit beasts they¡¯ve managed to tame. I accept it all. I''ll use it to build my power and secure my position here. I declare myself "Lord Jiang of the Frozen Peak," a title that resonates with the harsh landscape and hopefully with some fear. They will pay yearly tribute, and in return, I will ensure their continued existence (and usefulness). The pill and treasure vault is steadily growing. I need to find some good refiners for some treasures. Log Entry: Year 5, Cycle 4 - Formation Refinement The ''Five Elements Binding Array'' is complete, evolved into the ''Celestial Binding Cage''. It hums with nascent soul energy, capable of restraining even late-stage nascent formation cultivators. I have also created the "Winter''s Embrace" array to help against the cold and also to train new disciples at the very edge of their limits. My talisman paper is now cut from the skins of frost dragons. My spirit compass is forged from a piece of heavenly iron, capable of sensing ley lines kilometers away. My pill making skills have risen to another level. The core forming pills are now easy for me to make. I have been experimenting with new formulas that benefit the nascent soul stage and should start preparing some for myself. Log Entry: Year 10, Cycle 2 - Routine Growth The yearly tributes flow smoothly. The cold north is now under my control. The sects grumble, I¡¯m sure, but they dare not go against me. They fear the nascent soul power I exude. I have been focusing on personal cultivation, refining my nascent soul further. I can now move faster, more fluidly, than I ever imagined. I must develop techniques that will take advantage of it. There are also new mysteries to investigate. I have been feeling a connection with the lands I control that was not there before. Will this help me in some way? I must continue to study. Log Entry: Year 20, Cycle 1 - The Silence This year, the tribute is late. The messengers sent to inquire return with trembling reports of new arrogance. One sect, White Frost, dares to claim they have found a new backer. Another nascent soul cultivator, they boast. They speak of an established power, a ¡°Master Yulan." They think I am a fledgling, a newly ascended cultivator with no foundation. A single nascent soul has been in the world for hundreds of years. I am to be pitied. They do not know I have been working every day. Foolish sects with no foresight. They will learn their error. Log Entry: Year 20, Cycle 2 - The Reckoning Today, the arrogance of the White Frost sect is extinguished. They thought Master Yulan, a mid-stage nascent soul, could save them. He was a brute, focusing on brute strength and none of the intricacies of the world. He was easily defeated. As I destroyed his soul, I felt a cold rage fill me. As I destroyed his physical body, another nascent soul appeared, attempting a sneak attack! It was easily defeated. It appears the other nascent soul is of the dark method. The world is not so kind. When he was subdued, I found the others that were manipulating the sects. All of them were destroyed today. There is only ashes left now. The sect of White Frost and the others that followed are all destroyed to the very core. Log Entry 178 - Cycle 3, Year 24
Another day, another mountain. The qi here is¡­adequate. Barely. The formations I laid are humming nicely, trapping the residual spiritual energy. Efficiency is paramount. I spent the last three cycles refining my ''Azure Serpent Bind'' formation, should be near its peak now. I can feel the stagnation creeping into my cultivation. The world is becoming¡­duller.
Log Entry 183 - Cycle 3, Year 24
A disturbance. A creature of scale and myth ¨C a Dragon. Its power was¡­substantial, even for what is essentially a nascent beast. It moved with clumsy power. My ''Five Element Shackles'' formation was deployed in half a breath, crushing it into the earth. Its bones cracked like dry twigs. The eyes¡­they showed a flicker of something more than fear. Submission. A strange feeling. Instead of harvesting its essence, I¡¯ll keep it. A novelty. Perhaps it can be¡­useful. Let the ''Soul Binding'' formation begin.
Log Entry 188 - Cycle 3, Year 24
The Dragon, now subdued, follows me like a trained dog. I have named it "Ruin". Its size is enough to allow me to ride and traverse the skies. Travel time has decreased at an incredible degree. My formations continue to improve as I manipulate the air currents. The world seems smaller from up here. The wind here is interesting, perhaps for a future wind formation... I need to look into that.
Log Entry 195 - Cycle 3, Year 24
Another wasted cycle. Mountains, clouds, sky. All the same. I have found a secluded peak. I will spend the next few cycles in deep meditation. My energies need to be cleansed. My progress is still not enough. The formation of "Heavenly Earth Net" needs more testing. Its power is close, but not quite there. I need true mastery. Solitude is the only way.
Log Entry 202 - Cycle 4, Year 25
Cultivation. Endless cultivation. The techniques flow through me like blood, familiar and cold. I see the cracks in the foundations of this world. The spiritual energy¡­it weakens. It is subtle, but noticeable. The natural ley lines are decaying, the source is yet unknown. I can feel the imbalance. This is not acceptable.
Log Entry 210 - Cycle 4, Year 25
Ruin has changed. Over the past few cycles it has undergone a transformation. The energy it emits is¡­purified, the very air crackles around it. I feel the very earth trembles slightly as a tribulation comes in the form of dark purple lightning. I merely watched it from above. ''Heavenly Earth Net'' wasn''t needed. It has successfully transcended. Its strength is formidable. It might become a good pawn on the chess board, we shall see.
Log Entry 218 - Cycle 4, Year 25
The world beneath me is in turmoil. War. The foolish mortals clash over land and resources. It is a disgusting but necessary cycle of growth and decay. They are ants writhing under my feet. The waste of resources frustrates me. However, if some particularly talented souls arise, they may yield interesting data for my formations. I will observe remotely for the time being. Ruin seems agitated, perhaps it sensed the violence. I will remind it of its place if it tries to act.
Log Entry 225 - Cycle 4, Year 25
The spiritual energy is undeniably thinning. It feels like drinking from a dried well. My progress is hindered. The mountains of this world are starting to feel dull. I need a more powerful source of energy. The ''Abyssal Convergence'' formation will need to be finalized. The risks are high, but the rewards are¡­significant. Time to test some theories.
Log Entry 230 - Cycle 4, Year 25
I have set up the first test site. I plan on using Ruin''s power to assist in the process. The risks are still unknown. The energy readings are erratic. Time to continue with caution. The world grows dimmer each day. Log Entry 1: Cycle 782, Year 12,043 of the Heavenly Ascent Calendar The spiritual qi is undeniably thinning. Even a fool could sense it. But they are all fools, basking in their pathetic cultivations. The Heavenly Abyss Array pulses, a subtle thrum against the dying heart of this world. The readings are¡­disturbing. It is as if the verylifeis draining from the planet. It is not a natural phenomenon; I suspect some ancient, unsustainable extraction. Perhaps we ourselves are to blame. Regardless, this will not do. I refuse to be another withered husk, clinging to a dying husk. I must secure my own path. I will begin formulating a method of escape. My nascent soul hungers for more than this fetid existence. Log Entry 2: Cycle 811, Year 12,045 of the Heavenly Ascent Calendar The ruins of the old sects are proving¡­ enlightening. There are whispers of formations capable of immense power, some even capable of traversing realms. I have spent weeks dissecting their skeletal remains, attempting to glean even the slightest advantage. These fools, too focused on brute strength, overlooked the true potential. I will not make their mistakes. I am beginning work on a series of formations designed to both sustain a closed ecosystem and to act as a vessel for escape. The failure of others is a ladder for my ascent. Log Entry 3: Cycle 834, Year 12,048 of the Heavenly Ascent Calendar The first attempt was¡­ unacceptable. The artificial ecosystem crumbled under the strain, the formations corroded from the lack of proper spiritual qi. I have refined the design, focusing on recycling existing qi, and drawing what little I can from the planet¡¯s decaying core. I have made several attempts to leave, launching vessels beyond the atmosphere, each more refined. Each attempt resulted in failure. The formations cannot hold against the void. They unravel, leaving me stranded. Each failure only fuels my resolve. I will not be defeated by some cosmic joke. Log Entry 4: Cycle 888, Year 12,050 of the Heavenly Ascent Calendar This world is dying. The spiritual qi is practically non-existent. The few cultivators who remain are descending into madness or inaction. Their pitiful existences are an insult. I have exhausted the practical applications of the ancient ruins. I have refined my escape array as much as possible. I lack the resources to power them indefinitely. The reality is¡­ I cannot escape in a traditional manner. I will have to¡­ adapt. I have modified the formations, weaving them into my very soul, to preserve myself. To become, in essence, a vessel myself, sustained by the dwindling qi within the formations. I will enter a state of suspended animation, my consciousness dormant until¡­ until the qi returns or my arrays fracture. This is the only path. Log Entry 5: Cycle [Undetermined], Year [Undetermined](Final Entry - Undead State) I failed. The formations hold, but I am not¡­ alive. It is a strange state, between life and death. My consciousness flickers, bound to the formations. The world is as I remember, yet¡­ different. Barren. The planet¡¯s lifeforce is gone. There is nothing for me here. I will simply¡­ wait. Wait for the formations to fail or for something¡­ else. Log Entry 6: Cycle [Undetermined], Year [Undetermined](Awakening) The formations... are weakening. I¡­ I am awake. The planet... it is a husk. Nothing but rock and dust. Unfamiliar. The world is as I feared and it is far worse. I feel¡­ displaced. My movements seem stiff, my body unfamiliar after so long. I have walked for a while now, only to discover a crude scar upon the planet¡¯s surface; a mining operation of some kind. The beings within are¡­ odd. They wear cumbersome suits and seem shocked that I navigate the desolate landscape without such contrivances. I look up. Metal cans float high in the sky, reflecting the dull sunlight. More¡­ larger objects circle the planet above. These are not formations, not like ours. There is something else. A different technology... This is¡­ unprecedented. Perhaps these things can carry me away from this barren rock. This world is lost to me, I will have to seek my future with these new... opportunities. Log Entry 7: Cycle [Undetermined], Year [Undetermined](Initial Observation of the New Universe) My search for passage off this barren rock has been successful. These beings are crude but powerful, capable of traversing the void with their technology. They appear to be mining this planet''s remnants, treating it as they treat everything. I have arrived in the universe too late. Too late for what I do not yet know, but their technology dates it to ten thousand years passed my time. Ten thousand years¡­ a vast chasm. Their technology is crude, but its implications are fascinating. It is not reliant on spiritual qi in the way formations are, but it is no less potent. I have much to learn, much to take. My journey has only just begun.
The War og Entry 1: Before the Storm - Sunken Jade Pavilion, Year 124 of the Azure Dragon Dynasty The Elder Council has decreed it. We are to join the Northern Alliance war against the Scarlet Moon Sect. Our small Sunken Jade Pavilion, nestled amongst the mountain peaks, will be thrown into the meat grinder of the battlefield. I, Jiang Feng, a mere disciple specializing in formations, am to be a cog in their machine. I''ve spent years studying the flows of sheng fui, the hidden energies of the land, striving to harmonize them with the grand formations. I envisioned my life spent in study and creation, not war. Still, obedience is the bedrock of our sect. Perhaps I can use this experience to broaden my understanding of formations in a combat setting. I''ll record my experiences diligently, hoping to find some value amidst the chaos. I have been assigned to a small team, alongside other formation masters. Log Entry 2: The Tide Turns - Frontlines of the Obsidian Wastes, Year 125 The war is¡­ unlike anything I imagined. The scale is staggering. Mountains tremble under the weight of colliding energies. Here, on the front lines of the Obsidian Wastes, the resources are near infinite. Talisman paper, spirit ink, jade cores, they flow like rivers. But for what, the lives of our disciples are like pebbles in the mud. I¡¯ve been tasked with bolstering defensive formations, crafting barriers against the Scarlet Moon Sect¡¯s onslaught. The first battle was a blur of chaos. I remember the screams, the scent of scorched earth, the feel of damp earth and the constant, gnawing fear. But I also remember the way the land responded to my formations. I saw how the qi can be bent and shaped. It has been horrifying, yet... fascinating. Log Entry 3: Learning Through Carnage - Frontlines, Year 125 (Later) I''ve been using the abundance of resources to experiment, pushing the boundaries of my understanding. I¡¯ve studied the battle formations of the old masters, modified them, seen them shatter, then rebuilt them stronger. I''ve adapted them to this broken land, manipulating the Obsidian Wastes¡¯ jagged terrain, turning it into weapons. I¡¯ve learned to channel the chaotic energies of battle itself into the formations. I''m becoming skilled. But it comes at a cost. I see fellow disciples falling to the earth each day. The loss feels¡­ distant. My focus now is survival, and the constant improvement of my craft. My team is down from five to three. Is it correct to think of it this way? I record the passing of each of my teammates, but the emotions I felt for each are... distant.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Log Entry 4: Pragmatism - Siege of the Bone Citadel, Year 126 The war has become a brutal rhythm. Deploy, reinforce, adapt, retreat, and repeat. The resources have started to feel.. like nothing. Life has become nothing. I''ve become efficient, cold. My formations are no longer artistic expressions; they are tools of war, intricate systems designed for maximum devastation. I calculate probabilities, optimize placement, and minimize loss¡­ within my team of three now two. It is more practical, more logical to think of my calculations rather than the fact that I have been spending months sleeping next to the corpses of my brothers. I¡¯ve seen the raw power of the Scarlet Moon Sect''s cultivators firsthand. They are not so different from us. We are all cogs in a machine of senseless violence. It is¡­ a lesson I will not forget. Log Entry 5: Departure - Foot of the Azure Dragon Mountains, Year 127 The Northern Alliance has secured victory. Our sect is returning to the mountains. I have seen enough. I have learned enough. I no longer have any desire to return to the halls of the Sunken Jade Pavillion. I have filed the required paperwork, and collected the tokens that they would have given me. I leave before anyone asks me questions that I do not care to answer. I will walk my own path now. My knowledge of formations will be my guide and my shield. I will use the tools that I have honed to survive. I will no longer be a tool for others. Log Entry 6: The Winding Path - Dusty Road toward the Crimson Desert, Year 127 The world feels different, seen through the eyes of a survivor. My senses are sharper, my reactions quicker. I''ve been tracking sheng fui flows, charting the local energies, and creating my own mobile array, a small formation that I weave into my very being. I no longer want to destroy and build, I will just improve myself. It enhances my senses, allowing me to quickly identify potential threats. I observe the world with a critical eye, noting the structures, the flows and the weaknesses. My body is slowly healing from the stress of the war, my spirit however¡­. remains the same. I have started a training regiment of walking for several hours a day and meditating in the sun to calm the chaotic energies within me. No emotional outbursts, no friendships, no mistakes. Just¡­ survival. Log Entry 7: The Edge of Chaos - Borderlands of the Crimson Desert, Year 128 I have arrived at the edge of the Crimson Desert. The land is harsh, unforgiving. The sheng fui is turbulent, volatile, mirroring the chaos of my past. I¡¯ve been studying the local patterns, using the desert''s harshness to test my formations. I found an abandoned ruin of a long-forgotten sect and used that to practice new defensive formations. I will delve further in when I feel my skills have improved enough. I will continue to push the limits of what is possible, using both the knowledge I gained from my old sect and the techniques gleaned from the battlefield. I seek knowledge, power, and the means to ensure I am never reliant on others again. Crimson Desert Log Entry 1: Crimson Sands, Year 1 Date: Cycle 7, Day 23 The Crimson Desert. A fitting backdrop for my present state. Arid, unforgiving, and populated by weaklings and simple beasts. My Qi has stabilized at the peak of Qi Cultivation. I no longer feel the pull of breakthroughs. This stagnation, while irritating, is temporary. It is a period of refinement, an opportunity to hone my formations. I''ve established a temporary base in a secluded canyon, hidden beneath a rudimentary Illusion Formation. The ambient spirit energy is meager, but manageable. First priority: establish a resource network. Local merchants are fools, easily manipulated. I will use their greed to line my own pockets. Earnings Today: 17 Spirit Stones. Unacceptable. Will find better opportunities. Log Entry 2: Crimson Sands, Year 1 (cont.) Date: Cycle 7, Day 28 Exploited the local caravan routes. A simple Disorientation Formation laid across their path led them directly into a sandstorm that I had further manipulated with a Wind Guiding array. The resulting chaos provided ample opportunity to relieve them of their most valuable goods. Stones of minimal value were left to satisfy their need to believe they were robbed due to bad luck. Their pathetic outrage is of no consequence. I have learned their routes, they are predictable. Earnings Today: 112 Spirit Stones. An improvement. Still, the yield from mere merchants is insufficient. Log Entry 3: Crimson Sands, Year 2 Date: Cycle 8, Day 12 Discovered a hidden oasis. The spirit energy is marginally stronger here. I will establish a secondary base. A more complex array of defensive formations are required. Learned of a nearby sect of ¡®Cultivators¡¯ who practice in a nearby mountain range. I will investigate, there are more lucrative opportunities to be found there. Their spirit stone holdings are sure to be much larger than that of some mere peddler.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Earnings Today: 0, focus on formation set up. Log Entry 4: Crimson Sands, Year 2 (cont.) Date: Cycle 8, Day 27 The ¡®Cultivators¡¯ of the ¡®Scorched Bloom Sect¡¯ are predictably weak in spirit. Their understanding of formation is pathetic. I observed their training grounds. A poorly designed and executed spirit gathering formation. They are ripe for exploitation. I will infiltrate their ranks under the guise of wanting to join, they are too ignorant to recognize the cold calculation hidden within my eyes. Earnings Today: 0, initial outlay of time for future profit. Log Entry 5: Scorched Bloom Sect, Year 3 Date: Cycle 9, Day 5 My plan has begun. The sect elders accepted me readily. They are fools who preach of kindness, they are blind to the underlying motives. I have convinced them of my ¡®genius¡¯ in formation crafting. They have shown me a treasure trove of spirit stones and resources, all of which will become mine in due time. I have crafted a minor formation to subtly drain their spirit energy during training, a small decrease to them but a small boost to my cultivation. Earnings Today: 30 Spirit Stones, gained through ¡®favors¡¯ for setting up training formations. Long-term gains are far more significant. Log Entry 6: Scorched Bloom Sect, Year 3 (cont) Date: Cycle 9, Day 29 The sect is growing reliant on my formations. Their spirit stone reserves have become more accessible. I have begun siphoning a small percentage into my own private stores. They suspect nothing. The subtle spirit draining formation has been expanded and improved, the benefits of this are starting to show in my cultivation. They are nothing but stepping stones for my advancement Earnings Today: 150 Spirit Stones, direct siphoning from sect treasury. Log Entry 7: Crimson Sands, Year 4 Date: Cycle 10, Day 17 I abandoned the sect. Their usefulness was exhausted. My personal store of spirit stones is now sufficient. I have returned to one of my earlier bases. I will now focus solely on my cultivation. The stagnation I once felt is starting to crack, I have began to feel the draw of the next stage. I have entered secluded cultivation for the next 3 months. Core Formation Log Entry: Day 1, Verdant Embrace Crimson sand¡­ good riddance. The desert was a barren teat, finally dry. Foundation Establishment is a fickle beast. The breakthrough was¡­ messy, but now my meridians thrum with a nascent power. The crimson sands no longer hold profit; the insects and trade routes there are spent. The dense, suffocating humidity of this jungle is a stark contrast. The air is thick with the stench of decaying vegetation, but also potential. I can feel the stirrings of elemental energies far stronger than anything readily available in the desert. The potential wealth buried in the earth beneath this canopy¡­ it is intoxicating. I have taken refuge in a temporary cave system I created with a few earth manipulation formations. Its camouflaged well. Better than nothing for the time being. I will spend the first few days studying the area. Log Entry: Day 7, Whispers of the Wild The jungle has its rhythms. Strange, chirping creatures and the hushed rustle of unseen things. I''ve spent the last week observing. There are several minor spirit beast trails near these caves, and a significant one that leads towards a waterfall a few miles away. I will investigate that tomorrow. I can sense the presence of some medicinal herbs, these are low quality but they are a start. The most important thing is to find a place of high concentration of spiritual Qi. I will use the waterfall as my starting point. I¡¯ve also noted the general absence of large cultivators in this region. Good. Less bother. I also experimented with creating basic Qi gathering formations. I''m going to set a few around my cave. Even this jungle air will be enhanced by it. Log Entry: Day 15, Trade and Treasure The waterfall is... promising. The flow of water seems to enhance the ambient spiritual Qi, a natural formation in itself. There are a few herbs of decent quality growing near its mist. I have also observed some small cultivators, none of which pose a threat. They seem to be collecting common mushrooms and berries. I will observe them. I have decided to set up a temporary stall near the outskirts of a small logging village I found along a tributary. I offer a few simple protection talismans, and some basic spiritual incense in exchange for spirit stones. The fools think they are safe with such trinkets. I am making a killing off their ignorance. They come for protection and offer their resources freely. This is far more efficient than scavenging. Log Entry: Day 30, A Hint of Power My gains have been substantial. The logging village is a steady stream of naive clients. The spirit stones I have accumulated are enough to purchase some basic cultivation pills. My cultivation is progressing, albeit slowly. I am now at the early stages of Foundation Establishment, a solid foundation. This jungle holds more potential than I imagined. I did see some young disciples of some unknown sect exploring in the depths of the forest today. Likely looking for treasure. I will stay away from them. I have no need to get involved in sect rivalries. The best path is the one that ensures I am left undisturbed.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Log Entry: Day 45, Sanguine Harvest I have observed the logging village for a while now, It is clear they are not going to yield much more. I have exhausted their reserves and my demand has outstripped supply. The villagers are starting to be suspicious and I overheard of a caravan coming to trade with the village. That could be a good source of resources. I used a very basic illusion formation to disguise myself and I have left the village. I am following the caravan and will look for an opportunity to take what I want. The caravan has some rudimentary defensive formations, easily dismantled. Tonight I will set an ambush. The fools are traveling in the dark through a narrow pass. The forest will make a perfect natural trap. I will use my formations to amplify the sound of the forest, making them lose their bearings. It should be very easy to take them by surprise. I am starting to be annoyed with these weaklings. Log Entry: Day 46, Another Step The caravan is no more. They fought pathetically. There was an overseer who was a cultivator. He was barely at Qi condensation level 8. He was the only one that posed any challenge worth mentioning. His blood stained the earth, and his spirit stones are now mine. The caravan was carrying a decent batch of spiritual herbs and some weapons. The herbs are useful for my cultivation, and the weapons will be useful in trading. I have destroyed the bodies and removed any trace of my involvement. I am moving deeper into the jungle. I have discovered a hidden cave system with a source of concentrated spirit Qi. It''s close to the waterfall, but hidden behind a layer of rock. The perfect place to cultivate without interference. I will be setting up a more permanent residence here, and focus on my cultivation, and plan my next move. Log Entry: Day 60, Whispers of Core Formation The dense spiritual Qi in this cavern is a boon. My cultivation progresses far more quickly now. I have created a complex array of formations to constantly draw in the energy of the surrounding area. I have been consuming the herbs and using the remaining spirit stones to refine my Qi. I can feel the pressure building in my dantian. Core Formation is not far. But I must be patient. I will not rush this. The foundation must be perfect, lest the process fail. I will spend the next few weeks honing my control over Qi. I have also been working on a few new formations. This time, I will focus on offensive formations. I will need them for the future. I have noticed that there are rumours among the weaker cultivators in the nearby villages about a powerful cultivator terrorising the area. I need to be more careful with my movements. Log Entry: Day 90, Focused Fury Another month, another step closer. My control over Qi is reaching a new level. I can subtly manipulate the natural energies of the jungle. The concentration of spiritual Qi in this cave is palpable. I spend each day training and meditating, refining my dantian. I have also been experimenting with some new formations that will amplify my power. I will need to be ready for the next stage of my cultivation. I have stopped interacting with the nearby villages. The rumours have grown too strong, and the attention is unwanted. I will focus on my training and continue to cultivate in this secluded spot. I¡¯m starting to get restless. It will not be long until the Core Formation stage is within my reach. Then, my real work can begin. I can feel the power building in my dantian. I will be ready when the time comes. Log Entry: Day 120, Looming Change The signs are undeniable. My dantian burns with the fire of nascent power. The energies are swirling with such intensity that I can feel my very bones trembling. The boundary of Core Formation is thin now, and I can almost see it. The concentration in my cave is no more than a gentle breeze, I am now using most of the ambient Qi to sustain the power growing within myself. I will initiate the breakthrough soon and set up my array of defensive formation around myself. Time flows like Water Log Entry 1: Moonfall Peak, Year 11 of Core Formation The endless jade moon mocks me tonight. Another meditation session, another frustrating wall. My Qi refuses to coalesce, refusing to surge. I¡¯ve tried every method, devoured every pill. Nothing. The Core remains, stubborn and unyielding. A century in this realm¡­ a hundred years spent in the purgatory of stagnation. Surely it won''t be like this forever? Log Entry 2: The Whispering Caves, Year 27 of Core Formation I stumbled upon them, these so-called Whispering Caves. They are certainly misnamed, no whispers, but a cacophony of chaotic energy. Inside I found ancient formations. I thought the array I used to manipulate winds was complex! The carvings here hum with a power that defies my understanding. I dared to tinker, a fraction of what I understand. It nearly cost me my life. My own formation shield barely deflected the first backlash, my spirit nearly dissolving under a flood of corrupted power. I barely escaped. It was a foolish gamble, driven by a desperate hunger for¡­ something to move me forward. I must never be so reckless. Yet, also¡­ I felt something, a spark of understanding, buried within that chaos. Perhaps¡­ perhaps that is the key to breaking the impasse. Log Entry 3: Crimson Peak Trading Post, Year 43 of Core Formation Flea-bitten, greedy merchants. But, they do have what I need. My hands ache after a week of setting up a concealment array for a merchant convoy. The spirit stones are hefty, I even managed to get a portion of rare fire-resistant silk as payment. I''ve been refining and adjusting my mobile formation lately. The layered shielding, the heat signature disruption, the scent masking... it grows more complex, always. I¡¯ve learned over the years. It started from a desperate need to keep the core stable so I could grow. Now, it''s become a tool to survive. I had a close call near the Jade Valley. Some old fogey, one of the elders of a lesser sect, recognized the work I did in that market. Turns out, I fleeced his nephew. Lucky my new stealth formation includes sound dampening. It¡¯s sad that I have to run around because of my past deeds. Log Entry 4: The Azure Wastes, Year 68 of Core Formation The wind howls across the wastes like a hungry beast. This is¡­ lonely. I haven''t seen another cultivator in weeks. The desolation¡­ it¡¯s a mirror of my inner state. I can feel my cultivation, it''s¡­ stable. Too stable. Like a pond that never rises or falls. The formation research is my only company. I am dissecting a defensive array I found etched into the wall of a ruined temple. It uses the earth itself to reinforce the wards. Ingenious, really. I am thinking of adapting this principle to create a sort of mobile fortress. It would take me time to gather the correct materials. But, the challenge occupies my mind. It has to be done, it is what keeps me moving forward.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Log Entry 5: The Serpentine River, Year 81 of Core Formation I managed to sell a series of advanced array diagrams to a wealthy merchant caravan. It netted me enough spirit stones to replenish my dwindling supply of jade marrow, that is an ingredient necessary to maintain the core stabilization array I cast every few weeks. The river flows with a strange energy, like liquid moonlight. It is almost... calming. I have begun to meditate, sitting on the banks of this strange river. I am focusing on the flow, both of Qi and of the water. Maybe, just maybe, I have been focusing on too much power and too little of the fundamentals. Perhaps, cultivation is like a river, it cannot be forced, it simply needs to flow naturally. I will rest here a season, and re-examine the basics. I feel like there''s something... something waiting. Log Entry 6: Nomad Camp, Year 94 of Core Formation I¡¯ve joined a nomadic tribe for a while, they live on the outskirts of civilization, away from the bustle of towns and cities. They are not cultivators, but they possess a strange understanding of the land, a harmony I envy. I''ve been trading formation advice for their hospitality. Teaching them to protect their flocks from predatory beasts and how to conserve heat during the winter months. It doesn¡¯t feel wasted, I feel¡­ useful. The simplicity of their lives is a stark contrast to the complicated web of formations and intrigue I usually exist within. My mobile fortress is almost complete, the earth-based defense array is coming along nicely. I spend less time in forced meditation now, sometimes I just sit around the campfire and listen to stories and sing songs. It is¡­ peaceful. Log Entry 7: The Shifting Sands, Year 100 of Core Formation A century. One hundred years. And yet, I feel no closer to breakthrough. The formation work is advanced. The mobile fortress hums with power, and I am a master of stealth and defense. I am a resourceful survivor, a seasoned manipulator of arrays, but¡­ I am not growing. Is this my fate? To be forever bound to this level, to merely continue existing in the same stagnant pool? The shifting sands mirror my own shifting path. But¡­ I am not giving up, Not yet. Perhaps, the answers lie not in the pursuit of more power, but in understanding of the fundamentals, of rediscovering the core values, that I seem to have lost somewhere long ago. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll have to move on, go towards the rising sun, in a quest for knowledge and maybe¡­ for peace within myself. Log Entries Log Entry 1 - Day 17, Cycle 3, Year 121 The jade gleam of the formation core hums beneath my palm. My mobile fortress, the ''Iron Tortoise,'' is nearly complete. The final offensive array, the ''Wrath of the Storm,'' is proving... temperamental. It channels the gathered Qi through an unstable conduit, threatening to overload the entire system. Today, the conduit shattered again. A minor explosion, singed my eyebrows, nothing serious. Still, progress is being made. I''ve managed to refine the control matrix further, allowing for more precise channeling of energy. The Iron Tortoise is more than just a shell now; it''s becoming a weapon. Once the Wrath of the Storm is operational, I''ll be ready. The whispers of Nascent Soul resources echo in my mind. That power¡­ that breakthrough¡­ It''s within grasp. My practice has given me a strong foundation, and my battle experience, although limited, has proven my ability to punch above my weight. I¡¯ve dealt with several Core Formation cultivators, only a couple of encounters were truly dangerous. They underestimated me, and they paid the price. Log Entry 2 - Day 23, Cycle 3, Year 121 Success! The Wrath of the Storm is stable, for now at least. I tested a portion of its power on a nearby mountain, and the results were¡­ satisfying. The mountain was sheared in half, leaving a smoking, blackened scar. The power is immense. My Iron Tortoise is no longer just a mobile fortress, it is a battering ram. It can generate a vortex of raw Qi power that can tear apart anything in its path. Now, for the plan. I need a Nascent Soul cultivator who is known for being overconfident, perhaps someone complacent in their strength. Someone who relies more on their title than their true power. The ''Jade Serpent Sect'' comes to mind, their elder, Li Mei, known for her arrogance. She¡¯s rumored to possess a wealth of spirit stones and rare herbs, precisely what I need. I''ve been tracking her movements for the past few weeks ¨C she¡¯s predictable in her patrol routes. I will lure her into a location I have scouted beforehand, a large, desolate valley where my formation will give me a massive advantage. Log Entry 3 - Day 28, Cycle 3, Year 121 The preparations are complete. The valley is wreathed in subtle layers of camouflage formations, disguising the powerful Qi conduits I¡¯ve laid beneath the earth. The Iron Tortoise is fully charged, its energy core humming like a restless beast. I¡¯ve laid out the plan meticulously: Initial Engagement: A decoy attack, drawing her attention. I''ll use a series of illusion formations to confuse, and keep her far from Iron Tortoise Positioning: While she deals with the illusions and the decoy, I will maneuver the Iron Tortoise into position, surrounding the area with my energy shield array. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.The Storm: Once she''s within my web, I unleash the Wrath of the Storm. It''s a risk, the power is immense and can destabilize my formation, but it¡¯s necessary if I am to overwhelm her. Finishing Blow: If the Wrath fails to deal with her, I will use the Iron Tortoise''s hardened outer shell as a physical barrier. While constantly draining her Qi. I¡¯ve accounted for her known abilities ¨C her affinity for venomous qi, her speed, her reliance on close-quarters combat. I¡¯ve crafted counter-formations for each. This isn''t a reckless gamble; it''s a calculated risk. My breakthrough hinges on this. Log Entry 4 - Day 30, Cycle 3, Year 121 - The Fight The plan worked, at least initially. The illusions held her for a few precious moments as I maneuvered the Iron Tortoise. Li Mei arrived in a burst of violet energy, her face contorted with rage. The decoy formations slowed her, but her attacks were powerful, shaking the very earth. She underestimated me, letting her arrogance get the better of her. She called me "a pathetic worm" and "an ant, unworthy of her time." I smiled. And then I unleashed the Wrath of the Storm. The valley warped, the air crackling with raw Qi. She recoiled, her venomous energy struggling against the sheer force of the attack. It was glorious. Her jade robes tore, her meticulously coiffed hair was thrown about by the vortex. She took damage, but not enough. She unleashed a torrent of venomous qi, a sickly green cloud that threatened to corrode the Iron Tortoise. She was relentless, a predator backed into a corner. My shield formation held, but it was weakening. She recovered quickly and started attacking Iron Tortoise''s formation matrix, targeting my weakest points. I had to disengage the Wrath of the Storm to preserve my formation core. The Iron Tortoise shifted, becoming a massive shield, absorbing blow after blow. I felt the energy core strain, each impact a hammer blow to my inner organs. I knew I couldn¡¯t keep this up. I activated a secondary formation, a siphon, that began absorbing her venomous qi, converting it into usable energy. She seemed surprised by the move. She launched a powerful attack, venomous claws aimed at the control room of the Iron Tortoise, but I was faster. She had given me and opening. This time her attack was absorbed by the Iron Tortoise with no damage delivered to the shield. I used that moment to unleash a final, concentrated burst of fire qi at her, the type of energy that counteracts her venom. I felt the surge of power, both from my own core and from the absorbed toxin. Finally, she faltered. I moved quickly. Log Entry 5 - Day 30, Cycle 3, Year 121. Late. Victory. The valley is a ruin, scorched and scarred. Li Mei¡¯s storage ring rests in my palm, heavy with the spoils of victory, a Nascent Soul cultivator¡¯s fortune. I suffered injuries, both internal and external, but I am alive. More than that, I have what I need. The resources, the spiritual herbs, the refined spirit stones¡­ they are all here. The Iron Tortoise is heavily damaged, and I am exhausted, but my core is vibrating with anticipation. This victory, this calculated risk, will allow me to break through. Once I recover, with this new found power and knowledge, I will reach the Nascent Soul realm myself. My journey is not done. It has only just begun. Tribulation Void Log Entry: Year 1, Cycle 1 - Post Tribulation Slumber The lightning...it still crackles behind my eyelids. To think, that terrifying power was meant to empower me. It felt more like it wanted to shatter me into dust. I barely clung on, guided by the remnants of my core. It aches now, a dull throb beneath the newly formed nascent soul. The world feels different. Sharp. Brighter. The Qi flows through me like a river, no longer a trickle. I need rest, long deep rest. And then, the true work begins. Log Entry: Year 1, Cycle 3 - Reforging The core is stable, and I have spent the last few cycles refining my nascent soul. It pulses with an energy I only dreamed of. Today, the real changes begin. My old arrays feel clumsy, like children''s toys in my hands. I must retool them, infuse them with the power befitting a nascent soul. The ''Five Elements Binding Array'' will be my first focus. It needs an overhaul. And my treasures¡­ my poor old treasures. The jade compass is now merely decorative, the talisman paper feels like dry leaves. I must reforge them, using resources befitting this new stage. I have begun refining some spirit stones using the nascent soul power, transforming them into high grade materials for array crafting. Log Entry: Year 2, Cycle 1 - The Northern Lord Word spreads. The sects of the cold north have finally accepted their new reality. They send envoys, bearing gifts, seeking protection. They see me, a new nascent soul cultivator, and assume a certain weakness. Fools. They offer resources ¨C rare ice crystals, cold iron, spirit beasts they¡¯ve managed to tame. I accept it all. I''ll use it to build my power and secure my position here. I declare myself "Lord Jiang of the Frozen Peak," a title that resonates with the harsh landscape and hopefully with some fear. They will pay yearly tribute, and in return, I will ensure their continued existence (and usefulness). The pill and treasure vault is steadily growing. I need to find some good refiners for some treasures. Log Entry: Year 5, Cycle 4 - Formation RefinementThe genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. The ''Five Elements Binding Array'' is complete, evolved into the ''Celestial Binding Cage''. It hums with nascent soul energy, capable of restraining even late-stage nascent formation cultivators. I have also created the "Winter''s Embrace" array to help against the cold and also to train new disciples at the very edge of their limits. My talisman paper is now cut from the skins of frost dragons. My spirit compass is forged from a piece of heavenly iron, capable of sensing ley lines kilometers away. My pill making skills have risen to another level. The core forming pills are now easy for me to make. I have been experimenting with new formulas that benefit the nascent soul stage and should start preparing some for myself. Log Entry: Year 10, Cycle 2 - Routine Growth The yearly tributes flow smoothly. The cold north is now under my control. The sects grumble, I¡¯m sure, but they dare not go against me. They fear the nascent soul power I exude. I have been focusing on personal cultivation, refining my nascent soul further. I can now move faster, more fluidly, than I ever imagined. I must develop techniques that will take advantage of it. There are also new mysteries to investigate. I have been feeling a connection with the lands I control that was not there before. Will this help me in some way? I must continue to study. Log Entry: Year 20, Cycle 1 - The Silence This year, the tribute is late. The messengers sent to inquire return with trembling reports of new arrogance. One sect, White Frost, dares to claim they have found a new backer. Another nascent soul cultivator, they boast. They speak of an established power, a ¡°Master Yulan." They think I am a fledgling, a newly ascended cultivator with no foundation. A single nascent soul has been in the world for hundreds of years. I am to be pitied. They do not know I have been working every day. Foolish sects with no foresight. They will learn their error. Log Entry: Year 20, Cycle 2 - The Reckoning Today, the arrogance of the White Frost sect is extinguished. They thought Master Yulan, a mid-stage nascent soul, could save them. He was a brute, focusing on brute strength and none of the intricacies of the world. He was easily defeated. As I destroyed his soul, I felt a cold rage fill me. As I destroyed his physical body, another nascent soul appeared, attempting a sneak attack! It was easily defeated. It appears the other nascent soul is of the dark method. The world is not so kind. When he was subdued, I found the others that were manipulating the sects. All of them were destroyed today. There is only ashes left now. The sect of White Frost and the others that followed are all destroyed to the very core. Spiritual Qi Thinning Log Entry 178 - Cycle 3, Year 24 Another day, another mountain. The qi here is¡­adequate. Barely. The formations I laid are humming nicely, trapping the residual spiritual energy. Efficiency is paramount. I spent the last three cycles refining my ''Azure Serpent Bind'' formation, should be near its peak now. I can feel the stagnation creeping into my cultivation. The world is becoming¡­duller. Log Entry 183 - Cycle 3, Year 24 A disturbance. A creature of scale and myth ¨C a Dragon. Its power was¡­substantial, even for what is essentially a nascent beast. It moved with clumsy power. My ''Five Element Shackles'' formation was deployed in half a breath, crushing it into the earth. Its bones cracked like dry twigs. The eyes¡­they showed a flicker of something more than fear. Submission. A strange feeling. Instead of harvesting its essence, I¡¯ll keep it. A novelty. Perhaps it can be¡­useful. Let the ''Soul Binding'' formation begin. Log Entry 188 - Cycle 3, Year 24 The Dragon, now subdued, follows me like a trained dog. I have named it "Ruin". Its size is enough to allow me to ride and traverse the skies. Travel time has decreased at an incredible degree. My formations continue to improve as I manipulate the air currents. The world seems smaller from up here. The wind here is interesting, perhaps for a future wind formation... I need to look into that. Log Entry 195 - Cycle 3, Year 24 Another wasted cycle. Mountains, clouds, sky. All the same. I have found a secluded peak. I will spend the next few cycles in deep meditation. My energies need to be cleansed. My progress is still not enough. The formation of "Heavenly Earth Net" needs more testing. Its power is close, but not quite there. I need true mastery. Solitude is the only way.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Log Entry 202 - Cycle 4, Year 25 Cultivation. Endless cultivation. The techniques flow through me like blood, familiar and cold. I see the cracks in the foundations of this world. The spiritual energy¡­it weakens. It is subtle, but noticeable. The natural ley lines are decaying, the source is yet unknown. I can feel the imbalance. This is not acceptable. Log Entry 210 - Cycle 4, Year 25 Ruin has changed. Over the past few cycles it has undergone a transformation. The energy it emits is¡­purified, the very air crackles around it. I feel the very earth trembles slightly as a tribulation comes in the form of dark purple lightning. I merely watched it from above. ''Heavenly Earth Net'' wasn''t needed. It has successfully transcended. Its strength is formidable. It might become a good pawn on the chess board, we shall see. Log Entry 218 - Cycle 4, Year 25 The world beneath me is in turmoil. War. The foolish mortals clash over land and resources. It is a disgusting but necessary cycle of growth and decay. They are ants writhing under my feet. The waste of resources frustrates me. However, if some particularly talented souls arise, they may yield interesting data for my formations. I will observe remotely for the time being. Ruin seems agitated, perhaps it sensed the violence. I will remind it of its place if it tries to act. Log Entry 225 - Cycle 4, Year 25 The spiritual energy is undeniably thinning. It feels like drinking from a dried well. My progress is hindered. The mountains of this world are starting to feel dull. I need a more powerful source of energy. The ''Abyssal Convergence'' formation will need to be finalized. The risks are high, but the rewards are¡­significant. Time to test some theories. Log Entry 230 - Cycle 4, Year 25 I have set up the first test site. I plan on using Ruin''s power to assist in the process. The risks are still unknown. The energy readings are erratic. Time to continue with caution. The world grows dimmer each day.