Reaching the top of the dragon ranking, Fang Hao’s reputation in the Azure Cloud Sect was unparalleled for a time. Disciples came to visit and seek guidance in an endless stream every day, and even some Deacon Elders were exceptionally polite to him.

However, Fang Hao remained exceptionally clear-headed. He knew that these empty names were like floating clouds; true strength was the Foundation. Although he won the battle against Bao Zhijian, it also exposed some of his shortcomings—when facing sudden situations and unconventional methods, his response could still be more composed.

"The Tianyan Secret Realm will open in three years, and the dangers within are far beyond imagination. I must use this time to comprehensively improve my strength." Fang Hao sat in quiet contemplation within his Immortal Cave.

The first thing he thought of was the Formation Legacy he had obtained in the Nine-Layered Hall of the Heavenly Wind Secret Realm. At that time, the situation was urgent, and he had only gained a rough understanding to break the Formation and escape. Afterward, he had been busy with the martial assembly and the dragon ranking challenges, so he had never sat down to quietly digest it.

"The path of Formations, if used properly, is of great use whether for assisting cultivation, trapping enemies, or exploring Secret Realms." Fang Hao retrieved the Formation Legacy from the Secret Realm within his Sea of Consciousness.

The Formation Legacy was named "Myriad Manifestations Array Interpretation"; it was all-encompassing, broad, and profound. Its core Profound Truth lay in "using Formations to derive the Dao, myriad manifestations returning to the source," emphasizing that Formations were not rigid combinations of runes but rather the simulation and application of the Laws of Heaven and Earth.

The Legacy was divided into three volumes: the Foundation Volume, the Combat Volume, and the Profound Truth Volume.

The Foundation Volume elaborated on Formation principles, Formation pattern carving, energy guidance, and other fundamental knowledge. Fang Hao’s own Formation Foundation was not bad; studying systematically now, many previously blurred areas suddenly became clear. In particular, he gained a deeper understanding of the combination of "Formation Eyes" and the "Momentum of Heaven and Earth," realizing why high-level Formations could channel the power of heaven and earth.

The Combat Volume opened Fang Hao’s eyes. It recorded countless imaginative Formation-laying techniques, especially "Heart Formation," "Instant Formation," and "Stacked Formation," which overturned his traditional perception that Formations required advance preparation and took a long time.

"Heart Formation" involves using the power of the mind to instantly outline Formation patterns without the need for external objects, but it requires an extremely powerful Divine Sense and a deep understanding of the path of Formations.

"Instant Formation" involves using special techniques to instantly activate pre-refined Formation Plates and Formation Flags, pursuing ultimate speed.

"Stacked Formation" is even more mysterious; it allows several simple Formations with different effects to be superimposed in a very short time, producing an effect where one plus one is greater than two.

"In a battle, if I can instantly lay down a Confinement Formation or an Illusion Formation, even if it only affects the opponent for a moment, it would be enough to decide the outcome!" Fang Hao’s heart grew fervent; this was exactly what he needed right now.

The content of the Profound Truth Volume was the most difficult, involving the application of Formations with supreme Laws such as space and time. With Fang Hao’s current Realm, he could only barely understand the surface, but it already felt infinitely mysterious, opening another door for him.

Fang Hao immersed himself in the comprehension of "Myriad Manifestations Array Interpretation," forgetting to eat and sleep. With his extraordinary Comprehension Ability and solid Foundation, he made rapid progress. In particular, the method of "Instant Formation," combined with the many Formation Plates he possessed and his experience in Artifact Refining and talisman making, was mastered very quickly.

Half a month later, Fang Hao began to practice. He attempted to carve various basic Formation patterns in his Immortal Cave, from the simplest Spirit Gathering Formations and defensive Formations to more complex Maze Formations and Attack Formations. Failure was common; Formation patterns collapsing and energy backlash occurred frequently, but he was not discouraged, summarizing and improving time and again.

One day, he invited Liang Ling to spar, intending to test his newly understood path of Formations.

On the martial arts field, Liang Ling remained as cold as the moon: "Junior Brother Ning, please."

Fang Hao cupped his hands: "Senior Sister, excuse my offense."

The sparring began. Liang Ling circulated the Ice Heart Art, cold air permeated the air, and her sword techniques were sharp. Fang Hao was in no hurry to attack forcefully; instead, he maneuvered with Divine Spirit Steps while his hands seemingly waved casually, as tiny jade Formation talismans silently sank into the ground and the Void Realm.

After dozens of moves, Liang Ling’s offensive grew more urgent. She thrust her sword, the tip flashing with icy light. Fang Hao saw the opportunity and, with a thought: "Confinement Formation, rise!"

In an instant, a flash of light appeared around Liang Ling as a simple Five Elements Confinement Formation emerged beneath her feet! Although the Formation was crude and could only trap her for a fleeting moment, that lightning-fast pause was enough for the tip of Fang Hao’s sword to point at her Jianjing acupoint.

Liang Ling retracted her sword, a hint of surprise flashing in her beautiful eyes: "Instant Formation? Junior Brother Ning, when did you master such high-level Formation techniques?"

Fang Hao smiled: "I was lucky enough to gain some insight; I still need Senior Sister’s guidance."

Liang Ling nodded: "If this method is used in actual combat, it’s impossible to guard against; it is indeed a weapon."

With the success of his first attempt, Fang Hao’s confidence surged. However, he knew that against Liang Ling, she had held back and was not fully on guard. In true combat, enemies would not give him time to lay Formations so leisurely.

Next, he began even more rigorous self-training. Laying Formations while moving at high speeds, laying Formations amidst interference, and even trying to lay Formations in the gaps between casting other Spells. He combined Formation-laying with his own Divine Spirit Steps, Dividing Light Sword Shadow, Star Shattering Finger, and other ultimate techniques, pursuing seamless integration.

At the same time, he used his authority as a Core Disciple to exchange for a large number of Materials for refining Formation Plates and Formation Flags, refining them day and night. He could refine dozens of low-level Mist Formation Plates and Thorns Formation Flags at a time for emergencies. Higher-level ones like the "Small Five Elements Restriction Array" Formation Plate were extremely demanding of mental energy and Materials, and the success rate was not high, but he persisted.

During this period, Lin Wan came to visit. Seeing the Formation Materials piled up in Fang Hao’s Immortal Cave, she gasped: "Junior Brother Ning, are you planning to change careers and become a Formation Master?"

Fang Hao smiled without speaking and casually tossed out an Illusion Formation Plate. Lin Wan was instantly plunged into an illusion of a sea of flowers, crying out in surprise. It took her quite a while to break the Formation, and she said with lingering fear: "Impressive, impressive! I won’t dare to barge into your Immortal Cave casually in the future!"

Fang Hao’s Formation attainments were no longer what they used to be. Now, he could proficiently lay down two or three simple Formations using the "Instant Formation" technique during intense combat. Although they couldn’t last long, they were enough to turn the tide of battle at critical moments. His understanding of "Heart Formation" had also progressed further; although he couldn’t use it for high-level Formations yet, some basic Restrictions could be completed instantly.

One day, he went to the Martial Arts Hall again to apply for a dragon ranking defense match. When the news spread, many Disciples gathered to watch, all wanting to see what progress this new number one on the dragon ranking had made.

His opponent was a Disciple ranked third on the dragon ranking who was known for his speed.

As the battle began, the opponent’s movement was indeed as fast as lightning, moving rapidly around Fang Hao to find a weakness. Fang Hao appeared to use stillness to counter motion, but in reality, his fingertips moved slightly, and several hidden Formation patterns were quietly laid down.

When the opponent thought he had caught an opportunity and thrust rapidly from the side and rear, Fang Hao suddenly turned around and barked: "Thorns Formation, rise!"

In an instant, vines grew wildly beneath the opponent’s feet, immediately entangling his feet! His speed plummeted! Although the opponent reacted quickly and immediately shattered the vines, this pause was enough for Fang Hao’s Star Shattering Finger to arrive later but strike first, hitting his wrist and causing the long sword to fall from his hand.

The winner was decided! The entire process took only a few breaths!

The audience below didn’t even see clearly what had happened; they only saw the Senior Brother known for his speed inexplicably slow down by half a beat and then lose.

"Was that... a Formation?"

"Instant Formation? How is that possible!"

"Senior Brother Ning is actually proficient in Formations to such an extent?!"

Exclamations rose from all sides. Fang Hao’s move shocked the Inner Sect once again. It turned out he was not only powerful in combat but also hid such high-level Formation techniques!

Fang Hao’s expression was calm, but he knew in his heart that this was only the beginning. He had only glimpsed the tip of the iceberg of the "Myriad Manifestations Array Interpretation." Perfectly integrating Formations into his own combat System to form a unique fighting style was his future direction.

"Tianyan Secret Realm... once I reach Major Achievement in the path of Formations, I will surely have a bit more certainty." Fang Hao looked into the distance, his gaze deep. In the coming time, he would continue to concentrate on his research to lay the most solid Foundation for the trip to the Secret Realm in three years. The Immortal Path is long; having one more method means one more chance of survival.