The Gathering Qi Array is one of the most fundamental blueprints in the art of formations, making it relatively simple for Xiao Lin to deduce. However, "simple" is a relative term. In the year since he became a Spirit Array Master, Xiao Lin had to balance his Dou Qi cultivation, his soul tempering, and the deconstruction of the Nine Foundations.
Despite its basic nature, the Gathering Qi Array is a miracle of efficiency. While a practitioner's speed is usually limited by their talent and the grade of their Qi Method, this array acts as a Force Multiplier.
If Xiao Lin's normal absorption rate was one unit, the Rank 2 version of this array could amplify it to two, three, or even more. It transforms the ambient environment into a high-pressure chamber of energy. Furthermore, such an array is a holy grail for Alchemists; by providing a constant, dense flow of world energy, it ensures that high-tier pills—which often fail due to energy depletion—can be refined with a near-perfect success rate.
"With a Rank 2 array and the foundations of a Spirit Array Master," Xiao Lin mused, "I no longer need to seek out 'that place' to break through. I can achieve it right here in my own backyard."
Originally, Xiao Lin had planned a dangerous journey to a high-energy location to force his breakthrough to the Dou Zong realm. But now, as he sat in the heart of his creation, he felt the energy of the mountains pouring into his pores like a torrential rain. He closed his eyes, a serene smile playing on his lips.
He didn't just cultivate; he became a Void—a bottomless pit that devoured the light and energy of the back mountains. The bottleneck of the 9-Star Dou Huang peak, which traps many for decades, began to creak and groan under the sheer hydraulic pressure of the gathered Dou Qi.
Time flowed differently in the heart of the array. For five days, Xiao Lin remained a statue of starlight. On the dawn of the sixth day, his eyes snapped open.
BOOM!
A terrifying, unmasked pressure erupted from his body—the raw, chaotic aura of a newly born Dou Zong. The shockwave was powerful enough to level the forest, but Xiao Lin was prepared. He instantly unfurled his Heavenly State Soul, creating a spiritual dome that suppressed the explosion and kept the aura contained within the Xiao family's back hills.
"Phew... almost caused another national panic," he exhaled, wiping away a bead of sweat.
He remembered the "Great Soul Eruption" from years ago when he first awakened his memories. That event had put the Imperial Family and the Yun Lan Sect on high alert for years. He didn't need the "Hidden Dou Zong" rumors to start up again just as he was trying to lay low.
As the energy stabilized, Xiao Lin stood up. But he didn't use his legs. He simply existed in the air, his boots hovering inches above the ground without the flicker of Dou Qi wings.
"So this is a Dou Zong," he whispered, feeling the invisible threads of the world. "To stand upon the void and grasp the rules of space... it's a magnificent experience."
In the Northwest Continent:
Dou Wangs are the elite.
Dou Huangs are the ceiling.
Dou Zongs are the ones who shatter the ceiling.
An empire with a Dou Zong is a superpower. While Dou Zun experts (who can create wormholes) are virtually non-existent in this corner of the world, a Dou Zong is the undisputed king of the mountain.
Xiao Lin felt a surge of absolute confidence. With his current cultivation and his Heavenly Soul, he was invincible within the Dou Zong realm. If he encountered a low-level Dou Zun, he wouldn't just be able to run—he'd have the qualifications to actually trade blows.
The world is getting smaller, Xiao Lin thought. Even in the Central Plains, a Dou Zong can lead a first-rate sect. I finally have the strength to protect my family's future with my own hands.
After breaking through to the Dou Zong realm, Xiao Lin finally emerged from his deep retreat. He understood that cultivation requires a balance of tension and relaxation; push too hard, and the foundation cracks.
For the next year, he settled into a rhythm of domestic leadership. He assisted Xiao Dongcheng with clan affairs, mentored the younger generation, and—most importantly—spent quality time with his son, Xiao Zhan. For a child growing up without a mother, Xiao Lin's presence was the anchor of his world.
However, "relaxation" for Xiao Lin still meant significant progress:
Spirit Array Rank: He rose from Rank 2 to Rank 3, now capable of manifesting 68 Spirit Seals.
Skill Creation: He focused on tailoring a dual-layered combat system to maintain his "Lao Liu" cover.
Xiao Lin added three new Star-attributed techniques to his repertoire, ensuring that if he ever needs to go "all out," he has the tools to end the fight instantly:
Seven-Star Void Step: A movement technique combining extreme speed with spatial ripples. Within seven steps, he can reach any point within his line of sight. Perfect for pursuit or—more importantly for Xiao Lin—escaping.
Starlight Heaven-Suppressing Seal: A heavy offensive palm technique.
Star-Swallowing Wall: A high-level defensive barrier.
To ensure no one links his "Star" identity to the Xiao Clan, he created three powerful Earth-attributed techniques to match his public affinity:
Earth Dragon Coil: Area-of-effect crowd control.
Mountain-Breaker Seal: A blunt-force offensive strike.
Firmament Rock Barrier: A sturdy wall of solidified earth.
Xiao Lin decided it was time to leave the "nursery" of the Jia Ma Empire. He set his sights on the Northwest Continent.
While the Central Plains (Zhongzhou) called to him, his pragmatism won out. In Central Plains, a Dou Zong is just a mid-level manager; one wrong look at an old monster from the Ancient Clans could lead to a swift death. But in the Northwest, a Dou Zong is a king.
"I'll go to Central Plains when I'm a Dou Zun," Xiao Lin mused. "Only then can I open spatial wormholes and have a guaranteed escape route."
His goal for this journey? To scour the Northwest for "undiscovered" resources and ancient ruins before the main plot begins. He is effectively playing a 4X strategy game, securing the map before his grandson, Xiao Yan, is even born.
When Xiao Lin presented his travel plans to Xiao Dongcheng, the old man nearly had a heart attack.
"Northwest? Alone?!" Dongcheng's face was pale with worry. "Xiao Lin, you are a Dou Wang, yes, but out there... there are monsters. The Heaven Snake Empire is rumored to have Dou Zun protectors! If you fall, the Xiao Clan falls with you."
To Dongcheng, Xiao Lin was the sun that allowed the clan to grow. If the sun went out, they would freeze. He didn't know that the "sun" in front of him was actually a supernova capable of erasing most threats in the Northwest with a single finger.
"Don't worry, Clan Head," Xiao Lin said, his voice calm and steady. "I know my limits. If there is a storm I cannot weather, I will simply turn back. I am going there to build our future, not to throw it away."
Dongcheng opened his mouth to argue, but seeing the absolute confidence in Xiao Lin's eyes, the words died in his throat. He realized he couldn't keep a dragon in a pond forever.