https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-557-Discussing-with-Her-Younger-Aunt-His-Excellence/13076455/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-559-Entering-the-Transformation-Realm/13076457/
Chapter 558: Su Shixiong's Idea
Chapter 558: Su Shixiong's Idea
January 21, 2025
Qiu Xiyu, upon hearing Qiu Ruoshuang's question, couldn't help but drift into a reverie.
Qiu Ruoshuang was patient and waited without interrupting.
"Su Shixiong is a very calm person. With his exceptional talent and potential, he should be quite proud."
But Su Shixiong is different from others.
I've met many young talents from major sects, and even when they try to restrain themselves, you can still sense the superiority they unconsciously exude.
I agree that this isn't a big issue.
The younger generation under the major powers has been showered with praise since childhood.
It's only natural for them to have such flaws.
However, this sense of arrogance and self-importance does leave a bad impression."
Hearing this, Qiu Ruoshuang nodded slightly.
But she couldn't help but ask in return.
"Is it possible that your Su Shixiong is just very good at pretending, and you, Xiyu, didn't see through it? Don't get me wrong, I don't hold any prejudice against him.
In fact, I have a favorable impression of the Su family.
It's just that many men are good at concealing themselves in front of others.
When judging people, you can't just look at their words and actions on the surface; you have to consider their choices.
Look at the choices they make when facing dangerous situations."
Qiu Ruoshuang's reminder made Qiu Xiyu feel a bit uncomfortable.
She knew her aunt didn't mean it that way.
But listening to these words, she couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Whenever she heard others speak ill of Su Chen, she instinctively rejected it.
However, Qiu Ruoshuang's words were not directed at Su Chen.
"I also met a person who, when faced with a life-or-death crisis, chose to take risks.
He braved the danger of death to save someone.
At that time, he was probably not even a Seventh Rank.
It's through their choices in the face of adversity that you can truly understand a person's character."
Qiu Ruoshuang shared some of her own experiences.
Although Qiu Xiyu felt a bit uncomfortable, she knew her aunt was right.
But after thinking carefully, she felt that even judging by choices, Su Chen was still exceptional.
"According to what you said, Aunt, Su Shixiong's character is also excellent.
It was during the second round of the Eighth Rank Array Master assessment.
We encountered danger, and the Heavenly Demon was ambushing us. I almost lost my life to the Heavenly Demon.
It was Su Shixiong who risked his life to save me."
Qiu Ruoshuang listened as Qiu Xiyu described the situation that day.
She wasn't sure if it was true, but she didn't raise any further doubts.
She let Qiu Xiyu continue, describing her Su Shixiong's talent and mastery in array techniques.
"To be honest, Xiyu doesn't understand many aspects of Su Shixiong's array skills.
When he was guiding me, I often couldn't comprehend what he was saying.
Su Shixiong's array theories are very different from what we've learned and used.
Of course, it's not that even the foundational theories are different.
The distinction becomes more apparent in their application.
Su Shixiong also said that his array foundation wasn't learned from the current array mages.
His array mastery was acquired through studying and understanding ancient texts.
In reality, Su Shixiong's array skills have already reached the level of a Fifth Rank Array Master.
I heard from other array masters in the Array Alliance that they initially gave Su Shixiong the title of a Sixth Rank Array Master.
The main reason was their lack of qualification.
Those array masters were only Fifth Rank themselves.
They didn't have the authority to bestow a Fifth Rank title.
During their conversations with Su Shixiong, he even provided them with many insights.
Even the masters gained a lot from Su Shixiong.
This time, when he came to our Qiu family, Father unnecessarily tried to intimidate Su Shixiong.
Even with his good temper, Su Shixiong would have some resentment in his heart.
They did see some of Su Shixiong's abilities, but his inner grievances had nowhere to be vented."
As Qiu Xiyu spoke, Qiu Ruoshuang thought of Su Chen.
She felt that if it were Su Chen, he definitely wouldn't harbor any resentment.
Even if he was unhappy, he wouldn't just leave like that.
Unconsciously, she belittled Qiu Xiyu's Su Shixiong in her mind.
She even said that her Su Shixiong was polite and well-mannered, but compared to Su Chen, he was far inferior.
Moreover, if he truly had feelings for Qiu Xiyu, he could have come down and discussed any grievances.
He shouldn't have just left like that.
Qiu Ruoshuang believed that if Su Chen were invited to the Qiu family as a guest, even with the greatest grievances, he would temporarily endure.
If he felt uncomfortable, he would complain to her, but he wouldn't make things awkward in front of others.
Although Qiu Ruoshuang thought this, she didn't lack tact and say it out loud.
Qiu Xiyu was about to say something negative about her Su Shixiong, but she stopped herself.
Qiu Xiyu not only wouldn't listen to her, but she was also likely to resent her aunt for it.
Understanding this, Qiu Ruoshuang naturally wouldn't say more.
Although she had some abilities in the Martial Dao and had achieved some accomplishments,
others wouldn't listen to her on these matters.
Moreover, this was a matter of emotions.
What others said would carry even less weight in such a situation.
Qiu Ruoshuang didn't want to think about these things, but instead, she thought about the Array Formation talent of the Su Shixiong that Qiu Xiyu had described.
According to Qiu Xiyu, this Su Shixiong's skills in Array Formations were incredibly impressive.
Even the masters of the Array Alliance had to seek his guidance.
This sounded a bit exaggerated, and Qiu Ruoshuang found it hard to believe.
"Xiyu, since your junior martial brother Su is so skilled in Array Formations,
our Qiu family's northern camp happens to need the assistance of an Array Mage.
Can you invite him to come and accompany us on a trip to the northern border?
Of course, we can offer him double the standard compensation."
Hearing Qiu Xiyu's description, Qiu Ruoshuang still had doubts about Su Shixiong's true abilities.
She even felt that he might be a fraud.
Coincidentally, the northern border needed an Array Mage.
Her male cousin had mentioned that he wanted her to talk to Su Shixiong and offer him some consolation.
This was the perfect opportunity.
Upon hearing Qiu Ruoshuang's suggestion, Qiu Xiyu shook her head.
"Aunt, you don't know that Su Shixiong doesn't have much obsession with the path of Array Formations.
He would rather spend his energy and time on Martial Dao cultivation.
This trip will definitely take up a lot of time, and if we invite him, Su Shixiong will likely come.
But in his heart, he will definitely be unwilling."
Qiu Xiyu's response increased Qiu Ruoshuang's doubts.
There were so many reasons, yet he was unwilling to meet, which seemed more like the behavior of a fraud.
"Since there's no opportunity this time, then Xiyu, you can make other arrangements.
My cousin asked me to communicate and offer some consolation.
As soon as I have some free time, we can arrange it during this period."
Qiu Ruoshuang's doubts grew stronger.
Now, she wanted to meet Su Shixiong mainly to confirm his abilities for Qiu Xiyu.
She wanted to see if this person had any issues.
If there were problems, she wouldn't allow Qiu Xiyu, a genius of the Qiu family, to be deceived by a fraud.
If he truly had the abilities as described by Qiu Xiyu,
Qiu Ruoshuang would not only fully support them but also prepare a generous gift.
She would present it to both of them as a blessing.
"I've already sent a letter to Su Shixiong, and if he has time, he should reply soon.
But Su Shixiong previously mentioned that he would focus on Martial Dao cultivation during this period.
It's unlikely that he'll have free time."
Qiu Xiyu knew that it was impossible to have Qiu Ruoshuang wait for Su Chen.
Her aunt's time was more precious than that of many sect leaders.
For her Su Shixiong to meet her aunt, he could only wait for Qiu Ruoshuang to have some free time.
Setting this matter aside, Qiu Ruoshuang began to discuss some serious matters with Qiu Xiyu.
During the conversation, there were questions, suggestions, and even some tests.
Qiu Xiyu's identity as an Eighth Rank Array Master was indeed well-deserved, and her words were appropriate.
When Qiu Ruoshuang heard this, she nodded repeatedly.
Especially when Qiu Xiyu mentioned the concept of Array Formation arrangement, she couldn't help but ask for more details.
"Xiyu, tell me more about this idea for Array Formation placement, especially the improvements.
I find your idea quite innovative.
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses for me."
Seeing Qiu Ruoshuang's earnest inquiry, Qiu Xiyu's face also showed a hint of pride.
"Aunt also thinks this idea is feasible~
This is what Su Shixiong told me before. He said that the current Array Formation arrangements are too conservative.
The term 'conservative' might not be clear enough; to put it simply, it's the desire to be all-encompassing.
They want to leave no room for error."
As Qiu Xiyu spoke, Qiu Ruoshuang listened attentively.
She found this concept interesting, as she had rarely heard anyone propose new ideas in so many years.
"Our current border defense line, with its Array Formation arrangements, is like a long wall.
Our intention is to keep those demonic beasts out.
Just like our Qiu family's manor.
After the wall is built, it separates the inside from the outside.
This idea isn't wrong, but our current Array Formation strength is far from sufficient.
Qiu Ruoshuang's face was serious as she listened to Qiu Xiyu's words, which made perfect sense.
At least, Qiu Ruoshuang found herself agreeing with her.
The blockade formed by the array formations would become mere decorations if even one or two positions were compromised.
Especially when these formations are damaged, the Jin State people would need time to investigate.
Meanwhile, the demons have already infiltrated through these gaps, and no one knows how many.
The effectiveness of the arrays fell far short of expectations.
Moreover, the maintenance cost was extremely high.
"Continuing on, the drawbacks you mentioned, Xiyu, are indeed present.
We've discussed this issue long ago.
But can your ideas truly address these drawbacks?" Qiu Xiyu nodded.
"The method Su Shixiong shared with me might not be perfect, but it will undoubtedly be more effective in dealing with the border demons.
When arranging the counter-arrays, we shouldn't seal off an entire line like before.
This kind of blockade has a short effective time and doesn't deter the demons.
Su Shixiong's method is conceptually very different.
We're not just defending against the demons.
Instead, we use arrays to attack and heavily damage them.
Our goal isn't to keep them out but to make them suffer significant losses and fear approaching us."
Qiu Ruoshuang frowned slightly upon hearing this.
She felt like she had heard this concept from Su Chen before.
However, what Su Chen had said to her was from a warrior's perspective.
There was still a noticeable difference from Qiu Xiyu's ideas, who spoke from an array mage's point of view.
"Xiyu, continue. I find this concept feasible.
But in terms of practical application, how should we handle it and what actions should we take?" Qiu Ruoshuang pressed further, seeking practical implementation.
Without it, the previous words would be empty talk, meaningless.
"Su Shixiong's idea is to no longer keep the arrays at the border static and connected in a line to hinder the demons.
The arrays we set up will have variable positions, areas, and quantities.
The arrays aren't meant to obstruct the demons but to inflict severe damage.
Some areas might be left completely empty.
Others will be filled with perilous thorn arrays.
Powerful demons have already gained wisdom.
This wisdom has helped them accomplish many significant tasks and decisions, making them increasingly troublesome.
Perhaps it is because of this wisdom that these demons have developed a sense of fear.
Top-tier heaven demons value their lives more than the lesser ones."
By this point, Qiu Ruoshuang had fully understood.
"Xiyu, you mean that our method of repelling the demons is actually their own fear.
The array formations are positioned in uncertain areas.
They don't know where the arrays that will heavily damage them are located.
We want them to be afraid with every step, their hearts filled with terror.
Is that the idea?"
Qiu Xiyu nodded. Discussing these ideas with her aunt was easy; a simple nudge was all it took.
"Do you think it's feasible, Aunt? When I mentioned this to Father, he said I was being unrealistic."
"This isn't an unrealistic idea. In my opinion, it's a useful method.
Moreover, when arranging the arrays, we can incorporate some minor tricks.
The closer the area is to our border, the more harmful arrays there will be. The further away, the safer it will be.
We want those demons to know that if they stay quietly in the wilderness, they'll be safe."
Qiu Ruoshuang was always straightforward and didn't try to save face for Qiu Xingchuan by agreeing with him.
She genuinely supported Qiu Xiyu's idea.
"Su Shixiong also provided other thoughts to complement these array formations.
We'll use mechanical techniques to assist the arrays we set up.
Simple mechanisms will block the lesser and greater demons, keeping these low-level demons from becoming the vanguard and shielding the heaven and earth demons from harm."
(End of Chapter)
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