Chapter 576: Su Chen's Evaluation, No Need for Action

Chapter 576: Su Chen's Evaluation, No Need for Action

February 9, 2025

As they spoke, the group headed towards the frontlines of the defense formation.

The setup of the defense formation had been ongoing for quite some time, and a large portion of it was already completed.

Among the factions friendly with the Qiu family, there were also formation masters.

For instance, there was an expert like Elder Ding.

However, their manpower was ultimately limited.

They couldn't possibly attend to every detail and solve all problems.

For the arrangement of the front-line formations, it was certain that the group would have to handle it themselves.

Only when it was almost complete, or when there were truly insurmountable issues, would the formation masters step in.

At this moment, the defense formations they had set up were already encountering numerous problems.

With Su Chen's arrival, these issues were bound to be brought to light.

As the group walked, they traveled in pairs or small groups.

Qiu Xi Yu walked by Su Chen's side, maintaining a slight distance.

She was even more worried and anxious than Su Chen.

Failing to answer a single question wasn't a significant issue.

She could easily find a reason or excuse to gloss over it.

Moreover, Su Chen's formation techniques were indeed different from theirs.

In terms of theoretical knowledge, there were noticeable differences.

Even if Su Chen answered questions about the 'Four Requirements of Array Deployment,' his responses might differ from their understanding.

One or two questions were manageable, but it would be impossible for him to answer three or four in a row, right?

Qiu Xi Yu's gaze occasionally drifted towards Su Chen.

Deep down, she was well aware of Su Chen's capabilities.

She had managed to attain the rank of an eighth-grade formation master thanks to Su Chen's assistance.

She had no concerns about Su Chen's abilities.

However, these people might intentionally set difficult problems for Su Chen.

They seemed to be searching for his weaknesses and gaps in knowledge.

If he couldn't answer several questions in a row, Qiu Xi Yu felt that her father would undoubtedly raise further doubts.

After all, even the most meticulous plans could have a single flaw.

No one dared claim to be omniscient, and there were bound to be oversights.

Thinking of this, Qiu Xi Yu couldn't help but glance at Su Chen again.

At this moment, Su Chen's gaze swept left and right.

He seemed unbothered by the impending challenges from the others.

Seeing Su Chen's calm state, Qiu Xi Yu's heart felt a mix of emotions.

On one hand, she felt relieved by Su Chen's composure.

On the other, she felt a sense of discomfort.

With Su Chen's intelligence, how could he not realize that this was yet another test from the Qiu family?

Yet, facing these challenges, Su Chen remained so composed.

Did he not care about her?

At this point, Qiu Xi Yu found herself overthinking every little thing.

Her heart wasn't that big, and her thoughts were indeed numerous.

The camp wasn't far from the nearest defense formation.

The nearby formations had already been set up.

They just hadn't activated them yet.

The true activation would have to wait until the entire defense formation was in place.

"Young Master Su, here are the defense formations we've already set up in this area.

The Thornbush Formation, Rock Formation, Fishbone Formation, and Mud Formation.

Any defense formation you can name should be found in this area.

Xi Yu mentioned that you excel in practical application, so let's not discuss theory and focus on practice.

One of our biggest challenges is the issue of climate change.

The mountains are often shrouded in fog and rain, especially during dawn and nightfall.

But at noon, the sun shines fiercely.

One of our current dilemmas is the erosion of our defense formations by the rain.

If we allow this climate to persist, our defense formations will have a short lifespan.

How can we address this?"

Before Elder Xie could finish his sentence, Qiu Xi Yu, standing beside him, interrupted with a frown.

"Elder Xie, you can't just throw out the biggest challenge right from the start, can you?

This problem has been plaguing us for so long, it's like a persistent thorn in our side.

Now, you're presenting it directly to Su Shixiong. How can he possibly come up with a solution immediately?"

Qiu Xi Yu's heart was filled with complaints, and her facial expressions didn't hide her feelings.

This Elder Xie in front of them was relentlessly setting difficult problems.

It seemed like he wanted to use the most challenging dilemma to test Su Chen.

Upon hearing Qiu Xi Yu's words, Elder Xie didn't respond.

Instead, Elder Zou, who had just spoken, stepped forward to reply.

"If we can't ask about theoretical issues, and we can't discuss practical difficulties either, it puts us old folks in a difficult position.

Xi Yu, why don't you come up with a few questions and ask your Su Shixiong?

As for us, we'll speak less."

Elder Zou's tactic of retreating to advance put Qiu Xi Yu in a tough spot.

What was the point of her asking Su Chen questions?

The people around them, including her father, would think it was all pre-arranged.

"Elder Zou, that's not what I meant.

These puzzles have even stumped a senior like you.

After all, Brother Su is still young and has had limited exposure.

To expect him to immediately provide explanations is not that simple."

Elder Zou heard this explanation but didn't respond, only sighing with an "Aye."

As he sighed, he involuntarily shook his head.

It seemed they were helpless and at a loss.

Qiu Xi Yu knew that the situation here would undoubtedly reach her father's ears.

If things continued like this, she wondered how her father's image of Brother Su would be tarnished.

"How about this, let a junior ask a question instead.

It's only fair that a junior asks, and we won't be blamed for it.

Young disciples, think if there's anything you'd like to ask Brother Su.

Be mindful of your questions, avoid nonsense, and make sure they are meaningful.

The questions should have practical significance.

Don't ask just to stump someone."

Elder Xie, standing beside them, directly offered the opportunity to ask questions to the younger generation.

Their words were still pleasant.

These people from the major sects and powers indeed had some skill in public speaking.

Their words seemed biased, but they sounded upright and honest, making it hard to find fault.

Qiu Xi Yu, standing nearby, wanted to say something.

As she thought, she couldn't come up with anything and could only furrow her brows, looking somewhat displeased.

In fact, today's matter seemed like a small test.

But behind the scenes, it was a contest among multiple parties.

Su Chen, at the center of this event, wasn't as worried as Qiu Xi Yu.

Coming here, he anticipated the possibility of a test.

However, these expectations only arose after meeting Qiu Ruo Shuang.

After all, Qiu Ruo Shuang's identity was special, and she was now a Gui Yuan Jing expert.

The Qiu family, knowing that he was acquainted with her, would surely test him.

Especially the elders of Qiu Ruo Shuang, who would undoubtedly test him more.

The last time he went to solve the demon problem in the northern border with her, her brother tested him in various ways.

This time, if he encountered her brother or even higher-ranking elders,

The tests would come one after another.

The questions from these people before him were not a big deal.

However, their displeasure with him was mostly due to a misunderstanding.

He and Qiu Xi Yu were just good friends.

These elders before him, one by one, seemed to have misunderstood.

In hesitation, a young man stepped forward.

"Elder Xie, I happen to have a question that I'd like to see if Brother Su can provide some insights."

This young man exuded a sense of heroism, and his appearance and figure differed significantly from Su Chen's.

Even their styles were distinct.

Hearing someone take the bait, Qiu Xi Yu's brows furrowed even more.

"Rest assured, Sister Qiu Xi Yu, I won't make things difficult for Brother Su. It's just an exchange between peers.

If he can't answer, it's fine.

There are so many young people here, and we haven't solved this problem yet.

Let's treat it as a discussion."

The speaker was named Hu, and his tone was polite, seeming quite agreeable.

The content of his words was also appropriate.

But Qiu Xi Yu felt very uncomfortable inside, as she knew the truth was different.

Su Chen had already failed to answer two questions in a row.

The question posed by his peer, though presented as a discussion, would be embarrassing if he couldn't answer.

It was acceptable to fail once or twice.

But failing three or four times would be humiliating.

Su Chen had come with a significant reputation.

Now, being stumped repeatedly was indeed inappropriate.

The so-called test would undoubtedly be considered a failure.

"Brother Su, my question is not that complicated.

It's about how to simplify the array formation in a pile of rocks.

The northern wilderness has complex terrain, with various features.

The most challenging is the rocky environment.

The sharp edges of the rocks often pierce the core array patterns.

Does Brother Su have any ideas to solve this problem?"

As Qiu Xi Yu anticipated, this question was also quite difficult.

Elder Xie had given the younger generation the opportunity to ask questions.

But it was also to let them ask about the difficulties they faced.

These problems had stumped them for a long time and were not easily solved.

By her side, Qiu Xi Yu was clearly about to speak up again.

But just as the words reached her lips, she held them back.

This was already the third question, and if she spoke up again, more doubts about Su Chen would likely arise.

Qiu Xi Yu quickly pondered in her mind.

After all, she had been here for a while, and the challenges she faced were more or less what she had anticipated.

She was trying to come up with an excellent response for Su Chen.

After a moment, she did come up with some answers.

"Su Shixiong, you should provide specific examples and analyze them accordingly." Qiu Xi Yu whispered.

This was essentially a delaying tactic.

Specific problems required specific analysis.

When the actual problem was presented, they could discuss it then.

As Qiu Xi Yu finished speaking, Su Chen followed up.

"Specific examples and analysis, but it might be difficult to explain through words alone.

A demonstration will make everything clear."

Su Chen's response was basically what Qiu Xi Yu had suggested.

Hearing this, Qiu Xi Yu felt slightly relieved.

She thought Su Chen was listening to her advice and responding accordingly.

By deflecting this question, perhaps the next one would be easier to answer.

Qiu Xi Yu believed that Su Chen was following her suggestion.

However, the reality was different.

This response was Su Chen's own idea.

To discuss these issues, specific examples and analysis were indeed necessary.

Hearing Su Chen's reply, the questioning Hu Shidi seemed to have anticipated it.

"It's actually quite simple, just a short distance away, three li from here.

In that area of chaotic stones, the spike formation I set up earlier is located there.

Brother Su, please use my spike formation as an example."

After speaking, the formation masters walked outside together in perfect harmony.

Today's trial was not something that could be easily brushed off.

The elders from various factions occasionally turned back to look at Su Chen as they walked.

After glancing at Su Chen, these elders exchanged looks and then smiled together.

These influential people had gathered to make Su Chen look foolish.

However, they considered themselves superior.

Even if they were making fun of someone, they would maintain a certain level of decorum.

This meant not embarrassing someone to the point of extreme humiliation.

But by doing so, they could showcase their exceptional abilities.

What they sought was a sense of superiority.

Su Chen, as an outsider, had a big reputation before he arrived, and it was quite impressive.

It even overshadowed the fame of these elders.

Making Su Chen look foolish, even without any other benefits, made them feel satisfied.

Qiu Xi Yu followed the crowd as well.

She was more nervous than most people present, concerned about the outcome of this trial.

Seeing her anxiousness, those who had high hopes for her felt even more displeased.

Three li was not a long distance for those with some martial arts skills; they could cover it in half a quarter of an hour.

In such a short time, Qiu Xi Yu couldn't think of any good solutions.

The more she struggled to find a solution, the more she blamed her father.

The previous trial lacked technique, and this one was even more challenging.

If they wanted to test Su Chen, they should have set a proper test.

Not using others to make things difficult for Su Chen.

Before she could fully comprehend the situation, the crowd had already reached the location of the spike formation.

Indeed, this was an area of chaotic stones, and the spike formation set up earlier had already become ineffective.

It had only been set up for a short time before becoming useless.

Regardless, the formation master who set up this spike formation lacked exceptional skills.

"Brother Su, specific problems require specific analysis.

Please analyze and instruct me on this spike formation."

As Hu Shidi finished speaking, the elders Xie Lao and Zou Lao, who had spoken earlier, stepped forward to offer some advice.

"The biggest challenge in this chaotic stone area is the sharp corners of the scattered stones, which can easily tear the formation patterns.

For formation masters, calculating the formation patterns is a significant challenge.

Even with precise calculations, mistakes can still occur.

When observing this spike formation, Su Xiaoyou can examine the layout of the formation patterns."

These elders had a unique style.

They wanted Su Chen to look foolish but would also offer some guidance.

When Su Chen did make a mistake, they could claim they were only joking and didn't intend to embarrass him.

The issue of setting up formations in chaotic stone areas had been a persistent problem for a long time.

It wasn't just these people who found it troublesome; many formation masters struggled with it.

But while they were speaking, Su Chen had already made adjustments to the spike formation.

"Please, Brother Su, just provide your assessment, and please don't make any adjustments.

The formation is intricate, and improper adjustments can cause it to fail completely."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end