Cui Fu stared blankly at Chu Fan.
His eyes were complex, his expression unreadable, and his inner shock surged like a tide, wave after wave.
This ancient book, which he had given to Chu Fan, had been browsed by him countless times. He was acutely aware of how intricate and profound its contents were.
When he first encountered formations and inscriptions and delved into this ancient book, it had taken him a full six months just to read it.
And that was merely reading. Understanding it thoroughly, comprehending it fully, and integrating it completely had taken him nearly ten years.
He had lent the ancient book to Chu Fan primarily to repay a favor, and also to see if Chu Fan had a natural affinity for formations and inscriptions, and if his talent in this art was as heaven-defying as his path in martial arts.
He had lent it to Chu Fan yesterday, and Chu Fan had returned it this morning.
Cui Fu had subconsciously assumed that Chu Fan, like other youngsters, found the profound formations and inscriptions in the ancient book too difficult to grasp and lacked the patience to study them, which was why he had returned it so quickly.
He had never imagined that he had underestimated this young man, judging him from his own limited perspective.
Having finished a book that had taken him half a year to read in just one night, Cui Fu found it hard to fathom Chu Fan's aptitude for formations and inscriptions. Could it truly be as prodigious as his martial arts path? Was he, too, a universally talented prodigy?
"You... you've finished it? How much have you understood from its contents?"
Cui Fu hesitated before speaking.
Reading a book was a simple matter.
However, there were many ways to read, and the results naturally differed.
Whether one quickly skimmed through it, or thoroughly understood every single knowledge point.
Cui Fu needed to verify this to definitively ascertain Chu Fan's talent in formations and inscriptions.
"I've understood most of it!"
Chu Fan said casually. He reached out, dipped his finger into a small potted plant resembling a rockery on the counter, and quickly drew several formation runes on the counter before activating them.
He had noticed the old man's astonishment and hesitation, and knew that his claim of finishing the ancient book overnight had seemingly not been entirely believed.
Therefore, it was best to let actions speak for themselves.
If one wanted to demonstrate their understanding of an ancient text, why not create something from it? Explaining with words would be too time-consuming.
Witnessing Chu Fan perform and activate a simple formation, Cui Fu's lips moved, and for a moment, he was speechless.
Through this practical demonstration, he could confirm that Chu Fan was not exaggerating; his understanding of the ancient book's information had indeed reached a certain level.
And at that level, it had taken him nearly two years to reach.
Had his two years been equivalent to Chu Fan's one night?
The shock in Cui Fu's heart lingered, refusing to subside.
Simultaneously, his gaze towards Chu Fan became filled with ardor and excitement.
In this era of declining magic, the art of formations and inscriptions had long since fallen into disuse. Due to its difficulty in comprehension and mastery, very few people were interested in it.
Chu Fan's talent made Cui Fu see hope that this art could be revitalized and flourish.
"Come, sit..."
Having recovered his composure, Cui Fu hastily and enthusiastically invited Chu Fan to sit down, preparing to have a proper conversation with this young man.
After sitting down, Cui Fu took a deep breath, adjusted his posture, and asked Chu Fan with great seriousness, "Nameless, tell me honestly, are you interested in formations and inscriptions?"
His intention was to gauge Chu Fan's attitude. If Chu Fan was interested, he would fully support his development in this field. Conversely, if he was not, Cui Fu would not dedicate himself to teaching. Interest was paramount in anything.
"Formations and inscriptions, I wouldn't say I'm particularly interested, but I do find them quite good."
"After all, it's a niche field, not very practical!"
Cui Fu nodded. As long as there was some interest, he was confident that as Chu Fan delved deeper into his studies, he would gradually discover the extraordinary nature of formations and inscriptions and become increasingly fascinated by them.
"Since you find them to be quite good, I will tell you clearly that I will dedicate myself to teaching you all about formations and inscriptions."
"The art of formations and inscriptions is in decline nowadays. I hope that after you have mastered it, you will be able to promote and develop this craft!"
Chu Fan, whose purpose for being there was to deepen his understanding of formations and inscriptions, naturally nodded, indicating that it was perfectly fine.
Cui Fu didn't dally. He immediately went upstairs and returned with a stack of ancient books. These were valuable items left behind by the sect, and some were what Cui Fu had gathered to help others understand formations and inscriptions.
"Once you have fully comprehended the contents of these books, you will have gained an initial understanding of the art of formations and inscriptions!"
"After that, I will take you somewhere!"
"That place will allow you to actually practice and engage with various types of formations and inscriptions!"
Chu Fan nodded. After a brief exchange with Cui Fu, he took the ancient books and left.
"The future of the art of formations and inscriptions rests on you!"
"I hope you can reach the heights I envision soon. If you can, I will have no regrets even in death!"
Cui Fu stood at the entrance of the Treasure Pavilion, watching Chu Fan's retreating figure, murmuring to himself.
Back in the car, as Chu Fan was about to start the engine, the window was suddenly tapped. A slightly overweight middle-aged man stood outside with a genial smile.
Chu Fan lowered the window and asked, "What is it?"
"Young man, my name is Zhu Fei. My subordinates were quite rude yesterday, and I have come today to apologize to you!"
"Do you have time, young man?"
"Could we sit down and talk?"
Chu Fan glanced into the distance and saw some of the thugs whom Cui Yue had injured yesterday. He knew then that Zhu Fei was their boss. Zhu Fei approaching him now was undoubtedly due to the conflict yesterday, where his boss had been incapacitated. Fearing retaliation, he was proactively bowing his head.
Chu Fan paid no mind to such factions. His mind was entirely focused on studying formations and inscriptions, so he replied coldly, "No time, I have things to do!"
"If you have something to say, just say it directly!"
Zhu Fei knew Chu Fan's strength and dared not offend him. Therefore, even though Chu Fan's attitude was cold, Zhu Fei could only smile apologetically and quickly said, "It's just that our actions yesterday were unintentional. We ask for your magnanimity, young man."
"If you don't mind, we can serve you from now on!"
Strength was king. His top subordinate had been no match for Chu Fan. After Zhu Fei learned the full details of the incident, he realized that if he could make Chu Fan his backer, his faction could expand and grow without any problems.
"Not interested!"
"I won't cause trouble for you, but I hope you won't seek your own demise by bothering the Treasure Pavilion!"
Chu Fan had no intention of supporting factions in Nan Yuncheng. Zhu Fei's kind of character was far too insignificant in his eyes.
Despite being rejected, Zhu Fei dared not show any displeasure and continued to smile as he saw Chu Fan off. One failure was not the end. He firmly believed that with his efforts, he would eventually have an opportunity to connect with Chu Fan.
Qin family.
In the backyard, the middle-aged man's face darkened with anger upon hearing that the group sent to cause trouble for Chu Fan had vanished without a trace.