roccoschili Chapter 163 "Nine Stars in a Row"
Chapter 163 "Nine Stars in a Row"
Cen Jiexiao's heart felt as if gripped by an invisible hand. Mo Lei's description of the "Nine Stars in a Row" evoked a magnificent epic in her mind. She imagined a vast army galloping beneath the starlight, their weapons and armor interwoven into a deafening symphony of war. The "Nine Stars in a Row" was the baton of this war, controlling the entire course of the battle. She suppressed the surging excitement within her and tried to sound calm and natural. "Sir, could you please elaborate on how this formation should be deployed and how it should be used?"
Seeing Cen Jiexiao's genuine interest in the "Nine Stars in a Row" formation, Mo Lei felt a surge of delight, like a seasoned fisherman watching a fish bite. He cleared his throat with a pretentious air, slowing his speech like a highly respected scholar, "Dean, you may not know that this 'Nine Stars in a Row' formation isn't simply a deployment of troops. It's more like a ritual to connect with the heavens, the earth, and the gods. It requires..." He deliberately stretched out the last syllable, leaving ample room for Cen Jiexiao's imagination.
Cen Jiexiao's appetite was indeed whetted, and she couldn't wait to ask, "What do you need?"
Mo Lei smiled slightly and lowered his voice, as if sharing a shocking secret: "It requires the right time, place and people, none of which can be missing!" He paused, observing Cen Jiexiao's reaction. Seeing that she was listening attentively, he continued: "This right time refers to choosing the special astronomical phenomenon of nine stars in a row, so as to borrow the power of the stars to the greatest extent; this right place means that the location of the formation must be where the spiritual veins converge, so as to achieve twice the result with half the effort; as for the right people..." He paused again, staring at Cen Jiexiao with burning eyes.
Cen Jiexiao's heartbeat quickened as Mo Lei continued to narrate. She felt as if she were standing before a mysterious door, behind which lay unknown treasures and endless possibilities. Holding her breath, she eagerly pressed on, "What about... harmony between people?"
Mo Lei sighed pretentiously and said slowly: "Harmony among people is the most difficult, but also the most important! The person who sets up the formation must be someone who cares about the world, possesses great wisdom and perseverance. Only such a person can control the powerful force of the 'Nine Stars Formation', otherwise..." He shook his head and did not continue, but the hint in his tone was self-evident.
Hearing this, Cen Jiexiao's curiosity deepened. Just what kind of magical formation was this "Nine Stars in a Row Formation" that required such demanding conditions? Since elementary school, she'd been fascinated by the various Qimen Dunjia techniques, but in modern society, they were often dismissed as feudal superstitions. Now, having traveled back in time to ancient times, and finally meeting someone so "proficient in this art," she naturally didn't want to let this opportunity slip by. "Then... could you offer some guidance, sir?" Cen Jiexiao asked tentatively, a hint of pleading in her tone.
Mo Lei chuckled inwardly. This Cen Jiexiao was truly impatient, having taken the bait so quickly! He deliberately feigned embarrassment and said hesitantly, "This... I'm afraid it's inappropriate." He paused, observing Cen Jiexiao's reaction. Seeing her look of disappointment, he continued, "This 'Nine Stars Linking Formation' is my most precious treasure in the martial arts world." He deliberately lowered his voice and spoke mysteriously, "How can I show it to others so easily?"
Upon hearing this, Cen Jiexiao became anxious. She quickly said, "Don't worry, sir. I won't tell anyone!" Afraid that Mo Lei wouldn't believe her, she added, "I can guarantee it with my integrity!" She paused, her tone pleading, "I'm just... I'm just very curious about this formation and want to find out what it is!"
Seeing Cen Jiexiao's impatience, Mo Lei felt even more pleased. He sighed pretentiously and said, "Well... since the dean is so sincere, I'll make an exception this time." He deliberately dragged out his words, then changed the subject, "It's just..."
He paused again, staring at Cen Jiexiao with burning eyes.
Cen Jiexiao felt uneasy when she saw him looking at her. She always felt that there was something wrong with Mo Lei's eyes, but she couldn't tell what was wrong. Those eyes were like a hook, trying to hook her into an unknown abyss.
"Just what?" Cen Jiexiao asked bravely, with a barely perceptible tremor in her voice.
Mo Lei looked at Cen Jiexiao's anxious expression and laughed in his heart. He deliberately leaned forward, and a faint scent of sandalwood mixed with the fragrance of bamboo leaves came to his face, making Cen Jiexiao slightly dazed.
He leaned close to Cen Jiexiao's ear, lowered his voice, and said in a bewitching tone: "But this formation is too complicated. It's probably difficult to fully explain it just by oral description." He deliberately slowed down his speech, and the hot air sprayed on Cen Jiexiao's earlobe, making her feel numb.
Cen Jiexiao unconsciously stepped back, trying to avoid Mo Lei's breath, but he grabbed her wrist.
"Dean, don't be nervous," Mo Lei's voice was low and magnetic, as if he was coaxing a disobedient child, "I just want to explain it more clearly to the dean." As he spoke, he released Cen Jiexiao's wrist, then took out a silk handkerchief from his sleeve and gently wiped the tea that was accidentally stained on her earlobe, his movements as gentle as if he was treating a fragile treasure.
Cen Jiexiao blushed immediately. She wanted to dodge, but didn't dare to be too obvious. She could only lower her head and let Mo Lei do whatever he wanted.
"What do you think, Dean?" Mo Lei's voice sounded again, with a hint of teasing smile.
Cen Jiexiao finally realized how flustered she had been by Mo Lei's frivolous behavior. She quickly took a step back, putting some distance between them, and said with forced composure, "Sir, you're being polite. But... is this formation really that complicated?"
Seeing that Cen Jiexiao had regained her composure, Mo Lei stopped teasing her. He put away his handkerchief and said seriously, "Of course, this 'Nine Stars in a Row' is an ancient wonder. Its unpredictable changes and immense power are unfathomable. How can it be explained in a few words?" He paused, staring intently at Cen Jiexiao. "How about... Dean, come with me, and I'll demonstrate it to you in person?"
Cen Jiexiao hesitated. Although she really wanted to see the power of the "Nine Stars Formation", she was a woman after all, and it would be inappropriate for her to go out alone with a strange man.
"This... I'm afraid it will be inconvenient." Cen Jiexiao politely refused.
Mo Lei seemed to have anticipated that Cen Jiexiao would refuse. He didn't get angry, but simply smiled and said, "Dean, you're worrying too much. I mean no harm. I just want to find a secluded place to demonstrate the formation. If you're worried, you can bring one or two maids with you."
Cen Jiexiao thought about it and felt that what Mo Lei said made sense, so she agreed.
"Well... okay then," Cen Jiexiao said, "I'll go get Yulan and Xiaozhi and go with you, sir."
Mo Lei heard this and a barely perceptible sneer appeared on his lips. He cupped his hands and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Dean."
After Cen Jiexiao called Yu Lan and Xiao Zhi, she followed Mo Lei out of Zhaoyin Academy and headed out of the city.
Mo Lei enthusiastically explained the mysteries of the "Nine Stars Linking Formation" to Cen Jiexiao, as if it weren't some murderous formation but a rare treasure. He spoke eloquently, vividly describing the magnificent aura of the formation in action, its devastating power that could destroy heaven and earth. Cen Jiexiao was fascinated by his words and couldn't wait to see this legendary ancient formation for herself.