"Excellent, excellent, it actually worked. Xiaoyaozi really didn't lie to me," Liu Hui exclaimed, dancing with joy. In that moment, he was so exhilarated, he almost wept. He knew exactly what tremendous assistance these miraculous formations could bring him if they could truly manifest in the real world.

After obtaining that inheritance sphere, Liu Hui had entered its Hall of Inheritance to study formation knowledge. He was already intimately familiar with how to deploy formations, but because he lacked the linkage of True Essence (Zhenyuan), he could never successfully set one up, leaving him doubtful about their actual efficacy.

Upon acquiring the Energy Storage Sphere, Liu Hui easily arranged a Levitation Formation on the table. He activated the formation using the True Essence within the sphere, and immediately, the Levitation Formation took effect, causing the table to hover. Once Liu Hui confirmed the formation’s capabilities, countless ideas flooded his mind. The more he thought, the more excited he became; his heart surged, and he couldn't settle down at all. He unconsciously pushed the table suspended in the air back and forth. Since it was floating, the table met no resistance, making the action feel incredibly effortless.

The next morning, Liu Hui immediately summoned Chen Changsheng from the Academy of Sciences.

Chen Changsheng was engrossed in studying the Monster Core crystals, mesmerized by the energy they contained. He was reluctant when Liu Hui called him over.

"Director Chen, I'm taking you somewhere," Liu Hui said enthusiastically.

"Boss, I’m currently researching those white stones. My time is precious; I don't have time to wander around aimlessly," Chen Changsheng grumbled in complaint.

"Heh, Director Chen, I promise you won't regret coming with me to that place. You'll be extremely pleased," Liu Hui replied with a mysterious smile.

"My mind is completely filled with those magical stones right now. What interest could I have in seeing anything else?" Chen Changsheng whined.

Liu Hui wasn't annoyed. He led Chen Changsheng to the basement and, after ushering him inside, quickly locked the door.

"Boss, what are you trying to do?" Chen Changsheng startled, asking in a trembling voice. Upon entering the basement, he suddenly realized: the Boss didn't have a girlfriend yet. Could it be that he wasn't interested in women? Was he calling him here because he fancied him? Chen Changsheng grew more fearful the more he thought, instinctively guarding his backside.

"Heh, Director Chen, don't be afraid. I want to show you something. I guarantee it will be worth your trip," Liu Hui continued to smile mysteriously.

Chen Changsheng looked at Liu Hui fearfully, terrified that he might suddenly pull down his pants and ask him to look at something strange.

"Director Chen, look what this is?" Liu Hui reached behind him and pulled over the table that was suspended in mid-air.

"No, I won't look!" Chen Changsheng cried out in shock and immediately shut his eyes tight.

"Director Chen, what's wrong? Don't regret not looking," Liu Hui said, perplexed by Chen Changsheng’s reaction.

"I won't regret it... Huh? How did you do that? Is this some kind of magic trick?" Chen Changsheng couldn't resist opening his eyes and immediately saw the levitating table. He asked in utter astonishment.

"Heh, whether it’s magic or not, you'll know once you check it yourself, won't you?" Liu Hui chuckled, pushing the hovering table toward him.

Chen Changsheng lightly placed a hand out to block it, and the table stopped moving. He examined it closely but found no wires supporting it. He checked all around, still unable to find any trickery.

"Boss, how did you manage this?" Chen Changsheng's eyes showed disbelief.

"Heh, the process is actually quite simple. Watch closely." Liu Hui carried over another table, drilled several holes into it, and inserted a few Monster Core crystals into the openings. He then took out the Energy Storage Sphere, channeled his spiritual energy (*Lingqi*) to mobilize the True Essence within, and once the True Essence connected the Monster Core crystals along an esoteric path, the marvelous thing happened again: the Monster Core crystals vanished, and the table floated into the air.

"This... this..." Chen Changsheng rubbed his eyes repeatedly. This was too incredible; it completely overturned his scientific worldview.

"Director Chen, I called you here today specifically so you could research how to apply this levitation technology to serve our needs," Liu Hui said, satisfied with Chen Changsheng’s reaction.

"Boss, you mean you want me to research this method that allows objects to float?" Chen Changsheng asked excitedly.

"Exactly. I have a way to make objects hover, but I can't control their weight or the duration of the levitation, and there are still defects. So, I need you to help me research how to implement this levitation technology in reality." As Liu Hui spoke, he casually picked up a chair and placed it onto the levitating table. The table immediately sank down, descending to the floor along with the chair.

"Boss, this is absolutely miraculous. Countless nations around the world are researching this levitation technology, but none have succeeded. I never imagined the Boss would achieve it. Boss, rest assured, now that we have a sample, we will definitely figure out the mystery behind this," Chen Changsheng declared, thoroughly thrilled. He immediately set aside his previous preoccupation with the Monster Core crystals.

"Director Chen, let me tell you the truth. What I just used is the legendary Formation, known as the Levitation Formation. It can make objects float in the air," Liu Hui explained.

"Legendary Formation?" Chen Changsheng was dumbstruck. He was naturally an atheist and had always despised such superstitious tales of legend. Yet, he had just witnessed its existence with his own eyes, leaving him internally conflicted.

"That's right. This is the legendary Formation. It is incredibly wondrous and can produce unimaginable effects. However, to research this Formation, one must also know how to deploy it," Liu Hui nodded.

"Deploying a Formation oneself? How is that possible? That's the method of immortals from legends. Boss, are you an immortal?" Chen Changsheng suddenly realized. Liu Hui's abilities were uncanny and unfathomable, prompting Chen Changsheng to make the leap in association.

"Heh, I’m no immortal. I just obtained this ability through a stroke of fortune. If you wish to have this ability too, I can help you attain it," Liu Hui began to hint slyly.

"I can also gain the ability to deploy the Levitation Formation?" Chen Changsheng trembled with excitement.

"Not just this Levitation Formation, but many other miraculous Formations whose incredible functions are enough to shatter your worldview," Liu Hui laughed.

"Boss, I am willing! Please help me gain this ability," Chen Changsheng exclaimed with fervor.

"Director Chen, since I’m asking you to research these marvelous Formations, it’s because I hope you too can possess this ability. But our research work is vast, involving every aspect, so we need many researchers. What I need now is for you to help me screen a batch of qualified personnel. This group must be guaranteed absolute loyalty, and then I will grant all of them the ability to deploy Formations. Only then can they properly study the Formations and apply them to the real world," Liu Hui stated.

"Boss, so you intend to integrate Formations into our products on a large scale? Then those researchers would indeed need to know how to deploy them. I can certainly vouch for the loyalty of a group of researchers; they are all fanatically dedicated to scientific research and wouldn't consider other factors. As long as they are involved in this research, they absolutely will not leak anything," Chen Changsheng replied.

"I trust Director Chen. Anyone you guarantee, I can feel at ease about," Liu Hui affirmed.

"Boss, this technology of yours is truly earth-shattering. I'm still worried it might leak and bring you trouble," Chen Changsheng expressed some concern.

"Director Chen, please don't worry. No one can steal this technology of mine. To be frank with you, the ability to deploy Formations that you all acquire, I can recall it at any time. Furthermore, the materials needed to deploy these Formations are only available here with me. In other words, even if someone takes this technology and leaves the company, they cannot replicate it outside our premises. Therefore, no one can truly take away our secret. Of course, we still need to ensure rigorous confidentiality," Liu Hui explained with a smile.

Chen Changsheng thought it over carefully. He couldn't quite grasp how Liu Hui could grant and then suddenly withdraw that ability. However, it didn't affect him much; he had already decided to stay here for life anyway. If that were truly the case, those trying to steal trade secrets would likely be gravely disappointed.

Liu Hui indeed had substantial assurance to make such claims. He would first have people injected with Body Evolution Fluid to advance their bodies to the human limit, and then inject them with Spirit Root Creation Fluid to gain cultivation abilities. Once they entered the initial cultivation stage, they could generate spiritual energy within their bodies. With internal spiritual energy, they could mobilize the True Essence from the Energy Storage Sphere, thus enabling the study of Formation applications. During this process, he would inject a sustained-release agent into the bodies of the researchers to control them. If they missed a new dose of the sustained-release agent for a month, all their abilities would vanish. Coupled with the fact that deploying Formations required Monster Core crystals—and as long as he strictly controlled the use of these crystals—he didn't need to worry about the technology leaking.

Of course, given the current level of science, it would be impossible to discover the secret behind the energy circulation within the Formations, meaning they couldn't study the underlying principles. But even if they couldn't deduce the principles, it wouldn't stop them from utilizing these miraculous Formations to transform the real world. It would be similar to a person who doesn't understand how a computer works but can still use it to conduct extensive research.

After Liu Hui and Chen Changsheng discussed the next steps, Chen Changsheng staggered out of the basement looking utterly lost. If an outsider saw him, they might think he had been bullied.

That evening, Liu Hui's Planar Trading Device rang again. He connected the call, and the Zerg from the insectoid race appeared on the screen.

"Respected Lord Zerg, greetings. What brings you here?" Liu Hui inquired.

"Respected Lord Liu Hui, greetings. I am contacting you to inform you that the time for your creature's biological restructuring is due. It can undergo its second evolution now," Zerg replied.

"Really? That's wonderful!" Liu Hui was overjoyed. Although Xiao Hei (Little Black) was powerful, he seemed relatively weaker as Liu Hui's ventures grew grander. Recently, he had even fought to a draw with a Silver-Armored Zombie. Thus, Liu Hui had never anticipated Xiao Hei's second evolution as eagerly as he did now.

Zerg placed a massive syringe onto the trading device, followed by three huge white mineral stones. Liu Hui clicked 'Trade,' and the enormous syringe and the three equally large white minerals instantly appeared in his hands.

"The fluid in the syringe is the genetic drug that will enable the creature's second evolution. The three white minerals are Refined Sunset Crystals, refined by us, which will ensure the creature has sufficient energy during the evolution process," Zerg explained.

"Is that all it needs—just these two things?" Liu Hui suppressed his internal excitement.

"Yes, it only needs these two things to evolve normally, just like its first evolution," Zerg nodded.

"Respected Lord Zerg, thank you so much for your help. I must go now to facilitate my creature's evolution. You must know, I have waited a very long time for this day," Liu Hui said, unable to wait any longer.

"I understand your feelings," Zerg replied.

"Farewell." Liu Hui bid farewell to Zerg, closed the trading device, and began summoning Xiao Hei, which was hiding in the abyssal trench, urging it to rush to the designated location swiftly.

Liu Hui quietly made his way to the seashore himself, declining the close protection of the security detail, instructing them instead to remain vigilant at a distance from the coast. The last time he moved away from their protection, the security team had been reprimanded by Wu Yuanjia, so this time they were determined to keep Liu Hui within their sightlines.

Liu Hui understood the security personnel's predicament, so he positioned them far from the shore while he stood by the water's edge, remaining within their field of vision.

Xiao Hei was incredibly fast and soon appeared before Liu Hui. Liu Hui instructed it to remain submerged in the water, exposing only a small segment of its back to prevent the security personnel from noticing anything unusual.

Liu Hui took out the oversized syringe and inserted it through a gap in Xiao Hei’s scales, pushing all the liquid inside the syringe into its body. Then, he produced the three massive Sunset Crystals, which Xiao Hei promptly swallowed.

Having completed these steps, Liu Hui patted Xiao Hei gently on the back, signaling it to return immediately to the trench where it resided. Xiao Hei flicked its tail and quickly sped back.

Liu Hui quietly monitored the situation within Xiao Hei’s body. The genetic drug had just been injected and hadn't taken effect yet; the Sunset Crystals were still in its stomach, showing no reaction. Xiao Hei soon reached its resting trench, sank to the very bottom, and became motionless.

Initially, Xiao Hei showed no response, but gradually the genetic drug began to take effect. Its body started to convulse violently, feeling as if it were being torn into pieces. Liu Hui rejoiced, knowing Xiao Hei had begun its second evolution. He immediately withdrew his sensory connection, unwilling to endure that intense pain again, having experienced it once before.

In the trench, Xiao Hei writhed uncontrollably due to the excruciating pain. Its scales began to crack, and blood poured out continuously, quickly turning the surrounding seawater a deep crimson. Possessing immense strength, Xiao Hei thrashed about, causing the reef structures where it collided to collapse. The other creatures resting in the trench panicked and fled in all directions, as if the apocalypse had arrived.

At the Jidong Maoshan Sect, a haggard old Daoist sat cross-legged on a cushion. Several similarly aged Daoists sat beside him, with a large water basin placed before them.

"Sect Master, we are ready. Please give the order," said an elder Daoist.

"First Elder, please perform the ritual," the Sect Master said with a heavy heart.

"Sect Master, rest assured, the Soul Chasing Technique of our Maoshan Sect will definitely find the murderer who killed Gu Yuezi and avenge him," the First Elder declared.

The Maoshan Sect Master nodded slightly; the pain of losing his son in old age had severely diminished his spirit.

The First Elder exchanged glances with the other elderly Daoists, then took out Gu Yuezi’s shattered Life Soul Tablet and placed it on the ground. The elder Daoists sat in a circle around it.

"Heaven and Earth Limitless, Maoshan True Law. Spirits, specters, chase the soul, quickly!"

The First Elder pointed a finger, and a talisman placed on the ground suddenly flew up, hovering in the air before combusting into ash with a loud *boom*. A black vortex formed in the air. A wisp of black aura appeared on the broken jade tablet on the ground and was then absorbed by the black vortex.

"Netherworld command the soul, illuminate my clear eye, appear!" A group of old Daoists channeled spiritual energy into the black vortex. The vortex immediately condensed, finally transforming into a mirror. The First Elder retrieved the refined mirror from the air and placed it into the water basin. The water immediately began to boil, and a mysterious power started to communicate with the skull mark on Xiao Hei's head, revealing its location.

"Huh? Where is this place?" the First Elder asked in surprise. What appeared in the basin was pitch black; nothing was visible, only the impression that the image was shaking. The other Daoists shook their heads; no one could discern the location from the dark scene.

"It seems I must employ the Thousand-Mile Soul Chasing Technique and personally possess the subject to investigate this place. Fellow martial brothers, lend me your strength," the First Elder announced.

So, the other Daoists connected their spiritual energy to the First Elder. The First Elder took out a talisman, drew a circle on it with his own blood, and chanted, "Supreme Elder Lord, hurry as per the decree. Thousand-Mile Soul Chasing Technique, quick!" He then threw the talisman toward the basin; it immediately merged with the water and vanished.

Through a mysterious link, the First Elder instantly sensed the skull brand Gu Yuezi had left on Xiao Hei's head and attached his divine consciousness to that mark to perceive Xiao Hei's physical condition.

"Ah!" As soon as the First Elder possessed the connection, he let out a scream and collapsed to the ground, covered in blood, writhing and rolling about in a terrifying manner.

"First Elder, what happened to you?" the Maoshan Sect Master cried out in alarm.

The First Elder could not speak, only making guttural noises like a beast. Blood seeped from his body continuously as he hugged his head and thrashed on the ground, clearly in excruciating pain.

"Quickly, stop the Thousand-Mile Soul Chasing Technique! That enemy is currently in an extremely perilous state. The First Elder possessed it and suffered a backlash from the technique, resulting in the same condition as the enemy!" another knowledgeable old Daoist shouted.

The Maoshan Sect Master immediately bit his finger, drew several blood talismans on the water basin, and spat out a large mouthful of blood before he could retrieve the mirror formed by the black vortex. With a wave of his hand, he made the black vortex dissipate, finally severing the connection to the enemy completely.

Even after the link with Xiao Hei was broken, the First Elder lay motionless. His body was covered in wounds, and the ground was slick with his blood. When the others checked his breath, they found he had long since passed away.