Chapter 68: Grandmaster Level
Su Hao discovered something?
He found that the beast patterns, although they appeared to be two-dimensional, were actually three-dimensional designs.
The three dimensions here don't refer to the patterns being three-dimensional in shape, but rather their functional aspects.
The beast patterns can be divided into three sections, each with a different functional direction. Similar to a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, as long as the three orientations are determined, any pattern or function in space can be achieved.
The three dimensions implied in the beast patterns are mutually coordinated, which is the key to the generation capability of the patterns.
For example, the effects of "barrier," "strong light," "high temperature," "extraction," and so on are formed through the coordination of the three dimensions.
Therefore, Su Hao divided the formation plate into three concentric circular sections. The innermost section was named the "x-dimension," the middle section was the "y-dimension," and the outermost section was the "z-dimension."
By summarizing the structures of numerous complete beast patterns, he designed a connecting structure that coordinated the three dimensions, turning the entire formation plate into a whole with complete circuit characteristics of the beast patterns.
After continuous modifications and debugging, he finally determined the structure of the first generation formation plate.
Then, Su Hao chose the simplest beast pattern, "strong light." Following its structure, he used his simplified basic runes to assemble it on the formation plate and made continuous attempts and adjustments until he succeeded.
It was the first time Su Hao used his simplified basic runes to assemble the formation plate in an orderly manner, obtaining the original function of the beast pattern.
This was an important breakthrough for Su Hao.
Imitate first, then innovate! He believed that one day, he would be able to achieve any effect he desired using these basic runes.
However, he wasn't in a hurry to innovate immediately. Instead, he planned to use the formation plate to realize all the functions of the beast patterns he possessed.
...
When fully immersed in something, time always flies by quickly.
Alone in the wilderness, researching beast patterns, Su Hao couldn't perceive the passage of time. He felt like he had just completed a few small tasks, but a whole year had passed.
During this year, Su Hao turned fourteen.
Within this year, Su Hao achieved his basic goal: he successfully implemented all the complete beast patterns he possessed using the formation plate.
And the formation plate had also been upgraded to the fifth generation.
The simplification of the beast patterns was no small feat. It had been simplified from the previous "Hell" level of difficulty to the "complex" level.
The simplification was mainly due to the fact that the beast patterns appeared to have no discernible rules at first glance. To memorize a complete beast pattern, one needed an exceptionally strong natural memory, the type possessed only by geniuses. It could be imagined how low the promotion rate to a Master level was.
On the other hand, Su Hao's simplified formation plate only required learning the structural characteristics of the basic runes, similar to calligraphy, and then understanding the principles of the formation plate's structure. This allowed for easy memorization of a formation plate.
Drawing runes was not just a hundred times easier, but even more so.
One could imagine that in the future, it would be a world where Grandmasters were ubiquitous.
"Next, I will try to use the basic runes to draw formation plates with other functions. But time flies so quickly. It's been over two years; it's time to go back to Chashan Watchtower." Su Hao exited the game space and stood up, stretching lazily while muttering to himself.
At this moment, Su Hao looked like a vagabond, with only his face, hands, and eyes appearing clean. The rest of him looked unkempt and indescribable.
After quickly tidying up and storing the usable items, discarding the broken tools, he set off lightly.
"Let's first head to the nearby town and freshen up."
Soon, Su Hao arrived at the small town of Shuangshi near the area.
He casually exchanged two beast patterns for gold yuan and went to the best inn in town to freshen up. Then, he spent a considerable sum of money to get a perfect crew cut and changed into new attire.
Perfect!
At fourteen years old, Su Hao, a vigorous and spirited youth, had shed his youthful immaturity. A faint smile always hung on his lips, and his eyes were bright, as if he could see through the entire world.
The most important change was his height, which had grown by a remarkable ten centimeters, reaching an unprecedented height of 163 cm.
Coupled with his dazzling silver armor, anyone who saw him couldn't take their eyes off.
After making some purchases, Su Hao retrieved the maps recorded by Xiao Guang over the years, identified his direction, and headed straight to Lingyun Town.
The distance from here to Lingyun Town was too far. According to Su Hao's estimation, even if he ran all the way, it would still take close to a month to return.
Who knew how far he had traveled these past two years during his aimless exploration.
Su Hao sprinted towards Lingyun Town, traveling during the day and resting in caves at night.
Ten days later, Su Hao was making steady progress.
Suddenly, a huge aura appeared within radar range.
"A Grandmaster level ferocious beast!" Su Hao looked up abruptly towards the sky.
"What the f**k! A Grandmaster level avian-type ferocious beast!" Countless thoughts ran through Su Hao's mind.
This area was a plain with no trees, let alone a forest to take cover in. His bold sprinting was practically an invitation to the avian predators in the sky.
But this time, it wasn't just an ordinary Grandmaster level ferocious beast. Judging by the intensity of the aura, it was even stronger than him—a true Grandmaster level ferocious beast.
Attempting a challenge beyond his level? Su Hao wasn't planning on joking around. He sprinted at full speed, attempting to shake off the pursuer.
However, Su Hao realized that the aura was getting closer. He couldn't escape.
He turned his head and saw a massive black-headed white-tailed eagle, the ruler of the sky, the ruthless predator at the top of the food chain, diving towards him at an incredible speed.
Since he couldn't run away...
Su Hao gritted his teeth and immediately decided to counterattack. He dropped his baggage, drew his long knife, and started using S-shaped footwork while giving instructions to Xiao Guang, "Initiate the task to draw runes: 'barrier,' 'deflection,' 'strong light,' 'vibration,' 'impact,' 'sharpness,' 'penetration'..."
One rune after another was successfully drawn.
Su Hao no longer ran forward but turned around and rushed toward the black-headed white-tailed eagle.
Closing in quickly.
The black-headed white-tailed eagle adjusted its position, spreading its wings over ten meters long. Its strong and powerful claws emitted a gray glow as it slightly lifted them, ready to strike. A tremendous pressure enveloped Su Hao.
Su Hao recognized the effect attached to its claws—'penetration.'
He absolutely couldn't let the eagle's claws catch him. Once caught, he would be dead and become this eagle's meal. Neither his 'barrier' nor the armor on his body could withstand these sharp claws.
"Barrier!" A
red light flashed on Su Hao's body as the barrier activated.
'Deflection' activated.
Su Hao raised his left hand, aiming at the eagle's sharp eyes.
"Strong light!"
A powerful light burst from his hand, brighter than the sun.
The black-headed white-tailed eagle instantly lost its vision, thrown into disarray. It flapped its wings in panic, its claws losing their target.
'Impact' activated.
A powerful force erupted under Su Hao's feet, causing him to dodge to the side and avoid the eagle's claws.
'Vibration,' 'sharpness,' 'penetration'—the effects were activated in sequence.
A flash of the blade.
"Splash!"
Blood sprayed as the large wing on the left side of the black-headed white-tailed eagle directly fell off, feathers fluttering with blood.
The feathers, flesh, and bones of the black-headed white-tailed eagle were incredibly tough, but they couldn't stop the long knife in Su Hao's hand.
The enormous body of the black-headed white-tailed eagle instantly lost its balance and crashed heavily onto the ground, sending stones and grass flying and raising a cloud of dust.
"Squawk!"
The black-headed white-tailed eagle let out a mournful cry.
Seize the opportunity to strike a lethal blow.
The 'barrier' had only lasted for three seconds before it failed. Su Hao quickly reinforced it along with 'deflection' and added 'sharpness.' Then, he circled around to the side where the eagle's wing had been severed, using 'Shadow Steps' to dodge to the side and aimed a strike at its neck.
The black-headed white-tailed eagle desperately tried to avoid, but could it escape?
"Splash!"
Blood gushed as the eagle's head fell to the ground.
The huge eagle struggled for a moment, then fell motionless.
Su Hao's heart was pounding, not due to the intense exercise but out of fear. A Grandmaster level ferocious beast was truly terrifying.
However, after the excitement settled down, Su Hao looked at the enormous corpse and couldn't help but mutter, "I've been avoiding Grandmaster level ferocious beasts for two years, and this is it?"
(translated by begs)