The other two judges realized what the handsome man was trying to do, but they didn’t say anything, as they also wanted to see how Yuan would handle this situation.
‘Will he be able to create a level 3 formation?’ Senior Huang wondered inwardly as Yuan took his time analyzing the array combinations.
‘I don’t recognize any of those array symbols…’ Yuan stared at the handsome man’s array combination with a pondering expression.
He was certain that he didn’t miss any of the basic array symbols from Huang Xiao Li’s manuals.
However, the handsome man had created array symbols that he didn’t recognize, and they appear more complex than the basic symbols.
‘They must be more advanced array symbols that I haven’t learned yet… How troublesome…’ Yuan did not even think for a second that the handsome man was trying to ridicule him by increasing the assessment’s difficulty. He just thought it was part of the assessment and didn’t think much about it.
‘Let’s just deal with the other two first before I try the difficult one. I only need two out of three to pass this test, anyway.’
With that in mind, Yuan ignored the handsome man’s array combination and focused on the other two.
And within minutes, he figured how they were combined and what array symbols were used.
Yuan started with the beautiful woman’s array combination. He first created the array symbols before combining them into a fully functional array.
“Pass.” The beautiful woman gave her judgement after seeing the results.
He moved onto Senior Huang’s array combination next, and although it was harder than the last array combination, he still managed to crack it and understand everything about it in just a few minutes.
A few moments later, Yuan replicated Senior Huang’s array combination and showed it to him.
“It’s also a pass from me.” Senior Huang said, and he continued, “You have already passed the second test, but if you wish to try and replicate the third one, you may go ahead and do so. Personally, I want to see you try.”
Yuan nodded and turned to look at the last array combination. Even if Senior Huang hadn’t mentioned it, he would’ve still tried to solve it.
‘Arrays are just like puzzles. Once assembled, you have to figure out what array symbols they used and how they combined it. 30 array symbols can have over a billion possible combinations, and each of these thousand combinations can be considered a unique array.’ Yuan recalled the manuals he read about arrays.
‘Although I don’t know any of these array symbols, as long as I can figure out their combination pattern, I should be able to replicate the array.’
And for the next ten minutes, Yuan would stare intensely at the handsome man’s array combination, almost like he was trying to stare a hole it.
If it was an ordinary test, the judges would’ve disqualified him for taking so much time, but since the handsome man used level 3 array symbols, it was only fair that they be patient while Yuan tried to solve the array combination.
The judges were prepared to sit there for an entire hour to see if Yuan could solve it, but after waiting for 15 minutes, Yuan began moving his fingers.
Since he has never seen these array symbols before, he could not create them as fast as the basic symbols.
It took almost two whole seconds for Yuan to create a single array symbol, but when he finished, it would come out as flawlessly as the basic array symbols.
‘Impossible…’ The judges’ eyes widened with surprise when Yuan completed his first array symbol.
Even if Yuan lied about his experiences, it was almost certain to the judges that Yuan’s age was as he claimed, and regardless of his situation, any 18-year-old that can create level 3 array symbols is considered a top array prodigy.
After another two seconds, Yuan created his second array symbol… then his third… fourth… and so on.
Senior Huang and the beautiful woman’s excitement grew with each array symbol, but it was the complete opposite for the handsome man.
If word gets out that he tried to mock a junior with level 3 array symbols but backfired in the end, he would become a laughing stock in the Array Masters’ Association.
And to make matters worse for him, Yuan’s level 3 array symbols were also much more precise and refined than his own.
‘I cannot let him finish the array combination!’ The handsome man cried inwardly.
Right as Yuan finished making the 27th array symbol, the handsome man suddenly slammed the table while shouting, “Stop!”
Yuan was startled by the sudden outburst and immediately lost his concentration.
All 27 array symbols that he’d created disappeared the moment his concentration was disturbed.
When Senior Huang and the beautiful woman saw the flawless array symbols disappear before their very eyes, they felt some pain in their heart. As Array Masters, they respected and admired the art of array symbols, and when such perfect array symbols disappear like that, it was akin to an artist watching a masterpiece being destroyed before their very eyes.
Bang!
The door suddenly flew open, and a small figure appeared in front of Yuan the next moment.
“Brother Yuan, are you okay?” Xiao Hua asked him.
“Y-Yes, I am fine.” He nodded in a dazed manner.
The guards outside also entered the room shortly after.
“Master Zeng! What was that about?!” The beautiful woman quickly shifted her angry gaze at the handsome man for ruining such a spectacular show.
The handsome man immediately responded, “I-I thought I saw something wrong with the 28th array symbol, and I was worried that it might explode on us, so I subconsciously shouted for him to stop.”
Senior Huang silently shook his head, as he was fully aware of the handsome man’s lies.
He then turned to the guards and said, “It was just a misunderstanding. You can leave us alone now.”
The guards bowed to them before leaving the room.
“Let’s just continue to the final test, shall we?” Senior Huang asked Yuan a moment later.
“Okay.” He nodded.
“Xiao Hua, I am fine. You can go back outside.”
However, Xiao Hua seemed reluctant to leave, and she was staring at the handsome man with narrowed eyes, seemingly in deep thoughts.
“It’s okay. Your friend can stay here.” Senior Huang suddenly said.
“I understand. Thank you, Senior.” Yuan bowed to him.