Volume 2: The Source of Life Various Formation Devices
Chinese historical records
Hachiman diagram
The Eight Gates of the Stone Formation is a battle formation created by Zhuge Liang during the Three Kingdoms period. According to legend, when Zhuge Kongming was defending against the enemy, he used piles of stones to create a stone array, dividing it into eight gates: Rest, Life, Injury, Block, Scene, Death, Shock and Open, with infinite variations, equivalent to 100,000 elite soldiers. (See "Romance of the Three Kingdoms")
Until later generations, those who were proficient in this formation became extremely rare. However, unexpectedly, the Taihu Mountain Villa appeared during the Ming dynasty. The master of the villa, Dantai Zhongyuan, applied this formation and trained eight people to stand at the eight gate positions. When attacking, they advanced and retreated freely, coming and going like the tides, with an extremely strange and formidable power. They had even used this formation to trap the eight great masters from the imperial court who possessed exceptional skills. (See Liang Yusheng's "The Legend of the Condor Hero")
As in the case of Ren Tianwu's family, the artificial hills and trees are arranged according to the ancient method of the Eight Trigrams Formation. An ordinary person who is not familiar with this formation will absolutely not be able to get out. (See Liang Yusheng's "The Record of the Humming Arrow")
According to the "Records of the Three Kingdoms: Shu Records: Biography of Zhuge Liang", it is said that "(Liang) deduced military tactics and created the Eight Arrays Diagram." Later generations examined his legacy and drew a diagram, which can be seen in the "Wubei Zhi". According to records, there are three locations where the Eight Arrays Diagram was left behind: The "Shui Jing Zhu" and "Hanzhong Fu Zhi" say that it is east of Zhuge Liang's tomb in Mian County (now Mianxian), Shaanxi Province; The "Huanyu Ji" says that it is on the south bank of the river in Fuling, Sichuan Province (now Fuling District); The "Ming Yi Tong Zhi" says that it is thirty miles north of Du County, Sichuan Province, at Muyi Town.
Recently, a set of China's earliest "Wind Hou Ba Zhen Bing Fa Tu" was discovered in Mi County, Henan Province. The picture is divided into nine parts, one of which is the main map of the eight arrays, and the other eight are the eight array styles: Tian Fu Zhen, Di Zai Zhen, Feng Yang Zhen, Yun Chui Zhen, Long Fei Zhen, Hu Yi Zhen, Niao Xiang Zhen, and She Pan Zhen. The picture is accompanied by text explanations that introduce the tactical applications of each array style in special environments. According to the "Historical Records", Wind Hou was a general under the Yellow Emperor. The discovery of this picture has pushed forward the history of China's eight-array military tactics by 2,500 years.
Bagua Two Yi Formation
According to the innate small eight trigrams of Qian and Kun, a formation that combines with the mysterious effect of lantern light. This formation takes seven as its killing move, each positive must have one negative. Those who enter this formation will feel an intangible pressure, as if the ground under their feet is tilted to one side. The changing lantern light is unpredictable, with the magic of turning one into seven. Among these seven illusions, the third one is the true body. Zhu Cui was once trapped in this formation on Leshan Island and escaped with the help of Shan Kun (see Xiao Yi's "The Carefree Princess").
Seven-Star Mallet Formation
The formation used by Ge Hua Chang and others, known as the Big Dipper Seven Stars Formation in the martial arts world. Seven people are arranged according to the position of the Big Dipper, each holding a meteor hammer to attack the enemy. The wonderful thing is that every time they make a move, they can turn one into seven, stringing together the Big Dipper star formation, neat and uniform, continuous and uninterrupted, with no weak points to attack. Baima Gongzi Yu Tong Chun was once trapped by this formation, on the verge of despair, but fortunately got help from his lover Shangguan Su and broke through the formation (see Cao Ruo Bing's "Bi Xue Qing Feng").
Seven Stars Flying Hammer Formation
"Sand Tuo Seven Hammers" formation, modeled after the Big Dipper constellation. The seven members of the formation stand in positions corresponding to the seven stars: Tianxuan, Tianji, Tianquan, Yuhe, Kaiyang, Yaoguang and Tianzhong. They surround the enemy, each launching their own attacks at will. Each person's flying hammer is a single ball that transforms into seven, continuous and unrelenting, producing a powerful inner force that makes the enemy feel sluggish and unable to move freely. As time passes, they can be trapped and killed. This formation embodies the principles of the cyclical flow of life and death in the universe, with emptiness and fullness inverted, making it impossible to anticipate or defend against. Zhang Dingyuan was once trapped by this formation (see Gu Long's "Misty Light, Bloody Shadow").
Seven Killings Formation
The full name is "Tian Hun Di An Qi Sha Da Zhen", created by Xuan Yuan San Que, a one-eyed and lame martial artist. Its characteristics are strange and terrifying. The formation consists of seven black-clad blind men, each holding a staff in their left hand and a folding fan in their right hand, surrounding the target to be eliminated. Under the accompaniment of a strange and eerie zither melody, they dance in mid-air. As the rhythm of the zither music becomes faster and faster, their footsteps also become faster and faster, and the movement of the staffs becomes more urgent. The circle formed by the seven people gradually shrinks, producing increasing pressure, just like a net that is being tightened step by step. At this time, the target is like a fish in a net, waiting to be killed. Xuan Yuan San Que once used this formation to capture the female knight Xiao Shi Yi Lang, but was eventually broken through by Xiao Shi Yi Lang with his Guan Dao (a type of Chinese sword).
Seven Stars Eight Trigrams Sword Formation
The Kunlun Sword Formation was created by the Seven Sons of Kunlun and is one of the most famous sword formations in the world. The formation is based on the eight trigrams and also incorporates the changes of the seven stars. When facing an enemy, the leader of the Seven Sons of Kunlun, Ling Xū Zǐ, takes the Qian position, followed by Ling Xiāo Zǐ in the Kun position, Ling Zhōng Zǐ in the Kan position, Ling Huàn Zǐ in the Zhen position, Ling Yún Zǐ in the Li position, Ling Quán Zǐ in the Dui position, and Ling Xuán Zǐ in the Xun position, leaving the Gen position open for entry and exit. The seven individuals have similar levels of skill, are highly attuned to each other's movements, and work together seamlessly, making their combined strength greater than the sum of their individual powers. The Seven Sons of Kunlun once used this formation to trap Min Hǎo and Cáo Jūn, but they were able to escape thanks to the intervention of Líng Kōng Fā Shī (see Chen Qingyun's "Sunken Sword, Mysterious Stars").
Twelve Capital Heavenly Gate Formation
The first array of the 49 arrays of Taoist, created by mastering the secrets of the Book of Changes. A high-ranking Taoist inserts twelve small round sticks into the ground with ease, and to outsiders, there seems to be no rules or patterns - some are straight, some are slanted, as if they were inserted randomly. However, once the "death" and "destruction" gates are opened, even a high-ranking martial artist who doesn't understand the subtleties will get trapped in this array for some time. This array is used to ambush enemies, its mysteriousness is extreme. (See Chen Qingyun's "Giant Palm Specter")
Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams Formation
Sichuan Tangmen's leader, Tang Tiensheng's third younger martial brother, Liu Qinghe's formation. This formation will arrange the piles of broken stones according to the nine palaces and eight trigrams positions, with many changes. People trapped inside can only feel that all around is dark and gloomy, with a dense and heavy yin energy, thick fog, unable to find the exit. (From Dongfang Yu's "The Red Thread")
Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams Sword Formation
A sword formation that can display the power of Wudang Swordsmanship. It is formed by nine people who are proficient in the Linked Ring Killing Sword technique, arranged according to the Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams position. Since its creation by Huang Ye Dao Ren of the Wudang Sect at the end of the Ming Dynasty, it has only been used three times in over a hundred years. The Linked Sword technique of the Wudang Sect is known for its speed and secrecy, if several people who are proficient in the Linked Ring Killing Sword technique work together, there will be no gaps at all, not even a fly can fly through. (See Liang Yu Sheng's "Cloud Sea Jade Bow Fate")
Dagger Formation
The formation created by Knife King Yu Junfeng. This formation consists of nine people, with eight people standing in the eight directions of Kan, Li, Dui, Zhen, Xun, Qian, Kun, and Gen, and one person in the middle responding to changes, using fast knives to attack the enemy, advancing and retreating together, the nine people are like one body. If the opponent tries to break through individually, they will inevitably be injured under the chaotic knife. (See Liang Yusheng's "Guangling Sword")
Three Absolute Blade Staff Formation
It is a battle formation composed of three people, Chuan Shen Jia, Rong Shen Wu and Cao Shen Hai, wielding three copper rods and three sharp knives. Few people in the martial arts world can escape this formation. The master of Wan Sha Men, Hei Du Juan, died in the midst of the Knife Rod Three Extremes. Later, the King of Assassins, Sima Xue, broke through the Knife Rod Three Extremes Formation with a single stroke of his Bi Xue Sword (see Gu Long's "The Legend of the Condor Hero").
Sanmao Grotto
Three-handed True Person uses the Three-Straw-Palace fake mountain layout to set up a strange and bewildering maze. This fake mountain is almost as high as the surrounding wall, and once you fall into it, you feel like the surroundings are dark and hazy, with mountains rising and falling, and peaks piercing the sky. No matter how you run, you can't find a way out. Chu Yuxiang and Ying Wushuang were once trapped in this fake mountain (see Dongfang Yu's "The First Sword of the East").
Flying Fish Nine Tripod Formation
Jiang Xing's "Flying Fish Formation" is a battle array designed by Jiang Xing. Nine men, nine cauldrons, and nine boats are arranged in front of, behind, left of, and right of each other, moving back and forth, jumping up and down, the nine cauldrons and nine boats acting together, with empty and solid movements, making the enemy's eyes dizzy and confused. It is said that these nine cauldrons were forged during the Shang Dynasty when the emperor sent 500 soldiers to excavate gold and stone from Mount Baiyan in Sichuan Province, playing a significant role in China's several thousand years of history. (See Liang Yusheng's "Wudang Sword")
According to the "Records of the Grand Historian · Emperor Wu of Han": "Yu collected nine tripod cauldrons, cast nine tripods, symbolizing the nine states." It is said that Cheng Tang moved the nine tripods to the Shang capital. Since the nine tripods became a symbol of national power and a treasure passed down through generations, during the Warring States period, both Qin and Chu sent troops to Zhou to demand the tripods. In the 42nd year of King Xiang of Zhou, the nine tripods were lost in the Si River at Pengcheng. In the second year of the reign of Empress Wu Zetian of Tang (697 AD) and the third year of the reign of Emperor Huizong of Song (1104 AD), new sets of nine tripods were cast. When the Jurchen-led Jin dynasty invaded the south, they took the nine tripods north, but their subsequent fate is unknown. The author used the legend of the nine tripods to create this fictional array.
Thousand-Faced Assassin Formation
A variant of the Eight Trigrams Formation, combined with sunlight refraction. Each person in the formation holds a knife in one hand and a multi-sided silver plate in the other, using special terrain and sunlight refraction to create a strange illusion, making one person appear as four, and four people appear as eight. Those who enter the formation are confused about what is real and what is not, feeling like they are being attacked from all sides. Cao Yu used this formation to besiege Zhu Cui outside of Handan, but Zhu Cui jumped up high and looked down to find a weakness in the formation, breaking through it. (See Xiao Yi's "The Carefree Princess")
Little Sixth's Heart Racing Array
The Flower Array was a formation created by Bao Shu after five years of hard work. Guo Fei Hong accidentally fell into the array and found himself surrounded by dense woods, with trees growing close together, making it impossible to find a way out. He fixed his direction and ran for three or four li, but still saw only a sea of dense woods in front of him. Upon closer inspection, he realized that he had not left the original place, but was just circling around the nearby area. (From Xiao Yi's "Tian Long Di Hu")
The Grand Five Elements Sword Formation
The Wudang Sect's famous sword formation. Twenty-five Taoists, five in a group, like a plum blossom, form an array, surrounding the enemy in the middle. The sword formation flows, twenty-five long swords converge into a single ray of light, striking simultaneously, impenetrable and unstoppable. Few people survive under the Big Five Elements Sword Formation. (From Dongfang Yu's "North Mountain Shocking Dragon")
Heavenly winds and silver rains
"Wanli Liu Xiang" is an array created by Ren Fengping to deal with the top masters of the Central Plains martial arts world. It excels in its extremely precise coordination, possessing nine variations: "Heaven, Earth, Wind, Rain, Sun, Moon, Clouds, Snow, and Frost", which mutually assist each other, circulating endlessly. Additionally, it is aided by the use of unusual weapons such as the Liuxing Chui (Flowing Star Mallet). It has great power. Nan Gongping and Mei Yinxue have both been trapped in this array.
Heavenly Blind Great Formation
The Tian Mang Society has a unique formation technique. When the Tian Mang Society's disciples face an enemy, dozens of people hold bamboo poles together to form a strange shape. If one person moves their pole, the other dozen or so people also move theirs, some hitting the head and others hitting the legs, putting the opponent in a state of confusion. This formation is unmatched in power, rarely seen under heaven (see Xiao Yi's "Golden Bow Heroine").
The sky is about to rain smoke and dreams
The evil cult's evil incense poison mist secret formula is a special blend, specifically designed to confuse the mind and cause people to enter a state of excitement and dizziness. If ordinary people smell even a hint of this strange and alluring aroma, they will be poisoned. The symptoms of poisoning are a flushed face with a peach-like complexion. If no antidote is taken or if one does not quickly leave the area, the entire body will become feverish, gradually leading to dizziness. After being bewitched, the eyes turn bright red, and the entire body also turns red, with a parched mouth as if on fire, and a throat that feels like it's about to spew flames. Either one becomes madly frantic like a dog or enters a state of dizziness, losing all rational thought, falling into delusions until death. (From Guigu zi's "Jianghu Fengyun Lu")
The Big Dipper Formation
The Big Dipper Formation of the Seven Sons. According to the position of the North Dipper, seven people sit cross-legged, Ma Yu sits at Tian Shu, Tan Chuduan sits at Tian Xuan, Liu Chuixuan sits at Tian Ji, Qiu Chuji sits at Tian Quan, and four people form the Dipper's Head; Wang Chuyi sits at Yu Heng, Hao Datong sits at Kai Yang, Sun Buer sits at Yao Guang, and three people form the Dipper's Handle. The North Dipper Seven Stars are dim in brightness, but they are located at the junction of the Dipper's Head and Handle, which is a critical position. Therefore, among the seven sons, Qiu Chuji, who has the strongest martial arts skills, takes charge of the Dipper's Handle, with Wang Chuyi, who has the second-strongest martial arts skills, in charge of Yu Heng. The Big Dipper Formation is an advanced technique of the Quanzhen School, which can defeat enemies with just one palm. When facing an enemy, only one palm is used to attack, while the other palm is placed on the body of a companion. When the enemy attacks, the person in front does not need to use force to block the attack, but instead relies on their companions to launch a surprise counterattack from the side. It's like one person having the strength of multiple people, making it impossible to resist. If you fall into the Big Dipper Formation, unless you can knock down one of the seven people, there is no way to escape. The seven people in the formation use stillness to control movement, striking the head and responding with the tail, striking the tail and responding with the head, striking the waist and responding with both the head and tail, firmly trapping the enemy within the formation. However, if you deeply understand the mysteries of this formation and occupy the position of the North Star, you can use the master to control the slave, rendering the Big Dipper Formation unable to move freely. Later, this formation became a treasure of the Quanzhen School for collective defense against enemies. It can be set up by seven people or ninety-eight people, with each group of seven people forming fourteen Big Dipper Formations, and each group of seven formations further forming a large Big Dipper Formation, one yin and one yang, generating and overcoming each other, with boundless power. (See Jin Yong's "The Legend of the Condor Hero" and "The Return of the Condor Hero")
Clouds and fog are strange barriers
The entrance to the Lei Huo cave is sealed with a fogging mechanism. In the morning and evening, the Lei Huo Taoist goes into the mountains to collect cloud and mist, storing it in a gourd. When needed, he releases the cloud and mist, and the entrance becomes shrouded in a vast expanse of fog, making it impossible for outsiders to pry inside. (See Xiao Yi's "Tian Long Di Hu")
Wu Xing Zhen
The Shi Liang Sect's ancestral martial art. The formation is circular and complete, without revealing any weaknesses, containing the logic of the five elements' generation and restraint changes. One person also uses their hands to lure the opponent into attacking, showing weakness, while the other four people immediately follow up, targeting the weak points on the opponent's body, not stopping until the enemy is dead or captured. The five-person formation has mutual defense and complementary footwork, when facing the enemy, the five people are like one person, complete and unified, with endless changes.
Five Directions Sword Formation
The Zhongnan Five Swords finally reveal the sword formation that has been practiced in solitude for twenty years. The five people stand in a plum blossom shape, surrounding the enemy in the middle. When attacking, each of the five sword techniques is different, some are direct and main attacks, some are sneak attacks, and some seal off from the side. The Zhongnan Five Swords use this formation to deal with Shi Mu, and although Shi Mu's martial arts skills are high, she cannot escape. (See Dongfang Bubai's "The First Sword in the East")
Five Ghosts Dark Wind Sword Formation
Created by Wu Zhong Wugui. Wu Zhong has a very poisonous and evil internal power, when he draws his sword, he injects his inner energy into the sword body, using the small holes on the sword body to vibrate the air, producing a wailing ghostly sound, disturbing the opponent's mind, causing them to lose their composure. Di Ling Jiao's leader Wu Ji Guang fought against Wugui alone, holding the Golden Jade Sword, spinning it in the air and then slashing down, instantly cutting off two of Wugui's long swords and breaking his sword formation (as seen in "Yu Jian Xiang Che" by Wo Long Sheng).
Against Five Rows of Flower Trees Array
The mighty Tianji Old Man and the Three Holy Nuns planted flowers and trees according to the principles of the Five Elements outside their mountain cave, with profound mysteries. If a person enters the formation, they will be like falling into dense clouds and fog, losing all sense of direction, unable to take a single step forward. This formation can also cause the heart's desires to float up, generating various illusions, greed, lust, and past memories invading one's mind. The colorful flowers and trees around them transform into thousands of beautiful women, born from desire, growing into lust, and burning with passion, leading to unbearable suffering. Therefore, this formation is specifically used to punish those who are evil and lustful. Zhao Haiping, a palace guard in his late 30s, still had a childlike body and had never had any lustful thoughts, so he was able to pass through the Reverse Five Elements Flower Tree Formation and obtain the "Guiyuan Secret Manual", becoming the greatest martial artist under heaven (as seen in "Flying Swallow and Surprising Dragon" by Wodongsheng).
Array
Qiao Tuojiang and others pirates formed a six-person formation. It is very complicated, the advance and retreat changes are all based on the method of five elements and eight trigrams, the six people echo each other, take turns attacking, with great power, it is Qiao Tuojiang's treasure. They once won against Li Quanlong and Shao Yuanhua's family with this formation. (See Liang Yusheng's "The Wind and Cloud Record")
Furthermore, Liu Yingqi set up a battle formation. Including the six gates of Qian, Kun, Sheng, Si, Water and Fire. Liu had used this formation to deal with Su Yu's disciple Mao Yibo. (See Xiao Yi's "Tian Long Di Hu")
Neigong, also a term for martial arts, refers to the internal three harmonies of Jing, Qi and Shen, and the external three harmonies of hand, eye and body, collectively known as "Liu He". Additionally, the coordination of eyes with heart, heart with breath, breath with body, body with hands, hands with feet, and feet with hips is also called "Liu He".
Shui Xing Ting Mechanism
Phoenix Tail Gang's headquarters. The Phoenix Tail Gang's high mansion is called Fushou Hall, which has three halls that oversee the gang's laws and regulations. However, even they do not have the authority to interfere with Fushou Hall, as it is a place of great merit for the gang's predecessors who brought good fortune. Behind Fushou Hall lies a Water Heart Pavilion, a crucial location within Fushou Hall used to imprison high-ranking members from other gangs. The Water Heart Pavilion has cleverly designed mechanisms that make it extremely difficult for outsiders to pass through. From Fushou Hall, there are three waterway roads leading to the Water Heart Pavilion, all of which are very hard to distinguish. The middle and right paths are fake lotus flower stalks. The left path is a real lotus flower stalk made from a whole piece of Chinese fir wood connected and tied to the bottom of the water, extremely sturdy. However, just below the water surface, only one lead bar serves as the lotus stem, which cannot withstand much force; once you step on it, you will inevitably fall in. Therefore, even if you identify the real lotus flower stalk, when trying to pass through, you would still need to use your lightness skill and agility technique, without dispersing or stopping your energy. As for the middle and right fake lotus flower stalks, no matter how exceptional your lightness skill is, it will not work. Because as soon as you land on the stalks with your body flying forward, the front ten-odd stalks are all real; suddenly, at one point, there is a fake one. After the fake stalk, there is no place to step, only a stretch of water surface. Anyone using lightness skill and agility technique will see that in front of them, there is already no place to land, so they must fly forward onto the last stalk to turn back. But this last stalk happens to be fake; it was designed with the intention that travelers would fall into the water on their own accord.
Water Dungeon
Shi Chao Ying's trap was set up by Fang Bi and Nie Yinniang, it was built underground, surrounded by thick stone walls, divided into two layers. The upper layer is a water storage tank, the lower layer is a prison cell, once the mechanism is opened, the prison cell can be flooded. (See Liang Yusheng's "Dragon and Phoenix Precious Jade")
Shaolin Arhat Array
The formation of the Shaolin disciples. When facing an enemy, five people join hands to surround the enemy, flowing like clouds and water, stopping as heavy as a mountain, making it extremely difficult for the enemy to break through. This formation is like a python coiling into a snake array, with no gaps or weaknesses. Master Xinmei once laid out this formation to deal with Afei, but Afei was inspired by the crane's method of dealing with the python, using stillness to control movement and waiting for an opportunity to strike, finally breaking through the formation with his quick sword and legs (see Gu Long's "The Sentimental Swordsman, Ruthless Sword").
The Four Symbols of Right and Wrong
The formation set up by the Shituo country girl Yuwen Hongni, used to deal with the Chu Pingyuan. It is based on the eight trigrams of Qian, Kan, Li, Zhen, Xun, Kun, Gen, etc., and arranges eight warriors to occupy them, surrounding the enemy in the formation. Among them, four are facing downwards and four are facing diagonally, with the virtual and real giving birth to each other, and the positive and negative being mutually used, hence the name "Zhengfan Siliangzhen" (Right-Reverse Four Image Formation). When the battle is about to begin, it is extremely difficult for the enemy to break through. (See Liang Yusheng's "Dragon and Phoenix Treasure Rendezvous")
Four Symbol Array Method
Yu Zhong Si Chou is a formation technique based on the Eight Trigrams and the Five Elements, practiced by four brothers. When activated, each brother changes position according to their respective directions, creating an endless cycle of attack and retreat. The technique is incredibly powerful. However, it was defeated when Ge Biqing and Zhuang Yunqing joined forces, using a whip and palm strike in unison (as seen in Cao Ruobing's "Jin Jian Han Mei").
Four Extremes Sword Formation
The Qingcheng School's Four Extremes Sword Array is a powerful formation that rivals the Shaolin Arhat Formation and the Wudang Seven Stars Formation. This array consists of four different sword techniques, executed by four people simultaneously, incorporating the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter, which generate and overcome each other. The first move already contains four ultimate techniques: Li Chun Mu Wang Shui Jue, Li Xia Huo Wang Mu Jue, Li Qiu Jin Wang Huo Jue, and Li Dong Shui Wang Jin Jue. Hence the name Four Extremes Sword Array. Those who are not skilled enough should not even think about defeating the Four Extremes Sword Array; just this first move is extremely difficult to parry. (See Dongfang Ying's "Wulin Chao")
The Big Dipper Formation
The third generation disciple of the North Sea Xuanling Gate, Beihai Qixing, laid out a battle formation. Seven people followed the sequence of three "Yu Chong" stars above and three "Xuanji" stars below, occupying seven positions to surround the enemy. As the formation changed, the seven people could work together in a continuous flow. This formation was broken by Jiang Qinglan and Cui Wenyu's joint use of Qiankun Yijian (see Dongfang Yu's "The Red Thread").
Backflow Array
Kunlun Array Formation. Extremely powerful, except for *, there is no martial arts master in the world who can escape from the Five Elements Rulai's Return Flow Array unscathed. This array formation is particularly notorious for "Transforming Spirit into Ashes with the Great Nine Rings". The first move must contain true power, and every breath must be filled with internal energy, as if to thoroughly destroy the enemy. However, once the Great Nine Rings are deployed, regardless of whether they defeat the enemy or not, the people forming the array will inevitably become exhausted, limp on the ground, and usually require more than two months of rest to recover their vitality. Sometimes, there is even a risk of zero energy dispersion, blood vessels bursting, etc. This is an array formation that results in mutual destruction, where both sides are severely damaged (see Chen Qingyun's "Tathagata Eight Methods").
"Massacre Blade Formation"
Also known as the Fast Knife Array, a unique and ruthless formation. When facing an enemy, people from the four directions of east, south, west, and north intersect with their knives, coordinating quickly and flawlessly. If there is even a slight difference, they will end up cutting themselves. If one member of the knife array is injured by the enemy, the attacker will inevitably suffer the same fate. The special feature of this formation lies in the fact that its true power can only be unleashed after a comrade has been injured. To break this formation, two people must work together, but even if it can be broken, one of the two will inevitably be injured or sacrificed. (See Wo Long Sheng's "Seven Extremes Magic Sword")
Flesh Wall
The female disciples of the Great Joy Bodhisattva, with their sturdy bodies, sandwiched their opponents in between, like a wall of flesh, without any gaps or openings, making people feel sick and extremely difficult to break through. This was called the "Flesh Formation". They had once used this formation inside the small building to deal with Li Xunhuan. Fortunately, Lingling destroyed the small building and rescued Li Xunhuan. (See Gu Long's "The Sentimental Swordsman, Ruthless Sword")
Red Cloud Array
The Red Cloud Array was created by Hong Yun Lao Zu Xin Yun Bi. The Red Cloud Formation has seven layers of curtains, each with its own clever mechanism, layered on top of each other, with lightning and fire complementing each other, extremely fierce. When the formation is activated, a large piece of red rain suddenly falls from the sky, this red light rain, as soon as it is scattered, immediately forms a dense string of giant thunderclaps, waves of fierce flames, striking the top of the head, extremely sinister. Kunlun Flying Fairy Lan Wan Ying borrowed four spiritual symbols to be the first to break through the Red Cloud Array (see Xiao Yi's "Se Wai Fu Mo").
Golden Lock Soul Stage
The deadly trap set by the Sha Tao Sect. At the entrance of Kunshan, the old nest of the Sha Tao Sect, there is a mechanism guarded by eight skulls. Each skull has two hands pressing on a hidden button that can spray toxic fog. As soon as one hand loosens its grip, all the buttons will pop open, and in just a moment, the eight peaks of Kunshan will be shrouded in toxic gas, making it impossible for anyone to escape. (From Gu Long's "Misty Blood Shadow")
Toxin Array
A circular building within the Tangmen Wudu Palace, a famous Sichuan martial arts school. The interior is full of twists and turns, with no windows or natural light, only one entrance and exit, and steel-plated walls. In addition to the formation of arrays, various mechanisms and poisonous substances are also set up inside, making it extremely dangerous. (See Dongfang Yu's "The Red Thread")
Withered Bone Illusion Array
The Sha Da Men formation is a proud array. As soon as the mechanism opens, countless skulls come from all directions, making strange noises and eerie sounds, very frightening. These skulls seem to be made of white bones, shaking every step, but moving quickly and unexpectedly, even with blood swords protecting them, it's hard to escape. Zhang Dingyuan was once trapped by this formation, losing all hope, his heroic spirit lost, and was buried in a stone coffin, almost dying. This formation, apart from the mechanical operation, contains the principles of the five elements, the eight trigrams, and the changes of the ghosts and gods, truly a creation of heaven and earth, but it's too sinister, not suitable for righteous people. (From Gu Long's "Misty Light Blood Shadow")
Stellar Seven Kill Formation
The White Horse Manor's six-star tower and central hall form a profound and mysterious formation. When Guo Baiyun built the manor, he cleverly applied his spiritual thoughts according to the principles of the I Ching, creating this formation to defend against enemies. When activated, the six star towers' lights shine brightly at the same time, and the seven-sided bronze mirrors reflect each other's dazzling light. The enemy becomes disoriented by the mirror reflections, loses their footing, and is easily defeated by arrows coming from all directions. Iron Hai Tang's son, Tie Neng, suffered greatly when he tried to break through this formation (as seen in Xiao Yi's "Ma Feng Xiao Xiao").
Ghost Face Formation
The Eight Ghost Faced Men of the Hellish Dagger Bureau launched their unique formation. This formation consisted of eight people wearing ghost-faced masks, each wielding a different type of dagger and using distinct martial arts to attack the enemy with great force. Later, Long Chengbiao and Tang Zhuguo joined forces to defeat them. (See Gu Long's "The Heroic Swordsman")
Hengshan Sword Array
Hengshan Sect's Mountain-Conquering Technique. When facing an enemy, seven female disciples form a team, surrounding the opponent in a circle. Each long sword points to a vital spot of the opponent, namely the head, throat, chest, abdomen, waist, back, and armpits. Even if the opponent has strong martial arts skills, they cannot move at all. The Seven Swords surround and attack the enemy while defending themselves, leaving no room for flaws. (From Jin Yong's "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer")
Mystifying Heaven and Earth Great Formation
Also known as the Mausoleum of Ten Thousand Years. Legend has it that deep within Mount Taibai, there is a place where no human footprints can be found, with countless ancient tombs over a thousand years old, covering an area of over thirty miles, with treacherous terrain and deep ancient caves. During the day, thick fog envelops the area, while at night, ghostly fires flicker, earning it the nickname "the underworld on earth". The ancients used this place to build this formation, where once inside, one would lose their sense of direction; if one person makes a sound, it's like thunder booming from all directions, sending chills down one's spine. Mi Qigui and Yu Zhongye ventured into this formation at night, rescuing Song Zhezong who was trapped in the ancient house. (From "Blood Flag Town" by Autumn Dream Mark)
Zhen Wu Qi Jie Zhen
The formation created by Zhang Sanfeng, the ancestor of Wudang Sect. He stood in front of the statue of Zhenwu God on Turtle-Snake Mountain and thought that the turtle and snake were two objects that combined the heaviest and lightest natures. From this, he created a set of exquisite martial arts. However, the martial arts derived from the majestic momentum of the turtle and snake mountains could not be performed by one person at the same time. So he passed on seven sets of martial arts to his seven disciples, each with its own subtleties and wonders. If two people worked together, they would have a complete defense and offense, with great power. If three people worked together, their power would be twice that of two people working together. Four people were equivalent to eight top masters, five people were equivalent to sixteen, six people were equivalent to thirty-two, and seven people were equivalent to sixty-four top masters in the world using their skills at the same time. Due to lack of opportunity, this formation had never been used in actual combat until Zhang Sanfeng's 100th birthday, when heroes gathered on Wudang Mountain to ask Zhang Cuishan questions, Song Yuanqiao decided to use this formation. Unexpectedly, before the formation was even set up, Zhang Cuishan and his wife were so shocked and ashamed that they took their own lives (see Jin Yong's "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber").
Iron and along
A mechanism set up at the entrance to the underground tunnel in the Damo Hall of Shaolin Temple. The place is full of mechanical devices, and as soon as someone steps on the underground device, the iron monk's Zen stick strikes out, and each move is extremely precise and deadly. (See Jin Yong's "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer")
Hanging Mirror Corridor
A black stone corridor, inside which there are 108 human-shaped leather puppets. These leather men were installed at different angles, some standing, some sitting, some lying down, and even suspended in mid-air, each capable of launching a very powerful and strange move. Unless one has extremely high martial arts skills, it is impossible to pass through this corridor. Yunhai monk set up this mechanism to select people with high martial arts skills. (See Xiao Yi's "Tian Long Di Hu")
Snake formation
An enemy-annihilating battle array composed of venomous snakes. A group of Miao women hold long bamboo tubes and patrol the mountains, releasing the venomous snakes to surround the enemy when they encounter them, forming a unique snake array. The daughter of the Miao king, Meng Saihua, once deployed the snake array to attack Yu Yuanjin and Shao Xianghua, who had mistakenly entered the forbidden area, but was dispersed by Shi Ling with a long whistle. (See Liang Yusheng's "The Chronicles of the Whirlwind")
Bronze Coconut Array
The owner of the Dragon Slaying Island, Old Man Tong Ye, arranged the coconut forest according to the five elements and eight trigrams, where warriors could also be hidden. In the "Fire Cave" within the formation, a thousand-year-old treasure, the dragon horn glue, was stored all year round. Whoever wanted to obtain it had to break through this formation. (See Dongfang Yu's "The Red Thread")
Fishing net formation
The ruthless Valley Master Gong Sun Zhi used this formation to deal with strong enemies. The fishing net was made of gold and steel threads, each net was about ten feet square, the net was filled with sharp knives and swords, used to pierce the enemy, and the intersections of the net were equipped with magnets that could absorb the enemy's metal hidden weapons. When facing the enemy, sixteen people formed an array, four people holding a fishing net, commanded by the leader, changing constantly, shrinking the encirclement circle, making the enemy surrender. Even the highly skilled Zhou Botong was once captured by this net. Yang Guo and others were also repeatedly trapped by it. Later, Yang Guo obtained the Xuan Tie sword that could cut through iron like mud, and he was no longer afraid of it. (From Jin Yong's "The Return of the Condor Hero")
Cloud Country Array Locks
Su Banpiao set up the Eight Trigrams Formation on the mountain, using twelve small red flags as the Twelve Flag Gates. The power was immense. Those trapped inside, if they touched the "Life" Gate, could still escape with their lives; but if they touched the "Death" Gate, there would be no chance of survival. Su Banpiao disdained to fight against Chu Qiuyang and Liu Yingqi, so he lured them into the formation, intending to trap them to death. (From Xiao Yi's "Tian Long Di Hu")
Naked Lady Sword Formation
A knife formation consisting of two beautiful girls who have practiced the Naked Lady Knife Method. The Naked Lady Knife Method uses color to confuse the enemy, disrupting their mind and body, and then quickly kills them with a swift knife. The Wandering Swordsman Long Chengbiao once used the Dragon Heart Divine Technique to easily break through the Naked Lady Knife Formation. (See Jin Yong's "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer")
Inversion of the Eight Gates Formation
This is a kind of profound formation. This formation is set according to the Bagua Yi Li and Yin Yang Wu Xing Sheng Ke theory. Because it goes against common sense, this formation is very mysterious. Those who don't understand this formation will get lost as if they are in a thick fog when they walk into it, no matter how hard they try to look around. (From Dongfang Yu's "Fan Gongzi")
