[Chapter 279: Formation of the Spirit Gathering Array]
Over the next four days, Linton spent the days with the three women, going out to enjoy the snow and the scenery, while the nights were reserved for different type of playing. After midnight, while everyone else was asleep, he used the Underground Movement Technique to travel underground and set up the formation.
Based on the layout and terrain of the farm, Linton positioned the core of the Spirit Gathering Array near a small lake in the center of the farm. The terrain there was flat with a small river connecting the lake to a larger river, making it perfect for building a garden.
Once the Spirit Gathering Array was complete, it would gather the spiritual energy from all areas of the farm into an area of 4,000 acres centered on the small lake. This meant that a total of 4,000 acres would have enhanced spiritual energy.
Naturally, the closer to the formation's core, the stronger the concentration. According to Linton's plan, this 4,000-acre expanse would no longer be used for ordinary crops but carefully planned for special purposes.
Within the central 200-acre plot, he intended to build a grand landscape garden inspired by the famous Italian Renaissance Gardens like Villa Lante, to serve as his primary residence and training ground. Although his training mainly relied on popularity, being in a place rich with energy would definitely boost his ability.
It would also become the residence for his descendants, where the family could grow and thrive. Once the garden was complete, Linton planned to settle down, start a family, and establish his lineage.
Surrounding the garden, another 200 acres would be set aside for a supporting township to house family staff and farm workers within the array's reach. Additionally, he would build 30 standard villa-style homes where each of his women could pick a place to accommodate their parents and families.
Beyond that, the land would be dedicated to growing various grains and fruit orchards, along with a pasture for cattle and sheep. Even though the plants and livestock were ordinary, growing in soil enriched with this concentrated energy would make their quality and effects far superior.
There would also be medicinal herbs garden, small tea and coffee plantations, etc.
In this way, his family's descendants would live in a place abundant with vitality and nourishment, eating and drinking food cultivated from energy-rich soil. It would be hard not to be healthy, sharp-minded, and to live a long life.
This place would become the family's foundation and sacred homeland.
Of course, before Linton's Starlight Spark fully developed, all produce -- grains, fruits, meat, and processed goods -- would be strictly controlled from leaving the farm. A food processing facility would also be built since they wouldn't consume all the produce fresh. Special attention would be given to storage-friendly products, especially various types of fine wines that improve with age.
As for the cold climate, it wasn't an issue. Once the garden was established, Linton could deploy a simple weather control array, capable of adjusting local weather within a small area.
Another reason for choosing that spot as the formation's core was its distance -- a perfect 1.5 miles -- from the Iron Tower. The tower was just outside the coverage of the Spirit Gathering Array, a deliberate choice made when building the lightning protection array to avoid interference.
Since Linton's Thuder Trial was impossible to hide, it definitely drew attention from many factions. And as expected, after the trial, multiple forces flocked to investigate.
Many groups could be kept at bay, but the National Weather Service's expert team couldn't be rejected. Though the recent Black Tigers Gang attack temporarily drove them away, they were bound to return. Yet, without enough benefits, they wouldn't have much to gain.
Once the Spirit Gathering Array was complete, the land under the Iron Tower would be no different from ordinary soil. They could research and probe all they wanted but would come away with nothing.
...
For four consecutive nights, Linton carefully placed the crystals on all the nodes of the formation, leaving only the core node unfinished.
In the early hours of the fifth night, he again traveled underground to the formation's core. After meticulously checking each crystal's arrangement with his spiritual sight, he planted the largest crystal -- about 220 pounds -- right at the core.
Next came the infusion of his power to activate the array.
With Linton's power output, invisible channels of aura energy formed underground, gradually creating a vast network spanning the entire farm. After more than two hours, half his power was spent, but the network was complete.
A booming sound echoed in the spiritual realm, signaling the array's full activation. Despite being seven meters underground, Linton sensed a slight flow of air -- the energy from the perimeter was already gathering toward the center.
From that moment, this land became a unique place rich with concentrated spiritual energy. Even a faint presence would bring endless benefits.
A lasting family legacy foundation was finally established.
Linton couldn't help but feel excited.
...
After finishing the array, Linton quickly returned to the villa and took a bath to clean himslef.
Feeling this joyous, he needed to find someone to celebrate with. Luckily, three beautiful women were right nearby. As he gently released his power, the trio awoke quickly.
A thrilling and intimate celebration began, accompanied by joyful, sweet melodies.
...
During these four days, Linton and the three women enjoyed a blissful vacation in the secluded countryside of Montana, but outside, a media storm continued to intensify.
However, the narrative had shifted to collectively condemning the National Weather Service and the FBI for corruption and inaction. Despite over 200 casualties in a major case, there was no progress.
Linton, along with Jennifer, Winona, and Catherine, finally emerged from the whirlwind of public opinion.
Interestingly, with the continuous winter storms, their scandalous rumors, and the armed assailant attacks, Linton's popularity surged dramatically. His fan base grew not only in numbers but also in loyalty.
Jennifer, Winona, and Catherine also overcame initial crises, turning their fortunes around. Their popularity increased as fan defections reversed, and loyalty grew.
As for the loyalty of fans, there was no way to test it for the time being because there was no fan club organization and no Internet tools of later generations.
*****
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