Portal Array Quick Start
Fastest route to activate every Portal Array node introduced in 0.13.29-test, plus cost-management tips and tier-gate order.
Why the Portal Array Matters
The Portal Array is the most important fast-travel tool for early adventurers. Without it, walking every leg of the world map takes more than four hours of normal play. With it, the same journey takes 30 seconds. Unlocking it early dramatically accelerates farming, realm runs, and merchant trade.
STEP 1 — Qi Refining Nodes (12)
The main quest naturally flows past all 12 nodes. Recommended order:
- Village — already unlocked.
- Market town — unlocked via quest "Road to the City".
- Spirit herb garden entrance — side-quest branch.
- Smithy settlement — early equipment merchant.
- Qi Refining dojo (4 nodes) — covers the four dojos.
- Three realm entrances — Green Forest, White Valley, Red Cavern.
STEP 2 — Foundation Breakthrough and Greater Steles
After completing the main quest "Heart Sea Breakthrough" and reaching Foundation Building, an additional 22 nodes unlock. Five county capitals, twelve major realm entrances, and five sect entrances. Total Lingshi cost is roughly 350.
STEP 3 — Core Formation and Supreme Steles
After Core Formation, an additional 28 nodes appear. Six sect headquarters, fourteen deep-realm entrances, and eight hidden hamlets. Four of these are discovery-only — no quest marker, only a faint map icon — so exploration is required.
STEP 4 — Nascent Soul and End-game Steles
Nascent Soul breakthrough unlocks 8 of the remaining 16 nodes immediately. The other 8 sit around the final dungeon "Heavenly Gate" and must be activated individually. Total cost exceeds 1,200 Lingshi.
STEP 5 — End-game 8 Nodes
Once you reach end-game, activate the final 8. They are tied to your cultivation tier, so high-tier loot and artifacts cluster around them.
Cost-Management Tips
- Merchant batches: every stele merchant sells Lingshi in 25/50/100 lots.
- Night camp: Lingshi farming is 2x efficient while camped at night.
- Tier-locked pricing: steles at or below your tier are always the cheapest option.
Common Errors
- "Gate Sealed": tier gate not broken yet — complete the corresponding breakthrough first.
- "Insufficient Lingshi": top up at a merchant or camp overnight.
- "In Combat": wait 0.5 s then re-cast.
Portal Array and Other Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does full activation take?
About four hours for active players, following the optimal no-detour route across all 86 steles.
Is there a cost after activation?
Yes. Activation is 100 Lingshi; subsequent transfers cost Lingshi per distance and tier.
What does a transfer merchant do?
They repair, temper, and sell Lingshi in small lots.
Does the order of activation matter?
Yes — tier gates exist, so unlocking in breakthrough order is the most efficient path.