Immortality Through Array Formations

Chapter 347 - 346 Teaching_1

”Mr. Zhuang, is there a Formation Master who can draw a First-Grade Large Formation just because he’s at the First-Grade realm?” Mo Hua couldn’t help but ask.

Mr. Zhuang said lightly, ”Of course there are, otherwise I wouldn’t have allowed you to learn.”

”Oh, right.”

Mo Hua realized, nodding his head.

Mr. Zhuang spoke earnestly and sincerely:

”For over twenty thousand years, the Cultivation World has thrived, with countless cultivators beyond measure and numerous talents of all kinds. It’s rare, but there are indeed Qi Refinement practitioners who can construct First-Grade Large Formations.”

Upon hearing this, Mo Hua pondered seriously:

”Mr. Zhuang, I understand! There are always people better than oneself, and the world is full of astonishing talents. I must always be wary and remain humble to continue improving in Formation Study.”

”I’m merely a Qi Refinement practitioner who was lucky to attain a Foundation Establishment Divine Sense. Even if I can draw Large Formations, I’m still far behind the true favored children of heaven...”

Mr. Zhuang’s eyelids twitched upon hearing this.

No... Having a Foundation Establishment Divine Sense during the Qi Refinement Realm already makes one an astonishing genius.

Being able to draw a First-Grade Large Formation is even more exceptional than those favored by heaven.

If you really can draw a Large Formation, it’s not that you are far behind others, but rather others are far behind you...

After all, a Formation Master who can initiate and actually construct a First-Grade Large Formation is truly a rare treasure.

They need not only capability but also financial resources and manpower, as well as fortunate timing and the opportunity to construct a First-Grade Large Formation.

Such cases, he had only seen recorded in the Sect’s archives and heard about in tales from the Cultivation World.

In reality, he had never once seen a Formation Master who could seize the right time, place, and people to accomplish this.

Mr. Zhuang’s original intention was to encourage Mo Hua to stay humble and not become arrogant and complacent.

But now it seemed that Mo Hua was being a little too modest...

However, being slightly more humble with regard to the Heavenly Dao and Formations is always a good thing, so naturally, Mr. Zhuang wasn’t going to point it out. He pretended to be calm and nodded in approval:

”It’s good that you can think this way.”

Encouraged by Mr. Zhuang, Mo Hua felt greatly inspired.

He thought to himself that Formation Study truly was boundless, and he needed to work even harder.

Even if he couldn’t match other Formation Geniuses, the gap couldn’t be too great, or he would lose the face of being Mr. Zhuang’s registered disciple.

He must learn to construct Large Formations!

From the look in Mo Hua’s eyes, Mr. Zhuang could sense his thoughts, feeling both gratified and emotional for a moment.

If he maintained this humble attitude towards seeking the Dao, Mo Hua’s future achievements in Formations could indeed be frightening...

”What kind of registered disciple did I take on after all...”

Mr. Zhuang felt a complex mix of emotions. Then, setting his thoughts aside, he continued to explain Large Formations to Mo Hua.

”A First-Grade Large Formation starts at the threshold of ten divine sense Patterns, meaning one must have a Foundation Establishment Divine Sense to learn to construct a First-Grade Large Formation.”

”But First Grade and ten patterns, with a Foundation Establishment Divine Sense, is actually the requirement for a Formation Master. Ordinary cultivators, who don’t study Formations, who don’t specialize in the manipulation of Divine Sense, after breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Stage, their Divine Sense is roughly between nine and ten patterns.”

”Much stronger than the nine patterns of the Foundation Establishment Stage, but still a little short of ten patterns.”

”The same goes for ordinary Formation Masters. After achieving Foundation Establishment, they still need time to strengthen their Divine Sense and learn Second-Grade Formations.”

”So the usual saying isn’t that one needs to reach Foundation Establishment to learn how to construct a First-Grade Large Formation, but rather that only a true Second-Grade Formation Master can learn to construct a First-Grade Large Formation.”

Mr. Zhuang paused, his gaze becoming intense: ”These above-grade Formations are generally referred to as ’Ultimate Formations’ in the academic world of Formations.”

”Meaning a Formation that could serve as a Sect’s Ultimate Technique, or one that is extremely difficult to learn, with nearly forbidden inheritance.”

”The Reversed Spirit Formation you are learning is an Ultimate Formation.”

”Since a Large Formation’s demands on Divine Sense exceed the grade, and the Formation knowledge surpasses the outline, it is also regarded as an Ultimate Formation.”

”However, because a Large Formation is vast in scale and long-lasting, once established, cultivators can benefit from it for hundreds or even thousands of years, with profound significance. Thus, to emphasize its importance, it is given a distinct name and called a ’Large Formation,’ not an Ultimate Formation.”

Mo Hua nodded, silently counting the Formation concepts he knew:

Single Formation, Compound Formation, Large Formation, Mystery Formation, Illusion Array, Ultimate Formation...

Those who study Formation Theory really like to make up all these complicated names...

Though Mo Hua was an expert in Formations and could distinguish between them clearly, he still couldn’t help but internally complain.

Mr. Zhuang gently tapped Mo Hua’s head, ”What are you thinking about?”

Your eyes are twinkling; it’s clear you’re criticizing something in your mind.”

Mo Hua quickly shook his head, ”Not at all!” then hurriedly changed the subject, asking:

”Mr. Zhuang, so does that mean it might be a bit easier for a Second-Grade Formation Master to learn a First-Grade Large Formation?”

Mr. Zhuang shook his head: ”It’s not that easy.”

”Isn’t Divine Sense enough?”

”Divine Sense is just a threshold. Without sufficient Divine Sense, one doesn’t even qualify to step through this door,” Mr. Zhuang explained:

”But having enough Divine Sense is just planting one foot inside the threshold. To truly learn, construct, and utilize a Large Formation, and to master it thoroughly, there’s still a long way to go.”

”Are there other requirements for Divine Sense manipulation?” Mo Hua asked further.

”It’s not just about the manipulation of Divine Sense,” said Mr. Zhuang with a slight sigh, ”Large Formations are too complex, involving too many Single Formations. One needs to observe meticulously the relationship between Formation Patterns and the effects of generation and restriction of Spiritual Power, opening and closing, along with other dynamics.”

”The use of Divine Sense must be skilled, the control of Divine Sense strong, and it’s best to master some Divine Sense Calculation...”

”Large Formations of the same type are usually the culmination of that category of Formation. In other words, a Formation Master who can construct a Large Formation is also one who has mastered a category of Formation to the point of thorough familiarity and integration, a comprehensive Formation Master!”

Mr. Zhuang looked at Mo Hua and said, ”Do you understand now?”

”I understand, Mr. Zhuang.”

Mo Hua nodded his head.

Then he pondered seriously for a moment and voiced his doubt, ”The kind of Formation Master you describe... seems like it’s me?”

Mr. Zhuang was slightly startled, and couldn’t help but chuckle as he instinctively ruffled Mo Hua’s hair:

”Be a little more modest.”

”Oh.” Mo Hua smiled sheepishly.

Mr. Zhuang sighed inwardly.

Actually, what Mo Hua had said wasn’t wrong; he was indeed very suitable for learning Large Formations.

He had a deep foundation in Divine Sense, was adept in its application, and had a sensitive control over it.

In Formation Study, Mo Hua had drawn the Five Elements Formation countless times and could truly say he had mastered it.

He had also dabbled in Compound Formations within the realms of Artifact Refining and Alchemy, achieving a level of integration.

Taking all these into account, when Mo Hua approached Mr. Zhuang wishing to study Large Formations, Mr. Zhuang did not refuse him but clarified the pros and cons, allowing him to return and consider it.

Because Mo Hua truly possessed the capital to study Large Formations.

If he didn’t attempt to learn Large Formations, even Mr. Zhuang would feel it a pity, to the point of harboring regret.

But mastering Large Formations wasn’t so simple, and this was only the beginning.

Mr. Zhuang brought out a set of ten Jade Slips, unfolding them in sequence:

”These are the Large Formations I want to teach you!”

”These ten Jade Slips encompass the principles of the formation eye, the structure of the Formation Pivot, the distribution of the Formation Patterns, the construction of the Formation media, as well as the compatibility of Single Formations and cost estimation, among others.”

”This Formation is a trapping and killing type of Great Formation, which uses the power of the Five Elements Generation and Restraint to trap enemies and employs the Formation’s offensive formations to annihilate formidable foes!”

”Among the Five Elements-based Great Formations, this set of Formations is particularly renowned for its offensive capabilities, sufficient to deal with Feng Xi.”

Mr. Zhuang handed over the Jade Slips to Mo Hua.

Accepting them, Mo Hua’s Divine Sense plunged into the Jade Slips, and what met his eyes were the strong and vigorous characters:

Five Elements Slaughter Demon Great Formation!

The writing was as sharp as a hooked silver spike exuding an aura of slaughter.

Mo Hua felt a chill in his heart and carefully stored the Jade Slips.

Large Formations were extremely precious forms of Formations.

Though Mr. Zhuang had casually presented them, these Jade Slips would be considered Ultimate Techniques capable of sustaining a Sect or Clan.

With utmost respect, Mo Hua gave Mr. Zhuang a deep bow.

It was a gesture of thanks for Mr. Zhuang’s teachings and gratitude for all he had done for the Loose Cultivators of Tongxian City.

Mr. Zhuang seemed to discern Mo Hua’s thoughts and shook his head slightly:

”Don’t think too much. Since I have come here, and calamity has arisen in this place, there is causation involved. Within my means, I will not stand idly by.”

Having said that, Mr. Zhuang waved his hand and added, ”You go back first. Study well, and if you encounter any problems, come to find me.”

”Yes, sir!”

Mo Hua bowed again with great respect before rising and taking his leave.

Mr. Zhuang’s gaze followed Mo Hua’s receding figure, extending into the distance.

Even as Mo Hua’s figure disappeared into the mountain landscape, Mr. Zhuang remained lost in thought, and after a long while, he frowned and asked:

”Do you think he can learn it?”

There was no sound in the room, nor did anyone answer.

Mr. Zhuang spoke helplessly: ”The Pavilion Elder has already calculated my end, you can’t escape it either, playing dead is useless.”

Old Kui revealed himself, shaking his head:

”You will end up bringing about your own demise sooner or later. To avoid being implicated by you, I want to hide further away.”

Mr. Zhuang responded in disbelief: ”You’re not even here; you’re already hiding far enough. How much further do you want to go?”

Old Kui remained silent.

Mr. Zhuang then repeated his earlier question, ”Do you think Mo Hua can learn the Great Formation?”

Old Kui gave Mr. Zhuang a faint look and replied, ”You are a Formation Master, I am not. I cannot guess.”

”Then what do you think of the boy’s Formation paintings?”

”Very good.”

Mr. Zhuang suggested: ”I’m already a broken man. Why not take him with you? Give it some time, and maybe he could be useful to you.”

Old Kui seemed somewhat tempted but still shook his head, ”His cultivation level is too low, it’s too long a journey.”

”He can be taught gradually.”

”I don’t know Formations. How could I teach him?”

”You could hire a Formation Master to teach him.”

Old Kui said indifferently: ”Don’t push your responsibilities onto me.”

Mr. Zhuang, having his thoughts exposed, sighed.

After a moment, Old Kui frowned and inquired:

”If you wanted to teach him the Great Formation, just teach him. Why make the extra effort, waste time to have him think it over?”

Mr. Zhuang was silent for a long time, his expression inscrutable. Then he slowly began to speak, as if addressing Old Kui yet also speaking to himself:

”Only in the face of true catastrophe can a Cultivator realize their true heart.”

”Only by making choices in significant matters can one firm their Taoist Heart.”

”If one doesn’t establish and strengthen their Taoist Heart from the beginning, they will unwittingly stray further and further from the path, and no matter how successful they become, they will ultimately deviate completely from the Longevity Road.”

A trace of self-mockery and loss appeared on Mr. Zhuang’s face.

”The mistakes I’ve made... I don’t want him to go through them a second time...”