The Quest for Immortality

”This is akin to a ’contract’ between fixed magnetic patterns and unfixed magnetic patterns, used to maintain the Secondary Thunder Flow.”

”And the traces left by the Secondary Thunder Flow are the Secondary Thunder Patterns.”

”To change magnetism with thunder means to use the Secondary Thunder Patterns to generate Secondary Thunder Flow, affecting the Yuan Magnetic Patterns, thereby altering the established magnetic laws and changing the rules of the entire Yuan Magnetic Formation...”

Mo Hua had a sudden realization, pondered for a moment, and slowly said:

”Normal Yuan Magnetic Formation Masters follow the existing Yuan Magnetic framework, constructing, using, and maintaining the Yuan Magnetic Formation.”

”But these are only things at the Yuan Magnetic level.”

”To change the rules, one must start from the ’Thunder’ level, using the Secondary Thunder Patterns to generate Secondary Thunder Flow, leveraging Thunder Magnetic Sensing to influence the underlying Magnetic Patterns.”

Elder Zheng nodded with satisfaction, ”In general, that’s the case.”

”Then how do we learn and use the Secondary Thunder Patterns?” Mo Hua asked again.

Elder Zheng shook his head.

Mo Hua was somewhat shocked, ”Can’t it be learned?”

”It’s not that it can’t be learned,” Elder Zheng said, ”it’s that you can’t learn it now. The Secondary Thunder Patterns are manifestations of the ’Thunder’ Taoist Laws, more apparent than Thunder Magnetism but still very obscure. With your Divine Sense, you likely can’t perceive it yet...”

”What if...” Mo Hua said softly, ”I can perceive it?”

Elder Zheng was momentarily stunned, his heart skipped a beat.

Can perceive it?

Even perceive the Secondary Thunder Patterns?

He was shocked, then gave Mo Hua a deep look, pondered for a while, and slowly said:

”Suppose, and I emphasize suppose, you really can perceive it...”

”Then you can seek out some real Thunder Magnetic Formations or Secondary Thunder Array Formations. Remember, they must contain ’Thunder’ and not just be simple ’Yuan Magnetic’ formations.”

”Study these Thunder Magnetic Formations extensively, practice and comprehend them. As your understanding of the Secondary Thunder Flow deepens over time, you can then attempt to utilize the Secondary Thunder Patterns to alter the Yuan Magnetic Patterns with the aid of the formations...”

After Elder Zheng finished, Mo Hua looked at him expectantly.

Understanding Mo Hua’s intent, Elder Zheng sighed, ”I do indeed have Thunder Magnetic Formations in my possession, but...”

Mo Hua felt a bit disappointed, ”Can’t they be passed on?”

”It’s not that they can’t be passed on,” Elder Zheng shook his head, ”it’s just that these formations are all of Third Grade and above. Even if I gave them to you, you wouldn’t be able to learn them.”

”Is there no Second Grade?”

”No,” Elder Zheng said, ”Yuan Magnetic Formations are fine, but Thunder Magnetic Formations are exceptionally complex and obscure. The structure of a Second Grade formation cannot contain such intricate Array Dao Laws, unless...” ṝãŊôВĘṤ

Elder Zheng hesitated to continue.

”Unless... it’s an Ultimate Formation?” Mo Hua said.

Elder Zheng was surprised, ”You even know about Ultimate Formations?”

Mo Hua nodded, ”I know a little.”

Elder Zheng sighed.

This child’s knowledge of formations is truly extensive, even knowing about Ultimate Formations...

Elder Zheng contemplated: ”A Second Grade Thunder Magnetic Ultimate Formation might indeed contain principles of the Secondary Thunder, but a Second Grade Ultimate Formation requires at least Twenty Patterns, and it still requires a Golden Core.”

Mo Hua was taken aback, ”True...”

His Divine Sense, although at the Peak of Nineteen-Pattern, is only half a step away from Twenty Patterns.

Yet, this half step seems so close yet so far, and it’s uncertain how long it will take to cross it.

Once again, he’s stuck.

Without a Golden Core, and with a Divine Sense below Twenty Patterns, he cannot learn the profound principles contained in the Thunder Magnetic Formations, nor can he use the Secondary Thunder Patterns to change the Yuan Magnetic Formation Patterns.

In other words, he cannot analyze the internal Thunder Magnetic structure of the Sect Token.

Mo Hua sighed lightly, feeling somewhat disappointed.

Seeing this, Elder Zheng comforted him, ”As I said before, this is just for you to become familiar with. Once you have a Golden Core, you can learn gradually. You’re young with great talent, there’s no need to rush.”

”Alright, Elder Zheng.”

Mo Hua nodded.

After chatting for a while longer, Mo Hua asked some other questions. As it was getting late, Elder Zheng also had to return.

However, before leaving, Elder Zheng thought for a moment and, with a solemn expression, repeatedly reminded Mo Hua:

”If one day you truly master the Thunder Magnetic Formations, there’s one thing you must remember...”

”Never publicly claim to be a ’Thunder Magnetic Formation Master,’ always say you’re a ’Yuan Magnetic Formation Master.’”

”That one word makes a world of difference.”

”If you encounter someone ignorant, who can’t distinguish these things, Thunder Magnetism and Yuan Magnetism won’t matter.”

”But if someone with intent hears it, it could reveal your true abilities and even bring great disaster.”

”A treasure can invite trouble, and that ’treasure’ might not just be an artifact, but also a spell point.”

”The overt and covert struggles between Formation Masters are many, on the surface they may appear harmonious, but beneath there’s jealousy and competition for names and profits.”

”You must be cautious, don’t flaunt your wealth, and don’t show your Dao lightly.”

Elder Zheng spoke earnestly.

Mo Hua nodded seriously, ”Predecessor, I remember everything.”

”Hmm.” Elder Zheng looked grateful.

...

After returning to the Taixu Gate, Mo Hua took out a Jade Slip, recording all the principles of the Yuan Magnetic and Thunder Magnetic Formations taught by Elder Zheng.

A good memory is no match for a written record.

It’s extremely rare for Elder Zheng to guide him in formations.

Moreover, Yuan Magnetic Formations are already obscure, missing this chance means there might not be another opportunity to seek advice in the future.

These words must be recorded and contemplated often.

After recording, Mo Hua frowned slightly.

Even after discussing with Elder Zheng, his understanding of Yuan Magnetic and Thunder Magnetic Formations is more profound, but the fundamental problem remains unsolved.

His Divine Sense is insufficient to learn Thunder Magnetic Formations.

Without learning Thunder Magnetic Formations, he cannot break the existing ’Yuan Magnetic norms,’ cannot change others’ rules, nor can he analyze the underlying formation principles of the Sect Token.