The Quest for Immortality - Chapter 346 (Patreon)

Chapter 346: Teaching

"Sir, are there any array masters who can create a First Grade array at the First Grade of Qi Refining?" Mo Hua couldn't help but ask.

Mr. Zhuang responded lightly, "Of course there are. Otherwise, I wouldn't have you learn it."

"Oh, right."

Mo Hua realized and nodded.

Mr. Zhuang spoke earnestly:

"The cultivation world has flourished for over twenty thousand years, with countless cultivators and geniuses of all kinds. Though rare, there are always cultivators who can construct a First Grade array even at the Qi Refining stage."

Hearing this, Mo Hua reflected seriously:

"Sir, I understand! There's always someone better, countless extraordinary cultivators in the world. I must always maintain respect and humility to keep progressing in array techniques."

"I'm just lucky to have Foundation Building-level spiritual sense at the Qi Refining stage. Even if I can draw an array, I'm far from being a true prodigy..."

Mr. Zhuang's eyelids twitched.

No... having Foundation Building spiritual sense at the Qi Refining stage is already remarkable.

Being able to create a First Grade array makes you even more extraordinary.

If you can truly create an array, it's not that you're far behind others, but that others are far behind you...

After all, being able to construct a First Grade array and actually doing it is extremely rare.

One needs not only the ability but also financial resources, manpower, and the right opportunity.

He had only seen such cases in sect records and cultivation tales.

In reality, he had never met an array master who could truly achieve this.

Mr. Zhuang intended to encourage Mo Hua to stay humble and avoid arrogance.

But now it seemed, this child, Mo Hua, might be too humble...

However, humility towards the Dao and arrays is always good. Mr. Zhuang didn't reveal his thoughts and instead nodded approvingly:

"It's good that you think this way."

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

He thought that the path of arrays was indeed endless, and he needed to work harder.

Even if he couldn't match other array geniuses, he couldn't lag too far behind, lest he disgrace Mr. Zhuang as his unofficial disciple.

He must learn the grand array!

Mr. Zhuang sensed Mo Hua's determination and felt both comforted and emotional.

If Mo Hua could maintain this humble pursuit of the Dao, his future achievements in arrays might be truly terrifying...

"What kind of unofficial disciple have I accepted..."

Mr. Zhuang's feelings were complex, but he quickly composed himself and continued teaching Mo Hua about grand arrays.

"A First Grade grand array starts with ten-pattern spiritual sense, meaning you must have Foundation Building spiritual sense to learn a First Grade grand array."

"But ten-pattern spiritual sense is the requirement for array masters. Ordinary cultivators, who don't study arrays or master spiritual sense techniques, typically have spiritual sense between nine and ten patterns after Foundation Building."

"Stronger than a typical nine-pattern Foundation Building, but still short of ten patterns."

"Ordinary array masters are the same. After Foundation Building, they need time to enhance their spiritual sense and learn Second Grade arrays."

"So, usually, it's said that only Second Grade array masters can learn a First Grade grand array."

Mr. Zhuang paused, his gaze focused, and said, "Such transcendent arrays are generally called Absolute Arrays in array studies."

"Meaning arrays that can serve as the ultimate skill of a sect, or those extremely difficult to master, with nearly extinct legacies."

"The Reverse Spirit Array you're learning is an Absolute Array."

"A grand array, due to its complex spiritual sense requirements and extensive array knowledge, is also an Absolute Array."

"But because of its massive scale and long-lasting benefits, once completed, it can benefit cultivators for hundreds or even thousands of years. To highlight its importance, it's called a 'grand array' instead of an Absolute Array."

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

Single array, composite array, grand array, riddle array, illusion array, Absolute Array...

Array researchers really like creating all these confusing names...

Though proficient in arrays and able to distinguish them, he couldn't help but complain inwardly.

Mr. Zhuang gently tapped Mo Hua's head, "What are you thinking?"

His eyes sparkled, clearly harboring some inner complaints.

Mo Hua quickly shook his head, "Nothing!" Then hastily changed the subject, asking:

"Sir, does this mean that Second Grade array masters find learning a First Grade grand array easier?"

Mr. Zhuang shook his head, "Not that easy."

"Isn't spiritual sense sufficient?"

"Spiritual sense is just the threshold. Without sufficient spiritual sense, you don't even qualify to step through the door," Mr. Zhuang explained:

"But having enough spiritual sense is just one step. Truly mastering a grand array, constructing it, and skillfully using it is far more challenging."

"Are there additional requirements for spiritual sense usage?" Mo Hua asked again.

"Not just spiritual sense usage," Mr. Zhuang sighed slightly, "A grand array is too complex, involving many single arrays. It requires detailed observation of the relationships between arrays, such as compatibility, opening and closing, and the flow of spiritual power."

"Proficient spiritual sense usage, strong control, and preferably some understanding of spiritual sense calculations are needed..."

"Grand arrays of the same type are typically the culmination of that array type. In other words, array masters who can create grand arrays are also those who have mastered that type of array thoroughly!"

Mr. Zhuang looked at Mo Hua, "Now do you understand?"

"I understand, sir."

Mo Hua nodded.

He then thought seriously and asked, "What you described sounds like me?"

Mr. Zhuang was momentarily stunned, then laughed, instinctively ruffling Mo Hua's hair:

"Be modest."

"Oh." Mo Hua smiled sheepishly.

Mr. Zhuang sighed inwardly.

Mo Hua wasn't wrong; he was indeed suited for learning grand arrays.

His spiritual sense foundation was strong, his usage was proficient, and his control was sensitive.

In terms of arrays, Mo Hua had drawn the Five Elements Arrays countless times, thoroughly mastering them.

He had also dabbled in architectural composite arrays from artifact crafting and pill refining, achieving a deep understanding.

Considering all these factors, when Mo Hua sought to learn grand arrays, Mr. Zhuang didn't refuse but pointed out the challenges, asking him to reconsider.

Because Mo Hua truly had the potential to learn grand arrays.

If he didn't try, Mr. Zhuang would feel it was a pity, even regrettable.

But grand arrays were not simple, and this was just the beginning.

Mr. Zhuang unfolded ten jade slips:

"These are the grand arrays I will teach you!"

"These ten jade slips cover the principles of array eyes, the structure of array hubs, the distribution of array patterns, the construction of array mediums, and the compatibility and cost estimation of single arrays."

"This array is a trapping and killing type, utilizing the Five Elements' mutual generation and restriction to trap enemies and eliminate powerful foes with the attacking arrays within the grand array!"

"Among Five Elements grand arrays, this array excels in offensive capabilities, enough to deal with Feng Xi."

Mr. Zhuang handed the jade slips to Mo Hua.

Mo Hua received them and immersed his spiritual sense into the slips, immediately seeing the powerful characters:

Five Elements Demon-Slaying Grand Array!

The characters were vigorous and forceful, exuding a killing aura.

Mo Hua's heart tightened, and he carefully put away the jade slips.

Grand arrays were extremely precious.

Though Mr. Zhuang took them out casually, in ordinary families or sects, they could serve as ultimate skills.

Mo Hua respectfully bowed to Mr. Zhuang.

He was grateful for Mr. Zhuang's teaching and for his efforts for the independent cultivators in Tongxian City.

Mr. Zhuang seemed to understand Mo Hua's thoughts and shook his head slightly:

"Don't think too much. I came here, and disaster struck, creating karma. Within my abilities, I won't stand by idly."

After speaking, Mr. Zhuang waved his hand, "Go back and study well. Come to me if you have questions."

"Yes, sir!"

Mo Hua respectfully bowed again and then took his leave.

Mr. Zhuang's gaze followed Mo Hua's figure until it disappeared into the mountains. He remained lost in thought for a while before frowning and asking:

"Do you think he can learn it?"

There was no sound or response in the room.

Mr. Zhuang sighed, "The Grand Elder has already calculated for me, you can't escape either. Pretending to be dead won't work."

Elder Gui appeared and shook his head:

"You'll get yourself killed sooner or later. To avoid being dragged down by you, I want to stay away."

Mr. Zhuang said helplessly, "You're already far away, how much further do you want to hide?"

Elder Gui remained silent.

Mr. Zhuang then returned to the previous question, "Do you think Mo Hua can learn the grand array?"

Elder Gui glanced at Mr. Zhuang, "You're the array master, not me. I can't guess."

"How do you think his array drawing is?"

"Very good."

Mr. Zhuang suggested, "I'm already a cripple. Why don't you take him back? Given time, he might help you."

Elder Gui was clearly tempted but still shook his head, "His level is too low, too long to wait."

"You can teach him slowly."

"I don't know arrays, how can I teach?"

"You can invite an array master."

Elder Gui said flatly, "Don't push your own matters onto me."

Mr. Zhuang's intentions were exposed, and he sighed.

After a moment, Elder Gui frowned and asked:

"If you want to teach him the grand array, just teach him. Why waste time making him think it over?"

Mr. Zhuang was silent for a long

 time, his gaze obscure, then slowly spoke, as if to Elder Gui, yet also to himself:

"Only in the face of great disasters can a cultivator understand their true heart."

"Only by making choices between right and wrong can they solidify their Dao heart."

"If one doesn't establish and solidify their Dao heart from the beginning, they'll unknowingly deviate further. Even if they achieve success, they'll ultimately be completely at odds with the path to longevity."

A trace of self-mockery and sadness appeared on Mr. Zhuang's face.

"The mistakes I've made, I don't want him to repeat..."

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