Chapter 352: Gathering Resources
Chapter 352: Gathering Resources
Mo Hua had tried it before. The collapse of the replicated array generated a reverse spiritual energy explosion that could injure the beast, Feng Xi.
However, Feng Xi's blood energy was too strong, and its regenerative abilities were rapid. A small-scale collapse was not enough to destroy it. Still, a large-scale array collapse would be an entirely different matter.
If the grand array were to be completely collapsed, just how powerful would the resulting force be...
Mo Hua tried to imagine it and couldn't help but feel a sense of dread in his heart.
It would be best if it didn't come to that...
Constructing a grand array would require painstaking effort and countless resources. Mo Hua was reluctant to go to such extremes.
However, when he had the time, he would use his divine sense to calculate and simulate the grand array, preparing in advance.
Even if it wasn't used for collapse, utilizing divine sense to enhance his understanding of the grand array would be immensely beneficial.
After all, the opportunity to create a grand array was a once-in-a-millennium occurrence.
With the agreement of the three parties—the Daoting Court, the Daobing Court, and Elder Yu—the decision to construct the grand array and subdue Feng Xi was officially announced to the cultivators of Tongxian City.
The cultivators of Tongxian City had mixed reactions.
Some cultivators from minor families, doubtful of the array's success and unwilling to participate in its construction, packed their bags and left discreetly in the night.
Those with wealth or special statuses had also prepared their escape routes and naturally wouldn't stay in Tongxian City to take the risk.
There were also rogue cultivators who thought that building a grand array was a pipe dream, so they quietly slipped away to seek their fortunes elsewhere.
Any cultivator or faction with connections and alternative paths chose to leave or disperse.
In contrast, the vast majority of rogue cultivators and almost all the demon hunters chose to stay.
They had lived in Tongxian City for generations, born and raised there. They had celebrated births, marriages, and the joy and sorrows of life within its walls. Their lives were intricately tied to the city.
It was hard for them to leave their homeland. As long as there was a glimmer of hope, they would fight for it.
Having gone through so much, they trusted Elder Yu, and even more so, they believed in Mo Hua.
A significant part of their current lives was due to Mo Hua's arrays.
Now that Mo Hua wanted to build a grand array, they wanted to lend him their support.
Moreover, this grand array was being built for their own protection.
In addition, most of the refiners stayed, led by Master Chen, while on the alchemists' side, Old Man Feng had the final say, and most of them wanted to stay and contribute.
Mo Hua felt a surge of emotion.
At this critical juncture, the "elite" cultivators of Tongxian City had mostly abandoned the city to flee,
while the lower-class cultivators, who had endured hardships in the city, were doing their utmost to protect it...
However, it didn't matter much that some cultivators had fled.
With most rogue cultivators remaining, there was a sufficient manpower base to construct the grand array.
Building the grand array required constructing array mediums, and for that, craftsmen were needed. Elder Yu went to invite Master Ban.
Without hesitation, Master Ban agreed.
He had received Elder Yu's kindness and Mo Hua's generosity, and he was in awe of Mo Hua's array skills.
This was a chance to reciprocate, and he didn't need to think twice about it.
Moreover, this was a grand array they were talking about.
In his entire life, Master Ban, along with all the craftsmen he knew, had never built a grand array. Naturally, he was curious to witness it.
Master Ban marveled in his heart:
"This is a grand undertaking. If we truly succeed in constructing the grand array, it will be a historic event in the state, something to boast about for generations to come."
The group of craftsmen under Master Ban nodded in agreement.
With the manpower issue resolved, the next step was to gather spirit stones and resources.
Elder Yu donated most of the demon hunters' earnings, including the spiritual mines they had seized, the profits from the refining and pill shops over time, and even some of his own wealth.
Other rogue cultivators also contributed varying amounts of spirit stones, leaving only a small portion for their basic cultivation needs.
Mo Shan donated as well, and Liu Ruhua gave most of the spirit stones she had saved since opening her restaurant, though she felt a bit reluctant.
After all, these spirit stones were meant for Mo Hua's future cultivation, purchasing a cave abode, and finding a dao companion.
But now, with Mo Hua leading the construction of the grand array, these spirit stones would be used according to his intentions.
Mo Hua also donated the 10,000 spirit stones Elder Yu had given him before, but Elder Yu refused to accept them.
Elder Yu glared at him and said, "Don't join in on this!"
"I want to build the grand array, so I should also contribute some spirit stones," Mo Hua said.
"We don't need your meager amount," Elder Yu refused bluntly.
Ten thousand spirit stones... Could that even be considered a small amount?
"But..."
Before Mo Hua could say more, Elder Yu interrupted him, "These are for your Foundation Establishment. Whether or not the grand array is successful, and whether or not we can kill Feng Xi, you must not neglect your cultivation."
Elder Yu's tone turned solemn as he said, "Your Foundation Establishment is of utmost importance!"
"But we have to get past this immediate hurdle first..."
"Whether or not we overcome this obstacle, you must establish your foundation!" Elder Yu repeated.
Seeing that Mo Hua still wanted to argue, Elder Yu sighed,
"If you truly feel indebted, then help us out when you've established your foundation and become a second-grade array master, and have the capability to do so."
"A second-grade array master's word carries immense weight. By then, whatever you do will be much easier."
Mo Hua nodded. Elder Yu was right, but he didn't know that the success or failure of the grand array was equally important to him.
Elder Yu sighed and reluctantly accepted them. Then, when Mo Hua wasn't paying attention, he quickly stuffed them back into Mo Hua's pocket.
"Alright, now that you've donated, I'll give them back to you."
Mo Hua couldn't help but feel amused.
"How can an array master draw formations without proper compensation?" Elder Yu said with a straight face, "Keep them safe."
Knowing Elder Yu's stubborn personality, Mo Hua had no choice but to accept.
The collection of spirit stones proceeded as planned, but it was clear that relying solely on the demon hunters and rogue cultivators was far from sufficient.
So Mo Hua went to find Zhou, the Chief Administrator.
Zhou stroked his beard and suggested two approaches: "First, I can petition the Daoting Court for more spirit stones and resources, citing disaster relief and the relocation of the city, as well as the scarcity of spirit stones..."
"Why not just say it's for building the grand array?" Mo Hua asked, puzzled.
"If I mention the grand array, there's no way they'll approve it," Zhou replied.
Mo Hua paused, and Zhou explained further:
"If I say we're building a grand array, the Daoting Court won't believe it, and they definitely won't approve it. Tongxian City is just a small immortal city, and we don't even have many first-grade array masters, let alone the resources to build a grand array."
"Even if they believe us and want to approve it, they'll still send people to investigate."
"The Daoting Court is bloated with bureaucracy and conflicting interests. Without anyone to pull strings for us, who knows how much time will be wasted."
"Moreover, the amount of cultivation resources needed for a grand array is like a bottomless pit, and the Daoting Court may not be willing to spare that much."
"It's better to find a known and reliable reason to request a batch of resources. Whatever we get will be helpful, and we won't be at a loss even if it's a small amount. As for the bulk of the spirit stones, we'll need to think of another way."
Mo Hua asked curiously, "What other method is there?"
Zhou stroked his beard, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth, "Take a guess."
Mo Hua thought for a moment and carefully replied, "The Qian family?"
Zhou nodded, "Indeed. The Qian family has a deep foundation, and due to the actions of the Qian family's elder, most of their wealth can't be considered cleanly obtained."
"Are you suggesting we confiscate the Qian family's property?"
Zhou shook his head, "Not yet. Given the urgency of the situation, as long as the Qian family donates their wealth, we can turn a blind eye to the fact that their elder built Black Mountain Village and colluded with evil cultivators."
Zhou continued coldly, "Ultimately, the blame for the Feng Xi incident lies with the Qian family's elder. If he hadn't used humans for refining pills and this demon boar as a pill furnace, we wouldn't be facing such a major catastrophe."
"Now, we're giving the Qian family a chance to atone for their crimes. I hope they won't fail to appreciate this opportunity..."
Mo Hua nodded and added, "Then I'll go and talk to Old Man An as well, to see if he's willing to donate."
The An family was the second largest family in Tongxian City and also had a significant number of spirit stones.
Zhou hesitated, "The An family is straightforward in their business dealings, and asking them to donate their family fortune... Old Man An may not agree."
"How will we know if we don't try? What if Old Man An turns out to be magnanimous and charitable?" Mo Hua said.
Zhou pulled at his mouth, clearly skeptical, but he agreed, "You can go and try."
Mo Hua went to find Old Man An, and without beating around the bush, he got straight to the point:
"Old Man An, we're planning to build a grand array. Are you willing to donate some spirit stones?"
Old Man An's expression remained unchanged, and he replied calmly, "What if I don't want to donate?"
Mo Hua casually said, "I'm just asking. If you don't want to, then forget it. Our relationship is close enough that I won't force you."
Old Man An studied Mo Hua's expression and saw that he didn't seem displeased, so he sighed softly, realizing that he might have been overthinking things.
He had thought Mo Hua was going to use a gentle approach first before making demands.
The request for spirit stones for the grand array put their relationship in a delicate situation.
If something unexpected happened, the An family would become an obvious target for their resources.
Old Man An had lived a long life and understood that relationships between people were often shallow and fragile, while interests were cruel but enduring.
The An family had a cordial relationship with Mo Hua, but even the strongest relationship couldn't compete with the allure of spirit stones, especially since their connection with Mo Hua wasn't particularly deep.
Old Man An's expression gradually turned solemn.
He knew that Mo Hua was the decision-maker when it came to building the grand array.
Although he couldn't quite fathom how Mo Hua had convinced Elder Yu, as well as Zhou, the Chief Administrator of the Daoting Court, and Yang, the Commander of the Daobing Court, he knew it couldn't have been easy.
Building a grand array was no simple task.
Yet, Mo Hua had managed to gain their support.
Mo Hua had a unique background and a wide network of connections. Despite his young age, he had been the driving force behind many of Tongxian City's major events.
Especially now, with the city's largest forces standing behind him.
If Mo Hua wanted to make things difficult for the An family, they would face numerous challenges.
If Mo Hua insisted on the An family donating spirit stones, they would have no choice but to comply. Refusal would undoubtedly lead to unpleasant consequences.
However, if Mo Hua chose not to cause them trouble, neither the Daoting Court nor the Daobing Court, nor even the demon hunters, would pressure the An family.
For now, it seemed that Mo Hua didn't intend to make things difficult for them...
Old Man An secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but then felt a twinge of doubt, "You really don't want me to donate?"
Mo Hua corrected him, "Of course, I want your donation, but whether you do or not is entirely up to you."
Old Man An nodded, and after a moment, he tentatively asked, "What if I want to donate?"
Mo Hua's eyes lit up, and he began to lay out the prepared benefits for Old Man An, painting a rosy picture of what they could achieve together.
(End of Chapter)
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