Chapter 370: Determining Quality
Chapter 370: Determining Quality
A First-Rate Twelve-Line Formation
Mo Hua was astonished. He never expected that Yan Jiaoxi's sect would possess a legacy of a first-rate formation with twelve lines.
The Reverse Spirit Formation that Mister Zhuang taught him was only a first-rate formation with ten lines.
As for the Five Elements Beast-Slaying Grand Formation, although Mister Zhuang didn't explicitly say it, Mo Hua guessed that the amount of spiritual sense required for the formation's core wouldn't exceed eleven lines.
Now, from Mo Guanshi's words, he had heard of a first-rate formation with twelve lines, and it seemed to be a single formation at that.
"The Spirit Pivot Formation..."
Mo Hua silently memorized the name and curiously asked, "Is there anything special about this formation that requires such a strong spiritual sense of twelve lines?"
Mo Guanshi shook his head with a bitter smile. "Since no one has learned it, naturally no one knows."
Mo Hua nodded and then pondered to himself, "The Spirit Pivot Formation. It doesn't sound like a Five Elements formation. With the character 'spirit' in its name, it must be related to spiritual power, and should be similar to the Gathering Spirit Formation or the Reverse Spirit Formation—a formation that gathers, scatters, or manipulates spiritual power."
"The word 'pivot' in the formation's name could either indicate that spiritual power is the pivot or that the formation's core is unique."
"Single formations usually have simple core structures, but this single formation requires twelve lines of spiritual sense. Could it be that the formation's core is exceptionally complex and unique?"
...
Mo Hua mumbled to himself as he pondered this for a while.
Mo Guanshi listened with his eyes wide and mouth agape.
He hadn't said much; he had only mentioned the name of the formation, yet Mo Hua was able to deduce so much...
And he couldn't understand any of it.
Mo Guanshi was secretly astonished.
The path of formations was indeed profound and vast, and Mo Hua's skill in formations was indeed unfathomable. No wonder even Master Luo admired him greatly...
Mo Hua pondered for a long time but still couldn't come to a conclusion.
It was indeed difficult to deduce too much from just the name of a formation.
He then asked, "Mo Guanshi, do you know where Yan Jiaoxi went?"
Mo Guanshi snapped out of his daze, thought for a moment, and took out a piece of paper from his storage bag, handing it to Mo Hua. There was only one line written on the paper:
"South Peak City in the Xiao Huang State Territory."
"This is what I found out from asking around. There's a sect senior in a place east of our state, in the Xiao Huang State Territory, who saw that traitor who betrayed and destroyed his sect in a place called South Peak City."
"I informed Elder Yan about this, and if my guess is correct, he should also be headed to South Peak City."
Mo Hua nodded and kept the paper.
Mo Guanshi thought for a moment and then requested, "Mo Hua, I have a personal favor to ask of you... If you happen to pass by there and meet Elder Yan, please help him out."
Mo Hua said seriously, "Rest assured, I will definitely help Teacher Yan catch that traitor."
"No..." Mo Guanshi shook his head.
Mo Hua was taken aback. "What do you mean, no?"
"I'm not asking you to help him catch the traitor," Mo Guanshi explained helplessly. "I'm asking you to persuade him to find a companion and settle down."
Mo Hua was bewildered.
Mo Guanshi sighed. "Elder Yan actually has pretty good talent..."
"Of course, he's not on your level..." Mo Guanshi glanced at Mo Hua and continued, "If he focused on studying formations, even if he doesn't achieve great things, he should still be able to become a first-rate formation master and an outer sect elder."
"Being a first-rate formation master is already an impressive figure in most state territories."
There was a hint of envy in Mo Guanshi's tone.
Mo Hua nodded in agreement. When he first started learning about formations, his dream was to become a first-rate formation master.
Mo Guanshi sighed again. "But Elder Yan has been brooding over his grudge these past few years, and he can't calm his mind. That's why he hasn't been able to get past that hurdle."
"He joined the sect early and had a deep relationship with his master, so it's understandable that he can't accept what happened. I sympathize with him, but he shouldn't let his desire for revenge ruin his entire life."
"Even if he avenges his grudge, in the end, he'll still be alone, his hair turned white, and he won't be able to make any more progress in formations."
"If you meet him, please persuade him to be more considerate of himself. Even if he takes his revenge, his master is already dead, the sect is already destroyed, and the past is gone with the wind. But he still has to find a way to live the rest of his life well..."
Mo Guanshi spoke sincerely, and his tone carried a hint of helplessness. "He might not listen to me, but he might listen to you."
Mo Hua nodded, also sighing inwardly. Mo Guanshi was indeed considering Elder Yan's well-being, so he agreed, "Rest assured, I will persuade him."
Mo Guanshi's expression brightened, and he smiled.
When Mo Hua was about to leave, Mo Guanshi took out several boxes of expensive pastries and stuffed them into Mo Hua's pockets. "Take them back and try them."
Mo Hua couldn't refuse and had to accept them.
After Mo Hua left, Mo Guanshi sat alone in the room, pouring himself some tea. After a few cups, his expression turned pensive, and he murmured, "Elder Yan, don't blame me for meddling..."
"I told Mo Hua about the Spirit Pivot Formation, but don't blame me for it."
"The sect is already gone, so this formation isn't really a secret anymore."
Mo Guanshi fell silent for a while, staring at the rippling tea in his cup, and then slowly said, "Moreover, I also want to know if there really is someone who can learn this outrageous formation with twelve lines..."
...
After bidding farewell to Mo Guanshi, Mo Hua kept the name "South Peak City" in mind.
Thinking of Yan Jiaoxi's entrustment, his expectations, and that somewhat desolate figure during their parting, Mo Hua's heart felt heavy.
He wondered where Yan Jiaoxi was now, how he was doing, and if he had encountered any difficulties.
He also wondered if he had found the traitor who had killed his master and defected from the sect, and if he would encounter any dangers along the way...
However, worrying now was useless. He could only hope that he would really get to meet Yan Jiaoxi in the future.
Mo Hua decided to consult Mister Zhuang about this matter.
Mister Zhuang was not surprised and nodded, "You can give it a try."
"Really?" Mo Hua suddenly felt a bit nervous. "What if I fail?"
"Go ahead and give it a shot. It doesn't matter if you pass or fail," Mister Zhuang said.
However, he thought to himself:
"You're already the master of a first-rate grand formation. How could you possibly fail such a basic first-rate formation appraisal?"
"When it comes to formations, it's clear to see whether one is skilled or not. An expert can tell at a glance."
"Even if there are any underhanded dealings in the grading process, they wouldn't dare to mess with your results."
"...If they dare to be so bold as to fail you, they will definitely face consequences later on..."
...
Mo Hua nodded in agreement. Indeed, there wasn't much to worry about when it came to basic first-rate formations.
"Then, when should I go for the appraisal?" Mo Hua asked, as he was completely unfamiliar with the process.
"You'll have to complete it before you set off on your journey," Mister Zhuang replied.
"Can't I do it while I'm out there?"
"No," Mister Zhuang shook his head and patiently explained, "The formation master appraisals follow a recommendation system, and there are limited slots allocated for each state and city."
"If you want to get your skills graded, you'll need a recommendation letter, and each state, boundary, and city has a limited number of slots for first-rate formation masters. Some places have more slots, while others have fewer."
"Since you're in Tongxian City, and with someone recommending you, your slot will be allocated here after you pass the appraisal."
"Once you're out there, you'll be unfamiliar with the places and people. Firstly, no one will be willing to recommend you, and secondly, if you manage to pass the appraisal, you'll be taking up a slot from another city, which will surely displease the locals..."
"This is so troublesome..." Mo Hua recalled what Mister Zhuang had said before, and he couldn't help but ask, "Is all this complexity just a way to create barriers and profit from it?"
"That's part of it," Mister Zhuang acknowledged.
"And the other part?" Mo Hua inquired further.
Mister Zhuang wanted to explain, but he stopped himself and simply said, "You'll gradually understand as you encounter these things in the future. Knowing about it now won't be of much use."
Mo Hua only half-understood, but he nodded anyway and then asked, "How are the slots allocated, then?"
Mister Zhuang sighed, "That's a long story. It depends on various factors such as the wealth of the state, the number of noble clans and sects, connections, and so on. The poorer the state and the weaker the formation heritage, the fewer slots they are allocated, and the more effort one has to put in to become a first-rate formation master."
"On the other hand, places with deep roots and strong power tend to receive a large number of slots each year, making it relatively easier to become a first-rate formation master."
Mo Hua exclaimed in surprise, "That's... indeed a bit unfair."
Mister Zhuang said, "The path of Heaven is fair. Whether one understands formations or not is clear to see. What's unfair is the involvement of humans. Some who are skilled may not become first-rate formation masters, while others who lack skill may still hold the title..."
Mo Hua fell into deep thought, then quietly asked, "So, who should I ask for a recommendation?"
"The Court of Dao, local clans, sects, or other first-rate forces recognized by the Court of Dao all have the right to recommend candidates," Mister Zhuang explained.
"As for you... go through the Court of Dao. Don't you still have that bronze waist plate from the Court of Dao? I'm sure your superior will be more than happy to recommend you."
Mo Hua was a little surprised. "Mister... I mean, Master, you even know about the waist plate?"
Mister Zhuang remained calm and collected. "It's a minor matter. If I wanted to know about it, it would be easy to find out."
Mo Hua marveled at the depth of his master's knowledge and influence.
"Also..." Mister Zhuang's slender fingers ruffled Mo Hua's hair affectionately, "it's time to call me 'Master' instead of 'Mister.'"
"Oh..."
Mo Hua realized his mistake and chuckled sheepishly.
He had been calling him "Mister" for so long that it would take some time to adjust.
"Master!" Mo Hua's voice rang out, clear and crisp.
Mister Zhuang closed his eyes slightly, his expression relaxed as he gently nodded.
After that, Mo Hua went to find Zhou, the city administrator.
Upon hearing that Mo Hua intended to participate in the first-rate formation master appraisal, Zhou readily agreed without any hesitation.
If Mo Hua could pass the appraisal through the recommendation of the Court of Dao, it would reflect well on Zhou as well.
Even if Mo Hua failed, Zhou would still be happy to help.
Though, in Zhou's opinion, with Mo Hua's level of proficiency in formations, there was no way he could fail.
However, Zhou was also aware that the process of appraisal was intricate and often influenced by complex factors.
The Court of Dao's appraisal didn't grade the formations themselves but rather the formation masters, and the results weren't determined by the laws of Heaven but by the intricate web of interests among people.
Unless one had connections that reached the heavens, no one could predict the outcome.
Zhou was just an administrator of a small city, and while he had some connections, he didn't have the influence to affect the appraisals conducted by the Central Heaven's Pivot Pavilion of the Court of Dao. So, he could only provide a recommendation, and the rest was up to Mo Hua.
Zhou checked the relevant documents and wrote a recommendation letter. Then, he informed Mo Hua, "On the 26th of October, there will be a first-rate formation master appraisal in Cangyun Sect in QingShan City, Black Mountain State. I'll send someone to escort you there."
Mo Hua nodded.
The 26th of October was just seven days away; the date was approaching soon.
"It seems that Mister Zhuang... I mean, Master, has even calculated the timing of the appraisal..."
Mo Hua thought to himself.
(End of Chapter)
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