Chapter 389: A Shortcut
Chapter 389: A Shortcut
Mo Hua had another question: "Master, but isn't soil unsuitable as a matrix for arrays?"
Most array masters avoided using soil as a matrix for their arrays. The substance was often too soft or moist, and over time, it would dry out and erode, making it difficult to maintain a stable form. These qualities made it ill-suited for bearing the intricate patterns of an array.
Mr. Zhuang corrected him, "It's not that soil is unsuitable; it's just that most array masters don't know how to use it as a matrix."
"If something is not understood, it is often dismissed as impossible. Over time, most array masters have come to believe that soil is not a viable option."
Mo Hua pondered this for a moment, then asked hesitantly, "Then how can soil bear the array patterns?"
He still found it confusing.
"What is the fundamental nature of array patterns?" Mr. Zhuang asked.
"They are the tangible manifestation of spiritual energy flow," Mo Hua replied. Having studied divine sense calculation and having drawn grand arrays himself, using the array's core to control the flow of spiritual energy within the patterns, he had gained profound insights.
Mr. Zhuang nodded. "Do you remember what I told you before? Some array masters simply follow the diagrams rigidly, copying the array patterns stroke for stroke, neither adding nor subtracting, yet the arrays they create are still ineffective."
"This is because they focus only on the form without understanding the underlying spiritual energy flow, resulting in arrays that are mere shells."
"On the other hand, some array masters are not constrained by form. They draw arrays freely, and their creations are naturally flawless."
"These masters are communicating with the Dao through their divine senses and controlling the flow of spiritual energy with the array patterns, rather than merely drawing them mechanically."
Mo Hua's eyes widened as he understood, and he became lost in thought.
Mr. Zhuang smiled. "Do you understand now?"
Mo Hua furrowed his brows as he thought. "The array matrix needs to bear the array patterns, but what it truly bears is not the patterns themselves but the spiritual energy that the patterns communicate."
"Discard the superficial and seek the fundamental."
"The array patterns are merely the outward appearance of the array. The true essence of an array lies in the flow of spiritual energy within."
"Therefore, when using 'earth' as a matrix, what the earth bears is not just the surface patterns but the underlying spiritual energy."
"As long as the array's spiritual energy resonates with the earth, and the patterns become one with the land, even if the soil dries, erodes, or changes, the array will persist."
The more Mo Hua spoke, the clearer his thoughts became, and his eyes shone with understanding.
Mr. Zhuang looked at his disciple, marveling silently:
"He grasps these concepts so quickly—this is the insight of an array master... and his affinity for the Dao."
"Is that it, Master?" Mo Hua asked, his eyes sparkling.
Mr. Zhuang nodded. "Indeed."
Mo Hua smiled happily, but then frowned again. "Many array masters must have realized this principle, too. Why haven't I seen anyone else use 'earth' as a matrix, except for the Sun family ancestor?"
"The concept is easy to understand, but putting it into practice is an entirely different matter," Mr. Zhuang said.
"Is it difficult?"
Mr. Zhuang nodded. "Even if you understand these principles, what then? How do you make the earth bear spiritual energy? How do you integrate the array patterns with the earth? And how do you draw the array? What kind of array would you draw?"
"Theoretically, it all sounds simple, but when it comes to actual execution, there are countless challenges, and one might not even know where to begin."
Mo Hua nodded thoughtfully, then his eyes lit up again. "So, the key lies in this Thick Earth Array?"
Mr. Zhuang raised his eyebrows slightly, encouraging Mo Hua to continue.
Mo Hua continued, "This Thick Earth Array embodies the principle of 'great virtue bearing all things.' It contains the Dao of Earth and is itself an array that uses 'earth' as its matrix."
"Conversely, learning this array is learning how to use 'earth' as a matrix. Understanding this array is to understand the Dao of 'great virtue bearing all things.'"
"Once you've mastered the array and comprehended the Dao, you will naturally be able to make the earth bear spiritual energy and integrate the array patterns with the earth."
Mr. Zhuang smiled faintly. "Well said."
Mo Hua smiled shyly. "Thank you for your guidance, Master!"
Mr. Zhuang chuckled softly and shook his head. Then, he continued, "Cultivators who seek enlightenment often focus solely on their insights, which can lead to vague and abstract understandings that lack substance."
"Arrays, however, are manifestations of the Heavenly Dao. They serve as bridges that connect cultivators to the intangible Heavenly Dao."
"By studying and applying arrays, balancing the tangible and intangible, one can truly grasp the Dao."
"To exhaust the limits of formations and approach the Dao..." Mo Hua quietly murmured, his eyes clear and his expression determined.
He nodded, bowed respectfully, and said, "Disciple will keep your words in mind, Master."
After speaking, Mr. Zhuang's initially profound gaze softened, and he waved his hand dismissively. "Study the Thick Earth Array more and see how much you can comprehend. Come to me if you have any questions."
"Yes!" Mo Hua replied eagerly.
And with that, he ran off to practice his formation techniques again.
In the courtyard, the mountain breeze blew gently.
Old Gui silently appeared behind Mr. Zhuang, furrowing his brows. "Are you going to teach him something so profound?"
"If he can learn it, why shouldn't I teach him?" Mr. Zhuang replied.
He paused, then added with a sigh, "I initially just wanted him to try and find some formations to exercise his method of derivation. I was going to tell him the reason if he really couldn't find any."
"I never expected that he would actually discover it on his own."
"He even derived the formation diagram..."
"These things are indeed difficult, but since he can learn them, there's no reason not to teach him."
"Time is running out, and I want to teach him as much as possible..."
Old Gui's eyebrows arched slightly. "Have you planned all this out?"
"Not exactly," Mr. Zhuang shook his head. "It's just a fortunate coincidence. Before coming here, I never imagined that the Earth Sect's ultimate formation would be hidden in this place."
Mr. Zhuang's eyes flickered as he continued, "I don't know if it's my good luck or Mo Hua's good fortune."
The ultimate formation of the Earth Sect was no ordinary technique.
Old Gui furrowed his brows, puzzled. "Was there a branch of the Earth Sect with the surname Sun?"
"It's just a surname, a mere title, nothing more," Mr. Zhuang said indifferently.
Old Gui nodded, his eyes lifting to gaze at the sprawling spirit fields, filled with emotion. "Though it may not reach the heavens, it can penetrate the earth. Such a profound understanding of formations, even if it's just a second-rate formation, it's unlikely to be an ordinary cultivator."
"For someone with such knowledge to die with a shattered sea of consciousness..."
Mr. Zhuang's eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained silent.
Old Gui glanced at Mr. Zhuang again. "Will Mo Hua getting this ultimate formation cause any trouble?"
Mr. Zhuang waved his hand nonchalantly. "What trouble could there be?"
"This ultimate formation is a secret technique of the Earth Sect."
Mr. Zhuang snorted. "If they can't learn it, why should they stop others from doing so? Besides, we're not stealing or robbing. If a delicious opportunity falls into our laps, why wouldn't we take it? As the saying goes, 'what heaven bestows, take, or you will suffer the consequences.'"
"What if the Earth Sect comes looking for trouble?" Old Gui asked, concerned.
"Rest assured, I already have a plan in mind," Mr. Zhuang said confidently.
Old Gui was skeptical. "Is it a proper plan?"
"It doesn't matter if it's proper or not as long as it works," Mr. Zhuang said calmly. "Besides, the Earth Sect is in the Kun Province, tens of thousands of miles away. It's uncertain if we'll even cross paths with them."
Old Gui remained unconvinced but relented. "As long as you know what you're doing."
The courtyard fell silent for a while, both men lost in their thoughts.
After a moment, Old Gui spoke again. "They're catching up."
Mr. Zhuang was unsurprised. "With all the commotion in Tongxian City, if the Grand Preceptor still can't figure it out, he might as well retire and go back to tending his farm."
"What will you do?" Old Gui asked.
Mr. Zhuang, lounging in his bamboo chair and watching the shifting clouds, replied nonchalantly, "Nothing. I'll just do what needs to be done."
"Aren't you afraid they'll catch up to you?"
"They can calculate, and so can I. Each time, I calculate one step ahead of them. It will take them at least a year or two to catch up to me."
"What about the Trickster Daoist? He won't let you off the hook either," Old Gui said.
Mr. Zhuang smiled faintly. "He never intended to let me off the hook in the first place."
"He's more cunning than you, and he's fallen into a demonic path. Having sealed himself as the 'Daoist,' his Dao heart is filled with demonic energy, and his methods are even more unscrupulous," Old Gui said, his face grim.
"After so many years, it's time to put an end to the grudges between our sects," Mr. Zhuang stated.
Old Gui scoffed. "How do you plan to end it? If you meet him, you'll have a hundred deaths with no chance of survival..."
Before Old Gui could say more, Mr. Zhuang interrupted him.
"Rest assured..."
Mr. Zhuang's eyes fixed on the sky, his gaze distant, and his voice filled with melancholy. "I've planned for everything."
His expression was devoid of joy or sorrow, his eyes calm, as if he had transcended life and death.
(End of Chapter)
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