Chapter 51: Concealing the Truth
Chapter 51: Concealing the Truth
The next day, Mr. Zhuang, in a rare occurrence, did not sleep in. Upon seeing Mo Hua, he waved him over and said, "Mo Hua, come with me."
Mr. Zhuang led Mo Hua to his study and asked, "How many times have you practiced that trinity formation?"
Mo Hua felt grateful to Mr. Zhuang and initially didn't want to hide anything from him. However, the matter with the stele was rather mystical, and he found it difficult to put into words. Not wanting to lie either, he replied honestly, "I practiced it three to four times on paper, and then another seven to eight times in my dream."
He spoke the truth, omitting only the part about the stele.
Mr. Zhuang furrowed his brows slightly, "In your dream?"
"Yes," Mo Hua replied, "Even after falling asleep, I could continue to practice the formation in my dream."
Mr. Zhuang looked at Mo Hua, his expression one of mild surprise, only to find Mo Hua's gaze sincere and his eyes clear as if they could reflect his own image.
Mr. Zhuang let out a soft laugh, "I understand."
Understand what?
Mo Hua looked at him, puzzled.
Mr. Zhuang pondered for a moment, then turned to Mo Hua and instructed, "Let what I'm about to say stay between us. From now on, no matter who asks, you don't need to answer, and definitely do not mention anything about practicing formations in your dreams."
"But what if someone insists on getting an answer?"
"If they press for details, just tell them what I told you before—that you learned it quickly because you practiced meditation."
"What if they ask me for the meditation technique?"
Mr. Zhuang waved his hand dismissively, "If you can't give it to them, then don't. If they try to force it out of you and you can't beat them, then give them the meditation technique. After all, techniques are but external things; your life is your own."
Mo Hua thought about it and found his words reasonable, but he still asked, "But what if someone learns the meditation technique and doesn't experience faster formation learning?"
"In that case..." Mr. Zhuang thought for a moment, "You can only say that you have an extraordinary talent, a photographic memory. You learn formations instantly after seeing them a few times. And remember, when you say this, you must be arrogant and act with contempt, as if the rest of the world is beneath your notice. Make them believe that you are a once-in-a-million genius."
"A contemptuous attitude?"
"I'll show you how it's done. Watch and learn."
As he finished speaking, Mr. Zhuang's usually relaxed demeanor transformed. He straightened his back and lifted his chin, exuding an air of arrogance and disdain, as if he were looking down on the rest of the world.
After a moment of arrogance, Mr. Zhuang's expression softened, and he said to Mo Hua, "Just like that. Practice this when you have the time."
Mo Hua was deeply shaken. Mr. Zhuang usually carried himself with an otherworldly aura, but when it came to spinning tales and deception, he was equally skilled.
When Mo Hua was alone later, he stood by the pond, hands on his hips, chest puffed out, trying to mimic the arrogant stance. However, he couldn't quite pull it off with the same commanding presence as Mr. Zhuang.
"Cultivation is a complex art," he thought to himself. "It seems I need to learn more from Mr. Zhuang, not just about cultivation and formations but also about these other skills."
Mo Hua was determined to master the art of feigning and pretending during his free time.
As dusk fell, Mo Hua bade Mr. Zhuang farewell and returned home.
After Mo Hua left, Mr. Zhuang lay on a lounge chair in the bamboo pavilion, deep in thought. Old Gui played chess by himself on the side.
A gentle breeze blew through the pavilion, and after a long period of contemplation, Mr. Zhuang suddenly spoke up, "This won't do."
Old Gui lifted his eyelids, "What won't do?"
"That child, Mo Hua..." Mr. Zhuang trailed off.
Old Gui glanced at him, "You think he's hiding something?"
"Whether he's hiding something or not is irrelevant," Mr. Zhuang said, "There are just some things that are better left unsaid."
"Then what's the problem?"
"The problem is that he's learning too quickly," Mr. Zhuang frowned.
Old Gui paused, "Haven't you said this before?"
"Yes, but as my named disciple, if he learns too quickly, it might bring trouble," Mr. Zhuang explained.
Mr. Zhuang continued in a calm tone, speaking arrogantly with a nonchalant expression, "There are only a handful of people in the cultivation world with better innate talent for formations than me, so it's normal if someone surpasses me."
Unfortunately, no one bothered to indulge his arrogance, as Kui Lao was focused on his game of chess, not even bothering to lift his head.
Mr. Zhuang felt a pang of longing for Mo Hua. If Mo Hua were here, those bright and eager eyes of his would undoubtedly be filled with admiration.
Mr. Zhuang heaved a sigh, "Mo Hua is different. Coming from a humble background, he lacks the advantages of family heritage and traditions, and his foundation in formations is too weak. If he progresses too quickly, he'll attract unwanted attention and may even bring disaster upon himself."
"You've learned to be cautious, that's quite rare." Kui Lao said with a hint of a smile.
Stretching leisurely, Mr. Zhuang replied, "A tree that stands out gets chopped down. In the past, I didn't understand the wisdom of hiding one's capabilities and being cautious. I suffered losses because I didn't know how to bide my time."
"So, what do you plan to do now? Won't you teach him anymore?" Kui Lao asked.
Reclining in his bamboo chair, Mr. Zhuang tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, "I'll continue teaching, of course. Now that he's my disciple, even if not a direct one, I can't just teach him a little and leave it at that. If others were to find out, it would damage my reputation and bring shame to my sect."
"You didn't used to care about such trivial matters," Kui Lao remarked.
"When you get older, you start caring about what others think," Mr. Zhuang replied.
Kui Lao glanced at the relaxed Mr. Zhuang, "I don't think that's it."
Ignoring Kui Lao's comment, Mr. Zhuang closed his eyes, seemingly lost in thought, or perhaps he was just taking a nap.
Kui Lao continued his game of chess as usual.
As night fell, the evening breeze blew through the mountains, rustling the trees.
Suddenly, Mr. Zhuang opened his eyes and gazed at the mountain forest in the darkness, murmuring softly, "A tree that stands out gets chopped down... So, if a tree doesn't stand out, the wind won't blow it down."
Kui Lao looked at him with a puzzled expression, but Mr. Zhuang's eyes wandered over the trees in the mountains, his gaze deep and meaningful as he said, "Hide the tree within the forest, and it won't stand out alone."
Kui Lao frowned.
Mr. Zhuang's gaze shifted past the mountains and landed on the entrance of the courtyard.
Every morning, the White siblings would visit the mountain.
Those two children had exceptional talent and were like the most outstanding trees in the forest.
The next morning, the White siblings arrived as usual and bowed at the entrance. However, unlike previous days, the usually closed bamboo gate suddenly opened.
At the same time, a signboard appeared above the entrance, bearing the words "Sitting in Oblivion."
Beyond the gate was a courtyard with towering locust trees, a small bridge over flowing water, and misty clouds, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
White Zisheng stood there, stunned, "Snow Auntie... The courtyard gate is open. Does this mean Mr. Zhuang is willing to see us?"
Snow Auntie, usually calm, was also stirred by this turn of events, "I think so."
In her heart, she silently added, "It's good that Mr. Zhuang is willing to see us. Even if he doesn't take Young Master and Miss as disciples right now, they can at least stay by his side. With their talent, Mr. Zhuang will eventually agree to take them as disciples."
White Zisheng's expression was slightly apprehensive as he glanced at his sister, White Zixi, whose exquisite face remained as cold and emotionless as always.
A flash of tenderness passed through White Zisheng's eyes, and he quietly stood in front of his sister, shielding her as he stepped into the courtyard.
(End of Chapter)
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