Chapter 515: Oxen and Horses
Chapter 515: Oxen and Horses
First, there was the design of the mine.
This large-scale mining project would involve penetrating through the mountain range and connecting the mountain bodies while also constructing a rigorous and fully functional array system.
Deciding which mountains to excavate and how to connect them was just the beginning.
The array formation and layout were equally crucial considerations.
Mo Hua began by studying the mining maps of previous generations, examining the structures of several large and small mines outside of Nanyue City.
He then consulted elders from several aristocratic families and sects, whose clans or sects also had mining operations.
These elders had experience managing related cultivation businesses, guarding mines, or participating in their construction.
Mo Hua asked for their advice, and they readily shared their knowledge, motivated not only by a desire to bring some welfare to the impoverished mining cultivators but also by gratitude for Mo Hua's lifesaving actions in suppressing the Corpse King and calming the corpse plague.
After familiarizing himself with the mining structures, Mo Hua spent several days creating a large-scale draft of the array formation.
Grand arrays were neither necessary nor feasible for the mine.
Grand arrays were grandiose and unified, whereas the arrays within the mine needed to be more mundane and versatile.
They had to serve a variety of purposes and, at the same time, be as simple, concise, durable, and easy to repair as possible, even in the event of damage.
Implementing a grand array would be detrimental, as almost no one would be able to fix it if it broke down after Mo Hua's departure.
Therefore, the arrays within the mine were merely a collection of compound arrays, incorporating some simple single arrays for ease of use.
They were simple, basic, and practical, but the project was by no means small.
At the same time, Mo Hua incorporated the underlying structure of the Five Elements Demon-Slaying Grand Array, utilizing the principles of the five elements' generative and overcoming cycles to streamline and optimize these disparate arrays.
This process simplified the arrays, making them more concise and efficient, while also eliminating redundant arrays and reducing costs.
Although a vast number of arrays were required for the mine, the difficulty level was not particularly high.
Mo Hua didn't even need to show them to Mr. Zhuang for review; he only consulted Bai Zixi, and the two of them checked the array patterns, organized the array hubs, and filled in any gaps to finalize the design.
They then presented it to the array masters from the Daoting faction for discussion and approval.
There were many arrays, and although Mo Hua could draw arrays extremely fast, there was only one of him, so he needed help from the Daoting array masters.
They readily agreed to assist.
After Mo Hua left, an elderly array master sighed, "This array formation is truly well-designed..."
A young array master expressed his doubt, "Aren't they just ordinary arrays? Nothing special, right?"
The elderly array master glared at him, "What do you know? Using ordinary arrays effectively is the most challenging task."
He pointed to the array diagram on the table, "These arrays seem simple, but their layout is concise, and they complement each other. Adding another array would be excessive, and removing one would be insufficient. To achieve this level of precision, one must have a deep foundation and a solid grasp of the basics..."
The elderly array master couldn't help but praise Mo Hua.
The young array master nodded, but his expression still showed skepticism.
After all, simple arrays were just that—simple. Even if they were used creatively, their impact was limited.
The elderly array master shook his head.
Young Master Yun studied the arrays before him but remained silent, a furrowed brow reflecting his deep thoughts.
As a second-rank array master from a family with a rich heritage in the field, he could perceive intricacies that others might miss.
The array formations, though seemingly simple, exuded a grandeur that seemed to originate from... grand arrays? Grand arrays evolved from simplicity to complexity, integrating diverse elements, while these arrays achieved the opposite, distilling complexity into simplicity.
The concept was ingenious, but...
Young Master Yun couldn't quite wrap his head around it.
Why were only basic and simple arrays used, instead of more potent first-rank or even higher-rank arrays?
Days later, as Mo Hua began to draw the arrays, Young Master Yun approached him with a mix of shyness and hesitation.
Mo Hua, focused on meticulously drawing the arrays, looked up curiously at the young master's approach, "Young Master Yun, is there something I can help you with?"
As the only second-rank array master among the various factions in Nanyue City, and given his youth, Mo Hua was naturally acquainted with him.
However, due to the urgency of the previous situation with the corpse tide, they hadn't had much opportunity to socialize, so they weren't particularly close.
For some reason, Young Master Yun felt flustered under the gaze of Mo Hua's innocent and watery eyes, but he managed to maintain his composure and ask about his confusion, "Aren't there better options for these arrays? Why choose the most basic ones?"
Mo Hua replied, "Because these arrays are meant to be used."
"Used?" Young Master Yun was taken aback.
Mo Hua nodded, "My master taught me that arrays should be practical and applicable..."
"The arrays of this world may look one way on paper, but their actual applications can vary greatly."
Young Master Yun pondered these words.
Mo Hua sighed softly and continued, "This is a mine, and the arrays within are meant for the mining cultivators."
"The mining cultivators are very poor."
"Using more advanced arrays might yield better results, but if they break, no one will be able to fix them."
"Even if they could afford repairs, it would be a financial burden."
"Therefore, for them, simple, durable, sturdy, and easily repairable arrays are the best."
Young Master Yun was stunned.
No one had ever said such things to him before.
All array masters strived to learn more complex and profound arrays to elevate their skills and pursue more ambitious cultivation paths.
But hardly anyone thought about making these basic arrays accessible to ordinary cultivators...
He himself had never considered it either.
Young Master Yun's face reddened with a tinge of shame.
Mo Hua, too, looked at him with a hint of surprise.
"Used?" Young Master Yun was taken aback.
Mo Hua nodded. "My master taught me that arrays should be practical and applicable. The arrays of this world may look one way on paper, but their actual applications can vary greatly."
Young Master Yun pondered these words, and Mo Hua softly sighed before continuing, "This is a mine, and the arrays within are meant for the mining cultivators. They are very poor. Using more advanced arrays might yield better results, but if they break, no one will be able to fix them. Even if they could afford repairs, it would be a financial burden. Therefore, simple, durable, sturdy, and easily repairable arrays are the best for them."
Young Master Yun was stunned. No one had ever voiced such thoughts to him before. All array masters strived to learn more complex and profound arrays to elevate their skills and pursue more ambitious cultivation paths. But hardly anyone thought about making these basic arrays accessible to ordinary cultivators... Not even himself.
A hint of shame tinged Young Master Yun's face, and Mo Hua looked at him with a touch of surprise as well.
"You know," Young Master Yun stammered, "I always thought that... well, that more complex arrays were always better. That's what most array masters strive for, isn't it?"
"Not necessarily," Mo Hua said, his eyes shining with a gentle wisdom. "The true mastery of arrays lies not in complexity but in their application. Sometimes, the simplest array can be the most effective, especially when it comes to the needs of the common cultivator."
Young Master Yun nodded, his expression softening as he considered this new perspective. "I see... I suppose I've always been focused on the grandeur and complexity of grand arrays, but I never thought about the practical needs of those less skilled than myself."
"It's understandable," Mo Hua said with a smile. "We all have our own paths to follow, and it's easy to get caught up in our pursuits. But it's important to remember that the true power of arrays lies in their ability to serve others."
Young Master Yun's eyes widened as a thought occurred to him. "Does that mean... the array you used on the Corpse King was a basic array as well?"
Mo Hua nodded, his expression turning solemn. "It was indeed a basic array, but one that I've honed and perfected over the years. The Corpse King may have been powerful, but it was a mindless creature, and the array was designed to counter such an opponent."
"I see..." Young Master Yun murmured, his respect for Mo Hua growing. "So, it's not just about the complexity of the array, but also the understanding and application of its principles."
"Exactly," Mo Hua said, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "And now, Young Master Yun, I have a proposition for you."
"Oh?" Young Master Yun raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"I can teach you the Ling Shu Array," Mo Hua said, his voice low and enticing. "But in return, I need your help with something."
Young Master Yun's eyes widened, and he felt a mix of excitement and hesitation. The Ling Shu Array was a legendary formation, and to have the opportunity to learn it from Mo Hua himself was a temptation he found hard to resist.
"What... what kind of help do you need?" he asked, his voice catching slightly.
"I'm planning to build something that will be controlled by the Ling Shu Array," Mo Hua explained. "It's a big project, and I could use an extra pair of hands. I know you're a talented array master, and I think we could work well together."
"I... I would be honored to help," Young Master Yun said, his voice steady despite the thrill that coursed through him. "But what is it that you're building?"
"You'll see in due time," Mo Hua said with a mysterious smile. "For now, let's start with your lessons on the Ling Shu Array."
And so, Young Master Yun found himself becoming Mo Hua's assistant, helping with the mine project and learning the intricacies of the Ling Shu Array in the process. The array was deceptively complex, and despite his talent, Young Master Yun struggled to master it. However, with Mo Hua's guidance, he slowly but surely made progress.
As they worked together, a bond formed between them, and Young Master Yun came to realize that Mo Hua was not just a peerless array master but also a wise and thoughtful teacher.
This scene was both bizarre and harmonious.
To prevent any unrest among the zombies, all the Miner Cultivators remained in the city.
The Dao soldiers were stationed around the perimeter.
Yang Jishan and the other powerful Foundation Establishment cultivators warily watched the Corpse King, fearful that it might rebel and turn into a calamity once again.
The mountains soon echoed with the sounds of mining activity once more.
However, this time, it wasn't the Miner Cultivators laboring but the zombies.
Their movements were mechanical and repetitive as they chipped away at the mountains with their picks, bit by bit.
They toiled to create a home for their future generations, a place where they could live in warmth and with full bellies...
Under Mo Hua's control, the Corpse King remained obedient, the iron corpses followed orders, and all the walking corpses worked tirelessly.
Everything proceeded smoothly and according to plan.
Over a month later, the mining project was completed.
The mines now connected several mountains, forming a vast network with spacious passages, sturdy walls, and purified air. It was both safe and relatively comfortable.
Mo Hua then commanded the zombies to return to the Corpse Mine and resume their slumber.
The Dao Court's array masters, following Mo Hua's array diagrams, supplemented the remaining array formations within the mines.
These arrays were simple, and Mo Hua's involvement wasn't necessary.
He had other plans for his array skills.
Mo Hua summoned Young Master Yun to a workshop in the city.
The spacious courtyard was filled with wooden puppets in the shapes of oxen and horses, crafted from sturdy wood.
Young Master Yun was taken aback, "These are...?"
"Puppets," Mo Hua explained, "I'll draw the Ling Shu Array on them, and they can be controlled by spiritual sense to transport ores, reducing the burden on the Miner Cultivators and increasing mining efficiency..."
Young Master Yun snapped back to attention, "So, this is the favor you asked of me?"
"Yes," Mo Hua nodded, "I need your help to draw a lot of Ling Shu Arrays. It's a big task, and I can't do it alone."
Young Master Yun nodded slightly, feeling a sense of admiration. This was truly applying array knowledge for the benefit of others.
He had never done something like this before.
"Let's get started!" Young Master Yun exclaimed enthusiastically.
He then asked curiously, "Do these puppets have names?"
"Of course!" Mo Hua smiled brightly, "You can call them, 'Wooden Oxen and Flowing Horses'!"
(End of Chapter)
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