Chapter 525: The Grand Elder
Chapter 525: The Grand Elder
Mo Hua and his companions decided to stay temporarily at the Five Elements Sect.
They were accommodated in the most prestigious guest quarters, exuding elegance and luxury in every detail.
The Five Elements Sect ensured they were provided with the finest food and drink, including spirit delicacies, century-old fine wine, cloud mist tea, and an assortment of floral pastries.
While the hospitality was impeccable, the underlying attitude of the sect members was less than friendly. Their smiles were forced, their gazes cold, and their manner distant.
Despite the luxurious treatment, Mo Hua had not come to indulge. He was here to learn about array formations, and his thoughts kept drifting towards the Five Elements Spirit Array.
However, the sect's leader tried to brush him off with excuses:
"According to our ancestors' agreement, we should, of course, honor our word..."
"But several hundred years have passed since then..."
The sect leader, surnamed Liao, wore a golden crown and a jade robe. His face was clean-shaven, and he carried himself with the dignity befitting his position.
"Some of our elder predecessors have passed away," he continued, "and we, the younger generation, are not aware of the specific details of the agreement. We need time to discuss and deliberate on the matter."
"Please forgive us, Elder Zhuang," he added with a bow.
"During your stay here, feel free to explore our sect and appreciate its rich heritage and beautiful scenery..."
"We will discuss the matter of teaching you the array formation as soon as possible."
Master Zhuang interrupted with a nod, "Then we are grateful for your efforts, Sect Leader Liao."
Sect Leader Liao bowed in response, flattered by the acknowledgment. "It is our duty, and we will do our best."
After some further pleasantries, Sect Leader Liao took his leave.
Once he was gone, Mo Hua voiced his suspicion: "Master, do you think they're playing games with us?"
Master Zhuang nodded. "It's only natural for them to stall when it comes to their sect's most powerful array formation. It's not something they would easily teach to outsiders."
"Do you think they'll go back on their word?" Mo Hua asked, concerned.
"No, they wouldn't dare," Master Zhuang assured him.
"So, we wait?" Mo Hua inquired.
Master Zhuang nodded. "Let's wait for now."
Noticing Mo Hua's furrowed brow, Master Zhuang offered a gentle smile. "The journey has been tiring, and this is a good opportunity to rest. Take some time to explore the Five Elements Sect and enjoy its sights..."
"Play?" Mo Hua was taken aback.
"Yes," Master Zhuang affirmed. "The sect has beautiful scenery, and you can take this time to relax. There's no need to rush with the array formations."
Master Zhuang seemed to have his own plans, and Mo Hua could only agree, "Alright then... I'll play for a while as you suggested, Master."
...
Sect Leader Liao left the guest quarters and made his way along the spacious corridor, past elaborately decorated pavilions and slightly desolate gardens, through lavish but gaudy palace chambers, until he reached a quiet mountain peak.
On this peak stood an ancient cave abode.
The cave dwelling was built in a simple yet expensive style, using costly materials but maintaining a low-key appearance.
Sect Leader Liao approached the entrance and respectfully rang a carved jade bell.
The crisp, pleasant sound of jade reverberated, echoing into the cave abode.
Sect Leader Liao stood straight and waited.
After an unknown period, a flash of light signaled the activation of an array formation, and the door to the cave abode opened. A hoarse voice invited him in.
Sect Leader Liao straightened his robe and stepped inside.
The interior of the cave abode was just as exquisite and luxurious as the outside suggested.
In the main hall sat an elderly man with white hair, exuding a powerful aura and commanding great respect.
This man was the Grand Elder of the Five Elements Sect and their only remaining Golden Core Realm master.
Sect Leader Liao bowed and greeted the elder respectfully. "Forgive me for disturbing your seclusion, Grand Elder."
The Grand Elder opened his eyes, revealing a sharp gaze. "Has he arrived?"
"Yes," Sect Leader Liao confirmed with another bow.
The Grand Elder frowned, his expression grave as he fell silent, deep in thought.
Sect Leader Liao lowered his voice and asked, "Should we transmit the array formation to him?"
The Grand Elder's eyes turned cold. "We cannot!"
Sect Leader Liao hesitated, "But this was our ancestors' agreement. If we don't uphold it, won't it reflect poorly on us...?"
"You don't understand," the Grand Elder said in a low voice. "The Five Elements Sect is not what it used to be. We are no longer bound by the rules set by our ancestors."
Sect Leader Liao was confused but dared not disobey the Grand Elder. He could only bow and acquiesce.
The Grand Elder sighed inwardly. The Five Elements Sect had indeed declined.
In the past, the sect had been filled with talented cultivators. How could a mere late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator become the sect leader? He himself had only been an elder back then, despite having achieved the Golden Core Realm.
Times had changed, and they had no choice but to accept it.
Sect Leader Liao was one of the most talented disciples of the younger generation. It was necessary to explain things clearly to him.
The Grand Elder's expression turned solemn as he elaborated, "The reason we engage in construction projects, build cave abodes, and earn vast amounts of spirit stones is rooted in our array formations."
"It is because of our array formations that the Five Elements Sect has been able to establish itself."
"The sect's reputation has attracted array formation cultivators, leading to the prosperity of Lishan City and the high value of our mountain gate."
"Even our laziest disciples can earn spirit stones without lifting a finger."
The Grand Elder frowned. "The problem now is that our sect's array formations have declined..."
"Earning spirit stones has become too easy, and we've become complacent. From the top down, everyone has stopped striving for improvement, neglecting their cultivation, and showing little interest in studying array formations..."
"As long as those cave abodes remain, the Five Elements Sect will continue to reap endless spirit stones."
"There's no need to strive when spirit stones come so easily."
"Who would bother making an effort?"
"Our sect no longer stands on the foundation of array formations but on the foundation of construction projects."
"As a result, our sect's expertise in array formations has plummeted!"
"Nowadays, we struggle to produce even a single first-rate array master, let alone a second-rate one..."
Sect Leader Liao's expression turned solemn as he replied, "I share your concerns, Grand Elder, and I have already been thinking of ways to address this issue.
These empty words had been spoken for over a hundred years, and the deeply entrenched interests were challenging to change. The entire sect was influenced, and no one dared to take action.
The disciples of the sect had lost their dedication to the Dao, and it would be a pipe dream to expect them to endure hardships and study array formations anew.
It was difficult to alter the current state of affairs.
The culture of array formations was connected to the disciples' dedication to the Dao. Once corrupted, rectifying it would be a monumental task.
Over the years, the two individuals who had profited the most from the accumulation of spirit stones were the Grand Elder and the sect Leader Liao himself.
It was like asking a pig to butcher itself.
How could they possibly cut into their own flesh?
Grand Elder remained unperturbed and replied, "This is not something that can be accomplished overnight..."
"The most pressing matter is to find a way to protect the legacy of our Five Elements Sect."
"Especially the Five Elements Spirit Array, which is the foundation of our sect, must never be passed on outside!"
Grand Elder's eyes turned cold, and he said, "This ultimate array must be firmly kept in our hands, with the Five Elements Sect maintaining a monopoly."
"It doesn't matter if we don't master it, but no one outside the sect can be allowed to learn it. Even if it decays, it must decay within our Five Elements Sect!"
"Even if it becomes lost, it must never fall into the hands of others."
"Otherwise, it will undoubtedly shake the very foundation of our Five Elements Sect!"
Sect Leader Liao's eyes lit up, and he flattered, "Grand Elder, your foresight and consideration are admirable!"
This attempt at sucking up was rather weak.
Grand Elder's expression remained indifferent.
Sect Leader Liao pondered for a moment before continuing, "However, this array formation is extremely difficult. Over the years, only a handful of disciples in our Five Elements Sect have been able to master it, and most of them were elders from the past."
"Since the passing of the previous sect leader, no disciple of the newer generations has been able to truly master the Five Elements Spirit Array."
"If our disciples struggle, how can we expect these outsiders to truly learn it?"
A hint of wariness flashed in Grand Elder's eyes.
"They can!"
Sect Leader Liao was slightly taken aback.
Grand Elder's eyebrows twitched, "You don't know that this person with the surname Zhuang almost succeeded in learning the Five Elements Spirit Array!"
Sect Leader Liao was shocked, "How is that possible?"
Grand Elder recalled the past, still feeling a sense of dread: "Back then, I was just an ordinary disciple, and I witnessed his heaven-defying talent and extraordinary abilities. In front of the sect leader and all the elders, he gradually restored the array patterns of the Five Elements Spirit Array, comprehended its core, and inch by inch, penetrated its secrets..."
"He was just a step away from mastering it. If it weren't for..."
If it weren't for...
The sect leader and the elders of that time had intervened, he would have truly learned it...
Grand Elder's eyes narrowed, and he swallowed those words.
Sect Leader Liao was still incredulous, "Refining Qi?"
"Refining Qi!"
Sect Leader Liao frowned, "The Five Elements Spirit Array has thirteen patterns in the first grade. Could he have had thirteen strands of spiritual sense in the Refining Qi stage? That's impossible..."
Grand Elder sighed, "His spiritual sense didn't have thirteen strands, but he still almost mastered it..."
Sect Leader Liao was perplexed, "Could someone with insufficient spiritual sense still learn this array formation?"
Grand Elder's eyes turned solemn, "Their sect has a legacy that allows them to comprehend the essence of array formations, achieving a hundred understandings with a single insight. Even with inadequate spiritual sense, they can still gain insights into array formations that they originally couldn't comprehend!"
Sect Leader Liao was stunned, "There's actually such a legacy?"
Grand Elder's expression turned reverent, "This is the most outstanding legacy in the path of array formations, requiring exceptionally high insight and top-notch roots. It's not something that ordinary cultivators can learn, let alone master."
"And he was the best among the disciples of all generations."
"That's why he was able to break the norms and gain insight into the first-grade thirteen-pattern Five Elements Spirit Array despite being in the Refining Qi stage!"
Grand Elder sighed wistfully, "Our Five Elements Spirit Array is indeed very rare, but compared to this true secret art, it pales in comparison..."
Sect Leader Liao lowered his head, his eyes filled with greed and desire.
However, his small thoughts were not hidden from Grand Elder.
Grand Elder's face darkened, and he said coldly, "Don't harbor any devious intentions. Even if their sect has fallen, they are not someone we can offend!"
Sect Leader Liao's heart trembled, and he bowed in agreement.
However, his eyes still held a hint of disagreement.
After a moment of contemplation, Sect Leader Liao spoke again, "Grand Elder, do you think it's necessary to be so cautious this time? He's not here to learn it himself but to have his disciples learn it. Do we need to be so careful?"
Grand Elder replied calmly, "It's better to be safe than sorry."
Sect Leader Liao nodded, "As Grand Elder says..."
He recalled the scene at the mountain gate and sighed, "That young array master among his disciples seems to be only about ten years old, yet he's already a first-grade array master who has undergone evaluation. His talent is truly remarkable..."
"I wonder where they found such a good seed..."
Why can't our Five Elements Sect find someone like that?
Sect Leader Liao harbored a hint of resentment.
"A ten-year-old first-grade array master..."
Grand Elder frowned and shook his head, "Such talent is indeed excellent for ordinary cultivators, but in their sect, it's just ordinary."
"Especially compared to that person with the surname Zhuang, it's not worth mentioning."
Sect Leader Liao was taken aback, feeling that Grand Elder was being overly dramatic! A first-grade array master was not worth mentioning...
However, he didn't dare refute it.
With only the Foundation Establishment cultivation base, he couldn't compare to Grand Elder's insight and experience.
Sect Leader Liao thought of the other two disciples who accompanied Master Zhuang.
One had sharp eyebrows and starry eyes, while the other was as beautiful as a lotus blooming in a pond.
They seemed like a perfect brother and sister pair, and although spiritual artifacts blocked their true details, their aristocratic demeanor, profound cultivation, and exceptional qualities were evident.
They were flawless, perfect cultivation geniuses!
It was also clear that they were disciples that the Five Elements Sect did not deserve.
Sect Leader Liao's expression turned solemn as he asked, "Grand Elder, do you mean that they are the true inheritors of Master Zhuang's array techniques?"
The Grand Elder nodded, "Indeed."
After a moment of contemplation, the Grand Elder's eyes gleamed with insight, as if he had seen through Master Zhuang's intentions, "That young Array Master is merely the vanguard."
"Being only about ten years old and already a ninth-layer Qi Refining cultivator and a first-grade Array Master, he's here to show off his prowess."
"But that young Array Master isn't the main concern."
"If he were truly important, he wouldn't have dismounted his horse and taken the lead himself."
"It's obvious that the real challenge lies with the young Array Master's senior male and female disciples."
"Their cultivation is deeper than his, and their array skills are surely more advanced!"
"Moreover, there are two of them."
"If we truly teach them, there's a high chance that our Five Elements Sect's ultimate array will be learned and taken away!"
...
The Grand Elder's eyes were grave, and Sect Leader Liao's expression was filled with worry.
"Then, Grand Elder, what should we do? Surely we can't just resort to force and prevent them from learning our array techniques?"
Taking such action would be akin to tearing off the facade of cordiality, and the consequences would be hard to predict.
The Grand Elder, with a thick skin, suggested, "Let's stall for time, stall as much as we can until they lose patience."
"What if we can't stall them?"
The Grand Elder's eyes sparkled with cunning, "If we can't stall, then we'll use other methods..."
Sect Leader Liao's eyes flickered, and he nodded in agreement.
...
The Five Elements Sect began to drag their feet.
Master Zhuang, however, remained unhurried and calm, showing no signs of impatience.
Mo Hua had no choice but to follow his master's instructions and "play" around the Five Elements Sect with his senior male and female disciples.
The Five Elements Sect was vast, with numerous cave abodes, so much so that there seemed to be more cave abodes than disciples...
It seemed that the sect had once been very prosperous, with an abundance of spirit stones, hence the extravagant construction of so many cave abodes.
In addition to the cave abodes, the sect had all the other necessary cultivation buildings, such as training rooms, meditation chambers, alchemy labs, artifact forging rooms, and array towers.
There were even quite a few completely useless buildings.
These buildings were neither inhabited by cultivators nor used for any purpose. Their doors were closed, and they stood empty, serving no apparent function.
Like most sects, the Five Elements Sect was divided into inner and outer sects.
The inner sect was the core of the sect.
The inner sect disciples were closely tied to the sect, sharing its honor and disgrace.
They learned the orthodox teachings of the Five Elements Sect, followed the sect's hierarchy, and their interests were aligned with the sect.
The sect's industries were also managed by the inner sect disciples.
Additionally, the key positions within the sect were held by the inner sect disciples.
Usually, inner sect disciples were not allowed to leave the sect.
The outer sect disciples had fewer restrictions.
They were mostly there to pay tuition fees and learn array techniques.
Their relationship with the sect was looser; there was a master-disciple bond, but it wasn't as strong, and there was a sense of gratitude, but it wasn't as tight-knit.
As long as they paid their spirit stones, they could choose to learn or leave as they pleased, without any constraints from the sect.
The outer sect was more like a sect industry.
The sect offered a portion of its legacy to outsiders, expanding its influence and earning tuition fees and spirit stones.
Being a third-rate sect, the Five Elements Sect had a renowned name, and the tuition fees were quite expensive—at least, for Mo Hua, they were unaffordable.
Mo Hua and his senior male and female disciples walked together, casually strolling through the Five Elements Sect.
Most of the people they encountered were inner sect elders and disciples.
The elders deliberately ignored them, but some of the disciples, unaware of the situation, would point and whisper behind their backs, engaging in gossip.
Due to his strong spiritual sense, Mo Hua could hear every word they said clearly.
What surprised Mo Hua was that the male disciples held hostile attitudes towards them, while the female disciples were more amicable.
The male disciples often expressed their displeasure:
"It's that brat who rode a big horse and crushed the threshold, strutting arrogantly into our mountain gate, causing our elders to lose face!"
"Too arrogant!"
"Relying on being a first-grade Array Master, he acts as if no one is worth his attention!"
"His senior male disciple, the one in white, is even more disdainful!"
"I heard that a few senior brothers wanted to spar with him, but he didn't even bother to respond."
"No, I heard that a few senior brothers tried to spar with him, but they ended up getting beaten up badly!"
"That's cheating! He concealed his cultivation!"
"Although he's in the Qi Refining stage, he has the strength of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and he didn't even bother to mention it!"
"Despicable!"
...
The male disciples were indignant.
Meanwhile, the female disciples had a different perspective:
"That young man in white is so handsome!"
"I heard he's from a noble family..."
"No wonder his demeanor is so extraordinary."
"I wonder which family he's from. If it's not too far away, would it be possible to marry into that family and still come back to visit..."
"And that young Array Master, so cute and fair-skinned!"
"I heard he's also a first-grade Array Master."
"Amazing!"
...
Mo Hua heard these comments, and so did the male disciples.
As a result, the male disciples became even more hostile towards Mo Hua and his group...
Mo Hua sighed helplessly.
(End of Chapter)
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