Chapter 56: Changing Perspective
Chapter 56: Changing Perspective
After the Lotus Festival, Mo Hua continued to study array formations with Mister Zhuang, accompanied by Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi.
Although they were all apprentices, their areas of study differed. Mo Hua primarily focused on array formations and could only study that specific discipline.
On the other hand, Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi immersed themselves in a wide range of topics, including array formations, pill refining, talisman crafting, and artifact forging, in addition to their cultivation practices.
Their inquiries to Mister Zhuang were equally diverse, spanning not only array formations but also various aspects of cultivation.
Among these questions, Mo Hua could only understand those related to array formations, while the others often left him clueless.
As a solitary cultivator, his foundation was inherently weaker. The reason he could study array formations was due to his unique circumstances: having lived two lives, possessing exceptional spiritual sense, and having the Dao Stele in his mind, which allowed him to practice array formations without spending spirit stones. As for the other paths of cultivation, he had no idea where to begin even if he wanted to learn.
Nevertheless, Mo Hua committed these questions to memory, even if he didn't understand them at the moment. At the very least, he would have some familiarity with the topics, preventing him from being completely lost if they came up again in the future.
The cultivation world was full of twists and turns, and one could never predict what they might encounter. Having a broader knowledge could only be beneficial.
Mo Hua learned a great deal from the Bai siblings, and he had to admit that they far surpassed him in terms of talent and comprehension. Whether it was the depth of their cultivation foundation or their proficiency in array formations, not to mention many other aspects, he lagged far behind.
This was probably what it meant to be the "pride of a noble family."
He admired Bai Zixi for her abilities.
As for Bai Zisheng, aside from admiration, Mo Hua also felt a tinge of disdain.
Initially, the three of them weren't very close, and their interactions were somewhat restrained.
However, after spending time together during the Lotus Festival, the relationship between Mo Hua and Bai Zisheng became more casual. Bai Zisheng would often strike up conversations with Mo Hua and occasionally engage in lighthearted banter.
To outsiders, Bai Zisheng was a talented, handsome, and composed young master from a prestigious family.
But as they grew closer, Bai Zisheng revealed himself to be more like a competitive child who loved to talk. Despite his diligent cultivation and studies, he would seek out Mo Hua whenever he had free time.
"Mo Hua, when can I watch that beast-taming show again?"
"During the next festival."
"Mo Hua, what type of array formations do your demon hunters typically use when hunting demonic beasts?"
"It depends on the situation. We use whatever is suitable."
"Mo Hua, can you take me with you the next time you go hunting for demonic beasts..."
"I'm not a demon hunter yet, and I don't know how to hunt demons."
"Mo Hua..."
"..."
Sometimes, Mo Hua would answer a question or two, but if Bai Zisheng asked too many questions, he would ignore him.
Noticing that Mo Hua was ignoring him, Bai Zisheng sneakily glanced at the array formation book that Mo Hua was reading. When they weren't familiar, Bai Zisheng had been more reserved, but now things were different.
"The Hexagram Array Theory? Not bad, not bad at all. You're learning it quite fast. Do you not understand the concept of the 'array pivot'?"
Mo Hua honestly admitted that he didn't.
Bai Zisheng proudly said, "Do you want to know?"
Mo Hua silently looked at him. He did want to know, but he also felt a bit disdainful of Bai Zisheng's proud expression.
"There will be a beast-taming show on the seventh day of next month," Mo Hua said slowly.
Bai Zisheng's face lit up with excitement.
"But I won't take you there," Mo Hua added.
Bai Zisheng choked, "Then I won't tell you what an array pivot is."
"I can ask Mister Zhuang," Mo Hua replied.
Bai Zisheng was left speechless. After an internal struggle, he compromised, "Fine, I'll tell you what an array pivot is, but you have to take me to watch the beast-taming show!"
"There's no need. I can just ask Mister Zhuang," Mo Hua refused.
Master Zhuang was highly skilled in array formations, and what he considered simple might take Mo Hua, who had no prior exposure, a long time to comprehend.
Mo Hua reluctantly agreed, "Fine, I'll take you to the beast-taming show, but if I don't understand your explanation, I won't take you there."
Bai Zisheng was overjoyed and quickly assured, "Don't worry, aside from Zixi in my family, no disciple understands arrays better than I do."
Then he eagerly began his explanation: "The array pivot is the central hub of an array formation, used to connect the array lines and conduct spiritual energy..."
"Using cultivators as an analogy, the array eye is like the Qi sea, the array pivot is like the meridians, the array lines are like the lesser meridians, and the array medium is like the physical body that houses the meridians. A cultivator's spiritual energy flows from the Qi sea, through the core meridians, filling the lesser meridians, condensing into spells. Similarly, an array's spiritual energy emanates from the array eye, passes through the array pivot, activates the array lines, and thus, the array exerts its effect..."
After listening to Bai Zisheng's explanation, Mo Hua understood, and he glanced at Bai Zisheng.
It would not have been possible to explain it so simply without a solid understanding, indicating that Bai Zisheng indeed had a strong foundation in array formations, even if he tended to be a bit talkative...
Mo Hua asked, "Do you usually talk to others like this?"
"Who are you referring to?"
Mo Hua thought for a moment, "Hmm... how about the disciples in your family?"
Bai Zisheng showed a disdainful expression, "I can't be bothered with them."
Intrigued, Mo Hua asked, "Why is that?"
"I don't like the way they look at me," Bai Zisheng replied. "Either they're fawning, jealous, scornful, or indifferent. I don't like it, so I don't pay attention to them."
Mo Hua was slightly taken aback. He wouldn't have expected the seemingly carefree Bai Zisheng to be so perceptive about others' gazes.
Bai Zisheng's expression returned to normal as he continued, "Now that I've explained the concept of the array pivot to you, you have to take me to the beast-taming show on the seventh!"
"Alright, alright." Mo Hua reluctantly agreed, then added, "I'm going to practice my array formation now. Don't talk to me for an hour."
Bai Zisheng waved his hand dismissively, "Go ahead, no one's stopping you."
Mo Hua took out the Three Talents Array and started drawing.
This was the array formation that Master Zhuang had asked him to practice. After a few days of training, Mo Hua could barely draw it, but he often made mistakes, and his brushwork was not yet proficient.
As Bai Zixi elegantly read her book and Mo Hua focused on his array formation, the bamboo pavilion fell into a momentary silence.
Bai Zisheng meditated for a while, glancing at both Bai Zixi and Mo Hua. He tried to continue his cultivation but eventually gave in to his curiosity and sneaked a peek at Mo Hua's array formation.
As he watched, his expression turned serious, and although he wanted to say something several times, he held back.
However, he couldn't concentrate on his cultivation anymore and just stared intently at the array formation that Mo Hua was drawing, not even blinking.
Bai Zixi, who had been reading her book, noticed Bai Zisheng's unusual behavior and gently tugged at his sleeve, intending to remind him to focus on his cultivation. But Bai Zisheng seemed completely oblivious.
Slightly annoyed, Bai Zixi followed Bai Zisheng's gaze and saw the array formation that Mo Hua was drawing. Like her brother, she, too, became captivated by it.
Mo Hua, absorbed in his task, didn't notice their reactions and continued to draw the array formation.
When he finished drawing the Three Talents Array and looked up, he saw Bai Zisheng's wide eyes and, turning his head, he met Bai Zixi's lively eyes, like pools of autumn water.
(End of Chapter)
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