Chapter 599: A Grand Array?
Chapter 599: A Grand Array?
Upon returning to his residence, Mo Hua quickly shut the door and eagerly used his spiritual sense to examine the Tahuyuling, the Void Token that now granted him access to cultivation resources.
The token appeared blank at first glance, but upon closer inspection, intricate characters emerged. Some were cultivation courses, sect rules, and other standard information.
However, two new sections had appeared, beautifully presented as if brushed with ink and colored with delicate hues. One section was a bounty board, and the other was a merit roster.
The bounty board listed various tasks assigned by the sect, with corresponding merit points as rewards. The details included the purpose, description, location, level of danger, and merit points offered for each task, along with the requirements for accepting the missions, such as the cultivator's realm, cultivation technique, and proficiency in pill refining or array formation.
The merit roster, on the other hand, displayed a plethora of rewards that could be exchanged for merit points. These included cultivation techniques, array formations, pill formulas, and weapon forging manuals—all part of the sect's secret legacy. There were also spiritual tools, pills, and rare cultivation resources. For convenience, some of the spiritual tools, pills, and precious spiritual plants and herbs were accompanied by small, colorful illustrations, making the roster visually appealing and informative.
Mo Hua guessed that the merit roster must have been designed by one of the female elders of the sect. At the same time, he was perplexed by how such a roster was created and incorporated into the token, as it seemed to defy his understanding of cultivation logic. He had never encountered anything like this before, and it seemed to be something that only those at the Foundation Establishment stage and above could access, and even then, only in a sect as vast and ancient as the Tahuyumen.
Contemplating the underlying principle of this "sect token," Mo Hua's thoughts turned to the fundamentals of the cosmos: "All things in the heavens and earth embody the Dao, and the myriad phenomena and infinite paths can be reduced to a single, grand array..."
"Could this token also be a type of array?" he wondered.
Mo Hua pondered this question for a long time but eventually shook his head. He couldn't fathom what kind of array logic could create such a bizarre yet wondrous merit roster within a small token. The ability to convey information through text and illustrate it with vibrant colors seemed beyond the scope of conventional arrays.
However, his intuition told him that these were merely surface-level manifestations. There was a high probability that this was a type of array he had never encountered or studied before, one that utilized a unique set of array patterns, core, and eye.
Frowning in concentration, Mo Hua's eyes widened as a sudden idea struck him. "What if I try to deduce it?" he wondered. Perhaps, with his newfound access, he could unravel some of the token's mysteries.
When he had first received the token, his cultivation base had been low, and his spiritual sense had been blocked by the token's restrictions. Coupled with his lack of array knowledge at the time, he hadn't been able to discern anything. But now, after studying arrays with Elder Xun for almost half a year, his spiritual sense had strengthened, his array formation prowess had deepened, and his understanding had broadened. With the additional "permissions" granted by Elder Xun, he felt ready to attempt a deduction.
Mo Hua straightened his posture, focused his spiritual sense on the token, and began scrutinizing the intricate characters and brushstrokes. Simultaneously, he activated his divine sense, employing the art of heavenly computation to peer beyond the surface and uncover the true nature of the text and illustrations.
The characters on the token gradually blurred, and the colorful patterns seemed to develop a double image. The token's facade began to unravel, revealing a glimpse of its underlying structure.
Mo Hua's eyes narrowed as he discerned the truth. Indeed, the text and illustrations were merely illusions. The essence of the token was an array formation.
All the text and images were created through the intricate arrangement and combination of simple, uniform array patterns, rigid yet meticulously ordered. These patterns were governed by array cores, which in turn were connected to a grand, central array core that unified them all.
This central array core was incredibly complex and vast. It was protected by layers of intricate array patterns, forming an impenetrable barrier. Mo Hua's spiritual sense felt minuscule and frail in comparison. As his spiritual sea began to dry up, his deduction reached its limit; there was only so much he could discern with his limited spiritual sense.
Nonetheless, the revelation left him stunned. "Could this be... a grand array as well?" he wondered aloud. A grand array formed by the Tahuyuling!
Every Tahuyuling issued to the sect's disciples was a terminal connected to the central array core, imprinted with a unique sequence. This allowed all disciples to share information and transmit messages through the tokens.
It was an entirely different type of grand array compared to the Five Elements Demon-Slaying Array or the Five Elements Mountain-Protecting Array, which were external and focused on raw power and grandeur. The Tahuyuling's array was a microcosm, encapsulating a vast sea of information and spiritual currents within a small space.
Was this also a path to enlightenment in the heavens and earth? Mo Hua's eyes widened in awe, and his mind raced with questions.
What if he could master this grand array? If he could decipher the array core's defenses and gain control of the central array core, what would he be capable of?
Could he eavesdrop on the transmissions of all the elders and disciples within the Tahuyumen? Could he uncover all the sect's core secrets?
Moreover, would controlling this grand array mean that he could... manipulate his own "permissions"? Grant himself access to anything he desired? Modify his own merit points? Exchange them for priceless treasures, innate spiritual objects, or divine sword techniques? Have an infinite supply of merit points to spend throughout his lifetime?!
Mo Hua's mouth hung open as these mischievous thoughts sprouted like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.
However, he quickly shook his head to dispel these notions. "No!" he chastised himself. "I am a proper disciple of the Tahuyumen now, with principles. I must not engage in actions that harm the sect's interests or attempt to seize its authority."
"Greed is a taboo in the path of cultivation!" he reminded himself. Yet, his heart still fluttered with temptation.
While he couldn't steal from the Tahuyumen, his thoughts turned to the broader cultivation world. If the Tahuyumen utilized this array system, it was likely that other sects in the Qianxue Province or even beyond might also employ similar array formations.
Extending this idea further...
Any sect with considerable influence, a long heritage, and a deep foundation might possess this kind of grand array that integrated communication, reward, and promotion functions.
This array was still beyond his current capabilities.
However, with the Void Token readily available, Mo Hua decided to bide his time, planning to improve his array mastery, strengthen his divine sense, and refine his skill in heavenly computation before attempting to unravel the mysteries of this array system.
Mo Hua couldn't contain his excitement and soon became lost in thought:
"I am a disciple of the Tahuyumen, and I must not do anything to harm the sect..."
"But, as for other sects... I am not their disciple..."
"Some righteous sects don't always do good either..."
"Furthermore, there are demons, heretics, and evil sects in this world..."
"If I come to comprehend this grand array in the future..."
A mischievous smile appeared on Mo Hua's face, his eyes sparkling with cunning as he muttered to himself:
"It would be best if all you sects don't offend me..."
"Otherwise, if I happen to come across your sect's tokens in the future, you will be in for a 'treat'..."
...
Of course, it was still a bit early for such thoughts.
Mo Hua pushed them aside and decided to focus on the present.
One should take things step by step and not get ahead of themselves.
He would slowly study the Void Token.
For now, he would continue to take on sect missions, earn merit points, learn new array formations, and enhance his divine sense.
Once he accumulated enough merit, and his access level increased, he would then check the higher-tier merit rosters to see if they contained the Tahuyuling Divine Sword Manual or the array that could 'defy death.'
...
With a determined gaze, Mo Hua began to take on tasks.
Remembering Elder Xun's advice, he didn't aim too high and initially only applied for 'beginner' tasks.
The process of 'taking' a task was a two-way street.
Not only did Mo Hua have to apply, but the other party also had to agree.
Using his divine sense, he could manifest text on the Void Token.
There were numerous tasks listed on the bounty board, a veritable smorgasbord of options.
To apply for a task, one would use their divine sense to leave their name below the chosen task.
This name would include basic information about the disciple, such as their cultivation level, cultivation technique, proficient spells, and the rank of their pill refining, array formation, etc.
The disciple could decide which specific information to display.
The issuing cultivator would carefully consider this information before deciding whether to agree to let the disciple take on the task.
Only when both parties agreed would a contract be formed.
However, Mo Hua, who had gained early access to the Void Token through Elder Xun's pull, found himself repeatedly rejected when trying to take on tasks—even the beginner ones.
Mountain gate guarding...
Others didn't want him, citing his young age and small stature, claiming that having a child guarding the gate would reflect poorly on the sect.
Sweeping the grounds...
Mo Hua did manage to sweep the grounds once.
But the sect administrators felt he was too slow, and seeing his thin arms and legs, they didn't have the heart to let him continue, so they stopped assigning him this task.
As for alchemy, pill refining, and talisman creation, Mo Hua didn't know how to do any of those either.
He was unable to take on any of the other bounties as well.
In the end, Mo Hua could only fall back on drawing array formations.
"Fine, I'll just draw array formations then..."
Initially wanting to experience other tasks, Mo Hua reluctantly set aside those thoughts and focused on array formations.
But even then, he was being overly optimistic.
The sect's tasks were essentially a form of 'bounty.'
These bounties were issued by the Tahuyumen itself, nearby sects, the Court of Dao, or other affiliated powers and individual cultivators.
They would only issue a bounty if they had a specific need.
Only when someone needed an array formation could he draw one.
He couldn't just draw whatever he wanted.
That was fine, though.
Mo Hua was extremely proficient with the common Five Elements Array and the Eight Trigrams Array.
For most of the second-tier initial level array formations and some of the higher-tier initial level ones listed on the Void Token, Mo Hua was more than qualified; he could even handle them with 'ease.'
However, he couldn't get anyone to choose him!
The cultivators issuing the bounties simply ignored him!
For array formation bounties, they would consider the cultivator's array formation level as appraised by the Court of Dao.
And Mo Hua's competitors were all uniformly 'second-tier initial level' or 'second-tier intermediate level' array masters...
These array masters were senior disciples, several years his senior.
As for Mo Hua, he had only passed the first-tier array master appraisal and bore the title of 'first-tier array master.' Naturally, no one gave him a second glance.
Even when Mo Hua added 'proficient in array formations' to his displayed information, no one believed him.
His skills had no outlet.
Mo Hua sighed helplessly.
He could only turn back and take on some first-tier array formation 'small jobs.'
These small jobs were all first-tier array formations, and no one usually took them because the merit points offered were too low for second-tier array masters to bother with.
First-tier array masters were mostly new disciples who likely didn't even have access to the Void Token yet.
So, only a small number of senior disciples who were learning second-tier array formations would take these jobs for practice.
With the title of a Court of Dao-appraised 'first-tier array master,' Mo Hua's applications for first-tier array formation bounties carried significant 'weight.'
He didn't hesitate to use his divine sense to swiftly scan through the bounty board, and wherever he saw a bounty for a first-tier array formation, he left his name:
"Mo Hua!"
After a while, the Void Token vibrated slightly, indicating that some of his applications had been accepted, while others had been rejected by those with 'poor eyesight.'
Mo Hua huffed.
"Today, you turn me away, but tomorrow, you won't be able to afford me!"
If it weren't for his 'fall from grace,' who would take on these first-tier array formation bounties?
Mo Hua then scanned through the bounty board again and applied for a few more first-tier array formation bounties. After a short wait, some were accepted, and some were rejected.
Mo Hua counted and found that he had a total of six first-tier array formation bounties.
He wanted to take on a few more, but when he tried to manifest text with his divine sense, he found that he couldn't.
Mo Hua pondered for a moment and soon figured out the reason.
He had reached the bounty limit.
A disciple could only take on a maximum of six bounties at a time.
Mo Hua felt a bit disappointed.
"Six is still okay, I'll just finish these first..."
Mo Hua kept the Void Token in his storage bag and left the disciple residence. Using the mental map of the sect that he had memorized, he located the 'Merit Pavilion.'
The Merit Pavilion of the Tahuyumen was in charge of the merit system and handled all matters related to issuing bounties, accepting applications, and distributing rewards.
While sect bounties were applied for through the Void Token, certain necessary procedures and the collection of rewards required a personal visit to the Merit Pavilion.
The same went for array formations.
Mo Hua had to go to the Merit Pavilion to collect the ink, paper, and basic array diagrams he needed for drawing array formations.
In the Merit Pavilion, numerous disciples came and went, bustling about.
After waiting in line for a while, it was Mo Hua's turn. He stepped forward and presented his Void Token, saying, "Elder, I'm here to accept the array formation bounty."
The Merit Elder was also an old man, with white hair, though chubby.
He checked Mo Hua's Void Token, and although his expression was somewhat puzzled, he still took out six storage bags and handed them to Mo Hua.
Inside the bags were the ink, brushes, and array diagrams needed for the bounty.
Mo Hua took the bags and turned to leave.
"Wait..."
The Merit Elder stared at Mo Hua for a moment, then asked, "How old are you?"
"Fifteen!"
"Fifteen..." The Merit Elder frowned. "Then you must have just joined the sect not long ago, less than a year, right? How come you're already using the Void Token to take on tasks?"
Mo Hua pushed all the blame onto Elder Xun, "Elder Xun asked me to do tasks, earn merit points, and study array formations!"
The Merit Elder was taken aback, "Elder Xun?"
How strange...
That old man is usually so strict. Why is he breaking the rules now? The Merit Elder stared at Mo Hua again, seeing his small stature and the six storage bags he was carrying, and asked, "Can you really complete all six array formations?"
"Yes!" Mo Hua replied, "I can draw arrays very quickly!"
Drawing arrays quickly?
How fast can one be at such a young age?
The Merit Elder shook his head, no longer asking any questions, and waved his hand, "Alright, go ahead and draw, but don't be greedy. Otherwise, if you can't complete the task, your reputation will suffer..."
"Yes, Elder," Mo Hua agreed.
The Merit Elder watched Mo Hua leave, not giving it too much thought.
However, after just an hour, Mo Hua returned and placed the six storage bags on the table.
"Elder, I've finished drawing them," Mo Hua said.
The Merit Elder was surprised.
Finished? He opened the bags and indeed found six first-grade array formations, some using paper as the medium, while others used array plates or spiritual tool embryos.
Each array formation was neat, precise, and strictly adhered to the standards, without any errors.
"You really drew them so quickly..."
The Merit Elder was a bit taken aback but then thought about it and didn't feel it was too surprising.
After all, they were just first-grade array formations.
The Merit Elder swept his spiritual sense over the arrays and nodded, "Indeed, they are all completed. Six first-grade array formations, totaling nineteen merit points, which have already been added to your Void Token."
Mo Hua was delighted. He immersed his spiritual sense into the Void Token and indeed found a small number next to his name:
Nineteen.
This meant that he had earned nineteen merit points.
"Alright, you..." The Merit Elder was about to say, "can leave now," but before he could finish, Mo Hua interjected, "Elder, wait..."
Mo Hua immersed his spiritual sense into the Void Token for a moment before raising his head and handing the Void Token back to the Merit Elder, "I've also accepted a few more..."
The Merit Elder's eyelids twitched.
This little rascal, not following the rules...
Who takes on tasks like this? And at such a young age, you're taking on so many array formations. Aren't you afraid of overexerting your spiritual sense...
The Merit Elder hesitated for a moment, but seeing Mo Hua's energetic appearance and not looking tired at all, he didn't say anything and instead handed over a few more storage bags to Mo Hua.
Mo Hua happily left.
The Merit Elder watched him go, and he also silently remembered the name on Mo Hua's Void Token.
...
In the following days, Mo Hua continued to draw array formations.
However, the merit points for first-grade array formations were too low, usually only three or four points each, which was too slow to accumulate.
And the ones he wanted to exchange for, the fifteen-pattern and sixteen-pattern array formations, required several hundred merit points each.
Fortunately, Mo Hua was quick at drawing arrays, and at first, his progress was good.
But gradually, his plan to accumulate merit points hit another snag.
Firstly, he still had to attend cultivation classes and couldn't spend all his time drawing arrays.
Even when he did draw, it was limited to one hour at most.
He also needed to practice the fifteen-pattern Rain-Nurturing Array to strengthen his spiritual sense, so his time was limited.
Another reason was that the number of first-grade array formation bounties available on the Void Token was decreasing.
Most disciples of the Tahuyumen were at the Foundation Establishment stage or above, so the demand for first-grade array formations was not high.
Mo Hua drew them extremely quickly, often taking on five or six at a time, so soon, he had completed most of the available first-grade array formation bounties.
What remained were just a few scattered ones, and there might only be one or two bounties per day.
Mo Hua might not even be able to get them all.
Counting it up, he was earning around two or three merit points per day.
It was like a turtle's pace.
Even if he saved up for a year, he might not be able to exchange it for a fifteen-pattern array formation.
Mo Hua sighed and frowned as he thought:
"This is too slow. I need to find another way to earn merit points faster so I can exchange them for array formations..."
"But how..."
Mo Hua was at a loss for a moment, so he immersed his spiritual sense into the Void Token and browsed through the "Bounty Board" for many days, finally discovering a reliable solution.
Due to his low cultivation level and lack of seniority, he couldn't accept most bounties.
However, he could "join" bounties! Some tasks were too difficult for a single person to complete, so a leading disciple would accept the bounty and then recruit three to four other disciples to collaborate.
After the task was completed, the merit points would be distributed according to each disciple's contribution.
There might be some discrepancies, but they wouldn't be too significant.
Mo Hua looked through the board and found that some challenging tasks offered several hundred merit points. If he could "join" one of those, he would still get several dozen points even with a small contribution.
It would be equivalent to a month's worth of drawing first-grade array formations.
Mo Hua's eyes lit up, and he immediately put his plan into action.
On the Bounty Board of the Void Token, there would be recruitment messages from disciples who had accepted bounties and were looking for collaborators.
Mo Hua scrolled through the board over and over, his spiritual sense becoming numb from the effort, until he finally found a suitable task that he could "join":
"On the ninth day of May, in the second-grade area of the Point Cang State, pursue and capture a rogue cultivator..."
"This rogue cultivator is proficient in array formations and skilled in array deployment, so be cautious."
"We need a fellow disciple who is skilled in arrays to assist. Second-grade initial stage is preferred, but if your array skills are exceptional and you have self-preservation abilities, first-grade will also do..."
"After the task is completed, merit points will be distributed according to contribution, with a starting point of one hundred..."
...
Mo Hua read through the details carefully.
"Self-preservation abilities," "first-grade will also do"...
Wasn't this describing him?
And the starting point was one hundred merit points!
Mo Hua was delighted and promptly left his name on the recruitment message:
"Mo Hua."
He then added, "Skilled in stealth, with self-preservation abilities..."
"Very proficient in array formations!"
(End of Chapter)
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