Chapter 662: Refining Equipment on Solitary Mountain
Chapter 662: Refining Equipment on Solitary Mountain
The area surrounding Qian Xuezhou was picturesque, each scene more captivating than the last.
Mo Hua sat comfortably in a carriage, enjoying the scenery as he made his way toward Gushan City.
After a journey of almost half a day since their early morning departure, the carriage entered the vicinity of Solitary Mountain City.
Mo Hua looked around, a bit taken aback.
Compared to the scenery along the way, the area near Solitary Mountain City was much more dilapidated. The mountain rocks were bare, the vegetation withered, and the sky was a dull gray.
Abandoned mines dotted the landscape.
The place was sparsely populated.
The few scattered cultivators along the road mostly wore dejected expressions, as if they were enduring some kind of grief.
Mo Hua frowned.
Solitary Mountain City was a third-rate immortal city, but from its appearance, it seemed even more destitute than a typical second-rate realm.
This was far beyond his expectations.
The carriage drove along a broad but dusty avenue into Solitary Mountain City.
Inside the city, there were slightly more people, but not by much.
Mo Hua headed east and located a large refining establishment in the southeast corner, bearing a plaque with the words "Gu Family Refining Shop" written in bold, powerful strokes. Below it hung a smaller sign that read "Solitary Mountain Branch."
The plaque was somewhat old and covered in dust.
Mo Hua looked around. This refining establishment occupied a vast area, with one corner extending into the city and the other connecting to the nearby Solitary Mountain.
Inside the refining shop, business was bustling, and there seemed to be quite a number of cultivators.
Mo Hua swept the area with his spiritual sense, and through the array outside the city, he discovered that most of the auras within the refining shop belonged to cultivators at the Refining Qi and Building Foundation stages.
Only one aura stood out as exceptionally robust and almost tangible, with a faint hint of fiery energy. It resembled the feeling he got from Uncle Gu, likely indicating a Gold Core great cultivator!
As Mo Hua's spiritual sense swept through the refining shop, a tall, muscular man with a bronzed complexion, who had been meditating with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them.
The man hesitated for a moment before giving a low order to a disciple beside him:
"Go and see. We seem to have a distinguished guest."
The disciple looked surprised. "A distinguished guest?"
The man frowned, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
There was someone in the Gu family carriage, but...
The perception was vague, and he couldn't discern much beyond the person's youth, weak spiritual power, strong spiritual sense, and the faint oppressive feeling they exuded.
Even he, a Gold Core cultivator, felt a sense of solemnity.
This was highly unusual...
Moreover, Solitary Mountain City was remote and rarely visited.
What business could have brought this person here alone?
The man's eyes narrowed slightly as a sense of alertness arose within him, but he still instructed, "Invite the guest in. Do not neglect our duties as hosts."
The disciple understood the gravity of the situation and immediately bowed, saying, "Yes, Master!" before hurrying off to carry out the order.
The refining shop's main gate was closed.
As Mo Hua wondered whom to ask for, he heard the creak of wood, and the gate opened.
A robust youth with thick eyebrows and large eyes, exuding a straightforward demeanor, stepped out.
The youth looked around, appearing a bit bewildered, and muttered,
"Now, where is this distinguished guest..."
Only when he lowered his head did he notice the young master standing before him, with red lips and white teeth.
The youth was stunned.
"Is Master Gu here?" Mo Hua inquired.
"You... Are you looking for my master?" The youth asked, perplexed.
"Yes," Mo Hua nodded.
The youth studied Mo Hua a little more, noting his plain clothing, handsome features, and extraordinary bearing. His eyebrows seemed to shine like stars.
He furrowed his brows.
Could this young master be the "distinguished guest" Master had mentioned?
The youth was skeptical, but he recalled his master's instructions not to neglect their guest, so he decided to play it safe and invite him in regardless.
"Young Master, please follow me inside," the youth said politely.
"Thank you," Mo Hua smiled.
With the youth leading the way, Mo Hua entered the Gu family's refining shop.
Inside, there were quite a few cultivators.
Most of them were refiners or refining apprentices.
There were also numerous refining furnaces scattered across the premises.
At that moment, the refiners were hard at work, their bodies glistening with sweat as they heated the old and somewhat dilapidated refining furnaces until they glowed red. With utmost concentration, they wielded large hammers to forge what appeared to be the embryonic forms of spiritual artifacts.
The sounds of flames, clanging metal, and shouted instructions filled the air.
Judging by their forging techniques alone, these refiners were evidently experienced and skilled.
However, the refining furnaces were too outdated, the arrays too crude, and the process of crafting spiritual artifacts too perfunctory.
Despite the considerable scale of the operation, the numerous refining furnaces, and the refiners' adept skills, there was an overall sense of "backwardness" that felt out of place.
Nevertheless, Mo Hua didn't feel comfortable staring for too long.
After all, he had just arrived and wasn't familiar with anyone yet. Prolonged staring might arouse suspicion.
He walked further inside and entered a large courtyard where various spiritual artifacts were displayed.
Passing through the courtyard and continuing onward, the corridor narrowed, and after crossing another grand doorway, the space opened up before him.
He now stood at the top of a mine within the mountain.
Numerous cultivators were busy mining, and nearby were some simple refining furnaces used to process the extracted ores.
Only then did Mo Hua understand that the entire refining shop wasn't a closed-off building but was built along the mountain, with three walls enclosing this particular mine.
The ores were mined on one side and refined on the other.
Mo Hua's eyes lit up.
This was the first time he had encountered a refining shop in such a format.
Judging by its scale, this refining shop must have been quite prosperous in the past, but now it looked desolate, likely having fallen on hard times.
At that moment, outside the mine, there was a stone table, and seated at it was a man with a dignified appearance, deep in thought.
Mo Hua needed only a glance to recognize that this man, with his majestic features, was a Gold Core cultivator and probably the "Master Gu" he was looking for.
Master Gu had also noticed Mo Hua.
But he was a third-grade refiner and had interacted with cultivators of all sorts over the years. He knew that in Qianzhou, the younger a person was, the more unusual their identity might be. Even if one couldn't make friends, it was best not to offend them easily.
The young man led the way, and Mo Hua followed him forward and greeted Master Gu courteously.
Master Gu nodded politely in return and then instructed the young man who had guided Mo Hua:
"Dachuan, go and boil a pot of tea."
"Yes, Master," replied the young man named Dachuan as he withdrew.
Master Gu then invited Mo Hua to take a seat and scrutinized him with cautious eyes before asking, "May I ask your surname, young master?"
"My surname is Mo," Mo Hua replied crisply.
Mo?
Master Gu was taken aback.
Not 'Gu' or 'Shangguan', but 'Mo'?
There wasn't any major clan with the surname 'Mo' in the vicinity of Qian Xuezhou...
Master Gu frowned, "This place is rather remote, may I ask why you have come here, young master?"
Mo Hua took out a letter from his bosom and handed it to Master Gu.
Master Gu took the letter and opened it, only to find it blank, which puzzled him. Then he felt annoyed, wondering if this young master was playing a joke on him.
Just as he was about to say something, he noticed two seals at the bottom of the blank letter.
One was the seal of the Gu family, and the other, the Shangguan family.
Master Gu's pupils dilated in surprise.
The seals of two great families!
This implied that this young master's visit was endorsed by both the Shangguan and Gu families.
And yet, the letter was left blank...
Either this was a very casual letter.
Or it meant that whatever this young master wanted to do, he had the approval of the two great families...
Master Gu turned his head slowly, looking at Mo Hua with a mixture of emotions.
Just who was this young master?
And...
Why did he bring such an important letter to this remote refining establishment on Solitary Mountain? Master Gu's gaze sharpened.
Solitary Mountain was secluded, and its mines were nearly depleted.
They, the remaining refiners, could only forge mediocre spiritual artifacts to get by, and life was already difficult enough.
Did this young master come here to give orders and act arrogantly?
Or was he like those other young masters from influential families, looking to squeeze more out of them? Master Gu clenched his fists slightly, his gaze turning cold despite his polite tone.
"I understand, young master. Please speak freely if you have any requests."
"We will do our best to accommodate your needs..."
Mo Hua felt that Master Gu's attitude was a bit strange.
However, he thought that it was already good enough for Master Gu, a Golden Core cultivator, to take the time to listen to his, a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator's, requests.
It would be excessive to expect him to be amiable as well.
So Mo Hua said, "Master Gu, I would like to ask about some matters regarding the 'array medium' spiritual artifacts..."
Master Gu nodded, waiting for Mo Hua to continue.
But after waiting for a while, Mo Hua didn't say more.
Master Gu was perplexed, "And then?"
And then?
Mo Hua was also puzzled, "And then I'll go back to the sect for classes..."
What else could there be? Was he supposed to stay here?
Master Gu looked bewildered, "That's it?"
Mo Hua nodded, equally perplexed, "That's it..."
Master Gu's expression froze.
You came here with such an important letter, just to ask about some things and then leave? Are you treating the seal of endorsement like a feather?
Master Gu didn't believe it and looked at Mo Hua doubtfully, "Really?"
"Mhm..."
Mo Hua nodded slowly.
Master Gu stared at Mo Hua for a long time, making sure he wasn't lying, before heaving a slow sigh and relaxing.
He even managed to squeeze out a smile for Mo Hua.
Mo Hua was thoroughly confused and felt that Master Gu had a peculiar temperament.
"Array medium spiritual artifacts, eh? Young master, feel free to ask whatever you want to know..."
Master Gu thought for a moment and added, "The path of refining is diverse, and I happened to choose the 'array medium' branch by chance back then. Although I've switched to another branch of refining now, my foundation in array mediums remains. As long as it's not too profound, I should be able to answer most of your questions, young master..."
Master Gu's words were detailed, and his attitude was exceptionally good.
Mo Hua felt a bit embarrassed.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Master Gu."
"Not at all, young master."
"By the way," Mo Hua suddenly remembered something and asked curiously, "Master Gu, why did you switch to another branch of refining? Why didn't you continue with array mediums?"
Master Gu hesitated.
"If it's inconvenient, I won't ask," Mo Hua said.
Master Gu paused, then shook his head, unable to hide his bitterness, "It's too difficult...
"The field is shallow, the gains are low, and there's not much prospect...
"Most importantly, you have to depend on the array masters' faces..."
As if recalling unpleasant memories, Master Gu's expression turned sour.
"Those damned array masters! One or two of them, with their noses in the air, bad-tempered, and demanding. They would revise the template of an array medium spiritual artifact over and over, sometimes more than ten times..."
"According to their whims, they would revise it a dozen times, and then they'd slap their foreheads and say the first version was the best..."
Master Gu grew angrier as he reminisced.
"Back then, when I was still at the Foundation Establishment stage and not yet a master refiner, I took on a job to refine a few array mediums..."
"But those bastard array masters kept nitpicking and making things difficult. When I think about it now, I still feel like..."
Master Gu's anger rose, and seeing Mo Hua's odd expression, he realized he had lost his composure and quickly apologized, "Sorry, young master, I wasn't talking about you..."
Mo Hua didn't know what to say and could only nod silently.
He asked about the differences between array mediums and how different array mediums were suited to different arrays.
And so on...
Seeing how professionally Mo Hua was inquiring, Gu Shi Fu couldn't help but view the young man with newfound respect and thus explained everything with extra care, lest he lose face.
First was the relationship between arrays and spiritual artifacts.
"Array talismans, though one of the four major categories of cultivation, are not entirely independent and distinct from each other..."
"As cultivation progressed, different industries merged, evolved, and developed..."
"...and among them, arrays became extremely important."
Gu Shi Fu sighed, "Although I curse those array masters as dog-eyed and arrogant 'dog array masters,' I must admit that arrays are indeed the most deeply integrated and influential among the various industries..."
"Take the art of forging, for example..."
"...the forging furnace uses arrays, which goes without saying."
"Most of the spiritual artifacts forged by refiners also contain arrays. However, different spiritual artifacts use different arrays and serve different purposes..."
"The spiritual artifacts used by Body Cultivators have arrays designed to reinforce the artifact, maintaining its hardness or sharpness for close-quarters combat..."
"For instance, the Broken Blade or the Sharp Gold Blade, among others..."
"Occasionally, they may also have an 'attribute array' for elemental advantages. Examples include the Flame Blade or the Frost Blade..."
"As for the spiritual artifacts used by Spirit Cultivators, they mostly contain arrays similar to 'spells'..."
"When battling another cultivator, it's like having an extra spell up your sleeve."
"However, these spiritual artifact arrays can only be activated by the cultivator's spiritual power and not by spirit stones..."
"Moreover, since the arrays are inscribed within the artifact, they are subject to many limitations, resulting in a significant reduction in the array's power..."
"The only spiritual artifacts that can fully unleash the power of arrays are the so-called 'array mediums'!"
Gu Shi Fu's voice deepened as he continued, "On the surface, these artifacts appear to be like any other, but their true purpose is to serve as a 'medium' for the array. They have the highest compatibility with array patterns."
"They can activate the full power of the array without any loss or restriction."
"However, array mediums are too dependent on arrays and, consequently, too dependent on array masters."
"Different array masters and different arrays result in vast differences in details, making it challenging for array mediums to have a fixed 'format.' Therefore, they are difficult to mass-produce, carry higher risks, and offer uncertain prospects..."
"In essence, refining 'array mediums' cannot be strictly classified as 'spiritual artifacts,' so refiners willing to research these are relatively scarce..."
"As for the relationship between array mediums and arrays..."
"Different types of arrays require different array mediums..."
"For instance, array flags are generally used for scouting, hunting, combat, or navigating ships..."
"Array plates have a wide range of applications. Basically, if you're unsure about the 'array medium' for a particular array, large or small, inscribing it on an array plate is usually a safe bet..."
"There are also some array bases..."
...
Gu Shi Fu patiently explained everything in great detail to Mo Hua.
Mo Hua listened attentively and took meticulous notes.
During this time, the disciple named "Dachuan" came to serve tea and then quietly withdrew.
After finishing his explanation, Gu Shi Fu suddenly thought of a question: "Young master, why are you asking about array mediums? Are you planning to study refining?"
Mo Hua shook his head. "I can't study it..."
"Oh, right," Gu Shi Fu looked at Mo Hua's small frame, which couldn't even lift a hammer, and nodded. "Then you..."
"...are an array master," Mo Hua replied.
Gu Shi Fu's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You're an array master? No wonder..."
You...
An array master?! Gu Shi Fu's heart skipped a beat, and he felt a trickle of cold sweat down his back.
Had he just been bad-mouthing array masters in front of one?
Gu Shi Fu's lips twitched.
Mo Hua's expression remained unchanged.
Feeling a bit guilty, Gu Shi Fu coughed softly and quietly emphasized again, "Young master, I really wasn't talking about you just now..."
"Master Gu, it's fine," Mo Hua assured him with a generous smile.
Seeing that Mo Hua truly didn't mind, Gu Shi Fu breathed a sigh of relief.
Although he didn't know Mo Hua's exact identity, the fact that he possessed a letter with the seals of the Shangguan and Gu families indicated that he had powerful backers and couldn't be offended.
Gu Shi Fu couldn't help but take a few more curious glances at Mo Hua.
Mo Hua asked, "Do I not look like an array master?"
Gu Shi Fu shook his head. "Not at all..."
Intrigued, Mo Hua asked, "How so?"
Gu Shi Fu carefully replied, "Usually, array masters aren't so young. Moreover, they tend to have more volatile temperaments, look down on others, and act arrogantly or haughtily..."
"A well-mannered, good-looking, and amiable young array master with such a generous temperament—I've never seen one before."
"Indeed, a rare find..."
Seeing that Gu Shi Fu was complimenting him, Mo Hua let go of any lingering displeasure.
Gu Shi Fu thought for a moment and then bowed his hands, frankly admitting, "I was in the wrong this time. My words were offensive, and I ask that you please forgive me..."
"If you wouldn't mind, young master, I'd like to invite you to a restaurant in the city as an apology..."
Mo Hua smiled gently.
This Master Gu was indeed a forthright person.
However, Mo Hua's time was limited, and he was running out of it.
"Thank you, Master Gu, but our sect's break is almost over, and I need to return to cultivate. If I have the chance in the future, I'll come back to ask you some questions. I hope you'll be willing to teach me then."
It seemed like he had something urgent, but he dared not interrupt, so he waited for a long while.
Master Gu also noticed Dachuan and called him over, asking, "What's the matter?"
Dachuan replied, "Master, one of the furnaces broke down again..."
Master Gu frowned. "If it's broken, just replace it. Aren't there plenty of furnaces?"
Dachuan bitterly explained, "We're in the middle of refining, so we can't switch furnaces. Changing it midway could damage the embryo inside, and firing up a new furnace would require more spirit stones..."
"Where is it broken?" Master Gu inquired.
"The same as before," Dachuan replied. "It's just old and overused, causing the array to deteriorate..."
Master Gu's brow furrowed.
Mo Hua spoke up, "Let me take a look."
Master Gu had shared a lot of knowledge about refining equipment, and Mo Hua felt it was only right to return the favor with this small gesture.
It was a simple task, and by helping out, Mo Hua could also repay the debt of gratitude.
In the future, if he needed to ask for Master Gu's help again, it would be easier to make the request.
Besides, he had already inspected the refining establishment on his way in.
The refining furnaces they used were quite old, and the arrays within them were not very sophisticated. He could recreate them with his eyes closed.
Master Gu looked at Mo Hua, hesitating:
"It's a mid-tier second-grade array..."
"It's fine," Mo Hua assured him. "I know a little about mid-tier second-grade arrays."
Master Gu was momentarily confused.
What did he mean by "It's a mid-tier second-grade array, and I know a little about it"?
How could a Qi Refining cultivator have learned a mid-tier second-grade array?
Although he wasn't an array master himself, he still had some basic knowledge.
However, Mo Hua was confident. He turned to Dachuan and said, "Lead the way."
Dachuan looked troubled. He glanced at Mo Hua, then at Master Gu, unsure of what to do.
Master Gu sighed and nodded. "Go ahead."
After all, it was just a second-grade refining furnace.
In the worst-case scenario, it would be broken, which wasn't much different from its current state.
However, when they arrived in the front courtyard and saw the damaged refining furnace, Master Gu's brow furrowed once more.
The furnace had been disassembled, and most of the array patterns had faded. It was indeed an issue with the array.
But the inner walls of the furnace were still glowing red from the intense heat, and ordinary second-grade array brushes couldn't withstand such high temperatures.
They would have to wait for a couple of hours for the refining furnace to cool down naturally before they could redraw the array.
"Young master, I think we should forget about it," Master Gu said, trailing off halfway through his sentence as he suddenly froze.
He watched as Mo Hua took out a bottle of spiritual ink and, without even using a brush, casually hooked his finger. The red fire-attribute spiritual ink seemed to come alive, slithering out of the bottle like a tiny snake.
Then, with another gesture from Mo Hua, the spiritual ink traced a winding path through the air before settling on the fiery red inner wall of the refining furnace.
Mo Hua then made a few more swift gestures with his small hands.
Before long, a sixteen-patterned, second-grade Molten Fire array appeared on the refining furnace, intricate and precise, without the slightest error.
The nearby refiners, regardless of age, cultivation level, or experience, were all stunned...
For a moment, they felt a sense of surrealness.
"Is that how array masters do it...?"
"Is that how arrays are drawn...?"
However, Mo Hua acted as if he had just performed a trivial task. He put away the remaining spiritual ink and waved goodbye, saying, "I'll be going now."
Master Gu nodded blankly, so absorbed in thought that he even forgot to see Mo Hua out.
It was only after Mo Hua had walked away that he snapped out of his daze.
Master Gu watched Mo Hua's departing figure, a frown on his face as he pondered, "Who exactly is this young master...?"
"His array techniques... Although I don't understand them, they're truly awe-inspiring..."
"He's also sincere and well-connected..."
"I wonder if he could..."
Master Gu looked up at the group of refiners and apprentices around him and sighed deeply.
"These people follow me, so I must give them some hope..."
"I can't let them stagnate here in this remote and decaying Solitary Mountain City..."
...
Night had fallen.
Mo Hua sat alone in a carriage, embarking on the journey away from Solitary Mountain City.
He intended to travel through the night.
The break from classes was short, and he still had to visit Huang Shanjun, so he couldn't afford to waste any time.
Besides, traveling at night on the main road was generally safe.
If he encountered any danger, the cover of darkness would provide him with an advantage.
Mo Hua still felt puzzled about Solitary Mountain City.
How could a third-rate immortal city have so few Golden Core cultivators, and why did it look so desolate?
However, his trip had been abrupt, and he hadn't had the chance to ask many questions. Perhaps he would learn more on his next visit.
For now, he needed to focus on his journey.
Thus, Mo Hua traveled along the main road, taking a slight detour toward the dilapidated temple where Huang Shanjun resided.
The night was dark, and the mountains were shrouded in mist.
While it looked dangerous, the journey was peaceful.
In less than an hour, he would reach Ku Mountain and meet Huang Shanjun.
However, as they passed through a nearby immortal city, Mo Hua suddenly felt a twinge of unease.
He sensed that something had happened in the vicinity...
(End of Chapter)
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