Chapter 68: Putting Learning into Practice
Chapter 68: Putting Learning into Practice
One morning, Mr. Zhuang called Mo Hua and asked with an air of profundity, "Mo Hua, what kind of array master do you aspire to be?"
Mo Hua thought to himself that he would be content with becoming a first-rate array master. With a monthly stipend, he could support himself, and his parents would surely be pleased.
But he felt that wasn't what Mr. Zhuang was getting at.
"Master, are there different types of array masters?" Mo Hua asked humbly.
"There are countless arrays, and naturally, array masters come in all sorts as well, each with their unique strengths," Mr. Zhuang replied.
"Oh..." Mo Hua was a bit perplexed.
Mr. Zhuang continued, "Some array masters travel the nine provinces in search of lost forbidden arrays, while others visit various sects to exchange insights on arrays. There are those who devote themselves solely to research, unconcerned with worldly matters, and there are also those who are more practical and aim to revolutionize various industries with arrays..."
Mo Hua felt a bit overwhelmed.
The idea of traveling far and wide in search of lost forbidden arrays was enticing, although he didn't yet know what a forbidden array was. Visiting different sects to exchange knowledge about arrays seemed appealing, too. A life of peaceful and quiet research, untouched by worldly affairs, also had its merits, and using arrays to bring about change in various fields was equally meaningful...
Noting the slight furrow on Mo Hua's fair brow, Mr. Zhuang smiled gently and changed the subject. "But, in the end, it doesn't really matter which path you choose. The world has its rules and restrictions, but it can also be said that nothing is off-limits. No one dictates who you are or what kind of array master you should become."
"As an array master, the most important things are your dedication to arrays, your understanding of the Dao of Heaven, and always keeping in mind the four principles of 'observe, learn, contemplate, and apply'."
"Observe, learn, contemplate, and apply?" Mo Hua repeated.
"Observing broadens your horizons, learning enhances your proficiency, contemplation prevents you from being a mere bookworm, and application puts your learning into practice. Understanding arrays begins with observation and culminates in application."
Mo Hua nodded, feeling that he somewhat grasped the concept, but not entirely.
"You've done well with observing, learning, and contemplating, but that's not enough," Mr. Zhuang continued. "You must also learn to apply what you've learned. Learning arrays without applying them is like hiding treasure in the mountains to gather dust or keeping your talents hidden in your belly. Only by applying your knowledge can you achieve greatness."
"Then, Master," Mo Hua asked sincerely, "how should I apply my knowledge of arrays?"
"Arrays are the product of cultivators' insights into the heavens and the earth," Mr. Zhuang explained. "In other words, the heavens, the earth, and all things within them embody the principles of arrays and contain the keys to their application. If you are diligent, you will find that arrays are connected to everything, from the fibers of your clothes to the food you eat."
Mo Hua's eyes lit up as he realized that his previous use of arrays in cultivating furnaces and building stoves had been applications of array principles.
"I understand, Master!" Mo Hua exclaimed happily. "Arrays are cultivators' insights into the Dao of Heaven, so they can be applied to various aspects of the cultivation world. Everything in the heavens and earth, from plants to trees, holds the essence of arrays. As long as we are mindful, we can use them to study and apply arrays."
"Indeed!" Mr. Zhuang was pleased. "There's one more crucial point. By applying your knowledge and integrating your understanding, you can solve the problem of learning a multitude of arrays for puzzle-solving without achieving mastery. This will help you become more proficient."
Mo Hua's eyes sparkled at the prospect.
Mr. Zhuang elaborated, "Drawing arrays only on paper can lead to armchair strategizing. The diversity of the world and the myriad array mediums call for practical application. When you actually draw and use arrays, your understanding will deepen, your insights will become clearer, and your ability to unravel arrays will strengthen!"
Mo Hua found the reasoning compelling but also daunting. "I may not have that much time, Master..."
After all, drawing arrays on specific spiritual tools or materials was far more time-consuming than drawing them on paper. Considering the debugging process involved in array applications, he wouldn't be able to continue his studies with Mr. Zhuang at the current pace.
"That's alright," Mr. Zhuang reassured him, leading up to what he had wanted to say all along. "I can grant you a leave of absence!"
Mo Hua sensed something amiss and looked at Mr. Zhuang with a hint of suspicion.
Mr. Zhuang seized the opportunity and continued, "So, you don't need to come to me for guidance every day. Just visit me every few days, and I'll clarify any doubts you may have."
Mo Hua's doubts vanished, and gratitude filled his heart. "Yes, Master!" he said.
After Mo Hua left, Mr. Zhuang returned to his reclining position on the chair, leisurely fanning himself.
Kui Lao appeared, giving him a sidelong glance before huffing, "Leading the youth astray."
"At most, it's a bit of forcing growth," Mr. Zhuang replied. "It can't be considered leading them astray."
"His foundation is not yet solid, and you're already having him consider the application of his learning," Kui Lao said flatly, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "I've never seen anyone teach arrays like this. How is this not leading the youth astray?"
Mr. Zhuang's gaze deepened. "How can one ever consider their foundation solid? Compared to his peers in Tongxian City, his foundation is already very solid. And when compared to the disciples of aristocratic families, especially those two children of the Bai family, even if he studies for another eight to ten years, his foundation can't be considered solid. He will never catch up to others on this path, so it's better to try a different one."
"I thought you at least had some confidence in this," Kui Lao said. "Turns out you're just trying it out as well."
Mr. Zhuang replied, "The Dao of Heaven is constant yet elusive. Those who blindly adhere to the rules may never glimpse the true path."
Kui Lao's expression stirred, seemingly moved by his words, and he nodded. "You're right."
Mr. Zhuang, however, felt a bit uncomfortable and said, "I'm just blabbering. Those who don't follow the rules may also meet an unfortunate end. At your age, it's best not to mess around anymore. Don't change your course and waver in your heart."
"I understand," Kui Lao said.
Mr. Zhuang glanced at him and then lay back down, muttering, "Do you really understand...?"
Kui Lao asked, "How long do you plan to teach him?"
Mr. Zhuang's expression turned slightly solemn. "When doing something, one should see it through to the end. I'll teach him until he becomes a first-rate array master."
"What about the two children from the Bai family? They have exceptional talent. Don't you feel it's a waste?"
Mr. Zhuang waved his fan dismissively. "What does that have to do with me?"
Kui Lao's voice was wooden. "Your junior sister may not give up."
Mr. Zhuang gazed at the drifting clouds in the distance and said, "She wants me to consider our past relationship, but she's no longer that little junior sister, and I'm no longer the ambitious second senior brother. She understands this, but her heart refuses to accept it. Otherwise, she would have come to me herself a long time ago..."
"And my senior brother, who went through so much trouble to find me..."
Kui Lao remained silent for a moment before suddenly speaking up. "Come back to the sect with me, or I won't be able to protect you for long."
Reclining in his bamboo chair, Mr. Zhuang looked out towards the mountains and replied calmly, "Time passes, with days rising and falling. Seasons change, with trees flourishing and withering. Life has its constants, with birth and death. Death is as natural as life, so why worry?"
"If I can spend a few more peaceful days like this, eating meat, drinking wine, and enjoying the scenery, I will have no more desires."
Kui Lao knew he couldn't persuade him, so he fell silent. His figure gradually faded into the shadows.
(End of Chapter)
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