Chapter 720: The Array and Artifact System
Chapter 720: The Array and Artifact System
Mo Hua had an increasing number of sect members seeking his guidance and pointers in the art of arrays.
He crafted more and more customized spiritual artifacts.
The array diagrams he designed also accumulated over time.
Mo Hua contemplated and decided to compile these array diagrams, gradually forming a systematic approach to creating customized spiritual artifacts.
This spiritual artifact system was comprehensive.
It included functions such as scouting, surveillance, and early warning systems to anticipate the enemy's moves;
trap arrays like quicksand, earthen prisons, golden locks, and wooden restraints to restrain foes; armor that defended against physical cultivators' strikes, whether from swords, spears, fists, or feet; and Daoist robes that protected against elemental attacks like fire, water, wood, and poison.
The only thing lacking was offensive spiritual artifacts.
The offspring of noble families mostly relied on their ancestral heirloom spiritual artifacts for combat.
Mo Hua's customized weapons couldn't compare in power to these inherited artifacts.
The artifacts he tailored were mostly designed for specific functions.
For instance, he crafted blades that could pierce through tough armor or swords infused with fire, water, or metal elements to compensate for disciples lacking in those attributes for offensive capabilities.
However, the offspring of noble families emphasized "overwhelming force to break all techniques."
They cultivated their superior spiritual roots with profound foundational practices and honed their skills in top-notch techniques and Taoist methods. Relying on their brute strength, they aimed to overpower their enemies.
They didn't pay much attention to subtle tactics like exploiting elemental strengths and weaknesses.
Hence, Mo Hua designed and crafted fewer offensive artifacts of this nature.
Nevertheless, this entire set of customized spiritual artifacts had already taken shape.
The array and spiritual artifact system had a basic framework and prototype.
It integrated early warning systems, trapping enemies, offensive capabilities, and defensive measures.
All that was left to do was to continuously improve the rank of the artifacts and arrays, iterate and refine them, and strive for completion and perfection to make the system shine.
However, after deep contemplation, Mo Hua realized that this system seemed to be missing something: spiritual power amplification.
In other words...
"Five Elements Origin Array!"
Mo Hua's eyes lit up slightly, and then he frowned.
The Five Elements Origin Array was the trump card formation of the Five Elements Sect in the past. It could enhance the five elements and amplify spiritual power.
While it was an extremely powerful array, Mo Hua had barely used it since arriving in the Qian Xue State.
Firstly, he didn't need it.
Initially, he had followed his senior martial brothers and sisters.
They were experienced and powerful.
When facing enemies they could defeat, they didn't require the amplification of the Five Elements Origin Array.
The only exception was when they captured the Vulture. Under the amplification of the Five Elements Golden Origin Array, Senior Sister Murong had eradicated the Vulture with an exquisite Taoist technique that condensed a five-colored glow.
But that was the only instance.
As for enemies they couldn't defeat, it was best to avoid them altogether.
A wise man doesn't stand beneath a dangerous wall. Unless absolutely necessary, there was no point in taking risks and engaging in life-and-death struggles with formidable foes.
Amplifying one's spiritual power through the Five Elements Origin Array to determine the outcome of a battle was a risky affair—life hung by a thread, and the slightest misstep could lead to one's demise.
Thus, if it wasn't necessary, Mo Hua wouldn't take such a gamble.
Secondly, the Five Elements Origin Array had stringent requirements for its use.
Cultivators had to stand within the array to receive its enhancement, and once they left its range, their spiritual power would no longer be amplified.
This essentially turned them into sitting ducks.
It was especially risky for spiritual cultivators, who tended to have high offense but low defense and relied heavily on spells in life-or-death situations.
While the amplification of the Five Elements Origin Array increased their spell power, it also restricted their movements, turning them into literal "glass cannons."
It had its pros and cons.
However, the drawbacks outweighed the benefits.
For physical cultivators, the Five Elements Origin Array also seemed somewhat lackluster.
The array enhanced the five elements and amplified spiritual power.
Physical cultivators relied on their thick blood qi and powerful force, excelling in close-quarters combat. However, they, too, possessed spiritual roots with attributes, and their blood qi was ultimately derived from spiritual power transformed through meridians.
Therefore, while physical cultivators might not be adept at spells, they could still benefit from the amplification of the Five Elements Origin Array.
Nevertheless, due to the conversion of spiritual power into blood qi, the amplification effect on physical cultivators wasn't as pronounced as on spiritual cultivators who directly employed spells.
Physical cultivators' biggest issue was also the restriction on their movements.
In close-quarters combat, they needed to be agile and flexible, relying heavily on their body techniques.
In the heat of battle, with rapid exchanges and clashes, it was impossible for them to remain within the range of the Five Elements Origin Array and hinder their own movements.
Otherwise, they would not only be sitting ducks but also appear foolish.
Thus, while the Five Elements Origin Array seemed formidable, its actual use was limited by stringent conditions and various constraints.
Unless...
Mo Hua pondered briefly.
He could inscribe the Five Elements Origin Array onto spiritual artifacts like armor and Daoist robes.
By wearing them, one could move freely without restrictions.
This was the best solution.
However, he hadn't been able to find anyone to refine such special armor or Daoist robes before.
Mo Hua, who studied arrays and went out on bounty missions, had been too busy to contemplate this matter.
But now...
Mo Hua considered carefully.
Being "confined" to the sect and currently researching customized spiritual artifacts, with the help of the third-grade refiner Master Gu, the timing was perfect.
It was an opportunity to explore the practical applications of the Five Elements Origin Array.
If he could perfect it, this once-famous trump card formation of the Five Elements Sect, now on the brink of extinction, could make a "comeback!"
Moreover, this ultimate formation could fill the last gap in his own array and spiritual artifact system: spiritual power amplification!
Mo Hua's eyes lit up, and his thoughts became clearer.
Integrating the Dao into industry.
Combining artifact refining with arrays and ultimately applying them to cultivators.
Creating a comprehensive auxiliary system of arrays and artifacts that integrates detection, trapping enemies, offense, defense, and amplification!
He would first apply this system to the sect's disciples and earn some spirit stones.
Then, with the support of spirit stones, he could continuously improve it.
One day, when the refining process for these artifacts and arrays matured and he gained more experience, he could promote it more widely, attempting to introduce it to the lower cultivation realms and use it to develop various spiritual artifacts for cultivation production that were relatively economical and inexpensive, along with simple and easy-to-learn accompanying arrays.
From cultivators' battles to cultivation production.
From customization to standardization.
From expensive to affordable.
That was how it would gradually spread...
"To comprehend the Dao of Heaven and bring benefit to all living beings.
Mo Hua then eagerly began researching a set of armor and Daoist robes suitable for the "Five Elements Origin Array."
However, this type of armor was very unique.
As the legacy of the Five Elemental Ultimate Arrays was on the brink of extinction, there were almost no records of compatible spiritual artifacts or array mediums left.
Even if there were, Mo Hua wouldn't be able to find them.
He could only figure it out bit by bit and then discuss it with Master Gu.
This would take some time.
About a month later, Master Gu came to the Tai Xu Gate and had a chat with Mo Hua, after which they designed a prototype for the armor.
Master Gu planned to return to his forge and give it a try.
He wasn't sure how it would turn out, as Mo Hua's request was rather peculiar, and he had never refined a similar spiritual artifact before.
However, Master Gu didn't ask too many questions.
After all, the intricacies of arrays were too complex and abstruse for him to understand, and his responsibility was solely focused on the refinement process.
After their discussion, Master Gu left the Tai Xu Gate and headed to the city's business pavilion.
With the customized spiritual artifacts sold, it was time to collect the spirit stones.
And during this month, the sales of spiritual artifacts had been excellent, resulting in a substantial amount of spirit stones.
In the Gu family's business pavilion within the Tai Xu City, the manager handed over a storage bag filled with spirit stones to Master Gu, unable to hide his amazement.
"I wonder who those big spenders in the Tai Xu Gate are, willing to spend so many spirit stones on these peculiar spiritual artifacts of yours."
He was quite casual in his speech, indicating a good relationship with Master Gu.
Master Gu smiled and replied, "This is something you wouldn't understand..."
There were many intricacies to this...
Refinement techniques, process optimization, array design, inscription, and the demand and market for spiritual artifacts.
On the surface, it seemed simple, but Master Gu also knew that as a third-grade refiner, his capabilities were quite limited on his own.
Most of the credit went to Young Master Mo.
Master Gu couldn't quite figure out how Young Master Mo had cultivated so many connections within the sect.
He shook his head, looked at the manager, and smiled, "Let's have a drink at noon today."
The manager readily accepted, "Sure, I'll gladly join you."
At noon, the two men enjoyed a hearty meal and fine wine in Tai Xu City.
As he would need the manager's help with the pavilion's affairs in the future, Master Gu was quite generous with his spending.
The manager was delighted, and with the wine warming their spirits, the host and guest were both in high spirits.
After the drink, the two bade each other farewell and returned to their respective homes.
Master Gu was about to return to Gu Shan City to continue crafting the next batch of spiritual artifacts.
On the carriage to Gu Shan City, Master Gu touched the bulging storage bags at his waist, and amidst his mixed emotions, he still couldn't quite believe it.
Five hundred thousand spirit stones!
Smaller spiritual artifacts were cheaper, while larger ones were more expensive. On average, each artifact was worth about five thousand spirit stones, and in one month, they had sold nearly a hundred of them.
After deducting the costs, it was still a considerable profit.
And this was just the beginning.
Master Gu's disciple, Da Chuan, was also astonished.
Having lived a hard life all these years, he had never seen so many spirit stones before.
Master Gu thought for a moment and instructed, "Let's stop by the next immortal city and buy some wine and meat to take back and reward everyone."
Da Chuan was overjoyed and immediately replied,
"Yes, Master!"
The Gu Shan Refining Workshop had always been frugal, and it had been a long time since they had indulged in fine food and drink.
Da Chuan then sighed, "Master, what should we do with all these spirit stones? I feel like we won't be able to spend them all even if we try..."
Master Gu couldn't help but chuckle.
This silly boy, having known only poverty his entire life, had no idea what to do with wealth.
Even if he thought about it, he wouldn't be able to come up with any ideas.
Then, Master Gu's smile faded, and he felt a pang of sadness.
Five hundred thousand spirit stones...
It was a lot.
With this amount, the refining workshop could afford a top-notch refining furnace, purchase a large number of high-quality refining materials, and buy some rare refining blueprints.
The remaining spirit stones could also ensure that everyone in the workshop would have enough to eat and drink for a good while.
This was indeed a substantial sum.
But...
Master Gu sighed inwardly.
But this amount was also minuscule in comparison.
It might just be the cost of a single feast for some noble families.
Perhaps it was the price of a single mount, carriage, performance, fine wine, or beauty...
Such was the unfairness of the world.
Master Gu glanced at Da Chuan again.
This pure-hearted boy was oblivious to the ways of the world.
Perhaps it was for the best...
Simplicity was true bliss.
Once exposed to the temptations of the world and without a firm resolve, one's mindset would eventually twist and corrupt.
Master Gu looked at Da Chuan and smiled, "There's a lot we can do. We'll discuss it when we get back, and we'll take it one step at a time. First, let's prepare a feast for everyone. However..."
Master Gu frowned and thought for a moment before continuing, "...we must set aside a portion for Young Master Mo."
Da Chuan nodded.
They were able to make this deal and earn so many spirit stones thanks to that fair and delicate Young Master Mo.
Truly, one should never judge a book by its cover.
When they first met, he had thought that Young Master Mo was just a child from some noble family, but he never expected him to be so capable.
Da Chuan was full of admiration.
"But," Da Chuan hesitated, "will Young Master Mo accept it?"
He felt that although Young Master Mo was young, he already exuded an otherworldly aura, as if he had transcended worldly desires.
Such a person might not care for material possessions.
Master Gu shook his head, "This is what Young Master Mo rightfully deserves. Whether he wants it or not, we must give it to him. It's a matter of principle. One should repay a drop of water with a gushing spring."
"Moreover, compared to these spirit stones, Young Master Mo is far more 'precious' to us."
"We must never lose sight of what's truly important."
"However, there's no need to bring it up explicitly, as it might seem like we're deliberately trying to repay him, making things awkward. We'll just quietly set aside a portion for Young Master Mo."
Da Chuan nodded repeatedly, "As expected of Master, always thinking ahead."
Master Gu patted the storage bags at his waist, and a smile appeared on his resolute face...
...
Back at the Tai Xu Gate...
Mo Hua continued to study formations.
There was still some time before the armor would be ready, so he carried on as usual, diligently practicing formations.
Mo Hua lay on his desk, slowly drawing out a seventeen-pattern, second-grade formation stroke by stroke.
After finishing, he proceeded to draw the second one.
These were all assigned to him by Elder Xun.
"Learn as much as you can. The more you learn, the better. The more solid your foundation, the better. If you run out of formations, come back to me..."
Mo Hua loved hearing these words from Elder Xun.
However, he was also a little puzzled.
Initially, Elder Xun had said that he couldn't ignore the sect's system and that Mo Hua had to accumulate merit points himself to exchange for formations.
But now, Elder Xun no longer seemed to care about those things.
Instead, he was eager for Mo Hua to learn, feeding him formations in a cramming style.
Although Mo Hua had a big appetite and quick digestion, able to absorb whatever Elder Xun taught, he was still a little perplexed.
Was Elder Xun in a hurry for some reason? But what could it be?
Did Elder Xun have some other plans in mind? Mo Hua couldn't quite figure it out.
He had secretly observed Elder Xun, but the elder's thoughts were as deep as the sea, his expression as calm as an ancient well, giving no clues whatsoever.
Mo Hua decided to probe, "Elder Xun, do I still need to go for formation appraisal?"
He could already draw introductory second-grade, high-level formations and had a broad knowledge of formations, coupled with a solid foundation. He knew far more formations than most true second-grade, high-level formation masters.
Going for the formation appraisal and achieving the rank of a second-grade, mid-level formation master should be a breeze.
Upon hearing this, Elder Xun slightly raised his eyes, replying nonchalantly:
"There's no rush."
"Oh."
Mo Hua was now certain that Elder Xun had something up his sleeve.
However, since Elder Xun said there was no hurry, he wouldn't push it.
As long as he could keep learning formations, that was all that mattered.
The more formations he learned, the deeper his understanding, the higher his attainment, and the stronger his foundation would become.
With his strong spiritual sense and quick recovery, coupled with the aid of the Daoist stele, Mo Hua could keep studying formations day and night. Although he could only study seventeen-pattern formations, his foundation in second-grade, high-level formations was already more solid than that of many genuine second-grade, high-level formation masters.
Little by little, a tower was built.
What he needed to do now, or rather, what Elder Xun wanted him to do, was to continuously expand, consolidate, and deepen his foundation in formations...
Several days passed, and the armor was still not ready.
Mo Hua was having a meal in the dining hall when Cheng Mo suddenly found him and asked, "Junior Brother, do you know of any methods to defend against demons or demonic energy?"
Mo Hua was perplexed, "Are you planning to deal with a demonic cultivator?"
Cheng Mo thought for a moment, "Not exactly, but there's a bounty issued by the Daoting Court. They want to capture a few rogue cultivators who have cultivated some evil demonic techniques, but they're not orthodox and are only half-demonized..."
"I want to be prepared, so I thought I'd ask you."
Mo Hua furrowed his brows.
Cultivating evil demonic techniques and being half-demonized?
A bounty issued by the Daoting Court? Mo Hua was taken aback and suddenly remembered what his Uncle Gu had told him before:
"There's a group of demonic cultivators of unknown origin who have entered the vicinity of the Qian Xue State..."
"Their origins are still unclear, and we don't know how many there are or their cultivation levels."
"Their activities are limited to the vicinity of the second and third-grade minor state boundaries within the Qian Xue State, and their intentions are unknown, but they certainly don't have good intentions..."
Was the person Cheng Mo wanted to capture one of those "demonic cultivators"? Did the Daoting Court not have enough manpower, so they had to issue the bounty to the sect? Mo Hua thought it was highly possible.
Moreover, now that Cheng Mo mentioned it, he realized that the fellow disciples who had been seeking his advice lately, the bounties they were taking on, and the questions they were asking were all quite dangerous.
Before, they were just catching sky thieves or apprehending rogue cultivators.
Now, their targets were clearly fugitives with blood on their hands.
It seemed that the bounties they were taking on were likely related to that group of "demonic cultivators" his Uncle Gu had mentioned.
Mo Hua pondered for a moment before offering his suggestions:
"There are various types of evil demonic techniques. For example, some people use 'Maledicta' energy to rob others of their senses, some have toxic blood, some are proficient in using malevolent demonic artifacts, and some practice flesh refinement..."
"When facing those who cultivate killing energy, you must keep your distance and avoid looking into their eyes."
"For those with poisonous blood, use fire-attribute spells or formations to restrain them."
"Don't use spiritual artifacts to directly clash with sinister demonic artifacts, especially inherited ones, or they will be contaminated."
"Those who practice flesh refinement usually have exceptional movement techniques, so if you capture them, break their legs to prevent them from causing further harm..."
Mo Hua shared everything he had witnessed in the Demon Cave in Bishan, detailing the various demonic cultivator techniques and methods as if they were the back of his hand.
Cheng Mo was shocked.
He hesitated for a long time, looking around before lowering his voice and asking anxiously:
"Junior Brother, how do you know so much? You're not..."
Mo Hua glanced at him indifferently, "Know yourself, know your enemy, a hundred battles, a hundred victories. How can you vanquish demons and eliminate evil if you don't understand their demonic methods?"
Cheng Mo was taken aback before nodding in realization, "That makes sense!"
However, Mo Hua was also curious.
He wanted to know why this group of demonic cultivators had suddenly appeared and what their intentions were.
Could they be related to the Evil God?
If so, it was definitely something that couldn't be ignored.
But he was confined to the sect and couldn't leave the boundaries of the Qian Xue State to investigate.
Mo Hua pondered silently, and suddenly, an idea flashed through his mind.
He asked Cheng Mo to gather a group of disciples who were on good terms with him and often addressed him as "Junior Brother." Then, he instructed them,
"When you take on bounties, perform tasks, or capture rogue cultivators or demonic cultivators, if you come across anything strange and unusual, or any items of unknown origin, bring them back to me to take a look."
Si Tu Jian frowned, "Like what?"
"For example," Mo Hua thought for a moment, "statues, broken swords, goat horns, bones, and other bizarre objects..."
"Or..." Mo Hua's eyes narrowed slightly as he continued, "encrypted letters, blank jade slips, message tokens with erased information, and..."
"...certain types of sect tokens!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
