Chapter 872: Divine Statue
Chapter 872: Divine Statue
From that day on, Mr. Flower Painting Hu's array formation training became an essential part of his life. He had to learn many new types of arrays, in addition to his swordsmanship.
Xun Old Immortal, a senior master, took charge of his training in various types of elemental and trigram arrays, overseeing his studies and meticulous process. He started with sixteen-pattern Arrays, following a list of array formations techniques compiled by Xun Old Immortal, ensuring that Flower Painting Hu didn't skip any crucial steps.
Xun Old Immortal pointed out the arrays that Flower Painting Hu hadn't studied, wasn't familiar with, or had a superficial understanding of, and explained them from the beginning, reinforcing Flower Painting Hu's foundational knowledge.
The difficulty and level of the array formations techniques wasn't too high, and most of the arrays were ones Flower Painting Hu had studied before. Therefore, the challenge was minimal, and the learning process was somewhat tedious and repetitive.
However, Flower Painting Hu knew Xun Old Immortal's intentions, he continued to diligently, knowing that the senior master's efforts were for his own good.
Every step taken, no matter how insignificant, contributed to building a solid foundation. Without accumulating small achievements, one could not achieve great things.
Without the flow of small streams, one couldn't form great oceans.
Learning anything, especially something as complex as array formations, required a solid foundation. The more solid the foundation, the higher one could climb in the future. Otherwise, if one only aimed for the sky, even if one built a tall building, it could collapse in an instant.
Flower Painting Hu's array formation foundation was already quite solid. But since there was an opportunity, he wanted to make it even more solid.
Thus, during the day, he followed Xun Old Immortal to learn array formations.
In the evening, he went to the Sword Chamber to practice sword qi.
After practicing sword qi, he returned to the disciples' quarters to further study the "Initial Understanding of Sword Dao" given to him by Dugu Ancestor, deepening his understanding of sword dao.
Whenever he had free time, he immersed his divine consciousness in the sea of consciousness, practicing array formations on the Dao Stele again and again.
By the time the seven-day period arrived, he would return to the mountain to meet Dugu Ancestor.
The days passed by busily, yet incredibly fulfilling.
Within the Tai Xu Sect, the most powerful ancestor in array formations taught him sword formations and techniques, which were among the sect's most advanced techniques.
Of course, Flower Painting Hu didn't dare to tell Xun Old Immortal about Dugu Ancestor teaching him the Divine Consciousness to Transform Sword True Art, as Dugu Ancestor had specifically forbidden him from revealing this to anyone.
Flower Painting Hu naturally didn't want to overstep, to avoid upsetting Dugu Ancestor and having the Divine Consciousness to Transform Sword True Art matter ruined.
Thus, both Xun Old Immortal and Dugu Ancestor each had their own secrets, neither knowing the other was teaching the same disciple.
And the two ancestors' attitudes towards Flower Painting Hu were vastly different.
Xun Old Immortal was extremely pleased with Flower Painting Hu, considering him a one-in-a-million genius when it came to array formations. Whatever he taught, Flower Painting Hu grasped instantly, making every day feel like a breath of fresh air.
Dugu Ancestor, however, had a grim face.
Because Flower Painting Hu's sword dao skills had made little progress.
Learning anything was like a turtle crawling. He understood the principles, knew the rules, but when it came to practice, it was as if he hadn't practiced at all.
Dugu Ancestor had never taught such a dull sword dao disciple in his life.
Therefore, Dugu Ancestor often doubted himself.
Was the resonance of sword qi and the mist of sword intent that day in the forbidden grounds just his imagination?
Was his decision to pass the Divine Consciousness to Transform Sword True Art to Flower Painting Hu too hasty?
Now, it seemed that Flower Painting Hu wouldn't just fail to master the sword art, but even learning it would be a challenge...
Dugu Ancestor sighed deeply.
But he was an ancestor, and his word was as good as gold. Since he had promised Flower Painting Hu, he wouldn't easily break his word.
"Let's keep teaching and see how it goes..."
Besides, not teaching Flower Painting Hu, he had nothing else to do.
Having such an active child around, frequently talking to him, was actually a good thing.
Thus, Flower Painting Hu learned array formations and sword dao techniques simultaneously.
However, one he learned extremely well, the other extremely poorly, making him quite helpless.
But no matter what, his foundation in array formations was deepening, and his understanding of sword dao techniques was gradually "opening up" under his own efforts and Dugu Ancestor's insightful guidance.
So busy, learning for over a month, Flower Painting Hu had no time to think, Suddenly, he realized there were things he hadn't had time to ask yet.
Some things hadn't been properly concluded.
"Indeed, when one is busy, it's easy to forget things..."
Flower Painting Hu sighed.
Two days later, it was the end of the ten-day rest period. Flower Painting Hu requested a leave from Xun Old Immortal to visit Gu's family in the capital city.
Xun Old Immortal was pleased with this arrangement. In his free time, he could take a simple stroll.
But going to the River God Temple as before, Flower Painting Hu couldn't afford to do so.
Flower Painting Hu visited Gu's family after making the necessary arrangements. Gu Longhuai was reading books when he saw Flower Painting Hu, somewhat surprised, and frowned, asking, "Didn't you say you couldn't leave the sect for a while?"
"Just had some things to do, finished them, and came back..." Flower Painting Hu replied.
"What things?" Gu Longhuai's expression grew cautious. Based on his past experiences, the things Flower Painting Hu was interested in usually weren't good things.
"Nothing major, just..." Flower Painting Hu lowered his voice, explaining, "Making the River God Temple's offerings more elaborate. I've been thinking of a few ideas."
Gu Longhuai frowned, still not entirely convinced. "Really? What ideas?"
Flower Painting Hu, with his sharp mind, had already thought through the matter. "Indeed, the offerings at the River God Temple are quite simple, but I have some ideas to make them more elaborate."
Gu Longhuai raised an eyebrow, slightly more convinced. "Oh, I see. So, you've been thinking about this."
"Exactly, I've been considering this for a while now." Flower Painting Hu nodded, feeling somewhat relieved.
Enh Summary::
1. Array Types and Complexity:
- The novel introduces various types of arrays, including Illusion Arrays, Sword Arrays, Trapping Arrays, Killing Arrays, Puzzle Arrays, Absolute Arrays, and Immortal Arrays. These arrays form the foundation of the formation path, each with unique properties and purposes.
2. Cosmic Principles:
- The formation path is deeply rooted in cosmic principles such as Yin and Yang, the Three Talents (Heaven, Earth, and Humanity), the Four Symbols, the Five Elements, the Six Lines, the Seven Stars, and the Eight Trigrams. These principles are essential for understanding and mastering the formation laws.
3. Divine Consciousness and Dao:
- The protagonist uses divine consciousness to witness the Dao, which is the fundamental principle or way of the universe. This understanding of the Dao is crucial for grasping the formation laws and ultimately ascending to immortality.
4. Theme of Salvation and Immortality:
- The central theme revolves around the protagonist’s desire to save the world and seek the Dao and the path to immortality. This theme emphasizes the noble and transformative journey of the protagonist.
5. Formation Laws and Immortality:
- Mastering the formation laws is the key to achieving immortality. The protagonist’s journey involves deepening their understanding of these laws and applying them to create powerful arrays that can influence the world and its inhabitants.
6. Cosmic Harmony:
- The novel emphasizes the importance of harmony and balance, as represented by the principles of Yin and Yang and the other cosmic elements. This harmony is crucial for the successful creation and manipulation of arrays.
Summary:
The novel explores the intricate world of array formations, where the protagonist uses divine consciousness to understand the Dao and the formation laws, ultimately seeking to save the world and achieve immortality. The story is rich with cosmic principles and the transformative power of arrays, emphasizing the themes of salvation, balance, and the pursuit of higher knowledge.
But Mo Hua had dealt with various "young masters" from different sects so often that he knew things were far from simple.
This incident was likely a cunning scheme by the four major sects. Before the sect reforms, they had managed to directly strip Taia Sect, Chongxu Sect, and other capable sects of their most core disciples. Without these core disciples, the smaller sects could no longer challenge the four major sects. Thus, the so-called sect reforms were already decided before they even began. The game was over before it started. This was the true "strategic planning" — the outcome was written before anyone could foresee it.
Mo Hua sighed.
"Such a young age, and you're sighing all day long?" Gu Changhuai frowned.
The child, he didn't know what he was thinking, had already sighed three times in such a short time...
Mo Hua glanced at Gu Changhuai, shook his head, and sighed again, "Uncle Gu, you don't understand."
Gu Changhuai was so frustrated he wanted to pinch Mo Hua's cheeks, but he held back. Mo Hua's "status" in the Gu family was higher than his own.
Gu Changhuai waved his hand, "Done asking? If so, go back to the sect and focus on your cultivation."
Mo Hua had indeed finished asking his questions and didn't want to stay longer. He bid farewell, "See you later, Uncle Gu. I'll come again if there's anything."
Gu Changhuai felt a headache coming on.
However, just as Mo Hua was about to step over the threshold and leave the study, Gu Changhuai suddenly remembered something and called out, "Mo Hua..."
Mo Hua turned back, looking at him with some confusion.
Gu Changhuai was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Xiao Tianquan is dead."
Mo Hua's expression remained calm, but after a moment, he reacted with shock, "What? Xiantianquan is dead?"
Gu Changhuai just watched him.
Fortunately, although Mo Hua's face turned pale, he had thick skin and continued acting as if he didn't know about Xiantianquan's death.
"How did he die?" Mo Hua asked.
Gu Changhuai was speechless, "What do you think?"
Mo Hua pondered for a moment and said earnestly, "It can't be that his wicked deeds finally caught up with him, and he was punished by 'Heaven,' dying suddenly. The Heavenly Dao is indeed fair..."
Gu Changhuai's gaze sharpened.
He was just asking to confirm, not really expecting an answer. But hearing Mo Hua say this, Gu Changhuai's mood became complex for a moment, and he suddenly asked, "Mo Hua, do you think... is there really a Heavenly Dao in this world?"
To his surprise, Mo Hua nodded firmly, "There is!"
Gu Changhuai frowned, "Do you know what Heavenly Dao I'm talking about?"
"Any Heavenly Dao," Mo Hua said.
Gu Changhuai's expression was one of astonishment.
Mo Hua pointed to the sky, "There is a Dao in the heavens."
He had seen it with his own eyes.
Then he pointed to his heart, "There is also a Heavenly Dao in the heart."
"In this world, there are those who seek fame, those who seek profit, those who seek the power of cultivation, and those who seek power and luxury. Even those who use their fame, profit, status, and cultivation to oppress and exploit others are common."
"But these things are unrelated to the Dao and unrelated to immortality. Those who truly achieve immortality are the ones who harbor the Heavenly Dao in their hearts and act on it, fulfilling the will of Heaven!"
"If one's heart lacks the Dao and does not act on it, even if they possess the greatest cultivation, fame, power, and status, they will turn to ashes in the face of great calamity, ultimately becoming mere ants under the great Dao, unable to achieve immortality."
Gu Changhuai's expression was stunned.
But he was also confused, "How do you know all this?"
Mo Hua said confidently, "I guessed!"
Gu Changhuai: "..."
Mo Hua muttered, "I haven't achieved immortality, so how would I know how to achieve it? But based on my experiences and observations, I think it should be like this..."
"If I'm wrong, I'll change it in the future..."
Gu Changhuai didn't know what to say.
He sighed, "Go back early."
Mo Hua nodded, "See you later, Uncle Gu."
Then Mo Hua left with a carefree step.
But his words, like a brand, were etched in Gu Changhuai's mind, refusing to fade.
"Harboring the Heavenly Dao and acting on it..."
For some reason, the helplessness and despondency that Gu Changhuai felt due to the various impasses in the Xia family and the Dao Tribunal suddenly lifted. His gaze became more determined.
...
After leaving the Gu family, Mo Hua took a roundabout way to a small fishing village.
The Yu family was still busy with their daily chores. Though their life was tough, the family worked together, living in harmony, which was quite enviable.
Mo Hua didn't disturb them. He directly went invisible and arrived at the shrine at the back of the village.
On the shrine, there was a statue of his "little immortal."
Behind the statue, a small silver fish was happily feasting on incense offerings under Mo Hua's protection.
Seeing Mo Hua, the small silver fish was overjoyed, wagging its tail and nodding, busily calling him "benefactor."
Mo Hua had given it a new life.
Little Silver Fish was extremely grateful to Mo Hua. Previously, on the Misty River, it had been tirelessly helping Mo Hua.
Mo Hua said mysteriously, "I have a gift for you."
He then placed a package in front of Little Silver Fish.
Little Silver Fish was taken aback, not noticing any gift, but "Benefactor" would not deceive it. It used its divine essence to sense slightly, and immediately trembled all over, its scales almost standing on end.
"Dragon..."
The Dragon Bone Divine Statue!
Then, it was filled with trepidation and said in a trembling, delicate voice, "Benefactor, this is too precious. I can't accept it; I dare not accept it..."
Mo Hua was puzzled, "Isn't this a good thing?"
"It is a good thing, but it's too precious. My divine blessings are too meager to bear such a gift..."
Little Silver Fish was very self-aware and then continued, "I lost most of my divine memory in the Blood River Temple. I don't know the exact origin of this item, but this divine statue, made from dragon bones, is absolutely extraordinary. It might be even more important than you think, Benefactor."
"Benefactor, you must keep it well."
"I'll keep it..."
Mo Hua felt a bit helpless.
The main issue was that he didn't know what use it had.
If he could store it in a storage bag or a storage ring, he might keep it, but it wouldn't fit.
Holding it openly, it might attract trouble from knowledgeable cultivators or greedy deities one day.
Moreover, since he took it from the Dragon King Temple, the divine essence within it had been gradually fading over time.
Mo Hua didn't fully understand, but he guessed that this life-bound divine statue needed to be nurtured.
Nurturing a divine statue naturally required a "divine being."
After much thought, Little Silver Fish seemed the most suitable.
Huangshan Jun lived too far away, and it had many statues, both clay and gilded. If necessary, it could even inhabit a dog statue, so it didn't need this one.
Besides, Huangshan Jun was old and had many thoughts, often speaking in riddles.
Mo Hua found it hard to fully trust it.
Unlike Little Silver Fish, which was simple and adorable, always calling him "Benefactor" and thinking of ways to help him.
But Little Silver Fish didn't dare to accept it...
Mo Hua pondered for a moment and said, "Then consider it a loan. Take good care of it and nurture it with your divine essence. If I need it in the future, you can return it to me."
Little Silver Fish was still hesitant.
"Just consider it a favor from me..."
"But, my power is too weak..."
"It's fine," Mo Hua said, "Ordinary cultivators, and even demons and evil deities, might not even see this divine statue..."
Otherwise, it wouldn't have been gathering dust in a corner of the Dragon King Hall.
"Besides, I'll set up some divine arrays to conceal it, making it almost impossible to discover."
Seeing Little Silver Fish still uncertain, Mo Hua thought for a moment and changed his approach, speaking solemnly:
"This is a task I entrust to you. Take good care of the divine statue, and you can also use it to nurture your divine soul and strengthen your divine body."
"Don't let me down..."
Hearing this, Little Silver Fish was indeed filled with determination and nodded, "Benefactor, rest assured, I will not fail your trust!"
Mo Hua nodded in satisfaction.
Then he found a secluded and hidden cave in the wild mountains near the divine statue and placed the Dragon Bone Divine Statue inside.
He then began setting up divine arrays around it.
Ordinary arrays wouldn't work; even concealment arrays would be obvious to higher-level array masters.
But divine arrays were different.
Derived from the path of divine essence, even some high-ranking array masters wouldn't delve into them.
More importantly, they lacked the lineage.
Mo Hua referenced the array layout of the Great Wasteland Evil deity and set up a complete set of divine arrays, including the Divine Mist Array, the Divine Gate Array, and the Divine Lock Array, around the cave.
The Divine Gate Array locked the entrance.
The Divine Mist Array concealed divine senses.
The Divine Lock Array sealed the divine statue and also repelled external evils.
With this, everything was in place.
Even if the arrays were broken, the Dragon Bone Divine Statue itself had sufficient concealment.
Mo Hua thought for a moment and then took out a piece of paper, drew a turtle, and placed it at the deepest part of the cave.
This way, if someone managed to break through his divine arrays and found the cave, they would be furious to discover a turtle drawing sealed by the divine arrays, making it even less likely they would find the already hidden divine statue.
Mo Hua nodded in satisfaction.
Then he bid farewell.
Little Silver Fish was grateful and reluctant to part, seeing Mo Hua off to the village entrance and watching his back disappear at the crossroads before returning to its shrine, silently vowing:
"I must protect the divine statue for Benefactor!"
...
After leaving the small fishing village, Mo Hua didn't delay and returned to Tai Xu Gate.
From then on, he rarely went out, spending his days in the sect, learning array techniques from Old Master Xun and sword techniques from Ancestor Dugu.
His array skills steadily improved.
Even his sword techniques began to click.
Two months later, the year came to an end, and Mo Hua's time at Tai Xu Gate for the year also concluded.
(End of Chapter)
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