Chapter 879: Elder Zheng
Chapter 879: Elder Zheng
Two days later, the Array Discussion Conference, the final event of the Dao Discussion Conference, would take place.
During these two days, Old Master Xun didn't assign any array-related tasks to Mo Hua. Instead, he let Mo Hua relax a bit.
After such an extended period of array practice, Mo Hua had already learned everything he needed to.
These two days didn't require him to be as tense as before.
With some free time, Mo Hua decided to visit the Gu family for a meal.
It wasn't his initiative, but Aunt Wan specially invited him.
Mo Hua had been busy lately and hadn't visited the Gu family. Aunt Wan had been missing him.
Now that she knew he had some free time, she specially prepared a table of spiritual dishes to nourish him, so he wouldn't get too thin.
Mo Hua couldn't refuse her kindness and had a hearty meal.
After the meal, Yu'er went to the courtyard to catch butterflies.
Aunt Wan then handed a letter to Mo Hua.
Mo Hua was taken aback and asked, "Aunt Wan, this is...?"
"This is an invitation for the Array Discussion Conference," Aunt Wan said.
"An invitation for the ceremony?"
"Yes," Aunt Wan replied gently, "I know you like arrays, and you will definitely want to attend the Array Discussion Conference. But with such a grand event, it's usually packed with people. Ordinary disciples can only stand far away and watch the excitement, seeing very little else."
"But with this invitation, it's different. The four major sects specially issued these invitations to the leading families, inviting us to attend the ceremony. The seats are quite close, and you can see the Dao discussions clearly..."
Mo Hua was surprised and then said, "Then this invitation must be very valuable?"
Aunt Wan nodded, "It's quite rare. Only the leaders and elders of the major families of the fourth and fifth ranks can obtain such invitations."
She received this invitation because she was both a direct descendant of the Wen family and the future spouse of the next patriarch of the Shangguan family.
Mo Hua then asked, "There's only one invitation. If you give it to me, won't you go to watch it?"
Aunt Wan replied, "I won't go."
Mo Hua was curious.
Aunt Wan explained, "If I go, I'll be sitting with the Shangguan family. Those people can be quite troublesome, and Yu'er might also have to endure some unpleasantness."
Mo Hua nodded.
Aunt Wan, fearing Mo Hua might be concerned, added, "You are different. You don't need to worry about them. Just take the invitation, find your seat, and enjoy the tea and fruits. You don't need to pay attention to the Shangguan family."
"Moreover, they will be polite with me, but you are a guest, and Old Master Xun will support you. The Shangguan family, as elders, won't embarrass you."
"The Array Discussion Conference happens only once every three years, and it's a rare opportunity. If you can attend and watch closely, you will surely benefit greatly..."
Aunt Wan had thoughtfully considered everything for Mo Hua.
Mo Hua was grateful.
If it were before, he would have accepted the invitation, but the situation was a bit special...
Mo Hua declined, "Aunt Wan, I can't accept this invitation."
Aunt Wan was surprised, "Why?"
Mo Hua, being straightforward and fond of arrays, had thought Aunt Wan would be pleased to see him accept the invitation. She hadn't expected him to decline.
Mo Hua, after some hesitation, finally said honestly, "Aunt Wan, I might... also participate in the Array Discussion Conference..."
Old Master Xun had instructed him not to tell outsiders.
But Mo Hua thought about it. Aunt Wan had been so kind to him, she wasn't really an "outsider."
Moreover, the Array Discussion Conference was the day after tomorrow. Telling her now wouldn't be a problem.
Aunt Wan was stunned for a while, finally understanding that Mo Hua meant "participate in the Array Discussion Conference," not just watching.
Aunt Wan couldn't help but feel shocked, "You are only at the middle of the Foundation stage, and your entry period isn't long enough. How can you participate?"
Mo Hua replied, "I don't know either, but Old Master Xun told me to go."
He wasn't sure if he was following the rules either.
But if Old Master Xun told him to go, he would go.
Old Master Xun's arrangements were always right.
"Old Master Xun..."
Aunt Wan was taken aback, then thought it made sense, but also felt a bit touched.
Old Master Xun was so kind to Mo Hua.
Such a significant event like the Dao Discussion Conference could also make an exception for Mo Hua at the middle Foundation stage.
Probably to give Mo Hua some experience and adapt to such grand occasions...
This meant that Old Master Xun had high hopes for Mo Hua's future.
Aunt Wan felt immense relief.
After a moment's thought, she decided, "Since you will also participate, I'll go and watch the next day."
Mo Hua, though he also wanted Aunt Wan to watch, couldn't help but ask, "Aunt Wan, you don't like those people from the Shangguan family, right?"
Aunt Wan huffed, "How can they compare to you? I'm going to watch your competition, what does it have to do with them?"
Mo Hua smiled.
Aunt Wan patted Mo Hua's shoulder and said with some satisfaction,
"Regardless, for your age to be able to participate in the Dao Discussion Conference, regardless of the results, it's already quite impressive."
"Your parents will be proud of you. It's a pity they are far in Lizhou and can't be by your side."
"If you don't mind, I and Yu'er will be like your half-family. You participate in the Array Discussion Conference, I'll go't miss it..."
Mo Hua felt warm in his heart and smiled, "Thank you, Aunt Wan."
Aunt Wan, seeing Mo Hua's clear smile, felt comforted and couldn't help but smile as well.
...
After staying at the Gu family for a while, Mo Hua returned to the sect.
Aunt personally saw him off at the door, offering some encouraging words, telling Maurice not to worry and to do his best in the competition, bringing honor to the sect.
Maurice smiled and replied, "Sure thing."
Afterward, Maurice boarded the Gu family’s carriage and left Greenstate City, heading for the Grand Void Sect. When he passed through Grand Void City, since it was still early, he got off the carriage and, as usual, visited the Array Pavilion to browse and purchase some rare and peculiar array books and diagrams, broadening his knowledge of array formations.
As he was about to leave, Maurice accidentally ran into a disciple of the Grand Void Sect.
This disciple had a square face and a strong, upright demeanor, and Maurice knew him well.
"Reginald Fang?"
Reginald Fang, seeing Maurice, looked surprised, "Little Senior Brother, what a coincidence."
"Are you buying something?" Maurice asked.
"Yep," Reginald Fang replied, "I ran out of ink and brushes, and I didn’t want to use my merit points, so I came to buy some with spirit stones."
"Oh." Maurice nodded.
He had more merit points than he could use, so he usually exchanged them for ink and brushes.
Reginald Fang glanced at Maurice and asked, "Little Senior Brother, do you have some time? I want to buy a few array books and would like your advice."
When he first joined the sect, Reginald Fang, with his strong family background, was quite discontent with Maurice being designated as the "Little Senior Brother" in array formations by Mr. Xun.
But after so much time together, Reginald Fang had long been convinced and now referred to Maurice as "Little Senior Brother" with great respect.
Maurice had some time to spare.
And as the "Little Senior Brother," helping the younger disciples was part of his duty.
Maurice nodded, "Sure."
After that, Maurice turned around and accompanied Reginald Fang through the Array Pavilion again, "guiding" him on what to buy.
Maurice’s current array formation skills had reached a level of mastery within the Second Rank, with a touch of "perfect refinement."
He had seen, learned, and practiced a great deal.
Not only in array formations, but also in distinguishing genuine and fake array books, the quality of array pens, and the purity of spirit ink, he could almost tell at a glance.
With Maurice’s guidance, Reginald Fang bought the array books and ink he needed, and then they left together. At the entrance, Maurice said:
"I need to return to the sect. Do you want to come along?"
Reginald Fang shook his head, "No, I have an elder returning to the clan today, who has taught me since I was young. I need to see him off."
"An elder? From the Fang family?"
"Yep."
"Is he very skilled in array formations?"
Reginald Fang nodded, "Very skilled! He’s one of the most powerful true transmission elders in our clan."
Maurice’s eyes lit up, and he wanted to ask more, but he was afraid of delaying Reginald Fang’s farewell.
Just then, a man with half-gray hair, a tall and straight figure, and a stern, upright demeanor walked over.
"Reginald Fang."
The man called out.
Reginald Fang turned around and immediately said respectfully, "Uncle."
Maurice was taken aback, looked up at the man, and saw that he had a dignified presence, deep, piercing eyes that seemed to flash with thunder, and a commanding aura that inspired respect without anger.
Moreover, his cultivation was profound, giving a sense of transcendent transformation.
A Transcendent Transformation Realm True Person!
Reginald Fang quickly introduced Maurice:
"This is the elder I told you about, my uncle, a Fourth Rank Array Master, serving as an elder in the Celestial Path Sect."
When Maurice heard the beginning, he was filled with admiration, but when he heard "Celestial Path Sect," his expression turned cold.
He had never had a good impression of the Celestial Path Sect and thus had no desire to converse.
The man, Fang Elder, had not been particularly concerned about Maurice, this small disciple, until Reginald Fang introduced him:
"Uncle, this is the Little Senior Brother from the Grand Void Sect I mentioned to you."
Fang Elder was somewhat surprised.
When Reginald Fang spoke about the "Little Senior Brother," he thought the "Little" referred to the generation.
Since they were of the same generation, he was called "Little" as a sign of respect.
But now, seeing him in person, he realized the "Little Senior Brother" was indeed quite young...
He looked young, with a tender face, fair and smooth, and it was hard to believe he was the Grand Void Sect’s "Little Senior Brother" just by appearance.
But the Dao knows no order of seniority; the one who reaches it first is respected.
One should not judge by appearance.
Since he could be the "Little Senior Brother," he must have exceptional skills in array formations.
Fang Elder’s expression softened, "Young brother, what’s your name?"
"Maurice," Maurice replied.
"Maurice..." Fang Elder repeated, somewhat impressed, "Drawing arrays with ink, like painting with a brush, a good name."
Maurice, flattered for his name, nodded.
He also thought his parents had given him a good name.
Thus, his impression of this "Fang Elder" improved.
He really wanted to ask this true transmission elder of the Fang family about array formations, but he was still somewhat hesitant about his identity, so he asked:
"Are you really an elder of the Celestial Path Sect?"
Fang Elder shook his head, "Not anymore."
Maurice was surprised, "Not anymore?"
Fang Elder explained, "I resigned."
Maurice was greatly relieved, "That’s good!"
Fang Elder was somewhat taken aback and said with a complex expression:
"That’s the position of an elder in the Celestial Path Sect, one of the top four sects, which ordinary cultivators dream of. Why is it good that I resigned?"
"Because ordinary cultivators dream of it, but those with true ability, why should they suffer the idle grievances?"
Character Name Replacements:
Mo Hua -> Matthew Flores (chosen for its neutral, modern sound)
Elder Zheng -> Elder Zheng (kept as is, as "Zheng" is a common Chinese surname with a well-established English transliteration)
Zheng Fang -> Fang Zheng (swapped for a more Westernized name order)
Old Master Xun -> Master August (replaced with a name conveying a similar sense of wisdom and age)
Ancestor of the Rear Mountain -> Ancestor Blackwood (replaced with a name evoking a similar sense of mysticism and natural connection)
Ancestor of the Cave Void -> Ancestor Ember (replaced with a name suggesting a similar connection to the mysterious and unknown)
Rewritten Text:
"Let me be clear," Matthew Flores said.
In his experience, major sects were strictly hierarchical, with clear distinctions between superiors and inferiors.
To get along well, one had to act submissive to those above and domineering to those below, or else face constant humiliation.
Matthew Flores' words struck a chord with Elder Zheng.
Elder Zheng asked, "Suppose I offer you a disciple position at the Heavenly Dao Sect, would you be willing to join?"
Matthew Flores shook his head. "They wouldn’t accept me."
It was true.
When he had first received the "Admission Token" from his master, he had traveled a great distance to the Heavenly Dao Sect, only to be rejected for lacking the necessary talent.
The Heavenly Dao Sect’s standards were too high for him to meet.
He still harbored a grudge over that.
Unaware of the circumstances, Elder Zheng asked, "But what if they were willing to accept you now? Would you go?"
Matthew Flores shook his head again. "No, I’m not interested."
He was doing quite well at the Void Gate Sect.
Master August taught him array formations, and Ancestor Blackwood taught him to channel divine consciousness into a sword.
Many of the sect’s elders were kind and friendly to him, and he had a group of junior disciples who called him "Senior Brother" every day.
Compared to the Void Gate Sect, the Heavenly Dao Sect was insignificant.
Seeing Matthew Flores' genuine and sincere demeanor, Elder Zheng became intrigued. He had never expected someone to be so unimpressed by one of the top four sects.
"Meeting is a form of destiny. Let me treat you to some tea and pastries."
Fang Zheng, standing nearby, gaped in shock.
He had never seen his usually stern and rigid great-uncle invite a Foundation Establishment disciple for tea.
Matthew Flores didn’t hesitate and smiled. "Thank you, Elder Zheng."
Elder Zheng found a nearby teahouse, booked a private room, and invited Matthew Flores to enjoy tea and pastries, with Fang Zheng accompanying them.
During their conversation, Matthew Flores showed no signs of being intimidated by Elder Zheng's Transcendent Realm status. He spoke with ease and confidence.
After all, he often accompanied the Void Gate Sect’s Ancestor Ember.
Over time, he had developed a broad perspective and felt at ease when interacting with high-ranking cultivators.
Their conversation mainly revolved around array formations.
The more they talked, the more Elder Zheng was surprised. He hadn’t expected his great-nephew’s daily mention of "Senior Brother" to have such profound knowledge and a deep foundation in array formations.
"Brother, where did you learn your family’s array techniques, and who is your master?" Elder Zheng asked.
Matthew Flores shook his head. "I’m a wandering cultivator, with no family lineage..."
He had a master, but it wasn’t convenient to reveal that.
"A wandering cultivator..."
Elder Zheng was even more astonished.
He never thought that the current Qianxue State could still accept a wandering cultivator with poor spiritual roots and no family background.
Noble families monopolized resources, sects set high barriers, and the poor had no place to stand or learn.
Being a wandering cultivator was extremely difficult.
Elder Zheng felt a deep sense of emotion.
He asked curiously, "If you’re a wandering cultivator, how did you manage to join the Void Gate Sect, and how did you acquire such skills?"
Matthew Flores skirted the main points, telling a half-true, half-false story.
"When I was young, I received guidance from a skilled array master, which helped me get started. Later, I joined the Void Gate Sect through a series of coincidences..."
"Master August of the Void Gate Sect is highly respected and does not discriminate. He took me in despite my wandering status. Now, I’m learning array formations under his guidance..."
"Master August..."
At the mention of this name, Elder Zheng showed deep respect and sighed.
"The Void Gate Sect truly carries the legacy of a great sect, with a spirit of inclusiveness. Master August is indeed admirable."
He hadn’t expected the Heavenly Dao Sect, which seemed prestigious, to be so corrupt and superficial.
On the contrary, the seemingly declining Void Gate Sect had such a noble and open-minded approach to the path of cultivation.
Indeed, appearances can be deceiving.
Even the Ancestor had been misled.
Elder Zheng's thoughts were heavy.
Matthew Flores glanced at him and asked softly, "Elder Zheng, I’ve heard the Zheng family specializes in lightning arrays?"
Elder Zheng was taken aback but nodded. "Yes, that’s correct."
Matthew Flores' curiosity was piqued, and he wanted to ask about the principles of the lightning array, but he feared it might be rude to inquire about another family’s secrets.
Elder Zheng seemed to read his mind and said, "The lightning array is an ancient array technique, a core legacy of the Zheng family, and cannot be taught to outsiders. Moreover, this technique has very high requirements for the disciple’s character. Those with impure intentions or weak resolve should not easily learn it."
Matthew Flores nodded in agreement.
Elder Zheng was curious. "Aren’t you thinking I’m just dodging your question?"
"Dodging?"
"The concept of a pure heart is often abstract..." Elder Zheng said.
"Not at all," Matthew Flores shook his head.
When it came to matters of the heart and divine consciousness, he was an expert.
Matthew Flores spoke with a serious expression. "A pure heart is very important. A cultivator seeking the Dao must have a righteous and determined heart."
"Otherwise, the path is long and fraught with distractions. Demons, illusions, and evil thoughts can easily lead one astray, causing one to forget their original intentions."
"One might become intoxicated with their own power, obsessed with fame and fortune, or indulge in trivial desires, ultimately losing their pure heart."
"Once the pure heart is lost, no matter how high one’s cultivation, how great one’s power, or how renowned one’s name, one becomes a mere puppet of personal desires, easily manipulated..."
Matthew Flores' words flowed smoothly, drawing from his experiences with divine consciousness.
Elder Zheng was deeply moved, feeling a sense of regret for not meeting such a talented disciple in the Heavenly Dao Sect.
This young man spoke so well!
Why hadn’t he encountered such a disciple in the Heavenly Dao Sect?
He even personally poured a cup of tea for Mo Hua.
After a moment of silence, Elder Zheng suddenly felt a surge of impulse to teach this promising disciple something.
Such a talented young man deserved to learn something from him.
However, the Lightning Array of the Zheng family could not be taught without the ancestor's approval...
Elder Zheng then asked, "Is there any array formation you'd like to learn, besides the Lightning Array? I can teach you anything else I know."
Mo Hua's face lit up with joy.
He hadn't expected that this seemingly strict Senior Zheng was also such a good person.
But...
What could he ask to learn?
Mo Hua pondered for a moment.
First, it had to be a second-grade array. Third-grade arrays were too advanced, and he wouldn't be able to learn them yet.
But even among second-grade arrays, the common Five Elements and Eight Trigrams arrays had already been taught to him by Elder Master Xun. These foundational array formations were deeply ingrained, and even if Senior Zheng was formidable, he probably couldn't surpass elder Master Xun in these basics.
There were still some special arrays he could ask about.
But the Lightning Array couldn't be taught, and among the other Eight Trigrams arrays, the special Qian Array was likely unknown to Senior Zheng.
The Absolute Array was also out of the question.
The Absolute Array was a closely guarded secret, extremely precious, and asking for such a tradition would be too presumptuous. Besides, his divine consciousness wasn't strong enough yet to learn the Absolute Array.
What else could he ask?
Mo Hua quickly ran through the array formations he could currently learn and might find useful in the future, his eyes suddenly brightening as he asked:
"Senior Zheng, are you familiar with the Primordial Magnetic Array formation?"
"Primordial Magnetic array formation?"
"Yes," Mo Hua nodded. "I'm a bit slow, but I've done some preliminary research. I have many questions, though..."
"The Primordial magnetic array formation should actually be called the 'Thunder-Magnetic' array formation. Its core is the 'Sub-Thundery' pattern, which includes a 'Thunder' character. Is it also related to the Eight Trigrams Lightning Array? What are the differences and similarities between the Sub thundery pattern and true lightning?"
Elder Zheng's expression gradually showed some surprise.
This disciple was already studying array formations to this extent?
The rare concepts of Thunder-Magnetic, Sub thundery pattern, and Sub thundery flow were important, and these were things that only array masters of the third or fourth grade, with special traditions, would delve into.
However, it was a bit challenging.
Being a fourth-grade array master himself, answering too basic array questions would be meaningless.
Elder Zheng pondered for a moment and nodded, "The Sub thundery pattern and its accompanying Sub thundery flow, also known as 'Primordial Magnetic' among cultivators, is an extremely weak and subtle form of lightning. It's a derivative of the 'Lightning Array,' but it has different properties and uses compared to the true Lightning array."
"The Zheng family has a tradition of the Lightning Array, but over the years, we've also explored various derivatives and sub-arrays related to 'Thunder.'"
"The Primordial Magnetic Array, Sub thundery pattern, and Sub thundery flow, while rare, are not as secretive as the Lightning Array. They can be shared outside the family, and I can discuss them with you..."
Mo Hua was overjoyed, "Thank you, Senior Zheng."
Then, Mo Hua asked Elder Zheng many questions about the Primordial Magnetic Array, Sub thundery pattern, and Sub thundery flow.
Elder Zheng answered every question without reservation.
The two of them had a delightful conversation.
Until the sky grew dark and evening approached, Elder Zheng had to leave. Mo Hua, who had benefited greatly, still felt a bit unsatisfied.
With a hint of reluctance, he asked, "Senior Zheng, are you returning to the clan today?"
Elder Zheng nodded, "There's a farewell banquet tonight, and I'll leave at the hour of Dog by cloud transport."
He bore the legacy of the Lightning Array and had resigned from the position of elder in the Qian Dao Sect, which indirectly offended the Qian Dao Sect.
It was best to leave the Qian Xue Prefecture as soon as possible to avoid any complications.
Mo Hua felt a bit disappointed, "What about the Array Formation Conference? Aren't you going to check it out?"
Elder Zheng shook his head, "No, I'm not going."
It didn't matter anymore...
His expression was somewhat complex.
The Array Formation Conference seemed like a grand event, but in essence, it was merely a "reunion" for the powerful families.
It had little to do with the vast majority of ordinary cultivators in the world.
In the future, the Array Formation Conference would become a "game."
So-called "heaven's pride" would monopolize fame and profit, using it to climb to higher positions and seek personal benefits.
All of this would gradually become disconnected from the lowest-ranking cultivators in the world.
The silent majority would be gradually forgotten.
This was a trend, almost irreversible.
Especially with the high entry barriers of array formations, the powerful families would intensify their monopoly, making it almost impossible for outsiders to break through.
The Array Formation Conference was already a foregone conclusion, with nothing left to see.
Mo Hua felt a bit regretful but could only bid farewell:
"Then I wish you a safe journey and a smooth return to the clan. May you make further progress in array formations in the future."
Elder Zheng smiled slightly, "I also wish you a bright future, full of potential."
Mo Hua smiled with his eyes squinted.
After that, the two parted ways.
Mo Hua and Zheng Fang walked back to Tai Xu Sect shoulder to shoulder.
Elder Zheng watched them leave, especially focusing on Mo Hua's back, feeling a sudden lift of his spirits and a sense of relief.
In this world, even if dust and grime obscured the sun and chaos filled the sky, there would always be a gentle breeze and a bright moon to comfort the heart.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
