https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-894-Transformation-of-the-Sword-Path/12828722/
Chapter 893: Ink and Sword
Chapter 893: Ink and Sword
Mo Hua was a bit embarrassed by the praise from the Patriarch Dugu.
He was well aware of his talents in the Sword Path.
But the Patriarch Dugu said indifferently, “If I’m not mistaken, you’ve already learned the Sword Transformation Technique, haven’t you?”
Mo Hua’s heart skipped a beat. He quietly raised his head and glanced at the Patriarch, seeing his expression as inscrutable as a stone statue, showing no hint of emotion, making Mo Hua somewhat uneasy.
However, he didn’t dare to hide anything and whispered, “Just a little bit….”
“How did you learn it?” the Patriarch Dugu asked.
“On Senior Xuan’s broken sword, there was a bit of causality. I sensed it unintentionally and understood a little bit…” Mo Hua explained.
The Patriarch Dugu’s eyelid twitched.
Causality?
At the Foundation Establishment realm, he could sense causality?
“Only the Sword Transformation technique?” the Patriarch Dugu asked again.
Mo Hua replied honestly, “I also learned a bit of the Divine Sword Technique….”
The Patriarch Dugu’s expression remained unchanged, but his heart was in turmoil.
He could faintly see signs that Mo Hua had learned the Divine Sword Technique, but he hadn’t expected that Mo Hua had learned it this way…
Sensing causality, tracing back sword techniques, and learning the Divine Sword Technique?
Was this the means a Foundation Establishment cultivator should have?
The Patriarch Dugu frowned, “Have you learned the Heavenly Mechanism of Causality technique?”
Mo Hua shook his head, “Just occasionally, I can sense a bit of causality…”
He wasn’t lying.
He hadn’t learned the orthodox Heavenly Mechanism of Causality technique.
What he had learned were the Heavenly Mechanism Derivation and the Heavenly Mechanism Deception, both of which were mental techniques and should be categorized under the Array Path or the Mental Technique Path.
The Patriarch Dugu nodded slightly, inwardly amazed.
Without learning the Heavenly Mechanism of Causality technique, he could occasionally sense causality, which likely meant his mental perception was exceptionally strong, and his array technique proficiency was deep.
The Patriarch Dugu asked again, “You became the top array theorist, didn’t you?”
“Yes,” Mo Hua nodded.
There was no need to hide this; the entire Tai Xu Sect knew about it.
The Patriarch Dugu was silent for a long time, then sighed inwardly after a while:
“I’ve misjudged again…”
One shouldn’t judge a person by their appearance.
This child, despite his young age, had a profound array technique proficiency and a bizarre, unique talent.
But this was perfect…
The Patriarch Dugu’s eyes brightened slightly, revealing a hint of longing.
“Perhaps, there is real hope…”
Mo Hua secretly observed the Patriarch, feeling somewhat uneasy, unsure if the Patriarch was angry with him.
He hadn’t intended to hide anything.
The main issue was that he had too many secrets, and one mistake could unravel everything, so it was best to keep quiet when possible.
The Patriarch Dugu silently glanced at Mo Hua a few times but didn’t press further. After a moment, he slowly said:
“I will teach you the sword technique.”
Mo Hua let out a breath of relief but then asked in confusion, “Patriarch, haven’t you been teaching me sword techniques all along?”
“This time is different,” the Patriarch Dugu said solemnly. “Ordinary sword cultivators learn sword techniques gradually, starting from simple sword moves, to sword qi, to sword intent, and finally to the Divine Sword Technique.”
“You don’t need to learn this way anymore. Learning some basic sword moves that you aren’t good at would waste your time and slow your progress…”
“You should learn from a different angle.”
Mo Hua was taken aback, “A different angle?”
The Patriarch Dugu nodded, “From the Array Path, into the Sword Path!”
“From the Array Path into the Sword Path…” Mo Hua’s heart shook, and he asked softly, “Patriarch, are you also a Fifth-Rank Array Master?”
The Patriarch Dugu shook his head, “I didn’t study array techniques much, but at my level of cultivation, the understanding of the Dao often transcends a single path, seeking the principle of oneness and simplicity…”
“Of course, I devoted my entire heart to the Sword Path. Array techniques are just for contemplation and broadening understanding; I’m not particularly skilled in them.”
“So, I can only give you some inspiration.”
“I can only roughly explain what the Sword Path and Array Path are, but the specifics of how to practice and integrate them will still depend on your own enlightenment…”
Mo Hua’s expression turned solemn, and he bowed, saying earnestly, “Thank you for your guidance, Patriarch.”
Listening to the teachings of the Cave Void Elder was a great blessing.
This was the Patriarch’s understanding of the Dao, a profound insight into the greater principles of the world. If he could truly grasp it, it would greatly benefit his future cultivation.
Mo Hua had a clear understanding.
The Patriarch Dugu saw that Mo Hua understood and nodded slightly, then said solemnly:
“The great Dao of this world has myriad paths, but they all lead to the same destination.”
“Array techniques, sword techniques, alchemy, talism, artifact refinement, magic, and martial arts… all these are derived from the great Dao.”
“Among them, the Array Path is particularly important because array techniques themselves reflect the cosmos and geography, illustrating the patterns of all things, and are closer to the manifestation of the great Dao’s rules.”
“But this doesn’t mean that other paths can’t lead to the Dao.”
“When you reach a certain level of cultivation, you’ll find that everything in the world, despite its myriad appearances, fundamentally embodies the great Dao.”
“It’s just that cultivators have limited lifespans and can only choose one or two derived paths of the great Dao to delve deeply into.”
"Take the law as a raft, and seek the Great Dao."
"Once you have attained the Great Dao, you can do without the raft or the law. All things follow the heart, unbound and unshackled. The Great Dao lies within the heart, capable of changing heaven and earth—this is what we call... an Immortal!"
Mo Hua was deeply moved.
The Great Dao lies within the heart, capable of changing heaven and earth, this is what we call an Immortal...
He memorized every word, engraving them in his heart.
Dugu Laozu paused for a moment before continuing, shifting the topic to array formations and sword arts. He first asked Mo Hua:
"What is sword qi?"
Mo Hua pondered, "The killing aura of a sword?"
Dugu Laozu was not entirely satisfied, "Think more deeply."
Mo Hua frowned slightly, recalling Dugu Laozu's teachings, and slowly replied:
"All things have spirits, and the universe is one qi, with spirit qi being the root of all things..."
"The Great Dao has many paths, but they all lead to the same destination. Sword qi itself is not a ‘sword’ but merely a manifestation of spirit qi, taking the form of a sword..."
Dugu Laozu raised an eyebrow, gesturing for Mo Hua to continue.
Mo Hua continued, "Sword arts, array formations, spells, and martial techniques are all manifestations of the Dao."
"Spirit qi condenses into spell patterns, forming spells; it constructs array patterns, forming array formations; it is driven by blood qi, transforming into the power of fists and feet. Naturally, when driven by sword techniques and spirit swords, it transforms into sword qi..."
"The forms of power may change, but the essence of power remains constant."
Mo Hua’s thoughts were clear, and his speech was articulate.
Dugu Laozu’s gaze was filled with surprise.
He finally understood why his usually stern junior brother had praised this child so highly, comparing him to a flower.
This child's comprehension was truly astonishing.
Perhaps he was a bit dull in sword arts, but that was a matter of foundational deficiency.
Once the discussion shifted to the realm of divine consciousness and the understanding of the Dao, this child's comprehension was so vivid and lively, it almost seemed like a different person...
Dugu Laozu asked another question, "How does spirit qi form spells?"
"Through the meridians, it forms spell patterns, condensing into spells..." Mo Hua replied.
But after he finished, he paused for a moment.
Laozu wouldn't ask such a simple question.
Mo Hua pondered for a while and then slowly said, "Spirit qi, through the meridians and spell patterns, condenses into spells; through the patterns of array formations, it constructs array formations... In other words, it transforms through certain Dao ‘laws’..."
"Spell patterns, sword patterns, and array patterns are all ‘concrete manifestations’ of Dao laws. Using these laws, spirit qi itself can produce different forms of killing aura..."
Mo Hua had a vague sense that he had grasped something.
Dugu Laozu nodded and added, "Your weakest point in sword arts lies in your inability to condense powerful sword qi."
"In other words, your understanding of the laws for transforming spirit qi into ‘sword qi’ is too shallow."
"So..."
"So," Mo Hua suddenly understood, "I should use the Dao of array formations to replace the Dao of sword arts, using array formations to ‘simulate sword qi’! Just like when I practice sword control..."
Dugu Laozu was taken aback, "You can control swords?"
"Not really..." Mo Hua said softly, "I just practice it randomly."
In a certain sense, it was a pure ‘heretical path.’
Dugu Laozu pondered for a moment, understanding what Mo Hua had done, and nodded in approval:
"Though it’s not orthodox, your idea is not bad, but it can’t be considered the orthodox path of sword arts."
Mo Hua took it as a compliment and smiled modestly.
Dugu Laozu nodded and continued, "The principle is just that. Transforming arrays into swords should work in divine consciousness, but I am not an array master and don’t know the specifics of this transformation."
"You can think about it yourself. If you have any questions, come back and ask me."
"And..."
Dugu Laozu took out a jade slip, simple and unmarked, clearly hand-recorded.
Dugu Laozu said, "Most of the original manual of the Great Void Divine Consciousness Transforming Sword True Technique has been destroyed. This is what I have recorded, containing the most complete transforming sword patterns."
"You can’t take this out, so just read it here, as much as you can."
"Do not underestimate the ‘transforming sword patterns’..."
Dugu Laozu said solemnly, "In the Great Void Divine Consciousness Transforming Sword True Technique, the transforming sword patterns are the foundation. The power of all sword techniques depends on your mastery of the transforming sword patterns."
"A strong transforming sword pattern means all sword techniques will be strong."
Mo Hua could barely conceal his excitement and nodded, "Yes, Laozu, I will definitely study hard!"
He then respectfully took the jade slip from Dugu Laozu’s hand.
This was the true manual of the Great Void Divine Consciousness Transforming Sword True Technique.
Mo Hua was emotionally stirred, caressing the jade slip for a moment before immersing his divine consciousness into it. Row by row, silver and iron strokes of text floated in his mind:
"Great Void Divine Consciousness Transforming Sword True Technique · Transforming Sword Patterns..."
"Sword qi condenses and refines, manifesting as sword forms..."
"Transform the sword in hand into the sword in heart."
"High sword arts and exquisite sword qi manifest as sword patterns, becoming even more brilliant and sharp..."
"Different sword arts manifest different divine consciousness sword patterns..."
"Different cultivators have different understandings of the sword Dao, resulting in different transformations..."
...
Mo Hua quickly read through it once and gradually realized:
"The sword Dao is also Dao, and the array Dao is also Dao..."
"First, study the phenomena, and then through the phenomena, understand the essence of sword qi, which is the law of transforming spirit qi."
”
“The principles of sword techniques, my understanding is too shallow. I need to find a way to use the principles of array formations to replace sword techniques and derive sword qi.”
“In other words...”
Mo Hua felt as if he had a vague epiphany. He lowered his head and pondered, trying to capture the inspiration that had crossed his mind. After a moment, his thoughts became clear:
Sword Array!
Using the Sword Array as a principle!
"The Sword Array itself utilizes array formations to derive or enhance sword qi. It’s a manifestation of the principles of sword techniques in the form of an array formation."
"By comprehending the Sword Array, analyzing the intricacies of deriving sword qi, I can also grasp the essence of sword intent, thereby compensating for my weaknesses in sword techniques."
"From the perspective of array formations, I can dissect sword techniques and integrate them into one, and the Sword Array is the best medium for this..."
Mo Hua’s eyes grew brighter and brighter.
Elder Dugu nodded slightly.
This child is indeed wise, a little guidance goes a long way.
Elder Dugu thought for a moment and then said, "Sword cultivators rarely learn array formations, and even if they do, it’s hard to become proficient. Array masters are generally not sword cultivators."
"So, ordinary cultivators either learn sword techniques or array formations. These two paths are distinct, each studied separately."
"Very few cultivators can excel in both sword techniques and array formations, reaching the pinnacle and delving into the deeper aspects of the Dao."
"But you are different..." Elder Dugu glanced at Mo Hua, "Your talent in array formations is unparalleled, and you need to jump over the basics of sword cultivation to learn divine consciousness sword techniques."
"By integrating arrays into swords, this is the most suitable path."
"Very few have walked this path, and others can’t walk it. You can only rely on yourself to explore it..."
"Regarding how far you can go, it depends entirely on you." Elder Dugu looked deeply at Mo Hua.
Mo Hua nodded seriously, "Don’t worry, Grand elder, I will definitely study well!"
He then seized the time to carefully review the "Sword Transformation Technique" from the Divine Consciousness Sword True Technique, memorizing the core content in his heart.
When the time came, Elder Dugu tore open the void and sent Mo Hua back to the disciples' residence.
Back at the disciples' residence, with some time before dawn, Mo Hua couldn’t wait to immerse his divine consciousness into the sea of consciousness.
He began to ponder Elder Dugu’s words and the iterations of the "Sword Transformation Technique" in the sea of consciousness.
Using the Sword Array to derive sword qi.
He had tried this before when he wielded his sword.
But back then, he had only stumbled upon it, altering the form of sword manipulation in a "shortcut" manner without understanding the deeper principles.
Now, with Elder Dugu’s guidance, he finally understood the principles of the Dao and the changes in the laws. He realized that he didn’t need to be confined to the external form.
The power of sword transformation depends on the cultivator’s foundation and understanding of sword techniques.
His sword techniques were weak, but his array formations were extremely strong.
So, he would "take the strengths to compensate for the weaknesses," using array formations to replace sword techniques, simulating sword qi and generating sword intent.
His foundation in array formations, after being pointed out by Mr. Xun, was as solid as a rock.
And with Elder Dugu’s guidance, his sword transformation would further evolve.
Array formations and sword techniques would merge at the level of divine consciousness...
Mo Hua nodded, deciding to give it a try.
In the sea of consciousness, Mo Hua sat in meditation, starting to reconstruct his "Sword Transformation Technique" based on Elder Dugu’s guidance, building upon his previous understanding.
He first manifested the Broken Gold Sword Array.
This was the core array formation of the Broken Gold Gate’s sword technique inheritance, and it was the only sword array he currently mastered proficiently.
After manifesting the sword array, Mo Hua began to manifest the sword of divine consciousness, attempting to merge the two.
But after several attempts, he failed each time.
It sounded easy, but in practice, it was a completely different matter.
Array formations were array formations, and divine consciousness sword techniques were divine consciousness sword techniques. These were two entirely different methods, not as simple to merge as he had thought.
Mo Hua tried multiple times but still couldn’t make it work.
Array formations and sword techniques were distinct.
Mo Hua didn’t give up and kept trying, but even until dawn, he made no progress.
The next day, Mo Hua got up to attend classes and practice, and in his free time, he didn’t even practice array formations, focusing solely on researching the integration of divine consciousness array formations and divine consciousness sword techniques.
But after several days of attempts, he saw no results.
"Perhaps this path doesn’t work?"
Mo Hua frowned, then shook his head, "Impossible. Elder has already guided me, meaning that from his perspective, the principles are interconnected, and the logic is feasible."
"If I can’t figure it out, it’s not that Elder was wrong, but that my method must be flawed..."
Mo Hua took a deep breath and continued to push forward, trying other methods as well, but all failed without exception.
After failing too many times, Mo Hua stopped and began to reflect.
Fortunately, his experience with divine consciousness and array formations was vast. After pondering for several days, his mind gradually became clear.
Mo Hua realized he had been thinking about it the wrong way.
Instead of manifesting the array, transforming divine consciousness into a sword, and then attempting to combine the two, he should start by fusing them from the very beginning.
As the ancient patriarch Dugu had said, the Dao is the origin of all things. Everything in the world, all laws and phenomena, ultimately converge.
To merge array formations and sword techniques, one must start from the very foundation.
From the essence.
However, this approach involved the "divine soul," which still harbored a hidden danger.
Mo Hua deliberated for a moment and decided to give it a try.
He took out a bamboo scroll and used the sword intent within it to strike his divine soul, "warning" the evil fetus to behave.
Then he summoned the Dao Stele, using its overwhelming pressure and the terrifying force of the tribulation lightning to subdue the evil fetus.
Only then did Mo Hua feel confident enough to call upon his divine soul.
But he only called upon one of his souls, avoiding the one parasitized by the evil fetus, the Fu Shi soul.
With everything prepared, Mo Hua held his breath and focused, beginning to integrate the sword array into the "heart image" of his divine soul, reconstructing his "divine consciousness to sword" from the very essence.
However, this process was incredibly subtle and difficult to grasp.
The profundity of array formations and the sharpness of sword techniques were not easy to unify.
Mo Hua calmed his mind and followed Dugu's interpretation of the Dao, starting to "abandon the tangible and return to the intangible," "returning to simplicity."
He forgot all techniques and perceived the true essence of the Dao, using sword techniques and array formations as a raft to cross the river, and upon crossing, he attained the Dao and fused the techniques.
With this mindset, his thoughts instantly became clear.
In his mind, various array patterns and sword auras raged, each following its own path, but their essences subtly intertwined.
Mo Hua's spirit was invigorated, and he used the Heavenly Mechanism and cunning calculations to continuously derive the integration trajectory of array formations and sword techniques, seeking that fleeting moment of fusion.
After an unknown amount of time, Mo Hua pondered, calculated, and tried countless times, finally seizing that fleeting opportunity.
This moment of opportunity was like a key, opening a path to the Dao.
Mo Hua used the "sword array" as a medium, beginning to preliminarily attempt the fusion of array formations and the sword path.
His divine consciousness to sword began to be reconstructed from the very foundation.
After a long while, Mo Hua opened his eyes.
In his eyes, sword light flowed, and within this sword light, the patterns of array formations emerged, intertwining and forming a seamless whole.
Mo Hua slowly extended his palm.
A strand of divine consciousness condensed in his hand, forming the "Breaking Gold Sword Array," with sword patterns as the blade and the sword hub as the bone, gradually manifesting into a sword of divine consciousness.
This sword of divine consciousness was a complete, long sword, no longer the rudimentary form it once was, and it glowed with golden light, its sword aura incredibly sharp.
This was a complete transformation of divine consciousness into a sword!
Moreover, it was a sword of divine consciousness built on the foundation of the "Breaking Gold Sword Array."
Just looking at it, the golden light was dazzling and incredibly brilliant.
The divine consciousness to sword of the Great Void was the same technique.
But different sword cultivators, practicing the same transformation technique, would manifest unique swords of divine consciousness, each reflecting their own sword path.
Mo Hua's sword of divine consciousness was entirely unique.
Because within this sword, he had fused his own "array path."
This was a "sword of array formations"!
Mo Hua was overjoyed.
A few days later, at the Sword Tomb.
Patriarch Dugu looked at the golden light in Mo Hua's eyes and was momentarily lost in thought.
"Could it be that this child has really figured it out?"
"And in just seven days..."
Seven days...
Patriarch Dugu's gaze trembled.
Once it involved array formations, this child's comprehension was truly terrifying...
Patriarch Dugu found it hard to believe. At the same time, the faint hope in his heart, like a flickering candle in the wind, suddenly burned brightly.
Patriarch Dugu gave Mo Hua a few more pointers, pointing out some shortcomings and encouraging him to reflect further.
Then he sent the delighted Mo Hua away.
After Mo Hua left, the Sword Tomb was once again left with only Patriarch Dugu.
He sat silently, like a proud but broken broken sword.
After an unknown amount of time, he looked resolute and murmured slowly,
"Little brother, I'm sorry..."
"I can only pass on these skills to this child. Even if he will walk a path of no return, like me, plagued by evil spirits and demons, and never knowing a moment of peace..."
"But, he is the only one who can inherit them..."
"If I don't pass them on now, there will never be another chance..."
Patriarch Dugu sighed deeply to the sky.
The cold moonlight illuminated his face, the light and shadow merging, making his features gradually disappear, as if he were a "faceless" celestial demon, devoid of desires, thoughts, good, and evil...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
