Chapter 902: Source Origin
Chapter 902: Source Origin
In a private room within a teahouse in Celestial Void City, Zheng Laozhong sipped his tea while explaining the framework of Primordial Magnetism and Thunder Magnetism to Mo Hua.
"Primordial Magnetism and Thunder Magnetism are different concepts," Zheng Laozhong began.
"The key to 'Primordial Magnetism' lies in the character 'Magnetism'. The world is filled with Primordial Magnetic Fields, and these fields naturally have an innate connection with each other."
"Cultivators can utilize this connection to transmit messages. The foundation of a Primordial Magnetism Array is built upon the power of Primordial Magnetism, and at its core are two types of Primordial Magnetism Array Patterns: Fixed Magnetism Patterns and Variable Magnetism Patterns."
"Variable Magnetism Patterns are the surface layer, capable of manifesting text, images, and various other forms of Primordial Magnetism projections."
"Fixed Magnetism Patterns, on the other hand, form the inner layer, interpreting the inherent meaning of the Primordial Magnetism Array and constituting its most fundamental functions."
"Primordial Magnetism Array Masters study Primordial Magnetism Array diagrams, learn Fixed Magnetism Patterns, and construct Magnetism Array systems to transmit messages, communicate, receive magnetic messages, and manifest information between different arrays..."
Mo Hua listened intently, his full attention on Zheng Laozhong's words.
Zheng Laozhong gazed at Mo Hua and spoke slowly, "The entire system of Primordial Magnetism is fixed, and the framework is inherent. All Primordial Magnetism Array Masters study, construct, and maintain various Primordial Magnetism Array Laws, from the simplest to the most complex, all within this 'fixed' framework, ultimately leading to the Grand Primordial Magnetism Array."
"However, this approach presents a problem..."
Mo Hua pondered for a moment and asked, "Is it because the framework is rigid and unchanging?"
Zheng Laozhong nodded in agreement, "Indeed. While the system is fixed, it also means that the framework is predetermined by others. You can only learn, use, and follow others' 'norms' when constructing your Primordial Magnetism Array Laws."
"Even the foundational Magnetism Patterns of your Array Laws are defined by others."
"You have the right to use, but not to modify."
"Almost all Primordial Magnetism Array Masters in the world operate within these predetermined 'Primordial Magnetism' norms, following others' rules and painting Array Laws defined by others."
After a moment of silence, Mo Hua spoke softly, "What if... someone doesn't want to follow these rules?"
Zheng Laozhong replied, "Then they would need to adopt a different framework."
Mo Hua's eyes lit up, "Thunder Magnetism?"
Zheng Laozhong nodded, "Magnetism is fixed and follows norms. Within the established rules, cultivators cannot directly alter the existing framework solely through Divine Perception or external Magnetism Patterns."
"Thunder Magnetism, however, has the ability to sense and respond. If you want to change Magnetism Patterns, you must do so through the flow of 'Thunder'."
"This is the deepest aspect of such Array Laws."
"If we consider the Magnetism Patterns alone, Fixed Magnetism Patterns are the inner layer, and Variable Magnetism Patterns are the outer layer."
"But when we look at the overall structure, both Fixed and Variable Magnetism Patterns are merely the outer layers, while Thunder Magnetism is the true foundation."
"With Magnetism as the surface and Thunder as the core, by manipulating the flow of Thunder, we can induce changes in Magnetism Patterns, thus creating 'Thunder Magnetism' Array Laws and revealing the true principles of Array construction!"
Zheng Laozhong's voice carried a sense of gravity.
"Magnetism as the surface, Thunder as the core, manipulating Thunder to change Magnetism..." Mo Hua pondered for a moment, and then a light of understanding dawned on him.
He had been figuring things out on his own, studying some aspects of Primordial Magnetism, but those were unconventional methods.
He understood the surface but lacked a deeper understanding of the underlying principles.
Now, with Zheng Laozhong's guidance, he finally grasped the true distinction between Primordial Magnetism and Thunder Magnetism, as well as the framework and types of Array Laws.
"Then, how exactly do we 'manipulate Thunder to change Magnetism'?" Mo Hua asked for further clarification.
Zheng Laozhong replied, "You should be quite familiar with the Letter Scroll, right?"
Mo Hua nodded.
He had dismantled countless Letter Scrolls up to this point.
He had also restored and deciphered many of them.
He had learned a significant number of basic Primordial Magnetism Array Patterns, including Fixed Magnetism Pattern annotations.
At least within the scope of Second Rank Array Laws, he could be considered a "Primordial Magnetism Master."
"Let's take the Letter Scroll as an example," Zheng Laozhong explained, "The operation of the Letter Scroll Array involves two stages of Thunder Magnetism conduction."
"The first stage is external."
"When you write on the Letter Scroll with Magnetic Ink, you naturally induce Magnetism Patterns, which in turn generates a response in Thunder Magnetism."
"This Thunder Magnetism spreads out, permeating the surrounding environment."
"Another compatible Letter Scroll, upon sensing this Thunder Magnetism, will naturally display the corresponding text based on the Fixed Magnetism Patterns."
"This is the fundamental process of Primordial Magnetism communication."
Zheng Laozhong gestured towards the surroundings, "The world around us is filled with Thunder Magnetism, but it is so subtle that cultivators cannot perceive it with their Divine Perception."
"At this very moment, someone might be using Thunder Magnetism to communicate, and the Thunder Magnetism containing their message could be passing right in front of us, yet we would be none the wiser."
Mo Hua was amazed by this revelation, but he couldn't help but ask, "Can't we intercept these Thunder Magnetism transmissions?"
Zheng Laozhong shook his head, "To intercept them, you would need a specific Array and a precise Array Medium, but even then, without knowing the corresponding Magnetism Patterns, it's impossible to convert the 'Thunder Magnetism' back into text."
"Thus, while the Thunder Magnetism in the world is vast, dense with information, it leaves no trace, making it difficult even for Thunder Magnetism Array Masters to study and research in this aspect."
"What Thunder Magnetism Array Masters truly need to focus their efforts on is the internal workings of the Letter Scroll."
"Something you have actually studied before..."
Zheng Laozhong turned to look at Mo Hua.
Mo Hua was taken aback, "I've studied it too?" He paused for a moment, then exclaimed in surprise, "Secondary Lightning Patterns?"
Zheng Laozhong gave a slight nod, "Thunder Magnetism permeates the entire world, but cultivators cannot perceive or comprehend it."
"However, within the Letter Scroll, the flow of Thunder Magnetism between Arrays is knowable and controllable."
"This is akin to a 'contract' between Fixed Magnetism Patterns and Variable Magnetism Patterns, a Secondary Lightning Flow that maintains the connection and response."
"And the traces left by this Secondary Lightning Flow are Secondary Lightning Patterns."
"Manipulating Thunder to change Magnetism involves using Secondary Lightning Patterns to generate Secondary Lightning Flow, influencing Primordial Magnetism Patterns, altering the established Magnetism Pattern rules, and thereby changing the rules of the entire Primordial Magnetism Array Law..."
Mo Hua's eyes widened in realization, and after a moment of contemplation, he spoke slowly, "Ordinary Primordial Magnetism Array Masters follow the existing Primordial Magnetism framework. They construct, utilize, and maintain Primordial Magnetism Array Laws.
"But these are just aspects of Primordial Magnetism."
"If you want to change the rules, you need to start with the 'Thunder' aspect. By using Secondary Lightning Patterns, you generate Secondary Lightning Flow, and through Thunder-Magnetic induction, you can influence the underlying Magnetic Patterns."
Zheng Laozhong nodded with satisfaction, "In general, that's the idea."
"Then, how do I learn and use these Secondary Lightning Patterns?" Mo Hua asked again.
Zheng Laozhong shook his head.
Mo Hua was taken aback, "Can't I learn them?"
"It's not that you can't learn them," Zheng Laozhong explained, "it's just that you can't learn them yet. Secondary Lightning Patterns are a manifestation of the Thunder Dao principles, more apparent than Thunder-Magnetism, but equally abstruse. With your current Divine Perception, you probably can't sense them yet..."
"What if..." Mo Hua said softly, "I could sense them?"
Zheng Laozhong was stunned for a moment, his heart skipped a beat.
Sense them?
Could he even sense the Secondary Lightning Patterns?
His expression was one of surprise, and then he looked deeply into Mo Hua's eyes, pondering for a moment before speaking slowly:
"If, I mean, if you truly can sense them..."
"Then you can find some real Thunder-Magnetic Formations or Secondary Lightning Arrays. Remember, they must include 'Thunder' elements, not just simple 'Primordial Magnetism' arrays."
"By studying, practicing, and comprehending these Thunder-Magnetic Formations extensively, you'll deepen your understanding of Secondary Lightning Flow. Then, with the help of Formations, you can try to use the Secondary Lightning Patterns to alter the Primordial Magnetic Patterns..."
After Zheng Laozhong finished speaking, Mo Hua looked at him expectantly.
Zheng Laozhong understood Mo Hua's intention and sighed, "I do have some Thunder-Magnetic Formations, but..."
Mo Hua looked disappointed, "Can't you pass them on?"
"It's not that I can't," Zheng Laozhong shook his head, "but these Formations are all Third Rank and above. Even if I give them to you, you won't be able to learn them."
"Are there no Second Rank ones?"
"No," Zheng Laozhong said, "Primordial Magnetic Formations are manageable, but Thunder-Magnetic Formations are profound and abstruse. The structure of Second Rank Formations can't accommodate such complex Formation Dao principles, unless..."
Zheng Laozhong hesitated, leaving his sentence unfinished.
"Unless it's an Ultimate Array?" Mo Hua asked.
Zheng Laozhong was surprised, "You know about Ultimate Arrays?"
Mo Hua nodded, "A little."
Zheng Laozhong sighed.
This child's knowledge of Formations is indeed extensive, even knowing about Ultimate Arrays...
Zheng Laozhong thought, "A Second Rank Ultimate Array of Thunder-Magnetic might indeed incorporate Secondary Lightning principles, but an Ultimate Array of that rank would require at least twenty patterns, and only a Golden Core cultivator could manage it."
Mo Hua paused, "That's true..."
His Divine Perception was at the peak of nineteen patterns, just half a step away from twenty.
But this half-step seemed both close and distant, and he didn't know how long it would take to take that final step.
He was stuck again.
Without reaching the Golden Core stage, his Divine Perception wouldn't reach twenty patterns, and he couldn't learn Thunder-Magnetic Formations that contained deeper principles. Consequently, he couldn't alter the existing Primordial Magnetic Norms or change others' rules, and thus, he couldn't analyze the underlying Formation principles of the Sect Token.
In other words, he couldn't dissect the Demon Sect Token in his hand.
Mo Hua sighed softly, feeling a bit disappointed.
Seeing this, Zheng Laozhong comforted him, "I mentioned before that this is just for you to get a basic understanding. Wait until you reach the Golden Core stage, and then you can learn it slowly. You're young and talented, so there's no need to rush."
"Okay, Zheng Laozhong," Mo Hua nodded.
After a while, they chatted some more, and Mo Hua asked a few more questions. By the time they finished, it was getting late, and Zheng Laozhong had to leave.
However, before departing, Zheng Laozhong paused for a moment, his expression solemn. He patiently reminded Mo Hua once more:
"If there comes a day when you truly master Thunder-Magnetic Formations, there's one thing you must always remember..."
"You must always claim to be a 'Primordial Magnetic Array Master' and never reveal that you're a 'Thunder-Magnetic Array Master' to others."
"This one-word difference is like the difference between heaven and earth."
"If you encounter ignorant people, it's fine; they won't understand these subtleties, and they won't differentiate between Thunder-Magnetic and Primordial Magnetism."
"But if you reveal this to someone with ulterior motives, you'll expose your background and might even bring disaster upon yourself."
"The 'treasure' in 'possessing a treasure and inviting disaster' is not just a treasure but could also be a cultivation method."
"There's a lot of open and hidden competition among Array Masters. They may seem amiable on the surface, but they might also be jealous and competitive, fighting for fame and fortune."
"You must be cautious, not flaunting your wealth, and not revealing your cultivation lightly."
Zheng Laozhong's tone was earnest.
Mo Hua nodded seriously, "Senior, I'll remember all of this."
"Mhm," Zheng Laozhong's expression softened.
...
After returning to the Great Void Sect, Mo Hua took out a jade slip and recorded all the Primordial Magnetic and Thunder-Magnetic Formation principles Zheng Laozhong had taught him.
A good memory is no substitute for written records.
It was a rare opportunity to receive guidance on Formations from Zheng Laozhong.
Moreover, Primordial Magnetic Formations were a niche subject, and if he missed this chance, he might not get another opportunity to learn from Zheng Laozhong.
He had to write down these teachings and study them repeatedly.
After recording them, Mo Hua frowned.
Through his conversation with Zheng Laozhong, his understanding of Primordial Magnetic and Thunder-Magnetic Formations had deepened, but the fundamental problem remained unsolved.
His Divine Perception was insufficient to learn Thunder-Magnetic Formations.
Without learning Thunder-Magnetic Formations, he couldn't break the existing Primordial Magnetic Norms, change others' rules, or analyze the underlying Formation principles of the Sect Token.
As a result, the Demon Sect Token in his hand seemed less useful.
Of course, it wasn't entirely useless; it was just that his abilities were lacking.
"Another dead end..."
Mo Hua thought for a moment and took out a Formation from his storage ring, a Formation he had cherished for a long time:
"Secondary Lightning Flow Array."
This was a genuine Second Rank twenty-pattern Thunder-Magnetic Ultimate Array given to him by Aunt Wan.
Aunt Wan probably didn't know what this Formation truly meant.
Even before his conversation with Zheng Laozhong, Mo Hua hadn't realized how confidential Thunder-Magnetic Formations were.
This Thunder-Magnetic Ultimate Array was an extremely rare treasure among Formation Dao collections.
Mo Hua opened the Formation diagram and studied it for a while, then shook his head.
He couldn't quite understand it...
With his current Divine Perception at the peak of nineteen patterns, he could copy the twenty patterns of the Ultimate Array, but Ultimate Arrays contained deeper Great Dao principles.
Without understanding these principles, he couldn't comprehend the Formation, and merely learning the superficial 'Array Patterns' would only address the symptoms, not the root cause.
"What is the Great Dao principle of the Thunder-Magnetic Array?"
"Is it... the Secondary Lightning Patterns?"
If one were to follow Zheng Laozhong's explanation, the Secondary Lightning Patterns are a manifestation of Thunder-Magnetic principles. Therefore, to master the Thunder-Magnetic Formation Technique, the most crucial aspect would be understanding the Secondary Lightning Patterns.
Approach it from the Secondary Lightning Patterns?
But typically, cultivators first learn the Thunder-Magnetic Formation Technique before they can grasp the Secondary Lightning Array Patterns.
Currently, I lack sufficient Divine Perception to study the Third Rank Thunder-Magnetic Array, and even the Second Rank Ultimate Array is beyond my comprehension. How then, can I possibly master the Secondary Lightning Patterns?
"Wait a minute..."
Mo Hua suddenly recalled that he had spent some time researching the Secondary Lightning Patterns.
During that period, to study the replication of the Letter Scroll and decipher the Primordial Magnetic Patterns, he simulated the derivations of the Secondary Lightning Patterns daily and recorded them one by one on jade slips, accumulating a vast repository of Secondary Lightning Patterns.
These Secondary Lightning Patterns were like a collection of "keys," ready to be used for decryption when needed.
It was similar to an "enumeration" method of deciphering magnetic patterns.
However, these "Secondary Lightning Patterns" were, at best, just tools.
He had merely recorded them simply, which couldn't be considered understanding, let alone "mastering" them.
He had no idea how to use these patterns to break others' rules or "tamper" with Primordial Magnetic Patterns.
"But Zheng Laozhong has already explained the principles to me... Formation rules won't deceive."
Mo Hua pondered in his heart.
According to the principles...
"The Secondary Lightning Patterns themselves are a connection between magnetic patterns."
"Their very existence can be understood as a form of generation, and naturally, it can also be seen as a form of 'tampering.'"
"The Secondary Lightning Patterns are irregular and subtle, with countless and endless variations."
"Each type of Secondary Lightning Pattern corresponds to a category of magnetic pattern changes."
"If we categorize the same type of Secondary Lightning Patterns, numerous and complex, together, wouldn't it be equivalent to integrating an entire category of Primordial Magnetic changes?"
"It's like melting numerous keys into one, forging an 'all-purpose' key..."
"An all-purpose key can open many locks."
"An 'all-purpose' Secondary Lightning Pattern can similarly trigger various magnetic pattern changes."
"And if we categorize numerous Secondary Lightning Patterns together through induction, wouldn't it be..."
Mo Hua was stunned for a moment, and his heart skipped a beat.
Source Origin Algorithm? The Five Elements Sect's... Source Origin Algorithm? Source Origin Algorithm integrates the complex into simplicity, unifying the many into one.
The elders of the Five Elements Sect integrated all their formation techniques, forming a single Source Pattern.
In other words, if he were to categorize all the Secondary Lightning Patterns he had recorded over time, using the Source Origin Algorithm, could he also form a...
Secondary Lightning Source Pattern? And this Secondary Lightning Source Pattern would be equivalent to... Array Stream?
The more Mo Hua thought about it, the more astonished he became.
Is this the essence of the Five Elements Sect's Source Origin Algorithm?
Is this the method used by the Five Elements Sect to create Array Streams?
Secondary Lightning Patterns, Source Origin Algorithm, self-created Array Stream...
Mo Hua's heart raced.
He vaguely realized that he had understood something extraordinary, but then he hesitated.
The Five Elements Source Pattern seemed like a "plague," capable of self-parasitism and spreading on its own. Even the downfall of the Five Elements Sect in the past might have been related to this Source Pattern.
If he followed the Five Elements Sect's method to categorize the Secondary Lightning Patterns, what would be the result? Would it also be a Source Pattern that brings chaos?
Mo Hua furrowed his brows.
After some contemplation, he realized that he didn't seem to fear this.
The Five Elements Source Pattern was beyond his abilities because it was the culmination of generations of the Five Elements Sect's masters. Their cultivation was far superior to his.
However, if it were something he calculated himself, with his proficiency in Divine Thought, he should be able to control it.
The crucial point was that a path to formation mastery was right before him. If he didn't give it a try, Mo Hua would be restless.
Not to mention, this was also related to comprehending the principles of the Thunder-Magnetic Array.
"Let's give it a try..."
Mo Hua took out a stack of jade slips from his storage bag.
These jade slips contained the numerous Secondary Lightning Patterns he had simulated, derived, perceived, and recorded over the years.
There were no less than a thousand of them.
Mo Hua began to attempt using the Source Origin Algorithm he learned from the Five Elements Sect to categorize these complex and numerous Secondary Lightning Patterns.
Just like the Five Elements Sect's categorization of their formation techniques.
Fortunately, although the Secondary Lightning Patterns were extraordinary, their structure was relatively simpler, making the categorization process less challenging, which was perfect for Mo Hua's practice.
Mo Hua started with the simplest patterns, categorizing two similar Secondary Lightning Patterns.
After categorizing them in pairs, he further categorized the resulting patterns.
Then he categorized them again, and so on, gradually increasing the number and complexity...
It was smooth sailing at first, but as he progressed, categorization became more challenging, consuming more and more Divine Perception and requiring immense calculation power.
Mo Hua had no choice but to utilize all his means, including the Heavenly Mechanism Derivation and Heavenly Mechanism Deception.
Thanks to the solid foundation in formations he had honed under Xun Laoxian's guidance, his extensive knowledge of formations, the robust Divine Perception of his Foundation Establishment Peak cultivation, the integrated calculation power of his Divine Perception and Deception, the Dao Transformation Mental Power gained from absorbing Divine Marrow, and Zheng Laozhong's insights into the principles of Thunder-Magnetic Arrays...
As well as the time and effort he had invested in accumulating the Secondary Lightning Pattern repository.
The entire categorization process, though tedious, complex, and time-consuming, proceeded exceptionally smoothly.
This was the essence of formation mastery—accumulating knowledge for a breakthrough.
Day and night, he tirelessly categorized, and after more than a month...
Mo Hua stared at the "thing" before him, feeling a bit dazed.
This was the "prototype" of an Array Stream he had painstakingly derived through countless efforts and sleepless nights.
But it was...
A peculiar thing.
Within the jade slip, a small object formed purely from Secondary Lightning Patterns, resembling a matchstick figure, seemed to have gained life and was looking up at Mo Hua.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
