Chapter 937: The Array Pattern
Chapter 937: The Array Pattern
"Orphan?" Mo Hua was a little incredulous, "The 'Gu' in Gu Mountain City, is it the 'Gu' for orphan?"
"Not exactly," Master Gu explained, "Gu Mountain City is adjacent to Gu Mountain, and the original name of this mountain should be 'Solitary Yellow Mountain'."
"The mountain is abundant in golden yellow ore, which is pure and dazzling, extremely splendid. When plated onto spirit tools, treasures, and palaces, it shines brighter than gold, and is thus highly praised by the noble clans."
"Later, this golden yellow ore was over-mined to depletion, leaving behind a devastated and pitch-black mountain. Due to the decline of the mine, the number of cultivators decreased sharply, and the number of orphans increased dramatically. Thus, the mountain came to be called 'Gu Mountain', and the city became 'Gu Mountain City'..."
Mo Hua glanced around and saw dozens of frail children with dark skin, carrying baskets of ore on their backs. He fell silent for a moment, then sighed.
Some are born into wealth and live a life of luxury.
While others seem to be born to endure hardship.
This suffering only grows with time, lasting until death...
Mo Hua furrowed his brows, his emotions complex.
Suddenly, a child carrying a bamboo basket slipped and fell to the ground, scattering the worthless, rough, and black ore from the basket.
Ignoring the wound on his scraped knee, the child quickly got up and frantically gathered the scattered ore, as if afraid someone might snatch it away.
Most of these ores were worthless.
But the child still treated them as treasures.
This was his only means of survival, and only by collecting these worthless ore scraps could he have a meal.
If he were outside, perhaps other children would snatch them away.
Fortunately, they were near the Artisan Shop, and everyone was well-behaved, so no one took his ore.
The child gathered the ore back into the basket and slung it over his shoulder again.
The heavy basket instantly bent his small body, and the carrying strap left two bruises on his shoulder.
At this moment, the child was standing in line with the basket on his back.
He could have set down the basket and rested for a moment, but perhaps he was used to it.
Perhaps because once he put it down, he felt uneasy, unsure if he could still have a meal.
So he kept bending over, numbly carrying this heavy burden.
He wasn't the only one; all the children nearby were doing the same.
Mo Hua couldn't help but walk over.
The child noticed someone approaching, and when he looked up, he saw a young master with white skin like jade, eyes like water, and a graceful appearance akin to a celestial. The child was momentarily stunned and then lowered his gaze, feeling somewhat ashamed.
Mo Hua looked at him with pity and reached out to take the basket from his back.
The child trembled in fear, but after a moment, he didn't resist and let Mo Hua take the basket.
Mo Hua had a weak physical body, but that was relative to Foundation Establishment Cultivators; he wasn't lacking in basic cultivation.
The basket was heavy, filled with black ore.
Mo Hua weighed it in his hand, and with a slight movement of his divine sense, he took out an array brush.
He wanted to draw an array on the basket, but as soon as he started, he paused, lost in thought.
He couldn't draw a difficult one.
The basket's material was inferior and couldn't withstand complex array structures.
He couldn't draw an advanced one.
The spirit stone consumption was too high, and these children couldn't afford it.
Even a regular one, containing nine patterns, was too "luxurious" for these children.
After careful consideration, Mo Hua slowly began to draw.
He only drew one array pattern.
The simplest first-rank array pattern.
A trigram wind array pattern.
As the pattern was drawn, a faint light shone, merging with the basket.
Mo Hua spoke gently, "Try carrying it again."
The child, dazed and confused, lifted the basket and put it on his back. Suddenly, he froze, looking at Mo Hua in disbelief.
As he lifted the basket, the pattern lit up, and a gentle gust of wind rose from below, lightly supporting the basket.
The entire basket seemed to have become lighter, no longer a heavy burden.
His shoulders wouldn't be strained so painfully.
His back straightened a little.
This was just the lowest-level first-rank array pattern, not even considered a proper array, and its power was minuscule. But for these children, it was enough to let them breathe under the weight of their fate.
Mo Hua looked at the array pattern and suddenly understood the principles Elder Zheng had told him.
The heavens cover all life, without distinction of status.
The Array Dao encompasses all laws, without hierarchy.
Advanced arrays are abstruse and profound, exploring the essence of arrays and seeking the Way.
But only low-level arrays, spread throughout the world, can truly benefit the common people.
Sometimes, not even arrays are needed; a simple array pattern or two is sufficient.
In a flash of spiritual light, Mo Hua's heart trembled.
The simpler it is, the easier it is to learn, spread, and apply, and the more it can change the circumstances of the common people in the broadest scope.
Is this not the ultimate form of the "Dao"?
Using the simplest form to encompass the vast and profound Great Dao, spreading the will of the Dao throughout the world, uniting the hearts of all beings, and achieving unity in the heavens and earth?
Is this the true meaning of the Dao's simplicity, returning to the essence of truth?
Mo Hua's heart stirred.
Suddenly, he thought of the Five Elements Sect's sect heritage, the "Return to Source" algorithm.
Simplifying the complex, unifying myriad arrays.
Is the essence of condensing the vast array of array laws into a single "Origin Pattern" containing the principles of the Five Elements not the same principle?
From simplicity to complexity, learning all array laws.
Then, from complexity back to simplicity, reducing myriad arrays to their source.
Only then can one fathom the mysteries of arrays and truly seek the Dao and achieve immortality?
Mo Hua stood in place, lost in thought. An abstruse aura emanated from him, and his eyes held a few strands of the Great Dao's will.
Master Gu, standing nearby, was deeply moved.
He couldn't understand what Mo Hua had realized, but he knew that arrays were a manifestation of the Dao, and array masters were closest to the Dao.
Array masters could comprehend things that ordinary cultivators couldn't.
Even so, this was the first time he had truly witnessed such profound and profound energy flow during a formation master's epiphany.
"I wonder if all formation masters are like this, or if Junior Brother Mo Hua is just special..."
Master Gu silently pondered to himself, but he was considerate enough not to speak up and disturb the moment.
After a while, Mo Hua regained his senses, and the energy around him dissipated, while the radiant light in his eyes gradually dimmed.
"Let's have these children bring their bamboo baskets, and I'll draw an array pattern for them," Mo Hua said gently.
"Alright," Master Gu nodded.
He then instructed the children carrying bamboo baskets to line up and come forward one by one.
Using the array brush, Mo Hua drew a first-rank wind pattern on each of their baskets.
This wind pattern was extremely simple for Mo Hua; with a light touch of his brush, he could complete one in just a few breaths.
In the time it took to burn an incense stick, all the children's dirty baskets had an additional bright white array pattern.
A gentle breeze accompanied them.
As they carried the baskets on their backs, the weight of the black gray ore became less burdensome.
After finishing the array, Mo Hua didn't say anything. He just smiled warmly at the group of children before turning and leaving.
All the children watched Mo Hua as he departed.
Their faces were dark and thin, with a hint of timidity and blankness, but in their eyes, a glimmer of longing gradually lit up.
...
Inside the living room of the Artisan Shop.
Master Gu personally served Mo Hua a cup of tea.
Mo Hua, however, was still thinking about the orphans. After a moment, he spoke up, "Is there nothing that can be done for these orphans?"
Master Gu understood Mo Hua's intention and sighed, "This matter is actually quite troublesome."
"Can we give them more spirit stones?"
"No," Master Gu shook his head. "Human nature is treacherous. Once we give these children more spirit stones, allowing them to have some savings, even if it's just a few broken spirit stones, they will be robbed clean in no time."
"They will rob each other. Some adult cultivators might even join in."
"There might even be some insane cultivators who coerce them to obtain spirit stones."
"Ironically, when these orphans have nothing of value, no one cares about them, and they suffer miserably. But once they have something of value and are targeted, they suffer even more."
"I also wanted to give them more food..." Master Gu shook his head. "But there are too many orphans in Lonely Mountain City. Once we open this door, everyone will swarm in, and we won't be able to feed them all."
"Moreover, my Artisan Shop has just started to turn a profit. The masters, disciples, and apprentices here have barely had a full meal. We simply don't have the capacity to take care of these children."
Master Gu's expression was bitter.
Mo Hua sighed.
Human nature was difficult to fathom.
Sometimes, seemingly simple good deeds became exceptionally complex when they involved people.
In this world, doing good was far more challenging than doing evil...
Mo Hua thought for a moment and then asked Master Gu, "Are there any formation masters in the Artisan Shop?"
"That depends on the type of formation master... We have those who can casually draw a few arrays, but none that would impress Junior Brother Mo Hua..." Master Gu replied.
"It's fine. Being able to draw simple arrays is sufficient."
Mo Hua took out a piece of paper from his sleeve, on which he had drawn an array pattern—the same wind array pattern he had just drawn on the children's baskets.
"This array pattern is a first-rank Trigram Wind Array Pattern. Among the Trigram Arrays, the Wind Array is quite rare, and only major sects can pass down such knowledge. However, a pure first-rank wind array pattern isn't that difficult. Just find someone with a foundation in arrays and have them practice it extensively."
"Master Gu, please find someone to learn this array pattern."
"From now on, when those orphans come with their bamboo baskets to exchange for broken spirit stones, draw this wind array pattern on their baskets."
"A first-rank array pattern has low effectiveness, and thus, it consumes little spiritual energy. Just mix a small amount of spirit stone powder with the spiritual ink, and it will be sufficient to operate for a long time. Even these orphans can afford it."
Master Gu took the thin array paper from Mo Hua's hand, his hands trembling slightly.
He couldn't help but glance up at Mo Hua, whose celestial beauty and compassionate gaze made Master Gu marvel at the existence of such a naturally benevolent person in this world.
Moreover... Master Gu looked down at the array paper in his hand.
It was just a simple array pattern, but Master Gu knew that this was the most challenging part.
To solve the most thorny issue using the simplest and most cost-effective method was no easy feat.
Without extensive array experience and a profound foundation in arrays, it was impossible to achieve.
Master Gu solemnly put away the array pattern and bowed to Mo Hua, "Master Gu thanks Junior Brother Mo Hua on behalf of the thousands of orphans in Lonely Mountain City!"
...
In the evening, Master Gu specially hosted a banquet to entertain Mo Hua and invited the artisans, disciples, and apprentices of the Artisan Shop for a hearty meal.
Outside the Artisan Shop, Master Gu also set up a food stall, where each child could receive two buns and a bowl of porridge.
Feeding them every day was, of course, out of the question.
But since Mo Hua was here, it was only natural to make an exception and treat them for a meal.
Thus, inside the Artisan Shop, the bonfire blazed brightly, and the atmosphere was unusually lively.
Outside, the children's faces lit up with smiles.
Mo Hua sat in the main seat in the courtyard, eating spirit meat.
This spirit meat was a specialty of Lonely Mountain City, with a decent taste and not overly expensive. But thinking of the children outside, who rejoiced over a single bun, Mo Hua's appetite for the meat suddenly faded.
Mo Hua wasn't one to be sentimental, and besides, the spirit meat itself was innocent and shouldn't be wasted.
Mo Hua finished all the meat on his plate.
After eating, he drank some wine and watched the artisans wrestle and joke around, enjoying the lively atmosphere for a while before feeling tired and returning to his room to rest.
Master Gu had prepared a high-quality guest room for him.
Mo Hua lay on the bed, closed his eyes for a moment to rest his eyes and clear his mind of the alcohol, intending to draw arrays. However, unexpectedly, he fell into a deep sleep before the hour of the rat (11 p.m. to 1 a.m.).
He had that nightmare again.
In his dream, a pair of pitch-black, hollow eyes, laced with bloodshot veins, stared at him with an eerie and terrifying gaze.
Countless dismembered and mangled corpses seemed to crawl out from the depths of an abyss, struggling towards Mo Hua, tearing and biting at his Divine Intention's "physical body."
Mo Hua once again experienced that feeling of weakness, helplessness, and despair.
This time, the sensation was more vivid, clearer, and more hopeless.
It also meant that the power of the nightmare's rules had grown stronger.
However, Mo Hua's expression remained icy, without a hint of hesitation or fear.
Amidst the overwhelming sea of vengeful spirits consuming and tearing at him, Mo Hua stood firm, relying on his powerful Divine Intention and will, treating everything before him as mere "illusions."
A strand of Divine Thought Sword Aura formed in his palm, gradually coalescing.
After an unknown amount of time, Mo Hua's eyes flashed with a burst of brilliance, and the Divine Intention in his hand condensed into a sword, breaking free from the illusion of the "Severing the Self" in the nightmare. With a single sword swing, a vast Golden Light surged, sending all the countless ferocious vengeful spirits before him to their graves.
The sinister and blood-red gaze of the Evil Embryo faded away.
Mo Hua awoke from his nightmare.
This time, he was even more certain.
The true Evil God Nightmare possessed a certain power of "rules," which could distort his Divine Perception's cognition, thereby suppressing and, to some extent, erasing his Divine Intention's power, trapping him in a nightmare that was difficult to escape.
The power of the first nightmare was not particularly strong.
This time, it was evidently much stronger than the previous one.
Why? Was it because... he was getting closer to the source of this nightmare...
Mo Hua turned his head and looked out the window.
Outside, the Solitary Mountain stretched endlessly under the cover of night, dark and silent, desolate, vast, and eerie, like a terrifying giant silently devouring Lonely Mountain City.
Mo Hua's gaze slightly intensified.
...
The next day, after waking up early and having breakfast, Mo Hua asked, "Master Gu, can you take me to Solitary Mountain for a walk?"
"Solitary Mountain?" Master Gu was taken aback.
"Mm-hmm," Mo Hua nodded.
Master Gu hesitated and said, "Solitary Mountain is rugged and messy, mostly abandoned due to over-mining. There's not much to see there."
"It's fine, I'll go take a look," Mo Hua replied.
Master Gu pondered for a moment and then agreed, "Alright."
After arranging the affairs of the Artisan Shop, he took Mo Hua alone, following several abandoned and rugged mountain paths, into Solitary Mountain.
It was still early morning, but there were already scattered Cultivators on the mountain, some of them children.
They carried bamboo baskets on their backs, heads bowed, picking through the possible useful ore slag in the dark and messy mine pits.
The Cultivators relied on the mountain for their livelihood.
Solitary Mountain had been a source of wealth passed down through generations, ensuring the survival of its descendants.
However, the mountain's mineral resources had long been exhausted.
These descendants of Solitary Mountain could only scavenge through its "remains," gathering scraps to exchange for fragmented Spirit Stones, barely scraping by and enduring a hard life.
Mo Hua witnessed all of this, taking it all in, and then continued walking forward.
As Master Gu had said, Solitary Mountain had become desolate beyond measure.
Abandoned mines were everywhere, in disarray. The dark mine entrances dotted the mountains, their destinations unknown.
Some paths were damp and gloomy, the ore slag underfoot emitting a strange odor, accompanied by mining toxins.
After wandering for a long time, Mo Hua still found nothing.
At Solitary Mountain, he couldn't find the clues he was looking for, nor did he sense any signs of evil.
Mo Hua couldn't help but turn around and look at the vast Solitary Mountain, "It shouldn't be wrong..."
Yu'er had mentioned the phrase, "A cunning rabbit has three burrows, one in the mountain, one in the water, and one in a person."
The 'water' in this phrase most likely referred to the Smoky Water River.
Following his guess, the 'mountain' could very well be "Solitary Mountain."
But in the vicinity, there were no signs of malevolent spirits.
No claws of the Evil God, no traces of demon Cultivators, no hint of demonic aura.
No altars.
No slaughter.
Nor were there any Formations...
It seemed to be just an abandoned and remote mine, its value extracted and then discarded.
Mo Hua's eyebrows gradually furrowed, and he continued walking forward.
But after taking only a few steps, Master Gu stopped him, "Young Master, you can't go any further. Ahead lies the Shen family's mountain territory."
Mo Hua's pupils constricted, and he turned around abruptly, "The Shen family?"
Master Gu nodded.
"Which Shen family?"
"In Qianxue State, a top-tier fifth-rank aristocratic family, with hereditary positions within one of the four great Sects, the Qian Dao Sect... that Shen family."
Master Gu's tone carried a hint of fear as he pointed forward, "In front, for nearly a hundred miles, all the mountain territories belong to the Shen family. In the past, the Shen family purchased this vast stretch of mountains to mine Golden Yellow Ore. After the mining was complete, this mountain territory was abandoned, and no other Cultivators were allowed to enter."
Mo Hua's eyelids twitched, and he turned around, taking in the vast expanse of continuous mountain territories before him.
This area was no different from any other place.
If Master Gu hadn't mentioned it, he wouldn't have guessed that this was the Shen family's...
"Young Master, why don't we..." Master Gu suggested delicately.
The Shen family's influence was too powerful, and he dared not offend them.
Mo Hua thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.
The two changed direction and continued to the right, but even after a long walk, they still found nothing.
As the day grew late, Master Gu suggested, "Young Master, why don't we head back?"
Mo Hua didn't refuse.
The two retraced their steps along the messy mountain path.
This time, they ventured even deeper into the mountains.
After a while, Mo Hua's sharp eyes noticed something—a nondescript corner not far from the road, where there were some fresh stone chips and unique chisel marks.
Mo Hua asked Master Gu, "Is this mountain still being mined?"
Master Gu was puzzled, "Impossible..."
He stepped closer to the stone chips, touched them with his hand, and then examined the unique chisel marks, his eyebrows gradually furrowing:
"This doesn't look like mining work, it's more like..."
Mo Hua was taken aback, "Tomb robbing?"
(End of Chapter)
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