Chapter 991: Wooden Revival Array
Chapter 991: Wooden Revival Array
Within the tall pavilion, the atmosphere was oppressive, as if even the void had solidified.
The hazy smoke hovered in mid-air, motionless.
The Heavenly Instrument, symbolizing the Three Realms, had also ceased its rotation.
Time seemed to slow down.
Only the old pavilion master's eyes revealed the terrifying Heavenly Mandate and the ominous Karma, like the giant waves at the bottom of an abyss, constantly churning.
After an unknown amount of time, the atmosphere gradually eased.
The void began to flow again.
The smoke resumed its haze, and the Heavenly Instrument continued its rotation.
Everything returned to its usual state.
The pavilion master still looked weary and absent-minded, and no one knew when he would suddenly doze off.
However, the ripples of the Heavenly Mandate in his heart had not yet subsided.
"Reincarnation..."
"The reincarnation of that person...?"
The pavilion master found it unbelievable.
The Karma, which had already died, was slowly growing again.
The shocking chess game, which was already shrouded in mystery, unknowingly gave birth to a terrifying variable.
"The Yin-Yang Reincarnation Array, reversing Yin and Yang, transforming death into life, overthrowing moral principles, and disregarding the Dao's rules..."
"This battle formation is not something to be learned..."
"In this day and age, people are so bold, daring to think and do anything..." He wondered if it was the fearlessness of ignorance or the possession of a capacity that defied the understanding of gods and ghosts.
"Who knows what kind of person can play chess with the pavilion master?"
The pavilion master pondered for a long time and sighed.
He, as the pavilion master, knew all too well how terrifying the four words "Yin-Yang Reincarnation" were.
Once released, the Karma involved was too great, and even those ancient beings in slumber might 'come back to life.'
If the storm grew, his position as the pavilion master might be at stake.
The pavilion master paused for a moment.
Should he change the bait or the fish?
Should he use this 'bait' to catch that big fish, or change to another 'fish' to revive the situation? Even a fool would know how to choose.
This 'bait' was an immense battle formation, containing the Heavenly Mandate of Yin and Yang, and even related to the pavilion master's position.
Not just one fish, but even a hundred or a thousand were not worthy of eating this 'bait.'
Not even the golden dragonfish would do.
"If this fish can't be caught, then we'll change to another."
After pondering, the pavilion master made a move to put away the Yin-Yang Reincarnation Array, but suddenly hesitated.
The pavilion master pondered:
"Even a fool would know how to choose in this situation..."
Should I, the esteemed pavilion master, do something that even a fool knows how to do?
The pavilion master's gaze slightly intensified, and he fell into deep silence.
Seekers of the Dao should understand the Heavenly Mandate and not be limited by the material world.
They should explore the principles of the universe without being constrained by them.
One should not be confined by the framework of fame and fortune in the mortal world but maintain an "innocent heart" and view all things equally. Only then can the original form of the Heavenly Mandate and Karma be reflected in one's heart.
Following this line of thought, the pavilion master contemplated...
"The Heavenly Mandate presents me with this choice at this moment, allowing me to make a selection, and at the same time, it is also..." giving me a revelation?
"What is this revelation...?"
The pavilion master sat before the chessboard, deep in thought, motionless like a clay sculpture.
Various Heavenly Mandates and Karmas flowed through his mind.
The choices of fate also swayed back and forth.
Time passed slowly.
The incense burned out bit by bit.
The moon set, and the sun rose, the east turned pale, then gradually darkened, until the evening sun set, the afterglow spread across the horizon, and night approached.
The pavilion master sat on the meditation cushion, deep in thought for an entire day and night, before finally making a decision.
This decision made even him feel a sense of dread.
However, it also brought him a sense of relief.
In the mortal world, there was no loss or gain; everything was a revelation of the Heavenly Mandate and Karma.
With this thought, the world suddenly seemed vast.
A glint of brilliance flashed in the pavilion master's eyes as he retrieved the "Yin-Yang Reincarnation Array," woven with golden Karma, from the void. With a tap of his finger, spiritual power broke through reality, forming dense and intricate patterns that covered the jade slip of the battle formation with another layer of array marks.
Finally, he personally inscribed five more words on the jade slip:
Wooden Revival Array.
After completing all this, the pavilion master summoned a young attendant and instructed, "Call the Supervisor."
The attendant left to carry out the order.
Soon, the half-white-haired Supervisor with a jade-like face arrived and bowed, "Pavilion Master, you called for me."
The pavilion master waved his hand, "Come, let's play a game of chess."
The Supervisor hesitated.
The situation in Qian Xue Zhou Jie was complex.
Following the orders of the Dao Court, the Supervisor had many preparations to make, and time was tight. He didn't have the leisure to play chess with the pavilion master.
Moreover, the pavilion master was known to be a terrible chess player...
But he dared not refuse.
"Yes."
The Supervisor bowed and sat respectfully across from the pavilion master, beginning their chess match.
As expected, after a short while, the pavilion master's pieces were slaughtered, leaving the board in disarray.
And this was the result of the Supervisor going easy on him.
The pavilion master was unhappy and said, "Your chess skills are not up to par."
The Supervisor sighed inwardly.
It was common knowledge that the most challenging thing in Tian Shu Pavilion was playing chess with the pavilion master.
It wasn't the game itself that was difficult, but rather, guessing his intentions.
No one knew what the pavilion master was really playing for, as he claimed others played poorly despite his own terrible skills.
When playing against the pavilion master, if you took it seriously and defeated him, he would say your skills were inadequate.
If you played casually, and it ended in a draw, he would say your attitude was improper.
If you intentionally let him win, the pavilion master would accuse you of having an impure heart, flattering and fawning over him, and he would scold you mercilessly.
He was truly difficult to please.
"I wonder who can play chess with the pavilion master and not be out of place..."
The Supervisor had these thoughts in his mind but dared not be negligent, still doing his best to play against the pavilion master.
After a while, the pavilion master suddenly spoke, "Do you know about the matter with Gongzi Ge?"
This sudden question caused the Supervisor's finger, holding the chess piece, to tremble.
The chess piece fell onto the chessboard, landing on a "dead eye".
The Supervisor wanted to reach out and pick it up, but then remembered the principle of "no regrets in placing a piece". He hesitated for a moment before slowly withdrawing his hand.
The Elder seemed not to notice his movement and continued staring at the chessboard, contemplating his next move.
The Supervisor spoke softly, "It's just some children playing around..."
The Elder neither agreed nor disagreed, only saying, "The word 'Elder' should not be used lightly."
"Yes..." The Supervisor replied in a subdued tone, "Children don't understand the weight of their actions..."
The Elder fell silent, focusing on the game.
The Supervisor's heart was filled with anxiety.
The two continued their game, with black and white pieces falling one after another.
In the game, the Elder was still at a disadvantage, making poor moves. One by one, his pieces were being captured.
As they played, the Elder suddenly said, "Do you want my position as the Elder?"
This sentence was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky.
The Supervisor dropped the chess piece and knelt in fear, "Master, your student..."
The Elder waved his hand dismissively, "It was just a casual remark. Why are you so nervous?"
The Supervisor remained kneeling, not daring to move.
The Elder's hazy gaze fell upon him, and in his eyes, there was both appreciation and a hint of disappointment. He sighed softly,
"If you don't want the position of the Elder, one day, I will have to give it to you..."
The Supervisor's tone turned bitter, "Master, you are too kind. I don't deserve it..."
The Elder waved his hand again.
The Supervisor couldn't continue.
The Elder looked at him deeply and said, "You need to figure out what you truly want. Once you understand, pursue it with determination."
"Whether it's seeking the Dao, immortality, fame, power, or the position of the Elder, you must be clear about what you desire..."
"Don't be led astray, wandering aimlessly, taking one step after another without a clear direction."
"I understand, Master," the Supervisor replied earnestly.
The Elder sighed in his heart, shaking his head slightly with a hint of disappointment.
"Have the preparations for the Qianxuezhou Realm been completed?" the Elder asked again.
"Yes..."
The Elder took out a jade slip and handed it to him, "Add this formation to the reward for the top swordsman in the Swordsman Competition. Consider it a special reward from the Tian Shu Pavilion."
The Supervisor stood up respectfully, receiving the jade slip with both hands. Glancing at it, he saw the words "Wooden Revival Array" and asked, "Master..."
"It's here in the Pavilion," the Elder replied.
After a pause, the Supervisor said, "Elder, please forgive my ignorance, but I don't understand the significance of this formation."
The Elder's expression turned sorrowful, "The Swordsman Competition has become too focused on winning and killing. We must remind the disciples that the ultimate purpose of the competition is to use the sword to save people, not to bully or kill."
The Supervisor clasped his hands respectfully, "Master, your kindness and virtue are profound."
The Elder had already started to put away the chessboard, muttering, "Playing chess with you is so boring..."
After less than ten rounds, the Elder put away the chessboard and waved his hand, "You may go now."
The Supervisor had no choice but to obey. He carefully put away the Wooden Revival Array and bowed, "Your student takes his leave."
The Elder ignored him and started to doze off again.
This nap was peaceful, as if the Elder, who held a high position of power, was just an ordinary old man who enjoyed playing chess and taking naps.
The Supervisor retreated respectfully, leaving the tall pavilion and returning to his residence. He held the ancient jade slip containing the formation in his hand, furrowing his brows.
"Rather than being a lesson for the Swordsman Competition disciples, it seems like the Elder is... hinting at something for me?"
"With a kind heart, even a withered tree can flourish again. Saving others is also saving oneself?"
"Can it really be that simple?"
The Supervisor's gaze deepened, and his mind wavered, considering the idea of opening the jade slip to take a look.
But then he thought of the Elder's profound gaze and his recent admonishment, and his fleeting thoughts were immediately extinguished.
The Elder's silence didn't mean he was unaware.
And there was no way to deceive him.
Trying to fool him would be like covering one's ears to steal a bell, a foolish act.
The Supervisor placed the jade slip with the words "Wooden Revival Array" into a jade box, wrote a letter, sealed it with his own stamp, and then summoned a trusted subordinate. He instructed, "Deliver my seal and, on behalf of the Tian Shu Pavilion, send this jade box to the Qianxuezhou Realm as an additional reward for the top swordsman."
"Yes, sir."
The subordinate respectfully took the jade box and left, following the procedures of the Tian Shu Pavilion.
And so, this seemingly exquisite yet ordinary jade box, accompanied by the edict of the Tian Shu Pavilion, made its way to the Qianxuezhou Realm.
With the edict of the Tian Shu Pavilion.
With the Supervisor's seal.
With the sealed jade box.
Everything seemed normal.
But no one knew what was truly inside the jade box, something that could shake the Great Dao and disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang...
...
"Wooden Revival Array?"
"What is it?"
Inside the Tai Xu Gate, in the dining hall, Cheng Mo and the other disciples also received this news, but they were puzzled.
"Idiot, it's the Wooden Revival Array, of course, it's a formation."
"Of course, I know it's a formation. I'm asking what kind of formation it is that the Dao Court would specifically offer as a reward?"
"It sounds like an ordinary formation."
"What level is it?"
"It's not mentioned, only the name of the formation is given."
"Speaking of the Wooden Revival Array, I think my family has one..."
"Don't even think about it. It's definitely not the same. What your family has is definitely not good."
"Formations can have the same name, but the one from the Dao Court is definitely not on the same level as yours."
"Exactly. If it were a common formation, wouldn't it be embarrassing to give it as a reward?"
"As I said, they don't want us to have a 'winning and killing' mindset... Besides, the Three Realms Formation, do you think the Dao Court would dare to give it, and would you dare to learn it?"
"That's true..."
"I still find it a bit strange..."
The disciples discussed this among themselves.
As they chatted, Cheng Mo turned to Mo Hua and asked, "Junior Brother, you're skilled in battle formations. Do you know what kind of formation this is?"
Mo Hua furrowed his brows and shook his head. "The Wooden Revival Array... It sounds like a healing formation, but there are many renowned formations, and without seeing the specific diagram, I can't be certain."
"Oh..." Cheng Mo nodded.
After a while, the others lost interest in the topic.
Among the rewards for the Swordsman Competition, the appeal of formations was the weakest for them.
Techniques, Dao Techniques, ultimate treasures, and pills were far more practical.
Moreover, only the winner of the competition could receive this reward, which was far beyond their reach.
The others might discuss it for a while when they were excited, but once the excitement faded, they would forget about it.
However, Mo Hua's mind was still occupied by this formation.
He found it very peculiar.
"Wooden Revival Array"...
Wood, one of the Five Elements, and Revival, the purpose of the formation.
Based on the principles of formations, it should be a healing formation.
Healing formations... Up until now, Mo Hua had rarely studied this type of formation.
He had dabbled in various formations, such as killing arrays, trapping arrays, sword arrays, and industry arrays, but he had barely come across healing formations.
Healing formations were rare, and there weren't many inherited formation styles.
This wasn't due to the difficulty of the formation but because most healing formations had been "eliminated."
What eliminated healing formations wasn't the formation itself but the art of pill refinement.
With the development of the cultivation industry and the maturity of pill refinement techniques, most injuries and ailments of cultivators could be directly treated with spiritual medicines and pills.
Ordinary cultivators also preferred using pills for healing as they were not only cheaper but also more convenient and efficient.
When injured, one could just take a pill, so why bother with the hassle of setting up a formation? Thus, the need for healing formations became rarer and rarer.
Healing formations once had a specific name, "Healing Array."
Mo Hua had come across this term while reading some books on formation history.
However, as formations were not widely circulated, the name "Healing Array" was also rarely mentioned.
What puzzled Mo Hua was precisely this.
Being the reward for the top rank in the Swordsman Competition, why would they choose such an obscure, niche, and already "eliminated" type of formation?
This doubt lingered in Mo Hua's mind.
The four characters, "Wooden Revival," seemed to have a magical power, constantly plucking at Mo Hua's heartstrings.
In the evening, Mo Hua sat at his desk in the disciple's dormitory, reading a formation book, when he involuntarily thought of this matter again.
"Wooden Revival Array... There must be something strange hidden within it..."
"What could it be?"
Mo Hua pondered over and over but couldn't figure it out. Unable to let it go, he finally decided to calculate it.
This was an item from the Tian Shu Pavilion of the Dao Court, and he didn't dare to investigate thoroughly. He took out the divination coin, intending to just "touch the surface" and observe the karma.
The divination coin's aura flowed.
Mo Hua silently recited "Wooden Revival Array," and in that instant, his heart tightened.
A figure appeared before his hazy vision, a handsome and elegant man with a celestial aura.
This figure stood proudly between heaven and earth, sharp as a sword, exuding an air of arrogance.
When he turned around, he concealed all his sharpness, his expression gentle, and his eyes held a hint of a smile as he looked at Mo Hua with reluctance.
Mo Hua couldn't believe his eyes and was momentarily lost in thought.
"Master..."
A layer of pale yellow memory enveloped him, tracing back through karma.
Mo Hua seemed to see every detail of Tongxian City's past.
He saw his master smiling at him gently.
He saw himself waiting outside the bamboo house, ready to ask his master about formations after his rest.
He saw himself doing assignments with his junior brothers and sisters under the big pagoda tree, while his master sat in the bamboo house, watching them from afar...
He also saw the hardships of their journey, sleeping under the stars and enduring the elements.
He saw the Five Elements Sect, where a demonic sword hung in the air and a blood banner covered the sky. He saw their last meeting before parting ways, and his master's reluctant and earnest instructions...
A bitter pain spread through his heart.
Mo Hua's eyes grew moist.
A tear rolled down his cheek.
After an unknown amount of time, Mo Hua gradually regained his senses, and his eyes brightened.
"Wooden Revival Array... It's related to Master's karma..."
"Can this formation save Master?"
Mo Hua's expression became resolute.
If that's the case...
Then he must obtain this formation no matter what.
He would flatten all obstacles in his way.
He would eliminate all enemies, even if they were the top geniuses among the four great clans of Qian Xue Prefecture! Mo Hua's eyes gleamed with pure golden brilliance, a sword light that struck fear into others.
"This formation must be mine!"
...
At this moment, thousands of miles away in the Dao Prefecture.
Tian Shu Pavilion.
An elder who was dozing off suddenly woke up, opened his eyes, and saw a black chess piece in front of him, emitting pure golden light, accompanied by the sound of a dragon's roar, and he felt a sense of relief.
"Finally... I've hooked it..."
The elder spoke softly, then sighed.
"It seems to be... a mighty dragon..."
The elder stared at the black chess piece, at the golden light, and at the dragon within.
As he continued to look, the elder's face suddenly changed slightly.
Within the black piece, it seemed to be a dragon, but there was also a vague, savage aura, trapping the dragon trapped within.
"Wait... Is that not a dragon?"
The elder was stunned, his gaze growing deeper, exuding a chilling aura.
(End of Chapter)
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