Immortality Through Array Formations

One morning, Mr. Zhuang called Mo Hua over and, with a profoundly inscrutable expression, asked:

“Mo Hua, what kind of Formation Master do you want to become?”

Mo Hua thought that becoming a first-rate Formation Master would be great, being able to receive an allowance every month and be self-sufficient—his parents would definitely be happy as well.

But Mr. Zhuang probably didn’t mean that.

“Gentleman, are there differences among Formation Masters?” Mo Hua humbly inquired.

“There are myriad Formations, and naturally, the Formation Masters who study them are also diverse, each with their own strengths.”

“Oh…” Mo Hua was a bit puzzled.

Mr. Zhuang continued, “Some Formation Masters travel across the Nine State, seeking lost Forbidden Formations; some visit various Sects to discuss and exchange Formation knowledge; some immerse themselves in solitary dedication, focusing solely on their studies, unconcerned with worldly affairs; and there are those who are more pragmatic, aiming to transform industries with Formations…”

Mo Hua felt somewhat troubled.

Traveling the Nine State seeking lost Forbidden Formations sounded alluring—even though he didn’t yet know what a Forbidden Formation was; visiting Sects to exchange Formation insights also seemed appealing; focusing solely on Formation study, peaceful and quiet; and transforming industries with Formations was certainly meaningful…

Seeing Mo Hua’s handsome brows slightly furrowed, Mr. Zhuang smiled faintly, and with a change of tone, continued:

“Yet, in truth, whichever path you choose doesn’t really matter. The rules of this world are strict, but one could also say there are no taboos. No one dictates what kind of person you are, nor does anyone demand you become a specific type of Formation Master.”

“As a Formation Master, it doesn’t matter which path you choose. What’s most important is your obsession with Formations, your understanding of the Heavenly Dao, and you must always remember the four words, ‘Look, Learn, Think, Apply’.”

“Look, Learn, Think, Apply?”

“Looking is for broadening your horizons, learning is for improving your skills, thinking is to avoid rote memorization without understanding, and applying is to transform your knowledge into practical use. The understanding of Formations starts with looking and ends with applying.”

Mo Hua nodded as if he understood, feeling like he grasped something, but not completely.

“You have done well with looking, learning, and thinking; however, that alone is not enough, you must also learn to apply. Learning Formations without applying them is like stashing treasure in a mountain and letting it gather dust, holding talent within and not revealing it; you will ultimately struggle to achieve greatness. It’s only through using knowledge that you refine your learning, which is the mark of the truly proficient.”

“Then, Gentleman,” Mo Hua earnestly asked, “how should I best apply Formations?”

“Formation is what Cultivators comprehend from their perception of the world. In other words, everything in the world contains elements of Formation, and they all include ways to employ Formations. With the right mindset, even a thread or a meal, everything is deeply related to Formations.”

Mo Hua suddenly realized that the previous use of Formations to refine Artifact Furnaces or build stoves were, in fact, applications of Formations.

“Disciple understands,” Mo Hua said joyfully, “Formations are the Cultivators’ perception of the Heavenly Dao, and it can naturally be applied to all trades in the Cultivation World. Between heaven and earth, every blade of grass and tree contains the way of Formations. With the right mindset, everything can be used to study and apply Formations. Gentleman, is that what you mean?”

“Correct!” Mr. Zhuang said with gratification. “Moreover, there’s one more essential point. Putting learning into practice and achieving mastery can solve the problem of learning various Formations without depth to solve Mystery Formations.”

Mo Hua’s eyes sparkled.

Mr. Zhuang elaborated, “Merely drawing Formations on paper can lead to being all talk and no action. Every element of the world is different, and Formation media vary greatly. When you actually draw and apply Formations, your understanding of them will deepen, your insight will grow clearer, and your ability to solve Formations will strengthen!”

Mo Hua felt this made sense, but he was a bit troubled, “Disciple might not have that much time…”

After all, drawing Formations on actual Spiritual Artifacts or stone is much more troublesome than on paper, and considering the adjustments required for the application of Formations, it would take up more time, and he wouldn’t be able to attend Mr. Zhuang’s lessons punctually as he does now.

“No matter,” Mr. Zhuang, having laid the groundwork for so long, finally revealed the thought hidden in his heart:

“I can give you a break!”

Mo Hua sensed something was amiss, looking at Mr. Zhuang with a hint of suspicion.

Mr. Zhuang looked up at the sky, explaining in an unruffled manner:

“Ordinary disciples only study one type of Formation, without the need to consider the application of Formations so early. But because of your Cultivation Technique, you need to learn a vast array of Formations. The more diverse the Formations are, the more difficult it is to find a systematic approach to learning them. Only by ‘learning for the sake of application’ can you interlink all types of knowledge and bring different Formations to the same end.”

Mr. Zhuang saw that Mo Hua’s expression changed from doubtful to thoughtful and then, after a sudden realization, took the opportunity to say:

“Therefore, you don’t need to consult with me every day. It’s better if you come every few days. If there’s anything unclear, I will guide you.”

With all doubts dispelled, Mo Hua gratefully said:

“Alright, Gentleman!”

After Mo Hua left, Mr. Zhuang lay back in his chair, leisurely fanning himself with a contented expression.

Old Kui revealed himself, glanced at him, and snorted coldly, “Misleading the young.”

Mr. Zhuang said, “At best, it’s a bit of premature encouragement but not misleading the young.”

“Considering the application of what one learns when the foundation isn’t even solid—I’ve never seen anyone teach Formations like this. Isn’t this misleading the young?” Old Kui’s tone was flat yet carried a mocking edge.

Mr. Zhuang’s gaze was profound. “What makes a foundation solid? Compared to his peers in Tongxian City, his foundation is already very solid. Compared to the disciples from Noble Clans, especially those two children from the Bai Family, even if he studied for another ten or eight years, his foundation wouldn’t be considered solid. If he can never catch up with others on this path, then it’s better to try a different path.”

“I thought at least you had some confidence. Turns out you’re just trying as well,” Old Kui remarked.

“The Heavenly Dao is constant yet elusive. How can those who adhere strictly to rules gain a glimpse of the Great Dao?”

Old Kui’s expression faltered, apparently deeply moved, and then he actually nodded, “You’re right.”

Mr. Zhuang, feeling a bit uneasy, said, “I’m just rambling, not strictly adhering to rules doesn’t always lead to a good end either. You’re of such an age already, don’t be rash and change your ways, altering your Taoist Heart.”

“I understand,” replied Old Kui.

Mr. Zhuang glanced at him then lay back down, muttering, “Do you really understand…”

Old Kui then asked, “How long do you plan to teach?”

Mr. Zhuang’s demeanor became slightly more serious, “One must see things through from start to finish. I’ll wait until he becomes a first-grade Formation Master.”

“And what about those two children from the Bai Family? They both have excellent talents. Don’t you think it’s a pity?”

Mr. Zhuang waved his fan, “What’s that got to do with me?”

Old Kui’s voice sounded wooden, “Your junior sister may not give up so easily.”

Mr. Zhuang, looking towards the drifting clouds in the distance, said:

“She wants me to remember our past connection, but she is no longer that little junior sister, nor am I her once spirited second senior brother. She knows this too but can’t accept it in her heart; otherwise, she would’ve come to find me by now…”

“And my senior brother, too, has gone to great lengths to find me…”

Old Kui fell silent, and after a moment, suddenly said:

“Come back to the Sect with me, otherwise, I can’t protect you for long.”

Mr. Zhuang lay in the bamboo chair, gazing at the mountains in the distance, serenely said:

“Time cycles, with sunrise there is sunset, seasons change, trees flourish and trees wither, life has its regular patterns, there is birth, and naturally, there is death. Birth and death are but normal occurrences in the world, what’s there to worry about?”

“Being able to eat meat, drink wine, and enjoy the scenery, if I can live a few more tranquil days, I would have no more desires.”

Knowing he couldn’t persuade him, Old Kui stopped speaking and gradually faded into the shadows.