Chapter 1440: You Teach Me

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Chapter 1438: You Teach Me

In Xiao Ju’s heart, Mo Hua instantly ascended to the tier of a “greatly good person.”

Hearing Mo Hua say this, True Person Rong also felt somewhat helpless.

Mo Hua’s status was special; she truly had no way to deal with him.

True Person Rong turned and glanced at Bai Zixi beside her. Seeing that Bai Zixi showed no reaction, she sighed inwardly.

She then looked at Mo Hua and asked, “You also know Mechanical Arts?”

Mo Hua replied, “Not really, I’ve only learned a little bit.”

True Person Rong nodded lightly and didn’t press further. She said to Xiao Ju, “Come with me.”

Xiao Ju was shocked. “Mo Hua already said I’m innocent!”

True Person Rong gave her a cold look. “I know you’re innocent, but the deed was done by you. I won’t punish you physically, but you must go copy the Disciple Rules for me to learn your lesson.”

Xiao Ju’s voice became dejected. “How many times?”

True Person Rong said, “One hundred times.”

“One hundred times?!” Xiao Ju exclaimed in shock. “You might as well kill me.”

“Will you copy it or not?” True Person Rong’s expression was icy.

Under the imposing authority of True Person Rong, the “mountain bandit chief,” Xiao Ju, this little calico cat, ultimately hung her head in defeat. “I’ll copy them… no need to get so angry.”

True Person Rong sighed helplessly.

Xiao Ju stole another glance at Mo Hua.

If it were physical punishment, Mo Hua could still plead for leniency, but since it was just copying texts, Mo Hua couldn’t very well speak up. He could only give her a look that said he was powerless to help.

“Let’s go,” True Person Rong said.

Xiao Ju could only droop her head again and follow behind True Person Rong as they left.

After True Person Rong and Xiao Ju departed, only Bai Zixi and Mo Hua remained in the courtyard.

Bai Zixi silently looked at Mo Hua for a moment, then suddenly asked, “Did you draw the Array Formation over there?”

Mo Hua didn’t pay much attention at first, but upon careful thought, his heart gave a lurch. He sensed a hint of trouble and asked softly, “What Array Formation?”

Bai Zixi said, “The high-level Earth Coffin Formation.”

Mo Hua cautiously replied, “Well… you could say that.”

Bai Zixi glanced at Mo Hua again, gave a cool and indifferent “Oh,” and then turned and left.

Bai Zixi didn’t say another word.

But Mo Hua keenly sensed that Little Senior Sister was angry.

He wasn’t sure why she was angry—there could be any number of reasons. A woman’s thoughts were sometimes hard to guess.

But her demeanor made it clear she was definitely angry.

Mo Hua sighed.

This was troublesome.

Mo Hua generally didn’t care whether women were angry or not, but Little Senior Sister was an exception.

Moreover, Little Senior Sister usually didn’t get angry because, under normal circumstances, her temperament was cool and detached, and she didn’t care about much.

But once she truly got angry, the problem became rather serious.

Mo Hua was very self-aware. In the following days, he looked guilty and wanted to apologize to Little Senior Sister.

But Bai Zixi’s expression remained indifferent, as if nothing had happened, or as if she didn’t care about anything.

No matter what Mo Hua said, she ignored him and didn’t speak to him.

Mo Hua could only sigh.

Thus, seven days later, Mo Hua specially bought many of Little Senior Sister’s favorite sweets, presented them to her, and said with a sincere and quiet voice: “Little Senior Sister, I was wrong.”

Bai Zixi gave Mo Hua a faint glance and softly uttered an “Mm.”

Mo Hua’s eyes brightened slightly. Although it was just an “Mm,” it was a good sign, indicating that Little Senior Sister’s anger might have subsided a little.

Mo Hua handed a begonia pastry to his little senior sister and said, “Little Senior Sister, try this.”

Bai Zixi remained silent for a moment before accepting the pastry from Mo Hua. She parted her red lips and took a small bite, then said: “Call me ‘Senior Sister,’ without the ‘little.'”

“Mm, mm,” Mo Hua nodded again. “Senior Sister, I really didn’t mean to deceive you.”

Upon hearing this, Bai Zixi glanced at Mo Hua—perhaps with a hint of a cold smile—and said: “You’re quite impressive, aren’t you? You can already draw Third-Grade high-tier Array Formations, yet you still had me, your senior sister, teach you Third-Grade beginner-tier Array Formations from scratch.”

Her tone carried a touch of temper.

Mo Hua sighed and said sincerely, “I really didn’t know Third-Grade Array Formations before.”

“How long ago is ‘before’?” Bai Zixi asked.

Mo Hua replied, “Before coming to Kun Province.”

Bai Zixi said, “So you’re saying that in just a few months, you progressed from Third-Grade beginner-tier to Third-Grade high-tier?”

Mo Hua slowly nodded. “Mm.”

Bai Zixi stared at Mo Hua in a daze, her expression gradually turning more serious. Suddenly, she asked: “What is your current Divine-Sense realm?”

Bai Zixi knew that her Little Junior Brother was extraordinary, following the path of “Proving the Dao through Divine-Sense.”

Divine-Sense involved the secrets of her junior brother’s cultivation, and secrets were not to be spoken of lightly, so she had never asked this question before.

But now, she couldn’t help herself.

Mo Hua didn’t explicitly say. Instead, he dipped his finger in tea, wrote “twenty-nine” on the table, and then quietly wiped it away.

Bai Zixi’s pupils contracted. Her ice-clear eyes fixed on Mo Hua, filled with disbelief. “Aren’t you only at the early Golden Core stage?”

Mo Hua nodded gently.

A look of astonishment appeared on Bai Zixi’s cool, composed face. It took a long while for her to calm down, and she sighed softly.

Indeed… he was still that outrageous Little Junior Brother of hers.

He had grown up, but his essence remained unchanged.

Bai Zixi said, “Then teach me Array Formations.”

Mo Hua thought his little senior sister was blaming him and said, “I… won’t deceive you again.”

But Bai Zixi shook her head. “I mean it.”

Mo Hua was slightly taken aback. “But… you’re the senior sister.”

Bai Zixi said slowly, “No one said only senior sisters can teach junior brothers, and junior brothers cannot teach senior sisters.”

“In learning, there is no distinction of seniority; the accomplished becomes the teacher. When my Array Formations were better than yours, naturally, I taught you. Now that your Array Formations are stronger than mine, it’s your turn to teach me.”

Mo Hua was somewhat shocked. “Senior Sister, are you… serious?”

Bai Zixi nodded.

“But,” Mo Hua whispered, “I haven’t been studying Third-Grade high-tier Array Formations for long… If there are things I don’t know…”

Bai Zixi said, “That’s your problem. Figure it out yourself.”

Mo Hua wanted to say more, but Bai Zixi added calmly, “No excuses.”

Mo Hua sighed. “Alright.”

Only then did Bai Zixi nod in satisfaction.

Mo Hua looked up at Bai Zixi again and saw a hint of willfulness on her flawless, beautiful face. He couldn’t help but feel a slight tremor in his heart.

This was the first time he had seen his little senior sister acting a bit temperamental.

Mo Hua couldn’t help but zone out for a moment.

Bai Zixi suddenly became alert and asked Mo Hua, “What are you looking at?”

“I…” This time, Mo Hua learned his lesson and didn’t speak without thinking, avoiding any playful remarks. He simply said, “Nothing.”

Bai Zixi let out a soft “hmph” and didn’t say anything more.

In the days that followed, their roles were reversed.

Mo Hua, the little junior brother, began teaching Bai Zixi, the little senior sister, about Array Formations. For Third-Grade low-tier and mid-tier formations, the two still discussed, reviewed, and reinforced their knowledge together. But when it came to Third-Grade high-tier formations—knowledge beyond Twenty-Seven Runes—it was primarily Mo Hua who did the explaining.

This placed immense pressure on Mo Hua, who feared making mistakes and being ridiculed by his little senior sister. As a result, he worked even harder than usual, striving to master Third-Grade high-tier formations more solidly and comprehend them more thoroughly.

Whenever Mo Hua explained formations, Bai Zixi listened patiently, her demeanor as serene and flawless as jade.

After teaching in this manner for some time, Mo Hua suddenly paused again as he gazed at Bai Zixi’s exquisitely beautiful and tranquil face. His mind was sharp, and he couldn’t help but feel something was off:

“Did Little Senior Sister… really get angry?”

“Could it be that from the very beginning, she wasn’t actually angry and was just teasing me on purpose?”

“Is Little Senior Sister… being mischievous?”

Mo Hua very much wanted to ask, but after glancing at his little senior sister, he ultimately didn’t dare to voice the question.

By the time Xiao Ju finished copying the disciple rules a hundred times and was released by True Person Rong, the matter was largely considered over.

One broken Golden Stone Puppet. Three bottles of Third-Grade high-tier Spirit Ink. Though these items were valuable and True Person Rong felt a bit of a sting, they weren’t significant enough to dwell on excessively.

She also couldn’t bring herself to truly punish Xiao Ju. Having her copy the disciple rules a hundred times as a warning—to make her remember and not dare to steal or open the Repository recklessly in the future—was sufficient.

Of course, whether it was a lesson learned or rebelliousness that grew was hard to say. After all, children are difficult to teach.

Mo Hua felt somewhat sorry for Xiao Ju. Although he had stepped forward to take the blame for her, True Person Rong paid him no mind. In the end, the one who truly suffered was Xiao Ju, who had to copy the disciple rules a hundred times.

Two days later, Mo Hua visited Fortune Pavilion again to meet with Elder Tian.

Elder Tian was exceptionally delighted to see Mo Hua. After discussing business, Elder Tian wanted to invite Mo Hua to a banquet at HóngYùn Pavilion. Mo Hua felt it was too extravagant, so they settled on having tea at a nearby teahouse instead.

In the private room, the two chatted about formations for a while. Mo Hua started by offering some basic insights, discussing the principles of the Five Elements’ generation and restriction, as well as the variations in spiritual pathways.

From fire to water, from metal to wood, he naturally steered the conversation toward earth-wood “Spiritual Plant” formations, asking about techniques for cultivating grains and spiritual fruits under the influence of earth and wood qi.

These were areas where Elder Tian excelled in the field of formations.

Just as Elder Tian was worrying about how to repay Mo Hua for sharing his “essence” of formations, he perked up immediately and spoke sincerely without holding back:

“Spiritual Plant formations are a minor category, a type of earth-element formation.”

“Kun Province is earth-aligned, so such formations are the most common here, with many different applications.”

“Spiritual Plant formations are a relatively niche variant among them, and… indeed, they are not combative. Delving into Spiritual Plant formations is almost equivalent to giving up the possibility of using formations for ‘combat.'”

But Elder Tian didn’t seem to regret it, though he couldn’t help but sigh: “In this world, formations used for killing and harming others are in the majority, while those truly used to improve the livelihoods of the people are exceedingly rare.”

“Formations like these, which cannot kill or harm others, are studied by only a very few Formation Masters.”

“However, the importance of people’s livelihoods is tied to the rise and fall of the Great Dao and the fate of the world—it cannot be overlooked.”

Mo Hua nodded slightly. Having experienced the Great Wilderness Famine Disaster, he understood this deeply.

Elder Tian glanced at Mo Hua, his expression pleased, then continued: “So-called spiritual plants, on the surface, are essentially a cultivation discipline that uses array formations to nurture vegetation with spiritual energy, enrich the soil, increase yields, prevent pests, and optimize varieties through spiritual power.”

“It may sound rather dull, but in this world, the vast majority of cultivators still need to eat.”

“Spiritual rice and grains might seem ordinary in grand immortal cities, where people live lavishly with fish and meat.”

“But in this world, there are many impoverished rogue cultivators who cannot even afford rice or flour.”

“Yet, if applied properly, Spiritual Plant Formations can ensure that everyone in the world has enough to eat… and that makes all the difference.”

“The earth is soil, nurturing all things. And the grains born from this soil nourish hundreds of millions of cultivators in the world.”

“This is the ‘Earthly Virtue’—the virtue of the earth that nurtures all things.”

Mo Hua was momentarily taken aback and whispered softly, “The earth’s nature is receptive, bearing all things with profound virtue.”

“The virtue of the earth allows all living beings to eat their fill equally and survive. This is the way to establish life for all living beings.”

Elder Tian nodded. “Exactly. ‘Bearing all things with profound virtue’ has never been an empty phrase.”

“And Spiritual Plant Formations are the embodiment of this receptive virtue.”

Elder Tian glanced at Mo Hua and sighed: “I’ve mentioned these words to many cultivators before. But most of them thought I was boasting, speaking empty Dao talk, or just glorifying my own path of array formations. Even those who flattered me to my face still thought the same in their hearts.”

“Yet you, Young Master Mo, whom I’ve only just met, actually understand the principles behind this.”

After all, Mo Hua had studied the Profound Earth Absolute Formation as a child and had communicated with the Dao essence of the earth. How could he not understand Elder Tian’s heartfelt insights?

However, spiritual plants were already a niche field within array formations. It was only natural that Elder Tian’s words went unappreciated.

After a moment of contemplation, Mo Hua said slowly, “The path of array formations, when studied to its heights, is inherently solitary and cold. Some principles are difficult for others to grasp without arduous cultivation. As a Formation Master, all one can do is uphold one’s Dao Heart amidst misunderstandings and denials, persisting in walking one’s own path.”

Elder Tian was stunned for a moment, then shook his head and sighed. “Young Master Mo, despite your youth, your Dao Heart is so clear.”

Mo Hua replied, “Elder Tian, you flatter me.”

Elder Tian shook his head, gathered his thoughts, and elaborated further: “Spiritual Plant Formations are rooted in the earth, nourished by ‘spirit’ and based on ‘soil.’ They simultaneously draw upon the energy of heavenly water, earthly water, fine wood, and miscellaneous wood, merging water and energy with the fire of sunlight, while using the sharp, lethal energy of the metal element to eliminate pests.”

“On the surface, spiritual plants rely on Soil Formations, with soil as the primary element. But the Five Elements cycle endlessly, interacting through generation and restraint, so every aspect must be considered in practice.”

“Thus, the more solid one’s foundation in the Five Elements, the deeper one’s mastery of spiritual plants.”

“For example, in some places where soil cannot directly generate growth, one must use fire to generate soil, employing fire formations to strengthen soil formations. At other times, when earth energy is too strong, wood must be used to restrain earth.”

“From the specific details—how the soil changes, whether the weather turns cold, the rainfall, sunlight, pest infestations, the passage of years… the knowledge involved is vast, with countless intricate details that are tedious yet absolutely cannot be neglected.”

“If a Formation Master is careless and the Array Formation goes awry, at most they’ll earn a few less Spirit stones.”

“But for those spiritual farmers, a year’s or even three years’ harvest could be lost, leading to years of hunger, or even the selling of children—such things are possible.”

Elder Tian truly held nothing back, sharing his experience and insights with Mo Hua.

Mo Hua listened, deeply moved.

As Elder Tian spoke, he took out a sheet of paper, intending to sketch a few Array Formations as examples for Mo Hua, but suddenly stopped and sighed: “These principles I can explain, but the Formation Diagrams… the Earth Sect has strict rules forbidding their disclosure. I hope the young master will understand.”

Mo Hua felt a bit disappointed but expressed his understanding, “I know, thank you, Elder Tian.”

Then, an idea struck him, and he asked: “To be honest, I have a… little friend who planted a few orange trees, but after several months, none have sprouted. I wonder if Elder Tian knows what the reason might be?”

Elder Tian, being an expert, pondered briefly upon hearing this, then took out a Jade Slip, recorded a lengthy passage, and handed it to Mo Hua, saying: “For issues with spiritual fruit cultivation, follow the instructions on this Jade Slip to eliminate possibilities one by one.”

“If there are no problems and they still don’t sprout, come find me again, and I’ll personally take a look.”

Mo Hua accepted the Jade Slip and said, “Thank you, Elder Tian.”

Elder Tian replied, “No need for thanks.”

Afterward, the two discussed “Spiritual Plant Formations” for a long time.

Although restricted by Earth Sect rules from demonstrating specific Formation Diagrams, Mo Hua still gained a great deal.

Only after a full two hours did they bid farewell.

Elder Tian repeated his earlier words: “When you have time in the future, let’s discuss Array Formations again, Young Master Mo.”

Mo Hua nodded happily, “Certainly.”

After returning to the minor blessed land, Mo Hua followed the instructions on the Jade Slip given by Elder Tian, re-cultivating the soil, applying spiritual medicine, and adjusting some basic Array Formations for Xiao Ju’s orange trees. The results were remarkably effective, and the progress of seed germination noticeably improved.

Xiao Ju was overjoyed.

Another half-month passed, and when Mo Hua went to the Fortune Pavilion again to arrange a meeting with Elder Tian to discuss some issues regarding Spiritual Plant Formations, he received an unbelievable reply.

Manager Zhao’s face was dark as he whispered, “He’s dead.”

Mo Hua was stunned, “What?”

Manager Zhao, with a hint of fear in his expression, murmured softly: “Elder Tian… is dead.”