Chapter 346: Instruction
“Master, is it possible for a First-Rank cultivator to be able to draw a First-Rank Grand Array?” Mò Huà couldn’t help asking.
Mister Zhuang replied calmly, “Of course it is, otherwise I wouldn’t have allowed you to learn.”
“Oh, right.”
Mò Huà realized and nodded.
Mister Zhuang spoke earnestly:
“The cultivation world has flourished for over twenty thousand years, with countless cultivators and innumerable talents. There are cultivators of all kinds of potential. A Foundation-Refining (Liànqì) stage cultivator who can lead a First-Rank Grand Array is rare, but they do exist.”
Hearing this, Mò Huà reflected seriously:
“Master, I understand! There’s always someone above, always someone stronger. Among cultivators, extraordinary geniuses are countless. One must always remain respectful and humble; only then can one continue progressing in arrays.”
“I am merely a Liànqì stage cultivator lucky enough to have a Foundation-Establishment Divine Sense. Even if I can draw a Grand Array, I am still far behind the true geniuses of the heavens…”
Mister Zhuang twitched at the corner of his eye.
No… a Liànqì cultivator with Foundation-Establishment Divine Sense is already considered extraordinary.
Someone who can construct a First-Rank Grand Array is even more exceptional, surpassing even the so-called “heavenly geniuses.”
If you truly can construct a Grand Array, it’s not that you’re far behind others—it’s that others are far behind you…
After all, a cultivator capable of leading a First-Rank Grand Array, and actually completing it, is extremely rare.
They must have talent, resources, manpower, and the right circumstances to construct a First-Rank Grand Array.
Such examples are only found in sect records and cultivation legends.
In reality, Mister Zhuang had never seen a cultivator fully achieve this.
His intention had been to keep Mò Huà humble, to prevent arrogance.
But it seemed Mò Huà’s humility might be overdone…
Still, humility before the Dao and arrays is always good, so Mister Zhuang nodded in quiet approval:
“It’s good that you think this way.”
Mò Huà felt greatly encouraged.
He thought to himself that array studies were truly endless, and he needed to work even harder.
Even if he couldn’t surpass other array prodigies, he couldn’t fall too far behind, or he’d embarrass himself as Mister Zhuang’s officially recognized disciple.
He had to master the Grand Array!
Mister Zhuang could see Mò Huà’s determination in his eyes, feeling both gratified and reflective.
If he maintained this humble, diligent heart, Mò Huà’s future achievements in arrays could truly be formidable…
“What kind of officially recognized disciple have I taken…”
Mister Zhuang’s emotions were complex, but he soon composed himself and continued explaining the Grand Array to Mò Huà.
“A First-Rank Grand Array starts with a Ten-Rune Divine Sense, which means you must have a Foundation-Establishment Divine Sense to learn it.”
“But Ten Runes at First Rank is actually a requirement for array masters. Ordinary cultivators, if they don’t study arrays and aren’t proficient in Divine Sense, will have between nine and ten runes after Foundation Establishment.”
“Much stronger than nine runes, but still short of ten.”
“This is also true for ordinary array masters. After reaching Foundation Establishment, they still need time to strengthen their Divine Sense to study Second-Rank arrays.”
“So normally, it’s not that Foundation Establishment is required to learn a First-Rank Grand Array; rather, only array masters who have truly reached the Second-Rank can study a First-Rank Grand Array.”
Mister Zhuang paused, his gaze sharpening: “Such arrays beyond conventional ranks are called Absolute Arrays in array studies.”
“Meaning they can serve as a sect’s ultimate secret technique, or they are extremely difficult to master, with inheritance nearly forbidden.”
“The Reverse-Spirit Array you learned is an Absolute Array.”
“Grand Arrays, due to their Divine Sense requirements exceeding rank, and their knowledge going beyond standard curriculum, are also Absolute Arrays.”
“But because a Grand Array is enormous, long-lasting, and benefits cultivators for hundreds or even thousands of years, it is given the distinct name ‘Grand Array’ rather than Absolute Array to highlight its importance.”
Mò Huà nodded, mentally cataloging the array concepts he knew: single arrays, compound arrays, Grand Arrays, puzzle arrays, illusion arrays, Absolute Arrays…
Those who study arrays truly love making these complicated names…
Mò Huà could distinguish them, but he couldn’t help grumbling internally.
Mister Zhuang gently tapped Mò Huà on the head, “What are you thinking?”
His eyes flickered, clearly muttering something silently.
Mò Huà quickly shook his head, “Nothing!” and swiftly changed the topic:
“Master, does this mean a Second-Rank array master learning a First-Rank Grand Array would find it easier?”
Mister Zhuang shook his head: “Not that easy.”
“But isn’t Divine Sense enough?”
“Divine Sense is only the threshold. Without sufficient Divine Sense, one doesn’t even have the qualification to step through this door,” Mister Zhuang explained.
“Even with enough Divine Sense, it’s only one foot in the door. Truly mastering, constructing, and applying a Grand Array is still far away.”
“Are there other requirements for Divine Sense use?” Mò Huà asked.
“Not just Divine Sense use,” Mister Zhuang sighed lightly. “A Grand Array is extremely complex. It involves many single arrays, requiring detailed observation of their interactions, openings, closures, sequences, and reversals of spiritual energy.”
“Divine Sense operation must be skillful, control must be precise, and ideally, you should also understand some Divine Sense derivative calculations…”
“A Grand Array of a given type is usually the culmination of that array type. In other words, an array master who can construct a Grand Array is also a consummate master who has thoroughly internalized and integrated that array type.”
Mister Zhuang looked at Mò Huà: “Do you understand now?”
“Yes, Master.”
Mò Huà nodded.
Then, pondering seriously, he asked, “Master, the array master you described… isn’t that me?”
Mister Zhuang was slightly stunned, then smiled, unconsciously rubbing Mò Huà’s head:
“Be more humble.”
“Oh.” Mò Huà smiled awkwardly.
Mister Zhuang sighed inwardly.
Mò Huà wasn’t wrong—he really was suited to study Grand Arrays.
His Divine Sense foundation was deep, his use proficient, and his control precise.
He had repeatedly drawn Five-Element arrays until they were second nature.
He had also dealt with complex compound arrays in refining and alchemy structures, mastering them thoroughly.
Considering all this, Mister Zhuang hadn’t refused him when he sought to learn Grand Arrays, but had pointed out the risks, letting him consider carefully.
Mò Huà truly had the qualifications to study Grand Arrays.
If he didn’t try, Mister Zhuang would feel regretful.
But Grand Arrays weren’t easy—this was only the beginning.
Mister Zhuang laid out a set of ten jade slips:
“These are the Grand Arrays I will teach you!”
“These ten jade slips cover array eye principles, array pivot structures, pattern distribution, array media construction, compatibility of single arrays, and cost estimations.”
“This array is a confinement-and-kill type Grand Array. Using the power of Five Elements interactions, it can trap enemies and, through attack arrays within, eliminate strong foes!”
“Among Five-Element Grand Arrays, this one excels in offense, enough to deal with the Fengxī.”
Mister Zhuang handed the jade slips to Mò Huà.
Mò Huà took them, his Divine Sense immersing into the jade slips. The first thing he saw were bold, powerful characters:
Five-Element Demon-Slaying Grand Array!
The strokes were sharp, exuding an overwhelming killing aura.
Mò Huà felt a chill and carefully stored the jade slips.
Grand Arrays were extremely valuable.
Though Mister Zhuang had casually presented them, in most sects or families they would be regarded as ultimate secret techniques.
Mò Huà bowed respectfully, both in gratitude for Mister Zhuang’s teaching and for his efforts for the scattered cultivators of Tōngxiān City.
Mister Zhuang seemed to understand his thoughts and shook his head:
“Don’t overthink it. I arrived here, disasters occurred. Within my power, I won’t stand by idly.”
He waved his hand: “Go back and study carefully. Come to me if you have questions.”
“Yes, Master!”
Mò Huà bowed again and took his leave.
Mister Zhuang’s gaze followed Mò Huà until he disappeared among the mountains.
After a long pause, he frowned and asked:
“Do you think he can learn it?”
There was no sound in the room, no answer.
Mister Zhuang said helplessly: “The Grand Elder has already figured me out. You can’t escape, pretending to be dead won’t help.”
Old Kui appeared, shaking his head:
“You’ll harm yourself sooner or later. To avoid being implicated, I want to stay away.”
Mister Zhuang replied, “You’re already far away. How much farther do you want to go?”
Old Kui remained silent.
Mister Zhuang resumed: “So, do you think Mò Huà can learn a Grand Array?”
Old Kui glanced at him indifferently: “You’re an array master, I’m not. I can’t guess.”
“What about his array skills?”
“Very good.”
Mister Zhuang suggested: “I’m practically useless now. Perhaps you should take him back; in time, he might help you.”
Old Kui showed some interest but shook his head: “His realm is too low, too distant in the future.”
“You can teach him slowly.”
“But I don’t know arrays, how can I teach?”
“You can invite an array master.”
Old Kui said coldly: “Don’t push your problems onto me.”
Mister Zhuang sighed, realizing his thoughts were seen through.
After a while, Old Kui frowned:
“If you want to teach him Grand Arrays, just teach him. Why waste time making him think it over?”
Mister Zhuang remained silent, his gaze unreadable, then spoke slowly, both to Old Kui and to himself:
“A cultivator only recognizes their true heart when facing great calamities.”
“Only when choosing between right and wrong can one strengthen their Dao heart.”
“If one doesn’t establish and firm their Dao heart from the beginning, they will unconsciously deviate, and even if they achieve fame and success, they will ultimately diverge from the path of longevity.”
A trace of self-mockery and loss appeared on Mister Zhuang’s face.
“I suffered these losses, and I don’t want him to suffer them again…”