Chapter 526: Hidden Formation Pavilion
Chapter 528: Hidden Formation Pavilion
Take the lead? Hold the stage? Earn face?
Mo Hua froze.
Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi exchanged looks.
Mo Hua asked: “Master, what should I do?”
“It’s simple,” Mister Zhuang smiled lightly. “Go compete with them. If you beat them, you’ll be allowed to learn the Five-Element Spirit Formation.”
“Compete with First-Rank formation?”
“First-Rank.”
Mo Hua’s eyes lit up.
Competing in First-Rank formation—he feared no one.
Well… except Mister Zhuang.
But he didn’t dare get careless.
Mo Hua frowned. “Master, what if the Five Elements Sect plays dirty tricks and I lose?”
If he himself lost, that didn’t matter.
Personal victory or defeat was trivial.
The Five Elements Absolute Formation was important, yes, but learning it was only a matter of time.
The real issue was—if he lost, he’d embarrass his master.
His master’s reputation—that was the big thing!
Mo Hua’s expression turned serious.
Mister Zhuang felt a small warmth in his heart. He raised a brow slightly:
“Relax. You’re my disciple. What could they possibly use to beat you?”
The phrasing was subtle, but Mo Hua found it oddly convincing. He nodded, though his face still held some concern.
Mister Zhuang’s gaze shifted. “Do you remember what I told you back then?”
Mo Hua was a bit confused, unsure which words he meant.
Mister Zhuang sighed exaggeratedly, full of feigned regret:
“Back when I came to the Five Elements Sect, I wanted to learn their absolute formation. But for various reasons, I failed… and so they looked down on me, made me lose a great deal of face…”
“That old humiliation… I cannot avenge it anymore.”
“Now I can only rely on you to help your master regain this dignity…”
Looked down on? Lost face?
Mo Hua’s little face tightened, and his fighting spirit soared:
“Master, don’t worry! I’ll definitely win back your dignity and beat them until flowers fall and water flows!”
“And then I’ll learn their sect-guarding ultimate formation and anger them to death!”
Mister Zhuang couldn’t help smiling smugly. “Good—beat them until flowers fall and water flows, then anger them to death!”
Outside, Old Kui heard this and shook his head.
So old already, yet still competing with children out of spite…
Mo Hua thought for a moment, then asked, “Master, should I hold back?”
Mister Zhuang shook his head. “Not only should you not hold back—you should be arrogant.”
“Arrogant?”
“Yes,” Mister Zhuang said. “Use that set of pretentious mannerisms I taught you before.”
“Pretentious?”
Mo Hua couldn’t quite recall.
Mister Zhuang demonstrated again.
His gentle demeanor vanished; his brows sharpened, his expression turned cold, his chin lifted slightly. Like a sword emerging from dusty slumber, like a dragon overlooking the world—his presence chilling and commanding.
His bearing made others unable to look straight at him.
Then Mister Zhuang withdrew it instantly, returning to gentle warmth. “Do you remember now?”
“Mhm!”
Mo Hua’s eyes lit up, and he imitated him.
He raised his chin, put his hands on his waist, and his soft little face wore a look of utter disdain.
Except… it didn’t look like a dragon.
It looked more like an angry little tiger cub.
Mister Zhuang couldn’t resist patting Mo Hua’s head.
“A bit lacking, but it’s usable. Practice more later.”
“Okay, Master!” Mo Hua replied obediently.
Old Kui watched the pair and looked even more speechless…
Mister Zhuang then instructed Mo Hua:
“A few days later, you take the lead. Stand the ground for your senior brother and sister. Whoever beats you will earn the right to compete with them.”
Hearing this, Mo Hua instantly understood:
“I’m the gatekeeper!”
Anyone who wanted to challenge his senior siblings had to pass through him first.
Mister Zhuang nodded happily.
This child really was quick-thinking.
Bai Zisheng looked uneasy. “Master… my formations aren’t as good as Little Junior Brother…”
He was self-aware at least. Even as the senior brother, his formation ability was nowhere near Mo Hua’s.
If someone could defeat Mo Hua, they would definitely defeat him.
Bai Zixi was better—her formation skill wasn’t Mo Hua’s level, but still impressive.
But Bai Zisheng… would be exposed instantly.
Mister Zhuang smiled faintly. “No matter. Your little junior brother is a very high threshold.”
In fact, ridiculously high.
Thinking of Mo Hua’s formation skill back during the Qi-Refining stage, Mister Zhuang still felt awe.
Mo Hua beamed under the praise.
…
Over the next few days, the Five Elements Sect appeared calm, but beneath the surface, people came and went, letters flew, negotiations buzzed…
Sect Master Liao was constantly greeting guests.
Elders hurried back and forth.
Strange disciples quietly appeared in the sect…
Mister Zhuang sat by the window, watching everything without a ripple in his expression.
A few days later, Sect Master Liao arrived respectfully:
“The Dao-Debate Assembly is about to begin. May Mister Zhuang and your esteemed disciples move to the Hidden Formation Pavilion.”
Mister Zhuang nodded and rose, calling to Mo Hua and the two siblings:
“Let’s go.”
…
The Dao-Debate Assembly.
A grand gathering where cultivators discuss the Dao.
It was also a general term—people discussed cultivation, scholarship, alchemy, artifact refining, formations… even raising spirit beasts, cats, or dogs.
The Five Elements Sect’s assembly focused mainly on formations.
The Hidden Formation Pavilion was the sect’s tower for storing formation-related resources.
Inside were formation manuals, formation diagrams, precious inks, ancient brushes, fine formation paper, and countless formation-related tools.
It was a secret place and one of the sect’s major venues for high-level meetings.
The Five Elements Sect had once risen through formations but now relied on earth and wood for revival—so the pavilion was huge and lavish.
It had four floors.
The assembly was on the largest floor—magnificent, glittering with gold and jade.
Tables and brushes were ready; disciples were already seated.
At the head sat the Grand Elder, Sect Master Liao, various elders, and guest experts.
The Grand Elder had emerged from seclusion.
Beside him sat two grand, richly dressed elders—both Golden Core cultivators.
The Grand Elder whispered to them:
“…This man is surnamed Zhuang. His origins are significant, better not spoken aloud…”
“It was an ancestral promise—we must follow it…”
“But our sect has declined… we are no longer what we once were… they push us to the brink…”
“…coveting the absolute formation passed down by our sect…”
“I beg you both—please lend our Five Elements Sect your strength!”
The Grand Elder deliberately sounded pitiful, his tone earnest.
The two elders repeatedly said “of course, of course,” but remained indifferent.
The Grand Elder cursed inside.
Old foxes!
The older they are, the more slippery.
Won’t lift a finger unless there’s profit—two stingy iron roosters.
He cupped his hands. “Sect Master Chu, Brother Shen… when this is done, there will be generous gifts…”
Hidden in his sleeve, he gestured a number of spirit stones.
Both men’s eyes brightened.
The old man surnamed Shen—ancestor of the Shen Clan of Sishui City, a Golden Core early-stage formation family head—suddenly smiled warmly, tone suddenly familiar:
“Grand Elder, you’re too polite. I would be ashamed to refuse… ashamed!”
Then, face stern:
“Under the Dao Court’s unified rule, even someone with a great background must follow the rules. As the saying goes, a powerful dragon cannot suppress a local snake. Rest assured—I’ll uphold justice for you!”
He was from the Shen Clan.
A huge household with many disciples—spirit stones burned fast. Never enough.
The Grand Elder cursed inside (“money-grubbing old beast!”) while smiling outwardly.
“Brother Shen, your righteous spirit is admirable!”
On the other side, Sect Master Chu—elegant and dignified—thought a moment and said:
“Brother, I don’t want spirit stones.”
Don’t want spirit stones…
The Grand Elder didn’t relax—he grew tense.
Not wanting stones didn’t mean he didn’t want anything.
Likely the stones weren’t enough.
This Sect Master Chu was the retired Grandmaster of the Formation Profound Sect—prestigious, highly respected, and influential.
Their sect was formation-focused and didn’t care much for spirit stones.
Sure enough, Sect Master Chu said:
“You Five Elements Sect had a hard time earning these spirit stones. How could I be so heartless as to exploit you…”
The Shen ancestor felt displeased.
What do you mean—so I’m heartless for taking spirit stones?
But he hid his expression well.
The Grand Elder frowned. “Then Brother Chu…”
Sect Master Chu continued:
“I only wish to borrow your Five Elements Sect’s Guardian Mountain Formation diagram to take a look.”
The Grand Elder’s face changed instantly.
“No! Absolutely not!”
The Guardian Mountain Formation diagram?
What nonsense are you dreaming of!?
Giving out the formation diagram was like exposing their entire foundation!
This old fossil!
The Grand Elder cursed inside.
The Shen ancestor sneered dryly.
“Spirit stones are external. Formation is essential. Accepting some stones is fine, but coveting someone’s foundation—that’s a bit shameless.”
Sect Master Chu didn’t get angry. He bargained calmly:
“I only need to view the First-Rank diagram.”
“Even First-Rank is impossible.”
“I won’t look at the full diagram—just the simplified version.”
“Brother Chu, please don’t make things difficult…”
Sect Master Chu frowned. “Brother, do you not trust me?”
“It’s not a matter of trust…”
Sect Master Chu understood the Grand Elder’s hesitation and explained:
“A First-Rank grand formation is completely different from a second-grade one. The formation patterns differ vastly—even if the formation cores have some similarities, the essence is not the same.”
“You’ve arranged a second-grade grand formation.”
“If I look only at the First-Rank diagram, it won’t affect your Five Elements Sect at all.”
The Grand Elder hesitated. “This—”
Sect Master Chu sighed sadly.
“All my life, I’ve wished for nothing but to broaden my knowledge of formations.”
“Now, with your sect in difficulty, I step forward for your sake—out of the old friendship between our two sects…”
“And yet at this small request, you hesitate and block me… Truly disheartening…”
He looked disappointed.
But the Grand Elder knew it was a threat in disguise.
If he refused, Chu would sit by and watch the Five Elements Sect fall.
The Formation Profound Sect was powerful—far stronger than the weakened Five Elements Sect.
If they didn’t help, even with Shen Clan’s assistance, the outcome was uncertain.
And relying solely on Five Elements Sect disciples? And a few family geniuses?
Not guaranteed to defeat Mister Zhuang’s prodigious siblings.
The Grand Elder clenched his teeth.
“Fine! For the sake of our two sects’ centuries-old friendship—I agree!”
Sect Master Chu brightened.
The Grand Elder added,
“But you may only view it here in the Hidden Formation Pavilion, for one day. You may not take it away.”
Sect Master Chu frowned. “What can I learn in one day?”
Even if it was just a First-Rank grand formation…
The formation patterns were complex, the formation core profound, and there were many sub-formations.
Even as a Golden Core cultivator and second-grade high-tier formation master, he had little confidence in digesting it in one day.
Actually—no confidence at all.
“Three days!”
Sect Master Chu said: “Three days. I’ll take a look at this grand formation diagram for three days!”
The Grand Elder cursed inwardly again.
Three days?
You call that “taking a look”?
Your one look is a little… marathon-length, isn’t it?
“Two days!” the Grand Elder said.
Sect Master Chu immediately pushed his luck. “Two and a half!”
“Just two days!” the Grand Elder said firmly. “If that doesn’t work, forget it. I’ll find someone else…”
“Fine!” Sect Master Chu slapped the table. “Two days! Just two!”
The Shen Family’s Patriarch couldn’t watch anymore and said dryly:
“You’re all Golden Core cultivators, sect ancestors. Not street vendors haggling in the market over scraps of profit…”
His tone was snarky, but in truth, he regretted it deeply.
If he’d known, he should’ve haggled too!
The world bustles for profit; the world strives for gain.
For the sake of spirit stones—nothing shameful.
With an opportunity like this, a bit of chatter for more benefits beats anything else.
Too bad… too late.
He had already agreed; he couldn’t slap his own face and go back to raise his price.
A man may be shameless, but not that shameless…
The Shen Patriarch sighed.
But he was also puzzled—why would Sect Master Chu reject a mountain of spirit stones, just to get two days to look at a mere First-Rank Five Elements Mountain-Protecting Array?
The Shen Patriarch glanced at him, eyes meaningful, but didn’t pursue it.
With the deal settled, the Grand Elder moved on to arrangements:
“That man has three disciples.”
“Among them, the youngest is already a First-Rank Formation master.”
“The other two, a pair of siblings—astonishing talent, depth unfathomable. Their array skills are unknown, but since they are senior brother and senior sister, they must be even more unfathomable than the youngest.”
“At the very least, also First-Rank!”
“And definitely veteran First-Rank array masters!”
The Grand Elder hesitated but said:
“That little array master… with the strength of our Five Elements Sect, we can still handle him.”
“But that pair of dazzlingly gifted senior siblings… we’re not confident at all…”
He cupped his hands toward Sect Master Chu and the Shen Patriarch:
“At that time, we must trouble the geniuses of the Array Profundity Sect and the Shen family to assist, win the array match, and safeguard the inheritance of our Five Elements Sect!”
Sect Master Chu nodded. “Naturally.”
He also wanted to take this chance to show off the Array Profundity Sect’s might.
Let everyone see that after the decline of the Five Elements Sect, they were the true pinnacle of the Dao of Arrays.
Five Elements Sect builds the stage; they perform the show.
Perfect arrangement.
The Shen Patriarch, thinking of that mountain of spirit stones and the First-Rank Five Elements Mountain-Protecting Array diagram, frowned and asked:
“Are that man’s disciples truly so formidable, worth such a high price?”
The Grand Elder’s brow twitched.
In the past, the Five Elements Sect was overflowing with talent. Competing with Mister Zhuang’s disciples? Not an issue—unless those disciples possessed the same unparalleled insight as Mister Zhuang himself…
The Grand Elder sighed inwardly.
To be fair, they simply couldn’t compare to Mister Zhuang.
But again—there had only ever been one Mister Zhuang.
His disciples were not him. No matter how strong, they had limits.
That was why the Grand Elder dared to propose a Dao-Debate Tournament.
Though the Five Elements Sect was weak now, the Grand Elder refused to lose face or admit inferiority. He said:
“Their talents are indeed exceptional, but their true array skill must be tested to know…”
“It’s possible they may not be able to match my Five Elements Sect’s disciples…”
He began to gild his own face, then added more gently:
“But this concerns our sect’s inheritance—too important. I must act cautiously, meticulously, and prevent any mishap that might let our inheritance fall into another’s hands.”
“Even if we pay a price, it’s worth it!”
Sect Master Chu and the Shen Patriarch both nodded.
Even if they looked down on the Five Elements Sect’s abilities, the Grand Elder’s reasoning was sound.
For an absolute-secret inheritance, extreme caution was only proper.
Sect Master Chu said, “Grand Elder, rest easy. The Five Elements Sect is named after the Five Elements Spirit Array. This Absolute Formation will remain within your sect. No one will learn it.”
The Grand Elder was overjoyed. “Many thanks, Sect Master Chu!”
The Shen Patriarch frowned. “But if they dare covet an Absolute Formation, those disciples must not be simple.”
Sect Master Chu said calmly, “It matters not.”
He snorted. “The Dao of Arrays is vast and profound. Talent isn’t enough—one must study rigorously. Even a genius cannot master everything.”
“Array patterns, array pivots, array eyes, array principles, and numerous profound array arts—everyone has strengths and weaknesses.”
“A genius array master is no exception.”
“If these disciples of Mister Zhuang are ordinary, we’ll defeat them openly, teach them their place, and let them experience the depth and mystery of arrays.”
“Let them understand: there is always a sky beyond the sky, a person beyond each person.”
“If they truly have extraordinary talent and unmatched array skills…”
“Then we use our strengths to strike their weaknesses!”
“We have many disciples, each with their own specialties. No matter what, there will be one who surpasses them. In a match, that’s enough to win.”
“Perhaps not the fairest victory, but inheritance is paramount. No need to fuss over the details.”
“A win is a win. A loss is a loss.”
“Since they dare come learn arrays, they should be mentally prepared. If they’re not as skilled, they have no grounds to complain!”
…
The Grand Elder nodded in praise. “Good!”
The Shen Patriarch stroked his beard. “Excellent.”
After finalizing everything, they sat solemnly, awaiting Mister Zhuang and his group.
The bustling disciples of the Hidden Array Pavilion gradually quieted…
Half an hour later, Mister Zhuang entered the pavilion with Mo Hua and the other two.
Instantly, the pavilion fell silent—pin-drop silent.
The three Golden Core elders, who had been resting with eyes closed, all opened them at once. Their aged gazes shone sharply as they looked at the newcomers.
So this was Mister Zhuang!
Truly immortal-bearing and unmatched.
Behind him, the man and woman—the twin siblings?
Indeed, dragon-spirited and phoenix-graced, flawless in aura.
And behind them…
All three elders froze.
Why does he look so young!?
They had known beforehand: a ten-something First-Rank Formation master.
But seeing it with their own eyes still felt surreal.
He was just too young…
This was a First-Rank Formation master?
You must be joking…
They had even discussed strategy so seriously, all for… a little kid.
Competing with him felt like bullying.