Master Luo, a first-rank formation master, refused Instructor Yan's request.
Instructor Yan had no choice but to seek out other formation masters who hadn't attained rank but had been studying formations for many years, asking them to take Mo Hua as their disciple.
However, some outright refused, some dragged their feet, and others, though they agreed, made unreasonable demands. Once Mo Hua agreed, he would forever be treated as a tool and a puppet, with no freedom whatsoever—essentially selling himself.
After days of futile efforts, Instructor Yan returned to his residence, sitting alone, sighing deeply.
He was scheduled to leave in a few days, and time was running out. If he couldn't find a suitable mentor, Mo Hua's progress in formation cultivation would likely be delayed.
After much thought, Instructor Yan seemed to make a decision. He sealed Mo Hua's test papers and placed them in a storage bag.
In the evening, Instructor Yan left Tongxian City, heading southeast towards the outskirts.
In the southeast of Tongxian City lay a beautiful and secluded mountain peak, with picturesque scenery and its own serene charm. Nestled among the mountains was a hermitage, without any signs or grand entrance, just a small mountain path leading to the courtyard.
Instructor Yan stood at the foot of the mountain. After a long while, he heard a dry voice near his ear:
"Please enter."
The voice seemed to echo in his ear and resonate in his mind.
Instructor Yan's expression became even more humble. He adjusted his daoist robe, patted the storage bag at his waist, and confidently stepped up the mountain.
Meanwhile, on Mo Hua's side, he had decided to drop out of Tongxian Sect.
As an outer disciple, Mo Hua's relationship with the sect was merely based on the pragmatic exchange of spiritual stones for cultivation benefits, with little emotional attachment.
Especially now that Instructor Yan was leaving and no longer teaching formations, staying further, served no purpose for Mo Hua.
His spiritual roots were destined to be average, and his cultivation speed not particularly fast.
Other teachings of the sect, such as body refinement, alchemy, artifact forging, and talisman crafting, were somewhat redundant for Mo Hua, useless to learn and a pity to discard.
What Mo Hua wanted to learn and had a future in cultivating was formations alone.
But among the outer disciples, besides Instructor Yan, Mo Hua didn't think anyone else could teach him formations.
Da Hu and the others were also dropping out, not due to the instructor but simply because their families were poor and couldn't afford the sect's fees and additional expenses.
From what Mo Hua understood, the old sect leader was retiring in a few months, no longer meddling in the sect's affairs. Now, Elder Qian held sway, in other words, the Qian family held sway.
The Qian family intended to reform the sect, employing various means to increase the collection of spiritual stones.
Previously, they only taught the most basic practices in alchemy, artifact forging, and talisman crafting. Now, they were introducing more advanced teachings, all requiring additional spiritual stones.
This included inheritance fees for previous techniques, increased under the guise of "preserving the sect's heritage comes at a price."
After the Qian family's reforms, some clan disciples or wealthier disciples could afford better teachings.
However, among the outer disciples, particularly the impoverished and wandering cultivators, they could barely learn anything and had to pay more spiritual stones as sect fees.
In this manner, Tongxian Sect, through its reforms, gradually phased out lower-class and impoverished disciples. These wandering cultivators had no other choice but to drop out, their future cultivation endeavors left to chance.
Mo Hua discussed his dropout plan with his parents. Mo Shan was not entirely in agreement but understood there was no other way. This was not just about Mo Hua but about all the lower-class wandering cultivators in Tongxian City.
Mo Hua discussed his decision to drop out with his parents. Mo Shan didn't quite agree, but understood there was no other way. This wasn't just about Mo Hua alone; it concerned all the lower-class wandering cultivators in Tongxian City.
Liu Ruhua, on the other hand, was indifferent. She knew Mo Hua was diligent in cultivation and had his own ideas. Since he had decided to drop out, it meant there was nothing left to learn from the sect, so she didn't say anything.
Business at the restaurant was good now. Even if her son did nothing at home, she could support him completely.
And so, Mo Hua, at the third level of Qi Refining, dropped out of Tongxian Sect.
Mo Hua went to the sect to handle the formalities of dropping out, and received half a year's worth of sect fees refunded, approximately fifty to sixty spiritual stones.
The biggest issue after dropping out was now the cultivation techniques.
Mo Shan promised to inquire about suitable cultivation techniques for Mo Hua through the path of monster hunting, but it would take some time.
Another issue was formations.
Without the sect's guidance, Mo Hua could only rely on himself to learn or find a formation master to apprentice under.
However, Mo Hua knew that it was very difficult for wandering cultivators to find a formation master to accept them as disciples. Not all formation masters were as broad-minded as Instructor Yan, willing to teach and guide.
Mo Hua planned to visit Instructor Yan when he found some free time, to express his gratitude for Instructor Yan's careful guidance during this period. However, he didn't know where Instructor Yan lived. Just as he was considering asking Manager Mo for information, Instructor Yan found him.
After not seeing each other for several days, Instructor Yan looked somewhat tired, as if he had been busy with something.
Mo Hua respectfully greeted Instructor Yan, who nodded in response and asked, "Do you still want to learn formations?"
Mo Hua nodded.
Instructor Yan looked at Mo Hua approvingly and said, "Come with me."
Mo Hua followed Instructor Yan to a mountain peak southeast of Tongxian City.
Mo Hua remembered Da Hu and the others mentioning that this mountain peak seemed to have been bought by someone for seclusion and cultivation, cutting off contact with other cultivators.
There were no beasts or rare spiritual herbs in these mountains, let alone spiritual mines. The only advantage was the beautiful scenery and peaceful environment.
With many wandering cultivators in Tongxian City exhausted from running around, few cultivators usually came here.
Instructor Yan led Mo Hua to the foot of the mountain and said, "There is a reclusive gentleman living on this mountain. I met him by chance. Normally, I wouldn't disturb him, but since I'm leaving soon, I'm bringing you to see him."
"Does this gentleman know formations?" Mo Hua asked.
Instructor Yan nodded. "Yes, this gentleman has a very high attainment in formations."
"Is he a first-rank formation master?" Mo Hua asked curiously.
"I'm not sure of his specific rank, but he is at least first-rank."
Mo Hua looked up to him with deep respect. A first-rank formation master was already extraordinary. Thinking of anything beyond first-rank was beyond Mo Hua's imagination.
But Mo Hua was curious. What were formations above first-rank like?
Were they really as rumored, with the power to change the heavens and the earth?
"Why does this gentleman live in such a remote place? Is it because he dislikes noise?" Mo Hua asked.
"The gentleman is indifferent to worldly affairs and dislikes disturbances, so he chose this mountain where few people come," Instructor Yan replied.
Looking at Mo Hua, Instructor Yan said, "You've probably guessed why I brought you here."
Mo Hua nodded. "To ask this gentleman to take me as his disciple?"
Instructor Yan nodded. "You guessed right. I can't teach you much, so I hope this gentleman can guide you."
"You've already taught me a lot," Mo Hua said gratefully.
"What I can teach you is far less than what this gentleman can."
"But..." Mo Hua began.
Instructor Yan shook his head. "You're still young and don't quite understand. As you gain more experience, you'll realize how vast and profound formations are, far beyond what cultivators at the Qi Refining or Foundation Building stages can comprehend. Your spiritual awareness is exceptional, your comprehension good, and you're diligent—a good seedling for learning formations. So cherish this rare talent of yours and don't waste it."
"Today, I brought you here hoping you can become this gentleman's disciple. He's reclusive and doesn't wish to take on disciples, so even if you become a named disciple and only learn a little, it will still help you go further on the path of formations."
Instructor Yan pointed ahead, where a mountain path stretched towards the mountainside, shrouded in mist. In the mist sat a simple yet mysterious courtyard gate.
Instructor Yan instructed, "Go up on your own. Be respectful, answer truthfully when the master asks you questions. If he accepts you as a disciple, it's your good fortune. If not, don't be disheartened; it just means your fate hasn't arrived yet."
Mo Hua nodded earnestly and then glanced at Instructor Yan.
"Instructor..."
"Go on." Instructor Yan waved his hand.
Mo Hua hesitated for a moment, then took firm steps, his back resolute as he ascended the mountain.
(End of the Chapter)