When Mo Hua arrived at Mr. Zhuang's mountain residence, the Bai siblings had already arrived and were studying and practicing under a small stone table by the pond. Madam Xue usually didn't enter the mountain residence and waited outside instead.
Bai Zisheng saw Mo Hua and dropped the book in his hands, rushing over excitedly.
Mo Hua handed him a small food box and a small pot of fruit wine, "You can eat these later; I just had breakfast."
Bai Zisheng, with meat stuffed in his mouth, looked satisfied, "It's okay, I told Aunt Xue I wasn't feeling hungry, so I didn't eat much this morning."
Mo Hua shook his head and then handed some snacks and osmanthus wine pudding to Bai Zixi. Bai Zixi thanked him with a crisp and pleasant voice, then elegantly enjoyed the snacks and sipped the wine pudding, displaying a graceful and dignified posture.
Mo Hua glanced at Bai Zisheng and then at Bai Zixi, thinking to himself that despite being siblings, their eating habits were vastly different.
Bai Zisheng had previously tried to maintain the demeanor of a refined disciple of a prominent family, but after becoming familiar with Mo Hua, he no longer cared much about etiquette. Now, his eating habits resembled those of a dog, which seemed to waste his handsome appearance.
Mo Hua then offered some wine and food to Mr. Zhuang and Old Kui, before turning to consult about the deciphering of formations.
Mo Hua had already asked Bai Zisheng about some basic questions; what remained were the more tricky issues that couldn't be easily understood with his own cultivation knowledge alone.
For example, how to decipher formations using the formation eyes and formation hubs, the basic principles of deciphering formations, and how to decipher formations when some formations were incomprehensible.
Mr. Zhuang was quite satisfied with Mo Hua's questions, "You can ask about these issues, which means you have carefully read the classics I gave you."
"Deciphering formations using formation eyes is difficult, and mastering the reverse spirit formation pattern is even more difficult and obscure. These are all secrets passed down by prominent families and are rarely shared. Even if learned, they are difficult to apply. Because each aggregation formation pattern varies, using the reverse spirit formation pattern in practice also requires adjusting to the specific situation, which is very difficult to grasp. Moreover, using aggregation formation patterns to decipher formations can easily cause the formation's spiritual power to go out of control, destroying the formation and potentially harming the cultivator's life."
"You don't need to consider using formation hubs to decipher formations, at least not until you are a third-rank formation master or above. Using formation hubs requires profound knowledge of formations and an understanding of the structure of formations from various prominent families, sects, or schools. Otherwise, facing a completely unfamiliar formation system, you won't know where to start."
"So for you, just focus on using formation patterns to decipher formations. Although it seems complex, it's actually the most basic and simplest method."
"Ah, I see," Mo Hua nodded repeatedly.
"Mo Hua, do you think the value of a formation master lies in specialization or in broad knowledge?" Mr. Zhuang suddenly asked.
"It's not about being broadly knowledgeable but being able to specialize and be proficient in multiple areas," Mo Hua weakly replied.
Both are choices for mature cultivators.
Mr. Zhuang smiled, "The great path is boundless, but our lives are limited. To be broadly knowledgeable and proficient in everything is an unrealistic expectation. Most formation masters have to make choices: either specialize in one type of formation, seeking depth without breadth, or be knowledgeable in many areas, seeking breadth without depth."
"In that case, specializing in one type of formation should be better," Mo Hua said.
"Why?" Mr. Zhuang asked with interest.
"Formations are vast and profound. By seeking breadth alone, one will only scratch the surface. But by specializing in one type and thereby making connections with related fields, one can truly grasp the essence of formations. When encountering more profound and obscure formations later on, one won't be clueless..."
Mr. Zhuang nodded, "Well said. That's why the transmission of formation techniques within prominent families values depth and frowns upon superficial knowledge."
Mo Hua understood some of it but still didn't quite grasp how all this related to him.
"Actually, it's not just about aristocratic families; all orthodox formations require specialization, not breadth. Master one type of formation thoroughly before studying others," Mr. Zhuang said, pausing briefly before looking at Mo Hua and continuing:
"But you are different. Right now, you need to learn broadly, not specialize in one type."
Mo Hua looked puzzled. "Because of the techniques?"
Mr. Zhuang nodded approvingly. "Exactly. After learning 'Celestial Expansion Scripture,' when you break through realms, you'll need to unravel puzzle formations. Only by unraveling them can you cultivate the techniques, enhance your cultivation, and advance your realms. If you can't unlock these formations, your foundation will be lacking, and all a cultivator achieves will be in vain."
"To unravel these puzzles, you need to learn enough formations and understand enough runes. Many formations aren't difficult in themselves; it's about whether you know the relevant runes and formations. If you do, unraveling them becomes easy. But if you don't, even if you have great talent and mastery in formations, it won't help."
"As the saying goes, even the best cook can't prepare a meal without rice. If you encounter a puzzle formation you've never seen, even the most skilled formation master won't know where to begin."
Mo Hua nodded in understanding, then scratched his head and asked, "So, what should I do, Mr. Zhuang?"
Mr. Zhuang handed Mo Hua a book with four ancient characters on its pages:
Mo Hua flipped it open to find a densely packed record of myriad formations, mostly below the first grade, with most formations containing nine runes or fewer. Most were elemental formations, some with bizarre functions Mo Hua had never encountered.
"This is..." Mo Hua was at a loss for words.
"This is a collection of formations below the first grade, listing their names, grades, and uses. You can browse through it yourself. If you find something you want to learn, go to the library's first floor to find the corresponding formation diagram."
"I've taught you the basics of formations. You can learn on your own now. If you have any questions, come to me. Just remember, return any diagrams you look at; don't lose them," Mr. Zhuang cautioned.
Mo Hua nodded solemnly. "I understand, teacher."
"Alright then, go," Mr. Zhuang waved him off.
Mo Hua bowed respectfully to Mr. Zhuang again, carefully tucked the
"Mo Hua," Mr. Zhuang hesitated for a moment before saying, "I should have chosen a more stable technique for you, at least one that wouldn't require such effort during cultivation... It was my oversight."
Old Kui, who had been meditating with closed eyes, opened them slightly, casting a mildly surprised glance at Mr. Zhuang.
Mo Hua looked surprised for a moment, then smiled shyly at Mr. Zhuang. "My family is ordinary, and we don't have much spirit stones. This technique requires minimal use of them and is suitable for me. At least in my eyes, the technique you chose is already the best in the world."
"Is that so..." Mr. Zhuang looked at Mo Hua's youthful and handsome face, his clear black and white eyes sincere and innocent. He couldn't help but smile again, his demeanor returning to its previous ease, though his voice was even warmer:
"Go and study formations."
Mo Hua obediently bowed again and then trotted away.
(End of the chapter)