One morning, Master Zhuang summoned Mo Hua and asked with an air of mystery:
"Mo Hua, what kind of formation master do you aspire to be?"
Mo Hua thought to himself, "It would be good to become a first-grade formation master, receiving a monthly allowance, being self-sufficient, which would surely make my parents happy."
But Master Zhuang probably meant something else.
"Master, are there different types of formation masters?" Mo Hua humbly inquired.
"There are countless formations, and formation masters who study them come in various types, each with their own strengths."
"Oh..." Mo Hua was a bit bewildered.
Master Zhuang continued, "Some formation masters travel across the Nine Provinces seeking lost forbidden formations. Some visit sects far and wide to exchange and improve their formation skills. Some diligently study in solitude, focusing solely on their research without worldly concerns. And there are those who are more pragmatic, aiming to revolutionize various industries with formations..."
Mo Hua felt unsure.
The idea of traveling across the Nine Provinces to find lost forbidden formations sounded intriguing—though he didn't yet know what forbidden formations were. Visiting sects to exchange formation knowledge also seemed appealing. Devoting oneself solely to studying formations in peace and quiet was serene and appealing. And using formations to innovate various industries seemed profoundly meaningful...
Seeing Mo Hua's frown, Master Zhuang smiled faintly and changed the subject:
"But in reality, it doesn't matter how you choose. While the rules in this world are strict, one could also say there are no taboos. No one dictates what kind of person you must be or what kind of formation master you should become."
"As a formation master, the most important thing is dedication to formations, comprehension of the natural laws, and always remembering the four words: 'observe, learn, contemplate, apply.'"
"Observe, learn, contemplate, apply?"
"Observing broadens your horizons, learning enhances your skills, contemplating prevents knowledge from being stagnant, and applying transforms what you've learned into practical use. Comprehension of formations begins with observation and culminates in application."
Mo Hua nodded as if understanding, feeling like he grasped something but not fully.
"Observing, learning, and contemplating are all well and good, but that alone is not enough. You must also learn to apply. To learn formations without applying them is like hiding treasure in the mountains, keeping your talents hidden, and ultimately struggling to achieve greatness. Applying what you learn, and refining your skills through application, is paramount."
"Then, Master," Mo Hua earnestly asked, "how should I best apply formations?"
"Formations are insights into the laws of heaven and earth obtained by cultivators. In other words, formations are present in all things in the world, and there are methods for applying formations in everything. With diligence, every aspect of life—every sip of water, every morsel of food—is closely related to formations."
Mo Hua suddenly realized that previously, when he used formations to refine tools or build furnaces, he was actually applying formation principles.
"I understand," Mo Hua said happily. "Formations are insights into the laws of heaven and earth, and naturally, they can be applied in various industries within the cultivation world. Between heaven and earth, every plant and tree contains the essence of formations. As long as one is dedicated, they can study and apply formation principles everywhere. Master, is that what you mean?"
"Exactly!" Master Zhuang said with satisfaction. "Furthermore, there's one more crucial point: applying what you've learned, integrating and mastering it, can solve the issue of you learning various formations but not mastering any."
Mo Hua's eyes lit up.
Master Zhuang explained, "Drawing formations on paper alone can lead to paper tactics. Every aspect of heaven and earth is different, and formation mediums vary widely. By actually drawing and using formations, your understanding deepens, your insights become clearer, and your ability to unravel formations grows stronger!"
Mo Hua found it very reasonable but also felt a bit troubled. "I might not have that much time..."
After all, drawing formations on specific spiritual tools or stones was much more laborious than on paper. Considering the debugging required for applying formations, it would also take more time, making it impossible to continue studying with Master Zhuang on schedule.
"It's okay," after much preamble, Master Zhuang finally revealed what he had hidden in his heart:
"I can give you time off!"
Mo Hua faintly sensed something amiss and looked at Master Zhuang with some suspicion.
Master Zhuang looked up at the sky, explaining with an air of calm and clarity:
"Ordinary disciples usually specialize in one type of formation and don't need to consider application so early. However, due to your cultivation techniques, you need to study a wide range of formations. The broader the range of formations you study, the more difficult it is to find a comprehensive approach in theory alone. Only 'learning through application' can integrate all types of knowledge, allowing different formations to converge in their paths."
Master Zhuang noticed Mo Hua's expression change from suspicion to contemplation and then sudden realization. Seizing the moment, he said:
"So, you don't need to come to me for guidance every day. Just come every few days, and if there's anything you don't understand, I'll guide you then."
Mo Hua's doubts vanished, feeling grateful in his heart:
"Alright, Master!"
After Mo Hua left, Master Zhuang reclined back in his chair, leisurely fanning himself.
Old Kui appeared, glanced at him, and coldly snorted, "Misleading the young."
Master Zhuang replied, "At most, it's a case of overestimating their capabilities, not misleading."
"If the foundation isn't solid, and yet they're already considering practical application, I've never seen someone teach formations like this. Isn't this misleading the young?" Old Kui's tone was flat, tinged with some mockery.
Master Zhuang's gaze deepened. "What makes a foundation solid? Compared to peers from Tongxian City, his foundation is already quite solid. Compared to disciples from prominent families, especially the children from the Bai family, even if he studies for another ten or twenty years, his foundation won't be as solid. He'll never catch up on this path; it might be better to try a different path."
"I thought you were at least somewhat confident. Turns out, it's just an experiment," Old Kui remarked.
"The Dao of Heaven is constant yet elusive. Those who cling to old ways, how can they glimpse the great path?" Master Zhuang's expression shifted subtly, seemingly touched, and then nodded unexpectedly, "You're right."
Master Zhuang, feeling somewhat uneasy, muttered, "Am I talking nonsense? Those who don't cling to old ways might also meet unfortunate ends. At your age, stop fooling around. Don't keep changing your mind and losing your way."
"I understand," Old Kui said.
Master Zhuang glanced at him, lay back again, and murmured, "Do you really understand?"
Old Kui asked, "How long do you plan to teach?"
Master Zhuang's expression became slightly serious, "Do things from start to finish. Wait until he becomes a first-grade formation master."
"What about those two children from the Bai family? They have outstanding talents. Don't you think it's a pity?" Old Kui asked.
Master Zhuang waved his fan, "What's that got to do with me?"
Old Kui's voice was flat, "Your junior sister may not give up."
Master Zhuang looked into the distant drifting clouds, "She wants me to remember our bond, but she's not that young junior sister anymore, and I'm no longer the spirited second senior brother she knew. She understands this, but she's unwilling to accept it deep down. Otherwise, she would have come to see me herself long ago..."
"And my senior brother, he went to great lengths just to find me..."
Old Kui fell silent, then suddenly said after a moment:
"Come back to the sect with me, or I can't guarantee your safety for much longer."
Master Zhuang lay on the bamboo chair, gazing into the mountains, calmly saying:
"As time passes, there is sunrise and there is sunset. Seasons change, with flourishing and withering of wood. Life and death are natural occurrences in the world. What more is there to worry about?"
"I can eat meat, drink wine, admire the scenery, and enjoy a few more days of peace and quiet, free from desires and aspirations."
Old Kui knew he couldn't persuade him and fell silent, gradually fading into the shadows.
(End of the Chapter)