Chapter 525: The Wuxing Sect

"Master, this Five Elements Absolute Array is so important—will they let me learn it?"

Mo Hua worriedly asked.

Mr. Zhuang said calmly, "They dare not refuse to let you learn it!"

Mo Hua froze, then asked involuntarily:

"Master, do you have some connection with the Wuxing Sect?"

Mr. Zhuang's gaze grew distant. "You could say that…"

Mo Hua looked curious.

Bai Zisheng and Bai Zi Xi were also watching Mr. Zhuang.

After a moment's thought, Mr. Zhuang nodded. "I might as well tell you…"

"More accurately, it's not just me who has a connection with them—it's our entire sect that has ties to the Wuxing Sect…"

"Sect?"

Mo Hua was startled, then asked softly, "Master, do we even have a sect?"

"Yes."

"What's it called?" Mo Hua was deeply curious.

Mr. Zhuang hesitated, his eyes darkening. "It's fallen into decline. Better not to speak of it."

Mo Hua sighed, feeling disappointed.

In Mr. Zhuang's eyes lingered another emotion as he continued:

"The ancestors of the Wuxing Sect had deep ties with our sect."

"Our sect's founder once saved the Wuxing Sect from utter ruin during a great calamity."

"In gratitude, the ancestors of the Wuxing Sect taught us their Absolute Array."

"Since then, every generation of our sect has been allowed to go to the Wuxing Sect to study the Five Elements Absolute Array—but only for seven days."

"Moreover, this array is the very foundation of the Wuxing Sect's establishment; our founder didn't wish to take advantage, so he stipulated that only Qi Condensation cultivators may study it…"

Mo Hua nodded repeatedly as he listened. "Our founder and the Wuxing Sect's elders were both men of principle—each made concessions, neither took undue advantage."

Mr. Zhuang gave a wry smile. "That's merely the surface."

Mo Hua blinked. "Surface?"

Mr. Zhuang nodded. "This story was told to me by my own master. At first I believed it without question, but after interacting with the Wuxing Sect, I realized the truth was different."

"In truth, it was a transaction."

"A transaction…"

Mo Hua opened his mouth, thought for a moment, then understood—his voice filled with disbelief:

"Could it be that our founder wanted the Wuxing Sect's Absolute Array, and used the rescue as leverage?"

"And the Wuxing Sect, to ensure their sect's survival, had no choice but to agree?"

Mr. Zhuang nodded.

"Precisely. It was a transaction—the Wuxing Sect traded their Absolute Array for survival."

Mr. Zhuang then warned Mo Hua:

"In this world, truth and falsehood are hard to distinguish. Never believe a single account entirely—even if the speaker is our own sect's founder."

"Even founders have selfish motives and will spin tales to glorify themselves."

"In the Wuxing Sect, the story is told differently."

"From their perspective, our founder took advantage of their crisis and made unreasonable demands, forcing them to surrender their sect's ultimate array."

"The Wuxing Sect has never been satisfied with this."

"So they imposed a condition…"

Mo Hua's eyes brightened slightly. "Only Qi Condensation cultivators can learn it?"

Mr. Zhuang nodded. "Yes."

"At the Qi Condensation stage, one is at most a Rank One Array Master. Even if they learn it, they can only grasp Rank One—and a Rank One Absolute Array, if leaked, isn't too serious."

"Without this restriction, any high-rank Array Master from our sect's past could have fully uncovered the Wuxing Sect's secrets."

"Moreover, this Five Elements Array, with its Thirteen Patterns at Rank One, is already extremely difficult."

"Foundation Establishment cultivators might still master it—Qi Condensation cultivators stand almost no chance."

"With these conditions, the Wuxing Sect reluctantly agreed to our founder's demand."

"Our founder didn't think much of it."

"To learn the sect's ultimate array at all was already a blessing; the Wuxing Sect's demands were reasonable, so he made no counteroffers."

"In our founder's mind, our sect revered Array Dao, and among our disciples there were countless geniuses—finding one who could master the Five Elements Absolute Array at Qi Condensation stage wouldn't be easy, but surely not impossible…"

"But…"

Mr. Zhuang's expression turned subtle.

"Our founder miscalculated."

"This isn't an ordinary Rank One Absolute Array."

"Thirteen Patterns at Rank One far exceeds the nine-pattern spiritual awareness of Qi Condensation cultivators."

"When they actually go to study, the Wuxing Sect will also create all kinds of obstacles."

"Thus, to this day, not a single genius disciple from our sect's generations has ever mastered this Five Elements Absolute Array from the Wuxing Sect…"

Mr. Zhuang looked at Mo Hua. "So now, this burden falls on your shoulders."

Mo Hua instantly felt his small shoulders grow heavy.

He whispered weakly, "Master, what if I can't learn it either?"

Mr. Zhuang said: "This array is crucial to you; if you can learn it, you must learn it."

"But if you truly cannot learn it, there's nothing to be done."

Mr. Zhuang comforted him: "Just do your best. Even if you can't learn it, don't worry—when the cart reaches the mountain, a path will appear…"

"Mm…" Mo Hua nodded.

After speaking, Mo Hua furrowed his brow and lowered his head, lost in thought again.

Mr. Zhuang asked: "What are you thinking about now?"

Mo Hua paused to choose his words:

"When our Ancestor did this, wasn't there a hint of taking advantage of their misfortune? The Wuxing Sect must have harbored resentment…"

They coveted the Wuxing Sect's ultimate array, and during the Wuxing Sect's crisis, made demands that forced the Wuxing Sect to accept this deal—trading their sect's ultimate array for survival.

There's even another possibility:

That the Wuxing Sect's crisis back then wasn't accidental—perhaps it was subtly stirred up by our Ancestor…

Even if he didn't stir it up, he at least stood by and did nothing?

Mr. Zhuang patted Mo Hua's head gently and said:

"These are the grudges of our predecessors. You need not concern yourself with them."

"Events from so long ago—grudges and debts—who can clearly sort them out?"

"Even if our Ancestor had selfish motives, the fact remains that he saved the Wuxing Sect."

"Between the safety of the sect and the preservation of its legacy, the Wuxing Sect made their choice—and reached the deal."

"You need not feel any hesitation."

"And because of these grudges, the Wuxing Sect will never be friendly toward us—so don't be polite. Go learn boldly."

"If you truly manage to learn every secret of the Wuxing Sect, that's your own ability—they won't dare say a word…"

Mo Hua whispered: "They have Jin Dan inside their sect…"

"If I really do learn it, they won't panic and refuse to let me go, right…?"

Mr. Zhuang looked down at him coldly: "They dare not."

Mo Hua froze, suddenly feeling much more at ease.

"By the way, Master, what's the name of this array?" Mo Hua asked again.

Mr. Zhuang paused, then spoke slowly:

"The Five Elements Spirit Array."

"The Five Elements Spirit Array…" Mo Hua murmured it once more. "The name seems a bit ordinary…"

Mr. Zhuang shook his head:

"You don't understand the principle behind it, so it seems ordinary to you…"

"The word 'Spirit' in 'Spirit Array' indicates that such arrays are tied to the essence or nature of spiritual energy."

"The Gather-Spirit Array is simple, yet it is essential as the array's core—it is the origin of array activation."

"The Reverse-Spirit Array is an ultimate array, involving the inversion and collapse of spiritual energy; the Spirit-Pivot Array is also an ultimate array, involving control of the spiritual energy's core."

"The Five Elements Spirit Array is the same."

"It concerns the amplification of Five Elements spiritual energy."

"A set of five arrays, encompassing all Five Elements: the Metal Spirit Array, Wood Spirit Array, Water Spirit Array, Fire Spirit Array, and Earth Spirit Array—each amplifies and strengthens the power of its corresponding elemental spiritual energy…"

…

Mo Hua listened intently, utterly absorbed.

But Mr. Zhuang suddenly fell silent.

Mo Hua said: "Master, please continue."

Mr. Zhuang shook his head. "I can't say more—the rest you must figure out yourself…"

If I say more, there'll be no challenge left.

Mo Hua felt a pang of regret, and could only say:

"Understood, Master."

Mr. Zhuang glanced at Mo Hua and added:

"The Wuxing Sect's Five Elements Spirit Array, though presented as a complete set from low to high rank, is an entire series of ultimate arrays."

"But the high-rank portions have most likely been lost; what remains in the Wuxing Sect today is probably only first- and second-rank arrays…"

"Still, even first- and second-rank arrays are enough."

"Ultimate arrays must be learned gradually—from low rank upward."

"One must have one before two, two before three…"

"Master the first-rank array, lay a solid foundation, and only then can you gradually comprehend the subsequent arrays step by step…"

Mr. Zhuang's voice faltered slightly; silently in his heart he added:

"But the later arrays—you'll have to find them yourself…"

Mr. Zhuang looked at Mo Hua, his gaze tinged with melancholy and reluctance—but these emotions vanished in an instant.

Mr. Zhuang's gaze returned, soft as water.

Mo Hua, still frowning, was lost in thought about the ultimate arrays and did not notice this subtle change.

…

After a night's rest, Mr. Zhuang gave some final instructions.

The next day, the group set out, officially heading toward the Wuxing Sect.

Less than half an hour later, the carriage arrived before the gates of the Wuxing Sect.

The tall towers of the Wuxing Sect stood in rows, gilded and brilliant, exuding great grandeur; besides the Array Hall, there were countless rooms built—alchemy chambers, artifact-forging workshops, cultivation chambers, discourse halls, and Spirit-Steaming Towers, all manner of facilities.

Such massive construction clearly meant they weren't short of Spirit Stones.

The Wuxing Sect's threshold was high, its steps tall and long.

A few gatekeeper disciples, dressed in Wuxing Sect robes, stood at the entrance.

The carriage was halted by these gatekeeper disciples.

They regarded him with cold expressions, tinged with arrogance, and spoke without courtesy:

"Who are you, cultivator? Don't you know that carriages are forbidden within the Wuxing Sect?"

Mo Hua pulled back the curtain, leapt down from the carriage, and in the surprised gazes of the gatekeeper disciples, handed over a jade slip.

One of the gatekeeper disciples frowned. "Who are you? What is this jade slip?"

Mo Hua's small face was equally cold.

He had his own temper too.

Others treated him with courtesy, and only then would he treat them with courtesy.

These gatekeeper disciples wore smug expressions; Mo Hua couldn't be bothered with them, merely tilted his small head upward and ordered:

"Take this to your sect leader. He'll know once he sees it."

The gatekeeper disciples all glared with ill will.

In this vicinity of Shancheng, few cultivators dared to be so disrespectful at the Wuxing Sect's gate, let alone speak of their sect leader without a trace of reverence.

Moreover, this person was just a brat with no beard.

One gatekeeper disciple sneered:

"Brat, open your eyes and see where you are!"

"This is a third-grade sect—the Wuxing Sect!"

"Do you think our sect leader is someone you can just demand to see?"

Mo Hua said nothing, only extended his right hand and raised his thumb.

On his thumb was a large signet ring, made of jadeite, adorned with nine streaks of stellar radiance—exquisite and luxurious.

The Wuxing Sect was founded on array arts, and within its walls there were many array masters.

Even if these disciples were blind, they could tell this was the rare first-grade Tian Shu Ring, symbolizing an array master's status.

Any cultivator who possessed a Tian Shu Ring was a true array master, officially rated and recognized by the Dao Court.

To be rated at all—even at first grade—meant one's array mastery was not to be underestimated.

But the problem was, this ring was worn on the finger of a cultivator barely ten years old.

That made it seem absurd…

Yet the gatekeeper disciples, though arrogant, were not entirely without sense.

They were accustomed to trampling the low and bowing to the high, but a first-grade array master was clearly not someone they could belittle.

Even if this first-grade array master might be an impostor.

One gatekeeper disciple frowned: "Little…"

The words "brat" died on his lips.

His tone grew slightly serious: "... Young brother, are you truly a first-grade array master?"

Mo Hua lifted his chin proudly. "Correct!"

The gatekeeper disciple still found it hard to believe.

Mo Hua gave him a cold glance. "Hurry up and go!"

Though Mo Hua's attitude was poor, these gatekeeper disciples dared not slack off.

This young cultivator would never dare be so bold unless he truly had backing.

Moreover, he arrived by carriage.

Outside the carriage sat an old driver, seemingly ordinary, yet utterly inscrutable.

And inside the carriage—who or what kind of cultivator lay hidden, they did not know.

But whoever could make a first-grade array master get down to clear the way must be even more extraordinary.

The lead gatekeeper disciple bowed his hands:

"Young brother, please wait a moment—I shall report to our sect leader immediately."

Whether true or false, the sect leader will decide.

If this young cultivator truly is a first-grade array master, we must treat him with proper respect.

If not…

Anyone who dares to impersonate an array master at the Wuxing Sect's gate will not escape punishment!

The gatekeeper disciple's expression turned icy, and he went to report.

Mo Hua flipped onto Da Bai and waited, idly scratching Da Bai's belly.

In the time it took to drink a cup of tea, movement stirred within the Wuxing Sect.

A wave of qi surged upward.

The noise gradually grew louder.

After a while, these qi signatures converged toward the gate.

Mo Hua sat atop Da Bai and looked up—he saw that, without notice, the long staircase before the gate was now lined with numerous cultivators.

Each one radiated profound qi, faces grim, eyes locked on the carriage, as if facing a dire threat.

Soon, the crowd parted.

From within stepped a cultivator wearing a golden crown, his robe more ornate, embroidered with the five-colored flowers of the Five Elements, his features radiating greater authority.

From the look of it, this seemed to be the Sect Master of the Wuxing Sect.

His face was solemn, yet with a faint trace of anticipation hidden within, as he walked to the front of the carriage, cupped his hands, and said:

"I am the Sect Master of the Wuxing Sect, here to respectfully welcome Senior Zhuang."

The moment these words were spoken, those within the Wuxing Sect who knew the truth all flashed a cold glint in their eyes.

Those who didn't know wore expressions of shock and bewilderment.

Just who was inside this carriage, that even the Sect Master of a dignified third grade Wuxing Sect would bow and address them as "Senior"?

From within the carriage came Mr. Zhuang's calm, unhurried words:

"How many generations has it been?"

The Wuxing Sect Master cupped his hands and said: "I won't hide it from you, Senior. Since then, three generations have already passed."

Mr. Zhuang gave an "Mm."

The Wuxing Sect Master's gaze flickered, then he stepped aside and said: "Please, Senior, enter the sect."

Elder Kui turned his head and glanced at Mr. Zhuang.

Mr. Zhuang, through the carriage curtain, looked at the Wuxing Sect's threshold, then slightly raised his gaze to take in the entire sect at a glance. After his thoughts calculated for a moment, he fell silent.

After a long while, he seemed to finally make up his mind.

The road that must be walked will, in the end, have to be walked.

That day, too, will always come…

"Let's go."

In Mr. Zhuang's tone was hidden a thread of complex, hard-to-fathom resolve.

Elder Kui nodded, glanced at Mo Hua, and Mo Hua patted Da Bai.

Da Bai, having received the command, began pulling the carriage forward into the sect.

Before they'd gone a few steps, they encountered that tall threshold.

The threshold rose high, leaving the carriage stuck outside the gate.

The cultivators of the Wuxing Sect, from top to bottom, watched coldly from the sidelines; some even sneered, as if intending to give Mr. Zhuang a show of force.

Mo Hua raised an eyebrow, then patted Da Bai again.

Da Bai instantly took the hint, raised his head and neighed, lifted his front hooves high, and stomped down violently, shattering the Wuxing Sect's threshold to pieces. Then his big head nuzzled Mo Hua's little hand ingratiatingly.

Mo Hua beamed with delight, praised Da Bai, and smoothed down Da Bai's mane.

Da Bai held his head high and chest out, pulling the carriage as he leisurely strolled into the Wuxing Sect.

From top to bottom, every face in the Wuxing Sect was furious, yet at the same time, none of them dared to voice their anger.

Only the Wuxing Sect Master's eyes glinted with an obscure, hard-to-read cold light.

(End of chapter)