Chapter 594: Foundation

In the next class on formations, Master Xun began by saying:

"Today, we are not studying formations. First, I will teach you something more fundamental."

Mo Hua blinked in surprise.

The other disciples exchanged glances.

They were all scions of noble families, each with complete cultivation lineages; since childhood, they had been immersed in them, and though none claimed deep mastery, their basic knowledge of formations was well-known.

What else could possibly be considered fundamental?

Master Xun scanned the room, his voice solemn:

"I know you come from noble families, with formidable lineages—you all have a general sense of the hundred arts of cultivation…"

"But formations are different. What you call 'basic' is merely surface-level, even less than that—it's only one or two bricks atop the foundation."

"If you seek true heights in the Way of Formations, your current foundation is far from sufficient."

Master Xun's peripheral gaze flickered toward Mo Hua, "Today, I will tell you of all the formations under heaven, their myriad origins…"

The disciples sat up straight, rigid with attention.

Mo Hua also sat upright, his slender spine straight, listening with rapt focus.

Master Xun's clouded eyes revealed a faint edge as he spoke slowly:

"The Way of Formations is vast and profound."

"There are many formations in the world: ancient ones passed down since antiquity, evolved and modified ones that gradually emerged, and entirely new ones created by later cultivators who built upon the efforts of their predecessors…"

"Not only are the types of formations diverse and the numbers countless, but their patterns are varied as well…"

"Even the same formation can have multiple variants."

"Across different lineages, even the same formation may differ slightly in its formation patterns, core nodes, and even the structure of its focal point."

"Even the simplest first-rank Bright Fire Formation, containing only three formation patterns, has no fewer than eighteen different renderings across various schools' records…"

"This is the first point I wish to convey to you…"

"The Dao has no fixed rules; formations have no fixed form!"

"What you have learned are the basic formation patterns standardized and widely disseminated by the Dao Court."

"The Dao Court's standardization of rank and form was merely an attempt to unify the most common, most universally applicable formation styles—for the sake of regulation, ease of learning, ease of use, and ease of dissemination…"

"To meet the ranking criteria, you must learn these 'standardized' and 'regulated' formation patterns."

"Indeed, due to the strictness of ranking, the effort and dedication required are so immense that one's entire life may be spent obsessing over these 'regulated' patterns, exhausting mind and body until hair turns white…"

"You will come to revere them as sacred truth…"

"But…"

Master Xun paused, his gaze suddenly sharp, "You must understand: this is not the essence of formations, not their original nature…"

"Errors, complex patterns, chaotic principles, internal contradictions—this is the true, original form of formations…"

"These are the perceptions, insights, and manifestations of the Dao, shaped by different eras, different continents, different realms, and different cultivators, each interpreting heaven, earth, and all things…"

"Errors are normal."

"Complexity is correct."

"All things in the mortal world are this complex…"

"Formations are inherently chaotic, obscure, and difficult to comprehend—the manifestation of countless Dao paths…"

"If you wish to attain true Dao, learning only the Dao Court's standardized formations will not suffice."

"Those formations have been artificially refined, artificially harmonized—they are human-made 'correctness,' not the original form of formations, nor the true nature of Dao…"

"All things are strange and wondrous; formations are myriad and infinite."

"True top-tier formation masters must transcend standardized ranks and forms, see with their own eyes, experience with their own bodies."

"Discard the crude, retain the refined; discard the false, preserve the true; observe the traces of Dao in the multitude of complex formation patterns, comprehend the flow of Dao through endless variations of formations…"

"Thus, you will comprehend the most authentic, most essential formations, forge your own formation principles, and walk your own path to enlightenment!"

"This is the foundation of formation principles!"

…

Master Xun's words rang with weight.

The disciples half-understood, half-confused.

Mo Hua was deeply shaken.

His master had once said something similar to him.

Yet his master's words differed slightly from Master Xun's, with different emphasis…

His master urged him to walk his own path, to forge his own "formation school."

Master Xun urged him to observe broadly and select sparingly, to free himself from frameworks, to lay his foundation in the widest spectrum of formations.

The two approaches seemed to converge at the same destination.

In specifics, Mo Hua's current knowledge was too limited to fully grasp.

But from these words, Mo Hua sensed that Master Xun's mastery of formations was extraordinarily profound!

"The Dao has no fixed rules; formations have no fixed form…"

Attain their spirit, abandon their form—

Use formations as a raft, the far shore as Dao; once crossed, abandon the raft; upon attaining Dao, all formations become formless.

Mo Hua nodded silently.

Master Xun glanced at Mo Hua, gave a slight nod, and continued:

"The formations of the world are diverse in category."

"Next, I will tell you what categories of formations exist in this world…"

"Some of you should already know, but as for the rest, even if you've heard of them, you may still lack a clear understanding…"

"So, pay close attention and memorize well what I'm about to say…"

Mr. Xun's peripheral vision drifted toward Mo Hua.

Mo Hua understood at once and nodded repeatedly.

Mr. Xun nodded silently, thinking, "Quite sharp…" then continued in a solemn tone:

"In this world, all things differ vastly; the Great Dao embedded within them is complex, diverse, and ever-changing…"

"These Great Daos manifest as array patterns, coalesce into array systems, and thus give rise to many utterly distinct array traditions…"

"Chaos, Yin-Yang, Three Talents, Four Symbols, Five Phases, Eight Trigrams, Six Harmonies, Seven Stars…"

"These are eight categories—ancient, long-established, clearly traced, and with manifest array principles…"

"Now I will explain each in turn…"

……

"Chaos and Yin-Yang—these two array types are ancient arrays, originally derived and manifested by ancient cultivators from the Great Dao of heaven and earth."

"These arrays are old, their structures simple, yet the array principles within are extremely complex, embodying the truth that the greatest Dao is simplest yet deepest."

"Because their forms are plain, even crude, their obscurity makes them hard for modern cultivators to comprehend."

"Simple in form, profound in meaning—the spiritual awareness required to comprehend them is immense, and even after intense contemplation, one may still grasp nothing…"

"Precisely because they are so obscure—hard to learn, hard to decipher, hard to transmit—the Chaos and Yin-Yang array types have gradually been lost."

"The few that remain today are mere fragments, hoarded and studied by various Dao Courts or noble families, but a systematic study is now nearly impossible…"

……

"The Three Talents array…"

"Some disciples, when first learning arrays, may have studied the 'Three Talents Array,' but that was merely an introductory form—crude, even not touching the surface."

"In other words, it was merely a basic 'template' used by the Dao Court for beginner training…"

"The true Three Talents Array concerns 'Heaven,' 'Earth,' and 'Humanity'—its scope is vast, its derivatives extensive."

"But your experience is limited; you are still young—you cannot possibly comprehend the boundlessness of the Heavenly Dao, the profound virtue of the Earthly Dao, or the cunning mutability of the Human Dao…"

"Let alone the union of the Three Talents."

"By now, you should understand that Heaven, Earth, and Humanity—the Three Talents—are not matters ordinary cultivators should even consider; they are the Dao Court's knowledge for governing the world…"

"Thus, the core transmission of the Three Talents Array is strictly guarded by the Dao Court and never passed outside."

"Unless you one day enter the Dao Court, or enter Daozhou and come into contact with its high echelons, you will never learn the true essence of the Three Talents Array…"

……

"The Four Symbols array…"

"This is a special type, passed down through generations by the barbarian cultivators of the wild lands south of the Nine Provinces."

"These arrays are tied to certain beast bloodlines with unique traits."

"Their array patterns resemble beast markings more than anything else."

"Beasts border on demons. Before you deeply master the Five Phases and Eight Trigrams arrays, avoid learning the Four Symbols—otherwise, your nature may become skewed, losing your humanity."

……

"The Five Phases array—no need to elaborate further."

"The Five Phases are the most common and widely applicable array type in the cultivation world."

"Since ancient times, the Five Phases array has had its origins, but initially it was extremely rudimentary; later, through generations of cultivators' research and development, it has grown into its current vast scale and multitude of forms."

"The greatest contributor to the development of the Five Phases array was the old Wuxing Sect."

"Unfortunately, the Wuxing Sect suddenly declined; the few surviving branches now dwell in remote corners, idle and unambitious, unable to regain their former glory…"

"Yet even as the Wuxing Sect faded into obscurity, the Five Phases array spread far and wide, becoming ubiquitous across the Nine Provinces and widely applied in all branches of cultivation…"

"But some core transmissions likely have no successors left…"

Mr. Xun felt a pang of regret.

Mo Hua blinked, pretending to know nothing.

The Wuxing Sect's ancient secret—the 'Five Phases Origin Pattern'—now resided on his person.

He had also learned the Five Phases Absolute Array.

But he certainly could not say so.

"Stay quiet and grow rich…"

Mo Hua silently warned himself.

After his regret, Mr. Xun continued:

"The Six Harmonies array…"

"This array is unusual and can be simply divided into two types: one emphasizes metaphysics, focusing on the harmony of Yin and Yang and the alignment of the Heavenly Stems; the other is the Six Hexagrams type, with three Yin and three Yang, where the trigrams generate each other…"

"The Six Harmonies array is obscure, especially the Six Hexagrams—if one makes even a slight mistake, it easily disrupts the spirit, allowing unknown demonic spirits or evil deities to plant demonic thoughts, leading one into the demonic path."

"Do not learn the Six Harmonies array lightly…"

……

"Next is the Seven Stars array…"

"The Seven Stars array is formed by condensing celestial star patterns based on the arrangement of the Big Dipper's seven stars: Tian Shu, Tian Xuan, Xuan Tianji, Tian Quan, Yu Heng, Kai Yang, and Yao Guang."

"The Dao Court's Seven Pavilions are named after these seven stars."

"Thus, the orthodox transmission of the Seven Stars array resides in the Dao Court's central Seven Pavilions and the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, which stands alongside them."

"These arrays discern celestial phenomena, calculate heavenly destiny; when mastered deeply, they allow control over stellar power…"

"But like the Three Talents Array, this is a Dao Court secret—you will likely never have the chance to learn it in your lifetime, and even if you did, you probably couldn't master it anyway…"

Moreover, the Seven Stars Array involves Hu Tianxiang and computational calculations—it is exceedingly profound and utterly beyond the comprehension of ordinary cultivators, or even ordinary array masters.

Of course, there is no need to worry. The Seven Stars Array, though important, is esoteric; ordinary array masters cannot learn it, so it is not included in the standard array types for ranking assessments.

……

"Finally, the Eight Trigrams Array."

"The Five Elements and Eight Trigrams are especially crucial—widely applicable, highly effective, immensely powerful—and are the two essential array types tested in array master rankings."

"The Eight Trigrams Array is built upon the Five Elements Array, but encompasses broader principles, covers greater scope, and delves deeper into array theory; yet if mastered, it will serve you for life."

"The Eight Trigrams Array will be the primary array type you study next."

"I won't go into specifics now—when we begin teaching arrays, I'll instruct you step by step…"

……

"Beyond these eight categories, there are also special array types, such as the 'Three Enclosures' Array, which shares origins with the Seven Stars, and the 'Nine Hidden' Array, structured like the 'Six Lines' Array…"

"These arrays are even more esoteric and are secret transmissions—you do not even know where they are hidden. Are they preserved by obscure cultivation clans or sects? Lost Dao courts? Or forbidden lands with no living souls?"

……

"Thus, these are the array types known in this world as 'orthodox studies.'"

"I tell you these to broaden your horizons and expand your knowledge—not to encourage you to chase after lofty, unattainable goals."

"Eat your meals one bite at a time; learn arrays one pattern at a time."

"The Three Talents, Four Symbols, Six Harmonies, Seven Stars, and other obscure array types—you cannot learn them yet, nor should you waste too much thought on them."

"Your immediate priority is to master the most fundamental and practical arrays: the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams."

"But…"

Mr. Xun turned and spoke again.

"Among all array types, you must become thoroughly familiar with the most fundamental array markings."

"This is foundational—and it will also enable you, when encountering unfamiliar arrays in the future, to identify their category merely by their markings, so you can act appropriately rather than be utterly lost and paralyzed."

"I have compiled a collection of the most basic array markings for all array types—though these markings alone do not constitute full arrays."

Mr. Xun distributed a thick manuscript to each student—one per person.

Including Mo Hua.

On the front page of the manuscript was written: "Grand Void Gate Collection of Array Markings."

Mo Hua opened the manuscript and saw countless array markings he had never studied, or even seen before.

Each varied in form, endlessly mysterious.

Though merely markings, they formed the vast, foundational ground of all array arts.

Mo Hua's heart pounded—thump, thump—and he raised his head to look at Mr. Xun, his eyes gleaming brightly, almost dazzling.

Mr. Xun paused, silently muttering to himself:

"Is he really this delighted… this child…"

After distributing the manuscript containing markings from all eight array types, Mr. Xun said:

"Starting today, you must carry this 'Collection' with you, study it, and practice it…"

"Sand accumulates into a tower; rivers converge into the sea."

"All arrays in this world are composed of the most basic array markings."

"Only by mastering array markings can you draw arrays properly…"

"I will periodically inspect how many markings you have learned…"

"If you slack off, you will be punished…"

The disciples frowned in distress.

Mo Hua, holding his manuscript, was overjoyed.

"Grand Void Gate Collection of Array Markings!"

The collected array markings of all arrays across the world, compiled by generations of the Grand Void Gate!

For array masters, this is among the most fundamental, most comprehensive, yet also most vital transmissions.

Though it is only first-rank, every journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

No matter how advanced an array, you must begin with first-rank.

Mo Hua treasured it as a priceless relic, holding it constantly; every spare moment, he held it in his hands and studied it.

When no one was watching, he practiced the various array markings himself.

At meals, he drew them with his fingers on the table; walking through mountain meadows, he drew them on the ground;

Before sleep, he drew them on paper; after sleep, his spiritual sense sank into his mind sea, continuing to draw upon the Dao Stele…

Since they were only first-rank markings, they were simple and effortless to draw.

After drawing them on the Dao Stele, his spiritual sense could rewind.

Thus, in a single night, Mo Hua could practice each marking thousands upon thousands of times.

He remembered Mr. Xun's instruction: array markings are the foundation—the foundation must be solid.

So even though he had memorized these markings thoroughly, he continued drawing them again and again…

Mo Hua wanted to etch every array type, every marking, indelibly into his mind, perfectly imprinted in his mind sea.

Even into his instinct.

No matter how complex, obscure, or easily confused a marking, if he saw it once, he could instantly identify its array category without thought.

The more he practiced, the more proficient he became—and the more proficient, the more he practiced…

With so much practice, he began to feel a strange illusion: "the unity of man and array."

As if these markings were not external, alien, objective patterns—but merely fragments of his own spiritual will, traces left by his spiritual sense fused with the Dao.

This sensation was mysterious beyond mystery.

Mo Hua could not fully comprehend it, so he gave up trying and simply kept practicing over and over again.

The Eight Gates Array, countless array patterns, took shape again and again beneath his brush.

They also appeared again and again within his consciousness.

What Mo Hua did not know was that, without realizing it, he had truly begun laying the foundation for mastering all array techniques of the heavens, the myriad divine arts of the cosmos...

Happy New Year, everyone~(^～^)

Thank you to Xiantian Wuneng, af_uy, Yiqi Xiuxian, Taiyang in Xin Ge, Du Feng Shi, Jiuzai Wangshi, and pyhuang for your tips~

There will be another update later, but it will be a bit late~

(End of Chapter)