Chapter 68: Application

One morning, Mr. Zhuang summoned Mo Hua and asked with an air of profound mystery:

"Mo Hua, what kind of array master do you wish to become?"

Mo Hua thought: If I could become a First-Rank Array Master, I'd receive a monthly stipend and support myself—my parents would surely be pleased.

But Mr. Zhuang probably didn't mean it that way.

"Master, what differentiates array masters?" Mo Hua asked humbly.

"Array methods are countless; those who study them are likewise diverse, each with their own strengths."

"Oh…" Mo Hua was somewhat bewildered.

Mr. Zhuang continued: "Some array masters travel the Nine Provinces seeking lost forbidden arrays; some visit sects to exchange and test array techniques; some devote themselves single-mindedly to study, ignoring worldly affairs; others are more practical, aiming to transform industries through arrays…"

Mo Hua found it difficult to choose.

Traveling the Nine Provinces to find lost forbidden arrays sounded admirable—even though he didn't yet know what a forbidden array was; visiting sects to exchange array techniques also seemed good; studying arrays in quiet seclusion, detached from mundane matters, was peaceful and serene; and using arrays to transform industries was deeply meaningful…

Seeing Mo Hua's delicate brows slightly furrowed, Mr. Zhuang smiled faintly and changed tack:

"But in truth, it doesn't matter which path you choose. The world has strict rules, yet it can also be utterly unrestricted—no one dictates what kind of person you must be, nor what kind of array master you must become."

"As an array master, how you choose doesn't matter; what matters most is your devotion to array techniques, your understanding of the Dao, and above all, remember these four words: 'See, Learn, Reflect, Apply.'"

"See, Learn, Reflect, Apply?"

"Seeing broadens your horizons; learning elevates your skill; reflecting prevents rote memorization without comprehension; applying transforms what you've learned into practical use. Your understanding of arrays begins with seeing and ends with applying."

Mo Hua nodded, half-understanding, feeling he grasped something—but not fully.

"You've done well in seeing, learning, and reflecting—but that alone isn't enough. You must learn to apply. Studying arrays without applying them is like burying treasure in a mountain until it gathers dust, or hoarding talent within yourself without ever revealing it—you'll never achieve greatness. Learn to apply; apply to refine your learning—that is the highest path."

"Then, Master," Mo Hua asked earnestly, "how should I apply array techniques?"

"Array techniques are the cultivator's insight into heaven and earth. In other words, all things in heaven and earth contain arrays, and all contain methods of array application. With intent, even the tiniest thread, every sip and bite, is intimately tied to arrays."

Mo Hua suddenly understood: earlier, when he used arrays to cultivate his furnace and build his stove, he had already been applying array techniques.

"Disciple understands," Mo Hua said happily. "Arrays are the cultivator's insight into the Dao, and naturally can be applied to all trades of the cultivation world. Between heaven and earth, every blade of grass and every tree contains the Dao of arrays. With intent, all can be studied and applied. Master, is that what you mean?"

"Exactly!" Mr. Zhuang felt deeply satisfied. "There's one more crucial point: Learn to apply, integrate thoroughly—it will resolve your problem of studying arrays broadly but shallowly, just to solve puzzle arrays."

Mo Hua's eyes lit up.

Mr. Zhuang explained: "Drawing arrays only on paper inevitably leads to empty theorizing. Heaven and earth differ; array mediums vary greatly. Only by actually drawing and applying arrays will your understanding deepen and your insight grow sharper—and your ability to unravel arrays will strengthen!"

Mo Hua found this reasonable, yet felt troubled: "Disciple may not have enough time…"

After all, drawing arrays directly on spirit artifacts or earth and stone was far more laborious than drawing on paper; accounting for adjustments in array application would take even more time, making it impossible to continue visiting Mr. Zhuang regularly as before.

"No problem," Mr. Zhuang said, after long preparation, finally voicing what he'd long held within:

"I'll grant you leave!"

Mo Hua sensed something amiss and regarded Mr. Zhuang with suspicion.

Mr. Zhuang gazed upward, his expression serene and open as he explained:

"Ordinary disciples study only one type or category of array, so they needn't consider application so early. But due to your cultivation method, you must study a vast and varied array of techniques. The broader your array knowledge, the harder it becomes to unify them theoretically—only 'learn to apply' can integrate all you've learned, making disparate arrays converge toward the same goal."

Seeing Mo Hua's expression shift from suspicion to thoughtful contemplation, then to sudden understanding, Mr. Zhuang pressed on:

"So you needn't come to me daily—come every few days instead. If anything confuses you, I'll guide you."

Mo Hua's doubts vanished, and he felt profound gratitude:

"Yes, Master!"

After Mo Hua left, Mr. Zhuang lay back on his chair, swaying his fan with a contented expression.

Gui Lao materialized, glanced at him, and snorted coldly: "You're misleading your students."

Mr. Zhuang replied: "At most, I'm slightly hastening growth—I wouldn't call it misleading."

"His foundation isn't even solid yet, and you're already talking about application. I've never seen anyone teach array techniques this way. Isn't this misleading?" Gui Lao's tone was flat, yet tinged with mockery.

Mr. Zhuang's gaze grew deep. "What is a solid foundation? Compared to his peers in Xiancheng, his foundation is already very strong. Compared to disciples of noble families—especially the two from the Bai family—he'd need another ten or twenty years to match their solidity. If he can never catch up on that path, why not try another?"

"I thought you had at least some confidence. So you're just experimenting." Gui Lao said.

"The Dao follows constant principles, yet is elusive. How can one who clings rigidly to tradition ever glimpse the Great Dao?"

Gui Lao's expression shifted slightly, visibly moved, and then he nodded: "You're right."

Mr. Zhuang, however, grew uneasy. "I was just speaking nonsense. Those who break tradition may also meet a bad end. You're already old—don't go recklessly changing paths or altering your Dao-heart."

"I understand," Gui Lao said.

Mr. Zhuang glanced at him, then lay back, muttering: "Do you really understand…?"

Gui Lao asked again: "How long do you plan to teach him?"

Mr. Zhuang's expression grew slightly solemn. "Do things thoroughly—from start to finish. Until he becomes a First-Rank Array Master."

"What about the two Bai children? Their talent is exceptional. Don't you feel it's a waste?"

Mr. Zhuang waved his fan. "What's that to me?"

Gui Lao's voice was flat: "Your junior sister won't give up."

Mr. Zhuang gazed at the drifting mist in the distance:

"She wants me to remember old bonds—but she's no longer that little junior sister, and I'm no longer that spirited second senior brother. She knows this well, yet dares not accept it—otherwise, she'd have come to me herself…"

"And my senior brother… he went to great lengths just to find me…"

Gui Lao fell silent, then suddenly said:

"Come back with me to the sect. Otherwise, I can't protect you much longer."

Mr. Zhuang lay on his bamboo chair, gazing far off toward the mountains, calmly saying:

"Time turns; when the sun rises, it must set; seasons flow; when trees flourish, they wither. Human life follows its course: birth, and inevitably, death. Life and death are natural in heaven and earth—why fear them?"

"As long as I can eat meat, drink wine, and watch the scenery, enjoying a few more quiet days, I have no further desires."

Gui Lao knew he couldn't persuade him, so he said nothing more, his form slowly dissolving into shadow.