Two hours later, Mo Hua opened his eyes again, took out paper and pen, and briefly drew out several passages in the cave as well as the formations laid out along them.
"We don’t have much time; I haven’t calculated everything. There could still be oversights in the formation, but you can refer to this for a look," he said.
Elder Yu and others didn’t understand the first thing about formations, so they didn’t get much from the conversation but felt that Mo Hua was really reliable; he could solve any formation problems.
Zhang Lan and Leader Yang, however, exchanged a look, each with a trace of astonishment in their eyes.
"Calculate"? What did that mean?
They had never heard that formations could be "calculated."
How do you calculate a formation?
They were born into Noble Clans. Even if they didn’t master formations, the foundation laid by their families, along with what they absorbed over time, meant they knew some basic principles about formations.
However, in all their years, after interacting with so many Formation Masters, whether from Noble Clans, Sects, or hermits, no matter if they were high-grade or low-grade, learned or specialized, none ever mentioned "calculating."
They never imagined that they would hear this rare terminology of formations from Mo Hua, who had only reached the seventh layer of Qi Refinement, whose formations skills were merely at the first grade, and who was just over ten years old.
What exactly had Mo Hua been learning, and who had he been following?!
Zhang Lan and his companion maintained an outward semblance of calm, yet inside, they were beset by a storm of shock and awe.
For the first time, they truly felt the profound and unfathomable nature of the person who had advised Mo Hua on the Formation.
At the same time, in their eyes, the seemingly insignificant Mo Hua had also taken on an air of profundity and mystery...
But now was not the time for such musings.
Capturing the Patriarch of the Qian Family was of utmost importance.
Court Leader Zhou pointed to the map drawn by Mo Hua and said, "These few passages lead to the depths of the lair; the Patriarch of the Qian Family should be hiding inside..."
"We’ll split up to search. If you encounter anything unusual, don’t act rashly. Send a signal, and the rest will converge on your location. We’ll move together once we’ve gathered."
Everyone nodded, each choosing a path. Before departing, Elder Yu turned his head and tenderly admonished Mo Hua, "Hide yourself well, and be careful."
"Mm." Mo Hua nodded, his gaze drifting to Elder Yu’s arm. With concern, he asked, "Elder, your injury... are you alright?"
Previously, Elder Yu had tried to ambush the Patriarch of the Qian Family and sustained an injury from the Patriarch, resulting in the loss of an arm. Though he had been treated by Old Mr. Feng, the injury had left its mark, hindering his movements.
It wasn’t just Elder Yu; many had suffered various injuries during their attempt to surround and kill the Patriarch of the Qian Family.
The current strength of the Patriarch of the Qian Family was unknown, and a confrontation was likely to result in more peril than fortune.
Elder Yu laughed freely and said, "For all the years I’ve opposed the Qian Family, I never dreamed that I would drive the Patriarch to this point. If I can slaughter the Patriarch of the Qian Family, then even if both arms were broken, even at the cost of this old life, it would be worth it."
The worry in Mo Hua’s eyes deepened.
Elder Yu gently patted his shoulder and sighed, "Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing."
Mo Hua nodded, watching anxiously as everyone headed deep into the lair, disappearing into the darkness.
Despite knowing the dangers ahead, they all went without looking back.
"Hopefully, nothing goes wrong..."
Mo Hua concealed his form and quietly hid to one side, sighing softly to himself in his heart.
Meanwhile, in the Forgetful Residence at South Mountain.
Mr. Zhuang was not, as usual, reclining leisurely in a bamboo chair but was seated with a dignified and scholarly bearing at a table, sorting through some books and Jade Slips.
"Are these for Mo Hua?"
Old Kui materialized silently at some point, his voice sounding flat.
"Mm." Mr. Zhuang did not look up, still focused on a codex in his hands. "I’m compiling some thoughts on Formation Patterns for him. After I leave, he will have to study Formations on his own..."
Mr. Zhuang spoke evenly, yet for some reason, his voice carried a tinge of melancholy.
"You’ve never put this much effort into your direct disciples," noted Old Kui blandly.
At those words, Mr. Zhuang slightly paused, memories of the past surfacing as a bitter smile emerged at the corner of his mouth:
"I’ve never been a qualified master..."
Mr. Zhuang then mocked himself, saying,
"Not only do I not deserve to be a teacher, but I don’t even deserve to be a disciple; otherwise, I wouldn’t have..."
Mr. Zhuang did not finish, but his expression grew even more desolate.
Old Kui remained silent.
"Enough of that; old affairs are clouds passing by. Everything is lost to the past now, and dwelling on it is pointless."
Mr. Zhuang packed the codices and Jade Slips into a Storage Bag, then stretched out leisurely and lay down.
"What about those two children from the Bai Family?" inquired Old Kui.
After a moment of contemplation, Mr. Zhuang sighed and said,
"Those two... they are indeed good kids."
He found himself unexpectedly adding, "I wouldn’t have imagined my selfish junior sister could raise such children."
"Are you really not going to take them as your disciples?" Old Kui asked.
"No!" Mr. Zhuang shook his head decisively, his tone firm:
"With not much time left to live, I naturally wish for some peace before I go, to avoid getting entangled in karma and reducing my worries."
"They might not give up."
"And what if they don’t?" Mr. Zhuang said expressionlessly, his gaze sweeping across the courtyard, over the mountains, and towards the distant horizon, adding dispassionately,
"The world is vast; it won’t be that easy to meet again. Not all times bring such fate..."
Nor is there always a place with a younger disciple named "Mo Hua," Mr. Zhuang silently added to himself.
Seeing Mr. Zhuang’s resolve, Old Kui said no more.
With nothing further to say, Mr. Zhuang slowly closed his eyes, wishing to rest a bit longer.
Suddenly, his brow furrowed; he opened his eyes and looked up at the sky, staring for a long time.
"What is it?" Old Kui asked.
Mr. Zhuang’s frown deepened, his voice taking on a grave tone,
"Why is the aura of the Great Dao so turbid?"
Taken aback by his words, Old Kui turned to look at the horizon, his expression becoming one of shock.
"This is..."
Mr. Zhuang stood up slowly, his fingers forming gestures as he Calculated, his face displaying an expression of disbelief.
"A change in the Heavenly Dao?"
His heart fluttered in his chest as he Calculated again, his face growing more incredulous.
"How could it be..." Mr. Zhuang murmured in disbelief, "How could a small Immortal City in a corner of the Nine State provoke a change in the Heavenly Dao?"