The Quest for Immortality

Mo Hua began to draw the compass dual array on the Dao Stele.

A single array is drawn starting from the array patterns, connecting each independent array pattern through the array hub. A composite array, however, starts from the array hub, using it to coordinate different single arrays.

When drawing a single array, the brush may pause, but the spiritual sense cannot be interrupted.

If the spiritual sense is interrupted, it becomes impossible to connect with the profound mysteries of the Dao contained within the array, causing the drawing to fail and the patterns to be rendered useless.

According to Mr. Zhuang, this is called ”completing it in one breath.”

That means maintaining a continuous spiritual sense to complete the array in one go.

A single array must be completed in one breath, but a composite array is different; it does not need to be completed in one breath.

Otherwise, a composite array, containing several single arrays, would consist of dozens of patterns, which would be impossible for a Qi cultivator to draw all at once.

Composite arrays were originally conceived by ancient cultivators to circumvent the limitations of their spiritual sense and enhance the effectiveness of their arrays.

When a cultivator’s spiritual sense cannot increase or comprehend more patterns, they can connect individual arrays to achieve a more powerful effect.

Thus, composite arrays are relatively flexible. Within a composite array, only the array hub and the spiritual sense of each single array need to be continuous; the entire array does not need to be completed in one breath.

Mo Hua’s spiritual sense projection stood before the Dao Stele, using a finger as a brush to begin drawing the array hub of the compass dual array.

The technique for drawing the array hub differs from drawing array patterns because it needs to guide spiritual power and govern the entire array. Therefore, the strokes are bolder, the structure more stable, and it requires more spiritual sense.

The highest single array in the compass dual array contains eight patterns. Hence, the spiritual sense required for the array hub must also be no less than that of an eight-pattern array.

Although it does not reach the level of a nine-pattern array, it requires more spiritual sense than an ordinary eight-pattern array.

Mo Hua’s spiritual sense was just sufficient to draw this array hub, though it was somewhat strenuous.

After finishing the array hub, there were still subsequent arrays to draw, and the spiritual sense could not be undone. Thus, Mo Hua could only meditate and let his spiritual sense gradually recover.

This was Mo Hua’s first time using the meditation technique in his sea of consciousness.

Entering a state of calm and concentration was easier here than outside, and he vaguely felt a sense of resonance with the Dao Stele.

Within his spiritual thoughts, he could sense a breath of ancient, primordial Dao.

When he delved deeper, there was nothing.

Mo Hua frowned, unable to comprehend it.

After a while, he stopped thinking about it, focused on meditating, and restored his spiritual sense.

Before long, his spiritual sense was replenished, much faster than when meditating outside.

He couldn’t tell if it was an issue with the sea of consciousness or because of the Dao Stele.

With his spiritual sense fully recovered, Mo Hua continued to draw the array.

After completing the array hub, the next step was to draw the mother and child arrays of the compass at specific locations based on the framework of the array hub.

The compass mother array, containing eight patterns, was a metal-based array and a common structure among the Five Elements arrays. It was not difficult, and after a few glances, Mo Hua could draw it.

The compass child array, with three patterns, was even simpler. Mo Hua only needed a glance to understand how to draw it.

With smooth and practiced strokes, half an hour later, Mo Hua completed the entire compass dual array.

The entire array was more complex than any array he had drawn before, yet it possessed a profound and intricate beauty.

This is a composite array...

Mo Hua was stunned, unable to resist taking a few more glances, feeling a sense of admiration.

Indeed, drawing challenging arrays was far more interesting.

The principle of the compass dual array was the interaction between the mother and child arrays. When the child array sensed a fluctuation in spiritual power, the mother array would react.

Mo Hua slightly moved his spiritual sense, lighting up the child array. In just a breath’s time, the mother array also began to glow. The glowing point corresponded precisely to the lit compass child array.

Success!

Mo Hua’s spirits lifted, showing a smile, but then he frowned again.

Although the array was successful, many key points still eluded him.

For instance, what exactly was the array hub, its role, why lighting up the child array caused the mother array to resonate, and what changes might occur within other single arrays in composite arrays...

”It seems I still need to ask Mr. Zhuang.”

Mo Hua thought to himself, then, while it was still early, practiced drawing the compass dual array on the Dao Stele a few more times.

Early the next morning, Mo Hua brought some pastries, wild fruits, wine, and pine nuts to visit Mr. Zhuang.

Mr. Zhuang had recently developed a preference for lighter flavors and vegetarian food, claiming it was to ”purify the heart and reduce desires.”

But isn’t wanting to eat vegetarian also a kind of desire?

Mo Hua didn’t understand but wisely chose not to ask.

”Have you mastered it?”

Mr. Zhuang asked leisurely, sipping his wine.

Mo Hua nodded, ”I have!”

Mr. Zhuang’s eyelid twitched.

He learned so quickly...

It had only been one night.

”I still have some questions and would like to seek your guidance, sir.”

Mo Hua asked respectfully and obediently.

”What would you like to ask?”

Mr. Zhuang asked curiously.

Mo Hua recounted the important questions that had puzzled him while drawing the compass dual array the previous night.

Mr. Zhuang tapped his long fingers on the bamboo chair, pondered for a moment, and then asked:

”What do you think an array hub is?”

Mo Hua thought for a moment and said, ”Is it a kind of array structure?”

”Correct, but not entirely.”

Mo Hua was puzzled.

Mr. Zhuang said, ”A single array’s hub is a kind of array structure, but a composite array’s hub is more like an array itself.”

”An array?”

”Yes, you can consider it a special array with positional and functional structures.”

Mo Hua thought carefully, nodded slowly, and then asked, ”I understand the positional aspect, but what specifically are the functions of the array hub?”

”The array hub is the key to a composite array, capable of controlling the array’s spiritual power, coordinating different single arrays, and managing all patterns. Its specific functions vary but generally include controlling the opening and closing of spiritual power, its sequence, repulsion, suppression, concentration, and dispersion...”

Mo Hua felt dizzy, his small eyebrows furrowing together.

Mr. Zhuang couldn’t help but laugh, ”Simply put, it controls the sequence of spiritual power operations within the composite array, the start and stop, mutual repulsion, enhancement, suppression, concentration, and dispersion.”

Mo Hua understood a bit and then said:

”Like the compass dual array, it uses the magnetic properties of metal-based spiritual power’s mutual attraction and repulsion, so when the child array moves, the mother array also responds...”

Mo Hua’s eyes lit up, and he continued, ”I once repaired an alchemy furnace for Mr. Feng. The array inside was a wood-fire spirit control composite array. Wood fuels fire, using a wood-based single array to enhance a fire-based single array. Does this count as ’enhancement’ in the hub’s functions?”

Mr. Zhuang nodded approvingly.

Mo Hua thought for a moment, then couldn’t think of anything else, as he hadn’t encountered other composite arrays.

Mo Hua frowned, and after a moment, he remembered another question:

”Sir, what about a grand array?”

Mr. Zhuang’s gaze sharpened, his expression serious, and he said slowly:

”Do you want to learn grand arrays...”

Mo Hua asked in confusion, ”Can’t grand arrays be learned?”

Mr. Zhuang paused, raised his eyebrows, and laughed:

”Yes, they’re all arrays. Why can’t they be learned?”

Mo Hua looked expectant.

Mr. Zhuang gently tapped Mo Hua’s forehead, ”Don’t aim too high. First, master what you have in front of you. Grand arrays are still far off!”

”Oh.” Mo Hua held his head.

”Go, study well.” Mr. Zhuang’s gaze was gentle, lightly brushing his sleeve.

”Yes! Take care, sir. Your disciple takes his leave.”

Mo Hua nodded, respectfully bowed, and then left the bamboo room under Mr. Zhuang’s watchful eyes.