Chapter 41: – Chapter 41 Visit_1
Translator: 549690339
Master Luo was a first-rate Formation Master who had declined Instructor Yan’s request.
Instructor Yan had no choice but to settle for less and sought out Formation Masters who hadn’t reached the ranks yet but had studied Formations for many years, asking them to take Mo Hua as a disciple.
However, some outright refused, others made excuses, and even though some agreed, their demands were excessive. Accepting their terms would mean that Mo Hua would be reduced to no more than a tool or puppet for life, with no freedom to speak of, no different from selling oneself into servitude.
After wandering around for many days to no avail, Instructor Yan returned to his residence, sitting alone and heaving a deep sigh.
A few days from now, he would have to leave, and time was running short. If he couldn’t find a suitable gentleman to teach her, Mo Hua’s progress in studying formations might be delayed.
After much thought, Instructor Yan seemed to have made up his mind. He sealed Mo Hua’s examination papers carefully and placed them into his storage bag.
At dusk, Instructor Yan left Tongxian City, heading straight to the southeast, outside the city.
To the southeast of Tongxian City lay a mountain peak that was secluded, beautifully tranquil, and magnificent, creating its own secluded charm. A residence was situated among the mountains, without a signboard or gate, accessible only by a narrow mountain path leading to its interior.
Instructor Yan stood at the foot of the mountain, and after a long while, he heard a dry, thin voice by his ear:
The voice seemed to be right next to him, yet it also echoed in his Sea of Consciousness.
Instructor Yan’s demeanor became even more humble as he straightened his Taoist robe, patted his storage bag at his waist, and climbed the mountain with a determined look on his face.
Meanwhile, Mo Hua was planning to leave Tongxian Gate.
As an Outer Gate disciple, Mo Hua had a simple relationship with the Sect—merely based on the mutual benefits of exchanging Flower Spirit Stones for Tao Cultivation lessons. There was a bit of sentiment involved, but not much.
Especially since Instructor Yan was leaving, and the Outer Gate would not teach formations anymore, there was no reason for Mo Hua to stay.
His Spiritual Root predetermined that his Spiritual Power would not be strong, and his Cultivation speed would not be fast.
The other content taught by the Sect, such as Body Refinement, Alchemy, Artifact Refining, and Rune making, were somewhat useless to Mo Hua—worth learning but regrettable to abandon.
The only thing Mo Hua wanted to learn, and the only thing that held prospects for his Tao Cultivation, was formations.
But within the Outer Gate, aside from Instructor Yan, Mo Hua didn’t think anyone else could teach him formations.
Da’hu and his two friends were also dropping out of school.
But their reason for leaving wasn’t due to the instructor; it was simply because their families were poor and could no longer afford the Sect fees and the newly added various expenses.
As Mo Hua understood, the old Sect Leader would be retiring in a few months, no longer meddling in the Sect’s affairs. Thus, in the Sect now, Elder Qian had the final say—in other words, the Qian Family had the final say.
The Qian Family planned to reform the Sect, using a variety of methods, but the core point was to collect more Spirit Stones.
Whether it was Alchemy, Artifact Refining, or Rune making classes, while previously they taught only the basics, now they were planning to teach more advanced content, but it required extra Spirit Stones.
The additional inheritance fees for the Cultivation Techniques were also imposed by Elder Qian with the justification that “Sect inheritance is hard-won and should be compensated when transmitted.”
After the Qian Family’s reforms, some disciples from Clans or those with wealthy families could spend more Spirit Stones to receive better inheritance.
However, the lower-tier Cultivators among the Outer Gate disciples, especially the Loose Cultivators, essentially learned nothing significant and had to pay more in Spirit Stones for Sect dues than before.
For such Loose Cultivator disciples, aside from dropping out, there was no other choice.
In this way, through its reforms, Tongxian Gate started to gradually eliminate the poor disciples from the lower echelons, based on the Cultivators’ family backgrounds. These low-level Loose Cultivator disciples would no longer be able to cultivate in the Sect and would have to seek their own fortune in their future Tao Cultivation.
Mo Hua discussed his plan to leave school with his parents; Mo Shan didn’t quite agree but knew there was no alternative. It wasn’t just Mo Hua’s issue, but a matter concerning all the bottom-tier Loose Cultivators in Tongxian City.
Liu Ruhua didn’t mind; she knew Mo Hua was diligent in his Cultivation and had plans of his own. Since he had decided to leave school, it meant that he couldn’t learn much within the Sect, so she didn’t say much.
Now the restaurant business was doing well; even if her son did nothing at home, she could fully support him.
And so, Mo Hua, a third-level Qi Refinement Cultivator, left Tongxian Gate.
Mo Hua went to the Sect to simply complete the withdrawal procedures and also received half a year’s worth of refunded Sect dues, which was about fifty to sixty Spirit Stones.
After leaving the Sect, the biggest problem was the Cultivation Technique.
Mo Shan promised to explore the Monster Hunter path and inquire about a suitable Cultivation Technique for Mo Hua, but it would take some time.
The other problem was about formations.
Without the guidance of a sect, Mo Hua could only learn on his own, or perhaps seek a Formation Master as a mentor.
But Mo Hua knew all too well how difficult it was for a Loose Cultivator to find a Formation Master willing to take on a disciple. Not all Formation Masters were like Instructor Yan, with broad minds and a willingness to impart their knowledge and teachings.
Mo Hua wanted to take the time to visit Instructor Yan, to thank him for his careful guidance over the past days. But he didn’t know where Instructor Yan lived, and just when he thought of asking Manager Mo for directions, Instructor Yan found him.
In the few days since they last met, Instructor Yan looked somewhat weary, as if he had been busy with something taxing.
With the utmost respect, Mo Hua greeted Instructor Yan with a bow, to which Instructor Yan nodded and then asked, “Do you still want to study Formations?”
Mo Hua nodded his head.
Instructor Yan looked at Mo Hua with approval and then said, “Follow me.”
Mo Hua followed Instructor Yan to a mountain peak to the southeast outside of Tongxian City.
Mo Hua remembered Da’hu and the others saying that this mountain seemed to be bought by someone for the purpose of living in seclusion to cultivate, cutting off the flow of Cultivators.
There were no Monster Beasts in the mountains, nor was there any precious Spirit Grass, let alone Spiritual mines; the only advantage was the beautiful scenery and peaceful environment.
Tongxian City had many Loose Cultivators, weary from their travels, who wouldn’t linger for the mountain views, so Cultivators rarely came here.
At the foot of the mountain, Instructor Yan said, “There lives a reclusive gentleman on this mountain, whom I happened to make the acquaintance of by chance. I wouldn’t usually disturb him, but I’ll be leaving in a few days, so I wanted you to meet him.”
“Does this gentleman know about Formations?” Mo Hua asked.
Instructor Yan nodded, “Indeed, this gentleman’s achievements in Formations are extremely profound.”
“Is he a first-rank Formation Master?” Mo Hua asked curiously.
“As to his specific rank, I’m not sure, but he is at least a first-rank.”
Mo Hua’s respect rose significantly.
Being a first-rank Formation Master was already extraordinary, and Mo Hua didn’t even dare to imagine what lay beyond that.
Yet, Mo Hua couldn’t help but feel curious about what Formations above the first-rank were like…
…also wondered if it was true as the rumors said, possessing the might to steal the fortunes of nature and alter the heavens and the earth.
“Why does this gentleman reside in such a remote place? Is it because he dislikes the bustle?” Mo Hua asked again.
“The gentleman has a natural indifference to worldly affairs and does not wish to be bothered. Therefore, this mountain peak is seldom visited by others.”
Instructor Yan looked at Mo Hua and said, “You’ve already guessed why I’ve brought you here, haven’t you?”
Mo Hua nodded, “Is it for this gentleman to take me as his disciple?”
Instructor Yan nodded, “You guess correctly. I can only teach you so much, which is why I hope the gentleman can give you some guidance.”
“You have already taught me a lot,” Mo Hua said gratefully.
“What I can teach you pales in comparison to what the gentleman has to offer.”
Instructor Yan shook his head, “You are still young, and you may not understand fully. As you encounter more in the future, you will realize the vastness and depth of Formations, which are far beyond the grasp of a mere Qi Refinement or even Foundation Building Cultivator. Your Divine Sense is exceptional, your aptitude is good, and you are diligent, making you an excellent seedling for studying Formations. Therefore, you must cherish this rare talent and by no means fail to live up to your abilities.”
“Today, I have brought you to visit with the hope that you may be accepted as a disciple by the gentleman. He is indifferent by nature and not keen on accepting disciples. It would still be good for you to become a named disciple; even if you only grasp the merest essentials, it will help you go further on the path of Formations.”
Instructor Yan pointed ahead where a mountain path stretched before them, winding up toward the mid-mountain shrouded in mist. Nestled within the clouds was a simple yet mysterious gate to a courtyard.
Instructor Yan advised, “Make your way up the mountain by yourself. Be respectful, and when the gentleman asks you something, just answer truthfully. If he takes you as a disciple, it will be your good fortune. If not, don’t be disheartened; it simply means the time isn’t right yet.”
Mo Hua nodded earnestly, then couldn’t help but glance back at Instructor Yan.
“Go on,” Instructor Yan said no more, simply waving his hand in dismissal.
Mo Hua hesitated for a moment but eventually, with firm steps, began to ascend the mountain.