Immortality Through Array Formations (The Quest for Immortality)

Chapter 661: Formation Catalyst

"You don't believe me?" Cheng Mo looked wounded.

Mo Hua calmly, politely munched on his steamed bun and casually replied,

"I believe you…"

…But his expression clearly said otherwise.

"Listen," Cheng Mo said, exasperated. "You might not understand how dangerous the cultivation world really is. When a real fight breaks out, it's life or death!"

"Mm," Mo Hua replied nonchalantly.

Cheng Mo sighed.

"Why don't you get it?"

He snatched a bun from Mo Hua's hand, stuffed it in his mouth, and swallowed it in a few bites before continuing:

"You're a formation master. Formation masters are strong—but that's because they're either in the sect or in areas under the Dao Tribunal's control. Everyone's polite there, right? They care about status, reputation…"

Mo Hua's bun had been stolen. His expression turned a little sour.

Cheng Mo immediately offered his own chicken leg from his bowl to compensate.

Mo Hua took a bite, chewed thoughtfully, then nodded in satisfaction.

Cheng Mo's eyes lit up. Seizing the moment while Mo Hua was in a good mood, he quickly said:

"Let me take you out on a mission!"

"See, all the tricks of a formation master need prep time. If you get caught off guard in a fight, and you haven't set up in advance, you're just asking to get steamrolled."

"In real combat, if you're not ready… you might end up dead."

"So even formation masters need to cling to a strong backer! Y'know, hug a big thigh!"

Mo Hua blinked and nibbled the chicken leg.

"Oh? And who's the 'big thigh'?"

Cheng Mo slapped his chest with pride:

"Me, of course!"

"I've got a pair of ancestral battle axes from the Cheng family. If gods get in my way, I kill gods. If Buddhas block me, I smash Buddhas! Stick with me and I'll show you what true might looks like!"

"And hey, you'll earn some merit points too…"

Mo Hua gave him a suspicious look.

"Cheng Big Guy, you up to something shady?"

Inviting him on a mission… and offering to share merits? Did he think Mo Hua was that gullible?

Cheng Mo gave a sheepish grin.

"It's not shady… exactly…"

He glanced around, then lowered his voice conspiratorially:

"Let's make a deal—I take you on a mission, and you call me Senior Brother!"

Mo Hua: "…That's it?"

Cheng Mo scowled.

"That's it?! Do you have any idea how much weight those two words carry?!"

Mo Hua shook his head. Cheng Mo gnashed his teeth.

"Some people just don't know how lucky they are…"

He explained with great gravity:

"Calling older peers 'Senior Brother' or 'Senior Sister' is standard etiquette in the sect."

"But when someone your own age calls you 'Senior Brother'? That's respect. That's clout!"

"So here's the deal: I take you on missions, you call me 'Senior Brother'. And in return, I'll also call you 'Senior Brother'. We keep it mutual."

Mo Hua blinked.

"Then you're not gaining anything from this?"

Cheng Mo smiled magnanimously.

"I don't need to gain—I just don't want to lose!"

Mo Hua nodded… but then his expression shifted. He tilted his head, thinking.

"Wait a minute…"

"Between the two of us, you gain nothing…"

"But in front of Situ Jian and the others—it's different."

"They call me 'Little Senior Brother'. If I call you 'Senior Brother', then you become their senior too!"

Cheng Mo's face flushed.

His tiny scheme, so carefully thought out, had been dismantled in the time it took Mo Hua to chew a chicken leg…

Mo Hua gave a soft hmph and said with a straight face:

"Don't even think about it. I am the 'Little Senior Brother'—I have to protect the dignity of those who call me that. I can't let you outrank them in front of me."

Cheng Mo's face froze mid-smile.

Mo Hua casually finished off the chicken leg, then stood up to leave now that he was full.

Cheng Mo trailed after him, still trying:

"Mo Hua!"

"Little Senior Brother!"

"It's really hard out there for a formation master!"

"Don't you want to step outside the sect and live free and bold? Hunt down evil cultivators, slay demons, uphold justice?!"

"Don't you wanna feel the blood-pumping thrill of finishing off a demonic cultivator yourself?!"

"I can beat them half to death—you just come in and finish them off with a fancy spell!"

Mo Hua didn't even flinch.

Cheng Mo tried another angle:

"Besides, staying cooped up in the sect all day… you can't be earning that many merit points, right?"

Mo Hua stopped, turned, and patted Cheng Mo's shoulder with a sigh.

"I draw second-grade formations. The merit I earn from that is way more than what you get from swinging axes around."

Cheng Mo stood frozen, overwhelmed with mixed emotions.

From then on, Mo Hua's days went on as usual.

Cultivation. Classes. Drawing formations.

Every now and then, he'd practice a little sword qi with the Broken Gold Sword Technique.

Cheng Mo kept taking missions, but he never gave up on trying to recruit Mo Hua—he even brought food to bribe him, trying to get Mo Hua to call him Senior Brother.

Mo Hua's Dao heart stood firm. He stuck to his principles and ignored him.

Cheng Mo could only sulk.

As more time passed, under Cheng Mo's lead, more and more disciples began venturing out to take missions.

The Great Void Sect was filled with elite prodigies—five to a group, taking on early Foundation rogue cultivators. Even if they didn't win, they wouldn't suffer losses.

Working together, clashing with rogue cultivators, completing missions…

It was all part of the process.

And gradually, these fellow disciples—these young nobles—began to truly grow.

They couldn't yet handle the fiercest demonic cultivators, but capturing standard criminals was no longer difficult.

Exactly as Mo Hua had expected.

They were talented. They were powerful.

Even if they'd been pampered, lacking the wild experience of adventuring, after a few trips, a few bumps and bruises—they adapted quickly.

Senior Sister Murong and the others were the same.

That was probably how the Great Void Sect had always trained its disciples.

Through controlled tasks, gradually increasing difficulty, slowly shaping them into independent cultivators who could handle anything.

But that… had little to do with Mo Hua anymore.

These missions were too simple. The merit was low. He couldn't be bothered.

Instead, Mo Hua remembered something Cheng Mo said:

"Formation masters need time to set up. If they're caught off guard, they're at a big disadvantage."

"If something hits you out of nowhere, you might not live to cast a formation…"

That reminded Mo Hua of a key issue:

"In a real fight, how do formation masters actually use their formations?"

Back in Tongxian City, he'd used formations like traps.

Like the time he killed the great demon Feng Xi—he'd built a Five Element Demon-Slaying Array, essentially a massive trap. Lock it down, then butcher it.

After reaching Foundation Establishment and learning Spiritual Control over Ink, it had gotten easier.

Now he could draw and use formations on the spot— But how exactly did other Foundation Establishment–level formation masters actually use formations in real combat?

Mo Hua realized… he'd never really thought this through.

He furrowed his brows, then sighed.

Perhaps… this was the curse of being too good at formation arts.

Some of the most fundamental things—if you weren't paying attention—just got overlooked.

"Formation application in real combat…"

Since he had time now, Mo Hua decided to look into it seriously.

His first instinct was to ask Elder Xun.

But after thinking it over, this wasn't some super-advanced, top-tier formation question. Going to Elder Xun with this would be like using a flying sword to chop vegetables.

Plus, it might raise suspicion.

Especially the phrase "real combat application"—it reeked of trouble. Not something a mild-mannered, formation-loving shut-in disciple should be asking.

So Mo Hua went to find Zheng Fang.

The Zheng clan was a formation family. Though their ancestral specialty was lightning-type formations, which were extremely rare and basically never taught outside the clan—not even to all direct descendants—

they still had solid foundations and complete knowledge on more general formation theory and practical usage.

Zheng Fang often discussed formations with Mo Hua.

He had a square face, a square attitude, and a square personality—meticulous, upright, and scholarly. Like a tiny formation nerd with a ruler in his brain.

No matter the topic, Zheng Fang always studied it with full focus.

As long as it wasn't a restricted, clan-sealed secret, he would always explain clearly and completely.

"When it comes to applying formations in real combat," he began, "the foundation is indeed formation theory.

But the key component… is the formation catalyst (阵媒)."

"Formation catalyst?"

"Mm." Zheng Fang nodded. "My great-uncle once said, The Dao of Heaven and Earth becomes formation; all things under Heaven and Earth can become its catalyst."

"However…" he continued, "while technically anything can be a formation catalyst, there are vast differences in quality."

"Some materials naturally absorb spirit ink, resonate with formation patterns, and are innately well-suited as formation catalysts."

"But others are too loose, shapeless, unstable, or chaotic. They either shift too easily or have no coherent structure—making them poor candidates."

Zheng Fang paused, then rephrased more precisely:

"Let's say… they're very difficult to use as formation catalysts."

"Not impossible—but extremely rare."

"Only the truly elite formation masters—those with deep insights into the laws of Heaven and Earth—can do things like turn stone into gold, or make miracles out of trash. They can carve patterns even into things that are normally considered impossible to use."

Mo Hua nodded in silent awe.

Zheng Fang continued:

"So while the formation catalyst is just a 'medium' when learning formations, in actual application, it becomes the 'foundation.'"

"Even the most advanced formation needs a compatible catalyst as its base."

"And the history of formation catalysts is long…"

Zheng Fang clearly had a lot to say.

"In the beginning, formation masters found and used their own catalysts."

"But as the cultivation industry developed and things got more specialized, formation masters could barely keep up with learning formations—much less spend time crafting their own catalysts…"

"So crafting catalysts…"

Mo Hua's eyes lit up.

"That task went to artifact refiners?"

Zheng Fang nodded.

"Exactly."

He pulled a diagram scroll from his storage pouch.

Inside were illustrations of several simple spirit tool models.

"Formation paper doesn't even need to be mentioned. It's the most basic, most affordable catalyst."

"Then you have spirit tool catalysts—formation flags, plates, tokens, stones, foundations, etc…"

"All of these are crafted individually by artifact refiners."

Mo Hua frowned.

"But I don't think I've ever seen any teachings on how to make these catalysts in our sect…"

Zheng Fang nodded again.

"The sect doesn't teach that."

"Just like how formations are divided into many branches—Five Elements and Eight Trigrams, Two Forms and Three Talents, Four Symbols and Seven Stars…"

"Or like the niche Primordial Magnetic Formations…"

"Each of those is a massive system."

"Artifact refining is no different. There are tons of subfields—like refining catalysts, refining robes, refining armor, refining weapons, refining accessories…"

"Also daily-use tools like lanterns, incense burners, screens, alchemy furnaces… everything a cultivator might use in life or work."

"Most artifact refiners only specialize in one or two of these subfields. They focus on one thing and become masters of it."

"The sect doesn't teach everything. It selects the biggest, most widespread fields to teach."

"Catalyst refining? Too niche. So it doesn't make the cut."

"Ah… I see now…"

Mo Hua suddenly understood—and couldn't help sighing.

The knowledge of cultivation really was profound and sprawling.

If you didn't ask, didn't explore, you'd never realize how much you didn't know…

"You sure know a lot!" Mo Hua praised.

Zheng Fang beamed, but still tried to stay modest.

"Aw, it's nothing… nothing at all."

...

Mo Hua now roughly understood—

Formation catalysts were the foundation of formation application.

Back in Tongxian City, being just a small Immortal City with limited inheritances, its formation standards and resources were equally limited.

At the time, Mo Hua was merely a little Formation Master in the Qi Refining stage. The catalysts he used were all basic and rough—

anything that worked was good enough.

He had no clear concept of the field at all.

After reaching Foundation Establishment, with his divine sense transformed, he could use the earth itself as a medium—

this directly bypassed many of the restrictions of traditional formation catalysts.

But now, he realized...

That might not be a good thing.

After some careful reflection, Mo Hua decided:

Just because he didn't need something, didn't mean it wasn't important—or that he shouldn't know how to use it.

He couldn't allow his extraordinary methods to make him forget the ordinary ways of laying formations.

Those ordinary methods were the crystallized result of generations of Formation Masters—

refined through study, practice, and evolution.

They likely held valuable practical insights into formation use and strategy.

Mo Hua nodded to himself and adjusted his mindset.

He would learn how to enhance his formation skills by mastering the use of formation catalysts.

Formations must be applied through the foundation of their catalysts.

"Formation catalysts…"

Mo Hua started asking around the sect.

There were disciples skilled in artifact crafting,

but nearly none specialized in crafting formation-related spiritual tools.

A few could make things like formation paper and formation plates,

but those were the most basic types—easily purchased anywhere.

And their connection to formations was rudimentary. Studying them wouldn't bring much insight.

"I need something… a little more special."

Mo Hua considered posting a bounty on the Tai Xu Order system, but hesitated—功勳 (merit points) were precious.

Besides, he barely understood formation catalyst crafting yet.

Even if he posted a task, he wouldn't know what to ask for.

"If it's not doable within the sect… maybe I should look outside?"

Mo Hua silently considered his options.

Eventually, during a scheduled rest period, he made a trip to the Gu Clan.

The Gu Clan was a sizable family.

Even if they weren't quite as powerful as the Shangguan Clan,

they were definitely stronger than smaller clans like the Qian or Lu families.

A big clan like that surely had industries.

And if you had industry, you had to have artifact crafting.

After all, artifact crafting was one of the four pillars of cultivation.

Even if the Gu Clan didn't specialize in crafting formation catalysts, their refiners would probably know something about it.

This was Qianxue Prefecture—anyone making a living off crafting here had real skill.

Gu Changhuai was busy with Dao Court affairs and hadn't returned.

Mo Hua wasn't planning to look for him anyway.

As a Dao Court officer, Gu Changhuai probably didn't manage the Gu family's industrial business directly.

So instead, Mo Hua went to find Lady Wenren Wan.

Wenren Wan paused in thought.

"Formation catalyst tools, hmm…"

"The Gu family used to dabble in that sort of business—I forget whether it was formation paper or formation plates—but it wasn't very profitable, so we shut that down."

"So there's nothing left?"

Mo Hua looked disappointed.

Wenren Wan said,

"The business was shut down, yes. But the refiners are still working—just transferred to crafting other types of spiritual tools."

Mo Hua's eyes lit up.

"Can I go visit them?"

Wenren Wan nodded.

"Of course. But the industries we run with the Shangguan family are spread across Qianxue Prefecture and its neighboring Immortal Cities…"

"There are several refiner branches. I'm not sure which one those refiners got assigned to now. I'll have to ask around."

"Mm-mm!" Mo Hua beamed. "Thank you, Aunt Wan!"

An hour later, she had the answer.

"They're in Gushan City. A bit far—it'll probably take a full day and night round trip. You still want to go?"

Mo Hua blinked.

"A whole day and night, huh…"

Wenren Wan hesitated.

"Shall I summon the refiner back here for you instead?"

Mo Hua thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"It's fine. I'll go there myself."

He was the one seeking help—how could he make others travel back and forth for him?

Besides, he knew from experience in Tongxian City—refiners were always busy.

Wenren Wan nodded.

"Alright. I'll arrange a carriage to send you."

"No need," Mo Hua replied.

She looked at him, a little concerned.

Mo Hua gave a slightly sheepish grin and muttered:

"I… also wanted to explore a little on the way."

Wenren Wan paused, amused.

Still just a kid, huh. Wants a little fun on the side.

"The outside world is dangerous," she warned.

"It's okay," Mo Hua reassured her. "Uncle Gu gave me a message talisman. I've also got my Dao Court bronze token.

If I get into trouble, I can run!"

Wenren Wan sighed.

She knew Mo Hua always acted with thought, so she didn't press the matter further.

"Just be careful."

"I will!" Mo Hua nodded.

So, riding in a Gu family carriage, Mo Hua left Qingzhou City and headed for the distant Gushan City.

He had a clear plan:

First, visit the Gu family's refiner and ask for guidance on formation catalyst crafting.

What's the difference between formation flags, formation plates, formation bases…?

Which catalysts suit which types of formations?

Then, based on that knowledge, he could explore new ways to merge formation and catalyst—

and broaden the tools at his disposal in formation application.

On the way back, he'd take a little detour to the ruined temple at Withered Mountain.

He'd buy some wine, meat, pastries, and spirit fruit…

And pay a visit to his "old friend," the down-on-his-luck mountain god, Lord Huang of Mt. Huang.

It had been a long time since they'd met. Mo Hua genuinely missed him.

He wondered how Huang-shan-jun was doing these days…

Surely he'd be thrilled to see him again.

(End of Chapter)