Immortality Through Array Formations (The Quest for Immortality)

Chapter 1110: Grand Formation Blueprint

Mo Hua lay in the courtyard of his childhood home, beneath the shade of the large locust tree, gazing at the vast, boundless sky above. It seemed to swirl with a mysterious Dao, endlessly in motion. As he watched, his heart gradually settled on a decision.

He knew he could not remain in Tongxian City forever.

Tongxian City was only of the second grade. If he wished to form his Golden Core, he would have to leave this world behind and seek greater opportunities elsewhere.

But he could not simply walk away. That would go against his original intent and betray his Dao Heart.

Yes, among grassroots rogue cultivators, there were many who lacked experience, had limited understanding, and were ignorant in disposition, their inheritances outdated and meager.

But more than anything, this was the result of impoverished cultivation resources, a closed-off cultivation environment, and a lack of proper transmission.

It did not mean they were born "ignorant."

A cultivator's spiritual root, body, bloodline, and birth might differ from the start.

But the human heart is inherently equal—unrestricted by background or innate aptitude. There is no inherent nobility or inferiority.

On this point, whether it is a rogue cultivator from a small place or a proud heir of a great clan or sect, they are all the same.

To comprehend the Dao of Heaven, cultivate one's own path, and spread that Dao among the common people—this is the true duty of a cultivator.

Mo Hua returned to his small study, sat at the desk where he once learned formations as a child, unfurled sheets of paper, opened jade slips, and began carefully planning formation diagrams.

At the same time, he began organizing and summarizing the vast inheritance of classics and records he had gathered during his years of traveling and studying.

It was an enormous task.

However, Mo Hua's divine sense was exceptional, his mind razor-sharp. Gifted in mysterious algorithmic calculations, he was a top-tier formation master. His speed in planning formations and sorting through cultivation methods, classifying scriptures, and distinguishing and cataloguing information was remarkably fast.

Thus, working day and night without rest, exhausting his mental energy, ten days later Mo Hua had largely completed the blueprint.

He summoned Elder Yu and handed over a stack of books and jade slips.

Elder Yu took them and glanced through, his expression shocked. "This is…"

Mo Hua said, "Inside are planning diagrams for Tongxian City, insights into cultivation, records of techniques and Daoist teachings, as well as concise methods for pill refining, artifact crafting, talisman creation—and deeper principles of formation arts…"

This was a complete and entire inheritance of cultivation.

It was also the prototype of the Dao lineage he had painstakingly acquired over ten years of seeking the Dao in the Qianxue Prefecture, learned from the Great Void Sect.

The Great Void Sect had strict requirements regarding internal inheritance. Disciples were forbidden from leaking its contents.

However, those restrictions mostly applied to high-grade techniques, elite Dao methods, certain secret arts, and forbidden techniques that must not be touched.

As for ordinary inheritances, the Great Void Sect had no particularly strict rules.

Because in the eyes of great clans and major sects, "ordinary" inheritances were neither rare nor worthy of excessive concern.

But this so-called "ordinary" only applied to sects and noble families.

To grassroots cultivators, even a common inheritance from a fifth-grade state was a highly sought-after superior legacy they might never obtain in a lifetime.

Anything from a higher state, once leaked to the grassroots, could spark a bloody storm.

Thus, these so-called "ordinary" inheritances from the Great Void Sect were the perfect gift to a place as starved of transmission as Tongxian City.

This was Mo Hua's goodwill—and could also be considered the Great Void Sect's virtue.

Elder Xun had a kind and generous heart, devoted to passing down the Dao and educating others. If he knew, he would likely feel gratified.

Mo Hua began explaining the contents to Elder Yu:

"This is the Records of Cultivation Insights. It's a compilation of all I learned, heard, and saw in the Great Void Sect—histories and observations from the cultivation world."

"With this, the cultivators of Tongxian City can come to understand the vastness of the cultivation world, the grandeur of the Nine Provinces, and the infinite nature of the Dao. This world is filled with an intricate network of great Daos and ceaseless mortal phenomena. By knowing this, one can broaden their perspective, embrace the world, and aspire to great things…"

"In addition, there are cultivation methods and Dao techniques. Any rogue cultivator in Tongxian City, upon reaching a certain age, may cultivate these freely…"

Mo Hua then picked up a thin booklet:

"This one is Dao Heart Enlightenment, meant for children to recite. It helps them develop a clear heart and pursue the Dao from an early age."

Elder Yu solemnly received the booklet. As he opened the cover, he saw the elegantly profound calligraphy on the first page:

"The root of cultivation lies in clarifying the heart."

"If the heart is unclear, the Dao will not manifest."

"If the Dao Heart does not manifest, then stray thoughts and desires will arise. Name and profit will cloud the mind, ambitions will be lost, entangled in victory and defeat, honor and disgrace, thus drifting from the Dao, and wasting one's life…"

Elder Yu read the few brief lines, struck motionless.

These words were said to be for "enlightenment," but children likely wouldn't understand.

Only after living a century, after wandering aimlessly through the years, would one look back and truly feel their meaning.

"There's still one more important matter…"

Mo Hua said, then unrolled an enormous and majestic formation blueprint before Elder Yu—a grand formation plan with interconnected roads and subsidiary cities guarding a central mother city.

Elder Yu took one look and was visibly shaken. He looked up in disbelief at Mo Hua.

"This is…"

"This is a completely new…" A sharp gleam flashed in Mo Hua's eyes—along with a hint of ambition—as he said, word by word:

"Tongxian City Grand Formation Diagram."

Elder Yu felt his whole body tremble, goosebumps rising.

Tongxian City… a Grand Formation Diagram?!

"You mean to build a grand formation within Tongxian City?" Elder Yu asked with a trembling voice.

Mo Hua nodded. "Yes. And unlike the first-grade Five Elements Demon-Slaying Formation, this will be a second-grade city-guarding formation—integrated with the city, capable of both offense and defense."

Elder Yu was overjoyed, but then hesitated, still doubting. "Can Tongxian City… truly construct a second-grade formation?"

Mo Hua shook his head. "Not yet."

Elder Yu paused, looking at Mo Hua with a complex expression.

Mo Hua explained, "Not yet. A second-grade formation has a high rank and massive scale. Tongxian City currently lacks the foundation. Even if we exhaust all the city's resources, we couldn't complete it."

"In a second-grade state, constructing a second-grade formation capable of peak combat is an entirely different matter from building a first-grade one."

"The manpower and resources required are on a completely different level."

"Not to mention, in today's Tongxian City, those who have truly built their Foundation are still very few."

"This means that in terms of second-grade cultivation resources, architectural structures, formation construction, and labor—everything is severely lacking."

Objectively speaking, Tongxian City does not yet have the foundation to build a second-grade grand formation.

But just because it doesn't have it now doesn't mean it won't in the future.

Mo Hua pointed at the formation blueprint and said to Elder Yu, "A second-grade formation is a monumental project—not something accomplished in a day."

"Elder Yu, what you need to do now is expand Tongxian City."

"Expand?" Elder Yu was slightly stunned.

"Yes," Mo Hua nodded. "Take Tongxian City as the mother city—and begin expanding outward with subsidiary cities…"

"Mm," Mo Hua nodded, "We'll use Tongxian City as the central city and expand outward with satellite cities…"

"Tongxian City is no longer what it once was. It's developing rapidly, with booming industries. Many rogue cultivators in the surrounding regions want to seek refuge here, to settle down and cultivate."

"But the problem is, the territory of Tongxian City is limited. It simply can't accommodate that many rogue cultivators."

"In that case, we'll expand with satellite cities, with Tongxian City as the core, radiating outward. We'll absorb all these rogue cultivators and continue strengthening Tongxian City."

"The more rogue cultivators there are, the greater the strength. The more who can form their foundation."

"And the more people there are, the more prosperous the industries become, and the more flourishing Tongxian City becomes."

"At the same time, after the expansion, we can plan ahead and lay a solid foundation to prepare for constructing a second-grade grand formation."

"If development continues like this, once the time is ripe, the main and satellite cities of Tongxian will guard and support each other, forming a single unified whole—eventually becoming a massive second-grade immortal city."

"By then, Tongxian City will have foundation-establishing cultivators like clouds—ample manpower."

"With prosperous industries and abundant spirit stones—ample material resources."

"With the groundwork for a great formation, along with sufficient manpower and materials—everything will be ready. At that time, we can begin construction of the true second-grade Tongxian Grand Formation."

Mo Hua spoke with precise reasoning, a thoughtful mind, and an undeniable, bold generosity.

Elder Yu felt as though a grand blueprint was slowly unfolding before his eyes.

A magnificent, towering immortal city, like a colossal being, stood atop Mount Dahei.

The radiance of the grand formation blazed brilliantly, covering the sky and earth.

This vision stirred Elder Yu to his core. Once a poor rogue cultivator born in Tongxian City, he had dedicated his life to the welfare of rogue cultivators—his entire being now boiled with passion.

Mo Hua looked deeply at Elder Yu and slowly said:

"But this vision is too vast. From now on, it may require several generations of cultivators and centuries of continuous effort and development to accumulate enough foundation to truly complete this grand formation—transforming Tongxian City into the strongest second-grade immortal city in the state domain."

Elder Yu was visibly shaken. Then his gaze turned resolute as he said in a deep voice:

"Since ancient times, great ambitions are never achieved overnight. If we must give our all until death, then let it start with these old bones of mine."

"Even if you tear my bones out and burn them to ashes as fuel, I will still see this grand formation built."

Mo Hua was moved. "Elder Yu…"

But Elder Yu looked at Mo Hua, face full of gratitude and comfort, and said:

"I thought this was all my life would amount to. I never imagined, with half my body already in the grave, I could still take part in such a great endeavor… how wonderful…"

His expression was emotional, and he said earnestly, "You child… you truly are Heaven's greatest blessing to Tongxian City…"

Mo Hua replied, "Elder Yu, you overpraise me. I can only provide the formation diagrams—how to build it still depends on everyone in Tongxian City, working together as one."

Elder Yu was taken aback, then sighed with both amazement and gratitude before bowing deeply to Mo Hua.

"I'll arrange for people to get started right away."

Elder Yu carefully stored away the inherited books, jade slips, and formation diagrams. Though it felt like a thousand-pound burden rested on his shoulders, his spirit seemed twenty years younger, his eyes sharp and full of vigor as he stepped out.

After he left, Mo Hua remained, deep in thought.

Long ago, when he first constructed the first-grade Five Elements Demon-Slaying Formation, he understood one thing:

No matter how skilled he was in formations, he was still just one person.

He could vow to save all living beings, but ultimately, he could not save everyone.

Only the people themselves could truly save themselves.

Tongxian City was no exception.

He could provide the formation blueprint, but to actually complete the grand formation required every cultivator in Tongxian City to be united in continuous, tireless effort.

In essence, they were saving themselves.

And yet, there was still something that weighed on Mo Hua's mind.

He looked up at the sky, a faint unease in his expression.

Ever since the blood sacrifice in Qian Prefecture and the resurrection of the evil god, Mo Hua had often sensed a shadow looming—like an invisible veil of blood hanging over the world. Ancient, unknowable dangers seemed to be stirring in the darkness.

It felt like a great calamity was approaching…

When disaster strikes, the cultivation world will fall into chaos.

Mo Hua himself might still be fine, protected by his sect. But what about his parents, and the common folk of Tongxian City—who would protect them?

At least by himself, he was limited.

So why not prepare in advance? Plan for a hundred years, and help Tongxian City build a second-grade grand formation, so they can protect themselves.

In the second-grade state domain, foundation establishment is the pinnacle. If a second-grade formation is built, it can nearly reach the peak of the region and remain undefeated.

Even if numerous demonic Golden Cores or even Nascent Soul old monsters came, under the restrictions of the Heavenly Dao, they couldn't break through a second-grade formation.

Unless they were willing to die, resist tribulation, and sacrifice themselves by attacking with their very lives.

In fact, Mo Hua even considered that if the world truly changed, and the cultivation world descended into chaos—with war, rivers of blood, and constant slaughter…

Then the second-grade formation beneath the second-grade domain could instead become a true "pure land."

From there, many possibilities could unfold.

This idea was inspired by Mister Tu's Desolate Heaven Blood Sacrifice Formation.

Using massive-scale formations to unite small, low-grade state domains into a single network—creating a reverse encirclement to oppose the large state domains.

In a sense, it was a strategy of gathering the weak to resist the few strong.

The only difference was—Mister Tu used it for a blood sacrifice of all living beings.

Mo Hua learned from him, and used it in reverse.

Having thought through all this, Mo Hua summoned Master Luo to visit.

Master Luo was a formation master with broad connections and strong social ties—especially well-connected in and around Tongxian City.

Master Luo arrived in a rush. After sitting down and sipping tea, he looked puzzled—unsure why this "important person" would call him over in the middle of such busy matters.

Mo Hua didn't beat around the bush. He got straight to the point:

"Master Luo, I want to host a Dao Discussion Conference."

"Dao Discussion Conference?" Master Luo was taken aback.

"Dao Discussion Conference?" Master Luo was slightly taken aback.

Mo Hua nodded. "We'll hold a Dao Discussion Conference to expound upon the great paths and methods. From now on, we'll hold one every year, divided into four categories: formations, pills, tools, and talismans. Practitioners of each craft can give lectures and exchange ideas, helping one another improve."

This Dao Discussion Conference was something he modeled after the Qianxue Dao Conference.

Of course, this was a "simplified" version, and not meant for rivalry or competition—it was truly just for "discussing the Dao," sharing and learning.

"For the first session of the Dao Discussion Conference, I will lecture on formations," Mo Hua said.

Master Luo was stunned, then his expression turned to sheer delight.

He had long thought about whether he could muster the courage to ask Mo Hua to explain formations to them, the first-rank formation masters.

But now, Mo Hua's status was too exalted, and he was a busy man of great importance—Master Luo hadn't dared open his mouth.

Now, with Mo Hua personally offering to teach them formation arts, Master Luo was overjoyed and hurriedly responded:

"Excellent, excellent! Young Master Mo, rest assured—I will make all the preparations!"

"When the time comes, we humbly ask Young Master Mo to open the lecture and guide us through the fog."

Mo Hua clasped his hands in return. "Master Luo is too polite. We'll learn from each other."

Master Luo's scalp tingled slightly. He thought to himself, What we know are mere petty tricks—how could it compare to exchanging ideas with you…

Ten years ago, Mo Hua's mastery of formations had already far surpassed that of all the formation masters in Tongxian City.

Now, ten years later, after cultivating in a great sect, his knowledge in formations had grown unfathomably deeper.

But Master Luo was also truly curious—after ten years of study, just how profound had Mo Hua's formation skills become?

Soon after, Master Luo spread the word: one month from now, Young Master Mo of Tongxian City would open a forum to discuss formations.

That single announcement instantly caused a great stir across the neighboring immortal cities and sect powers.

Countless formation masters began flocking toward Tongxian City.

Some formation masters, upon hearing the news, spurred their horses nonstop, traveling thousands of miles just to arrive.

Even several venerable and reclusive second-rank veteran formation masters broke tradition and endured great journeys to come to Tongxian City.

Tongxian City, already lively, suddenly became a hub of clamorous activity.

Nearly every formation master wished to witness the grace of this "Young Master Mo" and hear his lecture on formation arts.

For a time, Tongxian City became the undisputed holy ground of formation arts in the entire Black Mountain Prefecture.

One month later, amidst the bustle, the Dao Discussion Conference was held.

Within a newly constructed and grand Dao platform in Tongxian City—

Mo Hua sat at the highest seat.

Below, the area was densely packed with formation masters, both from the city and from afar.

Nearly half of them were gray-haired elders. The rest were mostly middle-aged cultivators. Only a few appeared young, but the weariness between their brows betrayed years of cultivation—their youthful looks merely well maintained.

By contrast, Mo Hua—with fair skin and eyes like clear water—looked so young it was almost absurd.

The visiting formation masters stared at Mo Hua's youthful appearance with stunned expressions and complex thoughts.

Faced with so many stares, Mo Hua remained composed.

He had experienced grander occasions in the Qianxue Prefecture. This level of attention was like a breeze brushing past his face—nothing of note.

Steadying his breath to begin, Mo Hua suddenly noticed Instructor Yan seated below. Her posture was upright, eyes focused, clearly ready to attentively listen.

Mo Hua immediately stood and respectfully bowed:

"Instructor Yan."

Instructor Yan had enlightened him on the path of formations—she was practically his "teacher." Mo Hua held deep respect for her.

Now that he was seated above and Instructor Yan below, it felt improper to him.

Instructor Yan glanced at him and gently said:

"There is no age in learning—the worthy are teachers."

"In the past, I knew more than you, so I taught you. Now you know more than I do, so naturally, you should teach me."

"This is also the 'inheritance' among formation masters…"

Mo Hua was stunned for a moment, then smiled warmly, bowed again, and said:

"Yes."

He no longer refused, took his seat at the top, and began:

"Today, I will explain the essence of Five Elements and Eight Trigrams formations. The Five Elements generate and restrain each other, the Eight Trigrams correspond and interact. When combined, they nurture one another, counterbalance each other. Within this lies the rotation of the array core, containing boundless mysteries, encompassing countless changes of array patterns—from first-rank to high-tier second-rank, from one-pattern first-rank to nineteen-pattern second-rank, all will be covered…"

As soon as he spoke, the crowd erupted—commotion spread throughout.

High-tier second-rank, nineteen-pattern formations!

This Young Master Mo, with only just over twenty years of cultivation, had already reached… the peak of nineteen-pattern second-rank formation mastery!

(End of this Chapter)