Chapter 51: Hidden Wood

On the second day, Mr. Zhuang, uncharacteristically not sleeping in, saw Mo Hua and waved him over. "Mo Hua, come with me."

Mr. Zhuang took Mo Hua to the study and asked, "That set of the Three Talents Array, how many times have you practiced it?"

Mo Hua was very grateful to Mr. Zhuang and didn't want to hide anything initially, but the matter of the Dao Stele was a bit mysterious, and he didn't know how to explain it. However, he also didn't want to lie, so he answered truthfully:

"Replying to mister, I practiced it three or four times on paper, and then seven or eight times in my dreams."

He spoke the truth, just without mentioning the Dao Stele.

Mr. Zhuang was slightly startled. "In your dreams?"

"Yes," Mo Hua said, "After I fall asleep, I can continue drawing the array formations in my dreams."

Mr. Zhuang's eyebrows furrowed slightly. He looked at Mo Hua, but found Mo Hua's expression sincere and his eyes as clear as if he could see his own reflection.

Mr. Zhuang chuckled and said, "I know."

Know what...

Mo Hua looked at Mr. Zhuang with confusion.

Mr. Zhuang thought deeply for a moment, then turned and looked at Mo Hua, admonishing him:

"Only say this sentence here with me. Later, no matter who asks, you don't need to answer, and especially don't mention drawing array formations in your dreams."

"Then if others press for details?"

"If others press for details, then you should say, as I told you before, that it's because you learned meditation techniques, which is why you learn array formations quickly."

"Then if others ask for the method of the meditation technique?"

Mr. Zhuang said indifferently, "If you can't give it, then don't. If he tries to snatch it by force, then kill him. If you can't kill him, fight him, and if you still can't escape, then give him the meditation technique. The method is just an external thing, your life is your own."

Mo Hua thought for a moment and felt it made sense, but he still asked:

"Then if others learn the meditation technique and find that it doesn't speed up their learning of array formations?"

"In that case…"

Mr. Zhuang thought for a bit and said, "You can only say that you are extraordinarily talented, that you never forget what you see, and you can learn array formations after seeing them a few times. Also, remember, when you say this, you must be arrogant. You must display a disdainful and contemptuous attitude, as if you look down on everyone. You must make others believe that you are a one-in-a-million genius."

"A disdainful posture?"

"I'll do it once, you watch and learn."

After saying this, Mr. Zhuang's casual appearance changed. It was as if a sleeping azure dragon suddenly raised its head, displaying an arrogant and conceited demeanor, as if looking down on all the mountains.

After being arrogant for a moment, Mr. Zhuang's expression became weary and lazy again. He said to Mo Hua:

"Just like that, practice more when you have time."

Mo Hua was greatly shocked.

Every day, Mr. Zhuang looked like an immortal with a virtuous air, but when he talked nonsense and deceived people, he was not at all vague.

When Mo Hua was by himself, he would stand by the pond, putting his hands on his waist and puffing out his chest, trying to project an arrogant appearance, but he never looked as imposing as Mr. Zhuang.

"Cultivation is a great subject. It seems it's not just about cultivation and array formations; other matters also need to be learned more from mister."

Mo Hua made up his mind. This skill of pretending must be practiced well when he had time.

The sky gradually darkened, and it was time for dusk. Mo Hua then bid farewell to Mr. Zhuang and went home.

After Mo Hua left, Mr. Zhuang lay on a reclining chair in the bamboo pavilion, thinking about things. Old Kui was playing chess by himself on the side.

A clear breeze blew through the pavilion. After thinking deeply for half a day, Mr. Zhuang suddenly said, "Something's not right."

Old Kui lifted his eyelid. "What's not right?"

"That child Mo Hua…"

Old Kui glanced at Mr. Zhuang. "You feel he's not telling the truth?"

"Whether he's telling the truth doesn't matter. There are always some things that aren't suitable to say out loud."

"Then what's not right?"

"Learning too fast." Mr. Zhuang said with a frown.

Old Kui was slightly startled. "Didn't you say that before?"

Mr. Zhuang said, "He is my nominal disciple. Learning too fast can easily invite trouble."

Old Kui placed a piece. "He's not learning that fast, is he? Mo Hua's talent and comprehension are still far inferior to yours back then. Compared to many children from influential families, there is still a big gap."

Mr. Zhuang shook his head. "You can't compare it that way. Influential families have their own foundation and inheritance. Having heard and seen things since childhood, even if it's a pig, it will learn array formations faster than an average person. As for me…"

Mr. Zhuang had an indifferent expression. "In this cultivation world, those whose array formation talent surpasses mine are originally few in number. It's also normal that they can't compare to me."

Mr. Zhuang used a flat tone to say arrogant words.

It was a pity there was no one to cheer him on. Old Kui played chess on the side, not even bothering to lift his head.

Mr. Zhuang missed Mo Hua a bit. If Mo Hua were by his side, those bright eyes would definitely be full of admiration.

Mr. Zhuang sighed and said:

"Mo Hua is different after all. He is from a rogue cultivator background, with no family background or inheritance. His foundation in array formations is too weak. If his progress in array formations is too fast, it will inevitably attract people's attention, and can even easily invite disaster upon himself."

"You can also look before and after, which is a bit rare." Old Kui seemed to smile without smiling.

Mr. Zhuang stretched lazily. "The finest wood in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. Before, I just didn't understand the principle of concealing ability and cultivating obscurity, and I didn't look before and after, so I suffered losses."

"Then what do you plan to do? Not teach him?"

Mr. Zhuang lay on the bamboo chair, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest. "I still want to teach him. As my disciple, even if he's not a true inheritor, it's impossible for him to only learn this little bit. Otherwise, if others knew, it would damage my reputation and shame my master's gate."

Old Kui said, "Before, you wouldn't care about these empty names."

"As you get older, people want face."

Old Kui looked at the weary and lazy Mr. Zhuang. "I don't think so."

Mr. Zhuang ignored Old Kui. After speaking, he closed his eyes, as if in deep thought, or perhaps dozing off again.

Old Kui continued to play chess as usual.

The night deepened, and the evening wind brushed through the mountains, making the forest rustle.

Mr. Zhuang suddenly opened his eyes, looked at the mountain forest in the night, and muttered in a low voice:

"The finest wood in the forest will be destroyed by the wind… then if the wood is not prominent in the forest, the wind cannot destroy it."

Old Kui looked at him with slight doubt. Mr. Zhuang's gaze followed the rise and fall of the forest in the mountains, and he said meaningfully, "Hide the wood within the forest, then it will not stand out alone in the forest."

Old Kui frowned.

Mr. Zhuang's gaze then skipped over the mountain forest and fell on the front of the courtyard gate.

Every morning, the Bai family siblings would come up the mountain to visit.

Those two children were extremely talented, they were the most excellent trees in the forest.

Early the next morning, the Bai family siblings still came to visit at the front of the mountain. The difference from the past was that when they bowed at the gate, the bamboo door that was usually tightly closed suddenly opened.

At the same time, the plaque "Sit Forget Residence" appeared in front of the door.

Beyond the door was a courtyard. Inside the courtyard, the locust trees reached for the sky, there was a small bridge and flowing water, clouds and mist were dense, and immortal energy was abundant.

Bai Zi Sheng said in astonishment:

"Aunt Xue… the courtyard door is open. Is Mr. Zhuang willing to see us?"

Even the always calm Aunt Xue felt her emotions fluctuate for a time. "It should be."

Immediately, she thought silently:

"It's good that Mr. Zhuang is willing to see us. Even if he doesn't accept the young master and young lady as disciples at this time, at least they can first follow by his side. With the talent of the young master and young lady, Mr. Zhuang will agree sooner or later."

Bai Zi Sheng's expression was slightly nervous. He looked at his sister on the side and found that Bai Zi Xi's exquisite face was as clear and cold as ever, without any extra emotions.

A trace of heartache flashed in Bai Zi Sheng's eyes. Subsequently, he silently blocked his sister behind him and stepped into the courtyard.