Chapter 516: Ox Horse

First is my well design.

This large well needs to be opened through mountain ranges, connecting mountains, and at the same time needs to build a rigorous structure and a perfect array formation system.

Which mountains to open, and how to connect them.

Which array formations to build, and how to lay them out.

These are all things to consider.

Mo Hua first referred to past generations of mine maps, researching the structure of several large and small mines outside Nanyue City.

Afterwards, he consulted the opinions of several elders from family clans and sects.

These elders also have mining industries in their clans or sects.

They operate related cultivation businesses, guard mines, or participate in mine construction.

When Mo Hua asked them, they also did not hide anything.

They wanted to seek some welfare for these poor mine cultivators, and at the same time, they were grateful to Mo Hua for suppressing the corpse king and quelling the corpse plague, saving their lives.

After Mo Hua familiarized himself with the mine structures, he spent several days drafting a large array formation diagram.

Inside the mine well, there is no need for large formations, nor can large formations be used.

Large formations are grand and unified.

However, the array formations in the mine well are trivial.

They need to satisfy various functions and must be as simple, sturdy, and durable as possible. Even if damaged, they must be convenient to repair.

If a large formation is made, once it is broken, almost no one will repair it after Mo Hua leaves.

Therefore, the array formations within the mine well are just a pile of compound arrays, including some simple-to-use single arrays.

Simple, basic, and practical.

But the amount of work is not small.

At the same time, Mo Hua also combined the underlying structure of the Five Elements Slaughter Demon Great Array, utilizing the array principles of the Five Elements generating and restraining each other, and sorted and optimized these miscellaneous array formations a bit.

This made these array formations more clear and concise, and also removed some redundant array formations, reducing some costs.

Although the mine well used many array formations, the difficulty was not high.

Mo Hua didn't even need to take it to Mr. Zhuang for review. He only showed it to Bai Zixi, and the two of them together checked the array patterns once, sorted the array hubs once, checked for omissions and filled in gaps a bit, and then it was considered perfected.

Afterwards, he took it to the array masters on the Dao Court side to see, discussed it a bit, and then finalized it.

There are many of these array formations. Although Mo Hua draws array formations extremely fast, after all, he is only one person and cannot draw enough, so he needs the help of these array masters from the Dao Court.

They all agreed.

After Mo Hua left, an old array master only sighed and said, "These array formations are well-built..."

A young array master said doubtfully, "The array formations used are some ordinary ones, aren't they just average?"

The old array master glared at him, "What do you understand? It is the most difficult to use ordinary array formations well."

He pointed to the array diagram on the table, "These array formations seem simple, but the layout is condensed, and they mutually assist each other. Adding one is too many, and reducing one is too few. To achieve this level, one must have a deep enough foundation and solid enough basics..."

The old array master praised Mo Hua a lot.

That young array master nodded, but his expression was still a little unconvinced.

Simple array formations are, after all, just simple array formations. Even if they are used beautifully, they are still just so-so.

The old array master couldn't help but shake his head.

Young Master Yun, looking at the array formations in front of him, was silent and frowned in deep thought.

He is a second-grade array master, from a scholarly family, so he sees things more deeply.

These array formation patterns look simple, but they are also grand and magnificent, as if derived from... great formations?

Great formations gather simplicity into complexity and integrate thoroughly, while these array formations delete complexity into simplicity.

The concept is indeed exquisite, but...

Young Master Yun was a little unable to understand.

Why are only basic and simple array formations used?

Why not use some array formations with stronger effects, first-grade, or even above first-grade?

Young Master Yun's doubts were not resolved. A few days later, when Mo Hua started to draw the array formations, Young Master Yun, feeling a little shy and embarrassed, walked over to Mo Hua's side.

Mo Hua was currently seriously drawing array formations. Seeing Young Master Yun, he said curiously:

"Young Master Yun, is there something?"

In Nanyue City, among the various forces of the Dao Court, there was only one second-grade array master, and he was still so young. Mo Hua naturally recognized him.

It was just that before, with the corpse tide as a disaster, time was urgent, and they didn't chat much, so they weren't familiar.

Young Master Yun was looked at by Mo Hua's innocent and pure water-like big eyes. For some reason, he was a little flustered, but he finally calmed down and asked the doubts in his heart:

"These array formations all have better choices, right? Why are only the most basic ones chosen?"

Mo Hua said, "Because these array formations are meant to be used."

"Used?" Young Master Yun was slightly startled.

Mo Hua nodded, "Master taught me that array formations must be applied..."

"The array formations in this world, drawn on paper, are one appearance, but in actual use, the situations are thousands of differences and varieties."

Young Master Yun seemed thoughtful.

Mo Hua sighed slightly and continued:

"This is a mine well. The array formations inside are for mine cultivators to use."

"Mine cultivators are very poor."

"If higher-end array formations are used, although the effects are better, once they are broken, no one will repair them for them."

"Even if they can be repaired, they cannot afford the repairs."

"Therefore, simple, durable, sturdy, and easy-to-repair array formations are the only good array formations for them."

Young Master Yun was startled.

No one had ever told him such words before.

All array masters are learning more profound array formations, learning more difficult array formations, in order to elevate their own array formation level and seek more distant cultivation prospects.

However, almost no one thought of popularizing these most basic array formations for the most ordinary cultivators...

He himself had never realized it.

Young Master Yun's face suddenly turned slightly red, and he felt a little ashamed.

Mo Hua also looked at him in surprise.

He still thought that this Young Master Yun, so young and a second-grade array master, must be proud and arrogant, but he didn't expect him to be so shy, with a thinner face than himself.

He estimated that he had always stayed in his family and had not been out much, so his worldly experience was not deep.

Young Master Yun seemed to think of something again, and hesitated to speak.

But his thoughts were almost all written on his face.

Mo Hua saw clearly and asked:

"What else do you want to ask?"

Young Master Yun hesitated for a moment, then said apologetically:

"Perhaps, it's a bit abrupt..."

"Mm." Mo Hua said, "Ask away."

Young Master Yun made up his mind and slowly asked:

"The array formation on the corpse king's body, did you draw it? That is... an absolute array?"

Mo Hua nodded and said honestly:

"Yes!"

Although he had already guessed, Young Master Yun still looked shocked.

Other cultivators, and even some other array masters, may not understand what an absolute array means exactly.

Qi Refining eighth layer.

Mastering a first-grade twelve-pattern absolute array.

This kind of thing goes against his common sense as an array master.

Young Master Yun felt a little disheartened.

In the Yun family, even in the entire state where the Yun family is located, he is highly praised as an array formation genius.

But at this time, he only knew.

Between geniuses, there are also differences, even a heaven and earth difference.

Some people are geniuses to the point of being almost demonic.

He looked at the childish-faced Mo Hua in front of him again, and sighed in his heart.

This is a little demon.

Mo Hua saw Young Master Yun's expression was a little lost and didn't know what he was thinking.

Suddenly, Mo Hua's eyes brightened slightly, and he said in a low voice:

"Young Master Yun, do you know what this array formation is?"

Young Master Yun honestly shook his head and said doubtfully:

"What array formation?"

"Spirit Hub Array." Mo Hua said.

"Spirit Hub Array..."

Young Master Yun recited it a few times, nodded and praised, "Indeed it is an absolute array. Just the name is different from ordinary ones..."

"Then..." Mo Hua blinked his eyes and induced, "Do you want to learn it?"

Young Master Yun's heart trembled, and he opened his mouth wide.

He still thought Mo Hua was teasing him, but looking up, Mo Hua's gaze was as clear as water, with no hint of teasing. Then he suppressed the excitement in his heart and slowly nodded, saying:

"Yes..."

No array master can resist the temptation of array formations.

Mo Hua smiled with narrowed eyes and said, "Then I'll teach you."

Young Master Yun was even more surprised, "You are willing to teach me?"

"Mm." Mo Hua nodded and said, "Array formations need to be inherited to be long-lasting. If you cherish them like a broom, no matter how precious the array formations are, they will be cut off sooner or later."

"Once cut off, no matter how precious the array formations are, they are useless."

"Since you want to learn, then I will teach you, but you must promise me that you cannot use it to do bad things."

Young Master Yun nodded repeatedly involuntarily, "Good, I promise you!"

"And one more thing..." Mo Hua said again, "After you learn, you must help me with a favor."

"Help?" Young Master Yun was startled.

"Mm!"

Mo Hua's eyes were shining brightly, "I want to build some things and use the Spirit Hub Array to control them. One person can't handle it, so I need your help."

This was also his long-planned plan.

Manpower is limited.

Although he is proficient in array formations, there are many things that he cannot do alone and will take a lot of time.

It's different with someone helping.

Moreover, this matter also needs to use the Spirit Hub Array.

First-grade twelve-pattern absolute array, the array patterns are complex, and the divine sense requirements are also high. Almost no one in Nanyue City can learn it.

But Young Master Yun should be able to.

He is a second-grade array master, still an array formation genius, and his divine sense and comprehension should both be sufficient.

Mo Hua had already thought of him a long time ago.

Now that he is "delivering himself to the door," he just goes with the flow and asks him to help.

"It's possible..." Young Master Yun thought for a moment and asked curiously, "But what exactly do I need to help with?"

"Help me draw array formations."

"The array formations inside the mine well?"

"And some others, you will know then..."

Mo Hua kept him in suspense.

Thus, Young Master Yun naturally became Mo Hua's "laborer."

The mines need to have some preliminary array formations drawn, the array formation framework built, and some basic array formations pre-filled.

Afterwards, let the zombies open the mountains.

When the mines are opened completely and the mine wells are dug, the subsequent array formations will be completed.

These array formations are very miscellaneous.

Including defense arrays, earth solidification arrays, illumination arrays, ventilation arrays, filth removal arrays, and some temporary gold blade arrays, earth prison arrays, etc., to cope with demon beasts.

Mo Hua taught him how to draw the Spirit Hub Array.

While Young Master Yun was learning, he would occasionally help Mo Hua draw array formations in his free time.

Young Master Yun is a second-grade array master, and his speed in drawing first-grade array formations is very fast.

But what made it hard for him to believe was that Mo Hua drew even faster than him!

When he draws array formations, he still needs to look at the array diagram and confirm the array patterns.

But Mo Hua doesn't even need to look. He relies solely on memory, turning his wrists casually, his pen moving like a dragon and snake, and one array pattern after another appears on the paper.

It seems casual, but the array formations under the pen are both neat and rigorous, not deviating at all, and they have a special charm.

How many times has this been drawn...

Young Master Yun was secretly shocked, and at the same time, he felt a little relieved.

Although his talent is good, this effort alone is not something ordinary array masters can do.

Time passed day by day.

Young Master Yun did not learn the Spirit Hub Array quickly.

Mainly, his divine sense is limited, and he cannot practice many times a day, so the array patterns are inevitably unfamiliar, and his comprehension is also quite slow.

Mo Hua can complete the amount he practices in a week in just one or two days.

It is natural that his progress is slower.

While Mo Hua was free, he would also ask Young Master Yun some knowledge about second-grade array formations.

His current array formation level has already far exceeded that of a first-grade array master.

But absolute arrays, like these, seem to be completely different from second-grade array formations.

Mo Hua wanted to know what the thresholds of second-grade array masters and second-grade array formations were.

Young Master Yun reciprocated the favor and answered wholeheartedly:

"When you reach the second grade, array masters and array formations only need to be divided into elementary, intermediate, and advanced tiers, corresponding to the early, middle, and late stages of Foundation Building cultivation realms."

"My current cultivation is only in the early stage of Foundation Building, so my array master level is also only in the second-grade elementary tier."

"Second-grade array formations are equally difficult to learn and require a lot of time and energy."

"Generally, the levels of array masters lag behind their own cultivation realms."

"For example, in the early stage of Foundation Building, you are just a first-grade array master. In the middle stage of Foundation Building, you are just a second-grade elementary array master. When you reach the late stage of Foundation Building, you are just a second-grade intermediate..."

"Like me, being able to become a second-grade elementary array master in the early stage of Foundation Building is already considered..."

Young Master Yun originally wanted to say "genius", but he glanced at Mo Hua and just said, "...considered not bad..."

Mo Hua said curiously, "Can Qi Refining cultivators become second-grade array masters?"

Young Master Yun shook his head, "No way."

"Because the divine sense is not enough?"

"Generally because the divine sense is not enough, and another reason is spiritual power."

"Spiritual power?"

"Mm." Young Master Yun explained, "Between Qi Refining and Foundation Building, the divine sense has a 'quantity' difference, but the spiritual power has a 'quality' difference. Similarly, first-grade and second-grade array formations involve array principles, and the spiritual power that drives the array formations also has 'quality' differences."

"Therefore, Qi Refining cultivators cannot learn second-grade array formations."

Mo Hua was a little regretful.

He still thought that if his divine sense was strong enough, he could try to learn second-grade array formations.

It seems that the limits of the big categories of the Heavenly Dao are still very strict.

Within the same grade, he can cross tiers and learn faster than others.

But no matter how he crosses tiers, he cannot exceed the grade...

Reverse Spirit Array, Thick Earth Array, and Spirit Hub Array, although these absolute arrays are said to be super-grade array formations, they are still in the first-grade category, they are first-grade array formations, not second-grade array formations.

Essentially speaking, they are not truly "super-grade", but should be counted as seriously super-tier...

Mo Hua nodded, and had a better understanding of the concept of grades.

Afterwards, he asked some other questions.

Young Master Yun answered them one by one.

Mo Hua is honest with people, Young Master Yun's worldly experience is not deep, and he has no schemes. Also, they are both array masters, so they chatted a lot and got much more familiar, and they talked very speculatively.

Mo Hua taught Young Master Yun the Spirit Hub Array.

Young Master Yun was extremely grateful and felt there was no way to repay him, so he secretly taught Mo Hua some array formations passed down by the Yun family.

Mo Hua was instead a little uneasy, "Is it okay?"

Young Master Yun blinked, "As long as you don't say I taught you, it's fine."

Mo Hua was startled for a moment.

Why did these words sound a little familiar, like those of Uncle Zhang Lan.

When he learned his Zhang family's Passing Water Step, Zhang Lan seemed to have instructed him the same way...

After a few more days, the preliminary array formations within the mine well were drawn, and Young Master Yun had also learned the Spirit Hub Array roughly.

Mo Hua then woke up the corpse king, letting it bring the iron corpse and several tens of thousands of walking corpses out of the corpse mine and into various mines.

The zombies all over the mountains and plains listened to Mo Hua's dispatch, walking in order into each mine, advancing together, and chiseling the mine wells.

This scene was both strange and harmonious.

For fear of the zombies changing, all the mine cultivators stayed in Tongxian City.

The Dao soldiers were stationed in the surroundings.

Yang Jishan and several other Foundation Building cultivators with deep cultivation looked alertly at the corpse king, fearing it would rebel and devour its master again, turning into a Dao devil.

The mines were noisy again.

Only this time, the laborers were not mine cultivators, but zombies.

Their actions were mechanical and repetitive, one pickaxe after another, chiseling the mines bit by bit.

To chisel out a place for their descendants, where they can eat their fill, dress warmly, and live safely...

Under Mo Hua's control, the corpse king did not undergo corpse transformation again, the iron corpse obeyed commands, and all the walking corpses worked hard without complaint.

Everything proceeded in an orderly manner.

More than a month later, the mine wells were completely chiseled open.

The mine wells connected several mines, the scale was extremely large, and the passages were spacious, the walls were firm, the foul gas was cleared out, it was both safe and more comfortable.

Mo Hua then commanded the zombies to return to the corpse mine to sleep.

The array masters on the Dao Court side then completed the subsequent array formations within the mine wells according to Mo Hua's array diagrams.

These array formations were very simple, and it was the same whether Mo Hua drew them or not.

Mo Hua needed to draw some other things.

Mo Hua called on Young Master Yun to come to a workshop in the city.

In the spacious courtyard, there were wooden puppets made of hard wood, shaped like oxen and horses.

Young Master Yun was a little astonished, "These are..."

"Puppets." Mo Hua said, "Draw the Spirit Hub Array on them, and they can be controlled by divine sense to move, transport ores, reduce the labor of mine cultivators, and improve mining efficiency..."

Young Master Yun realized, "You asked me to help with this?"

"Mm." Mo Hua nodded, "We need to draw many Spirit Hub Arrays. I can't draw them all alone, so I need you to help draw them."

Young Master Yun nodded slightly, and at the same time sighed in his heart.

This is truly comprehending array formations and learning to apply them.

Learning array formations is just about using them appropriately, using them to benefit more cultivators...

He seemed to have never done such a thing before.

"Good!" Young Master Yun said happily.

Afterwards, he was a little doubtful, "Do these puppets have names?"

"Yes!" Mo Hua smiled brightly, "You can call them, 'Wooden Ox Flowing Horse'!"

(End of this chapter)