Chapter 522: Sishui

South of Nanyue City, bordering the second-grade Sishui state.Sishui flows from beginning to end, connecting the territory.The meandering water flows along the river channel, gurgling towards distant places.

Mo Hua, tired from drawing array formations, lifts the curtain and peeks outside at the green mountains and blue waters, the vast scenery. He feels his heart expand and his spirit lift.After looking for a while, he withdraws his gaze and sits steadily inside.

Outside the carriage, Mu Lao cracks pine nuts and listens to the sound as he drives the carriage.Inside the carriage, Bai Zisheng is meditating and cultivating, and Bai Zixi is quietly reading a book.Mr. Zhuang leans on the blanket, closes his eyes for a short rest, his posture elegant and leisurely.But his breathing is getting weaker.Mo Hua frowns, his heart filled with endless worry.

Ever since leaving Nanyue City, Mr. Zhuang's body seems to be worsening day by day. Although his gaze is still as gentle and free as ever, his complexion is obviously worse, and his daily rest time is also longer.Mo Hua asked Mr. Zhuang if he was uncomfortable.Mr. Zhuang just touched Mo Hua's head, smiled, and said he was fine, telling him not to worry.But his breathing doesn't sound fine.Mo Hua can only sigh in his heart.

It is now the hour of Wei, noon has passed, and the sunlight is bright and charming, making people drowsy.Mo Hua then boils a pot of tea.The tea leaves are a gift from Elder Su. The tea soup is fresh and tender, with a mellow and thick taste. Mo Hua added some spiritual herbs, ginseng, and jade dates, which can regulate a cultivator's blood energy and nourish the meridians.Although it might not have much effect on Mr. Zhuang, it's a small gesture of care.

The tea is boiled well, with misty vapor and overflowing fragrance.Mo Hua first pours a cup for Mr. Zhuang, then pours a cup for his little senior brother and little senior sister respectively.Finally, he only pours a cup for himself and sips it slowly.Bai Zisheng feels the afternoon drowsiness and is somewhat thirsty, so he drinks it all in one gulp as if chewing a peony.Bai Zixi, like Mo Hua, has an elegant and refined posture. She slightly opens her red lips, sips slowly, and savors the taste.Mr. Zhuang smells the tea fragrance, slowly opens his eyes, smiles slightly, lifts the tea and drinks. His eyes brighten, and he seems to be a little more spirited.

Mo Hua pours another cup for Mr. Zhuang, turns his head to look at the scenery outside, and suddenly asks:"Master, where exactly are we going?"Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi, upon hearing this, also stop their cups and turn their heads to look at Mr. Zhuang.Mr. Zhuang sees three pairs of bright eyes, feels comfortable, thinks for a moment, then opens his mouth to say:"Towards the south, to the Great Li Mountain state boundary.""Great Li Mountain?"Mo Hua silently mumbles, then asks again:"If we go there, can I build my foundation?"Mr. Zhuang slightly nods, "When your cultivation reaches the completion of the ninth layer of Qi Refining and your divine sense reaches fourteen patterns, then you can build your foundation.""Cultivation is like flowing water, follow the steps, there's no need to rush excessively.""But for your divine sense to reach fourteen patterns, it may not be easy…"Mr. Zhuang sighs slightly in his heart.Not only not easy…For Qi Refining cultivators, it is rarely difficult to the point of being exasperating.Even in the successive generations of Dao cultivation classics, in the records about genius cultivators, there are almost no precedents of Qi Refining fourteen patterns divine sense…Mr. Zhuang looks at Mo Hua, his heart filled with emotions.

Mo Hua is still thinking about building his foundation and asks again:"Then Master, if we go to the Great Li Mountain state boundary, can my divine sense break through to fourteen patterns?""I can only say, there is this opportunity."Mr. Zhuang didn't say too specifically.Mo Hua's eyes slightly brighten, "So, is it true that the Great Li Mountain state boundary has a first-grade thirteen patterns absolute array?"According to what Mr. Zhuang said before, one can enhance their divine sense by comprehending and practicing absolute arrays.And the more difficult the absolute array, the stronger the divine sense required. This grinds the sea of consciousness deeper, and the divine sense grows faster.Now Mo Hua's divine sense has reached the peak of thirteen patterns.Although he also practices the Thick Earth Array and the Spirit Pivot Array every day, as he becomes more and more proficient in these arrays, the growth of his own divine sense also slows down…It's time to find thirteen patterns arrays to learn.

Mr. Zhuang nods, "That's right."It seems Master has plans early on.Mo Hua's bright and piercing eyes say curiously:"Master, what kind of absolute array is it there at Great Li Mountain?"Mr. Zhuang shakes his head, "Not one…"Mo Hua is slightly startled.Mr. Zhuang pauses for a bit, the corners of his mouth slightly rise, with a faint smile, "It's five."Mo Hua's heart trembles, and he exclaims:"Five!"Mo Hua opens his mouth, then immediately looks at Mr. Zhuang again, somewhat doubting, and says:"Five… then won't it be like big white cabbage?"Since it's an absolute array, it must be rare.How can there be five at once?Mr. Zhuang smiles slightly, "Guess a bit, why?"Mo Hua blinks his eyes, holds his small chin, thinks for a moment, then uncertainly says:"Five… is it related to the five elements?"Mr. Zhuang nods contentedly, "That's right!"His tone is somewhat emotional, "This is a set of five elements absolute arrays, metal, wood, water, fire, earth, one for each element, but the essence and principle are the same, so the five are counted as one set."

Mo Hua is listening, his heart scratching like a small cat's claws, itchy.He really wants to know what this array is, what the array patterns look like, what the array hub structure is, and what its use is after learning it.But he still has a biggest doubt."Master…"Mo Hua hesitates to ask, "Even if I learn first-grade thirteen patterns arrays and practice every day, my divine sense may not be able to break through the bottleneck and reach the realm of Foundation Establishment middle stage with fourteen patterns…"This is what he has recently realized.The later it is, the slower the divine sense grows, and the harder it is.He is now at the peak of thirteen patterns, looking at the fourteen patterns in the distance, only a tiny threshold.But this threshold is like a natural moat.He cultivates his divine sense by drawing arrays every day, like a cup of water.This cup of water flows into the moat and instantly disappears.To fill this moat and break through the bottleneck, he truly doesn't know until what year and month…Twelve patterns absolute arrays enhance divine sense limited.Even learning thirteen patterns arrays probably won't be much better.

Mr. Zhuang's gaze slightly condenses, and he slowly says:"Enhancing divine sense is only one aspect…""Even if your divine sense cannot be enhanced to fourteen patterns, this set of arrays is something you must learn even if you build your foundation with thirteen patterns divine sense!"Mr. Zhuang's tone is solemn and his expression is serious.Mo Hua's heart is slightly alarmed, "Master, what's special about this set of arrays?"Mr. Zhuang did not directly answer, but instead asks:"Mo Hua, what do you feel is different between you and Zisheng, Zixi?"Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi are both somewhat startled, then look at Mo Hua.Mo Hua scratches his head.The differences between him and his little senior brother and little senior sister are probably too many.The only similarity might be that they are all Mr. Zhuang's disciples."Senior brother and senior sister, they are from prominent families, with good talent, good spiritual roots, and good inheritance?"Mo Hua says weakly.Mr. Zhuang nods, sighs, "You may not feel it deeply now. Wait until you step into the broader cultivation world in the future, then you will understand that family background, spiritual roots, and inheritance are cold and cruel barriers, separating the upper prominent families and the lower loose cultivators.""Some things that children of prominent families can do, loose cultivators cannot.""The paths they can walk, you cannot walk.""They are born with good spiritual roots, without worries about food and clothing, with abundant spirit stones, and rich spiritual objects. They only need to cultivate. When trouble arises, someone will naturally help them resolve it, and someone will plan their cultivation future."Mr. Zhuang looks at Mo Hua, his gaze warm and moist, hiding tenderness:"But you cannot. Your future path depends on yourself to walk; spirit stones depend on yourself to earn; if you offend others, no one will support you; if you encounter trouble, you have to resolve it yourself…""But your array talent is extremely good, and your comprehension is also extremely high. In the future, you will definitely interact with the major prominent families, great sects, and even many prodigies of the Central Dao Court in the cultivation world, and even have decisive confrontations.""In the confrontation of prodigies, in this situation, your lack of family and sect is your biggest disadvantage.""And you can't even refine your body, so the dangers you will encounter in the future will be extremely great…"Mo Hua's expression is somewhat solemn.The eyes of Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi looking at Mo Hua also show worry.Bai Zisheng thinks for a moment, silently makes up his mind, and says:"Master, don't worry, I am the senior brother, I will definitely protect little junior brother well! He is my junior brother, and can also be considered a member of our Bai family. I won't let anyone bully him!"Mr. Zhuang is slightly startled, looking at Bai Zisheng, both surprised and gratified.Bai family… can actually raise such a child…Truly rare.Mr. Zhuang pats Bai Zisheng's shoulder, "Having this heart is already very good…"Mr. Zhuang's words are implicit, and some things were not said clearly.Because prominent families are always not warm and affectionate.The Bai family is also the same.In the future, these two children, Zisheng and Zixi, may also find it difficult to protect themselves…Mr. Zhuang's gaze is dim and unclear, and he sighs in his heart.But these things should naturally be worried about by these two children's mother, he cannot manage so much.Mr. Zhuang again turns his gaze towards Mo Hua.Mo Hua is frowning in thought, his clear big eyes blinking, blinking, suddenly they brighten, and he looks at Mr. Zhuang, asking:"Master, are you saying this is related to the arrays I will learn next?"Mr. Zhuang sighs with emotion in his heart.What a smart child, truly understands at a single point.He nods, "That's right."Outside the carriage window, the Sishui waves endlessly, always meandering, flowing towards the distance.Mr. Zhuang says: "The prodigies of the nine provinces in the cultivation world are like carps crossing the river, countless…""But without exception, they cultivate their own techniques, learn their own Dao methods, and all their abilities are to enhance their own killing power.""They confront each other, all wanting to rely on the strength of one person to suppress many geniuses and be unmatched.""This kind of thing is extremely difficult.""It requires outstanding spiritual roots, a deep family background, unique opportunities, cultivating deep foundations, powerful Dao methods, and top-grade spirit tools, then one can suppress same-generation cultivators and become a son of heaven…"Mr. Zhuang's tone slightly pauses, and he looks at Mo Hua:"But you cannot do this kind of thing."Mr. Zhuang again lists Mo Hua's shortcomings:"Your spiritual roots are not good, your origin is not good, your innate body is weak, your spirit tools are simple, and although your techniques are special, they do not increase spiritual power. Only your arrays are stronger than theirs.""In a head-on confrontation, you have no advantage.""And some extremely rare cultivation resources can only be obtained through head-on contention.""So, you cannot walk the same path as them. When you contend for opportunities, you cannot, like them, rely on your own killing abilities.""You need to have killing methods, but you cannot focus on killing.""You cannot rely on your own power to suppress prodigies.""Then you can only take another path, not focusing on killing, but assisting in killing…"

"Assisting in killing?"Mo Hua is startled, not quite understanding.Mr. Zhuang explains: "Simply put, it is to enhance the power of others' Dao methods."Mo Hua understands somewhat, but still hasn't thought clearly.What's the difference between focusing on killing and assisting in killing?Mr. Zhuang smiles faintly, and says meaningfully:"If you focus on killing, you will confront many prodigies and be their enemy, and they will not give you a good face.""But if you assist in killing, you can help them compete with other prodigies, and they will have to look at your face instead.""The stronger your assisting killing methods are, the more they will not dare to offend you.""In this way, you will have no family, but any family can become your help. You will have no sect, but any sect can become your background.""In the utilitarian and snobbish cultivation forces, among many prodigies with excellent spiritual roots, techniques, and Dao methods, you will also have a place!"Mr. Zhuang sighs."The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.""You cannot stick out, and you don't need to stick out.""Learn to hide in the dark, learn to borrow power, be like a fish in water in the major forces, adapt to all sides. In this way, you can truly go far, advance your cultivation step by step, comprehend arrays, and seek the true great Dao…"

Mr. Zhuang finishes speaking, his expression somewhat emotional.When he was young, he just didn't think clearly about this principle.He blindly suppressed his peers, relied on his talent and arrogance, looked down on the world, yet being too rigid is easy to break, and he suffered great losses…Mo Hua suddenly realizes.Assisting in killing, avoiding others' sharpness, hiding in the dark, learning to borrow power.In this way, in the cultivation forces with strict barriers, contradictory interests, and fierce competition, one can seek a foothold.Master actually considers so far for him…Mo Hua is touched in his heart, infinitely grateful.But these things should still be early.Not to mention the confrontation of prodigies, he hasn't even built his foundation yet.Mo Hua thinks for a moment, then says again:"Master, are those five elements absolute arrays in the Great Li Mountain state boundary assisting killing arrays?"Mr. Zhuang nods, "The five elements absolute arrays, in essence, are five elements spiritual power enhancement."Five elements spiritual power enhancement!Mo Hua's eyes brighten, he still wants to ask more specifically, but Mr. Zhuang smiles slightly, leaving him in suspense:"You'll know when the time comes."Mo Hua pouts.But he doesn't dare to complain about Mr. Zhuang in his heart.As long as he complains, Mr. Zhuang will definitely know and will knock his small head.Mo Hua can only ask about some other matters:"Master, what grade is the Great Li Mountain state boundary?""Third-grade."Mo Hua is startled, actually third-grade!"Then, will there be Golden Core cultivators?"Mr. Zhuang nods, "There are, but not many. Great Li Mountain is a relatively remote place among the third-grade state boundaries. The cultivation resources are not rich, although it is ranked third-grade, it cannot support too many Golden Cores…""Only some larger families and sects have Golden Core to guard.""Ordinary cultivators are still mainly at Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining.""Oh." Mo Hua nods.

He still wants to ask more about the five elements absolute arrays and the Great Li Mountain state boundary, but he finds that Mr. Zhuang's expression is somewhat fatigued, seemingly a little tired, so he says concernedly:"Master, rest for a while."Mr. Zhuang looks outside the window, his expression somewhat emotional:"It's okay, wait a bit, there is a Dragon Spring Waterfall ahead, I want to see it.""Master, have you been here before?" Mo Hua can't help but ask.Mr. Zhuang nods, his expression somewhat melancholy and nostalgic: "I came, but it was… very, very long ago…"Very, very long ago…Exactly how long ago?Master doesn't look very old…Mo Hua mumbles in his heart.He raises his head again, but sees that Mr. Zhuang is not in good spirits, his gaze is somewhat dim, and he is lost in thought."Master, how much longer until Dragon Spring Waterfall?"Mo Hua asks softly.Mr. Zhuang comes back to his senses, thinks slightly, and says:"Estimate, still one hour…"Mo Hua thinks for a moment, says: "Then Master, you sleep for a while. When it's time, I will call you."Mr. Zhuang is slightly startled, then his expression is gratified, and he obediently says:"Okay."Mr. Zhuang peacefully closes his eyes and sleeps steadily.Mo Hua then sits upright, calculating the time while looking out the window.He also wants to see what kind of place the Dragon Spring Waterfall Mr. Zhuang mentioned is.Inside the carriage is quiet, outside the carriage the Sishui is noisy.The carriage follows the rushing water flow, follows the path south, and keeps moving forward…

Most of today was used to plan the detailed outline, so the update was a bit late, sorry.(End of this chapter)