Chapter 903: Return to the Source

Tai Xu City, teahouse private room.

Elder Zheng, while drinking tea, explained the framework of Yuan magnetic and thunder magnetic to Mo Hua.

"Yuan magnetic and thunder magnetic are different."

"The so-called 'Yuan magnetic', the key point lies in the 'magnetic' character. Between heaven and earth, it is filled with a Yuan magnetic field, and between Yuan magnetics, there is naturally induction."

"Cultivators borrow this induction to transmit messages. The foundation of Yuan magnetic arrays is also constructed with Yuan magnetic power. Their core consists of two types of Yuan magnetic array patterns, namely fixed magnetic patterns and unfixed magnetic patterns."

"Unfixed magnetic patterns are the surface layer and can manifest text, pictures, and the Yuan magnetic images of various external things."

"Fixed magnetic patterns are the inner layer, interpreting the inherent meaning of the Yuan magnetic array and constituting the most basic function of the Yuan magnetic array."

"Yuan magnetic array masters study Yuan magnetic array diagrams, learn fixed magnetic patterns, and build a magnetic array system to transmit letters, messages, or receive magnetic letters and manifest messages between different magnetic arrays…"

Mo Hua focused his mind and listened intently.

Elder Zheng looked at Mo Hua and slowly said:

"The entire 'Yuan magnetic' system is fixed, and its framework is inherent. All Yuan magnetic array masters also use this set of 'fixed' framework to learn, build, and maintain various Yuan magnetic arrays, from simple to complex, even up to the final Yuan magnetic grand array."

"But this way, there is a problem…"

Mo Hua pondered for a moment, "Is it because the framework is rigidly fixed?"

"Correct," Elder Zheng nodded with pleasure, "The system is fixed, but it also means that the framework is fixed by others. You can only learn from others, use others' methods, and follow others' 'norms' to build your Yuan magnetic array."

"Even the underlying magnetic patterns of your Yuan magnetic array are all defined by others."

"You only have 'usage rights', but no 'modification rights'."

"In the world, almost all Yuan magnetic array masters are like this, acting according to others' rules under the established 'Yuan magnetic' norms, drawing arrays defined by others."

Mo Hua was silent for a moment and softly asked: "Then if… I don't want to follow this rule?"

Elder Zheng said: "That is another framework."

Mo Hua's eyes brightened, "Thunder magnetic?"

Elder Zheng nodded, "Use thunder to replace magnetic."

"Magnetic is fixed, it is the norm. Under established rules, cultivators solely rely on divine sense or external magnetic patterns and cannot directly change the existing framework."

"And thunder magnetic has induction. If you want to change the magnetic patterns, you must do so through the 'thunder' flow."

"This is the deepest level of this type of array."

"If we say, considering only the magnetic patterns level, fixed magnetic patterns are the inner layer, and unfixed magnetic patterns are the surface layer."

"Then from an overall view, fixed magnetic patterns and unfixed magnetic patterns are actually both surface layers. Thunder magnetic is the deepest layer."

"With magnetic as the surface, and thunder as the inner. Use thunder flow changes to induce the evolution of magnetic patterns. This is the true array principle of the 'thunder magnetic' array!"

Elder Zheng said solemnly.

"Magnetic as the surface, thunder as the inner, use thunder to replace magnetic…" Mo Hua pondered for a moment and was suddenly enlightened.

He had originally been fumbling his way, and had indeed researched some ways of Yuan magnetic, but those were "wild paths".

He also knew how to do it but not why it was so.

Now, with Elder Zheng's guidance, he understood the true distinction between Yuan magnetic and thunder magnetic, and what the overall array type framework was exactly.

"Then how exactly is 'using thunder to replace magnetic' done?" Mo Hua asked for advice again.

Elder Zheng said: "You should be quite familiar with transmission letter orders, right?"

Mo Hua nodded.

Up to now, he didn't know how many transmission letter orders he had dismantled.

He had also restored and cracked quite a few transmission letter orders.

He had also learned quite a few basic Yuan magnetic array patterns, including annotations of fixed magnetic patterns.

At least within the scope of second-grade arrays, he could already be considered a "Yuan magnetic expert".

"I'll use the transmission letter order as an example," Elder Zheng said, "The array operation of the transmission letter order contains two segments of thunder magnetic conduction."

"One segment is external."

"When you write text in a transmission letter order with magnetic ink, the induced magnetic patterns naturally also produce thunder magnetic induction."

"The thunder magnetic will spread out, spreading towards the surrounding heaven and earth."

"Another matching transmission letter order will sense this thunder magnetic and will naturally, based on the fixed magnetic patterns, manifest the corresponding text."

"This is the basic process of Yuan magnetic transmission."

Elder Zheng pointed towards the surrounding heaven and earth, "Our surroundings are full of thunder magnetic, but these thunder magnetics are all extremely obscure and cannot be perceived by cultivators' divine sense."

"Even if someone at this moment is just using thunder magnetic to transmit letters, the thunder magnetic containing their transmission letter content is passing in front of us, but we have no way of knowing…"

Mo Hua felt greatly mysterious and then couldn't help asking:

"Can these thunder magnetics not be intercepted?"

Elder Zheng shook his head: "If you want to intercept, you need specific arrays and precise array mediums. But even if intercepted, if you don't know the matching magnetic patterns, you still cannot restore the 'thunder magnetic' to text."

"Therefore, although the thunder magnetic of this heaven and earth is as vast as the sea and dense with information, it is also traceless. Even thunder magnetic array masters rarely conduct research from this aspect."

"What thunder magnetic array masters truly need to spend great effort researching is actually within the internal structure of the transmission letter order."

"This thing, you have actually also researched…"

Elder Zheng looked towards Mo Hua.

Mo Hua was startled, "I have also researched it?" He pondered for a moment, suddenly shocked, "Is it secondary thunder patterns?"

Elder Zheng nodded slightly, "The thunder magnetic of heaven and earth spreads in all directions. Cultivators cannot perceive it, cannot ponder it."

"But within the transmission letter order, the flow of thunder magnetic between arrays is knowable and controllable."

"This is also, between fixed magnetic patterns and unfixed magnetic patterns, a kind of 'contract' that maintains induction's secondary thunder flow."

"And the secondary thunder flow leaves traces, which are secondary thunder patterns."

"Using thunder to replace magnetic is done through secondary thunder patterns to generate secondary thunder flow, thereby influencing Yuan magnetic patterns, tampering with established magnetic pattern rules, and thus changing the rules of the entire Yuan magnetic array…"

Mo Hua suddenly realized, pondered for a moment, and slowly said:

"Normal Yuan magnetic array masters follow the existing Yuan magnetic framework and will build, use, and maintain Yuan magnetic arrays."

"But these are only things on the Yuan magnetic level."

"If you want to change the rules, you must start from the 'thunder' level, use secondary thunder patterns to generate secondary thunder flow, and borrow thunder magnetic induction to influence the underlying magnetic patterns."

Elder Zheng nodded happily, "Overall speaking, it is like this."

"Then how are secondary thunder patterns learned and used?" Mo Hua asked again.

Elder Zheng shook his head.

Mo Hua was somewhat astonished, "Cannot learn?"

"Not cannot learn," Elder Zheng said, "It's that you still cannot learn it now. Secondary thunder patterns are a manifestation of 'thunder' path laws, more obvious than thunder magnetic, but still very obscure. With your divine sense, you should still not be able to perceive it…"

"Suppose…" Mo Hua softly said, "I can perceive it?"

Elder Zheng was stunned for a moment, his heart skipped a beat.

Can perceive?

Secondary thunder patterns… can also be perceived?

He looked astonished, then looked at Mo Hua deeply, pondered for a moment, and slowly said:

"Suppose, I say suppose, you can really sense it, then you can find some true thunder magnetic arrays, or secondary thunder arrays. Remember, they must contain 'thunder', not just pure 'Yuan magnetic' arrays."

"Learn more of these thunder magnetic arrays, practice more, comprehend more. If you learn long enough and your comprehension of secondary thunder flow is profound, then you can try to utilize secondary thunder patterns through arrays to tamper with Yuan magnetic patterns…"

After Elder Zheng finished, Mo Hua looked at him eagerly.

Elder Zheng understood Mo Hua's meaning, sighed, "I do have thunder magnetic arrays in my hand, but…"

Mo Hua was somewhat regretful, "Cannot pass them on?"

"Not cannot pass them on," Elder Zheng shook his head, "But these arrays are all third-grade and above. Even if I give them to you, you cannot learn them."

"No second-grade ones?"

"No," Elder Zheng said, "Yuan magnetic arrays are still okay, but thunder magnetic arrays are profound and obscure. The structure of second-grade arrays cannot accommodate such complex array path laws, unless…"

Elder Zheng hesitated to speak.

"Unless… absolute array?" Mo Hua said.

Elder Zheng was surprised, "You also know about absolute arrays?"

Mo Hua nodded, "Know a little."

Elder Zheng sighed.

This child's array knowledge is truly broad. He even knows about absolute arrays…

Elder Zheng thought: "A second-grade thunder magnetic absolute array could indeed potentially contain secondary thunder principles, but a second-grade absolute array still starts with at least twenty patterns and requires a Golden Core cultivator to handle."

Mo Hua was startled, "That's right…"

His divine sense, although at the peak of nineteen patterns, is only a half-step away from twenty patterns.

But this half-step, which seems close at hand, is actually far in the sky. He doesn't know how long it will take to cross over.

This was another impasse.

Without reaching Golden Core, his divine sense is not enough for twenty patterns, so he cannot learn thunder magnetic arrays that contain deep principles, nor can he change Yuan magnetic patterns through secondary thunder patterns.

In other words, he cannot analyze the internal thunder magnetic structure of the sect order token.

Mo Hua sighed lightly, somewhat disappointed.

Seeing this, Elder Zheng comforted him: "I said before, this thing is just for you to familiarize yourself with. Wait until you reach Golden Core, then slowly learn. You are young, and your talent is so good, there's no need to rush."

"Okay, Elder Zheng."

Mo Hua nodded.

After they chatted for a while longer, Mo Hua asked some other questions. It was getting late, and Elder Zheng also wanted to go back.

But before leaving, Elder Zheng thought for a moment, still with a solemn expression, and patiently admonished Mo Hua once more:

"Suppose one day in the future, you really learn thunder magnetic arrays, you must remember one thing…"

"To outsiders, you must claim yourself as a 'Yuan magnetic array master', absolutely cannot say you are a 'thunder magnetic array master'."

"This one-word difference is a world of difference."

"If you encounter ignorant people, it's still okay. They cannot distinguish these details, and whether it's thunder magnetic or Yuan magnetic doesn't matter to them."

"But once heard by people with intentions, it will expose your foundation and possibly even bring great disaster."

"Guilty of cherishing a jade, this 'jade' is not only treasures but also potentially methods."

"Among array masters, there are also many open fights and secret struggles. On the surface, they are harmonious, but there is also inevitably inner jealousy, comparison, and fighting for fame and profit."

"You must be cautious, do not reveal wealth, and do not easily show your methods."

Elder Zheng's tone was earnest.

Mo Hua nodded seriously, "Senior, I have remembered it all."

"Mm." Elder Zheng looked pleased.

After returning to Tai Xu Gate, Mo Hua took out his jade slip and recorded down all the principles of Yuan magnetic and thunder magnetic arrays that Elder Zheng had taught him.

A good memory is not as reliable as a bad pen.

It is very rare for Elder Zheng to be able to guide him in arrays.

Moreover, Yuan magnetic arrays are originally niche. If he missed this opportunity, he might not even have a chance to ask later.

These words must be recorded down and pondered constantly.

After recording, Mo Hua frowned again.

With the conversation with Elder Zheng, his understanding of Yuan magnetic and thunder magnetic arrays became more profound, but the fundamental problem still could not be solved.

His divine sense is not enough, so he cannot learn thunder magnetic arrays.

He cannot learn thunder magnetic arrays, so he cannot break the existing 'Yuan magnetic norms', cannot change others' rules, and cannot parse the underlying array principles of the sect order token.

In this way, the 'Demon Sect Order' in his hand seemed somewhat useless.

Of course, it was not useless, but his own ability was not enough.

"Another dead end…"

Mo Hua thought, and took out a treasured array diagram from his storage ring:

《Secondary Thunder Flow Array》.

This was originally sent to him by Wan Yi. It is a genuine second-grade twenty-pattern thunder magnetic absolute array.

Wan Yi probably didn't know what this array truly meant.

Even he himself had not realized how confidential 'thunder magnetic' arrays were before his exchange with Elder Zheng.

This thunder magnetic absolute array is absolutely an extremely rare array path secret.

Mo Hua opened the array diagram and studied it for a while, then shook his head.

He didn't understand it very well…

His current nineteen-pattern peak divine sense, when it comes to the array patterns of a twenty-pattern absolute array, he can still copy them a bit.

But an absolute array has more profound 'great dao laws'.

If he doesn't understand the laws, he cannot comprehend the array. Merely learning some formal 'array patterns' is treating the symptoms, not the root cause.

"What would the great dao laws of that thunder magnetic array be?"

"Is it… secondary thunder patterns?"

If according to Senior Zheng's saying, secondary thunder patterns are a manifestation of thunder magnetic laws, then if he wants to master thunder magnetic arrays, the most key should be secondary thunder patterns.

Start from secondary thunder patterns?

But normal cultivators all first learn thunder magnetic arrays, then master secondary thunder patterns.

His current divine sense is not enough, he cannot learn third-grade thunder magnetic arrays, and he cannot comprehend the twenty-pattern second-grade thunder magnetic absolute array. How can he master secondary thunder patterns?

"Not right…"

Mo Hua suddenly recalled that he had indeed studied secondary thunder patterns for a period.

During that period, in order to learn how to restore transmission letter orders and crack Yuan magnetic patterns, he simulated the derivation of secondary thunder patterns every day and recorded these secondary thunder patterns one by one in jade slips, accumulating a large amount of secondary thunder patterns library.

These secondary thunder patterns are equivalent to many 'keys'. When decryption is needed, he can try them one by one.

Similar to cracking magnetic patterns by 'enumeration'.

But these 'secondary thunder patterns' are at most just tools.

He merely simply recorded them and cannot be counted as understanding them, let alone 'mastering' them.

He also doesn't know how to use secondary thunder patterns to break others' rules and 'tamper' with Yuan magnetic patterns.

"However, Elder Zheng has already told the principle… the laws of the array will not deceive people."

Mo Hua pondered in his heart.

According to the principle…

"Secondary thunder patterns themselves are a kind of connection between magnetic patterns."

"Then their existence itself can be understood as a kind of constitution, and naturally also a kind of 'tampering'."

"Secondary thunder patterns are a kind of irregular, minute thunder patterns. They have various kinds and infinite forms."

"And every kind of secondary thunder pattern form corresponds to a class of magnetic pattern changes."

"Suppose, if we classify numerous secondary thunder patterns of the same class together, isn't that equivalent to integrating a whole class of Yuan magnetic changes?"

"It's just like melting many keys together and casting them into a 'universal' key…"

"A universal key can open many locks."

"A 'universal' secondary thunder pattern can similarly cause various magnetic pattern changes."

"And collecting numerous secondary thunder patterns together through induction is not just…"

Mo Hua was stunned for a moment, then his heart was shocked.

Source return?!!

The Five Elements Sect's… source return algorithm?

Source return simplifies complexity and turns many into one.

The predecessors of the Five Elements Sect induced all Five Elements arrays together to form a Five Elements 'source pattern'.

Then, in other words, if he were to source return all the secondary thunder patterns he had accumulated and recorded before, would it not also form a…

Secondary thunder 'source pattern'?

And this secondary thunder source pattern is also equivalent to… array flow?!!

The more Mo Hua thought, the more shocked he became.

Is this the essence of the Five Elements Sect's source return algorithm?

And the means by which the Five Elements Sect created array flow?

Secondary thunder patterns, source return algorithm, self-created array flow…

Mo Hua's heart pounded.

He vaguely realized that he had again comprehended an extraordinary thing. But he then thought and became somewhat worried.

The Five Elements source pattern seems like a 'plague', it will self-parasitize and self-spread. Even the destruction of the Five Elements Sect in the past may have been related to this 'source pattern'.

Then, if he follows the Five Elements Sect's method to source return secondary thunder patterns, what kind of thing will he finally calculate?

Will it not also be a disastrous 'source pattern'?

Mo Hua frowned.

But he thought for a moment and realized that he didn't seem to be afraid of this thing.

He cannot handle the Five Elements source pattern because it was source returned by generations of great abilities of the Five Elements Sect, and its realm far exceeds his own.

But if it is something he calculates himself, with his divine thought attainment, he should still be able to control it.

The key is, a great dao of array path is placed in front of him. If he doesn't try, Mo Hua will feel uncomfortable all over.

Not to mention, this is still related to the comprehension of thunder magnetic array laws.

"Let me try first…"

Mo Hua took out a large stack of jade slips from his storage bag.

Recorded inside these jade slips are the numerous secondary thunder patterns that he had simulated, derived, perceived, and recorded over the years.

Counting them up, there are no less than thousands.

Mo Hua began to try, using the 'source return algorithm' he learned from the Five Elements Sect to conduct source return on these complex and numerous secondary thunder patterns.

Just like the Five Elements Sect source returned Five Elements arrays.

Fortunately, although secondary thunder patterns are extraordinary, their form is relatively simple, and the difficulty of source return is not high, which is just right for Mo Hua to practice.

Mo Hua first started from the simplest, source returning two similar secondary thunder patterns into one.

Then, after source returning two by two, he would again 'source return' the source returned secondary thunder patterns once more.

Then source return once more, and so on, one by one, from few to many, from shallow to deep, continuously source returning…

At first, it was smooth, but later, the source return became more difficult, consuming more divine sense and requiring more enormous divine sense calculation power.

Mo Hua had no choice but to use all the means he could, including heavenly mechanism derivation and heavenly mechanism trickery.

And he benefited from the solid array foundation honed under the guidance of Old Master Xun, his broad array knowledge, his Foundation Establishment peak's thick divine sense, the divine sense calculation power integrated with derivation and trickery, the daoized thought power from swallowing divine marrow, and Elder Zheng's guidance on the principles of thunder magnetic arrays…

Also his earlier, large amount of time and energy spent accumulating the secondary thunder patterns library.

The entire 'source return' process, although tedious and complicated, was unusually smooth.

This is the accumulation and subtle manifestation of the array path.

So day and night, non-stop source returning, for over a month straight…

In the disciple residence.

Mo Hua looked at the 'thing' in front of him, somewhat dazed.

This is the array flow 'prototype' that he had painstakingly derived day and night over these past few days, only just source returned.

But it is…

Inside a jade slip, a small thing composed purely of secondary thunder patterns, like a matchstick man, seemed to have a life of its own, raising its head and looking at Mo Hua.