Chapter 1114: Big Tiger

A high-tier Grade Two Array Master?!

Looking across the entire Grade Two Black Mountain Prefecture for thousands of years, not a single high-tier Grade Two Array Master had emerged. Even mid-tier Grade Two Array Masters were as rare as phoenix feathers.

Some old array masters, with white hair and beards, exchanged glances, unable to conceal the shock and bewilderment in their eyes.

These old array masters had all been hailed as array formation geniuses in their youth. They began their enlightenment at three, studied arrays at seven, showed promise in their teens, and reached the ninth level of Qi Refinement in their twenties or thirties. Through diligent study, they passed the grading assessment in their forties or fifties, becoming Grade One Array Masters. This was already considered rare genius in array formations and made them highly sought after by various families and sects in the surrounding areas. Afterward, they dedicated themselves to cultivation, painstakingly achieving Foundation Establishment, and then began learning Grade Two array formations. After achieving success in their studies, they participated in the grading assessment alongside other practitioners. The hardships endured during this period were indescribable. After one or two centuries, they had exhausted their efforts and turned their hair white, finally reaching Grade Two and becoming low-tier Grade Two Array Masters.

This level already placed them at the pinnacle of array mastery within the Black Mountain Prefecture.

Yet, this young man before them, barely in his twenties, claimed he would explain high-tier Grade Two array formations and the principles behind peak Grade Two nineteen-pattern arrays. How could this not shake them to their core and leave them with an indescribable bitterness?

Of course, many also disbelieved him. While a low-tier Grade Two Array Master in their twenties was outlandish, it was still somewhat believable. However, beyond the low-tier, each step became progressively more difficult. Reaching mid-tier Grade Two was several times harder. As for high-tier Grade Two, that was an entirely different realm. A high-tier Grade Two Array Master in their twenties was simply unbelievable.

The array masters stared at Mo Hua, their faces displaying a mix of emotions: shock, despondency, jealousy, disdain, contempt, fear, or doubt. Their expressions varied, and their thoughts swirled.

Mo Hua paid no attention to his surroundings; he simply began explaining the array formations step by step according to his plan. He began by explaining the principles of the simplest Five Elements array formations, moving from basic array patterns to special variations. Next, he discussed array cores, from single cores to complex array structures. Then, he expanded from Five Elements principles to the Eight Trigrams categories, detailing the similarities between the Five Elements and the Eight Trigrams, and explaining the mutual generation, transformation, and change between Fire arrays and Li arrays, Water arrays and Gui arrays, and Earth arrays and Liang arrays. Finally, he covered the complex changes that occur when the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams are used together, such as connection, fusion, complementarity, and transformation. He also touched upon the more profound superficial array core structures of grand arrays, the large framework of the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams, and the extensive compatibility of array patterns.

The array masters present, initially skeptical, gradually fell silent. Then, upon hearing profound explanations, they were filled with admiration and applauded in amazement. When the discourse touched upon obscure points, they slowly furrowed their brows, their expressions turning blank. Finally, as Mo Hua described the intricate layout of grand arrays, their heads tingled, cold sweat trickled down, and their eyes widened in terror. It was a despairing sensation, like peering at the moon from a well or seeing the clear sky through an oyster shell.

At this point, looking at Mo Hua again, they felt he was one with the Great Dao, with subtle immortal light emanating from him, appearing ethereal, like a divine being. If he were not truly an immortal descended to the mortal realm, such terrifying talent would be impossible. It was inconceivable that someone of his age could possess such daunting mastery of array formations.

Mo Hua finished explaining the array principles and fell silent. The entire hall was solemn and silent; a pin could be heard dropping.

A moment later, an old array master, with a full head of white hair and the most senior in age and experience, slowly rose. He cupped his hands towards Mo Hua and sighed: "This old man has delved into array formations for over two hundred years, yet my attainments are far inferior to those of Young Master Mo, who has only studied for twenty-odd years. I am truly ashamed. Young Master Mo's talent is indeed astonishing!"

Mo Hua pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "I actually don't know if I have any talent."

The white-haired array master paused.

Mo Hua thought for a moment and then said, "My only 'talent' is my persistence in drawing, studying, and comprehending array formations every day. I study during the day and even in my dreams. With undivided attention and singular focus, I continuously learn and contemplate. Other than that, I don't consider anything else, nor do I ever wonder if I have 'talent'."

"The earthworm, without the advantage of claws or teeth, nor the strength of muscles and bones, feeds on earth above and drinks from the yellow springs below. It achieves this because its heart is one."

The white-haired array master's expression flickered; then he sighed and slowly bowed. "Thank you, Young Master Mo, for imparting the Dao."

The other array masters also rose one after another, sincerely bowing to Mo Hua, and in unison, they said, "Thank you, Young Master Mo, for imparting the Dao."

Instructor Yan also rose and bowed respectfully to Mo Hua. Mo Hua bowed in return, showing respect.

In the vast Discourse Arena of Tongxian City, a grand and vibrant atmosphere quietly emerged. The array formation discourse concluded perfectly.

Afterward, discourses on alchemy, artifact refining, and talisman crafting were held in succession. However, in these fields, there were no high-level cultivators with transcendent attainments like Mo Hua presiding over and imparting knowledge. The alchemists, artifact refiners, and talisman masters merely exchanged ideas and shared resources among themselves. Nevertheless, everyone benefited greatly. Tongxian City also began to develop a preliminary academic atmosphere for cultivation.

At the end of the discourse, Mo Hua, a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator from a major sect, presided over the session and explained the path of Foundation Establishment cultivation to the crowd. This time, even more cultivators attended, densely packed, filling the entire Great Dao Arena. Even outside the arena, many cultivators were squatting on rooftops or clinging to trees, all just to listen to Mo Hua impart the Dao.

After all, cultivators who specialized in array formations were a minority. However, cultivation realm was something every cultivator had to pursue. All Qi Refinement cultivators desired Foundation Establishment, and all Foundation Establishment cultivators wished to further their cultivation and progress.

Within the Grand Void Sect, Foundation Establishment cultivation was not particularly difficult. This was because the Grand Void Sect was a Grade Five major sect with deep roots in its heritage. For a fundamental realm like Foundation Establishment, they possessed a cultivation method that had been created, continuously improved, verified, and iterated upon by generations of ascended sect masters and Void-realm ancestors. This was the culmination of countless cultivation geniuses and high-level cultivators' efforts. While cultivating in the Grand Void Sect, Mo Hua naturally didn't find anything extraordinary about it. However, upon returning to Tongxian City, he realized that for ordinary rogue cultivators, cultivation methods above Foundation Establishment were practically a "desert." Most rogue cultivators, even if they reached Foundation Establishment, had no idea how to cultivate further. They could only stumble forward, relying on experience or fragmented sayings passed down by their ancestors. This meant that every step forward for Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators was incredibly arduous. This was precisely what was meant by "no path to cultivation."

Mo Hua then explained the Grand Void Sect's Foundation Establishment lineage to everyone, clarifying what Foundation Establishment truly meant. He detailed how to absorb and refine spiritual energy after reaching the initial stage of Foundation Establishment. He explained what to pay attention to during breakthroughs and how to reduce the chances of failure. He also covered the cultivation taboos that must never be violated, and which meridians must never be used to circulate spiritual energy to complete a cycle. His words astounded everyone, and many rogue cultivators who had struggled without guidance felt as if they had received a profound revelation, suddenly understanding. Many details of cultivation were actually not difficult; if one knew them, one could do them. The difficulty lay precisely in "knowing." With scarce inheritance, no guidance, and strict cultivation barriers, it was previously a pipe dream for rogue cultivators to learn such things.

After this discourse concluded, Mo Hua's reputation grew even greater. Everyone knew that Tongxian City had produced a "Little Immortal," possessing heavenly qualities and an immortal demeanor. He was not only amazingly talented, with profound cultivation and exceptional array mastery, but also benevolent and virtuous, widely imparting the Great Dao to lower-level cultivators.

Meanwhile, Elder Yu had already begun the process of expanding Tongxian City. The expanded Tongxian Daughter City would have more space, allowing more itinerant rogue cultivators to settle and make their homes. As soon as this news spread, the rogue cultivators who frequently visited the Tongxian City area were overjoyed and deeply grateful.

Furthermore, some array masters, including even senior Grade Two array masters, decided not to leave after attending the discourse. They were wealthy and experienced, so they directly acquired immortal caves in Tongxian City and settled down. After all, nowhere else in the entire Black Mountain Prefecture could one find a city as stable, prosperous, vibrant, and rich in array formation atmosphere as Tongxian City, brimming with vitality from top to bottom. What's more, Tongxian City was still developing. As array masters, their presence here would surely lead to great achievements. With more array masters, communication and exchange became easier, even simply meeting friends for tea. The entire Tongxian City was permeated with an air of prosperity.

Everything was improving, and everything was developing according to Mo Hua's expectations. Mo Hua observed all of this with satisfaction, then suddenly realized that he had done all he could, and for the time being, his involvement would not be needed for the next steps. Tongxian City, relying on Elder Yu and everyone's collective efforts, could now develop very well on its own.

"Perhaps it's time to leave..."

This thought, once it surfaced, was both sudden and entirely natural. Mo Hua's expression subtly darkened, and a hint of sadness entered his eyes. He had only just returned home, and in the blink of an eye, he was about to leave again. In this life, people always experience partings and reunions amidst joy and sorrow. This time, if he left again, he had no idea where he would go, what he would encounter, what setbacks he would face, or how long it would be before he could return home again. Mo Hua sighed deeply.

Anticipating his departure, Mo Hua cleared his schedule entirely to spend time with his parents. This was his way of fulfilling his duty as a son. Liu Ruhua, as a mother, sensed his impending departure and couldn't help but feel a touch of melancholy. Yet, she said nothing, simply devising new ways each day to cook delicious food for Mo Hua. She wanted her son to eat well before leaving home. Mo Shan was equally silent, but occasionally he would take Mo Hua for a walk through the Black Mountain, tracing the paths Mo Hua took as a child, and imparting some demon hunter skills—which, of course, also served as life lessons.

He told Mo Hua to plan thoroughly and act cautiously. No matter what he encountered, preserving his life was the top priority. If he met a powerful enemy, he must kill if he could, never holding back. If he couldn't kill, he must flee, absolutely decisively. When killing an enemy, he must remember to deliver the finishing blow and never be careless, or he might suffer harm himself. As a demon hunter, Mo Hua had been exposed to these sayings since childhood and had always put them into practice during his travels. But at this moment, Mo Shan meticulously reiterated each word, tirelessly instructing him. Mo Hua, still, etched every single word into his heart, not daring to neglect them. These life experiences and insights grew deeper with understanding and more beneficial with practice.

The father and son continued their walk deeper into the Black Mountain. This was the same path Mo Hua had taken up the mountain as a child, but the Black Mountain's terrain had changed, and there were many new features along the way. Whenever they encountered something new along the way, Mo Shan would explain it to Mo Hua. Mo Hua would also ask about the recent happenings in Black Mountain. The father and son walked and chatted idly, enjoying each other's company.

"By the way, Father," Mo Hua suddenly remembered something and asked, "Where are Uncle Meng and Aunt Meng? I haven't seen them since I returned."

Uncle Meng and Aunt Meng used to live on the same street as Mo Hua. They had always been very kind to him since he was a child, always thinking of him whenever they had something delicious. Their family had three children: Da Hu (Big Tiger), Shuang Hu (Twin Tiger), and San Hu (Third Tiger). The three brothers, Da Hu, Shuang Hu, and San Hu, were strong and robust, good candidates for body tempering, and Mo Hua's childhood playmates. They went to school together, cultivated together, went shopping together, played together if there was something fun, ate together if there was something tasty, and talked about everything together. Mo Hua had been weak since childhood, but whenever someone bullied him, the three brothers would always help him get even. The three even dared to steal an elder's brocade pheasant, roasted it, and gave it to Mo Hua to eat. After the incident, the three of them "would rather die than yield" and never implicated Mo Hua. However, since Mo Hua began his travels, he had not seen the three brothers again.

Mo Shan replied, "Didn't the three of them join the Great Barren Sect? You knew about this, didn't you?"

Mo Hua nodded, "Mm."

Mo Shan sighed lightly, "I heard those three children are highly valued in the Great Barren Sect and are doing very well now, even becoming personal disciples. So they entrusted someone to bring their parents over, saying they wanted their parents to enjoy a peaceful life. Your Uncle and Aunt Meng have lived a lifetime of hardship, enduring countless sorrows to finally raise those three lads. Now, their suffering can finally be said to have ended, and good times have begun."

As he spoke, Mo Shan's expression was filled with emotion and a sense of relief. Mo Hua, however, frowned. "The Great Barren Sect..." For some reason, a faint worry lingered in his heart.

The two continued their walk deeper into the Black Mountain. Mo Hua looked at the surrounding scenery, still concerned about the three brothers, Da Hu, Shuang Hu, and San Hu, as well as Uncle and Aunt Meng. A moment later, Mo Hua's expression froze as if he had remembered something. He released his spiritual sense and swept it around the deep mountain. His twenty-pattern spiritual sense spread out, instantly covering most of the deep mountain. There were many Grade Two demon beasts in the mountain, currently dormant, resting, feeding, or peacefully sleeping. As Mo Hua's spiritual sense swept over them, most of these demon beasts remained unaware. Only a few Grade Two demon beasts, exceptionally gifted with keen perception, instinctively sensed a deadly ominous danger and trembled in their caves.

But Mo Hua frowned. "None? Where did it go? Where is my big tiger?"

Mo Shan noticed Mo Hua's unusual expression and asked, "What's wrong?"

Mo Hua pondered for a moment before asking, "Father, where is that big tiger in the mountain?"

"Big tiger?" Mo Shan was surprised.

"Yes," Mo Hua nodded, "the one I asked you to feed dried fish to whenever you had time, when I went to Qian Province to study."

Mo Shan suddenly understood and nodded, saying: "Speaking of which, that tiger demon was indeed strange. Unlike other demon beasts, it didn't kill or eat people; it seemed to possess a touch of human understanding. I also followed your instructions and often brought it dried fish. Everything was fine, but a little over a year ago, it suddenly disappeared."

Mo Hua was slightly taken aback. "Disappeared?"

Mo Shan nodded, "Yes, it disappeared. I don't know where it went, and I asked other demon hunters, but none of them had seen it either. However, your Uncle Zhao..." Mo Shan frowned, thought for a moment, and then continued, "Your Uncle Zhao said that one night, he was delayed while hunting demons and stayed overnight in the Black Mountain. Around midnight, he heard wind outside his camp, interspersed with the roars of a fierce tiger, shaking the mountains. It seemed someone was hunting a demon. He didn't dare go out until dawn. When he finally ventured out, he saw blood everywhere, both human and demon blood. A large area of trees had collapsed, and half a mountain rock face had caved in. The battle must have been extremely fierce. Since then, no one has seen that strange tiger in the Black Mountain again."

Mo Hua's gaze hardened, and his heart sank slightly. "My big tiger... was it hunted by someone?"

Afterward, he spent some more time surveying the deep mountain, but still found nothing, no trace of the big tiger. A year had passed since the incident. The Black Mountain had been exposed to wind, sun, and rain, so even if there had been any clues, they would have long since vanished. In the following days, Mo Hua inquired among some nearby demon hunters, but still found no concrete clues. Mo Hua couldn't afford to spend too much time on this matter and could only put it aside for now.

For the remaining days, Mo Hua continued to accompany his parents and occasionally met with acquaintances. Elder Yu occasionally visited to discuss the progress of Tongxian City's expansion. Mo Hua used his free time to ponder his upcoming Core Formation. The cultivation world was vast and boundless. Even Li Province alone was immense, and Tongxian City, or even the entire Black Mountain Prefecture, occupied only a small corner of it. There were even vaster areas in Li Province he had never set foot in. Even the Great Barren, itself, was part of Li Province. Where he should go, and where he should form his core, the range of choices was so vast that Mo Hua found it difficult to make up his mind immediately.

In the middle of the night, Mo Hua sat at his desk, contemplating this question. After long deliberation, he still had no clue. Mo Hua's spiritual sense suddenly felt somewhat drowsy, and he unknowingly drifted into another dream. In his dream, he saw a person. This person was an old man, with an ancient face, a look of suffering, and a face streaked with blood and tears. He knelt before Mo Hua, pleading: "Divine Monarch, you cannot go back on your word!"

Mo Hua frowned. "How have I gone back on my word?"

The old man's face was blurry, and he continuously kowtowed to Mo Hua. "You promised this old man that you would preserve the bloodline of the Great Barren Clan. Divine Monarch, you cannot break your promise."

Mo Hua's gaze deepened slightly. "Who is the bloodline of the Great Barren Clan?"

The old man did not answer, only continued to kowtow until his face was covered in blood. "Divine Monarch, you promised me. Divine Monarch, save my Great Barren."

Mo Hua frowned. "How should I save them, and whom should I save?"

But the old man still didn't answer, perhaps he didn't know, or perhaps he dared not say. He continued to shed bloody tears, ceaselessly saying: "I beg you, Divine Monarch, save my Great Barren descendants. All life is plunged into misery; my Great Barren faces annihilation. My Great Barren Clan is on the verge of extinction!"