Chapter 1204: Chapter 713: Grounded_3 They found themselves utterly baffled by the studies and even more confounded when attempting to draw formations. After being tormented by this for a while, they gradually got the hang of things. The path of Formation is profound and complex. Even though students may look similar on the surface in their study of Formation, their level of knowledge could be as different as heaven and earth, with an immense disparity. And some, let alone catching up, can’t even perceive this "disparity". For this reason, these disciples became much more humble. At the same time, they came to understand another principle. This "Junior Brother" surnamed Mo and named Hua, might appear gentle, weak, and pure on the outside and easily bullied. But in truth, he’s a covert schemer. He traps others without lifting a finger himself. Once he takes a disliking to someone, they are certain to suffer. They learned their lesson and eventually calmed down. The atmosphere between Mo Hua and this group of "Junior Brothers" and "Junior Sisters" also became much more harmonious, and barely anyone dared to "find fault" with him, be it during or after classes. Everyone maintained a "live and let live" balance with each other. Although they did not truly regard Mo Hua as a "Junior Brother" in their hearts, at least they showed politeness on the surface and the attitude was still acceptable. This was just fine for Mo Hua, and he was quite satisfied. On normal days, he was also busy studying High-level Second Grade Formation and didn’t have much time or desire to entertain these "Junior Brothers" and "Junior Sisters". ... In this manner, the standard of Mo Hua’s Formation knowledge progressed rapidly and quietly. And Mo Hua did not forget the lesson from his master "to apply what one has learned". During his breaks, Mo Hua would make a trip to Qingzhou City to pay respects to Aunt Wan and if possible, see Master Gu again to discuss matters of Formation media. If Master Gu was available, he would also return to the Gu family in Solitary Mountain City from Qingzhou City. Whenever Mo Hua had questions about Formation media, Master Gu would patiently explain everything without reserve and fulfill any requests that Mo Hua had. However, Formation media is a craft after all, focusing on practical use. Currently confined to the Sect, Mo Hua hardly needed to use Formation, so many of his ideas were only theoretical and impossible to implement. Nevertheless, having chatted a lot with Master Gu, Mo Hua gained much, but it also led to a certain doubt forming in his mind. "Master Gu, from a certain perspective, since Formation media is crafted using Artifact Refining techniques and essentially can be seen as a ’Spiritual Artifact’, and since Spiritual Artifacts require additional formations, aren’t they essentially ’Formation media’ as well?" "So to say, Formation media is a Spiritual Artifact, and a Spiritual Artifact is Formation media?" "The young master is indeed quick-witted and detailed in thought..." Master Gu began with the customary praise, slightly contrived for Mo Hua, before continuing: "Formation media or Spiritual Artifacts, they are but standards customized by Cultivators for the development of Tao Cultivation..." Upon hearing this, Mo Hua had an epiphany, "Essentially, both are using ’objects’ as a medium to draw formations? It’s just that people have made distinctions for convenience?" Master Gu was taken aback for a moment, and now sincerely said: "The young master is indeed extraordinarily intelligent." He further explained, "Formation media and Spiritual Artifacts are very similar, but if you delve into the details, there are many intricacies, with the main point being related to the Tao Cultivation industry." "Industry?" asked Mo Hua. "Yes." Master Gu nodded, "The usual Spiritual Artifacts in the Cultivation World are ’Standard Spiritual Weapons’. These Spiritual Artifacts have a fixed set of Refining Materials, dimensions, processes, and compatible formations, all with their own standards." "This is to increase the efficiency of Artifact Refining, expand the industry scale, and increase the output of Spiritual Artifacts." "Formation serves the Spiritual Artifact, and the function of the Formation is led by the Spiritual Artifact." "Formation media is different, as it serves the Formation. Various different Formations can be drawn on the Formation media, thus the function of the Formation media is directed by the Formation." Mo Hua suddenly saw the light and asked: "Then, is there any Spiritual Artifact that specifically serves the Formation?" "Yes!" Master Gu nodded and said, "Although Formation media are versatile, they can’t perfectly fit all Formations and can’t fully utilize the functions of the Formations." "In this case, it is necessary to use specific materials, dimensions, forms, and processes to perfectly match the Formation." "Such Spiritual Artifacts are generally ’customized spiritual tools’." "The most representative are Spirit Swords." "Spirit Sword?" Mo Hua’s eyes lit up, pondering. Master Gu nodded: "Putting aside low-end standard Spirit Swords, the real top-grade Spirit Swords, and even some personal Magical Treasure Spirit Swords, their refining methods are top-secret and passed down generation to generation." "The material and form of the Spirit Sword must completely match the inherent ’Sword Array’ to fully exhibit the power of the sword." Sword Array! Mo Hua’s heart skipped a beat and asked: "Master Gu, have you ever seen a Sword Array?" Master Gu gave a wry smile, "A Sword Array is an extremely special Formation, and it is the core heritage of swordsmanship families. As an Artifact Refiner, where would I have the qualifications to see it..." Mo Hua sighed, somewhat disappointed. Master Gu continued: "Apart from Sword Weapons, other customized spiritual tools also need to match with high-end Formations." Mo Hua realized a problem: "Speaking of customized spiritual tools, if they were to be mass-produced, wouldn’t they simply become ’standard’ Spiritual Weapons?" Master Gu seemed surprised and nodded: "Correct, but as customized spiritual tools generally can’t be mass-produced, that’s why they are called ’customized spiritual tools’, to differentiate them from ’standard Spiritual Weapons’." Mo Hua frowned, "Because of the issues with the Tao Cultivation industry?" "Yes." Master Gu nodded and started to explain to Mo Hua: "Standard Spiritual Weapons that are mass-produced must be versatile in function, made with common materials, and be inexpensive. The Formations on them must also be simple and applicable." "Spiritual Artifacts have to be versatile to sell well; common materials mean less restriction on sourcing; cheap materials mean lower cost; simple Formations mean any Formation Master can draw them, or even without experience, one can learn it in half a month and handle it with ease." "This way, they are suitable for mass production." "However, customized spiritual tools are different; they are expensive to manufacture, have special forms, and have special functions. The Formations on them are also too complex for an ordinary Formation Master, making them almost impossible to mass produce." "Especially the Formations," Master Gu shook his head and sighed: "Think about it, if the Formation on the customized spiritual tool can only be drawn by a handful of Formation Masters, or even just one or two, how can it be mass-produced?" "A Formation Master can’t draw many Formations in one day." "And if this Formation Master stops drawing, finding another one to replace them is as difficult as reaching the sky." "So although generally speaking, once customized spiritual tools are mass-produced, they would become standard Spiritual Weapons." "But from a practical Cultivation industry perspective, customized spiritual tools have many unsolvable problems due to cost, form, and especially the Formations, making them utterly unfeasible for mass production..." Master Gu said somewhat emotionally. "Oh..." Mo Hua gave a noncommittal nod.