Chapter 40 – : Chapter 40 Plan_1 Chapter 40: Chapter 40 Plan_1 Translator: 549690339 Instructor Yan stared at Mo Hua’s exam paper, thought for a moment, then endorsed the paper with a “Class A” character. After grading the other disciples’ Formation skills, he paused for a moment, recalled something, and flipped back to the previous papers, promoting all the disciples who had scored “Class B” to “Class A”. Now, there were more disciples than just Mo Hua who had achieved “Class A”. After finishing the grading, Instructor Yan sat at his desk deep in thought for a long time, murmuring to himself: “It seems I cannot stay at Tongxian Gate any longer…” When the Formation exam papers were handed out, Mo Hua saw the “Class A” on his and nodded, but he wondered if the other Qi Refinement Realm disciples really could have drawn the Water Controlling Formation… This was a Formation that required six Formation Patterns, after all. Mo Hua made a point of inquiring and found out that some other disciples had also received Class A grades. Aside from the surprise, he also felt, “There are heavens beyond this heaven, and people beyond this person; my own level in Formation is not yet sufficient—I must not become complacent!” What Mo Hua did not know was that his “Class A” was different from the others’ “Class A”. His “Class A” was a genuine “Class A”, whereas the “Class A” of the others was actually inflated by Instructor Yan… Afterward, Mo Hua planned to continue his Cultivation at Tongxian Gate, to learn more about Formation, and then after some time, to consider choosing a Cultivation Technique. But half a month later, he heard something extremely absurd: “Instructor Yan is going to leave Tongxian Gate. From now on, the Outer Gate will no longer teach Formation…” Mo Hua stood still, in shock. No Formation to learn from… Mo Hua went to find Instructor Yan, who looked at him with a complex expression. He said very little, only telling Mo Hua to return and come to find him in a few days. After Mo Hua left, Instructor Yan went to see Manager Mo. “Do you have any news about the matter I asked you to look into?” Manager Mo passed a letter to Instructor Yan, “The person you’re looking for is no longer in Tongxian City. Here are some clues about him, but I cannot guarantee if they are accurate.” “Thank you.” Manager Mo hesitated, then asked, “Are you really planning to leave Tongxian Gate?” “It’s not just Tongxian Gate; I’m also leaving Tongxian City.” “Will you come back here in the future?” “It’s hard to say,” replied Instructor Yan with a bitter smile, “like you said, let’s leave it to fate.” Manager Mo had words of persuasion on the tip of his tongue, but thinking better of it, he didn’t say anything. He knew persuasion would be futile. “What about that kid, Mo Hua? What are you planning to do about him?” Manager Mo asked, “Without you, there is no one in Tongxian Gate competent enough to teach him…” “I have my plans. The talent of that child, Mo Hua, in Formation…” Is quite terrifying… Instructor Yan thought to himself, but he did not say it out loud. Instead, he said, “…His talent is quite decent, it would be a pity if he couldn’t learn Formation. Since we have the relationship of instructor and disciple, I will find a way to take care of what comes after.” Manager Mo nodded, then looked at his senior brother, unsure if there will be another meeting in the future. He had so much to say but did not know how to start. The lifespan of a Cultivator stretches very long, as do the goodbyes. In the end, they looked at each other silently, only to part with a cup of tea rather than wine, drinking a toast together. “Take care!” said Manager Mo. “Take care!” Instructor Yan nodded, then left Fated Gathering under the gaze of Manager Mo and. disappeared into the bustling streets. Without teaching Formation, staying at the Outer Gate of Tongxian Gate had lost its meaning. Moreover, the issue with the Spirit Pivot Formation Chart had always been on Instructor Yan’s mind, and he would not give up on it. Before leaving Tongxian City, the last thing Instructor Yan had to do was to find a Formation Master for Mo Hua. He prepared some fine wine and tea as gifts, and knocked on the main door of a large cave dwelling on the North Street of Tongxian City. This dwelling was one of the grandest on the street, luxurious and majestic. The master of the cave dwelling was one of the two first-class Formation Masters in Tongxian City, with the surname Luo, whom the general Cultivators respectfully called Master Luo. Instructor Yan presented the gifts and explained his purpose. Master Luo had a good relationship with Instructor Yan, and upon hearing this, he expressed his doubt, “Does this child truly possess such talent that even Old Brother Yan has come personally to plead his case?” Instructor Yan showed Master Luo the Bright Fire Formation Diagram that Mo Hua had drawn, “This is the formation he drew when he was at the third level of Qi Refinement.” He did not bring out the Water Controlling Formation Diagram with the five and a half formation patterns that Mo Hua had drawn because he didn’t want to draw too much attention. Furthermore, generally speaking, at the third level of Qi Refinement, being able to draw a formation with three formation patterns already considered exceptional talent. Master Luo’s eyes brightened, and he nodded, “Indeed, it’s quite good!” After examining the Bright Fire Formation Diagram, Master Luo inquired, “May I ask which clan’s descendant he is? The Qian Family? The An Family, or the Chen Family?” Instructor Yan fell silent for a moment before replying, “He’s not from a clan; he’s just a Loose Cultivator.” Master Luo then became silent, and the interest in his eyes faded considerably. Instructor Yan tentatively asked, “Does the Master have any concerns?” “Loose Cultivators are difficult to teach…” said Master Luo. “Brother Luo…” Master Luo waved his hand and said, “Old Brother Yan, you know what I’m talking about. You should understand how troublesome it is to take a Loose Cultivator as an apprentice.” “Although Mo Hua is young, he’s clever, well-behaved, diligent, and hardworking, and his talent in formations is extremely high. With just a bit of guidance from Brother Luo, his future achievements in formations will surely be boundless,” Instructor Yan earnestly said. “It’s not about that,” Master Luo sighed and explained: “Not to mention what kind of innate talent or comprehension the child has, just the ceremonial gifts required for apprenticeship, can he afford them?” Master Luo stood up and began to pace slowly. “It’s not that I covet these gifts, but apprenticing and accepting disciples have always been matters bound by tradition. I have accepted many disciples, and each has offered a considerable ceremonial gift. If by chance, he’s unable to pay, or pays too little, how am I to explain it to my other disciples? Even if they don’t dare to voice their displeasure, they will certainly hold a grudge in their hearts, thinking that I am biased and cannot treat all fairly.” “Not just the ceremonial gifts for apprenticeship, but even the ink, brush, paper, and inkstone needed to learn formations, which of these do not require spirit stones? Can a Loose Cultivator’s family wealth sustain it?” “Even if he manages to become a Formation Master one day, he’ll still have only two paths to walk: either to attach himself to a clan or to a sect. If he doesn’t affiliate himself, his cultivation and study of formations will be fraught with difficulties. If he does affiliate, it’s as if he’s sold himself; he will lose his own name, background, and parents, no longer the master of his fate. How then could he have any regard for me, his master?” “So no matter how you look at it, taking him as an apprentice or disciple brings me no benefit whatsoever.” Having finished speaking, Master Luo sat down and took a sip of his tea. Instructor Yan also remained silent. He understood what Master Luo was talking about and could not refute it. Initially, he had thought that given Mo Hua’s extraordinary talent, Master Luo might at least consider it, but now it seemed his own thinking was too naive. Loose Cultivators without a Formation Master, there really was a reason for it… Instructor Yan looked disheartened. Seeing this, Master Luo sighed as well and said in a softer tone, “If he at least had the background of a clan, even if it was just an offshoot or a branch, I would have taken him in. But Loose Cultivators are different, there are too many concerns, and I don’t have the energy for it…” “For Loose Cultivators to become Formation Masters, it’s simply too difficult!” Master Luo lamented. Instructor Yan tried once more to plead, “Mo Hua, this child, really has a unique talent for formations…” and was about to present the Water Controlling Formation Diagram with five and a half formation patterns that Mo Hua had drawn. But as he was about to do so, Master Luo said, “It doesn’t matter if he can draw three formation patterns; even if at the third level of Qi Refinement he could draw four or five formation patterns, I still wouldn’t take him.” Instructor Yan’s hand stopped mid-action, and with no alternative left, he had to put the formation back. “Brother Luo, is there really no way?” “Old Brother Yan, feel free to come over any time, whether to discuss or chat, but as for this matter, there is no room for negotiation,” said Master Luo. “Brother Luo…” Unable to find the words, Instructor Yan could only sigh, “Just don’t regret it later.” “Many cultivators have said the same to me, but to this day, I have yet to regret anything!” With nothing more to say, Master Luo picked up his teacup as a signal to show the guest out. Instructor Yan sighed, his expression one of disappointment, and rose to take his leave. After Instructor Yan left, Master Luo sat inside the room. A disciple poured him tea and asked softly, “Master, if he truly can draw the Bright Fire Formation at the third level of Qi Refinement, then his talent must indeed be remarkable.” “Indeed,” Master Luo picked up his tea, took a sip, and said, “But what use is high talent? The Way of Cultivation is not just about talent. How many people were extraordinary in their youth, only to end up as nothing special? Spirit stones, lineage, family background—each one of these is very important. Without them, even talent is just a rootless plant, destined to wither eventually.” “But still, if Master provided some guidance, he could at least owe you for the kindness…” Master Luo shook his head, “You think of human nature as too simple. Loose Cultivators born into poverty often have extreme mindsets; any slight mistake could lead to holding a grudge. There are far too many cases of gratitude turning into enmity over the smallest issues. Why should I wade into such murky waters?” “What you say is true, Master, but it’s such a pity for such talent to go to waste.” “It is a pity,” Master Luo placed the teacup down and sighed, “but that’s fate, beyond our control.”