Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2049 Chapter 979: Ultimate Formation_2

"The prosperity of Solitary Mountain City will directly improve their lives, ensuring a brighter future for their descendants," Mo Hua stated.

"Furthermore, and most crucially..." Mo Hua’s expression turned grave. "Everything within Solitary Mountain City—be it Solitary Mountain itself, the mineral mines, or any resulting profits—is the collective property of all cultivators residing here."

"Private ownership or the trading of these assets by any individual cultivator is strictly forbidden."

"If you succumb to greed and betray your morals, you might secure a brief moment of wealth, but such actions will inevitably invite catastrophe in the future."

"The tragedy of the Shen Family would simply repeat itself."

"These Loose Cultivators would once again fall victim to exploitation and tyranny, forced to endure another cycle of misery and pain..."

"Every bit of progress we have made would be for nothing..."

Master Gu stood motionless for a long moment, his heart racing with emotion. He eventually bowed low toward Mo Hua, letting out a heavy sigh as he spoke, "Young Master... your integrity is truly profound."

...

Several days passed, and the time came for Mo Hua to depart for Taixu Gate.

With the strategic plans for Solitary Mountain City established and the Array Formation nearing completion, he could stay no longer, as other responsibilities demanded his attention.

Master Gu, accompanied by a group of Artifact Refining Disciples from the workshop, arrived to see him off.

Fan Jin was also present.

The Taoist Court was currently overwhelmed with work, ranging from the fallout of the Shen Family to the distribution of resources for the Solitary Mountain mines and the drafting of new regulations.

Despite the severe manpower shortage at the local Taoist Court, Fan Jin carved out time from his grueling schedule to bid Mo Hua farewell.

He came to offer both a goodbye and his heartfelt thanks.

"I am deeply grateful for the guidance you provided," Fan Jin said with total sincerity.

Mo Hua, sensing the underlying meaning, inquired, "Have you had your meeting with Master Xia?"

"I have," Fan Jin confirmed with a nod. "Master Xia has presented me with a chance for promotion, and I recognize that I owe this entirely to you, Young Master Mo."

Mo Hua shook his head gently. "That was an opportunity you earned through your own actions."

While opportunities must be seized by the individual, it is also true that without a benefactor to provide the opening, no amount of effort can grasp them.

Those from humble backgrounds understand the true value of such chances better than anyone.

Fan Jin clasped his fists together, his face solemn. "Words cannot fully express my gratitude. If you ever find yourself in need, Young Master Mo, I shall do everything in my power to assist you."

"Master Fan, you are being far too modest," Mo Hua replied with a smile.

He had merely opened a door; the height Master Fan would eventually reach was up to his own Cultivation and drive.

"The hour is late, and I must return to the Sect. Master Fan, please take care," Mo Hua said.

Master Fan offered a formal salute and said firmly, "Young Master, take care on your journey!"

Master Gu and his disciples also cupped their hands, calling out, "Young Master, take care!"

As Mo Hua climbed into the carriage, he waved back at them with a grin. "May you all stay well."

The carriage began its slow departure. Master Gu and his companions remained at the entrance of the Refinery Shop, their eyes fixed on Mo Hua until the carriage finally rounded a corner and vanished from sight.

The vehicle traveled through the streets of Solitary Mountain City, passed through the main gates, and eventually reached the winding mountain paths in the distance.

Mo Hua turned to look back one last time.

The worn-down Solitary Mountain City sat against the backdrop of the rugged Solitary Mountain, partially hidden by the swirling mist.

Tall Spiritual Machines rose into the air, the mining operations were functioning systematically, and the faint silhouette of a massive artifact refining furnace could be seen in the city, venting plumes of white smoke as its fires burned bright.

Though it remained a place of scars and desolation, a new spirit had taken hold, restoring its vital energy and pulse.

A sense of deep satisfaction filled Mo Hua’s eyes.

Sitting beside him, Xun Ziyou observed Mo Hua in silence.

Acting as Mo Hua’s "bodyguard," he had watched every event unfold in Solitary Mountain City from the shadows.

Despite being a Late Golden Core Stage Elder, Xun Ziyou found himself feeling a rare sense of awe and respect for a mere Foundation Establishment Disciple.

A profound shock resonated within Xun Ziyou’s heart.

He felt instinctively that if Mo Hua maintained this Taoist Heart throughout his Cultivation journey, he would undoubtedly transform into a legendary Great cultivator, regardless of his modest birth or weak Spiritual Root.

In Mo Hua, he saw the living embodiment of the two ancient Taoist proverbs from the Qian Learning State:

As Heaven maintains its motion, a gentleman should strive for tireless self-improvement.

As the Earth is vast and deep, a gentleman should carry himself with great virtue.

"A talent of this caliber must not be allowed to fall..."

Xun Ziyou thought with total conviction.

He looked away, refocusing his attention on his duties as Mo Hua’s protector.

...

The remainder of the trip passed without incident.

Upon arriving at Taixu Gate, Xun Ziyou departed to give his "report" to Elder Master Xun, ending his time following Mo Hua.

Mo Hua then made his way back to the Disciple’s Residence alone.

With the situation at Solitary Mountain City resolved, Mo Hua felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

He had contributed everything he could; the future now lay in the hands of the people there.

Ultimately, one's path must be forged by one's own hands.

Mo Hua returned his focus to the study of Array Formations.

Having reached Foundation Establishment and achieved a Divine Sense of 20 Patterns, he had bypassed a Law of the Heavenly Dao, entering a territory that exceeded the Superior Grade.

Consequently, he was now ready to dedicate his full effort to mastering Ultimate Formations that went beyond the 20-pattern limit of the Second Grade.

He had already acquired one such Ultimate Formation:

The Second-born Thunder Stream Formation of the Second Grade with Twenty Patterns.

This specific Formation had been inscribed upon the Gushan Magnetic Ink Furnace, serving to create Magnetic Ink while generating numerous Secondary Thunder Patterns for his use.

However, that Ultimate Formation had essentially been a "gift."

He had mastered it with almost no struggle.

Mo Hua lacked the sense of accomplishment that comes from grueling study, intense contemplation, or the sudden clarity found after endless practice.

To Mo Hua, knowledge gained without exhausting one's mental capacity and focus always felt slightly hollow, lacking a truly deep connection.

Yet, there was nothing to be done about it; he had already internalized the Second-born Thunder Stream Formation, and there was no way to unlearn it just to try again.