Previously on Immortality Through Array Formations...
Mo Hua and Zhang Lan discuss the consequences of Mo Hua's actions, particularly his tendency to destroy formations. Zhang Lan expresses his hope that Mo Hua will not reveal he taught him the Water Passing Step. Despite the risks, Zhang Lan decides to teach Mo Hua the third grade of the Water Passing Step, believing it's better to do a good deed thoroughly and allow the technique to spread. Later, after parting ways with Mo Hua, Zhang Lan returns to find the Great Elder waiting for him. Unexpectedly, the Great Elder bestows upon Zhang Lan a jade slip containing the third-grade Water Passing Step, an ultimate technique not usually taught outside the family, instructing him to learn it well.
The world can be a harsh place, like a wildfire consuming dry grass. Peace seems hard to find...
With such grim thoughts, a somber expression settled on Zhang Lan’s face. After a pause, he lowered his voice and queried Mo Hua, "That Evil Path Great Formation... you didn't, by any chance, blow it up again, did you?"
Mo Hua offered a smile but remained silent.
Zhang Lan’s jaw dropped, a mix of astonishment and contemplation crossing his features. After a moment, he let out a wry chuckle, shaking his head. Truly, wherever this young man goes, chaos is sure to follow.
Furthermore, it seems that with these formations, he either understands them or destroys them. It was the same back in Tongxian City, and it remains so now in the state of Qian Learning.
I only pray that when he inevitably causes greater trouble in the future, he won't mention that I taught him the Water Passing Step...
Zhang Lan sought reconfirmation from Mo Hua, "You haven't revealed the Water Passing Step to anyone, have you?"
Mo Hua nodded reassuringly, "Rest assured, I haven't told a soul. There won't be a third person aware of it."
"That's good..." Zhang Lan visibly relaxed, though a hint of regret soon followed. "It's a shame that only the esteemed Elders of the Zhang Family's direct lineage, those who have reached the third-grade Golden Core, are permitted to learn the Water Passing Step. I've only just entered the Golden Core stage myself and am not qualified to learn it. Otherwise, I would impart it to you now, saving you the future trouble of seeking movement techniques."
Even now, Uncle Zhang is still concerned about my movement techniques...
Mo Hua felt a swell of gratitude mixed with apprehension. "Uncle Zhang, do you dare to teach me?"
Zhang Lan waved his hand dismissively. "A good deed must be seen through to the end. You've already mastered the initial two grades of the movement technique. To leave the third grade unlearned would be a waste, wouldn't it?"
"Besides," he continued, "if this matter remains undiscovered, learning a bit more won't make a difference."
"If it is exposed, whether you learn more or less, I'll still face punishment in the ancestral hall. My misfortune will be the same, regardless. There's no distinction."
"Given this, why not allow you to learn more, and learn it well? If the Zhang Family's Water Passing Step can be widely disseminated through you, I can hold my head high."
"Even if I must kneel in the ancestral hall, facing our ancestors, I can still stand tall."
Mo Hua offered sincere praise, "Uncle Zhang, your perspective is truly magnificent."
Zhang Lan responded with another wry smile.
Later, the two settled at the foot of the mountain, shared some wine, and engaged in conversation for a while.
Time seemed to accelerate, and in the blink of an eye, the sun had dipped below the western horizon.
The inevitable moment of parting had arrived.
Tomorrow, Zhang Lan would be departing by carriage with the Great Elder of the Zhang Family, returning to Kan State, a journey spanning thousands of miles.
It was possible that in the coming decades, a century, or even several hundred years, this might be the final opportunity for him to meet Mo Hua and share a drink.
At this farewell, a thousand unspoken words and emotions lingered, yet none could be properly articulated.
Zhang Lan simply raised his cup and let out a sigh, "I hope that one day, I can return to Tongxian City, sit at the Eight Immortals Table in your tavern, and leisurely share drinks and conversation with you."
Mo Hua felt a pang of sadness but raised his own cup, smiled, and nodded in agreement, "When that day comes, I shall certainly be an excellent host and treat Uncle Zhang with the utmost hospitality."
A smile of undeniable warmth touched Zhang Lan’s handsome features.
The setting sun cast a final, fiery glow upon the mountain path.
Zhang Lan, bathed in the sunset's embrace, gradually receded into the distance.
Mo Hua stood at the mountain gate, waving goodbye to Zhang Lan, a profound sense of melancholy settling upon him.
...
The Feng family's cave dwelling.
By the time Zhang Lan returned, darkness had fallen, and the hour was clearly late.
Everyone was engaged in packing their belongings, preparing for the journey ahead. Activity buzzed throughout the compound, yet there was no sign of the Great Elder Zhang.
Zhang Lan inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.
The region of Qian Learning State differed significantly from the Zhang Family's territory. Here, local powers exerted considerable influence, with numerous prominent families and powerful factions. Offending even one carelessly could mean encountering noble family scions or direct disciples of major sects, individuals not to be trifled with.
Consequently, to prevent any clashes with other influential families and sects, the Great Elder had imposed a strict curfew.
It was already past the designated time; encountering the Great Elder Zhang now would undoubtedly result in a severe reprimand.
Zhang Lan considered himself fortunate and quietly tiptoed back to his room, intending to pack his belongings swiftly.
However, the moment he opened the door and turned his head, he found an elderly man, his expression stern and solemn, seated in his room, calmly sipping tea.
"Great Elder..."
Zhang Lan felt as if he had been struck by lightning.
Despite feeling as if needles were pricking his back, Zhang Lan remained perfectly still, not daring to move a muscle.
An immense silence filled the room, so profound that the drop of a pin would have been audible.
After what felt like an eternity, the Great Elder Zhang finally finished his tea. He slowly rose and then turned his attention towards Zhang Lan.
Zhang Lan's heart pounded in his chest, bracing himself to face the Great Elder's fury with unwavering resolve.
Yet, to his surprise, the Great Elder Zhang extended a jade slip towards him.
Zhang Lan paused, inquiring, "Great Elder, what is this...?"
The Great Elder Zhang replied with a faint tone, "Water Passing Step." He then added, "It is a third-grade mental method."
A look of utter disbelief washed over Zhang Lan. "This… I…”
"Take it," the Great Elder Zhang commanded.
"Ah, yes…" Zhang Lan, with both hands, respectfully accepted the jade slip offered by the Great Elder Zhang.
"You are of the Zhang Family's direct bloodline. While somewhat prone to laziness, your potential is not lacking, and your character is commendable. This third-grade Water Passing Step is a supreme technique, one that is never shared outside the Zhang Family. Strictly speaking, your qualifications are insufficient, but that matters little. I am making a special exception to impart it to you now. You must diligently comprehend its teachings…"
The Great Elder Zhang spoke with a composed and steady demeanor.
A flicker of bewilderment crossed Zhang Lan's face.
Noticing Zhang Lan's confusion, the Great Elder Zhang frowned and enunciated each word with great emphasis:
"My words have been spoken; do not dishonor the Zhang Family's supreme technique. Learn it well, and do not let me down. Remember this, remember it clearly!"
The Great Elder Zhang's tone carried a peculiar weight as he spoke these words slowly.
Having concluded his address, he cast a profound look at Zhang Lan before turning and departing from the room.
Zhang Lan was left in the room, completely alone.
Clutching the jade slip, he stood rooted to the spot, unmoving.
