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 as well."

"Furthermore, the most critical point..." Mo Hua spoke with a grave expression, "Everything within Solitary Mountain City—be it the mountain itself, the mines, or any resulting profits—is the collective property of all cultivators in this city."

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

"Should you succumb to greed and abandon your principles for a short-term windfall, it will inevitably trigger massive complications in the long run."

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

"These Loose Cultivators would be forced back into a cycle of exploitation and tyranny, enduring yet another round of agony and despair..."

"Every bit of progress we have made would vanish into nothing..."

Master Gu stood frozen for a long moment, his heart swelling with emotion. He eventually offered a deep bow to Mo Hua, letting out a sigh as he remarked, "Young Master... your integrity is truly profound."

...

Several days passed, and the time arrived for Mo Hua to depart and head back to Taixu Gate.

Since the strategic planning for Solitary Mountain City was largely established and the Formation was nearly finalized, he could not linger. There were many other tasks demanding his attention.

To bid him farewell, Master Gu gathered a group of Artifact Refining Disciples from the workshop.

Fan Jin made an appearance as well.

The Taoist Court was currently overwhelmed with work, dealing with the fallout of the Shen Family, organizing the labor and resources for the Solitary Mountain mines, and drafting new regulations.

Although the Taoist Court in Solitary Mountain City was severely understaffed and Fan Jin was buried in work, he still prioritized seeing Mo Hua off.

His presence served as both a goodbye and a sincere show of appreciation.

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

Having a general idea of the situation, Mo Hua inquired, "Have you had your meeting with Master Xia?"

"Indeed," Fan Jin confirmed with a nod. "Master Xia has presented me with a chance for promotion, an opportunity I owe entirely to you, Young Master Mo."

Mo Hua dismissed the notion with a shake of his head. "That was a chance you grasped through your own merit."

While opportunities must be seized by the individual, they cannot be taken if no one offers them in the first place.

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

Fan Jin clasped his fists, his face etched with earnestness. "Words cannot fully express my debt. If Young Master Mo ever requires assistance, I, Fan, will give my utmost effort without hesitation."

"Master Fan, there is no need for such formality," Mo Hua replied with a smile.

He had merely opened a door; how far Master Fan climbed would ultimately depend on the man's own capabilities.

"The hour is growing late, and I must return to my Sect. Please take care of yourself, Master Fan," Mo Hua said.

Master Fan offered a solemn salute. "Young Master, please travel safely!"

Master Gu and his disciples joined in, cupping their hands as they called out, "Young Master, take care!"

After boarding the carriage, Mo Hua gave them a final wave and a warm smile. "I wish you all the best as well."

As the carriage rolled away, Master Gu and his companions remained at the entrance of the Refinery Shop. They watched Mo Hua’s departure, staying long after the vehicle had rounded the corner and vanished from sight.

The carriage moved through the streets of Solitary Mountain City, passed through the gates, and finally merged onto the winding mountain path in the distance.

Mo Hua glanced back one last time.

The worn-down Solitary Mountain City sat against the backdrop of the lonely mountain, partially obscured by the drifting mist.

Spiritual Machines rose high into the air, the mining operations were functioning systematically, and the massive artifact refining furnace in the city glowed with flickering fire, sending trails of white smoke into the sky.

Though it remained rugged and weathered, the atmosphere had shifted; the city was now pulsing with a newfound life and energy.

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

Beside him, Xun Ziyou observed Mo Hua in silence.

Acting as Mo Hua’s "bodyguard," he had been quietly monitoring everything that transpired in Solitary Mountain City.

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.

An indescribable shock resonated within Xun Ziyou’s heart.

He felt instinctively that if Mo Hua continued his Cultivation with such a steadfast Taoist Heart, he would surely rise to become a legendary Great cultivator, regardless of his modest roots or lackluster Spiritual Root.

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

As Heaven maintains its motion, a gentleman should tirelessly seek self-improvement.

As the Earth possesses vastness, a gentleman should carry himself with profound virtue.

"A talent of this caliber truly cannot be allowed to fail..."

Such were Xun Ziyou's sincere thoughts.

He eventually looked away, refocusing his attention on his responsibility to protect Mo Hua.

...

The remainder of the trip passed without incident.

Upon arriving at Taixu Gate, Xun Ziyou departed to give his "report" to Elder Master Xun, meaning he no longer had to shadow Mo Hua.

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

With the situation in Solitary Mountain City resolved, his mind was at peace.

He had contributed everything he could; the future now rested in their hands.

Ultimately, one must be the master of their own fate.

Mo Hua returned to his study of Array Formations.

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

This milestone meant he could finally dedicate himself to the study of Ultimate Formations that went beyond the 20-pattern limit of the Second Grade.

He had already mastered one such Ultimate Formation:

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

This specific Array had been etched onto the Gushan Magnetic Ink Furnace to create Magnetic Ink while generating a surplus of Secondary Thunder Patterns for his own use.

However, that Ultimate Formation felt as though it had been "handed to him" for free.

The learning process had been effortless.

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

To him, knowledge gained without mental strain and meticulous focus always felt incomplete, lacking a truly profound connection.

Yet, there was nothing to be done about it; he had already mastered the Second-born Thunder Stream Formation and possessed no way to erase it from his mind to try again.