Chapter 39: Grading
Mo Hua frowned.
Something felt off…
Why would a formation test for third-level Qi Refining cultivators involve a formation with six formation runes? Could the instructor have given out the wrong paper?
No… that kind of mistake wouldn't happen. There had to be some deeper meaning behind it.
By now, some disciples were already scribbling furiously—probably because they didn't know what to do and didn't want to leave their papers blank, so they were blindly doodling with their eyes shut.
Mo Hua gathered his thoughts and told himself:
"Since the instructor handed out a test involving six formation runes, there must be a reason. Maybe it's to show us how vast and profound the Dao of formations is—to remind us not to grow arrogant…"
After calming down, he focused on analyzing the formation.
The formation was called the "Stillwater Array". Its purpose wasn't specified, but the annotations were complete. Though it included six formation runes, the runes themselves were fairly simple and structured in the way the instructor often explained in class—not obscure.
Even so, memorizing the runes, understanding the array, and drawing it all in a short amount of time… was near impossible.
If no one could finish it, the instructor would likely grade based on how much of the array was completed.
Mo Hua could only do his best to memorize and draw as much as he could.
Once he focused on drawing the array, time flew by. But even by the end of the exam, Mo Hua hadn't finished—he had only drawn five runes and a bit more, and hadn't had time to double-check. He wasn't even sure if there were any mistakes.
He felt a tinge of regret, and a deep realization: he still had a long way to go on the path of formations.
All the completed tests were sent to Mingde Hall on Tongming Peak.
That was where Tongxian Sect instructors reviewed coursework and kept records.
The normally stern Instructor Yan now wore a rare scowl, visibly displeased as he glared at a middle-aged man dressed in an elder's robe.
"Elder Qian, what's the meaning of this?" Instructor Yan said coldly. "Weren't we supposed to test only the first two runes of the Stillwater Array? Why are we testing the full array?"
"The Dao of formations is deep and vast," Elder Qian replied indifferently. "I wanted the disciples to understand that early."
"And then?" Instructor Yan raised a brow.
"Then they'll recognize their limits and stop fantasizing about becoming formation masters."
Elder Qian's tone was light. "A formation with six runes is the threshold to becoming a formation master. That level of difficulty is far beyond the capabilities of these untalented outer sect disciples."
Instructor Yan forced down his anger. "I'm the instructor for the outer sect. Isn't Elder Qian overstepping a little?"
"Come now, Instructor Yan, these outer disciples have no future in formations. Teaching them is a waste of your time."
"And so what?"
Elder Qian's voice softened. "Instructor Yan, we all know your formation skills are excellent—and deeply admirable. But with your talent, teaching these dim-witted outer disciples—most of them wandering cultivators at that—don't you think it's beneath you?"
Instructor Yan's eyes narrowed. "What are you suggesting?"
Elder Qian said sincerely, "If you're willing, the Qian Clan would be honored to invite you as our personal instructor. We'll offer you generous compensation—spirit stones, treasures, even formation inheritances—just name it, and we'll do our best to fulfill it."
Instructor Yan's eyelid twitched. He said nothing.
After a pause, Elder Qian continued, "Of course, if you don't wish to leave the sect, I can recommend you for promotion to an inner sect elder. You could teach inner disciples—even core heirs. At that level, they'll call you Sir. Your status would far exceed that of ordinary elders."
Instructor Yan went silent for a while before slowly replying, "And if I refuse?"
Elder Qian's expression turned cold. "Why be so stubborn, Instructor Yan?"
"I teach formations to pass on the Dao—not for fame or profit," Instructor Yan said firmly.
Elder Qian sneered. "Fine, stay lofty!"
With that, he turned and swept away without another word.
Only then did the elderly Instructor Zhou beside him speak. "Why bother, Sir Yan? The Qian Clan holds real power—we can't afford to offend them."
Instructor Yan sighed. "I just can't stand it. If this continues, the sect will collude with wealthy clans, and lowborn cultivators won't even have a path to the Dao."
Instructor Zhou sighed too. "When the old sect leader was around, he could still hold the Qian Clan in check. But he's aged now, and is soon stepping down. This Tongxian Sect… is going to change."
Instructor Yan looked deeply troubled.
Instructor Zhou continued, "Look, Elder Qian was actually pretty respectful. And I know you put your heart into teaching these outer disciples—but what's the point? Few will go far in formations. Wandering cultivators make poor formation masters for a reason."
He added a warning, "You might end up losing your position altogether if you keep pushing."
But Instructor Yan was unmoved. "As long as I remain an instructor, I'll do what I must."
Instructor Zhou shook his head and said no more.
Instructor Yan exhaled, calming himself. Then, he finally opened the stack of formation exam papers.
Even if the exam content had been tampered with, he would still grade seriously.
Naturally, the results were… disastrous.
Most disciples could only draw one or two runes. Some didn't understand at all and scribbled meaningless nonsense to fill the page.
Instructor Yan silently noted down the names of those who did that. Not understanding was acceptable—drawing what you could was fine—but careless nonsense would not be tolerated.
Some had done fairly well—typically children from well-off families in Tongxian City who had been introduced to formations early. These ones could usually draw three runes, which was already excellent—three runes being the limit of most third-level Qi Refining cultivators' spiritual sense.
Then Instructor Yan thought of Mo Hua.
A child from a poor background, yet blessed with an exceptional spiritual sense—a rarity among wandering cultivators.
Based on Mo Hua's previous progress, he likely drew four runes. If he hadn't slacked off during the break, maybe even a bit more.
As Instructor Yan flipped through the papers, he finally came upon Mo Hua's—and froze.
It was neatly drawn—five full formation runes, and part of a sixth. The last section was clearly rushed due to time constraints, but the strokes were still accurate.
Instructor Yan frowned.
So this meant that Mo Hua, a mere third-layer Qi Refining disciple, had managed to draw five and a half runes of the Stillwater Array—on his first attempt.
Five and a half!
That didn't just require understanding of formations—it required an extraordinarily powerful spiritual sense.
Previously, when Instructor Yan saw Mo Hua draw four runes, it was already a strain for him. His spiritual sense had been barely sufficient.
But now, two months later, he could draw five and a half?
If this was accurate, it meant that not only was Mo Hua gifted with spiritual sense, but his growth rate was… terrifying. And aside from cultivation breakthroughs, there were no shortcuts for rapidly improving spiritual sense.
Instructor Yan held his breath and stared at the paper in disbelief, reading it again before finally exhaling and muttering:
"This… is impossible…"
Instructor Zhou heard this and noticed Instructor Yan's stunned expression. "Sir Yan, what's the matter?"
Instructor Yan snapped out of it, his expression shifting slightly. After a moment's thought, he said:
"Some of these formation drawings were just too outrageous. I lost my composure a little…"
Instructor Zhou gave a knowing look. "I understand. Teaching these kids isn't easy. Don't take it too seriously—keep your health in mind. Don't get too riled up."
Instructor Yan nodded silently.
But his eyes remained fixed on Mo Hua's paper, his heart still unable to calm.
(End of Chapter)