Grading

Mo Hua frowned.

Something wasn't right...

Why would a Qi Refining third-layer array technique examination test an array containing six Array Patterns? Could the instructor have taken the wrong exam papers?

The instructor probably wouldn't make that sort of mistake. Could there be some other deeper meaning?

By now, some disciples were already scribbling furiously. But they most likely knew nothing at all and simply couldn't leave their papers blank, so they were drawing blindly with their eyes shut.

Mo Hua gathered his thoughts and admonished himself:

"Since the instructor is testing us on an array with six Array Patterns, there must be a reason. Perhaps he wants us to understand that the path of array techniques is vast and profound, so that we won't become arrogant and conceited..."

After calming himself, Mo Hua began studying the array with full concentration.

The array was called the Water-Fixing Array. Its purpose was not stated, but the annotations were complete. Though it contained six Array Patterns, they were all fairly simple, and its structure was one the instructor often discussed in class. It was not particularly obscure.

Even so, it was still nearly impossible to memorize the Array Patterns, learn to draw the array, and then actually draw it out within such a short time.

If no one could complete it, then the instructor would likely grade them according to how much of the array they had finished.

Mo Hua could only try his best to memorize it and draw as much as he could.

Once he focused on drawing the array, time passed swiftly. Yet when the examination ended, Mo Hua still had not finished. He had drawn only a little over five Array Patterns, and he had not carefully checked the five he had completed. He had no idea whether there were any mistakes in them.

Mo Hua felt somewhat regretful, but he also deeply understood that he still had a long road ahead of him in array techniques.

Once the arrays had been drawn, they were all sent to Mingde Building on Clear-Connecting Peak.

The instructors of Immortal Gate all registered here and graded coursework.

Instructor Yan, who was always stern, now wore an angry expression as he looked with considerable dissatisfaction at the middle-aged cultivator before him, dressed in the Daoist Robe of an Immortal Gate elder.

"Elder Qian, what is the meaning of this? Wasn't the test supposed to cover only the first two Array Patterns of the Water-Fixing Array? Why were they tested on the entire array?"

"The path of array techniques is vast and profound. I merely wanted the disciples to understand that in advance."

"And then?" Instructor Yan raised a brow.

"And then they will know the difficulty and retreat, no longer dreaming of becoming Array Masters."

Elder Qian said coolly, "An array with six Array Patterns is the threshold for an Array Master. An array of this difficulty is not something these talentless Outer Sect disciples can learn."

Suppressing his anger, Instructor Yan said, "I am the instructor of the Outer Sect. Isn't Elder Qian's hand reaching a bit too far?"

"Instructor Yan, these Outer Sect disciples cannot become Array Masters. Teaching them is entirely a waste of time."

"So what?"

Elder Qian's manner turned courteous. "Instructor Yan, we all know your attainments in array techniques, and we admire them immensely. But with your talents, teaching these dull-witted Outer Sect disciples—most of whom are Rogue Cultivators—do you not feel that your abilities are being wasted?"

"What do you mean?" Instructor Yan's gaze narrowed slightly.

Elder Qian said solemnly, "So long as Instructor Yan agrees, my Qian Family is willing to offer lavish gifts to hire you as the Qian Family's instructor, to teach our family's descendants in the study of array techniques. Whether it is Spirit Stones, spiritual treasures, or even certain array technique inheritances, as long as you name it, my Qian Family will do our utmost to satisfy you."

Instructor Yan's eyelids twitched slightly, but he said nothing.

After a pause, Elder Qian continued, "Of course, if you are unwilling to leave Immortal Gate, that is no matter. I can recommend you for entry into the Inner Sect as an elder, where you may teach array techniques to Inner Sect disciples, or even to those direct-line disciples. At that time, the sect's direct-line disciples would all have to respectfully call you Mr. Yan. Your status would be far higher than that of an ordinary sect elder."

Instructor Yan fell silent. Only after a moment did he slowly say, "And if I refuse?"

Elder Qian's expression turned cold. "Instructor Yan, why must you be so stubborn?"

"I teach array techniques to pass on the Dao to others, not for fame and profit," Instructor Yan said.

Elder Qian gave a derisive snort. "Fine. You are so high-minded!"

With that, he ignored Instructor Yan, flicked his sleeve, and left.

Only then did old Instructor Zhou, standing nearby, say, "Mr. Yan, why put yourself through this? The Qian Family is powerful, and we cannot afford to offend them."

Instructor Yan sighed. "I simply cannot stand it. If this continues, the sect and the family will become birds of a feather, wallowing in the same mire. Those Rogue Cultivator disciples at the bottom will have no path left if they wish to cultivate."

Old Instructor Zhou sighed as well. "When the old Sect Master was in office, he could still withstand the Qian Family's pressure. Now the old Sect Master is advanced in years and about to step down. This Immortal Gate will likely become different..."

Instructor Yan was filled with worry as well.

"If you ask me, Elder Qian has already treated you with courtesy. You have indeed put great care into teaching these Outer Sect disciples, but what use is it? Few of them can travel far on the road of array techniques. There are no Array Masters among Rogue Cultivators—there is a reason for that."

Old Instructor Zhou advised, "Do not make such a fuss that, in the end, you cannot even remain an instructor."

Instructor Yan remained unmoved. "So long as I am an instructor for even one day, I will carry through with what I ought to do."

Old Instructor Zhou shook his head and said no more.

Instructor Yan sighed again. After calming himself, he finally opened the array technique examination papers on the desk before him.

Even if there had been an error in the exam questions, he still had to grade them seriously.

Naturally, the results of the grading were a complete mess.

Most disciples could draw only one or two Array Patterns. Some did not know how at all and simply drew all kinds of chaotic nonsense to muddle through.

Instructor Yan silently noted down all these disciples' names. It was understandable if they could not draw the array; they could draw however much they were able. But they could not draw random things carelessly just to go through the motions.

There were also some who had done fairly well. They generally came from better-off families in Immortal City and had received early instruction in array techniques from a young age. Such disciples could generally draw three Array Patterns, which was already the limit of a typical Qi Refining third-layer cultivator's Divine Consciousness. That was considered quite good.

This chapter is not over yet. Please click the next page to continue!

Instructor Yan could not help thinking of Mo Hua. A child like Mo Hua, born a Rogue Cultivator and gifted with extraordinary Divine Consciousness, was rare indeed.

Judging by Mo Hua's progress, he could probably draw around four Array Patterns. If he had not slacked off during the summer break, he should be able to draw a little more than four.

As Instructor Yan graded paper after paper, he finally came upon Mo Hua's. The moment he opened it, he froze.

Five Array Patterns had been drawn neatly on the paper—and there was more. The latter half of the sixth Array Pattern was clearly rough because time had run out, but there was nothing wrong with the brushwork.

Instructor Yan frowned.

In other words, Mo Hua, at the third level of Qi Refining, had drawn five and a half Array Patterns on his very first attempt at the Water-Fixing Array!

Five and a half Array Patterns...

This required not only experience with and insight into Array Techniques, but also exceptionally powerful Divine Consciousness to support it.

When Instructor Yan had previously watched Mo Hua draw Array Techniques, he had been able to produce four Array Patterns, but it had clearly been a strain; his Divine Consciousness had not yet been ample enough.

Yet two months later, he could already draw five and a half Array Patterns for the Water-Fixing Array.

If this was truly the case, it meant that not only had this child Mo Hua been born with extraordinary Divine Consciousness, but its rate of growth was unimaginably fast. Aside from increasing one's cultivation, cultivators had no way to rapidly strengthen their Divine Consciousness.

Holding his breath, Instructor Yan stared at Mo Hua's paper in disbelief and examined it once more. Only then did he slowly let out a breath and mutter, "This is impossible..."

Hearing this, Instructor Zhou saw Instructor Yan looking utterly dazed and could not help asking, "Mr. Yan, what happened?"

Instructor Yan came back to himself. His expression shifted slightly, and after pondering for a moment, he said, "Some disciples' Array Techniques are simply too atrocious. I lost my composure for a moment..."

Instructor Zhou showed an understanding expression. "Teaching these disciples truly isn't easy. Instructor Yan, don't take it too seriously. You must cultivate your character and temper, and not let your liver fire rise..."

Instructor Yan nodded, but his eyes remained fixed on Mo Hua's paper, his thoughts still churning restlessly.