Mu Chenghong
“Patriarch, why did you not tell me if you knew he solved the eighth hexagram? I would have been able to personally guide him. After all, you know how Talisman Sect is…”
“It’s his decision. If he has what it takes, he’ll climb the ranks to come before me. I don’t want to stick my nose in his business where it’s unnecessary. One is more susceptible to losing their way when they’re put on a throne too high for their own good. Let him learn as he should. That shall ensure he learns the essence of what we are trying to teach.”
“I am ashamed I am unable to see the bigger picture as you do, Patriarch.”
Clearly, Mu Yu wasn’t one to let fame and praise get to his head. Otherwise, he would’ve lost his way long ago as Sword Shadow Dust Gale’s disciple.
“You asked him how to climb Celestial Staircase in eight steps, didn’t you? Didn’t I tell you that you need to figure it out for yourself? You can only build higher if you consolidate your foundation.”
Flustered, Zhuge Xiaosheng dropped to his knees and kowtow. “Please forgive me, Patriarch. I was so shocked that I forgot what you told us.”
Chen Tiandao gestured for Zhuge Xiaosheng to get up. “Forget it. I presume he only told how you how the staircase changes. Besides deduction skills, you also need timing. You won’t be able to achieve what he did even if you have memorised the system. It won’t be easy to find the timing and make it as he did. Nevertheless, he has inspired a new way of thinking; that’ll help you think outside the box.”
“I will remember your teachings.”
***
Mu Yu was in no hurry to break the third formation tablet because he was already learning the Greater Heaven Stage disciples’ curriculum. Plus, after he climbed Celestial Staircase in eight jumps, he was acknowledged as a full-fledged Greater Heaven Stage disciple.
Mu Yu finally met the only recognised Greater Heaven Stage disciple – Mu Chenghong, a disciple Situ Yangtian brought back from elsewhere. Technically speaking, all of the Greater Heaven Stage formation casters were the shifus of Greater Heaven Stage disciples owing to how few of the disciples there were. That said, Mu Chenghong was particularly close to Situ Yangtian as Mu Yu was with Lu Deyi.
Half a month after Mu Yu’s ascension of Celestial Staircase and just learnt an environmental illusion formation from Lu Deyi had past, but Situ Yangtian brought Mu Chenghong over to see Mu Yu.
“Situ Yangtian, what are you doing here?” Lu Deyi aggressed.
“Not much. Just thought I’d let Chenghong greet your Heaven Stage disciple and show him the standard of an authentic Heaven Stage disciple is.”
God, I hate these cliché characters, Mu Yu bemoaned in his mind.
“I apologise in advance if there are any misunderstandings; however, Greater Heaven Caster Situ really did bring me here to greet you and Junior Brother Feng Mu. We mean no ill will.” Mu Chenghong, who had orange pupils, was approachable and didn’t put on any airs. He stepped out from behind Situ Yangtian to greet Greater Heaven Caster Lu with a bow and then held a hand out to Mu Yu. “You must be Junior Brother Feng Mu. This one is Mu Chenghong. It is my pleasure to finally meet you.”
Though Mu Yu didn’t expect a handshake instead of a palm and fist salute, Mu Yu shook Mu Chenggong’s hand, nonetheless. “You flatter me, Senior Brother.”
Mu Yu didn’t like smiling men after meeting Tian Budai. Nevertheless, Mu Chenghong’s smile didn’t have that fake appearance Tian Budai’s did.
“Situ Yangtian, can’t you see I’m busy?”
“You think I want to be here?”
“Then, don’t come here. I don’t understand why you’re splitting hairs over everything when we finally found ourselves a Greater Heaven Stage disciple!”
“Brother Feng Mu, how about we go for a stroll and let them speak?”
“Mm… Sure.”
Whether deliberate or not, Mu Chenghong discharged his Body Severing Realm Ninth Layer energy when the duo was outside. For one reason or another, the energy passed by Mu Yu instead of pressuring him.
“I hope you don’t mind me taking you along.” Mu Chenghong lifted Mu Yu and flew off.
Smiling, Mu Yu lamented, “I am ashamed of my cultivation after witnessing yours, Senior Brother.”
“Don’t worry. You will eventually reach my level,” Mu Chenghong absentmindedly replied.
Mu Chenghong and Mu Yu descended onto the tallest mountain in the sect, uncreatively named Formation Sect. Surprisingly, there were no surprises or protection formations erected. The entire sect was viewable from the mountain top. Howbeit, due to the formations around the sect, only gorges and plains were visible. Still, the expansive view was relaxing.
Mu Chenghong sat down on a rock, and Mu Yu sat down on another.
“You can see the entire sect from here. I assume you haven’t been here since you’ve only joined us.” Mu Chenghong spread his arms to feel the rough winds.
“No, I haven’t.”
“I like everything about Formation Sect. As I grew up here, I’ve witnessed the bad blood between us and Talisman Sect over the years. It’s vexing to see them continue to grow more and more superior to us. Sadly, we are in no position to change anything as disciples.”
“What did you want to bring me to tell me?”
With a twirl of his hand, Mu Chenggong changed the scenery to a land of snow, even altering the weather. Using his finger, he controlled snowflakes to write “formation” and “talisman.” He conveyed, “I’ve read Formation Sect’s history. When we were still one family, we were so powerful as one of the nine great sects that nobody dared to oppose us because of our combined skills. Not even Ghost Gate and Life and Death Sect’s twins could match our formations and talismans. What goes up must come down. With two tigers on the mountain, discord was inevitable. I really want to see the prime of Formation and Talisman Sect. Do you, Junior Brother?”
“Umm… I believe that it is impossible for the two unite again. In just three more months, we will be locking horns. Where there is competition, there must be a winner, no?”
Mu Chenghong stared at Mu Yu as if he could see something. He then peered into the distance and remarked, “And who will it be?”
Mu Yu gazed into the distance as Mu Chenghong did.
“You will be joining the team in the tournament, won’t you, Junior Brother?”
“Like you, we all have to do our part. Giving it our all is enough, isn’t it?”
“That’s correct.” Mu Chenghong turned back to Mu Yu and continued, “They say that your comprehension of formations is exceptional. I, however, feel that you are also a great man in your own right. I hope we will never have to be at odds.”
Who says this sort of stuff the first time they meet someone? What’s he trying to imply?
Mu Yu met with Mu Chenghong’s line of sight and questioned, “Why would we be at odds as Formation Sect’s disciples, Senior Brother?”
“Hahaha, being at odds can mean different things. For instance, technically, we’d be at odds during a sparring match.”
“Are you looking to share some pointers with me?”
Previous Chapter l Next Chapter
