Progress

Following the planned architectural array diagrams, Mo Hua proceeded methodically, one array after another, one complex formation after the next, progressing in an orderly fashion.

When his spiritual consciousness was depleted, he would meditate to recover, or take a break sitting aside, occasionally consulting his array theory book to alleviate fatigue.

Once rested, he resumed drawing the array formations.

These large-scale array formations, with their intricate array patterns, while not extremely difficult to draw, were exceptionally tedious and tested the patience and concentration of an array master.

Fortunately, Mo Hua was accustomed to drawing array formations, having practiced tirelessly day and night before. Now, in actual execution, he was adapting well.

Moreover, he had amassed thousands of bottles of monster blood, all transformed into spiritual ink. If not used now, the efficacy of this spiritual ink would diminish over time—a waste he could not afford.

Each bottle of ink was painstakingly extracted from the bodies of beasts.

Several days passed, and Mo Hua continued to work alone on the array formations.

Master Ban finally understood that Elder Yu indeed hadn't hired any other array masters; Mo Hua was the sole person drawing these formations.

For such a large refining operation, with so many buildings and array formations, containing numerous intricate array patterns—all entrusted to one person to complete.

Master Ban's scalp tingled at the thought.

This could take an eternity...

Master Ban was increasingly anxious, but he hesitated to approach Mo Hua directly.

Firstly, Mo Hua was deeply engrossed in his work, making interruptions inappropriate.

Secondly, ever since learning that Mo Hua was an array master capable of crafting top-tier formations, Master Ban held him in awe and refrained from conversing with him.

Array masters were highly respected, unlike their lower-tier counterparts, the Forges.

As a craftsman, Master Ban often interacted with array masters, most of whom were difficult to get along with—either arrogant, greedy, or condescending. Even those who seemed polite often looked down upon craftsmen.

Therefore, they dared not offend array masters and were frequently subjected to their demands.

After hesitating for several days, Master Ban still hadn't dared to ask Mo Hua.

However, a few days later, Master Ban was astonished to find that many foundations and interior walls of the buildings had already been inscribed with array formations.

Master Ban scrutinized them repeatedly and compared them against the architectural array diagrams, confirming that they were exact replicas, down to the last detail.

Master Ban was dumbfounded. How could these array formations be drawn so quickly?

Could one array master really complete all of this in such a short time?

Master Ban discreetly observed Mo Hua again.

He then realized that Mo Hua's brushwork was extraordinarily proficient—decisive and swift, as if these array patterns were already ingrained in his mind. He drew them with effortless ease and incredible speed.

In Master Ban's experience, array masters typically pondered over array diagrams extensively before drawing, proceeded cautiously with every stroke, and would be pale-faced and in need of tea and rest after completing one formation, lingering for quite some time.

Mo Hua, on the other hand, was decisive, swift, and immediately moved on to the next formation after finishing one. Even when resting, he would meditate briefly and then resume energetically.

Considering this, four or five array masters combined might not match Mo Hua's speed alone.

Master Ban was truly broadening his horizons.

After so many years, he was witnessing someone who could draw array formations as easily as drinking water.

"Could it be... he really can finish all these formations within the project timeline, all by himself?"

Master Ban couldn't believe it, yet he also couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

Mo Hua meticulously and fluidly worked on the array formations according to the planned architectural diagrams. Meanwhile, the construction of the refining workshop stirred up such a commotion that several prominent families in Tongxian City were well aware of it.

Not far from the refining workshop, there was a street with a teahouse. On the second floor of this teahouse was an elegant chamber, adorned with antique furnishings emitting a subtle fragrance of tea.

Elder An and the head of the An family, An Yonglu, sat facing each other in this chamber, sipping tea.

An Yonglu poured tea for Elder An with a furrowed brow, saying, "Elder Yu really has made a bold move this time, constructing such a large refining workshop..."

"Having seized the spiritual mine and gained capital, naturally, he intends to undertake grand ventures."

"The Qian family has really suffered a significant loss this time!"

An Yonglu's tone carried a hint of schadenfreude.

Elder An glanced at his son with resignation. "You don't think this could be a good thing for us, do you?"

An Yonglu was momentarily taken aback. "Isn't it good news that the Qian family is suffering a loss?"

Elder An sighed, feeling exasperated. "Do you not realize that with such a large refining workshop and the production of so many spiritual tools, it will not only affect the Qian family but also us, the An family, in our business?"

"Moreover, judging by this layout, it's not just a refining workshop but also an alchemy workshop. If Elder Yu manages to complete all this, how do we compete with him?"

"Although it's the Qian family suffering first, our An family doesn't have much business in refining or alchemy."

Elder An glared at his son. "Do you intend to run a teahouse business for your entire life? What prospects can that possibly offer?"

"I understand, but considering our An family's lack of ruthlessness, and with the Qian family dominating in refining and alchemy, we can only engage in businesses like teahouses, which are more peaceful and profitable..." An Yonglu muttered softly.

Elder An sighed again. "It's no wonder that Xiaofu can't rise to the occasion with you as his father."

An Yonglu felt a bit resentful. "Father, Xiaofu is much worse off than me. If he had half my skills, being a family head wouldn't be a problem."

Elder An retorted coldly, "You really think highly of yourself, especially compared to your own son."

An Yonglu was left speechless.

Elder An lifted his cup and tasted the tea, saying no more, but his gaze inadvertently drifted towards the unfinished refining workshop in the distance.

Such a grand scheme, such an ambitious framework—Elder Yu's vision was truly expansive.

Elder An sighed inwardly. He was old now; even with the capital, he no longer had the ambition or drive for such ventures.

An Yonglu pondered for a moment before asking, "Father, can such a large refining workshop be completed smoothly?"

Elder An gave him a glance.

An Yonglu continued, "The Qian family won't just give up, will they? They won't sit idly by while these rogue cultivators become prosperous. After all, they profit from shearing sheep; if these Rogue cultivators become powerful, the Qian family's days won't be easy."

"You're right," Elder An nodded slightly.

"So what should we do?" An Yonglu asked.

Elder An raised an eyebrow and replied calmly, "Let's watch and wait."

An Yonglu nodded, intending to observe the Qian family's next moves.

Elder Yu had caused such a stir, and while the An family was anxious, there was no need to rush. After all, their main business was teahouses, and the business of refining and alchemy had no place for them, particularly with the Qian family's dominance in those areas.

However, the Qian family was different. Their core industries were refining and alchemy, and they were undoubtedly more anxious than anyone else.

(End of the Chapter)