Chapter 85: Misunderstanding
Under Jun Wu’s piercing gaze, the Array President and Elder Shen shifted uncomfortably. They had merely wanted to try their luck, hoping to glimpse the secret behind his mysterious methods.
If Jun Wu chose to share, they would be overjoyed. If he refused, they had no intention of forcing the matter.
"So, your aim is to discover my secret?" Jun Wu asked coldly, his eyes narrowing.
Elder Shen shook her head firmly. "Young Master, you misunderstand. We are not here for that. The President was only concerned for your safety. We have lived long enough to witness how dark and twisted the human heart can be. We only wish to ensure no harm comes to you."
Jun Wu sneered, his lips curling upward with disdain. "So, by ’looking out for me,’ you mean you want me to hand my secret to you on a platter of gold. Is that it?"
"Young Master, you have it wrong," Elder Shen quickly corrected, her voice calm but sincere. "Our intention is to serve as a shield for you. But if you don’t want our protection, we will never force you."
Jun Wu studied her. He was a monster in array formation—why would such figures lower themselves to snatch secrets?
Besides, they had both seen the array plates. Forget understanding the plates—just the forging method alone was enough of a headache.
None of the Blacksmith Association’s masters could even begin to comprehend the techniques and materials that had gone into creating them.
"Elder Shen speaks the truth," the President added, his aged face serious.
"We are not here to steal from you. Our original thought was to protect you, but if you can withstand the pressure of those greedy vultures yourself, then our worries are unfounded."
Jun Wu tapped the armrest of his chair rhythmically; his sharp gaze fixed on the two elders as though trying to decipher their true intent.
Until now, he had already counted them among his enemies. Yet, hearing their words, perhaps he had been too quick to jump to conclusions.
"So you’re telling me that if I hand over the secret of the array plates to you, those people will stop targeting me?"
The President thought for a moment before replying.
"That should be the case... though who can truly predict the hearts of greedy men? Still, with the prestige of the Array Formation Association backing you, many of them would be forced to give us face."
Jun Wu nodded slowly. Now he understood their position. They wished to act as a shield, drawing attention away from him while ensuring he could continue working in peace.
If he desired a stable life, free of powerful enemies, perhaps he should accept.
But Jun Wu’s path was not one of peace. His road was destined to be paved with blood.
"Thank you for your consideration," he said at last. "If the pressure becomes unbearable, I will consider your proposal. However..." His gaze sharpened, cold as a blade. "If I ever discover you colluding with those people, you will forever be my eternal enemies."
The President met his eyes without flinching. "Young Master, you need not worry. I have long lost interest in worldly power. Though I am curious about the secrets of the array plates, my curiosity is only for research—to further my understanding of array formation, nothing more."
"The President is right," Elder Shen added sincerely. "Some of us only wish to pursue our path to its limit. As for status, fame, and the squabbles of the outside world—we have little care for such things."
Jun Wu studied them carefully, then nodded. His admiration for the two elders increased slightly. Perhaps, just perhaps, they were different from the others.
Almost against his own instincts, he found himself wanting to give them a hint.
"President," he asked suddenly, "why don’t you strive to become a Master?"
"Hmm?"
Both Elder Shen and the President were taken aback. They exchanged glances, then the President answered with a faint smile.
"I am not a warrior. Why should I pursue higher realms when cultivation brings no direct benefit to my profession?"
"Moreover," he continued, "I consider it a waste of time. The hours spent cultivating could be better invested in studying ancient formations. That is where my passion lies."
These words came from the depths of his heart. His Peak First-Rated Martial Warrior Realm cultivation was maintained only for convenience and respect in society. If he could study arrays without cultivating at all, he would have abandoned martial practice entirely.
Jun Wu sighed and shook his head. Now he understood why so many professions failed to progress through the ages.
It wasn’t only a matter of missing teachers or incomplete inheritances. Misconceptions like this had become roadblocks, chains shackling them in place.
Watching Jun Wu shake his head, Elder Shen and the President exchanged uneasy glances.
"Young Master, is there something wrong with what I said?" the President asked carefully, his brows furrowing. He did not treat Jun Wu as a child but as a peer, someone from whom he might learn.
Thus, he was unafraid to ask directly.
Elder Shen, too, leaned forward, curiosity burning in her eyes.
"Let us speak of formation first," Jun Wu said slowly, his tone calm yet profound.
"Array formation is the act of comprehending the secrets of heaven and earth through natural ley lines, symbols, and inscribed patterns. Am I correct?"
The two nodded at once. That was indeed the fundamental definition of array formation.
"Then let me ask you this—can an ordinary mortal comprehend the secrets of heaven and earth?"
"No, that’s impossible!" the President replied instinctively, shaking his head.
"Exactly," Jun Wu said, his eyes gleaming. "Ordinary people cannot decipher heaven and earth. To comprehend such secrets, one must draw closer to them. And how do we draw closer?"
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
"Through cultivation. Only by cultivating can we step nearer to the essence of heaven and earth. Now imagine—if we cease cultivating, what happens?"
The President and Elder Shen’s eyes widened in sudden realization.
This was the first time they had heard such a perspective. What they had always viewed as a hindrance—cultivation—was in truth the foundation of their progress.
If they stopped walking forward on the path of martial cultivation, how could they possibly move forward in their professions?
"Young Master..." The President stood abruptly and gave Jun Wu a deep bow, his voice trembling. "Thank you for this guidance."
Elder Shen followed, bowing deeply, her face filled with newfound respect. From just a few simple words, Jun Wu had opened a door they had never known existed.
"It is nothing," Jun Wu said with a faint smile. "I simply saw your sincerity in pursuing the path of array formation and decided to offer a little help."
The President straightened, his expression still solemn. "Young Master, then... Do you know how I might step into the realm of Master?"