Transformation Timing
Last updated 5/21/2026
A moving line creates a transformed branch. Sometimes that transformed branch is usable immediately. Sometimes it lands in a delayed state.
When the transformed branch is delayed, time the effect, not just the original movement.
This is the main correction to the simple “moving means fast” rule. The moving line can start quickly while its changed branch still waits for restoration, release, or stabilization.
The moving line acts, but the result cannot fully arrive until the transformed branch fills.
The moving line acts, but the result is delayed until the broken branch is restored.
The moving line acts into a combination lock. Use bound timing to find the release.
The moving line acts into disturbance. Use clashed timing to find stabilization.
If cutoff actually bites, timing waits for rescue, release, or the confirming cutoff event rather than ordinary movement.
Which date do you time?
This tells us what started moving and why it matters.
If the changed branch is delayed, the timing belongs to the delay's resolution.
Resolution rules
Use clash-fill as primary, value-fill as secondary, and combine-fill as a weak fallback.
Wait for the month to change, the broken branch to be supported, or a valid combination to restore it.
Use the branch that clashes the binding partner.
Use a combination that neutralizes the attacker or steadies the target.
If the transformed branch supports the target and is usable, moving-line acceleration may apply.
Not every transformation creates a delay. Head-back generation, head-back control, advance, retreat, and role change color the result. They do not automatically replace the moving-line timing rule unless the transformed branch is void, broken, bound, clashed, or genuinely cut off.
Source basis: Yehe Laoren, Zengshan Buyi; timing source synthesis, transformation delay section.
Trap
Do not time only the original moving line when the changed branch is delayed. Movement is the cause. The changed branch is the effect. Timing belongs to the effect.
Cutoff is conditional, just as in Act 6. If the moving line is strong and well supported, do not turn a nominal cutoff branch into a timing verdict by itself. Confirm the cutoff state through the whole strength picture first.