Chapter 1044: Sword Path Prohibition
Chapter 1044: Sword Path Prohibition
It wasn't just ordinary cultivators who had never seen such a spectacle.
Even in the Sword Viewing Pavilion, the nobles of Daozhou, the dignitaries of the Dao Court, the direct descendants of ancient families, and even some prominent Yu Hua cultivators, had rarely witnessed such a grand scene in their lifetimes.
The shattering of the Eternal Life Talismans was a significant event on its own, but for five of them to shatter simultaneously was even more astonishing.
This meant that five seed-level direct descendants of the Heavenly Teachings were in mortal danger.
It also meant that five Cavernous Void elders had suffered damage to their fundamental essence.
Not to mention the epic battle between the Wu Pin Grand Array and the five Cavernous Void avatars, the manifestation of the elder from Lundao Mountain, and the ancient sword sharpening ritual.
All of this was the result of a single sword strike from Mo Hua, the "culprit."
Wenren Wan, Yu'er, Murong Caiyun, Hua Qianqian, and everyone in the Tai Xu Sect, as well as all the cultivators who knew Mo Hua, were filled with indescribable shock.
Gu Changhuai was also dumbfounded.
He knew that Mo Hua was prone to causing trouble, and the trouble he caused was always significant.
From the Bishan Demon Pit to the Fire Buddha, to the Yanshui River, to the Water Yama, to the Dragon King Temple...
One after another, these incidents had often left him, the Dao Ting Si overseer, with a headache.
But compared to the current scene, all the trouble Mo Hua had caused before seemed trivial, hardly worthy of mention.
Only now did Gu Changhuai realize that when Mo Hua had "worked" with him before, he had been holding back, not truly causing any catastrophic disasters.
If Mo Hua had really caused this much chaos, his "mere" Dao Ting Si Jin Dan overseer status might not have allowed him to survive until now...
Thinking of this, Gu Changhuai felt a hint of gratitude.
In the crowd, the only one who had some mental preparation was Zhang Lan.
After all, he had known Mo Hua for a long time and had seen his "capabilities."
Back in Tongxian City, Mo Hua had shattered a great array, killed a powerful demon, and almost flattened Daheshan.
But Tongxian City was a small place.
Daheshan was just a second-rank mountain range.
Zhang Lan had never expected that in Qianxue Province, at the Sword Discussion Conference, such a grand event in a fifth-rank province, Mo Hua would almost blow up Lundao Mountain as well...
Truly, wherever Mo Hua went, chaos followed.
The higher his cultivation, the greater his ability to cause trouble.
One day, when he reached the Cavernous Void realm, he might even pierce a hole in the sky...
Zhang Lan sighed helplessly.
This little disaster, there's no denying it...
At this moment, many cultivators in the Asura Arena could vaguely guess that the earth-shattering wave was caused by Mo Hua's single finger and sword strike.
But most cultivators found this hard to believe.
This was the Sword Discussion Conference, protected by the great array for discussing the Dao.
Apart from the array, it was hard to imagine how a physically weak and spiritually limited Mo Hua could defeat the five strongest Tianjiao of the Qian study with a single move.
Even if Mo Hua could defeat Shen Linshu and the others, how could a Zhu Ji realm cultivator shatter their life-bound Eternal Life Talismans, breaking through the Wu Pin Grand Array of Lundao Mountain?
It was simply inconceivable.
Even Mo Hua's fellow disciples and close friends couldn't understand.
After all, the Tai Xu Divine Mind Sword True Art was a taboo of the Tai Xu Sect.
When the Dugu Elder transmitted the art to Mo Hua, he strictly forbade him from telling anyone.
Mo Hua rarely revealed this technique in public, so very few people knew about it.
However, this move could not be hidden from the Cavernous Void elders of the major sects and families, who had lived for countless years.
At this moment, the Cavernous Void elders in the Sword Viewing Pavilion were both terrified and enraged:
"The Tai Xu Divine Mind Sword True Art!"
"You, Tai Xu Sect, have truly overstepped your bounds!"
"Lawless and reckless!"
"Teaching any and all techniques to your disciples?!"
"This is a forbidden technique, reported to the Dao Court and banned from being taught or practiced by any sect or disciple."
"This time, your Tai Xu Sect has violated the rules, committed a grave offense, and caused such a disaster!"
...
The Cavernous Void elders verbally attacked the Tai Xu Sect, particularly Xun Laoshi of the Tai Xu Sect.
A technique is called "forbidden" because it is taboo.
No sect or disciple can cross the line.
Once the line is crossed, the rules are broken. Broken rules inevitably lead to chaos.
Most elders were genuinely angered.
While some elders were bleeding internally.
Especially, the patriarchs of the Four Great Sects and the Daluomen.
They were the truly top-tier bloodline Tianjiao, the kind that a sect or clan might not produce in several hundred years!
They were the life-prolonging talismans that the Cave Void patriarchs had painstakingly condensed, consuming their own essence and using special secret techniques.
The amount of effort and resources poured into them was immeasurable.
Yet, with just one sword, they were all destroyed, shattered to pieces...
It was no different from having their hearts gouged out and their abdomens ripped open, a blow to the soul!
If not for the respect of the patriarchs and the dignity of their respective sects, they would have personally taken the stage to slice Mo Hua into a thousand pieces, grind his bones to dust, and obliterate his soul.
But unfortunately, they were patriarchs, high-ranking and powerful, and they had to consider the bigger picture.
Moreover, given the current situation, Mo Hua had brought this upon himself, so they didn't need to dirty their own hands.
"Mo Hua..." Shen Linshu, the patriarch of the Shen family, said with a dark gaze, "Learning the Divine Mind Sword True Art is the same as stealing a forbidden technique."
"Stealing a forbidden technique is a grave offense, punishable by death a thousand times over!"
"This is a strict prohibition in Qianxue Province. Regardless of his background or talent, anyone who violates this rule must not be spared."
"Of course, executing him immediately might seem a bit hasty. In my opinion, we should first strip him of his cultivation, sever his limbs, seal his mind sea, and throw him into the Dao prison..."
"The rank he gained in the Sword Discussion Conference using forbidden techniques should also be revoked."
"Even his title as the True Dao Champion should be removed..."
"Only then can we set an example and cleanse the corrupt thoughts, restoring the proper atmosphere in Qianxue Province."
The group of Cave Void patriarchs exchanged glances, their eyes flickering.
Soon, one of the patriarchs agreed:
"Indeed, we cannot set such a precedent."
"If disciples who learn forbidden techniques and participate in the Sword Discussion Conference are not severely punished, others will surely follow, leading to long-term disaster."
"To achieve fame and glory in the Sword Discussion Conference, one must not be allowed to violate such taboos. This is a matter of moral integrity and must not be tolerated."
"Mo Hua must be severely punished."
"His rank in the Sword Discussion Conference must be nullified!"
"His cultivation should be stripped, and the Divine Mind Sword technique must be forbidden..."
...
The patriarchs spoke in calm tones, but their words were harsh, portraying Mo Hua as a heinous criminal.
Under the collective criticism, Xun Laoshi, who had remained expressionless, finally lifted his eyelids and asked calmly:
"Who told you he learned the Divine Mind Sword True Art?"
Everyone paused, and the surroundings instantly fell silent.
The patriarch of the Heavenly Sword Sect sneered, "With so many patriarchs here watching, how could there be a mistake? No sword in hand, yet using his divine mind to injure others—what else could Mo Hua be using if not the Divine Mind Sword True Art of the Tai Xu Sect?"
"The Divine Mind Sword True Art of the Tai Xu Sect..." Xun Laoshi glanced at him and asked, "Have you learned it?"
The patriarch of the Heavenly Sword Sect was taken aback.
Xun Laoshi then asked the group, "Has anyone here learned it?"
The Cave Void patriarchs remained silent.
The Divine Mind Sword True Art was the signature sword technique of the Tai Xu Sect. How could they have learned it?
Moreover, while this technique was renowned for its incredible power, using one's divine mind as a sword could severely damage the user, often more than the enemy. Even if they had the technique, they might not dare to risk their lives to learn it.
Unless they were truly tired of living.
Until now, the Tai Xu Sect had lost countless Tianjiao and disciples due to the depletion of their divine minds from this technique.
The patriarchs were well aware of this.
If not for the severe drawbacks and the risk of backlash, the Tai Xu Sect would never have banned their signature technique.
Seeing no one speak, Xun Laoshi nodded and said:
"That's right. One should not judge based on appearances alone. Especially with Dao techniques and sword arts, the outer form may be similar, but the inner principles can be vastly different..."
"Without practical experience, one should not make rash statements."
"Since none of you have learned the Divine Mind Sword True Art of the Tai Xu Sect, how can you be so certain that Mo Hua is using this technique?"
The faces of the patriarchs turned grim.
A one-eyed patriarch with a defiant aura sneered:
"Xun Old Man, don't try to twist the facts here!"
"Everyone knows the truth. What else could this boy have learned if not the Divine Mind Sword technique? We may not have learned it, but we have seen it, and I have even been cut by it from your Tai Xu Sect..."
"Even though I haven't learned it, I can clearly recognize the Divine Mind Sword technique."
Xun Laoshi glanced at the one-eyed patriarch, his gaze slightly heavy, not daring to take him lightly.
After a moment of contemplation, Xun Laoshi asked:
"Since you insist that Mo Hua learned the Divine Mind Sword technique, tell me, who did he learn it from?"
The one-eyed patriarch frowned.
Xun Laoshi continued:
"This technique has been completely banned."
"Who in the entire Tai Xu Sect could teach him now?"
"Though I am a Cave Void, I myself do not know this technique."
"The other old ancestors don’t cultivate divine mind techniques either."
"Below the Cave Void realm, there are no related legacies. Even if someone learned them, no one could cultivate them to the point of mastery."
"The one who truly excels in this sword technique is only one person, my...” Xun Laoshi’s gaze grew solemn, “...Senior Brother Dugu.”
The atmosphere in the room suddenly became stifling, and all the old ancestors couldn’t help but frown, feeling a chill in their hearts.
It seemed that they were also reluctant, or even afraid, to mention this person.
Xun Laoshi said, "You all should have an idea about my senior brother. You should also be clear about his character. With his proud and solitary mind, would he teach a mere Zhu Ji disciple sword techniques?"
"I wouldn’t, and if Senior Brother doesn’t teach, no one else in the Tai Xu Sect would either."
"How could Mo Hua, who has no master, possibly master the divine mind sword technique on his own?"
"Moreover..."
Xun Laoshi’s face was filled with confidence as he sneered, "The Divine Mind Sword True Art of the Tai Xu Sect is an astonishing sword technique."
"Could a mere Zhu Ji disciple learn the divine mind sword technique?"
"Are you all not taking the supreme divine mind sword technique of the Tai Xu Sect seriously? Are you not respecting the ancient traditions of the Tai Xu Sect?"
Xun Laoshi’s gaze was icy.
The assembled Cave Void old ancestors were momentarily speechless.
After some careful consideration, they realized he was right.
The more powerful the sword technique, the more difficult it was to cultivate. It required exceptional talent in swordsmanship, a deep foundation, complete dedication, and the meticulous guidance of a senior expert.
Mo Hua had none of these.
Not to mention, he was only at the Zhu Ji realm.
Zhu Ji disciples couldn’t even cultivate sword intent, let alone the pinnacle sword intent technique—the “Tai Xu Divine Mind Sword True Art.”
But even so, these old ancestors clearly weren’t going to let the matter drop.
One of the Cave Void old ancestors pressed, "This matter must have a resolution."
"The sword technique Mo Hua used also needs to have a clear origin."
"Indeed."
"The Tai Xu Sect must give an explanation for this..."
Xun Laoshi was silent for a moment, then sighed, saying helplessly:
"This matter... is a secret of the Tai Xu Sect, and it shouldn’t be revealed to outsiders. But since you’ve asked, I won’t hide it."
Xun Laoshi said solemnly, "Although the Tai Xu Sect has banned the Divine Mind Sword True Art, we don’t want to lose the lineage of swordsmanship. In recent years, the sect’s leadership has been researching more harmonious and orthodox sword intent techniques."
"What Mo Hua learned is one of these newly created sword intent techniques, called the Tai Xu Shocking Spirit Sword Intent Art."
"This is a legitimate sword intent technique, not a forbidden technique, and not the divine mind sword technique that harms the spirit and soul..."
Xun Laoshi explained slowly.
The assembled Cave Void old ancestors immediately drew in a sharp breath, shocked. They thought, "You’re an old ancestor of a sect, how can you shamelessly make up such lies in front of so many people?"
"Can you just make up the name and origin of a sword technique like that?"
"Do you really think you can get away with it just by making something up?"
"Are you trying to fool the dead?"
Seeing that no one believed him, Xun Laoshi slowly took out a jade sword:
"This sword technique, including its name, basic principles, partial cultivation paths, methods of forming sword intent, and techniques for manifesting sword intent... I’ve recorded all of it in this jade sword and submitted it to the Dao Ting Si of Qianxue Province long ago..."
"Before the Sword Discussion Conference, the Tai Xu Sect also reported it to the Lun Jian Conference on Lundao Mountain."
"These are enough to prove that the technique Mo Hua used during the Lun Jian Conference is not the forbidden Divine Mind Sword True Art, but a newly created sword intent technique of the Tai Xu Sect, the Tai Xu Shocking Spirit Sword Intent Art..."
...
Upon hearing this, all the Cave Void old ancestors felt a chill in their hearts, realizing the situation was not good.
Such a newly created technique was not something anyone cared about, and it certainly wouldn’t catch the attention of old ancestors like them.
Especially not a sword technique from the Tai Xu Sect, which wasn’t known for its sword techniques.
No one could possibly keep track of such things every day.
But who would have thought that the Tai Xu Sect had taken these "formal" matters so seriously?
When the name is right, the words are smooth.
Everyone felt a chill.
Had this old ancestor, Xun Laoshi, foreseen all this and prepared in advance?
Was Mo Hua, the Tai Xu Sect’s true sword prodigy, just a pawn in his game?
Was all of this a carefully orchestrated plan by Xun Laoshi?
The old ancestors frowned, looking at Xun Laoshi. They realized that this old man, who had been working silently behind the scenes for the Tai Xu Sect, had such deep scheming and strategic thinking, and they felt a deep sense of caution...
For a moment, no one said anything more.
Xun Laoshi sighed slightly, feeling bitter.
Only he himself knew that his reputation as a “fathomless” patriarch was merely a facade, a cover for cleaning up after Mo Hua.
There was no way he could predict or control what Mo Hua, that unpredictable child, would do next.
Before the Sword Discussion Conference, he never would have imagined that Mo Hua could spring such a massive “surprise” on him, one that nearly caused his heart to stop.
If it weren’t for Xun Laoshi’s cautious nature, attention to detail, and habit of meticulous planning, the fallout from this ordeal would have been far more severe, even for a cave-void patriarch like himself.
But for now, the immediate crisis had been averted.
The stakes were incredibly high, and the various sects and noble families would undoubtedly not let this slide. However, that was a problem for another day.
For the time being, he could only take things one step at a time. As a cave-void patriarch, he had done all he could to protect Mo Hua to this point.
The next step was to safely escort Mo Hua back to Tai Xu Mountain, sequester him in the forbidden area at the rear, activate the array, and seal the mountain gate to ensure the boy’s safety. Once that was done, the rest would be manageable.
At worst, it would come down to some face-saving, finger-pointing, and perhaps some concessions in the form of spirit stones. But as long as Mo Hua was safe, that was all that mattered.
Xun Laoshi slowly relaxed, his eyes fixed on Fang Tian Painting Shadow, not blinking for a moment. He planned to act immediately once the array was activated and Mo Hua emerged, breaking through the void to send the boy back to Tai Xu Sect.
He couldn’t risk any of the other cave-void patriarchs, driven by envy and uncontrollable murderous intent, laying a hand on Mo Hua.
Xun Laoshi wasn’t the only one; many other cave-void patriarchs were also intently watching Fang Tian Painting Shadow.
The battle of the Dharmic manifestations had erupted within the Asura Battlefield.
The great array on Lundao Mountain, which had suppressed and killed five cave-void Dharmic manifestations, had automatically sealed off a large portion of the Asura Arena to prevent the spiritual tide from spreading and harming the innocent. The array would only unlock once the cave-void Dharmic manifestations had completely dissipated and the spiritual tide had subsided, allowing them to assess Mo Hua’s and the others’ conditions.
After a while, the golden light in the sky faded completely, and the spiritual tide dissipated.
The lingering power of the array also faded away.
Only then did everyone clearly see the scene within the array.
Mountains, streams, marshes, and valleys—all had been leveled, leaving the arena desolate. The terrifying spiritual tide had erased all form, leaving behind only a residue like sand.
In addition to the desolation, there were several figures.
Mo Hua, pale-faced but composed.
Around him, Shen Linshu and four others lay on the ground, their breaths shallow and their fates uncertain after being struck by Mo Hua’s sword.
Of course, these five were not dead.
Although their cave-void Dharmic manifestations had been destroyed, the residual power of the Eternal Life Talisman still lingered between their brows, protecting a sliver of their vitality.
This outcome had been anticipated by the cave-void patriarchs, but seeing it with their own eyes still sent a shiver through their hearts.
One against five.
Mo Hua, truly, had accomplished the impossible. With just one sword, he had single-handedly slain the five strongest Tianjiao disciples of Qianxue Province, four of whom were at the peak of the Zhu Ji realm with bloodline Tianjiao.
This was an unprecedented feat at the Sword Discussion Conference, one that had never happened before and likely never would again.
Mo Hua was truly a prodigy among prodigies...
Many of the cave-void patriarchs silently marveled, and some could barely suppress their murderous intent.
Xun Laoshi’s gaze was cold and vigilant, ready to act if any patriarch tried to harm Mo Hua.
Xun Laoshi’s attention had been focused entirely on Mo Hua, but suddenly, he paused, his brow furrowing.
He wasn’t the only one to notice something amiss.
The anomaly wasn’t with Mo Hua but with Shen Linshu and the other four.
In the Asura Battlefield, Shen Linshu and the four others lay on the ground, their faces pale, the golden light of the Eternal Life Talisman still visible on their foreheads.
But the golden light was gradually changing color.
A dark purple-black, tinged with a bloody red, filthy, and corrupt substance, akin to pus, was seeping out.
It was as if Mo Hua had cut into their minds, allowing this “pus” to flow out.
This corrupt divine mind, though filthy and repulsive, existed at an extremely high level.
Only the cave-void patriarchs could truly perceive the sheer filth and base desires contained within these corrupt divine minds.
They watched as the dark purple-black “pus” spread like blood, seeping into the ground and blooming into sinister flowers of evil intent.
For a moment, all the cave-void patriarchs were stunned.
A few sword path patriarchs, in particular, looked especially grave, their eyes flashing with a terrifying sharpness.
...
Meanwhile, in the spectator stands.
On the platform of the Thousand Swords Sect, a middle-aged elder with a gentle and refined demeanor twisted his face in anger and cursed darkly:
"Damn brat, you’ve ruined my grand plans!"
(End of Chapter)
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