Chapter 576: The Journey
Chapter 576: The Journey
A few days later, Mo Hua boarded the Cloud Ferry.
This Cloud Ferry was smaller and more modest than the one his senior martial brothers and sisters had ridden on.
Nonetheless, it was still quite impressive.
The Cloud Ferry rose with the clouds, stirring up layers of mist wolves in its wake—a majestic sight.
In about three months, the ferry would enter Qianzhou.
Mo Hua also had to reach Qiadao Zong, a fifth-grade sect in Qianzhou, within five months, or by the ninth month at the latest, and find a way to join the sect.
The Cloud Ferry drifted in the sky, flying amidst the clouds.
Although it was described as "flying," it was not technically flying, at least not in the same way that cultivators did.
There was a sea of clouds in the sky, and within the cloud currents were air streams that formed raging winds, flowing from the Nine Provinces and eventually converging into the Kun State.
The Cloud Ferry utilized these air streams within the cloud currents to navigate between states.
Mo Hua was initially fascinated by this, but after a few days, the novelty wore off, and he began to feel bored.
On the Cloud Ferry, each cultivator had their own cabin.
The cabins weren't spacious, meant only for cultivators to rest and cultivate.
Mo Hua spent most of his time in his small cabin, quietly cultivating and studying array formations.
Being alone, he avoided going out often to steer clear of any potential trouble.
He only ventured out to get something to eat.
There was a large cabin on the Cloud Ferry where various items were sold.
Different meals were available, although they were rather expensive. Mo Hua could afford them but chose to indulge only occasionally to satisfy his cravings.
He had a decent amount of spirit stones, but he was mindful of the need to conserve them while traveling.
There would be plenty of opportunities to spend them once he reached Qianzhou.
In the large cabin, cultivators could also rent stalls to sell specialties from various places, as well as spirit artifacts, pills, and array formations that differed from the standard ones.
Mo Hua occasionally browsed these stalls, his eyes opening to a whole new world.
He saw all sorts of spirit artifacts for the first time.
There were mother-and-child knives, spears, halberds, flying needles, pear blossom needles, red silk threads, iron locks, and more...
The most expensive items were swords.
Swords were considered the pinnacle of the hundred spirit artifacts in cultivation.
The techniques, methods, and principles involved in sword artifacts were extensive and profound, and cultivators who practiced sword cultivation were even given the distinct title of "Sword Cultivator" to set them apart from spiritual and physical cultivators.
Many cultivators were drawn to the path of the sword.
However, sword cultivation emphasized both techniques and swordplay, and the art of refining sword artifacts was often passed down through secret traditions, valuing heritage and depth of knowledge.
As a result, almost no cultivators in the Great Black Mountain used swords.
Those from the Great Black Mountain area mostly used knives.
Even those who used swords treated them like knives, employing them as ordinary spirit artifacts for slashing and hacking rather than practicing true sword cultivation.
The only sword cultivator Mo Hua had ever met was probably Zhang Lan.
His heavy ancient sword, with its simple pine grain pattern, was difficult for Mo Hua to wield, and it looked extremely valuable.
Moreover, sword cultivators were said to have different styles.
Some physical cultivators used swords for close-quarters combat, combining sword qi with physical strength to split mountains and seas.
Other spiritual cultivators used swords for long-range kills, controlling their swords with their spiritual sense to strike down enemies from a thousand miles away...
However, Mo Hua had never witnessed these himself and couldn't be sure if they were true.
"Sword cultivators..."
Mo Hua had once considered cultivating the art of sword flying, given his strong spiritual sense. The idea of controlling thousands of flying swords with his mind, gathering them into a sword rain—it would be both cool and powerful.
But when he saw the prices of sword artifacts on the Cloud Ferry, he quietly abandoned this unrealistic idea.
Spirit swords were too expensive! A casual spirit sword would cost seven or eight thousand spirit stones.
Better-quality ones went for tens of thousands.
And these swords were prone to damage.
If they broke, you'd have to buy a new one.
Unlike the heirs of noble families and major sects, who inherited fine spirit swords made from rare materials and maintained through generations of cultivation, integrating the sword with their being to unleash astonishing power.
Mo Hua sighed.
Forget it, he thought. I'll just stick to studying my array formations...
I can do without learning a mere sword technique.
It's beyond my reach...
In the large cabin of the Cloud Ferry, aside from food and spirit artifacts, there were also pills and array formations for sale.
Mo Hua skipped the pills, as Elder Feng had prepared plenty for him, including first-grade and second-grade pills.
These second-grade pills had been specially refined by a second-grade pill master whom Elder Feng had asked for help.
There were pills for reviving consciousness, detoxification, and avoiding miasma.
What interested Mo Hua the most were the array formations.
But this interest soon turned to disappointment.
Most of the sellers were first-grade formation masters, and second-grade formations were rarely seen.
Even when a cultivator occasionally sold a second-grade formation diagram, the price was exorbitant, and it wasn't even a rare one, making it a poor deal.
It was more worthwhile to spend his spirit stones trying his luck with the Five Elements Formation Flow Chart, deciphering the Five Elements Source Pattern, and randomly drawing Five Elements formations...
In addition, Mo Hua encountered cultivators of various kinds.
The Cloud Ferry passed through Li Province, Kun Province, Dui Province, Qian Province, and finally reached Kan Province.
Cultivators from these provinces came and went on the ferry, a bustling and diverse crowd with differing appearances, cultivation techniques, and spiritual roots.
These traveling cultivators had varying customs, facial features, and behavioral habits.
Some even had spiritual roots that Mo Hua had never seen before.
Though curious, Mo Hua didn't strike up conversations with any of them.
He was wary of ill-intentioned people who might harbor malicious intentions.
It was best to be cautious when traveling alone as a young cultivator.
Along the way, some cultivators saw Mo Hua's young age and approached him with fake smiles.
"What a cute little brother..."
"Are you traveling alone, little brother?"
They would then say something like, "I have a chance for a great opportunity..."
Or, "Sister has something good to show you..."
Mo Hua might not have been old, but he had already traveled a fair bit and considered himself a seasoned veteran who could easily see through their scheming.
In such situations, Mo Hua would pretend not to notice and completely ignore them.
After all, there were powerful cultivators on the Cloud Ferry who kept order, so these people wouldn't dare cause trouble.
When Mo Hua ignored them, they would get the hint and leave him alone.
When he felt cooped up, he would go out on deck and gaze at the endless sea of clouds.
His days were peaceful and uneventful. After a while, they even became a bit monotonous.
Time passed slowly, and Mo Hua, ever cautious and vigilant, finally arrived at Qianzhou after three months of traveling on the Cloud Ferry.
As the Cloud Ferry docked, Mo Hua gathered his belongings and disembarked alone, his heart filled with anticipation and unease.
He couldn't help but be amazed as he looked up at the sky.
While the Nine Provinces were all under the same vast sky, the sky above each province was unique in its own way, something that ordinary cultivators might not notice. But Mo Hua knew about the existence of the Grand Heavenly Array, having witnessed it himself, and he could faintly sense the differences.
The Grand Heavenly Array above Qianzhou was distinctly different from that of Lizhou.
This meant that this portion of the Grand Heavenly Array had distinct array patterns and configurations.
Mo Hua, however, couldn't discern the specifics due to his low cultivation level.
He looked up at the sky once more.
Qianzhou.
'Qian' represented the sky, embodying the concept of 'Heavenly Movement'. It inspired cultivators to strive for self-improvement and never rest on their laurels.
No matter where one went, the sky was always overhead, and the earth beneath one's feet. The unchanging Grand Heavenly Array above and the virtuous earth below—these were constants.
Mo Hua resolved to emulate this principle in his pursuit of understanding array formations and seeking the Dao, striving for self-improvement.
With this thought, the sense of strangeness and unease he felt in this foreign land began to fade.
Shouldering his storage bag, he walked off the deck with his head held high, facing the vast sky as he stepped onto the land of Qianzhou.
...
Qianzhou was a vast land comprising numerous provincial boundaries.
These provincial boundaries varied in size and quality, ranging from low to high grade, and among the most renowned was the fifth-grade Qian Xuezhou, known for its numerous sects and thriving scholastic atmosphere.
The Cloud Ferry landed in Cangdu City, located within the third-grade Cangdu Province.
From Cangdu Province, it was still quite a journey to reach Qian Xuezhou.
Cangdu City had flourished due to the Cloud Ferry, becoming a bustling city for cultivators, with convenient transportation and a constant flow of visitors.
The city was also home to many young male and female cultivators who had apparently come to Qianzhou to pursue their studies, accompanied by elders or family members from their clans or sects.
Mo Hua, on the other hand, was alone.
Mo Hua spent a night in Cangdu City before setting out the next day, leaving the city behind as he embarked on the journey to Qian Xuezhou by himself.
Other students traveled by horse, carriage, or cloud palanquin.
To save spirit stones, Mo Hua had no choice but to walk.
He planned a route that would take him from Cangdu City through mountains and rivers, passing through two second-grade provinces before finally reaching the fifth-grade Qian Xuezhou.
Although it was a longer route, it was safer to travel through second-grade provinces.
When traveling alone, it was always better to be cautious.
In the second-grade provinces, cultivations were restricted to the Foundation Establishment stage, and with his array formations and spells, Mo Hua, who was at the early Foundation Establishment stage, could navigate with ease.
Even if he encountered someone too powerful to handle, he could rely on his concealment techniques and the 'Flowing Water Steps' to make a swift escape.
However, if he ventured into a third-grade province and encountered a devious Core Formation cultivator who wanted his life, he would be in serious trouble.
A Core Formation cultivator was far beyond what a minor early Foundation Establishment cultivator like him could handle.
A single flying sword could be his end.
Thus, it was better to be prudent.
As long as he could reach Qian Xuezhou and pay his respects to the Qian Dao Zong within a month and a half, that would be enough.
Mo Hua calculated the distance and estimated that he had more than enough time.
Along the way, he could also practice the second-grade 'Flowing Water Steps'.
Back in Tongxian City, he had only learned the basics hastily and hadn't had many opportunities to use them.
Now, he could improve his mastery of the technique through repeated use.
It was crucial to master this lifesaving movement technique to the point of second nature.
Any negligence could cost him his life in a dangerous situation.
After making his preparations, Mo Hua set off on the road to Qian Xuezhou, braving the elements as he traveled alone.
Along the way, he encountered other travelers.
When alone, Mo Hua utilized the 'Flowing Water Steps' to cover long distances swiftly, his movements as fluid as flowing water.
When he grew tired, he would rest.
Occasionally, he would come across convoys with honest and upright cultivators who exuded no malicious intent in their spiritual senses. Only then would he dare to approach them.
Sometimes, he would mooch a meal or hitch a ride.
It was also a good opportunity for him to rest.
These cultivators were often friendly and surprised to see someone so young traveling alone. They would offer him food and drink, and Mo Hua, not one to freeload, would point out issues with their array formations and make adjustments.
In return, they would express their gratitude and sometimes even give him gifts as tokens of their appreciation, though not necessarily valuable ones. Nonetheless, Mo Hua appreciated the kind gestures.
There were also dangers along the way.
He encountered wild beasts in the mountains, lone wanted cultivators, and groups of cultivators who, despite their disguises, couldn't hide the fact that they were evil cultivators from Mo Hua's sharp senses.
Mo Hua had seen his fair share of evil cultivators.
During his travels with his Master, he had come across many—some alive, some dead, and some who had gone from living to dead before his eyes.
Evil cultivators had a distinct aura, and their spiritual senses carried a hint of foulness.
With his keen spiritual senses, Mo Hua could easily discern them.
However, he knew better than to get involved. He could only avoid them from a distance.
He was just a minor cultivator, unfamiliar with the area, and it was best to stay clear of such troubles.
His priority was to reach Qian Xuezhou safely and join a sect to further his studies and cultivation.
Along the way, he also passed through several immortal cities and small towns, taking short breaks to rest, inquire about the road ahead, and gather information about potential dangers.
"Head straight ahead, climb over the mountain, and after a small slope, follow the mountain path for a few hundred miles. Pass by a few small immortal cities, and you'll be at the border of Qian Xuezhou..."
"There are demons in the mountains, so be careful, little one..."
"If it gets too dark, the road will be difficult to navigate. Spend the night at the dilapidated temple in the mountains."
"That temple used to be a mountain god's temple, enshrining the mountain spirit. Later, the mountain god cultivated an evil art, so the elders of Qian Xuezhou came and slew it..."
"Now, the temple is empty, and cultivators passing through often stay there if they're delayed in their journey..."
These words came from a stooped old man.
The old man owned a noodle shop in the small town, and Mo Hua, feeling hungry, ordered a large bowl of noodles. As he ate, he casually chatted with the old man.
Mo Hua politely thanked the old man for his advice.
The old man stroked his beard and nodded slightly, then asked out of curiosity:
"Are you from around here, child? Why are you traveling alone?"
"I'm out on a training journey..." Mo Hua replied.
The old man shook his head. "What kind of training can a young child like you do?"
"I'm fifteen, not a child anymore!" Mo Hua asserted.
The old man snorted. "Fifteen is still very young. Around here, anyone below twenty is considered a child..."
Mo Hua asked further questions and finally understood the situation.
Qianzhou was a large province with a pleasant climate, far more prosperous than Lizhou. Even the lives of solitary cultivators here were somewhat better off than in Lizhou.
Additionally, cultivators in Qianzhou generally cultivated for a longer period.
Those from wealthy families or influential clans and sects had even more time to cultivate.
They didn't need to rush into body tempering and physical enhancement like ordinary solitary cultivators, and they could continue cultivating well into their twenties.
They could focus on nurturing their bodies and strengthening their foundations before attempting to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.
If all else failed, they could still fall back on their family's resources and slowly gain experience.
Thus, those below twenty were considered carefree youths who could focus on their cultivation and initial enlightenment.
Mo Hua felt a sense of helplessness.
He thought that at fifteen, he was already a young man.
But in this large province, he was still considered a child...
The old man examined Mo Hua and asked, "Have you established your foundation?"
"Yes," Mo Hua nodded.
The old man sighed regretfully. "You rushed it. With your spiritual power and vitality, you should have taken more time to consolidate your cultivation before attempting foundation establishment."
"Are you planning to join a sect when you turn twenty?" the old man inquired.
Mo Hua nodded again.
"That won't be so simple," the old man shook his head. "Your foundation is too weak. Even if you establish your foundation before you turn twenty, no sect will accept you..."
"Moreover, your spiritual root doesn't seem too good either."
Mo Hua didn't hide the truth. "It's only middle-lower grade..."
The old man paused, then shook his head and sighed, "How difficult..."
Mo Hua wanted to ask, "What if I have an entry order?" But he thought better of it and remained silent.
When traveling, it was best not to reveal one's wealth.
There were many disciples seeking education near Qianzhou, and an "entry order" was undoubtedly a precious item. It was unwise to tell others about it and risk attracting unwanted attention.
Mo Hua asked, "Do you know about Qian Dao Zong?"
"Who doesn't know about Qian Dao Zong?" The old man was taken aback. "You don't plan to join Qian Dao Zong, do you?"
Mo Hua nodded, "I'll give it a try."
The old man quickly shook his head. "That's even more impossible. Qian Dao Zong is one of the four major sects in Qian Xuezhou, a top-notch sect. In the entire Qian Xuezhou, it's undoubtedly one of the top three..."
"With your talent and foundation, it's absolutely impossible to join them."
"Are there no exceptions...?" Mo Hua asked.
The old man hesitated, "I don't know about that. But what exception could there be? Even if you're the sect master's illegitimate child..."
The old man frowned, "I doubt it would make a difference... You don't understand how high the bar is for these sects. They place immense importance on spiritual roots."
Mo Hua furrowed his brows as well.
They valued spiritual roots so highly...
It seemed he had underestimated the difficulty of joining a sect.
He wondered if Qian Dao Zong would recognize the "entry order." If not, he might need to make alternative plans.
After finishing his noodles, Mo Hua chatted with the old man a bit longer before paying with spirit stones and continuing his journey towards the distant mountains.
Seeing Mo Hua's small figure walking alone, the old man frowned with concern and reminded him, "Be careful, little one. Try to avoid traveling at night, and if necessary, spend the night at the mountain spirit temple."
"Thank you, grandpa. I will!"
"Also, watch out for human traffickers..."
Mo Hua was taken aback. "Human traffickers?"
"Yes." The old man nodded, lowering his voice. "This is Qianzhou. Although the sect's influence is strong, and the Dao Court maintains strict order, with good security...
"Some people will do anything for spirit stones."
Mo Hua asked, "Who do they traffic?"
The old man pointed at Mo Hua. "They mainly target people like you..."
Mo Hua paused, then understood.
Qianzhou was a place for cultivators to seek education.
Among the various powers, many talented young cultivators would come here to study.
Therefore, kidnapping these students and demanding huge amounts of spirit stones from their families was a dangerous but lucrative business.
Even without ransom, these talented cultivators with exceptional spiritual roots and outstanding talent could be sold for a considerable sum.
"Trafficking cultivators..."
Mo Hua nodded, "I understand. I'll be careful."
The old man didn't know if Mo Hua truly understood or was just pretending, but he stopped talking and watched Mo Hua with a worried expression.
Mo Hua waved goodbye to the old man and turned to walk briskly along the mountain path, heading deeper into the mountains...
(End of Chapter)
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