Chapter 601: The Bald Eagle

Chapter 601: The Bald Eagle

Pointed Cang Mountain was vast and desolate, lacking in resources for cultivators, and thus sparsely populated. It was an ideal place for fugitive cultivators to hide.

Mo Hua accompanied several senior male and female disciples to Pointed Cang Mountain.

The majestic mountains were shrouded in mist and a faint yellow miasma, making it difficult to discern direction.

Murong Caiyun said, "I took on a mission from the sect. There's a tip that the Bald Eagle is hiding alone in a cave thirty miles from here."

"But he's vigilant and skilled in array formations. He will definitely set up arrays along the way to prevent pursuit..."

"...These arrays may not be very sophisticated, but they are well-hidden and difficult to detect. We need someone proficient in arrays to inspect and dismantle them."

"We must be thorough and leave no stone unturned..."

"...Otherwise, we might alert him and let this 'Bald Eagle' slip away."

Murong Caiyun glanced at Mo Hua and asked, "Mo Shidi, are you up for the task?"

Mo Hua nodded confidently, "I can do it!"

Seeing his assurance, Murong Caiyun's worry grew instead of lessening.

Fearing that Mo Hua might feel pressured, Ouyang Feng said, "Mo Shidi, just do your best and don't be nervous. This mission isn't solely on your shoulders. We will also keep a lookout and fill in any gaps. After all, the Bald Eagle is extremely cunning and the arrays he sets up are tricky."

"Thank you, Feng Shixiong," Mo Hua expressed his gratitude.

As they continued on their way, Mo Hua suddenly paused and pointed to a small patch of freshly turned soil by the roadside. "Is that one of the arrays?"

The others exchanged glances and nodded.

Murong Caiyun breathed a sigh of relief, "Indeed."

Only then did Mo Hua realize that the others had noticed it too but had kept quiet to "test" him.

They don't trust me that much...

Mo Hua thought to himself.

Hua Qianqian walked up to the patch of soil and took out a golden compass. She placed it on the ground, and the compass began to spin, emitting a faint glow. The array hidden beneath the soil immediately ceased functioning.

Mo Hua was taken aback, "What is this compass?"

Murong Caiyun was slightly surprised, "You don't know?"

Mo Hua nodded honestly.

It was better to be honest about what he knew and what he didn't.

Murong Caiyun sighed, "It's called an Array-Breaking Compass. Some simpler arrays can be dismantled using this compass."

"Can it break any array?" Mo Hua asked.

Murong Caiyun shook her head, "Different arrays require different types of Array-Breaking Compasses. There are compasses based on the five elements, the eight trigrams, and positional arrays. They must correspond to the array to be effective, and the array patterns can't be too complex."

"Oh, I see."

Mo Hua had learned something new and made a mental note of it.

"So there's actually a tool like the Array-Breaking Compass..."

He had always relied on his own abilities to dismantle arrays and had never used such a "shortcut."

I wonder what principles it's based on...

Mo Hua was intrigued.

Hua Qianqian used the Array-Breaking Compass to disable the hidden array and then gently waved her hand, sending out a ripple of spiritual power that swept away the soil. Underneath, they found a small stone tablet inscribed with an array pattern.

The pattern looked vaguely familiar yet somewhat foreign, probably a variation of a known array.

Unable to identify it, Mo Hua humbly asked, "Murong Shijie, what kind of array is this?"

Murong Caiyun hesitated.

The others also looked uncomfortable, their hands on their foreheads.

Shangguan Xu even wore a bitter smile.

If he didn't even know such a simple array, then his "proficiency" in arrays was questionable...

Murong Caiyun sighed and explained, "It's called the Minor Yuan Magnet Array, a first-grade array. It utilizes the magnetic properties within the array pattern to attract and sense spiritual power, serving as a means of detection and defense."

"Minor Yuan Magnet Array..."

Mo Hua committed the name to memory.

He was surprised to find that despite his mastery of first-grade arrays, there were still some he hadn't encountered before...

Indeed, I need to get out and explore more.

The cultivation world is vast and infinite. Who knows how many arrays are out there, waiting for me to learn!

"Minor Yuan Magnet Array..."

Mo Hua muttered to himself, then said, "Murong Shijie, wait a moment. I want to study this array."

Murong Caiyun fell silent.

This junior disciple wanted to learn the array on the spot...

She didn't know what to say.

Fortunately, Mo Hua didn't take long to memorize the pattern of the Minor Yuan Magnet Array, and they resumed their journey.

As they walked, Mo Hua pondered the array.

Minor Yuan Magnet Array...

A first-grade nine-pattern array, similar in function to the "Compass Parent-Child Recovery Array" I've used before. They are both used for setting up detection and surveillance arrays in the mountains.

But this array is somewhat special.

After much contemplation, Mo Hua realized that it was actually a variation of the eight trigrams arrays, simplifying complex patterns.

As Mo Hua calculated in his mind, he suddenly made a startling discovery.

He found that the Minor Yuan Magnet Array, when traced back to its origin, had its fundamental pattern rooted in the "Thunder Pattern."

Thunder Pattern?

That's not right...

Mo Hua was perplexed.

In his memory, the "Thunder Array" was a heavenly array imbued with the power of rules and annihilation, capable of slaying all living beings.

But what does "thunder" have to do with "yuan magnet?" Why would the Minor Yuan Magnet Array, when its pattern is reversed and varied, evolve into the Thunder Pattern and be categorized as a "Thunder Trigram" array? Mo Hua was baffled.

However, with a mission at hand, he didn't have the leisure to dwell on it further. Mo Hua decided to keep the question in mind and study it in detail later to see if he could gain any insights.

A mere first-grade array shouldn't be too difficult to master.

Mo Hua studied the pattern of the Minor Yuan Magnet Array and quickly grasped its essence.

As he looked around, the faint traces of the array hidden among the plants, rocks, and trees became clear to him.

With a sweep of his spiritual sense, he discerned everything.

"There's an array behind that large rock..."

"...and another one in the middle of the path three zhang ahead."

"There's also a Minor Yuan Magnet Array under the tree bark..."

"In the woods on the left, there's a demon beast with an injury on its right leg. There's a piece of metal embedded in its flesh, and it also has the array pattern on it."

...

Mo Hua continued on, pointing out the arrays as he went.

But for the more subtle and elusive ones, Mo Hua was still able to pinpoint them without fail.

There were even some arrays that were cunningly laid out in obscure locations, which they hadn't been able to discover, or were simply too far away. Yet, none of them escaped Mo Hua's spiritual sense.

It was then that they began to believe that Mo Hua truly possessed some level of skill.

To say that he was "proficient" in arrays might be an exaggeration.

However, his innate talent for arrays was undoubtedly remarkable.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and the look in their eyes as they regarded Mo Hua softened considerably.

While executing a sect mission, they were surrounded by hidden dangers, and they certainly didn't want to bring along a "liability," even if that liability was an adorable little junior disciple.

An hour later, the group arrived at a hillside.

The hillside seemed ordinary, but hidden beneath the lush vegetation was a secluded cave entrance.

The fugitive known as "Bald Eagle," who was wanted by the Dao Court, was hiding inside.

The group hid behind a large boulder to discuss their plan of capture.

However, this didn't concern Mo Hua.

His task was to decipher the arrays, and now that they had reached their destination, his mission was largely accomplished. What happened next didn't require his intervention.

In the words of Senior Sister Murong:

"Just stay hidden, don't expose yourself, and protect yourself. If anything happens, run first..."

It was both a show of concern for Mo Hua and a precaution to prevent him from acting rashly and complicating matters.

If he were to be captured by Bald Eagle again and used as a hostage, the situation would become extremely dire.

Mo Hua nodded repeatedly, "Senior Sister, don't worry."

When it came to saving his own life, he was quite adept.

However, he thought that if his senior brothers and sisters took action and directly killed Bald Eagle, he wouldn't have a chance to showcase his "talent." They might not bring him along the next time they took on a bounty...

Mo Hua thought to himself that it would be better if he could be of some more use...

The mountains were desolate, and the hillside was quiet.

The tall grass and scattered rocks made it seem like no one had ever set foot there.

Mo Hua's spiritual sense stirred, scanning the surroundings. A faint gleam flickered in his eyes, and he said in a low voice:

"To the west of here, about 150 zhang away, there's a Trapping Gold Formation, a second-grade eleven-pattern array."

"To the east, about 150 zhang away, there's a Mountain Binding Formation, a Bagua Gen-series trapping array, a second-grade fourteen-pattern array..."

"At the cave entrance is a Gen Mountain Formation, a second-grade array..."

"Ten zhang outside the cave entrance is a... Minor Yuan Magnet Array? But it's also a second-grade array..."

...

Mo Hua listed the formations near the cave as if reciting a collection, not missing a single one.

He had almost seen through Bald Eagle's lair.

Not only Murong Caiyun, but even Ouyang Feng and the others were astonished.

"You... have studied second-grade arrays?"

Mo Hua humbly replied, "Just a little bit..."

The group exchanged surprised glances, realizing that they had greatly underestimated this junior disciple with an innocent face.

To be able to see through every array laid out by others without fail required an extremely deep understanding and insight into formations.

Indeed, among the Eight Great Sects, there were no mediocre talents.

Their "formation master" had not been invited in vain.

Ouyang Feng released his spiritual sense to verify Mo Hua's findings, and indeed, everything was just as Mo Hua had described. Without Mo Hua's input, he wouldn't have even been aware of those arrays, and he couldn't help but nod in appreciation:

"Good job, we have Mo Shidi to thank for this. Now, capturing Bald Eagle will be much easier."

"Let's proceed with the plan and lure Bald Eagle out..."

Mo Hua smiled, about to say something, when his expression changed slightly, and he sighed:

"No need..."

The group was taken aback.

Mo Hua whispered, "Bald Eagle has discovered us."

Ouyang Feng and the others frowned, and then they calmed their minds and spirits, only to find that their surroundings were filled with a deep and cold spiritual sense.

In just an instant, Mo Hua determined:

"A sixteen-pattern spiritual sense!"

"Mid-stage Foundation Establishment pinnacle!"

"And... not just one person..."

Ouyang Feng's expression flickered slightly, and Murong Caiyun and the others also looked lost in thought.

They hadn't noticed anything, but how did this junior disciple know all this?

However, with a formidable enemy before them, there was no time for questions.

A resolute look appeared in Ouyang Feng's eyes as he said, "Kill!"

Then, a dense and eerie sword intent suddenly descended.

A powerful force, carrying a hint of demonic energy, tore through the air and shattered the boulder where the group was hiding. However, Ouyang Feng drew his sword in time and deflected the attack.

As the dust and smoke cleared, Ouyang Feng stood tall, holding a crimson golden sword. His stature was imposing, his eyebrows like swords, and his eyes shining with determination.

Shangguan Xu drew a flowing light giant sword, his demeanor awe-inspiring.

Hua Qianqian extended her slender hand, and dozens of Hundred Flower Spirit Needles floated in front of her.

Murong Caiyun manipulated the hairpin in her hair with her fingers, causing it to shine with a five-colored radiance. Her fingertips also gathered spell power...

"A fight is about to break out!"

Realizing the situation, Mo Hua immediately ran far away, using his concealment technique. He put on his small cloak and found a large pit, where he crouched down and hid.

During the fight, he would temporarily be out of the picture.

As long as he could hide well and not get in the way, that would be enough.

Murong Caiyun kept an eye on Mo Hua and noticed that he was quick-witted. Before the enemy's sword intent arrived, he had already sensed it and retreated to the back of the group, hiding by himself. She nodded in approval.

The others also breathed a sigh of relief.

Especially Shangguan Xu.

He had been instructed by Wen Renwan to take care of Mo Hua.

If anything happened to Mo Hua, Sister Wan would definitely blame him.

Now that Mo Hua had the presence of mind to stay far away and use his concealment technique, Shangguan Xu felt relieved. Although he couldn't pinpoint Mo Hua's exact location, he knew that he was hiding somewhere.

At that moment, several cultivators emerged from the desolate cave.

The one leading them wore brown robes, had narrow eyes and a hawkish nose, and appeared to be middle-aged. His gaze was sharp and cruel.

Behind him were five cultivators dressed in black, who didn't seem like good people.

"Bald Eagle... why isn't he bald?"

"Could it be that he's wearing a wig?"

No, that didn't seem likely...

Normally, a nickname would be accurate, even if the name was wrong.

If he wasn't bald, why would others call him "Bald Eagle"?

Mo Hua was perplexed.

Meanwhile, a fierce battle was about to unfold.

On one side were the sect disciples who had accepted the bounty from the Dao Court, seeking to earn merit by capturing the wanted fugitive.

On the other side was the fugitive, "Bald Eagle," who was notorious for his many crimes and was being hunted by the Dao Court.

Both sides were determined to fight to the finish, with no intention of backing down. There was hardly any exchange of words as they immediately engaged in a deadly battle.

Spiritual power surged, and elemental spells flew back and forth, along with some exotic spiritual artifacts and sword auras...

Mo Hua stealthily peeked out from the grass, observing the clash with a calculating gaze, roughly assessing the strength of both sides.

There were five people on his side.

But since he was hiding in the grass, only four of them were actively fighting, all of whom were at the mid-Qi Refining stage.

The opposing side had six people.

Only one was at the early-Qi Refining stage.

The remaining five were at the mid-Qi Refining stage.

Among them, the leader, "Bald Eagle," had the highest cultivation base, having reached the peak of the mid-Qi Refining stage, and his spiritual sense had sixteen strands.

Mo Hua's senior martial brothers and sisters on his side were all talented disciples from prominent sects, possessing profound cultivation, powerful spiritual artifacts, and exceptional combat experience. Their teamwork was also well-coordinated.

Even with four against six, they were holding their ground and showed no signs of being at a disadvantage.

Mo Hua nodded in satisfaction.

As expected of the elite disciples from the Eight Great Sects in Qian Xue State, they were truly formidable.

From now on, he would follow them and learn from their strength!

However, Mo Hua also felt a sense of concern.

The current situation seemed to be at a stalemate.

This stalemate was definitely not ideal.

Especially since "Bald Eagle" had the upper hand in terms of cultivation, and he wielded a silver longsword, facing off against Ouyang Feng with a calm demeanor, indicating that he still had some tricks up his sleeve.

In this situation...

Mo Hua pondered for a moment.

"They should take out the other criminal cultivators first, and then focus their efforts on 'Bald Eagle,' using their superior numbers to overwhelm him..."

Indeed, the battle unfolded just as Mo Hua had anticipated.

Apparently, Ouyang Feng and the others had the same idea.

First, one of the criminal cultivators at the early-Qi Refining stage was caught off guard by Ouyang Xu, who swiftly closed in and, with a few strikes, knocked him to the ground.

Hua Qianqian took the opportunity to strike with her spiritual needles, ensuring the enemy cultivator's defeat.

The early-Qi Refining stage cultivator had no chance against them.

Mo Hua shook his head, thinking:

"That idiot didn't know his limits. By joining the mid-Qi Refining stage battle despite being at the early-Qi Refining stage, and not even trying to escape, he deserved to be the first one to fall..."

Now, it was four against five.

Mo Hua didn't rush to join the fight. He wanted to observe for a while first.

Knowing oneself and one's enemy, one could emerge victorious in a hundred battles.

Firstly, Ouyang Feng and his senior martial brothers and sisters were fighting with a clear strategy and excellent coordination.

However, their teamwork wasn't much different from what he had experienced with the beast tamers.

It was mostly about using close-range sword auras to restrain the enemy, while long-range spells provided support, working together to find openings in the enemy's defense and increasing their injuries until they were defeated.

They didn't use any superior spells either.

It was mostly about protecting oneself with Golden Body Art or storing up spiritual power to fly with a sword and attack the enemy.

The criminal cultivators on the opposite side had similar tactics, except their spiritual artifacts were imbued with poison, their spiritual power had a demonic aura, and their spells and techniques were peculiar and unusual.

After observing for a while, Mo Hua became familiar with both sides' techniques, attack habits, and every move they made. He nodded slightly, feeling that he had a good grasp of their patterns.

"It's time to make my move..."

If he didn't act soon, they wouldn't know how "amazing" he was!

His spells would go to waste otherwise.

The distant battle continued to rage on...

Rocks flew, spells clashed, and close-quarters combat ensued.

Just then, Ouyang Xu's giant sword pressed down, forcing one of the black-robed criminal cultivators to retreat in disarray, exposing a weakness.

Murong Caiyun seized the opportunity, her fingers twisting a spell, and a five-colored spiritual light shot through the air, piercing the criminal cultivator's shoulder.

The spiritual light penetrated his clothes and flesh, drawing blood, which was then instantly evaporated, leaving behind a scar.

The criminal cultivator stumbled back, cold sweat on his brow, gritting his teeth in pain. He cursed under his breath, realizing the situation was turning dire, and turned to flee.

Ouyang Xu's sword slashed down, attempting to block his escape, but his strike was a fraction too slow, and he failed to stop him.

Murong Caiyun quickly cast another spell, intending to pursue and finish off the fleeing criminal cultivator.

However, her spell was also a step too slow, only grazing his arm and failing to stop him.

The criminal cultivator turned his head, his eyes filled with malice as he glared at Murong Caiyun, and he cursed, "Bitch!"

He marked them in his mind, planning to find a place to recover and then return to take revenge on these sect disciples.

But as he took his first step, he felt a chill in his heart, as if he had been targeted by someone.

Before he could think further, a pale blue watery light suddenly appeared out of thin air, forming a cage that trapped him tightly, and at the same time, he felt a sense of "drowning."

The criminal cultivator was unable to move, feeling suffocated and nauseous. He was shocked and terrified.

What kind of spell was this?!

Ouyang Xu and Murong Caiyun were also taken aback for a moment, but such opportunities in battle were fleeting, and they quickly regained their focus, determined to seize this chance.

Ouyang Xu's sword swept across, blocking the other criminal cultivators who tried to assist their companion.

Murong Caiyun's delicate fingers twisted, forming a spell, and a brighter five-colored spiritual light took shape.

The trapped criminal cultivator struggled fiercely, finally breaking free from the water prison.

He was at the mid-Qi Refining stage.

Meanwhile, Mo Hua was only at the early-Qi Refining stage, with a mediocre spiritual root and weak spiritual power. Although his spell was fast, its effect would inevitably be somewhat inferior.

However, the few breaths of time that the water prison spell had bought were enough.

Just as the criminal cultivator broke free from the water prison, he raised his head, only to see a spiritual light approaching casually and piercing his chest. Although it didn't kill him, it inflicted a severe injury.

On the other side, Ouyang Feng was engaged in a fierce battle with the criminal cultivator leader, "Bald Eagle."

This sudden turn of events drastically changed the situation.

It was now four against four.

And there was still Mo Hua, lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce.

One enemy had died, a cultivator at the early Foundation Establishment stage, along with another at the mid Foundation Establishment stage, and two criminal cultivators.

Bald Eagle's composure faltered.

His sinister gaze swept the surroundings, and he coldly asked, "Who dares to ambush us?"

Ouyang Feng's expression turned to one of surprise.

Murong Caiyun and the others were astounded as they realized what had happened.

It was Mo Hua...

They never expected that Mo Hua, the "little formation master," would be adept at such a tricky and unusual technique, and that he would execute it so swiftly and accurately.

More importantly, he seemed very familiar with it...

As if he had practiced it many times before...

There was no response from the surroundings.

Bald Eagle's gaze turned gloomy as he scanned the area, his spiritual sense probing in all directions.

This young man who had ambushed them, regardless of his cultivation level, would undoubtedly be a liability in the current situation.

Ouyang Feng was afraid that Bald Eagle would locate Mo Hua's hiding place, so he narrowed his eyes, his sword's aura intensifying as he quickened his attacks. In a deep voice, he said, "Vile scum, accept your death!"

Bald Eagle snorted in displeasure but had no choice but to focus his attention on Ouyang Feng.

Murong Caiyun and the other two also understood the importance of this opportunity and went all out without holding back, intending to finish off the remaining criminal cultivators before joining forces to deal with Bald Eagle.

Mo Hua, on the other hand, had an easier time. He lay in the grass, humming a little tune as he watched the fight, waiting for the right moment to strike with his Water Prison Technique.

If he didn't act, it would be fine, but once he did, a criminal cultivator would surely meet his end.

And if he acted again, another cultivator of evil arts would surely perish.

Murong Caiyun and the others were all outstanding disciples of their sects, and they would not let such an opportunity slip by.

After Mo Hua used the Water Prison Technique six or seven times, the criminal cultivators on the scene were either dead or severely injured, with only Bald Eagle barely holding on.

Bald Eagle began to panic, angrily shouting, "You despicable cowards, ambushing me with underhanded tricks! Do you even have any skills?"

Mo Hua had no intention of paying attention to him and planned to either "scheme" him to death or injure him severely before revealing himself to taunt him to death.

However, as he watched, Mo Hua noticed something amiss about Bald Eagle.

He decided to show himself and walked forward, standing next to Murong Caiyun.

When Bald Eagle saw Mo Hua, his eyes widened in shock.

He never expected that the one hiding in the shadows, using such treacherous techniques to kill his companions, was a young boy who still had a hint of childishness on his face.

But the next moment, Bald Eagle's eyes turned red with hatred as he glared at Mo Hua.

These cultivators at the mid Foundation Establishment stage from prominent sects were difficult to deal with, and he would have to find another opportunity to settle the score with them.

But this treacherous and cunning little brat in front of him had to die here today!

He had to tear him to pieces to vent his rage!

Bald Eagle's eyes blazed with murderous intent.

Ouyang Feng sensed the murderous intent in Bald Eagle's eyes and frowned.

Murong Caiyun also knitted her brows in worry and asked, "Why did you come out?"

Mo Hua pointed at Bald Eagle and said firmly, "There's something wrong with him!"

Everyone was taken aback.

Murong Caiyun asked, "What's wrong with him?"

"There's something wrong with his head!" Mo Hua asserted.

"What's... wrong with his head...?"

Mo Hua's voice rang clear as he confidently said, "He's bald!"

The atmosphere froze.

All the cultivators present were stunned.

Murong Caiyun and the others were at a loss for words...

Bald Eagle's face turned red with anger, and his eyes were filled with bloodshot veins.

But at the same time, there was a hint of guilt in his eyes as he turned to flee.

Ouyang Feng reacted immediately and moved to intercept him.

Mo Hua shouted, "Shave his head!"

Bald Eagle was furious. "You little brat!"

Before he could finish his sentence, Ouyang Feng's sword strikes interrupted him.

Ouyang Feng felt helpless but subconsciously followed Mo Hua's suggestion, and his Yellow Maple Longsword, filled with sharp sword aura, continuously targeted Bald Eagle's hair.

Bald Eagle was enraged, but he had no choice but to defend himself clumsily.

He ignored the minor injuries on his body and focused all his efforts on protecting his head, ensuring that not a single strand of hair was harmed.

Even if his body was pierced and bloodied, not a single hair could fall!

After a few exchanges, Shangguan Xu joined Ouyang Feng, his giant sword able to shave off large patches of hair with each strike.

Bald Eagle panicked and tried to retreat while fighting, but Mo Hua activated the Water Prison Technique to restrain him in place.

Finally, after dozens of moves, Murong Caiyun saw an opportunity and condensed a five-colored spirit light, her delicate fingers pointing forward. The spirit light shot out, causing Bald Eagle to stumble.

Shangguan Xu was quick-witted and seized the chance, his giant sword slicing towards Bald Eagle's neck.

In a life-or-death situation, Bald Eagle had no choice but to lower his head to dodge, protecting his neck. However, his hair was not so lucky, and a large chunk of it was shaved off, along with his wig, revealing his bald head.

Mo Hua's eyes lit up, and he nodded confidently.

Just as he had expected, this middle-aged cultivator was indeed bald!

And not just any bald man, but one with a unique pattern shaved into his scalp.

Mo Hua narrowed his eyes, recognizing the pattern as a formation, and an extremely unique one at that, resembling eagle claws and eyes, almost like a beast pattern.

Old Mr. Xun had once said that beasts were akin to demons.

This type of formation was passed down through the generations by the wild tribes in the southern lands of the Nine Provinces, the barbaric lands...

The Four Symbols Demon Pattern Formation!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end