Chapter 602: The Golden Source Array

Chapter 602: The Golden Source Array

Mo Hua stared at the Vulture, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. Even while hiding on the sidelines and secretly observing, his spiritual sense had vaguely detected something amiss. This Vulture, above his bald head, seemed to exude traces of array patterns.

Moreover, it was an unfamiliar presence.

This indicated that there was an array hidden on the Vulture's head.

And it was one that Mo Hua had never seen or studied before.

Indeed, his guess was correct! It was the extremely rare Four Symbols Array!

According to Master Xun, this type of array resembled beast markings and was related to demonic beasts. If one's foundation in the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams arrays wasn't deep enough, attempting to learn this array could cause one to lose their humanity.

If the array had defects, it was likely that the Tai Xu Sect wouldn't teach it to their disciples...

Even with its flaws, it was still an array.

Mo Hua was very curious and eager to see and learn it.

However, if the Tai Xu Sect didn't teach it, then this bald man might be his only opportunity to learn about the Four Symbols Array.

He couldn't let him get away now! Mo Hua fixed his gaze intently on the Vulture.

Ouyang Feng and the others were somewhat surprised.

When Mo Hua had shouted about shaving the Vulture's head, they had thought he was just being playful and mischievous, but they hadn't expected that there was actually something peculiar about the Vulture's bald head.

"The Four Symbols Array..."

Murong Caiyun glanced at Mo Hua, her heart secretly astonished.

This junior disciple with the surname Mo had an incredibly keen perception of arrays.

On the other side, the Vulture's expression was sinister and furious, his heart filled with shock and rage.

The array on his head was not something he wanted exposed, and he couldn't afford to leave any clues behind. If someone with ill intentions discovered the truth, it would spell disaster.

When he had first started out, he hadn't concealed it because his bald head was branded with the Four Symbols Eagle Claw Array, earning him the nickname "Vulture".

Later, when he realized the severity of the situation, he changed his appearance, covering his bald head and hiding the array patterns.

Those who knew his true appearance were mostly dead.

For so long, no one had discovered his secret.

Although others still called him "Vulture", they treated it as a nickname and didn't care if he was truly bald or not.

But he never expected that this little brat would be so persistent.

Just because he was called Vulture, this brat had decisively concluded that he was bald!

And now, because of his shaved head, the array on his head had been exposed.

The Vulture felt humiliated and hated them to the core.

"Good! Good!"

His eyes turned cold as he scanned the surroundings, especially Mo Hua, whose bright eyes and curious expression as he stared at his bald head only added fuel to his rage.

The Four Symbols Eagle Claw Array had been seen.

Then they would all have to die! Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to explain himself to "Mister"...

He couldn't bear the wrath of "Mister".

A trace of fear flashed in the Vulture's eyes, followed by murderous intent as his pupils filled with a spiderweb-like network of blood vessels.

"You must die!"

Suddenly, the array patterns on the Vulture's head seemed to come alive.

The "totem"-like array patterns turned a dark green color. The lines of the array trembled, merged, and transformed, resembling venomous eagle claws, exuding a vicious aura.

The eagle-shaped array patterns permeated a bizarre demonic power that seeped into the Vulture's flesh and blood, flowing through his meridians and spreading throughout his body, merging with his flesh and blood.

The Vulture gritted his teeth, seemingly enduring immense pain.

The eagle patterns gradually spread across his entire body.

A strange and eerie aura gradually filled the air.

Ouyang Feng's eyes widened as he realized something was amiss. He immediately pointed his sword, and a rainbow-like sword qi shot towards the Vulture's heart, intending to interrupt his absorption of the Four Symbols Array's power.

The others also took action, attacking the Vulture with their respective techniques.

Mo Hua added to the assault with a Water Prison Technique.

However, the Vulture, having absorbed the power of the Four Symbols Array, moved like the wind, dodging all the sword techniques and spells that came his way.

Only Ouyang Feng's sword qi managed to graze his chest, leaving a long bloody gash.

The Vulture stood at a distance, letting out a cold laugh.

"So this is the Taia Sword Technique? It's nothing special."

The blood on his chest gradually dried, and the wound slowly healed, as if he were a wounded demonic beast regenerating his flesh with powerful blood energy.

The eagle patterns on the Vulture's head also stopped squirming.

The Four Symbols Eagle Claw Array was fully activated.

The Vulture's entire body exuded a dense demonic aura. Although he appeared human, he seemed more like an eagle-like demonic beast wearing human skin.

Ouyang Feng frowned, his expression somber. "He hasn't cultivated demonic techniques, yet he possesses demonic power..."

"This isn't a simple Four Symbols Array..."

"Just what array have you inscribed on your body?"

The Vulture sneered, "The world is boundless and infinite, and arrays are profound and vast..."

"How could my array be understood by you bunch of narrow-minded young masters and young ladies from prestigious families, who are confined to your own self-interest and consider yourselves 'geniuses'?"

After finishing his taunt, the Vulture let out a cold laugh. He raised his hands, and sharp, venomous eagle claws took form at his fingertips.

"I've activated the array..."

"Today, you will all die here!"

Ouyang Feng warned in a low voice, "Be careful!"

However, Mo Hua had already slipped away earlier.

When he saw the Vulture absorbing the power of the Four Symbols Array, his body covered in array patterns and looking terrifying, Mo Hua immediately ran far away to hide. At the same time, he used an invisibility technique to conceal his presence and hide his aura.

The Vulture had just harbored murderous intent and was about to kill Mo Hua first when he realized that Mo Hua had disappeared without a trace, almost causing him to spit out a mouthful of blood in anger.

"Coward!"

"You spineless weakling!"

The Vulture cursed angrily.

But Mo Hua didn't care.

So what if I'm a coward? What can you do about it?

The Vulture truly had no way to deal with Mo Hua.

His spiritual sense hadn't improved with his increased strength, so if he couldn't find Mo Hua before, he definitely wouldn't be able to now.

The Vulture cursed again, his eyes filled with malice.

"Fine, let's see how long you can hide..."

"I'll kill your senior brothers first and ravage your senior sisters, and you can just watch from the sidelines."

Before she could finish her sentence, the Vulture suddenly lunged forward, his eagle claws glowing with a greenish light as he aimed for Murong Caiyun's throat.

Murong Caiyun frowned and retreated, employing her agile movement technique.

Ouyang Feng stepped forward, his long sword drawn to block the Vulture, shielding Murong Caiyun behind him.

The Vulture waved his sharp claws, causing his demonic energy to surge and clash with Ouyang Feng's sword.

Ouyang Feng felt a numbing pain in his palm, and a hidden yet sharp demonic force pierced his arm, causing him to be pushed back a few steps.

"Such strong demonic power..."

Ouyang Feng's heart chilled, and he focused his attention, preparing for the Vulture's next move. But when he looked up, his expression changed drastically, and he shouted, "Shangguan, be careful!"

It turned out that after the Vulture's clash with Ouyang Feng, instead of pursuing him, he suddenly changed direction and lunged at Shangguan Xu with his sharp claws.

Shangguan Xu had intended to assist Ouyang Feng, but as he was about to attack, the Vulture suddenly shifted his target from Ouyang Feng to him.

The Vulture's movements were swift, and his attacks were even faster.

However, Shangguan Xu had been in the Qian Xuezhou realm for several years and had no shortage of battle experience. He understood the principle of reserving some strength for unexpected situations, even if it meant that his heavy sword technique would be slightly slower.

Thus, even though his sword technique was slower, he could still adapt and respond to the Vulture's sudden assault.

Just then, a flash of red light appeared in the Vulture's eyes, and the aura around him surged once more.

The demonic power that he had intentionally sealed away and not fully absorbed suddenly surged through his entire body.

Enhanced by the demonic power, the Vulture's physical body became even more robust, his blood energy thicker, his techniques more fierce, and his movements quicker.

With the boost from the formation, his strength was now infinitely close to...

The late Qi Refining stage!

Everyone was shocked and terrified by this sudden development.

They all realized that the Vulture had been holding back!

He had intentionally concealed a portion of his strength so that he could suddenly unleash it during the battle and turn the tables on them.

Shangguan Xu's face turned pale, and he found himself in a perilous situation.

Ouyang Feng raised his sword, Murong Caiyun channeled her magic, and Hua Qianqian manipulated her spirit needles, but they were all too far away to stop the Vulture, whose strength had surged.

Just then, a flash of water light appeared, and a water prison technique materialized out of thin air, trapping the Vulture.

The Vulture let out a cold laugh, his body moving like a hawk as he suddenly accelerated, breaking free from the water prison's hold. He then raised his green, venomous claws and tore at Shangguan Xu's heart meridian.

Although Mo Hua's water prison technique failed to restrain the Vulture, it forced him to change his movement technique, delaying him for a moment.

Shangguan Xu took advantage of this brief opportunity to retreat a step, barely avoiding a fatal blow.

The Vulture's claws didn't tear too deeply, and the Tai Xu Sect's robe also had a protective effect. Although it was torn and bloodied, the injury was not life-threatening.

Before Shangguan Xu could catch his breath, the Vulture pursued him relentlessly, intending to finish him off first.

With one less heavy sword cultivator to contend with, it would be easier to deal with the remaining three, especially the two female disciples who relied on long-range magic and spiritual artifacts.

But Mo Hua was faster, and he unleashed another water prison technique to trap the Vulture in place.

The Vulture frowned and exerted his movement technique to dodge this confining technique.

Then, Hua Qianqian, clad in a Hundred Flowers Brocade robe, attacked the Vulture with her spirit needles.

The Vulture, frustrated by their repeated interruptions, flew into a rage. The formation patterns on his body squirmed, his muscles bulged, and a deep green demonic force coiled around his eagle claws. With a fierce tear, he unleashed a gust of bloody wind.

The powerful demonic force swept through, destroying Hua Qianqian's Hundred Flowers Spirit Needles.

Hua Qianqian's spiritual sense stung, and her face turned pale, but she gritted her teeth and took the opportunity to pull Shangguan Xu away to safety.

Shangguan Xu had three bloody gashes on his chest, and the wounds were still bleeding. Moreover, they were poisoned, so he needed to heal immediately to avoid further complications.

Shangguan Xu quickly took a healing pill to treat his injuries.

Hua Qianqian retrieved spare spirit needles from her storage bag to protect Shangguan Xu.

However, these spirit needles were only spares, and their grade was far inferior to her previous set of Hundred Flowers Spirit Needles. They posed little threat to the Vulture, and she could only use them defensively to protect Shangguan Xu while he recovered.

In an instant, two out of the four cultivators had been taken out of the fight.

The Vulture, who had been secretly holding back his strength, suddenly unleashed it, and his scheme paid off. A sinister smile curved his lips.

Currently, the only ones who posed a threat to him were Ouyang Feng and Murong Caiyun.

The Vulture gave them no time to catch their breath, his eyes gleaming with ferocity as he turned his attention back to Murong Caiyun.

Despite being at a disadvantage in terms of cultivation, Ouyang Feng gritted his teeth and continued to engage the Vulture.

Having studied in the same state, there was a sense of camaraderie among the sects.

Even if cultivators were not from the same sect, they often shared some level of friendship.

Ouyang Feng couldn't bear to see his fellow junior disciples fall victim to the Vulture, or he would live with guilt and regret for the rest of his life.

Ouyang Feng's expression was determined, and his eyes gleamed with resolve.

The atmosphere became tense.

The Vulture, on the other hand, wore a playful expression, curious to see how long the two of them could last against him.

Once they lost...

The Vulture licked his lips, his gaze sweeping over Murong Caiyun and Hua Qianqian, desire flashing in his eyes.

Trapped in this remote mountain range for so long, he had not been close to a woman for a long time.

The Vulture's lust stirred.

Suddenly, a blue light condensed into a prison, once again trapping the Vulture.

Caught off guard, the Vulture's movements were a step slower, and he was ensnared by the cold water prison.

Although it only lasted for a few breaths, he experienced the uncomfortable feeling of drowning, leaving him dizzy and nauseous.

In that moment, all his lascivious thoughts vanished, replaced by deep disgust.

"Damn it!"

"You little brat!"

The Vulture flew into a rage.

He had been careless and failed to dodge, allowing that brat to get the better of him.

The Vulture was injured, and a chill ran through his heart.

"It's not the right time yet..."

"I need to concentrate and end this quickly. Let's take these two down first..."

"...then we'll deal with that little brat."

The Vulture's eyes glinted with hatred as he unleashed his demonic power without restraint, his moves becoming even more fierce as he lunged at Ouyang Feng.

At the same time, he was also on guard against Mo Hua's Water Prison Technique.

As soon as he sensed the faintest hint of spiritual sense locking onto him or felt the slightest ripple of water-attributed spiritual energy around him, he would immediately dodge, relying on his movement technique to avoid falling into the little brat's trap.

With the Vulture's full attention, he indeed managed to avoid being trapped by the Water Prison Technique again.

At the same time, he calmed himself and split a portion of his spiritual sense to scan his surroundings.

He wanted to find any trace of that little brat.

However, the empty white spiritual sense vista revealed no sign of anyone.

The Vulture frowned.

This little brat was... rather peculiar.

There truly wasn't a single trace of him.

Why?

Did he have a concealment artifact, or was his stealth technique just too exquisite? Or perhaps his spiritual sense was just too strong?

The Vulture shook his head inwardly.

No matter how strong one's spiritual sense was, there was no way it could completely escape his notice.

If not for his own carelessness, the little brat's Water Prison Technique wouldn't have been able to lock onto him at all, which meant that his spiritual sense couldn't possibly be stronger than his own.

Indeed, that made sense. This little brat was only at the early Qi Refining stage.

While he himself was at the peak of the mid Qi Refining stage.

How could his spiritual sense be stronger?

The reason he was able to hide so well must be that he possessed some sort of treasure or had inherited some special technique...

A concealment treasure?

Now that would be something...

The Vulture's eyes lit up with excitement.

"If that's the case, then my luck has truly arrived!"

"I'll capture this little brat later and get some answers out of him..."

The Vulture's smile turned sinister.

...

Lying in the grass, Mo Hua suddenly felt a sense of foreboding.

It was as if a vicious eagle falcon had its eyes set on him...

Mo Hua narrowed his eyes.

Daring to target him...

Then this 'Vulture' couldn't be allowed to live.

He, Mo Hua, was just a low-key junior disciple of the Tai Xu Sect, wanting nothing more than to cultivate peacefully and study formations diligently. He didn't want to be targeted by a scoundrel like the 'Vulture'.

Moreover, he needed to prove himself in front of his senior martial brothers and sisters.

This was crucial for his future plans of taking on missions and earning merits.

There was also the matter of the Four Symbols Array.

The Four Symbols Array looked rather bizarre and didn't resemble any orthodox formation, but regardless of whether it was orthodox or not, he needed to see it and study it himself before making a judgment.

He couldn't be too hasty in dismissing it.

This type of formation deserved a chance...

What if it could be 'redeemed'?

Then he could learn it openly. Even if he couldn't, studying it would at least allow him to be better prepared to counter it in the future.

Mo Hua found another opportunity and casually threw out several Water Prison Techniques. Seeing that the Vulture dodged them all and the scornful and disdainful look on his face becoming more pronounced, Mo Hua nodded to himself.

"This 'Vulture' is definitely going to die today!"

However, the time wasn't right yet, and he needed to wait a little longer.

Mo Hua waited a while longer, until Shangguan Xu's injuries had improved somewhat and Hua Qianqian had taken a healing pill to replenish some of her spiritual energy. With gritted teeth, the two joined their senior martial siblings in the assault on the Vulture, knowing that now was the time to strike.

This was when their side was at its strongest.

Meanwhile, the Vulture had also expended a considerable amount of spiritual energy.

If they couldn't take him down now, and he found an opportunity to turn the tables on them, it would be a disaster.

Or, if he realized the situation was hopeless and tried to escape, that wouldn't be good either.

Mo Hua quietly moved to Murong Caiyun's side and whispered, "Senior Martial Sister..."

Murong Caiyun, who was fully focused on channeling her magic to restrict the Vulture, was startled by his voice but then relaxed when she saw it was Mo Hua.

However, she soon furrowed her brows again, her expression grave as she sighed, "Junior Martial Brother Mo, you should leave now..."

If they continued fighting, the outcome was uncertain, and she couldn't guarantee Mo Hua's safety.

But Mo Hua shook his head and asked, "Senior Martial Sister, do you know any extremely powerful high-level magic?"

Murong Caiyun was taken aback, then slowly nodded. "I do, but..."

In this situation, using such magic was extremely risky.

Moreover, it might not even hit the target.

Even if it did, it might not be enough to kill the Vulture, whose physical body had been strengthened by a formation, bringing him close to the late Qi Refining stage.

Using such a powerful magic and failing to kill him would put them in grave danger.

Mo Hua patted his chest confidently and said, "Senior Martial Sister, don't worry. Just cast your magic. Leave the rest to me!"

Murong Caiyun was bewildered. "To me?"

"I know a formation that can amplify the power of the Five Elements. With that amplification, your high-level magic will be enough to take down that 'Vulture' in one strike."

Mo Hua nodded firmly.

Murong Caiyun opened her mouth, "You... You know this kind of formation?"

Amplifying the power of the Five Elements...

Formations were profound and vast, encompassing the Dao. It wouldn't be surprising to find all sorts of unimaginable formations.

However, Murong Caiyun was astonished that Mo Hua knew such a rare formation.

Where had he learned it from? And how was he able to master it?

Mo Hua waved his hand dismissively. "Those are minor details..."

Murong Caiyun paused, then nodded.

With limited time, she couldn't afford to dwell on those questions.

Murong Caiyun thought for a moment and then made a decision. "Alright, I'll give it a try!"

Hesitation would only lead to missed opportunities.

In situations like these, indecisiveness could cause them to lose their advantage.

Furthermore, on this journey, Mo Hua, despite his young age and low cultivation level, had proven himself to be quick-witted and exceptionally knowledgeable about formations.

His words could be trusted.

Having made up her mind, Murong Caiyun said, "As for the array..."

"Senior Martial Sister, just cast your spell, and leave the rest to me," Mo Hua said.

Murong Caiyun was taken aback but soon placed her trust in Mo Hua. After a moment's thought, she turned to Ouyang Feng and said, "Senior Martial Brother Ouyang, stall him for a moment."

Ouyang Feng was slightly puzzled by her request but soon guessed her intention. He frowned but didn't refuse.

Since Junior Martial Sister Murong wanted to use an advanced spell to kill their enemy, she must have her reasons.

Stalling was their only option at the moment.

Ouyang Feng's sword qi was icy as he joined forces with Shangguan Xu and Hua Qianqian to hold off the Vulture.

Everyone was in sync during this critical moment.

Mo Hua nodded in acknowledgment.

Disciples from prestigious families would often learn some advanced spells.

However, in the current situation, Ouyang Feng, with his deeper cultivation, was the best choice to hold off the Vulture, who was fast, agile, and had a robust physical body.

Shangguan Xu was injured.

Hua Qianqian's strength relied more on spiritual artifacts.

Therefore, Murong Caiyun, who was proficient in the Five Elements spells, was the best candidate.

Mo Hua was also curious to see how powerful an advanced Five Elements spell would be after being amplified by the Five Elements Source Array.

Ouyang Feng and the others did their best to fight and stall the Vulture.

Without further ado, Murong Caiyun began to gather her spiritual energy and cast her spell.

Her body radiated a strong and dazzling five-colored light, which condensed around her like a sea of clouds, making her look like a celestial fairy bathed in a radiant glow.

Five Elements Radiant Awakening.

This was a true legacy of the Tai Xu Sect, a supreme spell that incorporated all five elements.

However, among the five colors, only the golden light shone exceptionally bright.

This was because the Five Elements Radiant Scripture was extremely profound, and Murong Caiyun had only mastered the gold-based incantation during her Foundation Establishment stage, unable to unify all five elements.

Even so, the power of this spell was not to be underestimated.

The Vulture noticed the commotion and paused, a cold smile playing on his lips.

"Fools!" he scoffed. "You think you can kill me with an advanced spell?"

"Typical sect disciples, obsessed with your swords and ignorant of the true nature of battle. All you know are those grandiose and impractical moves."

In a life-and-death situation, who cares about fancy techniques? All that matters is effectiveness.

If a flurry of wild slashes can take down your opponent, then forget about style and just hack away. Otherwise, you might end up being the one who dies.

Advanced spell?

The Vulture eyed Murong Caiyun coldly.

Even if the spell was powerful enough to kill him, could her spiritual sense truly lock onto him? That remained to be seen.

If she missed, then it would be their end...

The Vulture's eyes glinted with malice, but he remained unafraid.

Murong Caiyun's spiritual energy continued to gather, and her aura gradually intensified, yet the Vulture only felt a momentary wariness.

Just then, Mo Hua pointed his small hand at the ground.

A vermilion-gold color, imbued with the power of the Five Elements, weaved itself into an array, forming the Jin Yuan Jue Array.

Murong Caiyun's pupils contracted as she recognized the array.

"Is that...?"

"The Jue Array?!"

And...

Murong Caiyun's face was filled with disbelief.

How did this junior disciple draw the array just now?

He simply pointed his finger at the ground, and the array appeared! She felt her understanding of array formation shatter in that moment.

When had array formations become so simple?

As Mo Hua infused his spiritual sense and completed the Jin Yuan Jue Array, a mysterious and clear golden light rose and enveloped Murong Caiyun.

Standing within the Jin Yuan Jue Array, Murong Caiyun felt a slight pain in her meridians, and her spiritual energy surged as if injected with the power of the Five Elements, causing her gold-based spiritual energy to stir restlessly...

Boiling.

Murong Caiyun's eyes widened in surprise.

Soon after, her spell was fully condensed, and her gold-based Five Elements Radiant Scripture shone with a scorching golden light, its power overwhelming.

The Vulture's expression changed drastically as he witnessed the phenomenon.

"What's going on?" he exclaimed.

How did the power of this spell suddenly increase so much?

Without hesitation, he turned to flee.

Ouyang Feng and the others, who were equally astonished by the power of the Five Elements Radiant Scripture, quickly snapped out of their daze and moved to stop the Vulture's escape.

Murong Caiyun, with her spiritual sense, had already locked onto the Vulture.

She pointed her slender finger, and with the boost from the Jin Yuan Jue Array, a heavenly golden glow swept toward the Vulture.

The Vulture's eyes flashed with green light, and the array patterns on his body flickered, obscuring his aura slightly.

At the same time, a dense demonic energy shrouded him, making it difficult for spiritual sense to perceive him.

Murong Caiyun's face drained of color as she realized, "My spiritual sense lock has failed!"

The heavenly glow, both dazzling and deadly, enveloped the Vulture, but at the last moment, it seemed to lose its target and was unable to adjust its trajectory.

The Vulture's face reflected both panic and relief.

As expected of the Four Symbols Array from the Great Wilderness lineage...

It saved his life once again.

The Vulture let out a cold laugh and turned to escape the golden glow.

However, at that moment, Mo Hua, who was observing from a distance, also smiled and extended his sinister little hand.

His spiritual energy surged to its peak.

His pupils were marked with black, intricate patterns.

His spiritual sense, strong and resilient, penetrated the mist of the Four Symbols Array like chains, locking onto the fleeing Vulture!

A powerful spiritual force descended.

The Vulture sensed it and froze, his smile turning rigid, his face paling.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end