Chapter 624: Green Onions
Chapter 624: Green Onions
The unknowing Elder Xu, had no idea that he had just done something in front of Mo Hua...
And when he modified the permissions, a strange sense of trepidation arose within him, for reasons unknown.
But this feeling was subtle and fleeting, passing in an instant.
Elder Xu paused, perplexed by the sudden emotion:
"I didn't do anything out of the ordinary, so why do I suddenly feel this restlessness..."
All he did was modify some permissions for Mo Hua; it wasn't as if he was going against the sect's rules and traditions.
Besides, he was the one who established some of those rules in the first place.
"Could there be another reason for this feeling?"
As Elder Xu pondered, the source of his unease vanished without a trace, as if whatever had caused it had already passed.
Whatever had been stolen from him in terms of knowledge was now gone.
After all, the fruit had already been plucked.
Elder Xu frowned, deep in thought for a moment, before finally reassuring himself that it probably had nothing to do with the Tai Xu Sect.
"Well, that's none of my business then!"
Feeling justified, Elder Xu decided to put the matter behind him.
He turned to return the Tai Xu Token to Mo Hua, but suddenly paused, taken aback by the look on the young man's face.
Mo Hua's delicate features were lit up with joy, his eyes sparkling like stars in the night sky.
Elder Xu was momentarily stunned.
"What is this child plotting now? But I didn't teach him anything..."
All he did was modify some permissions; what could the boy have possibly learned from that? Elder Xu furrowed his brows, confused.
"Take good care of your Tai Xu Token," Elder Xu instructed.
Snapping out of his reverie, Mo Hua nodded eagerly and took the token, his face still lit up with a smile as he put it away.
"What exactly is this child so happy about?" Elder Xu wondered to himself.
With the modifications to the Tai Xu Token complete and Mo Hua having learned what he shouldn't have, he took his leave.
"Oh, right..." Elder Xu suddenly remembered something and asked, "You seem to have accumulated quite a lot of merit points?"
When he had been modifying Mo Hua's token, he had glanced at it and noticed that it contained over a hundred merit points.
Usually, the introductory merit tasks only awarded a few points.
Accumulating over a hundred points would have taken a long time.
One could only guess how many formations Mo Hua had painted, how many steps he had swept, and how many times he had stood guard at the mountain gate...
Mo Hua nodded, "Yes, it wasn't easy for me to accumulate that many points!"
In recent days, he had single-handedly captured or executed enough rogue cultivators to form a small line on the Yellow Springs Road, earning him a substantial 1,000 merit points! He had used some of them to purchase six sets of second-grade sixteen-pattern formations and still had points left over! Mo Hua wore a proud expression on his face.
Elder Xu nodded slightly, praising him, "Good job, keep up the hard work!"
"Rest assured, Elder," Mo Hua replied with a nod.
...
After bidding farewell to Elder Xu and returning to his residence, Mo Hua eagerly began to ponder the act of "tampering"... no, "modifying" permissions.
Modifying permissions!
This was the true application of the Second Thunder Pattern.
Although Mo Hua had deduced and collected quite a few Second Thunder Patterns before, he had been a bit hazy on the fundamental principles and true purpose of this phenomenon.
However, the kind-hearted Elder Xu had just provided him with a clear direction.
In his mind, Mo Hua replayed the scene of Elder Xu modifying the Tai Xu Token over and over again, summarizing the key points:
First, one must master the Second Thunder Pattern.
It's not enough to merely accumulate a "library" of Second Thunder Patterns; one must also deeply understand and truly master their usage.
His previous method had been more of a hit-or-miss approach, selecting Second Thunder Patterns to unseal and decrypt.
It was like collecting a bunch of "keys" and then hoping for the best when trying to unlock someone else's lock.
Although this "luck" was based on a solid foundation in formation techniques and an extremely complex application of divine thoughts involving the fusion of the Two Calculations and the Heavenly Secret, it was still somewhat crude.
The technical requirements for formations were a bit low.
However, Elder Xu had just demonstrated an entirely new technique.
By controlling the Second Thunder Pattern, one could influence the Indeterminate Magnetic Patterns and alter the Fixed Magnetic Patterns, thereby reconstructing the underlying formation and tampering with the core permissions.
It was like turning the "keys" into "molten gold," allowing one to modify the formation, which served as the "lock," however, they wished.
This act was less like "unlocking" and more like "changing the lock."
It was about altering someone else's lock according to one's desires and preferences.
After "unlocking," the underlying pattern remains unchanged, and one is still entering someone else's "home."
But by changing the lock, the underlying patterns are altered, and the permissions are modified.
In this case, it becomes ambiguous as to whom the "home," constructed by the Yuan Magnetic Formation, belongs.
Who can enter and who cannot is entirely up to the modifier...
And at the heart of all this was the connection between the magnetic patterns—a connection that was subtle, obscure, yet more fundamental—the secondary thunder current, or the "Second Thunder Pattern."
Second, there was the matter of magnetic pattern formats.
To alter magnetic patterns using the Second Thunder Pattern, one must learn various Yuan Magnetic Formations and master the fusion methods of multiple Fixed and Indeterminate Magnetic Patterns.
This way, when the time comes to use the Second Thunder Pattern to alter Yuan Magnetic Formations, one will know how to modify them, what to change them into, and what effects the alterations will have...
Third, there was the Yuan Magnetic Formation Axis.
However, Mo Hua was still unclear about the Yuan Magnetic Formation Axis.
The Yuan Magnetic Formations he had learned so far did not involve the Formation Axis, and he was unsure how to apply it.
But based on Elder Xu's previous vague guidance, Mo Hua speculated that all large-scale Yuan Magnetic Formations were controlled layer by layer through the iteration of Formation Axes.
The core of permissions also relied on these axes.
The unsealing and decryption of the inheritance jade slips were based on single Yuan Magnetic Formations and did not involve the control rights of the Formation Axis.
However, more complex formations like the Transmission Token and the Tai Xu Token were different.
Nonetheless, these formations were of the seventeen-pattern level and beyond.
Mo Hua could only wait until his spiritual sense was strong enough to learn the relevant formations and then slowly ponder them...
...
Mo Hua summarized and organized his thoughts.
From the Second Thunder Pattern to the Dual Fixed Rule Magnetic Pattern and finally to the Thunder Magnetic Layered Axis.
The next step was to study more Yuan Magnetic Arrays, accumulate Secondary Thunder Patterns, and then attempt to modify the magnetic patterns using the Secondary Thunder Patterns.
Once his spiritual sense became stronger, he would delve into more advanced seventeen-pattern and higher-level Yuan Magnetic Arrays.
After that, he would explore the Yuan Magnetic Compound Arrays, which included the array core structure.
When he had mastered the magnetic patterns and fully understood the array core, his control over the Secondary Thunder Patterns would be as effortless as breathing...
Finally, step by step, he would strive to comprehend and dominate the grand Thunder Magnetic Array within the sect's merit system, becoming the "Shadow" who steals secrets within the intricate Yuan Magnetic Hidden Patterns and the "Master" who controls the thunder and magnetic forces.
Once he could unravel the grand array, his "authority" would surpass that of any array core level within the sect.
All the secrets of the Qian Xue State's sect would be within his grasp.
Mo Hua indulged in this sweet anticipation.
However, for now, he could only dream.
He had just reached the Foundation Establishment stage and was learning the sixteen-pattern Bonfire Yuan Magnetic Array. He was still far from his ultimate goal...
Just as meals must be eaten one bite at a time, arrays must be learned one by one.
And the enhancement of spiritual sense was not something that could be rushed.
Mo Hua calmed himself and continued his unwavering dedication to the study of arrays, deducing and recording the "Secondary Thunder Patterns."
But now, with a clearer framework in mind, his learning process was no longer as confusing as before, and his understanding of the Secondary Thunder Patterns deepened.
Each Secondary Thunder Pattern seemed to come alive, establishing a subtle connection with Mo Hua...
Mo Hua felt that he could sense the profound Daoist laws within these intricate Secondary Thunder Patterns and the faint magnetic currents that accompanied them.
It was as if they were slowly harmonizing with his divine sense...
Profound and mystical.
However, limited by the strength of his spiritual sense, this process was rather slow.
Mo Hua keenly felt that his spiritual sense was still insufficient...
There were many things he wanted to learn, but he simply didn't have the capacity yet.
Sixteen-Pattern Spiritual Sense.
Although his spiritual sense far surpassed that of his peers and those at the same cultivation level, it still felt inadequate when it came to intricate spiritual sense calculations and the comprehension of high-level arrays.
His current spiritual sense was not enough to support his desire to delve into more profound array knowledge.
But the growth of spiritual sense was like a trickling stream that gradually formed a mighty river, and it couldn't be rushed.
Mo Hua sighed.
Without any means to accelerate his progress, he could only patiently study arrays and slowly cultivate his spiritual sense...
...
About half a month later, at the hour of midnight.
Mo Hua was poring over his studies, having just finished learning several Bagua arrays. He was about to enter his sea of consciousness to simulate the Yuan Magnetic Array and deduce the Secondary Thunder Patterns when he suddenly paused, sensing something amiss next door.
It was a subtle, cold, and sinister sensation.
It felt as if sinister karma was breeding, and hideous demons were drooling, hanging upside down from the roof...
Mo Hua's eyes lit up.
Green onions!
They've sprouted!
He immediately got up and stepped out of his room, only to bump into Wen Renwei.
Wen Renwei, a tall man, stood at his doorway with a solemn expression, hesitating as if unsure whether to disturb Mo Hua.
Seeing Mo Hua, he looked surprised and then bowed, saying, "Young Master Mo, it seems like Young Master Yu is having another nightmare..."
Mo Hua nodded and emphasized once again, "I'm not from a noble family, so there's no need to call me 'young master.'"
"Yes," Wen Renwei nodded, his expression still solemn, clearly indicating that he would agree but wouldn't change his form of address.
Mo Hua had no choice but to go and check on Yu'er first.
Yu'er's room was comfortably furnished, with a screen dividing it into two sections. Wen Renwei stayed outside, while Yu'er slept inside. The bed was simple yet soft, with a fluffy rug, and a mountain river screen surrounded it, along with an incense burner to calm the mind.
The surroundings appeared elegant and tranquil to the naked eye.
However, Yu'er on the bed frowned, his small hands and feet flailing as if in the midst of a terrifying dream.
Wen Renwei's face showed concern, and he could sense that something was amiss, but he had no idea what was happening.
Mo Hua looked up, and his pupils suddenly deepened as he saw the threads of karmic cause and effect in the void, viscous black water dripping from the ceiling, and demonic arms and claws, like "green onions," sprouting from the cracks in the void...
Mo Hua couldn't help but lick his lips and said to Wen Renwei, "Uncle Wen, why don't you take a rest outside? I'll stay here and watch over him."
Wen Renwei was taken aback and worried, "Young Master Mo, I..."
"It's fine," Mo Hua smiled. He picked up a meditation cushion and sat next to Yu'er, positioning himself between Yu'er and the demons, looking relaxed and at ease, and even a little...
anticipatory?
It was as if he was waiting for a dish to be served at a feast...
Wen Renwei frowned, hesitated for a moment, and then bowed, "Then I'll have to trouble Young Master Mo."
After Wen Renwei stepped outside, his gaze remained steady, alert to the surroundings, while a thread of his spiritual sense kept an eye on Mo Hua.
His heart was filled with unease.
Young Master Yu's situation was peculiar, and he had only heard about it but had never witnessed it himself.
But today, he had seen with his own eyes that Young Master Yu was having a nightmare and seemed to be plagued by evil spirits.
Yet, despite his keen observation and spiritual sense sweeping the area, he couldn't detect anything amiss.
It was as if it existed in the realm of karmic spirals, a matter of the illusory and the real.
Even with his cultivation at the late Golden Core stage, he couldn't discern anything...
However, he knew that this young man named Mo had indeed seen something.
What exactly was this bizarre and sinister thing...
Something that he, a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, couldn't see, yet a Foundation Establishment cultivator could...
Wen Renwei's gaze turned grave, his mind filled with questions.
Then, he felt a moment of dizziness.
The little Young Master Mo, his face pale, eyes shadowed, slowly closed his eyes.
It was as if he was using himself as a shield, protecting Young Master Yu from some sort of "baleful aura."
A shiver ran down Wen Renwei's spine as he looked at Mo Hua with newfound respect.
Such a young child, yet he possessed such a "selfless" and chivalrous heart. It was truly remarkable...
...
Within his sea of consciousness, Mo Hua opened his eyes.
What greeted him was the same as always.
Viscous black water filled the void, and deformed demons with twisted smiles lurked about, creating a hellish scene.
The demons and monsters saw Mo Hua's divine sense incarnation, so "young" and "innocent," and their eyes gleamed with greed.
To them, Mo Hua was merely an "appetizer."
But soon, Mo Hua showed them who was truly the "appetizer."
With a cold smile, Mo Hua's fingers moved, and like an unforgiving judge, he waved his iron brush, deciding the fate of these demons and monsters.
A majestic array appeared.
On the ground, intricate crimson array patterns crisscrossed, and lava flowed.
The surrounding rocks transformed into a cage, trapping the demons.
The array turned into blazing flames, burning, refining, and annihilating the group of demons and monsters.
Afterward, Mo Hua opened his small mouth and swallowed them whole.
Once he finished swallowing, Mo Hua smacked his lips, still feeling unsatisfied. He searched around for a while, his expression disappointed.
Seeing the spreading black water and thick demonic energy, he had hoped to find some horned demons or perhaps a horned enforcer, so he could drink their golden divine sense "marrow."
Unfortunately, there were none.
Only low-level demons to fill his stomach and satisfy his hunger.
"I wonder when the horned enforcer will show up..."
Mo Hua shook his head, withdrew from his sea of consciousness, and opened his eyes, the shadows on his face dissipating, the pallor fading, leaving a rosy complexion.
His eyes, in particular, shone with a vibrant and full divine sense.
Wen Renwei, who had been keeping a close eye on him, was stunned, a hint of awe flashing across his face.
"What... just happened?"
He had been observing Mo Hua and noticed that the young master's face, which had been pale with a hint of darkness on his forehead, now looked refreshed, as if snow had melted away, leaving no trace of the previous gloom.
Wen Renwei was lost in thought.
Could it be... that this young master truly possessed a body immune to all evil and was blessed with great fortune?
Just as Miss had said, was he indeed Young Master Yu's lucky star?
Mo Hua glanced at Yu'er, seeing that he was no longer afraid and sleeping soundly, then tucked him in and left the room. He walked up to Wen Renwei and said, "Uncle Wen, it should be fine now. I'll head back."
Wen Renwei's eyes couldn't hide his astonishment as he cupped his hands and said solemnly,
"Young Master Mo, thank you for your help."
As Mo Hua turned to leave, Wen Renwei called out to him, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Young Master Mo, if there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask."
Mo Hua was a little surprised but didn't refuse Wen Renwei's good intentions. He smiled and replied, "Thank you, Uncle Wen."
...
Back in his room, Mo Hua continued to meditate.
Since he had eaten a lot, it was time to "aid digestion."
So he calmed his mind, purged evil thoughts, and slowly absorbed the lingering demonic divine sense, refining it thoroughly.
Mo Hua's divine sense also showed a noticeable improvement.
It was equivalent to about a month's worth of array practice...
Although he was still far from the seventeen-pattern level, this unexpected gain in divine sense was quite substantial...
"It would be great if I could have this 'meal' every day..."
Mo Hua couldn't help but think.
Then he shook his head, feeling a bit greedy.
An occasional treat was enough; he couldn't expect to feast every day.
Demons weren't really like "chives" that could be harvested daily.
Even if they were, they wouldn't grow back so quickly.
Mo Hua continued to meditate, calming his mind and cultivating. As he thought, the scene of the demons appearing in his sea of consciousness resurfaced in his mind.
The void's texture, the chains of cause and effect, and the viscous black water...
Mo Hua frowned and muttered, "I wonder who's controlling these demons and how they're using the chains of cause and effect to send them to Yu'er..."
Mo Hua paused, his eyes gleaming with an idea.
If he could figure out how to control these demons, perhaps he could find a way to...
Remotely manipulate them to send more?
"Or even stop them from bothering Yu'er at all."
"Yu'er is just a child, and it's pitiful for him to be scared and unable to sleep every night."
"Why don't they come to me instead...?"
"I don't need to sleep, so I can keep them company all the time..."
Mo Hua's mind was abuzz with calculations.
He made a mental note to figure out the cause and effect behind this situation when he had the time and then change the "address" somehow.
Demons and monsters were dangerous, and he couldn't have his neighbor receiving the deliveries all the time.
It would be much more convenient to have them delivered straight to his door, killing two birds with one stone...
Mo Hua nodded, feeling that his request was quite reasonable.
...
At that moment, in the forbidden area behind Tai Xu Sect's mountain.
Within the solemn sword tombs that covered the mountains.
An elderly man with a long, thin body and a long beard that reached the ground opened his eyes.
From his eyes, a sharp sword light burst forth, as if the chaos of the universe was flowing within them, containing an unparalleled momentum.
"What evil presence dares to appear in Tai Xu?"
He was about to trace the source and cut off the evil with his sword.
But as soon as he started, he furrowed his brows.
"It's gone..."
"It disappeared..."
"Was it... eaten by something...?"
The old man was taken aback.
"When did Tai Xu Sect start raising a 'divine beast' that eats evil spirits?"
(End of Chapter)
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