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Chapter 728: Tracking
Chapter 728: Tracking
The disciple with the Wind-Striding Thousand Miles technique departed on his mission.
Old Master Xun, with his white hair and calm demeanor, sat peacefully at his desk, his eyes serene. Yet, his heart stirred like ripples on a lake disturbed by a falling stone, anticipating the shocking revelations he might uncover.
What could those revelations be?
For now, Old Master Xun had no clues…
…
Mo Hua, elated by Old Master Xun's permission, returned to the disciple's residence with a lighter step. Back at his quarters, he began planning his course of action for his venture into the Mountain of Refining Demons.
Preparation is key to success; lack thereof leads to failure—a hunter's creed.
After several days, coinciding with a break from classes, Mo Hua embarked on his solo journey to the Mountain of Refining Demons.
Located north of Qian Xue Province, the Mountain of Refining Demons was a treacherous place, shrouded in mist and dense forests, with deep valleys and perilous peaks veiled in toxic miasma.
As Mo Hua reached the entrance, he looked up to see the mountain veiled in a thick demonic aura, its depths shrouded in mystery. The occasional roars of demons and beasts, along with the faint scent of blood in the air, spoke of the dangers that lurked within.
The newcomers among the disciples gathered at the entrance regarded the mountain, which resembled a colossal, malevolent beast lying in wait, with apprehension and fear in their eyes. Even the more seasoned hunters wore grave expressions, not daring to underestimate the mountain.
Only Mo Hua remained relaxed, a faint gleam in his eyes.
The sight of the mountain, enveloped in heavy clouds and demonic energy, reminiscent of Da Hei Mountain, stirred a sense of homecoming within him. He even felt a thrill, as if returning to a familiar place after a long absence.
When Mo Hua studied array formations, he was an array master. But now, he felt the blood of a hunter stirring in his veins once more.
With a confident stride, he made his way up the mountain. However, upon reaching the mountain pass, he was stopped:
"One hundred merit points or a Refining Demon Token is required for entry."
Mo Hua could afford the points, but he couldn't help but exclaim, "That's expensive!"
The gatekeeper, a cultivator at the later stages of the Foundation Establishment, likely a graduate who had successfully joined the inner sect, was earning merit points for his sect by taking on this duty. He replied indifferently, "If you think it's expensive, then don't buy it."
Mo Hua had no choice but to take out his Token of the Great Void and deduct a hundred merit points to purchase a Refining Demon Token for entry.
Merit points were of equal value across the various sects, and they were usually spent within one's own sect. However, they could also be used to gain access to certain areas within the Qian Xue Province that were open to disciples for cultivation, sparring, and hunting. The Mountain of Refining Demons was one such place.
Moreover, the Mountain of Refining Demons was unique in that only disciples from sects within the Qian Xue Province who held their sect's disciple tokens and were willing to spend merit points could enter. Outsiders from beyond the province were strictly prohibited from entering.
This was done to prevent unauthorized individuals from infiltrating and causing chaos, as well as to protect the rare and valuable demons and beasts within the mountain from being poached by unauthorized cultivators.
After purchasing the token, Mo Hua proceeded alone into the mountain.
The gatekeeper called out to him, sounding surprised, "You're going alone?"
Mo Hua asked in confusion, "Can a single token allow entry for multiple people?"
The gatekeeper shook his head, "What are you thinking? Where would you find such a good deal…"
Mo Hua was speechless.
What a pointless question, he thought.
The gatekeeper hesitated, studying Mo Hua with a frown. "With your weak aura and mediocre spiritual energy, you're not planning to go up the mountain alone, are you?"
"I'm just going to take a look. I'll be fine by myself," Mo Hua replied.
The gatekeeper's expression turned solemn as he warned, "The Mountain of Refining Demons is treacherous, even if you're just there to observe. It's very dangerous."
"Mhm," Mo Hua nodded.
Seeing that Mo Hua didn't seem to take his words to heart, the gatekeeper sighed, "Forget it. Do as you please."
With the Refining Demon Token, Mo Hua could enter the mountain. The gatekeeper couldn't stop him from going alone, but he shook his head, thinking, "These young disciples nowadays have no sense of their own limitations…"
And so, Mo Hua strode through the mountain gate of the Mountain of Refining Demons.
Shortly after, a handsome man with a relaxed demeanor approached.
Upon seeing him, the gatekeeper immediately bowed and greeted, "Elder Xun."
The man addressed as Elder Xun nodded slightly and said casually, "I'm going in for a look."
"Yes," the gatekeeper replied respectfully, stepping aside to let him pass.
Elder Xun entered the mountain gate and glanced up at the winding mountain path.
There, he spotted a young boy in the robe of the Great Void Sect, walking up the mountain with a proud and confident gait.
Elder Xun shook his head slightly.
"Old Ancestor is really something. If he's worried about the boy's safety, why not just keep him within the sect instead of letting him out at all…"
"And if he must be let out, why send him to this mountain, causing such a huge headache…"
"This boy, does he not know his own limits? Going alone to wander in the Mountain of Refining Demons, he truly fears nothing…"
As Elder Xun grumbled to himself, he saw Mo Hua pause in the distance, his body stiffening as he turned to look downhill.
Elder Xun's heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively sidestepped, hiding himself from view.
Mo Hua stood on the mountain path, looking downhill. But no matter how long he searched, he couldn't spot any suspicious figures. Scratching his head, he furrowed his brows in confusion, wondering silently, "Did I sense something wrong?"
"Someone was definitely watching me just now, probing me with their spiritual sense, and even muttering unkind words about me…"
"How come there's no one in sight now?"
Mo Hua glanced left and right, scanning his surroundings, but eventually shook his head, dismissing it as a trick of his imagination.
Turning back, he continued his ascent.
After Mo Hua had left, Elder Xun slowly emerged from his hiding spot, his eyes flickering with astonishment as he looked at the now-empty mountain path.
Could that little brat have discovered me? he wondered.
How old is he? How strong is his spiritual sense? How could he possibly detect me, a late-stage Golden Core cultivator?
That's just too bizarre…
Elder Xun's brows knitted together in a frown.
After a moment, he lifted his head and continued up the mountain path, following in Mo Hua's footsteps.
After all, if his arm were to break, it would be his own fault.
But if a single strand of this child's hair were to be harmed, who knew what kind of "temper tantrum" the Old Ancestor would throw?
Elder Xun sighed helplessly.
And so, with Elder Xun trailing behind, Mo Hua continued walking ahead.
Unbeknownst to Mo Hua, he had gained a "bodyguard" the moment he entered the mountain.
He was focused on executing his plan.
When entering unfamiliar territory, it was essential for a demon hunter to first familiarize oneself with the surroundings—this was Demon Hunting 101.
This applied to Da Hei Mountain.
And now, it applied to the Mountain of Refining Demons as well.
Mo Hua pulled out a map of the Mountain of Refining Demons.
He had purchased this map for two spirit stones from a small immortal city at the foot of the mountain.
The map provided a simple annotation of the mountain's terrain, vegetation, and waterways, but it was crude and rudimentary, offering only a general idea of the mountain's topography.
It was clear that this map wouldn't suffice.
Following his habit, Mo Hua began to personally measure the mountain's terrain, using this basic map as a foundation to create his own detailed map of the Mountain of Refining Demons.
The Mountain of Refining Demons was vast, and it was teeming with demons and beasts.
Most of the demons and beasts on the outskirts were second-rate, but deep within the mountain, there were even rumored to be third- and fourth-rate demons and beasts.
However, these higher-grade demons and beasts were confined to the depths by arrays and formations.
Disciples couldn't venture into those depths.
Likewise, the high-grade demons and beasts from the depths couldn't descend the mountain.
Mo Hua only intended to operate in the outer regions of the mountain.
The more experienced a demon hunter was, the more cautious, self-aware, and long-lived they tended to be, and the more demons and beasts they could hunt.
This was what his father, Mo Shan, had told him.
Mo Hua deeply agreed with this sentiment.
Although he wasn't "old," his skillful techniques made him a somewhat "experienced" demon hunter.
On the mountain path of the Mountain of Refining Demons, Mo Hua sat on a large rock, spreading out the rudimentary map and studying it intently, committing every mountain range to memory.
Then, he gazed into the distance, taking in the entirety of the outer mountain, and comparing it with the map in his mind to ensure he had a clear understanding of his surroundings.
After he finished, he chose a route and began his ascent.
Along the way, he observed and recorded his findings.
Hidden in the distant bushes, Elder Xun quietly followed, his expression one of surprise.
He realized that he had underestimated this child.
As the saying goes, sharpening your knife won't hinder your chopping wood.
Familiarizing oneself with the terrain before entering the Mountain of Refining Demons was not something that an ordinary disciple could accomplish, nor even think of.
The disciples of the sect only cared about their cultivation levels, the depth of their spiritual power, the strength of their magical abilities, and the sharpness of their swords and spirit tools.
When they entered the mountain, their only thought was to kill demons and beasts as quickly as possible.
They never considered taking the time to get to know the environment first.
In a battle between cultivators, life and death, victory and defeat, were not solely determined by strength.
One had to take into account timing, location, and human factors—all three were indispensable.
The environment was the "location."
Only a seasoned demon hunter or a cultivator with extensive life experience would be aware of this.
Yet, this young boy exuded a sense of innate ease as he applied this principle, as if it were ingrained in his bones.
Elder Xun nodded slightly.
No wonder the Old Ancestor valued this young man. Despite his seemingly mediocre talent, he indeed had some tricks up his sleeve...
And so, Elder Xun watched as Mo Hua spent the entire day exploring the Mountain of Refining Demons by himself.
Whenever Mo Hua encountered special terrain, minerals, herbs, or dangerous swamps, mud pits, miasma, or demon lairs, he would make a record of it.
When he encountered demons and beasts, he would sweep the area with his spiritual sense to detect them in advance and promptly avoid them.
On occasion, when luck wasn't on his side and he was blocked by a demon or beast with no avenue of escape, he would use concealment techniques to hide.
Some demons and beasts relied on their sense of smell to detect their prey.
Concealment techniques were useless against them.
In such cases, Mo Hua relied on his agile movements to divert their attention, luring them to the edge of cliffs before utilizing his swift and ever-changing spells to push them off the precipice. He would then calmly retreat.
The more Elder Xun watched, the more astonished he became.
If not for the fact that Mo Hua was only at the Foundation Establishment stage and exuded a pure human cultivator's aura, he would have suspected him of being a terrifying, human-shaped, third-stage demon beast.
He was experienced and skillful.
In this mountain filled with dangers, where even a late-stage Foundation Establishment disciple would have to tread carefully and remain vigilant, Mo Hua moved with casual ease, as if strolling in his own backyard.
It was as if he had been here many times before.
At such a young age, he was truly extraordinary...
The more Elder Xun watched, the more impressed he became, and the more his admiration for Elder Xun grew.
No wonder he was so highly regarded by the Old Ancestor! He could see beyond the boy's mediocre spiritual root and recognize his exceptional qualities.
Elder Xun's thoughts turned to another possibility...
Perhaps the Old Ancestor had asked him to look after this child so that he could witness these qualities for himself.
He wanted Elder Xun to know that despite the boy's inferior spiritual root, his capabilities and intellect were top-notch, making him an invaluable asset, which was why he showed such concern for the boy.
"The Old Ancestor indeed has his reasons," Elder Xun mused.
As he was deep in thought, he noticed the sky gradually darkening as the setting sun painted the western horizon with hues of crimson. In less than half an hour, night would fall.
"It's time to head back..."
Elder Xun, perched in a tree, stretched his shoulders, thinking it was about time he returned to the sect. But when he looked down, he saw that Mo Hua was still completely oblivious, his head lowered as he continued walking through the mountain with no intention of turning back.
Elder Xun was taken aback, his brows furrowing slightly.
Could this boy be planning to spend the night in the mountain?
Any mountain inhabited by demons and beasts became extremely dangerous once night fell.
As darkness enveloped the land, the sun set, and the moon rose, infusing the air with a dense yin energy. Most demons and beasts would become bloodthirsty and frenzied.
Some sinister demons and beasts that were inactive during the day due to the sunlight would emerge from their lairs at night, prowling in the darkness to ravage and hunt for flesh and blood.
The Mountain of Refining Demons was no exception.
Thus, there was an unspoken rule among those who ventured into the mountain:
Unless you're at the late Foundation Establishment stage or have a team of five people, and it's absolutely necessary to pursue a demon or beast, you must not stay in the mountain after dark.
Even a group of five peak Heavenly Pride disciples in the later stages of the Foundation Establishment would face immense dangers if they stayed in the mountain after dark.
How much more so for a lone, fragile, and mediocre youth like Mo Hua?
Elder Xun felt a headache coming on.
"This kid has guts, that's for sure..."
But Mo Hua seemed unbothered.
His plan was simple.
If he returned now, he would have to come back tomorrow and spend another hundred merit points, which would be a waste.
Merit points were valuable, and one could never have too many.
Mo Hua continued to focus on observing the terrain, marking important locations on his map.
Only when the night grew deep and the sky darkened, devoid of stars, and the surroundings became pitch-black, did Mo Hua start considering where to spend the night.
As night fell, the demonic aura in the mountain became even denser in the crisp air.
The low roars of demons and beasts echoed all around.
In the darkness, many strange demons and beasts began to stir.
Even Elder Xun, a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, felt a chill in his heart.
He turned to look at Mo Hua, who was scanning the area for a place to settle down for the night, and couldn't help but scoff internally.
"If you're planning to spend the night in the demon mountain, you should have prepared earlier. It's too late now to scramble for a place to stay..."
If worse came to worst, he would have to reveal himself and escort the boy down the mountain.
However, that didn't seem to align with the Old Ancestor's instructions.
The Old Ancestor had asked him to keep an eye on the boy discreetly.
As Elder Xun pondered, he was startled to see Mo Hua take action.
The boy seemed to have found a place to stay.
Elder Xun was puzzled as he watched through the dark night.
He saw Mo Hua move with a light and graceful stance, climbing up a tall tree and then jumping onto a nearby peak. He made his way along the mountainside until he was halfway up, then leaped across to another cliff. After a moment of hiding amidst the shrubs, he found a cave that was extremely well-hidden and unlikely to be discovered.
Mo Hua made his way toward the cave.
Elder Xun was taken aback, then suddenly sucked in a cold breath.
"A demon beast's lair!"
But then he realized, "No, this isn't meant for humans! This is the lair of a fierce demon beast, and from the lingering demonic aura, it's at least a late second-rate one! Are you courting death, child?"
Elder Xun was about to take action and pull Mo Hua out of the cave, but when he scanned the area with his spiritual sense, he paused.
"There's no demon beast here?"
He scanned again and felt slightly relieved.
It seemed the demon beast had gone out hunting.
Or perhaps, as the saying went, "a cunning rabbit has three burrows." This could be one of several lairs, and while the demonic aura was strong, the beast might not be staying here tonight.
Elder Xun slowly exhaled in relief.
Then, he watched in disbelief as Mo Hua boldly made himself at home in the lair of a demon beast that could easily swallow him whole without spitting out his bones.
Mo Hua entered the demon beast's lair and took out some fresh herbs, scattering them around to get rid of the beast's stench.
Then he found a safe corner and set up layers of arrays.
First, he set up a warning array, followed by a concealment array, and then a defensive earthen array, as well as an outward-facing killing array that would counterattack any intruders.
After setting up the arrays, Mo Hua took out some dried meat and satisfied his hunger.
He also brought out some fruit wine and took a few hearty gulps.
Once he was full, he took out a soft blanket, wrapped himself up like a dumpling, and fell into a peaceful sleep, his breath steady and calm...
Outside the cave, Elder Xun was left stunned.
"What...?"
"This is a demon beast's lair! How can you act like you own the place?"
"With the situation as it is, how can you even think of sleeping here?"
The boy had guts, he had to give him that.
Elder Xun sighed deeply, not knowing what to say. In the end, he could only resign himself to silently guarding the cave entrance.
He didn't dare rest, so he could only close his eyes and meditate.
He was afraid that if a demon beast returned to its lair and devoured this fearless kid, the consequences would be dire.
The Old Ancestor would surely flay his skin!
The night was deep, and the mountain wind was chilly.
Inside the cave, Mo Hua slept soundly and sweetly.
Outside, Elder Xun kept watch, his heart filled with trepidation.
And so, the night passed. As dawn approached, Mo Hua opened his eyes, stretched lazily, and slowly sat up. After a big yawn, his eyes sparkled with vitality and energy.
Outside the cave, Elder Xun's expression was blank, and his face looked a bit haggard.
It was getting late.
Mo Hua got up, folded his blanket, erased the arrays he had set up, and marked the location of the lair on his map with a small "campfire" symbol.
He thought that if he needed to stay in the mountain again in the future, he could come back to this place.
After a light meal, Mo Hua set off again.
Time was tight, and he aimed to supplement at least a quarter of his map within the day.
Elder Xun rubbed the space between his brows, sighing helplessly as he continued to follow Mo Hua discreetly.
And so, Mo Hua spent another day in the Refining Demon Mountain.
Elder Xun diligently trailed behind him the entire time.
But Mo Hua remained unaware of his presence.
His exclusive map of the Refining Demon Mountain was now half-completed, meeting his expected goal.
After the short break ended, Mo Hua returned to the Great Void Sect.
Eight days later, another short break arrived.
Mo Hua visited the Refining Demon Mountain again, spending a hundred merit points to purchase the Refining Demon Token for entry.
This time, Mo Hua was familiar with the mountain.
He had a good grasp of the general terrain, the threatening demon beasts, toxic miasma, and dangerous plants, so his survey went much faster.
In two days, Mo Hua completed his map.
Next, he would formally begin combining arrays, spiritual artifacts, and tactics to create a comprehensive demon-hunting strategy.
This would prepare him to bring his "little junior disciples" like Cheng Mo and the others into the Refining Demon Mountain for some fun.
(End of Chapter)
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