https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-742-Testing-the-Sword-End-of-Chapter-/12543451/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-744-Little-Mu-Hua-An-extra-chapter-for-the-Alliance-Leader-s-Crazy-Night-/12543455/
Chapter 743: Tai A
Chapter 743: Tai A
In the outer regions of Refining Demon Mountain, a group of disciples clad in the robes of the Tai A Sect warily scanned their surroundings as they trekked through the forested mountains. Leading the group was a tall and handsome man named Ouyang Feng, holding a reddish-golden ginkgo longsword. He was the senior brother from the Tai A Sect whom Mo Hua had briefly encountered when he first entered the Tai Xu Sect.
Accompanying Ouyang Feng were five others: four senior disciples in their late stages of the Foundation Establishment realm, and a younger, slightly built disciple with dark skin named Mu Tu, who trailed behind with a nervous expression.
As they hiked, one of the female senior disciples, Ouyang Qian, turned to Mu Tu and said, "Little Mu Tu, we can only bring you here twice to familiarize yourself with the terrain of Refining Demon Mountain. From then on, you'll have to venture out on your own to hunt demons."
"In two years, there will be a Grand Sword Comparison, and your brother will be busy. He might not have time to look after you, so please understand," she added.
Mu Tu, nicknamed "Little Wood," glanced at the tall and handsome Ouyang Feng, who was walking ahead with a confident stride, and nodded slightly. "Sister Qian, I understand," he whispered.
Ouyang Qian, a member of the Ouyang family, smiled and ruffled Mu Tu's hair. "Be extra careful in these dangerous mountains," she advised.
"Yes," Mu Tu replied, his voice tense with anxiety.
Though he was naturally reserved and not very talkative, the gravity of their surroundings weighed on him.
As the group continued their journey, a long-faced senior brother with the surname Ma furrowed his brow and remarked, "It's been a while since we ventured to the outer mountains, but it seems like all these mountain peaks are already occupied."
Ouyang Feng's eyes narrowed slightly.
Ouyang Qian, sensing something amiss, released her spiritual sense and exclaimed in surprise after a moment, "There are so many people in these mountains!"
As late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, they were already quite powerful.
Refining Demon Mountain was vast, and the hunting grounds for cultivators at the middle and late stages of the Foundation Establishment realm were separate. The complex terrain and intertwining paths meant that different hunting areas required different routes to ascend the mountain.
The mountain they were currently on was located in the outer region and was known for its lower-grade demon beasts. Ouyang Feng's group had visited this area before when they were at the middle stage of the Foundation Establishment realm, but as they progressed to the inner mountains to hunt higher-grade demon beasts, they hadn't returned to this area.
Based on their previous experiences, they hadn't expected to encounter many disciples venturing into the mountains at this time, and the outer mountains should have been relatively deserted. Yet, to their surprise, there were so many disciples from other sects.
"Which sect are they from?"
"Judging from their robes, they seem to be from..." "Tai Xu Sect?"
The group exchanged puzzled glances.
In the Qian Xue State, the four great sects were currently the most powerful.
However, these four sects occupied specific territories within Refining Demon Mountain and rarely interacted with each other.
Aside from the four great sects, they never expected that the mountain peaks would be occupied, not by one of the twelve influential sects known for their heavy sword qi and ruthless killing techniques, nor by any of the other top-ranked sects among the eight great gates.
It was the Tai Xu Sect, a sect that had always maintained a low profile and flew under the radar, that now unexpectedly held these territories.
"How is it possible that it's the Tai Xu Sect?"
"I don't know..."
"Does the Tai Xu Sect have some incredible sword art inheritance?"
"Our three sects have some historical connections. Tai A Sect specializes in sword forging, Chong Xu Sect in sword qi, but what about Tai Xu Sect? Sword intent?"
"I'm not sure. The elders rarely mention them."
"Sword intent is incredibly difficult to cultivate. It's almost impossible for Foundation Establishment cultivators, isn't it..."
"Then how are they hunting demon beasts?"
"Perhaps they rely on Taoist martial arts or magic?"
Perplexed by the situation, the group continued their journey, opting for a less traveled path to remain inconspicuous. However, as they proceeded, they encountered squad after squad of Tai Xu Sect disciples. These disciples wore uniform armor and wielded spiritual tools, moving in perfect unison as they navigated the mountains.
Despite the distance, the Tai A Sect group witnessed some of the demon beast hunting tactics employed by the Tai Xu Sect disciples.
First, they scouted the area, then they stalked their prey, setting up intricate arrays and ambushes. When the arrays exploded, the demon beasts were severely injured, and a group of disciples moved in for the kill, their movements crisp and coordinated as if they had rehearsed countless times.
The Tai A Sect disciples were secretly astonished.
This was no ordinary demon hunting expedition.
It was as if they were witnessing a well-trained sect army in action.
And what's more, the long-faced senior brother Ma frowned and asked, "Since when did the Tai Xu Sect become proficient in array formations?"
The traps they used for ambushes, the armor they wore, and the spiritual tools they wielded—all were inscribed with specific array formations tailored to exploit the demon beasts' habits, trap characteristics, and spiritual tool constructions. The arrays were designed, refined into tools, and standardized into a demon-hunting process that could be taught to other disciples.
This was far beyond the capabilities of ordinary disciples.
They knew the challenges of hunting demon beasts, having struggled through their own trials and errors. And now, they recognized the terrifying advantages that this streamlined demon-hunting process offered.
The Tai Xu Sect's "demon hunting" was on an entirely different level compared to other sects' disciples.
Ouyang Feng, deep in thought, instructed, "When we return, inform the junior disciples to avoid these mountain peaks and refrain from provoking the Tai Xu Sect disciples in Refining Demon Mountain."
Although the Tai A Sect and the Tai Xu Sect shared some historical connections, they were now separate sects.
Now that they had parted ways, the bond between them would gradually fade, especially among the younger disciples who didn't value such ties.
Moreover, conflicts and rivalries were common even among disciples of the same sect, let alone those from different sects. And within Refining Demon Mountain, disputes often arose as cultivators competed for demon beasts, spiritual materials, and merit points.
"Alright," the other Tai A Sect disciples agreed in low voices.
Ouyang Feng surveyed their surroundings and turned to Little Wood, who was standing beside him. "These mountain peaks are occupied by the Tai Xu Sect. I'll take you to a more remote area and personally kill a few demon beasts to show you how it's done..." He patted Little Wood's shoulder. "From then on, you'll have to fend for yourself."
"Mm-hmm!" Little Wood nodded solemnly.
A hint of gentleness flashed in Ouyang Feng's eyes, but deeper within them was a trace of worry.
The group from the Tai A Sect then trekked over several mountain peaks, leaving the Tai Xu Sect's territory behind and venturing into the fringe forests. There, they worked together to slay two demon beasts.
Ouyang Feng remained silent while Ouyang Qian took the opportunity to instruct Little Wood on the nuances of hunting demons. Little Wood listened intently.
"You're new to these mountains and lack experience. Be cautious and don't get too greedy by targeting powerful beasts like tigers, leopards, or bears right off the bat. Start with weaker demon beasts," Ouyang Qian advised. "Demon beasts are cunning, so you must stay vigilant at all times. Don't let your guard down until they've drawn their last breath, or you might find yourself in a dire situation."
"Some demon beasts have thick hides and an abundance of blood, while others possess strange and unpredictable powers. They might pounce on you in close quarters or attack from a distance with water, fire, or toxic gases. Be prepared for any eventuality," she continued. "Always remember: never engage a demon beast alone. Travel in groups of at least five..."
Ouyang Qian was in the midst of her patient explanation when she suddenly paused, her eyes widening as she looked up. A golden light flashed in the sky, followed by an overflow of sword energy that burst outward.
A blue hawk was shredded by the sword energy, exploding into a cloud of bloody mist as it plummeted to the ground.
Ouyang Feng's pupils constricted slightly.
The other disciples also reacted with surprise.
"Sword flight!"
Ouyang Qian's eyes widened in amazement as she murmured, "Such swift sword flight!"
"The distance is over a hundred meters. Is the practitioner at the peak of the Foundation Establishment realm, or have they reached the Golden Core realm?"
"The sword energy hasn't crystallized yet, so it seems they haven't reached the Golden Core realm..."
"Who is practicing sword flight in the outer mountains of Refining Demon Mountain?"
The group's expressions turned solemn.
Little Wood, recalling the sharp sword light that had just cleaved through the air, couldn't help but feel awe. "That sword flight was incredible... It's a pity the spiritual sword's quality wasn't up to par..." he thought to himself.
Among the Tai A Sect disciples, the one with the long face and the surname Ma focused his gaze and said to Ouyang Feng, "The golden sword light carried traces of metal and stone energy. It seems to be the sword technique of the Duan Jin Men (Broken Golden Gate)
sect."
"This person might be a sword cultivator expert from the Duan Jin Men sect."
Brother Ma paused before continuing, "Brother Feng, why don't we go and make a new acquaintance?"
Ouyang Feng's eyes sank slightly.
The others also reacted with surprise. "Duan Jin Men?"
"Why would we want to associate with the Duan Jin Men sect?"
"The Duan Jin Men sect has a narrow mindset and a bad reputation. Even if this person has exceptional sword skills, they are likely not a good person. We should not associate with those of different paths," one of the disciples argued.
Brother Ma shook his head. "That's too hasty a judgment. The sect is one thing, but individuals can be different. There are always variations."
"Moreover, our Tai A Sect has been forging ahead relentlessly, and we are now ranked first among the eight great sects."
"The Duan Jin Men sect is also ambitious. Although they are ranked among the twelve lesser sects, they are not inferior to the eight great sects."
"If our Tai A Sect wants to continue progressing, we must broaden our connections with fellow cultivators. We shouldn't let sect biases cause us to prejudge and shun other sects," Brother Ma reasoned.
"Brother Ma's words make sense," Ouyang Qian said after a moment's thought. She turned to Ouyang Feng. "Brother Feng, what do you think?"
Ouyang Feng gave Brother Ma a silent look, his eyes clouded with uncertainty as he pondered something. Finally, he nodded. "Let's go take a look."
He, too, was curious to discover who this person was from the Duan Jin Men sect who could fly a sword through the air and slay a blue hawk with such skill.
Such a person, if not a fellow cultivator, would surely become a formidable enemy in the future.
The group followed the mountain path toward the direction where the blue hawk had fallen. However, as they approached, they all froze in their tracks, even Brother Ma.
On the ground where the blue hawk had fallen, there was no sign of any sword-flying expert from the Duan Jin Men sect. Instead, there was a young cultivator skinning the hawk.
With his delicate hands, the young cultivator carefully used a small knife to pluck out the feathers and slice through the flesh. Upon noticing Ouyang Feng and his group, he looked up, revealing a strikingly handsome face with a hint of nascent heroism.
"Brother Feng, long time no see!" the young cultivator greeted with a smile.
The Tai A Sect disciples were taken aback and turned to Ouyang Feng, confusion written on their faces.
Ouyang Feng was also surprised, but upon recognizing the young boy's face, he exclaimed in astonishment, "Mo Hua?"
"Yes," Mo Hua replied with a nod and a smile.
Ouyang Feng's gaze shifted from Mo Hua to the bloodstained ground and the eviscerated hawk, then back to Mo Hua. He couldn't help but ask, "This hawk..."
"I found it!" Mo Hua lied without hesitation.
The group from the Tai A Sect exchanged complex glances.
As they were walking through the mountains, a hawk-like demon beast happened to be slain and fell right in front of them, allowing them to claim it...
Where was there such a good deal?
However... if he didn't pick it, could it be that he was the one who killed it?
That was even more impossible.
At the mid-stage of foundation establishment, how could he ride a sword? Moreover, he didn't have any sword qi around him, clearly indicating that he wasn't a sword cultivator.
Ouyang Feng looked around and asked, "Are there any other cultivators nearby?"
Mo Hua shook his head. "I don't know about that."
Ouyang Feng released his spiritual sense, scanning the surroundings, and indeed, there were no other people in the area.
He then turned his gaze back to Mo Hua, his eyebrows furrowing as he asked, "You... didn't come here alone, did you?"
If it were anyone else, he wouldn't have thought so.
But in the case of Mo Hua...
He had interacted with Mo Hua before and knew that this junior disciple had a simple-looking face but a bold and meticulous mind, full of cunning schemes, daring to think and act.
Venturing into the Refining Demon Mountain alone was something he was very capable of doing.
Indeed, Mo Hua had come to the mountain alone.
He wanted to practice sword riding by himself.
With a sword and a hawk, he could net a profit of 800 merit points.
It wasn't something he wanted to bring others along for, nor was it necessary.
But in truth, he wasn't really alone in the mountains.
The mountains and forests were filled with his "little junior disciples," scattered across the nearby peaks, and that was why he could move about so freely.
"Not exactly," Mo Hua said, pointing behind him at the mountain peaks, "I have a lot of little brothers."
The Tai A Sect disciples were all taken aback, unsure what this junior disciple was talking about...
What did "having a lot of little brothers" even mean? However, since Ouyang Qian and the others weren't familiar with Mo Hua, they couldn't pry further.
Ouyang Feng, on the other hand, was quite familiar with Mo Hua, but with the other Tai A Sect disciples present, it wasn't convenient to reminisce.
Meanwhile, Mo Hua had already skillfully skinned and gutted the hawk, storing all the materials in his storage bag.
Although he claimed that he had found the hawk, even if he had, it was now his!
Since it was his, he wanted to store it away quickly to avoid any potential complications.
Seeing Mo Hua's clever and vigilant demeanor, Ouyang Feng couldn't help but shake his head and smile, a gentle smile curving his lips.
He then turned to look at the shy Little Wood beside him, sighing inwardly.
If only Little Wood could be half as quick-witted as Mo Hua... No, even a fifth of that would be good.
Then he wouldn't be so easily taken advantage of in the future.
"It's getting late, we should take our leave and not disturb you further," Ouyang Feng said, then glanced at Mo Hua and added, "Be careful in the mountains."
"Mm-hmm," Mo Hua nodded. "Brother Feng, rest assured."
Without saying more, Ouyang Feng turned and began walking down the mountain path. However, he hadn't gone far when he suddenly stopped in his tracks.
The scenes from Refining Demon Mountain flashed through his mind once more.
The Tai Xu Sect disciples had entered the mountain early to hunt demons...
Traps, armor, spiritual tools... all inscribed with array formations.
A standardized hunting process.
Mo Hua had just said, "I have a lot of little brothers..."
Ouyang Feng's heart skipped a beat, his expression filled with disbelief.
"Could it be..."
Ouyang Feng turned back to look at Mo Hua once more.
Mo Hua had finished dealing with the hawk, his slender frame and pale face now covered in demon blood, yet he remained indifferent.
Looking at the ferocious dead hawk as if it were just a chicken he had slaughtered...
Ouyang Feng's pupils contracted, and he immediately said, "Mo Hua."
Mo Hua was taken aback, looking at Ouyang Feng with confusion. Ouyang Feng thought for a moment, then pulled a dark-skinned, slightly built Tai A Sect disciple to his side and said gently, "This is Ouyang Mu, my younger brother..."
A flash of tenderness passed through Ouyang Feng's eyes before he smiled at Mo Hua and said, "If you see him in the mountains in the future, please take care of him."
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Mu was stunned.
The other Tai A Sect disciples were also surprised.
Ouyang Feng was a core disciple of the Tai A Sect, with an excellent spirit root and outstanding talent, highly respected by his fellow disciples.
Although he appeared easygoing and elegant, he was actually proud and had never asked for help from others.
But no one expected that today, he would ask a junior disciple from another sect to look after his younger brother.
It was beyond everyone's expectations.
However, Mo Hua didn't think much of it.
He and Brother Feng had a good relationship, and they had completed many tasks together, with Brother Feng taking care of him on numerous occasions.
So, it was only right that he should take care of Brother Feng's younger brother now.
"Of course," Mo Hua nodded repeatedly. "Brother Feng, rest assured, I will definitely take good care of him if I have the chance."
Mo Hua then looked at the thin, slightly dark-skinned young disciple next to Ouyang Feng and quietly remembered his name:
Ouyang Mu.
(End of Chapter)
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