Chapter 756: The Restoration of the Divine Array
Chapter 756: The Restoration of the Divine Array
(Thank you to Alliance Leader, Little White Bai, for the treat!)
The trace of the evil god's aura was faint, and an ordinary cultivator would not have been able to perceive it. Even Ma Shixiong himself might not have noticed the trace of evil that clung to him.
But Mo Hua was certain there was no mistake. He and the Great Wilderness Evil God were old "acquaintances"—although the Great Wilderness Evil God might not recognize him.
However, Mo Hua couldn't help but frown. Why did this Ma Shixiong have the aura of an evil god about him?
Could he be one of the evil god's minions? Or had he inadvertently come into contact with some idols or offerings to the evil god?
If so, it would mean that the evil god had already begun to infiltrate the sect without anyone realizing it. It was unlikely that only Duan Jinmen was affected; the other twelve streams, eight great gates, and even the four great sects might also be in danger.
Even if they hadn't been infiltrated, they had at least been penetrated to some extent.
With great desires in their hearts and a lack of focus on cultivating their minds, it was unlikely that they could outwit the evil god.
"The situation doesn't seem too good..."
Mo Hua sighed.
Also, that Ma Shixiong seemed to be deliberately approaching Little MuTou. Could he have some ulterior motives?
"Should I warn Little MuTou?"
Mo Hua pondered for a moment and then shook his head. Little Mu Tou was too pure-hearted, his thoughts easily read on his face. If he were warned, it would be too obvious.
That Ma Shixiong would probably be able to tell that Little MuTou was suspicious of him.
Therefore, it was better to keep quiet for now to avoid alerting him. He would just have to keep an eye on the situation himself.
Furthermore, his suspicions about Ma Shixiong were just that—suspicions. Perhaps Ma Shixiong had only come into contact with some of the evil god's influences by coincidence and had no real connection to the evil god.
"I hope so..."
Mo Hua thought to himself.
He looked up again at the distant, ancient, and majestic Tai Xu Gate, shrouded in mist and exuding a simple and elegant aura.
"What if the Tai Ah Gate has already been infiltrated by the evil god..."
"What about my Tai Xu Gate?"
Mo Hua's eyes narrowed, and after a moment's thought, he realized that the Tai Xu Gate was probably fine. If there had been any signs of infiltration by the evil god, he would have noticed it by now, and any disciples under the evil god's control would not have escaped his notice.
Mo Hua breathed a sigh of relief.
"That's good..."
But then he paused again. Why? Why were there signs of infiltration by the evil god in other sects, even those with a connection to the Tai Xu Gate's ancestors, like the Tai Ah Gate, but not in the Tai Xu Gate itself?
Mo Hua frowned, puzzled.
Suddenly, he sensed something and looked up, his gaze piercing through the long, straight mountain stairs, the aged buildings, and the cloud-shrouded mountains in the distance. He focused on the ancient, majestic, and awe-inspiring hinterlands hidden deep within.
A name resurfaced in his mind:
"Tai Xu Shen Nian Hua Jian Zhen Jue..."
Mo Hua stared, his eyes brightening.
...
Later, after returning to the disciples' residence, Muhua called Yu'er to join him for dinner in the canteen. Influenced by Muhua, Yu'er had also developed a fondness for chicken legs.
After dinner, Mo Hua checked on Yu'er's formation homework. This was at the request of Wen Ren Wan.
She knew that Mo Hua had learned formation techniques from the elderly Mr. Xun and had become quite skilled. So, she gave Mo Hua many good things and asked him to help guide Yu'er in her studies whenever he had free time.
Aunt Wan had treated him very well, and since it was also for Yu'er's sake, Mo Hua naturally agreed.
Now, Mo Hua was like a semi-formation master to Yu'er.
During their cultivation classes or in their free time, he would guide Yu'er in her formation studies.
Because Yu'er was still young and in the introductory stage, what she learned was simple, and Mo Hua found it easy to teach her.
And because Mo Hua was teaching her, Yu'er studied diligently and made rapid progress.
Mo Hua was very pleased.
After checking Yu'er's formation homework, Mo Hua escorted her back to her room. He then returned to his own quarters and began to formally study the "Divine Array" he had transcribed from the mountain forest.
He had transcribed a total of eighteen different divine arrays.
While each array had the same internal structure and similar array patterns, indicating that they belonged to the same category of "Divine Arrays," there were also distinct differences in the specific array patterns within each one.
They were like leaves on the same tree, seemingly identical but bearing unique veins.
This seemed to be...
"A Restoration of the Divine Array?"
That made sense. Such a large expanse of forest would require a combination of individual arrays to form a certain scale of restoration to better conceal divine senses and hide secrets.
But it would only be a restoration array and nothing more grandiose.
It was simply impossible to have a grand divine array with so few practitioners of the divine array technique and the amount of mental power required to construct one.
Being able to create a restoration of the divine array was already impressive.
"Then, what kind of restoration array is hidden in the dense forest?"
Mo Hua pondered silently.
"Divine Array" was a general term for a category of arrays, and each divine array should have its own name. This included the Four Symbols Array.
Mo Hua had now seen two Four Symbols Arrays: one on the vulture's head, an eagle-type Four Symbols Array, and another on the demon cultivator's arm, a wolf-type Four Symbols Array.
Based on their characteristics, they could tentatively be called the "Four Symbols Eagle Pattern Array" and the "Four Symbols Wolf Pattern Array."
But what about the Divine Array?
The Divine Arrays in the small fishing village and the dense forest seemed to be of the same origin, but their array patterns were different, suggesting they were two distinct types of Divine Arrays.
The Divine Array in the small fishing village resembled a "door."
When closed, it could conceal some causes and consequences and, when placed on the forehead, could block some evil influences.
The Divine Array in the dense forest, on the other hand, resembled a "mist."
By weaving spirit patterns, it created a mist of spirit sense, shrouding everything in a haze that obscured the details beneath from spiritual senses.
However, Mo Hua had no idea what these two types of arrays were specifically called.
After all, these arrays were part of a fragmented and incomplete legacy that he had "sheared" from others, so it was natural that they lacked context.
"I don't know the names of the arrays..."
Mo Hua shook his head and continued his research.
He intended to calculate and compare each of the eighteen divine arrays with different patterns that he had transcribed from the dense forest, identify the common patterns, and uncover their secrets.
In the simple and elegant disciple's residence, the lights shone brightly.
Mo Hua sat upright, his expression focused, and his eyes sparkled in the lamplight.
Bit by bit, his spiritual sense was being consumed, and step by step, his calculations progressed.
The progress of the calculations on the Dao stele was several times faster.
Soon, Mo Hua gained some insight.
This was a relatively simple divine formation array.
It was somewhat similar to the Parent-Offspring Compass Array, using a core mother array to manipulate multiple singular child arrays, all connected as one, forming a divine sense "mist."
The difference was that the singular "child arrays" in the Parent-Offspring Compass Array were identical, replicated from the same mold.
However, the "divine formation array" before him had child arrays that were all of the same formation technique but with variations in their forms.
It was like a large tree, each leaf having its unique veins.
And the overall structure of this formation technique was somewhat similar to the "Spirit Pivot Array."
On top of each subordinate child array, there was a corresponding formation "sequence," which served to differentiate the formation's architecture.
"Within the dense forest lies countless unknown divine formation arrays, each one similar yet unique."
"They possess similar formation core structures but differ in their formation sequences..."
"The formation array's structure is simple, but when it comes to the specific formation patterns, it becomes quite complex..."
Mo Hua slowly exhaled.
He had a general understanding of these divine formation arrays.
However, at this stage, he was unable to deduce the same formation core structure, nor could he discover the pattern between these sequential formation patterns.
Of course, delving deeper into the underlying principles of the formation technique was out of the question.
Nevertheless, this was only the first day, and he had only transcribed a dozen or so formation patterns.
The dense forest was vast, and there were many more formation patterns to uncover, study, and comprehend. He was determined to unravel the mysteries of this "mist"-like divine formation array in the forest.
Mo Hua nodded to himself.
After resting for a moment, he continued his calculations on the Dao stele, wanting to become more familiar with these divine formation patterns and see if there was anything he had missed or if he could gain any further insights...
...
In the Elder's Residence of Tai Xu Gate...
Xun Zi You pondered deeply before deciding to report this matter to the ancestor.
"Divine formation array?"
Elder Xun's expression remained unchanged, but his heart sank.
Why would it be a divine formation array...
That sect's legacy, though renowned for its heavenly secrets and formation techniques, had never been known to possess a legacy of divine formation arrays.
Even that talented young man with the surname Zhuang, exceptional in both talent and formation techniques, had never been seen using any divine formation arrays in his lifetime.
Divine formation arrays themselves, like the Yin-Yang Dyad Array, were a type of ancient formation technique dating back to ancient times.
The Yin-Yang Dyad Array was challenging due to its abstruse nature; the great path was simple, but its meaning was elusive.
Divine formation arrays were tricky because they relied on spiritual sense, making them unpredictable and fraught with unknown dangers.
Both types of formation techniques were nearly lost to the ages.
However, while the Yin-Yang Dyad Array still remained within the realm of formation techniques, divine formation arrays stood apart.
Nowadays, ordinary cultivators, and even some high-grade formation masters, had likely never heard of the term "divine formation array."
Where did this child, Mo Hua, learn about it?
Moreover, it seemed that he was quite familiar with it.
Elder Xun frowned, his thoughts racing:
Did someone teach him? Or did he figure it out himself? Or perhaps it was a unique legacy left by his master?
After all, their sect was unfathomably deep, with a legacy so ancient and a foundation so formidable that each generation of disciples was comprised of freakish geniuses.
Just because the young man with the surname Zhuang didn't know it didn't mean there wasn't such a legacy.
If there was...
Then it must have been left by his master, knowing that his end was near. He must have specially imparted this legacy to Mo Hua.
Elder Xun sighed.
Despite facing his impending death tribulation, he had gone through so much trouble to leave behind this legacy, showing how much that person valued Mo Hua...
With his proud and unyielding temperament, he probably hadn't exerted himself so wholeheartedly for anyone else in his life...
Elder Xun felt a sense of melancholy.
Xun Zi You was unaware of these past events.
Seeing the change in the ancestor's expression and his familiarity with the term "divine formation array," he guessed that this divine formation array was yet another secret technique that the ancestor had privately imparted to Mo Hua.
But now that he thought about it, it seemed only natural.
If one lacked the talent, it would be useless to impart the technique.
At least, if the ancestor passed on the formation technique to him, he knew he wouldn't be able to learn it.
Since he couldn't learn it, he couldn't blame the ancestor for being partial.
Xun Zi You nodded slightly.
Elder Xun glanced at Xun Zi You and instructed, "You just need to ensure Mo Hua's safety. As for the formation technique, let him figure it out, learn it, and ponder it himself. You don't need to get involved."
"Yes," Xun Zi You replied with a bow.
...
The next day, Mo Hua set out early for Refining Demon Mountain.
Elder Xun had just finished brewing a pot of tea.
Mo Hua drank tea with Elder Xun, and then they headed together into the dense forest, continuing deeper along the path they had explored the day before.
As Mo Hua walked, he searched for trees, performed calculations, and recorded formation patterns.
Xun Zi You, unable to understand any of it, focused solely on protecting him.
However, his role as a bodyguard had now shifted from covert to overt, so he no longer had to be as cautious and stealthy, which lifted a weight off his shoulders and made his task much easier.
They continued like this until the setting sun bathed the mountains in a dazzling display of colors, and night gradually fell.
Mo Hua had recorded over twenty handwritten copies of divine formation patterns.
These formation patterns served as raw material, and through further calculations and research, he could deepen his understanding of the divine formation technique and eventually restore the original formation.
"It's getting late. Let's head back," Xun Zi You said.
"Mhm," Mo Hua nodded.
The two retraced their steps along the mountain path.
As the sun sank below the horizon, the mountain forest grew quiet. Mo Hua, feeling relaxed, chatted casually with Elder Xun as they walked, asking questions like:
"Where is your hometown, Elder?"
"Are you the Xun ancestor's how-many-greats grandson?"
"Are you married?"
"Do you have any children?"
"In our Tai Xu Gate, how much spirit stone salary does a late-stage Golden Core Elder receive each month? Are there any other benefits?"
... and so on.
Xun Zi You sighed, knowing he couldn't win against Mo Hua in this regard, so he could only answer the questions that he could and ignore the ones that were too sensitive.
As they walked, a sudden scream pierced the air:
"Mo Hua!!!"
Both Mo Hua and Xun Zi You were startled and turned to see a pale-faced, handsome young man in a golden embroidered robe, his eyes blazing with anger as he glared at them.
Mo Hua recognized him.
It was that pretty boy disciple from Duan Jinmen, Song Jian.
"You got others to gang up on me, stole my spirit sword, destroyed my hard work, and even lied to me! You arranged a duel with a big guy and watched from the sidelines, making a mockery of me!"
"I will never forget this 'blood' feud, not in this life!"
"Today, I will have my revenge, and you..."
A Duan Jinmen disciple pulled at Song Jian's sleeve.
Impatiently, Song Jian shook him off.
The disciple pulled at his sleeve again.
Annoyed, Song Jian turned his head and asked, "What is it?"
The Duan Jinmen disciple beside him glanced at Mo Hua, then at the person standing beside him.
Puzzled, Song Jian followed his gaze and noticed a silent elder standing next to Mo Hua.
A Jin Dan elder from the Tai Xu Gate!
Song Jian's heart sank.
He had been searching high and low for Mo Hua these past few days, but to no avail.
Now that he had finally found him, his anger and excitement knew no bounds, and he had completely forgotten to check if anyone was with Mo Hua.
And to make matters worse, it was a Jin Dan elder from the Tai Xu Gate!
Song Jian's bravado instantly deflated.
No matter how bold he was, he wouldn't dare to cause trouble for Mo Hua in front of a Jin Dan elder.
"E...Elder, good day..."
Song Jian said in a low voice.
A group of Duan Jinmen disciples also timidly bowed to Xun Zi You.
"Mhm." Xun Zi You nodded slightly, his expression indifferent as he said, "Disciples should always be courteous and polite to each other, even if you are not from the same sect. There is no need to pick fights."
"Yes..."
Song Jian replied reluctantly.
"Alright, that's enough," Xun Zi You said, not wanting to make things difficult for them. "It's getting late, so head back soon."
Song Jian and the others felt as if they had just been pardoned, and after bowing, they quickly scurried away in small groups, bidding the elder farewell.
Xun Zi You shook his head.
Once they were out of earshot, a Duan Jinmen disciple asked, "Young Master, what do we do now?"
Song Jian gritted his teeth and said, "That despicable Mo Hua! How shameless! He actually has a Jin Dan elder following him around!"
A disciple whispered, "It's not that easy to have a Jin Dan elder follow you around, is it...?"
Especially in the Refining Demon Mountain.
"This Mo Hua seems to have a high status in his sect. I'm afraid it won't be easy to offend him..."
"Are we still going to cause trouble for him?"
The group of Song family disciples hesitated.
"Nonsense!" Song Jian said angrily. "If I don't take revenge for this grudge, I'll never be able to swallow this humiliation!"
"How do we take revenge?" a disciple asked softly.
Song Jian thought for a moment, but he couldn't come up with any ideas to punish Mo Hua. When he saw everyone staring at him, he became annoyed and said, "I'll think of something! Why are you asking so many questions?"
"Yes, yes..."
The group of Song family disciples nodded obediently.
Feeling agitated, Song Jian said, "Let's head back first. As for that good-for-nothing Mo Hua, we'll think of something later. As long as he's still in this mountain, he'll fall into my hands sooner or later!"
"What about the elder...?"
"Why would a Tai Xu Gate elder have so much free time to follow him around all day?"
"What if he really does...?"
"Are you arguing with me?" Song Jian said furiously.
The disciple didn't dare to speak.
Song Jian sneered, "Even if the elder follows him around all the time, there will be moments of laxity. As long as we keep an eye on them, we'll have a chance to make our move."
"Yes, Young Master is brilliant..."
Song Jian ignored this flattery.
He glanced in the direction Mo Hua had left, feeling resentful but helpless, and finally said coldly, "Let's go back first."
"Yes."
Led by Song Jian, the group began to make their way down the mountain.
However, he didn't notice that as he was staring at Mo Hua, a pair of gloomy eyes were also watching him from the shadows of the mountain forest.
...
On the other hand, Mo Hua curiously asked Xun Zi You, "Elder Xun, is there a conflict between the Song family and the Jin family in Duan Jinmen?"
"Yes," Xun Zi You nodded, "It's common for there to be power struggles and family factions within sects, not just in Duan Jinmen but also in other sects."
"Oh..."
Mo Hua fell silent, deep in thought.
"By the way," Xun Zi You added, "That Song family disciple seems to hold a deep grudge against you. Be careful while you're in the mountain."
Mo Hua waved his hand dismissively, "It's just a kid."
Xun Zi You was taken aback for a moment, at a loss for words.
You're younger than him, aren't you...?
After walking for a while, a cunning look flashed in Mo Hua's eyes, and he quietly said, "By the way, Elder Xun, I have a small request..."
Xun Zi You's heart tightened.
You little fox, I know you're up to something. Your request is definitely not going to be a small one.
Xun Zi You said cautiously, "Why don't you tell me about it first?"
Mo Hua said, "Can I take a few days off?"
"Take a few days off?"
"Mhm." Mo Hua nodded, his expression turning serious. "The intentions of the demon cultivator are unclear, and he's hiding in this dense forest. If we don't catch him soon, he might cause more harm."
"So, I want to take some time off to restore the divine array in this dense forest. That way, we can capture the demon cultivator and restore peace to Refining Demon Mountain."
Xun Zi You's expression became complicated.
If it weren't for the fact that he had been keeping an eye on Mo Hua these past few days and knew what he had been up to, he might have believed him.
This kid has so many schemes and plans.
There's definitely more to it than what he's saying!
But the old ancestor did say, "Let him figure out the array on his own, learn it, and ponder it himself..."
While Mo Hua might not be telling the whole truth, it was true that he was learning the array.
Xun Zi You hesitated for a moment, then sighed, "Alright, I'll go talk to Elder Song about it."
They couldn't afford to delay any longer regarding the demon cultivator.
And since Mo Hua wanted to learn the array, he would have to help him as well.
Mo Hua smiled brightly, "Thank you, Elder Xun!"
As expected of a Tai Xu Gate elder, he was indeed straightforward and made it easier to take a leave of absence.
Compared to Elder Gu, Xun Zi You was much better at granting leave.
Mo Hua secretly compared the two elders in his mind.
Soon after, Xun Zi You successfully obtained leave for Mo Hua.
Now, Mo Hua could focus all his attention on studying the divine array in the dense forest.
As he delved deeper into his research on the divine array, he gradually moved closer to the heart of the dense forest.
Before long, he discovered traces of the demon cultivator in the forest.
A blood-red stream, surrounded by dried demon blood, and numerous bones and remains of demon beasts...
(End of Chapter)
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