Inquiries About Longevity Chapter 785: Aiding the Tiger and Abetting the Devil - Novel Cool

Chapter 785: Aiding the Tiger and Abetting the Devil

Chapter 785: Aiding the Tiger and Abetting the Devil

Xun Zi You and Xun Zi Xian were both stunned.

Xun Zi You shook his head repeatedly, "No, no, you can't go in."

Ling Hu Xiao and the three children were in peril, and their fate was unknown. He felt regret and distress.

However, this was ultimately the business of Chongxu Gate, Tai'a Gate, and the Song family of Duanjin Gate.

The "pain" wouldn't affect him directly.

Although he felt regret, that was the extent of it.

But if Mo Hua took it upon herself to enter the Refining Demon Picture, and something unexpected happened due to bad luck, it would be a significant loss for the Tai Xu Gate as well.

The ancestor would not go easy on him either.

He wouldn't even have the face to see the old ancestor again.

This "pain" would be very real for him.

"Even if someone has to go in, it should be me, not you," Xun Zi You said.

Mo Hua replied, "Elder Xun, do you know what to do once you're inside?"

Xun Zi You hesitated, glancing at the huge and solemn mural before him. After considering for a moment, he honestly shook his head, "I don't know..."

He didn't even know what the Refining Demon Picture was, let alone what secrets it held.

As an elder of the sect, he spent most of his time within the sect's grounds, and although he ventured out occasionally, his experiences were mostly dealings with various human cultivators.

Not with evil spirits.

Thus far, he had hardly encountered any evil spirits, and he knew very little about matters pertaining to evil thoughts.

On the other hand, Elder Xun Zi Xian frowned slightly, deep in thought for a moment before asking Mo Hua solemnly, "Are you confident?"

"Mhm!" Mo Hua nodded.

Currently, there didn't seem to be any remnants or incarnations of evil gods within the Myriad Demon Valley.

So while there were numerous demons within the Refining Demon Picture, vicious and cruel as they might be, they might not be that powerful.

Mo Hua believed that she could handle them!

She exuded an air of confidence.

Xun Zi Xian was a little surprised and fell into contemplation.

Although he didn't know where Mo Hua's confidence came from, since she was a disciple favored by the old ancestor, she must have her strengths.

Furthermore, during their time in the Myriad Demon Valley, he had witnessed Mo Hua's intelligence, comprehension, discretion, and her grasp of formations.

Xun Zi Xian nodded, "I agree that you should go in. If there's anything you need, just say the word, and I'll help you."

Xun Zi You was taken aback.

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Xuanyan's expression turned eager, and he quickly added, "Little brother, as long as you can rescue Xiao, it will be as if Chongxu Gate owes you a huge favor!"

"At the very least, consider it a huge favor owed by me, Shangguan Xuanyan!"

"From now on, as long as it doesn't go against morality, the Dao laws, or personal conduct, and it doesn't harm the interests of the sect, just tell me. If it's within my ability, I will definitely help without hesitation!"

This promise carried a lot of weight.

Moreover, it came from an Inner Sect elder in the late Golden Core stage from one of the Eight Great Sects—Chongxu Gate.

Xun Zi Xian was slightly dazed.

Xun Zi You was even more surprised, sighing, "Xuanyan, you don't have to..."

Shangguan Xuanyan shook his head, his expression solemn. "It's only right."

Indeed, he was helpless in this situation.

The cultivation world was vast and boundless, with myriad intricacies and specialized paths.

His focus was on sword energy, and he was clueless about dealing with demons. He had no idea what to do to rescue Ling Hu Xiao.

The Refining Demon Picture was filled with demonic energy and was undoubtedly extremely dangerous.

Unless Mo Hua took the initiative, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to ask this junior disciple of Tai Xu Gate to risk her life to save their disciple.

However, since Mo Hua had spoken up and expressed her confidence, and the knowledgeable Elder Xun Zi Xian agreed, he felt compelled to make a sincere promise and ask for her help.

This might be their last chance.

If he didn't make a significant promise, and something happened to their once-in-five-hundred-years sword genius, they would never be able to make amends.

Therefore, they couldn't afford to let this opportunity slip away.

Xun Zi You glanced at Shangguan Xuanyan, empathizing with his situation, and decided not to stop him. He sighed, "Very well..."

Then, looking at Mo Hua, he said, "Then be careful."

Mo Hua nodded.

Xun Zi Xian, who was standing beside them, looked at the Refining Demon Picture once more and suddenly asked Mo Hua a crucial question, "How... are you planning to get in?"

The mural was vast, but there didn't seem to be an entrance for physical beings.

Xun Zi Xian had heard Mo Hua mention the word "sacrifice" earlier.

Sacrifices required rituals, and different sacrifices had different rituals.

Without knowing the specific ritual, and with the witch dead, it seemed unlikely that they could use a sacrifice ritual to enter the mural.

"Wait, let me think about it for a moment..." Mo Hua said, deep in thought.

Back in the Myriad Demon Valley, when she had first seen the Refining Demon Picture, she had already been considering how to enter it.

Being prepared was a basic principle for demon hunters.

One should always plan ahead when faced with a situation.

Usually, the only way to enter the Refining Demon Picture was through a "ritual."

Mo Hua's original plan was to take advantage of the situation and, during the demon cultivators' ritual, sacrifice herself to get "offered" into the picture.

However, this plan was rather harsh.

It also relied heavily on luck and coincidence.

Demon cultivators weren't fools either.

If there was even the slightest mishap, and the demon cultivators noticed, her physical body would fall into their hands.

That would spell disaster.

Even if her spirit entered the Refining Demon Picture and devoured everything the demon cultivators had, it would be futile.

Without a physical body as a foundation, the spirit would naturally turn into a "ghost," forever severed from the Great Dao.

Thus, the best option was to bypass the ritual and enter the Refining Demon Picture directly with her spiritual sense, without the need for a sacrifice.

Rituals were someone else's path.

Walking on someone else's path was never comfortable and might not be safe.

Mo Hua hadn't thought of a good solution to this problem until recently, when he gradually began to form some ideas.

Mo Hua circled the enormous mural-like Refining Demon Picture twice, then walked to a corner and took out the White Bone Broken Sword. In a hushed tone, he asked, "Sword Bonehead, can you enter the Refining Demon Picture?"

"I won't go in!!!" Sword Bonehead immediately replied.

"I'm asking if you can, not if you want to," Mo Hua said indifferently, his tone belying a subtle threat.

Sword Bonehead could sense the veiled threat in Mo Hua's calm words, and though it wanted to resist, it didn't have the strength to do so. Instead, it meekly tried to explain, "I... I can, but it won't be of any use even if I do."

Fear crept into Sword Bonehead's voice as it continued, "There are countless demons inside the Refining Demon Picture, and it's incredibly dangerous. Although I am a Sword Demon and an embodiment of evil thoughts myself, I am insignificant in the face of so many demons..."

"Moreover, even if I went in, I wouldn't have the ability to rescue those children."

"Most likely, I would be devoured alive by those demons..."

Sword Bonehead's voice quivered with cowardice, but it was not lying.

However, Mo Hua said, "You don't need to rescue them."

Sword Bonehead was taken aback, "I don't need to rescue them? Then why should I go in?"

"Your main task is to guide me and bring me in!" Mo Hua's eyes gleamed with determination.

He had thought it through.

Projecting one's divine consciousness seemed to be a highly advanced ability for cultivators.

It was something he had yet to master.

As a result, his spiritual sense couldn't actively leave his physical body at will.

However, it could be passively attracted by some evil spirits into certain "visualization charts," illusions, or "nightmares."

It was similar to having one's soul lured away.

Mo Hua had encountered several evil spirits, from the Black Mountain Village's Mountain and Water Child Chart to the Zhang family's Zombie Ancestor Chart and the Five Elements Sect's Daoist altar...

Most of them worked in a similar fashion.

This made things much easier.

The physical body was a cage for the soul.

As long as he found an "evil spirit" that could lure away his soul, his spiritual sense could be separated from his body, and through certain means, he could then "actively" enter some illusions or nightmares.

This "soul-luring" evil spirit would be his "guide."

And for this task, Mo Hua chose Sword Bonehead.

Sword Bonehead was startled by Mo Hua's "important mission" for it, and immediately shivered in fear.

Guide?

Guide this fearsome little ancestor? Sword Bonehead tried to tactfully refuse, "But... even if I pull you to the blood pool, I'm afraid you still won't be able to enter the Refining Demon Picture..."

"You don't have to worry about that," Mo Hua said, "I've already figured it out. Just do as I say."

"I'm afraid..." Sword Bonehead continued to hesitate.

Mo Hua's face turned stern, "Do you think I'm asking for your opinion?"

Sword Bonehead bitterly replied, "Yes."

Why didn't he just say so earlier?

There was no need for all these insincere questions.

What right did he have to refuse? He was just an evil spirit with no "sovereignty" of his own, and here he was, trying to negotiate with this little ancestor...

Sword Bonehead grumbled to himself.

"Good, it's decided then."

Mo Hua made the decision unilaterally.

On the other side, Xun Zi You and the others were somewhat bewildered.

Mo Hua was squatting in the corner, holding a broken sword and muttering to himself, occasionally emitting some eerie auras.

This commotion was surely noticeable to their Golden Core stage divine senses.

However, they didn't say anything.

If Mo Hua had a plan, it was up to his own abilities, and even if it was a bit unconventional, it was up to the old ancestor to handle it. They would simply turn a blind eye.

With Sword Bonehead's "consent," Mo Hua had a plan in mind.

He circled the Refining Demon Picture a few more times, carefully studying the array's qi flow and attentively sensing the internal spirit path array.

Then, he found a relatively weak spot in the array.

No array was uniformly distributed.

Any medium that carried an array would have its own weak points.

The Refining Demon Picture was no exception.

Of course, identifying such flaws required a great deal of testing of the array master's divine sense, eyesight, and array experience.

The most important factor was derivation power.

Mo Hua located the weak point in the spirit path array of the Refining Demon Picture. He took out his brush and ink and drew an 'X' on the spot. Then, he turned to Xun Zi You and said, "Elder Xun, help me break open this spot. Use your sword qi to cut through it, about two inches thick."

Xun Zi You didn't understand, but he followed Mo Hua's instructions and drew out his sword. He carefully sliced away a thin layer of the mural where Mo Hua had marked the 'X'.

After cutting away the layer, the underlying array patterns were exposed.

At this spot, the spirit path array patterns were sparse, leaving ample space between each pattern.

Mo Hua first erased one of the spirit path array patterns and then replaced it with one of his own.

Thus, the array pattern he drew became an "interface."

Mo Hua also drew another spirit path array pattern on the White Bone Broken Sword.

These two array patterns could interlock with each other.

Mo Hua chose the right spot and inserted the White Bone Broken Sword into the Refining Demon Picture mural, causing the array pattern on the sword to interlock with the one he had left on the mural, connecting and forming a "bridge."

In this way, the White Bone Broken Sword became a part of the Refining Demon Picture.

They were now one entity.

By entering the White Bone Broken Sword, one could also enter the "Refining Demon Picture" through this spirit path "bridge."

Xun Zi You and Shangguan Xuanyan, who were watching from the side, were completely bewildered by Mo Hua's actions.

Only Xun Zi Xian could vaguely guess Mo Hua's intentions, and his expression turned pensive as he considered the possibilities.

He glanced at the mural, the broken sword, the "bridge" formed by the array patterns, and finally, at Mo Hua, his emotions stirred.

"How does this kid's mind work...?"

After making all the necessary preparations, Mo Hua turned to face Xun Zi You and the others, "Elder, I'll be going in soon, but I'll leave my physical body here. Please protect it for me."

Xun Zi You nodded, "Don't worry, as long as we're here, no one will be able to touch your physical body."

The White Bone Broken Sword was embedded in the Demon Refining Painting, connected by two interlocking divine path array patterns, forming a bridge between the two.

Mo Hua sat cross-legged, holding the sword, and whispered, "Sword Bonehead."

Reluctantly, Sword Bonehead had no choice but to use its sinister art of "Soul Enticement" to lure Mo Hua's spirit into its blood pool.

A faint layer of blood mist appeared on the White Bone Broken Sword.

Enveloped by the mist, Mo Hua slowly closed his eyes, his spirit gradually leaving his body, his face turning slightly pale, his breathing steady, and his aura becoming faint.

Xun Zi You remained worried, frowning as he asked, "This bone sword... seems to have an eerie aura. It's not a righteous artifact. Are you sure it'll be alright?"

Xun Zi Xian shook his head, "Since he's confident, he must have a plan. Let's just protect his physical body."

Shangguan Xuanyan nodded solemnly in agreement.

Thus, the three late Golden Core stage Inner Sect elders formed a triangular formation, protecting Mo Hua in their midst.

They released their divine senses, their expressions vigilant, not allowing anyone to approach.

Amidst their protection, Mo Hua calmly closed his eyes.

His spirit had left his body and entered the blood pool, transforming into a smaller version of himself.

Seeing Mo Hua's state, Sword Bonehead felt its whole body aching.

It still remembered the dozens of sword bones that Mo Hua had snapped with his bare hands, and they now throbbed with pain.

Without hesitation, Mo Hua gave his instructions, "Lead the way."

Sword Bonehead's face turned awkward, and it forced a smile, "Little Ancestor, you've already set up the path to the Demon Refining Painting, and I've pulled you in. You can go in by yourself now. There's no need for a mere sword demon like me to follow."

Mo Hua shook his head, "I have to take you with me. You're a potential 'liability' and can't be left behind."

Sword Bonehead's mouth twitched, "Little Ancestor, you jest... I'm far too weak to be of any help to you. I'd be better off staying here to guard the entrance."

Mo Hua didn't listen to its excuses and held up two tender white fingers, "I give you two choices: one, come with me; two, I crush you here and eliminate any future troubles."

Sword Bonehead immediately shuddered and quickly took the lead, bowing as it spoke, "Little Ancestor, please, I'll guide you. I'll go first."

Mo Hua nodded in satisfaction.

Sword Bonehead sighed inwardly.

It had originally planned to find a way to sever the divine path bridge once Mo Hua entered the Demon Refining Painting, stranding him forever.

However, Mo Hua didn't give it any opportunity at all...

It could only reluctantly lead the way.

The golden divine path array pattern, connecting Sword Bonehead's blood pool to the Demon Refining Painting, resembled an iron chain locking the river, forming a golden bridge.

The tall Sword Bonehead walked ahead, stooping low.

The diminutive Mo Hua followed behind, chest held high.

As they walked, Sword Bonehead, who was leading the way, suddenly felt like it was "aiding the devil."

Mo Hua was the devil.

And it was a little "devil's minion."

However, instead of leading people to the devil, it was leading the devil to a crowd of people...

Sword Bonehead felt increasingly troubled, sighing inwardly, "Life is so difficult... To be human is to be constrained, to be a demon is to be bound, and now, as a magical creature, I'm still not free..."

"Life is tough..."

Though Sword Bonehead grumbled inwardly, it maintained a respectful expression, not daring to show any negligence.

Thus, one human and one magical creature traveled along the divine path chain, leaving the blood pool and entering the wider and more sinister Demon Refining Painting, where the blood-colored aura and evil influence were stronger and more intense.

After walking for some time, the area gradually opened up.

The pitch-black sky, blood-red clouds, treacherous mountains, white bones, and various strange and evil auras loomed before them.

Mo Hua felt a long-forgotten hunger.

It seemed like it had been a long time since he had a proper meal.

His clear eyes sparkled with excitement.

His porcelain-like face seemed even more vivid, with red lips and white teeth.

Sword Bonehead sensed Mo Hua's excitement and felt puzzled. It stole a glance back and saw Mo Hua's adorable, fair-skinned appearance. For some reason, it felt a tinge of unease.

"Walk faster!" Mo Hua's crisp voice urged.

"Yes, yes!" Sword Bonehead dared not slack off.

Soon, the two of them crossed the divine path "bridge" and stepped into the true Demon Refining Painting.

As expected, the atmosphere within the Demon Refining Painting was different.

It was eerie, bloody, and oppressive.

The valley was hideous, piled with white bones and drenched in blood, clearly a place where demons dwelled.

Sword Bonehead's blood pool was already filled with a strong bloody aura, but compared to the Demon Refining Painting, it was like a small demon encountering a greater one.

"However..."

Mo Hua looked around, confused.

"Where are the demons?"

Wasn't it said that entering the Demon Refining Painting would result in the soul being devoured by countless demons?

Where were they?

Were they hiding?

Mo Hua was a little displeased.

Now that the guests had arrived, shouldn't they at least come to "greet" him? These demons in the Demon Refining Painting were extremely impolite.

Mo Hua's eyes lit up as he thought to himself, "If you won't come to me, then I'll come to you..."

However, before that, he had to rescue Xiao Mu'er and the others first.

Mo Hua extended his spirit sense and, after a slight perception, followed a path of white bones forward.

Sword Bonehead was already feeling apprehensive due to the dense and sinister aura of the Demon Refining Painting. Seeing Mo Hua's actions, it was taken aback but had no choice but to grit its teeth and follow silently.

---

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end

Report