Chapter 833: The Startling Sword
Chapter 833: The Startling Sword
"Qi refiners can release their spiritual sense externally. Foundation Establishment cultivators can manipulate objects with their spiritual sense. By the Golden Core stage, one's mastery over manipulating objects is complete, and their prowess in wielding artifacts and swords also increases."
"Only at the late Golden Core stage can one delve into the methods of soul projection. It is only at the Ascendant stage that one can truly master soul projection."
"This is the typical progression of a cultivator's spiritual power..."
Xun Zixian explained.
Mo Hua asked, puzzled, "But, Elder Xun, the sinful cultivator I encountered, Shui Yan... He was only at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, yet he could use illusion techniques. Doesn't that mean he had already mastered soul projection at the Foundation Establishment realm?"
"That's why I said this is the case for typical cultivators," Xun Zixian said, "Foundation Establishment cultivators are not incapable of soul projection, but their spiritual sense is not robust, making soul projection very dangerous."
"His illusion technique, if used against typical cultivators, would be fine. However, if he were to encounter a cultivator proficient in spiritual attacks, he would instantly be defeated. That's not even the worst part. The terrifying part is that when facing other evil beings or certain unknowable entities, there is a risk of the soul being devoured."
"If one of the seven souls of the life soul is devoured by evil beings, the cultivator will suffer consequences ranging from stupidity to madness, and in severe cases, soul destruction and dissipation."
"The soul is far more precious than flesh and blood or spiritual power, and must not be squandered lightly."
Mo Hua secretly glanced at Xun Zixian and asked, "Elder Xun, you're at the late Golden Core stage. Have you learned 'soul projection'?"
Xun Zixian shook his head. "I haven't."
Mo Hua was taken aback and quite surprised. "You haven't learned it?"
He had assumed that given Elder Xun Zixian's keen interest in the path of spiritual sense, he would have at least tried to learn it himself.
"The ancestor forbade it," Xun Zixian sighed.
Then he shook his head again. "It's not just a matter of forbidding. It's a strict prohibition."
"None of the elders of the Great Void Sect are allowed to practice the method of 'soul projection'. This is a strict order set by the ancestor."
Mo Hua frowned and asked quietly, "Is it because of... spiritual sense transformation into a sword?"
Xun Zixian's gaze flickered as he stared at Mo Hua, "Have you been secretly inquiring about this?"
"I've made a few inquiries..." Mo Hua admitted.
"And what have you found out?" Xun Zixian's eyebrows arched.
"Nothing," Mo Hua shook his head, "I couldn't find out anything. It seems like everyone is being tight-lipped about it and unwilling to talk."
Xun Zixian nodded, "That's to be expected. The sect has already established this rule, classifying this sword technique as a forbidden art, and disciples are not allowed to practice it. Naturally, the elders won't mention it either. Of course, there's another reason why you couldn't find out..."
"Another reason?"
Xun Zixian nodded, looking at Mo Hua, "The ancestor specifically instructed us elders not to tell you anything about 'spiritual sense transformation into a sword'..."
Mo Hua's mouth hung open in shock.
"The ancestor is targeting me? Surely not..."
"You should understand," Xun Zixian raised his gaze to meet Mo Hua's, "Your situation is unique. Your physical body's talent is average, but your spiritual sense is exceptionally gifted, and you're also intelligent and curious. If you knew that the Great Void Sect had a sword technique called 'spiritual sense transformation into a sword', you would definitely go to great lengths to try and learn it..."
"Well..."
Mo Hua couldn't deny it.
Indeed, he had been thinking along those lines.
Xun Zixian sighed, "The ancestor feared exactly that. This sword manual cannot be learned."
"Why?" Mo Hua couldn't help but ask.
Xun Zixian's expression became complex, even pained. "Have you been to the back mountain?"
"Back mountain?"
"The back mountain of the Great Void Sect."
Mo Hua was taken aback and shook his head. "Isn't that a forbidden area? I haven't been there."
Xun Zixian nodded slightly, "I've been there once before..."
"In the back mountain, there is a 'Sword Tomb'. Within that tomb lie countless broken swords and the bones of countless Sword Cultivators."
Xun Zixian took a deep breath, his tone filled with sorrow. "These Sword Cultivators were practitioners of spiritual sense transformation into a sword. They were elders of the Great Void Sect."
Mo Hua's pupils shook.
"This is the reason..." Xun Zixian sighed, "Those who practiced spiritual sense transformation into a sword died faster than others. The more talented the disciple, the faster they learned the sword technique, and the more likely they were to die young."
"Soul projection, transforming the sword into a killing tool, is a walk between life and death."
"It is strong, but its inflexibility makes it prone to breaking. There is no room for error."
"In the realm of spiritual sense, there are too many terrifying killing intents... Physical and spiritual power enemies are tangible. However, spiritual sense enemies are more powerful and insidious. Sometimes, you may be facing a formidable foe, but you are completely unaware."
"As a result, very few cultivators in the Great Void Sect have reached the Cavern Void stage and become ancestors."
"In other sects, when they encounter exceptionally talented disciples, the sect often places high hopes on them. With steady cultivation, such disciples can become pillars of their sects in the future."
"But in the Great Void Sect..."
Xun Zixian's expression turned bitter, "When we encounter talented disciples, we feel apprehensive instead."
"No matter how exceptional their talent, if they cultivate spiritual sense transformation into a sword, they will face innumerable unseen dangers. The path of cultivation is already thorny, and any injury to the life soul will hinder their progress, or even lead to their demise midway..."
Xun Zixian was deeply pained.
Mo Hua also felt a surge of emotion.
No wonder...
Despite being an incredibly ingenious sword manual, it was sealed away and no longer passed down.
Previously, he had suspected that the manual must have significant side effects, which was why the sect stopped teaching it.
Now, after hearing Elder Xun's explanation about the soul, he truly understood the perilous nature of this technique.
Other sects honed their swords with blades, but the Great Void Sect honed theirs with lives.
Broken swords could be reforged, but injured life souls could not be mended.
In the current peaceful cultivation world, where sect descendants were pampered and protected, it was unlikely that many disciples would dare to learn this spiritual sense transformation technique, even if the sect wanted to pass it on.
"Then, without spiritual sense transformation into a sword and soul projection, isn't the Great Void Sect far behind other sects?" Mo Hua asked.
"Falling behind is inevitable," Xun Zixian said, "But it's not all bad."
"Without spiritual sense transformation into a sword, there are other miscellaneous legacies. While they may not be the best, they are still decent, enough for us to get by in the Eight Great Sects. We'll just always be at the bottom..."
"Some of the sect elders, including a few ancestors, are researching ways to improve the spiritual sense transformation into a sword technique. They're exploring methods that don't solely rely on the soul, but instead use alternative sword intents to amplify the killing power of the sword qi."
"If they succeed, it will be a unique and exceptional sword cultivation legacy, though its might will still fall short of spiritual sense transformation into a sword."
"As for 'soul projection'..."
Elder Xun Zixian paused before continuing, "This technique is considered a deviation from the norm. Most cultivators, even those who attain the Cavern Void stage, won't actively seek to learn soul projection."
Mo Hua hesitated, "Even at the Cavern Void stage, they avoid it due to its dangers?"
Elder Xun nodded, "Indeed. Soul projection for combat is incredibly perilous."
"Even without using it for fighting, pure soul projection isn't without risks."
"The soul, if not robust enough, and without a firm grasp of spiritual sense, one remains ignorant of the demons and monsters lurking in the world. Projecting your soul leaves you vulnerable to these evil entities, inviting trouble."
"Cavern Void cultivators are the backbone of their sects. If they were to take the risk of soul projection and end up possessed, it would be a significant loss for the sect."
"Additionally, soul projection isn't very practical for ordinary cultivators."
"In combat, cultivators emphasize 'strength overcomes weakness.' But the soul itself cannot be refined, and your soul strength isn't notably superior. Projecting it wouldn't offer much advantage."
"On top of that, soul projection is an exceedingly challenging technique to master."
"Most cultivators in this world focus on physical training and wielding their spiritual power. Few are willing to quiet their minds and delve into the mysteries beyond the soul..."
Mo Hua nodded slowly, absorbing this information.
Elder Xun Zixian looked at him intently, his tone earnest, "The ancestor doesn't want us to discuss these things with you because he's concerned for your safety. But 'a blocked path is more detrimental than a distant route.' You're an intelligent and inquisitive young man. If left in the dark, you might never let it go. So, I believe it's better to lay out the pros and cons clearly, enabling you to make an informed choice."
"Thank you, Elder Xun," Mo Hua expressed his gratitude sincerely.
Elder Xun waved his hand dismissively, then paused as if remembering something. His eyebrows raised as he spoke earnestly to Mo Hua, "I've shared everything I know, but it might not be sufficient for now. As your cultivation improves and your experiences broaden, if you come across more profound knowledge about spiritual sense, don't forget to share it with me..."
Mo Hua nodded eagerly, "Of course, I will!"
After chatting a while longer, Mo Hua bid farewell and rose to leave.
The young attendant saw him out, his eyes reflecting a pensive expression as he watched Mo Hua's departing back.
During the conversation between Mo Hua and Elder Xun, he had caught snippets of their discussion but couldn't understand any of it.
"This young man, Mo Hua, his background piques my curiosity. He doesn't seem much older than me, yet he's capable of conversing about cultivation with the erudite Elder Xun. Impressive..."
Admiration tinged the attendant's voice.
"Book..."
Elder Xun's voice called from inside the room.
The attendant snapped out of his reverie and replied, "Yes, Elder, I'm here." He stole one last glance at Mo Hua before turning back into the elder's residence.
Meanwhile, Mo Hua's thoughts were occupied with the concept of "soul projection." Unbeknownst to him, the young attendant had been secretly observing him.
As he walked and pondered, he eventually returned to the disciples' residence.
Upon reaching his room, Mo Hua closed the door and windows. He took out the Water Prison Suppressing Box and began to study it intently.
The water-blue suppressing box bore a bloody prison diagram that was eerie and somewhat hideous.
This was no ordinary diagram.
In fact, it wasn't merely a simple eye technique. At its core was a method of "soul projection."
And regarding soul projection, even Elder Xun Zixian's knowledge was limited.
Within the Great Void Sect, the dissemination of knowledge about soul projection was prohibited.
According to Elder Xun, most cultivators, even those who reached the Cavern Void stage, wouldn't specifically seek to learn this technique.
But Mo Hua was different.
He could now confirm that "soul projection" was the key to achieving "soul transformation into a sword."
To project one's soul and transform it into a sword, mastery of soul projection was essential.
As for the drawbacks of soul projection, Mo Hua weighed them and felt they weren't as detrimental in his case.
After all, his greatest asset was his soul and spiritual sense.
Even Shui Yan, the water bandit who wasn't a proper formation master, had managed to learn the basics of soul projection. How could he, Mo Hua, not strive for the same?
But now, the question remained: how?
Mo Hua placed the Water Prison Suppressing Box in front of him, studying the intricate prison diagram.
"According to Elder Xun, the soul is comprised of three souls and seven spirits. If one wants to project their soul, the method must be connected to 'soul and spirits.'"
"Any diagram is a form of symbolism."
"So, this prison diagram might not just represent a physical prison but could symbolize something related to the soul."
"Eight prison cells, eight punishments, eight sinners..."
"But why doesn't the number eight correspond with the three souls and seven spirits?"
Mo Hua furrowed his brow, deep in thought.
Then, he recalled Elder Xun's words and understood.
"While humans possess three souls and seven spirits, the heavenly soul and earthly soul roam outside the body, dwelling in the heavens and earth. Only the life soul remains within us."
"In that sense, the human body actually houses only one soul and seven spirits, totaling 'eight.'"
"The seven spirits are parasitic on the life soul..."
Mo Hua examined the suppressing box once more.
The diagram depicted eight prison cells, with the largest one at the center and the other seven surrounding it.
Each of the seven peripheral prison cells had a lock, and chains connected them, all converging at the door of the central, largest prison cell.
Upon closer inspection, he noticed that the seven prisoners in the peripheral cells were each enduring a portion of the punishment inflicted on the prisoner in the central, largest cell.
Mo Hua's eyes widened as he understood the meaning behind the diagram.
The prison diagram on the suppressing box resembled a "soul diagram," symbolizing a cultivator's soul state.
Cultivators would meditate on this diagram, imprinting the image of the prisoners' punishments onto their minds, thereby forming a "soul image" and engraving it into their souls.
Through this process, their souls would inherently carry the authority and killing intent of the prison.
Prisons were places of punishment and execution.
Souls imbued with the "prison" image would, upon projection, have the power to damage others' spiritual senses, inducing fear, terror, and even shattering their souls.
Thus, the Water Prison's "nurturing killing intent" was, in essence, "nurturing the soul."
By upholding the dao laws, executing sinners, cultivating righteousness, and integrating killing intent into the soul, one could strike fear into the hearts of the petty and evil.
But Shui Yanluo was an exception. He didn't know how to nurture his soul; instead, he focused on "nourishing his malevolent spirit," even resorting to demonic techniques to cultivate his killing intent.
As long as he focused solely on nurturing this malevolent spirit, it seemed harmless enough.
However, if he reached the point where his killing intent infiltrated his soul, the "deadly malevolent spirit" cultivated through indiscriminate slaughter of innocents might rebel and backfire, causing his divine soul to go haywire, driving him insane, and leaving him worse than dead.
A plan began to form in Mo Hua's mind, stirring his heart as he contemplated a way to "entrap" Shui Yanluo without lifting a finger...
Mo Hua's eyes gleamed with a subtle light.
However, they hadn't located Shui Yanluo yet, so he couldn't make his move.
For now, he needed to focus on ocular techniques.
Based on the theories he had summarized, Mo Hua began to experiment with cultivation.
He calmed his mind and focused his spirit, studying the prison diagram on the Water Prison Suppressing Box, committing every detail to memory, and transforming it into an "image in his mind's eye."
At first, nothing seemed to happen.
The diagram remained just a diagram, devoid of any extraordinary phenomena.
Mo Hua's mental state also showed no signs of alteration.
But he didn't lose hope.
Mastering any technique was challenging at the beginning, requiring a step-by-step approach, repeated attempts, and careful research.
Just like the complex and profound array techniques he studied, it was a gradual process that couldn't be rushed.
Mo Hua was familiar with this process from his daily array practice.
He focused his attention intensely, devoting his entire being to the prison diagram.
After an indeterminate amount of time, Mo Hua's heart trembled, and his divine sense finally reacted.
Within his sea of consciousness, where his divine sense dwelled, a subtle change seemed to occur, as if something were "awakening" on its own.
Mo Hua's spirit stirred, and he began to concentrate, tracing this change back to its source.
Starting from his external divine sense, he gradually sensed inward, seeking the origin of his divine sense.
After another indefinite period, marked by a vague and indescribable exploration, Mo Hua's heart trembled once more. Finally, he traced the source back to something within himself, something he had never been conscious of before—
"Divine soul."
This sensation was extremely subtle.
Mo Hua had "perceived" his own divine soul.
It was as if he had viewed himself from an observer's perspective, seeing the "self" lurking in the deepest depths of his heart.
And his "divine soul" was intricate.
It contained various indescribable, ambiguous auras, intertwining and fluctuating, creating a chaotic mess.
Mo Hua realized that he didn't fully understand himself.
After perceiving his divine soul, the subsequent process became somewhat easier for Mo Hua.
Merge the "heart image" with the divine soul.
Mo Hua began to merge the "prison diagram" and the "heart image" of the punishments inflicted on sinners into his divine soul.
This act was akin to "reshaping" the consciousness of his divine soul.
The merging process proceeded smoothly.
Mo Hua felt his divine soul tremble, and a desire to "loathe evil" emerged from within. It was as if every evildoer in the world deserved to die! All sinners should be thrown into the Water Prison and tortured with cruel methods until they perished, thus erasing their sins...
This cognition, along with the prison heart image, seemed to be permanently etched into his divine soul.
Mo Hua's gaze turned slightly sinister, and the killing intent in his eyes grew heavier, his entire being exuding a "ruthless magistrate" aura.
"No!"
Mo Hua snapped himself out of it.
He forcibly restrained his mind and calmed his emotions, preventing the heart image of the prison from further imprinting on his divine soul.
By isolating his divine soul's perception and severing the fusion of the heart image, Mo Hua regained his composure. His gaze cleared, and the killing intent in his eyes faded away.
Mo Hua exhaled in relief.
"Almost went down the wrong path there..."
If he had successfully imprinted the heart image of the Water Prison's punishments on his divine soul, it would have been deeply engraved in his soul.
Although he would have been able to use the Water Prison's ocular techniques, Mo Hua pondered that this wasn't what he truly desired.
He always reminded himself that he was a righteous cultivator, striving for the grand Dao, but he also understood that distinguishing between "righteousness and evil" wasn't always clear-cut.
With righteousness comes evil.
Pursuing an extreme form of righteousness could paradoxically lead one astray.
More importantly, it didn't align with his temperament.
Mo Hua believed that he had good relationships with others.
Even if he wasn't universally liked, he was amiable and got along well with people.
Although his uncle, Gu, tended to be reclusive, he still showed concern at crucial moments and would protect Mo Hua.
When faced with danger, his uncle would stand behind him.
His master had also advised him to focus on auxiliary combat and leverage his relationships with others.
Given that, cultivating a body of killing intent and behaving like his uncle, always cold and distant, causing others to "respect but keep their distance," wasn't a desirable path.
Furthermore, as an array master, Mo Hua's future lay in the path of array techniques.
If his divine soul were imprinted with the heart image of the Water Prison, it would influence him, making him focus solely on fighting demons, heretics, and evildoers, wishing to torture these sinners to death with cruel punishments.
In that case, he would inevitably devote himself to the path of the prison and become a "judge" in the Dao Court.
This didn't align with Mo Hua's plans.
Therefore, he couldn't cultivate the Water Prison's righteous killing intent or merge with the heart image of the prison.
If he couldn't merge with the heart image of the prison, what else could he merge with? Mo Hua frowned in thought and then paused, murmuring, "Then... merge with a sword technique?"
Merge divine sense into a sword?!
How does one merge with a sword? Mo Hua furrowed his brows in deep thought, and then, as if guided by some unseen force, he suddenly thought of a sword technique:
The Startling Sword!
Mo Hua's mind conjured up scenes and sounds, memories from when he had pieced together fragmented clues within a mist of cause and effect.
"Xuan'er..."
"I shouldn't be teaching you this sword technique, but I don't want... for my Tai Xu Sect to lose this lineage..."
"Your foundation is already solid, so I'll teach you today..."
"The Startling Sword!"
...
Mo Hua's heart trembled as he subconsciously reached into his storage ring and retrieved the broken sword he had obtained from Blood Fishing Village.
This was the first time he had taken out this broken sword since arriving at Tai Xu Peak.
(End of Chapter)
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