Chapter 900: Ominous Dream
Chapter 900: Ominous Dream
The Divine Marrow is truly a valuable item!
Mo Hua pondered this in his mind.
Based on the information from Sister Xia, it was highly likely that each of the dozen or so Golden Core Demon Cultivators in the Demon Sect possessed a Divine Skeleton.
The Divine Skeleton's possession was an 'act of grace' bestowed by the Evil Deity upon the Golden Core Demon Cultivators.
At the same time, these Golden Core Demon Cultivators were being used as puppets.
For Mo Hua, these Golden Core Demon Cultivators were also 'storage bags' containing Divine Marrow.
As long as he killed these Golden Core Demon Cultivators, he could find a way to obtain the Divine Marrow.
But...
For a moment, Mo Hua was also unsure whether killing Golden Core Demon Cultivators to obtain Divine Marrow was easier... or if severing the Evil Embryos and refining the Divine Marrow was simpler.
Neither killing Golden Core cultivators nor severing the Evil Embryos seemed like easy tasks.
In fact, severing the Evil Embryos might be more 'practical'—at least he was already taking concrete steps, one by one, on the path of 'severing the Evil Embryos'.
As for killing Golden Core Demon Cultivators... it was not only dangerous but also full of variables.
Uncle Gu had almost lost his life at the Golden Core stage, let alone himself, a mere Mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
In the Third Rank State Boundary, there was no room for him to interfere in the killing among Golden Core cultivators.
The idea of killing Golden Core cultivators to refine Divine Marrow was almost wishful thinking.
Mo Hua furrowed his brows.
But he couldn't just ignore this matter.
Because there was also the issue of Uncle Gu.
Uncle Gu had been with him for too long, and he had involved himself in many matters, accumulating too much karma. That was why he had attracted the attention of the Evil Deity's forces, and why a Golden Core Demon Cultivator would rather self-destruct his Golden Core than let him escape...
Although Uncle Gu had said that he was a Registrar of the Dao Prefecture Office, and capturing evil and demonic cultivators was his duty.
But if one were to be honest, there was also Mo Hua's involvement in this.
If not for him, this 'troublemaker', Uncle Gu probably wouldn't have been entangled in the Evil Deity's scheme.
Previously, in the Second Rank State Boundary, capturing a Second Rank Peak sinful cultivator was manageable.
But now, as a Registrar at the initial Golden Core stage, he had to deal with the Bloodthirsty Demon Sect, which had over ten Golden Core Demon Cultivators, in the Third Rank State Boundary.
In the midst of the bloodshed, one day, if he wasn't careful, his life could be at stake.
Mo Hua sighed.
Although Uncle Gu was cold, he was a good person, and it would be a pity if he died.
"Is there a way to help the Dao Prefecture Office hunt down Golden Core Demon Cultivators, protect Uncle Gu's safety, and also earn some Divine Marrow?"
Of course, the Divine Marrow was secondary.
His primary concern was Uncle Gu's safety.
Mo Hua nodded, but after pondering for a long time, he was still at a loss.
Cultivation was like an impenetrable 'wall' between cultivators.
Many things were impossible without sufficient cultivation; no matter what one did, it wouldn't work.
Not to mention, the gap between Mid-stage Foundation Establishment and the Golden Core stage was just too vast.
Mo Hua shook his head.
This matter could only be put aside for now, and he could only silently wish Uncle Gu good fortune in the face of danger...
He was truly helpless.
...
After that, Mo Hua cultivated for two more days, and the seven-day period was up.
It was time for him to go to the back mountain to learn the sword from the Old Ancestor again.
But this time, when Mo Hua had finished his incense burning and bathing, and was sitting in the disciple's residence, waiting for the Old Ancestor to 'open the door' and bring him over.
The void in front of him remained calm, with no movement for a long time.
"What's going on?" Mo Hua was a bit taken aback.
Could the Old Ancestor have forgotten the time? Impossible...
"Or has something unexpected happened to the Old Ancestor?"
Mo Hua's mood became a bit heavy.
He waited for a while longer, but there was still no movement. Just as Mo Hua thought that the Old Ancestor wouldn't take him to learn the sword that night, the void finally started to flicker.
A deep and mysterious spatial crack appeared, and a withered hand reached out, grabbing Mo Hua by the collar.
In the blink of an eye, Mo Hua found himself in the Sword Tomb once again.
Mo Hua looked closely, and the back mountain was still the same, and the Sword Tomb was unchanged.
The seated Solitary Ancient Ancestor in the Sword Tomb also seemed normal, with no abnormalities.
"Practice the sword."
The Solitary Ancient Ancestor's voice was as deep and hoarse as ever, like the withered rocks of the night.
Mo Hua hesitated for a moment and asked, "Old Ancestor, which sword technique should I practice?"
He had already learned the Divine Severing Sword.
"Start from the beginning and practice all the techniques I taught you again."
Mo Hua was taken aback, "Practice from the beginning?"
The Solitary Ancient Ancestor nodded, "Using arrays in place of swords and taking a different path is a good thing. But don't forget the foundation of the Sword Dao. To a certain extent, the Divine Mind Sword Technique is still a sword technique. Practicing the sword more can't be a bad thing."
Mo Hua thought it made sense, so he nodded.
His 'cheating' method of Mind Sword Transformation, although very compatible with the 'Dao' he was pursuing, still required some mastery of the original sword techniques.
Understanding everything was a form of learning.
Cultivation was the same; both array and sword techniques had profound intricacies.
It was best to diligently and meticulously learn from the basics.
However, the Old Ancestor's attitude always made Mo Hua feel a bit off.
It seemed like the Old Ancestor... was wary of something. Mo Hua didn't dare to ask, so he bowed his head and continued practicing the sword.
Just like that, he felt like he had returned to the beginning, once again taking solid steps, starting from sword techniques, and gradually practicing the sword.
Moreover, the sword techniques he was practicing were those of the physical cultivation type.
Of course, he could only practice the movements, as they weren't very powerful, and he just used them to strengthen his body.
After practicing for more than an hour, it was time for Mo Hua to leave.
The Solitary Ancient Ancestor remained silent for a moment, then suddenly pointed at his forehead, borrowing a strand of sword intent to draw a circle on the ground.
Within this circle, the sword intent was unfathomably deep, enveloping both Mo Hua and himself.
Only then did the Solitary Ancient Ancestor open his mouth to ask, "Mo Hua..."
He paused for a moment and slowly asked, his voice turning cold, "What did I teach you last time?"
Mo Hua was startled, and after a moment of hesitation, he carefully replied, "Old Ancestor, you taught me the method of severing my own Life Soul, severing the ego, comprehending the essence, transforming the Sword Dao, and attaining the Great Dao."
Upon hearing this, the Solitary Ancient Ancestor fell silent for a long time.
After hesitating for a moment, Mo Hua finally swallowed the words 'Supreme Emotional Severance' and asked, "Old Ancestor, is something wrong?"
The Solitary Ancient Ancestor did not answer but instead spoke with a solemn expression, so serious that it was a bit frightening, "Mo Hua, remember this. From now on, you don't have to believe everything I teach you. Always think for yourself and guard your true heart..."
Mo Hua frowned, "Old Ancestor..."
Before he could ask anything, the seriousness on the Solitary Ancient Ancestor's face instantly disappeared, and his expression became calm again, as if nothing in the world could affect him.
Without joy or sorrow, without attachment or thought.
Mo Hua fell silent, his words halted by a gesture from Solitary Ancient Ancestor.
The Ancestor's finger sliced through the air, erasing the "Sword Circle" he had just drawn, and his indifferent gaze turned towards Mo Hua.
"What did I just teach you?" he asked.
Mo Hua paused for a moment before replying, "Old Ancestor, you taught me the method of severing my own Life Soul."
The Solitary Ancient Ancestor nodded, "Very good. Study it well."
Mo Hua said nothing more and bowed respectfully, "Then, Old Ancestor, I bid you farewell."
The Solitary Ancient Ancestor's indifferent gaze lingered on Mo Hua for a moment, revealing a hint of peculiar appreciation. Then, he tore through the void, sending Mo Hua away.
In the Sword Tomb, the Solitary Ancient Ancestor remained alone.
His figure became increasingly desolate, even appearing slightly hunched.
The cold moonlight shone upon him, making him seem even more forlorn.
His expression was conflicted, alternating between coldness, confusion, furrowed brows, and a blank slate devoid of emotion.
Amidst this turmoil of emotions, the Solitary Ancient Ancestor spoke bitterly, "I shouldn't have taught him... From the very beginning, I shouldn't have taught him anything..."
"My fellow disciple was right, I... made a mistake again."
"Mind Sword Transformation, he shouldn't learn it..."
"Those things, he shouldn't have any contact with them. They were sealed away, and it was I who opened the door for them..."
"I found a good seedling for them..."
"If he doesn't learn, nothing will happen. But if he does... The stronger the sword, the stronger the demon. An endless cycle of severing..."
"It's my fault."
"This sword technique should indeed be sealed. It should be buried with me in this Sword Tomb, turning into dry bones and dust."
"I..."
The Solitary Ancient Ancestor coughed violently, his face contorting, and his features faded into nothingness, becoming a faceless person.
Yet, despite the absence of facial features, his face, covered only by skin, wore a distinct smile.
"I taught him well!"
"The seed has been planted..."
"He has started learning, and I can feel that he has already begun to sever..."
"Sever, sever quickly, sever the self, sever humanity, sever all emotional entanglements and karma..."
The Solitary Ancient Ancestor's low laughter echoed strangely, its gender indistinguishable, like a ghostly demon from the Nine Underworlds, reverberating within the Sword Tomb.
...
Mo Hua frowned.
He felt that the Solitary Ancient Ancestor, his elder, might have genuinely encountered some issues.
But what those issues were, he couldn't quite put his finger on.
His cultivation was still far from the Golden Core stage, let alone the Ascension stage.
The crucial point was that he didn't know what he could do. Intervening rashly might only complicate matters and make the situation worse.
After much contemplation, Mo Hua concluded that for now, he could only observe and wait.
He had enough self-awareness to understand his limitations.
If the Solitary Ancient Ancestor couldn't resolve his own issues, there was little chance that Mo Hua could.
He decided to follow the Old Ancestor's instructions and focus on his sword training.
But when it came to sword training...
Mo Hua recalled the Old Ancestor's words from earlier:
"From now on, you don't have to believe everything I teach you. Think for yourself and stay true to your heart..."
Don't believe everything, think for yourself, stay true to your heart...
Mo Hua reflected for a moment and immediately realized that the Old Ancestor might have been subtly reminding him to be cautious about certain cultivation methods.
Especially that technique, which might be the "Supreme Emotional Severance" passed down by the Old Ancestor.
"It's good that I was cautious and kept my guard up..."
Mo Hua silently heaved a sigh of relief.
Moreover, upon reflection, he realized that his cultivation method didn't violate the Old Ancestor's advice to "think for yourself and stay true to your heart."
It should be fine...
Mo Hua considered the matter further, but the Ascension stage was like the misty clouds atop a mountain peak, shrouded in mystery, making it impossible to discern reality from illusion.
Mo Hua sighed and decided to put it aside for now.
From then on, Mo Hua continued as usual, following his plan to cultivate and train in swordsmanship, practicing both the "Divine Severing Sword" and the "Supreme Emotional Severance."
During his free time, he would visit Yu'er.
Ever since Yu'er had been startled at the Gu family and had a nightmare, his mental state hadn't been quite right.
Inside Yu'er's room, Mo Hua set up some Divine Dao Formations and lit an incense stick he had obtained from Mr. Mei, filling the room with a tranquil scent.
"You were frightened, and your Divine Soul is unstable. Take a break from formation studies for a while, and catch up on your studies later," Mo Hua said gently.
Yu'er nodded obediently, "Okay, Mo Gege."
Mo Hua smiled and turned to leave, but Yu'er suddenly grabbed his sleeve, "Mo Gege..."
Mo Hua turned back, his expression gentle, "What is it? Are you still having nightmares?"
Yu'er shook his head slightly, but his eyes still held a hint of fear.
Mo Hua patted his head, "Don't worry, I'll stay with you for a while. You can sleep peacefully."
"Mmm," Yu'er nodded lightly.
Then, Yu'er closed his eyes.
His small face and handsome features made him look like a gentle and adorable little lamb when his eyes were closed.
But soon, Yu'er opened his eyes again, and his clear eyes reflected a deep sense of anxiety.
Mo Hua was taken aback and asked, "What's wrong?"
Yu'er stammered, "Mo Gege, will you be in danger?"
Mo Hua was a little confused but replied, "Anyone can encounter danger in their lifetime. I've faced many dangers, but I've always managed to turn them into opportunities. So, you shouldn't worry too much about it."
"Mmm," Yu'er nodded.
Mo Hua looked at Yu'er and asked softly, "Yu'er, do you have something on your mind?"
Yu'er's face turned pale, and he bit his lip. After a moment, he said slowly, "Mo Gege, am I... a Divine Embryo?"
Mo Hua's pupils contracted, and a chill rose from the depths of his heart, but he managed to keep his voice gentle, "Who told you that?"
Yu'er shook his head, "No one told me, I... heard it in a dream..."
"A dream?"
"Hmm," Yu'er replied, "That day at the Gu family, Uncle Gu suddenly became very frightening. His eyes were black and red, and when he looked at me, I had a nightmare."
"After you came, Mo Gege, I felt much better... But later, I still had intermittent nightmares."
"In my dreams, it seemed like there were many mountains, and many demons and monsters, all covered in blood..."
"It seemed like someone was talking..."
"They said something about waking up, a rabbit, crying, one mountain, one river, one person..."
"They also said that many people would die... Blood would flow into the river, bones would be piled into tall buildings, and flesh would be used to build city walls, all connected..."
"They also said that all of this was because of me..."
"Because of me, everyone will die..."
Yu'er's face grew paler, and her body trembled as she seemed to sink into deep self-blame and fear, with tears rolling down her cheeks.
Mo Hua felt a twinge of pain and smiled gently, stroking Yu'er's head, "It's just a dream. Dreams are often the opposite of reality. Everyone will be fine, so don't worry."
Yu'er nodded with tears in her eyes.
Mo Hua thought for a moment and said, "Yu'er, do you know about demons and evil spirits?"
Yu'er shook her head and then nodded, "Are those in my dreams the same?"
"Mmm." Mo Hua nodded, "Demons and evil spirits are best at bewitching people. They take advantage of your fear, anxiety, and moments of weakness to deceive and bewitch you."
"Everything demons say is a lie."
"The more you fear them, the more they will bully you. If your heart is strong, they won't dare deceive you."
"And..." Mo Hua's delicate eyebrows rose, "All the demons and evil spirits in this world are nothing but worthless fools in front of your Mo Gege. I only need my sword to slay them all."
"Next time they deceive you, tell me, and I'll make sure to get rid of them once and for all!"
Mo Hua's voice exuded a gentle killing intent.
Yu'er's eyes gradually lit up, and her heart felt much more at ease. She smiled at Mo Hua and nodded.
"Alright, get some good sleep. Once you're well-rested, the evil thoughts will no longer disturb you." Mo Hua said.
Yu'er obediently nodded and slowly closed her eyes.
Mo Hua stayed by her side until Yu'er fell into a deep sleep, only then did he leave with relief.
After Mo Hua left, Yu'er continued to sleep peacefully.
But in just a moment, Yu'er's eyebrows furrowed in her sleep.
A sinister and sharp voice echoed in her ear:
"He's lying to you..."
"How many evil spirits can he, a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, slay?"
"Demons are endless. One day, he will also be devoured by them... His blood will be sucked dry, his flesh eaten, and even his bones will be gnawed away..."
"And all of this is because of you."
"He wants to save you, but he doesn't know..."
The terrifying voice seemed to echo right by her ear, penetrating Yu'er's mind, "...You are the biggest demon."
In her dream, Yu'er looked terrified, "I'm not..."
"You are!"
The sinister voice seemed to seep into her heart, "You shouldn't be alive. As long as you live, your mother, Uncle Gu, and Mo Gege will all die..."
"The more you tell them, the faster they will die."
"They will die by your hand..."
Yu'er curled up, her tears wetting the blanket, and she whispered,
"I don't want my mother to die, I don't want Mo Gege to die, I..."
...
Mo Hua was thinking about Yu'er's situation, his gaze heavy with concern. He couldn't help but mutter,
"Strange..."
"No evil spirit aura, no evil karma, no evil deity possession... Why is Yu'er still having nightmares? How can she even hear delusional voices?"
"Could it be that the evil deity is about to awaken?"
"Also, what did Yu'er mean by what she said?"
"What does 'the rabbit cried, one mountain, one river, one person' mean?"
"Blood will flow into the river, bones will be piled into tall buildings, and flesh will be used to build city walls..."
"Could these be some kind of omen?"
Mo Hua felt a sudden sense of urgency.
He only had a vague idea of the evil deity's plan, but he knew very little about the specifics of this plot.
It seemed that the evil deity's revival plan might be even more bloody, cruel, and grand than he had imagined.
To the extent that... everyone would die?
Mo Hua wanted to investigate further, but he had no leads.
He had erased the Blood Oath List, and the Foundation Establishment Cultivators under the evil deity had all been eliminated from the 'Divine Soul' level.
The only one left was the 'Young Master'.
But the Young Master remained hidden, not revealing any clues.
Mo Hua couldn't investigate the Golden Core Demon Cultivators.
There were no effective clues elsewhere, either...
No matter how he calculated, Mo Hua couldn't do anything. He could only calm down, focus on his cultivation, and continue practicing his sword skills...
A month passed, and Gu Changhuai's injuries had improved significantly.
As a Golden Core Cultivator, he had a strong foundation, and the Gu family was a prominent ancient family with an abundance of pills and spiritual materials. After a month of careful recuperation, his injuries were almost completely healed.
However, his Divine Perception was still deficient, and he occasionally felt dizzy and painful. His meridians also retained some residual pain, preventing him from using his full strength.
Normally, someone in his condition should be resting at home.
But Gu Changhuai was stubborn and a workaholic. As soon as he could move, he immediately returned to his position at the Dao Prefecture Office.
Mo Hua was worried.
The last time, Uncle Gu was lucky.
But what about the next time?
If there was another incident, he might not even survive...
How could a wounded Registrar at the Dao Prefecture Office, who was openly known, defend against ten or so hidden Golden Core Demon Cultivators?
But worrying was futile.
Time continued to pass.
Mo Hua's cultivation remained stagnant, and he continued to practice his Divine Mind Sword Technique.
The evil deity's plan was likely still being carried out in secret.
The Dao Prefecture Office was still suppressing the Demon Sect, Uncle Gu was still in the midst of the bloody storm, and Yu'er wasn't as happy as before...
Mo Hua felt that the situation was gradually slipping out of his control, and he was powerless to stop it.
Until one day, Cheng Mo gave him a command token.
(End of Chapter)
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