Chapter 923: Loyalty
Chapter 923: Loyalty
Mo Hua was somewhat incredulous and puzzled.
Why would a Demon Sect cultivator who practiced blood-sucking techniques possess such an ultimate array formation that contained profound Spirit Energy principles and changes?
How did they obtain this Second Rank, Twentieth Rank Reverse Spirit Array?
Did they kill and rob someone for it?
Did they directly inherit it from their Demon Sect's legacy?
Or, did someone intentionally hide it within?
Did they truly understand the significance of this array formation?
Mo Hua flipped through the Demon Sect's Merit Vault and found the following annotation regarding the Reverse Spirit Array:
"Second Rank, Twentieth Rank, an unusual array diagram, containing a certain amount of Spirit Energy principle power, extremely difficult to comprehend, with unknown effects and purposes. Demon Merit Points required: 3000..."
Extremely difficult to comprehend, with unknown effects and purposes...
Mo Hua pondered in his heart.
This meant that these Demon Cultivators had no idea what the Reverse Spirit Array was, what its purpose was, and no one could learn it.
Moreover, it only required 3000 Demon Merit Points.
This number was not insignificant in the Demon Sect's Merit Vault, but compared to the extremely rare Reverse Spirit Array, it was nothing.
Any ultimate array was priceless.
With the right opportunity, one might come across it, but without it, no amount of Spirit Stones could buy it.
The price of 3000 points was an insult to this array formation.
"These Demon Cultivators truly have eyes but no appreciation for treasures..."
Mo Hua muttered to himself, feeling that the Demon Sect was truly wasteful, leaving such a good thing to gather dust in their storage.
However, upon closer thought, it seemed reasonable.
The cultivators within the Demon Sect practiced bloody and demonic cultivation techniques, and few of them specialized in array formations. It was likely that none of them could understand this Reverse Spirit Array.
In their eyes, this array might just be an unusual, complex, and incomprehensible array formation with unknown uses.
Even if they could understand it and learn it, it would be of no use.
Without a solid foundation in array formations, not being proficient in Divine Perception calculations, and unable to deduce the array's Spirit Energy traces, it was impossible to apply the Reverse Spirit Array precisely, leading to the array's collapse and the Spirit Energy 'disintegration,' resulting in devastating lethality.
The Reverse Spirit Array was profound and abstruse, making its application extremely challenging.
Mo Hua caressed the Guest Scholar Token, looking at the three words 'Reverse Spirit Array' on it, his heart beating faster.
The Reverse Spirit Array in the hands of others might just be a difficult and useless array.
But in his hands, it was an entirely different story.
As long as he had the Reverse Spirit Array, given any grand array, he could even cause the destruction of a Dao Heresy.
Of course, disintegrating a grand array was too extravagant.
He didn't know if he would have such an opportunity in this lifetime.
Even if he couldn't disintegrate a grand array, this Reverse Spirit Array was still incredibly powerful.
With his current mastery of array formations, if he obtained the Reverse Spirit Array diagram and learned the Second Rank Reverse Spirit Array technique, with proper planning and preparation, it was entirely possible for him to 'disintegrate and kill' a Golden Core cultivator with his Foundation Establishment cultivation.
This was truly killing an enemy across a significant cultivation realm! Although, strictly speaking, it wasn't entirely reliant on his own cultivation.
But Dao knowledge itself represented power, and a powerful array formation also implied formidable combat strength.
"I must get my hands on this Reverse Spirit Array!"
"The Four Symbols Azure Dragon Array is good, but we don't know where it's hidden right now. On the other hand, the fat on the chopping block in front of us must be firmly grasped."
The fact that he could see this Reverse Spirit Array diagram meant that he had this opportunity at this very moment.
Once missed, it would be a regretful mistake.
If he hesitated for a moment, and the Demon Sect relocated, was annihilated, its Merit Vault destroyed, its treasury confiscated by the Dao Prefecture Office, or some other changes occurred, and this array diagram fell into someone else's hands, it would be like finding a needle in a haystack to retrieve it.
With this opportunity, he must seize it firmly!
Mo Hua no longer hesitated and immediately began pondering how to obtain the Reverse Spirit Array diagram.
But after considering it for a moment, Mo Hua frowned again.
"It seems... it's not that easy to obtain..."
The Second Rank Reverse Spirit Array diagram was an item in the Demon Sect's Merit Vault, requiring Demon Merit Points for exchange.
Demon Merit Points were easy to come by; he had infiltrated the Primordial Magnetic Compound Array's lower levels, and theoretically, the number of Demon Merit Points could be modified through magnetic pattern tampering.
However, the issue was, with the Demon Merit Points, how could he exchange for it?
And after the exchange, how could he get it into his hands? Mo Hua was relatively familiar with the Demon Sect and knew that following the standard procedure, he would first need a clear, 'living,' and verifiable Demon Sect cultivator identity. He would then use 3000 Demon Merit Points to exchange for this Reverse Spirit Array diagram.
After exchanging the array diagram, this Demon Sect cultivator would have to personally go to a place similar to the 'Merit Pavilion' within the Demon Sect and retrieve the array diagram.
Then, he would have to deliver this array diagram to himself.
This entire process involved both Primordial Magnetic and real-world operations.
In the Primordial Magnetic aspect, he could create a non-existent Demon Sect disciple by forging 'Sequence Magnetic Patterns' and have them exchange the array diagram for him.
But in the real world, he couldn't create a real 'person' to go into the Demon Sect and retrieve the Reverse Spirit Array diagram for him.
Moreover, he didn't know where the Demon Sect's headquarters was, and even if he could create such a 'person,' he wouldn't know where to go to retrieve his Reverse Spirit Array diagram.
"A bit troublesome..."
Mo Hua couldn't help but lie down, resting his head on his arms and staring blankly at the ceiling.
After pondering for a moment, he muttered,
"If I really knew 'Dao Mind Demonization,' I could ask Uncle Gu to capture a Demon Sect disciple, and I'd use Dao Mind Demonization on him, making him go to the Demon Sect to pick up my 'delivery'..."
Of course, these were just thoughts.
True Dao Mind Demonization was a demonic method that involved using demonic thoughts to divide and plant demonic intentions, controlling others.
Those who were controlled would become 'puppets' of demonic thoughts, and their Divine Mind would be infected. Given time, they would undoubtedly die.
He would never use such a sinister method.
"However, this is a direction... if I can't use Dao Mind Demonization to 'control,' then I'll use Primordial Magnetic information to 'guide'?"
Mo Hua cultivated the Divine Mind Dao and deeply understood that people's cognition was easily 'guided,' and their Dao Mind was always fluctuating.
Especially when there were cognitive barriers or information gaps.
"Using Primordial Magnetic communication to guide cognition, 'deceiving' a Demon Sect disciple to act according to my thoughts..."
In a sense, this was also a form of 'control.'
Mo Hua's eyes lit up, and an idea gradually formed in his mind.
Afterward, Mo Hua spent some time devising a plan.
are the challenges to overcome, especially regarding Lightning Magnetic Array Formation?
His current Lightning Magnetic Array Formation skills still had many shortcomings, and he was unclear about many of the intricacies of Lightning Magnetic techniques.
Mo Hua took the opportunity to have tea with Elder Zheng again, seeking advice on his insights into the Lightning-Magnetic Array Technique.
After returning to the Great Void Sect, Mo Hua continued his research and personally practiced several times to ensure his ideas were sound and his Lightning-Magnetic skills were proficient. Only then did he finally feel relieved.
Several days later, with everything in place, Mo Hua began his plan.
He first selected a candidate.
This "candidate" was crucial to the plan and would be responsible for helping him exchange the Reverse Soul Array and bringing it out of the Demon Sect to deliver it to Mo Hua.
The candidate's status couldn't be too high; they couldn't be a Golden Core or higher-ranked Elder.
Mo Hua wasn't capable of "controlling" such figures yet.
Failure would result in a more severe backlash.
However, the candidate's status also couldn't be too low; ideally, someone below the rank of Elder, preferably an elite Power Transmission disciple.
Mo Hua "monitored" the conversations among the Demon Sect disciples, and after several days of screening, he finally found a suitable candidate: Li San.
This name was ordinary.
Li San was at the Foundation Establishment Apex, and his real name was unknown, but it was known that his surname was Li, and he was the third in line among those who shared the Blood Cultivation Technique, hence the name "Li San."
Li San had a long history in the Demon Sect and was quite powerful. Once he reached the Golden Core stage, he would be eligible for promotion to an "Elder."
And he was only one step away from achieving the Golden Core.
Having spent a long time in the Demon Sect, he must have accumulated a significant amount of Demon Merit Points. Exchanging them for the Reverse Soul Array, worth 3,000 points, shouldn't be a problem.
After the exchange, it would also be less likely to arouse suspicion.
Most importantly, Li San was greedy.
Every Demon Sect cultivator was greedy, and Li San was especially so.
Greed was the most exploitable human trait.
Mo Hua, under the guise of Elder You, sent Li San a message:
"Do you want to become an Elder?"
All Demon Sect disciples yearned to become Elders, and this desire was even stronger than in the orthodox sects.
The Blood Cultivation Technique they practiced followed a "Power Transmission System."
The Elders who transmitted power would absorb the blood of their disciples, who would then go and absorb the blood of ordinary disciples, who, in turn, would go out and absorb the blood of innocent cultivators.
All disciples were exploited by the Elders.
Becoming an "Elder" meant gaining a certain degree of autonomy, no longer having to offer tribute, and having the privilege of "Power Transmission."
The Demon Sect had no taboos, and compared to ordinary sects, the power of an "Elder" was greater, allowing them to act more recklessly.
Therefore, no disciple didn't want to become an Elder.
But this position of Elder wasn't something they could achieve just by wanting it.
The oppression within the Demon Sect was more direct, and the hierarchy was clearer. Each Elder had their own territory, and for a disciple to climb up, they needed the recognition of the other Elders.
Furthermore, due to the limitations of the Blood Cultivation Technique, which involved layers of exploitation, without the permission of an "Elder"-level demon cultivator and without the extra reward of a Golden Core demon cultivator's essence blood, it was simply wishful thinking for these Foundation Establishment disciples to break through to the Golden Core stage.
Thus, the title of "Elder" held immense temptation.
In an unknown outpost of the Demon Sect.
Li San, with his slender build, pale complexion, and fierce gaze, received Mo Hua's message and instantly trembled with excitement.
His entire being was filled with joy.
The opportunity and possibility hinted at in those words stirred his long-awaited heart, making it restless.
However, at the same time, he couldn't help but feel perplexed:
Why?
"Why did Elder You send this message to me? What does he mean? Is he trying to... recommend me as an Elder?"
"Could there be such a lucky break?"
Li San, who had been in the Demon Sect for many years, was inherently greedy, but he still maintained a sense of alertness.
"Elder You, I'm foolish, but I don't understand what you mean by this message?"
Li San pretended to be obedient.
But the message, like a stone dropped into the ocean, received no response.
Li San's heart was filled with apprehension, unsure of Elder You's intentions.
Was he angry? Did he have something urgent to attend to and no time to reply? Or was he dissatisfied with my response and didn't bother to respond?
Li San began to speculate on Mo Hua's intentions.
But the more he tried to guess, the more confused he became.
He had no idea what the "Elder You" on the other side was thinking.
He didn't dare to ask in person.
Yet, he couldn't bear to let it go.
What if this message was genuine... What if Elder You really wanted to "promote" him and make him an Elder?
If he held back and didn't show enough sincerity, it might cause Elder You to give up on him, and he would lose this "advancement" opportunity.
At this thought, Li San couldn't help but feel regret.
His attitude towards this matter gradually shifted from being alert to the idea of "how could there be such a lucky break" to feeling remorse over "how did I let this opportunity slip through my fingers?"
Just then, his token vibrated.
Li San's heart raced with excitement, and he quickly looked down, only to feel as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.
"Idiot, forget it."
These four simple words from "Elder You" made Li San's face go pale.
He was now certain that Elder You had initially wanted to give him a chance to help him rise to a higher position.
But his hesitation had disappointed Elder You.
That was why Elder You called him an "idiot" and said, "Forget it."
The opportunity was gone...
Li San's heart burned with anxiety, and his hands trembled as he quickly sent a message:
"Elder, you are magnanimous!"
"It was my stupidity and ignorance, please give me another chance. I'll do anything you ask, even if it means jumping into a boiling pot or risking my life! Please, give me another chance!"
Li San's sincerity was evident, but there was no response from the other side.
Opportunities were fleeting, and sometimes a single word or response could change one's life, but he had hesitated for a moment, and his attempt at being clever had caused him to miss out.
Li San's regret was consuming him.
Yet, he refused to give up.
"Elder, please, give me one more chance!"
"Elder, I'm willing to do anything!"
"Elder, I'm loyal to you, with no other intentions!"
"Elder, please believe me, I'm absolutely loyal to you!"
From then on, every morning, noon, and night, he would send messages to "Mo Hua" to demonstrate his "loyalty."
After three days of effort, he finally received a response from "Elder You":
"Hmm."
Li San's heart was filled with joy, but at the same time, he felt a bit perplexed.
What did this "Hmm" mean?
Did Elder You understand his loyalty, forgive his stupidity, or was he willing to give him another chance?
Li San pondered Mo Hua's "true intentions."
But what he didn't know was that Mo Hua was merely replying casually while nibbling on a chicken leg, and there was no special meaning behind it.
And so, with that single "hm," he spent the entire day in trepidation.
That night, just as Li San was pondering the "divine will" and feeling anxious, he finally received another message from Elder You.
"Have you thought it over?"
Thought it over?
Li San was taken aback, and then he suddenly recalled Elder You's initial question:
"Do you want to become an Elder?"
This time, without the slightest hesitation, he replied, "Yes!"
Mo Hua asked, "Do you understand what I mean?"
Li San hesitated for a moment, feeling a bit unsure. But based on their previous interactions, he surmised that Elder You probably admired those who were bold, ruthless, determined, and ambitious.
Most importantly, one must be ambitious.
Li San replied, "Elder, are you planning to... nominate me as the new Elder of the Demon Sect?"
Mo Hua countered, "Why would I do that?"
Li San was left bewildered by the question.
After a moment, he understood. In this world, no one would offer favors without a reason, let alone someone of Elder You's status.
If he was willing to promote Li San, then Li San must also provide corresponding value.
Li San's heart hardened, and he gritted his teeth, saying, "From this day forward, I vow to become your most loyal 'Loyal Hound,' obeying your every command. If one day, I receive your grace and become an Elder, I will also look to you as my leader and never harbor any disloyal thoughts for the rest of my life!"
Elder You seemed somewhat satisfied, and after a while, he spoke,
"Now, go and do something for me."
Li San immediately replied, "Yes."
Mo Hua asked him, "Do you understand what I'm asking of you?"
Li San pondered for a moment, then said, "I understand, this is a test from Elder You to me. Only by passing this test can I be worthy of serving you."
Mo Hua paused for a moment, then nodded and said, "Well said."
"Please give me your command, Elder You."
Mo Hua sent Li San a person's name, "Kill this person."
Li San looked at it and was instantly stunned.
"Elder You, this..."
"What? Are you afraid?"
"No, it's just..." Li San hesitated, "This person is a fellow disciple who received power transmission from our Demon Sect, and we have a close relationship. He has dedicated himself to our sect and has made significant contributions..."
"If you don't want to kill him, then forget it," Mo Hua said indifferently.
Li San's heart tightened, and he immediately sensed Elder You's dissatisfaction. He understood the situation.
Elder You demanded absolute "loyalty."
His command was everything, and whoever he wanted dead, Li San had to carry out the order without question or reason.
Only then could he demonstrate his loyalty.
Only then would Elder You truly trust him and promote him to the position of Elder.
Without a ruthless heart, if he couldn't even kill a fellow cultivator on the same path, how could he become Elder You's right-hand man in the future?
Moreover, where did the Demon Sect have any "fellow cultivators"? When it came to conflicts of interest, anyone could be killed as long as you had the ability to do so.
Li San said, "Elder You, please rest assured. I will follow your command and kill this person."
"Follow my command?"
"No, I want to kill him, and it has nothing to do with Elder You!" Li San asserted.
Mo Hua nodded slightly and said, "Don't force yourself."
Li San replied, "I've been longing for this task, and there's not a hint of reluctance."
Mo Hua was very pleased. "I'll await your results."
"I will not disappoint Elder You!"
Then Li San set out to kill.
The person he killed was a fellow disciple in the late Foundation Establishment stage who had received power transmission.
This person had a close relationship with Li San. They had killed together, sucked blood together, and even shared a blood slave. But in the face of future prospects and the position of Elder, none of that mattered.
Li San was at the Foundation Establishment Apex, while this disciple was only at the late Foundation Establishment stage. With a calculated mind, Li San took advantage of the other's momentary distraction during an outing and killed him. He drained the disciple's blood, and then threw his physical body into the mountains to feed the demonic beasts.
After completing this task, Li San returned to the sect and sent a message to Elder You, "I have successfully carried out your command, and the person is dead."
Elder You was relieved and said, "Very good, this is your reward."
"Reward?"
Li San was taken aback, and then he noticed that the Demon Merit Points in his Demon Sect Token were rapidly increasing. In a short while, they had increased by a full two thousand points.
Li San took a sharp breath.
Two thousand points!
For a Foundation Establishment stage disciple of the Demon Sect, this was undoubtedly a huge sum.
It was enough for him to exchange for one hundred Blood Lotus Fruits.
He could even exchange it for twenty fruits for a decade's worth of cultivation! And he had only killed a late-stage Foundation Establishment fellow disciple...
Li San was excited, but he didn't lose sight of the bigger picture due to a minor gain. Instead, he said,
"Elder, this is too precious. Serving you is my duty, and I feel unworthy of this merit."
"Take it," Mo Hua wrote, "This is a reward for your loyalty. The more loyal you are, the greater this reward will be."
Li San was filled with gratitude, and his respect for Elder You in his heart was like a surging river, impossible to contain.
"Yes!"
Mo Hua continued, "Remember, all communication between us must go through this Disciple Token. Outside, I don't know you, and I don't know who you are."
Li San's heart trembled at these words.
He understood!
Elder You was doing this to keep things secret. His plans were grand, and Li San was his "hidden hand." By following him, Li San's rise to prominence was just around the corner!
"Disciple will strictly follow the Elder's teachings and not reveal a word!" Li San said.
"Very good."
From then on, Elder You would occasionally ask Li San to kill a fellow disciple to "test" his loyalty.
Li San would occasionally kill a fellow disciple and receive a substantial merit reward, which made him increasingly "loyal" to Elder You.
During this time, Li San also encountered Elder You in person within the Demon Sect.
As they passed each other, Li San bowed respectfully.
However, Elder You acted as if Li San didn't exist and completely ignored him.
It was as if he didn't see Li San at all, and he didn't even spare him a glance.
Li San's gaze intensified, and he admired Elder You in his heart:
"Indeed, Elder You is worthy of respect. Pretending not to know me and showing no flaws, not even a single crack in his facade."
"With this, no one in the entire Demon Sect will know about our relationship..."
...
And so, after a few more tests of loyalty, when the time was right, Mo Hua finally revealed his true intentions.
He gave Li San an order, "Go to the Merit Vault and exchange this array for the location I mentioned last time..."
(End of Chapter)
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