Chapter 948: Shen Shouhang
Chapter 948: Shen Shouhang
Malevolent Entity...
Mo Hua's gaze turned slightly chilling.
The aura of this malevolent entity was intense, chilling, and filled with despair, resembling the energy he had sensed in the evil embryo's dream omen.
However, unlike before, when he caught a whiff of this aura, Mo Hua didn't feel a 'hunger' in his divine soul. Instead, he felt a sense of nausea.
He could now tentatively conclude that beneath Solitary Mountain, there was definitely an evil embryo being nurtured.
But the method of nurturing this evil embryo might be different from all the others...
Mo Hua's expression gradually turned solemn.
Not only him, but Ash Sir, Rat, and Stone, the three tomb raiders, also shivered, exchanging glances with each other.
"Sir, this tomb has a strange aura..."
The short and stout man, whose muscular build had been silent throughout the journey, whispered to Ash Sir.
Ash Sir's eyebrows furrowed.
In all his years of tomb raiding, he had never encountered such an odd burial.
But recalling the 'client's' words about the tomb's origin and the identity of the tomb owner, he gradually understood.
The larger the tomb, the more unconventional the method required to acquire it.
"Let's go in." Ash Sir said.
"Okay."
Stone nodded; he was just voicing his doubts.
Thieves never left a tomb empty-handed, and with the tomb gate already open, he couldn't just turn back now.
"Younger brother," Ash Sir turned to look at Mo Hua, "lead the way."
Mo Hua's face paled, and he hesitated, "This place is so eerie, I... I'm a bit scared. Can I not go in?"
Ash Sir's gaze turned cold as he stared at Mo Hua.
Mo Hua sighed in resignation, "Alright..."
He stepped forward and entered the tomb gate, with Ash Sir closely following behind, walking beside Mo Hua.
Stone and Rat caught up.
Finally, the four black-robed cultivators exchanged glances, their eyes deep and mysterious in the shadows, each with their own thoughts. Then, they filed into the pitch-black tomb gate.
...
Inside the tomb gate, darkness enveloped them.
This was a denser darkness.
Mo Hua narrowed his eyes, and after a moment, he adjusted to the darkness.
But within the darkness, there was nothing particularly special, just the same endless passageway and profound, enclosed darkness as outside.
These passageways also branched out in all directions.
Ash Sir watched Mo Hua and spoke softly, "Younger brother, show us the way."
Mo Hua imitated Mr. Pi, holding the compass in one hand and pretending to press hand seals with the other. Simultaneously, he infused his divine perception, sensing the flow of the earth array's power, and guided the group.
This was originally Mr. Pi's job.
But Mr. Pi was right; among the group, there couldn't be two array masters.
Now that Mr. Pi was dead, Mo Hua, proficient in formation arts, naturally had to take his place and guide the group.
Thus, Mo Hua walked ahead, deciphering the formation principles, identifying directions, and leading the group forward.
But after walking for a long time, the surroundings were still the endless passageways, stretching out of sight.
Mo Hua frowned, inwardly exclaiming, "This tomb is indeed massive!"
Could Solitary Mountain have buried an extraordinary cultivator? But upon further thought, it seemed unlikely.
Solitary Mountain was just a third-rank state, a remote and impoverished city. How could an exceptional cultivator be buried in such a place...
But after pondering, Mo Hua still felt something was amiss.
It was the same issue; the burial here was too grand for an ordinary cultivator.
Moreover, if Solitary Mountain's burials were truly insignificant, why would these tomb raiders and black-robed cultivators come to this tomb? Together, they totaled seven Golden Core cultivators!
Golden Core cultivation was no easy feat; in small families and sects of lower-rank states, Golden Core cultivators could be revered as ancestors."
Seven Golden Core cultivators were a formidable force wherever they went.
Mo Hua's doubts grew.
Moreover, he couldn't quite grasp the group's intentions.
Pi Er, Rat, and Stone were tomb raiders, and although they might have ulterior motives, they were here for the tomb.
But the four black-robed cultivators might not be so simple.
The black-robed youth wasn't just young-looking; he was genuinely young.
Despite his age, he had already achieved the Golden Core realm. His cultivation talent, resources, and heritage were all exceptional.
The other three, shrouded in black robes, restrained their auras.
Mo Hua hadn't noticed it at first, but as they walked, an intangible pressure emanated from them, carrying a subtle killing intent.
Mo Hua could conclude that these three black-robed cultivators were definitely not ordinary Golden Core cultivators, and their cultivation was likely beyond the early stages.
"Who exactly are these people?"
Mo Hua frowned.
As he held the compass, studied the formations, and discerned directions, he pondered, trying to understand their origins.
But after a moment's thought, he still had no clues.
The four black-robed figures were tightly wrapped, making it hard to discern anything. The only one whose face was visible was the young master, whom Mo Hua didn't recognize.
"How about... doing a calculation?"
"Let's see who they really are."
Mo Hua pondered for a moment, but his curiosity got the better of him. He reached into his treasure ring and took out a coin, rubbing his thumb over it as he performed a divination calculation.
However, he didn't dare calculate too much. He only lightly touched the coin and barely scratched the surface of the calculation before stopping immediately.
They were in a tomb passageway, surrounded by Golden Core cultivators.
Being watched by others, he dared not make any big moves, or he would easily be noticed.
Moreover, he didn't dare calculate too deeply. The longer he studied the laws of heaven's secrets, the clearer Mo Hua understood the profound and mysterious ways of cause and effect.
The more you calculate, the more you know, and the more traces you leave behind. The probability of others discovering your calculations increases, and the more secrets they can glimpse.
Many things are interconnected.
As you peer into the secrets of cause and effect, they also peer back at you...
So now, when faced with truly significant matters, Mo Hua didn't dare to freely calculate. He feared that behind these major events, there might be powerful forces at play, and if he were to recklessly calculate, he might get caught by these forces.
In fact, Mo Hua always had a feeling that he had already been caught, unknowingly, by these powerful entities, but because he was too insignificant, he hadn't been held accountable.
Therefore, for these four black-robed cultivators, Mo Hua only dared to calculate a tiny bit of cause and effect.
But even this small calculation startled Mo Hua.
As he rubbed the patterns on the coin, a strong sense of familiarity surged within him. The interconnectedness of cause and effect seemed to suggest that these four black-robed cultivators had some connection to him.
In a certain sense, they could all be considered "acquaintances."
Mo Hua became more confused.
"How is this possible... What kind of cause and effect could I have with them?"
Setting aside the other three for now, at least the black-robed young master was someone Mo Hua could confirm he had never met before.
Even the aura he carried was completely unfamiliar.
It was so unfamiliar that Mo Hua was almost certain he wasn't from Qianxue Prefecture, but rather an outsider.
Mo Hua's brows furrowed even more.
"When the opportunity arises, I'll find out who you really are..." Mo Hua thought to himself.
For now, it was best to remain still and observe.
This Solitary Mountain tomb was too mysterious, and no one knew what dangers it held. With just himself, he was unlikely to reach the deepest part.
Ash Sir and the other two were experienced tomb raiders.
The four black-robed cultivators were powerful, their abilities unfathomable.
It was best for Mo Hua to follow them and observe.
No matter what dangers lay within the tomb, these seven Golden Core cultivators would be the first to face them, and if they were to die, it would be them first.
As long as Mo Hua stayed far enough away, he wouldn't be splattered by their blood.
And as the only array master among them, they wouldn't "kill the donkey after it finished grinding the grain" unless it was absolutely necessary.
After considering this, Mo Hua nodded slightly. From then on, he stopped thinking and focused solely on guiding the way.
They walked forward for a while longer, avoiding some tomb mechanisms, and soon encountered another gate.
The gate was covered in intricate array patterns, even more complex than the ones outside.
Mo Hua hadn't noticed it before, but ever since he saw the Seven Soul Blood Prison with its bullhead and horseface guardians, he felt that this gate was more like a prison door.
The entire passageway seemed like a corridor in a Dao prison.
They were not only in a tomb but also within a "Dao prison."
Mo Hua shook his head and began to decipher the array.
When it came to breaking arrays, he was far superior to Mr. Pi, both in speed and skill. He didn't even need to use array paper as a draft; he could calculate everything in his mind.
But to maintain a low profile, he took out the bronze brush and array paper and imitated Mr. Pi's style, carefully deducing the array's life and death patterns on the paper.
Occasionally, he made mistakes and had to erase and redraw.
After a while, he scratched his head, put down the brush, and looked troubled, as if he had wracked his brains but still couldn't find the solution.
Seeing Mo Hua's unreliable appearance, Ash Sir and the others were worried. They feared he wouldn't be able to calculate the solution and open the gate, delaying their tomb raiding.
So, despite Mo Hua's constant erasing and redrawing, no one dared to interrupt his train of thought.
Ash Sir and the other two held their breath and focused, while the four black-robed cultivators remained silent.
After an unknown amount of time, Mo Hua's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed excitedly, "I've solved it!"
Ash Sir and the others breathed a sigh of relief.
Mo Hua held the bronze brush and carefully drew the array patterns he had calculated with great effort onto the gate.
The patterns lit up one by one, and the sealing patterns broke.
With a creak, the rusty gate finally opened.
Ash Sir was slightly surprised. He turned and looked deeply at Mo Hua, thinking, "This kid looks unreliable, but I didn't expect his array comprehension to be so high. He learned Mr. Pi's array techniques in just one try..."
"Since Mr. Pi is dead, why don't we... keep this kid?"
"We can change his appearance and give him a new nickname. He can be our tomb raider and solve arrays for us."
"But he might not be willing..."
Ash Sir looked at Mo Hua and immediately had an idea:
"He seems like a novice. After we leave, we can find him some prostitutes to pop his cherry."
"Young man, once you've tasted the freedom of indulgence, there's no turning back. When you've truly savored the marrow, you'll willingly risk your life for me."
"If he doesn't know how to appreciate the favor, lock him up and beat him like a dog. Starve him for a few days..."
"With this combination of kindness and severity, he won't dare refuse."
"In these times, array masters are all talents, and this kid, unlike Mr. Pi, is a genius array master who can control life and death with his own hands..."
Ash Sir's heart warmed, and a cold light flashed in his eyes.
Mo Hua felt a chill down his spine, but he pretended to know nothing. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and breathed a sigh of relief.
"The gate is open, we can move forward."
"Good, thank you, young brother."
Ash Sir's tone was much gentler.
After that, Mo Hua held the compass and led the way, with everyone surrounding him as they ventured deeper into the graveyard.
...
On a barren ridge of the Solitary Mountain, Fan Jin and Master Gu's faces were as calm as still water.
At the Dao Administration of the Solitary Mountain, the Shen family, and the forge guild were clearing the gravel around the area.
Beneath the gravel, a layer of crimson water was hidden, and it had already seeped into the earth.
On the ground, there were scattered limbs.
These cultivators had met a tragic end.
After a thorough cleanup of the scene, the Dao Administration clerk approached and bowed, "Reporting to the Registrar, all the deceased are from the Shen family, including two Golden Core Cultivators and several Foundation Establishment Cultivators. However, the young master named Mo, as well as Young Master Shen Qing, are still missing..."
Fan Jin and Master Gu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but the worry on their faces did not dissipate.
Mo Hua and Shen Qingsheng were still unaccounted for.
The perpetrators of this crime were also nowhere to be found.
What was even more terrifying was that these perpetrators had the power to kill two Golden Core Cultivators from the Shen family, indicating that they possessed strength beyond the Golden Core stage.
This was not a matter that the Dao Administration of the Solitary Mountain could handle.
In the face of such powerful criminals, Mo Hua and Shen Qingsheng would have no chance of escape, and it was highly likely that they had been captured.
If they couldn't be rescued, the consequences would be dire.
In Master Gu's heart, Shen Qingsheng's life or death didn't matter. The main concern was Mo Hua, the forge guild's benefactor, who must not come to harm.
In Fan Jin's eyes, Mo Hua, a high-ranking disciple of the Void Gate Sect, and Shen Qingsheng, a direct descendant of the Shen family, were both important. If anything happened to either of them, it would cause significant trouble for Fan Jin as the Registrar.
At this point, it was uncertain if he could even continue in his position.
"Do you know where the perpetrators went?" Fan Jin asked.
"We found a mine nearby, and there are traces of an array formation near the entrance," the clerk replied.
"Quickly!" Fan Jin urged, "Take me there."
The clerk led Fan Jin and Master Gu to the mine, where they indeed found a corner with some chaotic footprints and traces of an array formation.
"Can you break it?" Fan Jin asked.
"No," the clerk answered, "The Shen family's array master has already examined it. The passage is narrow, and the stone walls are fragile. If we break the formation, the walls will collapse, blocking the entire entrance. Those inside won't be able to get out, and those outside won't be able to get in."
Fan Jin frowned and muttered under his breath, "Damn it..." Then, he asked, "What about the mine? Where does it lead?"
"The mine entrance is also blocked."
"Then let's find a mine map to see if there's a way to reach the underground."
The clerk's expression turned bitter. "The mine map in the vicinity... it's not accessible to outsiders."
Fan Jin hesitated, his brows furrowing even more.
Master Gu stared at the mine for a moment, then surveyed the nearby mountain terrain. His pupils shook slightly as he said, "Let's go to the Shen family and see if we can obtain the mine map."
After a moment of contemplation, Fan Jin sighed, "Alright, let's go."
As they were about to set off, a commotion arose in the distance. A large group of people approached, led by a man with an ordinary appearance but a stern and dignified demeanor. It was Shen Shouhang, the late-stage Golden Core Cultivator and powerful elder of the Shen family.
"Shen Shouhang..."
Fan Jin and Master Gu exchanged glances, their expressions growing even more solemn.
Although Shen Shouhang had not reached the Ascended True Man realm, he held significant influence within the Shen family due to his numerous contributions.
The Solitary Mountain area was under his management.
And now, his son had gone missing on the Solitary Mountain and might have even been murdered.
Shen Shouhang had to take charge personally.
But his involvement meant that the matter had escalated, and without a resolution, it was unclear how to proceed.
However, with the trouble at hand, there was no escaping it.
Fan Jin forced a smile and greeted, "Elder Shen."
"Registrar Fan," Shen Shouhang's voice was cold, but he was clearly suppressing his anger. "What exactly happened?"
Fan Jin could only explain, "A group of tomb raiders appeared on the Solitary Mountain. While they were digging, they were likely discovered by Young Master Shen Qing, leading to a conflict. These tomb raiders are powerful, and they killed all of Young Master Shen Qing's guards. It's highly possible that they've captured Young Master Shen Qing, and now... his whereabouts are unknown..."
As Fan Jin finished speaking, he noticed the change in Shen Shouhang's expression. "You're saying... tomb raiders?"
“
“Yes…”
At first, Fan Jin didn’t think much of it, but after a moment’s contemplation, he felt a chill run down his spine.
He realized he might have stumbled into a massive pit. The matter he didn’t want to get involved in had, without his notice, found him.
However, Fan Jin maintained his composure, showing no signs of unease.
Shen Shouhang’s attention wasn’t on Fan Jin. After a moment of thought, he said firmly:
“Have everyone withdraw. This matter will be investigated by the Shen Family.”
Fan Jin breathed a sigh of relief.
But Master Gu, standing nearby, said, “Elder Shen, my Gu Family also has someone to save.”
“Gu Family?” Shen Shouhang frowned. “Who?”
“Mo Hua,” Master Gu said.
Shen Shouhang’s pupils constricted. As an elder with real power in the Shen Family, he couldn’t possibly not know the identity and significance of “Mo Hua.”
“I understand…” Shen Shouhang said, “Mo Gongzi is of noble status. The Shen Family will rescue him. Master Gu, you need not worry.”
“How does Elder Shen plan to save him?” Master Gu asked.
Shen Shouhang replied, “Since they are tomb raiders, they will inevitably dig into the mountains. Once they dig, they will naturally reach the mine shafts. The Shen Family has the mine map. Following the map, we will surely encounter these bandits.”
Master Gu said, “If so, one more person means more strength. I will accompany Elder Shen into the mine shaft.”
Shen Shouhang’s expression darkened.
He had already given the Gu Family enough face by speaking these few extra words to the initial-stage Golden Core Master Gu, who was on the periphery of the Gu Family.
Mostly, it was because of Mo Hua’s special status that he gave them this much consideration.
But if he wanted to enter the Shen Family’s mine, it was a delusion.
“No,” Shen Shouhang said resolutely, “This is the Shen Family’s mine. Outsiders are not allowed to enter.”
Master Gu’s heart sank.
He suddenly realized that Mo Hua’s previous suspicions might be correct. There was likely something fishy going on in the Shen Family’s mine shafts.
“Mo Gongzi has done a great favor for my Gu Family. Now that he is missing, I must find out what happened.”
Even as an initial-stage Golden Core cultivator, Master Gu stood firm, unwavering before the high-ranking elder of the Shen Family.
Shen Shouhang sneered, mocking, “This is a matter of the Shen Family. Your Gu Family has no right to interfere.”
Master Gu’s brow furrowed.
At that moment, another voice sounded, “What if the Void Gate Sect is involved?”
Shen Shouhang’s expression changed, and he turned to see a cultivator with sword-like eyes and an imposing demeanor standing nearby, seemingly having arrived at some point.
“Elder of the Void Gate Sect’s Sword Dao, Xun Ziyou.”
Xun Ziyou’s expression was calm, his gaze sharp.
Shen Shouhang’s expression also became more serious.
The Gu Family was still manageable; as a quasi-fifth-stage family, Master Gu was only from a side branch and had little influence.
But the elder from the Void Gate Sect was a different story altogether.
Moreover, Mo Hua was the Array Dao Supreme of the Void Gate Sect, whose importance to the sect was self-evident.
If he went missing, the Void Gate Sect would definitely demand an explanation.
Shen Shouhang frowned and asked, “Elder Xun, what do you intend to do?”
Xun Ziyou slowly said, “I will accompany you into the mine to rescue my disciple from the Void Gate Sect.”
Following the Ancestor’s instructions, he was supposed to protect Mo Hua in secret.
Previously, Mo Hua’s qi mechanism on the jade pendant, which was paired with the Void Illusion Dual-Gear Lock, had been safe, so Xun Ziyou hadn’t interfered.
But now, Mo Hua had gone down, and no one knew where he was. Xun Ziyou was growing anxious.
Though there were no immediate signs of danger on the jade pendant,
If Mo Hua were to encounter a crisis, and Xun Ziyou was too far away to help, the consequences would be dire.
Therefore, he needed to be closer to Mo Hua for peace of mind.
Shen Shouhang’s expression was cold.
Xun Ziyou’s request was reasonable.
But the Shen Family’s mine could not be entered by any outsider…
Shen Shouhang shook his head and coldly refused, “I regret that I cannot comply with Elder Xun’s request.”
Xun Ziyou was somewhat surprised, and his expression turned grim.
The atmosphere became tense.
Master Gu knew that continuing this stalemate was not a solution, so he clasped his hands and said, “Elder Shen, your son was also taken. If we delay any further, it might be too late…”
Shen Shouhang’s brow twitched.
Indeed, Qingsheng was inside.
But even so, the secrets in the mine could not be exposed to outsiders, even if Qingsheng died inside. The Shen Family’s secrets must remain hidden…
Shen Shouhang’s gaze was resolute.
But in an instant, his eyes dimmed, as if something precious had been torn from his heart, leaving him dispirited.
A strange voice echoed in his ear:
“You only have this one son in your lifetime.”
“If this son dies, your lineage will end…”
Shen Shouhang’s body trembled, his face pale, his heart feeling as if it were being cut by a knife. He murmured softly, “Yes, I only have this one son…”
The unnoticed gray in his eyes gradually faded, and he looked up, nodding. “Alright, we will go down together.”
(End of Chapter)
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