Chapter 959: Planting the Demon (Thanks to the generous Q Chai for the Alliance Leader's reward!)
Chapter 959: Planting the Demon (Thanks to the generous Q Chai for the Alliance Leader's reward!)
"Him? To me? Planting the Demon in my Dao Heart?"
Such a situation was truly baffling, leaving Mo Hua momentarily at a loss for words, causing his expression to appear even more dazed.
Xuan Gongzi nodded slightly, his voice deep and carrying a hint of bewitchment:
"Do you remember?"
Mo Hua nodded sluggishly.
"Repeat it once more." Xuan Gongzi instructed.
Mo Hua said, "From now on, I am your master, and you are my servant."
"You will obey my every command."
"If I let you live, you shall live; if I let you die, you shall die..."
Upon hearing these words, Xuan Gongzi paused, a faint sense of annoyance arising within him.
You were asked to repeat, not to repeat it like that.
With your words, who is the master and who is the servant?
Xuan Gongzi furrowed his brows.
"Why is this happening? Has something gone wrong with the Planting the Demon? The other two are fine, with no unexpected occurrences..."
"Or is it because his Divine Perception is strong and he's clever, making him resistant to the Planting the Demon?"
Xuan Gongzi glanced at Mo Hua, thinking that his guess wasn't impossible. He then waved the Tri-World Amulet in front of Mo Hua, and repeated the words of the Planting the Demon."
After he finished, Mo Hua's eyes dimmed.
He seemed to be pondering, digesting, and learning.
A moment later, Mo Hua turned to Xuan Gongzi, his eyes deep and revealing a hint of eerie gray, and said word for word:
"These words are the Dao, transforming into a demon seed, planted in your heart, never to be lost or destroyed..."
Xuan Gongzi was slightly startled, and as his thoughts stirred, he felt something was amiss.
The next moment, Mo Hua spoke to him in a deep voice: "I will obey your every command..."
"I will obey your every command."
Xuan Gongzi's consciousness gradually returned, and he nodded, finally feeling relieved, his heart also settling down considerably:
"It's taken root."
"As expected, for a clever little demon like him, it needs to be planted twice to take effect."
Since he has been subjected to the Planting the Demon, he will surely obey my commands. I can make him live or die as I please.
This thought also lingered in Xuan Gongzi's mind.
"Follow me..."
Xuan Gongzi said to Mo Hua, then turned around and walked forward arrogantly.
Mo Hua's gaze was fixed as he followed behind, and at the same time, his mind couldn't help but be filled with heavy thoughts.
This Xuan Gongzi actually used the Planting the Demon on me? Why?
Does he have a connection with my master?
That's probably unlikely...
His level is nothing like someone who has received my master's inheritance.
Even if he had one-thousandth of my master's level, these few Golden Core cultivators would have likely killed each other by now.
If it's not my master's inheritance, then is it the orthodox Demon Sect's "Planting the Demon"? Mo Hua had previously done some research and knew that "Planting the Demon" was not my master's signature technique, but rather the ancient Demon Sect's, Illusionary Demon Sect's, supreme inheritance.
However, the Illusionary Demon Sect's "Planting the Demon", although cunning and treacherous, cruel and strange, terrifying and causing cultivators to change color at the mention of it, was actually not considered a truly top-tier inheritance.
But my master's "Planting the Demon" was completely different.
The "Planting the Demon" of the Deceptive Daoist, who was bestowed the title of "Daoist", was unique due to the deep transformation of Heavens' Secret Foresight.
Moreover, it seemed even stronger than the Illusionary Demon Sect's.
But no one was quite sure how much stronger it was.
Because those who fell victim to the Deceptive Daoist's "Planting the Demon" seemed to have all perished.
Back then, in the Ten Thousand Demons Hall in Lizhou City, Mo Hua remembered clearly that among so many Golden Core cultivators, including three Ascendant Realm demon cultivators, not a single one survived.
Especially in a crowd, when one was planted, the rest would die.
Mo Hua pondered for a moment.
Xuan Gongzi's Planting the Demon technique seemed to require the use of a certain type of evil artifact—the Tri-World Amulet in his hand, resembling three pieces of amber-colored jade plaques, to bewitch people's hearts.
Additionally, it required a certain "incantation" as a medium.
This incantation was somewhat lengthy, sometimes requiring two recitations, making it quite tedious.
But my master was different.
His Planting the Demon only required a glance, and at times, a single word, a thought, or even a name could become the seed of the Planting the Demon.
My master was truly formidable.
That's why I secretly learned it from him back then.
This Xuan Gongzi was far inferior.
However, speaking of which, my master's Divine Sense technique, still called "Planting the Demon", was probably derived from the Illusionary Demon Sect's Planting the Demon technique.
So, I won't be able to learn my master's "Planting the Demon" now.
In that case, I'll settle for the next best thing and start with this Xuan Gongzi, to further comprehend the basic usage of "Planting the Demon"?
"It seems possible, and moreover..."
Mo Hua glanced at the surroundings with his eyes, his thoughts stirring.
This temple, though seemingly magnificent, was sealed by the Ten Thousand Corpses Sealed Coffin, hidden deep within, undoubtedly containing great danger.
What lies ahead is still unknown.
As a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, following these Golden Core demon cultivators is indeed too risky.
Not to mention the Late Golden Core Demon Sect Overlord, the Late Golden Core Bear Demon Cultivator, or even the Late Golden Core Black Robed Elder in front of me, this "Xuan Gongzi", is not someone I can face head-on.
If I'm not careful and expose myself, it may lead to suspicion, or even bring about deadly consequences.
Since it's like this, it's better to give them some leverage and become their puppet, so they can feel at ease.
Mo Hua looked at Xuan Gongzi walking in front, his eyes revealing a hint of strangeness:
"With so many options, you dare to use the Planting the Demon on me..."
Xuan Gongzi, walking ahead, felt a slight tremor in his heart and suddenly turned around, but saw Mo Hua with dim eyes and a dazed expression, like a fool following behind him, with no abnormalities.
Xuan Gongzi furrowed his brows, feeling a bit puzzled.
But just as the doubt arose, the words Mo Hua had spoken to him and the incantation he had recited echoed in his heart.
Xuan Gongzi pondered for a moment, and his brows gradually relaxed.
"Using the Planting the Demon on a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, how could it be wrong? This kid has already become my 'plaything'..."
Xuan Gongzi nodded, turned around, and continued to lead Mo Hua.
The temple was grand and magnificent, with towering halls, numerous brass pillars, intricate corridors, and confusing directions.
The Xuan Gongzi seemed to know the way, directly passing through layers of golden palaces and reaching a main hall.
Inside the hall, figures moved about, including several Golden Core Demon Cultivators.
Even Gray Second Young Master and Stone were there.
However, these two had a vacant stare, appearing dazed and confused, obviously having been affected by the "Dao Heart Cultivation of Evil."
From their appearance, it seemed that they had also fallen under Xuan Gongzi's control.
"All gathered," Xuan Gongzi said.
The Black Robe Elder nodded slightly, then glanced at Mo Hua, "This young brother, have you also been planted with it?"
"Of course," Xuan Gongzi replied, then turned to Mo Hua, "I did this for his own good..."
"After being planted with the demon thoughts, they become puppets, dazed and confused. They won't be able to hear what we say, which might save their lives later. Otherwise, if they hear even a word of the secrets within this temple, they will surely die."
"Moreover, this kid seems pure and innocent, but he's actually quite cunning. I wouldn't feel at ease if I didn't plant the demon in him."
"That's good too," the Black Robe Elder nodded, then looked at Xuan Gongzi, "You seem to hold this kid in high regard?"
Xuan Gongzi smiled, "I need someone to pour tea and fetch water, a good-looking servant, and this kid is just right."
The Black Robe Ancestor said no more.
Xuan Gongzi turned to look at Shen Qing Sheng, who was in the hands of the Black Robe Elder, and asked, "What about this Shen family's kid? Are you taking him too?"
The Black Robe Elder nodded, "The Shen family won't let this go. Keeping him as a bargaining chip is necessary."
"That's right," Xuan Gongzi nodded.
"It's getting late, let's go."
"Mhm," Xuan Gongzi nodded, then his expression turned solemn, and he said with a smile, "After going through countless difficulties and dangers, we've finally reached this point. I hope the Second Elder and the Third Prince won't let me down."
The Black Robe Elder didn't respond and took the lead, walking ahead.
The Demon Sect Overlord followed him, heading deeper into the temple.
Xuan Gongzi, along with Mo Hua, Gray Second Young Master, and Stone, the three "puppets" affected by the Dao Heart Cultivation of Evil, brought up the rear.
The temple steps were wide and long, like a coiled serpent covered in golden scales, winding upwards to the highest point, leading to the most majestic and luxurious hall atop the silver and gold-layered platforms.
Along the way, the carved beams and painted rafters, the golden halls and jade buildings, were all splendid and breathtaking.
Mo Hua walked on the steps, seemingly a humble "pilgrim" paying respects to a powerful deity. He couldn't help but silently mock in his heart:
"You're so corrupt, Yellow Mountain Lord..."
But he didn't dare look too much and tried to act dumb, moving like a wooden man, step by step, up the stairs.
After walking for an unknown duration, a plaza appeared before them.
The plaza was vast, constructed from bright yellow brass, and shone with a golden radiance.
In the plaza, countless brass statues knelt densely, including men, women, the elderly, and children. Most were ragged and had sorrowful expressions, yet all knelt devoutly, praying to the temple high above.
Despite the solemn and sacred scene, the Black Robe Elder felt a chill down his spine.
The grand golden hall was filled with dense and heavy Yin energy.
It was like an entire sea of Yin evil, causing one's hair to stand on end.
The Black Robe Elder stopped, turned, and looked at Gray Second Young Master, then asked Xuan Gongzi, "How advanced is your Dao Heart Cultivation of Evil?"
Xuan Gongzi understood and replied, "My cultivation is still shallow. Those affected by it can't use cultivation techniques or Dao arts; they can only control some basic instincts. However, they can still answer questions and perform simple tasks."
The Black Robe Elder said, "Let him take out the Maoshan Jade to measure the Yin evil energy."
"Mhm," Xuan Gongzi nodded, then gave Gray Second Young Master an order, "Take out the Maoshan Jade."
Gray Second Young Master did as told and took out the jade pendant from his storage bag.
On the jade pendant, a dark green light flashed.
This light was deeper than before, almost turning black.
Xuan Gongzi asked, "What does this mean?"
Gray Second Young Master replied woodenly, "It's Yin green light."
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere became heavy, and everyone's expressions turned solemn.
Mo Hua also nodded silently.
It was indeed a sign of Yin evil.
At that moment, he witnessed countless brass statues kneeling in the golden plaza, and countless resentful ghosts and evil spirits howling and roaring, like a city under siege or dark clouds pressing down, a truly shocking sight.
Unfortunately, Xuan Gongzi and the others couldn't see this scene.
The Black Robe Elder frowned in thought, then slowly said,
"This is a temple and also the tomb of my Great Wilderness Imperial Clan. Deities need worshippers, and my Great Wilderness Imperial Clan needs subjects to bow down."
"These brass statues are made from living people, worshipping both deities and the Imperial Clan. From birth to death, they never stop kneeling."
"In life, they were slaves to the Imperial Clan, and after death, they will also transform into Yin evil ghosts, guarding this tomb and temple."
Xuan Gongzi's gaze turned stern, and he asked, "How do we break free from this situation?"
The Black Robe Elder shook his head slightly.
Xuan Gongzi found this strange, "Isn't this the heritage of your Great Wilderness Imperial Clan? Shouldn't the Second Elder know about it?"
The Black Robe Elder's cloudy eyes trembled, and for a moment, a chilling killing intent flashed through them, "The one who arranged this is a traitor to my Great Wilderness Imperial Clan. He... stole our heritage; he deserves to die..."
Mo Hua, standing beside them, was startled by these words.
A traitor to the Great Wilderness Imperial Clan? Who was he talking about?
Xuan Gongzi didn't care much about the traitor; he only cared about reaching the temple.
"Is there no other way?"
The Black Robe Elder thought for a moment, "I have an item, a relic of my Great Wilderness Imperial Clan, called the Divine Mist Lamp, which can hide one's divine sense and avoid Yin evil ghosts."
"But..."
The Black Robe Elder looked into the distance, "This temple is too large, filled with countless evil beings, and the passage is too long. Relying solely on the Divine Mist Lamp may not be enough."
Xuan Gongzi suggested, "Then, should we plant another Human Lantern?"
The Black Robe Ancestor pondered for a moment, then nodded, "That's the only way."
Xuan Gongzi instructed Gray Second Young Master to take out the golden hoop.
The Black Robe Elder shook it a few times, infusing a chill evil energy into Shen Qing Sheng's meridians, waking him up, and then placed the golden hoop on Shen Qing Sheng's head.
The familiar sensation returned, and Shen Qing Sheng's face instantly turned pale. He cried out in terror, "No, I'll die..."
The Black Robe Elder sealed Shen Qing Sheng's mouth and nose with blood-colored spirit energy to prevent him from shouting.
Then, he silently recited some ancient and mysterious words of the primitive wilderness, lighting the Divine Mist Lamp.
A lamp light flickered, and mist spread, enveloping everyone, concealing their auras.
Mo Hua perceived the surrounding mist, pondered for a moment, and understood.
Inside this Divine Mist Lamp, there was a Divine Mist Array inscribed. Once activated, it could produce mist to confuse divine perception.
Yin evil spirits, being entities of divine perception, would naturally be deceived by this Divine Mist Lamp.
Mo Hua was somewhat surprised.
This Divine Mist Lamp could actually integrate with the Divine Mist Array, a unique and ingenious design that likely utilized the ancient artifact refinement techniques of the Great Wilderness lineage.
The heritage of the Great Wilderness was truly extraordinary.
Under the cover of the Divine Mist Lamp, everyone walked through the Dao Ground.
Around them were bronze statues, and above them were dark clouds of Yin evil spirits, but for the moment, everything was peaceful.
However, as they continued walking, some stronger ghostly creatures began to sense the anomaly and probed the mist from the Divine Mist Lamp.
The Black Robe Elder glanced at Xuan Gongzi.
Xuan Gongzi understood and, following Gray Second Young Master's example, lit the "Human Lantern" on Shen Qing Sheng's head.
Shen Qing Sheng's Sea of Consciousness began to burn again.
His divine perception turned into smoke, diffusing into the sky, luring these ghostly creatures away.
Xuan Gongzi and the others breathed a sigh of relief.
Thus, with the cover of the Divine Mist Lamp and the Human Lantern, they continued moving forward.
Shen Qing Sheng was being used as a "candle," burning all the way.
However, Shen Qing Sheng's divine perception was not strong. After being lit once before, it was now becoming increasingly depleted.
His head felt as if pierced by a thousand needles.
Before long, he rolled his eyes and fainted.
Xuan Gongzi checked his breathing and flipped his eyelids, then shook his head. "He's almost drained. If we light him again, he might die."
Shen Qing Sheng was still useful, and the Black Robe Elder did not want him to die just yet.
As the Human Lantern went out, the Yin energy grew heavier.
Without the lure, stronger ghostly creatures began to probe their mist.
The Black Robe Elder said, "Change the person."
Xuan Gongzi nodded.
So, the Golden Hoop lamp was placed on Gray Second Young Master's head.
Gray Second Young Master had always used others to "light the lamp," and he probably never imagined that one day his own head would be used for this purpose.
The Human Lantern was lit again, and divine perception smoke rose.
Gray Second Young Master was a Golden Core cultivator, so his divine perception was stronger than Shen Qing Sheng's.
However, unexpectedly, his divine perception smoke was even more chaotic, likely due to his advanced age, complex thoughts, and heavy greed.
Moreover, he had been bitten by a corpse fiend, so his divine perception was already tainted.
Therefore, the smoke from his divine perception was not as appealing to all ghostly creatures, making it less effective.
Although less effective, he was still a Golden Core cultivator, so he lasted longer.
They walked a long way before his divine perception began to deplete.
"Change again," the Black Robe Elder said.
So, the Human Lantern was switched to Stone.
Stone's divine perception was much better than Gray Second Young Master's. His thoughts seemed less complex and his greed less heavy.
However, he was a body cultivator, somewhat dull, and not very cerebral.
Thus, the smoke from his divine perception had a rather bland smell.
But with the cover of the Divine Mist Lamp, the quality of the Human Lantern did not matter much as long as it could be lit.
Thus, everyone continued to cross the golden Dao Ground, moving forward.
After an unknown duration, the grand Divine Hall was visible in the distance, and the Imperial Tomb of the Great Wilderness seemed within reach.
However, at this moment, Stone's divine perception was also nearly depleted, and the Human Lantern was about to go out.
There was still a short distance to leave the Dao Ground.
Shen Qing Sheng, Gray Second Young Master, and Stone had all been used as lamps, leaving only Mo Hua.
These demon cultivators would naturally not use themselves to light the lamp.
But Mo Hua...
Xuan Gongzi was somewhat hesitant. He had plans for Mo Hua, and using him to light the lamp would be a significant loss.
If his mind were damaged, he would lose a valuable servant.
The Black Robe Elder was also hesitant.
But with the Human Lantern about to run out, they seemed to have no other choice.
"Light it," the Black Robe Elder said.
"Alright."
Xuan Gongzi thought for a moment, nodded, and took the Golden Hoop from Stone's head, placing it on Mo Hua's head.
Mo Hua wanted to resist but dared not move.
After all, he was ostensibly a "puppet" of Dao Heart Cultivation, devoid of independent will.
Moreover, they were surrounded by Golden Core demon cultivators, each more formidable than the last.
"Fine, light the lamp if you must..."
At most, it would just be a bit of divine perception being drained, which shouldn't be a big deal.
Besides, he was already accustomed to divine perception depletion, damage, and even depletion. A bit of divine perception being drained wasn't a major issue.
Mo Hua stood still, allowing Xuan Gongzi to place the Golden Hoop on his forehead.
Then, Xuan Gongzi began to light the lamp.
The Human Lantern glowed for a while, but there was no reaction.
"What's wrong?" Xuan Gongzi was puzzled.
The Black Robe Elder also frowned.
Mo Hua was also confused and used his divine perception to inspect his own state, only to realize that his divine perception was fully integrated and as solid as if cast in bronze and gold. The Human Lantern simply couldn't "draw" it out.
Unable to draw out divine perception, the lamp naturally couldn't be lit.
With the Black Robe Elder and Xuan Gongzi watching, Mo Hua had no choice but to "play along."
He voluntarily released a portion of his divine perception, feeding it to the Human Lantern for it to burn.
The Human Lantern slowly burned.
"Alright..."
Xuan Gongzi nodded slightly, slightly relieved.
But the next moment, he was stunned again.
The light from the Human Lantern grew increasingly bright, and a pure golden smoke rose into the air.
Then, everyone felt a thunderous explosion in the sky, the weather changing dramatically. The originally oppressive Yin energy surged like a tremendous tsunami.
(End of Chapter)
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