Chapter 964: The Evil's Secret
Chapter 964: The Evil's Secret
The power of the Dragon Vein manifested, and the Azure Dragon Energy roamed throughout the grand hall.
The source of the Azure Dragon Energy was located within the Dragon Coffin.
Following the radiant light, everyone saw that in the Dragon Coffin, the Fourth Prince, who had been dead for many years, lay peacefully and calmly, and in his hand, there was a piece of azure bone, half an arm's length long.
This azure bone was translucent like jade, with a strange head and tail, and its skeletal structure seemed to have captured the essence of heaven and earth. The entire bone resembled a young dragon.
"Dragon Vein!!"
Elder Xiong Bei felt his blood boiling with excitement, and his eyes turned red as he pounced towards the Dragon Coffin, eager to seize the Dragon Vein.
Shen Tu Ao, bathed in the Azure Dragon Energy, was like a man undergoing a spiritual transformation. His originally declining vitality gradually strengthened, and this time, the dragon's might was even more majestic and awe-inspiring.
Seeing Elder Xiong Bei coveting the Dragon Vein, Shen Tu Ao's face turned angry, and he unleashed a punch.
A shadow of an azure dragon roared and charged towards Elder Xiong Bei.
Elder Xiong Bei's left hand transformed into a giant python, clashing with the Azure Dragon. In an instant, his demon power was suppressed by the Azure Dragon Energy, and his arm became a blur of blood and flesh as he was blasted several zhang away.
Xuan Gongzi's greed surged, and he immediately spoke up, "Shen Shouhang, if you take the Dragon Vein for me, I'll return your son to you!"
Shen Shouhang's eyes flickered with anger, and his gaze turned cold.
He disliked Xuan Gongzi giving him orders, but with his foolish son being used as a bargaining chip, his life and death in the hands of others, he had no choice.
However, he also had some doubts in his heart.
Is this really the Dragon Vein of the Great Wilderness? Why is such a heaven-defying object hidden in the Solitary Mountain tomb? Elder Shen had never mentioned it before...
Shen Shouhang's gaze turned solemn, and he drew his White Jade Sword, unleashing his Gold Core Apex power. His crystalline spirit energy merged with the sword, and he charged towards Shen Tu Ao.
Xun Ziyou had never imagined that on this trip to the Solitary Mountain tomb, he would have the opportunity to witness the Dragon Vein of the Great Wilderness Imperial Clan.
Although he wasn't sure if the Dragon Vein was real or fake, he couldn't let it fall into the hands of a demon cultivator.
Moreover, Shen Tu Ao was currently absorbing the power of the Dragon Vein.
If left unchecked, and he completes the fusion with the Dragon Vein, even if everyone joined forces, they might not be able to stop him.
Xun Ziyou also unleashed the Void Sword Technique, transforming his sword energy to attack Shen Tu Ao.
As for Master Gu and Fan Jin, they had originally come to rescue Mo Hua, but they were completely unaware that they had unknowingly become entangled in such a bizarre and significant karmic cause and effect. Surprised and astonished, they couldn't believe what was happening.
The radiant and noble Dragon Vein was something they couldn't possibly resist.
Fortunately, in the face of greed, both of them remained rational, knowing that this was not something they could dare to touch.
This life-and-death battle was not something they could afford to get involved in.
Therefore, they stayed on the outskirts, occasionally offering support with a single strike before retreating, not daring to venture too deep into this battle of Late Gold Core cultivators.
Instead, they focused their attention on Mo Hua.
Even if they obtained the Dragon Vein, they might not be able to enjoy its blessings.
But the safety of Little Mo Gongzi was truly crucial to their future blessings.
Fan Jin and Master Gu were both worried, constantly keeping an eye on Xuan Gongzi, thinking that if they had a chance, they would seize Mo Hua.
Mo Hua appeared dazed on the surface, but he was secretly observing the battle.
The situation became tense as soon as the Dragon Vein appeared.
The battle gradually intensified.
Shen Tu Ao, empowered by the Azure Dragon Energy, fought against three opponents. He engaged in close combat with the powerful Elder Xiong Bei, whose demon power surged, while also facing the sword techniques of Shen Shouhang and Xuan Gongzi, the latter's sinister blood poison, and the intermittent interference of the Daoheart Demonization Art on his mind.
Mo Hua watched these Gold Core cultivators battle.
At first, he had other things on his mind, but as he observed, his focus intensified.
This was an excellent opportunity to witness a battle.
Cultivator battles had many intricacies.
While cultivation level, Dao techniques, and physical combat were essential, experience in combat was invaluable.
Without practical combat experience, even with high cultivation, it was merely theoretical knowledge, not true strength.
The cultivators present were from great clans, sect elders, powerful demon cultivators, and members of the Great Wilderness Imperial Clan.
As they fought for their lives, deadly moves were unleashed, their Dao techniques flowed, and their offense and defense shifted, providing numerous references and lessons.
Real combat was the best teacher.
Although Mo Hua couldn't participate in this Gold Core-level battle, he could learn from it.
In the future, after breaking through the Gold Core stage, he would assimilate everything he learned, becoming a true Gold Core master, skilled in combat and proficient in Dao techniques.
Mo Hua's eyes deepened, and as his gaze shifted, he meticulously memorized every detail of this top-tier Gold Core battle, engraving it into his mind.
As he watched, Mo Hua suddenly frowned.
Others might not understand, but Mo Hua, as an Array Master, could sense that the Four Symbols Dragon Pattern on Shen Tu Ao's body was undergoing subtle changes.
Through his calculations, he had previously deciphered a portion of the Four Symbols Azure Dragon Array—the first eighteen array patterns.
Comparing the two, his perception became even more apparent.
The Four Symbols Azure Dragon Array on Shen Tu Ao's body was indeed changing, influenced by the Dragon Vein's energy, transforming from an evil dragon into a true Azure Dragon.
Through further calculations, Mo Hua sensed that this transformation of the dragon pattern included a significant "evolution" of the Four Symbols Demon Patterns.
It seemed as if everything had been meticulously planned in advance.
First, using the various demon and beast patterns gathered from the Ten Thousand Demons Valley, and then transforming the evil dragon into an Azure Dragon...
Mo Hua's curiosity grew as he pondered the strangeness of it all.
The so-called dragon was not a single divine beast.
Its head was like a horse, its horns like a deer, its eyes like a turtle, its ears like an eagle, its scales like a fish, its body like a snake, its claws like a hawk, and its palms like a tiger...
Only by combining the strengths of all demons and beasts could one become a dragon.
Following this principle, Shen Tu Ao had gone on a hunting spree in the Ten Thousand Demons Valley, capturing and raising demon beasts, and using these beasts and demon cultivators to extensively study and research the Four Symbols Demon Patterns.
Afterward, the powerful Demon Patterns were extracted, their essence merged, and a single, formidable Evil Dragon was pieced together.
This array's derivation resembles "Returning to the Source."
However, it's not about unifying many into one, but rather a "stitching" and "piecing together" of various strengths.
Since it condensed the essence of Ten Thousand Demons, the Four Symbols Evil Dragon could command the submission of all demons, reaching unparalleled might.
Following the exposure of Ten Thousand Demons Valley, many things were destroyed prematurely.
Those destroyed array diagrams, scriptures, Jade Slips, and records must have been related to the research on transforming these Demon Patterns into a Dragon.
This is where Mr. Tu's true mastery of array formations lies.
Yet, this is still insufficient.
To complete the Dragon, a vital point is needed.
Gathering the Demon Patterns of Ten Thousand Demons only yields an Evil Dragon, essentially still a Demon at its core.
To transform this Demon into a true Dragon, the Dragon Vein is required.
Utilizing the pure Azure Dragon Energy from the Dragon Vein, the Demon Aura and Evil Power are cleansed, and all Demon Patterns are forged into a unified, genuine Azure Dragon Array Pattern.
Mo Hua silently gasped in astonishment.
This is a grand, masterful strategy.
As an array master, Mo Hua is well aware of the enormous human, material, and financial resources required for such an array experiment.
Over an unknown number of years and months, countless Demon Cultivators were sacrificed, and numerous Demon Patterns were tested to finally complete the Four Symbols Dragon Chart and engrave it onto Shen Tu Ao's body.
Now, with the Azure Dragon Energy infusion, the final stroke of "adding the vital point to the Dragon" is being executed.
Only Mo Hua has grasped the entirety of this process.
The others present are oblivious.
As non-array masters, most have never visited Ten Thousand Demons Valley or delved deeply into the Four Symbols Demon Patterns, nor are they familiar with Mr. Tu.
Thus, they only perceive the Dragon Vein but remain unaware of the intricate, grand Four Symbols Divine Beast Formation it entails.
Mo Hua yearned to speak up, offering a warning, but being under the control of "Dao Heart Cultivation of Evil", he was silenced.
In reality, his input was unnecessary.
The present cultivators, with their rich experience, soon sensed the anomaly, despite not understanding array formations.
Shen Tu Ao's body was undergoing a transformation.
They didn't comprehend the principle but knew how to respond.
Shen Shouhang immediately ordered, "Sever his connection to the Dragon Vein!"
Xun Ziyou and Xiong Bei Elder swiftly acted, intercepting the link between Shen Tu Ao and the Dragon Vein.
Xiong Bei Elder engaged in close combat, forcing Shen Tu Ao back.
Xun Ziyou manipulated his Sword Intent to strangle the Azure Dragon Energy.
Shen Shouhang's White Jade Sword illuminated, striking Shen Tu Ao's Azure Dragon Array Pattern.
Mo Hua felt conflicted.
He feared Shen Tu Ao might absorb the Azure Dragon Energy and counterattack, killing Xun Ziyou and the others.
Conversely, he worried that Xun Ziyou and the others might overpower Shen Tu Ao, destroying the Azure Dragon Array Pattern on his body, which had shed its Demon Aura and was nearing completion.
As the situation unfolded, the outcome no longer aligned with Mo Hua's intentions.
After numerous exchanges, Shen Shouhang, with the assistance of Xun Ziyou and Xiong Bei Elder, unleashed a powerful sword strike, creating a Sword Curtain that completely severed the Azure Dragon Energy's resonance with Shen Tu Ao.
The array pattern on Shen Tu Ao's body ceased its true "Dragon Transformation".
The four individuals began a fierce, mortal combat.
The battle intensified, with all parties sustaining injuries that worsened over time.
Their Spirit Energy and Blood Qi were gradually depleted.
In this clash of masters, the ultimate test was one of endurance.
Shen Tu Ao, facing three opponents, was at a disadvantage despite his unyielding determination and formidable physique.
No other Late Golden Core cultivator could have withstood this for so long.
Shen Shouhang seized the opportunity, striking Shen Tu Ao's Dragon Scales and piercing his Heart Meridian, but Shen Tu Ao's body, akin to steel, withstood the blow, which failed to penetrate his chest.
Shen Tu Ao let out a furious roar, attempting to counterattack.
Xiong Bei Elder swiftly entwined Shen Tu Ao's torso with his arm, resembling a Ferocious Serpent.
Xun Ziyou swiftly followed up, pinning Shen Tu Ao's left shoulder with his sword.
Already severely injured, Shen Tu Ao struggled, his anger and Dragon Roar intensifying, like a trapped beast.
Shen Shouhang could have delivered the final, decisive blow, piercing Shen Tu Ao's Heart Meridian and ensuring his defeat.
However, at this critical moment, Shen Shouhang unexpectedly turned his sword toward Xun Ziyou.
Throughout their journey, Xun Ziyou had been cautious of Shen Shouhang, but after the prolonged, arduous battle, his guard had slightly dropped.
Thus, when Shen Shouhang's sword approached, Xun Ziyou was caught off guard.
By the time Xun Ziyou reacted, Shen Shouhang's sword was already hurtling toward his Heart Meridian.
This was a Gold Core Apex-level strike, a sudden, unforeseen attack that no one had anticipated, and even if they had, it would have been impossible to intercept.
Due to his lingering caution, Xun Ziyou instinctively dodged, and Shen Shouhang's sword struck his shoulder, the Sword Aura ravaging his flesh.
Xun Ziyou could only abandon Shen Tu Ao and retreat.
Xiong Bei Elder, unable to restrain Shen Tu Ao alone, also withdrew several meters.
Shen Tu Ao broke free and slowly rose to his feet.
For a moment, the four individuals formed their own arrays, each harboring murderous intent and warily observing one another.
Xun Ziyou glanced at the sword wound on his shoulder before turning to Shen Shouhang, his voice cold: "Shen Elder, what is the meaning of this?"
Shen Shouhang's expression remained frosty, his heart filled with regret.
This Xun Elder was too vigilant; throughout their journey, he had only provided a single opportunity.
Despite this, he still managed to dodge the sword.
Otherwise, the long sword would have pierced his heart, and the sword aura would have torn him apart, leaving him to die here.
Shen Shouhang silently looked at Xun Ziyou. At this point, he didn’t need to hide anything and said coolly,
"For the sake of my Shen Family, I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble Elder Xun and leave him buried at the bottom of this Solitary Mountain Tomb."
Xun Ziyou wasn’t surprised. His gaze was like a sword, "So, you’re saying that all of this was really done by the Shen Family?"
"Your Shen Family orchestrated the mining disaster, killing tens of thousands of mining cultivators, and then used the tomb to seal the mine, ensuring that these suffering mining cultivators would never see the light of day after death?!"
Xun Ziyou’s tone carried anger.
Everyone’s expressions changed, and Mo Hua’s heart trembled slightly.
Shen Shouhang, however, had a dull gaze and remained silent.
"Your silence means you admit it?" Xun Ziyou’s gaze intensified, and he sneered, "Your Shen Family has such great courage, killing so many innocent cultivators in the entire mine… saying kill, and they were killed…"
Xun Ziyou then looked at Shen Shouhang, "You were responsible for Solitary Mountain, and you could serve as a real power elder of the Shen Family without reaching the Ascendant Realm, so you must have done something tremendous. This achievement must have been killing these mining cultivators."
"Was this mining disaster orchestrated and executed by you, Shen Shouhang, and you, Elder Shen?"
Xun Ziyou’s voice was cold, but he was suppressing his anger.
These words filled the room with silence.
No one spoke.
Even if they didn’t know before, entering the tomb, entering the mass grave, seeing so many corpse fiends, and the piles of corpses made everyone suspect something.
It was just that no one had broken the silence.
Pretending to be unaware allowed them to temporarily cover up the truth.
Once revealed, it would confirm the Shen Family’s actions, leading to an irreconcilable situation.
The Shen Family would definitely silence them.
The Solitary Mountain mining disaster resulted in the deaths of over ten thousand solitary cultivators.
Such heinous acts could almost shake the foundations of the Shen Family.
The Dao Court would definitely not let the Shen Family off.
The Shen Family would face scrutiny from all sides, losing all face.
From now on, it seemed that Shen Shouhang had never intended for anyone to survive and leave Solitary Mountain alive.
Fan Jin’s scalp tingled, and his heart was bitter.
His worst fears had come true. He couldn’t escape this disaster.
Master Gu felt cold and extremely angry on the side.
He was so angry that he trembled, almost gritting his teeth as he spoke each word:
"More than ten thousand solitary cultivators at Solitary Mountain were all killed, dying in this pitch-black mine…"
"Shen Shouhang, can your conscience really bear this? Are you not afraid of… retribution?"
Shen Shouhang’s expression was indifferent, but his forehead kept twitching, struggling internally, seemingly not wanting to recall this past nightmare.
The scenes of the mining cultivators being killed, the confused, helpless, lonely, and desperate faces, broke through his sealed memories and reappeared in his mind.
These were his decisions, equivalent to him personally creating these sins.
A crack appeared in Shen Shouhang’s temperament.
But his face remained numb and cold, "I… had no choice."
Xun Ziyou sneered.
Shen Shouhang ignored the mockery and sighed softly:
"In a great clan teeming with geniuses, how hard it is to climb up, something you won’t understand unless you experience it."
"Especially those with poor backgrounds, illegitimate offshoots of the bloodline, on the edge of family power, it is even more difficult to climb up than reaching the heavens."
"All the good stuff belongs to others."
"You can only follow behind others, taking scraps they discard, and you have to bow and scrape, being grateful…"
Shen Shouhang’s eyes revealed a trace of anger and pain.
"I’ve tasted this, so I don’t want to live like this, and I don’t want my sons and grandchildren to live like this in the future either."
"So, I have to climb up, no matter the cost."
Xun Ziyou remained silent and then said coolly, "So, these ten thousand solitary cultivators at Solitary Mountain became stepping stones for you to climb up?"
"I didn’t want to kill them either," Shen Shouhang said coldly, "I’m not a bloodthirsty person, but they made too much noise, even to the point of chaos. If this continued, many solitary cultivators would become bandits and refugees, and the Shen Family couldn’t accommodate them, so there was only one way… to bury them along with Solitary Mountain."
Master Gu’s anger surged, "Your Shen Family took their mountain, stole their mine, drove them to a dead end, and yet you blame them for causing trouble?"
Shen Shouhang said, "The mountain was lost by themselves, and the mine was sold by themselves. The solitary cultivators were shortsighted, selling their lifeline for short-term gain, what does that have to do with my Shen Family?"
"You…" Master Gu’s anger filled his chest, his finger trembling as he pointed at Shen Shouhang, unable to speak.
Xun Ziyou said coldly, "No matter the reason, you can’t go insane and kill so many solitary cultivators…"
Shen Shouhang remained indifferent for a moment, then softly sighed, "They… are useless…."
"Excavating the mine, my Shen Family has large spirit machinery, so we don’t need their effort."
"They were already poor, and we can’t make a profit from them."
"The only valuable thing is the Solitary Mountain they’ve lived in for generations, but they all sold it for short-term gain."
"Just think, what use do they have?"
"Moreover, these hungry and poor solitary cultivators would cause trouble, making it even harder for me to keep them."
"Keeping them doesn’t benefit my Shen Family, the Dao Court, Solitary Mountain, or the stability of the entire Qianxue Prefecture."
"To progress as cultivators, for clans to develop, and for the cultivation world to flourish, it naturally requires stepping on these lower-level corpses."
"It has always been so."
"Some people can see it, some can’t."
"People who can see it are powerless; those who can’t or don’t want to see it are indifferent…"
(End of Chapter)
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