Chapter 983: God's Teachings
Chapter 983: God's Teachings
Huangshan Jun looked at Mo Hua with suspicion.
It had been several years since he last saw Mo Hua, if he recalled correctly.
Just now, due to the matter of his Life-Linked Divine Statue, he was so overwhelmed with gratitude that he couldn't help but feel that Mo Hua was like a dragon and phoenix, unparalleled in beauty, and his entire body seemed to emanate a golden light.
But upon closer inspection, Huangshan Jun realized that this wasn't just his imagination.
Mo Hua's divine thoughts did indeed seem to overflow with golden light.
Only deities could perceive this kind of golden light.
Moreover, Mo Hua's divine sense was even more abstruse, hidden, and profound than before, like the depths of the ocean.
The stronger one's divine sense, the more difficult it was to perceive.
A nearly absurd speculation arose in Huangshan Jun's mind.
"Little friend, you..." Huangshan Jun hesitated, unsure of what to say.
"What is it?" Mo Hua asked.
After a moment of deep thought, Huangshan Jun shook his head, "It's nothing..."
He dared not voice his question.
There is a clear distinction between humans and deities.
For a mortal to embark on the path of deification with their flesh and blood, it is a heavenly prohibition.
Those who do so will face great calamities.
Once this secret is revealed, it will surely attract divine disasters and the envy of numerous deities in the heavens and earth, even leading to their destruction.
Flesh and blood deification is a blasphemous path.
Even for mortal cultivators who follow the way of Dao-guided deification, the path is fraught with danger.
If one takes a wrong step, they may fall into the evil path, becoming a deformed flesh-and-blood evil deity, spreading evil thoughts like a plague across the land.
In Huangshan Jun's long memory, aside from some cultivators who were naturally gifted with divine thoughts and possessed extraordinary talents to the point of madness, no one had ever ventured down this path.
And those who did in the past couldn't even be considered 'human.'
Huangshan Jun looked at Mo Hua intently.
He was absolutely certain that Mo Hua was indeed a 'person' made of flesh and blood.
No matter how powerful his divine thoughts were, he was still a person.
Moreover, he was full of human nature, with a firm Dao heart and a lively divine spirit.
The more Huangshan Jun observed, the more his heart raced, but he said nothing and silently suppressed his suspicions, forcing himself to forget them.
Mo Hua had saved his life, and he owed him a great debt of gratitude.
If Mo Hua was indeed on the path of Dao-guided deification, he couldn't speak of it.
It would be best if he had never known about it from the start.
However, Huangshan Jun still felt uneasy. His eyes flickered, and he pointedly said to Mo Hua, "Humans and deities are fundamentally different."
"There is a great chasm between humans and deities, a clear boundary."
"At all times, this boundary must not be crossed, or it will surely bring about calamities and disasters..."
Mo Hua was taken aback but quickly understood Huangshan Jun's meaning and nodded, indicating his understanding.
Huangshan Jun heaved a sigh of relief and continued, "Cultivators cultivate spiritual power, and with each realm, it transforms. At the first rank, the spiritual power is like fog; at the second rank, it's like quicksilver; and at the third rank, it crystallizes..."
"But a cultivator's divine sense doesn't undergo such changes."
"From the first to the second rank, divine thoughts double, and so on. A cultivator's divine thoughts only increase in quantity, without any qualitative change."
"This qualitative change in divine thoughts belongs to deities."
"At the first rank, a deity's mental power is like fog; at the second rank, it's like quicksilver; and at the third rank, it crystallizes..."
"This is the 'form change' of a deity's mental power, a transformation in its form."
"Apart from form change, a deity's mental power also undergoes a 'qualitative change,' which is the 'Dao transformation' of divine thoughts."
"The Primordial Tao's differentiation gives birth to divine marrow. The rarer a deity's divine marrow, the deeper their Dao transformation, the more authentic their origin, the higher their rank, and the stronger their laws."
"High-ranked deities possess powerful origins and profound 'Dao transformation' abilities, even capable of breaking through the limitations of their realm to transcend realms and slay superior deities..."
Huangshan Jun shared the secrets of deities with Mo Hua.
This comprehensive set of divine knowledge was much more complete than before.
It was due to his fusion with the Life-Linked Divine Statue and the awakening of some of his lost memories that he was able to fill in the gaps.
There was another aspect of divine knowledge that Huangshan Jun hadn't mentioned before.
It was because he hadn't considered that Mo Hua, this eccentric human cultivator, might be walking the path of 'Dao-guided deification,' which defied the heavenly prohibition.
But now, the situation was different.
Huangshan Jun was certain that Mo Hua could make good use of this knowledge, so he explained it in great detail, leaving nothing out.
Mo Hua listened attentively and benefited greatly from this knowledge.
In a sense, this was a genuine 'God's Teachings.'
Although Huangshan Jun was currently in a state of decline, he had once been a powerful third-rank peak Mountain God, seasoned by time and experienced in the ways of the world. His foundation was deep, and his strength was formidable.
Otherwise, the Great Wilderness Evil Deity wouldn't have gone to such lengths to covet his divine body and sacred ground.
The fact that he was willing to impart his knowledge was invaluable.
This kind of 'direct transmission' of divine knowledge was, in a sense, a deity's 'prohibition.'
Perhaps only a handful of people were aware of it.
Even Xun Old Master, who had reached the Void Penetration Realm, might not have known about it.
After all, Xun Old Master didn't have a 'deity' friend to drink and chat with.
"Thank you, Mountain Lord," Mo Hua said, bowing his hands in gratitude.
"You're too kind, little friend," Huangshan Jun sighed.
He felt indebted to Mo Hua for recovering his Life-Linked Divine Statue, and it was difficult to repay such a favor. Sharing some divine secrets was the least he could do.
After listening to Huangshan Jun's teachings, Mo Hua's understanding of the framework for divine advancement became much clearer.
Currently, he was half-human and half-deity, caught in between.
With two divine advancement frameworks intertwined, some common divine concepts didn't apply to him.
He would have to research and explore on his own to find his path between humanity and divinity.
"Oh, right," Mo Hua remembered something and asked, "Mountain Lord, what about the 'Dragon'? Is there a direction for the advancement of the Dragon Soul?"
"Dragon?" Huangshan Jun was taken aback, "What does this have to do with dragons?"
Mo Hua didn't know how to respond.
He couldn't very well tell Huangshan Jun that he had "eaten" a dragon...
Mo Hua spoke, "Recently, by chance, I encountered a descendant of the Great Wilderness and saw a Dragon Soul. So, out of curiosity, I wanted to ask you about it."
Huangshan Jun was surprised and asked, "Then where is this Dragon Soul now?"
It's in my stomach... Mo Hua paused for a moment, then replied, "I don't know either..."
Huangshan Jun sighed with a hint of regret, "Dragons are divine beasts, and their souls are the essence of divine beasts. In a sense, they are comparable to the existence of deities."
"But dragons are extremely rare, and their souls are even more so."
"Even in my previous life as the God of Gusu Mountain, I don't remember ever seeing a Dragon Soul more than a few times despite living for countless years."
"The secrecy of Dragon Souls is likely only known by the Dragon race itself, those with a true Dragon lineage, and the human clans with the bloodline of the Destined Dragon Pulse."
"You mentioned the human clans with the bloodline of true Dragons or the Destined Dragon Pulse?" Mo Hua asked.
Huangshan Jun explained, "The Tao Court Emperor's lineage carries the blood of true Dragons. The Great Wilderness Imperial Clan inherits the blood of the Destined Dragon Pulse."
"Additionally, the royal clans of the Primeval Wilderness, the Northern Frontier, and the Western Extremes, some reclusive clans, and even some of the current Great Families and Great Clans, occasionally have the blood of the Destined Dragon Pulse flowing within them."
Mo Hua understood.
He had heard about the distinction between true Dragons and the Destined Dragon Pulse from Xia Jiancha.
However, this was the first time he had heard about these powers carrying the blood of the Destined Dragon Pulse.
"The Great Families and Great Clans also have the blood of the Destined Dragon Pulse?"
Mo Hua couldn't help but think of his extraordinary little senior brother, who was as graceful as a dragon when he wielded his spear.
"My little senior brother is from the Bai Clan, and he cultivates the Dragon Path Arts. Does that mean that the blood of the Destined Dragon Pulse also flows within him?"
Mo Hua felt that it wasn't impossible.
He decided that if he met his little senior brother in the future, he would definitely ask him about it.
Having gathered the essential information about the God's Teachings, Mo Hua carefully memorized the key points and glanced at Huangshan Jun again. Noticing the faint golden light on his body, he asked curiously, "Mountain Jun, with that thing..."
Mo Hua hesitated, ultimately deciding not to mention the words "Life-Linked Divine Statue."
The world has many ears, and he himself had accumulated quite a bit of karma.
If he spoke those four words and someone with ill intentions overheard, it might bring unforeseen calamity upon Huangshan Jun.
So, Mo Hua said, "With that thing, can your strength recover to its original level? You were so formidable back then."
At the peak of the third rank, just one step away from entering the fourth rank, Huangshan Jun was a mighty mountain god.
His cultivation and divine powers were so awe-inspiring that even evil gods coveted them.
His divine abilities were incredibly powerful.
He had built a grand temple and crafted numerous divine statues, indicating a large number of followers and thriving incense offerings.
Comparing the past with the present, it was like comparing heaven and earth.
Huangshan Jun smiled and said, "With the Primordial source, everything is possible. Of course, it won't happen overnight. The cultivation of deities also requires gradual progress."
Mo Hua was happy for Huangshan Jun and asked, "If you want to cultivate to the third rank, do you still need to establish sacred grounds and rely on the incense offerings of mortals?"
Huangshan Jun shook his head.
"Not necessary?" Mo Hua asked.
Huangshan Jun's gaze deepened, and he sighed, "The support of mortals is ultimately an illusion."
"Most beings in the world, whether humans, demons, or deities, are puppets of power, fame, authority, and status."
"Humans are like this..."
"With power, they become emperors; without it, they are just ordinary mortals."
"With heavenly cultivation, they are revered as ancestors; without it, they are mere ants in the vast heavens and earth."
"The same goes for me as a mountain god."
(A line of text that seems to be a typo or an unfinished sentence.)
"When my divine thoughts were powerful and boundless, I naturally exuded a formidable aura, attracting countless worshippers and thriving incense offerings..."
"But the awe-inspiring one was not me but the mighty power of heaven and earth that used me as its puppet..."
"The people worshipped not me but the divine power that I channeled."
"Such support is an illusion."
"Once the power of heaven and earth is lost, the crowd's devotion wavers, the incense offerings cease, and I become a mere insignificant mountain god in a dilapidated temple, forgotten by all."
"So, I've come to realize that deities, being born of the Tao, should detach themselves from worldly possessions, cultivate in tranquility, foster good karma, and not seek the adoration of mortals, incense offerings, or karma."
"Since it's an illusion, we should neither rejoice in its coming nor grieve its departure. Focusing on our own path and embracing the Primordial source is the ultimate bliss..."
Huangshan Jun's words carried profound meaning.
Mo Hua paused for a moment, deep in thought.
He had heard these insights from Huangshan Jun before, but his understanding was not as profound as it was now, having experienced the trials of Gusu Mountain.
Deities seek the Tao, not incense offerings.
Incense offerings are fickle and fleeting, but the Tao exists eternally in heaven and earth.
Similarly, cultivators should seek the Tao, not just cultivation level, power, fame, or status.
Mo Hua nodded, bowed respectfully to Huangshan Jun, and said sincerely, "Thank you for your guidance, Mountain Jun."
Huangshan Jun waved his hand, "It's just a small realization born from the hardships of the mortal world. I'm glad to help a friend, but I don't deserve such a grand gesture."
Mo Hua nodded, "You've helped me immensely."
The two continued drinking and chatting for a while, but as the sky grew dark, Mo Hua had to leave. He couldn't keep Elder Xun waiting outside any longer.
As he was about to leave, Mo Hua asked Huangshan Jun, "Will you be disturbed by evil spirits while cultivating in this ruined temple?"
Huangshan Jun replied, "Occasionally."
"Wait a moment," Mo Hua said. He went outside, broke off a branch, and carved it into the shape of a small sword.
Then, Mo Hua touched his forehead, and a thread of Divine Thoughts Sword Intent emerged.
This sword intent was still rough, but it contained a powerful intent to slaughter, almost tangible, leaving Huangshan Jun in awe.
Mo Hua infused the sword intent into the wooden sword and hung it above the temple gate.
From the outside, it looked like a crude wooden sword.
But to any yin and evil demons who dared to intrude, it would be a terrifying "Decapitation Sword."
"My sword is suspended here, and no evil spirits dare to approach." Mo Hua stated.
Huangshan Jun gazed deeply at Mo Hua, filled with gratitude, and bowed respectfully, "I am deeply indebted to you, my friend. I will remember this favor."
Mo Hua waved his hand, "I've told you, we're good friends, no need for formalities."
"I need to return to the sect, and I'll come visit you again next time I have the chance."
Looking at the small wooden sword hanging on the beam, Mo Hua nodded in satisfaction and waved goodbye to Huangshan Jun before leaving with a carefree attitude.
As the sun set, they arrived at the ruined temple on Ku Mountain.
Mo Hua and Xunzi You, bathed in the evening glow, walked down the winding mountain path.
Huangshan Jun watched Mo Hua leave, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
He never expected that eight years ago, this lone cultivator who ventured up the mountain under the cover of night, would turn out to be the greatest 'blessing' he had encountered in his life...
...
Under the moonlight, Mo Hua returned to the sect.
After practicing the Contrary Spirit Formation for an entire night, the next morning, Zheng Fang came to find him again, delivering a letter, saying:
"Junior Brother, my grand-uncle will be returning to Zhenzhou in three days."
Mo Hua was startled, "Senior Brother Zheng is leaving?"
"Yes," Zheng Fang nodded, "My grand-uncle has already resigned from the elder position in Qiandao Sect, and after staying longer than usual, he must return now that the New Year is approaching. It seems there are some issues in the clan that require his attention."
"Before he leaves, he wants to meet you again, and he might have something to entrust to you."
Mo Hua felt regretful and said, "I understand, I'll go visit Senior Brother Zheng."
"Okay, Junior Brother, I'll take my leave then."
After speaking, Zheng Fang left.
Mo Hua pondered for a moment, thinking that since Elder Zheng was returning to his clan, it would be better to send him off sooner rather than later. This way, they wouldn't miss each other due to unexpected circumstances.
So, at noon, he went to visit Elder Zheng.
Elder Zheng had temporarily rented a cave abode in Tai Xu City.
When Mo Hua arrived, Elder Zheng was packing his belongings. Seeing Mo Hua, he was delighted and immediately ordered a servant to serve tea. The two of them chatted in the courtyard of the cave abode.
"Senior Brother Zheng, are you returning to your clan?" Mo Hua asked softly after taking a sip of tea.
"Yes," Elder Zheng sighed, "I've stayed here for quite some time. Recently, there have been some situations in the clan, and before the New Year, I must go back."
Mo Hua's expression became a little desolate.
Elder Zheng was an upright person, with profound knowledge of formation techniques. He was also very kind to Mo Hua, answering all his questions without reservation. He was a respected senior in Mo Hua's eyes.
Now that he was leaving, Mo Hua felt reluctant to part ways.
Elder Zheng also looked at Mo Hua silently, his heart filled with emotion.
He never expected that after teaching in Qiandao Sect for so many years, he hadn't encountered a disciple he truly admired.
And now, after resigning as an elder, when he was about to return to his clan, he met Mo Hua.
If he had known this earlier, he should have become an elder in Tai Xu Gate.
That way, he could have officially become Mo Hua's 'Elder' and taught him formation techniques.
Elder Zheng felt a sense of regret.
He looked deeply at Mo Hua once more, but as he continued to gaze, Elder Zheng suddenly paused, frowning.
Although Mo Hua was obscured by the Tai Xu Two-Item Lock, his aura was somewhat unclear. However, as a Transcendent Stage formation master, Elder Zheng could still vaguely sense that Mo Hua's divine sense had become significantly stronger than before...
"His divine sense has become stronger?"
"Impossible..."
"At the peak of the nineteenth pattern, if it becomes even stronger, wouldn't it be a twentieth pattern golden dan? Is his foundation cultivation already at the golden dan stage, with divine thoughts forming a dan?"
Elder Zheng shook his head, finding the idea absurd.
He took out several jade parchments from his storage bag, which he had prepared in advance.
"I've recorded some basic Yuan Magnetic and advanced Lei Magnetic formation technique knowledge on these jade parchments. You can refer to them if you want to study further."
"Additionally, I've organized some formation diagrams. These diagrams might have some differences from your Tai Xu Gate's heritage, so you can use them for reference."
"Besides that, I've also compiled some insights on formation techniques..."
...
Elder Zheng handed these items to Mo Hua one by one.
Mo Hua looked at the jade parchments and books, filled with gratitude.
Elder Zheng continued to advise earnestly:
"The Tao is vast, and the path of formations is endless. You must study diligently and persistently. There are no shortcuts in the way of formations; persistence is the only way forward. Only by persevering and never giving up can you go far..."
These seemingly ordinary instructions were the result of his cultivation experiences and life's lessons, the most indestructible truths.
"Also, if you have the opportunity, go to Zhenzhou and visit my family in Zhenzhou..." Elder Zheng said.
"Yes!" Mo Hua nodded earnestly, "Junior will remember!"
A smile appeared on Elder Zheng's solemn face.
After that, he shared some formation techniques, cultivation experiences, and the taboos of cultivation, as well as the potential troubles Mo Hua might encounter in the cultivation world.
Elder Zheng spoke in detail, and Mo Hua listened attentively. Before they knew it, half a day had passed in the blink of an eye.
As the sun began to set, the evening glow filled the sky.
Elder Zheng, seeing that it was getting late, bid farewell to Mo Hua with some regret.
Mo Hua also knew it was time for him to leave.
But just as he was about to depart, Elder Zheng suddenly stopped him, his expression turning serious, as if he was hesitating about something he wanted to say.
Perhaps he thought that if he didn't say it now, he might never have the chance to tell Mo Hua in the future.
Elder Zheng made up his mind, waved his hand, and activated a formation, enveloping the entire cave abode in light and blocking all sight and sound.
"Mo Hua," Elder Zheng said solemnly, "What I'm about to tell you, don't tell anyone else, and don't mention it to others easily."
Mo Hua was taken aback, and then he nodded solemnly.
Elder Zheng nodded and slowly asked:
"Have you heard of... the Great Demon Hall?"
(End of Chapter)
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