Chapter 645: Identifying the Spirit Array - The Quest for Immortality

**Chapter 645: Identifying the Spirit Array** At the precipice of a suspended cliff, a lone peak stood amidst the clouded heights. Above the sea of clouds lay an invisible stone bridge. Four cultivators, three of them tall and one shorter, concealed themselves as they walked step by step across the bridge, appearing as if they were striding in mid-air at the edge of the sky, beneath them an endless abyss. Their hearts were inevitably filled with awe. Mo Hua, however, seemed quite calm; this was not his first journey here. Although this time the cliff was taller, the path longer, and the opposite side more perilous, he had three "bodyguards" with him. One of them was Uncle Gu at the Golden Core stage. Which made him feel rather safe. The stone bridge appeared desolate, devoid of any figures. Step by step, they continued forward. Mo Hua released his spiritual sense, surveying and sensing the path, occasionally voicing reminders: Where there was a minor magnetic array, a land burst array, a warning array, or a fierce wind array… Indeed, the sinful cultivators had laid many arrays on the stone bridge. These arrays, serving as alarms or traps, were set up meticulously and discreetly. Naturally, they could not escape Mo Hua's keen spiritual sense. Every one of these arrays was identified by Mo Hua along the way. Glancing at Mo Hua's composed demeanor, so effortlessly navigating through the "forest" of arrays, Gu Chang Huai felt fortunate. It was fortunate to have brought this child along... Otherwise, traversing this array-filled stone bridge would have been as precarious as treading on thin ice, and reaching the other side would be uncertain. Following Mo Hua's lead, Gu Chang Huai and the other two followed obediently. About halfway across, the sky above the stone bridge suddenly darkened. Mo Hua paused on the bridge. Behind them, it was as if being amidst the clouds, with clear skies. Ahead, there was an ominous aura as the lonely peak loomed like a ghostly den, oppressive and gloomy. Exchanging determined glances, they resumed their journey forward. Amidst the somber aura, after an indeterminate period, they finally glimpsed the cliff's end. After what seemed like the time it took for a cup of tea, their concealed figures silently set foot on the stone steps of the opposite cliff, arriving at the other side. Before them stood a solitary peak, surrounded by emptiness and swirling ominous clouds. It was like a lone island in the sea of clouds, void of any human presence. At the center of the peak was a vast and narrow cave entrance. The cave entrance was sealed, akin to the tightly shut eyes of a malevolent beast. On either side, the jagged rocks protruded menacingly, interlocking like the beast's eyelids, veiling the blood-red glow within. Mo Hua's eyes focused intently, "An evil array..." Under Huo Fotuo's command, the array master was an evil array expert of the second rank… Gu Chang Huai remained impassive, while Gu An and Gu Quan appeared somewhat anxious. "Young Master, can this door be opened?" It was uncertain whether it was Gu An or Gu Quan who spoke. Mo Hua thought for a moment, then shook his head: "This is an evil array, and with the array sealed, I can't perceive the patterns inside. Moreover, it's a high second-rank evil array, which I cannot currently unravel..." "If we can't break the array, we'll have to resort to brute force to shatter it..." "But that will make a lot of noise, sure to alert Huo Fotuo and his men..." Gu An and Gu Quan furrowed their brows deeply. Gu Chang Huai's sharp eyes silently observed Mo Hua. Mo Hua understood. This was Uncle Gu inquiring how these arrays should be dealt with. Yet, he found it challenging to articulate his thoughts immediately, especially in front of Gu An and Gu Quan. Being the young leader of a family and a distinguished figure, there was still a semblance of pride he needed to maintain. Mo Hua pondered briefly and, without waiting for Gu Chang Huai to question further, spoke: "Though the demon cave sounds dreadfully foreboding, it is, at its core, a type of cultivation facility requiring architectural arrays..." "This means within this solitary peak, there are surely various arrays constructed." "I need to first examine the external structure of the whole peak, then infer the arrays within, before figuring out how to proceed..." "Alright," Gu Chang Huai nodded. Thus, with hands clasped behind his back and head held high as if conducting an inspection, Mo Hua walked around the solitary peak, simultaneously sensing the arrays within. Gu Chang Huai and the other two quietly followed, alertly scanning the surroundings, resembling three attentive bodyguards. Having circled the peak, Mo Hua found a quiet spot, and using a stone as a table, he spread out an array paper to begin reconstructing the outermost array structure of the demon cave. He recalled the array traces sensed from the stones earlier, while drawing the array patterns on the paper. Occasionally, he would lift his head to encompass the entire solitary peak, adjusting the interconnectedness of the array formations... A moment later, outlines of the demon cave's external array, composed of array patterns, slowly manifested on the paper… Gu Chang Huai's pupils contracted in amazement, and he murmured involuntarily: "Identifying the Spirit Array..." "Identifying the Spirit Array?" Mo Hua asked Gu Chang Huai, puzzled by the term, "What is Identifying the Spirit Array?" Gu Chang Huai hesitated for a moment and then explained, "It’s exactly what you're doing now..." Mo Hua paused to consider, then realized the term's meaning. Identifying the spiritual force of external arrays to reconstruct the internal array structure was what they called "Identifying the Spirit Array." He had always considered this to be basic array calculations, unaware it possessed such an ornate nomenclature... Mo Hua praised, "Uncle Gu, you know a lot..." Gu Chang Huai: "..." Had it not been for Mo Hua's earnest, clear gaze, he would almost suspect the young man of subtly mocking him... After spending another half-hour, Mo Hua tentatively restored the "demon cave's" outer array diagram. On the paper, a demon cave was depicted. This "demon cave" seemed to be "X-ray viewed" by spiritual sense, absent of the mountain and vegetation, revealing the interior array lines and nodes akin to skeletal frameworks. Though it was solely the outer layer's array structure, Gu Chang Huai was genuinely amazed. He was somewhat disoriented. Could this genuinely be the work of a foundational-stage array master? This was on a completely different level from any array master he had known... On the other hand, Gu An and Gu Quan couldn't comprehend it either, increasingly convinced of Mo Hua's remarkable talents. This young array master was indeed extraordinary... He was someone capable of haggling effectively with the decisive young master and forcing even the obstinate young master to concede. Unaware of their thoughts, Mo Hua continued: "Though the demon cave's arrays are quite secure, since it's a cultivation-related structure, cost efficiency necessitates some level of 'compromise'..." "The primary framework employs second-rank nineteen-pattern arrays, but in various corners, the array grade is lowered, with patterns decreasing accordingly..." "Eighteen patterns, seventeen patterns, even down to the second-middle grade of sixteen patterns, are utilized..." "Some segments might even use first-rank arrays to fill in..." "These weaker array points signify vulnerabilities." "The larger and more grandiose a cultivation architecture array appears, the more vulnerabilities it harbors to those knowledgeable..." Knowledgeable individuals' eyes... Gu Chang Huai and the other two regarded Mo Hua, nodding in agreement. Reviewing the "demon cave" array diagram once more, Mo Hua led the three to a small hillside at the backside of the solitary peak. Down the slope was a cluster of solid rock with jagged fragments. "This rock here is sturdy, difficult to chisel, and thus the array master constructing the demon cave cut corners, skimping on materials..." Mo Hua unleashed his spiritual sense, gaze penetrative as he studied for a while, pointing at an inconspicuous stone slope: "This is where the most significant vulnerability lies." Gu Chang Huai scrutinized the stone slope but couldn’t discern how this spot was the weakest. Yet whenever it involved arrays, Mo Hua's words imparted an irrefutable sense of assurance. "So, should we... dig through the rocks and stealthily infiltrate?" one of the Gu family siblings suggested. Mo Hua surmised it was probably "Gu An." The brothers looked alike and sounded similar, yet they differed in their spiritual energy flows—one favoring the left meridian, the other the right. As if one was left-handed and the other right-handed. The left-handed one was Gu An, the right-handed was Gu Quan. Mo Hua shook his head, "There's still too much noise. For matters of excavation, arrays can be employed..." This was something he had recently learned, a variation of the Eight Diagrams Embodiment Array, known as the Mountain Opening Array. A second-rank fourteen-patterned Mountain Opening Array could pulverize rock, with minimal noise and substantial efficiency, perfect for clandestine excavation. Mo Hua extracted his brush and ink, swiftly beginning to draw the Mountain Opening Array on the rock. He worked quickly and, in just a short moment, completed a formation. The array activated with a gray glow, the array patterns taking effect as the rocks dissolved into fine powder and scattered with the wind. Gu Chang Huai watched from the side, feeling a sense of dissonance. After observing for some time, he finally comprehended. It was too fast... Previously, he had seen Mo Hua draw arrays but hadn't paid much attention. Now, watching closely, Mo Hua's movements were as fluid as dragons and serpents, flawlessly creating a second-rank fourteen-pattern Mountain Opening Array. Gu Chang Huai suddenly realized just how extraordinarily fast Mo Hua's technique was. It was as if time had been set to 'fast forward'; Mo Hua's hand created a blur with its speed. This dexterity was several times faster than any array master he had encountered before. Gu Chang Huai frowned. "How could this child, Mo Hua, be like a 'Hexagon' array master with no apparent weakness..." "Could he have been possessed by some ancient array 'spirit'…" During his bafflement, Mo Hua continued to draw one Mountain Opening Array after another, methodically dissolving the rock layers. Finally, the last of the rocks disappeared, revealing a dark, gaping entrance before them. Within the cave, ominous winds howled, and a faint stench of decay wafted out. Mo Hua glanced at Gu Chang Huai. Understanding the signal, Gu Chang Huai nodded slightly and entered the cave, with Gu An and Gu Quan following closely behind. A few breaths later, Gu Chang Huai's voice echoed from inside. "Come in…" Mo Hua nodded and proceeded into the cave. At first, his vision was enveloped in darkness, but soon there was light. As Mo Hua's eyes adjusted, he found himself standing on a protruding stone pillar. Looking down, Mo Hua's pupils contracted sharply. It was a vast cavern. The stone pillars were jagged, exuding a sinister menace. The peak had been hollowed out, revealing a sprawling, foreboding demonic hall below. A network of suspended corridors intertwined, lined with braziers made of bones, casting an eerie green glow over the bizarre hall. In the hall's center lay a massive stone skull. Its eye sockets were hollow, smoldering with green flames. Menacing fangs jutted out, gaping as though ready to devour. Yet, the skull was incomplete, half of it missing, making it unclear whether it belonged to a human or some beast. From the skull emanated a chilling demonic aura. Gu Chang Huai's expression was severe, voice filled with disbelief: "A demon cult stronghold…” "Such audacity!" Mo Hua paused, "A demon cult stronghold…" He looked at Gu Chang Huai, quietly asking, "What's the difference between a demon cult stronghold and an ordinary heretic's hideout?" Gu Chang Huai answered gravely: "A heretic's hideout is merely a temporary refuge, while a demon cult stronghold is for long-term 'habitation'..." "Heretics represent poisonous fruit, harmful to a person or two, yet the demon cult is the 'root' spreading the poisonous seeds..." "The discovery of a demon cult stronghold indicates that this area either harbors an established demon cult 'root' or is being prepared for one..." "Once cemented, such a stronghold becomes a malignant influence spreading demonic doctrines, causing endless harm." "Uprooting a demon cult stronghold is extremely challenging, requiring a great sacrifice..." Gu Chang Huai's gaze was heavy. He had initially thought that Huo Fotuo and his 'cavern' were just exaggerated terms. But now it was clear that this cavern was indeed a large-scale demon cult hideout. Mo Hua mused aloud, "Then Huo Fotuo is not just a heretic or dark practitioner, but he's an inherited demon cultivator?" Gu Chang Huai's eyes turned cold, nodding slightly: "It seems so..." Mo Hua frowned, "I didn’t see it…" Gu Chang Huai looked at Mo Hua with a meaningful expression and replied: "The true demon cult is the one you can't discern." "Those who act lawless and arrogant have already been eliminated by the Cultivation Court..." "The remaining demon cultivators can often be more sanctimonious than the righteous ones…” Mo Hua was taken aback, inexplicably reminded of Lu Cheng Yun. He was a man who killed and refined corpses, used zombies for mining, endlessly accumulating spiritual stones. Then, using those stones, he bribed the Cultivation Court officers and local authorities to further exploit mining cultivators, refine more zombies, and expand his power. On the surface, he was the gentle and cultured patriarch of the Lu family. But secretly, he was a true demonic corpse cultivator. If he succeeded in refining a corpse king, every cultivator in the city, dead or alive, would likely become part of his "undead army." The scenario before him seemed familiar. Huo Fotuo and his followers might just be a front. What was truly hidden behind this "mountain cave," and whose handiwork it really was, remained unknown… "Uncle Gu, what should we do now? Should we go back and call for reinforcements?" Mo Hua asked quietly. Given the discovery of a demon cult stronghold, the sensible course would be to return for reinforcements and summon more Cultivation Court enforcers to "eradicate" this stronghold. Gu Chang Huai pondered deeply, gradually shaking his head. "Let's first scout ahead. If we can find Huo Fotuo, killing him directly would be ideal..." "Returning for reinforcements and laying siege to the demon cavern holds too many uncertainties; if Huo Fotuo escapes, it would all be for naught..." "Besides..." Gu Chang Huai's gaze darkened, saying no more. But he understood that if a demon cavern was built in Bichan City, it indicated corruption within the Cultivation Court as well. Going back to gather more troops could inadvertently give others an opening... If your killing blade is dulled, in a life-or-death struggle, it may very well spell your own demise. This suited Mo Hua perfectly. Fewer people meant smoother operations. With too many around, there'd be undue attention, and executing subtle maneuvers would be challenging. Mo Hua glanced again at the imposing demon cavern. Regardless of who orchestrated this demon cavern, Huo Fotuo must be the first to fall. He also needed to obtain his Hellfire Technique. "Let's move…" Gu Chang Huai instructed. "Yes." Mo Hua nodded affirmatively. Thus, the group of four, shrouding themselves in shadows, began their descent along the surrounding stone walls, quietly entering the demonic hall. Once inside, the terrain became more complex, diverging significantly from the outer structure they had seen. Many of the internal structures were closed off, preventing passage. Numerous formations were interspersed throughout, further limiting movement. Moreover, strange-looking demon cultivators patrolled with several demonic hounds. Should they be discovered by these patrols, it would trigger an alarm, summoning more demon cultivators. Engaged in close quarters within the demon cavern, even the Golden Core Gu Chang Huai might escape, but Gu An and Gu Quan would likely fall. Mo Hua could escape too, but any plans to assassinate Huo Fotuo would be abandoned. Thus, they moved with utmost caution. To avoid detection, they dared not even harm a single dog. The group cautiously navigated through the demonic hall for more than half a day without catching sight of Huo Fotuo. The mouth of these demon cultivators remained tight; leading their demon dogs like puppet-like entities, continuously scouring the area but speaking little. Eavesdropping on any useful clues was impossible for Mo Hua. Searching aimlessly like this felt futile. Not even seven days, let alone seventeen, would suffice to capture Huo Fotuo at this rate. "What should we do..." Mo Hua frowned. Gu Chang Huai also realized this approach was unproductive and whispered, "Let's head toward the inner hall for a look..." Currently, Mo Hua and his companions were in the outer hall of the demonic structure. If Huo Fotuo wasn’t in the outer hall, he was likely in the inner hall. Venturing further into the inner hall meant tighter security, more patrolmen and dogs, and greater risk. Upon discovery, the chance of escape dwindled drastically. Gu An and Gu Quan wore expressions of resolve as if ready to confront death. Mo Hua nodded as well. The group cautiously advanced toward the inner hall but barely took a few steps before three figures approached, the leader holding a green-eyed, black-furred demonic hound with a foul, drooling mouth. The four promptly hid, clinging to the stone wall, suspended alongside a hanging corridor. As the demonic hound drew near, it suddenly bared its teeth, growling viciously, then bowed its head to sniff around. Mo Hua had dispersed scentless powder over them. It was a powder carried by demon hunters as standard when hunting in the wilderness. If danger arose, they'd sprinkle it to avoid detection by beasts. While it was seldom used, Mo Hua always carried some, just in case. The demonic hound, unable to pick up any scent, barked ferociously a few times. A demon cultivator spoke in a low voice, "What's going on?" "Did the scent hound detect something?" A cold spiritual sense swept around, passing over Mo Hua and his companions, before retracting. "Nothing..." “Is the dog in heat? Why is it still barking?” “Did someone feed it the wrong pill?” This was followed by the sound of the demon hound howling, apparently because someone had kicked it. “Damn beast, don't make noise if there's no reason…” “You're wasting my time…” A raspy voice added, “Alright, continue patrolling…” “There’s no way anyone could have gotten in here…” “Damn it…” Afterwards, the three demon cultivators, along with the dog, gradually moved away. Once they were sure the patrol had passed, Gu Chang Huai frowned, “It’s difficult to get inside…” The patrols in the demon hall were too tight-knit. And these damn dogs had better alertness than humans. With a sentry every few steps, there was simply no way to proceed. Mo Hua guessed it was Gu An—Gu Quan spoke in a low voice, “Should we take out these patrols?” Gu Chang Huai's gaze sharpened but he shook his head once more. “We can’t kill…” “We can't even kill that dog…” Any spiritual energy fluctuations during the attack could alert the demon cultivators; Or, if during the killing, they failed to silence them quickly enough, their cries could alert others; Or if the bodies were not concealed properly after the deed, they could be discovered by other demon cultivators. Their group's presence here would be exposed... All four furrowed their brows. With a silent sigh, Gu Chang Huai said, “Let's keep searching the outer hall. Maybe we’ll get lucky and find some clues or a secret passage to the inner hall…” “Understood,” Mo Hua and the others nodded slightly. The four of them climbed back onto the corridor. Barely moving a few steps forward, Mo Hua’s expression changed, “Someone's coming…” Gu Chang Huai noticed it too, his face darkening as well. With no other choice, they returned to their hiding place, hanging under the corridor. Those three demon cultivators and the demon hound returned. “There was a noise here…” “Quick, search thoroughly…” This time, their search was more thorough. Multiple spiritual senses swept back and forth continuously. The dog sniffed tirelessly, almost rubbing its nose against the ground. Mo Hua felt a tinge of anxiety. After what felt like an eternity, the three demon cultivators finally ceased their efforts. “Still nothing…” “Did we see wrong?” “Is he messing with us? Treating us like dogs, driving us around for fun?” “Damn him…” “If not for his status… I would eventually…” “Silence!” A hoarse voice snapped, “Are you tired of living?” The other two fell silent, afraid to speak. “Just do your jobs!” The demon cultivator sternly warned, then his tone softened slightly, “This hall is sealed, dank and foreboding, your demonic cultivation might make your state of mind unstable…” “It’ll get better with time.” “There’ll be opportunities to vent outside…” An ominous laughter followed. Then the trio, dog in tow, slowly departed. Gu Chang Huai's group remained in their hiding spots, not emerging recklessly. The surroundings returned to silence, and Gu An couldn't help but whisper, “If not for worrying about alerting them, those demon bastards should be slaughtered…” Gu Chang Huai calmly responded, “Focus on the mission.” “Yes, young master.” After confirming that the trio and the dog were far gone, they resumed their search. However, Mo Hua suddenly stopped. “What’s wrong?” Gu Chang Huai asked. Mo Hua frowned, “Something’s off…” Gu Chang Huai paused, pondering the situation. Mo Hua looked back, saying, “There’s something not right about this place…” “Why did those three and the dog return after already moving far away?” “And listening to them, it seems someone ‘told’ them there was a disturbance here, prompting them to come back…” “How did this ‘person’ know there was a commotion?” “What gave them the ability to detect it?” As Mo Hua spoke, he continued to contemplate while releasing his spiritual sense to scrutinize the surroundings. Suddenly, a light dawned in his eyes as he moved to a corner of the corridor. There, he found a highly concealed array carved into the stone. While Mo Hua didn’t recognize the array, he could sense it—it was a geomagnetic array he hadn't encountered before... “Geomagnetic array…” Mo Hua murmured. Then he paused, closing his eyes to focus, faintly perceiving a subtle 'magnetic flow.' This magnetic flow was exceptionally faint. If not for his exceptionally sharp spiritual sense and his familiarity with derived thunder patterns from magnetic flows, he wouldn’t have sensed it. “Geomagnetic sensing…” Mo Hua came to a sudden realization and raised his head, taking in the entire demonic hall. A hypothesis began to form in his mind: “The entire ominous demon hall seems to be meticulously ‘monitored’ by a geomagnetic array…”