Chapter 651: Maze of Death - The Quest for Immortality

Chapter 651: Maze of Death Mo Hua expanded his divine sense, examining the maze once again before slightly shaking his head. Though it was indeed an enigma, it wasn't the grand "Heavenly Maze Array." Its scale didn't come close to a grand array. It seemed rather like a "replicated array" extracted from the Heavenly Maze Array, a smaller, derivative version. It was nothing like the vast, endless, and intricately interwoven Heavenly Maze Array he once witnessed in his sea of consciousness during his foundation establishment—like an endless canopy over the sky... Moreover, the form of the maze's array differed greatly from the Heavenly Maze Array in his mind. They originated from the same source but diverged in expression. It was like a variant of an array. Or perhaps... It appeared as though someone had replicated it from somewhere, restored and filled in gaps, before reconstructing the array... From the outside, the entire array appeared profound, esoteric, and bewilderingly complex. If it weren't for Mo Hua's divine sense having undergone the reconstruction of the Heavenly Maze Array, with all its array patterns deeply imprinted upon it, he might not have recognized this very formation as connected to it... "But why?" Mo Hua frowned. Why did the Demon Palace, or rather, the sacred sanctuary of the demon cultivators, choose to use a formation akin to the Heavenly Maze Array for its core architecture? The Heavenly Maze Array... Was the intention merely to use this formation to create a labyrinth to confuse, deceive, and hide secrets? Or did this formation inherently possess some special significance? Moreover, demon cultivators used the Heavenly Maze Array to build a labyrinth. Could it be that this formation... might be a sinister, demonic array? Was his divine sense reconstructed through such a demonic array, thus causing a "qualitative change"? Mo Hua thought hard, dismissing the possibility... The "Heavenly Derivation Technique" is an ancient cultivation method bestowed by his master. It is likely that this array is merely an ancient cultivation method, inherently neutral, merely discovered by demon cultivators and used for their "sanctuary." Even if one doubts the cultivation method, one must trust the master... Mo Hua nodded to himself. As for the mysteries of this Heavenly Maze Array, it seems he will need to explore the depths of this inner sanctum to uncover the truth... Fortunately, even though this is a replicated array, it isn't exceedingly difficult—certainly not nearly as formidable as a true "Heavenly Maze Array." With just a few glances, Mo Hua had a good grasp of it. "I'll just follow behind Uncle Gu and the other Dao Court officers and sneak in to check it out..." Mo Hua thought to himself. Yet, after a while, there was still no movement from the Dao Court cultivators. Mo Hua was puzzled, "Why haven't they gone in yet?" Even though they had breached the inner sanctum's gate, they seemed to have halted their advance. Turning his head, he observed the Xiao family gathered in hushed conversation, their expressions anxious and unclear. A few of them looked shocked, continually shaking their heads: "There's a labyrinth within the inner sanctum, and within this labyrinth lies a concealed array..." "This array... is extraordinary... beyond comprehension..." "Unprecedented, unheard of..." "We only know it's some sort of ancient enigma array, but what exactly it is and what secrets it holds, we can't determine..." "Young master... please be cautious and do not enter rashly..." Xiao Tianquan frowned, "You don't know how?" The Xiao family array masters all shook their heads, saying: "Only by consulting the well-versed elders of the Xiao family or the ancestors of the Heavenly Pivot Pavilion can we possibly decipher this array..." Xiao Tianquan's face turned ashen as he questioned sternly: "Going on our first mission only to return and consult the ancestors? What would they think?" "They'd think I'm indecisive... a disappointment, and they wouldn’t nurture me in the future." "And the elders..." "The Xiao family doesn't rely solely on me as a genuine successor. If I don't accomplish something, they'll definitely sneer at me behind my back, mocking me. They'll look down on me..." "No matter how perilous the labyrinth, I must enter!" Xiao Tianquan was stubborn and resolute. The Xiao family array masters frowned, deliberating, "If we wish to venture in, we need time to ponder carefully..." "Otherwise, we might fall prey to the demon cultivators' plots trapped within the maze..." "We must plan thoroughly..." ... Listening to this on the side, Mo Hua found it hard to believe. How could this group of array masters be so amateurish... This level of mystery array should be decipherable at first glance, right? Even if not, calculating a bit should provide an approximate path. Aren’t they operating within the Qianxue State? The Xiao family should be a major family. Even without the Heavenly Maze Array's legacy, they should at least have common "mystery arrays" in their heritage. Mo Hua remembered well. When his master taught him how to solve "mystery arrays," he remarked that mystery arrays were used by noble family disciples as "intellectual amusement." Like solving riddles during the Lantern Festival. Why does it seem like these family array masters are unfamiliar with using mystery arrays for intellectual exercise? Mo Hua suddenly felt puzzled. Could his master... have been deceiving him? Or is the Xiao family's standard simply subpar? The Xiao family continued their discussions, deep in conversation... Mo Hua grew impatient. Were it not for his desire to avoid drawing too much attention, he would have stepped forward to lead the way already... With three days remaining, he was eager to capture Huo Fó Tuó and wondered how long these "amateurs" planned to delay... Mo Hua glanced over at Gu Changhuai. Gu Changhuai had overheard the Xiao family's array masters and was frowning but then noticed Mo Hua's curious expression. Having become familiar with Mo Hua, Gu Changhuai was taken aback by the look and quietly asked: "You... can decipher this maze too, can't you?" Mo Hua nodded, "I'm somewhat knowledgeable in this area..." Gu Changhuai was at a loss for words. Isn’t this child's understanding of arrays a bit excessive? He had overheard the Xiao family's array masters expressing their bewilderment, needing to consult their family's ancestor at the Heavenly Pivot Pavilion. You say you can solve it... Doesn’t that make you the Xiao family's ‘little ancestor’? Gu Changhuai increasingly felt that Mo Hua might be a reincarnated old monster or demon in disguise. Otherwise, how could such a young cultivator possess such deep knowledge of arrays? Gu Changhuai frowned once more. But if indeed he were possessed... He wouldn’t have been able to enter the Taixu Sect’s gate. He probably wouldn’t even get past the sect's threshold before the legendary terrifying sword cultivators in the Taixu back mountain would slice him down with a single strike. Though the Taixu Sect currently seemed less renowned among the eight great sects... Historically, it was a place teeming with sword masters. Their sword intent pierced the heavens, shattering all worldly laws, annihilating all evils. Demons, zombies, evil spirits, and deities—all could be cut down with one sword... Sadly, as times changed, people, swords, and all else became sealed away, forgotten by many... Even he had heard only whispers of such tales during his studies in the sect. Gu Changhuai sighed. He glanced at Mo Hua again. Though the Sword Path in the Taixu has waned, unexpectedly, they've picked up a little monster in the Way of Arrays... "Can you lead the way?" Gu Changhuai asked. "Yes." Mo Hua nodded. "Alright," Gu Changhuai said quietly, glancing around, "Stick to my side and guide me discreetly, but stay low-key so you don’t stand out and attract envy." "Don't worry, Uncle Gu, I understand." Gu Changhuai nodded slightly, then rose to his feet and instructed: "Everyone, form into formation squads and follow me into the maze." The officers exchanged puzzled glances. Xiao Tianquan furrowed his brows, quickly saying: "Gu Inspector, the arrays within this labyrinth are complex, profound; we must..." Gu Changhuai shot him a cold glance, "I said what I said, do as you're told." Xiao Tianquan's face flushed with a touch of anger, yet he lowered his head slightly, seething but responding: "I will comply with the inspector's command." Whatever thoughts or grievances he harbored, Gu Changhuai could discern them easily. But Gu Changhuai didn't care. "Enter the maze, following the previous arrangements—teams of five in formation..." "If you encounter demon cultivators, strike first, show no mercy." "I emphasize again..." Gu Changhuai's gaze sharpened, "Show no mercy, strike to kill!" "These demon cultivators are vicious and ruthless. If there's a breath left in them, your lives are the ones at risk..." The more than four hundred Dao Court officers, faces solemn, responded in unison: "Yes!" In the lead, Gu Changhuai set off first, with Mo Hua closely following. The rest of the officers unsheathed their standardized spiritual weapons, expressions vigilant, as they filed into the maze. Xiao Tianquan's eyes harbored an indescribable shadow of complexity as he followed them inside. ... The maze was forged from ancient bronze, with enigmatic arrays etched into its surface. Its pathways were intricate, its orientation unclear, and all walls appeared identical, making it seem one could be perpetually wandering in the same spot, oblivious to their true location. Yet, Gu Changhuai walked ahead as if he inherently knew the way, gradually leading the group towards the vast center of the maze... "No wonder he's the Inspector!" Numerous cultivators felt a swell of admiration for Gu Changhuai. Xiao Tianquan was equally astounded. He couldn’t fathom how Gu Changhuai knew the path. By what means did he determine the direction? Gu Changhuai wasn’t an array master, nor versed in formations. Even the so-called "expert" array masters from the Xiao family couldn’t decipher the maze or determine any orientation. How was Gu Changhuai managing it? Xiao Tianquan frowned, unable to solve the mystery. What went unnoticed was that at each fork in the path, Mo Hua, trailing beside Gu Changhuai, subtly tugged at Gu Changhuai’s sleeve to indicate the direction. Where Mo Hua pulled, Gu Changhuai would discreetly turn and walk, making it seem as though he led the way. In truth, it was Mo Hua who was guiding. In more complex intersections, Mo Hua would halt, extending his divine sense to find the precise exit. In those moments, Gu Changhuai paused the group under the pretense of a rest. The officers were slightly perplexed but dared not question Gu Changhuai's command. During such a pause, Xiao Tianquan, observing this dynamic, feigned casual conversation with Gu Changhuai, then subtly inquired: "This young fellow is..." Gu Changhuai had been accompanied by this youth, merely at the early stages of foundation establishment. Initially, Xiao Tianquan saw him as unremarkable, not worth a second thought. Yet, he remained by Gu Changhuai’s side persistently, even in the perilous, complex inner sanctum maze, making Xiao Tianquan deeply curious. Gu Changhuai's expression remained distant, offering no reply. Mo Hua thought Uncle Gu's silence rather impolite, so he stepped in: "I'm here to train under Uncle Gu’s guidance." In a sense, it was the truth, leaving Xiao Tianquan with something to ponder. Training? Xiao Tianquan was momentarily taken aback, then understanding dawned. Ah, so that's it... Likely, this youth was a disciple with significant backing, experiencing life under the mentorship of Gu Changhuai, the Inspector, to build some resume for future advancement within the Dao Court. Still... Wasn't Gu Changhuai, known for his impartiality and lack of sentiment, uncharacteristically accommodating? Might this youngster have a profound connection with the Gu family? Yet... how could his potential be so lackluster? His spiritual roots seemed almost embarrassingly poor... How could a descendant of an elder or powerful figure possess such meager spiritual roots, such scant life force? Was there an anomaly in the inheritance of spiritual roots? Xiao Tianquan was thoroughly confounded. But he wisely refrained from further inquiry. Probing into the backgrounds of "big-backed" disciples is a taboo. The journey continued. After proceeding for a while, Mo Hua suddenly halted, prompting Gu Changhuai to stop as well. "What’s wrong?" Mo Hua whispered, "Beyond the maze lies a killing array as we proceed..." "And likely, demon cultivators are lurking within." Gu Changhuai understood immediately. The demon cultivators had two goals—one to block, the other to slay. The real battle was yet to unfold. Gu Changhuai issued stern instructions: "Everyone, prepare yourselves, a killing array lies ahead. If you encounter demon cultivators, execute without mercy!" "Yes!" The Dao Court officers responded robustly. After walking enough time to burn a stick of incense, the bronze walls before them began to change. Different walls bore different sets of array patterns. Interwoven were variants of five-element arrays, along with some unusual forms of the eight trigram arrays. Moreover, certain sinister and gruesome evil arrays were present. These arrays were embedded intricately within the maze. They weren’t intrinsically part of the mystery array, but rather concealed within it to mask a deadly trap. Mo Hua’s expression grew slightly more serious. The other cultivators' faces mirrored his grave concern. Gu Changhuai held a folding fan in hand, directing softly, "Proceed." The Dao Court cultivators formed into strategic groups, traversing through the deadly arrays, heading towards the maze's center. For a while, the passage was uneventful. The walls inscribed with sinister patterns displayed no immediate threat. Everyone held their breath and continued forward... Suddenly, the air grew frigid, as ghostly pale claws extended silently from a bronze wall. Long nails delved sharply into the shoulder of an officer, dragging him towards the wall. Toxic green blood dripped from the nails. The officer was paralyzed in half his body, struggling vainly as the wall pulled him in. Gu Changhuai flicked his folding fan, sending forth a white wind blade that severed the ghostly claws at their base. Greenish-black blood splattered, followed by a wailing shriek. Then, darker echoes replied in kind. It sounded like a battle cry reverberating. Countless ghostly white claws emerged from the bronze walls, dense as cobwebs, or like centipede appendages, reaching for each Dao Court officer. Simultaneously, more deadly arrays activated. There were blood flame arrays, corpse transformation traps, treacherous demon poison needles, and crimson maleficent blade lights... Taking shelter behind these arrays, demon cultivators hiding within the cavernous bronze walls unfurled their claws. Brandishing bone blades, poisonous blood swords, soul-reaping banners—armed with various demonic artifacts—they charged at the Dao Court officers, faces menacing and eyes gleaming with malice. Despite having anticipated threats, the Dao Court cultivators were still caught somewhat off-guard by the sudden attack. Some younger officers, unseasoned in the face of mortal combat, turned pale and froze in panic. Others, realizing the dire situation, attempted to flee... Chaos quickly permeated the Dao Court ranks. Fortunately, among them were seasoned veterans who swiftly intervened, adeptly countering the assault. Body cultivators took the front lines to absorb the initial demon onslaught. Spiritual cultivators provided defensive spells; others brandished their spiritual weapons and talismans. Stability was gradually restored. The ensuing battle was fierce; spiritual energies clashed with demonic forces in a chaotic, blood-drenched scene. Mo Hua sighed. There wasn't much he could do. This maze was inherently a trap. The deadly traps were strategically laid out, clandestine and insidious, seemingly the meticulous handiwork of "Master Yuan." While Mo Hua could see through the maze and foresee dangers, his understanding of demonic arrays was limited—there was only so much a single person could do. Facing the numerous traps, he felt overwhelmed... Gu Changhuai recognized this and said, "Don't worry about the traps, just focus on leading us." Their priority was escaping this death trap maze. Remaining stuck in the deadly section meant inevitable destruction, no matter their numbers. "Understood." Mo Hua nodded. Gu Changhuai then quietly instructed: "Gu An, Gu Quan, guard Mo Hua." "Yes." Gu An and Gu Quan responded sternly. Gu Changhuai raised his head, commanding aloud: "Everyone else, follow Gu An and Gu Quan, form a long formation, charge straight ahead, do not fall behind or engage unnecessarily. I'll cover the rear!" And so Mo Hua, unfazed, moved swiftly forward, uninhibited. Gu Quan took the lead, cutting through the path, while Gu An protected Mo Hua at his side. The Dao Court officers of the Gu family followed closely. The remaining officers complied, maintaining vigilance and mutual support, forming a long formation and charging onward... When encountering demon cultivators, they engaged in a few skirmishes. If a foe could be defeated, they would strike; if not, they would evade, continuing on their path. Should they encounter hindering arrays, injuries were neglected. Survival lay in exit; to stay was to face death. Gu Changhuai guarded the rear, his folding fan slicing through demons with wind blades, facilitating the Dao Court's escape from the death maze, venturing deeper into the maze... The battle was notably brutal. Among the ranks were wounded, severely injured, and even those who perished. Blood patterns traced vividly upon the bronze walls. On the ground lay numerous bodies and severed limbs dripping with blood. Fortunately, with Gu Changhuai, a cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage, leading the charge, the casualties among the Dao Court officers weren't excessively heavy. Under his wind blades, scores of demon cultivators had met their end. Thus, as Gu Changhuai fought from the rear and Mo Hua led the group forward, they weaved through countless complicated walls until the path suddenly opened up. Before them stood a grand hall. Bronze walls enclosed it tightly on all sides. The hall was vast yet empty, supported by twelve towering columns carved with demonic motifs, each so wide that five or six people would struggle to circle one. Ancient murals adorned the bronze walls, stretching from either side into the dim distance. Lamps forged from bones cast an eerie glow. The crimson candle flames lent the hall an eerie, sinister atmosphere. Originally, the hall seemed to have housed furnishings, but now all lay destroyed, rendering the space barren and dissonantly empty. And at the center of the hall, stood a man. Tall and with a compassionate countenance, he wore a blood-red kasaya, projecting an air of solemnity and foreboding. It was none other than Huo Fó Tuó! Mo Hua's eyes narrowed sharply, and he quickly concealed himself, retreating silently to the safety of the group. The group of Dao Court officers brandished their swords and advanced, stopping ten meters from Huo Fó Tuó, their blades gleaming, poised in confrontation. Despite their numbers, the terrifying reputation and aura of Huo Fó Tuó caused hesitation; no one dared move rashly. Soon, more cultivators exited the death maze and entered the hall. The interior of the hall filled with the growing presence of Dao Court officers. Xiao Tianquan had also entered, his status evident with a prized longsword in hand, his robe stained with blood, face somber. Yet upon seeing Huo Fó Tuó, unyielding at the center, his gaze darkened, tinged with a trace of excitement. After a while, Gu Changhuai, who had been in the rear, also walked into the hall. His aura had weakened considerably. His handsome face was smeared with blood. But none of it was his own. At the sight of Huo Fó Tuó, Gu Changhuai's previously weary expression transformed instantly, eyes gleaming, murderous intent emanating fiercely. As Gu Changhuai stepped into the hall, Huo Fó Tuó, who had been meditating with eyes closed, reciting sutras, simultaneously snapped his eyes open. His gaze was fiery red. Fire-element spiritual energy surged around him. His crimson kasaya fluttered without wind, within the turbulence of spiritual energy, resembling a blistering sea of fire, undulating incessantly. Sparks dispersed into the surroundings, flickering ominously. "Gu Changhuai..." Huo Fó Tuó's expression remained calm, yet his eyes brimmed with deadly intent. "Long time no see..." Gu Changhuai's face was icy, "You abomination, your time has come..." Huo Fó Tuó sneered, "The Buddha does not save; cultivators save themselves." Abandoning further talk, Gu Changhuai retrieved his jade-bone folding fan, his white spiritual energy swirling like wind, transforming into countless wind blades. The surrounding Dao Court officers, armed with gleaming blades, gradually encircled Huo Fó Tuó. Huo Fó Tuó's demeanor remained detached, devoid of joy or anger. He spread his arms, and his kasaya turned a vibrant scarlet, fire-element spiritual energy surging like molten lava in a relentless flow. His chest roared with flame. Two blinding fireballs, twin hearts, pulsed with overwhelming spiritual power. Flames surged, enveloping his form. His entire aura was exceedingly formidable, like a demon beast in human guise, harboring limitless demonic power within. The scorching fire was imbued with infinite malice, seemingly capable of incinerating and obliterating all... The cultivators were taken aback by the sight. Gu Changhuai's expression grew colder than ice. Mo Hua was equally stunned. This was the formidable fire-element forbidden technique that the Dao Court had expressly prohibited— Inferno Art!! I almost forgot February only has 29 days... I have debts to pay (holding my head)... There will be an extra update tomorrow~ (End of this chapter)