691 - The Quest for Immortality

Chapter 691: Bloodleeches Mo Hua landed gracefully with a water-like step, his posture light, though a slight numbness tingled at his feet. As he steadied himself, he looked up and saw that the mist at the bottom of the well was not too dense, but the blood-red hue spread evenly, flowing slowly at the base. Within the blood mist, something seemed to be incubating. A slight trepidation gripped Mo Hua's heart. He felt as if he was getting closer to some kind of origin. "Young master?" Gu An and his two companions inquired softly. Upon entering the bottom of the well, they unexpectedly found it somewhat difficult to breathe, an unexplainable anxiety settling in their chests, prompting them to look toward Mo Hua. Mo Hua surveyed his surroundings, noticing that the bottom of this dry well was a stone-constructed passage, leading in various directions, reaching who-knows-where. Gu An and the others couldn't see the blood, so they didn't know which way to proceed. "Follow me," Mo Hua nodded and summoned them. He chose a path and began to walk straight in. Gu An walked next to Mo Hua, slightly ahead, Yu Da He followed behind him, and Gu Quan brought up the rear. The three of them subtly protected Mo Hua in their formation. Gu An and Gu Quan were under orders from Gu Chang Huai to ensure Mo Hua's safety at all costs. Yu Da He was aware that the lives of his two younger sons depended entirely on this young master, so the young master couldn't afford any mishaps. The passage was dry and dim, the atmosphere oppressive. They walked a while until they suddenly encountered a pool of stagnant water, seemingly a large pit dug out and filled. Mo Hua's gaze sharpened. He recalled that his small tiger had fallen into the water, only to be attacked and instantly shattered to pieces. Extending his senses, Mo Hua probed for a moment and his eyes darkened. "There's a monster in the water." The beast’s presence was subtle yet powerful, hidden beneath the water, making it difficult to detect. The mastermind of the fishing village seemed to have intentionally raised a beast to guard the path by the water to prevent intrusion. Gu An and Gu Quan exchanged looks, startled. The water was already muddied, and with their senses, they hadn't noticed a beast concealed within. Though they were formation masters, was young master Mo's perception too keen? He was only in the early foundation period, after all... Yu Da He weakly asked, "Young master, can you tell what kind of water demon it is?" Mo Hua shook his head. Gu An pondered, "Should I call more people down and join forces to kill this monster?" "No," Mo Hua shook his head. "This monster should be a late second-grade water demon. It's extremely powerful in water. It would likely require at least seven or eight late foundation stage cultivators, adept in water techniques to possibly defeat it." Mo Hua deduced based on his experience as a monster hunter. Both Gu An and Gu Quan frowned. Gathering seven or eight late foundation stage members was possible for the Gu family, but finding ones skilled in water techniques, proficient in aquatic combat? That was far too demanding. The fishing cultivators in the village were adept in water but not in combat, and none were at the late foundation stage. "Moreover," Mo Hua continued, "if we strike here, forcibly killing the water demon will cause a commotion, possibly alerting Guo Jiang Long and allowing them to escape." "And those two children may never be recovered..." Yu Da He looked at Mo Hua, his gaze pained, full of longing. Mo Hua sighed softly, "Let me think..." He stared at the ominous pool before him, lost in thought, recalling a crucial query. Guo Jiang Long, how did he cross this? Guo Jiang Long, skilled in aquatic survival, was only at the mid-foundation stage, not a match for the water demon. Moreover, the demon, being a beast, would devour indiscriminately. Mo Hua reflected on his encounter with Guo Jiang Long, naturally recalling those dead fish. According to Yu Da He, those fish were called "Deathspot Fish." Mo Hua inquired, "What are Deathspot Fish used for?" Yu Da He replied, "These fish are poisonous. Once dead, they develop gray spots, resembling ‘deadman's spots,’ hence the name Deathspot Fish. Consuming them causes blood coagulation and paralysis, mimicking a ‘corpse’ that can't move..." Realization dawned on Mo Hua. "So that’s it." Guo Jiang Long and his group used these fish to paralyze the water demon long enough to cross the water safely. Mo Hua pondered and instructed Gu An to throw a Deathspot Fish into the water. Moments after the fish hit the water, the surface roiled, revealing the massive and hideous head of the water beast, which swallowed the fish whole. Mo Hua's pupils contracted. Gu An and the others were equally shocked. The water beast's species was uncertain, but its body was colossal—five to six times the length of a person—with a deformed head and a maw like a blood basin. Its dense beast blood and scaly hide rendered it nearly invincible. Its bulging eyes, black and yellow in hue, were cold and ruthless. This was a peak second-grade water monster, whose swimming sangfroid remained unperturbed for long. The beast consumed the Deathspot Fish, causing its eyes to lose focus and its body to momentarily paralyze, but within ten breaths, it was back to normal. Mo Hua was taken aback, inhaling sharply. Feeding it fish only paralyzed it for ten breaths, insufficient for a tranquil crossing. Due to its dense blood energy, expedience was essential before it rouses to devour those crossing. Gu An and the others’ pallor revealed their comprehension; worry tainted their features. Mo Hua surveyed them silently, but his eyes hinted at a question. Yu Da He firmed his resolve, declaring, "I must save my sons, even at the cost of my life." Gu An nodded at these words. "Young master, worry not for us," he added. Gu Quan, however, cast a worried glance at Mo Hua, "Young master, perhaps it’s too risky for you." "I'm fine," Mo Hua replied. "I'm not slow in the water." He’d practiced Guo Jiang Long's White Wave Technique; while not mastered, it sufficed for temporary use. Contemplating further, Mo Hua suggested, "We’ll use the remaining three Deathspot Fish together, then immediately cross." "All at once?" Gu Quan remarked haltingly, "What about the return journey?" "That won’t be a problem." Mo Hua replied nonchalantly. Returning wouldn't raise alarm; a stagnant water monster is a target, with myriad ways to eliminate it. Gu An and Gu Quan, despite being unsure of Mo Hua's plans, had learned to follow his lead after their ordeal in the Bieshan Magic Cave. The water beast, after devouring one fish, slowly vanished beneath the surface. Its disinterest in land events contrasted its keen awareness of aquatic quarry. Their strategy set, they aimed to cross the water. Gu An, Gu Quan, and Yu Da He each grabbed a fish and threw them into the water simultaneously. After consuming two, the water demon emerged again, pupils dilating as it began to paralyze. "Let's go!" As the monster feasted, Mo Hua decisively commanded them. They all plunged into the water, vigorously swimming toward the opposite bank. Though Yu Da He excelled at swimming, Mo Hua, not being a fisher cultivator but practiced in aquatic techniques, matched a nimble fish's speed. Gu An and Gu Quan, though less adept, were powerful and kept pace, deliberately positioning to protect Mo Hua’s rear. Fifteen breaths of paralysis elapsed before the beast revived, its eyes glaring ominously, as it sensed living prey. Snubbing a remaining fish, the water demon submerged. As the creature descended, a dark current zigzagged across the surface, rushing toward Mo Hua and his companions with alarming swiftness. Mo Hua and his companions were startled, swimming frantically. Yu Da He, skilled in water, reached the shore first, immediately turning back to extend his hand and pull Mo Hua from the riverbed. Gu An and Gu Quan reached the bank soon after. Before they could climb up, however, the water erupted with a thunderous roar. The grotesque head of the water monster surfaced, its blood-red maw gaping as it lunged toward Gu An and Gu Quan. The two, still in the water, couldn't evade in time. Reacting swiftly, Mo Hua brought his fingers together to cast several fireballs at the creature’s protruding eyes, momentarily hindering the beast. Taking advantage of the brief respite, Gu An and Gu Quan drew their swords and launched a chi attack at the monster’s jaw. The creature’s hide, tough and thick, only suffered superficial cuts. Quickly, Yu Da He retrieved a poison-tipped fish spear from his storage pouch and flung it towards the monster’s open maw. This method was a staple for fisher cultivators dealing with aquatic demons. The spear pierced the beast’s mouth, allowing the poison to seep into its throat, causing it immense pain. It thrashed violently before submerging again. With this opportunity, Gu An and Gu Quan clambered onto the bank. The group wasted no time retreating. Moments later, the water beast emerged once more. It had swallowed the entire spear with a beastly vengeance. Enraged, it roared at the scent of the now absent humans. Its growl was low, yet the stench-laden wind it created was fierce. Caught off guard, Mo Hua stumbled from the wind’s force, landing ungracefully with a splash. Gu An quickly helped him up, "Young master, are you alright?" "I'm fine," Mo Hua rubbed his forehead, glancing back at the water beast with annoyance. Internally, he vowed, "You ugly creature, wait until I return and deal with you." The beast's hideous eyes remained fixed on Mo Hua, oblivious to its recent addition to Mo Hua's "blacklist". Once on land and out of the water, the beast was powerless against them. The group was temporarily safe and continued onward. Eventually, they reached a cave's entrance, dimly lit from within. Beyond the cave, the world opened up from the narrow confines of the well. It was a gray and misty expanse. A light rain fell from the sky, and beneath their feet lay a stone-paved dirt path. A faint, yellowish mist hovered above. To Gu An and his companions, this mist appeared yellowish. But to Mo Hua, the mist was a deeper shade of blood red. Not far off, the silhouette of a fishing village emerged, shrouded by the blood mist, emanating an eerie sense of deathly silence. Gu An cursed softly, "Guo Jiang Long and his gang chose quite the sinister hideout." Yu Da He nodded, puzzled, "I've never heard of such a place nearby… Is this even a fishing village? Why does it seem deserted?" "Let’s go check it out," Mo Hua sighed. He understood that the village likely hid more than just traffickers. Following the dirt path, the group approached the fishing village. Suddenly, Mo Hua grabbed Gu An, exclaiming urgently, "Stop!" Gu An, startled, scanned the surroundings, confused by Mo Hua's urgency. There seemed to be nothing around. However, Mo Hua’s eyes widened slightly. He saw a cluster of blood mist ahead, within which slithered a leech-like, sinister entity. This blood leech, wholly crimson, drifted amid the blood mist, grotesque and foul. It swam right in front of Gu An's gaze, invisible to him. If he had taken another step forward, he would have directly encountered these blood leeches. The consequence of touching one was unknown to Mo Hua. But drawing from experience, he deemed these leeches likely offshoots of an evil deity, potentially invading a conscious mind upon contact, corrupting and parasitizing it. "There's danger," Mo Hua spoke gravely. The team glanced at the surrounding dense mist, apprehensive. "Stay close and don’t wander!" Mo Hua instructed seriously. Having led them into the depths, he was responsible for their safety. Yu Da He, a struggling fishing cultivator, faced enough hardships. Gu An and Gu Quan, familiar allies sent by Uncle Gu Chang Huai, were to remain unharmed. They all nodded in agreement. Mo Hua took the lead, leading the trio carefully through the mist, avoiding the leeches. As they advanced, the blood mist thickened, and the leeches multiplied. Though Mo Hua could navigate, Gu An and his companions risked parasitization by trailing leeches despite following his path. Mo Hua pondered, then stopped short. He recalled another issue. He could see the leeches and forge a path. But Guo Jiang Long—unable to see them—how did he navigate past the blood leeches? There was something peculiar here. Unleashing his senses, Mo Hua scanned surroundings. Brightening, he crouched and began moving soil and stones at his feet. The team watched curiously but with restraint, disrupting Mo Hua not. After some effort, Mo Hua unearthed a find—a formation stone slab! Inscribed with intricate, obscure formation lines. Unfamiliar, yet reminiscent of Guo Jiang Long's atmospheric formations. “Divine Path Formation!” Mo Hua felt elation. He hastily committed the markings to memory. The stone, though, offered only fragments, insufficient for a full formation structure or understanding. Moving further, Mo Hua soon uncovered another slab. Each slab incomplete, bearing inscriptions new and old. Recording new lines and continuing forward, Mo Hua unearthed several more slabs, culminating in five unique Divine Path formation lines. He unfurled a sheet, sketching configurations, rearranging and connecting the lines. After numerous attempts, Mo Hua pieced them into a simple, but functionally complete, Divine Path formation prototype, one resembling early formations he’d studied in training, albeit rudimentary. Nevertheless, it formed a coherent, entry-level Divine Path structure. Comparing it to Guo Jiang Long's crude auxiliary lines, he gleaned insights. His scribings weren’t bona fide Divine Path forms but employed trickery to sever formation energy temporarily, “unsealing” the well’s mouth. This implied a foundational Divine Path formation underpinned his work. This complex structure possibly encompassed the entire blood-tainted well. Or perhaps... Mo Hua’s gaze roamed toward the eerie, blood-misted village. This village, corrupted and disappearing through eldritch means, might too derive from this “Divine Path.” Both well and village formations merely external fragments of a more comprehensive design. Mo Hua harbored astonishment but also burgeoning questions. Whence came this Divine Path structure? Who arrayed such formations over this village? To what purpose? And the usage of Divine Path itself? Mo Hua frowned. “Seems we’ll have to explore the village interior—the heart of the Divine Path will be concealed within...” More stone slabs likely hid beneath his feet, yet time pressed; he hadn’t time to excavate all. Resolving the demonic matter would allow thorough ground examination later. Mo Hua nodded, convinced. At last, he understood the stone slab formation’s role. These matrices separated the blood mist, particularly displacing blood leech-like menaces. The sequential formations carved through the mist, forming a safe passage. Guo Jiang Long must’ve traversed this path, avoiding divine interference, sidestepping leech harbors to safely infiltrate the village. Mo Hua’s grasp on the Divine Path formations had deepened. Now, the winding "Divine Path" road lay clear before Mo Hua's eyes. Having a path offered them considerably more safety. While Mo Hua could see the blood leeches and navigate regardless of the route, it wasn't the same for Gu An and the others. They were blind to the dangers; following Mo Hua without a path conferred peril at every step. "Follow me, step exactly where I step, don't stray, and keep your eyes forward," Mo Hua instructed. Understanding the stakes, Gu An and his companions nodded solemnly. Mo Hua took the lead, with Gu An and the others carefully trailing behind, mindful of stepping accurately in his tracks. Step by step, time blurred as they traversed the leech-infested grounds, finally stepping onto the soil of the vanished fishing village. This land was stained with blood. Still feeling somewhat unwell, Mo Hua resolved to take it easy for a bit—he would eventually catch up with what was overdue. Apologies for the delay. (End of this chapter)