Chapter 1123: Temptation

Head Escort Luo was momentarily stunned, neither replying nor returning the greeting. The Sect Master of Canglang Sect frowned, feeling a slight disdain, but then he considered that such a cultivator, seeing him, would naturally feel fear and lose proper etiquette, so he didn't find it too surprising. What's more, one should consider the connections. Even for Mo Hua's sake, he couldn't be too harsh on Head Escort Luo.

Mo Hua whispered, "Head Escort Luo—"

Head Escort Luo slowly came back to his senses. Mo Hua glanced at the Canglang Sect Master and gestured to Head Escort Luo, "The Sect Master is speaking to you." Head Escort Luo's expression jolted, and he hastily bowed, saying, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. Sect Master, your prestige is imposing and inspires awe. I was momentarily lost for words. I hope the Sect Master will forgive my lapse."

The Canglang Sect Master nodded, a little more satisfied. Mo Hua then said, "Head Escort Luo, you must be tired from your journey. Why don't you go home and rest first?"

"Go home?" Head Escort Luo was taken aback. He then glanced at the Canglang Sect Master and, somewhat agitated, cupped his hands and asked, "Then, Sect Master—may I take my leave first?" The Canglang Sect Master nodded.

Head Escort Luo was overjoyed. He had a guilty conscience and feared the Canglang Sect Master's power, terrified that his secret would be exposed. He wished he could leave this troublesome place as soon as possible.

Head Escort Luo bowed and prepared to exit the hall. Unexpectedly, when he was halfway out, the Canglang Sect Master suddenly called out, "Wait a moment."

Head Escort Luo's heart jumped. The Canglang Sect Master said, "Head Escort Luo, you've worked hard escorting Young Master Mo all this way. Someone, bring some spirit stones and medicinal pills for Head Escort Luo."

Head Escort Luo was stunned again. He had led Young Master Mo to Canglang City, and together they had killed six disciples and two elders of the Canglang Sect, including the Sect Master's own nephew. This was a capital offense. Yet now, the Canglang Sect Master had not only personally received him and thanked him, he was even giving him a gift?

Head Escort Luo felt an overwhelming sense of absurdity, coupled with audacious disbelief. The Canglang Sect Master, seeing Head Escort Luo's startled expression, finally couldn't help but frown slightly. He thought to himself, "This Head Escort Luo, for a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he's so timid and hesitant in his actions. Just a small gift makes him so flustered and at a loss. In this day and age, without some bearing, some ruthlessness, some courage, what great deeds can one accomplish?" However, he refrained from saying these words out loud, out of consideration for Mo Hua.

Head Escort Luo, still looking nervous, cupped his hands towards the Canglang Sect Master, saying, "Many thanks for the Sect Master's generosity." The Canglang Sect Master nodded. After that, Head Escort Luo and his group bid farewell and left.

As Head Escort Luo left the hall, his expression grew solemn. He didn't delay but led his escorts, striding quickly along the familiar streets back to the Luo Family Escort Agency. Upon reaching the agency, he closed the main gate. Seeing that the surrounding houses, tables, chairs, and screen decorations were all exactly as he remembered, Head Escort Luo finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Home..." Head Escort Luo murmured softly, feeling as if he were in a dream. Previously, he had already prepared himself to flee with his daughter and disciples, to wander the world, living a life of being hunted by the Canglang Sect amidst thorns. The legacy he had established in Canglang City, he might never have seen again in this lifetime. Yet, he never imagined that he would actually be able to return "home" now.

Head Escort Luo felt a surge of emotion, but he dared not truly relax. Instead, he sternly instructed everyone: "Everything that happened on this journey, from now on, you must completely forget. Keep it all buried deep inside; no one is allowed to mention it. Otherwise, we will all die!" Head Escort Luo's tone was grim. The other escorts, knowing the gravity of the situation, did not dare to be careless and nodded one after another.

Yingniang frowned, still somewhat worried, and asked, "Father, Young Master Mo—will he be alright, mixing with the Canglang Sect?" Head Escort Luo shook his head and sighed, "Young Master Mo, though young, his cultivation and methods are truly terrifying. Such a person is beyond our concern. We just need to be cautious in our words and actions, and not cause him any trouble; that will be enough."

"And also—" Head Escort Luo said to everyone, "If there's an opportunity, we should repay Young Master Mo for saving our lives. Without Young Master Mo, our Luo Family Escort Agency would definitely have been swallowed by the Canglang Sect this time, and we wouldn't have come to a good end." Everyone pondered for a moment, then nodded.

Meanwhile, in the main hall, Mo Hua was still drinking tea and chatting with the Canglang Sect Master. Although he was only at the Foundation Establishment stage, he sat discussing the Dao and conversing cheerfully with the Golden Core stage Canglang Sect Master, appearing completely at ease. The Canglang Sect Master also maintained a friendly demeanor.

After chatting for a while, the Canglang Sect Master invited him, "Brother Mo, would you consider joining my Canglang Sect?" Mo Hua seemed "tempted" but clearly still hesitated, saying, "I'll need to consider it carefully." "Of course," the Canglang Sect Master said, and then asked, "Brother Mo, do you have a place to stay in Canglang City?"

Mo Hua replied, "Not yet." The Canglang Sect Master smiled, "In that case, why not stay temporarily at my Canglang Sect? It would also allow me to extend some hospitality. If you find our Canglang Sect comfortable, joining us directly would be for the best." Mo Hua considered this, didn't decline, and smiled, "That would be excellent, many thanks, Sect Master." The Canglang Sect Master's eyes flickered slightly, and he also smiled, "The pleasure is all mine."

Afterwards, the Canglang Sect Master personally led Mo Hua to the Canglang Sect's mountain gate. The Canglang Sect was located on the tallest mountain range north of Canglang City. Its gate was towering, carved with fierce wolf heads. Along the way, halls and pavilions stood imposingly, some adorned with wolf statues, others with wolf patterns, or bronze wolf head effigies. The elders and disciples who came and went were all clad in wolf skins and wolf robes. Mo Hua felt as if he had entered a "wolf's den."

Inside the sect, the Canglang Sect Master arranged a guest room of extremely high standards for Mo Hua. The room was filled with incense, wolf furs covered the floor, and the only canopy was pale gold, exuding an opulent atmosphere. "Our humble sect is rather crude; I apologize for inconveniencing Young Master Mo," the Canglang Sect Master said.

Mo Hua cupped his hands, "The Sect Master is too kind." The Canglang Sect Master said, "I won't disturb Young Master Mo's rest. During these days, Young Master can explore the sect or observe the local customs of Canglang City. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to tell me. And of course, if Young Master Mo is willing to join my Canglang Sect, that would be even better."

Mo Hua nodded, saying with a sincere expression, "Thank you for the Sect Master's kindness; I will certainly give it careful thought." The Canglang Sect Master was pleased. "I am busy with affairs, so I won't accompany Young Master much longer—" Mo Hua cupped his hands and said, "Please feel free, Sect Master." The Canglang Sect Master nodded slightly and then departed.

In the room, only Mo Hua remained. He turned over the wolf furs on the floor, sniffed the incense, examined the canopy thoroughly, and, with golden light in his eyes, he saw through the array patterns within the room. After a thorough inspection, he didn't detect anything unusual. "This Canglang Sect seems to follow rules when doing things," Mo Hua mused, but he still dared not be careless.

A young man traveling alone must protect himself well. Now that he was alone in a sect like Canglang, it was natural to be extra careful and vigilant. It's always right to be careful. Mo Hua set up a series of arrays near the bed and table. He used an Yi Wood Array to isolate the scent of incense in the room. He used a Thunder Magnetic Array to block primordial magnetic signals, ensuring he wouldn't be eavesdropped on or monitored. He also set up some defensive arrays for self-protection, ensuring he wouldn't be ambushed. With all the arrays properly arranged, Mo Hua stayed at the very center of his formations, finally feeling at ease.

Having endured the elements and suppressed malevolent energy along the way, he was indeed a bit weary. So, he sat in meditation on the large bed, resting his mind and spirit. Night gradually fell, and the incense in the room filled the air. About two hours later, there was a soft knock at the door.

Mo Hua opened his eyes, his expression subtly shifting. He got up and opened the door. Outside, he saw two graceful young women, similar in age and appearance, dressed in light gauze, with their shoulders partially exposed, their enchanting figures faintly visible.

The two women bowed to Mo Hua and said softly, "Young Master, by the Sect Master's command, we sisters have come to warm your bed."

The sisters were beautiful, their purity imbued with a captivating charm that stirred affection. Mo Hua, however, asked in confusion, "It's so hot today, why would anyone need their bed warmed?" The two women looked startled.

The elder sister, who was more worldly, blushed and whispered, "We sisters are here to serve Young Master—" Mo Hua simply shook his head, "I have hands and feet; I don't need to be served." The two women were stunned. Mo Hua then waved his hand, "You may leave."

The younger of the two sisters' eyes reddened, and a glistening tear fell onto her fair cheek. She was about to cry, saying, "Please, Young Master, have pity on us. We were ordered by the Sect Master, and if we don't serve you well, we'll have no—" *Bang!* Before she could finish, the door was closed. Mo Hua had already run out of patience. Only a fool would believe such pitiable words. He was busy cultivating, comprehending the Dao, and studying arrays; where would he have time to dally with these nonsensical women and waste time? Women would only hinder his cultivation speed. Mo Hua closed the door. Outside the door, the two women exchanged glances. They could only leave and report everything to the Canglang Sect Master.

In one of the Canglang Sect's main halls, the Canglang Sect Master was currently in discussion with a burly, one-eyed elder of the Canglang Sect, who had deep claw marks on his chest. The two sisters knelt on the ground and recounted everything.

The Canglang Sect Master remained silent. The one-eyed elder beside him, his single remaining eye roving over the sisters' graceful figures in light gauze, chuckled softly: "He could resist that? This boy—is he perhaps a novice who hasn't tasted the bone-deep pleasure of it yet, still unawakened? Or perhaps—" the one-eyed elder said with a flippant expression, "he doesn't like the 'pure' type, but prefers the 'provocative' ones?" The two sisters, kneeling on the ground, trembled.

The Canglang Sect Master said nothing, merely waved his hand, "You may leave." "Yes," they replied. The two sisters stood up and softly, slowly retreated. The one-eyed elder stared explicitly at the two sisters until their figures completely disappeared, still looking unsatisfied. He turned his head and asked, "Big Brother, since the boy doesn't want them, why not bestow them upon—" The Canglang Sect Master cast an indifferent glance at him. The one-eyed elder looked embarrassed.

The Canglang Sect Master said in a deep voice, "To accomplish great things, one must proceed slowly and not be too hasty." The one-eyed elder nodded, "You're right. After all, he's just a young lad. He might resist for a while, but can he resist for a lifetime? Sooner or later, he'll take the bait—" The Canglang Sect Master said nothing, instead falling into deep thought.

Since Mo Hua had already arrived at the Canglang Sect, things would be easier to handle. Some things, if he didn't do them now, he wouldn't be able to escape them eventually. Only, the Canglang Sect Master frowned. Lately, he had an unsettling feeling, as if something unexpected had happened, yet he was unaware of it—

In the opulent guest room, Mo Hua sat at the desk, spreading out array paper, drawing arrays with his brush. His posture was dignified and elegant, his demeanor relaxed and composed. After drawing arrays for a while, feeling calm and assured that no one else would disturb him, Mo Hua put away his paper and brush. He then began to circulate the Seven Souls Blood Prison Eye and the Demonic Path's True Art of Spirit Transformation to digest the malevolent energy that had backfired upon him.

Because he had only killed one person, the backlash wasn't fierce. Before long, this malevolent energy was refined by Mo Hua into his Blood Prison Eye and the spiritual power of Spirit Transformation. After refining, Mo Hua began to meditate calmly, comprehending the karma of the malevolent energy and making comparisons in his mind.

The sources of malevolent energy on him were two individuals. One was the wolf-robed youth, who was the Canglang Sect Master's nephew. The other was Elder Sun of the Canglang Sect. The wolf-robed youth was killed by Mo Hua himself. Elder Sun, after Mo Hua crippled his right leg and arm, was killed by Head Escort Luo with a great ring saber.

One was a direct killing, the other an indirect killing. With a direct killing, the malevolent energy from the backlash was significantly stronger. However, with an indirect killing, because he didn't directly bear the karma, the malevolent energy was much weaker. This was one of the reasons Mo Hua wanted Head Escort Luo to kill Elder Sun. He wanted to roughly compare the relationship between the karma involved in direct and indirect killings, and the degree of malevolent energy backlash.

This question was crucial. It directly influenced how he would control his murderous karma and eliminate the hidden dangers of malevolent energy in the future. The murderous karma on Mo Hua was too heavy, and the malevolent energy too deep, truly an exception among exceptions, thus there were no precedents to refer to. Therefore, he could only research and figure things out himself.

He sought a delicate balance between killing and not killing, fortune and grievance, merit and doom, righteous and demonic paths. If he could avoid killing, he would. But if he had no choice but to kill, he also had to find a way to minimize the extent of the backlash. Currently, the best method seemed to be letting others do the killing for him. To be the mastermind behind the scenes, playing a game of chess in the dark, manipulating others to fight and kill, while he himself minimized his involvement in karma and direct action.

"Playing chess..." As Mo Hua thought of the words "playing chess," he suddenly remembered the highly skilled old man he had met in Yun Du City after leaving the Ganxue Prefecture. Mo Hua speculated that the old man must be a master. How powerful, he didn't know, but he was certainly very, very strong. This could be seen from his chess skills. To be able to go back and forth with him in chess, clearly even surpassing him by a point, the old man must be a grandmaster among masters.

The old man also had an elusive aura, even somewhat similar to "Grandpa Puppet." At the time of playing chess, Mo Hua didn't think much of it. Later, he pondered it carefully. Although he still couldn't fully comprehend it, his intuition, based on heavenly secrets, almost certainly concluded: this old man was definitely connected to the blood sacrifice disaster in Ganxue Prefecture. Moreover, this old man was likely one of the "behind-the-scenes manipulators," subtly influencing the karma of events in secret.

Yet, he had never heard of such a figure before, let alone met one. Had it not been for their chance encounter just before his departure, he might never have seen him. Mo Hua pondered. This meant that true "masters" were all hidden behind the scenes. If they didn't give you a chance to see them, you might never recognize the true faces of these masters in your lifetime, only to be trapped in their chess game, reduced to a pawn, fighting to the death unknowingly.

"If one wishes to escape the status of a 'pawn,' or even leap off the board and become a player, manipulating from behind the scenes—then one must first learn how to retreat 'behind the scenes'—let others do the work. Let others do the killing. Minimize personal involvement in karma. The less karma one is involved in, the less likely one is to be plotted against, to have weaknesses exploited, or to become a pawn controlled by others."

Mo Hua nodded slowly. This matter of malevolent energy served as a reminder and also provided him with an opportunity. In Ganxue Prefecture, there was no choice; many things he had to do personally. But now it was different; he was "free." Without the restrictions of Ganxue Prefecture or the constraints of his sect, he was traveling alone, with the sky vast and the sea boundless. Often, others didn't recognize him. He could do more, and he could completely bide his time and hide behind the scenes.

This was for both "self-preservation" and "manipulation." After all, his master once said, "The acorn that sticks out first rots." Learning to conceal oneself was the only way to survive well in the dangerous and ever-changing cultivation world. Only by learning from true "masters," hiding in high and dark places, could he better control the overall situation, strategize effectively, foresee enemies within heavenly secrets, and defeat them beyond karma.

Only then could he become a true "master." Mo Hua recalled the image of the old man playing chess in his mind, and resolved to learn from him as a role model. "To bide one's time and avoid karma—"

Having understood this issue, Mo Hua nodded, and then couldn't help but ponder another problem: Divine Sense. The issue of his Divine Sense was now very serious. The big-headed, idiotic Pixiu was extremely stingy and wouldn't give him a chance to "sneak a bite" of the evil god. Mo Hua was very angry. But after some time, upon careful thought, he forgave the Pixiu. After all, a divine beast's nature was inherent, and since they were friends, it wasn't good to make things too difficult for the idiotic creature. Furthermore, after taking a bite of the evil god's "flesh" last time, Mo Hua discovered that the true embryo of the evil god was simply too "thin."

During the blood sacrifice battle, the true embryo had just been born when it was ambushed and beaten by True Master Situ and his group. It was then thrashed by Mo Hua himself, dismembered, swallowed, and suppressed under the Pixiu's paw. The divine beast's might was also suppressing it, preventing the growth of its wicked thoughts. As a result, this true embryo of the evil god had become a mere "frame with marrow but no flesh."

Although the "marrow" was precious, what Mo Hua needed more now was "flesh." His degree of spiritual consciousness transforming into Dao was already very high; what truly hindered him now was the "quantity" of his spiritual consciousness. If his spiritual consciousness couldn't grow, he wouldn't be able to forge a Natal Array or form a Golden Core, making everything else moot. Besides this, there were very few other methods to increase Divine Sense.

Previously, Mo Hua could still temper his Divine Sense by studying "Absolute Arrays." But this method's effect was now very weak. It wasn't useless, but the progress was extremely slow. Mo Hua estimated that after his Foundation Establishment, his Divine Sense had undergone a qualitative change, and his spiritual consciousness had transformed into Dao, making his Divine Sense itself very "tough." At such a time, drawing arrays provided very little stimulation and tempering for his Divine Sense. Even Absolute Arrays, which could "sharpen" his Divine Sense during the Qi Condensation period, now had minimal effect at the Foundation Establishment stage.

Mo Hua vaguely guessed that only extremely unique Absolute Arrays—those that were harder to learn, placed stronger pressure on Divine Sense, caused deeper torment, and imposed heavier burdens—could temper his formidable spiritual consciousness, which was as powerful as that of a deity. Only then could his spiritual consciousness be strengthened through torment. However, Absolute Arrays were inherently rare and depended heavily on serendipity. To find such "spiritual consciousness-burdening" Absolute Arrays was like searching for a grain of sand in the ocean; the hope was extremely slim.

"Absolute Arrays are elusive—No evil god to eat—Evil creatures are nowhere to be found—" Mo Hua couldn't help but sigh. But haste makes waste, and with opportunities so slim right now, he was helpless. At midnight, Mo Hua spent the entire night practicing the Inverse Spirit Array on the Dao Stele. Afterwards, he performed his own derivations and studied the Four Symbols Azure Dragon Array Diagram for a while, until dawn.

His Divine Sense, after being tempered, had strengthened slightly, but the next realm was still far, far away. Mo Hua suppressed his impatience and sighed softly, "Slowly, slowly... As long as I cultivate diligently, one day I will reach the twenty-one marks—"

Sunlight shone into the room. Mo Hua faced the morning sun and performed his daily cultivation. But as he practiced, the mountain forests suddenly trembled, and within the Canglang Sect, a fierce wolf howl resounded, full of majesty and dominance.

This wolf howl echoed across the sky and through the forest, profoundly shaking one's soul. Upon hearing this wolf howl, the disciples of the Canglang Sect excitedly knelt towards the sky. Mo Hua, however, was stunned. He stood by the window, bewildered for a long time, then finally couldn't help but sniff, and in an instant, his eyes lit up: "My twenty-one marks—are they here?!"