Chapter 1142

Mo Hua's murderous intent began to stir once more.

He began to weigh his options, wondering if he could kill all four Golden Core cultivators, or perhaps just the one with the special technique for tracking him. "How do I kill them?"

Mo Hua's thoughts raced.

Setting up a formation would take too much time and opportunity. The Golden Core cultivators from Yin Corpse Valley were pursuing him relentlessly, leaving him no ample time to prepare. Any hastily assembled formation would only hinder or disrupt them, causing minor trouble, but it wouldn't be enough to kill them.

The Reverse Spirit Formation also required a certain amount of other formations to act as "gunpowder" for it to detonate. Moreover, calculating the Reverse Spirit Formation would consume even more time.

Formations were out.

Neither was the Demonic Heart Seed. Mo Hua had already attempted it. While conversing with Elder Xu and the others earlier, he had secretly employed a bit of the Demonic Heart Seed technique. But it was useless. Elder Xu and his companions didn't answer his questions at all, and there were no signs of them being "seeded with demons."

Mo Hua vaguely surmised that the Demonic Heart Seed technique had prerequisites and limitations; it wasn't something that could be used indiscriminately. Cultivation realm was a significant barrier. When dealing with cultivators of the same or lower realm, where his divine sense held an absolute advantage, the Demonic Heart Seed was relatively easy to employ. However, against higher-realm cultivators, like the Golden Core experts before him, he had to consider the conditions for activation and the success rate.

The higher a cultivator's realm, the stronger their divine sense, the deeper their foundation, the more profound their lineage, the more cunning their mind, and the more resilient their character, the less susceptible they were to words, and thus, the lower the success rate of the Demonic Heart Seed.

To use the Demonic Heart Seed on a higher-realm cultivator, they needed to lower their guard, trust him, and at least not reject him. Only then could his words penetrate their minds and slowly take root. This was the normal scenario.

Another scenario was when high-level cultivators were plunged into intense desires, dominated by obsessions like fanaticism, infatuation, intoxication, or greed. With their emotions fluctuating wildly, their mental defenses weakened, and their divine sense resistance lowered, they became more susceptible to the Demonic Heart Seed.

Previously, in the Qianxue Province, within the Barren Sky Blood Sacrifice Hall, that large group of Golden Core demon cultivators had been influenced by the malevolent frenzy of the evil god's resurrection, falling into fanatical belief. Their desires had created a flaw, allowing Mo Hua to use the Demonic Heart Seed, leading them to slaughter each other until none remained.

Mo Hua understood this perfectly. Without the evil god's "assistance," based solely on his own cultivation realm and mastery of the Demonic Heart Seed, he could never have made so many Golden Core demon cultivators simultaneously "fall into madness" and fight to the death.

Such opportunities were rare and hard to come by.

And now, those conditions simply didn't exist. The four Golden Core cultivators from Yin Corpse Valley were wary of him and wouldn't say much. Whatever he said, they might not even take it to heart.

Furthermore, they were corpse cultivators who dealt with the dead, imbued with an aura of death.

He didn't know enough about them to understand their obsessions or vulnerabilities. For now, there was nothing that could stir their desires, making them fall into "strong craving," lose their rationality, and expose their character flaws.

"The Demonic Heart Seed is unusable—"

Mo Hua's gaze darkened slightly.

"Forbidden Meteorite Fire?"

Now that he was at the late Foundation Establishment stage, the power of the Forbidden Meteorite Fire technique would certainly have increased. It could at least "transcend realms" to some extent, inflicting considerable damage on Golden Core cultivators.

But the problem was that "injuring" them didn't necessarily mean "killing" them. These Golden Core corpse cultivators excelled at nurturing corpses and could also "corporealize" to a certain extent. Injuring them without being able to kill them was as good as not injuring them at all.

Furthermore, there were four Golden Core cultivators on the other side. Even if he used the Forbidden Meteorite Fire to cripple one of them, he would still face the encirclement of the remaining three.

Moreover, casting the Forbidden Meteorite Fire—condensing fireballs, guiding them, making them collide, and then dissolving the spell—would take at least several breaths of time. During this process, any mishap or exposure of a weakness would put him in a passive position, giving the Yin Corpse Valley elders an opportunity to attack him.

"Forbidden Meteorite Fire isn't an option either—"

Mo Hua's brows furrowed increasingly.

With all other possibilities ruled out, the only remaining option was "Divine Sense Sword Manifestation."

However, Divine Sense Sword Manifestation was precisely what he could not use. Using the Sword Manifestation Art slightly within the divine sense world was acceptable. But in reality, once he activated Divine Sense Sword Manifestation, it meant pushing the spell to its extreme, releasing his divine sense outwards, and manifesting his sword intent. This would place an extremely heavy burden on his divine consciousness.

It would also inevitably trigger an extremely violent backlash of malevolent energy.

If he were to use Divine Sense Sword Manifestation to kill a Golden Core cultivator, the backlash would stack, making the malevolent energy even more potent and the consequences far worse.

Furthermore, Mo Hua wasn't entirely sure if Divine Sense Sword Manifestation could actually kill a Golden Core cultivator. After all, he had never "killed" anyone with it before.

Mo Hua's gaze was serious. Considering all this, there were simply too many variables and too high a risk.

If he didn't act, he would be relentlessly pursued, but these Golden Core cultivators definitely couldn't catch him. He would be safe, at least for a certain period.

If he made a move and failed to kill a Golden Core cultivator, there would be a risk of being counter-killed. And even if he succeeded in killing one, there would still be the after-effects of the malevolent energy backlash.

After weighing the pros and cons, Mo Hua could only suppress his anger and restrain his murderous intent.

Moreover, Mo Hua wasn't sure if his murderous intent stemmed from his rationality or from the malevolent energy influencing his character.

If it came from reason, killing would be permissible. But if it was murderous intent born from his character being influenced by malevolent energy, then it would be quite dangerous.

This meant his Dao Heart was gradually being clouded by "murderous intent." "Escape first—"

Mo Hua's pupils constricted slightly. He tried to calm himself, fleeing south according to his pre-determined direction.

Elder Xu and the four Golden Core cultivators continued their pursuit.

Seven or eight more days passed like this. Mo Hua traveled day and night, enduring wind and dew.

Elder Xu and the other three also pursued him relentlessly, without rest, sticking close like hungry wolves.

Amidst his annoyance, a question resurfaced in Mo Hua's mind:

How exactly were these Golden Core cultivators tracking him? His divine sense was strong enough, and his concealment and movement techniques were refined, his aura isolated. Yet, these "scabby dog" elders from Yin Corpse Valley could still cling onto him so persistently?

Did the cultivation world possess such miraculous techniques?

Mo Hua pondered for a moment but still had no clue. Then he thought, the cultivation world was vast and full of wonders. It wouldn't be surprising if there were some secret, peculiar Dao techniques that could track people's whereabouts.

However, at this moment, he had no time to investigate further. He could only find ways to continue fleeing south. Sensing the Yin Corpse Valley elders' auras drawing closer, Mo Hua's gaze sharpened slightly. He then merged with the energy of the mountains, rivers, and vegetation, casting the Minor Five Elements Stealth Technique. His figure vanished into the forest once more, his aura disappearing as if a stone had sunk into the sea, leaving no trace.

No one knew where he had gone.

The mountain was empty. After an unknown period, several streaks of light appeared.

As dust swirled, Elder Xu and the others' figures were revealed.

They had pursued Mo Hua to this spot, where they stopped and looked around, their expressions grim.

"That kid, he's gone again—damn it—"

A Golden Core cultivator from Yin Corpse Valley couldn't help but curse.

Elder Xu's face was stern. He began to chant and form hand seals, pressing his hand to the ground. This time, merely pressing wasn't enough; he had to cut his wrist and let blood flow to summon the half-human-tall, earthy-yellow zombie covered in "runes."

The earth zombie absorbed the blood, and in a guttural voice, it revealed something to Elder Xu.

However, the voice was indistinct, and only Elder Xu could understand it.

After speaking, the earth zombie burrowed back into the ground and vanished.

An Yin Corpse Valley elder beside him looked on with both envy and admiration:

"This journey truly owes much to Elder Xu's 'Earth Treasury Corpse.' Otherwise, we would have been helpless against that elusive brat."

The Earth Treasury Corpse was rumored to be a corpse imbued with the Dao essence of Ksitigarbha, possessing the ability to "listen." It could perceive appearances, discern truth from falsehood, track movements, and know things ordinary people could not.

The Earth Treasury Corpse was also one of the "Miraculous Corpses" coveted by demonic corpse path cultivators.

Elder Xu came from the direct lineage of Yin Corpse Valley, possessing a renowned Dao tradition. He had an extraordinary encounter in his youth, which allowed him to sign a corpse contract with an Earth Treasury Corpse.

Therefore, even though he was only at the early Golden Core stage, he held significant influence among the Yin Corpse Valley elders on this journey, his status second only to Elder Fu, who was at the late Golden Core stage.

"Indeed—the Earth Treasury Corpse truly lives up to its reputation as a 'Miraculous Corpse' of Yin Valley, it's truly profound."

Another Yin Corpse Valley elder also sighed:

"But that kid is truly strange. His movements are like a phantom, elusive like flowing water. His stealth is undetectable, his movement technique unbreakable.

He cannot be found or touched. I'd believe it if you told me he was a 'ghost.' At this rate, who knows when we'll catch him—"

Hearing this, everyone frowned.

Elder Ma, another mid-Golden Core cultivator from Yin Corpse Valley, slowly said:

"Things have reached this point. We can't concern ourselves with Xiao Yi City anymore. We must capture this kid and report back. There's no other option."

"But the problem is—" Elder Ma said gravely, "we can't possibly keep wasting time on this kid indefinitely."

"If he flees for a month or two, it's fine. But if he flees for a year or two, are we supposed to chase him for that long?"

"Now that Lizhou is in chaos and the Great Age of Strife has begun, as elders of Yin Corpse Valley, we have greater plans to consider."

The others nodded. "Indeed, this isn't a sustainable approach. Dragging it out too long will make it difficult to explain ourselves back at the sect, and it will delay important matters."

"We need to find a way to apprehend this kid sooner."

"How do we catch him? This kid is as elusive as a 'ghost'—"

Everyone fell silent.

A moment later, Elder Xu suddenly asked:

"What do you all think this kid's identity is? Is he from the righteous path or the demonic path?"

The other three were taken aback, not understanding why Elder Xu suddenly brought this up.

"Well, he doesn't seem like a demonic cultivator—" Elder Ma pondered:

"Throughout our pursuit, he hasn't killed a single person along the way. When passing through mountain villages, he left them completely untouched.

He even mostly chose remote, desolate mountain paths during his escape to avoid harming innocents."

"Such behavior is definitely not characteristic of the demonic path. This child's character is most likely benevolent."

Elder Xu gave a cold smile. "In that case, we'll butcher villages. We'll kill everyone we see along the way, forcing him to stop."

Elder Ma was startled. "Will that work?"

Elder Xu said, "If he belongs to the righteous path and has a good heart, he certainly won't stand by and do nothing."

"Once he tries to intervene, he'll fall into our trap and be at our mercy. If he feels guilty, loses composure, and exposes a weakness, that will be our opportunity."

Elder Ma asked, "What if he's a cold-hearted and selfish person?"

Elder Xu replied, "If he's cold and selfish, indifferent to others' lives and deaths, then we lose nothing.

We'd merely be killing a few mountain villagers."

"But if my guess is correct, using a few 'useless' lives to constrain this child would be a truly profitable venture."

Elder Xu's lips curled into a sinister smile.

Elder Ma and the others were shocked, then praised him one after another, "As expected of Elder Xu, your wisdom is superior."

"Excellent."

Two days later, Mo Hua, as usual, continued to evade Elder Xu and the others, fleeing south.

Suddenly, a mountain breeze swept past, bringing with it a foul odor.

Mo Hua turned his head and saw a faint red hue hovering over the village behind him.

A black and grey malevolent aura, laden with grievances, enveloped the mountain.

Mo Hua frowned.

Moments later, four cold auras from Yin Corpse Valley approached. Mo Hua had no choice but to continue fleeing.

After half a day of fleeing, a bloody and deathly aura wafted from behind him again.

This time, the scale was larger, and the foul odor was even stronger.

Mo Hua's expression shifted slightly. Then he slowly came to a stop, no longer fleeing.

After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the four Golden Core cultivators from Yin Corpse Valley caught up, sneering.

Mo Hua looked at the four coldly. "What is the meaning of this?"

Elder Xu chuckled lightly. "Please, young master, surrender and come with us back to Yin Corpse Valley."

Mo Hua said, "What if I refuse?"

Elder Xu laughed, "Then wherever you go along this path, we will kill. Everyone you encounter will die." Mo Hua sneered, "Are you using others' lives to threaten me?"

Elder Xu said, "This isn't a threat. Logically, these people are innocent, but who told you to pass through here? You didn't kill Bo Ren, but Bo Ren died because of you. If you count it, their deaths are all thanks to you."

Mo Hua's face was ashen.

Elder Xu said, "Surrender obediently, and we won't kill anyone else. Otherwise, this region will likely run red with blood because of you."

After speaking, seeing Mo Hua's unsettled expression and wavering resolve, he secretly signaled the other Yin Corpse Valley elders.

The other three Yin Corpse Valley elders, either corporealizing, shaking bells, or activating sword arts, secretly began to surround Mo Hua.

A chilling wind suddenly arose, and murderous intent descended.

A corpse claw tore towards Mo Hua's back, a blood-corpse sword pierced his heart meridian, and a tall copper corpse blocked his retreat.

Underground, an Earth Treasury Corpse quietly extended its hand towards Mo Hua's feet.

Mo Hua's back was torn open, his heart meridian pierced, and the Earth Treasury Corpse's claw grasped his legs.

But the next instant, the illusion shattered.

Mo Hua, who had seemed like a figure formed from "mist," simply burst like a bubble.

The four Golden Core cultivators' killing moves all struck thin air.

As mist permeated the air, everyone looked around again, but there was no trace of Mo Hua anywhere. Their expressions were filled with bitter resentment:

"Damn it, he got away again—"

"What kind of ghost movement technique is this—"

"Goddammit, curse him!"

Elder Xu's face was also grim. Having been outwitted by Mo Hua multiple times, he had lost his patience, but he eventually gave a cold laugh and said:

"I was right. This kid isn't ill-intentioned."

"Since that's the case, let's continue the pursuit. We'll split into two groups: Elder Ma and I will be responsible for chasing, while the other two will be responsible for killing people along the way."

"After killing people, chop off their heads, tie them together, and use them as 'banners.' Then, refine their bodies into 'remnant corpses,' arrange them in a line, and have them follow behind."

"I want him to see how many people have died because of him."

"I'll use these lives to force him to his death. Even if he doesn't die, I'll make him live a lifetime of guilt and regret..."

A few miles away, in the forest, Mo Hua's eyes were pitch black. He could no longer suppress the murderous intent boiling in his chest.

"They're really asking for death."

"I didn't want to kill you, but you're forcing my hand—"

"Despicable beasts of Yin Corpse Valley."

Mo Hua's gaze turned chilling. "Fine—if that's how it is, then I'll use the blood of your Yin Corpse Valley Golden Core elders to consecrate my Divine Sense Sword Manifestation."

So far, his Divine Sense Sword Manifestation had slain evil creatures and demons, but it had never truly slain a human.

Today, he would test his Divine Sense Sword Manifestation on these "beastly" Golden Core elders of Yin Corpse Valley!

His Divine Sense Sword Manifestation would kill today!

Even if it meant a backlash of malevolent energy and a reversal of his fate, he *must* kill them!

A fierce murderous intent surged in Mo Hua's heart, yet his eyes gleamed with a sharp, righteous, and majestic aura, like towering mountains.

Moments later, Mo Hua's murderous intent receded slightly, his mind cleared a little, and he began to think calmly.

Killing with Divine Sense Sword Manifestation was possible, but now there was one crucial concern:

That was, whether using his twenty-one-veined divine sense to activate Divine Sense Sword Manifestation in a second-grade province would trigger a Heavenly Dao restriction.

A twenty-one-veined divine sense corresponded to the spiritual power of the Golden Core realm.

A second-grade province, however, restricted Golden Core power. Forcefully using it would invite karmic lightning and heavenly punishment, leading to complete annihilation.

The power of divine sense was different from that of spiritual energy and vital qi.

High-level cultivators using high-level spiritual energy and force in a low-grade province would definitely be annihilated by the Heavenly Dao's laws.

However, high-level cultivators releasing their divine sense to perceive things in a low-grade province would not be restricted by the Heavenly Dao's laws.

But the cultivation laws and principles involved were actually different.

The so-called "release" of a cultivator's divine sense was a conventional term, but essentially, it wasn't a "release" but rather a form of "perception."

It was the divine sense's "sensing" of the energy of all things in the outside world.

This process didn't genuinely "release" divine sense power outwards.

Or rather, it only involved a minuscule overflow of divine sense.

However, this overflow was very faint and contained no destructive power, thus it wouldn't trigger the Heavenly Dao's laws or be obliterated by karmic lightning.

But "divine sense exiting the body" was different.

More advanced divine sense "exiting the body" techniques were a true "release" of divine sense.

The power of divine sense would break through the wall of the spiritual sea, transcend the boundary between illusion and reality, and extend from the spiritual sea into the physical world.

Once Divine Sense Sword Manifestation, especially the Divine Slaughtering Sword, was used in a low-grade province within reality, it meant that his "transcendent" spiritual power would be completely exposed to the laws of that low-grade province.

Mo Hua wasn't sure if this would trigger Heavenly Dao restrictions and invite karmic lightning.

He dared not gamble.

If he lost the gamble, he would undoubtedly die.

After all, he wasn't the Heavenly Dao's "favorite son," enjoying its favor and exemptions.

In fact, Mo Hua felt that the Heavenly Dao not only didn't favor him but often targeted him, restricting him for no reason.

Therefore, he couldn't casually defy the Heavenly Dao's laws, otherwise, he would surely invite the disaster of complete annihilation of body and spirit.

"My divine sense is that of a Golden Core cultivator. If that's the case, Divine Sense Sword Manifestation can only be 'released' in a third-grade province."

"Golden Core cultivators can only be killed in a third-grade province!"

Mo Hua's gaze turned cold. With a plan forming in his mind, he removed his stealth, no longer concealing his aura, and fully activated his Flowing Water Movement technique.

He transformed into a streak of blue light and fled towards the nearest third-grade province.

Behind him, Elder Xu and the others also noticed Mo Hua's unusual behavior.

A moment later, after exchanging glances, the four couldn't help but chuckle softly:

"This kid, he's getting anxious—"

"No more stealth, no more hiding his tracks?"

"Exposing his whereabouts and fully activating his movement technique to draw us into pursuit—does he want to lead us away quickly, afraid that we'll commit more massacres?"

"His intentions are quite 'benevolent' indeed—"

"After all, he's young, his conscience isn't entirely gone, and he's not ruthless enough. He's prone to making foolish decisions and prone to... seeking his own demise—"

The Golden Core cultivators from Yin Corpse Valley each sneered, carrying their corpse qi as they continued their pursuit of Mo Hua.