Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2064 Chapter 984: Great Demon Hall (Part 2)

"This is what defines the Demon."

"While the Shen Family hasn't reached that extreme yet, human avarice is boundless, and the cycle of 'exploitation' never truly ends... Eventually, an aristocratic family will inevitably cross the threshold and take that final step."

"Once that boundary is breached, that aristocratic family transforms into a Demon Sect. What was once 'righteousness' becomes 'demonic'..."

Mo Hua's face paled as his expression shifted.

With a heavy gaze fixed on Mo Hua, Elder Zheng spoke each word slowly in a hushed tone:

"Thus, the righteous and demonic paths are at once unified and opposing; they appear distinct, yet their essence is one."

"A so-called 'demon' isn't born from a womb or hatched from an egg; it is 'transformed'."

"The human heart is capable of such transformation, as are the aristocratic families and even the Taoist Court itself."

"Should the entire Cultivation World be unified, the Taoist Court—possessing the deepest Foundation, the most formidable strength, and the ultimate authority—might eventually complete this evolution. It is highly probable it would turn into a new..."

Elder Zheng paused, his voice turning grim:

"...Great Demon Hall!"

Mo Hua’s pupils constricted, his heart gripped by terror.

The concepts Elder Zheng presented were things he had never even dared to imagine.

However, as he recalled the fate of Solitary Mountain City, the actions of the Shen Family, and various harsh realities, Mo Hua's heart grew colder the more he reflected on them.

"These matters..." Mo Hua’s voice hitched slightly, "haven't the righteous sects or the ancestors of these aristocratic families realized this themselves?"

Elder Zheng replied with indifference: "Self-awareness is a rare trait. Once people taste the fruits of profit, they will fight for more, remaining oblivious to the true nature of their actions."

"Some are ignorant of these truths, some choose to ignore them, and others, even if they understand, find themselves powerless to act."

"Furthermore, there are those who are actually pleased to see such things unfold..."

Mo Hua fell silent, his gaze trembling with uncertainty.

"Beyond that, there is an even more critical problem," Elder Zheng sighed, continuing his explanation.

"A more critical problem?"

Elder Zheng questioned Mo Hua: "In your opinion, what truly separates the righteous path from the demonic path?"

Mo Hua's first instinct was to mention the cultivation technique systems, but he quickly realized that such an answer was too superficial.

After a moment of deep thought, Mo Hua spoke slowly: "Is it... the Taoist Heart?"

Elder Zheng gave a nod of approval. "Over twenty thousand years ago, during the height of the Demon Path's reign, the reason righteous cultivators could navigate through such peril to slay demons and protect the Dao was their Taoist Heart. It was a heart that refused to succumb to evil, cast aside selfish greed, felt compassion for the world, and remained unshakeably strong."

"Only through that heart could they endure such brutal conditions and overcome impossible odds, eventually toppling the Great Demon Hall that once held the sky in its grasp."

"Only then could they secure a future for the Nine State Cultivation World and every living soul within it."

"The most vital thing for righteous cultivators to pass down is, in fact, this Taoist Heart."

"But..."

Elder Zheng looked toward the horizon of Qian State, observing the sprawling mountains and the sects nestled within them. He shook his head and sighed:

"In this age, we pass down cultivation techniques, Taoist skills, formations, artifact refining, the Alchemy Dao, and runes. Everything is inherited, except for the Taoist Heart."

"To possess cultivation without a Taoist Heart is to be selfish and driven only by personal gain."

"Training the 'Heavenly Proud Sons' of the top sects in the Qian Learning State Boundary to seize the world's wealth for their own benefit..."

Elder Zheng’s expression flickered between self-mockery and helplessness before turning painful:

"Cultivation is merely the shell; the Taoist Heart is the true essence. Without it, no matter how high one's cultivation or how vast their power, they merely become a 'vessel' for the Demon Path..."

"What's worse, they are the most elite 'vessels'—possessing superior spiritual roots, incredible talent, and having consumed vast Cultivation resources while inheriting the finest spells..."

Elder Zheng’s words were heavy with a profound sense of dread.

He hardly dared to imagine what would happen if a great disaster struck, an Evil God woke, or a Heavenly Demon returned. With the state of modern cultivators' Taoist Hearts, the Demon Path would easily reclaim its power.

Furthermore, the aristocratic families were cementing their dominance by keeping inheritances for themselves.

The widening gap in resources and knowledge between noble disciples and low-level Loose Cultivators would only make the situation more dire.

Elder Zheng looked back wistfully. "Years ago, fueled by passion, I traveled from Zhen State to the Qian Learning State Boundary. I joined the Qian Taoist Sect and rose to become an Elder of the Four Great Sects, believing I could make a difference through my own toil."

"But after years of exhausting effort, I eventually hit a wall. I became disheartened."

"In the grand scheme of things, a single voice carries little weight. Even when I speak with logic and reason, it barely changes anything..."

Elder Zheng let out a melancholy sigh, his eyes darkening.

Mo Hua’s expression mirrored the gravity of the conversation.

Glancing at Mo Hua once more, Elder Zheng said quietly:

"I am telling these things to you and you alone. Keep them locked in your heart. You must never speak of this to anyone else, particularly regarding the... 'Great Demon Hall'."

Mo Hua nodded with absolute sincerity.

With a wave of his hand, Elder Zheng deactivated the protective formation around them and gave a soft instruction:

"Very well, it is late. I still have bags to pack, so I won't detain you any longer."

"Take these Formation Diagrams and Jade Slips with you. Study them diligently. You have great talent and a future without limits."

Mo Hua carefully tucked away the items Elder Zheng had gifted him. He stood up, performed a respectful salute, and said his goodbyes:

"Thank you, Senior. I will never forget what you have told me."

Elder Zheng nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on Mo Hua as a wave of deep reluctance filled his chest.

His departure was imminent.

This journey would put thousands of miles between the Qian and Zhen States.

He had no way of knowing when he might see Mo Hua again.

Perhaps, in the long life of a cultivator filled with so many dangerous thresholds, they might never meet again.