The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2399: Great Wilderness Bone Scroll (2)

"Hmm." Mo Hua acknowledged with a nod, his divine sense indeed feeling clouded and depleted. He closed his eyes once more, succumbing to sleep.

Patriarch Xun observed Mo Hua until he was sound asleep, ensuring no issues arose before rising to depart.

Once outside, Patriarch Xun summoned an Inner Sect Disciple. "Relay my order to the Sect Leader: convene the Three Peaks Dao Assembly. There is a matter requiring discussion," he commanded.

"Understood, Patriarch," the disciple replied, acknowledging the directive before leaving.

Patriarch Xun cast another glance back at Mo Hua, a sigh escaping his lips in thought:

"He's merely at the Foundation Establishment stage and already so exhausted. If he reaches the Golden Core realm and causes more trouble, as his ancestor, I may not be able to contain it all..."

...

In the ensuing days, Patriarch Xun immersed himself in extensive sect meetings, directing disciples to focus their efforts across various fronts. His objective was to manage the aftermath of Mo Hua's involvement with 'sealing' measures.

The primary goal was to minimize any causal connection between Mo Hua and the catastrophe of the Desolate Heaven Blood Sacrifice. He aimed to make Mo Hua effectively "vanish" from the incident, thereby evading the vengeful pursuit of the Demonic Path and the covetous intentions of other factions.

Every individual within the Taixu Gate who possessed knowledge of the event's specifics, regardless of the extent of their understanding, was subjected to thorough "sealing."

However, the most potent "sealing" was, in truth, carried out by Mo Hua himself.

To be more precise, it was an act of "silencing" – a complete annihilation of every demonic cultivator who had witnessed him, knew of his actions, or observed the formations he had painted.

Even the four Feather Transformation cultivators who accompanied Mr. Tu were not spared.

They were eradicated without a trace.

Apart from Mo Hua, no one truly comprehended the extent of his involvement within the Blood Sacrifice Array.

This reality significantly simplified Patriarch Xun's "sealing" arrangements.

Everything proceeded without a hitch.

No one would realistically accuse Mo Hua, a mere Foundation Establishment disciple, of single-handedly dismantling the Quasi-Third Grade Desolate Heaven Blood Sacrifice Formation.

After all, despite his formidable divine sense, mastery of formations, and status as the Formation Master of the Qian Learning State, these combined strengths were insignificant when compared to the colossal scale of the Evil Path Blood Sacrifice Array. Fueled by the heart of the Demonic Path, it spanned across nine states.

Suspicion did, admittedly, fall upon Mo Hua.

Whispers speculated that Mo Hua was the mastermind behind dismantling the Blood Sacrifice Array, or at the very least, a crucial participant.

Yet, even those entertaining such notions found them utterly preposterous and laughable.

It was a Quasi-Third Grade Evil Formation, an artifact of immense power.

No matter how exceptional Mo Hua might be, he was still just a Foundation Establishment disciple. In what conceivable capacity could he possibly destroy such a grand formation?

Such speculations, paradoxically, served to elevate Mo Hua's renown and even added prestige to the Taixu Gate, a situation that ran counter to the interests of most other sects.

Consequently, rumors of Mo Hua shattering the Blood Sacrifice Array quickly faded, and soon, no one dared to mention it again.

However, a different kind of rumor began to circulate widely.

"I heard... Mo Hua fell into the Blood Sacrifice Array and has long since converted to the Demonic Path. Not only is he practicing demonic techniques, but he's also consuming human flesh, drinking human blood, and painting arcane formations using human blood and skin."

"A significant portion of the formations used to resurrect the Evil God within the Blood Sacrifice Array were supposedly crafted by Mo Hua, this Qian Learning Formation Master."

This particular rumor wasn't entirely baseless; at least half of it held a kernel of truth.

Nevertheless, Patriarch Xun adamantly denied any involvement, and the Taixu Gate issued a firm rebuttal:

"Preposterous!" "Absurd!" "Utter fabrication!" "Malicious slander!"

Some voices called for Mo Hua to publicly refute these claims, to prove he wasn't cultivating demonic arts, devouring flesh, drinking blood, or painting nefarious formations.

After all, such transgressions leave undeniable marks.

Once tainted by the bloody path of evil, any abnormalities would be readily apparent.

Even without overt problems, subtle anomalies might still be detected.

Patriarch Xun, possessing centuries of wisdom, understood these nuances. He swiftly dismissed the allegations, opting instead to keep Mo Hua hidden away, ensuring not the slightest trace or hint of his existence leaked to the outside world.

When questioned, the official explanation was that Mo Hua was in cultivation, undergoing secluded training, and studying formations.

Should any elder from other sects or esteemed families dare to probe further, Patriarch Xun's expression would darken. "Do you presume to insult the reputation of my Taixu Gate?" he would retort coldly.

"We, the Taixu Gate, are fully aware of our disciples' innocence!"

"The Formation Master of the Taixu Gate is not to be investigated lightly. Forgive my bluntness, but what exactly do you believe yourself to be?"

While Patriarch Xun appeared as a benevolent and respected elder in Mo Hua's eyes, to the outside world, he was an inscrutable and formidable "ancient monster."

When his countenance darkened, none dared to incur his displeasure, lest they offend Elder Master Xun.

However, just as a strong wind cannot be stilled, though these murmurs of doubt were momentarily silenced by Elder Master Xun, they began to spread insidiously, stirring up unrest.

Mo Hua remained oblivious to these developments.

All malicious plots and rumors were effectively barred from entering the Tai Xu Mountain Gate by Elder Master Xun.

Mo Hua resided in seclusion in the rear mountains, recuperating, his days filled with effortless comfort, life unfolding in tranquil serenity.

No one from the outside, not even members of the Taixu Gate, were permitted to see Mo Hua.

The sole exception was True Man Situ.

As the Chief Elder of Mystery Valley, True Man Situ was recognized as one of the few "individuals in the know."