The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2403: Barbaric Wilderness Ancient Array (part 3)

This internal progression is exceedingly complex.

It encompasses everything from grasping premonitions of causality before selecting a Sect, to deciphering clues provided by Lord Yellow Mountain, uncovering the truth in the Blood-Colored Fishing Village, and ultimately receiving instruction from Patriarch Dugu.

Building upon this foundation, meticulous step-by-step deductions and constant contemplation were required. The cultivation method itself underwent modification, adapting to the stark contrast between a weaker Sword Dao and a stronger Divine Way. Overcoming myriad trials throughout this journey, combined with accumulated insights and diligent practice...

Moreover, a 'concoction' of various Sword Arrays, Sword Streams, and the Emotionless Path were integrated.

This barely constitutes a learned skill.

In essence, it's profoundly difficult to articulate. Mo Hua could only offer, "I tried to learn, and in the process of learning... I simply mastered it..."

Elder Master Xun was rendered speechless.

The 'Taixu Mind Transforming Sword True Jue' – was this a technique attainable through mere intention?

What manner of 'effort' constituted his attempt?

Was it the casual effort of doing as one pleased?

Yet, observing the complex emotions flickering across Mo Hua’s face, Elder Master Xun could surmise that the matter likely involved numerous sensitive details.

Furthermore, if his senior brother had imparted this Sword Technique, he would undoubtedly have cautioned Mo Hua against revealing it to anyone.

Mo Hua’s adherence to his senior brother's directives was, therefore, perfectly appropriate.

Regarding the revelation of this astounding sword at the Sword Discussion Conference, it served the interests of the Taixu Gate and all its cultivators, both inner and outer sect disciples. It was a pursuit of the Sword Discussion ranking and the fundamental interests of the Sect.

He could not possibly fault Mo Hua for this.

On the contrary, Mo Hua deserved immense praise.

With this realization, Elder Master Xun’s heart found peace. He resolved to overlook certain aspects and merely stated with stern gravity:

"This Sword Technique is perilous, harming both the user and others. Do not employ it lightly, unless facing certain death."

"Especially now, with your heavy killing karma and a fate cursed with deadly malevolence, do not rashly utilize 'Divine Thought Slaughter.' Overdrawing your Sea of Consciousness could trigger malevolent Qi, erode your Daoist Heart, and invite calamity."

Elder Master Xun's visage was grave as he delivered these admonishments.

Mo Hua’s complexion paled slightly, evidently grasping the gravity of the situation. He nodded earnestly.

Then, recalling something, he inquired of Elder Master Xun,

"Elder, how fares Patriarch Dugu? Has the elder been well? I haven't seen him in quite some time, nor has he summoned me to study the sword."

Mo Hua expressed genuine concern.

Elder Master Xun started, then let out a deep sigh.

"My senior brother… he is like a candle in the wind, buffeted by endless storms. He…"

Elder Master Xun paused, his expression clouded with melancholy, before finally saying to Mo Hua, "Do not trouble yourself with this matter."

"Oh…" Mo Hua nodded, yet a lingering worry for Patriarch Dugu was etched upon his features.

Elder Master Xun regarded Mo Hua with gentle eyes. "Rest now. Remember, during this period, your Divine Sense must not be depleted. Do not attempt to steal or overdraw it, and refrain from harboring killing intent."

"Understood," Mo Hua replied.

Having spoken, Elder Master Xun turned to depart.

His frame was frail, his steps measured, yet his pace was not slow.

As Elder Master Xun’s figure neared the doorway, Mo Hua’s heart jumped. He suddenly remembered a crucial matter he had yet to ask and called out hurriedly,

"Elder!"

Elder Master Xun turned, fixing his gaze upon Mo Hua. "Is there something else?"

Mo Hua nodded and proceeded to inform Elder Master Xun about the matter concerning the Ancient Wilderness Text.

Elder Master Xun appeared somewhat surprised. "Ancient Wilderness Text? Why are you studying this?"

Mo Hua explained, "Regarding Mr. Tu, and the secrets of the Great Wilderness Evil God, it touches upon certain ancient enigmas of the Great Wilderness. I wish to seize this opportunity to learn more, preparing myself against any future schemes by the Great Wilderness."

Elder Master Xun surmised that Mo Hua was not revealing the entirety of his intentions. However, he had always shown tolerance towards Mo Hua and did not pry into the specifics.

After a moment of contemplation, Elder Master Xun slowly articulated,

"Within each state boundary, ancient texts often pertain to a form of Dao cultivation knowledge. Because they are merely 'knowledge' or 'learning,' most cultivators pay them little heed. Yet, in actuality, their rarity is comparable to that of Heavenly Grade Cultivation Techniques or Dao Skill inheritances."

"These texts are exceptionally significant, sometimes holding profound hidden secrets. Consequently, most sects with deep foundations endeavor to collect them."

"Indeed, Taixu Gate holds records and interpretations of various ancient texts from the Great Wilderness era. However, these are all housed within the Inner Mountain’s Scripture Pavilion and are inaccessible to Outer Gate disciples."

Mo Hua’s thirst for knowledge was evident as he eagerly pleaded, "Elder, may I be granted a look?"

Observing Mo Hua’s fervent desire to learn, Elder Master Xun found it difficult to refuse and thus sighed:

"I shall grant you a token. With it, you may proceed to the Inner Mountain’s Scripture Pavilion and seek out the jade slips for your studies."

"However, you must adhere strictly to the designated path from here to there. Apart from this cave dwelling, your sole destination is the Scripture Pavilion; you are forbidden from visiting any other locations."

"Furthermore, you are permitted only to borrow documents, texts, or jade slips pertaining to the Ancient Wilderness Text. Randomly borrowing other materials will be a violation of the rules."

"Once you have completed your studies, remember to return the token..."

Mo Hua was overjoyed, his eyes sparkling with delight as he nodded vigorously, "Absolutely! Thank you, Elder!"

...

In the subsequent period, Mo Hua found himself frequenting the Scripture Pavilion.

Taixu Mountain is architecturally divided into three main sections: the Outer Mountain, the Inner Mountain, and the Rear Mountain.

The Outer Mountain serves as the living and training grounds for Outer Gate disciples, where they also attend their classes.

The Inner Mountain is the domain of the Inner Sect disciples, instructors, and elders for their cultivation and residences.

The Rear Mountain is reserved for the Vice Sect Leader, the Sect Leader, and the private cave dwellings of all the sect’s patriarchs.

This elevated area also encompasses the sect’s ancestral tombs, ceremonial halls, and strictly prohibited zones.

As a general rule, Outer Gate disciples are prohibited from entering the Inner Mountain, let alone the Rear Mountain.

Nevertheless, Mo Hua’s circumstances were unique.

In order to maintain a low profile and ensure secrecy, thereby protecting himself from potential covetousness or interference from various factions, Mo Hua was currently recuperating within Elder Master Xun’s cave dwelling on the Rear Mountain, under the esteemed status of a sect patriarch.

His destination, the Inner Mountain’s Scripture Pavilion, was also a critical and sensitive area within the Inner Mountain itself.

Naturally, Mo Hua could not truly act without constraint and wander about indiscriminately.

The route designated by Elder Master Xun from the Rear Mountain to the Scripture Pavilion was clearly defined.

It encompassed the Scripture Pavilion, the Rear Mountain cave dwelling, and a single mountain trail connecting them.

In essence, it was a strict "two-point, one-line" route.

This arrangement served a dual purpose: to prevent Mo Hua from unexpectedly "disappearing" and to curb any curiosity that might lead him to stray into the Rear Mountain and inadvertently cause trouble.

Elder Master Xun had effectively closed off any potential loopholes for Mo Hua.

Initially, Mo Hua had harbored intentions of exploring, but he ultimately decided against it.

He considered it a pity, of course.

However, the study of the Ancient Wilderness Text was undeniably the most crucial matter at hand. Wandering the Rear Mountain could wait; future opportunities would surely arise, and there was no immediate urgency.

...

The Inner Mountain’s Scripture Pavilion functions as the Taoist Canon Library for the Inner Sect. This is, without a doubt, the very core of Taixu Gate’s inheritance.

In contrast to the Outer Mountain offerings, the Scripture Pavilion not only boasts a grander scale and a more extensive history but also houses an incredibly rich collection of recorded inheritances.

Moreover, the majority of these resources are classified as Third Grade or above.

An uncountable multitude of books, ancient scrolls, jade slips, and diagrams were amassed, forming walls that stretched endlessly, presenting a scene of awe-inspiring immensity.

Mo Hua marveled at the sight, personally experiencing the profound foundation of "Tao cultivation" that Taixu Gate possessed.

Despite this, he lacked the authorization to access any of it.

His access was limited solely to documents related to the Ancient Wilderness Text.

Mo Hua diligently kept Elder Master Xun’s instructions in mind, confining his search within the extensive collections to only those materials concerning the Ancient Wilderness Text.

Upon locating relevant texts, Mo Hua meticulously recorded each one before proceeding to the Inner Mountain’s Scripture Pavilion Elder to formally register for their borrowing.

The Ancient Wilderness Text proved to be exceedingly convoluted and abstract.

Taixu Gate, with its long and storied heritage derived from Ancient Sects, undeniably possessed numerous records related to the Ancient Wilderness Texts, as well as deciphering documents, within the Inner Mountain’s Scripture Pavilion.

However, these related documents were quite extensive in number.

Furthermore, the annotations on these ancient texts originated from various past cultivators, each with their unique understanding, leading to diverging interpretations.

Mo Hua could only patiently record every piece of information, meticulously compare the details, and then integrate his own comprehension to gradually study and grasp the profound meanings.

This undertaking was quite time-consuming and arduous.

Fortunately, Mo Hua’s background as a Formation Master meant he was accustomed to studying, observing, and practicing formation patterns, which often presented even greater complexity and obscurity than these ancient texts.

Consequently, researching these ancient texts held a certain unique appeal for Mo Hua.

Thus, Mo Hua settled into a state of calm focus, slowly studying and gradually comprehending. After approximately half a month, he finally achieved an initial breakthrough, laboriously deciphering the very first line of the Ancient Wilderness Text inscribed on the Bone Scroll.

The instant Mo Hua’s gaze fell upon it, his pupils involuntarily contracted in shock.