World of Cultivation Nine Hundred and Eight – The Chief Mo God’s Madness

The atmosphere within the Mo Shen Temple was thick with tension.

Although the front lines hadn't suffered continuous defeats and a few victories had been secured, no mo god wore a smile. An enemy army advanced steadily, encroaching upon their territory. Liang Wei and Qi Xin employed no risky maneuvers, merely intensifying their pressure and consolidating their gains.

Piece by piece, step by step – this phrase perfectly encapsulated their strategy.

Yet, the mo gods were not fools. They recognized the escalating danger of their predicament. While the enemy's progress was deliberate, it afforded them no opportunities for a counteroffensive. The opposing forces acted with caution, as if positioned as the weaker party.

This particular fighting method incited immense frustration throughout the Mo Shen Temple.

They could only stand by and watch as the enemy methodically advanced, utterly powerless to intervene. As the enemy's forces pressed forward, their defensive line was incrementally flattened.

This presented a perilous omen.

A compromised defense line implied easier breakthroughs and bypasses for the aggressor.

Any competent general understood the gravity of such a situation.

However, no solutions presented themselves. They could only observe their inevitable descent towards the precipice, with panic and despair spreading uncontrollably through their ranks.

The disparity in power between the two sides was simply too vast.

“What if we organized a counterattack?” Youxi Ya Ke inquired, glancing at the Chief Mo God for his thoughts.

The Chief Mo God remained silent, a bitter taste in his mouth. Counterattack? With what resources could they possibly retaliate? The enemy’s formations possessed no discernible weaknesses. Bolstering their defenses merely prolonged the inevitable, a slow form of suicide, whereas a direct charge would guarantee their annihilation.

The Chief Mo God's gaze drifted vacantly around the grand hall. Compared to its former glory, the Mo Shen Temple, despite its magnificence, now felt eerily vacant and cold.

Could this be the harbinger of their defeat?

He contemplated his arduous efforts over the preceding years. Through numerous conflicts, the Mo Shen Temple had flourished, establishing itself as the preeminent power within the Hundred Savage Realm, a fact that had filled the Chief Mo God with immense pride. He had once held an unwavering conviction that the Mo Shen Temple was indomitable! Yet, upon the arrival of the Nether King's forces, he discovered that the seemingly impregnable Mo Shen Temple was incapable of halting the enemy's relentless advance.

The adversary was overwhelmingly powerful!

In comparison to the Nether King, the Mo Shen Temple was pitifully weak. The difference was akin to that between an adult and a child – an insurmountable chasm.

The Mo Shen Temple had fought with unwavering tenacity. Even the Chief Mo God could not demand more from his subordinates. The rule of the Mo Shen Temple had been widely accepted and popular throughout their domain.

“Has the Nether King himself arrived?” the Chief Mo God suddenly inquired, his voice raspy.

“Indeed,” Youxi Ya Ke affirmed with a nod. “He has enlisted Princess Xia and the Lan Brothers to oversee his territories within the Hundred Savage Realm. This strategic move is quite brilliant, as both families possess deep roots and extensive influence throughout the region. Their administration ensures the populace remains at ease.”

He then shrugged, spreading his hands and speaking with a tone of resignation. “Naturally, this arrangement is even more detrimental to our cause.”

“Fourth, what are your thoughts?” The Chief Mo God turned his attention to the fourth mo god, who had remained remarkably silent until this point.

The Fourth Mo God was of below-average stature and possessed a seemingly frail physique. His hair was somewhat disheveled, and his complexion was pale, lending him an appearance of delicate refinement that belied the formidable power of a mo.

Despite his unassuming appearance, no one dared to underestimate him. He hailed from a distinguished lineage, being the successor of the Silver Catalpa Cavern, a lineage chronicled in ancient histories. This further added to his enigmatic reputation.

His name was Shui Yue.

The Chief Elder had invested considerable effort to persuade Shui Yue to join the Mo Shen Temple as the fourth mo god. His value lay not only in his formidable strength but also in his exceptional generalship, a quality the Chief Mo God held in high regard. Many historical accounts suggested that the successors of the Water Moon Family inherited the strategic acumen of ancient battle commanders.

Shui Yue had consistently met the Chief Mo God's expectations, playing a significant role in the Mo Shen Temple's expansion over the recent years.

Characterized by his quiet demeanor and aversion to conflict, coupled with his undeniable skills, Shui Yue was the epitome of an ideal subordinate.

“The final confrontation is upon us,” Shui Yue stated with his customary composure, his voice calm and even. “The enemy is poised to launch a full-scale assault.”

An absolute silence descended upon the hall.

After a brief pause, the Chief Mo God finally managed to speak, his voice strained, “What is our probability of holding out?”

“One-tenth,” Shui Yue replied, his demeanor unwavering.

Youxi Ya Ke let out a sigh. While he did not bear the burden as heavily as some, the pervasive sense of helplessness engendered by the power imbalance was deeply unsettling.

“What if we committed every soul within the Mo Shen Temple?” the Chief Mo God suddenly blurted out, his teeth clenched.

“Everyone has already been mobilized,” Youxi Ya Ke responded instinctively, but then he realized the gravity of his words. His gaze snapped to Chief Mo God, shock evident on his face.

A flush crept into Chief Mo God’s countenance, his eyes blazing like twin fires. “No, we shall conscript everyone! Every family within the Mo Shen Temple, every mo who cultivates shen power—regardless of gender—will be thrust onto the battlefield! We can forge an army ten, perhaps twenty times larger than the Nether King’s legions…”

The sheer audacity of Chief Mo God’s drastic suggestion sent a shiver of fear through everyone present.

“But…”

Once this war concluded, the lands of the Mo Shen Temple would lie barren. Such a conflict was unprecedented, even in the ancient wars between the yaomo and the xiu.

This was a strategy of filling the abyss with bodies!

“Yes! Only this way! We will transform the Mo Shen Temple into a hell! A hell that will drag the Nether King down with us!” Chief Mo God bellowed at the top of his lungs, his arms flailing as if his body had been reignited with battle fervor.

A heavy silence descended upon the assembly.

If the fighting truly escalated to that extent, the casualties would be catastrophic, decimating the mo population.

“This is merely an internal strife amongst the mo; we are all mo…” Youxi Ya Ke couldn’t help but interject. Though he hailed from the Mo Shen Temple and held no affection for the Nether King, the potential devastation to the mo people weighed heavily on him.

Chief Mo God wheeled around, his glare sharp enough to ignite flames. “Silence! Youxi Ya Ke, effective immediately, the Youxi Battalion shall be under Second’s command!”

Youxi Ya Ke’s face paled, then contorted with uncontrolled rage. He let out a cold, derisive laugh. “Ha! You have truly lost your mind!”

The Chief Elder’s expression hardened with murderous intent.

“What? You intend to strike me down?” Youxi Ya Ke retorted, lifting his chin defiantly, though his eyes remained chillingly cold. “Proceed!”

With that, he turned and exited the hall without a backward glance at Chief Mo God.

Chief Mo God’s face darkened, his temples throbbing. He forced himself to restrain his impulse. He understood that attacking Youxi Ya Ke at this moment would fracture the Mo Shen Temple.

“Does anyone else have any objections?” Chief Mo God’s voice was grim.

The others remained conspicuously silent.

Chief Mo God’s expression softened slightly, a measure of relief washing over him as the others did not oppose his decree. His tone mellowed. “I am aware the losses will be immense, but this is our sole path to victory. We must disregard the cost, demonstrating to the Nether King that the Mo Shen Temple possesses the unwavering resolve to fight until the bitter end…”

The Chief Mo God’s fervent declaration echoed through the grand hall.

Within Shui Yue’s residence.

Wu Le downed several large gulps of potent liquor, his thirst seemingly insatiable. He let the alcohol scorch its way down his throat before finally setting the jar aside, a flush having tinged his face. He muttered to himself, “Youxi Ya Ke is correct; the Boss has gone mad.”

Shui Yu, before him, held a small bottle and a delicate cup. He poured a modest measure, sipping it slowly with an air of unhurried contemplation.

Both men, having ascended to Mo God status after the initial trio, shared a close bond.

“I am no commander of troops,” Wu Le stated, taking another swig and shaking his head. “But I recognize this course of action as akin to drinking poison to quench thirst. For now, we still retain the people’s favor. However, if we resort to mass conscription, we will irrevocably lose their hearts.”

“He is under immense pressure,” Shui Yu remarked impassively.

“Regardless, he cannot proceed with this plan!” Wu Le expressed his profound disappointment. “A pity, I stand merely one step away from the god-level. If I possessed the strength of Wei Sheng, our predicament would be far more favorable.”

“You have performed admirably,” Shui Yu offered in comfort. Since his last confrontation with Wei Sheng, Wu Le had dedicated himself to rigorous training. Though the fifth Mo God, he was individually the most potent among them.

Chief Mo God had once encouraged Wu Le to pursue studies as a battle general. With such formidable personal might, even a slight deficiency in battlefield tactics would still render him superior to most generals.

Yet, Wu Le harbored no interest in becoming a battle general; his entire focus was dedicated to his cultivation.

Wu Le took another drink, lamenting, “Ten years ago, Wei Sheng defeated me. Now, a decade later, not only have I failed to catch up, but the gap has widened considerably. I can only express my profound admiration. Such a man should be our benchmark. Ten years ago, everyone proclaimed Wei Sheng dead; I scoffed at such notions. How could a man of his caliber perish so easily?”

Shui Yue listened in quiet contemplation, understanding that Wu Le merely sought an outlet for his frustrations.

“Even Lin Qian was defeated by Wei Sheng. I don’t favor Lin Qian, but he is undeniably a true genius. A Yue, what are your thoughts? Why is the world changing so rapidly?” Wu Le’s eyes were unfocused, clouded with bewilderment. “A Nether King suddenly materialized, causing chaos in Nether Ream. Not content with that, he then ventured here to unite the mo. Ha! How utterly shameful he has made us all! Now, Mo Cloud Sea and Kun Lun are locked in conflict. Wei Sheng, unseen for a decade, has achieved god-level status and managed to frighten Lin Qian into concealment. Kun Lun has suffered immense humiliation. Lin Qian is truly vexed. They are both god-level, such a profound disgrace… this world… what is transpiring… I don’t comprehend…”

As Wu Le continued, his words grew increasingly slurred. He slumped forward onto his face, commencing a loud snoring.

Utterly dejected, he had only sought out Shui Yue’s company to drown his sorrows in drink.

Shui Yue sat, slowly taking sips of the potent liquor, which seared down his throat like fire.

A burning intensity ignited within his usually serene eyes. He recalled the blood summons from the past, his decade of confusion while waiting, the questions he'd posed to himself nightly, and a multitude of other memories.

He appeared to be speaking to himself.

“Because a seed, once planted, will undoubtedly grow into a mighty tree.”

Editor’s note: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Unj_wM1xngs

Today’s excerpt was straightforward.

Also, just in case you overlooked it: 100 chapters for the payoff. Or perhaps it was 350 chapters?

4th Mo God – The fourth member of the Mo Gods, a formidable battle general. He initially makes an appearance in chapter 805, though not much detail is revealed about him at that time.

Shui Yue – A mo belonging to the Water Moon Family. First introduced in chapter 559, he receives a blood summons from Wei. He is a seasoned hunter, yet his life has been one of hardship and poverty.

Translator Ramblings: This situation becomes even more dire when one realizes that the Mo Gods attained their current levels of power through the devotion and worship of these very people. Consequently, their scheme involves not merely a large-scale massacre of their own citizens, but the extermination of those who actively revere them.

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