Chapter 555

Nascent Soul realm…

Mo Hua silently counted on his fingers:

Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Jin Dan, Nascent Soul…

He was separated from the Nascent Soul realm by three full great realms, and these three great realms were like an impassable abyss…

Mo Hua sighed.

When, in heaven's name, would he ever reach such a realm?

And with his own spiritual roots, could he even reach the Nascent Soul realm…?

Mo Hua sighed again, feeling powerless.

At this moment, on the throne of white bones and fangs, several figures had fully materialized.

One was a demonic cultivator clad in black robes, with white hair and a youthful face, his expression sinister—the one known as "Xuan Sanren," the Ancient Ancestor of Xuan Demon.

Besides him, there were three other Nascent Soul demonic elders.

One was an old man with purple-green lips, called the "Poison Sovereign";

one was a tall, jet-black demonic cultivator, bear-like in build, named "Black Luo Han";

and another was a heavily made-up woman who, despite her beauty, was caked in too much powder, glistening greasily, called "Miao Lady."

Poison Sovereign, Black Luo Han, Miao Lady…

These names, Mo Hua had overheard earlier.

At first he hadn't known who they were, only guessing they might be titles of some great demonic cultivators; now, seeing these three Nascent Soul demonic tyrants and their appearances, he matched them one by one.

Adding Xuan Sanren, there were four Nascent Soul cultivators altogether.

Add to that the hundreds of Jin Dan demonic cultivators within this entire demonic hall.

Mo Hua's heart grew cold.

This demonic force alone could surely obliterate an entire prefecture of grades…

Not to mention the third-grade Dali Mountain Prefecture of Grades—even a fourth-grade prefecture, if attacked by these demonic cultivators, would suffer a cataclysm.

And these demonic tyrants had gathered here to hold the "Ten Thousand Demons Assembly," and their purpose was… Master?

Mo Hua felt tense, clenching his fists slightly.

On the white bone throne, Xuan Sanren spoke bluntly:

"I used the Underworld Dao Heavenly Mechanism Lock to seal the heavenly fate of this place, but karmic traces still leaked out. Now, forces from all corners of the Dao Court have converged upon Dali Mountain; a great battle will erupt at any moment. Thus, I have convened the 'Ten Thousand Demons Assembly' to summon all fellow cultivators to gather at Withered Tree Cliff and jointly deliberate on this matter…"

"Black Luo Han" sneered, "What's there to deliberate? Kill one when one comes, kill two when two come…"

He licked his lips, his tongue bright red and lined with backward spines like those of a beast, his gaze fierce and ravenous.

"I haven't feasted on humans to my heart's content in centuries…"

The Poison Sovereign spoke in a mocking tone, "Don't eat everything—watch out you crack your teeth."

Black Luo Han grinned, revealing his sharp, gleaming fangs, "Don't worry—I've eaten six hundred years' worth of humans, and these two teeth have never cracked."

The Poison Sovereign's expression remained impassive, showing no emotion.

"The Dao Court has sent Nascent Soul cultivators this time."

"Did you get word of that?"

The Poison Sovereign said nothing.

Black Luo Han understood.

The Poison Sovereign—or rather, the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect—must have spies within the Dao Court.

Such insider information was not something he could openly reveal.

Black Luo Han then asked, "Which Nascent Soul True Persons from the Dao Court?"

The Poison Sovereign, though displeased, did not conceal it: "Forget the rest—certainly, that woman from the Bai family will come…"

"That woman from the Bai family?"

"Bai Qingcheng?"

Upon hearing this, Miao Lady froze, a look of envy and hatred surfacing on her heavily painted face.

Black Luo Han's eyes glinted with malice, "They say this Nascent Soul True Person of the Bai family lives up to her name—ice-skin, jade-bone, with beauty that can topple nations and cities. Is it true?"

Mo Hua, upon hearing this, was stunned.

Bai family's Bai Qingcheng? Beauty that topples nations and cities?

A Nascent Soul True Person?

What connection does she have with Little Sister?

The Poison Sovereign sneered, "Put those filthy thoughts out of your head—if you don't want to die, don't even think of touching her."

Black Luo Han asked, "Why?"

"She bears the surname Bai…"

Black Luo Han scoffed, "So what? Even if the Dao Court's noble families are powerful, how can they interfere with our demonic affairs?"

The Poison Sovereign glanced at him coolly, "Your life is yours—I'm only giving a warning. If you're not afraid of the Bai family, go ahead and act against her."

Black Luo Han reined in his ferocity and grinned wickedly, "The matter at hand is paramount—I won't stir up trouble now."

Still, he couldn't help but feel a pang of desire.

I wonder if such a beautiful woman's flesh would be even more tender when eaten…

But Miao Lady's expression shifted, and she asked Xuan Sanren:

"How do you know she will definitely come?"

Xuan Sanren replied, "That Mr. Zhuang carries heavenly fate, and he is at his wit's end. Since they share the same sect, whether out of sentiment or interest, she will surely come."

"Same sect…"

Mo Hua stole a glance at the Ghost Daoist.

If we came from the same sect, then she would be my master's junior sister, also the Ghost Daoist, meaning she's my master's junior sister too…

So if I count it this way, shouldn't I call him "Junior Uncle"?

I not only have a great demon as my Senior Uncle, but now I have a Nascent Soul Junior Uncle?

If my Junior Uncle is Nascent Soul, then the Ghost Daoist, as my Senior Uncle, must also be at least Nascent Soul…

Then what about my master?

What realm would he be…

Mo Hua pondered silently, a chill creeping through him.

Meanwhile, the Ghost Daoist remained with eyes closed, seemingly indifferent to this "junior sister" of his.

After hearing Xuan Sanren's words, Lady Miao felt a flicker of secret delight, mixed with anger, her gaze hiding a trace of venom.

It seemed she harbored some deep-seated grudge.

The Poison Lord's gaze sharpened as he brought up the matter at hand: "Has the Five Elements Mountain Protecting Array still not been broken?"

Xuan Sanren shook his head. "No."

The Black Luo Han gasped in disbelief. "It's only a third-grade array—how hard could it be to break?"

Both Xuan Sanren, an expert in arrays, and the Poison Lord, who understood them only slightly, glanced at the Black Bear demon cultivator with disdain.

"This is a third-grade Great Array…"

Xuan Sanren snapped impatiently, "A Great Array is utterly different from ordinary arrays, and this is the Five Elements Mountain Protecting Array—crafted by ancestors of the Wuxing Sect…"

"More importantly, the man currently holding the array right now—he bears the surname Zhuang!"

Xuan Sanren's expression turned solemn. "Across the entire cultivation world, few would dare claim they could break his array to his face."

The Black Luo Han froze. He was a demon cultivator, accustomed only to "kill" and "eat," utterly clueless about arrays—but now mocked by Xuan Sanren, he refused to lose face, and growled coldly:

"No matter how powerful, it's still only third-grade…"

The Poison Lord burst into laughter, his voice hoarse and shrill like a night owl.

He pointed to the sky. "This is a third-grade state boundary—the Heavenly Dao's limit. Even a Jin Dan Great Array is unbreakable. A Jin Dan cultivator alone cannot shatter it, unless…"

The Poison Lord eyed the Black Luo Han with mocking sarcasm. "Unless you're willing to trade your life for the array—use Nascent Soul power to break it, then let the Heavenly Dao erase you."

"Sacrificing your body to the Dao, loyal to the Demon Lord—that's a worthy death…"

The Black Luo Han's face darkened further; he snorted but said nothing.

He wasn't a fool—he wouldn't risk his life against a third-grade array.

Yet he still harbored doubt, frowning:

"Is the Heavenly Dao's erasure real or just rumor?"

The Black Luo Han clearly didn't believe it. "If I unleash my Nascent Soul power, will the Heavenly Dao really come to erase me?"

The Poison Lord's gaze was contemptuous. "Why not try it?"

The Black Luo Han's anger flared.

Xuan Sanren merely sneered.

Oddly, Lady Miao frowned. "Heavenly Dao erasure is only recorded in cultivation texts and rumors—I've never heard of anyone who actually experienced it…"

Xuan Sanren was speechless. "What if the ones who experienced it… were all erased?"

Below, Mo Hua subtly shook his head.

"Not all…"

"I wasn't erased!"

But that time, it was pure luck—the array collapsed, triggering the Heavenly Dao's restriction, yet since my own cultivation was so low, the Lei Jie paused… it wasn't truly trying to kill me, so it spared my "life"…

Mo Hua mused inwardly:

Heavenly Dao erasure has always been taboo.

Most cultivators follow this rule, yet they may never truly grasp how terrifying it is.

Like that big fool, the Black Luo Han, and Lady Miao with her powdered face—they still half-doubted Xuan Sanren's words.

It seemed they didn't truly believe in the existence of the Heavenly Dao…

Yet they didn't dwell on it.

After a moment, they returned to the matter at hand, speaking of the Dao Court…

"What do we do about the Dao Court cultivators?" Xuan Sanren asked.

"What can we do?" the Black Luo Han sneered. "The Mo Sect always acts directly—just one word: 'kill!'"

Xuan Sanren's gaze turned cold. "I mean—how do we kill them?"

The Poison Lord pondered a moment. "Lure them into the Soul-Stealing Banner, seal the heavenly patterns, set up the Blood Malediction Great Array, open the Demon Sword's Evil Eye—and then strike together, wipe them clean!"

"They're not that stupid, are they?"

"Stupid or not? It depends on how great the profit is."

"When the profit is great enough, even the cleverest will act foolishly."

"Mr. Zhuang is inside the array—if you open the banner, they will rush in without hesitation."

"Compared to the Immortal Affinity, a few deaths are nothing…"

…

"What about the Dao Court's Nascent Soul True Persons?" Xuan Sanren added.

The Poison Lord said, "Due to the Heavenly Dao's limit, the Dao Court's Nascent Soul True Persons dare not unleash their full power, just like you and me—so the main force in this battle will still be Jin Dan cultivators…"

"A Nascent Soul True Person who doesn't use Nascent Soul power is only slightly stronger than a Jin Dan…"

His gaze swept the room, a cold smile curling his lips. "Within this demon hall, hundreds of Jin Dan demon cultivators have gathered—practicing orthodox demonic arts, refining supreme evil techniques, wielding demonic artifacts and treasures—all drenched in blood, murderers without number—nothing like those Dao Court cultivators, sitting in high positions, pampered and idle."

"A Jin Dan demonic cultivator who forges a demonic weapon will surely slaughter across all directions! This will severely wound the Dao Court's vital energy!"

"We shall surely seize for the Demon Lord the Heavenly Opportunity buried in the Gui Xu!"

The four Yu Hua demonic elders all stared with feverish eyes.

Yet within their gazes, private desires slowly stirred.

"When can the Five Elements Protecting Mountain Great Array be broken?" asked the Poison Elder.

Xuan Sanren shook his head. "It cannot be broken—only worn down."

"Worn down?"

Xuan Sanren nodded. "Indeed. That man's array craftsmanship is unparalleled. As long as he holds the Five Elements Protecting Mountain Great Array, it cannot be shattered—we can only find ways to wear it down..."

"Drain its spirit stones. Drain his life force."

"He is running out of oil and his lamp is nearly extinguished—his days are numbered. Keep draining, and the Five Elements Array will inevitably collapse..."

"Once the Array falls, we surround the mountain. No matter how brilliant or arrogant he is, he will ultimately fall into our hands."

The Poison Elder gave a slight nod.

"That is indeed a viable strategy..."

After a moment of silence, the Black Luo Han suddenly sneered: "Come to think of it, this man is truly abandoned by all—your Mo Sect wants to kill him, and the Dao Court won't spare him either..."

"No one in this world wants to save him."

The Poison Elder sneered. "He was too prominent in his prime, offended too many, and bore such a great opportunity—everyone coveted it. Now that he's cornered, who would bother saving him?"

Mo Hua listened, deeply displeased.

After speaking, the Poison Elder suddenly remembered something and spoke with implication:

"It is said this man once had an elder brother—not only did he break ties with him, but he betrayed his own sect, sacrificed himself to become demonic, and was even granted the title of 'Dao Ren' in our Mo Sect..."

"He became the only demonic cultivator in our Mo Sect, not yet reaching Dong Xu, to be granted the title of 'Dao Ren'!"

The Poison Elder's cold gaze turned downward, fixing on the Guǐ Dao Ren.

In that gaze lay contempt.

All eyes followed the Poison Elder's, turning toward Guǐ Dao Ren—and behind him, the small figure of Mo Hua.

He was watched intently by four Yu Hua ancestral elders and a host of Jin Dan demonic cultivators.

Mo Hua felt overwhelming pressure and instinctively shrank further behind his "Senior Brother."

Guǐ Dao Ren's pupils were pitch black, his expression cold, as if no one else existed.

The four Yu Hua elders stared coldly.

The title "Dao Ren" contains the character 'Dao'—it is the highest and most transcendent title in the Mo Sect, below only the Underworld Ancestor and the Demon Lord.

Most demonic cultivators know the title exists, but not why.

They cannot possibly comprehend the weight of the words "Dao Ren."

But these four, who have reached the Yu Hua realm, understand perfectly.

These two characters are beyond their reach.

Yet now, a mere orthodox cultivator—a traitor who abandoned his sect, forgot his roots, turned demonic halfway, and whose realm is no higher than Yu Hua—has been granted the title "Guǐ Dao Ren"?!

They had long been dissatisfied.

The Black Luo Han sneered: "So this man was once your junior brother—do you truly have no shred of sentiment?"

Lady Miao covered her mouth and giggled: "So heartless—no wonder the orthodox rejected him, forcing him to become a demonic elder."

Her gaze shifted slightly, landing on Mo Hua hiding behind Guǐ Dao Ren. Her eyes brightened, and she silently praised:

"This little brat is truly handsome..."

"Most importantly, his gaze is clear and pure, his aura gentle and refined—like uncarved jade. He hasn't cultivated demonic arts, nor is he tainted by even a speck of corruption. If raised by me, when he grows older, his essence will yield a uniquely exquisite taste when harvested..."

Lady Miao's heart stirred, yet her face remained cold as she sneered:

"This is the 'Ten Thousand Demons Assembly'—everyone here is either an Ancestral Elder or a great demonic cultivator feared across the land. Though you hold the title 'Dao Ren,' bringing along a little cultivator who hasn't even begun demonic arts—isn't this a grave insult to us?"

Guǐ Dao Ren sat motionless, silent.

Even Xuan Sanren frowned and snorted: "A mere demonic seed host—how arrogant you are..."

Had Guǐ Dao Ren himself appeared, he might have earned some respect.

He might even have been honored as a guest, seated alongside these Yu Hua Ancestral Elders upon the White Bone Throne, towering above all demons.

But now—he is merely a puppet possessed by a demonic seed!

And still, he dares to be so dismissive?

Guǐ Dao Ren's gaze was wooden, devoid of any expression.

Mo Hua wanted to say for him: "Senior Brother means he doesn't want to deal with you..."

But he felt speaking out in such a setting was inappropriate, so he swallowed the words back.

The atmosphere in the hall grew solemn.

Just as Mo Hua worried they might strike at his "Senior Brother," the green-lipped Poison Elder broke the tension:

"Enough. Since you've entered the demonic gate, you share the same breath..."

"Our enemy is the Dao Court. Our target is Mr. Zhuang. We must not create discord now..."

The atmosphere in the hall eased slightly.

Mo Hua silently grimaced.

That old man is definitely a sly schemer.

He started the trouble—and now he's the one playing peacemaker.

The Poison Elder is old and high-ranking; his words still carry weight. The demonic cultivators in attendance all turned their gazes away from Guǐ Dao Ren.

Yet the atmosphere remained subtly tense.

The black Luo Han stared at the Deceiver Daoist with murderous eyes; Xuan Sanren looked displeased; Lady Liu didn't glance at the Deceiver Daoist, but her gaze rested on Mo Hua—filled with greed and regret, as if plotting something unseen…

The necessary words had been spoken; the plan was settled.

The Poison Sovereign said:

"The Ten Thousand Demons Assembly ends here. May all of you unite as one, return your spirits to the Underworld Ancestor, remain loyal to the Demon Lord, and spare no effort to bring great prosperity to our Demon Dao!"

"Great prosperity to the Demon Dao!"

"Spare no effort!"

The demonic cultivators present shouted in unison, then rose to bow.

Their bow was strange—they formed a demonic hand seal with their fingers, its meaning unknown.

Mo Hua could not learn it, nor did he care to.

After completing their bows, the others prepared to disperse.

But as the first person reached the door, his expression changed—then more and more Jin Dan demonic cultivators grew alarmed, whispering among themselves.

The Poison Sovereign frowned. "What's going on?"

Xuan Sanren extended his spiritual sense, peered for a moment, then stiffened. "The Ten Thousand Demons Hall is sealed by an array?!"

Sealed by an array? We can't get out?

All the demonic cultivators present turned pale.

At that moment, a demonic beast cultivator, a massive man, suddenly went mad—he struck out without warning, slashing through the neck of an elderly demonic cultivator beside him, then went berserk, slashing and killing with bloodthirsty frenzy…

Sudden chaos erupted; the demons erupted in uproar, none knowing what had happened.

The four Liu Yuhua demonic ancestors exchanged glances; after a moment, they seemed to realize something, frowning in unison toward the Deceiver Daoist.

The Deceiver Daoist sat motionless as ever.

But his pupils were utterly black.

Mo Hua, standing behind him, involuntarily opened his mouth, stunned:

"The Dao Heart Sows Demons…"

"Is my uncle… locking the door and killing everyone?"

(End of Chapter)