Chapter 602: Bald Head

Diancang Mountain is large and desolate, lacking in Daoist resources, so few people venture here, making it ideal for exiled cultivators to hide.

Mo Hua arrived at Diancang Mountain with several senior brothers and sisters.

Towering peaks and steep ridges, clouds veiling and mist winding, pale yellow miasma swirled, obscuring direction.

Elder Murong said: "I accepted the sect's bounty; intelligence reports that the Bald Eagle is hiding alone in a cave thirty li from here."

"But this man is alert and skilled in arrays; he must have laid traps along the way to evade pursuit…"

"These arrays may not be highly sophisticated, but they are extremely concealed and hard to detect—requiring an array master well-versed in arrays to inspect them along the route…"

"You must be meticulous; no oversight is allowed…"

"Otherwise, you'll alarm the snake and let this 'Bald Eagle' escape…"

Elder Murong glanced at Mo Hua, "Mo younger brother… can you do it?"

Mo Hua nodded, "I can!"

Seeing Mo Hua's confidence, Elder Murong did not feel reassured—instead, she grew even more concerned.

Ouyang Feng, fearing Mo Hua might feel pressured, said:

"Mo younger brother, do your best, don't be nervous…"

"This mission isn't yours alone—we'll keep watch along the way and cover your oversights. After all, the Bald Eagle is extremely cunning and difficult to handle, and his arrays are devious…"

"Mm-hmm." Mo Hua replied gratefully, "Thank you, Senior Brother Feng!"

The group moved forward; as they walked, Mo Hua suddenly froze, pointing to a patch of freshly turned soil by the path:

"Is that the array?"

The others heard this, exchanged glances, and all nodded.

Elder Murong exhaled slightly, "Correct."

Only then did Mo Hua realize everyone had noticed—it was merely a "test" of him, so they hadn't spoken up.

They clearly didn't trust me at all…

Mo Hua muttered inwardly.

Hua Qianqian walked to the freshly turned soil, pulled out a golden compass, placed it on the ground, and as the golden compass spun, a flash of light appeared—the buried array patterns vanished.

Mo Hua blinked, "What is this compass…?"

Elder Murong paused, "You don't know?"

Mo Hua nodded honestly.

To know what you know, and know what you don't know—that is wisdom.

All before him were senior brothers and sisters; as a junior, he had no need to pretend.

Elder Murong sighed, "This is called a Dispel Array Compass. Some simple arrays can be undone using this compass."

"Can it undo any array?" Mo Hua asked.

Elder Murong shook her head, "Different arrays require different Dispel Array Compasses—those for the Five Elements, the Eight Trigrams, directional arrays—you must match them precisely to dispel them, and the array patterns cannot be too complex."

"Oh oh."

Mo Hua learned something new and silently memorized it.

"There are actually Dispel Array Compasses like this…"

He had always relied on himself, dismantling arrays by hand—he'd never used such a "lazy" tool.

I wonder how it works inside…

Mo Hua was curious.

Hua Qianqian used the Dispel Array Compass to dispel the hidden array, then swept her slender hand lightly—the spiritual energy rippled, clearing away the soil to reveal a small stone disc buried beneath, engraved with array patterns.

The patterns looked familiar, yet slightly unfamiliar—likely a variant form.

Mo Hua couldn't recognize them, so he humbly asked:

"Senior Sister Murong, what array… is this on the stone disc…?"

Elder Murong froze.

The others also pressed their hands to their foreheads, exasperated.

Shangguan Xu wore a wry smile.

Not even recognizing such a simple array—"skilled" in arrays? That's not how you're "skilled"…

Elder Murong sighed, helplessly explaining:

"This is called the Minor Magnetic Array—a first-rank array. It uses magnetic properties embedded in the array patterns to attract and sense spiritual energy, for reconnaissance and defense…"

"Minor Magnetic Array…"

Mo Hua silently memorized it again.

He hadn't expected that after mastering so many first-rank arrays, he'd still have a "missing fish"…

Clearly, he needed to travel more.

The cultivation world is vast and boundless—there are surely arrays everywhere waiting for him to learn!

"Minor Magnetic Array…"

Mo Hua murmured it, then said, "Senior Sister Murong, wait a moment—I'll learn this."

Elder Murong fell silent.

This junior brother, upon encountering an array, still had to learn it on the spot…

She didn't know what to say.

Fortunately, Mo Hua didn't take long—he memorized the Minor Magnetic Array's patterns, and the group resumed their journey.

As they walked, Mo Hua pondered inwardly.

Minor Magnetic Array…

The Grade-One Nine-Stripe Array technique functions similarly to the "Si Nan Qin Zimu Fu Array" I've used before—both are designed for array deployment, reconnaissance, and monitoring terrain and environmental conditions.

But this array has something unusual about it.

After pondering for a long while, Mo Hua realized this array was a variation of the Eight Trigrams Array, simplifying complex array patterns into a streamlined "variation."

Mo Hua silently calculated in his mind, then suddenly froze in shock.

He discovered that the core pattern of this Minor Magnetic Array, traced back to its origin, could ultimately be linked to "Thunder Patterns."

Thunder Patterns?

That doesn't make sense…

Mo Hua was thoroughly perplexed.

In his memory, the "Thunder Array" was a celestial grand array, its pattern containing the laws of annihilation—the divine "Immortal Pattern," terrifying beyond measure, capable of suppressing and slaying all living things.

But what connection could there be between "thunder and lightning" and "magnetism"?

Why would reversing the variation of the Minor Magnetic Array's pattern transform it into Thunder Patterns, classifying it under the "Gen Trigram" array?

Mo Hua felt deep confusion.

But he still had a mission to complete and no time to dwell on it—he tucked the puzzle away in his mind, planning to study it carefully after returning to see if he could gain some insight.

A Grade-One array, once understood, is not difficult.

After one glance at the pattern of the Minor Magnetic Array, Mo Hua grasped it completely.

When he looked again at the mountainside, the fine, threadlike traces of the Minor Magnetic Array woven among grass, trees, and rocks became clearly visible.

With a sweep of his spiritual sense, he perceived everything.

"Behind that big rock, there's an array…"

"Three zhang ahead, in the middle of the mountain path, there's another…"

"Under the tree bark, there's a Minor Magnetic Array too…"

"To the left, in the forest, hides a beast—with a wound on its right leg; embedded beneath its flesh is a blade inscribed with a Minor Magnetic Array…"

…

As Mo Hua walked, he pointed out each array along the way.

Elder Murong Caiyun and the others gradually grew astonished.

It wasn't surprising that Mo Hua could spot the obvious arrays they had already noticed.

But even the obscure, hard-to-detect arrays, Mo Hua found them all, perfectly, one by one.

Some arrays were placed so cunningly and reclusively that they hadn't noticed them at all—or were too far away to spot in time—yet none escaped Mo Hua's spiritual sense.

Only then did they begin to believe Mo Hua truly had some ability.

"Skilled" in arrays might be an exaggeration.

But his talent for arrays was unquestionable.

Everyone relaxed, and their gazes toward Mo Hua grew much gentler.

On a sect mission fraught with danger, they didn't want to drag along a "little burden," even if this little burden was sweet and adorable.

An hour later, the group arrived at a hillside.

The hillside looked ordinary, but beneath the thick vegetation lay a hidden cave entrance.

The Dao Ting Si-wanted "Bald Eagle" was hiding inside.

The group hid behind a rock, discussing their capture plan.

But none of this concerned Mo Hua.

He had come only to uncover the arrays; by now, his task was already half-complete, and the rest didn't require his intervention.

As Elder Murong's words put it:

"Stay hidden, don't show yourself, protect yourself, and run first if anything happens…"

It was both concern for Mo Hua and a precaution against him recklessly appearing and ruining the mission.

If he were captured again by the Bald Eagle and taken hostage, the situation would become extremely dire.

Mo Hua nodded repeatedly. "Sister, don't worry."

He was very good at staying alive.

Still, he thought—if the senior brothers and sisters struck down the "Bald Eagle" outright, he'd have no chance to show off his "talent," and they wouldn't take him along on future bounties…

Mo Hua thought to himself—he still needed to contribute a bit more.

The forest was desolate, the hillside silent.

Tall grass, scattered rocks, no sign of human presence.

Mo Hua subtly stirred his spiritual sense, scanning the surroundings; his eyes flickered faintly, then he whispered:

"One hundred and fifty zhang west of here lies a Metal Trap Array, Grade-Two, Eleven-Stripe;"

"One hundred and fifty zhang east of here lies a Mountain Bind Array, Gen Trigram Binding Array, Grade-Two, Fourteen-Stripe…"

"At the cave entrance, a Gen Mountain Array is deployed, Grade-Two…"

"Ten zhang outside the cave entrance, a… Minor Magnetic Array? But it's also Grade-Two…"

…

Mo Hua listed every array around the cave, one by one, without omission.

He had nearly seen through the Bald Eagle's lair.

Not just Elder Murong Caiyun—even Ouyang Feng and the others were stunned.

"You… have studied Grade-Two arrays?"

Mo Hua replied humbly: "I've studied a little…"

The group's expressions shifted in surprise; they exchanged glances, realizing they had vastly underestimated this innocent-looking junior brother.

He could see through every single array laid by others, without missing a single one.

Such mastery and insight into arrays must be extraordinarily profound.

Indeed, none who enter the Eight Great Gates are mediocre.

We didn't waste our money hiring this "Array Master."

Ouyang Feng released his spiritual sense, confirmed briefly, and saw that everything truly matched Mo Hua's description—those arrays, had Mo Hua not spoken, he would never have noticed them; he nodded in admiration:

"Excellent, thanks to Brother Mo. Now, capturing the Bald Eagle will be much easier."

"Next, follow the plan—lure out the Bald Eagle…"

Mo Hua smiled, about to speak, when suddenly his expression changed and he sighed:

"No need…"

Everyone froze.

Mo Hua whispered: "The Bald Eagle has spotted us."

Ouyang Feng and the others turned grim, then calmed their minds and senses—and indeed, they realized that a deep, chilling spiritual sense had already filled the space around them, unnoticed until now.

In an instant, Mo Hua judged:

"Sixteen-stripe spiritual sense!"

"Foundation Establishment mid-stage peak!"

"And… not just one person…"

Ouyang Feng's expression flickered with surprise; Murong Caiyun and the others were momentarily stunned.

They hadn't sensed anything yet—how could this junior brother know all of this?

But with a great enemy before them, there was no time to ask.

A flicker of resolve appeared in Ouyang Feng's gaze: "Kill!"

Immediately, deadly intent descended.

A potent, slightly demonic sword qi pierced through the air, shattering the massive rock where they hid—but Ouyang Feng swiftly drew his sword and deflected each strike.

Stones shattered, dust scattered.

Ouyang Feng stood before them, gripping a crimson-gold Maple Sword, tall and imposing, with arched brows and star-like eyes, his bearing extraordinary.

Shangguan Xu drew back his hand and pulled forth a radiant, massive sword, his aura fierce.

Hua Qianqian extended her slender fingers, and dozens of Hundred Blossom Spirit Needles floated before her.

Murong Caiyun formed a hand seal; the hairpin in her hair glowed brilliantly, emitting five-colored light, while magic condensed at her fingertips…

"It's time to fight!"

Mo Hua sensed danger and immediately sprinted far away, activated his concealment technique, wrapped himself in a small cloak, found a large stone pit, and crouched low on the ground, hiding.

If it was a fight, he had no part in it—for now.

With so many senior brothers and sisters, all he needed was to stay out of the way.

Murong Caiyun noticed Mo Hua; seeing how alert he was, how he sensed the enemy's sword qi before it arrived and retreated early to hide behind them, she nodded approvingly.

The others breathed easier.

Especially Shangguan Xu.

He had been entrusted by Wenren Wan to look after Mo Hua.

If anything happened to Mo Hua, Aunt Wan would surely blame him.

Now that Mo Hua had sensed danger and fled far away, and could conceal himself so vaguely, no one knowing exactly where he hid, he felt reassured.

At that moment, several cultivators emerged from the withered mountain cave.

Leading them was a cultivator clad in brown robes, narrow-eyed with a hawk-like nose, middle-aged, his gaze sinister.

Behind him followed five more cultivators, all dressed in black, clearly not good people.

Mo Hua was far away, but his hearing and sight were sharp—he clearly saw their faces, and guessed inwardly that the brown-robed cultivator before them must be the notorious "Bald Eagle," who had committed many crimes.

Yet he couldn't help wondering:

"Bald Eagle… Bald Eagle… why isn't he bald?"

"Could he be wearing a wig?"

No… that couldn't be.

As the saying goes: names may be wrongly given, but nicknames are never wrong.

If he weren't bald, how could anyone call him "Bald Eagle"?

Mo Hua was puzzled.

Meanwhile, the great battle far away was about to erupt.

On one side: disciples of a sect who had taken up Dao Ting Si's bounty, seeking merit by hunting down criminal cultivators.

On the other: criminal cultivators wanted by Dao Ting Si, utterly wicked and beyond redemption.

Neither side had any intention of backing down; no words were exchanged—upon meeting, they fought to the death.

Spiritual energy surged, Five Element spells flew through the air, along with demonic spiritual artifacts and sword qi crisscrossing each other…

Mo Hua crouched secretly in the grass, peering out with his head, watching others fight, his mind racing as he roughly assessed both sides' strength.

Our side had five people.

But since he was hiding in the grass, only four were fighting—all at Foundation Establishment mid-stage.

The enemy had six.

Only one was Foundation Establishment early-stage.

The other five were Foundation Establishment mid-stage.

The strongest among them was the hawk-nosed "Bald Eagle"—Foundation Establishment mid-stage peak, with a sixteen-stripe spiritual sense.

My own senior brothers and sisters were all disciples of the Geda Sect, with profound cultivation, impressive spiritual artifacts and Dao techniques, and abundant combat experience, their coordination also quite seamless.

Even four against six, they held not the slightest disadvantage.

Mo Hua nodded.

No wonder they were the prodigies of Qianxue Province's major sects.

From now on, I'll stick with them!

But Mo Hua also had some concerns.

The current situation was at a stalemate.

This stalemate couldn't go on.

Especially that "Vulture"—he held the advantage in cultivation, wielding a silver longsword, fighting Ouyang Feng with calm composure, clearly holding back a hidden move.

Under these circumstances…

Mo Hua pondered.

"I should kill the other criminal cultivators first, then free up hands to overwhelm the leader 'Vulture' with numbers…"

And the battlefield situation matched Mo Hua's expectations.

Clearly, Ouyang Feng and the others thought the same.

First, the Foundation Establishment early-stage criminal cultivator was spotted by Shangguan Xu, who darted in, struck thrice, and felled him to the ground.

Hua Qianqian seized the chance to fire a few spiritual needles.

The Foundation Establishment early-stage cultivator was done for.

Mo Hua shook his head, thinking:

"This fool lacks self-awareness—Foundation Establishment early-stage, recklessly joining a mid-stage brawl, not even keeping his eyes open or planning an escape—he deserves to be the first to die…"

Then it became four against five.

Mo Hua didn't rush to act; he wanted to observe first.

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you'll never be defeated.

First, Ouyang Feng and his senior brothers and sisters fought with method and perfect coordination.

But this was no different from the coordination among beast hunters.

Simply: close combat to restrain with sword qi, ranged attacks to suppress with spells, mutual support, seeking openings, worsening wounds, and taking lives.

They didn't use any high-grade spells.

Just Golden Body techniques for defense, storing spiritual power, or sword-riding attacks.

The criminal cultivators' methods were similar, except their spiritual artifacts were coated in poison, their spiritual power carried an uncanny aura, and their Dao techniques were bizarre and strange.

Mo Hua watched for a long while, familiarizing himself with both sides' techniques and attack habits, understanding every move, every advance and retreat—then he nodded slightly.

"It's time to act…"

If I don't act now, they won't know my "strength"!

My spells would've been learned in vain.

The distant battle continued…

Rocks flew, spells clashed, body cultivators exchanged blows at close range.

At that moment, Shangguan Xu brought his greatsword down in a horizontal press, forcing a black-robed criminal cultivator to retreat in disarray, exposing an opening.

Murong Caiyun saw this, her gaze sharpening, she pinched a finger and sent a five-colored spiritual light streaking through the air, striking the criminal's shoulder.

The spiritual light pierced through clothing, cut through flesh, drew a stream of blood, then instantly vaporized the blood, leaving behind a scar.

The criminal staggered back, sweat beading on his forehead, gritting his teeth as he cursed, sensing danger, he turned to flee.

Shangguan Xu slashed downward to block him, but his greatsword was too slow—he failed to stop him.

Murong Caiyun gathered her spell, readying to press the advantage and kill the criminal.

But the spell was still a fraction too slow—it only grazed his arm, failing to hold him.

The criminal turned back, glared venomously at Murong Caiyun, and spat:

"Bitch!"

He memorized these people, then activated his movement technique to escape—he'd return later, once he'd rested, to make trouble for these sect disciples.

But the moment he stepped forward, a chill gripped his heart.

He felt as if someone was watching him.

Before he could think further, a pale blue watery glow appeared out of nowhere, forming a cage that trapped him firmly!

At the same time, a sensation of drowning—Qi Zhixi—flooded over him.

The criminal couldn't move, his chest constricted, nausea rose—he turned pale with shock.

What kind of spell is this?!

Shangguan Xu and Murong Caiyun froze for a moment, but such a battle opportunity vanished in an instant—they snapped back to awareness and seized those few breaths.

Shangguan Xu swept his sword, blocking the other criminals rushing to aid him.

Murong Caiyun flipped her slender hand, forming a new spell, conjuring a brighter five-colored spiritual light.

The criminal, trapped in the water prison, struggled several times, finally broke free.

He was Foundation Establishment mid-stage.

Mo Hua was only Foundation Establishment early-stage, and his elemental roots were poor, his spiritual power weak—though his spell was fast, its effect was still inferior.

But those few breaths trapped by the water prison were enough.

The criminal had just broken free, raised his head—and saw the spiritual light flash toward him, piercing straight through his chest. It didn't kill him, but inflicted grave injury.

Beside him, Ouyang Feng was locked in combat with the criminal "Vulture."

Hua Qianqian, wise and perceptive, seeing the shift in this battle, seized the chance to fire two more spiritual needles, striking the criminal's heart meridian.

In just a few breaths, the criminal cultivator was trapped by the Water Prison Technique, pierced through the chest by Five Elements spiritual light, and stabbed in the heart by a hundred floral spiritual needles—with no escape, he died on the spot.

This sudden turn of events occurred in an instant, and the situation shifted dramatically.

Four against four.

And there was Mo Hua, hiding in the shadows, "watching like a tiger ready to pounce."

One Foundation Establishment early-stage, one Foundation Establishment mid-stage, and two criminal cultivators were dead.

The Vulture's face had lost its composure.

His sinister gaze swept coldly around, and he spoke in a chilling voice:

"Who dares to ambush us, you vile sneak?"

Ouyang Feng's face showed surprise.

Murong Caiyun and the others realized the truth—and were stunned.

It was Mo Hua…

They had never imagined that Mo Hua, this "little array master," could wield such a devious and strange technique—and execute it so swiftly, with such precise timing.

Most importantly, he was extremely skilled…

As if he had done this many times before…

There was no echo from the surroundings.

The Vulture's gaze grew dark as he scanned all around, his spiritual sense sweeping ceaselessly over every direction.

This sneaky little brat who had launched the ambush—no matter who he was or what his cultivation level, in this situation, he was certainly a threat.

Ouyang Feng feared the Vulture would locate Mo Hua's hiding spot, so his eyes turned icy, his sword qi surged violently, and he accelerated his assault, growling:

"Outlaw, die!"

The Vulture frowned in irritation, "Tsk!"—but he had no choice but to focus and fend off Ouyang Feng.

Murong Caiyun and the other two knew this was a rare opportunity—they gave their all, holding nothing back, determined to eliminate the remaining criminal cultivators before turning together against the leader, the Vulture.

Mo Hua, by contrast, was far more relaxed—he lay sprawled in the grass, humming a tune, watching others fight, then seizing the perfect moment to trap enemies with the Water Prison Technique.

He didn't strike unless he had to—but when he did, a criminal cultivator always fell to the blade.

The next strike, and another criminal cultivator would die.

Murong Caiyun and the others were all top disciples of their sect—how could they miss such an opportunity?

After casting six or seven Water Prison Techniques, the criminal cultivators present were either dead or critically wounded—only the Vulture remained barely holding on.

Now he grew desperate, roaring:

"Cowardly sneak! Hiding in the shadows to strike—what kind of skill is that?!"

Mo Hua had no intention of replying—he planned to "shadow-kill" him, or at least "shadow-injure" him to the brink of death, then step forward and say something to "anger him to death."

But as he watched, Mo Hua noticed something strange about the Vulture.

He decided to reveal himself outright, walking forward to stand beside Sister Murong.

The Vulture's expression jolted when he saw Mo Hua.

He had never imagined that the sneaky little brat who had used treacherous techniques to kill his brothers was a child still bearing traces of youth on his face?

But the next moment, his eyes turned slightly red, fixed fiercely on Mo Hua.

These mid-stage Foundation Establishment disciples from the sect were hard to deal with—he could find a chance to settle accounts later.

But this shallow-cultivation, treacherous, cunning little brat must die here today!

He must be torn into a thousand pieces to satisfy his burning hatred!

The Vulture's eyes blazed with murderous intent.

Ouyang Feng sensed the Vulture's murderous intent, and his gaze darkened.

Murong Caiyun frowned, worried: "Why did you come out?"

Mo Hua pointed at the Vulture and declared:

"He's got a problem!"

Everyone froze.

Murong Caiyun couldn't help asking: "What problem?"

"His head has a problem!" Mo Hua stated firmly.

"His head… what problem…?"

Mo Hua's voice was crisp, confident:

"He's bald!!"

The atmosphere froze instantly.

All the cultivators present were stunned.

Murong Caiyun and the others had no idea what to say…

The Vulture's rage surged—he was not only covered in bloodshot eyes, but his face flushed crimson with fury.

Yet at the same time, he felt exposed and guilty, and turned to flee.

Ouyang Feng immediately acted, blocking his path.

But Mo Hua shouted: "Cut off his hair!"

The Vulture roared in fury, "You brat, you—!"

But before he could finish, Ouyang Feng's sword technique cut him off.

Ouyang Feng was slightly exasperated, yet he unconsciously followed Mo Hua's order—his Yellow Maple Longsword unleashed sharp sword qi, each strike aimed precisely at the Vulture's hair.

The Vulture raged, struggling desperately—but his movements were strange.

He ignored minor wounds on his body, dodged lethal sword qi—but fiercely protected the top of his head.

It seemed he was using all his strength to protect his hair.

Even if his body was wounded, even if his skin split and flesh tore, not a single hair could fall!

After a brief struggle, Shangguan Xu also joined in to help.

He wielded a great sword; when he truly slashed, one cut would take off a large patch.

The Vulture panicked, fighting as he retreated, trying to escape—but Mo Hua was still there. With a finger point, the Water Prison Technique appeared, anchoring him in place.

Finally, after dozens of rounds, Elder Murong could no longer watch. Seizing an opening, she condensed a five-colored spiritual light, flicked her slender fingers, and the light shot forth, striking the Vulture, who was reeling and unable to dodge, sending him stumbling.

Shangguan Xu, quick-eyed and swift-handed, swung his great sword toward the Vulture's neck.

With his life at stake, the Vulture had no choice but to duck—his neck avoided the blade, but his hair did not; a large patch was cleanly sheared off.

The remaining "wigs" also fell away on their own, revealing a bald head.

Mo Hua's eyes lit up, and he nodded confidently.

As he had suspected, this middle-aged cultivator was indeed bald!

And not just any bald man.

On his bald scalp, patterns were tattooed like body art.

Mo Hua squinted, then thought: So it was true.

The patterns on the Vulture's bald head were unmistakably a formation—its lines were extraordinarily unique, shaped like eagle claws and carved eyes, resembling beast markings.

Mr. Xun had said:

Beasts draw near to demons.

This kind of formation was passed down through generations by the barbarian cultivators of the wild lands south of the Nine Provinces…

The Four Symbols Demon Mark Formation!

Thank you to the reader Haotian Riyue for the donation~

(End of chapter)