Chapter 652: The Labyrinth Killing Array

Mo Hua released his spiritual sense again, sensing the labyrinth, then slightly shook his head.

Though it was a puzzle array, it was not the Mietian Grand Array.

Its scale had not reached the level of a grand array.

It was like a small-scale "reconstructed array" broken off from the Mietian Grand Array.

Far from the grand, boundless, densely woven Mietian Grand Array he had seen in his consciousness during Foundation Establishment, like a celestial curtain…

Moreover, this Mietian array within the labyrinth differed entirely in style from the Mietian Grand Array in his consciousness.

Same origin, different flow.

It was like a variation of the array.

Or perhaps…

It was an array reconstructed from a copy, with missing parts restored and rebuilt…

From the outside, the entire array was profound, obscure, and intricately chaotic.

Had Mo Hua's consciousness not been restructured by the Mietian Grand Array, with all array patterns deeply imprinted in his spiritual sense, he might not have recognized it as the Mietian Grand Array…

"But why?"

Mo Hua frowned.

Why would the Demon Palace—or rather, the sacred temple in the minds of demonic cultivators—build its core structure using the Mietian Array?

The Mietian Array…

Did they merely use this array to construct a labyrinth, to confuse perception and conceal secrets?

Or did this array itself contain special meaning?

And the demonic cultivators built this labyrinth using the Mietian Array.

Could this array be… a demonic evil array?

Was his spiritual sense transformed in quality precisely because it was restructured by a demonic evil array?

Mo Hua frowned, thought for a moment, and felt it unlikely…

The Tianyan Jue was given to him by his master, an ancient cultivation technique.

It was likely this array was merely an ancient technique, inherently neither righteous nor evil, and happened to be discovered by demonic cultivators, who used it to build their "sacred temple"…

Even if he doubted the technique, he must trust his master…

Mo Hua nodded.

As for the true mystery of this Mietian Array, it seemed he would have to venture deep into the inner hall to find out…

Fortunately, though this puzzle array was a reconstructed one, it was not overly difficult—at least nowhere near as complex as the true "Mietian Grand Array."

Mo Hua glanced a few times, and already had a rough idea in mind.

"Follow behind Uncle Gu and the other Dao Ting Si officials, slip in and take a look…"

Mo Hua thought silently.

Yet after half a day, the Dao Ting Si cultivators still made no move.

Mo Hua frowned, "Why aren't they going in?"

They had broken through the inner hall's gate, yet now they had gone silent.

He turned his head and saw a group from the Xiao family whispering urgently, their expressions anxious, discussing something.

Several of them looked stunned, shaking their heads repeatedly:

"The inner hall contains a labyrinth, and within this labyrinth lies an array…"

"This array… is no ordinary thing… inconceivable…"

"Never seen before, never heard before…"

"We only know it is a type of ancient puzzle array, but its exact nature and hidden mysteries cannot be determined…"

"Young Master… please be cautious; do not enter lightly…"

Xiao Tianquan frowned, "You can't figure it out?"

Several Xiao family array masters shook their heads:

"Only a few Xiao elders with extensive array experience, or the Xiao family's Laozu from the Tianshu Pavilion, could decipher these arrays…"

Xiao Tianquan's face turned ashen, and he demanded harshly:

"For our first mission, do we really have to return and consult the Laozu? What will the Laozu think?"

"They'll think I lack initiative… useless, incapable… will they still nurture me after this?"

"And the other elders…"

"The Xiao family isn't short of other direct descendants; if I don't achieve something, they'll sneer and mock me behind my back, and inevitably look down on me from now on…"

"Even if the labyrinth is deadly, I must enter!"

Xiao Tianquan's expression was stubborn.

Several Xiao family array masters frowned in deep thought, "If we're to enter, we'll need time to study it carefully…"

"Otherwise, trapped inside the labyrinth, we might fall into the demonic cultivators' trap…"

"We must plan carefully…"

…

Mo Hua listened nearby, incredulous.

How incompetent are these array masters…

This level of puzzle array isn't something you can just see the path through at a glance?

Even if you can't see it immediately, wouldn't a few calculations give you a rough idea?

They're supposed to be seasoned cultivators in Qianxue Zhou.

The Xiao family should also be a great clan.

Even if you don't have the inheritance of the Mi Tian Great Array, you must at least have the inheritance of some ordinary "Mi Array."

Mo Hua remembered clearly.

When his master taught him to unravel the "Mi Array," he said the Mi Array was a toy used by aristocratic disciples for "enhancing wit and passing time."

Just like solving riddles on lanterns during Lantern Festival.

But why, now, do these aristocratic array masters not seem like people who would use Mi Arrays for wit and amusement?

Mo Hua suddenly felt confused.

Could his master… have been lying to him?

Or is the Xiao family just too incompetent?

The Xiao family was still whispering among themselves, discussing fervently…

Mo Hua watched, growing anxious.

If he hadn't wanted to avoid drawing attention in public, he would have stepped forward to lead the way long ago…

Only three days remain, and he's waiting to capture Huo Fotuo—relying on this group of "newbies," how long will they drag this out…

Mo Hua glanced at Gu Changhuai.

Gu Changhuai had also heard the Xiao family's array masters talking; he was frowning, then suddenly noticed Mo Hua's gaze, which held something peculiar.

Gu Changhuai was already fairly familiar with Mo Hua; seeing this look, he paused, then asked softly:

"You don't mean… you can also unravel this labyrinth array?"

Mo Hua nodded. "I know a little of this one too…"

Gu Changhuai was speechless.

Kid, don't you know too many arrays?

He had just heard the Xiao family's array masters say they couldn't understand this array and had to return to consult the Laozu of Xiao's Tian Shu Pavilion.

And you say you know it too…

Doesn't that mean… you could become the Xiao family's "Xiaozu Sect"?

Gu Changhuai increasingly felt Mo Hua was a child possessed by some ancient demon or monstrous spirit.

Otherwise, how could a ten-year-old cultivator possess such deep array experience?

Gu Changhuai frowned again.

But if he truly was possessed…

He could never enter the Grand Void Gate's main gate.

He'd probably be sliced to pieces by one of the legendary terrifying sword cultivators lurking in the Grand Void's rear mountains the moment he stepped onto its steps.

The Grand Void Gate now appears obscure among the Eight Great Sects.

But in its prime, it produced countless sword cultivators.

Their sword intent pierced the heavens, shattered all worldly arts, and severed every demon and evil.

Human corpses, malevolent spirits, demons, gods—once a sword was unleashed, it could cut through anything…

Alas, times have changed; both the people and the swords are now sealed away, and few still remember…

Even I only heard whispers of it when I studied at the sect long ago.

Gu Changhuai sighed.

He looked again at Mo Hua.

Now that the Grand Void sword path has declined, who would have thought that in array arts, they'd "picked up" another little monster…

"Can you lead the way?" Gu Changhuai asked.

"Mm." Mo Hua nodded.

"Alright," Gu Changhuai glanced around and whispered, "follow right behind me and guide me, but keep a low profile—don't draw attention, or you'll invite envy…"

"Don't worry, Uncle Gu, I understand."

Gu Changhuai gave a slight nod, then stood and ordered:

"Everyone, form into array formations and follow me into the labyrinth."

The Zhisi officers exchanged glances.

Xiao Tian fully frowned and hurried to say:

"Master Gu Diansi, the arrays within this labyrinth are intricate and profound—this requires…"

Gu Changhuai gave him a cold look. "I say what's to be done. You do it."

A flicker of anger crossed Xiao Tian's face, but he lowered his head slightly and gritted his teeth:

"As the Diansi commands."

As for what he thought inside, what he resented—Gu Changhuai saw it at a glance.

But Gu Changhuai didn't care.

"Enter the labyrinth according to prior deployment: five per group, form ranks…"

"If you encounter demonic cultivators, strike first—show no mercy."

"I'll emphasize once more…"

Gu Changhuai's gaze sharpened. "Show no mercy. Strike to kill!"

"These demonic cultivators are cruel and ruthless, slaughterers without number—if they have even a breath left, it may be you who dies…"

The four hundred-plus Zhisi officers of Dao Ting Si all bowed solemnly.

"Yes!"

Then Gu Changhuai led the way, with Mo Hua right behind him.

The other Zhi Si drew their standard spiritual weapons, their expressions wary, and filed one by one into the labyrinth.

Xiao Tianquan's gaze revealed a faint, inscrutable gloom, and he too stepped inside.

……

The labyrinth was cast from ancient bronze.

Confusing puzzle arrays were carved into its walls.

Inside, it was a tangle of passages, disorienting and directionless; every wall looked identical, and no matter where one walked, it felt as if one were always in the same place.

No one knew where the path lay.

But Gu Changhuai walked ahead, as if he knew the route in advance, guiding everyone slowly toward the center of the vast labyrinth…

"No wonder he's the Gu Diansi!"

All the cultivators felt admiration for Gu Changhuai.

Xiao Tianquan was also stunned.

He could not understand how Gu Changhuai knew the way.

What method was he using to determine direction?

Gu Changhuai was not a Zhen Shi; he did not master array techniques.

Even the Xiao family's "professional" Zhen Shi could not decipher the puzzle array or locate the labyrinth's path.

How, then, had Gu Changhuai figured it out?

Xiao Tianquan frowned, racked his brain, and found no answer.

What none of them noticed was that at every fork, Mo Hua, who walked beside Gu Changhuai, would secretly tug his sleeve.

Wherever Mo Hua pulled, Gu Changhuai would silently walk in that direction.

It seemed as if Gu Changhuai were leading the way.

In truth, Mo Hua was guiding him.

Occasionally, when facing complex forks, Mo Hua would stop, extend his spiritual sense, and search for the correct exit.

Gu Changhuai would then naturally halt the group for rest.

The Zhi Si were baffled.

But they dared not question Gu Changhuai's orders.

At this moment, Xiao Tianquan noticed Mo Hua again, standing beside Gu Changhuai.

He feigned walking forward to exchange pleasantries with Gu Changhuai, then casually asked:

"Who is this young brother…?"

Gu Changhuai had carried this Foundation Establishment–stage brat along the entire journey.

Originally, he had thought the brat's talent ordinary, not worth asking about.

But now, the brat never left his side…

Even in this complex, unpredictable, and perilous inner palace labyrinth, Gu Changhuai still brought him.

This was highly suspicious…

Gu Changhuai's expression remained cold; he gave no answer.

Mo Hua thought Gu Shu's silence was impolite, so he answered for him:

"I'm here to train under Gu Shu."

In a sense, it was true—and it gave Xiao Tianquan just enough room for speculation.

Train?

Xiao Tianquan froze, then suddenly understood.

So that's it…

Probably some disciple from a powerful background, accompanying Gu Changhuai the Diansi to gain experience and training.

Perhaps even to accumulate credentials, to later climb the Dao Ting Si ladder.

But…

Gu Changhuai, who never showed favoritism, had agreed to this?

Could this brat have deep ties to the Gu family?

But… why was his talent so abysmal?

Almost disgraceful…

Which elder's descendant could have such a pitiful spiritual root, such barren blood qi?

Did the spiritual root inheritance fail?

Xiao Tianquan was deeply puzzled.

But he was tactful enough not to press further.

Probing too deeply into disciples with "great backgrounds" was highly taboo.

The group continued onward.

After walking a while longer, Mo Hua halted, and Gu Changhuai stopped too.

"What's wrong?"

Mo Hua lowered his voice: "The outer layer is a puzzle array; if we go further, the puzzle array contains a killing array…"

"And within the killing array, there may be hidden demonic cultivators."

Gu Changhuai understood at once.

The demonic cultivators' goals were to obstruct and to trap and kill.

Now, the real battle was about to begin.

Gu Changhuai ordered in a deep voice:

"Everyone, there's a killing array ahead—stay alert! If you encounter demonic cultivators, kill them on sight!"

"Yes!"

The Judicial Officer spoke in a deep voice.

After walking another incense stick's distance, the bronze walls ahead changed.

Each wall bore different array patterns.

There were variants of the Five Elements arrays, partial Eight Trigrams transformations, bizarre and strange formations, as well as bloody, toxic, and demonic arrays.

These arrays were embedded within the labyrinth.

They were not part of the puzzle array but used it as cover to conceal killing arrays.

Mo Hua's expression grew tense.

The other cultivators also wore grim expressions.

Gu Changhuai held a folded paper fan in his hand and said slowly: "Go."

The Dao Ting Si cultivators formed groups of three or five, arrayed themselves, and passed through the killing arrays toward the labyrinth's center.

After walking a while, all remained calm.

The walls inscribed with demonic, toxic patterns showed no anomalies.

Everyone held their breath and continued forward…

Suddenly, a chill arose—a pair of pale ghostly claws silently extended from one bronze wall.

Their long nails suddenly pierced an officer's shoulder and dragged him toward the wall.

The nails bore green blood poison.

The officer's lower half went numb, unable to move, about to be pulled into the bronze wall.

Gu Changhuai flicked his fan—a white wind blade flashed past, severing the pale ghostly claws at their roots.

Emerald-black blood splattered; a shrill ghostly scream rang out.

Then more sinister voices answered in echo.

As if a battle horn had blown.

Dozens of white ghostly claws emerged from the bronze walls, dense as spiderwebs, like centipede limbs, reaching for each Dao Ting Si cultivator.

Other demonic arrays were simultaneously triggered.

There were blood-fire arrays, corpse-transformation arrays, treacherous demonic power poison needles, crimson demonic blade glows…

The demonic cultivators hidden behind the massive bronze walls, using the arrays as cover, now revealed their claws and fangs.

They wielded bone blades, blood-poison swords, soul-forging banners, and other demonic weapons, their faces twisted, eyes gleaming with excitement, charging at the Judicial Officers.

Though the Dao Ting Si cultivators had been on guard, they were still caught off guard.

Some younger officers, never having faced life-or-death combat, turned pale and froze in panic.

Others, sensing danger, tried to flee mid-battle…

The Dao Ting Si cultivators plunged into chaos.

Fortunately, some seasoned officers in the crowd acted swiftly, remaining calm—those who cultivated the body rushed forward to fight, blocking the first wave of demonic cultivators.

Spirit cultivators used spells for cover; other cultivators also summoned spiritual artifacts and talismans.

Only then did the situation stabilize.

The sounds of combat rose—spiritual power and demonic power intertwined; the scene grew chaotic and bloody.

Mo Hua sighed.

He had no good solution.

The labyrinth was itself a trap.

The demonic arrays within had all been pre-set—treacherous and hidden, clearly taking considerable time and effort to arrange.

Judging by the design, it was the work of that "Master Yuan."

Mo Hua could see through the labyrinth and anticipate danger ahead, but he was only one man, with limited knowledge of demonic arrays and restricted ability.

For now, he could do nothing against so many demonic arrays…

Gu Changhuai understood this and said: "Don't worry about the arrays—just lead the way."

The urgent task was to escape this labyrinth killing array.

They must not be trapped inside the killing array.

Otherwise, even with their numbers, the officers would be slaughtered to the last by these demonic cultivators, who held the advantage of the labyrinth and the arrays.

"Mm." Mo Hua nodded.

Gu Changhuai whispered again:

"Gu An, Gu Quan—you guard Mo Hua."

"Yes."

Gu An and Gu Quan replied in deep voices.

Gu Changhuai then raised his head and commanded loudly:

"Everyone else—follow Gu An and Gu Quan, form a long line, push forward without stopping, don't fall behind, don't linger in battle—I'll hold the rear!"

Mo Hua then ignored everything else, unleashed his body technique, and charged straight ahead.

Gu Quan led the way ahead; Gu An guarded Mo Hua's side.

Behind them, the Gu family's Dao Ting Si cultivators followed closely.

The other officers also obeyed, watching each other's backs, forming a long line, using body techniques to charge forward…

Along the way, if they encountered demonic cultivators, they fought a few rounds.

Kill if you can, and if you can't, don't linger in battle—keep moving forward.

When formations blocked the way, they couldn't even bother healing their wounds.

Only by getting out could they live; staying meant death.

Gu Changhuai held the rear behind them, his folding fan sweeping out as blade after blade of wind scattered in every direction, slaying every demonic cultivator he saw, helping the Dao Ting Si cultivators break free from the killing formation and head deeper into the labyrinth…

This battle was extremely fierce.

Among the Dao Ting Si cultivators, there were those wounded, those gravely injured, and even those who died.

The bronze walls were splattered with bloodstains.

Corpses lay on the ground one after another, along with severed limbs still bleeding.

Fortunately, with Gu Changhuai, this Jin Dan cultivator, anchoring the rear, the Dao Ting Si's casualties weren't too severe.

And the demonic cultivators who had died under his wind blades already numbered several dozen.

Just like that, Gu Changhuai killed at the rear while Mo Hua led the people ahead, and after weaving past countless tangled and chaotic walls, the space before them suddenly opened up.

What came into view was a grand, imposing great hall.

Bronze walls stood in neat rows all around.

The great hall was extremely spacious, yet also empty—twelve pillars, carved with demon-god patterns and as thick as five or six people could wrap their arms around, stood tall like pillars holding up the sky, supporting the stern, solemn ceiling of the hall.

Around the walls were ancient, unadorned murals, carved into the bronze, stretching from both sides all the way into the dim distance.

Lamps cast from white bone.

The blood-red candlelight made the great hall gloomy and eerie.

The hall seemed to have originally held other furnishings, but now, looking at it, everything had been destroyed, so it appeared empty and desolate, deeply out of place.

And right in the center of the great hall stood a person.

He was tall, with a compassionate face, wearing a blood-red kasaya, appearing both dignified and sinister.

This person was none other than Huo Fotuo!

Mo Hua's gaze sharpened, and he immediately concealed himself, quietly retreating behind the others.

A group of Dao Ting Si enforcement officers gripped their blades and charged forward, stopping ten zhang away from Huo Fotuo, their sword-light cold and menacing, confronting him.

But despite their numbers, intimidated by Huo Fotuo's fearsome reputation and terrifying presence, for the moment no one dared to act rashly.

Soon, the other cultivators also broke out of the labyrinth's killing formation and arrived at the great hall.

Inside the great hall, the Dao Ting Si cultivators grew more and more numerous.

Xiao Tian had also entered, gripping a precious longsword, his Dao robe stained with blood, his expression very ugly.

And when he saw Huo Fotuo standing in the center of the great hall, unmoving as a mountain, his gaze darkened, but a faint trace of excitement also flickered through it.

After a while longer, Gu Changhuai, who had been at the rear of the hall, also walked in.

His aura had grown considerably weaker.

On his handsome face, fresh blood was smeared.

But none of that blood was his.

The instant he saw Huo Fotuo, Gu Changhuai, who had been somewhat weary, instantly flashed a sharp light in his eyes, killing intent surging.

And just as Gu Changhuai stepped into the great hall, Huo Fotuo, who had been resting with closed eyes, chanting Buddhist mantras, suddenly opened his eyes.

His eyes were a sheet of fiery red.

Fire-attribute spiritual power churned violently around him.

The scarlet kasaya on his body stirred without wind, and under the surging spiritual power, it was like a blazing sea of fire, churning without end.

Scattered sparks drifted all around, flickering in and out of existence.

"Gu Changhuai…"

Huo Fotuo's expression was calm, but his eyes contained a killing intent that pierced to the bone.

"It's been a long time…"

Gu Changhuai's face was cold. "Evil beast, your time of death has come…"

Huo Fotuo sneered. "Buddhas do not save people; cultivators save themselves."

Gu Changhuai said no more, once again taking out his jade-bone folding fan. White spiritual power swirled around him like wind, rising and soaring, transforming into blade after blade of wind.

The surrounding Dao Ting Si cultivators also gripped their gleaming blades, gradually closing in around Huo Fotuo.

Huo Fotuo's face showed neither joy nor sorrow, neither fear nor anger.

He spread his arms wide, and the kasaya on his body suddenly turned a vivid red. Fire-attribute spiritual power churned and surged like fresh red lava.

And in his chest, raging fire howled.

Two blinding fireballs, like twin hearts, pulsed mightily, carrying surging spiritual power.

Blazing flames rose, coiling around his entire body.

His entire presence was terrifyingly overwhelming, as if he were a fierce fire demon-beast wearing a human skin, containing endless demonic power.

And that raging fire contained boundless killing sin, as if it could burn everything, annihilate everything…

The crowd of cultivators' expressions turned to dread.

Gu Changhuai's face was cold as ice.

Mo Hua's eyes were also filled with shock.

This was the powerful fire-attribute forbidden art that the Dao Ting Si had expressly forbidden from cultivation…

Meteor Fire Art!!

(End of this chapter)