Chapter 772: The Evil Weapon-Smith

"Evil sword…"

Mo Hua's thoughts stirred slightly.

At this moment, two people stood in the sword-forging chamber.

One was Ouyang Mu, shackles on his body, standing before the green-fire bone furnace and the rows of blood-colored long swords, his face slightly pale.

The other was an old demonic cultivator.

He wore a grey robe, his back hunched, his nose very long, his whole body steeped in evil Qi.

This old demonic cultivator was forging a sword; the palm exposed from beneath his grey robe was thick and rough, covered in black-red blood tumors and burn scars.

He was an evil weapon-smith.

Moreover, he was a very experienced evil weapon-smith, who had no idea how many evil swords he had forged in his hands.

He glanced sideways, looked at Ouyang Mu, and said in a hoarse voice:

"Today, I will teach you to forge swords."

Ouyang Mu was startled.

He looked at the dense white bones all around, the foul-smelling blood pool, and the large number of evil weapon blanks, and immediately refused:

"I won't learn!"

The evil weapon-smith gave a dark laugh.

"Foolish boy, this is your opportunity."

"My skills here—others would want to learn them but couldn't."

Ouyang Mu pressed his lips tightly, shook his head, and said: "I won't learn!"

The evil weapon-smith glanced at him, snorted coldly, "If not for orders from above, do you think I'd want to teach you? Silly boy, miss this chance, and if you want to learn later, there won't be another…"

Ouyang Mu stood like a block of wood, silent, his expression utterly stubborn.

The evil weapon-smith circled Ouyang Mu once, examined him carefully from head to toe, and nodded slightly. "Stubborn temper—quite a fine blank."

He raised his head slightly and asked, "Are you from the Ouyang family?"

Ouyang Mu's face was stony; he said nothing.

The evil weapon-smith snorted coldly, "No need to say it—that stubborn temper, and that utterly unremarkable face of yours—anyone can tell you're from the Ouyang family."

"Otherwise, they wouldn't have asked me to teach you…"

Ouyang Mu was somewhat surprised, frowned, and asked:

"You… who are you? What is your connection to our Ouyang family?"

At these words, the evil weapon-smith suddenly flew into a rage out of shame, "Don't mention the 'Ouyang' family to me—say another word, and I'll tear your mouth apart!"

Ouyang Mu was startled, and thought to himself: How can this old demonic cultivator be happy one moment and angry the next, his words all over the place…

Still, since he was a demonic cultivator, it seemed normal enough.

Besides, from the looks of it, he was already very old—no one knew how long he had been here in the Ten Thousand Demon Valley—and he probably didn't have much humanity left.

The evil weapon-smith's face was full of vicious Qi; out of patience, he took a piece of white bone and tossed it to Ouyang Mu. "Refine this white bone, and fuse it together with refined iron."

"Today, you only need to do this one thing."

"Once it's done, you can leave."

Ouyang Mu instinctively caught the white bone, but the moment his palm touched it and felt the chill of the dead, he flinched at once.

The white bone dropped to the ground with a clatter.

"What, afraid of a dead man's bone?" The evil weapon-smith grinned. "Don't have this kind of squeamishness about right and wrong, or you'll never become an outstanding sword-smith."

Ouyang Mu said solemnly, "Right is right, evil is evil—how could they not be distinguished?"

The evil weapon-smith smiled meaningfully. "Can you really tell them apart?"

Ouyang Mu said, "Evil thoughts dwell in your heart, that's why you can't tell. If you walked the righteous path wholeheartedly, with no evil or wild thoughts in your mind, how could you fail to tell them apart?"

The evil weapon-smith sneered, "Little brat, you don't understand anything—I'm too lazy to argue with you."

"I'll ask you one more time," his expression turned cold and harsh, "this white bone—are you going to refine it or not?"

Ouyang Mu gritted his teeth and shook his head.

"Fine," the evil weapon-smith nodded, and from a corner took out a bloodstained wolf-fang lock, fastening it onto Ouyang Mu's body.

Ouyang Mu tried to dodge, but the evil weapon-smith's claw-like hand seized his arm in a death grip, and he couldn't break free.

In the blink of an eye, the blood-spattered wolf-fang lock was already fastened onto him.

The wolf-fang lock instantly came alive—the iron barbs like fangs, like a vicious wolf opening its maw, biting deep into Ouyang Mu's body.

Ouyang Mu felt the pain, grunted, then a stubborn, unyielding spirit rose in his heart; he clenched his teeth and endured with all his might.

The evil weapon-smith raised an eyebrow.

This brat looks wooden, but there's a vicious streak in his heart.

The wolf-fang lock tightened more and more, and Ouyang Mu's face grew paler and paler.

The evil weapon-smith said in a sinister tone:

"This wolf-fang lock is an evil weapon I crafted exclusively—shaped like a wolf's maw, the barbs like teeth. Once it draws blood, it grips its prey like a vicious wolf and won't let go."

"Not only that—the tips of the wolf fangs have blood grooves; once they bite into flesh and blood, they'll drain your blood like a demon beast."

"This is my masterwork," the evil weapon-smith smiled proudly, looked at Ouyang Mu, and asked with a grin:

"How does it feel?"

Ouyang Mu's body grew cold, and he couldn't stop trembling.

The evil weapon-smith said, "Be obedient—whatever I tell you to refine, you refine. That way you won't suffer, and I can complete my assignment."

"Anyway, these people weren't killed by you, and you don't even know whose white bones these are."

"You're just a weapon-smith—take the materials and forge the weapons. What does the rest have to do with you?"

"Just give in, and I'll unlock the Fangtooth Lock." The demonic artificer spoke again.

Ouyang Mu still clenched his teeth, silent, but the color had drained from his face, leaving it as white as paper.

He was about to collapse.

Mo Hua's gaze turned icy; he prepared to disregard everything and find a way to eliminate the demonic artificer first.

At that moment, the demonic artificer swept his hand, sending a wave of demonic energy into the Fangtooth Lock.

The Fangtooth Lock shuddered, like a wolf bound by chains, reluctantly releasing its snarling fangs.

"Stubborn fool—still holding out even as death approaches…"

The demonic artificer shook his head.

Yet he showed no anger; instead, his eyes gleamed with cold excitement, growing more eager.

Those who accomplish great deeds must possess unyielding will.

When one reaches a certain Gao Du, talent is no longer rare.

But unyielding will is often far rarer than innate talent.

Especially in the path of forging weapons and swords, one needs superhuman endurance and immense perseverance.

"Today, you may return."

The demonic artificer said coolly, "Come back tomorrow. But… don't say I didn't warn you—you may endure one day, but can you endure three? Seven? Not to mention a month."

"You're already in the Ten Thousand Demon Prison—no wings can carry you out. No one will come to save you. Give up now, and make your plans early."

"Though demon cultivators and yao cultivators dwell in darkness and are hunted by all, they can still survive."

"Think carefully. Act wisely…"

The demonic artificer poured out many words.

Ouyang Mu opened his mouth to speak, but lost too much blood—his mind spun, and he fainted.

The demonic artificer waved his hand, summoning a demon cultivator outside the door, and ordered, "Take him away…"

"Yes."

The demon cultivator dragged Ouyang Mu away.

Soon after, Jin Gui entered and asked, "How did it go?"

The demonic artificer replied, "Too stubborn. Needs grinding."

Jin Gui nodded and added, "He's lost too much blood. Give him a Blood Pill now, replenish his demonic blood—it'll save us trouble."

The demonic artificer shook his head. "Forced fruit isn't sweet. If you do that, you'll only drive him to die. He won't become a demon unless he submits from within, unless he takes this step himself."

Jin Gui's face darkened.

He understood the old demon cultivator's words.

But having his order rejected still left him deeply displeased.

"Don't waste too much time. Young Master's patience is limited. Don't delay his grand plan."

Jin Gui gave the old demon cultivator a cold glance, then turned and left.

The old demon cultivator paid no heed; instead, he turned and pulled out a white bone, beginning to polish it himself.

At the same time, he murmured in a voice too faint to hear:

"Forging is like this. These demon cultivators only need to use demonic artifacts to kill. But a forger considers far more…"

"The harder the material, the more precious it is."

"Yet no matter how hard the material, after countless hammerings and temperings, it will bend, will take the shape I desire, forged into a demonic artifact."

"It will stay… forever… with me…"

…

On the roof, Mo Hua frowned slightly, then slipped away quietly.

After leaving, Mo Hua memorized the location of the demonic artificer's chamber, followed the path, located several Spirit Pivot Arrays, secretly repaired them, covered them with mud and stone, and concealed the array patterns so no one would notice.

After finishing, Mo Hua returned to the prison.

Ouyang Mu had already been brought back.

He lay on the ground, breath faint as a thread, face as pale as paper, trembling slightly—clearly enduring excruciating pain.

The demon cultivators won't kill him yet, but if Ouyang Mu refuses to submit, he'll suffer greatly.

And what comes after will be even worse.

These demon cultivators are mentally deranged, volatile and quick to rage—no one knows what mad acts they might commit.

Mo Hua sighed.

The dog-headed demon guard was absent; Mo Hua revealed himself.

Song Jian jumped in surprise at Mo Hua's sudden appearance.

But beside him, Linghu Xiao, his face filled with worry, brightened instantly.

"The demon cultivators gave a pill—I didn't dare make Brother Mu swallow it…" Linghu Xiao said.

"Mm." Mo Hua nodded.

Though from what he overheard, the pill likely wasn't tampered with, still—better safe than sorry. Better not take it if possible.

Mo Hua pulled out several Soul-Returning Pills, one Minor Restoration Pill, and several blood-nourishing pills, and had Ouyang Mu swallow them.

Ouyang Mu's complexion improved instantly.

His wounds began healing gradually.

"Xu Wanyi's pills are truly excellent…" Mo Hua thought silently.

Otherwise, he couldn't afford these expensive pills with his own spiritual stones.

After a while, Ouyang Mu's lost blood qi had recovered considerably; he whispered softly:

"Thank you... Brother Mo..."

Mo Hua shook his head. "It's nothing."

"But..." Mo Hua frowned. "You have to go there again tomorrow. What if that evil artifact master forces you to forge a demonic artifact again?"

Ouyang Mu froze, finally realizing that Mo Hua had seen everything that happened in the demonic artifact chamber.

The demonic cultivator had randomly chosen a remote demonic artifact chamber, and the door was tightly shut, seemingly very secure.

Yet Brother Mo still managed to sneak in...

"Brother Mo really is extraordinarily capable..."

Ouyang Mu thought silently to himself.

As for the matter of forging demonic artifacts...

Ouyang Mu said solemnly: "I am a disciple of the Ouyang family of Tai'e Sect. I would rather die than forge demonic weapons!"

Mo Hua pondered for a moment, then suddenly said:

"Actually... it's not entirely impossible to forge them..."

Ouyang Mu stared: "Brother..."

Mo Hua whispered: "Foolish little one, just pretend to forge one—fake it, make it look convincing. Otherwise, with your stubborn nature, if that Wolf Tooth Lock bites you again, you'll lose your life."

"But..." Ouyang Mu hesitated.

"No buts. In an emergency, you must adapt. Besides..."

Mo Hua recalled in his mind every detail about the demonic artifact master, then spoke slowly:

"That demonic artifact master is clearly an experienced old swordsmith. His sword-forging skills must be Gao Chao, and his overall abilities are probably far from ordinary."

"Skills, after all, aren't strictly divided into orthodox and demonic. It's not as black-and-white as you think. Learn the good parts, discard the bad ones."

Ouyang Mu still had reservations: "What if I can't tell the difference, and end up learning something corrupt?"

Learning forging from a demonic artifact master could easily lead him astray.

Mo Hua said: "Don't worry. I'm familiar with this."

After all, he had stolen the Heaven's Mechanism Deception technique from his terrifying Senior Uncle.

Learning a few sword-forging tricks from an old demonic cultivator? Naturally no problem.

Of course, mainly it's Little Mu's learning.

He just needed to "guide" from the side.

"I'll teach you how to do it," Mo Hua said.

"Teach me?"

"Mm."

Ouyang Mu was puzzled. "How?"

"Wait a moment, rest well. I'll go back and study..."

Mo Hua said, then vanished in an instant.

Only Linghu Xiao and Ouyang Mu were left staring at each other, expressions bewildered, unsure what trick Mo Hua was up to.

Song Jian also looked dazed.

Mo Hua quietly crept back into the Array Core Chamber.

Inside the Array Core Chamber, he rummaged through his storage pouch, used every usable array material he had, then "developed" a secret version of the "Message Token."

One end of the Message Token was a jade slip.

The other end was a handkerchief.

The magnetic pattern framework between them was built by him on the spot, and it was one-way only.

The array involved was the Yuan Ci Beacon Array.

He had long since learned this array, but it was easy to learn and hard to master, so he had never used it much.

Now it was finally useful.

Mo Hua crept back to the prison and handed the handkerchief to Ouyang Mu, instructing:

"Wrap this handkerchief around your arm. Tomorrow, when you meet that demonic artifact master, I'll teach you what to say and what to do on the spot."

Ouyang Mu's mouth hung open.

This could work?

He looked at the handkerchief in his hand and thought it resembled the "cheat sheet" used during sect examinations when someone cheated.

And it was even giving him the answers right then and there.

"So... I should agree to that old... demonic artifact master tomorrow?" Ouyang Mu asked uncertainly.

"Mm," Mo Hua nodded.

He pondered again, then added:

"But you can't be too obvious. If you refused violently today and then obediently complied tomorrow, he'll know something's wrong."

"So you need to learn how to 'act'..."

"Act?" Ouyang Mu froze.

"Act!" Mo Hua nodded, then patiently explained how to perform the act: "Tomorrow, go there and still refuse first."

"... After holding out stubbornly for a while, show a hint of longing for swordcraft, a slight wavering in your expression, as if drawn in by the profound sword principles of the demonic blade..."

"Then, keep refusing verbally, but your expression should yield—pretend you can't resist..."

Mo Hua explained it all in detail, then asked:

"Remember?"

Ouyang Mu nodded, then shook his head.

He seemed to understand, but didn't quite grasp what Mo Hua was saying.

After all, he had always been a honest boy, and suddenly being asked to learn acting, to learn deception, was still too much for him to wrap his head around.

Mo Hua patiently explained again, then said:

"First, perform it once for me."

Ouyang Mu followed Mo Hua's instructions and made the expression.

Mo Hua evaluated: "Too stiff, expression is unnatural, gaze lacks sincerity, and it's not smooth…"

"Here, let me demonstrate first."

Then Mo Hua imitated Ouyang Mu, face stern, like a little wooden statue.

Then his eyes brightened slightly, as if spotting a treasure; next, his gaze darted away, showing inner turmoil; he bit his lip slightly, indicating inner conflict; then he sighed, as if finally making up his mind to yield…

In just ten breaths, Mo Hua's expression shifted repeatedly, as natural as drinking water.

Ouyang Mu stared, dumbfounded, and finally muttered:

"No wonder Master Mo is so impressive…"

Not only the formation, even acting, he does so well.

Linghu Xiao and Song Jian, standing nearby, wore complex expressions, not knowing what to say.

"Understood?" Mo Hua regained his composure and asked Ouyang Mu.

Ouyang Mu nodded. "I understand a little…"

"It's fine, practice when you have time. You're naturally introverted, a bit dull, inflexible—this will only hurt you. Learning acting will surely come in handy later."

Mo Hua added again.

Ouyang Mu nodded, half-understanding.

That night, Ouyang Mu strictly followed Mo Hua's instructions and practiced various subtle expressions.

The next day, another demonic cultivator opened the door.

Ouyang Mu was escorted by a demonic cultivator to the same demonic artifact chamber from yesterday.

The elderly, hunched demonic cultivator—the demonic artifact master—had already been waiting inside the forging chamber.

No one knew whether he arrived early or had never left the chamber at all.

After Ouyang Mu entered, the artifact master wasted no words. Just as yesterday, he handed him a fragment of white bone.

"Forge this bone…"

The artifact master ordered.

Ouyang Mu followed Mo Hua's instructions and first shook his head in refusal:

"I won't forge it!"

But his expression was slightly stiff, not smooth enough.

"Flawed… but barely passable," Mo Hua silently assessed.

The demonic artifact master had no idea, nor could he imagine, that overnight, Ouyang Mu had acquired so many "tricks."

The artifact master didn't suspect a thing and merely sneered, "Then suffer a bit more."

He pulled out the Wolf Tooth Lock and clamped it onto Ouyang Mu's body.

Ouyang Mu endured the pain without a sound.

After a while, his expression grew increasingly pained, increasingly grim.

This wasn't faked—it truly hurt.

After a moment, the artifact master asked again: "Have you decided? If you forge this bone, you'll suffer less."

"I can even pass on my craft to you."

Ouyang Mu didn't know how to respond, so he lowered his head and flipped through his sleeve.

There, Mo Hua had written him the lines on the spot.

Ouyang Mu gritted his teeth and recited them word for word:

"I am a cultivator of Tai'e Sect, a disciple of the Ouyang clan, trained in the most orthodox sword-casting art—how could I possibly collude with you demons who forge demonic artifacts?"

"Your demonic, heretical forging techniques mean nothing to me!"

Ouyang Mu's tone was unnatural.

But he was a "honest man"—and honest men speak in the most infuriating way.

The artifact master, of course, was unconvinced, sneering: "Tai'e Sect? Sword-casting art? Tai'e Sect took the wrong path—what could they possibly teach you?"

"Follow me, and I'll teach you true sword-casting."

"How to temper blood, how to nurture malevolence, how to forge bone swords… even, I can pass on numerous sword arrays…"

Above, listening secretly, Mo Hua froze.

Sword arrays?!

Did this old demonic artifact master possess sword arrays?

Multiple sword arrays?!

Mo Hua drew a deep breath.

"The Heavenly Mechanism's calculations never deceive me!"

"Master's copper coin was truly powerful!"

"There's so much wool to shear within this Ten Thousand Demons Valley…"

(End of Chapter)

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