Chapter 831: Looting

Gu Changhuai was farther away and didn't hear Mo Hua's shout, but he saw the signal flare.

He recognized this signal flare well.

"Mo Hua!"

Gu Changhuai's expression hardened.

"Mo Hua?" Xia Diansi froze; she slit a water bandit's throat with her icy short sword and turned to look at Gu Changhuai, frowning, "Isn't he supposed to be on the boat outside?"

Gu Changhuai fell silent.

That little rascal Mo Hua could do anything—he wouldn't be surprised.

And given his nature, if he actually stayed quietly on the boat without causing trouble, that would be the real miracle.

Gu Changhuai pondered for a moment, then said, "I'll go check…" and immediately activated his movement technique, his form like wind, racing toward the signal flare.

"Gu…"

Xia Diansi had no time to finish; seeing Gu Changhuai already far away, she shook her head, gave brief orders to several Xia family direct descendants, then activated her own movement technique and chased after him.

Outside the stone fortress, Mo Hua activated Shi Shui Step, sprinting at top speed, leaving a faint trail of water threads as he darted through a group of water bandits who stared in stunned confusion, unaware of what had happened.

Behind him, Water Yama, eyes red with frenzy, chased after him desperately, teeth gritted:

"Damn thief, don't run!"

Mo Hua ran even faster.

He had already calculated it—he could only run.

Originally, he'd planned to summon a small meteorite spell to ambush and kill Water Yama and steal his jade box.

But the meteorite spell had too long a casting time, and Water Yama was too alert—he'd failed several times.

There wasn't enough time to set up an array or summon his sword.

If he slowed down another moment, Water Yama would have already stowed the jade box in his storage bag.

Once the jade box was inside Water Yama's storage bag, retrieving it would become ten times harder.

Fortunately, after considerable effort, he'd seized the opportunity during Water Yama's momentary carelessness and snatched the jade box right from under his nose.

Now that he had the jade box, he absolutely could not fight Water Yama to the death.

Mo Hua didn't know exactly what the jade box was, but from Water Yama's reaction, it was more precious than his own life.

His life was stolen—this Water Yama was now "furious."

Mo Hua had no intention of provoking him.

Besides, there were still a dozen water bandits around.

So the best course was simply to "run."

He wasn't without reinforcements.

Mo Hua had released the signal flare, and after running for a while under Water Yama's dogged pursuit, he looked up—and saw Gu Changhuai, moving like a stormwind. He immediately rejoiced and shouted:

"Uncle Gu! Water Yama is here!"

Water Yama!

Gu Changhuai's pupils contracted; instantly his gaze sharpened, and the green wind around him transformed into feathered blades, slashing toward Water Yama, who was chasing Mo Hua.

Behind Gu Changhuai, upon hearing Mo Hua shout "Water Yama," Xia Diansi's killing intent surged; three icy sword qi condensed on her short sword, piercing the air with chilling, frost-laced arcs aimed straight at Water Yama.

"Two Jin Dan!"

Water Yama's eyes widened in shock.

The feathered blades blazed brilliantly; the ice swords radiated chilling cold—they arrived in an instant.

Water Yama had no choice but to abandon Mo Hua and devote all his strength to countering Gu Changhuai and Xia Diansi's attacks.

Mo Hua gained breathing room and slipped quietly aside, taking a moment to stow the jade box inside his Na Zi Ring.

Now Water Yama would never see his treasure again.

Meanwhile, the furious Water Yama had no time to spare for anything else.

In raw power, even with his cultivation restricted, Jin Dan-level Gu Changhuai could still firmly overpower him.

One Gu Changhuai was already more than enough to handle.

Now there was also Xia Diansi.

Water Yama's pressure doubled; within just a few exchanges, he bore five or six new wounds—if this continued, he'd be captured within dozens of rounds.

Water Yama's heart surged with shock and rage; bloodlust rose in his eyes, dark aura coiling.

Since his last clash with Water Yama, Gu Changhuai had gained experience; the instant the dark aura appeared, he sensed it and immediately warned Xia Diansi:

"Don't look into his eyes!"

Xia Diansi paused slightly, but obeyed Gu Changhuai's warning, avoiding Water Yama's gaze entirely, fixing her eyes only on his heart.

Every sword strike targeted Water Yama's heart.

Water Yama, enraged beyond measure, cursed inwardly:

"Damn it! How the hell do these two Jin Dan know to guard against my eye technique?!"

"Which traitor leaked my techniques?!"

The last time he fought Gu Changhuai, Gu had worn a mask and used an uncommon sword—his identity had been tied to the Water Prison Sect.

But this Gu Changhuai was a Dao Ting Si Jin Dan Gu Diansi, wielding feather fans to summon wind blades, using his usual techniques—his power was clearly far greater than before.

Water Yama hadn't recognized him.

After several more exchanges, Water Yama's mood grew grim.

"If this continues, I'll die! I must flee!"

"But if I flee… what about the jade box…"

Water Yama's heart felt like it was being cut apart; his eyes burned crimson, nearly dripping blood.

Then he gritted his teeth, "Fine! As long as I live, there's still room to turn things around—what's lost, I'll take back!"

Water Yama acted instantly, using Water Shadow Step to evade Gu Changhuai's wind blades, barely dodged a second ice sword, then pushed his spiritual energy to its limit.

His figure suddenly split into several water shadows.

These water shadows, like ghosts, lunged at Gu Changhuai and Xia Diansi, delaying them for a moment.

By the time Gu Changhuai and the other recognized the true body among the water shadows, Water Yama had already fled nearly ten zhang away.

Just then, a water prison descended from thin air, forming six spiritual water chains that tightly bound Water Yama.

The Water Prison Sect's techniques have "tiers."

Three spiritual chains were nearly useless against Water Yama.

But six spiritual chains did, indeed, trap Water Yama for a moment.

Even though that moment was still extremely brief—less than a breath.

Yet Water Yama's expression changed:

Water Prison Technique!

He turned his head, glanced at Mo Hua hiding in the shadows, and said coldly, "You?!"

The remnant of the Water Prison Sect from the ferry, skilled in Water Prison Technique?!

No wonder he felt this thief's aura was so familiar…

And he instantly understood why this little thief had lurked in the shadows, scheming and plotting, intent on seizing the Water Prison Forbidden Casket from him.

Because it was the Water Prison Sect's supreme inheritance.

But then Water Yama felt doubt arise.

No…

This thief's Water Prison Technique was more than twice as refined as before.

Even if he were a true disciple of the Water Prison Sect, he could never have advanced the Water Prison Technique to this level in such a short time.

Who exactly is this little thief?

While pondering, Gu Changhuai's wind blades struck again.

Water Yama had no time to think further—he retreated.

Mo Hua trapped him again with Water Prison Technique.

But this time, Water Yama was prepared, and his water energy spread across his entire body; upon contact with the water prison, it automatically broke free.

Mo Hua's Water Prison Technique, capable of forming six spiritual chains, lost much of its effect.

Thus, Water Yama fought while fleeing, his body accumulating more and more wounds from wind blades and ice swords.

Under the combined assault of Gu Changhuai and Xia Diansi, Water Yama faced immense pressure and struggled to escape.

He also knew well that if things continued this way, he would die before even leaving the island.

Water Yama gritted his teeth, and again, several ghostly water shadows formed around him.

This time, the water shadows were more numerous—seven or eight in total.

Gu Changhuai and Xia Diansi extended their spiritual senses, their eyes brimming with focus, swiftly identifying each shadow, and soon found Water Yama's true body hidden among them.

Gu Changhuai's eyes sharpened, his feather fan swept—Luan Feather Wind Blade surged—and he aimed to kill Water Yama.

Just then, one of the water shadows' eyes suddenly turned red, as if soaked in blood.

Within the eyes, tormented spirits writhed and screamed.

Dead calamity energy spread.

"Trouble!"

Gu Changhuai's heart tightened.

Blood Calamity Gaze Technique!

He had mixed a gaze technique into the Water Shadow Step's illusions!

This Water Yama was indeed cunning!

To distinguish the real body from the shadows, one must focus intently on the illusions—but once one does, it gives him the chance to activate the gaze technique.

Gu Changhuai quickly turned his eyes away, avoiding those blood-red pupils.

But in his haste, his peripheral vision still caught a flash of red—he was slightly affected by the gaze technique.

Calamity energy entered his brain, causing his spiritual sense to flicker with confusion.

Within moments, he recovered—but when he looked again, Water Yama had already fled over ten zhang away.

Mo Hua was unaffected by the gaze technique, but it made no difference.

He cast a Water Prison Technique—it struck, but it was meaningless; he still couldn't hold onto the slippery Water Yama.

Gu Changhuai turned his head, shook Xia Diansi's shoulder, and frowned:

"Hey, wake up…"

Xia Diansi had been struck for the first time, and clearly, she was unaccustomed to these bloody dead calamity techniques, so her spiritual sense remained dazed longer than usual.

After Gu Changhuai shook her several times, she finally came to.

Once awake, Xia Diansi's gaze sharpened; she said nothing, exchanged a look with Gu Changhuai, and the two charged after Water Yama again.

Mo Hua also chased after them.

But after only a few steps, Mo Hua stopped.

He rested his chin in his hand, stared blankly for a moment, and mused, "Why am I chasing after him?"

Water Prison Technique was useless.

Small meteorites and sword control would work, but timing was hard to judge—and with Uncle Gu and Sister Xia, both Jin Dan, I'm not needed for extra attacks.

If Uncle Gu and Sister Xia catch Water Yama, they'll catch him.

Couldn't catch him, and even if I went, I couldn't help much anyway.

Especially since the island's outer edge is the Smoke Water River.

On land, I could still "draw a formation."

But in water, I couldn't set up formations on the spot.

And though my swimming isn't bad, compared to a brutal water bandit like Water Yama, I'm a mere speck before a mountain.

What if Water Yama has reinforcements waiting outside?

No matter how I calculate, chasing after him carries risk and little benefit.

If that's the case, there's no need to follow and watch the spectacle.

Mo Hua lifted his head, scanned the surroundings, took in the entire island, and his heart leapt.

On the contrary…

Water Yama fled…

Then no one on this island could truly threaten me.

Then couldn't I do as I pleased?

Even if I dug this island up to three feet deep, who could stop me?

Mo Hua couldn't help but feel tempted.

Now is the time to search this island thoroughly—if things settle and the Dao Ting Si confiscates everything, I won't be able to search at all.

Mo Hua nodded, then his eyes brightened, and he began his official "plundering."

The encirclement had now entered its final phase.

The water bandits were either dead or fled; those who escaped would likely be caught by Mo Hua's formation traps, or devoured by water beasts drawn by the ambush.

There was probably some hidden escape route on the island.

But such things, I suspect, only Water Yama knew.

Mo Hua didn't care to investigate.

At least now, the water bandits on the island were no longer a threat.

Mo Hua could act without restraint.

He followed the island's terrain, the formation layout, and his extensive "plundering" experience, beginning to search room by room like a locust swarm.

Not a single corner or crevice escaped him.

He found every secret chamber and hidden passage, opened every chest and jar.

Even the skull left behind by some dead person in the basement, he counted carefully, to avoid any oversight.

Water Yama's gang had killed countless people and stolen countless items—the island had accumulated a great deal of cultivation resources.

To hide these items, the island had many secret rooms and storage chambers.

Some water bandits, with ulterior motives, had left behind numerous hidden compartments.

But none of these escaped Mo Hua.

Using his Dao-attuned spiritual sense and keen perception, he unearthed each and every one.

Among them were vast quantities of Spirit Stones, pills, Spirit Tools, and even some strange and sinister artifacts.

But Mo Hua didn't take any of them.

The Dao Ting Si's members had fought to the death to exterminate these bandits.

Uncle Gu and Xia Diansi were still chasing Water Yama—I certainly couldn't sneakily profit behind their backs.

Otherwise, I'd be betraying everyone.

Moreover, according to Dao Ting Si's rules, these "stolen goods" would later be converted into Merit Points and distributed among everyone.

Mo Hua would get his share too.

Every seized item would be recorded as Merit Points allocated to him, so Mo Hua had no need to steal anything now.

All he needed to do was find every last stolen item—so everyone could benefit, and everyone would gain.

But there was one exception.

That was the Formation Diagrams.

Spirit Stones and pills didn't matter—but Formation Diagrams, Mo Hua had to take.

He was a Formation Master; Formation Diagrams were always better in greater numbers.

And the island held quite a few Formation Diagrams.

Especially in Water Yama's secret chamber, a large number of Formation Diagrams were hidden.

Some of them concerned the Eight Gates and Eight Trigrams Formation—covering formation shapes, formation principles, formation cores, Eight Gates movements, directional shifts, and more.

Far more detailed than anything Mo Hua had worked out himself.

In addition, there were various miscellaneous Formation Diagrams.

Some complex, some simple—from the Five Elements to the Eight Trigrams, even obscure minor formations, everything was included.

I suspect they were all seized by Water Yama's gang through murder and robbery.

Water Yama himself had poor formation skills, but he must have known formation diagrams were valuable, so he collected them all together.

But this conveniently benefited Mo Hua.

Mo Hua sifted through them, leaving behind the simple, common, and easily deciphered diagrams.

All the complex, profound, obscure ones he hadn't seen before—or wasn't familiar with—he took without hesitation.

His storage pouch was stuffed full.

Mo Hua nodded, thoroughly satisfied.

After that, he continued plundering his way forward.

Mo Hua found more array diagrams and discovered several secret chambers containing spirit stones and treasures, but one thing puzzled him deeply.

Still no altar found.

"How could there be no altar on this island?"

"It shouldn't be like this…"

Mo Hua frowned and muttered.

According to his original assumption, as the Water Yama Lord with the title "Venerable," he must have guarded an evil deity altar, just like the Fire Buddha.

The cultivators of the Yu family water fortress were the altar's "offerings."

Yet on the island where the Water Yama Lord was stationed, there was not a single trace of an altar, nor any sign of sacrifice.

This was very strange…

"Where exactly is the altar?"

Mo Hua couldn't figure it out; after a moment, he shook his head.

"Forget it. I'll wait and see if Uncle Gu and Sister Xia can capture the Water Yama Lord, then ask about the altar."

He continued searching room by room.

The entire island had already been ransacked nearly clean; only a few secret chambers remained.

Once this was done, he could finish up.

But as Mo Hua reached a secluded secret chamber near the water's edge, he discovered someone was already inside.

The man was rummaging through chests and cabinets, searching for something.

Sensing Mo Hua, he suddenly turned his head, eyes flashing with ferocity—until he recognized Mo Hua, and the hostility vanished.

His face softened into a friendly smile. "Little… Young Master Mo, what are you doing here?"

Mo Hua looked equally puzzled. "Young Master Xiao, what are you doing here?"

The man's gaze flickered slightly, then he laughed.

"The water bandits are cunning—I came to check if any escaped."

Mo Hua nodded.

"And you? What are you doing here?" The man's gaze sharpened as he asked.

Mo Hua invoked Gu Changhuai. "Uncle Gu sent me to search for any hidden loot the water bandits might have stashed."

After speaking, Mo Hua glanced warily around, asking nervously:

"Are there any vicious water bandits here?"

"No…"

"Good…" Mo Hua visibly relaxed.

A silence fell in the chamber; then the man said:

"I've checked everything. It's perfectly safe. Search again—you might find some loot. I have other business, so I'll leave you to it."

Mo Hua smiled back. "Alright, thank you, Young Master Xiao."

The man in the secret chamber gave Mo Hua a friendly smile, then rose and left.

After the man departed, Mo Hua's smile slowly faded, replaced by a thoughtful, enigmatic expression.

Xiao Tianquan…

What was he doing in this secret chamber?

What was he… looking for?

Mo Hua frowned slightly, scanning the room. It was a simple chamber—clean but empty, easily visible from end to end.

He extended his spiritual sense, but sensed nothing unusual.

After a moment of thought, Mo Hua left the chamber.

As soon as he stepped out, Mo Hua looked up and spotted Xiao Tianquan not far away.

Xiao Tianquan hadn't gone far.

Or perhaps he pretended to walk away, but never truly left.

Seeing Mo Hua emerge, Xiao Tianquan feigned surprise and smiled. "Young Master Mo, didn't find anything?"

Mo Hua shook his head. "Nothing. This place is too poor. I'll check somewhere else."

Xiao Tianquan nodded. "Good. Stay safe. Watch out for water bandits."

"Mm!"

Mo Hua nodded and walked away.

After Mo Hua left, Xiao Tianquan's face was expressionless as he silently watched Mo Hua's back, his gaze dark and shifting.

Mo Hua walked as if nothing were amiss, yet he faintly sensed a chilling, pricking coldness on his back.

It was killing intent.

"This Xiao Tianquan has formed a killing thought—he wants to kill me…"

Mo Hua's eyes grew cold.

But there was only intent—he had not moved to strike.

Mo Hua had Gu Changhuai behind him, and for some reason, he also had a good relationship with Xia Diansi, who had come from the Dao Court.

Xiao Tianquan, wary, concealed his thoughts, and once again wore a faint smile as he turned and walked away.

Yet as he passed a dead water bandit's corpse, he drew his longsword and stabbed it repeatedly—until the body was riddled with holes, blood pooling beneath it—before calmly sheathing his blade.

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