Chapter 834: Spiritual Soul

Mo Hua didn't blink, speaking with perfect seriousness.

Yu Canghai nodded. "So that's how it is…"

He thought about problems only by ordinary logic, never imagining that the priceless Water Prison Sealed Casket—something he barely dared dream of—was now in Mo Hua's hands.

He also never imagined that Mo Hua, at Foundation Establishment mid-stage, could have snatched this supreme inheritance of the Water Prison Gate straight from the cunning and venomous Water Yama's grasp…

Afraid Yu Elder might overthink it, Mo Hua quickly asked him another question:

"Water Yama uses eye techniques—does that mean he doesn't know how to cultivate righteous demonic energy, but at least has some grasp of the method to visualize the Jade Casket's Prison Diagram?"

Yu Canghai's expression hardened, immediately drawn in by this question.

After pondering for a moment, he nodded. "Very likely. If he can use the eye technique, he must have stumbled upon at least some of the principles."

"Then if he perfects it, won't he become extremely powerful?" Mo Hua asked.

"He won't perfect it," Yu Canghai shook his head.

"Why not?" Mo Hua frowned.

Yu Canghai's expression turned solemn, and he sighed.

"Eye techniques aren't that simple. In the cultivation world, transmissions of eye techniques are exceedingly rare. Aside from those requiring specific powerful bloodlines, every transmissible eye technique without exception is tied to the spiritual soul."

"The path of the spiritual soul is strange and unfathomable."

"If it's tied to the spiritual soul, it can't be understood merely by staring at diagrams."

"Water Yama's eye technique may be potent, but it's merely superficial—a heretical imitation, utterly unlike the true eye technique transmission of the Water Prison Gate."

Mo Hua asked: "Is it tied to the spiritual soul, or to spiritual awareness?"

"Spiritual soul."

"What's the difference?"

"This…" Yu Elder stalled again, his expression troubled. "Our Water Prison Gate's doctrine has declined. I know there's a difference between spiritual soul and spiritual awareness, but I can't explain it clearly…"

Mo Hua studied Yu Elder's face and saw the bitterness in his gaze—he wasn't lying—so he dropped the matter.

After a moment's thought, Mo Hua asked another question:

"The Water Prison Sealed Casket has a Prison Diagram on its surface, containing the cultivation method of a forbidden technique… What's inside the casket itself?"

"Since it's called a 'sealed casket,' it's a box—shouldn't it be openable?"

"What's inside the box?"

Yu Canghai still smiled bitterly. "Only the sect master may open the master's sealed casket. I don't know what's inside, but I assume it contains the highest-level Dao teachings, accessible only to the Water Prison Gate's sect master."

"Like the Water Prison Art you mentioned?" Mo Hua said.

"Possibly," Yu Canghai nodded.

"What else?" Mo Hua asked again.

Yu Canghai shook his head, indicating he didn't know.

Mo Hua added: "Then how do you open this casket…"

The entire casket looked like a single block of jade—no lock, no key, not even a crack…

The words nearly slipped out, but Mo Hua swallowed them back.

The Water Prison Sealed Casket was officially not in his possession; if he said this, Yu Elder would surely grow suspicious.

Yu Canghai mused: "The conditions to open it are extremely strict—you must master the eye technique and feed it the sect master's essence blood. But the exact method—I, as an elder, don't know."

Mo Hua glanced at Yu Canghai and sighed inwardly.

This Yu Elder kept circling the edges, never touching the core—he knew only superficial details, nothing essential.

If the Water Prison Gate's doctrine truly vanished, it was entirely deserved.

He didn't know whether Yu Canghai genuinely didn't know, or was pretending.

Mo Hua shook his head.

Asking further wouldn't yield anything, so Mo Hua rose to take his leave—but just then, he remembered something and turned back to ask Yu Canghai:

"By the way, what's the name of the Water Prison Gate's eye technique?"

Yu Canghai hesitated for a long while before slowly speaking: "According to sect records, this eye technique is called… the Seven Souls Blood Prison Eye."

"Seven Souls Blood Prison Eye?"

Mo Hua nodded, committing the name to memory, and turned to leave—when Yu Canghai called him back.

"Young brother…"

Yu Canghai's expression was anxious, tinged with faint hope as he asked: "Can the sealed casket still be recovered?"

"Don't worry," Mo Hua reassured him. "I'll have Uncle Gu hurry to hunt down Water Yama. Once he's caught, we'll get it back."

Yu Canghai felt slightly comforted and bowed. "Thank you, young brother."

After leaving Yu Canghai, Mo Hua pondered:

Should he return the sealed casket to Yu Elder?

Since it was the Water Prison Gate's supreme inheritance, it naturally belonged back to its rightful owner—he couldn't bear to secretly keep it.

But there was no rush now—he'd wait until he fully understood it first.

Besides, Yu Elder was currently in exile, living in constant peril; giving it to him now might only bring him disaster.

He'd wait until Yu Elder was more secure, then secretly return it.

It was for his own good!

Mo Hua justified his selfish thoughts with perfect logic.

Right now, the sealed casket was safest in his own hands!

Afterward, Mo Hua visited Xu Wanyi, had a meal, then returned to the Grand Void Gate and resumed studying the Water Prison Sealed Casket in the disciples' quarters.

"There must be something inside the casket…" Mo Hua mused.

But now it won't open, and even if it did, whatever's inside would surely be top-tier Daoist methods—beyond my reach.

Even if I learned them, with my mediocre Qi—neither strong nor weak—I couldn't possibly use them.

So, the box doesn't need opening yet; mastering the eye technique is enough.

Mo Hua vaguely felt this eye technique might suit him better than the precious, sect-leader-only water methods of the Water Prison Sect.

It doesn't require Qi, is stealthy, and can be used to ambush others.

Moreover, given the strength of my spiritual awareness, I shouldn't fear any backlash.

But the problem is—how do I learn it?

Mo Hua carefully pondered his conversation with Elder Yu, summarizing several key points:

The cultivation method of this eye technique is hidden within the Dao Prison Diagram.

To learn this eye technique, one must cultivate "Right Demons."

The mystery of this eye technique is also tied to the "spirit-soul."

This eye technique is called the Seven Souls Blood Prison Eye.

Seven souls…

Mo Hua glanced again at the jade box in his hand. "But the diagram shows eight prisons, eight criminals, eight punishments?"

What does "seven souls" even mean?

Besides, if the seven souls relate to the spirit-soul, then what connection exists between spirit-soul and spiritual awareness?

Mo Hua sighed.

"This is troublesome…"

Every single term is a stumbling block.

These unconventional Daoist paths are simply too obscure and profound—impossible to fathom.

"According to Elder Yu, this eye technique is tied to the spirit-soul. Perhaps 'spirit-soul' is the key to unlocking the 'Seven Souls Blood Prison Diagram'—the crucial point to cultivating the Seven Souls Blood Prison Eye…"

"What exactly is the spirit-soul? What knowledge does it contain?"

Even the cleverest housewife cannot cook without rice.

The clues are too few; Mo Hua couldn't guess anything from just a name.

Though he follows the path of spiritual awareness to attain Dao, he only began his cultivation before his master passed away; the rest of the path he must navigate alone.

"Spirit-soul…"

Mo Hua began mentally listing people, counting through everyone he knew, wondering whom to ask.

First, Elder Xun was certainly knowledgeable.

But the old master seemed preoccupied lately, constantly busy—hard to disturb him.

Huang Shanjun should know too; after all, he is a mountain deity, even if no longer what he once was, his insight remains.

But he's too far away.

After much thought, Mo Hua decided to ask Elder Xun Zixian.

Elder Xun Zixian is late Jin Dan, a third-grade array master, with profound array expertise and deep interest in the path of spiritual awareness.

Most importantly, he gets along well with Mo Hua.

Elder Xun Zixian is also warm and unpretentious; if he can speak of something, he'll almost certainly tell Mo Hua.

Mo Hua took time off to visit Elder Xun Zixian's residence.

It was his first time entering Elder Xun Zixian's residence; everywhere he looked were arrays, jade slips and scriptures neatly arranged—nothing else, clearly revealing the elder's vast learning.

Upon entering, a boy greeted him.

These boys all came from prominent families, sent young to serve their clan elders, fetching tea and water to strengthen bonds.

Simultaneously, by being in constant proximity to high-level elders, they subtly absorbed spiritual cultivation, laying foundations for their own future practice.

Don't underestimate these boys—many fight fiercely just to earn this position.

Those who serve as boys all have extraordinary backgrounds.

Mo Hua stated his purpose; the boy went to report to Elder Zixian.

Elder Xun Zixian was drawing an array; upon hearing Mo Hua had come, he paused briefly, set down his brush, invited Mo Hua in, and ordered the boy to serve tea.

The boy replied respectfully, "Yes," yet inwardly felt surprised.

Uncle Zixian's array expertise was formidable, highly valued by the sect, yet he was reclusive and never this courteous to others.

Normally, if someone disturbed him while drawing arrays, he'd grow furious—why was he so kind today?

The boy muttered to himself, and after serving tea, couldn't help sneaking glances at Mo Hua.

Mo Hua sipped tea while chatting with Elder Xun Zixian.

"Spirit-soul?"

"Yes," Mo Hua said, "I recently met an elder from another sect who mentioned 'spirit-soul.' I became confused and couldn't figure it out myself, so I came to ask you, Elder…"

Elder Xun Zixian sipped tea, gazing deeply at Mo Hua. "Some things shouldn't be learned lightly."

Mo Hua smiled awkwardly. "I'm just curious."

Elder Xun Zixian said calmly, "Tell me the cause and origin. Then I'll decide whether to tell you."

Mo Hua inwardly sighed.

Elder Xun Zixian truly had vast knowledge and sharp insight.

No wonder he was just like me—an array expert.

But the Water Prison Forbidden Box was hard to mention.

Seeing Mo Hua hesitate, Elder Xun Zixian said, "Just give me a brief outline—no need for specifics. I'll understand. Otherwise, I can't answer to the Ancestor."

Mo Hua pondered a moment, then nodded. "Alright!"

He mentally organized his words, then said: "I helped Dao Ting Si with a small task, investigating a case, and encountered a criminal cultivator who possesses a strange eye technique…"

Xun Zixian raised an eyebrow. "Eye technique?"

"Yes," Mo Hua said. "This eye technique can seize the mind and spirit—it's extremely troublesome. It's said one must visualize a painting to cultivate it."

"I asked an elder who knew something about it. He said this visualization method relates to the spirit soul, but he isn't proficient in the Way of Spirit Awareness, so he couldn't explain the specifics. That's why I've come to you…"

"Eye technique… spirit soul… visualization…"

Xun Zixian silently weighed his thoughts for a moment, then nodded. "I understand."

"Then…"

"I can tell you about the spirit soul."

Mo Hua's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Elder Xun!"

"But let me be clear first," Xun Zixian's expression grew slightly solemn as he spoke to Mo Hua. "Spiritual power and flesh are tangible, but spiritual thought is intangible. Thus, the Way of Spirit Awareness—including knowledge of the spirit soul—is largely based on cultivators' empirical deductions, and may not be entirely accurate."

"What I tell you is merely what I've heard, learned, or deduced over centuries of cultivation."

"I believe these teachings contain no major errors, but mistakes are still possible. So listen carefully—don't dismiss them outright, but don't accept them fully either. The balance, you must determine for yourself."

Xun Zixian spoke with great precision.

Mo Hua nodded seriously.

Seeing Mo Hua's solemn gaze, Xun Zixian knew he understood, and gave a slight nod. "First, there is a distinction between spirit soul and spirit awareness."

"Low-level cultivators know only spirit awareness and rarely encounter anything related to the 'spirit soul.' Even when they speak of soul and spirit, they usually don't understand what they mean."

"In fact, it's not just low-level cultivators—many cultivators, even at Jin Dan or Liu Yuhua, may still know nothing of the spirit soul."

"Because the current cultivation system focuses solely on spiritual power and the body. Spirit awareness has always been auxiliary. Except for a tiny few who deviate from the norm, almost no one cultivates spirit awareness as their primary path…"

Xun Zixian gave Mo Hua a meaningful glance, then extended his slender finger and tapped his own forehead.

"A person's spirit sea harbors the Three Souls and Seven Spirits."

"The Three Souls are: Heaven Soul, Earth Soul, and Life Soul."

"The Seven Spirits are: Corpse Dog, Concealed Arrow, Sparrow Shade, Thief Swallower, Non-Poison, Filth Purger, and Stinking Lung."

"Of the Three Souls, Heaven Soul and Earth Soul drift outside the cultivator's body, residing in heaven and earth—elusive and indescribable. Only the Life Soul remains within, tied directly to one's life."

"The Life Soul is the root. Upon it, the Seven Spirits are parasitic. Without the Life Soul, the Spirits cannot exist; without the Spirits, the Life Soul cannot flourish."

"These Three Souls and Seven Spirits are collectively called the spirit soul."

"The spirit soul is the foundation of a cultivator's spiritual thought. The mental force it generates is called 'spirit awareness.'"

"Without soul, there is no thought; without thought, there is no awareness."

Mo Hua's gaze trembled—he suddenly understood.

Elder Xun's words revealed to him deeper secrets of spirit awareness, yet the more he learned, the more confusion filled his heart.

"So spirit awareness isn't the foundation of the spirit sea—it's merely a derived mental force?"

Xun Zixian nodded and explained:

"You're a formation master—you should feel this deeply…"

"Every time spirit awareness is consumed, it recovers."

"If spirit awareness were the foundation itself, once used up, its root would be severed—how could it recover?"

"Precisely because spirit awareness is derived from the spirit soul, as long as the spirit soul remains, spirit awareness naturally regenerates from it after depletion."

Xun Zixian gave an example: "The spirit soul is like the tree trunk; spirit awareness is merely the branches and leaves. When branches break and leaves fall, as long as the root remains, new branches and leaves will grow again."

Mo Hua nodded vigorously. "I get it—like leeks! As long as the roots are intact, cut one crop, and another grows!"

Xun Zixian fell silent for a moment.

He found Mo Hua's analogy slightly odd, but upon reflection, it was surprisingly apt.

"I suppose so…"

"Then how does the spirit soul relate to eye techniques? Must eye techniques rely on the spirit soul to function?" Mo Hua asked.

Xun Zixian nodded. "Correct. You must understand one thing: spirit awareness itself is passive and has no offensive power."

Mo Hua froze.

Elder Xun's claim felt counterintuitive.

After all, in his spirit sea, he had always relied on spirit awareness to dominate and destroy.

But upon deeper thought, it made sense.

His victories came from his spiritual manifestations and the spiritual force they generated—not from spirit awareness itself.

Pure spirit awareness is the refined mental force that demonic intruders in his spirit sea crave to devour.

Seeing Mo Hua grasp this, Xun Zixian nodded slightly and continued:

"You're familiar with projecting spirit awareness. But projecting spirit awareness isn't truly projection—it's a form of 'perception.'"

"Just as seeing isn't you actively 'looking,' but rather light and shadow from the world entering your eyes, creating the sensation of sight."

"Seeing is fundamentally passive. Spirit awareness projection is the same—it's a passive perception."

"Spirit awareness projection has no power."

"Whether in Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, or even Jin Dan, all cultivators project spirit awareness—but their spirit awareness doesn't harm each other. At most, they merely sense one another—if you can sense it at all."

"To refine spirit awareness and endow it with offensive, mind-controlling, or intimidating power, you must infuse it with spirit soul."

"Only with spirit soul can spirit awareness gain offensive power!"

"Spirit soul has offensive power…" Mo Hua murmured, lost in thought.

He recalled every spiritual confrontation he'd ever experienced, pondered deeply, and slowly began to comprehend.

According to Elder Xun's explanation, every spiritual manifestation he'd ever seen indeed contained two layers:

Soul and thought.

Ghosts have ghost souls, undead have corpse souls, and monsters have monster souls.

This "soul" is complex to explain, but simply put, it is equivalent to the evil entity's "self-will."

With this self-will, the evil entity can kill and devour humans.

Once this will is erased, the evil entity is left with nothing but pure thought-force.

In other words, the evil entity can harm others because it possesses a greedy, evil "evil soul."

Once this soul is erased, the evil entity ceases to exist, leaving behind only pure "thought-force."

This thought-force has no destructive power and can be "consumed" by oneself.

Mo Hua's thoughts gradually cleared, and he said slowly:

"The reason why a cultivator's outward-sent divine awareness has no destructive power is because… the outward-sent divine awareness is merely pure 'thought-force,' containing no divine soul—meaning, it contains no special kind of 'will,' and thus cannot harm others."

"Then conversely, if one wishes to use divine awareness itself for killing, one must condense a portion of the 'divine soul' within the outward-sent divine awareness and infuse it with some kind of 'will'?"

"Precisely," Xun Zixian said, pleased.

"But can the divine soul be sent outward?" Mo Hua asked again.

Xun Zixian shook his head. "It's not called 'sent outward.' In the path of divine awareness, there is a special term for it: …"

Xun Zixian's gaze grew solemn, and he said gravely: "Divine Soul Out-of-Body!"

Divine Soul Out-of-Body?!

Mo Hua's heart leapt sharply.

So then, the Dao Prison Map on the Water Prison Casket was, in essence, a method for cultivating "Divine Soul Out-of-Body"?

Divine Soul Out-of-Body…

In Mo Hua's mind, thoughts rose and fell, still somewhat chaotic—but he vaguely felt a great door of divine Dao slowly opening before him.

His divine thought-formed sword seemed ready to "unsheathe"…

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