Chapter 857: Roll Call

"You actually know a meditation method?"

Xiao Diansi was momentarily incredulous.

Mo Hua was a little surprised; he had only mentioned it in passing, yet he hadn't expected the usually coldly smiling Xiao Diansi to react so strongly, even losing some of his composure.

He recalled again some of the mysteries of meditation arts that his Master had once told him, and understood a little more in his heart.

Meditation arts were an extremely obscure method.

Few learned them, few used them, few cultivated them, and even fewer could cultivate them to a certain level.

And in a long cultivation life, amid the mortal world of red dust, grudges and affections, and the entanglements of all manner of desires, cultivators who could still maintain their state of mind and persist in cultivating meditation arts were probably even rarer—only a handful at most.

Even his Master had said that as he grew older, his experience increased, his nature became blemished, and his level of meditation was no longer what it once was.

Then the inheritance of these meditation arts must also be scarce.

Ordinary cultivators cultivated the body but not the nature of mind, cultivated spiritual power but not the Dao heart, and naturally would not bother to learn any meditation arts.

But cultivators like Water Yama and Xiao Diansi were different.

They had cultivated baleful qi, and they had done so through unorthodox means.

Because of this, whenever their minds were unsettled, they were prone to backlash from the baleful qi.

Huo Fotuo was probably the same.

Though he killed people like flies, he put on an act of cultivating Buddhist teachings, all to nurture his nature of mind and suppress the baleful qi.

In this way, the method of "meditation" was of vital importance to them.

Of course, Mo Hua felt that given their demonic hearts that nurtured slaughter with slaughter, even if he told them how to use meditation arts, they might not necessarily be able to learn them.

Buddhist teachings could still use "lay down the butcher's knife and become a Buddha on the spot" to fool one's own conscience, letting those with blood-soaked hands and deep karmic debts seek peace of mind.

Meditation could not do that.

It looked directly at the true heart; what was, was.

They probably could not bear the weight of their own sins.

Xiao Diansi, however, did not know all this; with an urgent expression, his breathing somewhat heavy, he said in a trembling voice:

"You... Young Master, you... tell me the meditation art..."

Mo Hua shook his head.

He was no fool.

Xiao Diansi's face twitched with hesitation, even somewhat contorted.

He still wanted to threaten Mo Hua, but thought it over and felt it wouldn't do—this kind of method had to be offered willingly.

The art of meditation and cultivating the heart stressed that a few words carried great meaning.

Every single word had its subtle use.

Once he was dissatisfied, when transmitting the method, saying a few words more or a few words less would lead to great errors.

It should be enticed by profit, not coerced by force.

Xiao Diansi's gaze darkened as he said, "Young Master, tell me, what do you want? Cultivation arts, Daoist techniques, women? I'll get them all for you."

"That girl from Hundred Flowers Valley, do you like her? If you do, I'll find a way, right here in this White Bone Labyrinth, to make things happen for the two of you."

He figured that though Mo Hua's Dao heart was clear, he was still young and naive, full of hot blood, hazy about matters between men and women, and even if he didn't understand, he would surely have it on his mind.

Moreover, before coming to Long Wang Temple, Mo Hua had gone to the Rouge Boat, been shrouded in thick fog, and his desires must have stirred somewhat.

Some desires were surely hidden in his heart, just unspoken...

Mo Hua would not fall for it.

And he certainly would not harm Senior Sister Qianqian.

He thought it over, his eyes lit up, and he said, "I can give you the meditation art, but the thing inside the Water Prison Forbidden Casket—you have to let me see it."

Xiao Diansi was stunned, his expression turning somewhat cold.

Mo Hua said, "Just let me take one look, I'm just curious about what's hidden inside."

Xiao Diansi's gaze sank slightly; after a moment's thought, he suddenly narrowed his eyes and said:

"How would one look be enough? Young Master, if you tell me the meditation art, once the Water Prison Forbidden Casket is opened, the method inside—I can let you learn it... but only up to the second layer, up to Foundation Establishment..."

Mo Hua's face lit up with joy. "Really?"

Xiao Diansi nodded. "I won't deceive you, Young Master."

Yeah, right.

Mo Hua said silently in his heart.

With a hesitant look, he slowly nodded and said, "That works too, but... it has to be after we leave Long Wang Temple, otherwise I won't feel at ease."

Mo Hua nodded firmly and said, "Once we're out of Long Wang Temple, we make the trade—you let me see the Water Prison Forbidden Casket, I tell you the meditation method."

Xiao Diansi silently looked at Mo Hua.

Mo Hua met his gaze calmly, looking straight at Xiao Diansi.

His eyes were clear as water, so pure they seemed to reflect Xiao Diansi's figure.

Xiao Diansi's eyes were deep. "Good, it's a deal."

The two of them had, for the time being, reached an agreement.

Afterward, Xiao Diansi no longer avoided Mo Hua, and said to Water Yama:

"Channel the spiritual power of the Water Prison Art into your essence blood, and according to the method I told you, pour it onto the casket..."

Water Yama hesitated. "My cultivation art might not be up to par yet..."

"It's enough," Xiao Diansi said, brooking no refusal. "We don't have much time. We must open the casket before leaving Long Wang Temple, otherwise something unexpected could happen."

Seeing Water Yama still hesitating, Xiao Diansi said, "Don't worry. You work for me, I won't treat you badly. The inheritance inside, you get a share."

Water Yama's heart warmed, and he gritted his teeth and said, "Yes."

Then Water Yama began to sit in meditation, circulating his spiritual energy, drawing it toward his heart meridian; once the energy merged with a drop of his heart's blood, he forced that essence to his arm, drew a dagger, sliced open his arm, and poured the blood onto the Water Prison Sealed Casket.

The Water Prison Sealed Casket seemed to come alive, beginning to absorb the blood.

The Dao Prison pattern for cultivating the Blood Prison Eye on its surface grew increasingly vivid red.

Mo Hua watched, silently astonished.

So this is how you open it…

The Water Prison Sect's inheritance truly is a bit sinister.

No wonder the Dao Court wiped them out…

Yet he didn't understand the inner workings—he could only watch as spectacle, and soon grew bored.

Mo Hua yawned, his eyelids drooping, pretending to fall asleep.

Xiao Diansi glanced at him, said nothing, and focused entirely on Water Yama.

Mo Hua wasn't asleep.

Thanks to the mysterious Dao Stele, he usually didn't need sleep at all.

He was merely closing his eyes to rest, pondering matters.

The altar lay deep within the Long Wang Temple.

But this altar differed from the one in Bishan Demon Cave and the one on the small fishing boat—it may have existed for a very long time.

Fed by the lustful desires of men and women on the Vermilion Boat, and sheltered by the vast Long Wang Temple.

This must be a crucial altar.

Alone, it would be extremely difficult for him to infiltrate the Long Wang Temple; approaching the altar was nearly impossible.

The Long Wang Temple was too large, its halls intricate and labyrinthine.

The temple guards were dead; the Master Witch was a monster.

The main gate was locked by the Master Witch; the inner hall was a sea of blood, beneath which lay a maze.

Within the maze were countless blood corpses.

These layers of obstacles, these perils at every turn—he alone could never have entered.

Thus, he had to find someone to do his bidding and take the risks for him.

This kind of task was dangerous.

Senior Brother Feng and Senior Sister Qianqian weren't strong enough.

Uncle Gu and Xia Diansi had sufficient cultivation, but they were "one of us."

As everyone knew, exploring secret realms usually consumed "teammates."

Having Uncle Gu and the others risk themselves for him—Mo Hua wasn't willing to let that happen.

Therefore, Xiao Diansi and the others were the best candidates.

Along this journey, had Xie Liu not cleared the path, had Water Yama not opened the door, had Xiao Diansi not joined forces against the monster-form Witch Master—he truly might never have reached this inner hall.

Though the situation had largely unfolded as he predicted, there were still some unexpected turns.

The biggest surprise was Xiao Diansi.

Mo Hua never imagined Xiao Diansi could be this strong.

His inheritance as a core orthodox heir of the Water Prison Sect was undeniable—his cultivation method and movement techniques alone were formidable, and with the Water Prison Art and Blood Eye Art added, he was terrifying.

Strictly speaking, only the Water Prison Sect's sect leader was entitled to learn these arts.

To master them, before this, Xiao Diansi would have been virtually the designated heir of the Shierliu Sect's Water Prison branch.

Even across the entire Qianxue Province, few Jin Dan cultivators enjoyed such status.

In that light, it made sense that Uncle Gu and Xia Diansi couldn't defeat Xiao Diansi.

Uncle Gu was a direct descendant of the Gu family, but he wasn't favored; though he learned the core Gu family techniques, they were still far inferior to the true sect leader's inheritance.

Xia Diansi was the same.

She was a direct descendant, but the Xia family had many such heirs; her inheritance certainly wasn't the most core.

No matter how deep the Xia family's roots, a single direct descendant's inheritance could never surpass that of a Shierliu Sect leader.

Moreover, Smiling Tiger was an old schemer.

He had always concealed his strength, revealing his arts only at critical moments—Uncle Gu and Senior Sister Xia had no defense against him; it was no surprise they fell for his traps.

It wasn't really Uncle Gu's or Senior Sister Xia's fault…

But Xiao Diansi's actions had given Mo Hua a warning.

Secret moves and hidden cards must be held as tightly as possible—never used until the final moment; only then could they truly trap others.

Indeed, among three people, there is always something to learn.

Xiao Diansi had many things worth learning from.

Thinking this, Mo Hua kept his eyes closed, pretending to sleep, yet couldn't help nodding slightly.

Beside him, Xiao Diansi froze.

Seeing Mo Hua nod even while "asleep," he grew suspicious.

This kid… has he just suddenly realized something?

Truly sharp-minded—but just where did this little demon learn all his underhanded tricks…

…

This place was no place to linger; after resting and healing their wounds, the group set out again.

Mo Hua had "woken," so Water Yama no longer carried him; instead, he wore Spirit-Binding Chains and walked behind Xiao Diansi.

Xia Diansi, Gu Changhuai, Ouyang Feng, and Hua Qianqian all sighed in relief upon seeing Mo Hua.

Hua Qianqian asked: "Young Brother Mo, are you alright?"

"Mm-hmm." Mo Hua nodded. "Sister, don't worry—I'm fine."

Hua Qianqian's heart finally settled.

"Enough with the reunion," Xiao Diansi said. "Focus on finding a way out."

Everyone knew this, so they said nothing more, continuing to wander through the labyrinth, avoiding the endless blood corpses.

At a crossroad, Xiao Diansi glanced left and right, frowned, thought for a moment, then moved to turn right.

But Mo Hua suddenly said: "Go left."

Xiao Diansi froze slightly, his gaze darkening as he looked at Mo Hua.

Mo Hua replied calmly: "The exit is on the left."

Xiao Diansi's expression hardened. "How do you know?"

Mo Hua no longer intended to hide his abilities.

Time was up. The altar had been seen. The labyrinth had been entered. The "Mr. Wu" had revealed most of his tricks. There was no point in delaying further.

It was time to close the net.

Mo Hua said: "My Laozu taught me a set of arrays, specifically for puzzle arrays—covering their layouts, directional flows, and structural changes…"

"This bone labyrinth conforms to a puzzle array, embedded with blood sacrifice and corpse-nourishing arrays. By following the array's flow, one can determine the labyrinth's orientation and safely escape…"

Mo Hua spoke convincingly, half-truth and half-fiction.

Xiao Diansi didn't understand, but he was stunned.

Especially by the words "Laozu."

The Laozu of a sect were never ordinary people.

Xiao Diansi's expression turned solemn. "Your sect's Laozu taught you arrays? Just what… are you?"

Mo Hua shrugged. "Our sect's Laozu is different—he likes to personally teach his disciples arrays. All disciples in our sect have been taught by the Laozu…"

Xiao Diansi was half-skeptical.

But Mo Hua said no more. He waved his hand. "Follow me."

Without hesitation, he stepped past Xiao Diansi and walked ahead of the group.

Xiao Diansi watched Mo Hua's back in silence, saying nothing.

Gu Changhuai and the others said nothing either.

They knew Mo Hua well—he was always good at finding paths. Though sometimes he acted strangely, no one knew exactly how he navigated, but following him was usually safe.

The group followed Mo Hua, walking along the bone corridors of the labyrinth.

With Mo Hua leading, the once-complicated bone paths instantly became clear.

Which paths could be taken. Which could not.

Where to turn. Where to backtrack.

Mo Hua knew them all.

As if he had personally overseen the construction of this bone labyrinth.

Xiao Diansi found it hard to believe. He even suspected Mo Hua was in league with the "Mr. Wu," leading them to their doom.

Fortunately, the rest of the journey went smoothly.

When blood corpses appeared, Mo Hua often seemed to foresee them, avoiding them in advance.

Occasionally, a few slipped past—but none were a match for Xiao Diansi.

Thus, they walked, fought, and occasionally paused to rest.

After an unknown length of time, they neared the labyrinth's edge.

But Mo Hua hesitated.

He still hadn't found the altar.

And he had a feeling—the altar's location had changed. It was likely hidden by the "Mr. Wu."

Coupled with the earlier sight of the blood sea surging upward.

That altar was probably the "source" of the blood pool.

"This is troublesome…"

Mo Hua frowned.

If he led everyone out now, he would almost certainly never find his way back into the labyrinth's depths alone.

Even if he could, it would be perilous.

Worse—he still didn't know where the altar was.

Even if he knew its location, if the blood surge marked its position, he could never enter it…

Mo Hua racked his brain but found no solution. He deliberately took a few wrong paths, buying time.

But dragging on like this wasn't a solution.

Mo Hua glanced at Ouyang Feng and Hua Qianqian, sighing softly.

Enough. Better to get them out first—before something was lost.

Mo Hua led the group toward the labyrinth's exit.

After about an incense stick's time, the exit lay before them.

It was a massive door—familiar in design, with ram-headed carvings, broad and heavy—the very door they had passed through to enter the inner hall.

The blood pool had become the bone labyrinth.

Thus, the labyrinth's exit was naturally the entrance to the blood pool.

Everyone's expressions brightened.

Even Xiao Diansi exhaled in relief. He turned to Shui Yanluo and asked quietly: "How much longer?"

Others might not know what he was asking, but Mo Hua understood clearly.

Xiao Diansi was asking how much longer until the Water Prison Sealed Casket could be opened.

Water Yama's gaze darkened slightly. "About six hours."

Xiao Diansi frowned.

This time is too long…

Mainly because Mo Hua led the way too quickly; otherwise, no one could have exited the maze so fast.

Now with only six hours left, it deviates from his plan.

But getting out is still the priority.

Xiao Diansi thought for a moment, then walked toward the gate—but before he reached it, his expression changed, and he slowly stepped back.

A sinister laugh suddenly rang out:

"It's impressive you found this place…"

At the same time, countless blood corpses crawled up from all directions, completely blocking the gate.

Their number was several times greater than what they had encountered in the maze before.

The air was thick with blood aura.

A figure gradually emerged in the center of the blood corpses.

Its limbs twisted, wreathed in blood aura, its body covered in scales, ugly and terrifying, like a night demon.

It was Mr. Wu.

Behind it followed a special blood corpse.

This blood corpse had only one arm, but its evil aura was intense; its neck bore a row of blood holes, its entire body drenched in blood—clearly just recently transformed.

It was Xie Liu, who had recently lost an arm to Xiao Diansi and had his throat bitten by Mr. Wu before falling into the blood pool.

The monstrous Mr. Wu, now with feverish eyes, spoke in human voice:

"This Long Wang Temple is a death zone."

"By the order of the Divine Master, every cultivator who enters this temple must die."

"All the temple's devotees are dead—I killed them."

"Their lives were offered to the Divine Master; their flesh and blood nourished the embryo; their spiritual souls will return to the Great Wasteland."

"Death is their honor—and my supreme offering to the Divine Master!"

After speaking, the inhuman Mr. Wu turned his crimson gaze upon them and sneered coldly:

"According to the Divine Master's revelation, a formidable enemy who defiles the Divine Master will arrive soon."

"And you are the perfect living sacrifices."

"My grand offering to the Divine Master!"

"When the Divine Master awakens, tastes your spiritual souls, and uses your flesh as puppets to slay the enemy, it will surely grant me supreme blessings."

"I give you one chance—submit now…"

Before Mr. Wu finished speaking, a blade of ice-blue light slashed across its face.

It was Xia Diansi's sword.

Mr. Wu's words were cut off; his expression grew even angrier, yet his gaze grew colder.

"Those who refuse to yield are unworthy to become the Divine Master's followers…"

Mr. Wu growled.

This was the signal for battle.

Behind him, Xie Liu, transformed into a blood corpse, let out a shrill scream and lunged at them.

Gu Changhuai flicked his feather fan, sending forth several wind blades that intercepted Xie Liu's killing strike.

The scaled monster that was Mr. Wu also charged forward.

Xiao Diansi and Xia Diansi summoned their swordlight and met Mr. Wu head-on; the two sides clashed.

The remaining blood corpses surged forward like a tidal wave.

Some surrounded Xiao Diansi and the three Jin Dan; others directly rushed toward Mo Hua and the Foundation Establishment cultivators.

There were too many blood corpses to fight head-on.

Mo Hua frowned and quickly said, "Retreat quickly!"

Water Yama and the others were no fools; they knew the situation was hopeless and immediately retreated deeper into the Bone Maze.

With narrow passages blocking their path, they could barely hold off the blood corpses.

But with so many blood corpses, as they retreated, their formation grew disordered.

Water Yama seized the chance to grab Mo Hua and pulled him deeper into the maze.

Mo Hua was still bound by the Spirit-Binding Chains; seeing so many blood corpses charging toward them, he said to Water Yama, "Unbind me."

Water Yama merely sneered and retreated on his own.

Mo Hua frowned—he suddenly felt something strange about Water Yama's demeanor.

Indeed, once they reached the maze's depths, Water Yama found a secluded corner, pulled out a bronze brazier, and lit a red incense stick; the scent spread into a faint veil of smoke.

This incense, whatever it was, emitted smoke that seemed to repel blood corpses.

The blood corpses dared not cross the smoke; they circled the mist for a moment, shrieked a few times, then retreated.

With this opening, Water Yama took out the Water Prison Sealed Casket, placed it on the ground, then drew a dagger and plunged it sharply into his own arm.

A large amount of essence blood spurted out, all absorbed into the Sealed Casket.

Then, blood color spread across the Sealed Casket, rapidly filling all seven Dao Prisons.

Mo Hua's heart lurched.

The Water Yama is accelerating the opening of the Water Prison Casket...

Seven Dao Prisons are drenched in blood.

Then, the Water Yama's eyes grew solemn with murderous aura; he activated his pupil technique and gazed at the Soul Prison at the center of the Qi魄 Dao Prison.

A flicker of pain surfaced on the Water Yama's face.

He seemed to be enduring immense agony and trial.

Mo Hua held his breath, silent.

After an unknown length of time, a faint, obscure light flashed across the Casket; an ancient essence flowed forth, and then, where the Casket had once been seamless, a crack appeared.

The Water Prison Casket had opened...

The Water Yama's expression burst into wild joy, then he cursed:

"Damn Xiao Zhenhai! You really think I'm a fool? You want me to open the Casket, then kill me? Cut the ox after the mill grinds—dream your damn dream!"

"This Casket is mine—no one can take it!"

The Water Yama gripped the Water Prison Casket tightly, then whipped his lash, wrapping it around Mo Hua's neck.

A bloody mark appeared on Mo Hua's neck.

The Water Yama threatened: "Brat, tell me the Meditation Art, and I'll spare your life!"

With the Water Prison Gate's murderous aura method, plus the Meditation Art, I can stabilize my spirit.

In time, I'll form a Jin Dan—my future is boundless!

The Water Yama's heart burned with desire.

Before Mo Hua could speak, dozens of spiritual needles shot toward the Water Yama's face.

In haste, the Water Yama could only block with his hands—he stopped them, but his palms were pierced, bleeding profusely, searing with pain.

"Let go of Brother Mo!"

A melodious yet furious voice rang out.

The Water Yama turned angrily—and saw a graceful figure: Hua Qianqian.

Beside her stood Ouyang Feng, his expression solemn.

They had been scattered by the Blood Corpses, but seeing the Water Yama holding Mo Hua hostage, they feared for his safety and rushed over.

The Water Yama laughed instead of growing angry. "Good, good—two greenhorns, walking straight into death."

His gaze swept over Ouyang Feng and Hua Qianqian, lingering longest on Hua Qianqian; his eyes grew redder.

"Such a premium specimen—I'll savor you well, make you wish you were dead."

Hua Qianqian's face paled with fear, but she glanced at Mo Hua, bound by the Spirit Binding Chains, clenched her teeth, and declared firmly:

"You're the one who deserves to die!"

Ouyang Feng's gaze darkened; he drew his sword and charged at the Water Yama.

Hua Qianqian continued firing spiritual needles.

The Water Yama sneered, tossed Mo Hua aside, drew his Water Torture Whip, surged spiritual power, and clashed with Ouyang Feng and Hua Qianqian.

This time, he would not let them escape!

Ouyang Feng and Hua Qianqian struggled terribly against the Water Yama.

After dozens of exchanges, the Water Yama seized an opening—blood shadows flickered in his eyes, aiming to exploit the gap and seize control of Hua Qianqian and Ouyang Feng to decide victory.

But before he could activate his pupil technique, a voice called out beside him:

"Water Yama."

The voice was clear and melodic, yet utterly cold—as if the true Yama himself had spoken his name.

The Water Yama turned instinctively—and saw a pair of Jin Se eyes.