Immortality Through Array Formations (The Quest for Immortality)

Chapter 602: Golden Source Formation

Mo Hua stared intently at Vulture, eyes shining brightly.

When he had been hiding earlier and secretly observing, his divine sense had vaguely detected something off—there seemed to be faint traces of array patterns on Vulture's head.

And more importantly, the aura was unfamiliar.

That meant—there was an array hidden on Vulture's head.

And it was a formation Mo Hua had never seen or learned before.

As expected, his guess was right!

It was even a rare Four Symbols array!

According to Elder Xun, this type of formation bore bestial patterns resembling demonic beasts and was extremely dangerous.

If one didn't have a strong foundation in the Five Elements or Eight Trigrams formations and rashly tried to learn this kind of array, it could cause them to lose their humanity.

Because of these flaws, it was very likely that the Great Void Sect wouldn't teach the Four Symbols formations at all.

Still, a formation was a formation—even flawed ones held value.

And Mo Hua very much wanted to see it. Learn it.

If the sect wouldn't teach it, then this bald guy might be his only chance to get access to a Four Symbols-type formation.

He absolutely couldn't let him escape!

Mo Hua's eyes were practically glowing as he stared at Vulture.

Ouyang Feng and the others, meanwhile, were surprised.

They'd thought Mo Hua shouting to shave Vulture's head was just childish nonsense. But to their shock—Vulture's head really hid something strange.

"Four Symbols Array Pattern…"

Murong Caiyun gave Mo Hua a side glance, inwardly astonished.

This junior named Mo… his perception of formations was shockingly sharp…

Vulture, on the other hand, wore a hideous expression, seething with fury—and dread.

The formation on his head was one he couldn't afford to expose. It had to remain secret. If anyone figured out its origins, it could ruin everything.

When he was first starting out, he didn't bother hiding it. Being bald, he branded the Four Symbols Eagle Claw Array directly onto his scalp—hence the nickname "Vulture."

Later, when he realized the danger, he started concealing it—disguising himself, covering the bald spot, masking the pattern.

Anyone who had ever seen it… well, they didn't live long.

For years, no one had discovered the truth.

People still called him "Vulture," but by now it was just a name—nobody cared whether he was truly bald or not.

He never imagined this brat would be so literal. Just from hearing "Vulture," the kid immediately decided he must be bald—and shaved off his wig!

And now the formation was exposed!

Vulture trembled with shame and rage, clenching his teeth.

"Fine. Fine!!"

His gaze swept coldly across the group, especially lingering on Mo Hua—who was now curiously peering at his bald scalp with wide, sparkling eyes.

The Four Symbols Eagle Claw Array had been seen.

They all had to die.

Otherwise, there'd be no way for him to explain himself to "Mister."

That man's wrath… he could not survive it.

A flicker of fear crossed Vulture's face, followed quickly by a murderous gleam. Bloodshot eyes glared venomously.

"Kill."

Suddenly, the formation atop his scalp began to stir.

The totem-like pattern glowed with dark green light. The lines squirmed, shifted, and merged—becoming a venomous eagle with exposed fangs and claws, emanating overwhelming hostility.

Strange, demonic energy seeped from the formation, flowing into his meridians, merging with his blood and flesh.

Vulture gritted his teeth, enduring immense pain.

The eagle tattoos began to spread across his body.

A chilling, eerie aura blanketed the air.

Ouyang Feng's expression shifted. Realizing something was wrong, he immediately slashed his sword toward Vulture's heart, hoping to disrupt the formation's activation.

The others attacked too—petals, divine needles, golden light, five-colored spells—all surged forward.

Mo Hua tossed in another Water Prison Technique.

But Vulture, now empowered by the formation, moved like the wind, dodging every attack.

Only Ouyang Feng's sword managed to graze his chest, slicing a long bloody wound.

Vulture landed at a distance, laughing coldly.

"Tai'a Sword Technique? That's all?"

The blood on his chest dried quickly, the wound healing as if by demonic regeneration. Like a wounded beast, his body regenerated through sheer blood essence.

The eagle tattoos on his head ceased moving.

The Four Symbols Eagle Claw Array—fully activated.

Vulture now radiated thick demonic energy. Though he still looked human, he resembled a bird-beast wearing human skin.

Ouyang Feng's expression darkened. "That's demonic power… and you've never cultivated demonic techniques…"

"This isn't a simple Four Symbols array…"

"What is that formation on your head?"

Vulture sneered. "Heaven and Earth are vast. The art of formations, deeper than the seas."

"My array… isn't something you so-called 'geniuses' from your pampered sects could ever hope to understand!"

He raised his arms—fingertips turning into venomous, razor-sharp eagle talons.

"I've opened the array…"

"Today, all of you will die here."

"Be careful!" Ouyang Feng warned sharply.

Meanwhile, Mo Hua had already run away.

The moment Vulture began absorbing the Four Symbols power and turned into a scary tattoo-covered monster, Mo Hua bolted far away, cloaked himself with his concealment technique, and vanished without a trace.

Vulture turned to kill him—only to discover the brat had already disappeared.

He nearly vomited blood from rage.

"Coward!"

"Little worm!"

He bellowed furiously.

Mo Hua, safe in the bushes, didn't mind at all.

"Yeah, I'm a coward. And what are you gonna do about it?"

Truth be told, Vulture couldn't do anything about it.

Even with his power-up, his divine sense hadn't grown stronger. He couldn't find Mo Hua before—and still couldn't now.

He spat again, eyes gleaming with venom.

"Fine. Let's see how long you can hide."

"I'll kill your senior brothers, violate your senior sisters… and you can just hide there and watch!"

Everyone's expressions twisted in fury.

Ouyang Feng's eyes blazed. Shangguan Xu and Hua Qianqian were livid.

Murong Caiyun's expression was like ice, but she still spoke calmly:

"Stay calm. Don't be provoked. Focus. We kill him together."

Before she could finish, Vulture lunged—talons slashing with green light toward her throat.

Murong Caiyun frowned and dodged back using her movement technique.

Ouyang Feng leapt forward, intercepting the attack and shielding her with his sword.

Vulture's claws collided—unleashing a demonic surge. Ouyang Feng was forced back several steps, his hands tingling from the blow.

"So strong…"

Ouyang Feng narrowed his eyes, ready to counter—when he suddenly shouted:

"Shangguan! Watch out!"

Vulture, after clashing with Ouyang Feng, didn't pursue. Instead, he pivoted and charged at Shangguan Xu.

Shangguan had just raised his sword to support Ouyang—only to realize the attack was now coming for him.

Vulture was fast. But Shangguan was no novice—he kept some energy in reserve for just such emergencies. He switched his stance quickly, attempting to defend.

Then—Vulture's eyes flashed red.

His aura surged again.

The previously reserved power in the formation now flooded his body.

Empowered by the formation, Vulture's physique and strength shot up. His attacks grew sharper, faster.

His cultivation, now… nearly reached late Foundation Establishment.

Everyone's face turned pale.

They understood now.

He'd been holding back.

Waiting to strike at the perfect moment.

Shangguan Xu paled, clearly in danger.

Ouyang Feng raised his sword. Murong Caiyun chanted a spell. Hua Qianqian threw her needles.

But they were too far to stop it.

Just then—splash! A water cage appeared around Vulture.

Mo Hua had struck again with Water Prison!

Vulture snorted, breaking free from the cage—barely—and struck Shangguan Xu.

His claws grazed Shangguan's chest, tearing open bloody wounds.

But thanks to the water prison's delay, Shangguan had time to step back.

The attack hurt—but didn't kill.

His sect robe offered some protection. Though wounded, he survived.

But before he could catch his breath—Vulture lunged again, aiming to finish him.

Mo Hua fired another water cage.

Vulture twisted away again—but he was being delayed.

At the same moment, Hua Qianqian threw another volley of spirit needles.

Vulture's rage boiled over. His arrayed body bulged with green demonic light. He swiped his claws, sending a deadly gale that shattered Hua Qianqian's needles.

She winced in pain, spiritual backlash wracking her mind—but she gritted her teeth and dragged Shangguan to safety.

His wounds were bleeding badly—and poisoned.

Shangguan Xu immediately took a healing pill.

Hua Qianqian pulled out a set of backup spirit needles from her storage bag and stood in front of Shangguan Xu to guard him.

But these needles were just backups—their grade was far inferior to the Hundred Blossoms Spirit Needles she had used earlier. They couldn't pose much threat to Vulture. They could only be used for defense and to protect Shangguan Xu so he could heal properly.

In just a blink, two of the four had lost their combat capability.

Vulture's sneak attack had succeeded beautifully. He let out a cold, sinister chuckle.

The only ones left who could threaten him now were Ouyang Feng and Murong Caiyun.

He didn't give them a moment to catch their breath. Eyes filled with killing intent, he pounced toward Murong Caiyun again.

Ouyang Feng, despite being at a disadvantage in cultivation, had no choice but to grit his teeth and hold Vulture off.

Though they weren't from the same sect, they were all students of the same Daoist realm and had bonds forged through shared experiences.

He couldn't bear to see his junior brothers and sisters fall to Vulture's claws. If that happened, he'd carry guilt for the rest of his life.

Ouyang Feng's expression was resolute, his eyes sharp as a blade.

The atmosphere grew tense.

Vulture, however, wore a mocking smirk. He wanted to see just how long these two could last against him.

And once they fell…

He licked his lips, his gaze drifting over Murong Caiyun and Hua Qianqian, face filled with obscene hunger.

He'd been stuck in this Dianzang Mountain for far too long. It had been ages since he'd had the company of a woman.

Desire stirred in his heart.

Suddenly—whoosh!—a blue glow coalesced into a watery cage and dropped down on him.

Caught off guard, Vulture's movement was just a beat too slow. He failed to dodge and was firmly trapped by the cold water prison.

Though it lasted only a few breaths, the dizziness and breathless feeling of drowning were all too real.

Any lustful thoughts were instantly replaced by disgust.

"Fuck!"

"You little brat!"

Vulture cursed in rage.

He'd been careless—and got tricked by that damned kid again.

Ouyang Feng seized the opportunity, slashing across Vulture's throat. It wasn't deep—just grazed the skin.

Murong Caiyun's Five Elemental Light also flew through the air. It missed his forehead, but seared off half of his ear.

Vulture gritted his teeth, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"Not yet… I need to focus. End this quickly. Take down these two fast…"

"Then I'll deal with that damn brat…"

Filled with hatred, he unleashed his full demonic power, his strikes becoming even more vicious—focused entirely on killing Ouyang Feng.

At the same time, he kept a wary eye on Mo Hua's water prison technique.

The moment he sensed a divine lock, or detected the faintest ripple of water-element spiritual energy, he would instantly dodge—refusing to fall into that brat's trap again.

This full vigilance paid off—he wasn't caught by the Water Prison again.

Meanwhile, he began scanning his surroundings with a portion of his divine sense.

He was determined to find that little brat's hiding place.

But the surroundings were empty. His divine sense swept the entire area—no trace of anyone.

Vulture frowned deeply.

"This kid… something's off…"

"Absolutely no traces? Why?"

"Does he have a concealment treasure? Or is his stealth technique just too good? Or… is his divine sense too strong?"

He shook his head.

"No… divine sense can't be that strong."

If it had been, he would've noticed the Water Prison's divine lock much earlier. That meant the kid's divine sense wasn't stronger than his.

Besides, the kid was only early Foundation Establishment, while he was at mid Foundation Establishment peak.

There was no way the kid could beat him in spirit.

It had to be—some kind of treasure. Or maybe a special inheritance.

A treasure for concealment?

Now that would be a nice prize…

Vulture's eyes gleamed with greed.

"If that's true… today might just be my lucky day!"

"Once I catch that brat—I'll make him talk."

A cruel smile crept across his lips.

Lying low in the grass, Mo Hua suddenly felt a surge of danger.

It was like some vicious hawk had locked onto him…

Mo Hua narrowed his eyes.

"Daring to eye me, huh…"

"Then this damn Vulture… can't be allowed to live."

He was just a humble, low-profile disciple of the Great Void Sect, quietly cultivating and sincerely studying formations.

He absolutely did not want to be targeted by shady freaks like Vulture.

Besides, he needed to prove to his senior brothers and sisters that he was—"a big deal."

That was essential to his long-term goal of "farming" merit points and snagging missions later on.

And then… there was the Four Symbols Formation.

It looked strange now, maybe even a bit demonic—not like a proper formation. But whether it was "proper" or not, he had to study it himself to find out.

No jumping to conclusions.

Gotta give the formation a chance!

Who knows, maybe it could "turn over a new leaf" and become righteous?

And even if he couldn't learn it, studying it might help him develop counters for it in the future.

Mo Hua tossed out a few more Water Prison spells.

As expected, Vulture dodged every one, and his expression grew more and more smug.

Mo Hua nodded to himself.

"Yep. This vulture's a dead bird walking."

But the time wasn't right—he had to wait a little longer.

He bided his time until Shangguan Xu's wounds were partially healed, and Hua Qianqian had replenished some spiritual energy with a pill.

Both of them gritted their teeth and rejoined the battle.

This was the peak of their collective strength.

Meanwhile, Vulture had expended quite a bit of energy.

If they didn't take him down now—and he managed to kill any of their team, or slip away…

That would be a disaster.

Mo Hua snuck up next to Murong Caiyun and whispered:

"Senior Sister…"

Murong Caiyun, who was focused on casting spells to restrict Vulture, was startled—but relaxed when she saw it was Mo Hua.

Then she frowned and sighed, expression heavy.

"Junior Brother Mo… you should leave…"

At this point, the outcome was still uncertain. She couldn't guarantee Mo Hua's safety.

But Mo Hua shook his head and asked:

"Senior Sister, do you know any really powerful, really destructive top-tier spells?"

Murong Caiyun blinked. Slowly, she nodded. "Yes, I do, but…"

Under these conditions, using such spells was risky.

And even if it hit, it might not be enough to kill Vulture, whose body had been enhanced by the formation and was near late Foundation Establishment level.

If she used a spell that consumed so much energy and failed to kill him—they'd be in serious danger.

Mo Hua patted his chest, full of confidence.

"Don't worry, Senior Sister! Just cast the spell. Leave the rest to me!"

Murong Caiyun stared in shock. "Leave it to you?"

Mo Hua nodded. "I know a formation that can amplify the power of the Five Elements. If you use your top-tier technique while under its effect, one strike will be enough to butcher that Vulture."

Murong Caiyun's mouth fell open. "You… know that kind of formation?"

Amplifying Five Elemental power…

Formations contained profound Dao, vast and mysterious—there was nothing too strange to exist.

But what stunned her was—how could Mo Hua know such a rare formation?

Where did he learn it?

And how did he manage to master it?

Mo Hua waved his hand dismissively. "It's no big deal…"

Murong Caiyun was taken aback, but quickly nodded.

Time was short—she couldn't afford to dwell on it.

After a brief moment of thought, she made her decision. "Fine. I'll try it!"

In crisis, hesitation leads only to chaos.

Now wasn't the time for doubts—missing this chance might cost them the battle.

Besides, though this junior brother was young and weak in cultivation, he was sharp and deeply knowledgeable in formations.

His techniques were rare, but impressively executed.

And most importantly, his gaze was clear and sincere—surely a decent and upright boy, not someone with ill intent.

She could trust him.

With her mind made up, she asked, "That formation…"

But Mo Hua interrupted, "Senior Sister, just focus on your casting. Leave the rest to me."

Murong Caiyun paused, then nodded in trust. After thinking a moment, she called out to Ouyang Feng:

"Brother Feng—stall him a bit!"

Ouyang Feng looked surprised, but after a beat, he caught on to her plan. He frowned slightly, but didn't object.

If Murong Junior Sister was choosing to use a top-tier technique, she must have her reasons.

And honestly, delaying was their only option.

Ouyang Feng's sword aura sharpened, and he joined Shangguan Xu and Hua Qianqian in holding Vulture at bay.

Everyone understood the stakes. They didn't need words.

Mo Hua nodded to himself.

In noble families, it was common to learn high-grade techniques if the opportunity arose.

But under current conditions—Ouyang Feng's deeper cultivation made him best suited to hold back the nimble, brutal Vulture.

Shangguan Xu was still injured.

Hua Qianqian mostly relied on her spiritual tools.

Which made Murong Caiyun, with her mastery over Five Elemental spells, the perfect choice.

And Mo Hua really wanted to see how powerful a top-tier Five Element spell would become under amplification by the Five Elemental Source Formation.

Ouyang Feng and the others went all out to pin down Vulture.

Without delay, Murong Caiyun began channeling her energy.

A dazzling five-colored radiance emanated from her body, swirling around her like multicolored clouds. She looked like a celestial maiden, wreathed in shimmering divine light.

Five Elemental Radiant Cloud Art.

A core inheritance of the Great Void Sect. A powerful Five Element technique.

Though… only the golden glow among the five shone particularly bright.

Because the technique was highly advanced—Murong Caiyun had only mastered the metal element portion so far. She couldn't yet combine all five into one.

Still, even so—its power at the Foundation Establishment stage was nothing to scoff at.

The massive spiritual fluctuations caught Vulture's attention.

He paused briefly, then sneered.

"Fools!"

"They want to kill me with some fancy high-level spell?"

"Typical sect disciples—so focused on theory and pageantry."

Real fights weren't about flashy moves—they were about effectiveness. If a wild swing could kill, you didn't waste time with style.

Top-tier spell?

Vulture coldly glanced at Murong Caiyun.

Even setting aside whether the spell had enough power to kill him—

Would her divine sense even be able to lock onto him?

If she missed, the backlash would kill her instead.

His gaze turned vicious. He wasn't worried at all.

Murong Caiyun's spiritual energy climbed higher and higher, and her aura surged—but Vulture was only mildly cautious.

Then—

Mo Hua pointed to the ground.

A formation etched in brilliant crimson-gold appeared beneath her feet, infused with pure elemental essence.

First Grade – Thirteen Pattern – Golden Source Absolute Formation.

Murong Caiyun's pupils contracted.

"That's…"

"An Absolute Formation!?"

And—

She was completely baffled.

This little junior brother had just… pointed to the ground—and a high-grade formation appeared!?

Was that even possible!?

In that instant, her understanding of reality faltered.

Since when could formations be drawn like that?

As Mo Hua poured divine sense into the formation, completing the Golden Source Absolute Formation, a pure, radiant golden light burst forth—enveloping Murong Caiyun.

Standing in the array, she felt her meridians ache and spiritual energy surge wildly.

Her metal-element spiritual power became restless, as though it had been injected with Five Elemental source energy—and was now…

Boiling.

"My spirit energy is… boiling?!"

Murong Caiyun's eyes trembled.

Her technique fully formed. The Metal-Element Radiant Cloud spell was now condensed like molten gold—dazzling, turbulent, and roaring with power.

It felt like Mo Hua's Absolute Formation had forcefully leveled up her top-tier technique by an entire grade!

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Far away, Vulture's face twisted in shock.

"What's going on!?"

"Why did her technique suddenly become that powerful!?"

Without a second thought—he turned to flee.

Ouyang Feng and the others, stunned by the aura of the Radiant Cloud Spell, quickly snapped out of it and launched attacks to stop him.

Meanwhile, Murong Caiyun locked onto Vulture with divine sense.

She raised her hand—imbued by the Absolute Formation—and golden radiance swept out like an overwhelming tide, crashing toward Vulture.

Vulture's eyes flashed green. The patterns on his body flickered erratically, and his aura became vague and distorted.

At the same time, thick demonic energy surged from his body—blurring the divine sense lock.

Murong Caiyun's expression turned pale.

"The lock missed!"

The golden radiance filled the sky, beautiful and deadly, surging forward to destroy.

But at the final moment—it lost its target. The trajectory couldn't be changed now.

Vulture's face held both panic and relief.

"As expected of the Great Wilderness Lineage's Four Symbols Formation…"

"Saved me again."

He sneered and turned to flee the golden light.

But at that moment—

Far in the distance, Mo Hua smiled faintly and raised his wicked little hand.

His spiritual energy surged to its peak.

His pupils glimmered with dark, eerie markings.

His divine sense—vast and unyielding—pierced through the mist of the Four Symbols Formation and locked firmly onto Vulture's fleeing form!

A massive divine will descended.

Vulture's instincts screamed—his smile froze—and his face turned deathly pale.

(End of Chapter)