Immortality Through Array Formations (The Quest for Immortality)

Chapter 624: Leek

Venerable Elder Xun, who knew nothing, didn't even realize what he had just done right in front of Mo Hua…

And yet, when he finished changing the permissions, a faint, inexplicable tremor rose in his heart.

It was subtle—fleeting—but it was there.

Venerable Elder Xun paused in confusion:

"I didn't even do anything... so why do I feel so... unsettled?"

All he did was adjust a permission for this kid Mo Hua. That shouldn't violate the sect rules or ancestral teachings, right?

Besides, some of those ancestral teachings were written by him in the first place…

"Could there be... some other reason?"

But no matter how much he thought about it, it all slipped away, like mist dispersing into nothingness.

What had been secretly learned, had already been learned.

Because the effect had already been set into motion.

Venerable Elder Xun furrowed his brow, pondered for a moment, and after checking himself several times inwardly, silently let out a breath of relief.

This probably… has nothing to do with the Great Void Sect…

Then I won't concern myself with it!

"Matters of other sects… us old fogies shouldn't meddle anyway…"

With that comforting thought, Venerable Elder Xun brushed it aside.

He turned around to return the Great Void Token to Mo Hua—only to suddenly pause.

Mo Hua's fair little face was lit with excitement. His eyes sparkled like the stars in the sky, twinkling with joy.

Elder Xun was taken aback.

This kid… figured something out again?

But I didn't even teach him anything...?

All I did was change a permission. What could he possibly have learned from that?

Elder Xun furrowed his brow tightly, deeply puzzled.

"Take good care of your Great Void Token," Venerable Elder Xun instructed.

Mo Hua snapped out of his excitement, quickly nodded, and replied, "Mhm, I will!" Then happily accepted the token and tucked it away with a big smile.

"What is this kid even so happy about…?"

Venerable Elder Xun couldn't help muttering inwardly.

The permission was changed, and what shouldn't have been learned had already been learned. Mo Hua bowed and turned to leave.

"Right…" Venerable Elder Xun suddenly remembered something. "You've accumulated quite a few contribution points, haven't you?"

When he was adjusting the Great Void Token earlier, he had accidentally noticed that it contained over a hundred contribution points.

Introductory sect missions usually awarded only a few points.

Over a hundred points—that must've taken a long time to earn.

Who knows how many formation scrolls he had drawn… how many stairways he'd swept… how many times he'd watched the mountain gate…

Mo Hua nodded. "Yes! I worked really hard to save them up!"

In recent days, the number of rogue cultivators he had either captured or eliminated under the Dao Tribunal was enough to form a proper roster.

If those sinners walked the Yellow Springs, they'd form a full squad on the road to the underworld.

He had earned over a thousand contribution points!

He bought six second-grade, sixteen-pattern formations, and still hadn't spent it all!

Mo Hua looked extremely pleased with himself.

Elder Xun nodded slightly and praised him:

"Not bad. Keep it up."

Mo Hua replied confidently,

"Don't worry, Elder. I will!"

After bidding farewell to Venerable Elder Xun and returning to his quarters, Mo Hua couldn't wait to start studying how to "tamper with"—no, "modify"—permissions.

Modifying permissions!

This was the real-world application of Secondary Thunder Runes (次雷纹).

Before, when Mo Hua deduced and collected these runes, he had gathered quite a few, but he didn't really understand their principles or true purpose.

Now, thanks to the kindly Elder Xun, he had been pointed in the right direction.

In his mind, he replayed Elder Xun's process of modifying the Great Void Token over and over, extracting and summarizing key insights:

First: Mastery of Secondary Thunder Runes

Simply hoarding a "library" of secondary thunder runes wasn't enough. One had to deeply understand them and truly grasp their usage.

Previously, Mo Hua had been making educated guesses—picking runes at random to try and unlock or decode something.

That was like collecting a bunch of "keys" and gambling on which one opened which lock.

Granted, his "luck" was backed by deep formation knowledge, extremely intricate calculations, and the dual methods of Heavenly Pattern Deduction and Spiritual Insight.

But it was still a brute-force method.

From a formation perspective, it lacked finesse.

Now, however, Elder Xun had demonstrated a brand new method:

Master the Secondary Thunder Runes to reverse-engineer the Indeterminate Magnetic Runes, rewrite the Fixed Magnetic Patterns, and reconstruct the underlying formation to alter core permissions.

It wasn't just unlocking someone else's door. It was rewriting the lock itself.

Turning someone else's house into your own, from the inside out.

After rewriting the lock, the base runes changed, the permissions changed—

Who the "owner" of this formation was became… unclear.

And who could or couldn't enter? That now depended entirely on Mo Hua's will.

At the heart of this was the subtle, hidden, but fundamental linkage between magnetic runes: the secondary thunder flow—the Secondary Thunder Runes.

Second: Magnetic Rune Structure

To use secondary thunder runes to modify magnetic runes, he had to learn many types of Primordial Magnetic Formations, mastering both fixed and indeterminate magnetic rune structures.

That way, in the future, when altering formations using secondary thunder runes, he would know how to change them, what to change them into, and what the outcome would be.

Third: Magnetic Formation Cores (阵枢)

This part still puzzled Mo Hua.

His current knowledge of primordial magnetic formations didn't yet involve formation cores, so he didn't fully understand how to apply them.

But based on Elder Xun's earlier hints, Mo Hua deduced that all large-scale primordial magnetic arrays had multiple magnetic terminals governed by layered formation cores.

The control over permissions depended entirely on these cores.

When it came to unlocking or decoding inheritance jade slips, those only used single magnetic formations, so cores weren't involved.

But Transcription Tokens, Great Void Tokens, and other such tools?

Totally different level.

However, those required seventeen-pattern arrays or higher.

Mo Hua could only wait until his divine sense grew strong enough to study those high-level formations and gradually comprehend them…

Mo Hua organized his thoughts:

From Secondary Thunder Runes,

To dual-rule magnetic patterns,

To hierarchical magnetic formation cores…

This was the "step-by-step guide" Elder Xun had so kindly demonstrated:

A structured, layered application path of Thunder-Magnetic Formations, starting from Secondary Thunder Runes.

Mo Hua silently expressed his gratitude to Elder Xun and made a study plan for himself:

Next step: Learn more Primordial Magnetic Arrays

Accumulate more Secondary Thunder Runes

Begin initial attempts to modify magnetic runes using secondary runes

Once divine sense strengthens, study seventeen-pattern formations

Eventually study compound arrays with core structures

Once magnetic patterns became second nature, formation cores were well-understood, and secondary runes flowed like an extension of his own will…

Then he could truly delve into the massive Thunder-Magnetic Arrays integrated into the sect's contribution point system!

Become the "shadow" who steals secrets from the flow of magnetic threads.

Become the "master" who rules the thunder and magnetic locks.

Once he could crack those arrays, his authority would surpass even the formation cores at the heart of every array!

All the secrets of the Qianxue Region's sects would fall into his grasp.

Mo Hua delighted in the fantasy.

Though for now, it was just that—a fantasy.

He had only just reached Foundation Establishment, had only just begun studying the sixteen-pattern Beacon Primordial Magnetic Array. That lofty goal was still far, far away…

You eat a meal one bite at a time;

You learn formations one pattern at a time.

Strengthening divine sense couldn't be rushed either.

Mo Hua calmed himself and resumed his habitual studies, analyzing and recording Secondary Thunder Runes.

But now that he had a mental framework, his learning was no longer blind.

His intuition toward these runes had deepened.

Each rune now seemed to come alive, forming subtle connections with his divine sense.

Mo Hua could almost sense that in the complex patterns and faint magnetic flows around the runes, there were obscure, hidden Laws of the Dao.

And those laws… were beginning to resonate slowly with his own divine will.

Profound. Mysterious.

The only issue was—his divine sense still wasn't strong enough.

There were so many things he wanted to learn—but he just couldn't.

His sixteen-pattern divine sense, while already far superior to others in his generation and realm, still wasn't enough.

When it came to advanced spiritual calculations and high-tier formation theory, sixteen-pattern divine sense—even with qualitative change—was barely holding together.

He simply didn't have enough divine power to study deeper formation theory.

But divine sense growth is like a stream—slow, steady—eventually forming a river. It cannot be rushed.

Mo Hua sighed.

Without any "extra meals" (external boosts), he could only quietly endure—studying formations, tempering his divine sense slowly…

...

About half a month later, at midnight.

Mo Hua lay slumped over his desk, having finished his studies for the day. He had just completed a few lessons on Eight Trigram Arrays and was about to enter his consciousness to simulate Primordial Magnetic Arrays and deduce more Secondary Thunder Runes when—

He paused.

He sensed movement next door.

It was a subtle, cold, and eerie sensation.

It was as if some demonic karmic force was quietly taking root… grotesque spirits, drooling and twisted, slowly descending from the ceiling, upside down…

Mo Hua's eyes lit up.

"The leeks… they've sprouted!"

He immediately stood up—and the moment he opened his door, he bumped into Wenren Wei.

Wenren Wei, tall and broad-shouldered, was standing just outside, looking grave and somewhat hesitant—clearly unsure whether or not to disturb Mo Hua.

Seeing him come out, Wenren Wei was a little surprised, then cupped his hands and said:

"Young Master Mo… Young Master Yu seems to be having a nightmare again…"

Mo Hua nodded, then emphasized once more:

"I'm not from a noble family. No need to call me 'Young Master.'"

Wenren Wei nodded respectfully, "Understood."

But his serious expression clearly said: I'll agree out loud, but I'm not changing what I call you.

Mo Hua gave up arguing and went to check on Yu'er.

Yu'er's room was warm and cozy, with a screen dividing it. Wenren Wei lived on the outer side, while Yu'er stayed inside.

His bed was soft and clean, with a plush blanket. A scenic folding screen stood nearby, and a calming incense burner gave off a gentle fragrance.

Visually, everything seemed peaceful and serene.

But on the bed, Yu'er was frowning deeply, arms and legs flailing—clearly terrified in his sleep.

Wenren Wei looked worried. He could sense something was wrong but didn't know what.

Mo Hua looked up—his pupils deepened.

And in that moment, he saw causal threads in the void, thick black water seeping from the ceiling…

And countless demon arms and claws, like leeks, sprouting from the cracks in space…

Mo Hua subconsciously licked his lips, then said to Wenren Wei:

"Uncle Wei, you go rest outside. I'll keep an eye on him."

Wenren Wei was momentarily stunned. "Young Master Mo, this…"

"It's fine."

Mo Hua smiled and sat on a meditation cushion next to Yu'er, calmly placing himself between Yu'er and the demonic presence.

His face was relaxed—almost eager.

Like someone waiting at a banquet… for the next dish to be served.

Wenren Wei frowned, hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands:

"Then I'll trouble you, Young Master Mo."

He moved outside, eyes sharp as he surveyed the area. At the same time, he left a wisp of his divine sense to monitor the room.

His heart was uneasy.

He'd heard of Yu'er's condition before, but this was his first time seeing it for himself.

It truly was bizarre. Yu'er looked like he was tormented by some evil force in his dreams.

Yet Wenren Wei—despite scanning with divine sense—could see nothing.

As if it existed only in the realm of cause and effect, in the gap between reality and illusion.

Even with his late-stage Golden Core cultivation, he couldn't detect a thing…

But that young Mo cultivator had clearly "seen" something.

What sort of twisted force was this…?

Why can't someone like me see it, but a mere Foundation Establishment junior can?

Wenren Wei's expression turned solemn, his heart full of doubt.

And at that moment—the atmosphere inside the room suddenly changed.

Wenren Wei sensed something… a great, furious presence, radiating malicious intent, stirring a wind of evil energy.

Then came a moment of blurriness—

And he saw the young Mo cultivator's face turn pale. A shadow crossed his features, and he slowly closed his eyes…

As if he had used his own body as a shield… to block something vile for Yu'er.

Wenren Wei's heart shook. He looked at Mo Hua with newfound respect.

"For someone so young… to have such selfless courage and righteous heart—it's truly rare…"

...

Mo Hua opened his eyes in the sea of consciousness.

What greeted him was the same as always—

Black water spreading. Twisted demons. Hideous, grotesque grins. A hellish and chaotic realm filled with evil and madness.

When the demons and ghouls saw Mo Hua's spiritual projection—so "young," so "pure"—they all licked their lips with greed.

In their eyes, Mo Hua was just a tasty little appetizer.

But very quickly… Mo Hua showed them who was really the appetizer.

He gave a cold smile. With a flick of his finger—like a merciless judge delivering a verdict—he swung an invisible iron brush and sentenced those demons to death.

A grand formation burst forth.

Crimson runes lit up across the ground, tangled and wild like burning magma.

Jagged cliffs rose around them, forming a prison.

The array turned into blazing flames that burned, trapped, and refined the horde of demons alive.

Then Mo Hua opened his mouth and casually swallowed the refined essence whole.

After eating, he smacked his lips with slight disappointment. He searched the surrounding area for a while… but his face fell.

The thick demonic energy and black water had made him think there might be some horned enforcer hiding—like a ram-horn or ox-horn demon general.

If so, he could've enjoyed some nice, golden spiritual marrow to boost his divine sense.

But alas—there was nothing.

Only low-level trash demons good for filling the stomach, not the mind.

"I wonder when the horned enforcers will show up…"

Mo Hua shook his head and exited his consciousness. When he opened his eyes, the darkness on his face had vanished, and the pale hue gave way to a healthy, rosy glow.

His eyes gleamed with renewed spirit—divine sense revitalized.

Wenren Wei, who had been watching the whole time, was stunned. Shock flickered in his eyes.

"What in the world… just happened?"

He'd been watching carefully. Just moments ago, this little Mo fellow had been deathly pale, his brow shadowed with ominous energy. Yet in a short time, it had all vanished like snow under hot water.

Wenren Wei was dazed.

Could it be… this child truly was a body immune to all evil, a child of fate, as the young lady had said? The one destined to bring blessings to Young Master Yu?

Mo Hua glanced at Yu'er. Seeing that the child now slept peacefully without fear, he gently tucked in the blanket, stood up, and walked over to Wenren Wei.

"Uncle Wei, it should be fine now. I'll head back."

Wenren Wei couldn't hide the amazement in his eyes. He cupped his hands solemnly.

"Thank you, Young Master Mo."

As Mo Hua turned to leave, Wenren Wei suddenly called out to him. After a moment of silence, he said:

"If you ever need anything, Young Master Mo—just say the word."

Mo Hua was surprised but didn't turn down the goodwill. He smiled:

"Thank you, Uncle Wei."

Back in his room, Mo Hua returned to meditation.

He had eaten a lot—so he needed to "digest."

He sat still, focused his heart, and cleared away stray thoughts. The strands of demonic spiritual energy he had consumed were gradually refined and absorbed.

And with it, his divine sense grew stronger—a gain equivalent to a month's worth of array grinding.

He was still far from reaching the seventeenth-pattern, but this kind of "accidental harvest" was nothing to scoff at…

"If only I had this kind of meal every day…"

Mo Hua couldn't help but think.

Then he shook his head, chuckling at himself for being greedy.

Once in a while was nice. But daily meals?

"Demons aren't actual 'leeks'…"

Even if they were, no crop could grow a new batch every single day.

Mo Hua returned to his cultivation, focusing his mind—but as he meditated, the scene of the demon invasion resurfaced in his mind.

The twisted void patterns… the karmic chains… the oozing black water…

Mo Hua furrowed his brow and muttered:

"Who sent those demons… and how are they using karmic chains to send them to Yu'er?"

He thought for a moment—and suddenly, his eyes lit up.

"If I could figure out how they're controlling those demons…"

"Could I… maybe hijack it? Redirect them to send more?"

"And maybe… not send them to Yu'er at all?"

"He's just a little kid. Getting scared every night. Poor guy."

"Just send them to me instead."

"I don't need sleep. I can keep them company all night."

Clack-clack-clack—you could practically hear the sound of Mo Hua's mental abacus.

He silently made a mental note.

If he had the time later, he'd definitely investigate the karmic spell involved—and change the address.

"Demons and evil spirits are dangerous. You can't just keep having the neighbor accept your deliveries."

"They should come straight to me. One stop service. Right to my door."

Mo Hua nodded to himself, fully convinced of the logic.

Meanwhile—just moments earlier…

In the restricted back mountain of the Great Void Sect.

Within the solemn Sword Tombs nestled in the cliffs…

An old man with a skeletal frame and a beard that touched the ground opened his eyes.

It was as if chaos had just parted, as the Great Void swirled in his pupils. A single flash of sword light burst forth—carrying a boundless, overwhelming presence.

"What wicked creature dares show itself in Great Void territory?"

He snapped his fingers, invoking heaven's secrets, ready to trace the cause and sever the evil.

But the moment he began his deduction—he frowned.

"Gone…"

"It disappeared…"

"Was it… eaten?"

The old man was stunned.

"Since when… did our Great Void Sect raise a divine beast that feeds on evil spirits?"

(End of Chapter)