Immortality Through Array Formations (The Quest for Immortality)

Chapter 959: Planting the Demonic Seed

"Him? On me? Demonic Seed on my Dao Heart?"

The idea was so absurd that Mo Hua had no idea what expression to show—so his face looked even more blank and dazed.

Young Master Xuan nodded slightly, his voice low and seductive, with a trace of hypnosis:

"Do you remember it now?"

Mo Hua nodded slowly, like a fool.

"Repeat it," said Young Master Xuan.

Mo Hua replied,

"From this day forth, you are my master, and I am your servant."

"I shall obey your every command."

"If you will me to live, I shall live. If you will me to die, I shall die…"

As soon as these words came out, Young Master Xuan froze for a second—his heart suddenly rising with a strange irritation.

He told him to repeat it, but not like that!

With the way Mo Hua said it… who's the master again?

Young Master Xuan frowned.

"Why's it like this? Did something go wrong with the Demonic Seed?"

"The other two were fine—no problems at all…"

"Unless… is his divine sense unusually strong, or is he too clever, so he's resisting the seed?"

Young Master Xuan looked at Mo Hua again.

That guess didn't seem impossible.

He raised the three-part bone talisman again and waved it in front of Mo Hua, reciting the demonic oath once more.

After reciting it, Mo Hua's gaze dimmed.

He looked as though he was processing, absorbing, studying something.

After a moment, he turned to Young Master Xuan—his gaze deep and strangely grey—and repeated word by word:

"These words are Dao, transforming into the Demonic Seed, planted within your heart—eternal, indestructible…"

Young Master Xuan paused briefly.

Something felt off.

Then Mo Hua continued, voice low:

"I shall obey your every command…"

"I shall obey your every command."

Young Master Xuan's mind finally settled, and he nodded, relieved.

"It worked."

"Turns out, for clever little brats like this, once isn't enough—you gotta plant the seed twice."

Now that he'd planted the Demonic Seed in Mo Hua, this boy was his to command—live or die by his word.

That thought nestled comfortably in his mind.

"Come with me."

Young Master Xuan turned and began walking forward, chin high in arrogance.

Mo Hua followed behind him with a blank, glassy stare—but inwardly, his thoughts were whirling.

This guy… really knows the Dao Heart Demonic Seed technique?

Why?

Was he connected to his martial uncle?

Unlikely…

This Young Master Xuan didn't seem like he had received his martial uncle's legacy at all.

Even a thousandth of his uncle's skill would've had these Gold Core-level demon cultivators slaughtering each other already.

If it wasn't from his martial uncle, then this must be the traditional Demonic Seed technique of the Demonic Path.

Mo Hua had researched it a bit before.

He knew that the original "Dao Heart Demonic Seed" wasn't his martial uncle's signature move—it came from an ancient demonic sect called Illusion Demon Sect, and was their core legacy.

The Illusion Demon Sect's version was tricky, sinister, venomous to the soul, and feared by cultivators—but honestly, it wasn't considered top-tier.

But his martial uncle's version?

Completely different.

Walking the Path of Trickery and Divination, honored as the "Trickster Daoist", his martial uncle's version was deeply fused with heaven's secrets—unique and unparalleled.

And apparently, far stronger than the original Illusion Demon version.

Exactly how much stronger, no one knew.

Because whoever got hit by the Trickster Daoist's seed technique… didn't live to talk about it.

Mo Hua still remembered clearly—outside Licheng's Ten Thousand Demons Hall, so many Gold Cores and even three Ascension-Stage demonic cultivators… not a single one dared make a sound.

One seed planted in the crowd…

People dropped like flies.

Mo Hua pondered for a moment.

Young Master Xuan's version seemed to rely on some evil artifact—that three-skull amber token—to confuse the target's mind.

It also required chanting a specific demonic incantation.

But this chant was a bit clunky—sometimes once wasn't enough; you had to chant it twice. A bit… slow.

Martial Uncle wouldn't have needed any of this.

He could implant a demonic seed with just a glance.

Sometimes even a word, a passing thought, or just a name could be the "seed."

His martial uncle was just that terrifying.

That's why Mo Hua had secretly studied his arts in the first place.

Young Master Xuan? Nowhere near that level.

But still, his martial uncle's technique was called Dao Heart Demonic Seed—so it probably evolved from this Illusion Demon Sect version.

Since he couldn't learn his martial uncle's version now, maybe he should start with this weaker one, study it from Young Master Xuan?

"That might actually work… and besides…"

Mo Hua's eyes swept across the Divine Temple.

Though it looked grand and magnificent, this place was sealed with thousands of corpses—it definitely held great danger.

Who knew what lay ahead?

He was just a Foundation Establishment cultivator, tagging along with a bunch of Gold Core demons.

The risk was astronomical.

Forget the late-stage commander, even that bear demon, or the black-robed elder—or even just Young Master Xuan alone—any one of them could squash him like a bug in direct combat.

If he slipped up and exposed himself, suspicion would follow—and death soon after.

In that case… maybe it's better to offer up a "weakness," play the role of a puppet, make them lower their guard.

Mo Hua glanced again at the back of Young Master Xuan, and his eyes flickered darkly:

"Of all the things to use… you dared use Demonic Seed on me?"

Suddenly, Young Master Xuan felt a chill run down his spine. He whipped around—only to see Mo Hua still following behind, eyes dull, expression blank, looking every bit the simple-minded fool.

Young Master Xuan frowned, puzzled again.

But before the suspicion could take root, Mo Hua's earlier words and chants echoed in his mind.

After a brief pause, Young Master Xuan relaxed.

"The Dao Heart Demonic Seed, used on a mere Foundation Establishment brat—how could it possibly fail?"

"This little guy's already my toy…"

He nodded, satisfied, and turned back around.

The golden Divine Temple was majestic and vast, with towering columns and winding corridors.

It was hard to navigate—but Young Master Xuan walked with purpose, as if he knew the way.

He led Mo Hua through many grand halls and golden platforms, finally arriving at another anteroom.

Inside were shadows of several people—the Gold Core demon cultivators had all arrived.

Even Boss Hui and Stone were there.

But both of them were standing there with vacant expressions, completely dazed—clearly victims of the Demonic Seed too.

Judging by the looks of it, Young Master Xuan had done it to them as well.

"Everyone's here," said Young Master Xuan.

The black-robed elder gave a slight nod, then looked at Mo Hua.

"That kid too? You planted a seed?"

"Of course," Young Master Xuan replied, glancing at Mo Hua.

"I did it for his own good…"

"Once the demonic seed takes hold, they become puppets—dull and mindless. They can't hear a word we say. That way, there's even a chance I'll let him live afterward. Otherwise, if he hears anything about the temple's secrets, he's dead for sure."

"And that kid may look naive—but he's actually very clever. If I didn't plant the seed, I wouldn't feel safe."

"That's fine," the black-robed elder nodded again, then glanced at him meaningfully.

"You seem quite fond of this kid?"

Young Master Xuan laughed,

"I've been needing a servant to pour tea—one with a pretty face. He's just right."

The black-robed elder said no more.

Young Master Xuan then looked at the Shen family's Shen Qingsheng, still being held by the elder.

"And what about him? Bringing him too?"

The black-robed elder nodded.

"The Shen family won't let this go. He's a bargaining chip."

"Makes sense," said Young Master Xuan.

"It's getting late. Let's go."

"Mm." Young Master Xuan nodded. Then his expression grew solemn, though his lips curled with a faint, cryptic smile.

"After braving countless perils, we've finally reached this step. I hope the Second Elder and the Third Prince won't let me down."

The black-robed elder said nothing and took the lead.

The Demon Sect commander followed close behind, striding deeper into the divine temple.

Young Master Xuan walked at the rear, leading three "puppets" who had been afflicted with the Dao Heart Demonic Seed—Mo Hua, Boss Hui, and Stone.

The temple's stairway was wide and long, winding upward like a golden-scaled flood dragon, coiling ever higher toward the summit—toward the most majestic and awe-inspiring main hall, standing atop countless silver terraces and golden pavilions.

The journey was lined with ornate beams and painted eaves, golden towers and jade chambers—an overwhelming display of splendor.

As Mo Hua walked up the steps, he felt like a lowly pilgrim on his way to worship a mighty god. Inwardly, he couldn't help muttering:

"Good grief, Huang Shan-jun, you really outdid yourself with this decadent nonsense…"

But he didn't dare look around too much. He stiffened his limbs, acting like a dull puppet, climbing step by step like an obedient wooden doll.

He didn't know how long they walked before a massive plaza appeared ahead.

The square was enormous, built entirely from bright yellow copper ore, gleaming with dazzling golden light.

And across the plaza knelt countless bronze statues, densely packed.

These bronze figures, men and women, old and young, were mostly clothed in rags and bore miserable expressions. All of them knelt devoutly, praying toward the divine temple atop the mountain.

It should've been a solemn and sacred sight—but the black-robed elder felt a cold chill down his spine.

Because this entire golden hall reeked of thick, suffocating Yin energy.

It felt like a vast sea of evil and coldness—bone-deep, oppressive.

The black-robed elder stopped, turned to Boss Hui, and asked Young Master Xuan,

"How many levels deep is your Dao Heart Demonic Seed cultivation?"

Young Master Xuan understood immediately and replied:

"Junior's attainments are shallow. Those afflicted can't use spells or cultivation techniques—just basic bodily instincts. But they can answer questions and carry out simple tasks."

The black-robed elder said,

"Have him take out the Maoshan Jade and measure the Yin presence."

"Understood." Young Master Xuan nodded and commanded Boss Hui:

"Take out the Maoshan Jade."

Sure enough, Boss Hui reached into his storage pouch and retrieved the jade pendant from before.

The jade glowed with a deep green hue, so dark it was nearly black.

Young Master Xuan asked:

"What does this mean?"

Boss Hui replied dully:

"This is… the omen of Great Yin. Boundless resentment."

As soon as he spoke, the mood turned heavy. Everyone's faces darkened.

Mo Hua quietly nodded to himself.

It really was the omen of Great Yin.

He could clearly see it—above the golden plaza filled with kneeling bronze figures, countless wrathful spirits and vengeful ghosts roared and screamed, forming a mass like a dark army pressing down on a city—like storm clouds blotting out the sky. Terrifying.

Unfortunately, none of the others could see it.

The black-robed elder frowned deeply and slowly said,

"This is a divine temple, and also the royal tomb of the Great Wilderness. Gods require worship—and so too do our royal bloodline."

"These bronze statues were made from living people, cast into metal while still alive. They kneel in worship of both gods and royals. In life, they were slaves to imperial power; in death, they became malevolent spirits guarding this tomb and temple."

**"This place of worship is holy ground for the dead—for the living, it's forbidden."

Young Master Xuan's eyes turned sharp.

"Then how do we break through?"

The black-robed elder shook his head faintly.

Young Master Xuan raised a brow.

"This is your Great Wilderness inheritance, isn't it? Wasn't this created by your clan? Elder, you don't know?"

The black-robed elder's murky eyes trembled slightly—suddenly flashing with icy killing intent.

"The one who arranged all this… was a traitor of the Great Wilderness. He… stole our inheritance. He deserves death."

Mo Hua's heart jolted.

A traitor of the Great Wilderness?

Who's he talking about?

Young Master Xuan didn't really care about traitors—he only cared about getting into the temple.

"No other method?"

The elder thought for a moment and said,

"I possess a relic of the Great Wilderness—called the 'Divine Mist Lantern.' It can conceal divine sense and hide us from evil ghosts."

"However…"

He looked out into the distance.

"This plaza is too vast. The evil spirits are thick as clouds, and the path is long. Relying on just the Divine Mist Lantern may not be enough."

Young Master Xuan said,

"Then how about lighting another 'Human Lantern'?"

The elder considered it, then nodded.

"That's the only way."

Young Master Xuan told Boss Hui to take out the golden headband.

The black-robed elder flicked his fingers, sending a wave of cold demonic energy into Shen Qingsheng's meridians, forcibly waking him.

Then he placed the headband onto Shen Qingsheng's head.

That familiar pain surged again—Shen Qingsheng's face went deathly pale as he cried out in terror:

"No—I'll die…!"

The black-robed elder sealed his mouth and nose with blood-colored spiritual power, silencing him completely.

Then he began chanting an ancient, mysterious incantation in the tongue of the Great Wilderness—and lit the Divine Mist Lantern.

A flame flickered to life.

Mist swirled out, enshrouding everyone and concealing their auras.

Mo Hua sensed the fog and thought carefully. He quickly understood.

This lantern was inscribed with the Divine Mist Formation. Once activated, it created fog to obscure divine sense.

Evil spirits, being creatures of divine awareness, would also be fooled.

Mo Hua was surprised.

This lantern could seamlessly integrate with a formation—that was some masterful craftsmanship. It likely used the Great Wilderness's ancient artifact-forging techniques.

The Great Wilderness legacy was indeed exceptional.

Under the lantern's shroud, they moved across the plaza.

All around were the bronze-cast humans; overhead, clouds of evil spirits loomed. For the moment, all was quiet.

But as they continued forward, stronger spirits began to sense something strange and crept closer, trying to peer through the mist.

The black-robed elder glanced at Young Master Xuan.

He got the message. Imitating Boss Hui, he lit the Human Lantern atop Shen Qingsheng's head.

Once again, Shen Qingsheng's sea of consciousness began to burn.

His divine sense turned to smoke and spread upward—drawing the evil spirits' attention away.

Young Master Xuan and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

And so, under the protection of the mist and the baiting of the Human Lantern, they moved steadily forward.

Shen Qingsheng was used like a living candle, burning all the way.

But his spiritual sense wasn't very strong. After being lit once before, this second time nearly drained him dry.

His head felt like it had been stabbed by a thousand needles.

Soon, his eyes rolled back—and he fainted.

Young Master Xuan checked his breath and flipped his eyelids, then shook his head.

"He's almost squeezed dry. Light him up again and he's done for."

Shen Qingsheng still had value. The black-robed elder didn't want him dead—at least, not yet.

But now that the Human Lantern had gone out, the Yin aura thickened again.

And sure enough, without a decoy, powerful ghosts began probing the mist.

The black-robed elder said coldly: "Switch to the next one."

Young Master Xuan nodded.

So, the golden circlet lamp was placed atop Boss Hui's head.

Boss Hui had spent his life lighting others up—he probably never imagined that one day, his own head would be the one set ablaze.

The human lamp ignited again, divine sense turning to drifting smoke.

Boss Hui was a Golden Core cultivator, with stronger divine sense than Shen Qingsheng.

But unexpectedly, his divine sense smoke was even more chaotic than Shen Qingsheng's—likely because he was older, with a cluttered mind and excessive greed.

Worse yet, he'd been bitten by a corpse wraith—his divine sense was already tainted with filth.

As a result, the smoke from his burning divine sense wasn't all that appetizing to the ghosts—not all of them were willing to "feast" on it, so the effectiveness was naturally diminished.

Still, he was sturdier due to his cultivation, and thus burned longer.

They walked quite a distance before his divine sense began showing signs of depletion.

"Switch again," said the black-robed elder.

Next, the human lamp was placed on Stone.

Stone's divine sense was far cleaner than Boss Hui's. His thoughts were simpler, his desires not as heavy.

However, he was a body cultivator—a bit dull, not much of a thinker.

So the smoke from his burning divine sense had a bland flavor to it.

But with the Divine Mist Lantern concealing them, the quality of the "human lamp" didn't matter as much. As long as it lit, it worked.

And so, the group continued their slow march across the golden worship ground.

No one knew how long they had been walking, but in the distance, the towering Temple of the Divine was now visible to the naked eye. The Great Wilderness Royal Tomb seemed almost within reach.

But just then, Stone's divine sense was nearly burned out. His human lamp was about to flicker out.

There was still a short distance to go before they could leave the forbidden zone.

Shen Qingsheng, Boss Hui, and Stone had all been used.

Only Mo Hua remained.

None of these demonic cultivators would ever use their own divine sense as fuel.

But Mo Hua…

Young Master Xuan hesitated.

He still had big plans for Mo Hua. If he really used him as a lamp, and fried his brain, he'd lose a perfectly good servant.

Even the black-robed elder was hesitant.

But seeing that the current lamp was dying and there were no other options, he finally said,

"Light him."

"…Alright."

Young Master Xuan thought for a moment, then nodded. He removed the golden circlet from Stone's head and reached toward Mo Hua.

Mo Hua wanted to resist, but didn't dare move.

After all, he was supposed to be a mindless puppet under the Dao Heart Demonic Seed—he couldn't show any signs of self-awareness.

Besides, he was surrounded by Golden Core demonic cultivators, each more powerful than the last.

"Fine, light me up if you want…"

At most, it was just a bit of divine sense being drained—not a big deal.

He was used to divine sense injuries, depletion, and even total exhaustion. Having some drawn out wouldn't kill him.

So he stood stiffly like a statue, allowing Young Master Xuan to place the circlet on his forehead.

Then, Young Master Xuan began lighting the lamp.

The lamp glowed for a moment—but nothing happened.

"What's going on?" Young Master Xuan froze.

The black-robed elder frowned.

Mo Hua blinked in confusion, then turned his divine sense inward to investigate—and slowly understood.

His divine sense had been refined and fused with Dao, forged like cast copper and gold. The lamp simply couldn't draw it out.

If the divine sense couldn't be extracted, naturally the lamp couldn't ignite.

Under the scrutiny of the black-robed elder and Young Master Xuan, Mo Hua had no choice but to "go easy."

He voluntarily released a portion of his divine sense, feeding it into the lamp to allow it to burn.

The lamp finally lit—slowly.

"There we go..." Young Master Xuan nodded slightly, breathing a small sigh of relief.

But the very next second—he was stunned again.

The human lamp's light began to grow—brighter and brighter, increasingly dazzling.

A thread of pure golden smoke floated into the air.

Then— The entire sky boomed as if struck by thunder. Winds howled, clouds churned, and the cold, oppressive Yin aura turned into a tsunami of ghostly wrath, surging toward them with terrifying force.

(End of this Chapter)