Chapter 855 – Called Out
"You actually know the art of Meditation?"
Xiao Magistrate's voice trembled slightly with disbelief.
Mo Hua was a little surprised. He'd only mentioned it offhand, yet the ever poker-faced Xiao Magistrate actually reacted this strongly—almost lost his composure.
Then he recalled what his master once told him about the secrets of the Meditation Technique and began to understand why.
Meditation was an incredibly obscure cultivation art.
Few studied it, fewer practiced it, and even fewer reached any meaningful level of mastery.
Over the long course of a cultivator's life, amidst the mundane world of fame, love, revenge, and desire, maintaining a calm heart and continuously practicing Meditation was rarer than rare.
Even Mo Hua's master once said that as he aged, as his experiences grew and impurities gathered in his heart, his own skill in Meditation had severely declined.
Which meant the art of Meditation had likely all but faded from common inheritance.
Most cultivators honed their bodies, not their minds; trained their spiritual power, not their Dao heart. Naturally, they wouldn't bother learning something like Meditation.
But cultivators like Water Yama and Xiao Magistrate were different.
They cultivated Slaughter Qi, and worse yet, did it through demonic and taboo methods.
Which meant that any moment of mental instability could cause a backlash from their own inner darkness.
Even Fire Buddha likely suffered from this.
He killed indiscriminately, yet still pretended to practice Buddhist techniques—precisely to temper his mind and suppress the backlash of Slaughter Qi.
So, for people like them, the "Meditation Technique" was vital.
Of course, Mo Hua felt that given their demonic hearts—relying on slaughter to strengthen their Slaughter Qi—even if he taught them, they might not truly be able to comprehend it.
Buddhism could say, "Lay down the butcher's knife, become a Buddha on the spot," as a way to fool one's conscience and offer peace of mind to murderers.
But Meditation doesn't play games like that.
It requires looking directly into one's own heart. What's there is what's there.
These people likely couldn't handle facing their own guilt.
Xiao, of course, didn't know all that. His expression grew tense, his breathing heavy, and in a trembling voice he said:
"You… Young Lord, could you… teach me the Meditation Technique?"
Mo Hua shook his head.
What, was he stupid?
Xiao's lips quivered, his face even twisted slightly.
He clearly wanted to threaten Mo Hua—but held back. He knew this kind of art had to be shared willingly.
Meditation was about profound truth in simple words.
Every line, every phrase carried meaning.
If the teacher held resentment, and added or omitted even one word, the result could be disastrously wrong.
This wasn't something you could force. It had to be coaxed.
Xiao narrowed his eyes and asked, "Young Lord, then what do you want? Cultivation techniques? Dao arts? Women? I can get you whatever you desire."
"That girl from Hundred Flowers Valley—do you like her? If you do, I'll help make it happen, right here in this Bone Maze."
He assumed Mo Hua, though pure of heart, was still young and full of blood. He might not fully understand romance but would surely have unspoken feelings.
Especially since before coming to Dragon King Temple, Mo Hua had visited Rouge Boat, where the mists stirred up desire. Surely some wants had been seeded in his heart…
But Mo Hua wasn't falling for that.
And there was no way he'd do anything to hurt Senior Sister Qianqian.
He thought for a moment, then his eyes lit up: "I can teach you the Meditation Technique—but you have to let me see what's inside the Water Prison Forbidden Casket."
Xiao froze, expression chilling.
Mo Hua continued, "Just let me take a peek. I'm curious what's sealed inside."
Xiao's eyes darkened. After a pause, he slowly smiled, eyes narrowing. "Just a look? That won't do. If you teach me the Meditation Technique, once the casket is opened, I'll let you learn the method inside—but only up to the second level, up to Foundation Establishment."
Mo Hua's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Xiao nodded. "I wouldn't lie to you, Young Lord."
Yeah right.
I trust you as far as I can throw a mountain.
Mo Hua thought silently.
He hesitated for effect, then nodded. "Fine. But—we have to leave the Dragon King Temple first. Otherwise, I won't feel safe."
Mo Hua nodded again and confirmed, "Once we're out, we make the trade—you show me what's in the casket, and I'll teach you the Meditation Technique."
Xiao silently stared at him.
Mo Hua returned his gaze, calm and unflinching.
His eyes were clear as spring water, seemingly so pure they reflected Xiao's own face.
Xiao's gaze deepened. "…Fine. It's a deal."
The two had reached a tentative agreement.
After that, Xiao no longer avoided Mo Hua. He turned to Water Yama and said:
"Infuse the Water Prison Technique's spiritual power into your blood essence. Use the method I taught you and irrigate the casket."
Water Yama hesitated. "My technique might not be strong enough…"
"It's enough," Xiao said with finality. "We don't have much time. That casket must be opened before we leave the temple—any longer and things might go wrong."
Seeing Water Yama still hesitant, Xiao added, "Don't worry. You work for me, I won't shortchange you. The inheritance inside—you'll get a share."
Water Yama's heart burned with anticipation. He clenched his teeth. "Yes, sir."
Then he began to sit cross-legged and channel his spiritual power, guiding it to his heart meridian. Once the power merged with a drop of heart blood, he moved it into his arm, then took out a dagger, sliced open his flesh, and poured the blood onto the Forbidden Casket.
The Water Prison Forbidden Casket came alive, absorbing the blood.
The prison sigils on it—especially the ones tied to Blood Prison Eye Technique—grew a deeper, bloodier red.
Mo Hua, watching silently, was stunned.
So this is how it's opened…
No wonder the Yin Water Sect got exterminated. This was some seriously shady legacy.
He didn't understand the full mechanics—only the surface. Watching too long got boring.
He yawned, lowered his eyelids, and pretended to fall asleep.
Xiao glanced at him, but didn't say anything—he was fully focused on Water Yama.
Of course, Mo Hua wasn't really sleeping.
Thanks to the mysterious Dao Monument, he barely needed sleep anymore.
He was simply resting his mind, considering the bigger picture.
The altar was hidden deep within Dragon King Temple.
But unlike the ones in Demon Cave of Bì Mountain or the small Fishing Boat, this one had clearly been around for a very long time.
It fed off desire—like that stirred on Rouge Boat between men and women—and was protected by the massive Dragon King Temple.
Which meant this altar was crucial.
With his own abilities, sneaking into this temple was nearly impossible. Getting close to the altar? Even less likely.
The temple was huge. Its buildings interwoven.
The temple guardians were dead. Mister Wu had turned into a monster.
The main gate was sealed. The inner hall was an ocean of blood—with a maze underneath.
The maze was crawling with blood corpses.
Layer after layer of danger—he couldn't have made it here alone.
So, he needed others to do the work and take the risks for him.
It was dangerous work.
Senior Brother Feng and Sister Qianqian weren't strong enough yet.
Uncle Gu and Magistrate Xia were powerful, but… they were his people.
And as everyone knows, secret realm expeditions are hard on your party members.
Letting Uncle Gu and Xia take those risks? Mo Hua couldn't bear it.
Which made Xiao Magistrate and his crew the perfect candidates.
Truthfully, without Xie Liu to open the path, Water Yama to open the gate, and Xiao Magistrate to help fight Mister Wu, he probably wouldn't have made it this far.
Still, even though things were mostly going to plan, there were surprises.
The biggest surprise?
Xiao Magistrate himself.
Mo Hua never expected him to be this strong.
His techniques—spells, movement, even Blood and Water Prison arts—were clearly part of the core legacy of the Yin Water Sect.
These weren't things any disciple could learn—only a sect master.
Which meant Xiao had likely been the true heir to the sect before its fall.
Even across all of Qianxue Province, few Golden Core cultivators could claim that level of access.
So if Uncle Gu and Magistrate Xia lost to him—it made sense.
Uncle Gu was a direct heir of the Gu Clan, yes—but not a favored one. He studied core techniques, but likely lacked the true inner legacy.
Same for Magistrate Xia.
She was of the main Xia bloodline, but so were many others. Her inheritance couldn't compare to the legacy of a full-fledged sect master.
And Xiao wasn't just powerful—he was devious.
The classic smiling tiger. Always hiding his strength. Every technique he used was revealed only at the most critical moments, catching Uncle Gu and Xia off guard.
No wonder they lost.
Really… you couldn't blame them.
Still, Xiao's performance had taught Mo Hua something important:
Keep your trump cards hidden—only play them when they count. That's how you land a real blow.
As expected—every companion can be a teacher.
Even Xiao had traits worth learning.
Thinking this, Mo Hua, eyes closed and pretending to sleep, couldn't help but nod slightly.
Xiao, sitting beside him, blinked in confusion.
Seeing the "sleeping" Mo Hua nodding in his dreams, Xiao couldn't help but feel uneasy.
This brat… did he just have another breakthrough or something?
So sharp, so cunning… Where had he learned all this scheming from…?
...
This place was too dangerous to linger in. After everyone rested and tended to their wounds, they once again set out.
This place is no longer safe to linger.
After a brief rest and some time to recover from their injuries, the group set off once more.
Mo Hua had already "woken up," so Water Yama no longer needed to carry him. Instead, Mo Hua walked on his own, bound in a Spirit-Binding Chain, following behind Xiao Magistrate.
When Magistrate Xia, Gu Changhuai, Ouyang Feng, and Hua Qianqian saw him, they all breathed a collective sigh of relief.
Hua Qianqian asked, "Junior Brother Mo, are you alright?"
"Mm-hmm." Mo Hua nodded. "Don't worry, Senior Sister. I'm fine."
Only then did Hua Qianqian's heart settle.
"Alright, enough chit-chat," said Xiao Magistrate. "What we need to do now is figure out a way to get out of here."
Everyone understood the situation. They didn't linger on the reunion and instead continued wandering through the bone maze, trying to avoid the endless blood corpses and find a way out.
When they reached a fork in the path, Xiao Magistrate looked left and right, furrowed his brow, thought for a moment, and then began moving to the right.
But Mo Hua suddenly spoke: "Go left."
Xiao Magistrate paused, his expression darkening, and turned to look at Mo Hua.
Mo Hua replied calmly, "The exit is to the left."
Xiao's eyes narrowed. "And how would you know that?"
Mo Hua figured it was time to stop hiding his capabilities.
The time was about right—he had already seen the altar, entered the maze, and forced out most of "Mister Wu's" tricks. There was no need to drag things out further.
It was time to close the net.
He said, "My Grandmaster taught me a set of formation techniques—specialized in puzzle formations. It includes maze layouts, directional alignments, formation shifts, and more…"
"This Bone Maze contains a hidden puzzle formation, embedded with blood sacrifice corpse-rearing arrays. If you follow the formation's flow, you can discern the maze's structure and safely find the exit…"
Half-truths, half-lies—Mo Hua explained it with absolute confidence.
Xiao didn't fully understand, but he was still shaken.
Especially at the words: "Grandmaster."
In any sect, a grandmaster was never a simple figure.
Xiao's expression grew serious. "The sect's grandmaster personally taught you formations? Just who… are you, really?"
Mo Hua replied casually, "Our sect's grandmaster is different. He enjoys teaching formation arts directly. Every disciple in our sect has learned from him…"
Xiao remained half-doubtful, half-believing.
But Mo Hua didn't elaborate further. Instead, he waved a hand and said, "Come with me."
Then he confidently walked past Xiao and took the lead.
Xiao silently watched Mo Hua's back but said nothing.
Gu Changhuai and the others had even less to say.
They were familiar with Mo Hua and knew he had a knack for finding the way. Even if he occasionally seemed mysterious and vague, his sense of direction was rarely wrong.
And so, the group followed Mo Hua through the bone passageways of the maze.
With Mo Hua leading, the previously complex and tangled maze suddenly became crystal clear.
Which paths were safe, which were dangerous.
Where to turn, where to double back.
Mo Hua knew it all like the back of his hand.
As if he had personally overseen the construction of the Bone Maze.
Xiao found it hard to believe. He even started to wonder—was Mo Hua working with "Mister Wu," leading them into a trap?
But thankfully, the journey went smoothly.
Whenever blood corpses were near, Mo Hua always seemed to "know in advance" and led them around the danger.
The few scattered ones they couldn't avoid were no match for Xiao.
And so, they walked, fought, and occasionally rested.
Time passed—no one knew how long—and eventually, they neared the edge of the maze.
But at that point, Mo Hua began to hesitate.
He still hadn't found the altar.
In fact, he had a nagging feeling that the altar had moved—likely hidden away by that "Mister Wu."
Thinking back to when the sea of blood reversed, the altar was very likely the source spring of the blood pool.
"This is bad…"
Mo Hua frowned.
If he led everyone out now, it'd be almost impossible for him to reenter the maze alone and reach its depths.
Even if he could, the dangers would be immense.
More importantly, he didn't even know the exact location of the altar.
And even if he did—if the altar was truly buried beneath the blood sea—he wouldn't be able to reach it at all…
Racking his brains for a solution, Mo Hua came up short. So, he intentionally led them down the wrong paths to buy time.
But dragging things out forever wasn't a viable plan either.
Glancing at Ouyang Feng and Hua Qianqian, Mo Hua let out a quiet sigh.
Forget it. Better to get them out safely first—no sense in putting them at risk while he chased shadows.
Mo Hua began guiding the group toward the maze's exit.
After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the exit came into view.
It was a massive door—one that looked very familiar. Ram-horn carvings, broad and heavy. It was the same door they had passed through to enter the inner hall.
The blood pool had transformed into the Bone Maze.
And so, the maze's exit was naturally the entrance to the blood pool.
Everyone's face lit up with relief.
Even Xiao Magistrate exhaled slowly. He turned to Water Yama and asked in a low voice, "How much longer?"
Others might not know what he meant, but Mo Hua knew exactly—he was asking:
How much longer until the Water Prison Forbidden Casket can be opened?
Water Yama's eyes narrowed slightly. "Roughly six more hours."
Xiao frowned.
That was a bit too long…
Mainly because Mo Hua had led them too efficiently. Otherwise, there was no way they should've reached the exit this quickly.
Now, with six hours left, the timeline was off.
Still, getting out came first.
Xiao thought for a moment and stepped toward the gate—but just as he reached it, his face suddenly changed, and he slowly retreated.
A cold, sinister laugh echoed through the air:
"Well, well… you actually made it this far…"
At the same time, countless blood corpses began crawling in from all directions, completely sealing off the doorway.
There were several times more than any they'd seen in the maze before.
Blood Qi flooded the air.
And from within the sea of corpses, a figure slowly emerged.
Its limbs were twisted, shrouded in bloody energy. Scales covered its body. It looked grotesque and monstrous—like a demon yaksha.
It was indeed Mister Wu.
And behind him trailed a peculiar blood corpse.
This corpse had only one arm, yet exuded thick demonic aura. A row of bloody punctures marked its neck, and its body was soaked in fresh blood—clearly newly refined.
It was none other than Xie Liu, who had earlier lost an arm to Xiao Magistrate, then had his throat torn out by Mister Wu and was thrown into the blood pool.
Now, transformed into a monster, Mister Wu's eyes burned with fanaticism as he spoke in a human voice:
"This Dragon King Temple… is a death trap."
"By the decree of the Divine Lord, all cultivators who enter this temple… must die."
"The temple's guardians—all dead. Killed by me."
"Their lives were offered to the Divine Lord. Their flesh nourished the embryo. Their souls shall return to the Great Wilderness."
"Death was their honor. And my offering to the Divine Lord—my highest devotion!"
Finishing his blasphemous sermon, this half-man half-ghost entity cast his blood-red gaze toward the group and sneered:
"The Divine Lord has revealed: the great heretic who dares to profane His sanctity… shall soon arrive."
"And you… will be the perfect living sacrifices."
"You are the grand gift I offer to Him!"
"Once the Divine Lord awakens, devours your souls, and uses your flesh to create puppets to destroy His enemies, He shall bestow upon me unimaginable rewards!"
"So I give you one chance—submit now—"
Before he could finish, a blue sword light slashed across his face.
It was Magistrate Xia's blade.
Cut off mid-sentence, Mister Wu's expression twisted in rage, his voice dropping to a low, deadly chill:
"Those who defy… are unworthy to serve the Divine Lord…"
With a snarl, he charged.
That was the signal for battle.
The blood corpse of Xie Liu, now fully refined, let out a shrill shriek and lunged at the group.
Gu Changhuai waved his feather fan, summoning several wind blades that intercepted the blood corpse's vicious assault.
Mister Wu, now in his dragon-scaled monster form, also leapt into the fray.
Xiao Magistrate and Xia Magistrate summoned their sword lights, engaging Mister Wu directly in a fierce clash.
Meanwhile, the other blood corpses surged in like a tide, some surrounding the three Golden Core cultivators, while the rest swarmed toward Mo Hua and the other Foundation Establishment cultivators.
There were too many.
No way to fight them head-on.
Mo Hua's brow furrowed. He shouted, "Fall back, now!"
Water Yama and the others weren't fools. Seeing the hopeless situation, they retreated deeper into the Bone Maze without hesitation.
Thanks to the maze's narrow paths, they could still manage to deal with the pursuing blood corpses—for now.
But the horde was overwhelming, and their formation began to fall apart.
Taking the opportunity, Water Yama grabbed Mo Hua and dragged him deeper into the maze.
Mo Hua, still bound by the Spirit-Binding Chains, saw the swarm closing in and said urgently, "Unchain me!"
Water Yama just sneered and retreated without answering.
Mo Hua frowned. Something about Water Yama's behavior felt… off.
Sure enough, after retreating deep into the maze, Water Yama found a secluded corner, pulled out a bronze censer, and lit a stick of red incense.
The incense released a pale smoke that spread like a thin veil.
Whatever that incense was, its smoke clearly repelled the blood corpses.
They dared not cross it, and after circling a few times and growling, they retreated.
Seizing the moment, Water Yama took out the Water Prison Forbidden Casket, placed it on the ground, then drew a dagger and stabbed it into his own arm.
Blood gushed out, pouring into the casket.
The blood quickly spread across the casket, filling all seven Dao Prisons with a red glow.
Mo Hua's heart sank.
Water Yama was forcing open the Water Prison Forbidden Casket…
Once the seven prisons were completely filled, Water Yama's eyes gleamed with killing intent. Activating his eye technique, he focused on the innermost chamber: the Soul Prison.
A look of pain crossed his face.
He was clearly enduring some intense trial.
Mo Hua held his breath and remained silent.
After an unknown span of time, a faint, ancient glow shimmered across the casket. A profound aura seeped out, and a crack split open across the previously seamless box.
The Water Prison Forbidden Casket… had opened.
Water Yama's expression turned to wild joy, but then he cursed loudly:
"That bastard Xiao Zhenhai really thought I was a fool? Wanted me to open the casket just so he could kill me? Dream on, you old goat!"
"This casket's mine—nobody's taking it from me!"
He clutched the Water Prison Casket tightly, then cracked his whip, wrapping it around Mo Hua's neck.
A bloody line appeared where it tightened.
Water Yama growled:
"Brat! Give me the Meditation Technique, and I'll spare your life!"
With the Yin Water Sect's sinister arts in hand, and the Meditation Technique to steady his mind…
Given time, he could form his Golden Core—a future without limits!
Water Yama's heart burned with ambition.
But before Mo Hua could reply, a few spiritual needles flew toward Water Yama's face!
Caught off guard, he could only block with his hand. Though he deflected them, his palm was pierced and bleeding, stinging with pain.
"Let go of Junior Brother Mo!"
A delicate yet furious voice rang out.
Water Yama turned, enraged—and saw a graceful figure approaching:
It was Hua Qianqian.
Beside her stood the solemn and resolute Ouyang Feng.
The two had been separated by the blood corpses but had fought their way back upon seeing Water Yama holding Mo Hua hostage.
Water Yama didn't get angry—instead, he laughed coldly:
"Good, good! Two little fledglings coming to die of their own accord."
His eyes scanned between them, lingering especially on Hua Qianqian. The more he stared, the redder his eyes became.
"Such a fine specimen… I'll make sure to enjoy you well. Let you know what it means to wish you were dead!"
Hua Qianqian's face turned pale, fear rising—but then she glanced at the chained Mo Hua.
Clenching her teeth, her voice steadied:
"The only one dying here… is you!"
Ouyang Feng's gaze darkened. Without another word, he drew his sword and charged at Water Yama.
Hua Qianqian continued launching spiritual needles.
Water Yama sneered, tossed Mo Hua aside, and drew his Water Punishment Whip, channeling his spiritual power as he engaged both of them.
This time—
He would not let them escape!
But the fight was grueling. Ouyang Feng and Hua Qianqian were clearly struggling.
Dozens of exchanges passed, and eventually, Water Yama saw an opening. His eyes flashed red with demonic light—he was about to unleash his eye technique, intending to overpower them both and end the battle.
But before he could act, a calm voice called out:
"Water Yama."
The voice was crisp, cold, and beautiful—like the true King of Yama, calling his name from the underworld.
Water Yama instinctively turned— And saw— A pair of golden eyes.
(End of this Chapter)