Chapter 1452: Extermination
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Chapter 1450: Extermination
The Ghost-Nourishing Life-Extension method…
Mo Hua’s eyes narrowed, his thoughts churning.
Was Elder Tian… relying on this method to extend his life?
Who taught him this?
Then, if he himself also learned this Method for Controlling Little Ghosts, could it also be used to… extend life?
But then Mo Hua’s heart tightened, and he pondered:
“However… nourishing ghosts to extend lifespan—this clearly looks like a heretical evil method. Can it really work?”
While Mo Hua’s mind was racing, Iron Mountain Tiger also seemed to recall something, somewhat puzzled: “Using Little Ghost Soul Absorption… the tomb’s owner either sought to cultivate the Dao after death, or… isn’t completely dead yet?”
At these words, everyone’s expressions changed, their eyes flickering.
This didn’t quite match the information they had received earlier.
In contrast, Smiling Face sneered coldly and said calmly, “Regardless, let’s go in and take a look first.”
The others also nodded.
Without further delay, the group proceeded along the passageway, heading deeper into the tomb.
But after walking for about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, within the gloomy tomb, that blood-red Ghost Gate appeared once more. On the murals flanking it, fanged Little Ghosts were being nurtured.
Iron Mountain Tiger’s pupils contracted slightly as he asked, “How did you drive them away?”
Mo Hua replied seriously, “I used fire.”
“Fire?” Iron Mountain Tiger was taken aback, and the others also looked astonished.
Mo Hua explained, “Seeing you all in danger, I unintentionally used a Fireball Technique and discovered that these Little Ghosts actually fear fire. They were terrified of the fireball and all ran away, so the method was broken.”
Iron Mountain Tiger felt rather incredulous: “Really? It’s that simple?”
Mo Hua nodded, “It’s that simple.”
Iron Mountain Tiger and the others couldn’t help but exchange glances, suspecting that this Black-Faced Fiend might be taking them for fools.
Mo Hua said solemnly, “I never lie. If you don’t believe me, I’ll demonstrate for you.”
With that, Mo Hua pointed his fingers together and shot out a fireball.
The fireball exploded against the wall, like a spark thrown into a powder keg, instantly igniting fury. One after another, Little Ghosts began to shriek madly.
Pairs of crimson eyes turned to look at the group.
Although Iron Mountain Tiger and the others were Golden Core Cultivators, seeing this scene still made their scalps tingle. They feared being subjected to Soul Absorption, having their brains devoured, and dying miserably in the mouths of ghosts.
But before they could take any action.
The next moment, even louder shrieks erupted.
These Little Ghosts trembled violently in their limbs as if witnessing a “natural disaster.” After one piercing scream, they instantly fled in all directions like flies, covering their heads.
With the Little Ghosts gone, the method was broken, and the green plaque and red gate swung open accordingly.
Everyone stared at the scene before them, utterly shocked.
Iron Mountain Tiger still found it somewhat unbelievable.
It’s… really broken?
It really is… that simple?
Breaking a Little Ghost life-nourishing method is that simple? Just lighting a fire? Is this… right?
Their minds were somewhat in disarray.
Mo Hua then said, “Let’s keep going. We should be almost there.”
Only then did they snap back to reality. Looking at Mo Hua, whose fireball had just extinguished in his palm, they nodded with a mixture of belief and doubt.
Afterward, the group continued forward. After another incense stick’s worth of time, a flash of red light appeared ahead—another Ghost Gate.
This was the third Ghost Gate, also the final one.
The bluestone was stark and grim, the blood-red color deep and somber. The Little Ghosts on the murals on either side were also the most ferocious, with crude, savage fangs.
This time, without Mo Hua needing to act, Iron Mountain Tiger and the others began to take action themselves.
Some used the Fireball Technique—the most basic and rudimentary of the Five Elements spells. Any cultivator with fire Spiritual roots could learn it with a little practice, though its power was limited. Still, it was “fire” after all.
Others attacked the Little Ghosts with Spiritual Artifacts like Blazing Fire Talismans or Flame Blades.
For a moment, the entire mural blazed with raging flames.
The Little Ghosts, provoked by these relentless attacks, grew ferocious, baring their fangs and brandishing their claws, appearing savage and terrifying.
But in the next instant, Mo Hua’s calm gaze swept across the scene, and a trace of authority emanated from him.
The once-menacing Little Ghosts instantly turned into frightened lambs, fleeing in panic as if wishing they had four more legs.
After this practical test, Iron Mountain Tiger and the others were overjoyed and exclaimed:
“These Little Ghosts are actually afraid of fire?”
“Fire can suppress ghosts?”
“Just as brine coagulates tofu, one thing conquers another. The creations of the Heavenly Dao are truly marvelous.”
Everyone marveled and exclaimed in amazement, completely unaware that the Little Ghosts filling the hall were not afraid of fire at all—they were afraid of the person who had said, “Ghosts fear fire.”
By now, they had passed through three Ghost Gates.
These three Ghost Gates were also the most vicious “barriers” in the entire tomb.
After passing the three Ghost Gates, they entered a wide tomb passage, and the path ahead became smooth and unobstructed.
They walked for less than the time it takes an incense stick to burn before arriving at a massive burial chamber.
The door to the burial chamber was wide open.
Iron Mountain Tiger and the others frowned as they stared at the pitch-black tomb entrance.
“The tomb door is open, which means there’s something inside.”
“This tomb is strange in every way. Everyone, be careful.”
“Right.”
Iron Mountain Tiger strode into the burial chamber.
Skinny Cicada, Smiling Face, and Pangolin followed closely behind.
Mo Hua walked silently at the very back.
Among the group, he had the lowest cultivation and the weakest physique. Moreover, he had just discovered the fact that “Little Ghosts fear fire,” saving everyone’s lives. Because of this, Iron Mountain Tiger and the others didn’t mind him walking at the rear.
After only thirty or forty steps, they entered the final burial chamber.
Inside the chamber, there were no traps… only emptiness.
In the center lay a coffin with its lid open. Inside was a “corpse” with a face as pale as paper.
With just a glance, Mo Hua recognized the person lying in the coffin as his “acquaintance”—Elder Tian of the Earth Sect.
At this moment, Elder Tian showed no signs of life, appearing exactly like a corpse.
In front of Elder Tian’s coffin was drawn Formation, with a lamp burning at its center. The flame was red, and faint traces of soul power were merging into the light.
This was likely the Lifespan Extending Lamp that Iron Mountain Tiger had mentioned in the “ghost-nurturing scheme.”
Seeing the Lifespan Extending Lamp, a gleam of sharp light instantly flashed in Mo Hua’s eyes.
Meanwhile, Iron Mountain Tiger and the others could hardly contain their excitement when they saw Elder Tian’s corpse.
“Yes! We found it!”
As if seeing fifty million Spirit Stones lying right before them, Iron Mountain Tiger activated his movement technique and lunged fiercely toward Elder Tian’s corpse.
The others, their faces twisted with greed, were not far behind.
But at that moment, a barrage of Pear Blossom Silver Needles suddenly shot out from the darkness, aimed directly at Iron Mountain Tiger.
The needles were extremely stealthy and swift, piercing Iron Mountain Tiger’s back in an instant.
The silver threads attached to the needles abruptly tightened, twisting and tearing his back until it was drenched in blood.
Even a physical cultivator as formidable as Iron Mountain Tiger couldn’t help but groan in pain, halting his steps with cold sweat covering his head.
If even Iron Mountain Tiger was in such a state, the other three were also injured to varying degrees by the Pear Blossom Formation, their flesh cut by the silver threads, their faces turning pale.
Four mid-Golden Core cultivators, all wounded after just one encounter. This showed how high the cultivation of the attacker was.
Enduring the intense pain, Iron Mountain Tiger turned to look and saw a figure slowly emerging from the darkness.
It was the figure of an old man, his face gaunt, his eyes bloodshot, appearing somewhat sinister in the darkness.
Mo Hua’s heart stirred slightly.
This old man was precisely the one who had killed Tian Xiu that day, named “Uncle Ping,” and he was using that same set of Pear Blossom Silver Thread Needles magical treasure.
Mo Hua hadn’t expected that after killing Tian Xiu and delivering the coffin into the tomb, this old man hadn’t left but had stayed here, becoming a tomb guardian.
Moreover, his eyes were now bloodshot, and his condition was clearly not right.
His Pear Blossom Silver Thread Needles also seemed more powerful than before.
Iron Mountain Tiger also knew they had encountered a formidable enemy and didn’t dare rashly approach Elder Tian’s corpse again. Instead, he first swallowed a pill.
The wound on his back was also visibly healing at a rapid pace.
This was another strength of physical cultivators, their robust bodies healed quickly.
Iron Mountain Tiger silently looked at the tomb-guarding old man, his gaze icy as he asked, “Who are you?”
Uncle Ping didn’t answer but instead looked at the group, especially Iron Mountain Tiger and the others, his expression dark and filled with anger and disbelief as he said: “How did you scum manage to pass through the three Ghost Gates?”
Iron Mountain Tiger sneered disdainfully, “Mere three Ghost Gates can be broken with intense flames. Such petty tricks think they can stop us?”
Uncle Ping’s expression darkened, not understanding what this fool was talking about.
What did he mean by “intense flames can break them”?
The Ghost Slaying Array he had painstakingly set up was impossible for Golden Core cultivators to pass through.
Even a True-Person, if unaware of the ways of ghosts and deities, would lose a layer of skin if they recklessly walked through this killing array.
What did he mean by intense flame breaking it? What could fire break?
What was this brainless fool even saying?
How could they have passed through unscathed… how was it possible?
Uncle Ping’s emotions surged with anger, his eyebrows furrowing into a deep “川” shape.
Iron Mountain Tiger, unaware of the intricacies here, simply said, “Esteemed senior, we only want this corpse.”
He pointed at Elder Tian in the coffin, then added, “If unnecessary, we don’t wish to engage in pointless conflict.”
The bloodshot veins in Uncle Ping’s eyes grew denser, and he spat out just two words: “Seeking death!”
Iron Mountain Tiger then knew this was a fight to the death.
One side were tomb raiders, the other a tomb guardian, there was no room for retreat to begin with.
Iron Mountain Tiger gave a meaningful glance to the others behind him, signaling to first join forces, kill this old thing, and then seize the corpse.
Skinny Cicada and the other two nodded, each activating their magical treasures.
Uncle Ping, at the late Golden Core stage, sneered as pear blossom needles danced around him, the silver threads still stained with blood.
The battle was about to erupt.
Iron Mountain Tiger’s magical treasure was a Tiger-Head Great Ring Saber; Skinny Cicada’s was a venomous blow-pipe hidden weapon; Pangolin’s was a pair of sinister green Remnant Green Claws; and Smiling Face wielded a sharp longsword.
These four Golden Core tomb raiders clashed with the tomb guardian Uncle Ping, who wielded the Pear Blossom Silver Thread Needles.
For a moment, the tiger-head ringed blade roared with fierce momentum, hidden weapons flew silently, the remnant claws struck with venomous cunning, and the longsword gleamed with a dazzling light.
Uncle Ping, with his profound cultivation and mysterious magical treasure, took the offensive with pear blossom needles like a torrential downpour. The silver threads transformed into a myriad of forms, cocoon-like, both controllable and defensive. Fighting one against four, he did not fall behind.
Mo Hua stood at a distance, tossing a few fireballs as a token gesture.
But the disparity in cultivation realms was too great. These few fireballs were neither painful nor itchy, unable to break through Uncle Ping’s silver threads, and ultimately of no help.
Early and Mid Golden Core Stage and Late Golden Core Stage were simply not on the same level in terms of cultivation.
Knowing his place, Mo Hua stopped and simply watched them fight.
Thus, within the narrow tomb chamber, the battle reached an intense climax in a short time. A variety of magical treasures clashed and entangled, blood splattering everywhere.
Mo Hua had to step further back to avoid getting blood on himself.
After a period of such fierce combat, Iron Mountain Tiger and the other three ultimately fell into a disadvantage.
Relying on that peculiar Pear Blossom Silver Thread Needles magical treasure, along with his exquisite cultivation and seasoned combat experience, among the Late Golden Core Stage cultivators Mo Hua had seen, this Uncle Ping could be considered a first-rate expert.
Although Iron Mountain Tiger and the others were not weak either, and their combined force was even more formidable, they were still no match for Uncle Ping.
Just as Mo Hua thought Uncle Ping would kill Iron Mountain Tiger and the others and fell into contemplation, the situation on the battlefield suddenly changed.
Uncle Ping inexplicably coughed up a mouthful of blood from the corner of his mouth.
Mo Hua was slightly stunned. Looking closely, he then noticed that Uncle Ping’s chest was soaked with blood at some point.
On his chest were several bite marks, flesh torn outward.
Uncle Ping’s vital essence and blood had also suffered significant depletion.
These injuries were not caused by Iron Mountain Tiger and the others, nor were they recent.
After a brief thought, Mo Hua understood.
This Uncle Ping had used his own heart’s blood to feed the little ghosts in order to set up the little ghost life-nurturing formation within this tomb.
And this process must not have gone smoothly. Therefore, when the little ghosts rebelled, they gnawed through his chest.
Those who raise ghosts are inevitably devoured by them. This Uncle Ping was already a broken body.
For a moment, Mo Hua felt quite moved.
The moment Uncle Ping spat blood from his mouth, the previously deadlocked situation instantly shifted.
That Smiling Face, a flash of red light in his eyes, suddenly saw his cultivation surge by a notch. His attacks became even more ferocious, and the longsword in his hand emitted a chilling sword light. Seizing the opening, he directly stabbed toward Uncle Ping’s chest.
Uncle Ping desperately executed his movement technique, barely avoiding a vital spot.
Smiling Face’s longsword pierced through Uncle Ping’s shoulder.
Iron Mountain Tiger and the others also knew this opportunity was rare. Simultaneously erupting into action, the tiger-head ringed blade slashed fiercely toward Uncle Ping’s head.
A sinister poison needle shot toward Uncle Ping’s eye.
The green Remnant Green Claws aimed straight for Uncle Ping’s back.
Surrounded by layers of lethal threats, Uncle Ping, in panic, could only push the Pear Blossom Silver Thread Needles to their limit. Layers of silver threads, like a silkworm cocoon, enveloped him.
But his old injury from the little ghost’s rebellion flared up, greatly reducing the power of his magical treasure. Although he withstood the tiger-head ringed blade and deflected the poison needle, his back was still torn open by a deep wound from the Remnant Green Claws.
With his injuries worsening, Uncle Ping spat another mouthful of blood.
Right at that moment, Smiling Face’s longsword arrived again, piercing through the silver thread defense and directly stabbing through Uncle Ping’s lower abdomen.
Blood gushed from Uncle Ping’s mouth. With new and old injuries compounded, his core power leaked out, and he could no longer sustain the operation of his magical treasure.
The sky full of Pear Blossom Silver Thread Needles fell to the ground.
Smiling Face was overjoyed and immediately thrust his sword again, intending to kill Uncle Ping on the spot.
But just as his longsword was about to pierce Uncle Ping’s chest, a sudden gust of blade wind whistled from behind, carrying a surge of killing intent.
Smiling Face’s expression shifted slightly. He had no choice but to abandon Uncle Ping, turn around, and parry the blade light with his sword, defusing the lethal threat.
The one who had attempted to ambush and kill him was none other than Iron Mountain Tiger.
With a look of restrained anger, Smiling Face asked, “We’re on the same side. Why try to kill me?”
Iron Mountain Tiger’s expression was grave as he solemnly replied, “You are not Smiling Face at all. Where is the real Smiling Face?”
Smiling Face sneered, “What nonsense are you spouting?”
Iron Mountain Tiger’s gaze sharpened. “You’ve been acting strange this entire journey. Besides, Smiling Face’s Magical Treasure is a fan, not a longsword. Why aren’t you using the fan? Is it because you’re not Smiling Face and can’t wield his Magical Treasure?”
Smiling Face’s smile vanished, replaced by an indifferent expression.
Iron Mountain Tiger grew furious and demanded again, “Where is Smiling Face?”
“Smiling Face” wore a strange expression, then suddenly grinned, his mouth stretching to his ears, as he replied sinisterly, “Naturally… I ate him.”
Iron Mountain Tiger’s pupils contracted violently. Without hesitation, he swung his blade fiercely toward Smiling Face, aiming to split his head open.
But Smiling Face no longer pretended. He discarded the longsword in his hand, and the skin and flesh on his arms peeled back, revealing a corpse-like body of bronze and iron. He caught Iron Mountain Tiger’s ringed blade barehanded.
At the same time, the aura around him abruptly changed.
That fierce, sinister pressure weighed heavily on everyone’s hearts, making them feel suffocated.
Late Golden Core Stage!
Iron Mountain Tiger roared angrily, “Quick, kill him!” He then took the lead, channeling his energy into the tiger-headed ringed blade and slashing toward Smiling Face’s head.
Skinny Cicada and Pangolin, witnessing this sudden turn of events, were equally horrified. They immediately activated their Magical Treasures and redirected their attacks toward “Smiling Face.”
But Smiling Face only gave a sinister smile, utterly unafraid.
He didn’t even use a Magical Treasure, relying solely on his physical body to fight the three of them to a standstill.
As time passed, Smiling Face began to take the fight more seriously. His arms were like refined iron, and Iron Mountain Tiger and the others were completely outmatched.
In less than a hundred exchanges, Iron Mountain Tiger and the others were already wounded.
After another fifty exchanges, Iron Mountain Tiger had his arm twisted and broken, Skinny Cicada was punched in the chest, and Pangolin was struck in the back.
All three spat blood, collapsed to the ground, and fell unconscious, seemingly on the brink of death.
Smiling Face glanced at the three lying on the ground and sneered. He then strode toward Elder Tian in the coffin, saying sinisterly: “Hiding the corpse so deep, did you think you could escape?”
The severely injured Uncle Ping was enraged. Struggling, he threw a silver needle aimed at Smiling Face’s temple, but Smiling Face swatted it away with a single palm.
Smiling Face looked at Uncle Ping and said, “So eager to die? Fine, I’ll crush you first, then extinguish your master’s life lamp.”
Smiling Face stepped forward, moving toward Uncle Ping, intending to strangle him first as a casual act.
But suddenly, his expression changed. He turned to look to the side and saw the corpse that had been lying in the coffin slowly sit up.
Smiling Face’s pupils contracted. “Tián Mùshēng.”
Elder Tian’s face was now as pale as paper, devoid of any color. He looked at Smiling Face and sighed helplessly, his voice bitter: “I’m already dead. Why must you be so relentless?”