Chapter 514: Little Zombie
Chapter 516: Little Zombie
These wooden oxen and flowing horses were merely simple puppets.
Their structure was straightforward, incapable of complex movements—only able to move forward, backward, and turn mechanically.
They weren’t even as intricate as Mo Hua’s little tiger, but they were sufficient for transporting ore.
Because of their simple structure, only a basic Spiritual-Pivot Formation was needed.
There was no need to draw complex sequence array patterns like with the Corpse King, constructing hundreds or thousands of Spiritual-Pivot layers to control everything step by step.
Therefore, even Young Master Yun, just beginning to study Spiritual-Pivot Formations, could draw them.
With Young Master Yun’s help, progress went much faster.
But once drawn, it wasn’t that simple.
These Spiritual-Pivot Formations and ox-and-horse puppets still needed to be tested and debugged.
Mo Hua took the opportunity to try them out in the mine, seeing if the wooden oxen and flowing horses worked properly.
Debugging wasn’t difficult but was somewhat tedious.
During trial runs for mining and transporting ore, human hands were needed.
Debugging the formations, modifying them, and repairing the wooden oxen and flowing horses also required “helping hands.”
Mo Hua decided to delegate this task to zombies.
He pulled another batch of zombies from the corpse mine, having them dig ore, load it into carts, and then have the wooden oxen and flowing horses pull the carts out.
Among these zombies was a small zombie.
It was short, with a pale face.
It was the same little zombie that Mo Hua had first modified in the Ten-Thousand Corpses Formation, secretly opening doors for him every night.
Part of the corpse mine had collapsed, and the Ten-Thousand Corpses Formation had been destroyed.
When clearing zombies and coffins from the formation, Mo Hua found that this little zombie had survived.
Because it was so small, its strength was weak.
Lu Chengyun hadn’t sent it out to fight the Dao soldiers.
So during the fierce battles of the zombie flood, it quietly stayed in its coffin.
This little zombie was roughly ten years old. Its age was probably older than Mo Hua’s, but likely came from a poor family, so it was small and thin, not much bigger than Mo Hua.
How it died at such a young age, and how it ended up in Lu Chengyun’s hands and was turned into a zombie, remained a mystery.
Ten years old—its life had just begun.
If it came from a poor family, it probably hadn’t enjoyed much happiness.
Mo Hua felt some sympathy and regret.
While debugging the wooden oxen and flowing horses, he intentionally kept it nearby.
The other zombies mined, dug, and transported ore.
The little zombie followed Mo Hua, carrying things, sweeping the mine shafts, or scouting mountain paths.
Or when a wooden ox or flowing horse broke down, it would listen to Mo Hua, disassemble the puppet for inspection, or hand over ink and brushes for Mo Hua to repair the formation…
All the light work was handled by the little zombie.
Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi were both surprised to see it.
Bai Zisheng was mainly angry:
“Lu Chengyun, that bastard, didn’t even spare such a small cultivator! I should’ve stabbed him more back then!”
Bai Zixi frowned at the little zombie.
Mo Hua asked, puzzled, “Senior sister, what’s wrong?”
Bai Zixi thought for a moment, then slowly said:
“This little zombie has only corpse qi, no blood qi.”
No blood qi?
Mo Hua paused, then understood.
Having only corpse qi and no blood qi meant it had simply died and been turned into a zombie, but hadn’t yet fed on humans’ blood or flesh.
This wasn’t surprising.
This little zombie was weak and probably couldn’t kill humans.
Even if it had the chance, it couldn’t compete with other zombies.
It could only sustain its corpse qi using the evil energy from its coffin.
Bai Zisheng glanced at Mo Hua, puzzled: “You’re not planning to keep it with you forever, are you?”
Mo Hua sighed and shook his head:
“Dust returns to dust, soil returns to soil. Since it’s become a zombie, it has found its place.”
Bai Zisheng scoffed and muttered:
“So young, yet so old in demeanor.”
Mo Hua snorted: “Tonight’s beef isn’t for you!”
Bai Zisheng immediately softened:
“Little junior brother, I was wrong. What you said just now was correct, very reasonable!”
Bai Zixi sighed slightly, looking at Bai Zisheng with some disdain.
After a while, Bai Zisheng asked again:
“So what do you plan to do with this little zombie? Burn it? The Dao Court’s corpse-burning formation seems almost ready…”
Mo Hua hesitated, then thought for a moment and said:
“I’ve drawn formations on it, and it has helped me. We’re somewhat fated. Once everything is settled, it should be allowed to rest in peace…”
Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi nodded.
…
Over ten days later, the wooden oxen and flowing horses were fully debugged.
All the ox-and-horse puppets had Spiritual-Pivot Formations drawn on them.
As Mo Hua had expected, they consumed few spirit stones, were easy to control, the wood was durable, and their strength was sufficient—perfect for transporting ore.
The only problem was that if they were damaged, no one could repair them.
Repairing these puppets required mastery of the Spiritual-Pivot Formation.
Once Mo Hua and Young Master Yun left, no one in Nanyue City would understand Spiritual-Pivot Formations, so naturally, no one could fix the wooden oxen and flowing horses.
Hence, proper maintenance was essential during use.
If used reasonably, natural wear wouldn’t matter, and their lifespan would still be long.
Mo Hua explained this to the newly arrived mine supervisors of Nanyue City.
The Dao Court Division of Nanyue City had almost been entirely replaced.
The new supervisor, Situ Shen, was from the Situ family, seemingly related to Elder Situ Jin.
Perhaps due to family instructions, or from hearing about many of Nanyue City’s affairs from Situ Fang, Situ Shen, at Foundation Establishment cultivation, treated Mo Hua with great courtesy, even with some reverence.
His attitude was solemn.
Nanyue City was both his opportunity and the Situ family’s chance.
The corpse mine matter was significant.
All eyes were on him; if he failed, it would be a disgrace to the Situ family.
If handled well, it would be a great merit, earning him a good reputation within the clan, and help with future Dao Court Division promotions.
Mo Hua, as the array master and the Corpse King’s “master,” was essential.
Handling the Corpse King and the zombie horde required Mo Hua’s approval.
Building new mines and improving the future lives of Nanyue City cultivators also relied on him.
Thus, he could demand anything of Mo Hua.
Whatever Mo Hua said, he agreed to, doing it without holding back.
Mo Hua thought to himself:
Family competition truly was intense; the pressure immense.
Without putting in effort and thought, you’d probably not even get soup from a single pot.
…
With the wooden oxen and flowing horses ready, and the mine built, work began.
Situ Shen organized the miners to resume work.
They were hesitant and nervous.
The zombie siege had left deep scars.
Although the zombie flood had receded, remnants could remain, especially deep in the mine, dark and filthy, ideal for zombies to hide.
They dared not work recklessly.
They feared poverty, hardship, and encountering zombies, losing their lives.
Yet they couldn’t not work.
They were too poor; without spirit stones, they couldn’t even eat.
If they went in and encountered zombies, they might die, but if they didn’t work, their whole family would starve.
Their hearts were uneasy and anxious.
But once inside the mine, they discovered everything had changed.
The mine was bigger, more spacious, brighter, with airflow, neither cold nor hot, pleasantly cool.
No more oppressive gloom.
The stench and filth were much reduced.
It was far more comfortable than before.
And the formations everywhere, some even to prevent beast attacks, gave them reassurance…
“Is this really Nanyue City’s mine…”
The miners could hardly believe it.
They gathered to bow and thank the supervisor.
Since the founding of Nanyue City, neither they nor their ancestors had ever worked in such a safe mine.
Even adding up all the formations laid over hundreds or thousands of years, none matched the number in this single mine.
They were deeply grateful.
The supervisor had them rise and said:
“No need to thank me. Thank Little Mr. Mo instead. He quelled the zombie plague and built this mine for everyone.”
The miners bowed again:
“Thank you, Little Mr. Mo!”
Yet they didn’t know who this Little Mr. Mo truly was…
…
Situ Shen then set some rules.
For example, miners could work no more than four hours a day underground.
Daily pay could not be less than one spirit stone.
No local family or force could deduct miners’ spirit stones for any reason…
Additionally, Jinhua Street was shut down.
All venues for eating, drinking, gambling, and prostitution were closed.
The courtesan women cultivators were freed.
Anyone forcing cultivators into prostitution or harming their lives would be severely punished.
Situ Shen and Mo Hua watched from the city tower as Jinhua Street was torn down.
Some shopkeepers, gamblers, and ruffians backed by the Lu family were escorted to Dao Prison by the Dao Court Division, spat on, pelted with stones and rotten vegetables along the way.
Some escaped suffering and reunited with their families, crying in relief.
Others, lonely and helpless, grieved in secret.
Most were filled with righteous anger, clapping and cheering.
For decades, the bustling Jinhua Street, built by Lu Bopi, dazzling on the surface but hiding blood and tears, was completely destroyed in broad daylight.
Situ Shen remarked:
“Under the sun, filth and darkness have nowhere to hide.”
Mo Hua, however, detected the underlying meaning: “But what about the places sunlight doesn’t reach?”
Situ Shen was surprised.
He hadn’t expected Mo Hua’s insight to be so sharp.
Even this subtle thought of his had been caught by Mo Hua.
Mo Hua’s gaze was deep, his mind perceptive, and he had shown favor to the Situ family. Situ Shen decided to be honest and speak from the heart.
“Little Mr. Mo,” Situ Shen sighed, his voice low:
“I’ve served in the Dao Court Division since I was thirty, starting as a minor officer, then overseeing records, deputy supervisor, even acting supervisor of several Small Immortal Cities…”
“I’ve seen many things…”
“Or rather, across the cultivation world, such things are not uncommon.”
“This matter was resolved only because it was brought into the open.”
“Things in the open are upright and dignified, but if hidden, they are entirely different.”
“Harsh truths…”
Situ Shen looked at Mo Hua and said in a low voice:
“Today, as the supervisor of Nanyue City, I can act openly and properly for these unfortunate cultivators, clearing the brothels and gambling dens, showing a righteous face.”
“But before this, had I been supervisor…”
“I might have done the same as my predecessor.”
“Indulged in brothels, gambling lavishly, using these unfortunate women’s bodies for pleasure, intoxicated by decadence.”
“Together with the Lu family, oppressing, exploiting, and toying with these cultivators…”
His gaze darkened, then he continued:
“Of course, I’m just saying this… the Situ family has its rules. At most, I’ll protect myself, not truly go astray.”
“But most people, even if they speak of justice, when in that position, act much like Supervisor Qian…”
“Even if this matter hadn’t blown up, local Dao Court supervisors shielding each other, most of the Lu family’s deeds would have gone unpunished.”
“In this world, light and dark alternate. Human hearts are complex…”
“Those standing in the light appear splendid, but step into darkness, and who knows what they truly are…”
“Light doesn’t always shine; you too will inevitably walk in darkness at times…”
Situ Shen looked at Mo Hua sincerely:
“Little Mr. Mo, you must always be careful.”
Careful of others, and of yourself…
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“People who stand in the light often appear radiant and dazzling, but once they step into the shadows, who knows what they truly look like…”
“Light isn’t always present. There will inevitably be times when you walk in the shadows…”
Situ Shen looked at Mo Hua sincerely and said, “Young Master Mò, you must be careful in the future.”
Careful of others, and careful of yourself…
Situ Shen could see these things clearly, but he couldn’t solve them. He didn’t want Mo Hua’s pure Dao heart to be dragged into the fickle quagmire of human nature, or lost in the darkness of worldly desires, only to suffer and be confused.
Mo Hua pondered for a moment, then nodded solemnly.
“Thank you, Chief Situ!”
Situ Shen’s heartfelt words were meant for Mo Hua’s own good. Mo Hua understood that.
Situ Shen smiled and nodded, then turned his gaze to the ruined Jinhua Street below, feeling a quiet sense of lament. At night, the street had been ablaze with light, golden and splendid, but under daylight, its true form was revealed—a mess, dirty and unsightly.
Even in the cultivation world, most places still harbored darkness and injustice.
But there was always a ray of light reaching here…
With Jinhua Street destroyed, many cultivators regained their freedom. Qing Lan personally came to thank Mo Hua, bringing along the Hundred-Flower Cake she had made herself.
In Nanyue City, she had no family left.
Qing Lan was alone. Though she could support herself, life was still difficult.
Situ Fang decided to take her under her wing. Qing Lan could teach cultivation, and Qing Lan could help with meals and daily care.
As the Chief, Situ Fang was busy and had little time to care for herself.
With her family’s support behind her, Qing Lan could be safer and steadier, not drifting like a floating leaf.
Mo Hua, Bai Zisheng, and Bai Zixi sat in the courtyard, eating the Hundred-Flower Cake and chatting with Qing Lan.
Bai Zixi gifted her a cultivation method.
It wasn’t rare in the Bai Clan, but to Qing Lan, it was precious.
Before leaving, Qing Lan bowed respectfully, expressing her gratitude: “If there comes a day I can help Young Master and Miss Bái, Qing Lan will never refuse, no matter the cost!”
Mo Hua waved his hand. “You overstate it, Sister Qing Lan.”
The next day, Elder Sū came to visit, bringing some fine tea for Mo Hua to try.
Sitting in the courtyard with a gentle breeze and the rising aroma of tea, Elder Sū apologized:
“Young Master, I’m sorry. I didn’t know Lord Lù… Lù Chéngyún was so ambitious and reckless with his words, which caused you to be schemed against…”
“It’s nothing.” Mo Hua didn’t mind.
If Lù Chéngyún hadn’t targeted him, he wouldn’t have learned the Spiritual-Pivot Formation, finished the observation diagrams, or been able to solve the corpse problem in Nanyue City and help rebuild the mines.
Life for the scattered cultivators in Nanyue City was harsh.
Mo Hua, also a scattered cultivator once, remembered his mother’s words: if you can help struggling cultivators within your means, then help.
Elder Sū sighed. “Young Master, truly a broad-minded person…”
Though his flattery was a little stiff, Mo Hua was pleased to hear it.
He smiled warmly but humbly replied, “Not at all.”
Seeing that Mo Hua bore no grudge, Elder Sū relaxed, and the atmosphere became more pleasant.
The two chatted as usual about formations and trivial matters, eventually talking about Jinhua Street and the Hundred-Flower Pavilion.
Elder Sū expressed his gratitude: “Regarding Jinhua Street, I must thank you, Young Master.”
Mo Hua nodded, a hint of doubt in his eyes. “With Jinhua Street destroyed, you can’t go listen to music at the Hundred-Flower Pavilion anymore. Does this still deserve thanks?”
Elder Sū’s face flushed. “It’s not that… I’m really unfamiliar…”
Mo Hua didn’t quite believe him.
Seeing Mo Hua’s perceptive eyes, Elder Sū knew he couldn’t hide anything, only feeling a tinge of regret:
“The music is pleasing, and the beauties are delightful. Not being able to hear or see them is somewhat regrettable, but these are just small personal desires, nothing significant. What I truly hope is that no one will ever suffer misfortune, and no girl will endure the hardships of someone like Shuixian again…”
Mo Hua was momentarily taken aback, then raised his teacup and said clearly, “I offer this cup of tea to you, Elder.”
Elder Sū couldn’t help but smile and laugh, raising his cup to drink with Mo Hua.
Nanyue City’s affairs were nearly resolved.
The mines were completed and the formations perfected.
The miners could now earn spirit stones through their own efforts, making a stable living.
Additionally, thousands of zombies needed to be burned.
The Dao Court’s Corpse Incineration Formation was already built.
It was a complex formation on top of the graveyard, made of multiple fire formations, covering a vast area. When activated, flames soared, turning the entire gravehill crimson, like a mountain of fire.
All zombies in Nanyue City were lined up for cremation.
Mo Hua guided them in batches into the formation, burning the bodies, dispersing the corpse energy, and purging the toxic remnants.
Every zombie had to be incinerated.
The process was lengthy.
The only exception was the little zombie.
It had never tasted blood, caused no harm, and had even helped Mo Hua.
Feeling sympathy, Mo Hua set up a formation to release its corpse energy and buried it on a quiet, remote hill in the graveyard.
The hill was desolate but peaceful, undisturbed.
At sunset, the evening glow would bathe the hill and the small tomb Mo Hua had made for it…