He didn't look for long.
The Golden Core Stewards from the Taoist Court, among them Gu Changhuai and Xia Canonical Official from Great Families, five against one, already set a scene of dominance.
Coupled with Mo Hua's detailed intelligence, and to ensure safety beforehand, they used the Thunder Magnetic Miniature to attract the Formation Master's attention, leaving him with no time to care for other things.
Under such an advantageous condition, in just over ten rounds, the black-clad Formation Master was defeated.
The Steward with the massive hammer disabled his four limbs, Gu Changhuai used the Five Elements Map to cover his face, and Xia Canonical Official pierced his heart with one sword, ending his life.
That black-clad Formation Master died in utter humiliation.
Even in death, he never saw Mo Hua's face, nor did he know who it was that trapped him to death.
Of course, if he knew it was a small Foundation Establishment disciple who trapped him, he might have died from anger had he not been killed.
The black-clad Formation Master died, but Mo Hua was not yet satisfied.
After half an hour, confirming that the Formation Master was truly dead and there were no other demon cultivator accomplices nearby, he stepped forward.
The black-clad Formation Master died a miserable death, his limbs were destroyed, his chest pierced, and he was frozen stiff, his eyes wide open as if he died with everlasting regret.
Yet, there was no sign of the Divine Remains parasitizing him, which was somewhat unfortunate.
Previously, Mo Hua had hesitated over whether to kill him.
But considering it, he still felt that a dead opponent was the best kind of opponent, otherwise, he would have to engage in mind games with him.
Mind games are indeed exhausting, and he currently did not have the time for that.
Mo Hua nodded.
No matter what, this Thunder Magnetic Array Master is now dead.
As a half-step "Thunder Magnetic Array Master," his first encounter on Thunder Magnetism was a victory, and it was a "victory" against a Golden Core!
Although it was somewhat a victory without virtue, a victory without virtue is still a victory.
This was something his father, Mo Shan, a seasoned Monster Hunter, had taught him since childhood.
Mo Hua always remembered it.
On the other side, the Taoist Court was searching and dealing with the aftermath.
After a while, Gu Changhuai came over and said to Mo Hua:
"I just verified, this person's appearance is not on the Taoist Court's wanted list."
"He must have either altered his appearance or hidden himself well."
Mo Hua looked down at the Formation Master's face:
The face was sinister, looking aloof and unfriendly, and very unfamiliar, importantly, his hair was very sparse.
"I wonder if all Thunder Magnetic Array Masters lose their hair..." Mo Hua muttered in his heart, then asked, "Is he a member of the Demon Sect?"
Gu Changhuai replied: "The cultivation technique he practiced is legitimate, but his spiritual power is somewhat tainted, clearly having learned some unconventional things halfway through."
"In his storage bag, there are some materials for an evil formation."
"Even if he's not from the Demon Sect, there must be ties."
"And several of his jade slips include records of past associations with demon cultivators and evil cultivators, likely employing his formation mastery to be hired by the Demon Sect, conducting unlawful acts for rewards."
"Now that he's dead, he's rid of a major threat as well."
Mo Hua nodded.
Then the Taoist Court continued clearing nearby stone chambers, confiscating items, and about two hours later, finished the aftermath.
This left only one final matter: the Thunder Magnetic Array Plate and some Thunder Magnetic Arrays.
These were what Mo Hua "pointedly" wanted.
Gu Changhuai was prepared to hand these things over to Mo Hua.
Canon Official Xia, who was quite familiar with Mo Hua, treated him as one of the "group," knowing the intelligence on the Demon Sect was all provided by Mo Hua; thus, taking some array plates and diagrams as a reward seemed only fair, so he said nothing.
The brawny Steward adept with twin hammers, Fan Jin, was an external appointee, also hoped for pointers from Gu Changhuai and Xia Canonical Official, so he, too, turned a blind eye.
However, the other two Stewards had significant comments.
They also hailed from great families within the Qianxue state boundary, one from the Xiao family.
As Stewards, should they wish to advance further, they would inevitably face competition with Gu Changhuai, hence they would not hold back when issues arise.
One of them spoke:
"These array plates and formations are the illicit goods of this Demon Sect Formation Master and should rightfully be confiscated. Is Supervisor Gu's move not somewhat against regulations?"
Gu Changhuai fell silent.
Because it indeed was against regulations...
Just as he was pondering what to say, Mo Hua briskly said to Xun Ziyou:
"Elder Xun, this thief stole things from our Taixu Sect, should we not take them back?"
Xun Ziyou was stunned.
Things from our Taixu Sect?
Mo Hua discreetly nudged Xun Ziyou with his elbow.
Xun Ziyou immediately realized, "Oh, yes, things from our Taixu Sect..."
His gaze deepened, the sword intent of the Golden Core Realm formidable, and his presence suddenly profound, solemnly saying:
"This thief is brazen beyond measure, daring to steal our Taixu Sect's array legacy, truly deserving death. The things he stole, naturally, should be taken back."
The other two Stewards were taken aback at his words.
"Elder Xun, are your words true?"
Xun Ziyou's face turned slightly cold: "Otherwise, if it weren't for the Taixu Sect's legacy here, would I, an elder of the Eight Great Gates, have the leisure to come to this remote wilderness to watch you capture demon cultivators?"
"This..."
The two Stewards hesitated.
In such words...seemingly also true.
Apprehending demon cultivators was the responsibility of the Taoist Court, and if it weren't related to the Taixu Sect, he, a busy True Transmission Elder, certainly wouldn't have the leisure to meddle in such affairs.
However, it all felt somewhat incongruous to them at the moment.
Xun Ziyou's countenance grew entirely cold, "How, does your Taoist Court intend to detain the legacy of our Taixu Sect?"
The other two Golden Core Stewards, upon hearing this, felt a tremor in their hearts, quickly cupping their hands:
"Elder Xun, please forgive us, that was not our intention..."
If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.