Trap

"Prepare for everything in advance, or prepare for failure."

Since Mo Hua was planning to enter the Great Black Mountain, he needed to make thorough preparations.

The environment of the Great Black Mountain was treacherous, filled with poisonous substances, miasma permeated the air, and it was home to numerous demon beasts.

Demon beasts didn't negotiate—they either ate humans on sight, or if not interested in eating, they killed just the same, leaving behind the torn bodies of cultivators as they moved on.

Mo Hua had grown up in Tongxian City and his father was a demon hunter, so he was well aware of the dangers of the Great Black Mountain from a young age.

Rushing into the mountains without careful consideration could easily result in death, leaving nothing behind but bones.

"There are no other children for my parents except me," Mo Hua silently reminded himself.

One day, Liu Ruhua sent some beef and vegetables to Jiang Yun, asking her to take them home for the children.

Jiang Yun declined, saying she couldn't carry so much.

The storage bags used by Qi Refining cultivators were relatively cheap and had small capacities, so indeed, they couldn't hold too much.

"Aunt Jiang, I'll take them home for you," Mo Hua volunteered.

"How could that be?"

"It's okay, I happen to have something to discuss with Uncle Chu."

"Really?" Jiang Yun looked puzzled.

"Yeah." Mo Hua nodded.

Jiang Yun stopped refusing and carried the storage bags ahead, while Mo Hua held two big heads of cabbage and followed behind her.

Along the way, Jiang Yun occasionally looked back, reminding Mo Hua to be careful and asking if he was tired and needed a rest.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they arrived at Jiang Yun's home.

Jiang Yun's home was very simple, with two or three rooms, walls spotted and some tables and chairs, all quite old, some even missing legs.

Fortunately, there was a lively atmosphere in the kitchen, so at least they had no problems with food and warmth.

"I feel a bit embarrassed about the simplicity of my home..."

"It's okay, Aunt Jiang," Mo Hua smiled.

Most families of independent cultivators in Tongxian City were like this, simple and humble.

Mo Hua's family background was slightly better before, thanks to Liu Ruhua's diligence in managing the household and Mo Shan's strength in demon hunting. There hadn't been any major changes in the family, so although they were poor, they managed to get by.

But all this was under the premise of no accidents.

The life of independent cultivators was far more fragile than one might imagine. However, despite this, everyone was still striving to live.

Jiang Yun's mother-in-law was soothing the child, and upon seeing Mo Hua, warmly greeted him.

The child also peeked out, his curious eyes scanning Mo Hua.

Mo Hua took out a cloth-made small tiger and gave it to him. The child said in a muffled voice, "Thank you, big brother," then hugged the small tiger tightly, excitedly babbling.

Mo Hua smiled and then went to find Jiang Yun's husband, Chu Guangshan.

Chu Guangshan was surprised to see Mo Hua, but upon hearing that Mo Hua had something to discuss with him, he was pleased.

"Tell me, what's the matter? As long as I can do it, I'll take care of it!"

"Uncle Chu, I want to ask about how to use traps," Mo Hua asked.

Previously, the young cat demon Mo Hua had practiced Flowing Water Steps with was caught by Chu Guangshan using traps.

Although young demon beasts were not strong, they were alert and sensitive, familiar with environmental auras, and generally would not fall into traps set by cultivators.

Chu Guangshan's ability to capture demon beasts with traps, and even catch them alive, was already quite remarkable.

Part of the reason was that Mo Hua had drawn a Wooden Binding Array on the trap, making it difficult for the demon beast to break free.

But on the other hand, it also indicated that Chu Guangshan had very experienced and knowledgeable skills in setting traps.

Among many demon hunters, not everyone had the patience and meticulousness to study traps.

Chu Guangshan hesitated for a moment.

"If it's inconvenient, never mind," Mo Hua hastily added.

To inquire about his livelihood like this was indeed a bit abrupt.

Chu Guangshan paused, then smiled, saying:

"What inconvenience? You can ask me anything, and I'm happy to help, but..."

Chu Guangshan paused again, then continued:

"These are just trivial tricks. Don't spend too much effort on them. You should focus more on cultivation and learning formations; that's where the future lies..."

"For me, I'm almost useless. Unable to hunt demons, I can only put some effort into these minor skills to earn a bit more. Otherwise, Jiang Yun... wouldn't suffer too much..."

Chu Guangshan sighed, self-mocking.

Mo Hua was moved and after a moment's thought, replied, "Understanding worldly affairs is also learning. Cultivation is vast and profound, encompassing everything. Whether it's the Great Dao or the small paths, they are all paths."

Chu Guangshan looked slightly surprised, then smiled, "I don't know where you learned all this, but it makes sense. Since you don't mind, I'll teach you everything. However, I'll say it again, these things are just minor skills and not worth too much effort."

"Yeah, don't worry, I won't neglect cultivation and formations."

Chu Guangshan nodded in agreement.

"Traps are relatively simple in essence, but require patience and meticulousness."

"To set a trap, you need to observe the terrain, guess where the demon beast will come from and where it will go, and place the trap on its inevitable path..."

"After setting up the trap, erase all traces. Grass, trees, stones—what it was like before should be the same afterwards. You also need to conceal your aura to some extent, if you can't eliminate it, you must learn to mask it..."

"How do you mask it?" Mo Hua asked.

"Demon beasts like the scent of decay. You can use demon blood, rotten meat to mask your scent, or use herbs like Bloody Grass that naturally have a pungent odor."

"I'll draw a few diagrams of traps for you later; they're quite simple. You can add some formations yourself, which should enhance their effectiveness."

...

"Lastly, beware of demon beasts playing dead. They're cunning; even if they accidentally fall into a trap, they might pretend to be dead. As you approach to check, they'll suddenly attack. Most of the time, you won't be able to defend against it."

Chu Guangshan went into detail about every aspect.

Mo Hua nodded frequently as he listened.

When Mo Hua was about to take his leave, Chu Guangshan hesitated, wanting to say something but holding back.

"Uncle Chu, is there anything else?" Mo Hua asked.

"Nothing, nothing at all."

Chu Guangshan waved his hand quickly, but from his expression, it was obvious there was something, but he found it difficult to speak about.

Mo Hua gently said, "Aunt Jiang has treated me well, and you've taught me how to use traps. If there's anything, just say it."

Chu Guangshan's face reddened, and after hesitating for a long time, he finally spoke:

"I'd like to wait until Zhou'er grows a bit older. Could you... teach him some formations?"

Zhou'er was Chu Guangshan and Jiang Yun's son, the child Mo Hua had just met.

Chu Guangshan had been injured by a demon beast and although he hadn't died, he could no longer hunt demons for a living.

He didn't want his son to follow in his dangerous footsteps, always living in fear. If Zhou'er wasn't careful, he could lose his life.

So, he wanted his son to learn some formations to make a living.

To learn formations, one had to apprentice, but Chu Guangshan couldn't afford spirit stones.

Thus, he had to ask Mo Hua, but he also couldn't afford to pay Mo Hua for his services, which was why he hesitated and felt ashamed.

But he had no other choice. Even though it was difficult to ask, he had to do it for his son.

Mo Hua was slightly stunned and thought for a moment.

Chu Guangshan quickly added, "Of course, if Zhou'er isn't talented or isn't capable, then forget it..."

Chu Guangshan said this, but his eyes still held hope, even a hint of humility.

Mo Hua looked a bit sad...

Pretending not to notice anything, he just smiled and said, "Sure, let's wait until Zhou'er grows up a bit. Even if he isn't exceptionally talented, as long as he learns a few formations, he can trade with the merchants for spirit stones. It should be enough for his future livelihood."

Chu Guangshan felt a weight lift off his heart and couldn't help but sigh with relief.

He looked at Mo Hua, his emotions fluctuating, his eyes slightly red. The words of gratitude were on the tip of his tongue, but he felt they were too weak and didn't know how to express himself properly.

Mo Hua smiled and took his leave.

Chu Guangshan saw Mo Hua off at the door, even escorting him to the street. As they approached the signboard of "Liu's Eatery," he stopped, but his gaze continued to follow Mo Hua all the way home.

(End of the Chapter)