Chapter 36: Concealment Technique
Chapter 36: Concealment Technique
"Senior Brother, I was just about to report to you!"
Upon hearing this, the figure on the right picked up a jade token from the pile, and inscribed on it was the name Gu Mo. He had marked this individual from the moment he entered the servant disciple area for a simple reason—Gu Mo was a loner, making him the perfect target for infiltration.
With a slight manipulation, he poisoned Gu Mo, rendering him unable to cultivate. In his moment of despair, he guided Gu Mo toward the Soul Refining Art, which he had prepared in advance.
The Soul Refining Art was an extremely sinister cultivation method. It was incredibly easy to begin, requiring no spiritual root talent. However, the risks were immense—because the first step involved refining one's own soul. Success meant stepping onto the path of cultivation, while failure resulted in complete annihilation.
From his observations, Gu Mo had successfully initiated the technique, using it to draw spiritual energy into his body within the allotted time.
But that was only the beginning. Advancing in the Soul Refining Art required the devouring and refining of living souls; progress through mere cultivation was impossible.
Later, he provided Gu Mo with another technique—the True Corpse Ghost Art, a body-refining method. Like the Soul Refining Art, this technique also required no spiritual root talent but demanded cultivators' fresh blood as fuel.
With these two sinister arts, Gu Mo was now entirely under his control. After all, the Qinglu Sect would never tolerate disciples practicing such demonic techniques.
Moreover, the jade token in his hand was not just a simple nameplate—it contained a strand of Gu Mo's soul. If Gu Mo disobeyed, he could be cursed and killed through this very token.
Thus, an infiltration operation targeting a mere servant disciple was complete. These servant disciples, desperate to cultivate and grow stronger, would naturally seek ways to acquire living souls and fresh blood. Whether they attacked their fellow disciples or secretly preyed on mortals outside, it all weakened the Qinglu Sect.
While the damage was minor at first, as his senior brother had put it—"A dike of a thousand miles can be breached by an ant hole."
What he hadn't expected, however, was that Gu Mo, who had initially seemed unremarkable, had demonstrated astonishing comprehension after joining the Spirit Plant Hall. In just three months, he had mastered a spiritual farming spell and even perfected the Cleaning Technique. This had caught the attention of the Spirit Plant Hall's steward.
Among all the servant disciples he had infiltrated so far, Gu Mo was by far the most promising.
His exceptional comprehension, combined with the Soul Refining Art and True Corpse Ghost Art, made him an absolute gem.
Although these techniques did not require a strong spiritual root, they did demand comprehension in later stages. Most servant disciples lacked both spiritual roots and intelligence, making them little more than disposable pawns.
But Gu Mo had the potential to become a key piece on their board.
"He is indeed worth nurturing."
After hearing the report on Gu Mo, the figure on the left retrieved a booklet and a jade bottle.
"Deliver these to the boy."
"Yes!"
The figure on the right accepted the items respectfully. The two then ended their meeting and vanished into the shadows.
---
At the Personnel Hall
"Senior Brother Mai, these disciples wish to join the Spirit Plant Hall!" Gu Mo arrived with over a dozen servant disciples.
"Gu Mo, you've worked hard!"
Mai Yunfa skillfully vacated his seat for Gu Mo and began registering the new recruits. Then, he retrieved a spirit boat borrowed from the Spirit Plant Hall and took them there.
"Just a few more days, and this will be over."
Watching Mai Yunfa depart, Gu Mo exhaled deeply. Over the past few days, he had visited nearly every servant disciple, explaining the benefits of joining the Spirit Plant Hall. Only a few who were in seclusion remained.
But in the Qi Drawing Stage, seclusion usually lasted only a few days.
Once he had spoken to everyone, his task would be complete.
Stretching lazily, Gu Mo walked toward the resting area behind the Personnel Hall—a space reserved for Outer Sect disciples recruiting members. Due to his outstanding performance, the Spirit Plant Hall had arranged one for him, solidifying his position as someone receiving Outer Sect benefits.
"Hmm?"
As soon as he entered, Gu Mo's gaze landed on the table, his expression freezing.
Because on the table lay a familiar sight—a booklet and a jade bottle he had never seen before.
"Damn it!"
Gu Mo cursed under his breath.
The mysterious demonic cultivator was still watching him. At this point, he was certain that the person was lurking within the servant disciple area. But what could he do? He had no idea who it was, and even if he did, with his current strength, he didn't dare report them.
Still, Gu Mo had a solution—he would throw any sinister techniques they sent into his Black Mist Space.
As long as he never practiced these dark arts and stayed away from the servant disciple area, they would have no hold over him.
"Huh?"
Stepping closer to the table, Gu Mo focused on the booklet.
The title read "Concealment Technique."
His breath hitched.
If this wasn't some bait-and-switch trick, then this technique should be a method for concealing one's aura—which was precisely what he needed right now.
Cautiously, Gu Mo examined the booklet for potential dangers. Finding none, he carefully flipped through its contents using a wooden stick.
As expected, it was a genuine aura-concealing secret art—far superior to the Qi Concealment Technique. The Qi Concealment Technique only masked fluctuations in cultivation, whereas the Concealment Technique suppressed both cultivation and personal aura.
"What a treasure!"
Reading through the technique, Gu Mo couldn't help but admire its brilliance.
With his past life's knowledge, he quickly grasped its principles.
Cultivators, with their bodies brimming with spiritual energy, were akin to walking energy sources. The Concealment Technique worked by constructing a barrier within the body, blocking the constant energy fluctuations and aura leakage.
Understanding its workings, Gu Mo confirmed that this was not a demonic technique—he could cultivate it without concern.
This saved him a fortune in sect contributions, as he no longer needed to exchange for the inferior Qi Concealment Technique—a process that would have cost him years of effort.
However, why would the mysterious demonic cultivator send him such a non-demonic technique?
Perplexed, Gu Mo turned his attention to the jade bottle—this was the first time the unknown entity had sent him something other than a cultivation manual.
Cautiously opening it, a wave of blood stench assaulted his senses.
Within the stench, a ghastly wail echoed.
Gu Mo's face darkened.
Without hesitation, he tossed the jade bottle into his Black Mist Space, deciding never to touch it again.
He already knew what it contained—a cultivator's soul and fresh blood.
If he had cultivated the Soul Refining Art and True Corpse Ghost Art, consuming this essence would instantly push him to Qi Refining Stage 2.
"I see now."
At this moment, Gu Mo fully understood the demonic cultivator's intentions.
By providing him with the Concealment Technique, they ensured that when he absorbed souls and fresh blood, he could mask the karmic energy that would otherwise expose him.
Moreover, any sudden increase in strength would also need to be hidden to avoid suspicion.
"They've thought of everything."
Gu Mo's expression turned grim.
Without a doubt—he was now being groomed as a priority target by the unknown demonic cultivator.
After all, something as precious as a cultivator's soul and fresh blood wasn't something they would casually hand out.