Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2408 - 1094: The Evil Monster’s Shadow (2)

There was one exception to this.

Daily, after Mo Hua concluded his studies of ancient texts and returned to his secluded cave dwelling amidst the back mountain from the Scripture Pavilion, he encountered a cultured and comely cultivator in the courtyard. The visitor's eyes immediately registered surprise:

"Uncle Shangguan?"

The man who stood before him, bearing an air of refinement and dignity, was indeed Shangguan Yi.

He was the sole heir of Shang Che, the patriarch of the Shangguan Family, the wedded husband of Wenren Wan, and the father of young Yu Er.

Upon noticing Mo Hua, Shangguan Yi spoke, "I sought out Elder Master Xun, requesting his permission to see you."

Mo Hua offered a nod and inquired, "Uncle Shangguan, what has brought you to my humble abode today?"

Shangguan Yi paused, his expression thoughtful, before suddenly lowering himself into a deep bow towards Mo Hua.

Mo Hua was startled by this unexpected gesture and quickly stepped aside, exclaiming, "Uncle Shangguan, pray tell, what is the meaning of this?"

Shangguan Yi let out a slow breath and declared with solemnity, "What you did for Wan'er and Yu Er... I am profoundly grateful."

Mo Hua initially intended to respond with a dismissive, "There is no need for thanks," but the significant secret concerning the Evil God suddenly occupied his mind, making it impossible to reveal the truth.

Both Elder Master Xun and True Man Situ had also sternly cautioned him against divulging any information.

Consequently, Mo Hua replied, "I did not truly accomplish much..."

Shangguan Yi gently shook his head. The look in his eyes indicated that he had somehow uncovered certain hidden details.

However, he did not press for further explanations.

Mo Hua pondered for a moment before asking, "Are Aunt Wan and Yu Er faring well?"

Shangguan Yi responded with a slow nod, stating, "Wan'er... she sustained a minor injury and is currently recuperating. Yu Er was also quite frightened and requires time to recover... but they are both out of danger, with no grave concerns."

"However, the current situation remains quite turbulent, and True Man Situ specifically advised that they remain within the household to prevent any unforeseen troubles."

Mo Hua acknowledged this with a nod, murmuring, "That is good to hear..."

During this delicate period, it was indeed unwise to travel unnecessarily. He himself was under confinement by Elder Master Xun, restricted to the back mountain and forbidden from leaving.

Mo Hua then inquired about Shangguan Wang, the traitor within the Shangguan Family. He learned that Shangguan Wang had been disowned by the family, and his entire lineage had been implicated and 'dealt with'...

Those in positions of authority were stripped of their titles, those wielding power found themselves powerless, and the family disciples were either expunged from the records and cast out, reassigned to minor family enterprises, or completely relegated to the margins.

Shangguan Wang himself was reviled, branded an old dog and a vile creature, scorned by all.

A wave of melancholy washed over Mo Hua.

A lifetime spent chasing renown and fortune, only to meet a ignominious end in disgrace.

Aspiring for immortality, yet ultimately dying without even a proper burial.

If Shangguan Wang could have foreseen the culmination of his life, who could say what thoughts would have crossed his mind, or what choices he might have made differently...

Thereafter, Mo Hua and Shangguan Yi engaged in conversation about inconsequential matters, and Shangguan Yi prepared to depart.

He had obtained Elder Master Xun's approval to visit Mo Hua and, having confirmed Mo Hua's safety, felt no need to prolong his stay or disrupt Mo Hua's peace.

"Mo Hua," Shangguan Yi said, giving Mo Hua another look with earnest eyes before parting, "In the future, should any predicament arise, I, Shangguan Yi, shall spare no effort and brave any danger for you..."

Mo Hua was once again taken aback and gestured dismissively, "Uncle Shangguan, you honor me too much..."

Aunt Wan had shown him immense kindness, and it was through her favor that he had even received the opportunity to join the Taixu Gate.

Mo Hua also felt a genuine affection for the child Yu Er, always viewing him as a younger brother.

When they faced peril, Mo Hua naturally extended his aid, regarding it as hardly worthy of such profound gratitude.

Shangguan Yi offered no further words, merely cupped his fists in a gesture of respect, "I shall intrude no longer, please take care."

Mo Hua returned the gesture, "You as well."

The two men then parted ways.

As Shangguan Yi descended from the cave dwelling and walked along the mountain path, he glanced back midway, a complex emotion flickering in his gaze.

The thought of nearly losing his cherished wife and child filled him with a profound sense of lingering fear.

Now that the ordeal had passed, Shangguan Yi experienced a sudden feeling of having 'survived a great calamity'.

He let out a deep sigh, murmuring with a wry smile:

"This debt of gratitude... even becoming a beast of burden would not suffice to repay it..."

...

As for profound gratitude, Mo Hua did not dwell on it excessively.

The world is fraught with great suffering.

Many afflictions lie beyond his power to alter.

However, at the very least, he harbors the hope that those close to him remain safe, happy, and healthy.

Yet still...

Mo Hua tilted his head, his gaze fixed in the direction Shangguan Yi had departed, a frown creasing his brow.

"Yu Er, he..."

Mo Hua fell silent for a moment, lost in contemplation.

...

Days trickled by, maintaining their usual tranquil rhythm.

Mo Hua continued his life, steeped in the peace of his 'grounded' existence.

Then, one day, Elder Master Xun himself appeared, his words announcing: "The sword discussion has concluded."

Mo Hua's eyes brightened, "So, the Taixu Gate..."

Elder Master Xun let out a sigh, as if a great weight had been lifted. He seemed utterly relaxed, the culmination of his recent intense negotiations.

Nodding, Elder Master Xun confirmed, "Thanks to you, we secured first place in the sword discussion."

Overjoyed, Mo Hua's eyes shone with brilliant light.

Even the typically stern Elder Master Xun couldn't help but offer a gentle smile upon witnessing Mo Hua's elation.

This venerable ancestor of the Sect had never dared to dream that Taixu Gate could truly surpass the foremost sects of Qianxue and achieve victory in the sword discussion.

With the unification of the Three Sects and first place in the sword discussion secured.

It was as if the Tai Xu Ancestors, in their afterlife, had made a profound vow, bestowing upon Taixu Gate a 'treasure' that could alter the sect's destiny.

At this moment, Mo Hua's standing within Taixu Gate was such that calling him a "Little Ancestor" would scarcely be an exaggeration.

Not only within Taixu Mountain, but the Sect Leaders and Elders of Tai'a Mountain and Mount Chongxu would likely desire to erect a memorial tablet for Mo Hua in their ancestral shrines, offering him daily reverence.

Naturally, Elder Master Xun chose not to relay this to Mo Hua, fearing it might inflate his ego.

Lost in his jubilation, Mo Hua paused before eventually inquiring: