Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2408 Chapter 1094: The Evil Monster's Shadow (2)
Previously on Immortality Through Array Formations...
An exception existed, however.
After Mo Hua concluded his study of ancient texts that day and returned to his mountain cave from the Scripture Pavilion, he encountered a cultivated and handsome cultivator in the courtyard. The visitor immediately displayed surprise in his eyes.
"Uncle Shangguan?"
The refined and dignified visitor was, indeed, Shangguan Yi.
He was the sole son of Shang Che, the Head of the Shangguan Family, the husband of Wenren Wan, and the father of Yu Er.
Upon seeing Mo Hua, Shangguan Yi stated, "I requested Elder Master Xun to permit me to see you."
Mo Hua gave a nod and inquired, "Uncle Shangguan, what reason brings you to see me?"
Shangguan Yi remained silent for a moment before suddenly bowing deeply to Mo Hua.
Mo Hua was startled and quickly moved aside, asking, "Uncle Shangguan, what are you doing?"
Shangguan Yi exhaled deeply and said with solemnity, "What you did for Wan'er and Yu Er… thank you very much."
Mo Hua initially intended to respond with "There's no need for thanks," but then recalled the secret concerning the Evil God, realizing he could not disclose it.
Both Elder Master Xun and True Man Situ had also cautioned him against revealing any information.
Mo Hua replied, "I didn't really do anything…"
Shangguan Yi shook his head; his expression clearly indicated he had somehow learned some of the inner details.
Yet, he did not elaborate further.
Mo Hua pondered for a moment before asking, "Are Aunt Wan and Yu Er doing well?"
Shangguan Yi nodded slowly and responded, "Wan'er… she sustained a minor injury and is still recuperating, and Yu Er was also frightened and needs some time to recover… but they are both alright, with no major issues."
"However, the situation is quite chaotic right now, and True Man Situ specifically instructed that they should not leave home to avoid any trouble."
Mo Hua nodded, saying, "That is good then…"
During this sensitive period, moving about freely was indeed impossible. He himself had been "grounded" by Elder Master Xun, confined to the back mountain and unable to venture out.
Mo Hua then inquired about the traitor within the Shangguan Family, Shangguan Wang, and learned that he had been expelled from the family. His entire branch had been implicated and "dealt with"…
Those holding positions were stripped of them, those with power were depowered, and the disciples of the entire family were either removed from the records and cast out, dispatched to manage minor family businesses, or completely marginalized.
Shangguan Wang himself was reviled as an old dog and a vile creature, despised by all.
Mo Hua couldn't help but feel a wave of melancholy wash over him.
Having dedicated a lifetime to the pursuit of fame and fortune, he ended up disgraced and ruined.
Desperately seeking immortality, he ultimately met his end without a proper burial.
If Shangguan Wang could foresee his life concluding in such a manner, who could say what he would think or what choices he would make…
Subsequently, Mo Hua and Shangguan Yi engaged in conversation about inconsequential matters, and Shangguan Yi prepared to depart.
He had obtained Elder Master Xun's permission to visit Mo Hua and, reassured by Mo Hua's safety, did not wish to linger further and disrupt his rest.
"Mo Hua," Shangguan Yi remarked before parting, casting another glance at Mo Hua, his eyes serious, "In the future, should anything arise, I, Shangguan Yi, will not hesitate to go through fire and water…"
Mo Hua was once again taken aback and waved his hands, exclaiming, "Uncle Shangguan, you are too kind…"
Aunt Wan had shown him immense kindness, and even his opportunity to join the Taixu Gate was due to Aunt Wan's favor.
Mo Hua also harbored affection for the child Yu Er, consistently viewing him as a younger brother.
When they faced trouble, Mo Hua naturally offered his assistance, not deeming it worthy of such profound gratitude.
Shangguan Yi offered no further words, merely cupping his fists and saying, "I shall not disturb you any longer; take care."
Mo Hua returned the gesture, replying, "You too, take care."
The two parted ways.
As Shangguan Yi departed the cave dwelling and walked along the mountain path, he turned back midway, a complex emotion evident in his eyes.
Reflecting on how he had nearly lost his beloved wife and child, he was overcome with lingering fear.
Now that the calamity had passed, Shangguan Yi experienced a distinct sense of "surviving a disaster."
He let out a deep sigh, murmuring with a wry smile:
"This kindness, even acting as a beast of burden would not suffice to repay it…"
...
As for gratitude, Mo Hua did not dwell on it excessively.
The world harbors immense suffering.
Much of this suffering is beyond his power to change.
Yet, at the very least, he hopes that those close to him remain safe, happy, and healthy.
It's simply…
Mo Hua lifted his head, directing his gaze toward the direction Shangguan Yi had departed, a frown on his face.
"Yu Er, he..."
Mo Hua fell into a thoughtful silence.
...
The days continued to unfold with their usual tranquility.
Mo Hua carried on with his peaceful, uneventful life.
It wasn't until Elder Master Xun personally sought him out, announcing, "The sword discussion has concluded."
Mo Hua's eyes brightened, "So the Taixu Gate..."
Elder Master Xun let out a sigh of relief, as if a great weight had been lifted. The recent negotiations had clearly been successful, leaving him visibly relaxed.
Elder Master Xun nodded, "Thanks to your efforts, we secured first place in the sword discussion."
Mo Hua was elated, his eyes sparkling with triumph.
Witnessing Mo Hua's radiant expression, the typically stern Elder Master Xun couldn't help but offer a gentle smile.
The sect's revered ancestor had never dared to imagine that Taixu Gate could genuinely triumph over the foremost sects of Qianxue and achieve the top position in the sword discussion.
With the unification of the Three Sects and first place in the sword discussion secured.
The departed Tai Xu Ancestors must have made some profound vow, bestowing upon Taixu Gate a "treasure" capable of altering their destiny for eternity.
Mo Hua's current standing within Taixu Gate was so elevated that referring to him as a "Little Ancestor" might not even be an exaggeration.
Not only the disciples of Taixu Mountain, but even the Sect Leaders and Elders from Taia Mountain and Mount Chongxu would likely wish to honor Mo Hua by erecting a memorial tablet in their ancestral shrines, offering daily incense.
Naturally, Elder Master Xun withheld these sentiments from Mo Hua, wary of fostering any hint of arrogance.
Still basking in his joy, Mo Hua inquired after a moment: