Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2412 Chapter 1095: Farewell (Part 3)

Zhang Lan furrowed his brow, replaying the Chief Elder's words and observing his demeanor numerous times. Through repeated contemplation, he began to discern the hidden meaning.

"The words must be spoken beforehand... 'Mo' must not betray my Zhang family's ultimate technique, 'give' this your all to learn, 'do not' let me down, 'you must' remember this closely, be sure!"

Words, Mo, give, do not, you must...

Transposed: You must, do not, give, Mo, words...

You must give... Mo Hua?!

So, the Chief Elder presented me with the Third Grade Water Passing Step, and then the message he delivered collectively implies...

"Be sure, you must hand over the Water Passing Step to Mo Hua?!"

Is that the true interpretation?!

Ah?!

Zhang Lan remained motionless, completely bewildered.

The Chief Elder... he truly possesses a knack for speaking in enigmas.

Could it be that the elder had perceived everything?

Furthermore, did the Chief Elder himself make a decision that transgressed ancestral teachings—to bestow the Zhang family's exclusive movement technique upon another...

And through my agency?

A deep sigh escaped Zhang Lan, leaving him feeling resigned.

...

The following day, subsequent to his morning cultivation session, as Mo Hua was partaking in buns within the dining hall, a finely wrapped storage box was presented to him.

Upon unwrapping the package, a note was discovered affixed to the storage box, stating:

"A gift from a benevolent elder who happened to pass by."

The penmanship and the phrasing felt remarkably familiar.

A flicker of surprise crossed Mo Hua's features, "Uncle Zhang? He sent this to me?"

Mo Hua proceeded to unseal the wooden box, revealing a sealed Jade Slip within. As his divine sense permeated the slip, the prominent characters declaring:

"Water Passing Step · Golden Core Chapter."

"The Golden Core Realm... the Water Passing Step movement technique manual?"

Initial delight then morphed into deep emotion, followed by a touch of astonishment:

"Didn't Uncle Zhang mention he hadn't yet mastered the Third Grade Water Passing Step?"

"Then how did he acquire this movement technique manual?"

A sense of bewilderment settled upon Mo Hua.

Meanwhile, Zhang Lan had already bid farewell to Qingzhou City and was now traveling by carriage alongside fellow Zhang family cultivators, en route to Kan State.

The carriage's interior exuded tranquility and comfort, imbued with a subtle incense aroma.

Zhang Lan would occasionally steal glances at the Great Elder, a look of puzzlement on his face.

The Great Elder, however, remained seated with his eyes closed, resting peacefully as if unconcerned.

It was only after the carriage had definitively exited the Qian Learning State Boundary, and the surrounding landscape began to shift, that the Great Elder opened his eyes. He gazed outward at the sky, his thoughts a complex tapestry.

During this sojourn to Qianxue State, through diligent inquiry and investigation, certain enigmas that had long perplexed him had begun to yield answers.

Yet, paradoxically, this clarity only amplified his unease.

A blood sacrifice... the Underworld... these could not possibly be mere coincidences.

"The omens of a momentous calamity are already apparent; I fear the Nine States may face upheaval. I wonder what destiny awaits our Zhang family in the end..."

The Great Elder’s gaze drifted towards the somber sky, his expression tinged with melancholy.

...

Following his departure from Zhang Lan, Mo Hua received a formal invitation from the Gu family, requesting his presence at a banquet.

This gathering was specifically arranged for Mo Hua by the Gu family and could largely be considered a "farewell banquet."

Mo Hua shared a cordial rapport with the Gu family and was acquainted with many of its members. With his impending graduation and the potential need to depart from Taixu Gate and the Qianxue State Boundary, he naturally wished to bid a proper adieu to the Gu family contingent.

Initially, Mo Hua had considered hosting the event himself.

However, as a relatively unattached cultivator, his supply of spirit stones was somewhat limited.

Moreover, it was improbable that the Gu family would genuinely permit him to be the host.

The grand Qianxue Dao Discussion Conference, wherein he had co-led the formations aspect, had already concluded, and now, holding the esteemed position of "Junior Brother" within the First Major School of Qianxue and bearing the designation of a favored "Crown Prince," his participation in the Gu family's banquet had already immensely pleased Patriarch Gu, bestowing honor upon the numerous elders and disciples of the Gu family.

The banquet commenced as night fell.

Despite the absence of a specific festival, the Gu family had adorned the venue in a celebratory manner to honor Mo Hua, cultivating a vibrant and opulent ambiance.

An array of exquisite dishes had been prepared well in advance.

With the recent bloody catastrophe quelled, Mr. Tu deceased, and the minions of the evil god alongside the demon cultivators utterly eradicated in a decisive sweep, their remains disintegrated into nothingness.

Mo Hua found himself with a newfound abundance of "leisure," no longer burdened by the relentless demands of his previous undertakings.

He was no longer compelled to exert himself tirelessly, risking his life for cultivation, the altar, divine marrow, or the Demon Sect as he had previously. Now, he could truly afford himself a moment of "rest."

Thus, that morning, Mo Hua decided to visit the Gu family for a bit of amusement.

Upon arriving at the Gu family residence, the moment he stepped from his carriage, a small figure darted towards him, clinging to his leg and exclaiming with delight:

"Brother Mo!"

It was Yu Er.

Mo Hua took Yu Er's hand, his gaze scanning the child's face. Noticing his fair complexion, rosy cheeks, and bright, clear eyes, it was evident that he had recovered from his recent "nightmare." A smile graced Mo Hua's lips as he ruffled the boy's hair.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes!" Yu Er chirped, nodding enthusiastically.

From a short distance, Wenren Wan observed Mo Hua, her expression a mixture of gentleness and profound gratitude.

Mo Hua offered a smile and a greeting, "Aunt Wan."

Wenren Wan felt overwhelmed with gratitude, struggling to find the right words to express her feelings. Finally, with a soft sigh, she conveyed her deepest thanks with a simple, "Thank you."

Mo Hua merely smiled, his demeanor radiating a clear and warm aura.

Soon, several members of the Gu family approached to welcome him.

Among them were Patriarch Gu Shouyan, Elder Gu Hong, and several other elders who had previously presented Mo Hua with small tokens of appreciation, including Gu Changhuai.

Warm pleasantries were exchanged among everyone.

Gu Shouyan then declared, "Young friend Mo Hua, please make yourself at home during your visit to the Gu family."

Mo Hua responded with a smile, "Thank you, Patriarch Gu."

As the head of the family, Gu Shouyan was occupied with numerous duties, and thus, after offering his personal welcome, he excused himself.

Mo Hua greeted Gu Changhuai before joining Aunt Wan and Yu Er for tea and pastries. Noticing the early hour, he contemplated taking Yu Er for a walk through the city streets.

Wenren Wan hesitated briefly before agreeing.

Following the ordeal with the evil god and the nightmare, Mo Hua was the one person who brought her the most comfort and peace of mind.

"The banquet commences at 7:00 PM; do remember to return promptly," Wenren Wan reminded him gently.

"Understood, Aunt Wan, rest assured," Mo Hua replied.

Qingzhou City was a significant metropolis, serving as a vital nexus for travelers traversing the Qianxue State Boundary.

Even without a festival, the city teemed with activity, its streets bustling with people and vehicles, lined with vibrant and prosperous market stalls.

Mo Hua then took Yu Er's hand and departed from the Gu family estate, heading towards the lively streets of Qingzhou City. They were captivated by acrobatic performances, savored sweet sugar balls, purchased intricately carved wooden tigers, and acquired small swords fashioned from refined iron, thoroughly enjoying their outing.

As dusk began to settle, both Mo Hua and Yu Er felt a degree of weariness and hunger.

Mo Hua led Yu Er back, arriving at an elevated platform just as someone was beginning to light lanterns.

Pockets of crimson light ascended, piercing the encroaching night.

From their vantage point on the high platform, they gazed upon a breathtaking panorama of thousands of household lights stretching endlessly into the distance.

Cultivators patronizing the night market added to the vibrant scene, their presence mirrored by the dazzling glow of the lanterns, creating an atmosphere of lively excitement.

Following the recent bloody catastrophe, the entirety of the Qianxue State Boundary was gradually regaining its vitality, with life and prosperity returning to the land.

Mo Hua surveyed the scene, a sense of deep emotion stirring within him.

At that precise moment, a childish yet eerily sharp voice cut through the air from behind him:

"So many 'straw dogs,' wouldn't it be wonderful if they were all devoured... Brother Mo?"

Mo Hua slowly, deliberately turned his head to face Yu Er.

Yu Er's once innocent face was now completely consumed by darkness.

His eyes blazed with malevolence.

The lantern light cast upon Yu Er's face made him appear utterly bloodthirsty, like a living...

Evil God.