Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2414 Chapter 1096: "Younger Brother" (Part 2)
Previously on Immortality Through Array Formations...
Yu Er's eyes gradually brightened, but then a flicker of fear emerged:
"But that wicked Yu Er is so fierce, so powerful, I..."
Mo Hua offered a smile, reassuring her, "That's merely an outward show of strength; it's inwardly weak. There's no need for fear. Its survival is entirely owed to you."
Yu Er, startled, questioned, "Owed to me?"
Mo Hua nodded and continued speaking to Yu Er:
"It was precisely because of you that I refrained from crushing it. Without your presence, it would have met its demise countless times over. Therefore, you are its 'master,' and even its 'savior.'"
"I'm its 'master'..." Yu Er whispered, her eyes shining, a boundless courage surging within her.
She gazed up at Mo Hua, her heart filled with an incomparable sense of peace.
Brother Mo's words were undoubtedly true.
Brother Mo had said he could crush it, and he certainly could.
She had no reason to fear anything.
A smile returned to Yu Er's delicate face.
The deepest secret that had been concealed within her heart during these past days began to dissipate.
"Alright," Mo Hua gently patted Yu Er's head once more. "It's time to head back. There will be many delectable dishes tonight."
"Okay!" Yu Er replied with a smile, her eyes slightly glistening.
...
Upon their return to the Gu Family, the dinner party was on the cusp of commencing.
With graduation from the Sect drawing near, this was likely the final dinner Mo Hua would have at the Gu Family residence.
Mo Hua was assigned a prominent seat and was served the finest cuisine.
Yu Er was brought to his side, and the two enjoyed the feast together.
Midway through the meal, guests began to offer toasts to Mo Hua one after another.
As this was a family gathering, attended by members of the Gu Family who held Mo Hua in high regard, he graciously accepted every toast, resulting in a rosy flush on his cheeks.
The ambiance of the banquet was one of ease and camaraderie.
However, halfway through the repast, a few more distinguished guests made a sudden appearance.
Mo Hua recognized these newcomers as well.
They were Inspector Master Xia and Canonical Official Xia, accompanied by members of the Xia family.
Gu Shouyan displayed a hint of surprise but promptly rose to greet them, saying, "My apologies for not extending a proper welcome from afar, Inspector Sir."
Master Xia maintained a serene smile as he replied, "Uninvited guests, I trust the Family Head will not take offense at my abrupt arrival."
"Not at all, not at all," Gu Shouyan responded, before instructing an attendant to arrange seating.
The Xia family stood as a prominent lineage within the Taoist State and held a distinguished position in the Taoist Court.
Master Xia served as an inspector directly under the Taoist Court's authority.
Given the Gu Family's long-standing service to the Taoist Court across generations, Gu Shouyan felt compelled, both emotionally and rationally, not to show any disrespect, and he was aware of the purpose behind Master Xia's visit.
Master Xia was deliberately seated adjacent to Mo Hua. After taking his seat, he offered a nod to Mo Hua before his gaze instinctively shifted towards Yu Er.
Mo Hua's alertness immediately heightened, and he swiftly instructed,
"Yu Er, please take these Glazed Fruits to Aunt Wan for her to sample."
Yu Er obediently nodded, took hold of a tray laden with fruit, and proceeded to locate her mother.
Master Xia withdrew his gaze.
Mo Hua calmly sipped the Gu Family's prized Hibiscus wine brew.
While it was not common knowledge that Yu Er had been designated the "Evil Embryo" by the Great Wilderness Evil God, it was presumed that Master Xia, as an Inspector of the Central Dao Court, possessed some awareness of this fact.
Even though the threat posed by the Evil God appeared to have subsided for the moment, Yu Er's status remained a delicate matter, and Mo Hua was hesitant to expose her to Master Xia's scrutiny.
Master Xia did not seem perturbed.
Yu Er's situation was not his primary concern; his visit was principally aimed at Mo Hua.
Ever since the incident involving the Blood Sacrifice, Elder Master Xun had maintained a vigilant watch, significantly limiting the opportunities for the Taoist Court's forces to interact with Mo Hua.
Mo Hua's prowess in Formations was truly immeasurable.
The karmic entanglements surrounding him were equally inscrutable.
Master Xia harbored a considerable curiosity and wished to gain a clearer understanding, but he recognized that the time was not yet opportune.
"Mo, what are your intentions following your graduation from the Outer Gate? Do you plan to assume a position as an Elder within the Taixu Inner Sect?" Master Xia inquired politely.
Mo Hua responded with a shake of his head, "Not necessarily."
"Then, perhaps you intend to forge an alliance with the Qianxue Family to secure a strong backing?"
Mo Hua again shook his head, "It's difficult to say."
"Will you be returning to your homeland in Li State?"
Mo Hua continued to shake his head, "Uncertain."
Master Xia fell silent, a sigh escaping him internally.
This young man, one could only wonder from whom he acquired such wisdom, already displayed the demeanor of an "ancestor" at such a tender age, speaking in riddles, evasively, without offering any concrete resolutions.
However, it was not entirely unexpected for Mo Hua to remain reticent.
His standing had become particularly significant, and his overt identity was one that was too extraordinary to be easily revealed.
Master Xia produced a Token and presented it to Mo Hua.
"This is the Blessing Token of our Xia family. In the future, should you ever desire to join the Xia family, whether for marriage, to study Formations, seek an inheritance, or merely to visit as a distinguished guest, simply present this Blessing Token. The Xia family will undoubtedly extend a warm reception to you."
A Blessing Token?
Mo Hua experienced a moment of hesitation.
He harbored a concern that accepting this so-called "Blessing Token" might entangle him in unforeseen karmic ties. Furthermore, he harbored doubts about whether Master Xia might have subtly altered the "Blessing Token."
However, upon further contemplation, Mo Hua acknowledged that his apprehension might be excessive.
The "blessing" offered by the Xia family within the Taoist State was a coveted opportunity that many yearned for but could never attain.
Moreover, it seemed improbable that a figure as esteemed as Master Xia would resort to deceitful tactics to ensnare him.
Should his worries persist, he could always request Elder Master Xun to examine it at a later juncture...
Mo Hua mused to himself before finally accepting the Token, conveying his profound gratitude:
"Thank you for your esteemed generosity, Master Xia. Mo Hua is deeply indebted."
Master Xia offered a slight nod.
The act of bestowing the Xia family's Blessing Token effectively fulfilled his immediate objective; other matters could not be addressed at this present time.
Master Xia consumed only a few sips of wine before making his departure.
The Xia Canonical Official, adorned in an elegant gown the color of pale moonlight and possessing a striking beauty, also rose to leave. Yet, as she departed, her gaze lingered upon Gu Changhuai, who was engrossed in his drink alone amidst the throng. For a fleeting instant, she seemed lost in a contemplative reverie.