Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2415 Chapter 1096: "Little Brother" (Part 3)

Master Xia observed all of this unfold. Yet, he maintained his composure, remaining silent. After Master Xia departed, Mo Hua summoned Yu Er to partake in the evening's feast alongside him. With no outsiders present, the atmosphere of the banquet naturally grew more relaxed and uninhibited. Following the meal, Wenren Wan accompanied Yu Er on a stroll to aid digestion. Meanwhile, Mo Hua engaged in a discussion about the Eight Trigrams with Elder Gu Hong. Upon concluding their conversation, Mo Hua made it a priority to visit Gu Changhuai. In less than two months, he would be departing from the Qian Learning State Boundary. Reflecting on the moments shared with Uncle Gu over nearly a decade, Mo Hua felt a distinct sense of reluctance. Uncle Gu embodies the classic 'cold exterior, warm interior' persona. Throughout the years, in his capacity as the Dao Court Canon, he had looked after me with great care. He provided invaluable assistance during numerous perilous situations. Of course, he also bore the brunt of blame for many of my indiscretions... And now, I am leaving. I am uncertain if I will have the opportunity to embark on further adventures with Uncle Gu in the future. Mo Hua sighed, lamenting, "Uncle Gu, please take good care of yourself." Gu Changhuai remained silent for a moment, his gaze holding a touch of melancholy as he looked at Mo Hua, finally expressing his earnest wish: "I don't have much to say, perhaps there's nothing more I can do to help you, but I do wish you an endless path in your pursuit of the Dao." These words, emanating from the usually stoic Uncle Gu, still managed to resonate deeply with Mo Hua. He promptly returned the sentiment with his own blessing, "Uncle Gu, I wish for your early marriage and a lineage of prosperous children." Gu Changhuai's expression soured, and the wistful sadness of their parting vanished instantly. Mo Hua feigned a sigh, "My only regret is that I won't be able to attend your wedding banquet." Gu Changhuai responded, "There's no need for regret." Mo Hua pressed on, "Aren't you going to make a greater effort with Sister Xia?" Gu Changhuai hesitated, appearing visibly uncomfortable, "I… I am exceptionally busy..." "Sister Xia is also quite occupied, and…" Mo Hua continued, "You both serve in the Court, handling cases together. Being busy doesn't preclude interaction, does it?" Gu Changhuai was left without a retort. After a short pause, the usually proud Gu Changhuai displayed a flicker of dejection. "She is from the Xia family..." Mo Hua shook his head, imparting wisdom, "In this world, what truly matters is your own desire. If you want something, pursue it with all your might. Don't let go, everything else is secondary. There's no need for needless worry; it's merely a waste of precious time." Gu Changhuai regarded Mo Hua with surprise and, after a period of contemplation, found his words remarkably sensible, prompting a moment of introspection. It wasn't surprising, he mused, that Mo Hua, despite his youth, possessed such profound skills in Formation arts. At the very least, this clarity of mind surpassed that of ordinary individuals. Free from anxiety and internal conflict, channeling all his focus into action. Gu Changhuai nodded, a sigh escaping him, "I understand..." He looked at Mo Hua once more with deep regard, "Should the opportunity arise to visit the Qian State in the future, make certain to come to the Gu Family residence; the hospitality will be on me." Mo Hua chuckled, "Without a doubt." ... Following his conversation with Gu Changhuai, Mo Hua took a leisurely stroll through the Gu Family estate and spent some time playing with Yu Er. He chose not to return to the Sect that night, opting instead to spend the evening at the Gu Family residence. ... As the night deepened. Xia Family Manor. This estate was established by the Xia family within the Qian Learning State Boundary to serve as a residence, cultivation space, and temporary lodging for clan cultivators. Despite its temporary nature, the manor was appointed with considerable opulence. At this moment, within a study room, Master Xia was seated at the head, diligently perusing the governmental Jade Slip pertaining to the Qianxue Court Tribunal. Xia Canonical Official stood respectfully nearby, responding to Master Xia's inquiries. Their exchange continued, a back-and-forth of questions and answers. An hour later, after concluding their official business, a sudden silence fell upon the room. Master Xia glanced up at Xia Canonical Official and spoke deliberately: "In three days' time, I shall return to Taoist State to submit my report. You will remain here; there is no need for you to accompany me back." Xia Canonical Official appeared taken aback, earnestly imploring, "Uncle..." Master Xia waved a hand, "Here in Qianxue, the influence of the aristocratic families is paramount, and the Sect powers hold considerable sway. Those in higher positions find this situation unfavorable. Therefore, someone must remain to maintain oversight." Xia Canonical Official fell silent, comprehending the directive. Master Xia regarded Xia Canonical Official, and after a brief pause, continued, "As for Gu Changhuai, he is excessively obstinate; I do not favor him." Xia Canonical Official's expression darkened. "However..." Master Xia let out a faint sigh, "He is undeniably an exceptional Canonical Official. From the perspective of family background and societal standing, he might be considered a 'second-rate' candidate for marriage, but in terms of his character, he is a 'good man' for a lifelong companion..." Xia Canonical Official listened, puzzled, finding it hard to believe such words would originate from her uncle.

"I am a Dao Court Inspector, and my judgment of people is quite precise..." Master Xia declared.

However, there are, of course, always exceptions. Mo Hua, it turned out, was a miscalculation.

It couldn't be helped; Mo Hua was the sort of person who would deceive anyone's eyes.

Xia Canonical Official's expression was rather complicated.

A sigh escaped Master Xia, his tone softening considerably:

"I've informed you before, the aristocratic family is precisely such a place."

"To receive preferential treatment, a price must be paid. Without payment, do not expect the family's continued care."

"Had you complied with the family's arrangements and married into some lowly Fifth Grade family, I would have provided ample resources to aid your cultivation to the Feather Transformation stage, granting you some standing within the clan."

"Should you refuse marriage, the family's 'support' will be significantly diminished."

"You will be barred from the core of the Xia family's influence, relegated step by step to becoming a 'marginalized figure'."

"Leaving you within the Qianxue State Boundary is the utmost extent of my capability to assist you."

"Following this, you must navigate your path alone..."

Xia Canonical Official felt a moment of daze, a flicker of gratitude stirring within.

He understood that this uncle, despite his outwardly cold and severe demeanor, was not entirely without a humane side.

It was simply that the Great Family was hardly a benevolent haven; among cultivators, a certain pragmatism, a certain harshness, an absence of empathy in some, was necessary for others to achieve freedom.

Xia Canonical Official bowed deeply and respectfully to Master Xia:

"Thank you for your care over these years, Uncle. I am aware that my parents also received considerable, albeit secret, assistance from you..."

Master Xia waved a dismissive hand, stating, "Give it no further thought. My focus is on my own ascent. Individuals like your parents, content with mere affection, I find tiresome."

Xia Canonical Official remained silent. After a beat, he spoke with sincerity:

"Uncle, you... take good care."

Master Xia gazed at Xia Canonical Official, contemplating how this young woman, whom he had watched mature and whom he had, at times, considered his own daughter, appeared intelligent yet acted foolishly, like unprepared clay...

A profound sigh emanated from Master Xia.

"You... take care as well."

...

The following day found Mo Hua preparing for his departure from the Gu Family.

He was uncertain of when he might again find himself in a position of comfortable reliance.

Wenren Wan meticulously gathered Spirit Stones, treasured Spirit Objects, potent Pills, and a collection of Formation Books, intending to present them to Mo Hua as gifts.

Yet, a persistent worry would occasionally cloud her features, as if she harbored unspoken words for Mo Hua but hesitated to voice them.

Mo Hua inquired, "Aunt Wan, is something troubling you?"

Wenren Wan started slightly, meeting Mo Hua's clear-eyed gaze. After another moment of hesitation, she furrowed her brow and slowly articulated:

"Mo Hua, I perceive something unusual about Yu Er..."

Mo Hua exhibited surprise, realizing Aunt Wan had also perceived Yu Er's peculiar behavior.

A mother's intuition is keen, particularly attuned to matters concerning her own offspring. Over these past days, Wenren Wan could not have remained oblivious.

Despite this, she had hesitated to confide in anyone.

After all, she was aware that Yu Er was the Evil God's designated 'Evil Embryo.'

With Yu Er now living, the general assumption was that the Evil Embryo had been 'annihilated.' However, if any malevolence lingered within Yu Er, then he...

Wenren Wan's lips pressed together tightly, her complexion turning pale.

The lingering dread and heartache from those times resurfaced, making it seem as though the Yu Er she had finally managed to save was merely an ephemeral illusion, poised to vanish at any moment...

Mo Hua's gaze conveyed sympathy as he offered reassurance, stating soothingly, "Aunt Wan, please be at ease. Yu Er is well."

Hearing Mo Hua's words provided Wenren Wan a measure of comfort.

However, recalling the fleeting glimpses of that unsettlingly sinister countenance, she still found herself unable to fully relinquish her unease, questioning, "Truly... Is he genuinely alright?"

Mo Hua nodded, affirming with gravitas, "Aunt Wan, remember this above all: regardless of any circumstance, Yu Er will eternally be your child."

"You shall forever remain Yu Er's mother."

"Maintain this conviction, stay steadfast, and all shall ultimately be well."

'Yu Er will always be my child...'

Wenren Wan felt a touch of bewilderment. Yet, after a moment of reflection, the disquiet in her heart began to subside.

"I understand now," she murmured.

A gentle smile graced Wenren Wan's features.