The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2408: The Evil Monster’s Shadow (2)

There was one exception.

Upon finishing his studies of ancient texts that day, Mo Hua returned to his secluded cave dwelling in the back mountain from the Scripture Pavilion. He found a refined and handsome cultivator in the courtyard, whose eyes immediately widened in surprise.

"Uncle Shangguan?"

The dignified and cultured visitor was indeed Shangguan Yi.

He was the sole heir of Shang Che, the Head of the Shangguan Family, and the husband of Wenren Wan, as well as the father of Yu Er.

Seeing Mo Hua, Shangguan Yi spoke, "I had requested Elder Master Xun's permission to see you."

Mo Hua acknowledged this with a nod and inquired, "Uncle Shangguan, what leads you to visit me today?"

Shangguan Yi paused for a moment before suddenly bowing deeply to Mo Hua.

Startled, Mo Hua quickly stepped aside, exclaiming, "Uncle Shangguan, what are you doing?"

Shangguan Yi let out a profound breath and declared with solemnity, "What you did for Wan’er and Yu Er… thank you so much."

Mo Hua initially intended to dismiss the thanks, thinking, "No need to thank me." However, he then recalled the secret pertaining to the Evil God and understood that revealing it was out of the question. Elder Master Xun and True Man Situ had both explicitly warned him against disclosing any information.

Mo Hua responded, "I didn't really do anything significant..."

Shangguan Yi, however, shook his head. His expression indicated that he had somehow become privy to certain internal details, yet he offered no elaboration.

After a moment of contemplation, Mo Hua asked, "Are Aunt Wan and Yu Er doing alright?"

Shangguan Yi nodded slowly. "Wan’er… she sustained a minor injury and is still recovering. Yu Er was also quite frightened and needs some time to recuperce… but they are both well, and there are no major concerns." He added, "However, the current situation is rather volatile, and True Man Situ specifically instructed them not to leave the residence to avoid any complications."

Mo Hua responded with a simple, "That’s good then..."

He acknowledged that during such a sensitive period, unrestricted movement was unwise. He himself was effectively "grounded" by Elder Master Xun, confined to the back mountain with no permission to leave.

Mo Hua then inquired about Shangguan Wang, the traitor within the Shangguan Family. He learned that Shangguan Wang had been formally expelled from the family, and his entire lineage had been implicated and dealt with accordingly. Those who held positions were stripped of their authority, those with influence lost their power, and the family disciples were either removed from the records and exiled, reassigned to minor familial businesses, or utterly marginalized.

Shangguan Wang himself was reviled, branded a cur and a vile creature, despised by all.

A wave of melancholy washed over Mo Hua.

A lifetime spent chasing glory and fortune, only to end in disgrace and ruin.

Desperate for eternal life, ultimately dying without a proper resting place.

If Shangguan Wang had foreseen such an end to his life, who could say what he would have thought or chosen differently…

Following this, Mo Hua and Shangguan Yi engaged in conversation about mundane matters, after which Shangguan Yi prepared to depart.

Having secured Elder Master Xun’s consent for the visit and finding reassurance in Mo Hua’s safety, he saw no reason to linger and disrupt Mo Hua’s peace.

"Mo Hua," Shangguan Yi said, glancing back at Mo Hua one last time with a serious expression before parting, "In the future, should anything arise, I, Shangguan Yi, will spare no effort to assist you, no matter the cost..."

Mo Hua was once again taken aback and waved his hands dismissively. "Uncle Shangguan, you are too kind..."

Aunt Wan had shown him immense kindness, and his very opportunity to join the Taixu Gate was a direct result of her favor. Furthermore, Mo Hua felt a genuine affection for the child Yu Er, always regarding him like a younger brother. When they faced trouble, Mo Hua naturally extended his help, not deeming it worthy of such profound gratitude.

Shangguan Yi offered no further words, merely cupping his fists. "I shall not disturb you further. Take care."

Mo Hua returned the gesture. "You too, take care."

The two parted ways.

As Shangguan Yi left the cave dwelling and proceeded down the mountain path, he paused midway, turning back with a complex mix of emotions in his eyes.

The near loss of his beloved wife and child left him with a profound sense of lingering fear.

Now that the immediate danger had passed, Shangguan Yi felt an overwhelming sense of having "survived a great ordeal."

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

"This debt of gratitude… even as a beast of burden, I could never repay it..."

...

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

The world was fraught with immense suffering.

Much of this suffering was beyond his power to alter.

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

It is just that…

Mo Hua lifted his gaze, looking 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.

...

Life continued its course, as peaceful as ever.

Mo Hua persisted in his tranquil existence, adhering to his "grounded" confinement.

Until one day, Elder Master Xun personally came to find him, stating: "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, his entire being visibly relaxed, the arduous negotiations of recent days finally bearing fruit.

Elder Master Xun nodded, "It is thanks to you that we secured first place in the sword discussion."

Mo Hua was ecstatic, his eyes shining brilliantly.

The usually stern Elder Master Xun, observing Mo Hua's elation, offered a gentle smile.

This venerable ancestor of the Sect had never dared to dream that Taixu Gate could truly vanquish the foremost sects of Qianxue and seize the top spot in the sword discussion.

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

The Tai Xu Ancestors resting in the afterlife must have made some solemn pact, bestowing upon Taixu Gate a "treasure" powerful enough to defy destiny for the entire Sect.

Mo Hua's current standing within Taixu Gate was such that referring to him as a "Little Ancestor" would scarcely be an exaggeration.

Not just Taixu Mountain, but even the Sect Leaders and Elders of Tai'a Mountain and Mount Chongxu would likely wish to erect a memorial tablet for Mo Hua in their ancestral halls, offering him daily incense.

Naturally, Elder Master Xun refrained from conveying this immense praise to Mo Hua, lest it foster undue arrogance.

Lost in his joy, Mo Hua, after a brief pause, inquired: