The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2411: Farewell (2)

Just like raging infernos consuming parched grasslands, I fear this world may struggle to find tranquility...

With such thoughts, Zhang Lan's countenance grew somber. After a brief pause, he turned to Mo Hua, inquiring in a hushed tone:

"That malevolent Dao formation, it wasn't... obliterated by you yet again, was it?"

Mo Hua responded with only a smile, offering no words.

Zhang Lan's jaw fell open, a mixture of astonishment and contemplation crossing his features. A moment later, he shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. Truly, wherever this youth ventured, disorder seemed to follow.

Furthermore, regarding these carefully laid formations, it seemed he encountered one and promptly demolished it.

The scene in Tongxian City had been precisely like this, and now, within the territorial bounds of Qian Learning, the pattern persisted.

One could only hope that in future endeavors, should he cause significant mayhem, he wouldn't reveal that Zhang Lan imparted the Water Passing Step to him...

Zhang Lan sought confirmation from Mo Hua once more, asking, "You haven't divulged the Water Passing Step to anyone, have you?"

Mo Hua gave a slight nod, "Rest assured, I've kept it entirely confidential. There will be no third person privy to this knowledge."

"That's a relief..." Zhang Lan exhaled, a wave of relief washing over him, though a flicker of regret soon followed:

"It's a shame that only the most esteemed Elders within the direct lineage of the Zhang Family are permitted to learn the Water Passing Step beyond the third tier of the golden core stage. I've only recently ascended to the Golden Core realm and am not yet privileged enough to learn it. Otherwise, I would impart it to you right now, saving you the future trouble of seeking out movement techniques."

Even at this very instant, Uncle Zhang remained concerned about my movement techniques...

Mo Hua felt a surge of gratitude mingled with a touch of apprehension, asking, "Uncle Zhang, do you truly dare to teach me?"

Zhang Lan dismissed the concern with a wave of his hand, stating, "A good deed begun should be seen through to the end, like escorting a deity to their destination. You've already mastered the initial and second tiers of this movement technique. To cease learning the third tier would render the prior effort somewhat futile, wouldn't it?"

"Moreover, if this entire affair remains undetected, acquiring a bit more knowledge poses no significant risk."

"Should it come to light, regardless of whether you learned more or less, I would still face a penalty, kneeling in the ancestral hall, an unfortunate fate either way. There's no discernible difference."

"Given this perspective, why not allow you to learn more and learn it well? If the Zhang Family's Water Passing Step can be disseminated widely through your efforts, I can face my ancestors with pride."

"Even if I am compelled to kneel within the ancestral hall, I can still stand tall before the spirits of our forebears."

Mo Hua offered sincere admiration, "Uncle Zhang, your perspective is truly expansive."

Zhang Lan responded with a self-deprecating smile.

Later, the pair settled at the mountainside, shared some wine, and engaged in conversation for a considerable period.

Time seemed to evaporate; as the sun dipped below the western horizon in the blink of an eye.

The moment for their separation had arrived.

The following day, Zhang Lan was scheduled to depart by carriage, accompanying the Great Elder of the Zhang Family on their journey back to Kan State, a distance spanning thousands of miles.

It was conceivable that within the coming decades, a century, or perhaps even several hundred years, this might represent the final instance, the last opportunity for him to rendezvous with Mo Hua and share a drink.

At the point of farewell, a multitude of unspoken sentiments and emotions swirled, yet none could be adequately articulated.

Zhang Lan simply raised his cup, uttered a sigh, and expressed his wish:

"I hope that one day, I might have the chance to return to Tongxian City, sit at the Eight Immortals Table within your tavern, and leisurely partake in drinks and conversation with you."

A sense of wistful longing filled Mo Hua, yet he raised his cup, smiled, and affirmed:

"At that time, I shall undoubtedly be an excellent host and treat Uncle Zhang with the utmost hospitality."

A smile, irrepressible, graced Zhang Lan's handsome features.

The sun descended in the west, painting the mountain path with hues of the setting sun.

Zhang Lan, bathed in the twilight's glow, gradually receded into the distance.

Mo Hua stood at the mountain's entrance, waving farewell to Zhang Lan, his heart heavy with melancholy.

...

Within the Feng family's established dwelling.

By the time Zhang Lan returned, darkness had enveloped the land, and the hour was demonstrably late.

The inhabitants were engaged in packing their effects, making preparations for departure the subsequent day, bustling about with various tasks, yet the Great Elder Zhang was nowhere to be seen.

Zhang Lan privately exhaled in relief.

The jurisdiction of Qian Learning State differed significantly from the Zhang Family's domain; here, local authorities wielded considerable influence, boasting numerous influential families and formidable organizations. Offending even one carelessly could mean confronting the scions of noble houses or direct disciples of prominent sects, individuals not easily trifled with.

Consequently, to preempt any conflict with other prominent families and sects, the Great Elder had instituted stringent curfew regulations.

The current hour had already surpassed the stipulated limit; encountering Great Elder Zhang at this juncture would undoubtedly result in a severe reprimand.

Zhang Lan considered himself fortunate, silently tiptoeing his way back to his chambers, intending to pack his belongings with haste.

However, the instant he opened his door and turned his head, an elderly figure, his face etched with stern solemnity, was seated within his room, calmly sipping tea.

"Great Elder..."

Zhang Lan felt as if an electric shock had coursed through him.

Great Elder Zhang cast a brief glance in his direction but remained silent, continuing his tea consumption.

Zhang Lan felt an unnerving sensation, as if needles were pricking his back, yet he could only stand rigidly in place, refraining from any movement.

The silence in the room was so profound that the fall of a pin would have been audible.

After an unspecified duration, the esteemed Great Elder Zhang concluded his tea, then deliberately stood and proceeded towards Zhang Lan.

A knot tightened in Zhang Lan’s chest, bracing himself to endure Great Elder Zhang’s potential fury with resolute resolve.

Unexpectedly, Great Elder Zhang extended a jade slip towards him.

Zhang Lan hesitated, inquiring, "Great Elder, this is..."

Great Elder Zhang stated in a measured tone, "Water Passing Step." He then elaborated, "A third-grade mental cultivation method."

Zhang Lan faltered, stammering, "This... I..."

"Accept it," Great Elder Zhang commanded.

"Ah, yes..." Zhang Lan subsequently accepted the jade slip, which Great Elder Zhang presented, with utmost respect, using both hands.

"You hail from the direct bloodline of the Zhang Family. While somewhat prone to idleness, your innate talent is undeniable, and your character is commendable. This third-grade Water Passing Step is a supreme technique, never before shared beyond the Zhang Family's inner circle. Your current qualifications may not be entirely sufficient, but that matters little. I am making a special exception to impart it to you now. You must dedicate yourself to its comprehension..."

Great Elder Zhang articulated these words with an air of composed indifference.

Zhang Lan appeared somewhat perplexed by this turn of events.

Observing his bewilderment, Great Elder Zhang furrowed his brow and stressed each syllable:

"My words are spoken; do not betray the trust placed in you, nor the legacy of the Zhang Family's ultimate technique. Study diligently, and do not let me suffer disappointment. Heed this, remember it well!"

Great Elder Zhang uttered these final admonishments slowly, his intonation carrying a distinct undertone.

Upon concluding his speech, he bestowed a penetrating gaze upon Zhang Lan before departing.

The chamber was left in silence, with only Zhang Lan remaining.

He clutched the jade slip, standing immobile, a statue lost in thought.

"What could be Great Elder's... intent?"