The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2412: Farewell (part 3)

Zhang Lan knitted his brows, repeatedly contemplating the Chief Elder's words and demeanor. After much deliberation, the hidden meaning gradually became clear.

"Words must be spoken in advance... 'Mo'... you must not betray our Zhang family's ultimate technique. 'Give' this your all to learn. 'Do not' disappoint me. 'You must' engrave this in your mind, understand!"

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

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

You must give... Mo Hua?!

So, the Chief Elder bestowed upon me the Third Grade Water Passing Step, and the message he uttered was a coded instruction...

"Understand this well, you must hand over the Water Passing Step to Mo Hua?!"

Is that the true intention?!

What?!

The Chief Elder... he certainly had a way with cryptic messages.

Could it be that the elder had seen through everything?

Furthermore, had the Chief Elder himself made a decision that went against ancestral teachings—to bestow the Zhang family's exclusive movement technique upon another...

And using me as the intermediary?

A deep sigh escaped Zhang Lan, a sense of helplessness washing over him.

...

The following day, after his morning cultivation session, while Mo Hua was enjoying breakfast in the dining hall, a meticulously wrapped storage box arrived.

Upon opening the parcel, he discovered a note attached to the storage box, which read:

"A gift from a benevolent traveling elder."

The handwriting and the phrasing were unmistakably familiar.

Mo Hua expressed a touch of surprise, "Elder Zhang? He sent this to me?"

Curiosity piqued, Mo Hua opened the wooden box to reveal a sealed Jade Slip. As his divine sense probed the slip, the prominent characters appeared:

"Water Passing Step Golden Core Chapter."

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

Mo Hua's initial delight morphed into gratitude, followed by a wave of astonishment:

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

"Then how did he come into possession of this movement technique manual?"

Questions swirled in Mo Hua's mind.

Meanwhile, Zhang Lan had already departed Qingzhou City. He was traveling in a carriage alongside other Zhang family cultivators, journeying towards Kan State.

Inside the carriage, an atmosphere of tranquility prevailed, subtly perfumed by the scent of incense.

Zhang Lan occasionally cast a glance towards the Great Elder, his expression one of gentle confusion.

The Great Elder, however, remained seated with his eyes closed, seemingly at peace, as if entirely detached from any matter.

It wasn't until the carriage had truly ventured beyond the Qian Learning State's borders, and the surrounding scenery began to shift, that the Great Elder finally opened his eyes. He gazed out the window at the sky, his heart filled with complex emotions.

This expedition to Qianxue State had unearthed some answers to long-standing questions that had troubled him, following several inquiries and investigations.

Yet, paradoxically, these revelations only amplified his apprehension.

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

"Portents of a great calamity are already manifesting; I fear the Nine States may undergo upheaval. I am uncertain what destiny awaits our Zhang family in the end..."

The Great Elder's gaze drifted towards the darkening sky, his eyes reflecting a somber mood.

...

After his parting with Zhang Lan, Mo Hua received an invitation from the Gu family to attend a banquet.

This gathering was specially arranged for Mo Hua by the Gu family and could, in essence, be considered a "farewell celebration."

Mo Hua maintained cordial relations with the Gu family and was acquainted with many of their members. With his graduation approaching, and the prospect of leaving Taixu Gate and the Qianxue State Boundary, it was only natural that he wished to bid a proper farewell to the Gu family members.

Initially, Mo Hua had intended to host the event himself.

However, as a humble independent cultivator, his resources in spirit stones were somewhat limited.

Moreover, it was highly unlikely the Gu family would permit him to shoulder the hosting duties.

Following his prominent role as dual leader in formations during the grand Qianxue Dao Discussion Conference, and now recognized as the "esteemed" Junior Brother of the First Major School of Qianxue, a popular "Crown Prince," his participation in the Gu family's banquet had already deeply pleased Patriarch Gu, bringing considerable honor to the numerous elders and disciples of the Gu family.

The banquet commenced as night fell.

Despite it not being a festive occasion, the Gu family had nonetheless adorned the venue with celebratory decorations to honor Mo Hua, fostering a vibrant and grand ambiance.

An assortment of delectable dishes had been prepared well in advance.

With the recent bloody crisis quelled, the demise of Mr. Tu, and the complete annihilation of the minions of the evil god alongside the demon cultivators, their remains vanishing into nothingness.

Mo Hua found himself with a newfound "breather," no longer as occupied as he once was.

He was no longer compelled to tirelessly rush about, risking his life for cultivation, the altar, divine marrow, or the Demon Sect as he had previously.

Now, he could finally afford himself a genuine "respite."

Thus, that very morning, Mo Hua resolved to pay a visit to the Gu family, simply for amusement.

Upon arriving at the Gu family residence, the moment he disembarked from the carriage, a small figure darted towards him, embracing his leg joyfully and exclaiming:

"Brother Mo!"

It was Yu Er, his voice ringing out.

Mo Hua grasped Yu Er’s hand, his gaze sweeping over the boy’s countenance. He noted the healthy complexion, the rosy cheeks, and the clear, bright eyes, all clear indicators that the boy had successfully broken free from the grip of his "nightmare." A smile touched Mo Hua’s lips as he gently patted Yu Er's head.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes!" Yu Er affirmed with a nod.

From a short distance, Wenren Wan observed Mo Hua, her expression soft and filled with gratitude.

Mo Hua offered a warm smile. "Aunt Wan."

Though Wenren Wan's heart overflowed with thanks, words failed her. She let out a soft sigh, which conveyed everything, and finally managed a sincere, "Thank you."

Mo Hua simply offered another smile, his demeanor radiating a clear, gentle warmth.

Soon after, members of the Gu family approached to extend their greetings.

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

Warm pleasantries were exchanged amongst everyone.

Patriarch Gu Shouyan then addressed Mo Hua, saying, "Young friend Mo Hua, please make yourself at home during your visit with the Gu family."

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

As the head of the family, Gu Shouyan was occupied with pressing matters. He had made a point to personally greet Mo Hua before departing.

Mo Hua exchanged a few words with Gu Changhuai, then joined Aunt Wan and Yu Er for tea, enjoying some delicate cakes. Noticing that the day was still young, he proposed a stroll through the city streets with Yu Er.

Wenren Wan initially showed a flicker of hesitation, but then she readily agreed.

Following the ordeal with the evil god's nightmare, no one else could instill the same sense of peace and security in her as Mo Hua did.

"The banquet is scheduled to commence at 7:00 PM. Please remember to return promptly," Wenren Wan reminded him gently.

"Certainly, don't worry, Aunt Wan," Mo Hua assured her.

Qingzhou City stood as a significant metropolis, serving as a crucial transit point for travelers traversing the Qianxue State Boundary.

Despite it not being a festive occasion, the city teemed with activity, its streets alive with a constant flow of people and traffic. Market districts, lined with numerous shops, exuded an atmosphere of vibrancy and prosperity.

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

As dusk began to settle, a sense of pleasant tiredness and mild hunger settled upon them both.

Mo Hua guided Yu Er back, their path leading them to an elevated platform where individuals were in the process of illuminating lanterns.

Patches of red luminescence ascended, casting a warm glow upon the deepening night.

Gazing out from the vantage point of the high platform, they observed a breathtaking vista of countless household lights stretching far into the distance.

Cultivators patronizing the night market added to the vibrant scene, their presence reflected in the myriad of dazzling lantern lights, contributing to an air of lively festivity.

In the aftermath of the harrowing bloodshed, the entirety of the Qianxue State Boundary was gradually resuming its normal rhythm, with both vitality and a sense of normalcy being restored.

Mo Hua surveyed this scene, a profound sense of emotion washing over him.

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

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

Mo Hua's head turned, slowly and deliberately, to face Yu Er.

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

His eyes blazed with an unholy light, filled with pure malice.

The lantern light cast upon Yu Er's features lent him a bloodthirsty appearance, transforming him into a living…

Evil God.