The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2414: "Younger Brother" (part 2)

Yu Er's gaze slowly cleared, yet a flicker of apprehension followed:

"But that wicked Yu Er is so fearsome, so potent, I..."

Mo Hua chuckled softly, "That external strength is merely a facade; it holds no true power. There's no cause for fear. Its very survival hinges solely on you."

Yu Er, taken aback, questioned, "On me?"

Mo Hua simply nodded and explained to Yu Er:

"It is because of your presence that I refrain from obliterating it. Without you, it would have met destruction countless times over. Therefore, you are its 'master,' and indeed, its 'savior.'"

"I am its 'master'..." Yu Er whispered, her eyes now alight with a burgeoning courage that seemed limitless.

She lifted her head to look at Mo Hua, a profound sense of peace settling in her heart.

Brother Mo's words must surely be true.

There was no longer any need to fear anything.

A gentle smile graced Yu Er's tender face once more.

The deeply buried, darkest secret that had burdened her heart these past days began to dissolve.

"Very well," Mo Hua said, patting Yu Er's head again, "it is time we return. A feast of delectable treats awaits us tonight."

"Okay!" Yu Er readily agreed, her smile accompanied by slightly glistening eyes.

...

Upon their return to the Gu Family residence, the dinner banquet was on the cusp of commencing.

With the conclusion of their Sect studies drawing near, this occasion likely marked Mo Hua's final dinner gathering at the Gu Family's estate.

Mo Hua occupied a seat of honor, and an array of the finest culinary delights was presented before him.

Yu Er was seated beside him, and they both partook in the meal with evident enjoyment.

As the dinner progressed, a succession of guests began to offer toasts to Mo Hua.

This was an intimate family gathering, attended by select members of the Gu Family who held a favorable disposition towards Mo Hua. Naturally, he accepted each toast gracefully, though his cheeks gradually took on a warm hue.

The ambiance of the banquet was one of relaxed congeniality.

However, midway through the meal, the arrival of a few unexpected guests caused a stir.

Mo Hua recognized these newly arrived individuals.

They were Master Xia and the Xia Canonical Official, accompanied by their kinsmen from the Xia family.

Gu Shouyan displayed a mild surprise but rose to greet them with practiced courtesy, stating, "We apologize for not extending a proper welcome from afar, Esteemed Inspector."

Master Xia reciprocated with a calm smile, "We are uninvited guests; I trust the Family Head will not take offense at our sudden appearance."

"Not at all, not at all," Gu Shouyan replied, subsequently signaling for arrangements to be made for their seating.

The Xia family constituted a prominent lineage within the Taoist State, holding a respected position within the Taoist Court.

Master Xia served as an inspector, directly accountable to the Taoist Court.

Given the Gu Family's long-standing service within the Taoist Court, Gu Shouyan felt compelled to treat them with utmost deference, both personally and officially. He was also well aware of the underlying purpose behind Master Xia's visit.

Master Xia was deliberately seated adjacent to Mo Hua. After settling into his seat, he offered a nod to Mo Hua before his gaze instinctively drifted towards Yu Er.

A subtle tension entered Mo Hua's demeanor, and he swiftly instructed:

"Yu Er, kindly take these Glazed Fruits to Aunt Wan to sample."

Yu Er nodded obediently, a tray of fruit in her hands, and departed to locate her mother.

Master Xia retracted his gaze.

Mo Hua calmly sipped the Gu Family's celebrated Hibiscus wine infusion.

The fact that Yu Er had been designated the "Evil Embryo" by the Great Wilderness Evil God was not widely known, but as an Inspector of the Central Dao Court, Master Xia was likely privy to certain details.

Even though the threat posed by the Evil God appeared to have abated for the moment, Yu Er's status remained exceptionally sensitive, compelling Mo Hua to prevent any direct observation by Master Xia.

Master Xia showed no outward indication of concern.

Yu Er's situation was not his primary concern; his visit was primarily directed towards Mo Hua.

Ever since the incident involving the Blood Sacrifice, Elder Master Xun had maintained a vigilant watch, severely limiting any opportunities for the Taoist Court's operatives to engage with Mo Hua.

Mo Hua's proficiency in Formations was truly beyond comprehension.

Furthermore, the karmic entanglements surrounding him were enigmatic and unpredictable.

Master Xia harbored a deep curiosity, desiring to observe more closely, yet he understood that the opportune moment had not yet arrived.

"Mo, what are your intentions following your graduation from the Outer Gate? Do you plan to join the Taixu Inner Sect as an Elder?" Master Xia inquired politely.

Mo Hua responded with a shake of his head, "Not definitively."

"Then, are your plans to form an alliance with the Qianxue Family to secure a stronger backing?"

Mo Hua again shook his head, "It is difficult to say."

"Perhaps a return to your ancestral home in Li State?"

Mo Hua maintained his refusal, "Uncertain."

Master Xia fell silent, a sigh escaping him internally.

This young man, one could only speculate where he acquired such wisdom, already displayed the demeanor of an 'ancient sage' at such a tender age, his responses veiled in ambiguity and inscrutability, offering no concrete declarations.

Nevertheless, Mo Hua's reticence was entirely understandable.

His current standing was unique, and his overt identity was remarkable, making it imprudent to reveal too readily.

Master Xia produced a Token and presented it to Mo Hua.

"This is the Blessing Token of my Xia family. Should you ever desire to join the Xia family in the future, be it for marriage, to learn Formations, seek inheritance, or simply to visit as a guest, present this Blessing Token, and the Xia family shall undoubtedly welcome you warmly."

A Blessing Token?

Mo Hua paused, a moment of hesitation flickering across his face.

He harbored a slight apprehension that accepting this so-called "Blessing Token" might entangle him in unforeseen karma. Furthermore, a seed of doubt was sown regarding whether Master Xia had perhaps tampered with the "Blessing Token."

However, upon further reflection, Mo Hua concluded that his concerns might be of an overly cautious nature.

The "blessing" bestowed by the Xia family within Taoist State was a coveted prize, yearned for by many yet attained by few.

Moreover, a venerable figure like Master Xia was unlikely to resort to petty tricks to ensnare him.

Should any lingering worries persist, he could always seek Elder Master Xun's assistance for an inspection later...

With these thoughts swirling, Mo Hua extended his hand and accepted the Token, expressing his heartfelt appreciation:

"Thank you for your benevolence, Master Xia. Mo Hua is deeply indebted."

Master Xia offered a slight nod.

The bestowal of the Xia family's Blessing Token had effectively achieved his primary objective; further discussion was not feasible at this juncture.

Master Xia partook in only a few cups of wine before making his departure.

The Xia Canonical Official, adorned in an elegant, moon-colored gown and possessing a striking beauty, also rose to leave. Yet, as she departed, her gaze lingered momentarily on Gu Changhuai, who was quietly sipping his drink amidst the throng, her expression becoming momentarily lost in contemplation.