The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2415: "Little Brother" (part 3)

Master Xia observed all of this unfolding.

Despite the events, he maintained his composure and offered no comment.

Once Master Xia departed, Mo Hua summoned Yu Er to join him in enjoying the celebratory banquet.

With no unfamiliar faces present, the atmosphere of the evening feast gradually shifted, becoming more lighthearted and unrestrained.

Following the conclusion of the meal, Wenren Wan led Yu Er on a leisurely stroll, intended to aid digestion.

Meanwhile, Mo Hua engaged Elder Gu Hong in a discussion concerning the principles of the Eight Trigrams.

After their conversation concluded, Mo Hua made it a point to visit Gu Changhuai.

Less than two moons would pass before his departure from the Qian Learning State Boundary.

Recalling the shared moments with Uncle Gu over the course of nearly a decade, Mo Hua felt a profound sense of reluctance.

Throughout the years, in his capacity as the Dao Court Canon, he had provided me with excellent care.

He had been an invaluable asset during numerous perilous occurrences.

Naturally, he had also shouldered blame for many of my transgressions...

And now, I was on the verge of leaving.

It was uncertain if another opportunity would arise to embark on adventures with Uncle Gu in the future.

Mo Hua let out a sigh, lamenting, "Uncle Gu, please look after yourself."

Gu Changhuai remained silent for a beat, his gaze settling on Mo Hua with a subtle shadow of melancholy.

Finally, he spoke with genuine sincerity, "I don’t have much to impart, perhaps... there’s little I can assist you with directly, but I do wish you an unending journey in your pursuit of the Dao."

These words, emerging from the usually stoic Uncle Gu, still managed to resonate deeply with Mo Hua.

He promptly reciprocated the sentiment, offering, "Uncle Gu, I wish for your swift marriage and a family blessed with many prosperous offspring."

Gu Changhuai's countenance darkened instantaneously, the lingering sadness of farewell vanishing without a trace.

Mo Hua, feigning a sigh, added, "My only regret is not being able to attend your wedding feast."

Gu Changhuai responded tersely, "There is no need for regret."

Mo Hua pressed further, "Are you not planning to make a more concerted effort with Sister Xia?"

Gu Changhuai faltered, a flicker of awkwardness crossing his features, "I... I am exceedingly busy..."

"Sister Xia is also quite occupied, and..." Mo Hua continued, "You both work within the Court, collaboratively handling cases. Your busyness is not mutually exclusive, is it?"

Gu Changhuai found himself rendered speechless.

After a pause, the normally proud Gu Changhuai's expression took on a hint of dejection.

"She hails from the esteemed Xia family..."

Mo Hua, shaking his head, offered his perspective: "In this realm, what truly matters is your intention. If you desire something, pursue it relentlessly. Do not relinquish your grasp; all other concerns are secondary. Cease your fretting, for it is merely a futile expenditure of energy."

Gu Changhuai regarded Mo Hua with a look of surprise, his mind working through the statement.

He found the sentiment to be remarkably sound, prompting a period of introspection.

It was no wonder, he mused, that Mo Hua, despite his tender years, possessed such profound mastery in Formation arts.

At the very least, this clarity of purpose far surpassed that of ordinary individuals.

Absence of apprehension, no internal conflict; all mental faculties channeled directly into decisive action.

Gu Changhuai nodded, a soft exhale escaping him, "I comprehend..."

He met Mo Hua's gaze once more, a deep look in his eyes, "Should an opportunity arise in the future for you to visit Qian State, you must make your way to the Gu family residence. The invitation is extended with my treat."

Mo Hua responded with a cheerful laugh, "Without a doubt."

...

After concluding his conversation with Gu Changhuai, Mo Hua ambled through the Gu family estate and spent some time playing with Yu Er.

He opted not to return to the Sect that night, choosing instead to remain as a guest at the Gu family residence through the evening.

...

The night advanced, deepening its embrace.

Xia Family Manor.

This estate was established by the Xia family within the Qian Learning State Boundary to serve as a residence, cultivation locale, and temporary lodging for their affiliated cultivators.

Despite its designation as a temporary dwelling, the manor was appointed with considerable luxury and refinement.

At this present moment, within the confines of a study, Master Xia occupied the seat of honor, engrossed in the perusal of official Jade Slips originating from the Qianxue Court Tribunal.

Xia Canonical Official stood in a posture of respectful deference, providing responses to Master Xia's inquiries.

Their exchange continued, a rhythm of question and answer.

An hour later, with their official matters thoroughly discussed, the room descended into a profound silence.

Master Xia inclined his head, his gaze lifting to meet Xia Canonical Official's, and proclaimed with measured tones:

"In three days' time, I shall return to Taoist State to render my report. You, however, are to remain here; there is no necessity for your return."

Xia Canonical Official appeared startled, voicing his plea with eagerness, "Uncle..."

Master Xia countered with a shake of his head, "Here in Qianxue, the influence of the aristocratic families is formidable, and the power of the Sects is extensive. Those in higher authority look unfavorably upon such concentrations of power. Therefore, someone must remain to maintain oversight."

Xia Canonical Official fell into thoughtful silence.

Master Xia's gaze rested upon Xia Canonical Official, and after a brief interval, he resumed speaking, "As for Gu Changhuai, he is excessively obstinate; I do not find him agreeable."

A somberness settled upon Xia Canonical Official's features.

"However..." Master Xia let out a slight sigh, "He is undeniably an exceptional Canonical Official. From the perspectives of lineage and social standing, he might be considered a 'second-rate' candidate for marriage, yet in terms of character, he represents a truly 'good man' for lifelong companionship..."

Xia Canonical Official regarded this assessment with bewilderment, finding it difficult to reconcile such words emanating from his uncle.

"I hold the position of Dao Court Inspector, and my judgment of individuals is typically quite precise..." Master Xia stated.

Naturally, there are always exceptions to the rule. Mo Hua represented an unforeseen miscalculation.

There was nothing to be done; Mo Hua, that particular youth, was someone whose true nature defied simple observation.

An intricate emotion flickered across the Xia Canonical Official's face.

Master Xia's tone softened considerably as he let out a sigh:

"I have spoken of this before, such is the nature of an aristocratic family."

"To receive preferential treatment, a price must be paid. Without that payment, do not anticipate the family’s assistance."

"Should you agree to the family’s arrangements and wed into a mere Fifth-grade family, I would furnish you with abundant resources to aid your cultivation to the Feather Transformation stage, granting you a measure of influence within the clan."

"However, if you refuse this marriage, the family’s 'support' will diminish significantly."

"You will be excluded from the core of the Xia family's power, gradually becoming a 'marginalized individual'."

"Allowing you to remain in the Qianxue State Boundary is the utmost I could accomplish for you."

"From this point onward, you must rely entirely on yourself..."

The Xia Canonical Official felt a daze wash over him, yet a subtle sense of gratitude stirred within.

He recognized that his uncle, despite his cold and demanding demeanor, was not entirely without compassion.

It was simply that the path of a Great Family was never benevolent; among cultivators, the need for pragmatism, sternness, and sometimes a lack of empathy, was crucial for allowing others the freedom to pursue their own lives.

The Xia Canonical Official lowered his head and offered a respectful bow to Master Xia:

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

Master Xia gestured dismissively, "Give it no further thought. My focus is on my own ascent. Individuals like your parents, content with mere affection, I find rather tiresome."

The Xia Canonical Official remained silent for a moment before speaking with sincerity:

"Uncle, please... take good care of yourself."

Master Xia observed the Xia Canonical Official in silence, contemplating how this young woman, whom he had watched grow and at times viewed as his own daughter, appeared intelligent yet proved to be rather naive, like clay that would not hold its shape...

A deep sigh escaped Master Xia.

"You... you take care as well."

...

The subsequent day saw Mo Hua preparing to depart from the Gu family.

He harbored no certainty about when he might again find a convenient place to stay.

Wenren Wan meticulously gathered Spirit Stones, Spiritual Objects, Pills, and a collection of Formation books she had accumulated, intending to present them as gifts to Mo Hua.

Yet, an undercurrent of deep concern would surface on her face, as if she wished to convey something to Mo Hua but held back.

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

Wenren Wan appeared momentarily lost in thought. Noticing Mo Hua's clear and direct gaze, and after a period of repeated hesitation, she furrowed her brow and slowly articulated:

"Mo Hua, I perceive an unusual quality about Yu Er..."

A jolt went through Mo Hua; he realized Aunt Wan had also recognized Yu Er's peculiar behavior.

A mother's intuition is incredibly sharp, particularly concerning her own child. Over these past days, Wenren Wan could not have remained oblivious.

Still, she had hesitated to voice her concerns to anyone.

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

Now that Yu Er was alive, everyone believed the Evil Embryo had been 'vanquished', but if any malevolent essence lingered within Yu Er, then he...

Wenren Wan pressed her lips together tightly, her face paling.

The memory of those times filled with fear and sorrow resurfaced, as if the Yu Er she had finally rescued was nothing more than an illusion, poised to vanish at any moment...

Mo Hua’s gaze conveyed sympathy as he soothingly reassured her, "Aunt Wan, please be at ease, Yu Er is alright."

Hearing Mo Hua's words provided Wenren Wan with some measure of relief.

However, recalling the glimpses of that occasionally seen sinister little face, she still found it difficult to fully trust, whispering, "Really... is he truly alright?"

Mo Hua nodded, his voice grave as he stated, "Aunt Wan, remember this: no matter what transpires, Yu Er will always remain your child."

"And you will forever be Yu Er’s mother."

"As long as you hold onto this truth and remain steadfast, everything will be well."

Yu Er will always be my child...

A flicker of confusion crossed Wenren Wan's features, but after a moment of thoughtful consideration, the anxiety in her heart gradually subsided.

"I understand."

A gentle smile graced Wenren Wan’s features.