The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2420: Farewell (part 2)

Leaving Solitary Mountain City behind, Mo Hua journeyed to a modest fishing hamlet nestled by the Mistwater River.

Old Yu, overjoyed at Mo Hua's arrival, bustled about, preparing a special small fish soup for his guest, using his most prized fingerlings.

Unbeknownst to Old Yu, Mo Hua was far more than he appeared; he was indeed the Junior Brother of the Taixu Gate, the esteemed "Crown Prince," and a celebrated prodigy who had clinched the Qianxue Debate and Qianxue Formation Path's Double Championship.

To Old Yu, however, Mo Hua was simply his "little benefactor."

While savoring the rich, delicious fish soup, Mo Hua inquired casually about recent events in the small village.

Old Yu's face contorted with fear as he recounted the recent influx of peculiar occurrences.

"First, the heavens themselves showed an anomaly; five resplendent golden figures materialized in the sky, radiating an awe-inspiring presence. Then, a celestial river seemed to descend, and a formidable Large Formation descended, shaking the very world..."

"This blood-red sky persisted for months, nearly transforming the Mistwater River into a sanguine torrent."

"Many believed it signaled the world's end. Yet, inexplicably, everything plunged into darkness. Utter silence fell, entire mountaintops disintegrated into fine black powder, and countless demon beasts were incinerated, turning to ash as if they were mere paper. It was truly a terrifying spectacle..."

Old Yu spoke with immense animation, his narration filled with vivid, dramatic details.

Cultivators of lower cultivation levels, possessing limited understanding, could only perceive the surface of these events, remaining largely oblivious to the profound secrets hidden within.

Yet, this did not preclude Old Yu from discussing them with gusto; clearly, these extraordinary happenings had become his staple topic of conversation.

A flicker of curiosity crossed Old Yu's features. "Benefactor, who do you suppose was behind these extraordinary phenomena – the golden figures in the sky, the descending celestial river, the blood-red sky, and the world's subsequent silence?"

As Mo Hua took another spoonful of fish soup, he couldn't help but startle, coughing twice.

"I... I have no idea either..."

Old Yu observed Mo Hua, a knowing nod accompanying his words. "That makes sense."

After all, the benefactor was only at Foundation Establishment; it was improbable he would be privy to such profound secrets.

Their conversation then shifted to more mundane, everyday matters.

Suddenly, Mo Hua inquired, "Where are Little Shunzi and Little Shuizi? I haven't seen them around."

At the mention of the two children, Old Yu's expression filled with deep gratitude.

"Thanks to the benefactor's good fortune, those two youngsters truly encountered a lucky break. They displayed some aptitude, learned Cultivation Techniques, and have now joined a Great Sect to further their cultivation."

"A Great Sect?" Mo Hua expressed mild surprise. "Which Great Sect might that be?"

"I believe it's called... the Gui Water Sect," Old Yu responded.

"Gui Water Sect?" Mo Hua repeated, taken aback. He had not anticipated that Little Shunzi and Little Shuizi would, by chance, find themselves joining the Gui Water Sect.

"Were they accepted through a formal application, or did someone specifically take them in?" Mo Hua probed further.

Old Yu explained, "An Elder who happened to pass by, bearing the surname Yu, recognized their potential. He noted that since the children also had the surname Yu, there was a familial connection, and he consequently took Little Shunzi and Little Shuizi under his wing."

"An Elder from the Gui Water Sect, you say?" Mo Hua's brow furrowed slightly.

Old Yu reflected for a moment. "Yes, it was indeed me who sent Little Shunzi and Little Shuizi into the Gui Water Sect. Both children hold that Elder Yu in high regard."

"Elder Yu..."

Mo Hua mused silently for a moment before nodding. "I understand..."

Having finished his fish soup, Mo Hua decided to pay a visit to the back mountain to see the little silver fish.

Having diligently guarded the Dragon Bone statue and received the villagers' devotions, the little silver fish had visibly grown larger, its scales now faintly shimmering like "dragon scales."

Upon seeing Mo Hua, the little silver fish became ecstatic, its tail wagging furiously as it circled Mo Hua repeatedly, displaying unmistakable affection.

Mo Hua gently tapped its forehead with a finger and offered a smile. "I am about to depart, and it may be quite some time before I can visit you again."

The little silver fish's typically energetic tail suddenly stilled.

Its head drooped, exuding an air of deep sadness.

Mo Hua let out a soft sigh and continued:

"Deities possess exceptionally long lifespans. Simply focus on your Cultivation, accept the incense offerings, and protect the faithful. Our paths will cross once more one day."

"Also, that... statue, consider it a gift from me. Ensure you guard it with utmost care."

The little silver fish nodded repeatedly, its spirits appearing to lift slightly.

Mo Hua spent a little more time in its company before taking his leave.

Old Yu escorted Mo Hua to the village entrance. Raising his hands in a gesture of sincere gratitude, he spoke:

"My words are inadequate, old man. I can only wish that Benefactor experiences smooth journeys ahead and that all your aspirations are realized."

With a smile, Mo Hua offered Old Yu the well wishes of "favorable weather and prosperity every year."

Following this, Mo Hua departed the humble fishing village by carriage, embarking on a journey southwards along the riverside.

After a period of travel, Mo Hua's expression shifted subtly. He raised the carriage's curtain, observing a silver fish that shadowed his progress, its scales shimmering upon the Mistwater River.

The small silver fish found itself unable to keep pace as the carriage journeyed onward, eventually leaving the vicinity of the Smoke Water River far behind. It was unable to continue, lingering in confusion for a considerable time before it reluctantly turned back towards home, alone.

...

Having left the Mistwater River behind, Mo Hua proceeded along the mountain trails toward Kushan Mountain, intending to pay a visit to Lord Yellow Mountain.

Lord Yellow Mountain was an acquaintance, an "old friend" whom Mo Hua had encountered prior to entering the Qian Learning State Boundary.

Mo Hua remained uncertain of Lord Yellow Mountain's fate amidst the calamity of the Blood Sacrifice.

He pondered if his friend had been impacted, tainted, or perhaps had fallen once more...

A degree of worry and concern occupied Mo Hua's thoughts.

However, previously, having been ensnared by a twist of fate, he had been confined to the back mountain by Elder Master Xun. Subsequently, he became occupied with his graduation and a multitude of other pressing matters.

Now, with a measure of free time at his disposal, Mo Hua undertook this special journey to Kushan Mountain for the express purpose of seeing his old friend.

Upon entering Kushan Mountain and setting foot on the ascending steps, the rocky mountain path, strewn with fallen dry leaves, led the way all the way to the summit of the deep mountain. Tilting his gaze slightly upwards, he could discern the dilapidated temple belonging to Lord Yellow Mountain.