The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2424: Hundred Flowers Jade Token (part 3)

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Previously on The Quest for Immortality...
Mo Hua revealed he possessed the Water Prison Sect's forbidden item but refused to give it to Yu Canghai immediately. He promised to return it once Yu Canghai or his disciples reached a certain cultivation level. Afterward, Mo Hua met with a former acquaintance, Wang Chen, who was finding success in the Gui Water Sect, and then secretly met with Song Jian, who was wary of being seen with him.

Following their conversation, the two settled down for a chat.

Song Jian offered a glimpse into his future aspirations.

As a direct descendant of the Song family, his path was clear: remain within the Inner Gate of the Sever Gold Sect. He intended to commence as an Instructor, steadily ascending the ranks. Should he achieve the Golden Core stage, promotion to Elder would follow, paving the way for even greater aspirations.

With Mo Hua's departure, the support he once relied on was gone.

Naturally, the risk of his 'secret' being exposed was also eliminated. He was no longer in danger of people discovering that the Sever Gold Sect's 'prodigy' was, in reality, aided by a junior from a rival sect.

"What about your plans?" Song Jian inquired of Mo Hua.

"That’s hard to say," Mo Hua responded.

Truthfully, he hadn't given it much thought.

Song Jian scrutinized Mo Hua, his brow furrowing, "Have you still not settled on your own Magical Treasure?"

Mo Hua stated, "I have some ideas now."

Song Jian couldn't help but exclaim, "Brother Mo, you're already at the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment; everyone else is on the cusp of Core Formation, and you're only just starting to form ideas! When you finally manage to form your core, won't it be too late?"

Mo Hua let out a long sigh, feeling a pang of helplessness.

Song Jian then asked, "Do you know what the Elders say to comfort us?"

Mo Hua, perplexed, asked, "What do they say?"

Song Jian sighed, "The Elders of the Sever Gold Sect say that while Mo Hua from the Taixu Gate may seem impressive now, his Spiritual Root is poor, his foundation is weak, and his own Magical Treasure was not cultivated from the Innate stage. Therefore, the core he eventually forms will undoubtedly be inferior, and his Dao Cultivation will certainly suffer."

"The journey of Dao cultivation is a long one, not completed in a single day. Early achievements rarely lead to ultimate greatness—this is what they say about individuals like Mo Hua."

"No matter how gifted one is in Formation techniques, if their result is a wasted pill, their life's endeavor is essentially over. Cultivation will stagnate, and no great future awaits."

Mo Hua mumbled, "It can't be that exaggerated, can it..."

Song Jian's frown deepened. "I used to believe the Elders were just being dramatic, but seeing you like this, I genuinely feel there's a risk..."

Mo Hua's brow furrowed, and he sank into deep contemplation.

Song Jian looked at Mo Hua and sighed, "I don't have much standing to offer advice on cultivation, but you should certainly pay more attention to it... At the very least, your own Magical Treasure needs careful preparation, and Core Formation shouldn't be approached lightly; otherwise, you risk falling behind, and everything the Elders predicted could come to pass."

"Alright," Mo Hua nodded, "I understand."

Having imparted his thoughts, Song Jian prepared to depart. He cast a final, lingering look at Mo Hua, his expression complex:

"Farewell, until we meet again."

Mo Hua also nodded, a touch of emotion in his voice, "Farewell, until we meet again."

And so, amidst the towering mountains and dense forests, the two youths parted ways, each heading towards their respective Sects and their own unfolding futures.

...

The following day, Mo Hua finally sought out his Senior Sister Murong Caiyun and Hua Qianqian.

Hua Qianqian, known for her kind heart, optimistic outlook, and cheerful disposition, genuinely cared for Mo Hua.

Murong Caiyun, gentle and beautiful, had always shown Mo Hua considerable attention.

These two Senior Sisters were individuals Mo Hua had become acquainted with shortly after joining the Taixu Gate. They had later undertaken sect missions together, weathered various events, and forged a profound bond.

Now, with Mo Hua's graduation imminent and his departure approaching, it was only natural for him to bid them farewell.

Additionally, he had two Senior Brothers, Ouyang Feng and Senior Brother Shangguan Xu. However, Senior Brother Feng was currently away traveling, and Senior Brother Shangguan Xu, having graduated, was occupied with family matters and unavailable for a meeting.

In Hundred Flowers City, within Hua Qianqian's residence.

As Mo Hua poured tea to express his gratitude to his two Senior Sisters, he suddenly paused, looking at Murong Caiyun with surprise:

"Senior Sister Murong, have you already undergone Core Formation?"

Murong Caiyun smiled gently, "I was fortunate; I succeeded in my first attempt at Core Formation."

Mo Hua felt a mix of happiness and envy. He couldn't help but glance towards Hua Qianqian.

Hua Qianqian's usually cheerful face carried a hint of melancholy. "I should... be almost ready too..."

Murong Caiyun playfully pinched Hua Qianqian's cheek, "Don't be lazy; focus on your cultivation. With your talent, you should have attempted Core Formation much sooner."

Hua Qianqian nodded earnestly, "I am working hard."

Murong Caiyun chuckled, "Don't let Junior Brother Mo form his core before you do!"

Hua Qianqian immediately felt a surge of urgency, her expression turning serious, "That will absolutely not happen."

The group then continued their conversation over tea.

Seizing the opportunity, Mo Hua also sought Senior Sister Murong's counsel regarding the intricacies of Core Formation.

Though Hua Qianqian hadn't reached the Core Formation stage, her cultivation surpassed Mo Hua's, and she had prepared more thoroughly. Furthermore, her background was distinct from Mo Hua's, offering him alternative recommendations. Mo Hua kept these suggestions tucked away in his mind. After a short period, Hua Qianqian spoke up, her voice cutting through the silence, "By the way, Junior Brother Mo, someone has expressed a desire to meet you." Mo Hua was momentarily taken aback. "Someone?" Before he could finish his question, an opulent fragrance, reminiscent of a hundred blooming flowers, wafted through the air, stirring something within Mo Hua. He turned, his gaze drawn to the lifted door curtain, revealing a woman gracefully entering. This woman possessed extraordinary beauty, adorned in a dress that seemed woven from countless flowers. She carried an aura of languid grace, casual yet undeniably regal. Mo Hua couldn't place her at first glance, only recognizing her upon a second, more considered look, which filled him with surprise. The Master of the Flower Valley! Previously, the Flower Valley Master had always been seen in a resplendent Hundred Flowers Palace Dress, an image that left a lasting impression. Mo Hua had only registered the attire, not the person, hence his initial inability to recognize her. Instinctively, Mo Hua could no longer remain seated. He rose to offer a respectful greeting, "Greetings, Valley Master." The Valley Master's eyes swept over Mo Hua, and she softly commanded, "Sit." Mo Hua promptly obeyed, taking his seat and pondering the reasons behind the Flower Valley Master's request for an audience. As if sensing his unspoken questions, the Valley Master produced a Jade Token and extended it towards him. Mo Hua looked at it, puzzled. "What is this?" The Valley Master replied, "As you are preparing to depart, I wish to offer you a token of my appreciation." "A gift?" "Indeed," the Valley Master confirmed with a nod. "It is the sect's Jade Token from the Hundred Flower Valley." Mo Hua appeared stunned, murmuring, "Valley Master, I... don't believe I am... a disciple of the Hundred Flower Valley?" A subtle hint of amusement played on the Valley Master's lips as she regarded Mo Hua. "Not?" Mo Hua pressed his lips together, not daring to utter another word. The Valley Master offered a gentle smile. "Although you are not officially a disciple, you have formed connections with us. This Jade Token is my gift to you, bearing my name. Should you require assistance during your travels, do not hesitate to seek out the Senior Sisters and Junior Sisters of the Hundred Flower Valley." Mo Hua accepted the token with a trace of hesitation. "Thank you, Valley Master." Upon receiving the Jade Token, Mo Hua’s gaze flickered towards the Valley Master's face. He caught a fleeting glimpse of an expression so complex it was difficult to decipher. It was a tapestry woven with threads of familiarity, strangeness, nostalgia, sorrow, confusion, grief, and… a profound concern for his well-being. Mo Hua was left utterly bewildered.