The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2425: Bai Family

~5 minute read · 1,165 words
Previously on The Quest for Immortality...
Song Jian and Mo Hua discuss their futures. Song Jian plans to advance within the Sever Gold Sect, while Mo Hua remains uncertain. Song Jian voices concerns about Mo Hua's slow progress in cultivation, especially regarding his own magical treasure and eventual Core Formation. Later, Mo Hua visits his Senior Sisters Murong Caiyun and Hua Qianqian. Murong Caiyun has successfully undergone Core Formation, prompting Hua Qianqian to feel pressure. Mo Hua seeks advice on Core Formation from both. The group is then surprised by the arrival of the Master of the Hundred Flower Valley, who bestows a Jade Token upon Mo Hua, implying a significant connection to him.

Why does Hua Valley Master show me such kindness?

And what could be the reason for the heavy burdens she carries?

Mo Hua pondered, unable to fully grasp the reasons. Gazing intently, he observed that Hua Valley Master had composed herself, her face returning to a state of serene grace, though a profound sorrow remained subtly concealed within her eyes.

"Keep this Jade Token secure," Hua Valley Master instructed gently.

Caught off guard, Mo Hua nodded, replying, "Thank you, Valley Master."

"Should you find yourself in dire straits, its use is permitted."

"Understood."

Despite his words, Mo Hua resolved in his heart that he would never resort to using this Jade Token throughout his life.

Imagine a male disciple of the Taixu Gate possessing a Jade Token from the Hundred Flower Valley; how would such a situation be perceived by others?

If word were to spread, he would undoubtedly become the sole male disciple affiliated with the Hundred Flower Valley... A rather unbelievable prospect, wouldn't you agree?

After a period of tea, Hua Valley Master rose to depart, and Mo Hua offered a respectful farewell.

Following a brief conversation with Murong Caiyun and Hua Qianqian, Mo Hua also stood to take his leave, a hint of melancholy in his voice.

"Senior Sister Murong, Senior Sister Qianqian, we shall undoubtedly meet again."

Murong Caiyun appeared crestfallen, while Hua Qianqian clutched Mo Hua's hand, her eyes welling up with tears she couldn't hold back:

"If you ever find yourself returning to the Qian Learning State Boundary, you must visit your Senior Sister Qianqian."

"I certainly will," Mo Hua affirmed, adding, "And I wish you swift progress towards Core Formation, Senior Sister."

Hua Qianqian let out a sigh, murmuring, "You too."

With parting pleasantries exchanged, Mo Hua bid farewell to the two senior sisters.

Upon returning to the Sect, his final stop was Tai’a Mountain to visit Little Wood. They convened by the mountainside, sharing conversation for some time.

Mo Hua produced wine for Little Wood to partake in.

As the eve of his departure loomed, Little Wood was visibly downcast. He drank bowl after bowl, his tolerance fading rapidly. Overwhelmed by the alcohol, his face flushed a deep red, and he began to boast of grand ambitions.

He declared his intent to become the preeminent sword-casting master within the Tai’a branch, vowing to forge the finest sword for his junior brother. Ultimately, he succumbed to the drink and passed out, requiring Mo Hua to escort him back.

At this juncture, Mo Hua had seen most of the individuals he intended to visit. His departure was imminent.

Within the Taixu Gate, at the Elder’s Residence.

Elder Master Xun inquired of Mo Hua, "Are you absolutely certain about your decision to leave?"

Mo Hua inclined his head, bowing deeply to Elder Master Xun, and expressed, "During my time at Taixu Gate, your guidance has been invaluable, and for that, I am profoundly grateful, Master Xun."

Elder Master Xun released a long, sorrowful sigh, a palpable ache resonating within him as if a part of his heart had been wrenched away.

This young disciple, it seemed, was destined to depart after all...

The nine years they had shared felt as fleeting as a single day.

Elder Master Xun seemed to recall the very moment he first encountered Mo Hua, a memory now relegated to the past.

With another sigh, Elder Master Xun retrieved several Tokens from his sleeve, presenting them to Mo Hua:

"These are five Cloud Crossing Orders, each attuned to specific hours, facilitating five distinct departures from Cloud Crossing City."

"For the duration of these three days, I shall employ the Taixu Heavenly Mechanism Compass to subtly alter the threads of fate, thus concealing your movements."

"Within this three-day window, heed your own inner compass and select any Cloud Crossing point for a quiet departure, informing no one."

The web of entanglements surrounding Mo Hua was far too intricate, and his destiny held too much significance.

In the impending Taoism Conference, he had inadvertently provoked a considerable number of individuals, both openly and through clandestine means.

Furthermore, those who coveted Mo Hua's unique identity and yearned for his prodigious talents were equally numerous.

Consequently, the utmost discretion was required regarding his movements.

At the very least, such discretion was imperative within the confines of the Fifth Grade Qian Learning State Boundary.

Once he passed beyond the Qian Learning State Boundary, leaving Qian State entirely, the influence and reach of these powerful factions would diminish, affording Mo Hua significantly greater safety.

Particularly in certain smaller state boundaries of Second and Third Grade, where the Heavenly Dao Laws imposed restrictions on actions, prohibiting those above the Golden Core and Feather Transformation realms from intervening, Mo Hua would possess ample strength to defend himself.

Therefore, the more remote and less significant a location, and the lower its grade, the safer Mo Hua would actually be.

The greatest peril, conversely, lay within the Fourth and Fifth Grade territories.

Especially within the Fifth Grade Qian Learning State Boundary, where certain Sects and Clans boasting Heaven Void ancestors harbored animosity towards Mo Hua.

While they might outwardly maintain decorum to avoid repercussions, the possibility of them acting recklessly in secret could not be dismissed.

Thus, Mo Hua's departure had to be executed with absolute stealth, silence, and without leaving any discernible trace.

Mo Hua fully comprehended the gravity of the situation.

Accepting the Cloud Crossing Orders, he offered another respectful bow, stating, "Thank you, Master Xun."

Elder Master Xun offered a slight nod, his concern for Mo Hua evident as he inquired, "Have you given thought to your own Magical Treasure?"

Mo Hua affirmed, "All necessary preparations are complete."

He had spent his days at Taixu Gate meticulously arranging everything required.

Details concerning the spell points, knowledge, and crucial precautions for refining the "Twelve Scripture Gluttonous Spirit Corpse Formation," a Second Grade artifact with twenty-four patterns, had been extensively collected and meticulously transcribed by him, with plans for thorough study.

A significant amount of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures were traded for Merit Points, all stored within his Storage Ring.

Since some refining components were exceptionally rare and his authorization level insufficient, he sought assistance from several Elders, utilizing unofficial channels.

Mo Hua had previously engaged in discussions about certain aspects with Elder Master Xun himself.

While Elder Master Xun lacked knowledge of the exact Magical Treasure Mo Hua planned to forge, his profound experience in Dao cultivation allowed him to provide crucial advice and insights based on the information Mo Hua shared.

Despite his underlying worries regarding specific details, Elder Master Xun refrained from probing too deeply, nor did he have the desire to investigate further.

Certain revelations, once known, could invite karma, and karma, in turn, leaves imprints, and imprints can lead to vulnerabilities.

To safeguard Mo Hua, Elder Master Xun believed it was best to remain unaware of particular secrets.