The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2426: Bai Family (part 2)

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Previously on The Quest for Immortality...
Mo Hua received a Jade Token and parting gifts from his mentors and friends before departing Taixu Gate. Elder Master Xun provided five Cloud Crossing Orders and arranged for an unannounced departure to ensure Mo Hua's safety. Mo Hua had also prepared the necessary materials and knowledge for refining a dangerous magical treasure.

Elder Master Xun gazed at Mo Hua, his words carrying a gentle caution:

"Young one, the path of Tao cultivation is fraught with unpredictability. I cannot chart a course for you; you must meticulously plan your own journey. Always remember to deliberate carefully, shun haste, avoid recklessness, and safeguard your foundation."

A wave of emotion washed over Mo Hua. He clasped his hands in a respectful salute, replying, "Understood."

Elder Master Xun paused in thought, a sudden recollection prompting him to add:

"Not long ago, I spoke with the Sect Leader regarding a preparation for you. I suspect it will prove beneficial. You should seek him out."

"The Sect Leader?" Mo Hua expressed surprise.

"Indeed," Elder Master Xun affirmed with a nod.

Mo Hua rose, offering Elder Master Xun a final, heartfelt bow of gratitude. He then turned to depart, only to halt abruptly at the threshold.

Stepping beyond this doorway signified a departure, perhaps one from which he wouldn't soon return. Who knew when he would next have the opportunity to see Elder Master Xun?

Mo Hua's heart felt a pang of sorrow. He turned his head, casting a final glance towards Elder Master Xun.

Elder Master Xun gestured with a soft wave, his voice kind, "You may go now."

Mo Hua's eyes welled up slightly. He nodded, imprinting the Elder Master's image in his heart during one last look, before turning away with a heavy heart.

...

Within the quiet sanctuary of the library pavilion.

Mo Hua, alone, approached the Taixu Sect Master to present his request.

The Taixu Sect Master produced a wooden box, from which he presented Mo Hua with a scroll of white jade.

Mo Hua looked on, slightly puzzled, asking, "What is this?"

The Taixu Sect Master stated, "The Wooden White Gold Jade Body."

"Wood White Gold Jade?" Mo Hua echoed, a frown creasing his brow.

The Taixu Sect Master proceeded to elaborate:

"The Wooden White Gold Jade Body technique, which uses wood white essence for marrow and golden jade to forge bones, serves as an alternative to the 'Copper Skin and Iron Bone' body-forging method. It is also counted among the supreme secret techniques passed down within my family. Typically, individuals not of direct lineage or without extraordinary background are not permitted to practice this inheritance."

"Earlier, Elder Master Xun entrusted me with a special request to prepare this Wooden White Gold Jade Body for you. By all rights, this body cultivation should have been bestowed upon you sooner."

"However, familial regulations are stringent, and this inheritance is exceptionally precious, not easily acquired."

"I went through considerable effort to procure this secret technique from our family's Taoist Repository, though it did cause some delay."

Mo Hua, filled with gratitude, clasped his hands in a salute. "I am deeply thankful for the trouble you have undertaken, Sect Leader."

The Taixu Sect Master chuckled, responding, "You have contributed far more to the Taixu Sect than I. In truth, as Sect Leader, it is I who should be thanking you."

After all, without Mo Hua's pivotal role, the potential merger of the Three Sects might never have transpired.

Consequently, the Taixu Sect would not have ascended to become Qianxue's Premier Major School.

Nor would he himself have attained the position of Sect Leader for this preeminent institution.

Even with its newfound prestige, this First Major Sect merely requires time to solidify its standing.

Achieving the top position was a direct result of the efforts of disciples like Mo Hua.

Consolidating that premier status and ensuring the Taixu Sect's continued prosperity was the solemn responsibility resting upon his shoulders as Sect Leader, alongside the other Elders.

Mo Hua offered a smile in return, a flicker of concern crossing his features. He inquired,

"Sect Leader, will you face any repercussions for obtaining this secret technique from your family for my cultivation?"

The Taixu Sect Master reassured him, "Since I am bestowing it upon you, naturally, there will be no trouble. Please learn it with a clear mind. My standing within the family is sufficient."

Mo Hua nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Sect Leader, you mentioned this secret technique originates from your family. Does this mean you... are also from a Great Family?"

The Sect Leader affirmed with a nod, "Precisely."

"Which family might that be?" Mo Hua asked, his interest piqued.

The Taixu Sect Master replied with a tone of understated prominence:

"The Bai Family."

Mo Hua's eyes widened in astonishment, his emotions churning like a tempest within him.

The Taixu Sect Master then seemed to recall something, adding, "Ah, yes, I don't believe I ever mentioned this to you... My surname is Bai, and I am indeed of the Bai Family, a distinguished lineage in Qian State."

Mo Hua softly repeated, "Bai... Family..."

The Taixu Sect Master elaborated, "The Qianlong Ancient Spirit Vein, a supreme nexus of spiritual energy, the boundary of the Sixth Grade Ancestor Dragon state – that is the realm of the Bai Family."

Sixth Grade... Ancestor Dragon state boundary, the Bai Family.

Mo Hua stood dumbfounded, his mind reeling from the revelation, unable to regain composure for a considerable time.

The Taixu Sect Master... was a member of the illustrious Bai Family?!

The Taixu Sect Master observed Mo Hua's profound shock, his expression one of bewildered contemplation. He found Mo Hua's reaction rather peculiar.

This young man rarely displays such obvious bewilderment.

"Do you perhaps... know of the Bai Family?" the Taixu Sect Master inquired.

Mo Hua responded quietly, "I have heard... a little..."

The Taixu Sect Master did not dwell on the matter.

The Bai Family of Qian State was a truly prosperous Sixth Grade Great Family, one that seldom made its presence known to the wider world.

It is quite ordinary for a prominent Great Family to be recognized by others.

However, merely knowing of its existence is a far cry from being able to interact with it directly.

The Sect Master of Taixu gazed kindly at Mo Hua, his eyes filled with evident respect.

"Should your schedule permit in the days ahead, do pay a visit to the Bai Family. I shall personally play host and ensure you receive ample entertainment."

"Alright... Thank you, Sect Master..."

Mo Hua's demeanor was a mixture of complex emotions, appearing somewhat unusual.

Recognizing the numerous responsibilities the Sect Master shouldered, Mo Hua felt hesitant to impose further. He then stood, preparing to depart. As he exited the library, he glanced back, spotting Big White. Habitually, he offered a tender stroke to its fluffy neck, a peculiar sensation stirring within him.

"Since the Sect Master hails from the Bai Family, does this mean Big White is also a dog belonging to the Bai Family?"

Big White responded by wagging its tail, an air of smugness and immense pride radiating from it.

With a sigh, Mo Hua gently patted its head, remarking, "I am about to depart the Sect; you will have to amuse yourself from now on."

Big White appeared to comprehend Mo Hua's declaration, freezing instantly. Its head subsequently drooped, losing its former vigor.

Mo Hua sighed once more before discreetly producing several bones. He secretly offered them, saying, "I'm leaving these for you; ration them carefully."

As Big White gnawed on the bones, it detected the distinct aroma of demon monsters within. Despite being a delectable treat, it found itself unable to muster any genuine joy.

With a final pat to Big White's head, Mo Hua murmured, "Fate shall reunite us again..." and then turned to make his exit.