Chapter 1102: Hundred Flowers Jade Lead

After bidding farewell to Huangshan Jun, Mo Hua went down the mountain. In the small immortal city at the foot of the mountain, he spent some spirit stones and hired people to build a temple for Huangshan Jun. He also asked people to send some offerings to the mountain lord regularly, so that it wouldn't starve and be exposed to the elements every day. Although the life-bound idol had been found, Huangshan Jun didn't particularly care about incense fire faith.

But you can't starve!

People are like this, and so are gods.

After doing all this, Mo Hua turned his head and looked at the withered mountain. He silently said a word of cherish to Huangshan Jun in his heart, then rode the carriage and left.

After leaving the withered mountain, there was still a journey to Taixu Gate.

Mo Hua then sat in the carriage, closing his eyes to cultivate his spirit.

The hooves clip-clopped. He didn't know how long they had been traveling when suddenly the mountain forest grew gloomy, and a deathly silence fell all around. In the air, a faint smell of blood and baleful qi permeated.

Mo Hua slowly opened his eyes.

Ever since committing the life baleful, he had become very sensitive to breaths like "life and death" and "baleful qi".

Previously, when encountering baleful qi, he still had to use his divine sense to perceive it, or use calculation power to deduce it.

Now, the causal-level baleful qi was like a "smell". Mo Hua could almost sniff it out by instinct.

Mo Hua lifted the carriage curtain and looked out the window.

Outside the window was a poor village. The houses were dilapidated, with traces of life remaining, but no one was left.

In the air, the bloody smell had been blown away by the mountain wind.

But the death baleful qi permeated.

Without pinching his fingers or calculating, Mo Hua instantly saw scene after scene float before his eyes.

His eyes seemed to clearly see through the causes of death, seeing the world's suffering and despair.

Demonic cultivators killing people, sucking blood, refining corpses, flaying bones and skin.

Innocent cultivators struggling, resisting, in despair and pain.

These scenes were presented in black and white, but stained with blood.

Mo Hua sighed slightly.

He continued riding the carriage forward. Along the way, there were several more villages and mountain strongholds, all uninhabited.

Even a small immortal city that was once quite lively and full of human activity, where Mo Hua had previously strolled the streets, eaten noodles, and watched acrobatics, had now become a ruin.

Mo Hua's expression darkened slightly.

This was the blood sacrifice calamity.

The Vast Heaven Blood Sacrifice Great Array, when activated, needed altars as blood sacrifice nodes.

The altar in Gushan City was destroyed by Mo Hua. The altar in Xiaoyu Village was also ruined by Mo Hua.

Therefore, the cultivators in these two places survived the blood sacrifice disaster without any deaths or injuries.

But Mo Hua could not remove all the altars.

Some surviving also meant some dying.

These immortal cities and villages before his eyes had encountered calamity. A large number of innocent cultivators were tortured and slaughtered by demonic cultivators in the blood sacrifice disaster, their whole bodies of blood and flesh and hearts full of despair offered to the altars.

These gathering places for cultivators thus became ruins and uninhabited villages.

These people were lives, one by one.

But because they were all low-level cultivators, poor and humble, everyone only felt sad for a while, then considered it passed.

Some people wouldn't even feel sad at all.

Because what they could see was only the dry and cold numbers in the Dao Court records.

Even many dead humble scattered cultivators would not be included in the death statistics.

It was truly in the great disasters of heaven and earth that the silent "majority" bore the pain, despair, and cost of death.

When they were alive, they were silent and unknown.

After death, they were even more silent, buried like that in the mountain forests and wild grass.

Mo Hua's gaze was full of pity, some helplessness, and a bit of powerlessness. In the end, he sighed and murmured:

"Still not strong enough—"

Heaven is vigorous, and the gentleman strives for self-improvement without rest.

Only by continuously becoming strong, strong enough, can one change the cultivation world pattern, even the fate of all under heaven.

Mo Hua looked up at the vast and boundless, high and endless sky, suddenly lost in thought.

Leaving the withered mountain, the carriage traveled all the way. Half a day later, it finally returned to the border of Qianxue State.

But Mo Hua didn't return to Taixu Gate. Instead, he first went to Guishui Gate. As he expected, he found the former Shuiyu Gate elder, Yu Canghai, at Guishui Gate.

After the Shui Yanluo incident, Yu Canghai temporarily stayed with the Gu family to recuperate and avoid the limelight. Mo Hua hadn't inquired about him afterward. In a blink of an eye, Yu Canghai had actually become an elder of Guishui Gate.

Yu Canghai was also a bit surprised to see Mo Hua. Then he sighed:

"With the endorsement of the Gu family and the recommendation of Gu Diansi, I entered Guishui Gate and became an elder."

"Guishui Gate's previous high-level members were purged by the Dao Court. Most of the remaining ones don't know my background and think I'm a 'spy' planted by the Dao Court, so they don't dare to offend me and won't delve into my past."

"Guishui Gate's inheritance mostly comes from Shuiyu Gate. Teaching it is easy for me. This elder position is not difficult."

Mo Hua then asked: "Did you take in Xiao Shunzi and Xiao Shuizi?"

"Yes," Yu Canghai nodded, "I have to keep these two children in front of me to feel at ease—"

"If they can enter the inner gate in the future and become my direct disciples, then I can be said to have properly continued the inheritance of Shuiyu Gate."

"I can also be considered to have no regrets in this life. I will have an account to the ancestors under the nine springs."

Speaking here, Yu Canghai sighed and bowed his hands to Mo Hua, "All this, I still have to thank younger brother a lot. Yu Mou is endlessly grateful."

Mo Hua nodded and didn't speak.

Yu Canghai got up to pour tea for Mo Hua.

Mo Hua took the teacup, took a sip, and suddenly said: "The Shuiyu forbidden box is in my hands."

Yu Canghai's whole body shook. Tea water spilled on his hand. He looked up at Mo Hua in disbelief.

"Shui, Shuiyu—....—"

Mo Hua nodded.

Yu Canghai's face turned pale.

He had previously held a slim hope, guessing that this box might be in Mo Hua's hands.

But he only guessed like that, not daring to really think so.

Unexpectedly, this supreme treasure, which had been inherited by Shuiyu Gate for who knows how many generations, had really fallen into Mo Hua's hands.

Moreover, while drinking a sip of tea, Mo Hua simply and directly, casually said it out in front of him.

A stormy wave was stirred up in Yu Canghai's heart. He clenched his fist, his gaze eager, and his voice trembled:

"That.—"

Mo Hua shook his head, "I cannot give it to you now."

Deep disappointment surged on Yu Canghai's face. The unwillingness in his eyes was hard to hide, and there was a trace of anger.

But raising his head to see Mo Hua's calm and bottomless gaze, Yu Canghai's indignation instantly dissipated without a trace.

Yu Canghai let out a long sigh, his face turning ashen.

Mo Hua said lightly: "You should understand in your heart that if I give you this thing, you cannot hold it. A slight rumor leak will bring disaster to you, even to Xiao Shunzi, Xiao Shuizi, and even the entire Xiaoyu Village. You should have experienced the sin of possessing a precious jade."

"However, this is originally something of Shuiyu Gate," Mo Hua said, "I can give it to you, but not now."

Yu Canghai's dim eyes revealed a trace of spirit.

Mo Hua said: "The day you can cultivate to Featherization and have the qualification to protect this box, I will give it to you."

Yu Canghai smiled bitterly, "My original aptitude is dull, and I injured my foundation in the pursuit. I probably can't even touch the edge of Featherization in this life. How can I have such extravagant hope?"

"That's your matter," Mo Hua said.

Yu Canghai had a face of bitterness and helplessness.

Mo Hua thought for a bit and felt it was a bit difficult for him. Then he said: "It also works if Xiao Shunzi and Xiao Shuizi cultivate to Gold Dan. At that time, I will give the box to you."

Yu Canghai nodded solemnly: "Good."

Although Gold Dan was also difficult, it was much simpler compared to Featherization.

Moreover, cultivating Xiao Shunzi and Xiao Shuizi into talents was originally his long-cherished wish, and Mo Hua's requirement did not conflict with it.

The only problem was whether Mo Hua would keep his word.

Yu Canghai looked at Mo Hua, pondered for a moment, and sighed in his heart.

Putting aside other things, at least from the current observation, this Young Master Mo's character was definitely trustworthy.

He had shown great kindness to himself, to the Gu family, and to Shuiyu Gate.

Taking ten thousand steps back, if he really wanted to embezzle the Shuiyu forbidden box, there was no need to mention this matter.

Even if he insisted on not giving it, there was nothing to say.

With his current reputation and unique status in Taixu Gate, even if he forcefully seized it or secretly thought of ways to kill this Gold Dan elder and silence him, it actually wouldn't take much effort.

He didn't secretly kill himself. He could tell him this matter honestly face to face and promise to return the forbidden box later.

He had already shown enough respect to this elder of a fallen sect.

Moreover, this was also a "kindness" and a "hope".

Thinking this through, Yu Canghai let out a long sigh. His heart became much more peaceful, and he felt much gratitude.

He got up and bowed deeply, solemnly saying: "Many thanks, Young Master, for your great kindness and virtue in preserving my Shuiyu Gate's dao lineage."

Mo Hua saw that Elder Yu's gaze was sincere and nodded slightly.

Both emotionally and reasonably, he didn't hope that Shuiyu Gate's dao lineage would be cut off.

People always needed a bit of hope, whether it was the sect's dao lineage, one's own cultivation, or the education of disciples.

After bidding farewell to Elder Yu, as he had just happened to come to Guishui Gate, Mo Hua conveniently met Wang Chen.

Wang Chen was doing quite well now.

Among Guishui Gate's disciples of this generation, the one with the highest talent and strongest cultivation was Qin Cangliu, but the one with the widest connections and most popular was Wang Chen, this unknown disciple.

This also made Mo Hua quite emotional.

People indeed cannot be judged by appearance.

Seemingly the most ordinary person, if given appropriate opportunities, can also show unexpected talents.

Thinking of how Wang Chen was previously beaten by himself and Hao Xuan and others, put in a sack, and beaten on the roadside.

Mo Hua felt even more emotional in his heart.

Fortunately, Wang Chen didn't take these small grudges to heart.

On the contrary, if not for Mo Hua and the others beating him once, he might really have been "cleared out" in the Yanzhou incident along with other corrupt disciples of Guishui Gate.

Where could he have gotten to his current situation?

People's fate is really hard to say.

"Little senior brother."

In private, Wang Chen also called Mo Hua "little senior brother," just like Hao Xuan.

"I'm following the path of Guishui Gate's senior brother. After graduation, I will first be assigned to a small place's Dao Court for a few years of training. If I can form a Dan, I will be transferred back to the area around Qianxue State, starting from Diansi and slowly moving up. Afterward, I don't know if we can meet again..."

Wang Chen cupped his hands and said sincerely: "Little senior brother, take good care."

Mo Hua also smilingly cupped his hands: "Wish you a bright future. See you again if we are fated."

After parting with Wang Chen, Mo Hua returned to Taixu Gate and conveniently met one of the "inner traitor duo," Song Jian, in the small forest of Lian Yao Mountain.

Song Jian, like a thief, was dressed in black and wrapped his head. He came to see Mo Hua sneakily.

Mo Hua was a bit speechless: "Do you need to be so vigilant?"

"You don't understand," Song Jian said, "I am different from before now. I'm only one step away from becoming the 'senior brother' among the disciples of the same generation. If others catch me colluding internally and externally with you, the 'blood enemy' of Duanjin Gate, then everything is over. I won't be able to clear myself even if I jump into the Yellow River."

Mo Hua didn't know what to say.

You kid are originally an "inner traitor," how can you clear yourself?

Afterward, the two sat down and chatted for a while.

Song Jian briefly mentioned his future plans.

He was a direct descendant of the Song family and would definitely stay in the inner gate of Duanjin Gate, starting as a teaching assistant and slowly working his way up. If he could break through to Gold Dan, he would be promoted to elder and then seek a higher position.

Mo Hua was not here, and no one could help him anymore.

Of course, he no longer had the risk of "exposure" and wouldn't let people know that he, the "heaven's pride" of Duanjin Gate, was supported by the little senior brother of the enemy sect.

"What about you?" Song Jian asked Mo Hua.

"Hard to say," Mo Hua said.

He indeed hadn't considered it thoroughly.

Song Jian looked at Mo Hua and suddenly frowned, "Your life-bound magic treasure, surely you still have no clue now, right?"

Mo Hua said: "I already have a bit of a clue."

Song Jian couldn't help but say: "My Ink Big Brother, you are already in the late stage of Foundation Establishment. Everyone is almost about to form a Dan. You only have a clue. By the time you really form a Dan, won't the vegetables be cold?"

Mo Hua sighed. He was also helpless.

Song Jian said: "Do you know how the elders console us?"

Mo Hua didn't understand: "What?"

Song Jian sighed: "The elders of Duanjin Gate all say that Mo Hua of Taixu Gate, though glorious now, has poor spiritual roots, shallow foundation, and insufficient naturally nurtured life-bound magic treasure. The Dan formed will definitely be inferior, and his strength in later cultivation will inevitably weaken."

"The path of cultivation is long, not a matter of one morning and one evening. Early excellence does not necessarily mean good later. This is what they are saying about Mo Hua."

"As high as his array talent is, as long as he forms a waste Dan, this life is over. His cultivation cannot go up, and he shouldn't expect any great prospects."

Mo Hua said: "Not that exaggerated, right—"

Song Jian frowned, "I also thought the elders were being alarming before. Now seeing you like this, I feel it's really a bit dangerous...."

Mo Hua frowned and fell into thought.

Song Jian looked at Mo Hua and sighed, "Cultivation matters, I am not qualified to say more. Anyway, pay more attention. At least, prepare sufficiently for the matter of the life-bound magic treasure. You must not be careless when forming the Dan. Otherwise, later, you will really fall further and further behind. The elders' words may come true."

"Um," Mo Hua nodded, "I know."

After saying everything that needed to be said, Song Jian wanted to take his leave. He finally looked deeply at Mo Hua, his gaze complex:

"See you again if we are fated."

Mo Hua also nodded, somewhat emotional: "Goodbye."

Then, in front of the towering mountain forest, the two youths separated, heading towards their own sects and futures.

The next day, Mo Hua finally went to see his senior sisters, Murong Caiyun and Hua Qianqian.

Hua Qianqian was kind-hearted, optimistic and cheerful, and truly thought for Mo Hua.

Murong Caiyun was gentle and beautiful and always took care of Mo Hua.

These two were Mo Hua's senior sisters when he just entered Taixu Gate. Later, they did sect missions together and also experienced some events. Their friendship was quite deep.

Now that Mo Hua was graduating and leaving, he naturally had to bid farewell to the two senior sisters.

Besides, there were also Senior Brothers Ouyang Feng and Shangguan Xu.

However, Senior Brother Feng was out traveling, and Senior Brother Shangguan Xu was busy with family affairs after graduation. Neither could be met again.

In Baihua City, in Hua Qianqian's cave dwelling.

Mo Hua was offering tea and thanks to the two senior sisters when he suddenly had a slightly pleased expression. He looked at Murong Caiyun and said somewhat surprised:

"Senior Sister Murong, have you formed your Dan?"

Murong Caiyun smiled, "My luck was good, I successfully formed my Dan in one go."

Mo Hua was both happy and envious. Then he couldn't help but look at Hua Qianqian.

Hua Qianqian's originally joyful face immediately showed a trace of seriousness, "I should—also soon—"

Murong Caiyun helplessly reached out and pinched Hua Qianqian's cheek, "Don't be lazy. Cultivate properly. With your aptitude, you should have tried to form your Dan earlier."

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

Murong Caiyun laughed: "Don't wait until Junior Brother Mo forms his Dan, and you are still in Foundation Establishment."

Hua Qianqian immediately felt a trace of urgency and her expression became serious: "That's absolutely impossible."

Afterward, the few people chatted while drinking tea.

Mo Hua also took the opportunity to ask Senior Sister Murong some questions about forming a Dan.

Although Hua Qianqian hadn't formed a Dan, her cultivation was higher than Mo Hua's, she had prepared earlier than Mo Hua, and her inheritance was different from Mo Hua's, which also provided Mo Hua with some suggestions from other directions.

Mo Hua remembered them one by one in his heart.

After a moment, Hua Qianqian suddenly said: "Right, Junior Brother Mo, I have an elder who wants to see you."

Mo Hua was startled, "Elder?"

Before he could finish speaking, the rich fragrance of a hundred flowers rose. Mo Hua seemed to sense something. He turned his head to look and saw the door curtain lifted. A woman walked in from outside.

This woman was extremely beautiful, wearing a hundred flowers long skirt. She was lazy and casual, yet with a bit of dignified grace.

Mo Hua didn't recognize her at first glance. At second glance, he suddenly realized and was shocked in his heart.

Flower Valley Master!

Before this Hundred Flowers Valley Master always wore a hundred flowers palace dress, which was luxurious and imposing. Mo Hua only recognized the clothes, not the person, so he didn't recognize her for a moment.

Mo Hua immediately couldn't sit still. He stood up and bowed: "Greetings, Valley Master."

The Flower Valley Master's eyes flowed. She looked at Mo Hua and said lightly: "Sit."

Mo Hua obediently sat down, muttering in his heart, wondering why the Hundred Flowers Valley Master wanted to see him.

The Flower Valley Master seemed to see through Mo Hua's thoughts. She took out a jade slip and handed it to Mo Hua.

Mo Hua was startled, "This is—"

The Flower Valley Master said: "As you are about to leave, I will give you a gift."

"Gift?"

"Um," the Flower Valley Master nodded, "It is my Hundred Flowers Valley's sect jade token."

Mo Hua's face was dull, and he whispered: "Valley Master, I—seem— not a disciple of Hundred Flowers Valley?"

The Flower Valley Master looked at Mo Hua with a half-smile, "Isn't it?"

Mo Hua pursed his lips and didn't dare to say a word.

The Flower Valley Master smiled slightly, "Although you are not a disciple of Hundred Flowers Valley, you can be considered to have a fate with my Hundred Flowers Valley. Just take this jade token as a gift from me. My name is left inside. Later, when you go out, if you encounter some senior and junior sisters from Hundred Flowers Valley, you can ask them for help."

Mo Hua could only brace himself to take it and said: "Thank you, Valley Master."

Just as he took the jade token, the corner of Mo Hua's eye caught sight of the Flower Valley Master's face. He saw an extremely complex expression appear on her face in an instant.

There was familiarity, strangeness, nostalgia, sadness, doubt, sorrow, and— deep concern for himself.

Mo Hua was startled.