Chapter 1121: Hate Evil as One Hates an Enemy

The journey from the border of the second-tier Ji State Realm to the largest nearby third-tier Canglang State Realm was arduous. The mountain roads were rugged, with scattered forks and numerous dead ends concealed by the dense jungle. For cultivators unfamiliar with the route, it would be almost impossible not to get lost on their first attempt.

Fortunately, Mo Hua had hired Escort Leader Luo for protection, making the rest of the journey considerably simpler and more relaxed. Escort Leader Luo frequently traveled this route. Despite the desolate landscape, treacherous cultivators, and numerous incidents along the way, Escort Leader Luo, a seasoned escort, navigated everything with practiced ease. Mo Hua remained an unburdened observer, completely at ease.

With time on his hands, he took the opportunity to observe the mountain villages and local customs along the route. His initial impression was one of pervasive, extreme poverty. They were no different from the rogue cultivators he had encountered in the mountain villages of the Ji State Realm. These cultivators were sallow and emaciated, often going hungry. Their cultivation levels mostly ranged from the third to fourth layers of Qi Refinement.

Mo Hua even encountered numerous "natives" who, despite possessing spiritual roots, showed no signs of cultivation even at an advanced age. This implied that from birth, they had hardly refined a single spirit stone or absorbed a wisp of spiritual energy. They lived aimlessly into their thirties or forties, relying solely on physical labor to eke out a living, often struggling to even find food.

Mo Hua had never conceived that in the world of cultivation, there could be cultivators so destitute they couldn't even begin to cultivate. He was filled with complex emotions and a profound sense of lament. Affluent families lived in lavish excess, their spirit stones and spiritual artifacts as abundant as an ocean. A mere fraction of their wealth could set hundreds, if not thousands, of impoverished rogue cultivators on the grand path of cultivation. Even if Foundation Establishment was out of reach, cultivating to the mid-to-late stages of Qi Refinement would be entirely feasible.

But the reality was not like that. In this world, spirit stones invariably flowed to those who already had an abundance. This was human nature, and also the reality of the cultivation world. Everyone was preoccupied with their own cultivation; few pitied or sympathized with rogue cultivators at the bottom.

Yet, another jarring question arose: Were low-level rogue cultivators truly deserving of sympathy?

Mo Hua frowned. At least, not all low-level rogue cultivators were deserving of sympathy. For instance, the mountain bandits he had killed with his fireballs earlier. These mountain bandits were actually rogue cultivators too. Unwilling to endure poverty and hunger, they became mountain bandits, preying on weaker rogue cultivators—robbing, seizing, and killing. Their heinous crimes were countless, and their deaths were well-deserved.

Theoretically, the centralized Daoist Court, the exploitative aristocratic families, and the monopolistic sects were all forces of oppression. But according to Mo Hua's observations along the way, within the Daoist Court, there were actually many who held noble ideals. Among aristocratic families, there were also genuinely sincere disciples. Within sects, there were also revered elders like Old Mr. Xun of the Grand Void Sect, who championed the ideal of imparting knowledge and cultivation.

Similarly, low-level rogue cultivators, bullied, exploited, and oppressed with no clear path to cultivation, were inherently deserving of sympathy and pity. Yet, precisely a portion of these rogue cultivators were the least deserving of sympathy. Some were greedy for fame and fortune, clinging to influential aristocratic families. Others betrayed trust and abandoned their origins. And then there were those, like the mountain bandits, who engaged in murder and robbery, oppressing and killing even poorer rogue cultivators with a cruelty that surpassed that of aristocratic families and sects.

Aristocratic families and sects, while considered "villains," were not wholly malevolent. Low-level rogue cultivators were "pitiful," yet not all of them deserved pity. Some aristocratic scions, if benevolent, could still benefit rogue cultivators. Conversely, some rogue cultivators, if they ascended within influential families or major sects, might subject lower-tier rogue cultivators to even more brutal and avaricious exploitation. Their actions might be more malevolent than those of ordinary aristocratic scions.

Mo Hua's brows furrowed deeply, and he sighed profoundly. This cultivation world was truly too complex. And human hearts were too unfathomable. Mo Hua now somewhat realized that his previous perceptions might have been overly simplistic. This cultivation world might not simply improve just by ensuring everyone had enough to eat and could learn to cultivate.

Cultivators from various cultivation tiers, powers, and backgrounds, each with distinct identities and intentions, intermingled to form a cultivation world resembling a vast expanse of chaos. Within this chaos, all things and myriad cultivators intertwined, making it impossible to see clearly or discern any order. If one wanted to change it, one wouldn't know where to begin. Mo Hua was also uncertain what the "Dao" truly held within this complexity. And how exactly should the so-called "changing the world, attaining the Dao, and becoming an immortal" be accomplished—how to change, how to transform, how to seek the Dao, and how to ascend to immortality?

Mo Hua fell into deep thought, momentarily lost in contemplation.

Until someone nearby called out to him: "Little Brother Mo, try some wild fruits."

Mo Hua turned to see a spirited woman, dressed in men's clothing with a red bandana, her face comely, extending a handful of wild fruits to him. This woman, named Ying Niang, was one of the escort leaders of the agency and the daughter of Chief Escort Leader Luo. In her thirties or forties, she was at the peak of the ninth layer of Qi Refinement, not far from the Foundation Establishment realm. Ying Niang had been accompanying the escort team since she was twenty. She was known for her cheerful disposition and kindness to others.

Mo Hua took the wild fruits and smiled, "Thank you, Sister Ying."

Ying Niang's eyes remained fixed on Mo Hua's face. A man nearby said sourly, "Ying Niang, I want some wild fruits too." Ying Niang turned and snapped, "Go pick them yourself if you want some!" The man pulled back, looking somewhat abashed. Those nearby burst into laughter.

Ying Niang turned back, openly gazing at Mo Hua with bright, beautiful eyes, thinking with astonishment, "How can there be such a handsome person in this world..." It wasn't that she harbored any "improper thoughts" about Mo Hua; she simply enjoyed the pleasant sight. After all, escorting goods meant enduring the elements and was quite arduous, so opportunities for such delightful sights were naturally to be cherished. Mo Hua, on the other hand, became self-conscious from being stared at. Seeing Mo Hua's reaction, Ying Niang also laughed heartily.

The rest of the journey proceeded without incident. Halfway through the journey, people began to alight from the carriage one by one. Escort Leader Luo was escorting a total of seven or eight people, including Mo Hua, but none of them were headed to Canglang City. They were simply taking a ride with Escort Leader Luo, as it was along their way. They would give advance notice when passing nearby immortal cities or villages, then disembark upon reaching their destination.

As a result, the carriage gradually emptied. After approximately fifteen days, Mo Hua was the sole "passenger" remaining, apart from Escort Leader Luo and his team. With fewer people, the atmosphere inside the carriage became more relaxed. After all, more people meant more trouble and more risks. If attacked by demonic beasts, bandit cultivators, or criminal cultivators, protecting the accompanying guests would be incredibly difficult. If there were casualties, their escort agency would have to pay a considerable amount of spirit stones in compensation. Now that only Mo Hua remained, their task was considerably simpler; they could manage any unforeseen incidents.

Escort Leader Luo no longer needed to lead the charge. The journey had been arduous and nerve-wracking; even as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he needed a moment to recuperate. He first checked the cargo to ensure it was secure, then looked at Mo Hua to confirm his safety. Mo Hua was indeed safe. Escort Leader Luo was relieved. This escort mission had been relatively smooth overall.

"Father, have some tea." Ying Niang poured a cup of tea and handed it to Escort Leader Luo. Escort Leader Luo took it, feeling warmth in his heart. His wife had passed away early, leaving him to raise their daughter alone. Now, with her impressive cultivation and understanding nature, he felt deeply comforted.

Escort Leader Luo took a sip of tea. His gaze shifted to Mo Hua. Mo Hua was also drinking tea. Escort Leader Luo's expression froze; he felt increasingly unable to discern Mo Hua's true nature, and his brows slowly furrowed.

"Young Master Mo..." Escort Leader Luo hesitated for a moment, then quietly asked, "Forgive my presumption, but may I ask you a question? Of course, if it's inconvenient, you don't have to answer."

Mo Hua nodded. "Please ask."

Escort Leader Luo slowly asked, "Young Master Mo, what is your current cultivation level..."

Mo Hua froze, and looked a little embarrassed. "I... I've reached Foundation Establishment..."

Escort Leader Luo was startled and exclaimed, "You've reached Foundation Establishment?!" The surrounding escort leaders and guards also gaped in astonishment. Ying Niang covered her mouth, her face filled with disbelief. So, the "delightful sight" young master she had been openly staring at all along was actually a "Foundation Establishment Senior"? Their group of Qi Refinement cultivators was escorting a Foundation Establishment cultivator?

Escort Leader Luo knew he had lost his composure. He cleared his throat, then frowned in confusion. "You... you're a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and you needed us to escort you?"

Mo Hua looked helpless and sighed, "My... my spells are rusty, I can't protect myself..."

Escort Leader Luo paused, then a realization dawned on him. Mo Hua's refined demeanor, gentle as jade and accustomed to comfort, clearly marked him as a scion of an aristocratic family. He possessed cultivation, yet his hands were soft, unskilled in combat, and he seemed reluctant to engage in fights. This explained why he had hired escorts.

Escort Leader Luo expressed understanding, but also admiration. He turned to his escort disciples and lectured them, "Look at him; at such a young age, he's already at the early stage of Foundation Establishment. His future is limitless. You all need to strive harder." The disciples looked on with admiration.

Ying Niang quickly bowed to Mo Hua and said somewhat sheepishly, "I was presumptuous just now; I apologize, Young Master..."

Mo Hua smiled, "It's fine."

Escort Leader Luo looked at Mo Hua again and asked, "Young Master, are you going to Canglang City this time to visit relatives or friends?"

Mo Hua pondered for a moment. "Yes, and no."

Escort Leader Luo was somewhat surprised. Mo Hua then asked, "Do you know about the Canglang Sect?"

Escort Leader Luo's expression subtly shifted, his gaze at Mo Hua subtly revealing a hint of apprehension and distance. He carefully asked, "Are you a member of the Canglang Sect?"

Mo Hua shook his head and frankly said, "No, I just met a Canglang Sect cultivator earlier, and he invited me to work for the Canglang Sect, promising generous compensation."

Escort Leader Luo scrutinized Mo Hua's expression; seeing his clear gaze and lack of deceit, he quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Mo Hua sensed something was amiss and asked, "Is something wrong with the Canglang Sect?"

Escort Leader Luo's expression grew somewhat solemn. "This... I shouldn't say too much, but..." He glanced at Mo Hua and finally said, "I advise you, Young Master, to minimize your dealings with the Canglang Sect. That sect... sigh... I've said all I can say..." Escort Leader Luo's brows were tightly furrowed, and he sighed. A hint of fear even lingered in his eyes.

Mo Hua's thoughts stirred slightly. He said, "I understand. I will be careful."

Escort Leader Luo gave Mo Hua a deep look and nodded. After that, both of them avoided the topic and talked about other things. Mo Hua asked about Canglang City. Escort Leader Luo remained tight-lipped about anything concerning the Canglang Sect but was otherwise forthcoming.

After another three days, a majestic immortal city, resembling a howling wolf's head, faintly appeared on the horizon. A third-tier immortal city, Canglang City. It was also the largest immortal city in the vicinity. The moment he saw Canglang City, Mo Hua's left eye suddenly twitched, and a flicker of excitement and longing arose in his heart. This meant something in Canglang City was "luring" him. Moreover, this aura felt somewhat familiar... Mo Hua's eyes narrowed slightly.

The escort agency's convoy continued forward. As Canglang City's gates drew closer, the majestic wolf-head ramparts became faintly visible. After a short while, Escort Leader Luo spotted a wolf-head banner flying high outside the north gate ahead, and his expression turned solemn.

"Stop." Escort Leader Luo ordered the convoy to halt and frowned in thought. Ying Niang's face also grew serious, and she whispered, "Father, why don't we enter through the northwest gate instead?"

Escort Leader Luo pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded and said, "To the northwest gate." Mo Hua's eyes flickered slightly, but he said nothing. So the escort agency's convoy turned off at the fork ahead, taking a small path and circling around towards the northwest gate.

After about half an hour, the rugged path was deserted, not a single carriage or horse in sight. As Escort Leader Luo walked, he sensed something was wrong. His expression changed, and he said, "Not good, turn back." But before he could finish speaking, another wolf-head banner rose from the roadside. Simultaneously, seven or eight cultivators emerged from the side of the road. All of these cultivators wore wolf-patterned Daoist robes. Leading them was a young cultivator clad in a mottled wolf-skin robe, with a fair complexion, slightly upward-slanted eyes, and an early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation. Behind him was an elder, also at the early stage of Foundation Establishment. The remaining few were all at the peak of the ninth layer of Qi Refinement.

Escort Leader Luo's heart chilled. The Foundation Establishment wolf-robed youth glanced at Escort Leader Luo and smiled, "Escort Leader Luo, are you perhaps avoiding me?"

Escort Leader Luo cupped his hands and forced a smile, "Oh no, Elder Duan, Elder Sun, I pay my respects to both of you."

Mo Hua's thoughts stirred. The wolf-robed youth was likely named Duan, and the elder behind him, Sun. Mo Hua recognized the style of their wolf robes; they were identical to the Canglang Sect Daoist robes he had seen in Tongxian City. Both of them were likely elders of the Canglang Sect.

The wolf-robed youth said, "Escort Leader Luo, how have you progressed with the matter I discussed with you?"

Escort Leader Luo said, "I... I need more time to think about it..."

The wolf-robed youth sighed, "I don't have much time..." He looked up, glanced at Escort Leader Luo, and said, "My Canglang Sect has always been decisive and clear in its rewards and punishments. Within the sect, benefits are scarce, like 'too many wolves for too little meat,' and must be seized. If you can get it, it's yours; if not, the sect won't use you again. The sect leader has assigned your Luo Family Escort Agency to me. If I don't show some achievements, I can't explain myself to the sect leader."

"However..." the wolf-robed youth's gaze was somewhat cold, "I've spoken to you kindly, yet you, Chief Escort Leader Luo, have repeatedly put me off. Are you looking down on me?"

Escort Leader Luo quickly said, "I wouldn't dare, Elder Duan, I always keep your words in mind."

The wolf-robed youth said, "Then, regarding the matter I discussed with you..."

Escort Leader Luo still said, "Please allow me more time to consider."

The wolf-robed youth's gaze darkened, his face full of impatience. A moment later, he glanced at Ying Niang beside Escort Leader Luo and said indifferently, "How about this, I'll make a suggestion... I'll take a loss and marry your daughter, and you merge the Luo Family Escort Agency into my Canglang Sect? How does that sound?"

Escort Leader Luo's expression changed. Ying Niang's face turned pale.

The wolf-robed youth continued, "If I marry Ying Niang, your Luo Family Escort Agency will eventually be mine anyway, merging into my Canglang Sect to become one family. Since we'll be family sooner or later, you'll have no further concerns."

Escort Leader Luo remained silent.

The wolf-robed youth glanced at Escort Leader Luo and sneered, "What? I, a dignified Foundation Establishment cultivator, am willing to lower myself to marry your Qi Refinement daughter. Surely you're not still dissatisfied?"

Escort Leader Luo frowned, feeling bitter inside. If it were a normal Foundation Establishment cultivator who wished to marry his daughter, he would naturally consider it carefully. But this "Elder Duan" of the Canglang Sect was simply... infamous. Every time the Canglang Sect annexed another power, this young and influential "Elder Duan" would declare his intention to marry their daughters, granddaughters, or other direct female descendants. But he never truly married them. He merely feigned marriage to toy with others. Once the Canglang Sect completed an annexation, he would immediately find an excuse to divorce his "wife" and then take another. Many influential families within Canglang City were thus utterly ruined by him. Even if they sought redress afterwards, he wouldn't acknowledge it. Marriage was a private matter, and often there was no recourse for justice. Moreover, no one dared to challenge the third-tier major sect, the Canglang Sect. Escort Leader Luo understood this clearly, and thus, it was naturally impossible for him to push his daughter into such a hellish situation.

He could only say, "My humble daughter is dull and of plain appearance, unworthy of marrying a young talent like Elder Duan."

The wolf-robed youth sneered upon hearing this, "Are you mocking me?"

Escort Leader Luo only said, "I wouldn't dare..."

The wolf-robed youth's sinister eyes lingered on Ying Niang. Scrutinizing her body thoroughly, he laughed, "No matter. As the saying goes, 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' You claim your daughter is plain, yet I find her quite appealing. This indicates a mutual attraction and a strong bond of destiny between us; she is my fated wife..."

Escort Leader Luo's expression changed, "Elder Duan, you... this is unacceptable!"

The wolf-robed youth's expression also turned ugly: "I told you, I, a dignified Foundation Establishment cultivator, am willing to marry your daughter—that's me giving you face. Are you truly so unappreciative?"

Escort Leader Luo frowned. The other escorts also looked furious, but restrained by the wolf-robed youth's identity, they dared not speak.

The wolf-robed youth's gaze swept past Escort Leader Luo and landed on Ying Niang, saying, "I almost forgot, you can't make decisions on such matters; we have to ask Ying Niang if she's willing."

Ying Niang gritted her teeth and said, "I am not willing!"

The wolf-robed youth burst out laughing and said, "See? Ying Niang says she's willing."

Ying Niang angrily retorted, "I said I'm not willing!"

The wolf-robed youth continued, "Women may speak sharply, but they have soft hearts. When they say 'unwilling,' they mean 'willing.' So your words imply you're willing to marry me; I knew I wasn't mistaken about you..."

Ying Niang's eyes turned red with anger, "You are shameless!"

The wolf-robed youth paid no heed and directly made his move. His cultivation was high and his movement technique excellent; with barely a flicker, he closed in on Ying Niang, reaching out to touch her face. Ying Niang was enraged. She swiftly drew her soft sword and thrust it at the wolf-robed youth. However, with her cultivation only at the peak of Qi Refinement, she was no match for the wolf-robed youth; her soft sword was effortlessly caught between his two fingers.

Seeing his daughter in danger, Escort Leader Luo could no longer bear it. This was the daughter he had raised with immense hardship, his very own flesh and blood; how could she suffer such humiliation? His heart seized with urgency, Escort Leader Luo immediately drew his broadring dao, channeled spiritual energy, and fiercely hacked the blade towards the wolf-robed youth's back.

This strike was mainly a deterrent. The wolf-robed youth could have dodged or turned to block, as long as he stopped harassing Ying Niang. Unexpectedly, the wolf-robed youth neither dodged nor blocked, but stood his ground and took Escort Leader Luo's blow head-on. The broadring dao struck the wolf-robed youth's back, piercing skin and flesh, exposing bone, as blood dripped profusely.

Everyone froze in astonishment. Escort Leader Luo also looked stunned. The wolf-robed youth, with the broadring dao in his back, slowly turned his head and gave Escort Leader Luo a sinister smile. "You dare to assassinate... an elder of the Canglang Sect?"

Escort Leader Luo understood, and instantly felt as if he had plunged into an ice cellar, a chill spreading through his entire body. This Elder Duan... had planned it all. He intentionally harassed Ying Niang, provoking him to strike out in anger and wound him. This way, he hadn't made a move against him. But he had struck him. This was tantamount to the Luo Family Escort Agency "attempting to murder" a Canglang Sect elder and challenging the authority of the third-tier Canglang Sect. Moreover, there were witnesses and physical evidence. The Canglang Sect now had a legitimate reason to retaliate, and no one could fault them. This Elder Duan, who preyed on vulnerable lineages, was truly this treacherous... The Luo family's escort agency was finished...

Escort Leader Luo's dao fell to the ground, his face ashen.

"Father..." Ying Niang called out, then, with fierce resolve, thrust her sword at the wolf-robed youth, only for it to be parried away with a backhand.

The wolf-robed youth chuckled lightly, "I am quite magnanimous. Your father tried to kill me, but I can spare his life, provided you agree to become my concubine and offer your escort agency as a dowry. Then I'll let bygones be bygones."

Ying Niang cursed, "Bastard, in your dreams!"

The wolf-robed youth chuckled, "I prefer the fiery ones like you; docile ones are so bland..."

Ying Niang saw that despite her best efforts, she was no match for Elder Duan of the Canglang Sect, and bitterness filled her heart. Realizing that the escort agency, which her father had poured his life's efforts into, was about to be ruined because of her, she steeled herself and placed the sword across her fair neck. "I'd rather die!"

The wolf-robed youth shook his head. "You still don't understand; whether you die or not is irrelevant. And don't try to scare me with death..." The wolf-robed youth sneered, "Over the years, I've driven at least eight or nine women like you to their deaths, if not twenty. Even women I've humiliated to death in bed are too many to count on one hand. My hands are stained with..."

With a "boom," a piercing roar of flames erupted. Black and red flames of fear converged into a single point, then instantly burst. Powerful spiritual energy exploded and then dissipated. From beginning to end, it happened in a mere instant, too quickly for anyone to react. The wolf-robed youth's sneer still lingered on his lips. He stared blankly downwards, only to see a large, blackened hole where his chest should have been.

Everyone else widened their eyes, their expressions filled with shock. Then, following the lingering traces of the flames, they saw Mo Hua, his fair, tender finger extended. Under everyone's horrified gaze, Mo Hua slowly retracted his finger, sighed faintly, and said apologetically: