Chapter 1016: Reunion
Chapter 1016: Reunion
The sky above Tai Xu Mountain was painted with a thick layer of rosy clouds, shrouded in a misty haze.
Mo Hua led Zhang Lan, strolling leisurely through the mountain, sharing the history of Tai Xu Gate, ancient cultivation sites, traditional buildings with timeless charm, and breathtaking landscapes.
Zhang Lan was deeply impressed.
What truly amazed him was not just the ancient heritage, profound traditions, distinguished disciples, and stunning scenery of this fifth-rank sect...
All of these were impressive, but what truly left him in awe was the fact that he could actually enter the mountain gate of Tai Xu Gate.
It was during the Lun Jian Conference, and outside the mountain gate, numerous cultivators had gathered.
Among these cultivators, some possessed profound cultivation levels, extraordinary backgrounds, and dignified auras, but without exception, they were all stopped at the gate.
Zhang Lan had been one of them.
The sect's rules were strict, and the guarding elders and inner disciples were unwavering in their duty, not allowing a single word of negotiation.
But when Mo Hua reached the gate, he simply smiled and called out a few times, "Elder," and "Senior Brother," explaining, "This is my uncle, a close friend of mine."
The guarding disciples immediately allowed them to pass without further questions.
The guarding disciples even bowed to Zhang Lan.
The guarding elder nodded in acknowledgment towards Zhang Lan.
Inside Tai Xu Gate, the situation became even more unbelievable.
Along the way, almost every disciple they encountered greeted Mo Hua with a respectful "Senior Brother" or "Junior Brother."
All the elders they passed by were familiar with Mo Hua and nodded in greeting.
Some elders even initiated the greeting, and Mo Hua would smile and return the gesture.
Zhang Lan almost thought he was dreaming.
If it weren't for his knowledge of Mo Hua's background, he would have believed that Tai Xu Gate was established by Mo Hua himself.
To receive such treatment in a powerful fifth-rank sect, one would have to be a descendant of the founder or at least a small sect leader.
Zhang Lan glanced at Mo Hua.
He had always known Mo Hua to be well-liked and socially adept, able to fit in anywhere.
But to have reached such a level of familiarity, it seemed to surpass even his imagination.
As they walked, Mo Hua suddenly remembered something and asked, "Uncle Zhang, you haven't eaten yet, have you?"
Zhang Lan nodded.
Mo Hua generously offered, "I'll treat you!"
In Tai Xu Gate, the dining hall for disciples was also their residence, known as the canteen.
However, only disciples were allowed in, and outsiders were strictly prohibited.
Even Mo Hua didn't have the authority to make an exception.
The most he could do was bring the sect leader's white dog into the canteen to scavenge for food.
But that was the sect leader's dog.
For Uncle Zhang, Mo Hua couldn't make an exception.
So, Mo Hua went to the canteen, bought some wine and meat, and brought it out. Then, he led Zhang Lan to a peaceful and picturesque peak on the right side of the mountain.
They found a large rock and spread out the good wine and meat on a cloth.
Sitting cross-legged on the ground, they faced the breathtaking sunset, the setting sun painting the mountains in a warm glow, enjoying the feast while catching up and reminiscing.
In this moment, Zhang Lan felt as if he were back in Tongxian City, in Mo Hua's tavern, skipping work without a care in the world, drinking with Mo Hua, eating meat, chatting, listening to the monster hunters' stories, and waiting for the sunset to dye the courtyard red.
But in the blink of an eye, he was back in Tai Xu Gate.
Sitting across from him, drinking and feasting, was the Lun Jian prodigy and Zhen Dao champion, a handsome and extraordinary young man.
After a decade apart, it felt like yesterday. Mo Hua's appearance had changed, but his gestures and demeanor remained sincere and natural, as if nothing had changed.
Cultivators held onto their original aspirations, their pure hearts unchanged.
Zhang Lan couldn't help but marvel at this.
Influenced by Mo Hua's demeanor, he also felt more relaxed.
Mo Hua was no longer the same, yet he seemed to still be the Mo Hua he knew.
Mo Hua also glanced at Zhang Lan.
He noticed that this lazy Uncle Zhang seemed to have become more "well-behaved," no longer as idle as he was in Tongxian City, and he seemed to have matured...
Mo Hua nodded with satisfaction.
However, at the same time, he was also a little surprised:
"Uncle Zhang, did you enter the Jiedan stage?"
Zhang Lan nodded, "Yes, I was lucky."
Mo Hua frowned, not understanding.
He clearly remembered that when he was in Tongxian City, Uncle Zhang was still at the Qi Condensation stage.
Later, when they fought the powerful demon, Uncle Zhang had no choice but to break through and reach the Foundation Establishment stage.
But now, after so many years of not seeing each other, he had already entered the Jiedan stage?
This seemed a bit far-fetched.
Mo Hua couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Zhang, is there something wrong with your cultivation level?"
Zhang Lan was a little annoyed, "What could be wrong with my cultivation level?"
Seeing that Mo Hua still didn't believe him, Zhang Lan sighed and explained,
"Didn't I tell you that I have excellent talent? I was stuck at the Qi Condensation stage because I was unhappy with the marriage arranged by my family. So, I took a job as a magistrate in a remote place, seeking peace and quiet."
"After breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage, I had to return to my clan."
"After returning, my father arranged another marriage for me. I disagreed, and my father, being a traditionalist, said that unless I entered the Jiedan stage and gained the ability to make my own decisions, this marriage must happen."
"So, I had no choice but to enter closed-door cultivation, cultivating tirelessly day and night, breaking through one realm after another until I reached the peak of Foundation Establishment. Then, I entered the Jiedan stage, and with some luck, I succeeded on the first try..."
Mo Hua was completely shocked.
"Uncle Zhang, just in case my father asks you to cultivate' for your sake, what are you doing to show your gratitude?"
Zhang Lan was speechless, after all, he was the one who had helped him escape his arranged marriage.
Mo Hua couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Zhang, what if your father asks you to reach the Yu Hua stage, or else you have to get married? Wouldn't you just ascend on the spot?"
Zhang Lan was exasperated and couldn't help but glare at Mo Hua, "You kid, you're talking nonsense again. Is ascending that easy?"
"My father is my father, he's stubborn, but he's not completely unreasonable. How could he possibly force me to ascend?"
"He himself has cultivated for a lifetime, enduring hundreds of years of hardship, and with some luck, he managed to reach the Yu Hua stage with a stroke of spiritual connection."
"Upon reaching the Yu Hua stage, one becomes a true immortal."
"The difficulty of the Yu Hua stage is something he understands better than anyone. How could he possibly force me..."
At this point, Zhang Lan sighed in relief, feeling both relieved and a bit sentimental:
"Forget about the Yu Hua stage, even the Jin Dan stage is extremely difficult. To a large extent, it depends on whether Heaven favors you or not."
"If your luck is really bad, even forming the Jin Dan will fail."
Many people get stuck here, and it's a lifelong struggle."
"That was me before. I was worried that the Jin Dan realm was too difficult, and if I couldn't break through, I'd be at the mercy of fate. So, I was stuck at the Refining Qi realm, wasting my potential."
"If it weren't for the crisis in Tongxian City, I wouldn't have broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage so easily."
"But fortunately, everything happens for a reason. I can consider myself lucky, forcing myself to push through and reaching the Jin Dan realm..."
Zhang Lan rested his arm on his pillow, propped his leg up, and lay on the boulder. His entire body visibly relaxed, and his tone became lazy:
"Refining Qi at thirty is considered an older cultivator."
"Condensing the pill at forty is like being a young talent, with plenty of time on your side."
"I can finally have some leisurely days ahead..."
Mo Hua followed Zhang Lan's example, resting his arm on his pillow and propping up his leg, lying lazily. He sighed with envy:
"That's great... I still don't know when I'll be able to condense the pill..."
Zhang Lan didn't mind, "You're now the pride of Tai Xu Gate, with the backing of your sect, abundant resources, guidance from seniors, and the care of so many elders. What's there to worry about when it comes to condensing the pill?"
Mo Hua sighed, "This has nothing to do with the legacy. As you said, Uncle Zhang, condensing the pill is a matter of personal luck."
"Whether luck is good or bad, it's all up to the Tao's favor. If the Tao doesn't favor me, it'll be difficult..."
Zhang Lan nodded, "That's true..."
He was lucky, but that didn't guarantee Mo Hua would be as fortunate.
He hoped Mo Hua would have good luck, but such matters were in the hands of the Tao, and the Tao wouldn't listen to him anyway.
Zhang Lan thought it through and couldn't help but sigh in resignation, "I can't help you with this..."
"If it were before, I could have brought some legacy insights from the Zhang family for you to reference..."
"But now, you're already a disciple of Tai Xu Gate. With its profound foundation and long-standing legacy, you probably won't need the Zhang family's..."
As Zhang Lan spoke, a realization struck him, and he sat up straight, all traces of leisure gone.
He had almost forgotten!
The Shishuibu!
That was the big deal!
Mo Hua found his sudden change in demeanor strange.
Zhang Lan's face turned serious as he sought confirmation from Mo Hua, "Mo Hua, do you remember how you acquired the Shishuibu?"
Mo Hua nodded, "A kind uncle who passed by gave it to me."
"Don't say it wrong, or I might die," Zhang Lan said, his face tense.
Mo Hua was puzzled, "Is it that serious?"
Zhang Lan nodded, "It wasn't before, but now it is, very serious!"
Initially, he was just a minor official in a remote small immortal city, and by chance, he taught a regular wandering cultivator a tiny bit of the Zhang family's ultimate mobility technique.
But now, the situation had changed. He had "sold" the Zhang family's ultimate mobility technique to the pride of Tai Xu Gate's current generation.
And it happened right in front of the Great Elder's eyes.
This was a matter of life and death.
During the day, Zhang Lan overheard the entire conversation between the Great Elder and the Wind Elder.
At that time, Zhang Lan, in front of the Wind Elder, had praised the Wind family's pride, extolling how unique their Tafeng Step and Youfeng Step were.
Then, in full view of everyone, Mo Hua had outperformed the Youfeng Step of the Xiaoyao Gate and the Tafeng Step of the Wind family.
And Mo Hua had learned the Shishuibu of the Zhang family.
If the Wind Elder didn't know about this, it would be fine.
But if he found out, he would certainly believe that Zhang Lan was being mischievous.
On the surface, he praised the Wind family's pride and their extraordinary mobility techniques, but behind their backs, he taught the Zhang family's ultimate technique to a Tai Xu Gate disciple, who then outperformed the Wind family.
The Wind Elder would be furious.
Even if he didn't say anything openly, he would surely harbor resentment.
This could create a rift between the Zhang family and the Wind family.
Therefore, the secret of the Shishuibu must not be revealed.
Zhang Lan didn't want to get into trouble with the Zhang family.
It was also for the sake of the friendship between the Great Elder and the Wind Elder, as well as the generations of friendship between the Zhang family and the Wind family."
Zhang Lan's expression was as firm as the rocks of Tai Xu Mountain:
"Please, please, don't tell anyone!"
Mo Hua felt the weight of the consequences in my shoes, and I promise, I'd rather die than reveal it."
"Good!"
Seeing Mo Hua's determined gaze, Zhang Lan finally relaxed, reverting to his "lazy" mode, drinking wine and admiring the mountain scenery.
The two continued chatting, reminiscing about the past in Tongxian City.
Zhang Lan also inquired about Mo Hua's recent situation.
He learned that Mo Hua was busy with cultivation, practicing Dao techniques, and drawing formation techniques, but everything else was fine...
The sect was doing well, with friendly fellow disciples and kind elders. The sect leader and the old ancestor were also amiable.
Zhang Lan was thoroughly relieved.
Of course, he also took the opportunity to ask some questions that truly bothered him, such as:
"Is your divine perception really at the nineteen-pattern apex?"
"Did you really suppress the four major sects and become the champion of the formation path during the Foundation Establishment stage?"
"Are you really the private grandson of the old ancestor of Tai Xu Gate?"
"Are you the private son of the Tai Xu Gate leader?"
"I heard you used the fireball technique to blow up the head of the first beauty of the Zi Xia Gate?"
...
Mo Hua answered most of the order.
For example, he was indeed the champion of the formation path.
He had indeed used his "hard power" to surpass the four major sects, and it was through his own strength that he achieved the top rank in the formation path, without any favoritism or cheating.
Additionally, he was not the private son of the Tai Xu Gate leader.
He was not the private grandson of the old ancestor of Tai Xu Gate.
Furthermore, it wasn't his intention to use the fireball technique to blow up the head of the first beauty of the Zi Xia Gate.
He was genuinely focused on the sword discussion, with no distractions.
It wasn't that he wanted to use his coldness to attract the attention of the fairy...
Of course, Mo Hua also told a small lie about some things.
For example, his divine perception wasn't at the nineteen-pattern apex but had already reached the twenty-pattern Jin Dan realm's divine thought.
But this was a shocking revelation, and with the old ancestor's constant warnings, Mo Hua didn't feel comfortable revealing it.
...
The two chatted like old friends, sharing a deep connection, until the sunset faded, the evening glow disappeared, and the night descended. The Tai Xu Mountains lit up with flickering lights, creating a heavenly fairyland.
Zhang Lan stood up and bid farewell.
Mo Hua tried to persuade him to stay.
Zhang Lan shook his head, "I'll be late if I don't leave now, and Elder Zhang will scold me. Moreover, you need to focus on your Lunjian matches, and distractions won't help."
Mo Hua hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Zhang Lan was speaking the truth.
Lunjian matches indeed kept him busy.
Especially with his unique identity and hidden strengths, once exposed to the public eye, he would undoubtedly become a target. Every Lunjian match required significant time for strategy and planning, preparing for all possibilities.
Only then could he hope to win each round.
"Uncle Zhang, will you be staying in Qianxue Prefecture for a while?"
"Yes," Zhang Lan nodded, "Until the Lunjian matches conclude."
Mo Hua smiled, "Then, after the Lunjian matches, I'll treat you to a drink and a meal."
Zhang Lan smiled and nodded, "Alright."
As the night deepened, Zhang Lan departed, and Mo Hua saw him off to the Tai Xu Mountain gate.
Just before parting, Zhang Lan suddenly thought of something and said, "Mo Hua, be careful..."
Mo Hua was taken aback, not quite understanding, "Careful about what?"
Zhang Lan hesitated for a moment before asking, "In your Lunjian matches... do you often use low-grade spells?"
Mo Hua nodded, his face filled with a sense of matter-of-factness, "I only know low-grade spells, so of course I use them."
"And you use the Fireball spell as a finishing move..."
"It's efficient and quick, a convenient choice."
"Then, your Invisibility Art..."
"If they want to kill me, I have to use Invisibility Art to escape, or I'd be dead already."
"And you use Invisibility Art to play hide-and-seek..."
"To buy time, so when Xiao Xiao and the others are free, they can slaughter everyone, and we'll win..."
Zhang Lan was taken aback.
Mo Hua's words made sense, but he was oblivious to the psychological trauma his 'matter-of-fact' behavior had inflicted on the Lunjian disciples.
Countless spectators were left seething with anger.
On the spectator seats, voices of condemnation for Mo Hua's 'sins' filled the air.
But Zhang Lan didn't know what to say at that moment.
After a moment, he sighed and thought to himself,
"Forget it. Those who don't provoke jealousy are mediocre."
"If you want to achieve something on the path of cultivation, you must be prepared for others' admiration and slander."
"Those who achieve great things will inevitably face jealousy and hatred."
"I'll be watching from the sidelines as you showcase your prowess in the Lunjian matches!" Zhang Lan said with a gentle expression, encouraging Mo Hua.
Mo Hua smiled, "Thank you, Uncle Zhang."
As night deepened, the two bid farewell.
Zhang Lan headed downhill.
Mo Hua remained on the mountain.
The one descending the mountain felt a mix of relief and disbelief.
The one staying on the mountain had a heart filled with warmth and joy.
On the long path of cultivation, there were moments of warmth and encounters.
In the vast sea of people, there were those who quietly cared.
Mo Hua watched Zhang Lan's figure gradually fade into the distance, a kind smile on his face, his eyes bright and sparkling.
As Zhang Lan's silhouette disappeared into the horizon, Mo Hua turned around and returned to the Tai Xu Gate...
Of course, there were those who cared about Mo Hua.
And there were also those who hated him.
Many cared about him, but even more hated him.
In Qianxue Prefecture, within the various sects.
A mysterious 'organization' was quietly forming.
A special messenger token was secretly circulating.
This token had a chilling name—
"Kill Mo Order."
Every disciple who obtained this 'Kill Mo Order' had a shared cause and a unanimous agreement, allowing them to join this mysterious organization.
All holders of the 'Kill Mo Order' could communicate with the same Yuan Ci Base Array through their tokens.
Allies could exchange messages.
At this moment, members filled with anger and hatred joined the alliance anonymously.
On the Kill Mo Order, lines of magnetic patterns materialized into words...
"Cang Lang Sword joins the alliance..."
"Fireball Spell joins the alliance..."
"Wu Ming Zhi Bei joins the alliance..."
"Shui Lao Shu Die joins the alliance..."
"Zi Xia First Fairy joins the alliance..."
"Feng Yi Le joins the alliance..."
...
"Da Sha Zi joins the alliance..."
Everyone: ...
This name silenced the Kill Mo Order for an instant.
Someone asked, "Shi Tiangang?"
Da Sha Zi: "Yes."
Everyone: ...
Shui Lao Shu Die Die: "You could be a bit more subtle, at least use a pseudonym..."
Da Sha Zi: "I'm using a pseudonym."
Everyone: ...
Shui Lao Shu Die Die: "I mean, you could choose a more subtle pseudonym, not so... blunt?"
Da Sha Zi: "No need."
Da Sha Zi: "I'm using this name as a reminder, to drive myself, to endure hardships, and never forget the deep grudge in the sea of blood..."
Da Sha Zi: "I won't rest until Mo Hua is dead!"
Wu Ming Zhi Bei: "Good! Admirable!"
Feng Yi Le: "Count me in."
Cang Lang Sword: "I can lend my strength."
Zi Xia First Fairy: "Tell me if you need spiritual stones."
Fireball Spell: "I swear to kill Mo Hua!"
...
For a moment, everyone was stirred up, all typing:
"Mo Hua must die!"
"Swear to kill Mo Hua!"
"I share an irreconcilable grudge with Mo Hua!"
"Living without killing Mo Hua once is a waste of life!"
"I'll never marry until I kill Mo Hua once!"
...
After a while, a Yuan Ci wave disrupted the communication, and the magnetic patterns faded.
Everyone was temporarily unable to send messages.
A completely anonymous person, with a name shrouded in dark magnetic ink, sent a message to everyone in bold magnetic ink, with solemn words:
"The Kill Mo Alliance is hereby established.
Alliance Oath: Mo Hua must die!
Alliance Goal: Swear to kill Mo Hua!
Alliance Symbol: Kill Mo Order.
Alliance Entry Condition: Share an irreconcilable grudge with Mo Hua!
Current Task:
In the Lunjian matches, before everyone's eyes, kill Mo Hua once.
Regardless of identity or cultivation level, by any means necessary, kill him once!
Whoever takes Mo Hua's life can be elected as the Alliance Leader, revered by all.
Their achievement will be engraved in everyone's hearts, eternal and immortal!"
...
In an instant, all holders of the 'Kill Mo Order' had a burning passion ignited within them.
(End of Chapter)
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