Chapter 630: The Flower Knight
Chapter 630: The Flower Knight
The name exuded a fierce and restrained aura, as if bathed in flames and blood, giving Mo Hua a very different impression from all the other names on the list of criminal cultivators.
It seemed a notch "worse" than the other criminals.
Mo Hua frowned.
"Just who is this Elder Jiang?"
"Where did he get this list from?"
"These diverse and colorful criminals don't seem like people that a 'human trafficker' at the early Qi Refining stage like him could possibly have any connection to..."
"Not to mention, this 'Fire Buddha' who clearly stands out..."
To think that such a list was hidden in Elder Jiang's diary.
Mo Hua felt that something was amiss.
"Could this list belong to someone else?"
"If not Elder Jiang, then who could it be, and how did it end up in his diary?"
Mo Hua pondered but couldn't come up with any answers, so he could only set this doubt aside for now and continue pondering about 'Fire Buddha'...
Fire Buddha...
Currently, the only thing he knew was the name.
What background did Fire Buddha come from? What cultivation level was he at? How old was he? And what cultivation technique did he practice?
What was the 'forbidden technique' related to the 'hydrogen fusion' art that he possessed, which was said to be of great reference value?
Also, his status in the "list" seemed rather special.
If the criminals on the list formed an organization.
Then this Fire Buddha was at least a "boss".
And not just any ordinary boss.
Perhaps he even had quite a few "subordinates"...
Where might he be now? Mo Hua was full of doubts, but as he had no clues at all, he thought of asking around.
He had asked Senior Sister Murong, Senior Brother Xu, Senior Brother Feng from Tai Ah Men, and Senior Sister Qian Qian from Hundred Flowers Valley, whom he had met within the sect.
He had even asked some of the senior brothers and sisters who occasionally took on temporary tasks with him, but none of them had heard of the name "Fire Buddha".
It was as if this Fire Buddha did not exist.
Or perhaps, it could be that the Dao Court had never released any related tasks.
Since that might be the case, the only option was to go to the Dao Court and ask around.
In the entire Dao Court of the Qian Xue State, Mo Hua's only "acquaintance" was Gu Chang Huai, or Uncle Gu.
Mo Hua had made up his mind. After the next break, he asked Senior Sister Murong to take on more Dao Court tasks.
Murong Caiyun didn't understand why, but since it was Mo Hua's request, she agreed.
When she went to the Dao Court to inquire and apply to view the case files, Mo Hua also went to the Dao Court to stroll around, to see if he could "run into" Uncle Gu by chance.
However, Gu Chang Huai was a registrar and a very busy man. Mo Hua went there three times, but didn't see him. It was only on the fourth time that he finally met him.
Gu Chang Huai seemed to have just returned. His handsome face looked weary, but he still held his head high, his eyes proud, like a proud "peacock".
But soon, his "pride" turned into "astonishment".
Because he saw Mo Hua, his face full of joy and his eyes shining.
It was as if he had been targeted by a little fox with bad intentions...
Gu Chang Huai's heart skipped a beat, and he felt that something was amiss.
Mo Hua waved at him with a smile, his voice crisp and enthusiastic, "Uncle Gu, what a coincidence!"
Gu Chang Huai's forehead twitched.
He didn't think that this was really a "coincidence".
Perhaps this little brat, Mo Hua, who was full of mischief, was lying in wait for him here.
Gu Chang Huai remained expressionless, "You're here for another task?"
"Mm." Mo Hua nodded, "I'm mainly relying on Senior Sister Murong and the others to take action. I'm just tagging along to help out..."
Mo Hua was very humble.
Gu Chang Huai snorted.
You can say that if you want.
She's your senior sister, not your real sister. Why would she bring you along for no reason?
Sect merit is very important, and sect tasks are also very serious matters.
If you're useless, even if you were really close siblings, they might not bring you along...
Not to mention the Murong family and the Ouyang family, who are outwardly polite and gentle but inwardly proud and arrogant like most other descendants of great sects.
If you have no talent, why would they play with you?
Even if you're as cute as can be, it's still impossible!
But...
Gu Chang Huai stared at Mo Hua for a few more moments, his heart filled with doubt.
What use could this little brat possibly be?
His spiritual root and physical body were both mediocre, his spiritual power was weak, and he had only just reached the early Qi Refining stage. He looked like a complete "burden"...
How could he be of any help on a mission?
Gu Chang Huai was puzzled and shook his head, asking indifferently, "What task are you 'tagging along' with this time?"
"To catch a flower thief!" Mo Hua replied.
"What cultivation level?"
"Only the middle Qi Refining stage."
Gu Chang Huai was speechless.
Only the middle Qi Refining stage...
You're only at the early Qi Refining stage yourself, yet you're talking so big, as if catching a flower thief at the middle Qi Refining stage was as easy as catching a chicken...
Gu Chang Huai thought of his cousin's instructions and helplessly said, "You don't need my help, do you?"
Mo Hua was a little surprised.
Uncle Gu was actually so enthusiastic? He had thought that Uncle Gu was wary of him, so he would be a little petty and wouldn't help him easily.
Unexpectedly, the petty one was himself.
Uncle Gu was actually a "cold on the outside but warm on the inside" kind of good person!
Mo Hua was touched and said, "Catching a flower thief is a small matter, I don't need your help, but..."
Mo Hua smiled shyly, "I have something else I'd like to ask you about..."
Gu Chang Huai's eyelids twitched.
Whenever this kid smiled, it definitely wasn't a good sign...
"Go on, what is it?" Gu Chang Huai asked nonchalantly.
"Uncle Gu," Mo Hua said softly, "Do you know about 'Fire Buddha'..."
After he finished speaking, Mo Hua raised his head to look at Gu Chang Huai, and saw his body stiffen, a cold aura emanating from him, and his eyebrows furrowed with a hint of killing intent.
He looked at Mo Hua with icy eyes.
"Where did you..."
Gu Chang Huai paused, his voice low and hoarse, "...hear this name..."
Mo Hua was stunned.
He hadn't expected Uncle Gu's reaction to be so intense.
Could this Fire Buddha have some kind of grudge with Uncle Gu?
Gu Chang Huai's gaze sharpened as he looked directly at Mo Hua.
Mo Hua's eyes were like a calm and fathomless pool, his expression unchanged and his demeanor serene.
Gu Chang Huai frowned and asked, "Which rogue cultivator?"
Mo Hua shook his head, "I don't know him. I just happened to overhear their conversation before they left. As a junior cultivator, I didn't dare to chase after them..."
Gu Chang Huai clearly didn't believe him, his expression grave as he remained silent.
Mo Hua observed his reaction and asked softly, "Uncle Gu, is this Fire Buddha very formidable? Do you have a grudge against him?"
Gu Chang Huai was taken aback. Seeing Mo Hua's curious expression and sincere tone, he realized that Mo Hua didn't seem to know about the past events or have any connection with Fire Buddha. He breathed a sigh of relief, but his brows furrowed even deeper.
"This matter is not something you should be involved in."
Gu Chang Huai seemed to recall something, his mood turning sour as his tone became stern.
Mo Hua understood that there was definitely a story behind this.
However, seeing Uncle Gu's reluctance and the resentment in his eyes, he knew that he wouldn't elaborate further.
Mo Hua didn't press the issue but quietly pondered, deciding to ask someone else.
Although Gu Chang Huai couldn't see through Mo Hua's thoughts, he could tell from his curious expression that even if he didn't tell him, Mo Hua would continue to inquire.
Gu Chang Huai sighed.
Fire Buddha was a person with too much blood on his hands, a taboo topic.
If Mo Hua truly had a hidden identity and harbored ill intentions towards Official Ouyang and Yu'er, then it would be fine.
But if he was indeed just a passerby who had saved Yu'er, then he was Yu'er's benefactor.
If he, Gu Chang Huai, kept silent and allowed harm to come to Mo Hua, it would be a sin.
Moreover, Mo Hua was just a junior cultivator who had only lived for a decade or so. It would be such a waste if he lost his life due to his own carelessness.
Gu Chang Huai hesitated for a long time before sighing, "I shouldn't be telling you these things..."
"But I'm afraid that you don't know your limits and will recklessly pry into matters, getting yourself involved and attracting the attention of people you shouldn't provoke, ultimately losing your life for nothing..."
Mo Hua was surprised, "Who exactly is this Fire Buddha?"
Gu Chang Huai's gaze sharpened, "He is an extremely vicious and evil rogue cultivator."
A chill ran down Mo Hua's spine, "A Golden Core cultivator?"
"Late Foundation Establishment."
Mo Hua frowned, "Late Foundation Establishment... Can't he be captured?"
Gu Chang Huai sighed, "Fire Buddha is cautious by nature and only lurks in second-rate states. His cultivation is profound, and his spells are extremely powerful..."
"The Dao Court has launched multiple raids..."
"But this savage is cunning and ruthless. Coupled with the might of his spells, he rampages and kills without restraint. Below the Foundation Establishment stage, there are hardly any cultivators who can match him."
"Even if we mobilize Golden Core cultivators, due to the Heavenly Dao's restrictions on using their natal magic treasures, they can defeat him but not kill him..."
"Once he escapes, he goes into hiding for a period, waiting for things to cool down before reappearing to continue his killing spree..."
...
Mo Hua now had a general understanding.
The Dao Court's third-rate Golden Core officials were too busy to bother with capturing him, and even if they did, it would be difficult to kill him due to the Heavenly Dao's restrictions.
The second-rate officials who went after him would end up getting killed...
Mo Hua asked, "Is the extremely powerful spell that Fire Buddha practices a 'forbidden technique'?"
Gu Chang Huai's eyes narrowed, but upon remembering that Mo Hua was a disciple of Tai Xu Gate and should have some knowledge about "forbidden techniques," he nodded, "Yes, it's a forbidden technique..."
"But the technique he practices is an incomplete forbidden technique."
"After cultivating this forbidden technique, one's blood and qi become agitated by the fire, and their temperament becomes violent and bloodthirsty."
"This murderous intent cannot be suppressed..."
"Hence, this evil beast... often loses control due to his raging inner fire, indiscriminately using the forbidden technique and going on a killing spree, slaughtering innocents to satisfy his bloodlust..."
"To date, no one knows how many cultivators have been burned to death by his technique, suffering a painful end..."
A strong killing intent flashed in Gu Chang Huai's eyes, and his knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists.
"This beast deserves a thousand cuts. His death would be too good for him..."
Mo Hua was stunned.
This was the first time he had seen Uncle Gu reveal such intense hatred and murderous intent.
Mo Hua tried to comfort him, "Uncle Gu, don't worry. Justice will prevail. Such an evil person will definitely meet his end without a proper burial!"
A hint of self-mockery appeared on Gu Chang Huai's face.
"Justice will prevail... Indeed."
As his emotions surged, he wanted to say something more, but his expression suddenly changed as he realized that he had said too much to Mo Hua without even realizing it...
There were some things that he shouldn't have told him!
"Alright, let's stop here." Gu Chang Huai waved his sleeve and admonished, "I'm telling you these things so that you understand how dangerous Fire Buddha is. You're just a novice cultivator, so stop prying into this matter."
Mo Hua pouted, "I'm not that young anymore. I'm already fifteen!"
Gu Chang Huai huffed, "I'm over a hundred."
Mo Hua was shocked, "Uncle Gu, you're that old?"
Gu Chang Huai felt a toothache from anger and wanted to pull Mo Hua's ears, "Over a hundred is not old! I'm a Golden Core cultivator, and at over a hundred years old, I'm still young!"
"Okay, okay."
Mo Hua soothed him and quietly grumbled to himself, "You're still young at over a hundred, but that makes me a child..."
After some thought, Mo Hua quietly asked about Fire Buddha again.
This opportunity was rare, and if he didn't ask more now, he might not get another chance if Uncle Gu's mood turned sour later.
"Uncle Gu, do you know Fire Buddha's current whereabouts?"
Gu Chang Huai didn't want to answer.
Mo Hua understood.
"You don't know... Then, will the Dao Court issue a bounty for Fire Buddha to the various sects?"
Gu Chang Huai remained silent, but from his unpleasant expression, Mo Hua guessed the answer:
"They won't."
"Will the bounty for Fire Buddha be very high?"
"It seems like it will be."
"Does Fire Buddha have accomplices?"
"Probably. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to escape the Dao Court's encirclement..."
"Has Fire Buddha been lying low for a long time?"
Frowning, Gu Chang Huai asked, "Which rogue cultivator are you talking about?"
Mo Hua shook his head, "I don't know him. I just happened to overhear their conversation before they left. As a junior cultivator, I didn't dare to chase after them..."
Gu Chang Huai clearly didn't believe him, his expression grave and unyielding.
Mo Hua observed his reaction and asked softly, "Uncle Gu, is this Fire Buddha very formidable? Do you have a grudge against him?"
Gu Chang Huai was taken aback. Seeing the curiosity and sincerity in Mo Hua's expression, he realized that Mo Hua seemed to have no knowledge of past events or any connection to Fire Buddha. He breathed a sigh of relief, but his brows furrowed even deeper.
"This is not something you should involve yourself in," Gu Chang Huai said, his tone stern and serious.
Mo Hua understood that there was definitely more to the story. However, seeing Uncle Gu's reluctance and the resentment in his eyes, he knew that he wouldn't elaborate further.
Mo Hua didn't press the issue but quietly pondered, deciding to seek information from another source.
Although Gu Chang Huai couldn't read Mo Hua's thoughts, he could tell from his curious expression that even if he didn't tell him, Mo Hua would continue to inquire.
Gu Chang Huai sighed. Fire Buddha was a person with a notorious reputation, a taboo topic.
If Mo Hua truly had a hidden identity and harbored ill intentions, then it would be a different matter. But if he was indeed just a passerby who had saved Yu'er, then he was her benefactor. If he, Gu Chang Huai, kept silent and allowed harm to come to Mo Hua, it would be a grave sin.
Moreover, Mo Hua was just a junior cultivator who had only lived for a decade or so. It would be a tragedy if he lost his life due to his own curiosity.
Gu Chang Huai hesitated for a long time before sighing again, "I shouldn't be telling you these things..."
"But I'm afraid that you don't know your limits and will recklessly pry into matters, getting yourself involved with people you shouldn't provoke, ultimately losing your life for nothing..."
Mo Hua was taken aback, "Who exactly is this Fire Buddha?"
Gu Chang Huai's gaze intensified, "He is an extremely vicious and evil rogue cultivator."
A chill ran down Mo Hua's spine, "A Golden Core cultivator?"
"Late Foundation Establishment," Gu Chang Huai replied.
Mo Hua frowned, "Late Foundation Establishment... Can't anyone capture him?"
Gu Chang Huai sighed again, "Fire Buddha is cautious by nature and only lurks in second-rate states. His cultivation is profound, and his spells are extremely powerful..."
"The Dao Court has launched multiple raids..."
"But this savage is cunning and ruthless. Coupled with the might of his spells, he rampages and kills without restraint. Below the Foundation Establishment stage, there are hardly any cultivators who can match him."
"Even if we mobilize Golden Core cultivators, due to the Heavenly Dao's restrictions on using their natal magic treasures, they can defeat him but not kill him..."
"Once he escapes, he goes into hiding, waiting for things to cool down before reappearing to continue his killing spree..."
...
Mo Hua now had a general understanding of the situation. The Dao Court's third-rate Golden Core officials were too busy to bother with capturing Fire Buddha, and even if they did, it would be difficult to kill him due to the Heavenly Dao's restrictions. As for the second-rate officials, they would likely end up getting killed by Fire Buddha.
Mo Hua asked, "Is the extremely powerful spell that Fire Buddha practices a 'forbidden technique'?"
Gu Chang Huai's eyes narrowed, but upon remembering that Mo Hua was a disciple of Tai Xu Gate and should have some knowledge about "forbidden techniques," he nodded, "Yes, it's a forbidden technique..."
"But the technique he practices is an incomplete forbidden technique."
"After cultivating this forbidden technique, one's blood and qi become agitated by the fire, and their temperament becomes violent and bloodthirsty."
"This murderous intent cannot be suppressed..."
"As a result, this evil beast often loses control due to his raging inner fire, indiscriminately using the forbidden technique and going on a killing spree, slaughtering innocents to satisfy his bloodlust..."
"To date, no one knows how many cultivators have been burned to death by his technique, suffering a cruel end..."
A strong killing intent flashed in Gu Chang Huai's eyes, and his knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists.
"This beast deserves a thousand cuts. Death would be too good for him..."
Mo Hua was stunned. This was the first time he had seen Uncle Gu reveal such intense hatred and murderous intent.
Mo Hua tried to comfort him, "Uncle Gu, don't worry. Justice will prevail. Such an evil person will definitely meet his end without a proper burial!"
A hint of self-mockery appeared on Gu Chang Huai's face, "Justice will prevail... Indeed."
As his emotions surged, he wanted to say something more, but his expression suddenly changed as he realized that he had said too much to Mo Hua without even realizing it...
There were some things that he shouldn't have told him!
"Alright, that's enough." Gu Chang Huai waved his sleeve and admonished, "I'm telling you these things so that you understand how dangerous Fire Buddha is. You're just a novice cultivator, so stop prying into this matter."
Mo Hua pouted, "I'm not that young anymore. I'm already fifteen!"
Gu Chang Huai huffed, "I'm over a hundred."
Mo Hua was shocked, "Uncle Gu, you're that old?"
Anger and frustration made Gu Chang Huai's teeth ache, and he wanted to pull Mo Hua's ears, "Over a hundred is not old! I'm a Golden Core cultivator, and at over a hundred years old, I'm still young!"
"Okay, okay," Mo Hua soothed him and quietly grumbled to himself, "You're still young at over a hundred, but that makes me a child..."
After some thought, Mo Hua quietly asked about Fire Buddha again. This opportunity was rare, and if he didn't ask more now, he might not get another chance if Uncle Gu's mood soured later.
"Uncle Gu, do you know Fire Buddha's current whereabouts?"
Gu Chang Huai didn't want to answer.
Mo Hua understood.
"You don't know... Then, will the Dao Court issue a bounty for Fire Buddha to the various sects?"
Gu Chang Huai remained silent, but from his unpleasant expression, Mo Hua guessed the answer:
"They won't."
"Will the bounty for Fire Buddha be very high?"
"It seems like it will be."
"Does Fire Buddha have accomplices?"
"Probably. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to escape the Dao Court's encirclement..."
"Has Fire Buddha been lying low for a long time?"
Gu Chang Huai's expression turned cold, and he said, "Mo Hua, I've already told you more than I should. This matter is dangerous, and you're too young to understand. Just focus on your cultivation and leave these matters to the Dao Court and more experienced cultivators. Don't involve yourself any further."
Mo Hua could sense the seriousness in his tone and nodded, "Alright, I won't ask any more questions. I'll wait for Senior Sister Murong and then we'll head out to catch that flower thief."
(End of Chapter)
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