Chapter 634: Annihilation
Chapter 634: Annihilation
Mo Hua's pupils contracted.
Annihilation?!
The Xie family?
"The Xie family of Bishan City...aren't they the second-rate family we encountered when we went to capture the traitor from Duan Jinmen?" Murong Caiyun nodded, "Yes, that's them."
Mo Hua recalled the incident.
On that day, he, together with his senior martial sister Murong and senior martial brother Feng, had accepted a mission to capture a traitor from Duan Jinmen in Bishan City.
That traitor was rumored to have stolen something from the Xie family and disappeared without a trace. The Xie family, unable to find him, posted the mission to the sect.
The Xie family had gone to great lengths to capture this person, even sealing off the city and searching through the streets.
However, for some reason, the rewards offered were meager.
And indeed, that traitor was not easy to capture.
He cultivated the "Dunjin Jue" movement technique unique to Duan Jinmen and was also proficient in disguise. He had cross-dressed, disguising himself as a woman, and hidden himself in a brothel disguised as an inn.
Capturing him had taken quite a bit of effort.
The strange thing about this incident was...
The traitor's disguise technique was exquisite; one moment he appeared as a man, the next as a woman or an old crone, and even as a dwarf. When they finally captured him, he looked like a burly man.
There was no way to know what his original appearance was.
All that spiritual sense could perceive was the presence of his spiritual energy, not his physical appearance.
So, although Mo Hua had strong spiritual sense and could recognize the traitor's spiritual energy, he couldn't reconstruct the traitor's physical appearance beyond that.
Moreover, Mo Hua didn't know what the traitor had stolen from the Xie family.
As he left Bishan City, Mo Hua had a vague feeling that this matter wasn't over.
But he never expected that it would lead to the annihilation of the Xie family...
Mo Hua asked in a low voice, "Senior Martial Sister, why was the Xie family annihilated by Huo Fotuo?"
Murong Caiyin shook her head, "I don't know either. The Daotingsi is still investigating, and the rumors outside are not very credible."
"What kind of rumors?" Mo Hua asked curiously.
"All sorts..."
Murong Caiyin raised her slender fingers and listed them one by one for Mo Hua...
"Some say that the Xie family offended Huo Fotuo in the past and bore a grudge, and that Huo Fotuo's arrival this time is for revenge..."
"Others say that Huo Fotuo colluded with the Xie family, but because they couldn't divide the spoils evenly, Huo Fotuo took the extreme step of slaughtering the entire family..."
"There's also a rumor that Huo Fotuo needed the Xie family as sacrifices for cultivating an evil art..."
"And even more outrageous, some people confuse right from wrong and claim that the Xie family's annihilation is karma for their many misdeeds, and Huo Fotuo is carrying out divine justice..."
..."Rumors fly with the wind, and no one knows what really happened..." Murong Caiyin shook her head.
Mo Hua frowned, and then, feeling sympathy, he asked, "Really...not a single survivor?"
Murong Caiyin sighed softly, "None..."
Mo Hua felt pity, but he was also puzzled, "Didn't the Xie family resist?"
"After all, the Xie family is a second-rate family, and they have quite a few cultivators in their clan. Even if they couldn't win, they should have been able to hold out for a while, and at least one or two could have escaped..."
Murong Caiyin's eyes narrowed slightly, "I was thinking the same thing..."
"This matter is very suspicious..."
"No matter how weak the Xie family is, they're still one of the top cultivator families in Bishan City..."
"And no matter how strong Huo Fotuo is, he's still just a second-rate criminal cultivator."
"Logically speaking, it should have been impossible for Huo Fotuo to kill every cultivator in the family..."
"But the fact is..."
Murong Caiyin sighed deeply, her expression grave.
"The Xie family is completely wiped out..."
"According to the cultivators in Bishan City, that night, the entire Xie family mansion was engulfed in flames, and the blood-red light dyed half the sky. All the cultivators of the Xie family were like evil ghosts in purgatory, being killed, dismembered, and then turned into ashes in the blazing fire..."
"In the boundless sea of fire, Huo Fotuo, the culprit, wore a kasaya, his eyes burning red as he chanted Buddhist sutras, his face showing cold indifference..."
As if recalling that scene, Mo Hua felt a chill in his heart.
Huo Fotuo seemed much more dangerous than he had imagined...
And the power of that Yinhuoshu technique might also be far more terrifying than he had thought...
Mo Hua thought of "Old Five," "Yin Leizi," and the other two, and asked with doubt, "Did Huo Fotuo have accomplices?"
For annihilation like this, it would be difficult for him to have done it alone.
"I don't know about that..."
Murong Caiyin shook her head, "Annihilation is a cruel act, and its impact is extremely detrimental. The Daotingsi will block the information and not disclose any clues to the outside."
"Have there been similar annihilation incidents before?" Mo Hua asked.
Murong Caiyin thought for a moment before answering, "Rarely... The last time was more than a hundred years ago when a small family was annihilated by an evil cultivator..."
"I'm not clear on the specifics; I only know about it because my younger aunt mentioned it."
"That annihilation incident caused great panic among the smaller families, and the upper echelons of the Daotingsi were furious. They dispatched a large number of officials and judges to search for those evil cultivators day and night."
"In the end, those criminals were all captured, tortured to death using arrays, and their bodies displayed as a warning to others..."
"After that, I haven't heard of any similar annihilation incidents."
"And now, there's the annihilation of the Xie family by Huo Fotuo..."
"This kind of incident will also shake people's hearts, so before the criminal cultivator is caught and the truth is clarified, the Daotingsi will not disclose any information."
"Then..." Mo Hua said softly, "Will the Daotingsi issue a bounty to the sect, seeking to apprehend Huo Fotuo?"
"No," Murong Caiyin replied firmly.
"The bounties issued by the Daotingsi are usually for wanted cultivators below the mid-Jiuli stage. While they are not weak, they can be handled with the cooperation of sect disciples."
"But Huo Fotuo is different. He is an extremely dangerous criminal cultivator who has killed countless people. The Daotingsi wouldn't dare to assign such a task to a sect."
"Most sect disciples come from prestigious families. If something goes wrong, the Daotingsi would be held accountable as well."
"Moreover, regarding the destruction of the Xie family, the Daotingsi will keep the information confidential to maintain secrecy."
"At most, after Huo Fotuo is captured and the matter is concluded, they might release some tasks to have sect disciples help clean up any remaining accomplices..."
"Oh..." Mo Hua nodded, deep in thought, as if considering something.
Murong Caiyun glanced at him and admonished, "Don't get any funny ideas."
Mo Hua was taken aback.
Murong Caiyun continued, "Are you interested in Huo Fotuo?"
"Sort of..." Mo Hua replied vaguely.
He wasn't particularly interested in Huo Fotuo himself, but rather, he was curious about Huo Fotuo's forbidden technique.
Seeing the gleam in Mo Hua's eyes, Murong Caiyun sighed, "The pursuit of Huo Fotuo is the Daotingsi's business. We have no room to intervene."
"Moreover, this matter is extremely perilous. If you fall into Huo Fotuo's hands, the consequences could be dire. Even if you manage to escape once, there might not be a second time..."
Concern filled Murong Caiyun's eyes as she worried, "So, please don't take any risks and get involved in this mess."
Mo Hua thought about it seriously before assuring her, "Senior Sister, don't worry!"
...
After Murong Caiyun left, Mo Hua pondered over the matter of Huo Fotuo.
His senior sister was right; this matter was indeed too dangerous.
However, obtaining a forbidden technique was not easy, and it couldn't be exchanged for merit points.
Furthermore, Huo Fotuo's Yin Huo Shu was a fire-type forbidden technique, with two fiery cores burning fiercely within his body like hearts.
This could very well be the key to his research on the collision of fireballs, the collapse of spell formations, and the fusion of spiritual power.
If he had the chance, he must obtain this Yin Huo Shu technique! If he missed this opportunity, he didn't know when he would come across it again.
He just had to be extremely cautious and ensure his safety.
After all, he still had to support his parents in their old age!
Mo Hua furrowed his brows and began to think intently, "But how can I obtain the manual for the Yin Huo Shu technique?"
Could he capture Huo Fotuo before the Daotingsi?
Even if the Daotingsi captured Huo Fotuo and he divulged the secrets of the Yin Huo Shu technique, Mo Hua knew he wouldn't be able to acquire this forbidden technique himself.
The Daotingsi wouldn't entrust such a dangerous technique to a minor disciple like him.
Moreover, given Huo Fotuo's character, he would most likely choose mutual destruction rather than surrender the technique.
Once Huo Fotuo was captured, this fire-type forbidden technique would be buried with him.
"Should I capture Huo Fotuo or even kill him and search his body before the Daotingsi does?"
But how could he kill him? Should he do it himself?
Mo Hua pondered this idea but eventually shook his head in dismay.
"That's unlikely..."
Huo Fotuo was vigilant and extremely powerful in terms of cultivation, spells, and means.
Furthermore, he had accomplices like Yin Leizi, Xue Qiaofu, and Guimian Sha, who were also criminal cultivators.
Those accomplices of his weren't easy to deal with either.
If Mo Hua were to take him on himself, he would need to make meticulous preparations, set up an ambush beforehand, and even dismantle an entire first-rate formation to kill a late-Jiuli stage cultivator like Huo Fotuo.
But where could he find such a formation to dismantle?
Moreover, it would be a waste of resources to dismantle a first-rate formation just to kill Huo Fotuo.
Huo Fotuo was cautious and might not even fall for such a trap.
Thus, he could only rely on someone else to kill Huo Fotuo...
He could then provide assistance from the sidelines and help a little.
But who could he rely on?
Mo Hua stroked his chin, deep in thought...
Definitely not Senior Sister Murong and Senior Brother Feng.
Although they were considered genius disciples among the Eight Great Sects, their mid-Jiuli stage cultivation was still inferior to Huo Fotuo's late-Jiuli stage.
Whether they could win was another question altogether.
If they failed, they might even lose their lives.
Senior Sister Murong cared about him and didn't want him to take such a risk.
Likewise, Mo Hua didn't want to involve his senior siblings, who had helped him a lot, in such a dangerous matter.
They didn't have as many means of self-preservation as he did.
As he thought, Mo Hua could only think of one person who could help—Gu Changhuai, or Uncle Gu.
A Jin Dan stage cultivator and an official of the Daotingsi.
His identity and cultivation were both suitable.
Moreover, it seemed that Uncle Gu had always wanted to bring Huo Fotuo to justice.
However, the problem also lay here. As an official of the Daotingsi, even if he captured Huo Fotuo and obtained the secrets of the Yin Huo Shu manual, it was unlikely that he would hand it over to Mo Hua, either for public or personal reasons.
Putting himself in Uncle Gu's shoes, he wouldn't give the Yin Huo Shu technique to a disciple like "Mo Hua," whom he considered potentially dangerous.
He wouldn't let a "risky" young cultivator learn an even more "dangerous" forbidden technique...
But no matter how Mo Hua thought about it, he couldn't come up with any other options.
Uncle Gu was the only choice.
Mo Hua heaved a soft sigh.
"Let's take it one step at a time..."
"First, I'll try to get in touch with Uncle Gu, gather information through the Daotingsi, and pursue Huo Fotuo..."
"Then, I'll play it by ear and see if I can sneakily obtain the manual for the Yin Huo Shu technique while following Uncle Gu..."
For now, that was the only plan he had.
The Daotingsi would indeed not assign the task of capturing Huo Fotuo to any of the sects.
To most sect disciples, the name "Huo Fotuo" was nothing more than a rumor, a topic of conversation after class.
They would likely never come into contact with him in their lifetime.
Mo Hua had no choice but to find time to visit Gu Changhuai at the Daotingsi.
However, the Daotingsi was a formidable institution, and one could not simply wander into the offices.
Using his memory, wit, and stealth, Mo Hua managed to evade the officials along the way and reached Gu Changhuai's office, only to find it empty.
Gu Changhuai was out, pursuing an evil cultivator.
Mo Hua didn't know if the person Gu Changhuai was after was Huo Fotuo, and he couldn't find anyone to ask, so he had no choice but to return empty-handed.
"It's inconvenient to have no one in the Daotingsi..." Mo Hua sighed.
He had no choice but to think of another way.
During the school break, Mo Hua had some free time, so he accompanied Yu'er on a visit to the Gu family.
This was Yu'er's first time returning to her family since entering the Tai Xu Gate.
At the entrance of the Gu family, Wen Renwan was already waiting, her face filled with anticipation.
Although it was her idea to send Yu'er to the Tai Xu Gate, as a mother, she couldn't help but worry about her son night and day...
Worrying about Yu'er's cultivation, whether she was eating well, if she was happy, and most importantly...
If she was free from the torment of nightmares and could sleep peacefully.
Soon, the carriage stopped at the entrance of the Gu family.
Yu'er jumped out of the carriage, called out "Mother" in a crisp voice, and then scampered over to Wen Renwan with her little legs.
Wen Renwan hugged Yu'er tightly, seeing that her skin was fair, her complexion ruddy, and her spirits high. Yu'er also felt heavier, as if she had regained her vitality and gained a little weight. Wen Renwan was overjoyed.
This indicated that Yu'er was happy and healthy at the Tai Xu Gate, free from any nightmares or disasters.
Wen Renwan glanced at Mo Hua, her eyes filled with gratitude.
That evening, Wen Renwan prepared a table full of delicacies and seafood that Mo Hua had never tasted before.
Mo Hua ate with great relish.
Yu'er also sat beside him, holding a small bowl and imitating Mo Hua's eating, her little cheeks puffed out.
Wen Renwan sat to the side, supporting her cheeks with her hands, watching the two children, her eyes soft and warm.
After a while, Gu Changhuai arrived.
He seemed to have just returned from the Daotingsi, looking weary, but when he heard that Yu'er was back, he still came to see her.
However, as soon as he entered the door and saw Mo Hua sitting next to Yu'er, his expression became complicated, and he felt a tingling sensation on his scalp.
He felt that trouble had arrived...
"Changhuai, you just got back. Have some food too..." Wen Renwan said gently.
Yu'er was a bit shy and greeted him formally, "Uncle, hello..."
Hearing this childish greeting, Gu Changhuai's heart melted, but his expression remained as stiff as ever, with an awkward attempt to express kindness.
Mo Hua shook his head, finding it amusing.
Wen Renwan glanced at Mo Hua, then at Gu Changhuai, understanding what was going on, and smiled, "I'll take Yu'er for a walk outside to help her digest..."
"Changhuai..." Wen Renwan looked at Gu Changhuai and gave him a sharp glance, "You entertain Mo Hua."
Gu Changhuai's mouth twisted bitterly.
Wen Renwan then left with Yu'er.
Gu Changhuai sighed and sat down across from Mo Hua. He poured himself a cup of wine and drank it all in one go, then said helplessly, "You didn't come here just to visit, did you?"
Mo Hua spoke honestly, "Not entirely..."
He had brought Yu'er back for two reasons. Firstly, he wanted to reunite Yu'er with her mother, Wen Renwan, so that she wouldn't worry anymore.
Secondly, he wanted to prevent Yu'er from being disturbed by demons and having sleepless nights if she returned alone.
He also needed to replenish his spiritual sense with a 'meal'.
The last reason, of course, was Gu Changhuai himself.
"Go on, what is it?" Gu Changhuai sighed.
There was no point in trying to hide it from this little troublemaker.
Mo Hua blinked and said in a low voice, "Uncle Gu, can you take me with you when the Daotingsi goes after Huo Fotuo?"
Gu Changhuai knew what he was going to ask and firmly refused, "No!"
"Why not?" Mo Hua pursued.
Gu Changhuai looked at Mo Hua and sighed, "You're too young, your cultivation is too low, and you've just joined the sect. Most importantly, you're not an official member of the Daotingsi..."
Mo Hua asked curiously, "What if I was an official member of the Daotingsi? Would that change your mind?"
Gu Changhuai coldly hmphed in his mind.
An official member of the Daotingsi...
It wasn't easy to become a part of the Daotingsi.
From the lower-level officials, administrators, to the upper-level deputy chiefs and chiefs, one had to pass rigorous examinations to be accepted.
The examinations were extremely strict, covering various categories such as spiritual roots, cultivation techniques, martial arts or magic, family background, criminal records, and whether there were any direct blood relatives who had fallen into demonic paths within three generations...
The Daotingsi had extremely high standards and requirements.
Moreover, as a wandering cultivator with no identity or background, how could he possibly join the Daotingsi?
Gu Changhuai placated him, "Well, if you were an official member of the Daotingsi, I might consider it..."
Mo Hua quietly took out a bronze waist token.
It was simple and low-grade, but it looked familiar...
Gu Changhuai was stunned, his eyebrows twitching wildly.
Mo Hua's eyes sparkled with cunning, but his expression was serious as he said,
"Uncle Gu, to be honest... I also have an identity within the Daotingsi..."
(End of Chapter)
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