Chapter 712: Little Martial Uncle
Chapter 712: Little Martial Uncle
Elder Xuan flipped through the letter again, pondering for a moment before taking out a jade slip. He infused his spiritual sense into it and wrote a message before calling for a young disciple.
"Deliver this jade slip to Elder Liang, the former head of the Dao Ting Si. Ask him to investigate this matter."
"Yes, Elder." The young disciple respectfully took the jade slip and departed.
It didn't take long for a response to arrive, which the disciple presented to Elder Xuan with reverence.
Elder Xuan glanced at the jade slip and recognized the handwriting as that of Elder Liang, who had already retired from the Dao Ting Si. He immersed his spiritual sense into it.
With just a glance, Elder Xuan's heart trembled.
Huo Fo Tuo?!
A formidable demonic cultivator who had roamed the Two-State Domain for a hundred years, reaching the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, practicing the forbidden Yun Huo technique, eradicating the entire She clan, leading countless demonic cultivators, and killing without remorse!
Elder Xuan inhaled sharply.
No wonder it was worth eight thousand merit points!
Mo Hua had earned this reward by assisting the Dao Ting Si in setting up an array to capture Huo Fo Tuo. His achievement was reported by Gu Changhuai, the current head of the Dao Ting Si.
That was why the Dao Ting Si made an exception and awarded him those eight thousand merit points.
In that case, eight thousand merit points weren't considered a lot...
But...
Capture Huo Fo Tuo?
Elder Xuan frowned.
The image of Mo Hua, gentle and fragile, obedient and well-behaved, resurfaced in his mind.
Elder Xuan just couldn't wrap his head around how such a junior disciple with low cultivation, weak and fragile, could possibly capture a peak Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator, full of evil deeds.
Could it be because of his array skills? But even then, it was too dangerous.
Elder Xuan felt both relieved that Mo Hua was safe and angry at the same time.
That little rascal Mo Hua had guts, he thought.
Dealing with such a fierce and cruel demonic cultivator, one wrong step could mean death, leaving not even a trace behind.
He dared to involve himself in anything.
Moreover...
Elder Xuan continued reading, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Huo Fo Tuo... was killed..."
According to the report, Gu Changhuai alone was responsible for the demonic cultivator's demise.
But Mo Hua had been there as well.
Without a doubt, there was more to the story.
Elder Xuan sighed.
Who would have thought...
After living for so many years, experiencing so many events, and meeting so many people, he never expected that in his old age, he would be hoodwinked by a young disciple.
Elder Xuan paused for a moment, then ordered someone to retrieve Mo Hua's records from the Merit Hall to see what kind of tasks the boy had been undertaking.
Previously, he had assumed that with Mo Hua's talent, the boy could only manage to draw arrays, and that was all.
So he hadn't bothered to investigate further.
Now, it seemed that the situation might be completely different...
The records from the Merit Hall were quickly brought to him.
Elder Xuan took a look and felt a slight chill run down his spine.
Aside from a large number of first-rate and second-rate array-related tasks, most of the remaining missions involved capturing, pursuing, ambushing, and hunting down rogue cultivators, evil cultivators, and even demonic cultivators.
And the success rate was ridiculously high; he had barely failed any of these missions.
The disciples he teamed up with were varied.
But most frequently, it was the young lady from the Murong family and the young man from the Ouyang family of TaiA Men, along with a significant number of senior martial brothers and sisters from the generation above him.
These senior martial siblings had much higher cultivation levels than him, and some were even proud scions of noble clans. Yet, they were willing to team up with him, a stranger they had just met?
Elder Xuan found this hard to believe.
Did Mo Hua have such exceptional interpersonal skills? This situation was not entirely different from what he had imagined; it was completely opposite!
Elder Xuan couldn't help but sigh.
His Heaven's Secret Algorithm was truly inadequate. He had spent hundreds of years learning and applying it diligently, but he had failed to notice the "blind spot" right under his nose.
Elder Xuan reviewed the contents of the jade slip again and grew angrier as he thought about it.
This was preposterous!
Such a talented array cultivator, yet he didn't know how to cherish his gift. Instead, he kept taking on these extremely dangerous bounty missions outside the sect.
Fortunately, he was safe.
But what if there had been a slight mishap? How could Mo Hua, with his meager strength, withstand the attacks of those evil cultivators? If something unforeseen had happened, a promising array cultivator would have perished.
With this thought, Elder Xuan regretted not keeping a closer eye on Mo Hua. He became more and more apprehensive as he thought about it, and his face turned stern as he instructed the disciple, "Go and fetch Mo Hua here!"
"Yes," the disciple replied respectfully.
After leaving the Elder's residence, the disciple went to find Mo Hua, who was in class at the time and seemed surprised to be summoned by Elder Xuan during lesson hours.
The disciple whispered, "Be careful. Elder Xuan seems to be quite angry."
Mo Hua often visited the Elder's residence and was on good terms with this disciple.
Mo Hua was taken aback. "Who's he angry with?"
The disciple shook his head. "How would I know..."
Mo Hua wondered.
Why would Elder Xuan be angry with me?
I've been well-behaved lately, staying within the sect and drawing arrays every day.
Upon arriving at the Elder's residence and entering Elder Xuan's room, Mo Hua sensed the tense atmosphere and saw Elder Xuan's stern expression.
Mo Hua lowered his eyes and looked innocent, appearing very well-behaved.
Elder Xuan was about to reprimand him, but when he saw Mo Hua's demeanor, his heart softened a little.
Although what he had done was a bit dangerous...
Capturing evil cultivators and upholding justice was a cultivator's duty and a virtuous deed. He shouldn't be too harsh, lest he damage the boy's upright nature and zeal for vanquishing demons.
However, he couldn't let him continue taking such risks.
Mo Hua was still young and naive, unaware of the viciousness of the cultivation world and the darkness in people's hearts.
Elder Xuan needed to teach him a stern lesson so that he wouldn't dare to take on such perilous tasks again. His expression turned severe as he was about to reprimand Mo Hua, but before he could speak, he paused abruptly.
He stared at Mo Hua for a long time, frowning as he asked, "Has your spiritual sense become... a little stronger?"
Mo Hua nodded shyly yet humbly. "Yes, a little stronger. Seventeen strands now..."
Elder Xuan's eyes widened slightly.
Seventeen strands...
At the early stage of Foundation Establishment, seventeen strands of spiritual sense...
Was this the spiritual sense of the late Foundation Establishment stage?
Old Master Xun snapped back to attention and looked at Mo Hua, his mind filled with disbelief.
After a moment, Old Master Xun's expression returned to its usual calm, and he said indifferently, "It's nothing, you may leave now."
Mo Hua was taken aback.
Old Master Xun waved his hand, no longer angry, and his voice softened, "Go back to class."
"Oh..." Mo Hua was a little perplexed, but he cupped his hands and bid farewell, "Then I shall take my leave, Senior?"
"Mhm." Old Master Xun nodded slightly.
Mo Hua left, feeling a little dazed.
After Mo Hua's departure, Old Master Xun fell into deep thought for a long while before slowly rising to his feet. Using the Void Escape Art, he tore open a rift in the void and directly entered the back mountain.
Within the back mountain was a shrine.
The shrine was solemn and majestic, exuding an air of authority. On the altar were tablets with white patterns on a dark background, as well as portraits of the ancestors of the Tai Xu Sect.
Old Master Xun, with his head full of white hair, offered incense with reverence.
However, his hands trembled slightly as he did so.
Thin tendrils of smoke rose from the ancient-looking incense burner.
Old Master Xun's heart was stirred, and he couldn't help but speak with a slight quiver in his voice,
"Ancestors, protect our Tai Xu Sect..."
"We have truly encountered an incredible stroke of luck!"
"Amidst the heavenly machine's predicament, a glimmer of hope... It must lie within this child!"
The incense smoke rose like clouds, enveloping the portraits of the Tai Xu Sect's ancestors, filling the shrine with its pure and enduring essence.
Old Master Xun let out a long sigh.
...
The next day, Old Master Xun sought out the Tai Xu Sect's leader.
The Sect Leader had a dignified and kind demeanor, an extraordinary bearing, and was skilled in self-cultivation. His black hair was long and thick.
He came from a noble background, had his own inheritance, and had entered the Dao through the study of sword techniques. His cultivation was remarkable, and within the Tai Xu Sect, his status was unique.
However, at this moment, the Sect Leader's expression was grave.
Even though he did not cultivate divine thought or comprehend algorithms, at his level of cultivation, he could vaguely sense the evolution of heavenly secrets and impending dangers.
The Tai Xu Sect enjoyed a peaceful era, but there were signs of impending storms on the horizon.
However, the Sect Leader couldn't pinpoint the exact omen.
Seated before an elegant rosewood table, the Sect Leader and Old Master Xun faced each other. After the water boiled and the tea was brewed, the Sect Leader personally poured a cup of tea for Old Master Xun and sighed,
"Although the Tai Xu, Tai Ah, and Chong Xu Sects have split into three branches of sword cultivation, they still share a common origin and are like branches of the same tree..."
"I have spoken to the leaders of both sects, but they do not believe me."
"The Tai Ah Sect is strong and seems to be aiming to go even further, aiming to become the leader among the Eight Great Sects."
"The Chong Xu Sect is in the middle tier but also aspires to join the top ranks."
The Sect Leader self-deprecatingly smiled, "On the other hand, our Tai Xu Sect is lagging behind, content to remain in the last place, lacking ambition."
Old Master Xun took a sip of tea but remained silent.
The Sect Leader sighed, sounding a bit rueful as he continued, "In recent years, the Tai Ah Sect has gathered many geniuses, especially the Ouyang family. That Ouyang Feng is inconspicuous, but he has deeply cultivated the sect's ultimate sword technique. He has a calm demeanor, keeps his edge hidden, and is a talent that can be greatly relied upon."
"As for the Chong Xu Sect, they seem to have a sword genius in this generation. Not long after joining the sect, he sensed the Chong Xu Sword Tomb and cultivated the Chong Xu Sword Qi. He is the disciple with the highest talent the Chong Xu Sect has seen in the last five hundred years."
"Our Tai Xu Sect falls a bit short... We have disciples with good spiritual roots and those who cultivate sword techniques, but they are ultimately 'mediocre' compared to these true geniuses."
The Sect Leader shook his head, his expression resigned,
"It's no wonder that the Tai Ah and Chong Xu Sects don't want to associate with our Tai Xu Sect anymore."
"They don't take my words to heart, probably fearing that our Tai Xu Sect will hold them back."
Old Master Xun frowned slightly.
Although the three sects shared a common origin, they had long since gone their separate ways. Each sect minded its own business, and outsiders couldn't interfere.
The Sect Leader glanced at Old Master Xun, his expression solemn as he asked in a low voice, "Old Master, what exactly has happened?"
Old Master Xun sighed, "I can't explain it clearly."
The Sect Leader's expression turned grave.
"In any case," Old Master Xun said, "from now on, let the sect disciples be cautious in their words and actions, and let's keep some of the sect's arrangements under wraps. We must not act rashly..."
The Sect Leader nodded.
He was familiar with the concept of lying low.
Old Master Xun said, "In the days to come, peace may be hard to come by. As long as we can protect ourselves and our foundation, enduring through this period will be enough."
"Not making mistakes is a merit in itself. We need not compare ourselves to others. If they want to fight for fame and gain, let them."
Old Master Xun's expression was indifferent.
"Old Master, your words are reasonable," the Sect Leader agreed.
The two continued drinking tea and discussed some sect matters. Then, Old Master Xun said, "However, there's a small rule that needs to be changed."
The Sect Leader was taken aback.
Old Master Xun said, "Starting from this generation, all disciples of the same batch will attend the grand formation lecture together."
The Sect Leader was confused, and he frowned as he asked,
"Old Master, forgive my ignorance, but is there some deeper meaning behind this decision?"
Old Master Xun deliberately sighed, "There's no deeper meaning. It's just that I'm getting old, and my energy is waning. Lately, I've been deducing heavenly secrets, which has exhausted my spiritual sense. I've been feeling rather fatigued."
"There are too many formation lectures, and I can't handle them all, so I might as well combine them into one grand lecture and teach them all at once."
Hearing this, the Sect Leader felt a pang of guilt.
Old Master Xun had dedicated his life to the Tai Xu Sect, pouring his heart and soul into it.
The Sect Leader said gently, "Why don't we leave these matters of teaching and imparting knowledge to the sect's elders and instructors? Old Master, your status is noble, and you need not lower yourself to personally teach..."
"No!"
Old Master Xun's face turned serious as he said,
"Teaching and imparting knowledge is the foundation of our Tai Xu Sect. Whether it's foundation establishment, ascension, or instructing others, regardless of one's cultivation level or position, we should all uphold the principle of teaching as our foundation and consider it an honor to impart knowledge. This is the duty of our sect!"
"Even though I am old, we must not abandon this principle!"
Hearing these words, the Sect Leader felt a deep respect and immediately stood up, cupped his hands, and said,
"Junior will follow Old Master's teachings."
The Sect Master pondered for a long while, his feelings complex, and he sighed inwardly:
"In today's cultivation world, whether it be the aristocratic families or the sect, finding someone like Old Master Xun, with an open and honest mind and a sense of justice, is becoming rarer and rarer..."
The Sect Master sighed, took a sip of tea, and suddenly paused, carefully pondering the situation before finding it somewhat strange.
Why start the grand formation lecture now, neither earlier nor later?
Although it was for imparting knowledge, he always felt that Old Master Xun seemed to have a bit of a personal agenda.
But Old Master Xun was upright and incorruptible; what personal agenda could he have?
The Sect Master thought about it and shook his head.
He must be overthinking things.
Old Master Xun was respected and trusted, and he wouldn't deceive him.
...
After discussing with Old Master Xun, the rules regarding the formation classes were changed.
The next formation class would be the start of the grand lecture.
The venue for the class was chosen to be the largest transmission hall in the Transmission Pavilion.
Old Master Xun stood on the stage, and below him sat over a thousand disciples from the same batch as Mo Hua, filling the hall.
Old Master Xun scanned the room with his eyes, and in a concise and clear manner, he said: "From now on, the formation teachings will be unified. I will be the main lecturer, assisted by Teacher Zhu, and..."
Old Master Xun glanced down and pointed, saying:
"...and Mo Hua will be your 'little martial uncle'! When I and Teacher Zhu are not in this transmission hall, he will be in charge."
Mo Hua was taken aback, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden announcement.
Then he realized that a thousand pairs of eyes were looking at him all at once, like a thousand arrows loosed in his direction.
These gazes held various emotions: some familiar, some strange, some shocked, some doubtful, some admiring, some skeptical, and many others with a hint of hostility.
They were all true geniuses of the Tai Xu Sect, and although they were of the same generation, many of them were not well-acquainted with Mo Hua.
To have a "little martial uncle" suddenly imposed upon them, their proud and unyielding personalities would not easily accept it.
Mo Hua felt his scalp tingle under their intense stares, and he shifted uncomfortably.
Old Master Xun paid no heed to the reactions and said to Mo Hua:
"Mo Hua, come up here."
Mo Hua, under the scrutiny of his peers, felt a mountain of pressure on his shoulders, but he still gritted his teeth and stepped onto the stage, standing next to Old Master Xun.
The white-haired Old Master Xun patted Mo Hua's small shoulder, nodded slightly, and then pointed at Mo Hua, addressing the disciples below, "From now on, this will be your 'little martial uncle'."
Before Mo Hua could say anything, a disciple below stood up, unable to contain his anger any longer. His expression was respectful, but his tone held a hint of anger as he asked, "Respected Master, is this an 'inside job'?"
Old Master Xun nodded, his expression calm, "Yes."
The disciple was taken aback.
Old Master Xun's straightforward admission left him at a loss for words.
Another disciple stood up and said, "Respected Master, you are 'playing favorites'. I refuse to accept this!"
Old Master Xun glanced at him indifferently, "And then?"
"I..." The disciple hesitated for a moment before continuing proudly, "My great-grandfather is the Great Elder of the Tai Xu Sect. I will report everything to him, telling him that you are acting unfairly, playing favorites, abusing your power, and not following the rules..."
Old Master Xun's expression was subtle as he nodded slightly, "Go ahead. While you're at it, ask your great-grandfather, the Great Elder, to come see me tomorrow. I'll have a chat with him about what the rules truly are..."
The disciple was stunned, and his heart began to waver.
This Old Master Xun, why wasn't he afraid at all...
Was he truly unafraid, or just pretending? Or was his status so lofty that even his great-grandfather wouldn't dare to touch him?
Unfortunately, his great-grandfather had never mentioned this Old Master Xun.
And he himself didn't know what position this Old Master Xun held within the sect.
But he wasn't foolish; from Old Master Xun's tone, it was clear that he didn't put his great-grandfather in high regard. What if he truly held an extremely high position?
The disciple's heart trembled at the thought.
What if I end up causing trouble for my great-grandfather...
What if my great-grandfather gets angry at me...
The disciple lost his courage and sat down, feeling uneasy.
The other disciples also realized that something was amiss.
This Old Master Xun, who was usually strict and focused solely on teaching, might hold a position even more esteemed than they had imagined.
Everyone fell silent, not daring to speak.
Old Master Xun's expression was solemn, but in his heart, he sighed.
If it were a regular day, he would have taken the time to slowly explain things.
But now, with the secrets of heaven veiled and the situation being so unique, he had to act swiftly and decisively.
Even if it meant forcefully pushing Mo Hua forward, he had to ensure that Mo Hua became the Tai Xu Sect's "little martial uncle."
This matter concerned the sect's fortune.
There was no room for hesitation, and no room for doubt!
When it came to matters involving the secrets of heaven, any hesitation could lead to a reversal of cause and effect.
Thus, once a glimmer of the secrets of heaven was discerned, one had to act decisively, even if it meant going against the grain and acting alone.
Old Master Xun surveyed the disciples below him.
The disciples' expressions varied, and although they remained silent, it was clear that they were not "convinced."
It didn't matter if they weren't "convinced," as long as they at least "accepted" it for now! Old Master Xun spoke in a stern voice, "This matter is settled. Now, all of you call him 'little martial uncle'."
They clearly weren't happy about it, but under Old Master Xun's pressure, they had no choice but to comply.
Thus, all the geniuses of the Tai Xu Sect, except for the small group who were close to Mo Hua, called out reluctantly, their voices lowered, addressing the younger Mo Hua as:
"Little martial uncle."
(End of Chapter)
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