Chapter 941: An Old Acquaintance
Chapter 941: An Old Acquaintance
Mo Hua examined the middle-aged cultivator before him, a well-mannered and refined man, and exclaimed in surprise, "You're from the Shen family?"
The middle-aged cultivator cupped his hands respectfully, "I am Shen Xiuyan."
"Shen Xiuyan..."
Mo Hua silently memorized the name and asked, "Are you an Elder of the Shen family? Do you manage the affairs of Lonely Mountain City?"
The middle-aged cultivator named Shen Xiuyan shook his head, "The matters of Lonely Mountain City are not under my jurisdiction. I am an Elder of the Little Spirit Sect."
"Little Spirit Sect?" Mo Hua had never heard of this sect.
Shen Xiuyan explained, "It's a small sect, one of the hundred sects under the Heavenly Learning Sects, not very well-known. It's normal if you haven't heard of it."
"Oh," Mo Hua nodded slightly, a little surprised. "I thought the Shen family was a hereditary family of the Qian Dao Sect. Why didn't you become an Elder there?"
Shen Xiuyan sighed helplessly, "The Qian Dao Sect is one of the four great sects and the most prestigious sect in the Qianxue State. The entry requirements are extremely high."
"Moreover, the Shen family is a large clan with numerous cultivators, and the competition among them is fierce. Everyone wants to join the Qian Dao Sect. Forget about the position of an Elder; even a teaching position is highly sought after, and everyone has to scheme and fight for it."
"I don't have the background or the ability to compete. I wanted to venture out, seek opportunities, and change my fate, but I couldn't find any."
"In the end, I had to accept my fate and choose a regular sect among the hundred sects to become a teacher and live a mediocre life."
"Of course, I've now reached the Golden Core stage, and with the reputation of the Shen family, the Little Spirit Sect wouldn't dare to slight me. Naturally, I was promoted to an 'Elder'."
"You're not just an ordinary Elder, are you?" Mo Hua pondered. "I see that other members of the Shen family respect you quite a bit."
"I'm not the best, but I'm better than many," Shen Xiuyan said. "In the Shen family, there are many who are doing well, and many who are not. As an Elder of the hundred sects, I may not compare to the true lineage, but I'm still better off than most family disciples who have to rely on others."
"I see," Mo Hua nodded slightly, gaining a little insight into the internal dynamics of the Shen family.
Noble families oppress loose cultivators.
But within these families, there is also internal strife.
Not everyone in a prominent family fares well.
"Mo Hua," Shen Xiuyan looked at Mo Hua intently, then hesitantly asked, "Why did you seek me out?"
He had completely forgotten the name "Mo Hua" and had no recollection of it at all.
Everything related to Mo Hua was shrouded in a veil of mystery, sealed away in the corners of his memory.
Shen Xiuyan instinctively avoided thinking about it, let alone remembering it.
It was only today, upon seeing Mo Hua, that the cycle of cause and effect turned, the sealed memories were unveiled, and Shen Xiuyan finally recalled the name "Mo Hua" and the bits and pieces associated with him.
At the same time, he also remembered another "Mo Hua."
The rumored monster of the Qianxue State, the supreme Array Daoist of the various sects.
The Array Daoist of the Void Gate Sect, renowned for his exceptional formations.
Shen Xiuyan gradually connected the two Mo Huas in his mind.
The clever and eccentric "little kid" he had met during the Corpse Plague in Nan Yue City and the Demon Catastrophe in Li Prefecture City had now become the supreme Array Daoist, towering over countless geniuses.
Time had changed, and the world had transformed.
Shen Xiuyan was shocked and couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief.
Mo Hua's identity was mysterious, and his origins were equally unfathomable.
Therefore, when Mo Hua approached him, Shen Xiuyan felt a sense of apprehension, unsure of Mo Hua's intentions.
Mo Hua casually said, "I just want to ask about the Shen family, nothing major."
Shen Xiuyan knew it couldn't be a trivial matter.
Given Mo Hua's identity, any involvement with him would certainly be significant.
Shen Xiuyan remained silent for a moment, then kindly reminded him, "Sir... I am a member of the Shen family."
As a member of the Shen family, he would naturally protect their interests.
He wouldn't reveal family secrets for an outsider.
"I know," Mo Hua said softly. "But are the interests of the Shen family also your interests? Are the members of the Shen family also your family?"
"Some interests are in the hands of other members of the Shen family. What does that have to do with you?"
"Some are born to be Elders of the Qian Dao Sect, while you can only be a teacher in the Little Spirit Sect..."
These words, whispered like a demon's incantation, made Shen Xiuyan's heart tremble.
Blood is thicker than water, but even within a family, there are different households.
This is especially true for large noble families.
Conflicts of interest, unequal distribution, suspicion, and internal power struggles are all common occurrences.
Mo Hua was absolutely right.
However, Shen Xiuyan still hesitated.
He didn't want to get involved with Mo Hua again. This grand cause and effect, which seemed endless, was something he wanted to avoid at all costs.
Mo Hua looked at him intently and slowly said, "Do you still remember what happened in the ruined temple that night?"
Shen Xiuyan's pupils dilated, and he felt a chill down his spine as if a cold wind had blown by.
The scene in the ruined temple gradually resurfaced in his mind.
It was about ten years ago when he, the old man, and the young master Yun had followed a lead to the outskirts of Li Prefecture City, where they encountered a group of demons. As night fell, they decided to seek shelter in a ruined temple.
The night grew darker, and the three of them felt drowsy.
For some reason, the old man began to feel hungry and chewed on his fingers as if they were Fasting Pills; the young master Yun drew his sword and stabbed his own heart meridian;
Shen Xiuyan also took out his knife and began to slash his own neck, blood gushing out.
It was as if they were trapped in a terrifying nightmare.
Over the years, Shen Xiuyan occasionally had this nightmare where he repeatedly cut his own neck, blood soaking the ground.
Even his head was severed and fell to the ground, and his headless body continued to cut at the headless neck...
The blood was everywhere, and the scene was horrifying and gruesome.
This dream was too real and terrifying, and it seemed never-ending.
Half-asleep and half-awake, Shen Xiuyan felt a sense of confusion and even doubted himself.
He questioned whether he was already dead and whether he had truly escaped from the ruined temple...
Since all his memories of Mo Hua were gone, he couldn't recall how he had broken free from the trap and left the temple.
Now, seeing Mo Hua, his memories gradually resurfaced, and as the threads of cause and effect were gradually restored, the events of that night became clearer.
Shen Xiuyan furrowed his brows, suppressing his palpitations, and after a moment of recollection, he finally realized.
In the past, it was indeed this Young Master who saved my life.
Otherwise, he would have died in that ruined temple outside Li Prefecture City, not knowing how or why.
Seeing that he understood, Mo Hua said, "It's not that I'm holding a favor over you, but everything in this world has cause and effect. I saved your life, and you do something for me in return; this is cause and effect. If you don't repay it, you'll likely suffer a great misfortune."
Mo Hua's expression was solemn.
Shen Xiuyan's heart trembled.
The cause and effect of heaven's secrets—this was something Old Man Wen often muttered about, but he didn't put much faith in it.
But ever since ten years ago, when he sought an opportunity to defy fate and change his destiny, he had no choice but to believe in some things after getting himself into this mess.
He still remembered that back then, when the Corpse Plague broke out in Nan Yue City, he didn't want to get involved as it wasn't his concern.
But after Old Man Wen divined a hexagram, he muttered that there would be great terror ahead, and life and death would be uncertain. If they could save the cultivators of Nan Yue City, or even the entire state, and establish a good connection, they might have a glimmer of hope when facing a life-threatening situation in the future.
So, the three of them stayed in Nan Yue City and helped suppress the Corpse Plague.
It was during this plague that they met a little boy named Mo Hua.
This was the cause.
And the effect was that they avoided the deadly calamity in the ruined temple.
If they hadn't quelled the chaos of the plague, they wouldn't have met Mo Hua, and he wouldn't have saved them. All three of them would have died without a proper burial.
"Cause and effect, good and evil, are like a drink and a peck. Mr. Zhuang gave us a choice back then, which was also a glimmer of hope for us..."
These were Old Man Wen's exact words.
At the time, Shen Xiuyan didn't feel much, but later, the more he thought about it, the more he felt that the mystery was profound.
"Cause and effect..."
Shen Xiuyan silently looked at Mo Hua again.
His memories gradually loosened, and some scenes became clearer.
In the ruined temple, illuminated by firelight, Mo Hua's eyes sparkled, and his little face was flushed. The image of him roasting fish and sweet potatoes in the temple reappeared in Shen Xiuyan's mind.
It was a cute scene.
For some reason, Shen Xiuyan felt a hint of fear in his heart.
Because he knew that in the corner of the ruined temple, beside Mo Hua, there was a shadow, and within that shadow was a vague figure of a Daoist.
At the time, he didn't know who this person was, but later, after hearing the rumors in Li Prefecture City, he gradually understood.
Back then, to seize that opportunity, the entire Li Shan State, including the entire Li Shan City, became a meat grinder of slaughter between the righteous and demonic forces.
Golden Core cultivators died in droves, like a tide.
Ascended True Men also fell one after another.
And the instigator of all this was that Daoist.
Those who had seen that Daoist, whether righteous or demonic, almost all died tragically, even the Ascended True Men were no exception.
And this Young Master before him was almost just a Qi Condensation cultivator back then, yet he could sit with that Daoist, roast fish and sweet potatoes in front of him, and even save people under his very nose...
Shen Xiuyan found it terrifying just thinking about it.
The more he understood about this matter, the more terrifying it became.
Perhaps due to his own thoughts, as he looked at Mo Hua now, he faintly felt that the young man had a hint of the "Devious Daoist's" aura.
It was as if he were the young "Devious Daoist" himself...
Such a person was seeking him out to settle the cause and effect...
Shen Xiuyan's heart turned cold, and he didn't dare to say even half of the word "no."
"Mo Gongzi, please tell me... As long as I know and it doesn't involve the core secrets of the Shen family, I will tell you everything I know," Shen Xiuyan said sincerely.
Mo Hua nodded in satisfaction and asked, "Doesn't the Shen family have a mountain territory in Gu Mountain?"
Shen Xiuyan nodded, "I know."
"What is that mountain territory used for?" Mo Hua inquired.
Shen Xiuyan paused for a moment, "That mountain territory was purchased by the Shen family in Gu Mountain to mine Golden Yellow Ore. Now that the mining is complete, it's been left unused, with no other purpose."
"No other use... Why is it sealed off, not allowing others to approach?"
"I'm not entirely sure about that," Shen Xiuyan said after some contemplation, "Generally, after a mine has been exhausted and left unused for many years, it becomes very dangerous. Miasma, demonic energy, and poisonous gases can breed, and there might even be vicious demonic beasts residing there. Over time, the mountain itself can become unstable and prone to collapse..."
"Preventing others from approaching is probably to avoid accidents."
"After all, if cultivators were to die in the Shen family's mine and word got out, it would cause trouble for the Shen family."
Mo Hua nodded slightly, feeling that there was some truth to it.
He asked again, "Does your Shen family have any temples in Gu Shan City?"
"Temple?"
"Hmm," Mo Hua nodded, "Temples, altars, secret chambers, palaces, or other places used for worship."
This question was a bit tricky.
Shen Xiuyan thought for a moment and shook his head, "In the past, poor mining cultivators would pray to something they weren't sure was a mountain god or a spirit. They did this to seek peace when going into the mines."
"But this was because they were poor and had low cultivation. When faced with danger, they couldn't protect themselves, so they had to entrust their fate to these vague spirits."
"The Shen family's mines are deep and sturdy, mostly excavated with spirit tools, and not many people go down there. There's no need, and we almost never build such things..."
Mo Hua nodded, his gaze slightly focused, and he asked, "Does your Shen family... slaughter entire clans?"
Shen Xiuyan's face stiffened.
Was it appropriate to ask such a sharp question to his face, a Shen family elder?
"No," Shen Xiuyan vehemently denied.
"Really?"
"Mo Gongzi," Shen Xiuyan sighed, "My Shen family, after all, is one of the four great hereditary Five-Ranked families. We are a proper sect and wouldn't openly violate the Dao laws and commit such an act of 'slaughtering an entire clan' without reason or justification."
"If the Dao Administration were to find out and report it to the Dao Ting, my Shen family would be in deep trouble."
Mo Hua looked doubtful, "But that young master from your Shen family seems quite arrogant, wanting to kill at the slightest disagreement."
He was just stupid, with eyes on the back of his head.
Shen Xiuyan cursed silently.
He was truly spoiled and lawless, doing whatever he pleased.
"There are many spoiled young masters in noble families; it can't be helped," Shen Xiuyan said, "Not just the Shen family, but other large noble families have similar situation. Behind the scenes, more or less, they all have some shady dealings."
"Noble families are too big, with too many people. No matter how strict the family rules are, it's impossible to manage them all."
"However, those with backing and the qualifications to act recklessly are still a minority. Most of the aristocratic offspring still have to follow the rules and aren't as free as you think."
"Even if these direct disciples make a mistake, even if they kill someone, it doesn't mean there are no consequences."
"In most cases, the aristocratic families will find some side branches to take the fall for the direct disciples. They go to the Dao Administration to confess and resolve the issue."
"In this world, nothing comes without a price. It's just that..."
"It's just that," Mo Hua said, "those with privileges will pass on the consequences to others."
Shen Xiuyan sighed and nodded.
"The young master in Gu Mountain's Grand Feast Pavilion, is he called 'Qing Gongzi'?" Mo Hua asked again.
"Yes," Shen Xiuyan replied, telling Mo Hua the name of the Shen family's young master, "His name is Shen Qingsheng."
"Shen Qingsheng..." Mo Hua muttered, "Is he also from Shen family's direct line?"
"Strictly speaking, not exactly," Shen Xiuyan said.
"What do you mean?"
Shen Xiuyan explained, "This Shen Qingsheng, he's a direct disciple promoted midway, his bloodline isn't that pure, and he doesn't have the protection of the old ancestor."
"Then why is he so arrogant?" Mo Hua was a bit puzzled.
Shen Xiuyan explained, "His father is a true authority elder, and his jurisdiction includes Gu Mountain. In Gu Mountain, he can be said to have absolute power."
"Shen Qingsheng also benefits from this. As long as he's in Gu Shan City, almost no one dares to mess with him. Over time, he's become this lawless character."
"What's his father's name?" Mo Hua asked.
"Shen Shouhang," Shen Xiuyan replied.
"Shen Shouhang, Shen Qingsheng..." Mo Hua nodded, "I'll remember that."
He had asked most of what he wanted to know.
On this trip, he did gather some clues, but not too many...
After a moment of thought, Mo Hua said, "Elder Shen, can you help me find some files from the Shen family about Gu Shan City, especially those related to the mine from back then?"
Shen Xiuyan's eyebrows furrowed.
"Forget the highly confidential ones, just the regular files will do," Mo Hua said.
The truth often lies in the ordinary details.
Moreover, Shen Xiuyan probably wouldn't be able to get his hands on the highly confidential files.
Shen Xiuyan was hesitant, but after some thought, he didn't refuse.
He didn't dare to owe Mo Hua even a bit of his karmic debt.
"Alright, I'll check when I get back," Shen Xiuyan said.
"Thank you, Elder Shen," Mo Hua said politely.
Shen Xiuyan looked at Mo Hua, wanting to say something but stopping himself. Finally, he spoke slowly, "Young Master Mo, it's best if you don't get involved in the Shen family's matters."
The Shen family was powerful and influential, with a complex network of connections.
After all, Mo Hua was only at the Foundation Establishment stage, and it wouldn't be wise to provoke the Shen family.
Moreover, it would be difficult for him to handle this.
But Shen Xiuyan could only subtly hint at it; he dared not instruct this young master on his actions.
"Also, be extra careful of Shen Qingsheng in Gu Shan City," Shen Xiuyan added.
"Will they target me?" Mo Hua raised an eyebrow.
"Not them," Shen Xiuyan shook his head, "but Shen Qingsheng."
Seeing Mo Hua's confusion, Shen Xiuyan explained, "Shen Shouhang is an authority elder, and his background isn't that impressive. He climbed up the ranks over the years. Such a person, when faced with interests, is like a hungry wolf. But on the other hand, when it doesn't involve his interests, he's very clear-headed, knowing what risks not to take and whom not to offend."
"If Shen Shouhang finds out your status in the Void Gate Sect, he should know his limits and won't dare to harm you. But his son is another story..."
"Shen Qingsheng is Shen Shouhang's only son, spoiled since childhood, arrogant, and always seeking revenge."
Aristocratic playboys are known for their defiance. If they were obedient, they wouldn't be playboys.
Mo Hua nodded, "Thank you for the reminder, Elder Shen. I understand."
Shen Xiuyan didn't know if Mo Hua truly understood, but he didn't say more.
"Then, Young Master Mo, I..." Shen Xiuyan said softly.
Mo Hua cupped his hands, "Elder Shen, please take care. I won't keep you any longer."
With Mo Hua's permission, Shen Xiuyan finally relaxed.
Although he was a Golden Core cultivator and an elder of the Qianxue Hundred Sects, he didn't dare show any arrogance before Mo Hua.
Just thinking about Mo Hua's karmic debt, the people connected to him, and the scenes in the ruined temple, made Shen Xiuyan's heart chill.
"Take care, Young Master Mo. Shen Xiuyan will take his leave first."
Shen Xiuyan bowed to Mo Hua and then slowly walked out of the desolate forest, got into his carriage, and gradually disappeared along the mottled mountain path.
The night grew darker, and Mo Hua watched Shen Xiuyan's departing figure, deep in thought.
After a moment, he stopped hesitating and headed towards the other side of the mountain forest.
On the other side of the mountain path, a carriage was parked, and Gu Shifu, the coachman, stood in front of it, his expression vigilant.
Seeing Mo Hua, Gu Shifu finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Young Master, did you take care of the matter?" Gu Shifu asked.
"Mhm." Mo Hua nodded, "It's done."
"Good," Gu Shifu said.
He didn't ask Mo Hua whom he had met or what he had done. Instead, he acted as if he knew nothing, "I'll send you back to the sect now."
The journey back to the Void Gate Sect was long, and with the darkening sky, Gu Shifu was both worried and cautious.
"Thank you, Gu Shifu," Mo Hua said.
Then, he got into the carriage, and with Gu Shifu's personal escort, he returned to the Void Gate Sect under the cover of night.
...
Two days later, Gu Shan City, Shen Family.
In a luxurious study.
Not long after his recovery, Shen Qingsheng's face was still pale, and his eyes were bloodshot as he cried out hysterically:
"How can this be the end of it?!"
"Father, I'm your son!"
"That little trash from the Void Gate Sect, he humiliated me, he plotted against me, he almost... almost killed me!"
Standing across from Shen Qingsheng was a middle-aged man with a hooked nose and a rather ordinary appearance. This person was Shen Qingsheng's father and the Shen family's authority elder, Shen Shouhang.
Shen Shouhang glanced at his son indifferently and spoke in a low voice, "How did he humiliate you, how did he plot against you, and how did he almost kill you?"
Shen Qingsheng was both ashamed and angry, gritting his teeth, "He... he looked at me..."
"You mean..." Shen Shouhang's expression turned cold, "...he just looked at you and almost killed you?"
Shen Qingsheng's face turned blood-red, as if it were being seared by a hot iron.
(End of Chapter)
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