Chapter 631: The Teahouse - The Quest for Immortality

Chapter 631: The Teahouse In the ethereal perception of Mo Hua, two figures were present in the boudoir of the Wang Family Patriarch's wife, though it was unclear what they were doing. Mo Hua wished to enter and drag Hua Langjun out, but Murong Caiyun stopped him. "You're too young for this; don't taint your eyes." Mo Hua blinked, not fully understanding but obediently refraining from entering. Hence, Ouyang Feng and Shangguan Xu stood guard outside. Murong Caiyun and Hua Qianqian entered the boudoir. Soon after, a woman's scream echoed from inside, followed by a man—a disheveled mess, his clothes in disarray—who was blasted out a window, coughing blood from spells and spiritual needles. Mo Hua, a touch curious, sneaked a glance through the broken window. Inside, chaos reigned, with robes and skirts strewn about. A bedraggled woman covered herself with a quilt, furiously exclaiming: "Outrageous!" "Who are you people?" "This is the Wang Family's inner quarters, not a place you can just break into!" Outside, Hua Langjun was already intercepted by Ouyang Feng and Shangguan Xu. Murong Caiyun sneered at the woman, "You are the Patriarch's wife, yet you invited a rogue into your chamber without shame!" The woman glared disdainfully at Murong Caiyun, "What rogue?" "You little girl, what do you know? Langjun loves me. He said he harvests other women only for training, without genuine feelings..." "And he treats me differently, choosing to be with me without sapping my vitality..." The woman's voice turned sour with jealousy, "Those wretches, being harvested by Langjun... they're the lucky ones..." Murong Caiyun was so enraged that her teeth itched, momentarily at a loss for words. Mo Hua, eavesdropping outside, "kindly" suggested: "He might not be harvesting you because he's just 'fattening you up,' waiting until your power grows, to then drain you all at once..." Mo Hua spoke with piercing insight but wore a look of sympathy. After all, the truth stood clear: a dog cannot change its ways, and a rogue will never abstain from harvesting. "A pig is only slaughtered when fattened..." The woman was aghast, her defense crumbled instantly. Blood rushed to her face, and she pointed a trembling finger at Mo Hua, "You... you..." Just as she was about to shout obscenities, Hua Qianqian struck her acupoints with spiritual needles, rendering her unconscious. Although the woman had foundational cultivation, her indulgent lifestyle left her weaker than expected, merely keeping a lover unbeknownst to her husband. As for her fate, that would depend on the Wang Family and the jurisdiction of the Daoist Court. The immediate task was to catch the rogue. The rogue, having smashed through the window, attempted to flee but was quickly confronted by Ouyang Feng and Shangguan Xu waiting outside. Ouyang Feng's sword was as swift as the wind, while Shangguan Xu's heavy sword was as steady as a mountain. The two encircled the rogue, giving him no chance to slip away. Mo Hua emerged to see the man, strikingly handsome yet with pallid, sinister skin and a roguish demeanor—this must be the infamous Hua Langjun. Like most rogues, Hua Langjun was agile yet lacked in magical prowess. Against Ouyang Feng and Shangguan Xu, he was at a disadvantage, yet his movements were so fluid, akin to falling petals, that he managed to exchange blows without significant threat to his life. Soon, the Wang Family's cultivators gathered, their expressions shocked but their attitudes varied. Some mocked, relishing the spectacle; others covered their faces in embarrassment; and some were incensed with anger. Many Wang Family cultivators joined the fray, wishing to capture Hua Langjun. Yet their incompetence only gave Hua Langjun room to breathe. Mo Hua was initially irritated, but upon observing the dodgy glances from the Wang Family, he understood. Catching Hua Langjun would solidify the scandal, tarnishing the Wang Family's reputation irreparably. The Patriarch's wife keeping a rogue was an immense disgrace. The Wang Family would become a laughingstock in Luanshan City, ridiculed for centuries. The best outcome for them would be to capture Hua Langjun, execute him, destroy the evidence, and claim innocence. Failing that, letting Hua Langjun escape so the affair remains merely a "rumor" would be preferable. The worst scenario would be Hua Langjun falling into the hands of Mo Hua and his fellow disciples, then brought to the Daoist Court to be tried and recorded, sealing the disgrace as fact. The entire Wang Family would suffer humiliation. Thus, their primary goal was to capture Hua Langjun themselves. Failing that, they couldn't allow Hua Langjun to end up with the sect disciples. Realizing this, Mo Hua smiled slightly, refraining from intervening and simply observed. The Wang Family's actions were as Mo Hua anticipated. Realizing they couldn't catch Hua Langjun, they began to obstruct Ouyang Feng and Shangguan Xu. Ouyang Feng and Shangguan Xu, upon realizing this ploy, grew irate, attacking indiscriminately. Since the Wang Family pretended to assist, impeding them, they feigned "accidents," slashing at Wang Family cultivators. Feeling guilty, the Wang Family cultivators dared not raise a fuss. But this chaos only favored Hua Langjun; the more tumultuous, the easier his escape. With agile maneuvers, he soon distanced himself several yards from Ouyang Feng and Shangguan Xu. At that distance, he could practically flee. Ouyang Feng, angered, stirred his spiritual power, intending to forcefully deal with the hindering Wang Family cultivators. A subtle voice reached his ears, "Brother Feng..." Startled, Ouyang Feng turned to see Mo Hua standing calmly aside, signaling with his eyes. Understanding, Ouyang Feng withdrew, as did Shangguan Xu with his heavy sword. Everyone watched as Hua Langjun scaled the rear wall, breached the defensive array, and escaped toward the outer wall of the Wang estate. Noise erupted, chickens fluttered, and dogs barked; chaos descended upon the Wang Family. Hua Langjun thus escaped. Having seen enough, Mo Hua nodded, readying to pursue with Murong Caiyun. Hua Langjun was swift, but to Mo Hua, it was mere amateur showmanship. Locking onto Hua Langjun with his spiritual perception, Mo Hua had him firmly in grasp. Even if he fled, Mo Hua's heavenly insights would unerringly track his karmic trail. From their first encounter, Hua Langjun had been a "cooked duck," unable to truly fly away. Murong Caiyun and her companions left the Wang estate, shaking off the Wang Family cultivators. Following Mo Hua's direction, they took merely half an hour to find, in the wilds outside Luanshan City, a weary Hua Langjun, having fled for half a day and thinking himself safe, resting meditatively in a hidden cave. Hua Langjun was stunned, "How did you find me?" This cave was a secret refuge known only to him. Ignoring his question, Ouyang Feng pointed his yellow-bladed sword at him, stating coldly, "Prepare to die." Hua Langjun, undeterred, responded with a smirk, not taking Ouyang Feng seriously. If he escaped once, he could do so again. In such a grand city, he moved unchallenged, harvesting flowers undetected. Unbeknownst to him, his earlier escape was allowed by an observer who had stayed their hand... But now was different. Mo Hua had no intention of letting him go. Hua Langjun tried to flee, his movements graceful. From afar, Mo Hua gently gestured, conjuring a water prison that bound Hua Langjun as he leapt mid-air, swift as the wind. Surprised by the sudden technique, Hua Langjun's arrogance melted into shock. Then he collapsed like a wayward kite, grounded before casting off. Raging, Ouyang Feng advanced, sword ready, cutting down Hua Langjun as he struggled against the water prison. Shangguan Xu moved forward, landing several additional strikes. Murong Caiyun, loathing such scum, attacked relentlessly, piercing his limbs with vibrant spiritual light. Beside her, Hua Qianqian maintained a severe expression, continually stabbing him with spiritual needles... Hua Langjun could do little but writhe and beg for mercy, stripped of his initial arrogance. The capture concluded thus. Hua Langjun, his legs broken, was shackled with spiritual locks. Mo Hua produced a "ledger," methodically processing him. They discovered a number of jade slips, a harvesting cultivation method, a scroll of nefarious movement techniques, two Spring Palace paintings, several spirit stones, various intoxicating pills, and personal items from women such as fragrance satchels and clothing. As soon as these items were "extracted," Senior Sister Murong "confiscated" them all. Murong Caiyun was concerned that Mo Hua might learn bad habits. “I’ll reward you with some more merit points later. Don’t keep these unsavory things. They should either be turned over to the Daoist Court or returned to their rightful owners.” “Oh…” Mo Hua nodded. Evil cultivator methods were of no use to him. Yet he was curious to examine Hua Langjun’s movement technique manual to understand the principles behind the malevolent methods—perhaps even discovering any potential flaws. He also wondered if the jade slips contained intelligence or clues about criminal cultivators. However, since Senior Sister Murong wouldn’t let him look at them, he had no choice. Given Hua Langjun’s profile, he likely carried items that were inappropriate and damaging to the eyes. Better not to look, Mo Hua consoled himself. The aftermath was simple cleanup. Hua Langjun, once captured, was to be escorted to the Daoist Court for trial. This procedure was standard, unlike the uproar in the Wang Family. A family’s private misdeeds were one thing, but when made public, the lax family rules and disorderly inner court proved fatal. Upon further inquiry, Mo Hua learned that the Wang Family Patriarch and his partner had long drifted apart, each doing as they pleased. The Patriarch himself was no saint. He was unaware his wife’s mischief involved deep sentiment for a rogue, whom she hid in secret chambers. Mo Hua shook his head. What a pair—scoundrels on both sides, they were well-matched. Yet such romantic intrigues were of little interest to Mo Hua, who was still young. His only purpose here was to capture Hua Langjun, earn merit points, and pursue his studies in formations. Other matters held no appeal. With Hua Langjun in custody, this mission was concluded. Ouyang Feng and Shangguan Xu transported Hua Langjun to Luanshan City’s Daoist Court, where they would also provide statements and complete various formalities. Meanwhile, Murong Caiyun and Hua Qianqian undertook the task of returning stolen or looted personal effects such as hairpins, satchels, and intimate clothing to female cultivators. Some had willingly fallen victim to Hua Langjun’s schemes, while others had been coerced. These intimate items were taken by Hua Langjun afterward, used to threaten and extort. Such items weren’t conveniently handed over to the Daoist Court. Murong Caiyun, considerate of these women’s situations, discreetly returned possessions along with Hua Qianqian to the wronged and pitiable women. The transport and return of these items took time. Each acted independently, planning to regroup outside Luanshan City later to return to their sect. Mo Hua had no responsibilities in these tasks. With nothing to do, he admired the scenery outside Luanshan City while waiting for his senior brother and sister. As he waited, his stomach grumbled. Casting his spiritual sense around, he found a teahouse nestled among the verdant mountains and clear waters. His eyes lit up as he sent a message to Murong Caiyun: “Senior Sister, I’ll be waiting for you all at the teahouse outside the city!” With that, he performed the Swift Water Steps technique, bounding lightly along the mountain path, cheerfully arriving at the teahouse. The teahouse wasn’t large but had a canopy and numerous tables set outside. A few scattered cultivators sat, nibbling on dried fruits, sipping cool tea, and engaging in sporadic conversations. The owner, an elderly man, hunched with a cheerful smile, approached and asked, “Little sir, would you like some tea?” Feeling more hungry than thirsty, Mo Hua replied, “Do you have anything to eat, sir?” The elderly man apologized, “We have only some dried fruits to accompany tea, and there’s some simple fare like noodles, but it’s not often requested. I fear it might not suit your taste…” “No worries, I’ll have a big bowl of noodles!” “Alright,” the old man agreed with a smile, “please wait a moment, young master.” Mo Hua selected a table with a pleasant view of the water and breeze, where it looked clean and appealing. The noodles were served shortly thereafter. Though the flavor wasn’t exceptional, it was satisfactory, and Mo Hua, who wasn’t particularly picky, focused intently on eating, happily slurping away. As he ate, his thoughts drifted back to the mission. Hua Langjun… If memory served, the name “Hua Langjun” appeared on Jiang Laoda's “list.” Could Hua Langjun be a renegade disciple from a sect within Qianxue Prefecture’s boundaries? What brought him suddenly to Luanshan City? Mo Hua recalled reviewing Hua Langjun’s file at the Daoist Court. This Hua Langjun acted cautiously, frequenting areas beyond Qianxue Prefecture—the more remote fairy cities. In such places, the Daoist Court’s jurisdiction was lax, moral turpitude rampant, and red-light districts prevalent. Ideal conditions for a rogue to hide. Why, then, did he venture to a place like Luanshan City, targeting female cultivators from minor families? Did his sinister cultivation improperly ignite? Was he driven by compulsion? Did he genuinely believe that in a second-grade territory, none could capture him? Mo Hua pondered silently as he slurped the noodles before him. Sudden voices pulled him from his thoughts, and he looked up to see another group of cultivators approaching. At the forefront, a tall man with a kindly face, followed by two burly men and a thin one. “Two pots of tea, two plates of dried meat, four plates of candied fruit…” They ordered refreshments, finding a vacant corner to sit and chat quietly. Mo Hua originally paid them no mind, absorbed in his meal. However, with keen hearing, he overheard the mention of “Hua Liulang.” “Hua Liulang?” Mo Hua paused, thinking he might’ve misheard, and slowed his eating, carefully attuning his ears. After a moment’s listening, he caught it again: “Hua Liulang…” “…why hasn’t he come?” “He promised…” Surprise flitted across Mo Hua's face. Could this Hua Liulang… Be none other than Hua Langjun? Were they accomplices? Choosing to stay inconspicuous, Mo Hua continued his meal, extending his spiritual perception to overhear their conversation without drawing attention. “…misjudge the time… can you bear the consequence?” “Foolish…” “Lazy ass…” “Practices those ridiculous arts yet can’t control his urges, what a waste…” “不知… yet again laying in some vixen’s bed…” “Didn’t die in… his indulgence, did he…” “Would serve him right…” Mo Hua listened with a frown, each word confirming his suspicion. Could it be these individuals referred to Hua Langjun, the rogue Mo Hua and his peers had just captured? What to do? Try to capture them too? Should he set a Fire Formation and trap them all? … Mo Hua shook his head. Making a move without full understanding might lead to a misunderstanding. Furthermore, he didn’t ascertain their cultivation levels initially. If they were early-stage Foundation Establishment, fine, but if they were mid-stage, it could prove more troublesome. The Fire Formation, being a thirteen-script formation, could harm mid-stage cultivators but not necessarily kill them. Above-thirteen-script formations, as taught by Elder Xun, were primarily for production or entrapment, not attack, and Mo Hua hadn’t mastered quick deployment for these. Such formations could take over a dozen breaths to complete—too slow. In broad daylight, the formation scripts could stand out, easily detected by others. Caution prevailed. Patience, Mo Hua told himself. “Finish the noodles first, then wait…” “Once Senior Brother and Sister arrive, with their help, they could apprehend these cultivators for questioning…” Going solo would be reckless, fraught with risk. Having made up his mind, Mo Hua continued eating. Knowledge is power; understanding his adversaries is paramount. Stealing glances, Mo Hua scrutinized their movements, hoping to discern their cultivation and martial prowess. Among the four were two burly men, likely practicing body refinement given their strong yet contained vitality. Proximity discouraged Mo Hua from probing deeply with his spiritual perception for fear of alerting them. Additionally, there was the thin one, with an unnerving demeanor. Clearly a magician, but the nature of his spells remained unknown. Among the quartet, the leader was the tall, affably-featured cultivator. As the others cursed "Hua Liulang," he remained silent, sipping tea and nibbling on candied fruits. The jerky on the table remained untouched. Mo Hua found this peculiar and shifted his gaze for another look at this cultivator. Yet upon doing so, an inexplicable, familiar sense jolted him, as if this person was precisely whom he was seeking. But Mo Hua didn’t know him. Frowning, Mo Hua scrutinized the lead cultivator again, pupils narrowing. Tall and benevolent in appearance... His robe was typical of a cultivator’s attire, yet beneath the cuff, a red, gold-trimmed garment peeked out. His lush hair was tied up, concealing several fiery-red dots within his topknot… A red kasaya, and the marks of burnt scars... Could he be… Mo Hua’s heart raced. Huo Fo Tu?! (End of Chapter)