Chapter 640: Clues - The Quest for Immortality

Chapter 640: Clues Could these "spiritual livestock" actually be people? Chickens, ducks, cows, horses, sows, celestial cranes—all of these were actually metaphors for different cultivators? Mo Hua's pupils contracted ever so slightly. On the communication talisman, there was what appeared to be a "ledger." The ledger recorded a vast number of entries. This meant that Vulture and his group... They weren’t simply "traffickers," but were very likely involved in large-scale human trafficking of cultivators. Selling humans as if they were "spiritual livestock"! Mo Hua's gaze turned icy. Vulture, that devious swine, got off too lightly by dying... As he studied the long list of "spiritual livestock" accounts that had been restored, Mo Hua's forehead wrinkled in doubt. Despite Vulture’s formidable strength, it wasn’t sufficient to singlehandedly execute such large-scale illicit "transactions." He was likely just a minor leader. Merely one link in a whole "trafficking chain." This chain of traffickers surely involved many more guilty cultivators. And for such massive trafficking of cultivators to remain seemingly unnoticed, revealed nothing abnormal on the surface. This indicated that Vulture’s group had an established, stable criminal procedure in place. An entrenched network of interests. Perhaps even a hidden "black umbrella" protecting them... Behind them, there could very well be a "great cultivator" obscuring the truth and providing cover. Mo Hua pondered for a moment, sighed, and then silently stored the "communication talisman" into his dimensional ring. This was not something he could meddle with right now... In the future, when he has more strength, more connections, or when he fully uncovers what's within this secret, only then could he attempt to uncover the whole truth. Until then, this communication talisman must not be revealed to anyone. Otherwise, it would surely invite disaster upon him. A lone cultivator in Qianxue State with no support—should he recklessly involve himself in this, the hidden "black hand" might just lead him to his demise. Even Mr. Xun or Aunt Wan might wish to protect him but might not be able to preserve him... One must not rely excessively on others. Nor should one cause them undue trouble. Mo Hua nodded slightly. His master had repeatedly warned him: the nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Even his master, skilled in the art of divination, was entrapped and his life uncertain. Mo Hua was not yet as skillful as his master. To ensure his own survival, he must learn the art of "hiding." Hide from causality. And if he reveals himself, it should always be from a position that draws no attention. Mo Hua made up his mind, secured Vulture’s "communication talisman," and temporarily put the matter out of his thoughts. For now, capturing the Fire Buddha took precedence. ... The next day, during a routine break. Mo Hua, with Yu'er by his side and under the escort of Wen Renwei, boarded a luxurious carriage, leaving the serene and ancient Tai Xu Sect, and headed towards the Gu family in Qingzhou City. Upon arrival at the Gu home, Yu'er went to report her tasks to Wen Renwan. Being from a family with strict discipline and high expectations in cultivation, the main family’s heirs faced rigorous demands. Previously, Yu'er had been plagued by nightmares, leaving her frail and unable to keep up with her cultivation practice. But now, being with Mo Hua, well-fed and well-rested, regaining vitality naturally meant catching up on neglected lessons. After exchanging greetings with Wen Renwan, Mo Hua engaged in some polite conversation before seeking out Gu Changhuai. A guide from the Gu family led Mo Hua to Gu Changhuai’s study. Gu Changhuai’s study was immaculate, dust-free, refined, and opulent. Evidently a sanctuary for a pampered scion from a prestigious family. A colorful peacock, proud and ostentatious, was embroidered on a screen, in line with Mo Hua’s preconceived "stereotype" of Uncle Gu. The Gu family guide only led Mo Hua to the door before bowing and departing. Standing at the threshold, Mo Hua peered inside, curious to see what Uncle Gu was engaged in. Aware of Mo Hua’s presence, Gu Changhuai sighed and spoke, "Come in." Mo Hua obliged, stepping inside graciously. Gu Changhuai was seated behind a redwood gold-inlaid desk. Mo Hua glanced around; finding no seat before the desk, he fetched a stool from the side, placing it across from Gu Changhuai to sit face-to-face. Gu Changhuai sighed once more. This child... sure doesn’t consider himself an outsider... Once seated, Mo Hua cut to the chase. "Uncle Gu, is there any lead on the Fire Buddha?" He could tell from Uncle Gu’s expression that there probably wasn’t much progress, but he asked anyway. Gu Changhuai shook his head, clearly reluctant to elaborate. "What about Hua Langjun’s communication talisman—has it been restored?" Gu Changhuai’s expression darkened, "No, it can’t be restored..." Although Mo Hua was secretly pleased, he expressed a hint of regret. Gu Changhuai, observing Mo Hua, knitted his brows and commented: "Why do you seem... almost pleased about it..." "No, no..." Mo Hua deflected. Feigning disinterest, Mo Hua concealed his intent. He had been learning the Yuan Magnetic Array specifically to "restore" obliterated characters within the communication talisman. If someone else restored it, his efforts would have been in vain. Gu Changhuai remained puzzled, at a loss for words. Mo Hua took a shot and cautiously proposed: "Uncle Gu, why not let me try?" Gu Changhuai was taken aback, "Let you try what?" "The communication talisman!" Gu Changhuai regarded Mo Hua with skepticism, "You can't tell me that in just a few days, you’ve learned to 'restore' the magnetic patterns of a communication talisman?" Mo Hua nodded modestly. Gu Changhuai fell silent. He was inclined, even wished, to believe, but reason made it challenging to accept. The Yuan Magnetic Array was a celestial array, rarely studied by regular cultivators, and difficult to master for those who did. Even when mastered, it's typically applied in constructing formations. Reversing and restoring formations was an entirely different endeavor. The field of formation arrays is extensive and intricate; even grandmasters can't achieve mastery over every domain. Focus and specialization are paramount. The same holds for formations. Mo Hua was too young to have mastered more than the basics of foundational arrays. Restoring magnetic patterns, a niche skill with high technical demands, required significant mental acumen and time. Gu Changhuai shook his head. "Uncle Gu, don’t you believe me..." Mo Hua pressed. "Of course not..." Mo Hua was puzzled, "Why wouldn’t you believe me..." "You expect me to believe everything you say?" Gu Changhuai glared at him with irritation, "Why don't you throw in that you've constructed major formations before?" Mo Hua’s expression shifted slightly. Gu Changhuai sneered, "Oh, really, you’ve constructed major formations?" "If I said yes, would you believe it?" Gu Changhuai’s face turned expressionless as he stared at Mo Hua, "I’m no expert in formations, but I’m certainly not a 'formation blind’..." Constructing major formations... Are you kidding, kid? Your exaggerations have reached the heavens... "I genuinely learned magnetic pattern restoration!" Gu Changhuai remained unconvinced. Mo Hua sighed in resignation. There seemed no other option. Facts speak louder than words, and Mo Hua realized he’d have to demonstrate his skill. He retrieved the communication talisman, handing it to Gu Changhuai: "Uncle Gu, secretly transmit a message to this talisman without letting me know. Then erase it, and I will ‘restore’ it for you…” Before Mo Hua could finish, he noticed Gu Changhuai’s expression change dramatically, staring wide-eyed at the talisman in disbelief. "This..." "This is..." Gu Changhuai pointed at it, visibly trembling with anger, his voice barely contained. "This is the communication talisman I gave you?" "How did you manage to damage it in such a short time?!" Mo Hua felt slightly guilty but clarified: "It’s not damaged!" Gu Changhuai’s gaze hardened, as if saying, "I dare you to try to explain your way out of this." Mo Hua blinked rapidly: "It’s just... I accidentally disassembled it, adding some cracks, slightly affecting its aesthetics. But I’ve repaired it!" "While it may look a bit shabby, it functions perfectly and remains usable." Mo Hua spoke seriously, "For those on the path of cultivation, it is crucial not to be deceived by appearances, but to focus on the inherent functions of things..." Gu Changhuai replied coldly, "You seem to know quite a bit. You break something and then spin a whole rationale around it..." Seeing that his uncle was still upset, Mo Hua quickly interjected, "That's not the main issue..." "I did this to learn magnetic pattern restoration..." "The sacrifice of this communication talisman was worthwhile!" Mo Hua stated with a straight face. "Fine, fine..." Still not fully placated, Gu Changhuai took the communication talisman, sent a few messages, then erased them, tossing the talisman back to Mo Hua. "Restore it and tell me what I just sent?" "Yes, yes." Mo Hua was confident. He retrieved a compass, meticulously replicating the foundational array patterns, then used his spiritual sense to scrutinize and record the secondary thunder patterns. Using the array platter, he aligned the foundational magnetic patterns with the secondary thunder patterns, beginning a complex derivation process. Gu Changhuai watched Mo Hua work with a calm demeanor and skilled technique, drawing complicated patterns he'd never encountered before, gradually transforming his lingering anger into astonishment. He might not understand the intricacies, but he recognized the extraordinary nature of Mo Hua’s derivation method... On the array platter, the magnetic ink gradually formed legible characters: "Little rascal..." Mo Hua's expression shifted, initially delighted, then falling into displeasure as he looked at Gu Changhuai. "Little rascal... are you referring to me?" Gu Changhuai ignored Mo Hua's discontent. He was genuinely taken aback, staring at Mo Hua with disbelief, "You... actually restored it?" This was a technique typically mastered by grand array masters from the Tian Shu Pavilion... Could a small foundation-stage cultivator like Mo Hua have learned this? Seeing Gu Changhuai's incredulous reaction, Mo Hua let go of the fact that he was called a "little rascal." Proudly, Mo Hua declared: "I'm learning formations from Mr. Xun..." "Mr. Xun..." Gu Changhuai paused, then regarded him with newfound respect. Though he didn't know who this Mr. Xun was, anyone teaching formation arts in a major sect like Tai Xu would have advanced standing and profound expertise. With a mentor like that, such accomplishments for Mo Hua made sense... Gu Changhuai's view of Mo Hua clearly shifted. Nonetheless, he remained cautious about letting Mo Hua attempt to "restore" Hua Langjun's communication talisman. Sensing Gu Changhuai's hesitation, Mo Hua inquired: "Uncle Gu, where is Hua Langjun's communication talisman now?" After a moment of consideration, Gu Changhuai replied: "It was returned by the Tian Shu Pavilion..." Gu Changhuai was clearly displeased, "The array masters there won't help—they’re either too important for me to summon, too busy, or find it troublesome... No one wants to take on this errand for the Dao Ting." "Then you’ll just have to rely on me..." Mo Hua's eyes sparkled. Gu Changhuai sighed in resignation, "Come with me to the Dao Ting, I'll give you the communication talisman to try..." "Okay, okay!" Mo Hua nodded eagerly. Gu Changhuai shook his head, unexpectedly finding himself, a dignified Golden Core Cultivator, having to depend on a new entrant like Mo Hua to trace clues... But under the eaves, one must bow... Informing Wen Renwan, Gu Changhuai set off with Mo Hua, heading back to the Dao Ting. After processing some paperwork, Gu Changhuai retrieved Hua Langjun’s communication talisman. It was a jade token, milky white with hints of emerald. Mo Hua inspected it, extending his spiritual sense into the talisman and noting the blankness inside—indeed, it had been wiped clean. After scanning a bit further, confirming there were no signs of "seals" or "encryption," he handed the talisman to Gu Changhuai. "Uncle Gu, could you disassemble this for me..." Fearing he might break it again. Gu Changhuai hesitated before dismantling it. He worried that Mo Hua's lack of skill might damage the internal arrays. But upon reconsideration, even if the Tian Shu Pavilion restored it, some damage was inevitable. There was no foolproof restoration method. Without taking a gamble now, if Fire Buddha escaped, the restored talisman would be useless. With this in mind, Gu Changhuai made his decision. Skillfully and with dexterous hands, he took apart the communication talisman. With the internal array revealed, Gu Changhuai handed it to Mo Hua. Mo Hua immediately began replicating the stable magnetic patterns. Each talisman held different foundational magnetic patterns. This one differed significantly from Vulture’s talisman. Mo Hua inscribed the foundational patterns onto the array platter, using his knowledge from the "Commentary on Stable Magnetic Patterns," deciphering their meanings. Functional magnetic patterns were broadly similar. The differences lay in the stylistic nuances of the engravers. The major variance was that this talisman was unidirectional. It could only receive messages, not send them back. "The Fire Buddha group was indeed cautious..." Using a similar methodology, Mo Hua commenced deriving with foundational and secondary thunder patterns, tracing the vestiges of magnetic "contracts". Before long, characters began forming on the array platter... Gu Changhuai's heart pounded. "Remarkably... it truly restored..." He silently glanced at Mo Hua, emotions stirred, and then focused intently on the characters emerging on the array platter. Given the complexity and volatility of secondary thunder patterns, Mo Hua, despite his keen observation, inevitably made slight omissions. The characters had their discrepancies. And their order was jumbled. But overall, they were decipherable... ... "Hua Lao Six... where are you?" "If this messes up, we all die..." "Bastard..." "First of November..." "Entire family annihilated..." "Everything’s prepared, silent as a ghost..." "Butterfly Town, Rouge Store..." ... "What’s so fun about those wilted flowers?" "Success will earn you a quality reward, something unreachable even in your wildest daydreams..." "Hua Lao Six, don’t bungle the timing." "Hua Lao Six?" "If you let desires cloud your judgment again and ruin our plans, I’ll castrate you..." ... "Big Brother's angry, the consequences are severe." "You're doomed..." ... After reviewing the text, Mo Hua and Gu Changhuai locked eyes, both frowning. "This tone doesn’t sound like Fire Buddha..." "It could be sent by one of Fire Buddha’s underlings..." There didn’t seem to be much new information. Largely, it confirmed what they knew. Hua Langjun and Fire Buddha were collaborators, planning to annihilate the Xie family in Butterfly Town. Beyond this, Mo Hua's interest was piqued by two points. First was the "Gongzi." "Success will earn you a quality reward from the Gongzi..." Who was this "Gongzi"? Suddenly, Mo Hua recalled the restored "ledger" text on Vulture’s communication talisman, noting: "On the 20th, obtained a celestial crane at Baihua, gifted to the Gongzi..." One celestial crane, gifted to the "Gongzi." Could these "Gongzi" be the same individual? Or was it merely a coincidence? This is Qianxue State, where many noble family members are referred to as "Gongzi." Even Mo Hua was sometimes called "Little Gongzi”... Mo Hua glanced at Gu Changhuai, softly asking: "Uncle Gu, is there any notorious cultivator known by the alias 'Gongzi'?" Gu Changhuai pondered, shaking his head, "I’ve never heard of one..." Mo Hua nodded. If Uncle Gu hadn’t heard of him, it implied this "Gongzi" might be operating in secrecy... The remaining lead was one other notable point. "The Rouge Store." The only explicit location in the entire communication. It could be a rendezvous point. Or a lookout post. Possibly even their hideout... Gu Changhuai evidently considered this as well. "Uncle Gu, does Butterfly Town have a Rouge Store?" Mo Hua asked again. Gu Changhuai mused, "There are a few..." "So, should we take a look?" Mo Hua tentatively suggested. At this point, regardless of the risks, they needed to investigate. Gu Changhuai nodded and began to leave, but he hadn’t taken many steps before realizing that Mo Hua was following at his heels like a little shadow, clearly intent on accompanying him. Gu Changhuai preferred not to bring him along but knew he couldn’t shake off Mo Hua, so he chose to save his energy and simply reiterated, "Remember the three rules!” “Of course,” Mo Hua nodded earnestly. With a sigh, Gu Changhuai was about to move again when a thought struck him. With a grave expression, he said, “Don’t mention the magnetic pattern restoration to anyone else.” “Especially not to anyone from the Dao Ting.” Mo Hua paused, then understanding dawned on him. He nodded slightly, “Don’t worry. I’m good at keeping secrets.” Reassured, Gu Changhuai finally relaxed. The two then took a carriage towards Butterfly Town. This journey was exclusively to gather intelligence, so Gu Changhuai hadn’t involved others from the Dao Ting. The carriage sped along, jostling them on the road, and soon they arrived at Butterfly Town. There were four rouge shops in the town. Two of them were larger, adorned with lavish decorations, heavily scented, bustling with men and women pairing up and mingling. Another was struggling with business, close to shutting down. These three seemed innocuous. The suspect location was the last shop. Simply named "Rouge Store," it nestled in a small alley, neither too large nor too small, with sparse foot traffic, maintaining a quiet atmosphere. Though the shop displayed numerous rouge and powder products, they were evidently outdated stock. Moreover, the entire place exuded an inexplicable sense of discord. Occasionally, cultivators entered, but after some time, they all exited again. Mo Hua and Gu Changhuai sat at a nearby teahouse, drinking tea and munching on pine nuts, all the while keeping an eye on the rouge shop’s activity. They refrained from acting hastily, deciding instead to observe first. After over an hour of watching, Mo Hua softly exclaimed, “Hmm?” Gu Changhuai raised an eyebrow, “Did you notice something?” Mo Hua lifted his teacup, taking a sip, then spoke quietly, “This shop has no real customers…” “The people coming and going, men and women of various appearances, are actually the same person…” Gu Changhuai looked slightly surprised, nodding in acknowledgement. When he didn’t react further, Mo Hua asked curiously, “Uncle Gu, you noticed too?” Gu Changhuai gave a light snort, “A mere trick of illusion. How could it fool me…” Not one to appreciate Gu Changhuai’s arrogance, Mo Hua pressed, “But do you know who this shapeshifting cultivator is?” Gu Changhuai hesitated. How would he know? Glancing back at Mo Hua, he asked, “Do you know?” Mo Hua smiled slyly, raising an eyebrow. Gu Changhuai frowned in confusion, “How do you know?” Mo Hua replied, “Because not long ago, I personally caught him and sent him to the Dao Prison.” --- Apologies for today’s delay. Got busy and couldn’t update earlier. Sorry for the inconvenience~