Chapter 659: The Meteor - The Quest for Immortality

Chapter 659: The Meteor (Thanks to the mighty Taishang daliantianxian Wanshou Emperor for the alliance leader~) Gu Changhuai's expression was exceptionally grim. He stayed silent for a long while before turning to see Mo Hua, who was casually eating a melon and sneaking glances at him with sharp eyes. Annoyed, he said, "Why are you still here?" Mo Hua was reluctant to leave. The melon tasted particularly sweet today. But noticing Uncle Gu's expression darker than the bottom of a pot, Mo Hua sighed in resignation, deciding to get up and leave. Nearby, the Gu Family Female Elder, full of cheerful disposition, saw Mo Hua looking "wronged" and immediately scolded Gu Changhuai: "Really, why make things difficult for a child?" "He's just sitting here eating a melon, what's the harm to you?" "It’s not as if it's anything unspeakable..." "I'm not saying this as your aunt, but you should curb your bad temper. It's one thing to act harsh with those criminal cultivators at Daoting, but back home at the Gu family, with relatives and elders around, who is your displeased expression for?" Gu Changhuai, under the elder's scolding, stood stiffly. After reprimanding him, the female elder softened her expression, looking upon the obedient and charming Mo Hua with growing admiration. This child is truly well-favored. Not like other offspring of prestigious families, those with beautiful appearances but embody arrogance and haughtiness. Mo Hua was different. His eyes were pure, lively, and his demeanor sincere and polite. The more she looked, the more the female elder liked him. It was her first time meeting Mo Hua, unaware of his background. But assuming he could appear at the Gu house, eating a melon in front of Gu Changhuai was indication enough he must belong to some generation of Gu's relatives. In a large family, as elders, it was impossible to know all the younger members. Especially during the New Year, with old acquaintances coming and going, it wasn’t uncommon for a few unfamiliar faces to pass by. Smiling, the female elder said to Mo Hua: "Don't be afraid, child, take your time eating..." "Your Uncle Gu just has a cold outside but a warm inside, harsh words now and then, but you don't need to be afraid of him, enjoy your melon..." Mo Hua, with wide, innocent eyes, responded obediently, "Thank you, Elder." Then, boldly, he sat back down. Gu Changhuai felt a headache coming on. "Aunt, you..." "What about me?" The female elder promptly seated herself beside Gu Changhuai, pouring a cup of tea for herself: "In this family, no one oversees you, nor do you manage yourself..." "Wan'er has her own family now, with a husband and children, certain matters make her unavailable to help, so if I don’t step in as your aunt, are you planning to waste your life away unmarried?" Gu Changhuai sat, his expression stubborn and unyielding. The female elder sighed, softening her tone, "This girl, she's from the main line of the Huajia within the Baohuagu Sect, around your age, though slightly younger..." "Currently, she serves as a teacher within the inner sect of Baohuagu..." "Her cultivation is only at the late Foundation Establishment stage, perhaps nearing the peak..." "It seems she'll reach a Golden Core soon enough..." "At her age, being in the later phase of Foundation Establishment is a bit old, but once she advances, reaching the Golden Core, her age will actually be quite suitable..." "You're similar in age, and in cultivation, she's a bit behind, so you have more confidence and won't need to constantly consider her opinion..." "You come from the Gu family's main line, she's from the Huajia's main line..." "You're a chief of Daoting, she's a lecturer at Baohuagu, one step away from becoming an elder..." "It indeed seems like a perfect match..." "Hmmph!" Mo Hua nodded enthusiastically from the side. Gu Changhuai shot Mo Hua a glare. Unbothered, the female elder insisted, "Listen carefully when your aunt speaks..." "You're of age now, don't keep courting death fighting those criminal cultivators." "Why not spend a little more time thinking about yourself..." With Gu Changhuai unmoved, the female elder sighed and spoke softly: "You are a child of a noble family. Within our clan, even with high cultivation, without descendants, your bloodline will eventually fade from influence..." "Look at your third uncle-grandfather..." "He had no children or grandchildren; while living, his cultivation brought him authority, but nearing his end, with no successor, he had to disperse his inheritance..." "Now he's passed, there's no one even to tend his ancestral shrine." "I still arrange a small altar during festivals, light a few incense sticks for him..." "He was at the Void stage, and still, eventually faced such a fate. How much more you, just at the Golden Core stage?" "Not to mention the family's spirit stones, elixirs, spiritual tools..." Gu Changhuai coughed, glancing at Mo Hua who was quietly munching on another melon. The female elder showed little patience, "Don’t interrupt. He's just a child, he won’t understand even if he hears..." Gu Changhuai was speechless. This little one has more devious thoughts than many old, cunning demonic cultivators... You all really can’t see this child's true nature! Gu Changhuai felt powerless inside, but decided against protesting; it would only earn him another scolding from his aunt. The female elder paused, "Where was I?" Reluctant to respond, Gu Changhuai remained silent. Mo Hua quickly chimed in, "You were talking about the family's spirit stones, elixirs, spiritual tools." "Ah, yes," the female elder smiled at Mo Hua, then shot Gu Changhuai a look before continuing: "The family's spirit stones, elixirs, spiritual tools... would prioritize those already settled down with families, many children..." "A marriage alliance, supporting each other, ensures no one gets pushed around, and any advantages can be shared among each other, keeping resources within the family..." "But being an unattached individual like you, family benefits will elude you, and if others take advantage of you, no one will step up for you..." "You also have a stubborn temper..." "And you never listen..." The more the female elder talked, the more irritated she became. Gu Changhuai’s face darkened further. Mo Hua softly reminded, "Elder, you digress..." The female elder paused. Mo Hua quietly mentioned, "The marriage proposal!" "Oh, yes..." the female elder, grateful to Mo Hua, nearly forgot, "The marriage proposal is indeed paramount." "Meeting this girl from Baohuagu when you have the time, talk with her, see if you get along..." "If things go well, I can proceed with proposing on your behalf..." "It can't be delayed any further..." The female elder pondered before adding with a smiling squint, "I hear she's extremely beautiful, like a celestial being, just the match for you..." Gu Changhuai was left feeling numb. He sat like a wooden figure. Mo Hua suspected that everything his aunt said went in one ear and out the other. In conclusion, the female elder ultimately stated: "So, that’s settled, and I will arrange for you to meet..." Then with a whirlwind, she departed. Mo Hua finally finished his melon. He mulled it over and thought that if she was truly beautiful and he was dashing, perhaps the match would indeed be fitting. However, he wondered if she was truly "beautiful as a flower" or simply "as a flower." Mo Hua, considering how Uncle Gu treated him well, even gifting him achievements, felt he ought to do something in return. Thus, he mysteriously suggested: "Uncle Gu, I have connections in Baohuagu, should I... maybe look into this for you..." Before Mo Hua could finish, a spiritual fruit was shoved into his mouth. It was Gu Changhuai who had done so. Mo Hua gave Gu Changhuai a glare, took the fruit, and after realizing it was sweet, couldn’t help eating more. As he ate, Mo Hua remembered the main issue. He sighed, saying, "Uncle Gu, not to be disrespectful, but you aren't young anymore, if you could get to know her..." Halfway through his words, Mo Hua sensed the atmosphere had changed. Looking up, Uncle Gu's face was stormy, teetering on anger. Mo Hua quickly backtracked: "Okay, if you’re not meeting, then forget it... I’ll get going!" And with that, he darted away. Gu Changhuai watched Mo Hua disappear and sighed helplessly, feeling a headache brewing. ... Leaving the hall, Mo Hua pondered deeply in his mind. Baohuagu. Late Foundation Establishment, Inner Sect Teacher, as beautiful as a flower... Mo Hua couldn't shake the feeling that there was something subtly odd about the whole situation. As he walked on pondering, he suddenly noticed Gu's aunt—the female elder who had just left—wasn't far off. His eyes lit up, and he ran up to her, calling, "Elder!" The female elder, momentarily surprised, saw it was Mo Hua and smiled broadly, "I’m simply called 'Hong'. Others call me 'Elder Hong', so you may as well." "Elder Hong!" Mo Hua responded cheerfully. Nodding, Elder Hong asked with a pleasant tone, "Which family are you from? Surely not the Gu family..." "My surname is Mo," Mo Hua replied. "Mo?" Elder Hong frowned. In the vicinity of Qianxue Prefecture, among the noble families intermingling with the Gu family, there weren't any known with the surname Mo... "I know Aunt Wan," Mo Hua said. Elder Hong was taken aback, then realization dawned. Aunt Wan, Wei Ren Wan... This must mean he's connected to the Shangguan family or the Wenren family. Among large, noble clans, relationships and marriages were numerous and intricate, making distant relationships challenging to distinguish clearly. But hearing him address her as "Aunt Wan’er" implied he was not an outsider. Elder Hong’s smile grew warmer and more kindly. She didn't involve herself much with the affairs of the Gu family. Initially, she didn't connect the young Mo Hua to matters concerning Yu'er. Elder Hong asked, "Are you enrolled in a school?" Mo Hua nodded, "I am a disciple of the Taixu Sect." Elder Hong's eyes gleamed with admiration, "Being accepted into one of the Eight Great Sects is no small feat." However... She mused with some confusion. The child seemed weak in both vitality and spiritual power, with poor spiritual roots... How did he get into the Taixu Sect? With such qualifications, would the Taixu Sect even be willing to accept him? But she didn't press further; it wasn't appropriate to question a child about potentially "embarrassing" matters upon a first meeting. "Elder Hong, may I ask you a question..." Mo Hua inquired. Surprised, Elder Hong nodded, "Go ahead..." Mo Hua lowered his voice, "I often visit the Gu family to play with Uncle Gu, but I’ve never seen his parents..." "Play with Changhuai?" Elder Hong's eyes widened. She almost glanced skyward, half-expecting to see the sun rising in the west today instead... For a child to willingly seek out Changhuai as a playmate? Given Changhuai's notorious temper, it's surprising he doesn't scare people away. What could they possibly play? A game involving acting as the chief of Daoting, conducting investigations, issuing warrants, and capturing evil cultivators? Elder Hong was puzzled, shaking her head. This child knew Wan'er... Perhaps Changhuai was tolerating his presence for Wan'er's sake... Elder Hong thought silently. As for Changhuai's parents… Elder Hong hesitated, sighing, "His parents have passed away." Mo Hua was startled, "They passed away?" Finding a nearby pavilion, Elder Hong sat down gently and said: "This isn't a secret, so there's no need to hide it from you, but specifics aren't suitable to share now, especially not in front of your Uncle Gu..." “Okay!” Mo Hua nodded in understanding. Elder Hong's eyes showed a mix of nostalgia and concern. "Changhuai lost his parents at a young age and grew up quite withdrawn..." "Well, even when his parents were alive, he was withdrawn..." Elder Hong pondered momentarily, concluding, "His solitary nature is innate, unrelated to any specific events..." "But without parental support, being bullied was somewhat inevitable." "Back then, it was often his cousin—your Aunt Wan—who looked after him. Since childhood, she's the only one he would listen to..." "Now grown, over a hundred years old, he remains aloof to others except when it involves matters concerning Wan'er, which he takes seriously..." Mo Hua nodded slightly. No wonder... Elder Hong sighed again, "I just wish he would find a Dao companion, someone who might soften his cold and aloof nature, otherwise he might..." Elder Hong didn’t finish her thought, but a shadow passed over her gaze. Mo Hua, thinking for a moment, promised: "Elder Hong, don't worry, I'll try to persuade Uncle Gu whenever I have the chance!" Elder Hong was taken aback, chuckling, "If you can talk him into finding a Dao companion, I...” After pondering briefly, she promised, "I’ll find you a lovely bride in the future!" “Oh…that’s too early for me…” Mo Hua blushed unexpectedly. Elder Hong found his shy, innocent demeanor endearing, laughing with a light teasing tone. "Well, when you're ready and if there's something you'd want, let me know. If it's not outrageous, I'll definitely help you..." “Yes!” Mo Hua responded with a nod and a smile. The two then engaged in small talk for a while longer. Elder Hong, despite being a high-ranking elder of the Gu family with considerable cultivation, was affably chatty and had a penchant for gossip, particularly matchmaking. Mo Hua mused at the wide variety of personalities among elders in the vast world… Eventually, Elder Hong left to tend to matters. Mo Hua, however, continued to deliberate. During the self-destruction of the Fire Buddha, Uncle Gu had saved him. His parents had always taught him: repay even the smallest favor with gratitude tenfold. He resolved to reach out to Junior Sister Qian when possible to inquire about the female teacher in Baohuagu, hoping to uncover any useful information. Uncle Gu’s lifelong happiness was something worth concerning himself over! Mo Hua nodded to himself. Though there wasn't an immediate opportunity, he would wait for the sect to resume. Maybe during missions with Junior Sister Qian, he'd find the time to ask. Subsequently, Mo Hua returned to Taixu Sect. He planned to spend the New Year within the sect. Although quiet, it provided tranquility. If boredom struck, he could wander the nearby Taixu City. Taixu City, expanding around Taixu Sect, was a bustling place where many cultivators resided. During the New Year, the city was vibrant with lanterns and festivities. There were also customs distinctly different from those in Lishu Province. Most of his time, however, was spent refining and perfecting a spell he developed—a stabilized version of the Fireball Forbidden Technique based on insights from the Meteor Fire Art. The codex "Demonic Dao Refinement Technique" was still safely within his storage ring. But he never dared peruse it within the sect. Carrying demonic cultivation methods, forbidden arts, or any aberrant techniques into the sect could lead to severe consequences if discovered. Though sneaked inside, he was cautious not to read it there. Mo Hua suspected some internal measures might detect demonic or dark energies to prevent disciples from surreptitiously practicing forbidden arts. In comparison, perfecting the forbidden spell seemed safer. Since the spell only involved the principles of magic rather than any evil methodologies. Mo Hua endlessly iterated, refining and improving his forbidden fireball. His goal wasn’t to amplify its power. The power was already sufficient. Instead, he focused on achieving greater stability in the spell’s structure, ensuring controlled fusion, minimizing risks of failure, and reducing spiritual energy costs... Ultimately aiming to stabilize this spell completely. After numerous iterations and hundreds of modifications, the overall flow of spiritual energy and the internal structure of the spell had become quite stable. Mo Hua sought opportunities to test it further. Just like in formations, spells too must be practiced to perfection. Within Taixu Sect, the ideal place for spell experimentation was the Dao Technique Chamber. Elder Yi, whom Mo Hua knew well, was on duty there even during the New Year. Mo Hua entered the Dao Technique Chamber, greeted Elder Yi, and curiously asked, “Elder, aren’t you going home for the New Year?” Elder Yi sipped his tea, shaking his head, “I've already visited, that’s enough…” “With so many in the family, they don’t miss one like me, but the sect is different.” “Plus, it’s much more peaceful here than at home. At my age, having a quiet place is more valuable than anything…” Elder Yi spoke with a touch of lament. Mo Hua quietly inquired, “Elder Yi, how old are you?” “I…” Elder Yi nearly blurted out his age but caught himself just in time. “Some things are better left unasked…” Elder Yi advised, then raised an eyebrow, “What brings you here now? Practicing spells?” Mo Hua nodded. Staying behind to practice spells during New Year's instead of visiting family perhaps brought him closer to Elder Yi. “Go ahead, choose any room you like!” “Thank you, Elder Yi!” Mo Hua replied with a smile, then headed into the Dao Technique Chamber. Just a few steps in, he paused and returned. Elder Yi was a bit puzzled, "Is there something you need?" "Yeah," Mo Hua nodded and whispered, "Elder, may I use the late Foundation Establishment Dao Technique Chamber to practice my spells?" "Late Foundation Establishment?" Elder Yi shivered, looking warily at Mo Hua, "What are you planning?" "Oh, nothing much…" Mo Hua smiled, "I just think the late Foundation Establishment chamber is a bit safer..." Even the early Foundation Establishment Dao Technique Chambers were quite secure. It’s you who’s unsafe... Elder Yi thought to himself. "It’s New Year’s, keep yourself grounded and don't dabble in dangerous stuff," Elder Yi advised quietly. "Don't worry, it's very safe!" Mo Hua assured him. "Go on now," Elder Yi waved him off. "Thank you, Elder Yi!" Mo Hua said joyfully before making his way to a new Dao Technique Chamber, as directed by Elder Yi. Inside, the spell mannequins were notably special, made of more precious materials with sturdier defenses, and many more spells for protection were engraved upon them. Similarly, every wall in the room was reinforced with second-grade high-tiered formations. Once Mo Hua entered the chamber, Elder Yi kept a close watch on the room. He was afraid if he let his guard down, there might be another “boom”, leaving both Mo Hua and the mannequin "defeated." A damaged mannequin wouldn’t matter much. But if Mo Hua got hurt, the entire year, and perhaps even the next, would be anything but peaceful. Fortunately, time passed without incident in the Dao Technique Chamber. It seemed Mo Hua was practicing spells normally. Only then did Elder Yi feel relieved, realizing he might have been overly cautious. A cultivator at the early Foundation Establishment stage accidentally causing a formation collapse and destroying a chamber was already incredible. But no matter how incredible, there was no way he could break the late Foundation Establishment chamber... Satisfied, Elder Yi leaned back, sipping tea, enjoying the rare tranquility. In the Dao Technique Chamber. Mo Hua indeed refrained from making "dangerous" attempts. He knew if he got injured, Elder Yi would also have a troubled New Year. He empathized with Elder Yi’s struggles. Mo Hua focused on refining fireballs according to the forbidden technique structure he had revised and stabilized many times. Using dual-spell techniques to form an intrinsically connected fireball. He used his spiritual sense to force the fireballs to collide and compress rapidly, causing a formation collapse, which led to a spiritual energy fusion, forming a new "small fireball" infused with potent spiritual energy. The fireball brimmed with fire-attributed spiritual energy, flowing like molten lava. Its intensely condensed flame glowed with a uniform light purple hue. This fireball had less power than the uncontrollable fireball forbidden spell Mo Hua initially developed. It was also slightly weaker than the fireball that pierced the Fire Buddha's chest. Yet, the risk factor was minimized. The spell became markedly more controllable. Casting speed improved too. Based on Mo Hua's past combat experiences, a fully controllable spell allowed for precise and refined usage during battle. If a spell had the potential to spiral out of control, it was a double-edged sword. In harming others, it could also backfire and harm oneself. Thus, for the sake of stability, Mo Hua intentionally lowered the spell's power, reducing spiritual energy consumption. In exchange for a more precise, rapid, and composed spell control. Mo Hua calculated in his mind. Stability and safety came first! After mastering the use of this forbidden technique, he planned to progressively remove its limitations. Through deeper formation collapses and spiritual energy fusion. Unleashing the full potential of this forbidden spell... Before that, however, there was a problem: He needed a new name for this fireball forbidden spell. "Falling Fire Art" was definitely out. That was the Fire Buddha's forbidden spell, and mentioning it could attract suspicion from prying eyes. "Fireball Technique" wouldn’t work either... Too plain. "Forbidden Spell Fireball" was a non-starter... Might as well advertise "forbidden spell" on his forehead if he did that... Mo Hua gazed at the small fireball in his hand, resembling molten lava, contemplating for a long time until his eyes lit up. The fusion of fireballs inherently contained descending fire. Thus, the name for this forbidden spell would be: Lesser Meteor Art! Mo Hua nodded, his eyes twinkling with excitement. ... The New Year passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, a month had gone by. Taixu Sect reopened. Returning disciples, with forlorn expressions, reluctantly resumed their studies at the sect. After a month of quiet, Taixu Sect buzzed with life once again. This marked Mo Hua's second year of learning at Taixu Sect. A year's cultivation had helped most disciples adapt to life within the sect. Soon, they would fully integrate into the sect’s structure… A few days into the new school session and with the Sect Leader of Taixu's permission, all new disciples of this cohort were granted access to the “merit” function of their Taixu Token. They would begin accepting tasks. Thank you for the alliance leader reward from the mighty Taishang Jinxian Wanshou Emperor~ Currently, the alliance leader owes two updates. There will be updates later~ A discussion group has been set up for those interested in discussing the plot and settings. Lastly, I recommend a friend’s book: "The World Schemes for Us" by Wubi Zhishi Mao. Check it out if it piques your interest! (.) 　　 　 (Chapter end)