Chapter 1490: Houtu City Dao Court Division
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Chapter 1488: Houtu City Dao Court Division
Seeing the atmosphere had quieted down, with Gu Changhuai, Gu An, Gu Quan, and Yu Cangming still standing there in a daze, Mo Hua spoke up: “Hurry up and go. If those great demonic heads come back, it’ll be troublesome.”
Gu Changhuai was still somewhat stunned and asked uncertainly, “Are you really… Mo Hua?”
Mo Hua nodded.
Gu Changhuai took another look at Mo Hua. This once very familiar youth, now unseen for ten years, had suddenly become unfamiliar.
His features had matured, refined and handsome, yet he also exuded a rather eerie sense of pressure.
Gu Changhuai opened his mouth but suddenly didn’t know what to say.
Instead, it was Yu Cangming who looked at Mo Hua, his pupils slightly contracting, his voice aged as he said, “Young Master… you killed the Demonic Flood Dragon Mountain Lord, Silver Corpse Elder, and Ghost-Child Wanderer?”
Yu Cangming’s tone held disbelief.
Mo Hua said, “How could that be? I’m only at the Early Golden Core Stage.”
He certainly wouldn’t take the blame himself, lest he attract a bunch of enemies.
Yu Cangming was taken aback and couldn’t help but frown: “Then… why did these Demonic Path giants… retreat just from your few words?”
Mo Hua said, “I don’t know either. I just casually said some harsh words to scare them. Who knew they’d be so easily frightened? It seems those who cultivate the Demonic Path mostly have some issues with their brains.”
Yu Cangming’s expression was quite a sight.
Gu Changhuai, however, sighed, feeling a sense of familiarity return.
Yes… this manner of spouting nonsense without batting an eye was indeed Mo Hua.
He had been like this since he was little, spinning tales without blinking, capable of saying any fantastical lie.
Yu Cangming also knew this Young Master Mo was likely talking nonsense, but he didn’t care about that. What he cared more about was this Young Master Mo’s true identity.
Yu Cangming truly couldn’t figure out what astonishing background this Young Master Mo had, to be able to drive away five Peak Golden Core Demonic Path giants with just a few words.
Was he a Demonic Path Saint Son? Judging by Lady Rui’s fearful appearance, could he be a direct-line Saint Son of the Joyous-Union Sect?
Or perhaps, a Great Saint Son of the Demonic Path?
That seemed unlikely.
But aside from this reason, Yu Cangming really couldn’t think of how an Early Golden Core cultivator could wield such power.
Surely it couldn’t really be because he was very good at killing people, could it?
Yu Cangming’s thoughts were chaotic, his mind in turmoil.
Mo Hua, however, pointed at Liǔ Sān, “Hurry up and go, otherwise this man is going to die.”
Only then did Gu Changhuai and the others startle out from their thoughts. Yu Cangming frowned and could only sigh, “Let’s leave this place first before discussing anything else.”
“Mm.” Gu Changhuai also nodded.
Afterwards, Gu Changhuai took out a robe and wrapped it around Liǔ Sān, who was emaciated and barely human in shape.
Gu An and Gu Quan carried Liǔ Sān on their shoulders, while the rest of the group no longer hesitated and immediately set off, leaving the Hehuan Prison.
Exiting the prison and leaping out from the tunnel entrance, they found themselves in Miao’er’s boudoir, which was still in complete disarray.
Leaving the boudoir, they entered the corridor of the Flower Tower.
By now, the commotion from the room had caused a stir.
Many people had come to watch, including the courtesans of the Jade Fragrance Pavilion, as well as some young masters, male cultivators, wealthy merchants, and other guests.
One guest, seeing Mo Hua and his group acting suspiciously, with the burly Gu An carrying someone on his shoulder wrapped in a trench coat—a thin figure resembling a woman—spoke up.
The customer thought these people had come to the brothel to snatch away beauties and immediately felt righteous indignation, wanting to play the hero and save the damsel. He blocked the way and angrily shouted: “In broad daylight, forcibly taking women in the Jade Fragrance Pavilion? Is there no law anymore?”
Gu Changhuai couldn’t be bothered to argue with him. With one slap, he sent the man flying.
The other onlookers, seeing this, realized this group was not to be trifled with and retreated back into their rooms, returning to their own affairs.
The group left the Flower Tower all the way, encountering cultivators along the way who didn’t understand the situation and tried to block their path, but they were all dealt with.
Just after leaving the Flower Tower and entering the main hall, they ran into Bai XiaoSheng, who was about to barge into the Flower Tower.
Bai XiaoSheng hurriedly asked, “Is everything alright?”
Mo Hua replied, “Everything’s fine.”
Bai XiaoSheng said irritably, “I wasn’t asking you!”
What could possibly happen to you, Mo Hua?
Or rather, it would be better if something did happen to you, Mo Hua. Best if you got stuck in the Jade Fragrance Pavilion and could never leave.
Bai XiaoSheng quickly looked at his Little Grandaunt. Seeing his Little Grandaunt nod calmly, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as Little Grandaunt was fine.
Mo Hua sighed helplessly, “Let’s go.”
Bai XiaoSheng nodded repeatedly, “Go, we shouldn’t stay here long.”
He needed to get his Little Grandaunt out of here as soon as possible. If anything went wrong, he’d be finished.
Gu Changhuai hadn’t met Bai XiaoSheng before, but seeing he was familiar with Mo Hua, he didn’t ask further.
Afterward, the group didn’t hesitate any longer. Taking Liǔ Sān with them, they hastily left the Jade Fragrance Pavilion, passing through the long Drunken Flower Street, which resembled a jade palace with beauties singing and dancing continuously.
Yu Cangming still wore a worried expression, unable to believe those demons would simply retreat. In contrast, Mo Hua looked relaxed and composed.
Only after leaving Drunken Flower Street, gradually distancing themselves from that world of extravagant luxury, brothels, and song and dance, with the quiet night around them and ordinary, peaceful streets and alleys, did the weight in everyone’s hearts slowly lift.
When they reached a fork in the road, Gu Changhuai looked at Mo Hua and asked, “Where are you heading next?”
Mo Hua asked, “Uncle Gù, are you returning to the Dao Court Division?”
Hearing “Uncle Gù” after so long, Gu Changhuai was momentarily dazed, then nodded, “Mm.”
Mo Hua fell into thought.
He really wanted to go to the Dao Court Division to settle Liǔ Sān’s matter.
But Little Senior Sister was still by his side.
Places like the Dao Court Division were best avoided by Little Senior Sister, especially the Dao Court Division in Houtu City.
Mo Hua turned to look at Bai Zixi. Bai Zixi seemed to understand his meaning and was pondering when Mo Hua’s expression suddenly changed. He turned to look into the darkness on the other side.
From the darkness, a figure in palace attire slowly emerged, dignified and elegant, her steps floating in the void. She seemed to tread the ground but didn’t touch a speck of dust.
“Feathered Ascension…”
Both Yu Cangming and Gu Changhuai felt a chill in their hearts.
Mo Hua, however, bowed to the woman and said, “True Person.”
True Person Rong’s eyes showed a hint of surprise. Mo Hua’s calm demeanor indicated he had long known she had been watching him.
With such Divine-Sense and perception, yet only being a inferior-grade Golden Core cultivator, truly a ‘waste of talent.’
True Person Rong glanced at Mo Hua but didn’t say much, only giving a slight nod. Then she turned, her expression complex as she looked at Bai Zixi, and softly asked: “Had enough fun?”
Bai Zixi slowly replied, “Mm.”
True Person Rong could see her reluctance and could only sigh, “It’s time to go back.”
Bai Zixi let out another “oh.”
True Person Rong sighed helplessly before turning to Mo Hua and asking, “What about you?”
Mo Hua replied, “I need to go to the Dao Court Division first, I have some matters to take care of. Once I’m done, I’ll head back on my own.”
True Person Rong nodded. “Mm.”
Mo Hua was different from Zixi. Zixi was a precious treasure, to be sheltered at home without the slightest mishap. Mo Hua, on the other hand, was like a wild monkey, free to roam as he pleased. As long as he didn’t get himself killed, True Person Rong wouldn’t spare him a second glance.
Upon seeing True Person Rong, Bai XiaoSheng felt a wave of fear and forced an awkward smile. “True Person Rong, I’ll take my leave as well.”
True Person Rong glanced at him coolly. “No rush. Come with me first.”
Bai XiaoSheng’s scalp tightened. “I… I think I’ll pass… I was dragged to the Jade Fragrance Pavilion by Mo Hua, it really had nothing to do with me.”
True Person Rong silently stared at him, as if saying, “Do you think I believe that?”
That damned Mo Hua, he’s gotten me into deep trouble.
Bai XiaoSheng grumbled inwardly but could only resign himself. “Yes.”
True Person Rong then glanced at Gu Changhuai and the others but paid them no further attention. She simply said to the two members of the Bai Clan, “Follow me.”
Bai XiaoSheng trailed behind True Person Rong, looking utterly dejected.
Before parting, Bai Zixi silently glanced at Mo Hua. Their eyes met, lingering for a moment before they each looked away, pretending nothing had happened.
This subtle exchange of glances, though brief, did not escape True Person Rong’s notice.
As someone who had been through similar experiences, her heart sank at the sight, and she sighed inwardly: “Just what I was afraid of.”
True Person Rong chose not to address it, fearing it might backfire, and simply took Bai Zixi back with her.
Meanwhile, Mo Hua returned to the Dao Court Division in Houtu City with Gu Changhuai and the other two.
After walking for a little over an hour, as the sky began to brighten with dawn, Mo Hua caught sight of the Dao Court Division in Houtu City.
Houtu City was a fifth-tier immortal city, and its Dao Court Division was similarly grand and imposing, resplendent with gold and jade, though its architectural style was somewhat eclectic.
Mo Hua had visited the Lu Clan and the Zhū Clan before. The Lu Clan’s halls were adorned with gold and jade, while the Zhū Clan’s buildings featured red walls and green towers, both exuding the grandeur of great clans.
The Dao Court Division in Houtu City, however, blended the extravagance of gold and jade with the nobility of vermilion gates, while also incorporating other distinct styles.
Mo Hua couldn’t help but ask, “Was this Dao Court Division in Houtu City built through donations from the noble clans?”
Gu Changhuai glanced at Mo Hua, thinking to himself that this kid’s insight was as sharp as ever, and replied, “The four great clans, along with the Earth Sect. The main halls of the Dao Court Division in Kun Province were all funded by them.”
Mo Hua understood then. If the buildings of the Dao Court Division were constructed by the noble clans, the people inside were even more so.
Gu Changhuai led Mo Hua to a relatively secluded pavilion within the Dao Court Division.
Mo Hua could tell at a glance that this pavilion was different. The entire building was sealed off, and all its formations had been “renovated” and rebuilt.
Moreover, the level of security in the formations here was higher than in other parts of the Dao Court Division.
It seemed this was the base of operations for the personnel dispatched by the higher-ups of the Dao Court in Houtu City.
Gu Changhuai ordered Gu An and Gu Quan to take Liǔ Sān away and lock him up.
Before leaving, Gu An and Gu Quan nodded to Mo Hua.
Having been apart for so long, they were eager to chat with Young Master Mo, but now was not the right time, and it wasn’t appropriate to say much.
Mo Hua smiled back at Gu An and Gu Quan.
Seeing Mo Hua’s familiar smile, Gu An and Gu Quan felt a warmth in their hearts. They said, “Take care, Young Master Mo,” then escorted Liǔ Sān away.
Yu Cangming also followed to check on Liǔ Sān’s injuries.
Liǔ Sān seemed to be extremely important to him, which was why Yu Cangming was so attentive.
But before parting, he still solemnly cupped his hands and thanked Mo Hua: “Thank you for saving my life this time, Young Master. I am endlessly grateful.”
Mo Hua also cupped his hands in return. “You’re too kind, Senior Yu.”
Yu Cangming gave Mo Hua a deep look before taking his leave.
Gu Changhuai then led Mo Hua to a private study within the Dao Court Division and poured him some tea.
As Mo Hua took a sip of tea, he felt as if he had returned to the days in the Qianxue Prefecture realm, when he would idle away his time at the Dao Court Division.
Back then, Uncle Gù would also serve him tea like this while discussing various cases with him.
In the blink of an eye, over ten years had passed.
Gu Changhuai was also filled with emotion, but after a moment, he asked: “You… why were you at the Jade Fragrance Pavilion?”
Mo Hua replied, “I went to find Liǔ Sān.”
Gu Changhuai’s pupils immediately contracted. “You know the inside story again?”
Mo Hua asked, “What inside story?”
Seeing that Mo Hua didn’t seem to know much, Gu Changhuai frowned. “If you don’t know anything, why were you looking for this Liǔ Sān?”
Mo Hua took a wanted poster from his sleeve and handed it to Gu Changhuai. “I was looking for Liǔ Sān for the bounty.”
Gu Changhuai took it, looking somewhat surprised, and couldn’t help but ask, “Just for that?”
What did he mean, “just for that”?
Mo Hua asked in confusion, “Four million spirit stones isn’t a small amount, is it?”
Gu Changhuai sighed.
Mo Hua immediately sensed something. “The secrets Liǔ Sān holds are worth much more than four million spirit stones?”
Gu Changhuai remained silent.
After all these years, Uncle Gù was still the same—whenever something hit close to home, he would fall silent. Mo Hua understood at a glance.
It was worth more than four million, and it seemed to be much more.
Mo Hua’s mind stirred. What he lacked most right now was spirit stones.
But other secrets could wait for later. For now, he needed to settle the matter at hand. Mo Hua quietly asked Gu Changhuai: “Uncle Gù, can I claim the four million for Liǔ Sān?”
Favors were favors, business was business—each had to be dealt with separately.
Since the Dao Court Division had issued the bounty, and he had found Liǔ Sān and helped bring him out, he naturally couldn’t be shy about claiming the spirit stones he deserved.
At most, he could give Uncle Gù some face and offer a discount.
Mo Hua said, “If not four million, three and a half million will do. If that’s not possible, then for your sake, Uncle Gù, three million is fine.”
Gu Changhuai looked at Mo Hua and couldn’t help but ask, “Are you really short on spirit stones?”
Mo Hua nodded honestly.
The amount of spirit stones he lacked was enough to shock anyone.
Gu Changhuai sighed. “Alright… this wanted poster was issued through a covert channel, so it’s not entirely by the book. I’ll apply for it on your behalf, but it will involve some procedures and be quite troublesome. How much will ultimately be approved is hard to say.”
Mo Hua nodded.
The hardest money to earn was from the Dao Court Division. Going through the procedures could take who knows how long.
Back when Mo Hua was in the Qianxue Prefecture realm, he had encountered this kind of situation, so he understood Uncle Gù’s difficulties well.
After all, whatever he could get, he would take—even if it was only half, two million spirit stones wouldn’t be a loss.
Visiting a brothel and earning over two million—though the process was dangerous and he was nearly cornered by a group of demonic beasts from the Demonic Path—it all ended without major incident.
Thinking of this, Mo Hua asked again, “Is that Jade Fragrance Pavilion a stronghold of the Joyous-Union Sect?”
Gu Changhuai nodded. “Yes.”
Mo Hua asked, “Since it’s been exposed, can it be taken down?”
Gu Changhuai fell silent for a moment, then shook his head with a sigh. “No.”
After pondering for a while, Mo Hua asked again, “Is that Archive Officer Piao an inside man for Jade Fragrance Pavilion?”
Gu Changhuai nodded. “In a way.”
Archive Officer Piao was involved with Miao’er and had left together with Huā Yīnkè and the other demonic leaders of the Joyous-Union Sect.
Mo Hua asked, “What will happen to Archive Officer Piao afterward? Will the Dao Court Division hold him accountable?”
Gu Changhuai said, “Nothing much will happen… most likely, there won’t be any way to hold him accountable.”
Mo Hua’s brows furrowed slightly.
Gu Changhuai sighed helplessly: “This matter is rather complicated.”
“Archive Officer Piao is indeed no good, he frequently stays overnight at Jade Fragrance Pavilion and has a questionable lifestyle… But even so, he’s one of the few people in the Houtu City Dao Court Division who still does some decent work.”
“In his position, responsible for matters on Drunken Flower Street, it’s impossible for him not to deal with the Joyous-Union Sect.”
“Moreover, whether driven by a man’s nature or the duties of an Archive Officer, he couldn’t avoid being complicit.”
“If he isn’t ‘dirty,’ how can the brothers under him be ‘dirty’?”
“If he isn’t ‘dirty,’ how can the Archive Officers and Chief Officers above him be ‘dirty’?”
“If everyone is ‘dirty’ and you alone aren’t, wouldn’t you seem sanctimonious?”
“Then do you still want to keep your position as Archive Officer?”
The position of Archive Officer is hard-earned, so Archive Officer Piao naturally wouldn’t give it up.
Thus, he had no choice but to play both sides, acting as a dirty glove to facilitate shady dealings.
He had no other option.
And once Archive Officer Piao was targeted, it would almost certainly mean shaking up the entire chain of “grasshoppers tied to the same rope”—the danger was obvious.
After a moment of thought, Mo Hua understood these matters.
The demonic Joyous-Union Sect had long since secretly corrupted the entire Houtu City Dao Court Division, turning it into a sieve.