Chapter 1491: Past Events and Secrets
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Chapter 1489: Past Events and Secrets
“When exactly did the Joyous-Union Sect begin to infiltrate Houtu City?” Mo Hua asked with some confusion.
He was not a local cultivator of Kun Province; he had arrived in Houtu City via the Great Teleportation Formation and thus was not deeply familiar with many covert matters.
Although Uncle Gù had also just arrived, he was, after all, an Archive Officer of the Dao Court Division with official authority. He should be able to access some behind-the-scenes jade slips and archives.
Gu Changhuai pondered for a moment before speaking slowly: “It’s hard to pinpoint… On the surface, it was probably around a certain period over fifty years ago that the Joyous-Union Sect first began to show traces.”
“And after the Desolate Heaven Blood Sacrifice incident in the Qianxue Prefecture realm over a decade ago, the activities of Demonic Cultivators in various regions became increasingly frequent.”
“Houtu City was no exception. Within the Jade Fragrance Pavilion, Demonic Cultivators from the Joyous-Union Sect constantly appeared, disguised as courtesans, absorbing yang energy in the brothels for cultivation. However, at that time, they were still somewhat restrained.”
“Not long after that, the Mars star (火星) fell westward, and the Great Wilderness rebelled. To suppress the rebellion, the Dao Court became mired in warfare with the Great Wilderness, suffering massive losses in military strength and financial resources. Amidst the widespread panic, the Demonic Path, which had once vanished, rose up even more, and its arrogance began to run rampant.”
(TN: 火星 (pronounced huǒ xīng), which literally translates to “Fire Star”.)
“It wasn’t just Kun Province; Demon Sects in various regions all showed signs of resurgence.”
“And in Houtu City, the Joyous-Union Sect was especially brazen, using brothels and pleasure districts to openly sell female charms while secretly harvesting yang essence, engaging in yin-yang coupling to corrupt the Dao Court Division… They even grew so bold as to send a Half-Step Feathered Ascension demon to set up altars, offer incense, and establish a stronghold.”
“Of course, this is only the timeline that can be discerned from surface-level archival records.”
Gu Changhuai frowned. “Their true scheming likely began much earlier… perhaps as far back as several hundred years ago, when someone exploited a loophole, obtained approval from the Dao Court Division, and established the first brothel in Houtu City.”
“Initially, it might have been merely for entertainment, simply building a few brothels to indulge people in sensual pleasures and luxury.”
“At that time, there were no Demonic Cultivators from the Joyous-Union Sect in the brothels, nor any dealings of dual cultivation harvesting.”
“But later, as more and more brothels were built, forming a prosperous pleasure district. Within the pleasure district, gold flowed and jade poured, and the number of women making a living there grew. Over time, it formed a trend and gained momentum.”
“The Joyous-Union Sect could then seamlessly blend in, using their Joyous-Union cultivation methods to thrive in this land of lust and desire, expanding rapidly.”
“The brothels became demonic dens, and the entire pleasure district turned into a hell that was glamorous on the outside but rotten within.”
Gu Changhuai’s expression was grave.
Mo Hua also frowned slightly.
Human desire is like this. It may start insignificantly, but once an opening is made and allowed to grow unchecked, it will flood like a deluge.
The prosperity of Houtu City only needed to start with the establishment of one brothel, the opening of that first breach, to gradually transform from prosperity into depravity.
The demise of many things begins with internal rot. When that rot sets in, it often isn’t visible on the surface.
In fact, the more rotten something is inside, the more glamorous and beautiful its exterior may appear.
But after a moment’s thought, Mo Hua still felt something wasn’t quite right.
The Joyous-Union Sect was corrupting the Dao Court Division.
Yet, the most powerful force in all of Houtu City was not the Dao Court Division.
For the Joyous-Union Sect to develop in Houtu City and steal food from Houtu City’s territory, it was impossible for them not to clash with the major powers.
Mo Hua glanced at Gu Changhuai and asked softly, “The Earth Sect… tacitly allows the Joyous-Union Sect to exist?”
Gu Changhuai’s eyelids twitched slightly, but after all these years, he had grown somewhat accustomed to Mo Hua’s sharp and cunning mind.
Gu Changhuai nodded, “On the surface, the Joyous-Union Sect… no, the Jade Fragrance Pavilion has no connection whatsoever with the Earth Sect.”
“But don’t forget, the Earth Sect is the largest force in Kun Province, the biggest local power… one might even say it’s akin to a local dragon.”
“If the Joyous-Union Sect wants to take a share of the profits on the Earth Sect’s turf, it’s impossible for them not to compete with the Earth Sect for benefits.”
“Yet now, the Joyous-Union Sect and the Earth Sect coexist peacefully, neither interfering with the other.”
Gu Changhuai’s gaze sharpened, but he didn’t elaborate.
Mo Hua, however, nodded in understanding.
Either the Joyous-Union Sect had offered the Earth Sect some benefit, paying a form of ‘protection fee’ in exchange for their tacit approval.
Or the Earth Sect and the Joyous-Union Sect were colluding from the start.
The Earth Sect was using the Joyous-Union Sect to corrupt the Dao Court Division.
The Earth Sect and the Dao Court Division were inherently opposed.
The Earth Sect was powerful, but suppressing through force and influence was overt, temporary, and prone to backlash.
The seduction of lust, however, was subtle, enduring, and deeply rooted.
Still, this was merely speculation without evidence. The Earth Sect wouldn’t easily leave behind any proof.
A thought suddenly struck Mo Hua, and he asked, “That Liǔ Sān… could he be… a witness for the Earth Sect?”
Gu Changhuai hurriedly said, “Don’t ask.”
Seeing Gu Changhuai’s reaction, Mo Hua understood somewhat.
Gu Changhuai sighed helplessly, “I can’t disclose the details, but this is only a lead, not necessarily true. Moreover, if Liǔ Sān were truly that important, the Joyous-Union Sect would have silenced him long ago. It’s unlikely they would have handed him over to us.”
Mo Hua nodded, pondered for a moment, and then asked: “If the Earth Sect… is truly colluding with the Joyous-Union Sect to corrupt the Dao Court Division, what is their ultimate goal? What does the Earth Sect hope to achieve through the Dao Court Division?”
Gu Changhuai frowned deeply, “That’s exactly what… the Dao Court wants to investigate but hasn’t fully uncovered yet.”
“Hasn’t fully uncovered.” Mo Hua’s eyes brightened slightly, “Which means they’ve actually found some things, just not everything.”
Mo Hua leaned closer and whispered, “Uncle Gù, what have you found?”
Gu Changhuai rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache coming on.
However, since he had been caught in the conversation, he couldn’t hide it any longer. After a moment of thought, he said solemnly: “In recent years, a large portion of the records in the Houtu City Dao Court Division’s archives have been left blank.”
“Blank?” Mo Hua’s gaze sharpened.
Gu Changhuai nodded, “According to the official explanation, a fire destroyed the jade slips and records, making them irrecoverable. But that’s definitely an excuse.”
“Didn’t the Dao Court send anyone to investigate?” Mo Hua asked.
“They did, but nothing was found,” Gu Changhuai replied.
Mo Hua asked, “How could they find nothing?”
Gu Changhuai sighed, “Bribery, connections, forgery, impeachment, assassination… there are ten thousand ways to prevent an investigation.”
“If all else fails, they invite you to visit the Jade Fragrance Pavilion.”
Whether to die tragically at the hands of a Demonic Cultivator or to indulge in a night of pleasure with beauties at the Jade Fragrance Pavilion, then return to the Dao Court with treasures gifted by the Earth Sect to enjoy a life of luxury.
That’s an incredibly difficult choice.
Mo Hua was puzzled again, “Does the Earth Sect truly dare to kill people sent by the Dao Court?”
Gu Changhuai corrected, “Not killing, but dual cultivation harvesting.”
Mo Hua was taken aback for a moment before instantly understanding.
Just like how they treated Uncle Gù.
The Earth Sect wouldn’t directly kill you; they would simply “invite” you to the Jade Fragrance Pavilion, capture you, and then have a female Demonic Cultivator harvest you to death through dual cultivation.
You would die in a brothel, on the bed of a Joyous-Union Sect female cultivator, drained of vitality, your reputation ruined.
The Dao Court wouldn’t publicize it, because once such a matter spread, it would be an extremely disgraceful, even humiliating affair.
It would bring shame to the Dao Court, the Archive Officer investigating the case, and the noble family behind them.
This was truly killing both the body and the spirit.
Moreover, from beginning to end, you would only have died at the hands of a Demonic Cultivator from the Joyous-Union Sect.
The Earth Sect never intervened, so naturally, they could remain uninvolved.
Mo Hua sighed inwardly.
Indeed, the world was unpredictable, and human hearts were treacherous. The methods of some people were so vicious and filthy that they far exceeded ordinary understanding.
“What do those missing archives… actually relate to?” Mo Hua couldn’t help but ask.
What kind of matter could drive the Earth Sect to resort to such unscrupulous means?
Gu Changhuai remained silent for a long while before slowly saying: “Currently, there is no direct evidence to confirm the contents of these archives. However, conversely, using the process of elimination, among all the archives of the Houtu City Dao Court Division, only one area is incomplete. That area is… the Great Spirit Field Realm.”
Mo Hua’s pupils contracted slightly. “The Great Spirit Field Realm.”
Gu Changhuai nodded. “Therefore, if this speculation holds true, what the Earth Sect is trying to conceal is most likely related to the Great Spirit Field Realm. As for other matters…”
Gu Changhuai glanced at Mo Hua and spoke truthfully, “…they still need to be investigated slowly. Moreover, there are some things I can only tell you up to this point. As an Archive Officer, I cannot disclose secrets.”
Mo Hua also nodded. “Yes, I understand.”
After all, these were internal affairs of the Dao Court Division, and many matters had to remain confidential. He didn’t want to put Uncle Gù in a difficult position.
“Oh, right,” Mo Hua brought up another matter. “Uncle Gù, you mentioned earlier that the war between the Dao Court and the Great Wilderness has reached a stalemate… How is the situation now? Has a victor emerged?”
Gu Changhuai replied, “They’re still fighting.”
Mo Hua was stunned. “They’re still fighting now?”
Seeing Mo Hua’s unusual expression, Gu Changhuai asked, “What’s wrong?”
Mo Hua frowned. “Who said… the war in the Great Wilderness is still ongoing?”
Gu Changhuai’s gaze sharpened. “All the official bulletins issued by the Dao Court, and even the major noble families, say exactly that.”
“Wars of this scale typically last for decades, and it wouldn’t be strange for them to drag on for even a century.”
“Most of the Dao Soldiers sent to subdue the Great Wilderness Royal Court haven’t returned yet; they’re still mired in the war.”
These Dao Soldiers weren’t just not returning, they could never return.
They weren’t trapped in the quagmire of the Great Wilderness war; they had perished in the nightmare of the Endless Strange Dao.
The sky-obscuring Guixu Grand Formation, the terrifying Strange Dao Demonic Statue, and the Power of the Abyssal Marsh, capable of devouring sunlight and swirling endlessly in the sky, all flashed through Mo Hua’s mind once more.
Mo Hua sighed.
The Dao Court was still covering up the defeat in the Great Wilderness.
The Great Wilderness was distant, and communication was cut off. By suppressing the news, the Dao Court could indeed deceive the vast majority of cultivators.
Considering it from the Dao Court’s perspective, Mo Hua realized there really seemed to be no other way.
Martial Uncle’s calculations in the Great Wilderness were too ruthless, and the hidden strength was too terrifying.
Once a great momentum has been formed, it cannot be reversed. One can only try to delay and postpone it, making this thunder explode a little later.
But after all, paper cannot wrap fire. Sooner or later, this matter will be exposed.
Once the defeat in the Great Wilderness is completely exposed, what kind of drastic changes will occur between heaven and earth… I’m afraid true turmoil is about to arrive.
Seeing Mo Hua’s grave expression, Gu Changhuai also sensed something was wrong and asked, “Is there… something improper?”
Mo Hua glanced at Gu Changhuai and sighed, “It’s nothing.”
After all, momentum is just momentum. The Nine Provinces are too vast, and under the convergence of Heavenly Secrets, how the situation will change remains unknown.
Better to focus on the matters at hand first.
Moreover, even the current situation is far from easy.
The Earth Sect is the true vicious dragon before us. Right now, it’s unclear what storms they are stirring up or what waves they are making. With the slightest misstep, Uncle Gù would likely be devoured, leaving not even bones behind.
The current Kun Province appears prosperous on the surface, but its interior is equally a massive powder keg.
Mo Hua couldn’t help but ask Gu Changhuai, “Uncle Gù, why were you assigned to Kun Province at this time?”
Although Uncle Gù is a big fool, toiling away in the Dao Court Division without fear of taking the blame, this ‘pot’ in Kun Province is simply too large.
Gu Changhuai remained silent, but his expression was also unpleasant.
Mo Hua’s heart stirred, and he suddenly asked again, “What about Sister Xia? How are the two of you doing?”
Gu Changhuai said, “It’s nothing.”
Mo Hua asked, “Did you have a conflict?”
Gu Changhuai sighed and didn’t speak.
Mo Hua was startled, “Uncle Gù, you didn’t… abandon Sister Xia after taking advantage of her and become a scumbag, did you?”
Gu Changhuai’s face darkened. This kid could infuriate people with his words back then, and now that he’s grown up, this flaw truly hasn’t changed one bit.
Mo Hua was slightly taken aback, frowning as he said, “Didn’t Sister Xia distance herself from the Xia Clan? The Xia Clan still doesn’t agree?”
Gu Changhuai’s expression turned bitter, “It’s not that easy. Among great clans, bloodlines and interests are deeply intertwined. How could it be as simple as saying to distance oneself or cut ties?”
“Moreover, in clan marriages, the final say lies with the Ancestor.”
“The Xia Clan Ancestor wants… your Sister Xia to return to the clan for other arrangements, but she refuses.”
“So, through the Central Dao Court’s maneuvering, the Xia Clan had me, a Qianxue Archive Officer, transferred to Kun Province.”
“On the surface, they say they have high hopes for me, that this is for experience, hence giving me this thankless task.”
“They also said that if I can achieve something in Kun Province, standing up against the forces of the Earth Sect and the great clans, only then can I prove I am worthy of marrying a young lady from the sixth-rank Xia Clan. In the future, there might even be a chance to be promoted to a position in the Central Dao Court.”
Gu Changhuai smiled bitterly.
What a grand promise they painted…
Mo Hua asked, “Then what if, Uncle Gù, you achieve nothing?”
Gu Changhuai sighed softly, “Then naturally… everything is off the table.”
After a moment’s thought, Mo Hua understood the Xia Clan’s intentions.
This was an open scheme. If Uncle Gù truly accomplished something, then marrying a direct-line young lady of the Xia Clan wouldn’t be an issue.
But if Uncle Gù achieved nothing in Kun Province, given his proud and face-conscious nature, he likely wouldn’t go begging to marry Sister Xia.
And if, by worse luck, Uncle Gù died directly in Kun Province, perishing in clashes with the Earth Sect, the great clans, and the forces of the Demonic Path, then that would settle everything once and for all, completely severing Sister Xia’s hopes.
Her beloved was dead, so Sister Xia would likely be disheartened and resigned to her family’s manipulations.
Mo Hua couldn’t help but curse, “The Xia Clan Ancestor is a real dog.”
He doesn’t do a single decent thing.
Upon hearing this, Gu Changhuai was startled. Knowing that Mo Hua was speaking out for him, he felt moved but still forced a bitter smile: “Be careful with your words. The Ancestor’s cultivation reaches the heavens, he cannot be cursed so lightly, or you might invite trouble.”
Mo Hua said indifferently, “It’s fine. I’ve already cursed him.”
Could their Xia Clan Ancestor possibly trace the cause and effect to come after me?
Seeing Mo Hua’s ‘arrogant’ demeanor, Gu Changhuai shook his head helplessly.
Among all the cultivators he had ever met, Mo Hua was the only one who dared to defy convention so boldly, fearlessly cursing a clan ancestor.
Though he didn’t know where Mo Hua got his confidence, it seemed no one could really do anything to him.
Over the years, Gu Changhuai’s mood had been clouded by the oppressive influence of the Dao Court’s great clans and the Profound-Hollow-Void Ancestor, whose cultivation reached the heavens. Yet, inexplicably, he felt somewhat relieved now.
He even found Mo Hua’s cursing voice rather pleasant to hear.
The two chatted a bit more about the past. Seeing that it was getting late, Gu Changhuai said regretfully: “I… still have some official duties.”
Mo Hua nodded, “Alright, I’ll leave first then. I’ll come chat with you again when I have time, Uncle Gù.”
There were many things he still needed to ask Uncle Gù about.
Gu Changhuai escorted Mo Hua to the entrance of the Dao Court Division and arranged a carriage for him. Suddenly remembering something, he warned: “Be extra careful these days.”
Mo Hua was slightly taken aback.
Gu Changhuai frowned, “Though I don’t know how you scared off those demons, those vile creatures will never let it go. From now on, the Demonic Path will definitely keep an eye on you, scheming to harm you.”
As he spoke, Gu Changhuai’s expression grew even more helpless, “The world is changing. Some reclusive great demons will gradually emerge. No one knows what terrifying figures are still hidden in the shadows. You… must be extremely cautious.”
Mo Hua’s expression also turned slightly solemn as he nodded: “Alright, I understand.”
At this very moment, following the incident at Jade Fragrance Pavilion, the name “Mo Hua” seemed to carry a strange, oppressive force, spreading into every hidden demonic lair beneath Kun Province, drawing the attention of one great demon after another.
Mo Hua’s existence had now deeply intertwined with the cause and effect of the Demonic Path.