Chapter 1504: Dao Heart and Sentiment
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Chapter 1502: Dao Heart and Sentiment
After bidding farewell to Deputy Chief Yu, Mo Hua went to find Tusheng, giving him a few instructions. He told him to listen to a certain Uncle Gu, a man who, despite having a perpetually stern face, had a genuinely kind heart.
He advised Tusheng to be diligent in his daily tasks, strive diligently in his cultivation, and avoid causing trouble. He promised to come see him again after some time.
Tusheng nodded, then asked somewhat puzzled, “Sir Mo… aren’t the people in the Dao Court Division all just lackeys and running dogs?”
Mo Hua sighed helplessly, “Don’t say that anymore. At least, don’t say such things within the Dao Court Division.”
If someone overheard, he’d be targeted to death.
“Mm,” Tusheng acknowledged.
Mo Hua looked at him and patiently explained, “You’re still young and don’t yet understand the complexity of this world. The black and white of human affairs are interwoven into gray. There are bad people in good places, and occasionally good people in bad places. They’re mixed together, inseparable.”
“Within the Dao Court Division, most are those who hold positions without doing their duty, corrupt and greedy, but there are also no shortage of people with upright hearts and character.”
“If you want to accomplish things, you must befriend the good people and eliminate the wicked. Don’t be constrained by circumstances or status.”
Tusheng didn’t fully understand, but he felt Sir Mo’s words seemed to contain some crooked logic, so he nodded.
Mo Hua thought for a moment, took out a bag of spirit stones, and handed it to Tusheng. “Take this.”
The moment Tusheng touched the heavy bag and saw the glittering spirit stones inside, he was immediately startled.
It was an amount of spirit stones he had never seen in his entire life.
The Great Spirit Field Realm was impoverished, with low prices and low income. The amount of spirit stones the great families allowed to circulate was actually very, very little.
Tusheng hurriedly said, “I can’t take this, I—”
Mo Hua stuffed the spirit stones into his hand, saying, “For daily cultivation, food, clothing, and expenses, spirit stones are indispensable. Take them.”
Mo Hua’s attitude brooked no refusal.
Unable to decline further, Tusheng could only finally hold the spirit stones in his hands.
“Alright, take good care of yourself,” Mo Hua said.
With a complex expression, Tusheng nodded and also said, “Take care, sir.”
Mo Hua gave a gentle smile, then left.
Tusheng held the heavy spirit stones, watching Mo Hua’s receding figure for a long time. Only when Mo Hua’s figure had completely disappeared did he finally, unable to help himself, use his hand to wipe his reddening eyes.
…
After saying goodbye to Tusheng, Mo Hua went to the main hall to drink tea for a while and waited, but Uncle Gu still hadn’t returned.
Mo Hua didn’t know when he would be back from handling his case. Seeing that it was getting late, he could only get up and leave the Dao Court Division first.
After leaving the Dao Court Division, Mo Hua didn’t linger and directly returned to the Little Luan Mountain blessed land.
Entering the blessed land’s gate and walking along the mountain path, he hadn’t gone far before he saw a little figure wearing golden-threaded jade garments.
Xiao Ju seemed to have just been tilling the soil around the orange tree. Carrying her small hoe, with mud stains still on her face, her expression immediately brightened upon seeing Mo Hua: “You’re back!”
“Mm.”
Mo Hua began taking things out from his storage bag. They were all items his Little Junior Brother Zhū Mùchén had “presented” to him—fruits, wild game, pastries, and other such foods abundant in the villa.
Xiao Ju’s eyes began to shine as she looked.
“Oh my, we’re all so familiar, no need to be so polite…”
She said this, but very skillfully picked up a melon, took a bite—it was fragrant and sweet, making her eyes squint with delight.
Mo Hua used his sleeve to wipe the mud stains from Xiao Ju’s face, then said, “Take it all, share it with your senior sister.”
“Mm, mm,” Xiao Ju nodded repeatedly, tucking the storage bag filled with fruits and snacks into her arms, holding them left and right like a little bandit.
“What about you?” Xiao Ju asked Mo Hua, “Aren’t you going to see Sister Zixi?”
Mo Hua replied, “I’ll go see True Person Rong first, there’s something I need to discuss.”
“Alright, then go ahead,” Xiao Ju said, “I won’t go.”
She had no desire to see True Person Rong, lest she be criticized again.
…
Watching Xiao Ju run off happily, Mo Hua turned and headed toward the study where True Person Rong often cultivated, read, and practiced the Causality Technique.
Arriving outside the study, Mo Hua paused for a moment but did not knock to disturb her.
Before long, True Person Rong’s voice came from inside the study, “Come in.”
Mo Hua entered the study and looked up to see True Person Rong seated before a simple yet elegant red jade desk, holding a brush in her delicate hand, seemingly calculating something.
Mo Hua didn’t know exactly what True Person Rong was calculating, nor whether her methods were proper, but it wasn’t appropriate to ask, fearing it might upset her.
True Person Rong looked up and glanced at Mo Hua, asking, “You’re back?”
“Yes,” Mo Hua nodded.
“Nothing unexpected happened?” True Person Rong inquired.
“You… have something to ask of me?”
Having known Mo Hua for so long, True Person Rong was well aware that he was a busybody, constantly occupied without rest. If he had no business, he generally wouldn’t come to see her.
And whenever he did come, it was rarely for anything good.
That was just how troublemakers were.
“There is something…” Mo Hua admitted.
True Person Rong thought to herself, As expected, and nodded, asking, “What is it?”
Mo Hua took out a small bottle and handed it to True Person Rong.
True Person Rong accepted the bottle and, seeing that it contained a small piece of flesh and blood, was slightly taken aback. “What is this?”
Mo Hua explained, “This is flesh and blood from a cultivator. I was hoping True Person Rong could help study it to see if there’s something unusual about this person.”
True Person Rong said calmly, “Why come to me for something like this?”
Mo Hua replied, “True Person Rong, you are well-versed in the Alchemical Dao and have mastered medical arts. You must know methods for analyzing flesh and blood.”
Moreover, in all of Kun Province, she was the only medical True Person he knew.
True Person Rong, however, found it troublesome and shook her head. “You’ve come to the wrong person.”
Mo Hua insisted confidently, “I haven’t.”
True Person Rong’s expression darkened slightly, clearly still reluctant to agree.
Mo Hua then said, “Back then, when a small piece of flesh was missing from my body, wasn’t it taken by True Person Rong for slicing and examination?”
True Person Rong’s heart tightened, and she sighed deeply.
Mo Hua had ‘hinted’ at her to this extent, what else could she do? Refusing now would be unreasonable.
“Fine…” True Person Rong took the jade bottle and asked, “Whose flesh and blood is this?”
Mo Hua simply said, “It’s from… a cultivator I happened to encounter, who lost his soul yet remains alive. It’s rather strange.”
Lost his soul yet remains alive?
Hearing this, True Person Rong’s gaze turned peculiar.
Could such a person truly exist in this world?
But seeing Mo Hua’s expression, she guessed he didn’t want to reveal more, so she didn’t press further. Silently accepting the bottle, she said, “I understand.”
Mo Hua then asked, “How long will it take to get results?”
True Person Rong inquired, “Is it urgent?”
Mo Hua thought for a moment and said, “It’s not that urgent, but the sooner, the better.”
He was very curious to know what True Person Rong could possibly uncover from Tusheng’s flesh and blood.
True Person Rong pondered, “I don’t have much free time these days, as there are some scattered matters to attend to. It will take seven days before I can analyze this flesh and blood using the Spirit Mirror. Once there are results, I will inform you.”
Mo Hua nodded, “Alright, thank you, True Person Rong.”
True Person Rong picked up her brush again and asked, “Is there anything else?”
“Nothing,” Mo Hua said tactfully, cupping his hands respectfully. “This junior takes his leave.”
“Mm,” True Person Rong nodded.
Mo Hua glanced once more at the Causality Deduction diagram under True Person Rong’s brush, sighed silently to himself, then turned and left.
…
After leaving True Person Rong’s study, Mo Hua returned to the familiar small courtyard to see Little Senior Sister.
In the elegant Bamboo Chamber, Bai Zixi sat before the writing desk, her fair, snow-white fingers holding a jade brush. With flawless grace, she meticulously traced the strokes of a Formation.
A gentle mountain breeze swept through, stirring her ink-black hair, adding a touch of vitality to this ethereal portrait of beauty.
Mo Hua watched, momentarily entranced.
Not wanting to disturb Little Senior Sister as she drew the Formation—or perhaps not wanting to disrupt this exquisite scene—Mo Hua simply stood to the side.
After an unknown length of time, Bai Zixi finished the Formation and withdrew from her focused state, turning her gaze toward Mo Hua.
It had been over ten days since they last saw each other. As their eyes met, there was a fleeting sense of unfamiliarity, accompanied by a subtle flutter in their hearts.
After a moment, Bai Zixi softly asked, “You’re back?”
Mo Hua nodded gently, “Mm.”
A quiet atmosphere enveloped them, carrying an indescribable tenderness. For a moment, both forgot what to say.
After a brief pause, Mo Hua asked, “Where’s Xiao Ju?”
Bai Zixi replied, “She’s brewing tea.”
“Mm,” Mo Hua nodded.
A moment later, Bai Zixi inquired, “What is the Great Spirit Field Realm like?”
“The Great Spirit Field Realm—”
Mo Hua began, then suddenly paused, feeling that speaking to Little Senior Sister from such a distance felt awkward. He walked over to her writing desk and, as usual, sat down shoulder-to-shoulder beside her.
Sensing Mo Hua sitting beside her, Bai Zixi was abruptly reminded of that day at the Jade Fragrance Pavilion when their faces had been so close. Her fingers trembled slightly, but she restrained herself, showing no outward sign of unease.
At the same time, Mo Hua’s clear, slightly magnetic voice spoke:
“The Great Spirit Field Realm… has detached courtyards, farmsteads, winding streams and ponds in the yards, along with melons and fruits. The days are leisurely, and at night there are bonfires. The estate manager offers some food…”
Though these were simple rural scenes, hearing them described by Little Junior Brother, Bai Zixi felt an inexplicable sense of longing.
It seemed such a life would be quite pleasant.
Mo Hua trailed off and fell silent.
Bai Zixi glanced at Mo Hua beside her and suddenly noticed a trace of melancholy in Little Junior Brother’s eyes. She asked: “Is there more?”
“Nothing else,” Mo Hua said. “That’s all.”
But Bai Zixi shook her head, “There’s something else…”
Otherwise, Little Junior Brother wouldn’t look so preoccupied.
Many of Mo Hua’s thoughts might escape others, but they couldn’t hide from her, his Little Senior Sister.
Mo Hua sighed, thought for a moment, and said, “In the Great Spirit Field Realm, the Demonic Sect has begun to emerge.”
Bai Zixi’s pupils contracted slightly.
Mo Hua said, “A group of demonic cultivators killed over thirty refugees outside the estate.”
“With so many refugees, it’s likely connected to the actions of the noble families.”
“Even the relationship between the noble families and the demonic cultivators seems murky, though it’s not apparent on the surface.”
Upon hearing this, Bai Zixi also fell into thought.
“And also…” Mo Hua hesitated for a moment before whispering, “I encountered an Underworld Agent.”
Bai Zixi was somewhat surprised. “There really are Underworld Agents?”
“Yes,” Mo Hua nodded. “With an ox head, walking the Underworld Dao, seemingly capable of seizing souls.”
“Did the Underworld Agent try to seize your soul?” Bai Zixi asked curiously.
“It did,” Mo Hua replied softly.
“Did it succeed?” Bai Zixi pressed.
Mo Hua sighed. “If it had, would I still be here?”
Bai Zixi glanced at Mo Hua’s eyes again. Seeing his clear, bright gaze, she confirmed he was still her little junior brother and nodded, relieved.
Mo Hua then frowned and continued, “Underworld Agents are no good… If they dare to recklessly seize souls while opening the path, it means the rules of the Divine Dao have also fallen into chaos.”
“For the noble families, the Great Spirit Field Realm might just be a leisurely retreat.”
“But for the native spirit farmers, it could be entirely different.”
Mo Hua’s expression grew somber.
Bai Zixi looked into Mo Hua’s eyes and asked, “What do you plan to do?”
Mo Hua hesitated, then sighed helplessly. “I… don’t know either.”
…
Perhaps feeling weary, or perhaps because he had let his guard down in front of his little senior sister, Mo Hua felt drowsy and slowly leaned back, lying on the ground.
Bai Zixi glanced at Mo Hua. Though it went against the etiquette taught by True Person Rong, she couldn’t help but follow his example and lay down beside him.
The senior sister and junior brother lay side by side on the ground, gazing at the distant sky outside the window.
Just like when they were children.
Mo Hua’s thoughts were scattered as he slowly said, “Little Senior Sister—”
“Just call me senior sister.”
“Mm, senior sister.”
Mo Hua fell silent for a moment before continuing softly:
“There are some things I don’t know who to talk to about…”
“When I was young, still cultivating in Tongxian City, I looked at the countless lights of the city and made a vow for my Dao Heart.”
“At that time, the rogue cultivators in Tongxian City were impoverished, struggling to survive, with no hope for the Great Dao. I wanted to cultivate diligently and study formations, hoping that one day, I could change my own fate through my own efforts, and then change the fate of all low-level cultivators in the world.”
Upon hearing this, Bai Zixi’s heart trembled, and she couldn’t help but turn her face to look at Mo Hua.
But Mo Hua’s gaze was wistful. “However… over the years, I’ve worked hard and made many attempts.”
“Though I can’t say I’ve achieved nothing, it feels like I’m drifting further and further away from that vow for my Dao Heart.”
“The vastness of the Cultivation World, the complexity of its circumstances, the hardships of the people… are likely far beyond my understanding.”
“The more I do, the more I feel I’ve done little. In many matters, I feel powerless, unable to change the larger picture.”
“Sometimes, I can’t even see what the larger picture is.”
“I don’t know if, in this lifetime, I’ll ever be able to realize my Dao Heart.”
Bai Zixi’s eyes trembled slightly as she asked softly, “Have you told anyone else these things?”
Mo Hua thought for a moment and shook his head, “No, I’m just telling you now, Senior Sister.”
“Some things must be done personally. Before they are accomplished, they shouldn’t be spoken of lightly.”
It’s just that back in Tongxian City, he had his parents by his side, along with neighbors and companions.
Later, while wandering the world, he followed his Master, accompanied by Grandpa Kui, Little Senior Brother, and Little Senior Sister.
During his studies at the Great Void Sect, there were Elder Xun, the Sect Leader, and a group of Little Junior Brothers.
For a long time, although his Dao Heart was somewhat unique, he never felt lonely.
But ever since the events in the Great Wilderness, Mo Hua has been alone. Even though he became the Divine-Shaman of the Great Wilderness, unified the Divine Dao, and was revered by countless people, beneath the profound weight of his Divine Nature, his heart remained profoundly lonely.
Many things, he simply had no one to confide in.
It wasn’t until now, arriving in Kun Province and reuniting with Little Senior Sister, spending some peaceful days, that he finally felt a sliver of solace.
Only then could he speak these deeply hidden secrets.
Bai Zixi looked into Mo Hua’s eyes, seemingly sensing his Dao Heart. Her chest felt warm, and she couldn’t help but gently take his hand, speaking softly:
“You’re still young now, your cultivation isn’t high, yet you’ve accomplished so much. That’s already remarkable. It’s too early for such reflections.”
“The hardships of the world are inherent to its nature.”
“Wait until you cultivate to Feathered Ascension, strive for a hundred years, or even a thousand years without success—then you can sigh about it.”
“The grander a cultivator’s Dao Heart, the more arduous the path ahead. If you find it difficult, it may well mean your Dao Heart is on the right track.”
“Since it’s right, just persist in doing it…”
Little Senior Sister, usually aloof, spoke with an indescribable tenderness.
Mo Hua held Little Senior Sister’s warm, delicate hand, feeling a stream of warmth flow from her soft palm all the way to his heart, burning away all loneliness and confusion, as if even his heart had melted.
“Mhm, I understand, Little Senior Sister…”
Mo Hua also spoke softly, unable to resist tightly grasping her hand.
The two of them lay side by side on the ground, gazing into each other’s eyes, as if in the vast expanse of heaven and earth, only they existed.
…
Outside the window, the sky was clear and pure, with two clouds drifting leisurely by.
Yet, farther on the horizon, unseen shadows were gathering.