Chapter 314: A Blessing

Ji Qingbai’s expression was solemn as he spoke again: “Back in Great Black Mountain, if it weren’t for Mo Hua stepping in to help, my whole family might not have survived.”

“Later, when those Criminal Cultivators came after us, Ji Li was almost killed—it was Mo Hua who saved him too.”

“And as for Chief Lu and Kong Sheng, who died at Black Mountain Fort—I don’t know exactly what happened, but I do know it was also that child Mo Hua who acted to help.”

“Not to mention all the formation diagrams he’s drawn for the demon hunters—without those, the Artifact Refiners’ Guild and the Alchemists’ Guild couldn’t have been established. The demon hunters would have been in far greater danger each time they went into the mountains…”

“Because of his formations, the itinerant cultivators of Tōngxiān City can now live better lives. Thanks to that, we finally have a place to settle in peace—and Ji Li and Fu Lan can now marry.”

As Ji Qingbai spoke, his tone grew more emotional, and he declared firmly:

“This cup of tea must be offered!”

Mo Shan tried to decline. “Brother Ji, Mo Hua’s still just a child—he can’t possibly bear such honor…”

Ji Qingbai insisted, “He may be young, but his deeds are great—he can bear it.”

Before Mo Shan could refuse again, Ji Li and Fu Lan had already solemnly lifted the tea and presented it to Mo Hua.

Mo Hua couldn’t find a way to turn it down; awkwardly, he accepted and drank it.

Only then did Ji Qingbai smile broadly.

“Mo Hua, you are the benefactor of our family. No matter what happens in the future, as long as you speak a word—even if we must charge through fire and water—we will not hesitate.”

Mo Hua was both amused and embarrassed. “Uncle Ji, you’re too serious.”

Mo Shan could only give a helpless, wry smile.

Fortunately, after the tea ceremony, the atmosphere became much more relaxed, and Mo Hua could finally breathe easier and enjoy the banquet.

The celebration was lively and joyous; the tables were filled with wine and meat, rich and delicious.

Mo Hua shared a table with Dà Hu, Sān Hu, and Shuāng Hu, along with Dà Ping and Dà Zhu.

The little group chattered cheerfully, eating to their hearts’ content until their bellies were full.

Cups clinked, laughter filled the hall—everyone was in high spirits until dusk finally settled and the guests began to disperse.

When Mo Hua was about to leave, Ji Qingbai personally came to see him off with Ji Li and Fu Lan.

He was quite drunk, smiling broadly, and Ji Li and Fu Lan stood hand in hand, faces glowing with happiness.

Seeing them, Mo Hua couldn’t help but think—if only everyone could always live so peacefully and happily… then freeloading meals like this would feel even better.

A thoroughly tipsy Ji Qingbai began repeating all his words of gratitude from earlier, like a cartwheel going round and round. Ji Li, shy and soft-spoken, didn’t say much—but his eyes were full of sincere appreciation.

Fu Lan then handed Mo Hua a red gift box.

“There’s wedding cake inside. I made it myself. If you don’t mind, Mo-gē, please take it and try some.”

Mo Hua grinned sweetly. “Thank you, Sister Fu!”

Seeing how delighted he was to receive it, Fu Lan smiled warmly in return.

The wedding cake was beautifully packaged and quite heavy.

At first, Mo Hua thought it was just one of the common pastries served at every wedding banquet. But when he got home, he discovered—he was the only one who received it.

Liu Ruhua explained, “Wedding cake is handmade by the newlyweds and given only to their most honored guests. The process is extremely complex, and the ingredients are the finest—many cultivators live their whole lives without ever tasting one.”

Mo Hua was startled. “It’s that precious?”

Liu Ruhua nodded. “It’s their token of goodwill—a blessing of sorts.”

“Blessing?” Mo Hua asked, puzzled.

“A blessing that you, too, may one day find happiness and harmony—your own perfect union.”

Mo Hua’s face reddened. “But I’m still a kid!”

Liu Ruhua chuckled. “That’s exactly why it’s good to be blessed early.”

“Then… should I even eat it?” Mo Hua hesitated. “Wouldn’t it be better to keep it safe?”

Since it was such a meaningful gift, he felt reluctant to eat it—surely it was better preserved.

Liu Ruhua laughed. “Pastries are meant to be eaten. It’s your Sister Fu’s goodwill—don’t waste it.”

“Oh, okay.” Mo Hua nodded obediently. Though still reluctant, he took one piece, bit into it—and his eyes lit up instantly.

Delicious!

The cake looked ordinary from the outside, but it was soft and glutinous when bitten into, filled with fragrant, rich layers of sweet fillings.

Fragrant and sweet, indeed.

Mo Hua picked up another piece and handed it to his mother. “Mom, you should try some too.”

Liu Ruhua shook her head with a smile. “I’m already married. I don’t need to eat it.”

“Then I’ll bless you and Dad with continued harmony and happiness.”

Liu Ruhua’s face turned pink as she laughed. “You little rascal…”

Mo Hua persisted, and she finally accepted a piece. After tasting it, she nodded approvingly.

“It really is delicious—Fu Lan’s quite the talented girl.”

Mo Hua nodded in agreement. It truly was heavenly.

Then, staring at the big box of cakes, he began planning how to divide them up.

Since the cake was rare, Mo Hua wanted everyone to share in the good fortune.

“Mom already had some, so this piece is for Dad.”

“Master Chen’s been single all his life—let him have one, maybe it’ll help him find a wife…”

“Grandpa Feng probably doesn’t want a wife, but he should at least get to taste one.”

“Elder Yu… well, he already has two sons, so forget it.”

“Uncle Zhang Lan may look dashing, but he’s still single—and a good man. He deserves one too.”

“Commander Yang—he’s too busy as the Dao Soldiers’ leader to find a partner… and since Uncle Zhang’s getting one, I can’t be biased.”

“And Dà Hu and the others…”

“And Mister Zhuang, of course…”

…

Mo Hua muttered and mumbled as he planned, assigning a piece to everyone.

Liu Ruhua could only watch, laughing helplessly.

The next day, Mo Hua made a full tour of Tōngxiān City, delivering cakes to everyone.

Some were delighted by the flavor, some thanked him for the blessing, some were bemused—and some, frankly, didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

After the grand distribution, Mo Hua still had a small portion left. He boxed it up neatly and brought half to Mister Zhuang.

“Wedding cake?” Mister Zhuang raised an eyebrow.

Mo Hua nodded. “It’s supposed to bless people with harmony and a happy union.”

Mister Zhuang froze, his expression flickering through several emotions.

Mo Hua watched carefully—yes, that was definitely the ‘doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry’ type of reaction.

“Sir, won’t you try one?” Mo Hua urged.

After a pause, Mister Zhuang finally accepted his goodwill and took a bite. He nodded lightly.

“The flavor is indeed quite good.”

Mo Hua smiled cheerfully.

But just as Mister Zhuang was about to speak, his gaze drifted to the red gift box and the bold ‘Double Happiness’ character printed on it. For a brief moment, his eyes dimmed with wistfulness—and a faint trace of guilt crossed his face.

There’s a story there.

Mo Hua blinked. It was rare to see Mister Zhuang with such an expression.

He wanted to ask—but didn’t dare.

And even if he asked, the old man surely wouldn’t tell him.

Still… curiosity burned.

He tried to hold it back… but couldn’t. His eyes lit up slightly. “Sir…”

Before he could continue, Mister Zhuang tapped him lightly on the head.

“Don’t ask what shouldn’t be asked.”

His tone held no reproach—just gentle resignation.

“Oh.” Mo Hua immediately dropped the subject.

Leaving the bamboo study, he brought the other half of the cakes to Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi.

Even Bai Zisheng, who usually didn’t care for pastries, tried one and nodded in approval. “Quite good.”

The rest, Mo Hua gave to Bai Zixi.

She thanked him softly, then sat beneath the great white locust tree, nibbling the cake in small bites. After a while, she asked gently,

“How are these wedding cakes made?”

“I don’t know… it’s complicated.”

“Does Aunt Liu know how?”

“She does.”

Bai Zixi’s eyes brightened slightly.

“But my mom won’t make them,” Mo Hua added.

Bai Zixi blinked. “Why not?”

“Because wedding cakes are special—you can only have them when someone gets married.”

She paused, then asked again, “Anyone else getting married soon?”

Mo Hua thought about it, then shook his head. “I don’t think so.”

Bai Zixi looked a little disappointed.

She glanced down at the pastries, then up again. “Have you had some yourself?”

“I had one,” Mo Hua replied. One piece was enough to share in the good fortune.

Bai Zixi’s pale hand reached into the box, picked up a piece, and offered it to him.

“Let’s eat together.”

Mo Hua had been running around all day and was a bit hungry, so he accepted.

A gentle mountain breeze stirred the air—rippling the pond’s surface, brushing the tender grass, and carrying the faint fragrance of white locust blossoms through the tranquil mountain abode.

Bai Zisheng lay lazily on the grass, flipping idly through a book.

Beneath the tree, the two delicate, porcelain-like children sat quietly, eating the sweet wedding cakes.

Above them drifted the snow-white flowers; before them lay the bright red wedding box.

(End of Chapter)