Chapter 369: Departure

After bidding farewell to Master Luo, Mo Hua finally felt at ease.

Cultivation made a cultivator powerful, but without production, it could not bring prosperity to more cultivators.

Only formations could improve the lives of scattered cultivators.

Among the scattered cultivators in Tōngxiān City, Mo Hua was the only one who knew formations. Once he left, there would be no one to draw formations for them. A few years or even a decade later, the scattered cultivators’ lives might fall back into hardship.

Self-reliance and ample food—this was only possible if more scattered cultivators became formation masters.

These formation masters would also dedicate themselves to learning formations to benefit the scattered cultivators.

Only then could the lives of scattered cultivators be truly improved.

No matter how strong Mo Hua’s formations were, he was still just one person; he could only make temporary changes.

But the inheritance of formations could be passed to many people, generation after generation, gradually transforming the lives of scattered cultivators over the long term.

Mo Hua did not want Tōngxiān City to return to the previous state of “no formation masters among scattered cultivators” after he left. He hoped that by the time he returned, more scattered cultivators would have learned formations and that everyone could live better lives.

After resolving the matter of formation inheritance, Mo Hua still had many acquaintances to say goodbye to.

First was Commander Yang.

With the Dao Military Division’s mission completed and the great demon subdued, it was time for him to report back.

Before leaving, Commander Yang patted Mo Hua’s shoulder, repeatedly emphasizing:

“If you ever want to join the Dao Military Division, come find me. No matter what happens, the Yang family will protect you!”

“And if you don’t want to join, you must strengthen your Dao heart, act cautiously, avoid straying off the path, and never fall into demonic ways…”

Commander Yang had witnessed the terror of the Five-Element Demon-Slaying Grand Formation up close.

In his life, he had never seen a killing formation whose murderous energy was so overwhelming.

Not to mention the later destruction of the formation, the sudden change of spiritual energy, and the terrifying anomalies it produced.

A formation master’s personal power might not be strong, but once a formation was drawn and a grand formation constructed, it could truly wield the power to reshape the world—or to destroy it.

He had never fully realized this until he saw Mo Hua.

Seeing Mo Hua’s trap-and-kill grand formation and the annihilating power generated when Mo Hua destroyed it himself, Commander Yang finally understood the true strength and danger of a formation master.

That was why he feared Mo Hua might stray down the wrong path.

At only thirteen years old, Mo Hua could construct a grand formation on his own and trap Feng Xi.

Given time, who knew how high his formation skills could reach?

If he truly went down an evil path and used a grand formation to massacre cultivators, it could bring calamity to a city, a realm, or even an entire prefecture.

Commander Yang dreaded seeing such a scene and could not bear to oppose Mo Hua with force.

Mo Hua comforted him: “Uncle Yang, don’t worry. I’m a proper cultivator. I won’t do anything bad.”

The world was unpredictable; who could say what the future held?

Commander Yang was still uneasy but could do nothing. His mission was complete, and it was time to leave.

Before departing, he stopped by Mo Hua’s family eatery and packed over fifty pounds of beef to take with him.

He had never eaten this beef before. Once, he had tried it at Mo Hua’s shop and had been unable to forget the taste. So he bought a large amount before leaving, to enjoy along the way.

Later, the Dao Military Division departed, and Commander Yang left along the Dàhēi Mountains.

Mo Hua waved goodbye.

After Yang’s departure, Zhang Lan came to Mo Hua, saying he was leaving as well.

Mo Hua asked, “Is it because you’ve successfully completed your Foundation Establishment that you’re returning to your clan?”

Zhang Lan sighed, his expression melancholy. “Yes.”

Mo Hua patted his shoulder, offering comfort:

“You’re just going back for a matchmaking meeting. No need to resist it too much. If you meet the right person, it’s fate.”

Zhang Lan’s face darkened. “What nonsense are you talking about? How old are you? Is that appropriate?”

Mo Hua said seriously, “I may be young, but I’ve heard a lot of stories.”

He often visited the Fúshàn Tower to play with An Xiaofu.

An Xiaofu liked to embellish gossip and compose stories for the storytellers to recite in the dining hall, filling tables with attentive listeners.

Mo Hua had heard many of these tales.

He particularly enjoyed stories about slaying demons or strange tales.

Matchmaking stories were not his favorite, but he wasn’t picky and listened when he could.

In these stories, sons of noble families like Zhang Lan initially refused to attend matchmaking meetings, but upon seeing the girl’s beauty, they ended up pursuing her after all…

Mo Hua thought Zhang Lan seemed capable of doing such things.

Zhang Lan groaned in frustration. “Those are just stories, exaggerated, not to be taken seriously.”

Mo Hua argued confidently, “‘What is false can become true.’ How do you know the story isn’t true?”

“All right…” Zhang Lan gave in.

Mo Hua was quick-witted; he really couldn’t argue with him.

But thinking that once he left Tōngxiān City, he might never have another playful companion like Mo Hua, Zhang Lan felt a touch of sadness.

Mo Hua comforted him: “Rivers and mountains will bring us together again. Who knows, we might meet in the future.”

Zhang Lan nodded. “You’re right. If fate allows, we will meet again.”

“If you ever pass through Kǎn Prefecture, to the Zhang family’s lands, be sure to visit and mention my name. I’ll treat you well.”

Zhang Lan’s expression brightened, full of confidence.

Mo Hua quietly asked, “Uncle Zhang, do you hold a high position in your clan?”

“Not bad,” Zhang Lan replied briefly. “As long as you come, I’ll make sure you’re well treated with good food.”

Mo Hua’s eyes lit up. “Great!”

Zhang Lan smiled, then lowered his voice. “And there’s something very important…”

Mo Hua looked slightly surprised.

“Flowing-Water Step…” Zhang Lan reminded him.

Then, realizing the implication, he said solemnly in a low voice:

“I didn’t teach you Flowing-Water Step, Uncle Zhang. Don’t worry. No matter what, I won’t betray your guidance…”

Zhang Lan’s expression was complex.

Mo Hua keeping the secret was good, of course.

But the word “betray” made it sound like they were doing something mischievous…

Zhang Lan would hand over his duties to the Dao Court Division in about two months.

During that time, he would still visit Mo Hua to drink and chat.

Their conversation was lively, but a subtle sense of parting hung in the air.

…

Mo Hua also made time to visit Manager Mo.

It was from Manager Mo that Mo Hua had earned his first spiritual stones by drawing formations, taking his first steps toward becoming a formation master.

Without Manager Mo, Instructor Yan might never have discovered Mo Hua’s talent for formations, nor recommended him to Mister Zhuang. He wouldn’t have become Mister Zhuang’s registered disciple, let alone his apprentice.

Manager Mo’s business had improved greatly.

The old signboard still read “Destiny Treasure Pavilion,” but the entrance and interior decor were completely renewed.

Manager Mo looked more spirited.

Seeing Mo Hua, he was both surprised and delighted, quickly ushering him inside and pouring a cup of tea.

Mo Hua waved his hand. “No need for such formality, Manager Mo.”

“You are a distinguished guest now. Courtesy must be observed.”

Manager Mo watched Mo Hua sit and drink tea, full of emotion.

The young cultivator who once posed as his elder brother to earn spiritual stones by drawing formations had now become a grand formation master renowned throughout the city.

He remembered the first time Mo Hua came, standing behind the counter with only a small head visible.

He hadn’t grown much physically, still cute and well-behaved, but his eyes now carried an entirely different presence.

His aura had become unreadable.

When Manager Mo first met Mo Hua, he could only draw three lines for a Bright Flame Array. Now, just two or three years later, Mo Hua could draw a first-grade grand formation.

The difference was immense, like a chasm between heaven and earth.

He had no idea how Mo Hua had learned so quickly.

Manager Mo shook his head, amazed.

After a while, he retrieved a crimson food box from the counter and placed it before Mo Hua.

Inside were assorted delicate pastries.

“These were sent by someone else. They are very precious. Try them.”

Mo Hua didn’t hesitate, taking a bite. Soft, fragrant, and sweet, he brightened and said, “Thank you, Manager Mo!”

Seeing Mo Hua enjoy it, Manager Mo smiled.

Such gifts had never been given before.

Later, thanks to Master Luo’s favor, some formation masters were willing to draw formations for him. With more formations in the shop, more customers came. Business improved, and gifts naturally became more valuable.

Master Luo wouldn’t help without reason—it was out of consideration for Mo Hua.

He didn’t say this aloud, but he understood it.

After drinking tea for a while, Manager Mo asked:

“You didn’t come just to drink tea, did you?”

Mo Hua swallowed a bite, sipped his tea, and nodded.

“I’m leaving Tōngxiān City to travel.”

Manager Mo was slightly surprised but not shocked.

Young cultivators often traveled to see the world, seek opportunities, witness the mountains and rivers of the cultivation world, meet cultivators of all kinds, and discover hidden inheritances…

But at Mo Hua’s age, traveling was a bit early.

Extraordinary cultivators did extraordinary things.

Mo Hua continued: “First, I wanted to see you and express my gratitude.”

If Manager Mo hadn’t let him earn spiritual stones by drawing formations, he might not have reached his current level.

He had also told Master Luo to continue supporting Manager Mo’s business in the future.

“Another matter,” Mo Hua said, his expression serious. “I want to ask about Instructor Yan’s whereabouts.”

Manager Mo was both startled and comforted. “You still remember him…”

Mo Hua nodded.

Instructor Yan had guided him in the early stages and recommended him to Mister Zhuang, allowing him to become his apprentice.

A drop of kindness should be returned with a spring.

Now that Mo Hua had achieved some mastery in formations, he naturally wanted to find out Instructor Yan’s situation and see if he could help in any way.

Manager Mo sighed inwardly: such a good child.

After hesitating, he told the truth:

“This is simple. Instructor Yan and I are considered fellow senior disciples. He joined the sect early, I joined later, and we had some bond. But I hadn’t been in long when the sect faced sudden upheaval. I hadn’t learned much, so our relationship wasn’t very deep.”

“Sudden upheaval?”

Manager Mo nodded, his expression wistful. “Our master was an old formation master, kind to his disciples, teaching them diligently.

“But he misjudged people and took in a disciple with wolfish ambition, who coveted the sect’s signature formation. That disciple…”

Manager Mo sipped tea, suppressing his anger, and continued:

“…committed parricide, stole the formation, and defected from the sect.”

“Our sect was a small one, with few people. Disciples came mainly to learn formations and make a living. Once the master died, it naturally fell apart. The entire sect vanished…”

Manager Mo’s expression was bitter.

“Truly a disgrace among formation masters.”

Mo Hua frowned, anger rising. “When Instructor Yan left, he said he had personal matters to attend to. Was it to pursue this rogue’s whereabouts?”

“Yes,” Manager Mo said with emotion. “He joined early and was close to our master, so he couldn’t bear it. He wanted to bring the traitor to justice to comfort his master’s spirit and reclaim the sect’s formation.”

Manager Mo looked at Mo Hua, his eyes flickering, and said slowly:

“That formation is called the Spirit-Pivot Array. It is a first-grade twelve-pattern formation that no formation master could possibly learn!”