Chapter 711: Little Senior Brother
Chapter 712: Little Senior Brother
Venerable Elder Xun unfolded the letter and glanced at it again. After pondering for a moment, he took out a jade slip. With a flick of his divine sense, he wrote a new message and summoned a young Dao child.
“Take this jade slip to Elder Liang of the Dao Court Division. Have him find someone to investigate.”
“Yes, Patriarch.”
The Dao child received the jade slip respectfully and retreated.
Before the day was over, another jade slip was returned. The Dao child once again presented it respectfully to Elder Xun.
Elder Xun gave it a look and immediately recognized the handwriting—it was from Elder Liang, who had already retired from the Dao Court Division. He then sank his divine sense into the slip.
At just a glance, Elder Xun’s heart trembled.
Fire Buddha?!
The infamous demonic cultivator who had rampaged across the Second-Rank Province for a century—at the peak of the Foundation Establishment realm, a master of the forbidden Falling Flame Arts, annihilator of the entire Xie Clan, commander of numerous demonic cultivators, a butcher who killed without blinking?!
Elder Xun sucked in a cold breath.
No wonder it was worth eight thousand merit points!
So this child Mo Hua had drawn the array for the Dao Court Division to capture Fire Buddha and rendered great merit. It had been formally submitted by Gu Changhuai, the Registrar of the Dao Court Division.
So the Dao Court Division had broken precedent to award the full 8,000 merit points.
In that case… eight thousand merit points wasn’t even excessive…
But—Capture Fire Buddha?!
Elder Xun frowned.
That soft-spoken, delicate and obedient Mo Hua—the image of him resurfaced in his mind.
No matter how he thought about it, Elder Xun simply couldn’t understand how a seemingly frail and low-cultivation disciple like Mo Hua could have been involved in capturing a peak Foundation Establishment demonic fiend.
Was it with his formations? Even if his formation skills were superb, it was still far too dangerous!
Elder Xun was filled with a mix of lingering fear and mounting anger.
This little brat, Mo Hua, was far too bold.
To be dealing with such a vicious and cruel demonic cultivator—one misstep and he might have died without leaving even ashes behind!
He really dares to stick his nose in everything.
And yet— Elder Xun continued reading, his gaze tightening. “Fire Buddha… was killed…”
The report credited the deed solely to Gu Changhuai.
But Mo Hua had been there at the time.
It didn’t take a genius to know there was definitely something fishy about this.
Elder Xun sighed.
Who would’ve thought…
After living so many years, experiencing so many things, meeting so many people—he’d end up being completely blindsided by a little brat.
After a brief silence, he ordered someone to fetch the records from the Hall of Merits to review what sort of tasks Mo Hua usually took on.
He had always assumed that, given Mo Hua’s abilities, the most he could do was draw arrays. That’s all.
He never thought to investigate further.
Now it seemed… the reality might be entirely different.
The Hall of Merits’ records were soon delivered.
Elder Xun took a glance—and his scalp tingled.
Aside from a large number of first- and second-rank formation tasks, the majority were all bounties—arrests, pursuits, ambushes, assassinations of criminal cultivators, heretics, even full-on demonic cultivators!
And his success rate?
Unbelievably high.
He almost never failed.
As for the disciples who had teamed up with him—an assorted bunch, but most frequently, it was that girl from the Murong Clan, and the young man from the Ouyang Clan of the Tai’a Sect. The rest were mostly senior brothers and sisters from the previous year.
Senior disciples—cultivation levels way above his—sons and daughters of powerful clans—mere acquaintances… and yet they were willing to take him along?!
Elder Xun was having trouble believing his eyes.
Could Mo Hua really be this socially skilled?!
This… was entirely different from what he had thought before—not even close.
Elder Xun couldn’t help but sigh.
So much for all those years studying the Heavenly Secret Algorithm—centuries of painstaking learning, hundreds of calculations—and yet right beside him had been such a huge blind spot, and he’d missed it completely.
He skimmed through the jade slip again, and the more he looked, the more annoyed he became.
Utter nonsense!
Such an incredible gift for formations—and instead of cherishing it, he was constantly running off to do these death-defying bounty missions!
Thankfully, he was still in one piece.
But if anything had gone wrong—even the slightest mishap—with all those evil and demonic cultivators out there, how long could Mo Hua’s little arms and legs have lasted?
If something tragic had happened, such a rare talent in formations would have perished too early!
Thinking of this, Elder Xun felt deep regret and growing dread. His expression darkened as he gave a stern order:
“Go call Mo Hua here!”
The Dao child bowed respectfully. “Yes, Elder.”
The child left Elder Residence and went to find Mo Hua.
Mo Hua was attending a class and looked surprised upon hearing the summons. Elder Xun rarely asked to see him during class hours.
The Dao child whispered, “You better be careful. Elder Xun looks really angry.”
Mo Hua, being a regular visitor to Elder Residence, was quite familiar with this Dao child.
Mo Hua blinked. “Who’s he mad at?”
The Dao child shrugged. “How would I know…”
Mo Hua scratched his head.
What’s Elder Xun getting angry for? What does it have to do with me?
I’ve been perfectly well-behaved lately—drawing arrays quietly in the sect every day.
Upon arriving at Elder Residence and entering the room, Mo Hua immediately sensed something was off.
Elder Xun’s expression was like still water—grim and stern.
Mo Hua lowered his eyes, looking completely innocent, the picture of obedience.
Elder Xun had been about to scold him—but the moment he saw Mo Hua’s adorable little face, his heart softened a little.
Sure, the things he did were risky…
But capturing evil cultivators and demons was a righteous act—a cultivator’s duty. It was a good thing, acting on behalf of Heaven and the Dao. He couldn’t be too harsh, lest he damage the child’s upright heart and righteous Dao.
Still—risking his life like this mustn’t be allowed to continue.
He was still young—pure as a blank sheet. How could he possibly comprehend the cruelty of human hearts or the treacherous dangers of the cultivation world?
A hard lesson was needed—if he didn’t learn now, he might dare to do something even more reckless next time!
Elder Xun’s expression turned stern again, and he was just about to scold Mo Hua—when he suddenly paused.
He stared at Mo Hua for a long time, frowning.
“Your divine sense… has it gotten stronger again?”
Mo Hua nodded shyly but humbly. “Yes… just a little. Seventeen lines now…”
Elder Xun’s eyes widened.
Seventeen lines…
Early Foundation Establishment… with divine sense at late Foundation Establishment?!
His expression remained calm, but inside, Elder Xun felt like a tidal wave had just exploded—he stood stunned, struggling to find words.
“Elder…?” Mo Hua asked weakly.
Elder Xun finally came back to himself, staring at Mo Hua, heart full of disbelief.
After a moment, his expression returned to normal, and he spoke mildly:
“It’s nothing. You may go back.”
Mo Hua blinked.
Elder Xun waved his hand, his voice no longer stern but instead gentle. “Go on, back to class.”
“…Okay,” Mo Hua said, still puzzled, cupping his hands. “Then I’ll take my leave?”
“Mm.” Elder Xun nodded slightly.
Mo Hua left in a daze.
After he left, Elder Xun sat in deep contemplation for a long time before slowly rising.
With a spatial movement technique, he tore open a rift and entered the sect’s rear mountain.
There, nestled in the back mountain, stood a solemn ancestral hall.
The ancestral hall was grand and majestic, filled with awe-inspiring presence. Inside were memorial tablets with black bases and white runes, and portraits of the Great Void Sect’s ancestral masters throughout the ages.
The white-haired Elder Xun respectfully offered incense.
But his hands couldn’t stop trembling slightly.
From the ancient incense burner, wisps of smoke curled upward.
Elder Xun’s heart was surging with emotion—unable to calm down. His voice quivered as he murmured:
“Forebears and ancestors, please bless us…”
“Our Great Void Sect has truly stumbled upon great fortune!”
“That sliver of hope in the Heavenly Secret deadlock… it must be upon this child!”
Incense smoke rose like drifting clouds, coiling above the portraits of the ancestors of the Great Void Sect, with a pure and unbroken spiritual aura.
Venerable Elder Xun let out a long sigh.
…
The next day, he went to meet the Sect Master of the Great Void Sect.
The Sect Master carried himself with composed dignity and kindness, exuding an extraordinary presence. He was adept at cultivating his temperament, his long black hair thick and flowing.
Born of noble heritage, he possessed an inherited legacy and had stepped onto the Dao through swordsmanship. His cultivation was considerable, and within the Great Void Sect, he held a rather special status.
However, at this moment, the Sect Master’s expression was also somewhat grave.
Though he did not cultivate divine sense or study calculation arts, with cultivation at his level, he could vaguely perceive the shifting of heavenly secrets and signs of looming danger.
The Great Void Sect had long enjoyed peaceful years, yet faintly, it now felt like a storm was on the horizon.
Only, he couldn’t see clearly what the ominous signs pointed to.
Seated across from each other at a refined sandalwood table, the Sect Master and Elder Xun waited for the water to boil. As the fragrance of tea began to waft through the air, the Sect Master personally poured a cup for Elder Xun, then sighed:
“Though the paths of the Great Void, Tai’a, and Chongxu split into three sects of the sword, they all share a common ancestry—branches of the same root…”
“I’ve spoken with the other sect masters, but they don’t believe me.”
“Tai’a Sect is strong and seems intent on advancing further, seeking to claim the position of the foremost among the Eight Great Sects.”
“Chongxu Sect is mid-tier, but they too aim to rise to the top.”
The Sect Master gave a self-deprecating chuckle. “And here we are, the Great Void Sect, dragging our feet, falling behind, with no drive to improve.”
Elder Xun took a sip of tea, saying nothing.
The Sect Master let out a long sigh, a trace of melancholy in his tone as he continued:
“Tai’a has had a wave of prodigies these recent years. Especially that Ouyang family boy—Ouyang Feng. Quiet and unassuming, but he’s cultivated the sect’s signature sword art to a profound level. Steady in demeanor, never flaunting his talent—he’s someone with real potential.”
“Chongxu Sect also has a gifted sword cultivator this generation. Not long after joining the sect, he resonated with the Chongxu Sword Tomb and cultivated Chongxu Sword Qi. He’s considered the most talented disciple in five hundred years.”
“As for our Great Void Sect… we fall short. We have those with good spiritual roots and sword cultivators too, but overall, we’re just… ‘average.’ Compared to those true prodigies, we’re still a step behind.”
The Sect Master shook his head, visibly helpless.
“No wonder Tai’a and Chongxu aren’t keen on associating with us anymore.”
“They don’t take my words seriously either. They probably think we’d drag them down.”
Elder Xun frowned slightly.
Though the three sects once shared the same lineage, they had long since parted ways and now ran independently. It was hard to interfere in each other’s affairs.
The Sect Master glanced at Elder Xun, his expression tightening slightly as he asked in a low voice:
“Elder… what exactly… is going on?”
Elder Xun sighed. “I can’t say for sure myself.”
The Sect Master’s expression grew even more solemn.
“In any case,” said Elder Xun, “from now on, the sect disciples must watch their words and actions. When arranging sect matters, err on the side of caution—don’t take unnecessary risks…”
The Sect Master nodded.
Lying flat and cultivating in peace? That, he could do.
Elder Xun added, “The days ahead likely won’t be peaceful. If we can keep a clear mind, protect our foundations, and endure… that’ll be enough.”
“To commit no wrong is already an accomplishment. Let others fight for fame and fortune if they wish.”
His expression was calm and composed.
“Your words are wise,” the Sect Master said with respect.
The two continued to drink tea and chat about sect affairs. After a while, Elder Xun said, “But there’s one rule I want to change.”
The Sect Master looked slightly puzzled.
Elder Xun said, “Starting with this cohort, for array studies, all disciples of the same generation will attend the grand class together.”
The Sect Master was baffled. He frowned and asked:
“Elder, forgive my ignorance… but is there some deeper meaning behind this?”
Elder Xun let out a deliberate sigh. “No deeper meaning. I’m just getting old. My energy’s not what it used to be. These days, I’ve been calculating heavenly secrets, and my divine sense is worn thin. I just feel… tired.”
“There are too many array classes—I can’t keep up. Better to merge them into one large class and teach them all at once.”
The Sect Master felt a pang of guilt.
Elder Xun had truly poured heart and soul into the Great Void Sect, dedicating his entire life to it.
Softly, the Sect Master said, “Perhaps… we could let the elders and instructors handle the teaching? Elder, your status is so noble—there’s no need to lower yourself by personally teaching…”
“No.”
Elder Xun’s face was stern.
“Passing on the Dao and teaching the next generation is the foundation of our sect. Whether one is in Foundation Establishment or Nascent Soul, an instructor or an elder—regardless of cultivation or position—all should take pride in teaching and regard it as an honor. That is our duty!”
“Even if I’m old, this principle must be upheld!”
Upon hearing this, the Sect Master was filled with deep respect. He immediately stood and bowed:
“This junior will heed your teachings.”
Elder Xun stroked his beard, nodding with satisfaction.
With the matter decided, Elder Xun left—but his words still echoed in the Sect Master’s ears.
The Sect Master sat in long contemplation, his thoughts complex. In his heart, he sighed:
“In today’s cultivation world, whether among clans or sects, people like Elder Xun—upright, open-hearted, and full of righteous intent—are growing rarer by the day…”
He sighed again and took a sip of tea—then suddenly froze.
A strange thought crossed his mind.
Why was the grand array class being implemented now, of all times?
It wasn’t before, and it wasn’t later… why now?
Though it was said to be for teaching, he couldn’t help but feel Elder Xun had a hint of… personal motive.
But Elder Xun was upright, incorruptible—what kind of personal motive could he possibly have?
The Sect Master mulled it over, then shook his head.
He was probably overthinking it.
Someone like Elder Xun, so revered and righteous—he wouldn’t lie to him.
…
After the discussion between Elder Xun and the Sect Master, the rules for the array class were officially changed.
Starting next class, it would be a general lecture.
The location was set to the Preaching Hall, in the largest teaching chamber.
Standing on the platform, Venerable Elder Xun looked out over a sea of seated disciples—all from the same generation as Mo Hua—more than a thousand in total.
His gaze swept across the crowd, and he spoke concisely:
“From this day forth, formation lessons will be unified under a single curriculum. I will be the main lecturer, the instructors will assist, and also…”
He glanced downward, then raised a hand to point:
“Mo Hua.”
Mo Hua froze.
Elder Xun continued:
“…you shall serve as the ‘Little Senior Brother’ for formation class. When neither I nor the instructors are present in this hall, your word will be final.”
Mo Hua was caught completely off guard, momentarily stunned.
Then, he became keenly aware of a thousand-plus stares, all launching at him like a barrage of arrows.
Some gazes were familiar, some unfamiliar. Some filled with shock, some with confusion, others with admiration or doubt—and more than a few held thinly veiled hostility.
They were all true prodigies of the Great Void Sect. While they belonged to the same generation, many barely knew Mo Hua.
And now, one “Little Senior Brother” had fallen from the sky. With their proud temperaments, how could they swallow this?
Mo Hua’s scalp tingled under the pressure, his whole body uneasy.
But Elder Xun acted as if nothing was amiss. He said to Mo Hua:
“Come up here.”
Under the weight of everyone’s eyes, Mo Hua felt immense pressure, but still grit his teeth and stepped onto the stage, taking his place beside Elder Xun.
The white-haired elder patted Mo Hua’s small shoulder and gave a slight nod, then pointed toward him and said to the disciples below:
“From now on, this is your ‘Little Senior Brother.’”
Before Mo Hua could say anything, a disciple below couldn’t hold back anymore. He stood up with a respectful—but clearly irritated—expression and asked:
“May I ask, Elder… isn’t this a predetermined selection?”
Elder Xun nodded calmly.
“Yes.”
The disciple choked.
The elder’s blatant honesty left him momentarily speechless.
Another disciple stood and said:
“Elder, this is favoritism. I object!”
Elder Xun gave him a cool glance.
“And then?”
“I…” The disciple hesitated, then puffed up with pride.
“My great-grandfather is a Grand Elder of the Great Void Sect. I will report this to him—your unfair actions, favoritism, abuse of power, disregard for the rules—”
Elder Xun’s expression became subtly amused. He nodded slightly.
“Go ahead and tell him. While you’re at it, have that Grand Elder great-grandfather of yours come see me tomorrow. I’d like to discuss with him what exactly constitutes ‘rules’…”
The disciple froze, suddenly filled with doubt.
Why… why wasn’t this Elder Xun even the slightest bit afraid?
Was he truly fearless, or faking it? Or was he simply too senior—so much so that even his great-grandfather wouldn’t dare offend him?
The disciple felt a chill run down his spine.
Am I about to… get my great-grandfather in trouble…?
Will he beat me up…?
Confidence drained from him, and he quietly sat back down.
The other disciples were also beginning to sense something wasn’t right.
This Elder Xun, usually meticulous and focused only on teaching, might be far more important than they had imagined.
No one dared speak again.
Though his expression remained stern, Elder Xun sighed inwardly.
Normally, he would have taken the slow route—convinced them gradually.
But now, with the secrets of fate veiled and the circumstances so urgent, he had no time for that.
Even if he had to force it, he would push Mo Hua into the position of the sect’s Little Senior Brother.
This was a matter tied to the Great Void Sect’s destiny.
There was no time to delay. No room for doubt.
When matters touched upon Heavenly Secrets, even a moment’s hesitation could reverse the karmic tide.
Thus, once that faint glimpse of fate appeared, even if he had to overturn heaven and earth, he must act decisively and without hesitation!
Elder Xun looked over the disciples again.
Their expressions varied. Though silent, they clearly hadn’t accepted it from the heart.
But that didn’t matter.
Even if they didn’t submit inwardly, they had to yield outwardly.
With a commanding tone, Elder Xun said:
“That settles it. Now—each of you—call him ‘Little Senior Brother.’”
The disciples obviously disliked it, but under Elder Xun’s pressure, they had no choice.
And so, all the so-called prodigies of the Great Void Sect—except for a small number who were already close to Mo Hua—begrudgingly, and with reluctance in their voices, lowered their heads and called out:
“Little Senior Brother.”
(End of Chapter)