Chapter 1095: Farewell
The entire Formation Conference came to an end under a bizarre atmosphere—boring for Mo Hua, terrifying for everyone else.
From beginning to end, Mo Hua sat in his seat, idly drawing formation diagrams, one after another.
Regardless of their difficulty, every formation test was the same under his brush—no difference at all.
He even controlled the time he took to draw each formation with exact precision.
This was the only aspect of the conference that required even a bit of thought from him.
In the end, unsurprisingly, Mo Hua took first place in Formation Dao.
And this time, he stopped after securing first place—he didn't overdo it, didn't crush the questions entirely, didn't put too much pressure on the other students, and didn't make things hard for the examiners.
Considerate and thoughtful.
Afterward, Mo Hua didn't say much—he simply stood up slowly, swept his gaze across the venue, gave a polite nod to the head examiner, and then left the stage.
Low-key and restrained.
Or at least, that's what Mo Hua thought.
But in the eyes of the others, this "indifference" came across as a kind of natural profundity and poise—a genius who stood above all others, whose brilliance was hidden beneath a calm exterior.
Terrifyingly powerful yet tranquil—so much so that he seemed to have returned to a state of pure simplicity...
Thus, the Formation Conference came to a close with this quiet curtain fall.
Mo Hua casually made a move—and "once again" claimed first place.
No matter how hard the other formation prodigies tried, they couldn't defeat him.
With this, Mo Hua became the only disciple in the history of the Dao Conference to claim double titles in Formation Dao.
Just one "Formation Champion" was already insufficient to measure his level.
So he took two.
Only true formation masters from Qianxue Academy could understand the real weight of a "double champion."
It wasn't just a matter of two titles—it meant he was the champion among champions.
It signified that Mo Hua's formation attainments had reached a level far beyond his peers, giving him an overwhelming, nearly absolute dominance among all disciples.
But such a disparity was too vast—so vast it felt like a contest between two entirely different realms.
To the average observer, this created a sense of unease.
It wasn't that they hadn't studied formations—as children of noble clans or cultivators of Qianxue, most had enjoyed privileged upbringings and deep inheritances. They had all learned some formations during their early enlightenment.
But that level of learning was far too shallow.
The more one knows, the more they realize how little they understand.
The less one knows, the more they think they know everything.
Because their knowledge was so superficial, they couldn't really understand why Mo Hua's formations were so strong.
Back during the Sword Conference, when Mo Hua blew up a formation and killed a few people, they could at least understand it by watching the chaos.
But this Formation Conference? Just a bunch of people sitting and drawing dry diagrams—it was easy to fall into the illusion of "I could do that too."
Still, Mo Hua had publicly appeared and honorably claimed another Formation Champion title.
Many rumors that previously plagued him—about falling to temptation, losing control, being the mastermind of a demonic blood sacrifice formation, or even being a demonic traitor—faded significantly.
With enough strength, you can silence anyone.
And Mo Hua, who single-handedly secured dual titles, clearly had strength beyond all doubt.
——
The storm gradually settled. The Deathbane curse didn't relapse, and Elder Xun no longer restricted Mo Hua.
Mo Hua finally returned to the outer mountains of the Great Void Sect, back to the disciple quarters, reunited with his little junior brothers.
Linghu Xiao, Situ Jian, Cheng Mo, and the rest of the disciples were overjoyed and even hosted a banquet to welcome him back.
With all conspiracies and dangers gone, life in the Great Void Sect suddenly became peaceful and serene.
But the good days didn't last long—Mo Hua realized that the time for parting was drawing near.
His ninth year in the Great Void Sect was nearing its end.
In other words, these fellow disciples had less than two months left to live, cultivate, drink, debate the Dao, and joke around together.
After two months, everyone would go their separate ways.
Though they had all known this day would come, now that it had arrived, everyone felt a sense of quiet sorrow.
A gentle melancholy lingered among the sect's disciples.
And for Mo Hua, the most important thing in these two months was simply: farewell.
Farewell to those who cared for him, loved him, and looked after him.
Farewell to the nine years of life and time he spent in the Great Void Sect...
Such is life. While living it, everything feels normal and mundane.
But when it's time to part, you realize the depth of your loss.
The joys and sorrows of life often come without warning.
...
The first person he had to say goodbye to was Zhang Lan.
He was returning to Kanzhou.
At the foot of the Great Void Sect's mountain.
Mo Hua spoke with a hint of regret, "I said I'd show you around the Great Void Sect, and take you to the famous sites in the Qianxue region... but now you're leaving."
Zhang Lan sighed, "No helping it. The Grand Elder has official matters—he's returning to the clan, and I can't stay here any longer. Besides…"
The recent chaos in Qianxue had stirred too much trouble.
Though the Qianxue Dao Court, noble families, and sects all wanted to downplay the incident—to bury the disaster of the blood sacrifice and prevent panic—there are no walls that don't leak wind.
News of the demonic resurgence and blood sacrifice had already spread.
Who knows what the cultivation world of the Nine Provinces would become?
Like wildfire through dry grass—the world was unlikely to be at peace...
With this thought, Zhang Lan's expression grew serious. After a pause, he suddenly asked in a low voice:
"That demonic formation… don't tell me you blew it up again?"
Mo Hua just smiled without answering.
Zhang Lan's jaw dropped in shock, awe, and then helpless amusement. Sure enough, wherever this kid went, peace did not follow.
And as always—he really does blow up every formation he sees.
Back in Tongxian City, it was the same. Now in Qianxue, still the same.
He only hoped that when Mo Hua caused some great disaster in the future, he wouldn't mention that he was the one who taught him the Flowing Water Step...
Zhang Lan reconfirmed, "You haven't told anyone about the Flowing Water Step, right?"
Mo Hua nodded. "Don't worry—I've told no one. Not a third soul will know."
"Good…" Zhang Lan let out a breath of relief, then said with a hint of regret:
"Shame that the third-grade and higher versions of Flowing Water Step are only taught to core members of the Zhang clan with real authority. I've just reached the Golden Core realm, not qualified to learn them yet. Otherwise, I'd teach them to you now—save you the trouble later."
Even at this time, Uncle Zhang was still thinking about his movement technique...
Mo Hua was touched and a little worried. "Uncle Zhang, you still dare to teach me?"
Zhang Lan waved his hand. "May as well do a good thing to the end. If I've already taught you first- and second-grade versions, not teaching the third is just a waste."
"Besides, if it doesn't get exposed, then it's fine for you to learn more."
"If it does get exposed—then whether you learned a little or a lot, I'll still be dragged to the ancestral hall for a beating. Might as well go all in."
"If you can carry on the Flowing Water Step of the Zhang clan, that would bring honor to my name."
"Even if I'm kneeling before my ancestors in the shrine, I'll be able to keep my back straight."
Mo Hua sincerely praised: "Uncle Zhang, you have true vision and courage."
Zhang Lan looked sour.
Then the two sat at the foot of the mountain, drank for a while, and chatted.
Time passed quickly—before they knew it, the sun was setting in the west.
They had to part.
Tomorrow, Zhang Lan would board a carriage and leave Qianxue with the Grand Elder of the Zhang clan, returning to Kanzhou, thousands of miles away.
In the foreseeable decades, or even centuries, this might be the last time they saw each other—the last time they shared a drink.
So many parting words remained unspoken.
Zhang Lan simply raised his cup and sighed:
"I hope that one day, I can return to Tongxian City—sit at your family's tavern, at that old Eight Immortals table, and drink and chat with you in peace."
Mo Hua felt a deep sadness, but lifted his cup and smiled:
"When the time comes, I'll be a proper host—and give Uncle Zhang the warmest welcome."
Zhang Lan simply raised his wine cup and sighed:
"I hope that one day, I can return to Tongxian City and sit at your family's tavern—
on that Eight Immortals table—to drink and chat leisurely with you again."
Mo Hua felt a wave of melancholy in his heart. He also raised his wine cup, smiled, and nodded:
"When the time comes, I'll do my best as host to treat Uncle Zhang well."
A smile appeared on Zhang Lan's handsome face.
The sun set in the west, and the evening glow spread across the mountain path.
Zhang Lan, draped in the sunset, walked farther and farther away.
Mo Hua stood at the mountain gate, waving goodbye to Zhang Lan, his heart filled with sorrow.
Feng Family Residence.
When Zhang Lan returned, night had already fallen. It was clearly late.
Everyone was busy packing for the journey tomorrow, moving about in a hurry. But notably, the Grand Elder was nowhere to be seen.
Zhang Lan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Unlike in the Zhang clan's territory, here in Qianxue Prefecture, the local powers were all like hidden dragons—powerful and influential. Major clans and sects were everywhere. Throw a random brick, and seven out of ten it hit would likely be a disciple of a noble family or a direct sect heir—none to be easily offended.
Thus, in order to avoid conflicts or incidents with other clans and sects, the Grand Elder had set very strict curfews.
Now that he was late, if he ran into the Grand Elder, he'd surely get a stern lecture.
Zhang Lan silently thought himself lucky and tiptoed back to his room, planning to pack up quickly.
But the moment he opened the door and turned his head, he saw an old man with a face like still water and a solemn expression—sitting in his room drinking tea.
"Grand Elder…"
Zhang Lan felt like he'd been struck by lightning.
The Grand Elder gave him a glance but said nothing, simply continuing to sip his tea.
Zhang Lan felt as if needles were pricking his back, but he could only stand there obediently, not daring to move a muscle.
The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
No idea how much time passed before the Grand Elder finished his tea and slowly stood up, walking over to Zhang Lan.
Zhang Lan's heart clenched. He braced himself to face the Grand Elder's fury.
But the Grand Elder handed him a jade slip.
Zhang Lan was taken aback. "Grand Elder, this is…"
The Grand Elder said plainly:
"Flowing Water Steps."
Then added:
"A third-grade cultivation technique."
Zhang Lan was stunned. "This… I…"
"Take it," the Grand Elder said.
"Oh—yes…" Zhang Lan quickly bowed and respectfully accepted the jade slip with both hands.
The Grand Elder's expression was calm as he said:
"You are of the Zhang clan's direct bloodline. A bit lazy in temperament, but your talent and nature aren't bad.
This third-grade Flowing Water Steps is an exclusive secret art of the Zhang clan. You're not qualified by seniority, but it doesn't matter—I'm making an exception.
You must study it well…"
Zhang Lan stood there, a little dazed.
Seeing this, the Grand Elder frowned, then enunciated each word slowly and clearly:
"Let me make this clear.
Do not let down our Zhang clan's secret technique.
Study it well.
Do not disappoint me.
Make sure you remember this.
Don't forget!"
He spoke very slowly, and his tone… sounded a little odd.
After finishing, he gave Zhang Lan a deep look and then left.
The room was left with only Zhang Lan.
He stood there, holding the jade slip, not moving an inch.
"What does the Grand Elder… mean by this?"
Frowning, Zhang Lan kept replaying the Grand Elder's words and tone in his mind, over and over again. Finally, he began to realize something.
"Let me 'make it clear'…
'Do not' let down the Zhang clan's secret art…
'Study' it well…
'Do not' disappoint me…
'Make sure' you remember…"
Clear (话), Not (莫), Give (给), Must (定), Remember (一)...
Reversed, it's: 一,定,给,莫,话…
Yiding gei Mo Hua?! (Be sure to give [it] to Mo Hua?!)
So, the Grand Elder gave Flowing Water Steps to me, and all that cryptic speech—put together—it means…
"Be sure to give Flowing Water Steps to Mo Hua?!"
Is that what he meant?!
Huh?!
Zhang Lan stood frozen, utterly confused.
The Grand Elder… really liked word games.
So the old man figured it all out already?
He even made a decision that went against clan rules—passing down a forbidden Zhang clan movement technique…
And through me?
Zhang Lan let out a long sigh, feeling helpless.
The Next Morning
After his early cultivation, Mo Hua was eating buns in the dining hall when he received a tightly wrapped storage box.
Opening the bundle, he saw a note attached:
"A kind uncle passing by."
The handwriting and phrasing were very familiar.
Mo Hua blinked in surprise.
"Uncle Zhang? He sent this to me?"
He opened the wooden box and found inside a jade slip. Infusing it with his spiritual sense, he saw several bold words written on it:
"Flowing Water Steps – Golden Core Chapter"
"Golden Core realm... Flowing Water Steps movement technique?"
Mo Hua was first delighted, then deeply moved—then, a bit shocked.
"But didn't Uncle Zhang say… he never learned the third-grade Flowing Water Steps?"
"Then how did he get this technique manual?"
Mo Hua was confused.
Meanwhile, Zhang Lan had already left Qingzhou City. Along with the Zhang clan cultivators, he sat in a carriage on the road to Kanzhou.
The carriage was quiet and comfortable, with incense burning inside.
Zhang Lan kept glancing at the Grand Elder, his expression rather odd.
The Grand Elder, however, sat with his eyes closed, resting as if nothing had happened.
Only when the carriage fully exited the Qianxue borders and the atmosphere around them shifted did the Grand Elder open his eyes. Looking out the window at the sky, his thoughts were complicated.
This journey to Qianxue—after much investigation and questioning—had yielded some answers to the mystery that had puzzled him for so long.
But precisely because of that, he was even more troubled.
"Blood sacrifice… Yellow Springs… These cannot be coincidences."
"Signs of catastrophe have begun to show. The nine provinces of this world are likely about to change.
I wonder… what fate awaits the Zhang clan in the end…"
He looked at the gloomy sky, eyes full of sorrow.
...
After parting ways with Zhang Lan, Mo Hua soon received an invitation from the Gu family— To attend their evening banquet.
After bidding farewell to Zhang Lan, Mo Hua received an invitation from the Gu Clan to attend their evening banquet.
This banquet was specially arranged by the Gu Clan in Mo Hua's honor and, in essence, could be considered a "farewell banquet."
Mo Hua had a good relationship with the Gu Clan and knew many of its members. With graduation approaching, he would soon be leaving the Great Void Sect and departing the Qianxue Province. Naturally, he needed to properly say goodbye to the Gu Clan as well.
Originally, Mo Hua had wanted to host the event himself.
But as a wandering cultivator, he didn't have that many spirit stones.
Besides, the Gu Clan would never actually let him foot the bill.
He was the dual champion of the recent Qianxue Dao Conference in array and Dao debates.
Now hailed as the Great Void Sect's "highly respected" little senior brother, the most prominent figure in Qianxue's number-one sect—a rising "Crown Prince"—his attendance alone at the Gu Clan's banquet was already enough to deeply gratify the Gu Clan's head and bring honor to all the elders and disciples.
The banquet was held in the evening.
Though there was no festival, the Gu Clan still decorated the place festively with lanterns and colors to welcome Mo Hua, creating a lively atmosphere.
All kinds of rare and exquisite dishes had been prepared in advance.
Now that the great disaster of the Heaven-Obscuring Blood Sacrifice had passed, Mr. Tu was dead, and the evil god's minions and demonic cultivators had all been wiped out—blown into nothingness—Mo Hua finally had some "free time" again, without so many urgent matters to handle.
No longer did he need to run about constantly, risking danger for cultivation, for the altars, for divine essence, or for the Demonic Sect.
He could truly allow himself a bit of a "vacation."
So, that morning, Mo Hua went to visit the Gu Clan.
Upon arriving and stepping off the carriage, a small figure immediately darted toward him and clung to his leg, happily shouting:
"Brother Mo!"
It was Yu'er.
Mo Hua took Yu'er's hand and looked him over carefully. Seeing his fair complexion, rosy cheeks, clear eyes, and healthy spirit, he could tell Yu'er had already come out of his "nightmare," and smiled as he gently patted his head.
"Feeling alright?"
"Mm!" Yu'er nodded.
Not far away, Wenren Wan gazed at Mo Hua with warmth and gratitude.
Mo Hua also smiled and greeted her: "Aunt Wan."
Wenren Wan was full of gratitude but didn't know how to express it. In the end, she just sighed and said a heartfelt, "Thank you."
Mo Hua merely smiled back, his expression clear and gentle.
Soon, more members of the Gu Clan came out to welcome him.
The clan leader, Gu Shouyan, Elder Gu Hong, and other elders who had previously given Mo Hua little gifts were all present—including Gu Changhuai.
Everyone chatted warmly for a while.
Gu Shouyan said, "Little friend Mo Hua, make yourself at home in the Gu Clan."
Mo Hua responded with a smile: "Thank you, Clan Leader Gu."
As clan leader, Gu Shouyan had many affairs to manage, so after a brief greeting, he took his leave.
Mo Hua exchanged greetings with Gu Changhuai, then sat down with Aunt Wan and Yu'er for some tea and pastries. Seeing it was still early, he decided to take Yu'er out to stroll through the streets.
Wenren Wan hesitated a moment, then agreed.
After the evil god nightmare, no one gave her more peace of mind than Mo Hua.
"The banquet starts at dusk. Be sure to come back early," she gently reminded.
"Mm, don't worry, Aunt Wan," Mo Hua replied.
Qingzhou City was a large metropolis and also a key gateway to Qianxue Province.
Even without a festival, it was still bustling with endless streams of carriages and pedestrians. The marketplaces were tightly packed, full of lively scenes.
Mo Hua took Yu'er by the hand and left the Gu estate, walking along the city streets. They watched street performers, ate candied hawthorn, and bought wooden tiger carvings and small knives forged from fine steel. The two had a blast playing together.
As the sky darkened, they both started to feel a bit tired—and hungry.
Mo Hua led Yu'er back, and when they reached a tall platform, someone happened to be lighting lanterns.
One by one, red glows lit up, brightening the night.
From atop the platform, looking down, one could see the lights of ten thousand households stretching into the distance.
Cultivators strolled through the night market, shoulder to shoulder, their figures merging with the flickering lantern light—a vibrant, noisy scene.
Months had passed since the disaster of the blood sacrifice. The entire Qianxue Province was gradually returning to life and regaining its vitality.
Mo Hua took in the view, emotions stirring in his heart.
Just then, an innocent yet sharp voice sounded behind him:
"So many 'straw dogs'—if I could eat them all, wouldn't that be wonderful? Don't you think so… Brother Mo?"
Mo Hua slowly, little by little, turned his head to look at Yu'er.
Yu'er's once-innocent face was now pitch black.
His eyes brimmed with evil.
The street lanterns shone on Yu'er's face, casting it in a bloody hue—making him look like a living embodiment of…
An Evil God.
(End of this Chapter)