Chapter 1096: "Younger Brother"
The eerie "Yu'er," face lit by the lantern's glow in the night, stared chillingly at Mo Hua.
But Mo Hua's expression remained calm—no shock, no surprise, no fear, nothing out of the ordinary.
For some reason, "Yu'er" suddenly couldn't smile anymore.
Mo Hua extended a fair finger and tapped "Yu'er" on the forehead, speaking lightly:
"You finally came out. I've been waiting for you all day."
"Yu'er's" expression shifted slightly. "You… knew?"
Mo Hua said, "If Evil Gods were so easy to kill, they wouldn't be called Evil Gods."
This was something he understood better than anyone.
"Yu'er's" expression darkened, voice raspy: "What do you want to do?"
A golden light appeared in Mo Hua's eyes, sharp as a divine blade.
Having been torn apart by Mo Hua once, "Yu'er" shuddered inside, his expression growing heavy. But a moment later, he suddenly grinned sinisterly, emboldened:
"You want to kill me? Don't forget—I'm one with Yu'er now. I am Yu'er, and Yu'er is me. Kill me, and you kill Yu'er."
"Even your Heaven-Demon Slash can't separate us."
Mo Hua nodded. "That's right. If you had possessed anyone else, I'd have long since destroyed you and your divine embryo together—wiping your soul and Dao into nothingness."
"But the one you possessed is Yu'er. I have scruples, so I can't act recklessly."
"Today, I brought you out just to warn you…"
"Warn me?" "Yu'er" sneered. "And what gives you the right? You think a warning from you matters?"
Mo Hua's expression remained indifferent, his gaze stern.
The smirk vanished from "Yu'er's" face, replaced by an increasingly grim look.
"You should understand," Mo Hua said softly, "the only reason I haven't killed you is because of Yu'er."
"In other words, Yu'er is your 'protective talisman.'"
"As long as Yu'er lives well, you live."
"But if one day…" Mo Hua's tone turned chillingly sharp, "I discover—or even merely foresee—that Yu'er's life soul is gone, his divine sense extinguished… then no matter how far, across mountains and seas, I'll come to Qianzhou myself and rip your soul to shreds."
"My methods—you should know them well by now…"
"Even as an Evil God, I'll make sure you can neither live nor die. For all eternity, you'll be my 'sacrificial hound'—devoured alive like swine or dogs—to forge the foundation of my Divine Path."
Every word defied heaven, blasphemous against the gods.
"Yu'er" trembled with rage, his eyes bloodshot, his veins bulging grotesquely—but deep down, a profound dread welled up.
He knew this "man" in front of him was probably not bluffing.
To walk the path of divinity in a mortal body, defying the very order of the heavens—such a being was a terrifying anomaly.
More than that, the fate tied to Mo Hua was a chaotic mix of immense virtue and wickedness, shrouded in killing intent, destiny, karma, and fortune—all tangled in a depthless storm.
And above all… he had already been "slashed" alive once—his soul torn, his vitality gravely wounded.
Yet this half-human, half-divine creature was still just in its "juvenile phase."
Ten years, fifty, a hundred years from now—what kind of being would he become?
As the true embryo of the Evil God, "Yu'er" felt a chill in his heart—perhaps even an instinctive fear.
Mo Hua observed "Yu'er's" gaze and, seeing the fear confirmed, nodded:
"Good. Looks like you understand now."
"Yu'er" looked humiliated, his eyes fierce as he glared at Mo Hua.
Mo Hua shook his head. "Don't look at me like that—I don't like it. Also…"
He tapped "Yu'er's" forehead again and again with his finger, saying with amusement:
"That 'Brother Mo' you called earlier sounded really sweet. I liked it."
"Remember—from now on, in front of me, you're always just a 'younger brother.'"
Finally, the Evil God's true embryo was angered into silence, unwilling to face Mo Hua any longer, and shut his eyes.
The eerie presence on "Yu'er's" face slowly faded, and when he opened his eyes again, they were clear—it was the original Yu'er once more.
Mo Hua looked at him gently.
Under that gaze, Yu'er seemed to feel all his inner secrets exposed. He looked guilty, ashamed, afraid—unable to speak—until tears fell from his eyes and he finally whispered in fear:
"Brother Mo, I… I… turned bad…"
Mo Hua rubbed Yu'er's forehead and said gently:
"The human heart always has evil in it. Everyone's heart is a mixture of good and evil."
"You used to be too kind. Even if you're a little 'bad' now, it only makes you like everyone else. There's nothing wrong with that—don't dwell on it too much."
Yu'er nodded uncertainly, still uneasy in his heart:
"But… I feel like I've become two people—one good Yu'er, one bad Yu'er…"
Mo Hua asked, "Does the 'bad Yu'er' inside bully you?"
Yu'er timidly nodded:
"He says awful things to me, threatens me, forces me… even curses me… and makes me have lots of bad thoughts…"
His voice grew lower and lower.
Mo Hua smiled slightly: "Then use those 'evil thoughts' to temper your Dao Heart."
Yu'er blinked. "Temper… my Dao Heart?"
Mo Hua nodded. "Goodness isn't only pure and spotless. That kind of person doesn't exist, nor does that kind of perfect 'good.'"
"A kind heart can also be stained, touched by evil thoughts, suffer and struggle in the conflict between good and evil."
"But if you can stick to your true self in that struggle, never changing your original intention—that is true goodness."
"And that kind of 'good,' refined by inner conflict, is far more precious than goodness one is simply born with."
"So don't fear it—face your heart. Treat all those evil thoughts as tools to forge your inner strength. Then your Dao Heart will grow stronger and more resilient. No matter what tribulations you face, it will remain unsullied."
Yu'er's eyes gradually lit up—but soon he still looked scared:
"But… that bad Yu'er is so fierce, so strong, I…"
Mo Hua chuckled: "It's just a paper tiger. You don't need to fear it. The only reason it's even still alive—is thanks to you."
Yu'er froze. "Thanks to me?"
Mo Hua nodded, saying to Yu'er:
"I spared it only for your sake. Without you, it would've died ten thousand times over. That means you are its 'master'—even more, its 'savior.'"
"I'm its master…" Yu'er murmured, his eyes brightening as boundless courage welled up inside him.
He looked up at Mo Hua, feeling profoundly at ease.
Brother Mo's words must be true.
If Brother Mo says he could crush it, then he definitely can.
There's nothing to be afraid of.
Yu'er's small face finally broke into a smile.
The darkest secrets that had been festering in his heart these past days… also slowly began to fade.
"All right," Mo Hua patted Yu'er's head again. "Time to go back. There's a lot of good food tonight."
"Mm!" Yu'er's eyes glistened, and he nodded with a smile.
…
Back at the Gu household, the dinner banquet was just about to begin.
After returning to the Gu family, the evening banquet was just about to begin.
With the sect graduation approaching, this was likely Mo Hua's last dinner at the Gu household.
His seat was of high rank, and the food served to him was among the best.
Yu'er sat beside him, and the two enjoyed the meal to their hearts' content.
Halfway through the meal, people began to come over to toast Mo Hua.
Since it was a family banquet, everyone present was from the Gu family. Those who had a good relationship with Mo Hua naturally came to offer a drink, and he didn't turn anyone away, drinking until his cheeks were flushed.
The atmosphere at the banquet was relaxed and harmonious.
But halfway through the meal, a few unexpected guests arrived.
Mo Hua recognized them as well.
It was Inspector Xia and Administrator Xia, accompanied by other members of the Xia family.
Gu Shouyan was a little surprised, but he still got up to greet them, saying, "Forgive me, I didn't know you would grace us with your presence, Inspector. Pardon my lack of welcome."
Inspector Xia wore a faint, calm smile. "Uninvited guests—my apologies, Clan Head, for the intrusion."
"Not at all," Gu Shouyan replied, then ordered the servants to arrange their seats.
The Xia family was a prestigious clan in Dao Prefecture, part of the ruling Dao Court elite.
Inspector Xia served as a central inspector directly under the Dao Court.
The Gu family had held various official posts in the Dao Court for generations.
Given both sentiment and propriety, Gu Shouyan dared not neglect them, and he also clearly understood the purpose of this visit.
Inspector Xia was specially seated beside Mo Hua. After sitting down, he nodded in greeting to Mo Hua, and his gaze instinctively fell on Yu'er.
Mo Hua became slightly alert and immediately said:
"Yu'er, why don't you take these glazed fruits and give them to Aunt Wan to try?"
Yu'er obediently nodded and carried a plate of fruit to find her mother.
Inspector Xia withdrew his gaze.
Mo Hua calmly continued sipping the Gu family's treasured Furong wine.
The matter of Yu'er being chosen by the Great Wilderness Evil God as the "Evil Seed" was unknown to most, but as a central inspector of the Dao Court, Inspector Xia must have some idea.
Although the catastrophe involving the Evil God seemed to have passed, Yu'er's identity remained sensitive. Mo Hua didn't dare let her remain exposed to Inspector Xia's scrutiny.
But Inspector Xia didn't seem to mind.
Yu'er's affairs weren't his concern; his visit was solely for Mo Hua.
Ever since the blood sacrifice incident, Mr. Xun had kept a close watch, and the Dao Court's various factions hadn't had many chances to approach Mo Hua.
Mo Hua's formation abilities were extraordinary—beyond comprehension.
The karma surrounding him was also unfathomable.
Inspector Xia was deeply curious and wanted to probe further, but he also knew now wasn't the right time.
"Little Friend Mo, what are your plans after graduating from the Outer Sect? Will you join the Inner Sect of the Great Void as an elder?" Inspector Xia asked politely.
Mo Hua shook his head. "Not necessarily."
"Then perhaps you'll join one of the prestigious families in Ganxue for a proper affiliation?"
Mo Hua shook his head again. "Hard to say."
"Returning home to Lì Prefecture?"
Still shaking his head. "Uncertain."
Inspector Xia fell silent and sighed inwardly.
This kid must've learned it from someone—he's still so young yet already has the tone of an old ancestor: ambiguous, evasive, impossible to pin down.
Still, it was understandable for Mo Hua to remain tight-lipped.
Given his special status and already exceptional standing, there was no way he'd casually reveal anything.
Inspector Xia took out a token and handed it to Mo Hua.
"This is the Xia family's Fortune Token. If one day you wish to come to the Xia family—be it for marriage, to study formations, seek a legacy, or just as a guest—you may present this token. The Xia family will treat you with the utmost respect."
Fortune Token?
Mo Hua hesitated.
He was wary that accepting this so-called "Fortune Token" might entangle him in unwanted karma. He also feared that Inspector Xia might have tampered with it.
But after some thought, he felt perhaps he was overthinking.
The "fortune" of the Xia family in Dao Prefecture was something many people could only dream of.
Besides, a dignified inspector like Xia wouldn't stoop to such petty tricks.
If he was still uneasy, he could always ask Mr. Xun to inspect it later…
With that thought, Mo Hua accepted the token and thanked him:
"Thank you for your kindness, Inspector Xia. Mo Hua is deeply grateful."
Inspector Xia nodded slightly.
With the Fortune Token delivered, his goal was accomplished. There was nothing else he could discuss for now.
He only drank a few more cups of wine before rising to take his leave.
The Administrator Xia, dressed in a light moon-colored robe with a serene and beautiful face, also stood to leave. As she departed, she glanced back briefly at Gu Changhuai, who was quietly drinking alone among the crowd, and for a moment, she seemed lost in thought.
Inspector Xia noticed all of this.
But his expression remained calm, and he said nothing.
After Inspector Xia left, Mo Hua called Yu'er back over to continue enjoying the feast with him.
With the outsiders gone, the atmosphere at the banquet gradually became relaxed and cheerful once more.
After the banquet, Wenren Wan took Yu'er for a walk to help with digestion.
Mo Hua went to chat with Elder Gu Hong for a while about various gossip.
Afterwards, he made a point to go see Gu Changhuai.
In less than two months, he would be leaving the Ganxue region.
Thinking of everything he had experienced over the past decade with Uncle Gu, Mo Hua felt reluctant to part.
Uncle Gu was the classic "cold on the outside, warm on the inside" type.
All these years, as an administrator of the Dao Court, he had looked out for Mo Hua and helped him through many dangerous situations.
He had also taken the blame for many things on Mo Hua's behalf…
Now, Mo Hua was about to leave.
Who knew if they would ever go on another adventure together again?
Mo Hua sighed and said sincerely, "Uncle Gu, please take care of yourself."
Gu Changhuai was silent for a moment, his gaze on Mo Hua tinged with sadness. Finally, he said earnestly:
"I don't have much to say, and maybe… not much I can do for you. I can only wish you: may a single thought seek immortality, and your path be boundless."
Coming from the usually aloof Gu Changhuai, those words moved Mo Hua deeply.
He immediately responded with a teasing blessing: "Uncle Gu, I wish you an early marriage and many children."
Gu Changhuai's face darkened, and whatever parting sorrow he had instantly vanished.
Mo Hua sighed. "It's just a shame I won't be able to attend your wedding feast."
Gu Changhuai replied, "Nothing to be sorry about."
Mo Hua then asked, "Aren't you going to make a move regarding Sister Xia?"
Gu Changhuai froze, looking slightly uncomfortable. "I… am very busy…"
"Sister Xia is also very busy. Besides…" Mo Hua said, "You both work in the Dao Court, handling the same cases—aren't you busy together?"
Gu Changhuai had nothing to say to that.
After a while, this usually proud man actually showed a trace of melancholy on his face.
"She's from the Xia family…"
Mo Hua shook his head. "In this world, the only thing that matters is whether you want it or not. If you want it, then go for it. Don't let go. Everything else is unimportant. There's no need to overthink or hesitate—it's just a waste of time."
Gu Changhuai looked at Mo Hua in surprise. After thinking for a bit, he realized it made a lot of sense.
No wonder Mo Hua had such formidable formation skills at such a young age.
At the very least, his clarity of mind was rare even among adults.
No anxiety, no inner conflict—just turning all thoughts into action.
Gu Changhuai nodded and sighed. "I understand…"
He gave Mo Hua a deep look. "If you ever return to Gan Prefecture, you must come to the Gu family. I'll treat you."
Mo Hua smiled. "I will."
…
After chatting with Gu Changhuai, Mo Hua wandered around the Gu residence for a while, played with Yu'er for a bit, and didn't return to the sect that night. Instead, he stayed overnight at the Gu home.
…
Night deepened.
At the Xia Family Residence.
This was a manor the Xia family had established within the Qianxue Province boundaries, meant to provide a place for clan cultivators to reside, cultivate, or make temporary stops.
Though meant for temporary residence, the manor was still furnished luxuriously.
At this moment, inside a study, Inspector Xia sat at the upper seat, flipping through official jade slips from the Qianxue Dao Court.
Steward Xia stood respectfully, answering the inspector's questions.
The two conversed in a question-and-answer manner.
Half an hour later, the official matters were discussed, and the room fell silent.
Inspector Xia looked up at Steward Xia and slowly said:
"Three days from now, I'll return to Dao Province to report back. You stay here—there's no need to return."
Steward Xia froze and spoke urgently, "Uncle…"
Inspector Xia shook his head. "Here in Qianxue, the noble families are too powerful, and the sects dominate. The higher-ups dislike this, so someone must stay and keep an eye on things."
Steward Xia fell silent.
Inspector Xia watched Steward Xia and, after a moment, said again, "That Gu Changhuai is too stubborn. I don't like him."
Steward Xia's expression dimmed.
"But…" Inspector Xia sighed lightly, "he truly is an outstanding steward. In terms of family background and position, he's a 'flawed product' for marriage alliances. But in terms of character, he's someone worthy of lifelong companionship…"
Steward Xia was taken aback. It was hard to believe such words had come from her cold and rigid uncle.
"I'm an inspector of the Dao Court—I have a keen eye for judging people," Inspector Xia said.
Of course, there are always exceptions. Mo Hua was such an exception.
Nothing could be done about that. That kid Mo Hua—anyone would have misjudged him at first glance.
Steward Xia's expression was complex.
Inspector Xia sighed and spoke more gently:
"I've told you before, noble families are like this."
"If you want preferential treatment, you have to pay a price. If you don't, don't expect the clan to support you."
"If you obey the clan's arrangements and marry into a lesser fifth-rank family, I'll ensure you have generous resources—enough to support your cultivation to the Feathering stage—and you'll hold some influence in the clan."
"But if you refuse the marriage alliance, the clan's 'support' will be significantly reduced."
"You'll never reach the core of the Xia family's power again—you'll slowly become a 'marginal figure.'"
"Leaving you here in Qianxue Province is the last thing I can do for you."
"From now on, you'll have to fend for yourself…"
Steward Xia looked dazed, a flicker of emotion welling in her heart.
She knew that while her uncle could be cold and harsh in conduct, he wasn't without sentiment.
It's just that great noble families are never truly kind places. Among a lineage of cultivators, there must be those who are pragmatic, those who are strict, and those who do the unpleasant tasks, so that others may live freely.
Steward Xia bowed deeply and solemnly said:
"These years, thank you, Uncle, for looking after me. I know… Father and Mother have also received a lot of your help behind the scenes…"
Inspector Xia waved his hand and said lightly:
"Don't overthink it. I'm doing this for my own advancement. People like your father and mother—satisfied with love and drinking plain water, muddling along—I find them annoying just looking at them."
Steward Xia didn't comment. After a moment, she still sincerely said:
"Uncle… take care of yourself."
Inspector Xia quietly looked at her. He had watched this girl grow up. Sometimes, he really saw her as his own daughter. Such a pity—she looked clever, but she was a fool, like mud that couldn't be shaped…
Inspector Xia let out a deep sigh.
"You too… take care."
…
The next day, Mo Hua was about to leave the Gu family.
Who knew when he'd next come freeload a meal.
Lady Wenren gathered some spirit stones, spiritual items, pills, and formation books she had accumulated over time, to give to Mo Hua as gifts.
But on her face, there was a flicker of deep worry now and then. She seemed to want to say something to Mo Hua but hesitated.
Mo Hua asked, "Aunt Wan, is something bothering you?"
Wenren Wan was dazed for a moment. Seeing the clarity in Mo Hua's eyes, she hesitated repeatedly before frowning and slowly saying:
"Mo Hua… I think Yu'er is… acting a bit strange…"
Mo Hua paused, realizing Aunt Wan had also noticed Yu'er's abnormality.
As a mother, she was sensitive—especially to her own child. After all these days, it was impossible she hadn't noticed.
But she hadn't dared to tell anyone.
Because she also knew that Yu'er was a "demonic fetus" born from summoning an evil god.
Right now, everyone assumed Yu'er had survived because the demonic fetus was "destroyed." But if Yu'er showed any more sinister abnormalities, then he…
Wenren Wan pressed her lips tightly, her face pale.
Those days of fear and anguish, like being cut with a knife, resurfaced again. The child she had barely saved seemed to fade like an illusion… ready to disappear at any moment.
Mo Hua looked at her with sympathy and gently comforted, "Aunt Wan, don't worry. Yu'er will be fine."
Wenren Wan relaxed a little at his words.
But when she thought of that occasionally eerie little face, she still couldn't rest easy. "Really… it's nothing?"
Mo Hua nodded and said firmly, "Aunt Wan, just remember this—no matter what happens…"
"Yu'er will always be your child."
"And you… will always be his mother."
"As long as you remember that, and remain steadfast in it, all will be well."
Yu'er… will always be my child…
Wenren Wan was stunned. After a moment of reflection, the worry in her heart began to ease.
"I understand now."
A gentle smile appeared on Wenren Wan's graceful face.
(End of this Chapter)