Chapter 617: Gu Changhuai
"Three days ago, outside the Qianxue State border, south of Canglang Mountain, on Luopan Mountain Road, three family disciples were found dead, and their storage bags were stolen…"
"The Dao Court Division investigated and conducted an on-site examination…"
"These three disciples were all at the Foundation Establishment stage. After gathering to discuss Dao, they were on their way back to the sect via Luopan Mountain Road. While passing through Canglang Mountain, they were silently approached from behind and stabbed through the chest with a water-tempered poison dagger-type spirit weapon."
"To their dying breaths, none of the three noticed a thing…"
"None of the cultivators going up or down the mountain reported seeing any suspicious individuals…"
"No one knows who the killer is…"
A note was appended at the end:
"The murderer must be extremely cunning, very sharp, and exceptionally skilled in concealment techniques..."
"Anyone accepting this bounty must exercise extreme caution!"
It's here!
Mo Hua's spirit lit up.
Concealment technique!
Though... it wasn't exactly what he imagined.
He had thought concealment techniques were for stealing stuff. But he didn't expect someone to use them to murder in the shadows—and with such a cruel method, at that.
Mo Hua immediately used the Great Void Token to send Murong Caiyun a beautifully useless message:
"Senior Sister, are you there?"
A moment later, Murong Caiyun replied, clearly weary of his antics:
"What is it? Just say it."
"Senior Sister, are you free? Wanna take a mission?"
Before she could answer, Mo Hua quickly followed up:
"I found a great one! Wanna take it? If you do, could you bring me along?"
"My permissions are too low. I can't even accept most missions…"
Murong Caiyun paused for a moment before replying via message:
"What mission?"
Mo Hua immediately forwarded the listing for "A Strange and Brutal Robbery-Murder Case."
Murong Caiyun stared at it for a while, completely failing to see what exactly made this a "great" mission...
A robbery-murder case.
Three people dead under strange circumstances. The identity, appearance, cultivation techniques, accomplices (if any), criminal record, and cultivation level of the assailant—all unknown.
The only clue was a speculation that the killer was well-versed in concealment techniques.
But again, just speculation.
Besides that, there were no leads at all.
Even just locating the suspect would be time-consuming, not to mention the tracking and arresting. It could all end up being a big waste of time.
Murong Caiyun wanted to politely decline. But just then—ding ding ding—she saw a string of messages from Mo Hua in her token:
"Senior sister senior sister senior sister, come on, accept it, please…"
She could practically see Mo Hua's puppy-dog eyes staring up at her, full of hope.
Murong Caiyun couldn't bring herself to say no.
Just imagining the disappointment on Mo Hua's face if she refused... somehow made her feel guilty.
She sighed.
Oh well, fine. Let's just take it.
Even if they didn't complete it, it would just burn a few days of rest time. It wouldn't be the first time she went on a wild goose chase.
Murong Caiyun finally replied:
"Alright then…"
Mo Hua was overjoyed. "Thank you, Senior Sister!"
Senior Sister Murong—what a saint!
Sure enough, Murong Caiyun accepted the bounty mission for the "concealment murder case," then invited Mo Hua to join.
Mo Hua wasted no time smashing that "Agree" button.
And just like that, the plan to investigate the murder case was locked in.
Mo Hua exited the Great Void Token with his divine sense, only to realize that Cheng Mo and the others were all staring at him.
"What's wrong?"
Mo Hua blinked in confusion.
"You…"
Situ Jian asked curiously, "What were you looking at in the token?"
Mo Hua blinked again.
Permissions, bounties, merit points—all things Elder Xun had unlocked for him as a backdoor privilege.
Not exactly the kind of stuff you'd want to brag about.
And this kind of "bounty hunting, arresting evil cultivators" business was still way out of their league.
They were raised in sheltered families, inexperienced in the harsh world. They couldn't handle this kind of risk.
But he was different. He was Little Senior Brother.
Dangerous things were his job.
With a sense of responsibility, Mo Hua nodded solemnly and came up with an excuse:
"I was looking at the class schedule. Just seeing what spells we're learning next…"
The other disciples eyed him suspiciously.
Their expressions said: "Yeah, right."
Seeing their disbelief, Mo Hua relented and said:
"Fine. I was actually thinking about how much homework to give you guys during Array Class…"
Boom! Instant riot.
Now they definitely believed him.
"Mo Hua!!"
"Can we even be friends anymore?!"
"I suggest you think twice about your life choices!"
"I decide how good my array skills are! You mind your own business!"
"Don't you care about our sect bonds?!"
Cheng Mo, the resident "array dummy," looked on the verge of tears:
"Bro, please! That homework... I can't finish it all…"
Mo Hua wore a conflicted expression and sighed:
"Since you're all begging, I guess I'll let it go."
Cheng Mo immediately broke into a grin, slung an arm around Mo Hua's shoulder, and shouted:
"Good! From now on, you're my big bro. My actual big bro!"
Two days later—rest period.
Just to be safe, Mo Hua requested one extra day off.
That gave him a grand total of three days to work with.
Two Days Later — Rest Period
Two days later, during the sect's regular rest period, Mo Hua, just to be safe, requested one more day off. That gave him a total of three days to work with.
After class, Mo Hua left the mountain gates of the Great Void Sect and headed to the usual meeting place — the big boulder at the foot of the mountain.
Once again, it was a five-person team.
Murong Caiyun, Ouyang Feng, Hua Qianqian, and Shangguan Xu were all there.
Shangguan Xu had recovered from his injuries and was ready for action again.
Although the Shangguan Clan was a major family, it had many disciples. Shangguan Xu was part of the main line, but not the core lineage, so things like merit and credit had to be earned through personal effort.
Hua Qianqian was the daughter of a Core Elder from Hundred Flowers Valley. She was beloved and spoiled, and her future in the sect's inner circle was practically guaranteed.
But she didn't want to invite gossip — she wanted to earn her place through merit, proving herself by her own efforts and rising to become a Core Disciple of Hundred Flowers Valley.
Mo Hua had picked up all this gossip from Senior Sister Murong and pieced together the rest through observation and deduction.
He figured he wasn't too far off.
After all, in the Qianxue State region, with so many sect disciples around, who didn't want to earn merit?
Shangguan Xu gave Mo Hua a familiar nod and a friendly smile.
Hua Qianqian also smiled sweetly and greeted him with sparkling eyes.
But Mo Hua couldn't shake the feeling that Senior Sister Hua's gaze had a hint of… ulterior motives.
What exactly was she thinking?
Noticing Mo Hua's glance, Hua Qianqian's eyes sparkled even more, gleaming with an unusual glint.
Mo Hua suddenly felt a sense of danger and instinctively moved closer to Senior Sister Murong for safety.
Murong Caiyun just sighed helplessly.
Once everyone had gathered, they set off toward Canglang Mountain.
Canglang Mountain wasn't far from the Qianxue State border, and the Dao Court Division that governed this region — a Grade Five Dao Division — was located right on the route to Canglang.
Their first stop had to be the Dao Court Division to confirm their identities, accept the bounty, and inquire about clues related to the victims.
The clatter of hooves echoed along the trail. After more than an hour, they arrived.
Mo Hua stepped out of the carriage and looked up — the sight before him was a grand and solemn Dao Court Pavilion, tall and imposing with golden, winged eaves. Majestic and awe-inspiring.
It looked like a colossal official seal, pressed down between the mountains, anchoring and guarding the entire Qianxue region.
Seven large characters were engraved at the top:
"Dao Court Division of Qianxue State."
This was the Grade Five Dao Court for Qianxue State...
Mo Hua was utterly awestruck.
Standing before such an imposing institution, he felt like a sapling at the base of a mountain — small, frail, and insignificant.
Ouyang Feng patted him on the shoulder and said gently:
"A lot of this authority is just for show. You come a few more times, and you'll see."
Mo Hua blinked and looked again. Then it clicked.
"An array?"
Ouyang Feng was surprised, then laughed.
"Exactly. When this Dao Court Pavilion was constructed, it was infused with a formation that enhances its intimidating aura. So when people see it for the first time, they naturally feel insignificant and overwhelmed."
He gestured upward and said in a low voice:
"That's how the Dao Court projects its overwhelming authority..."
"Ah, I see now…"
Mo Hua nodded.
Now that he understood the trick behind it, the awe in his heart lessened a bit. Then he followed Murong Caiyun inside — and was immediately disappointed.
From the outside, the Dao Court looked incredibly dignified.
But inside? Bloated bureaucracy. Apathy. Stale energy everywhere.
Most of the clerks and officers wore stiff expressions and spoke with a condescending, holier-than-thou tone.
Ugly faces, uglier attitudes.
If they were Grade Three or Four officers, maybe it could be excused.
But these were mere Grade Two nobodies strutting around like they ruled the heavens.
Every now and then, Mo Hua did spot a few individuals with sharp eyes, composed bearing, and deep cultivation — clearly skilled cultivators. But they were few and far between, and didn't fit in with the rest of this hollow bureaucracy at all.
Mo Hua wanted to ask some questions, but thought better of it.
Walls have ears, especially in a Grade Five Dao Court full of high-level cultivators. One careless word might be overheard — so he kept his mouth shut.
Murong Caiyun took the lead, verified their identities, accepted the bounty mission, and picked up several dossiers. All formalities completed.
Being from a major family and a gifted disciple of the Great Void Sect, Murong Caiyun was treated with courtesy by the local Dao Court cultivators.
The process was smooth — no hostility, no obstacles.
"So it's all about status…"
Mo Hua muttered in his heart.
Just as they were about to leave, a clerk stopped them:
"Wait — Lord Gu, the Deputy Court Officer, has something to say to you all."
Gu Dian-si?
Mo Hua paused, heart skipping a beat.
…Don't tell me it's—
Sure enough, moments later, a man approached from the distance.
Mo Hua took one look and immediately recognized him.
Gu Changhuai. Young master of the Gu family. Dao Court official. Stylish and poised in his Dao Court robes.
His demeanor wasn't particularly arrogant, but there was a proud, untamed aura between his brows.
They'd had a few encounters before.
Gu Changhuai's voice was calm, clear, and composed — but carried an undertone of arrogance:
"This matter is very troublesome. I didn't want you disciples involved. I had just instructed the Dao Court to remove the bounty when I found out you'd already accepted it…"
"Rules are rules. Since it's already been accepted, there's nothing I can do. But I do need to give you some warnings..."
He walked and spoke at the same time, barely even looking at Murong Caiyun or the others.
Until the corner of his eye caught sight of—
Mo Hua.
Gu Changhuai visibly froze for a moment.
Mo Hua could even see him blink, as if trying to confirm he wasn't seeing things.
That innocent, clever little face and those clear, bottomless eyes — there wasn't a second person like this in all of Qianxue.
It had to be him.
After a pause, Gu Changhuai slowly spoke:
"Mo… Hua?"
"Mhm!" Mo Hua nodded enthusiastically. "Good day, Uncle Gu!"
Murong Caiyun looked completely stunned. Even the Dao Court staff nearby were shocked — Mo Hua knew Gu Changhuai?
Gu Changhuai kept his emotions in check, but couldn't help asking:
"What are you doing here?"
Mo Hua pointed at Murong Caiyun.
"I'm with Senior Sister. We're here to take a bounty mission."
Gu Changhuai frowned.
"Which bounty?"
"The one you just mentioned."
Gu Changhuai's eye twitched. He stared at Mo Hua's still-somewhat-babyish face, and asked with confusion:
"You just joined the sect, didn't you?"
How was this kid already doing missions?
And how did he find seniors to carry him?
How big is this kid's social circle?
Gu Changhuai was thoroughly baffled.
Mo Hua quickly corrected him:
"Not just joined! I've been in the sect for half a year!"
Which, by his tone, seemed to imply that he was now an experienced veteran.
Gu Changhuai looked like he had a migraine coming on.
But with all these people watching, he didn't press further. He simply gave a solemn nod and said:
"I see."
He glanced sideways at Mo Hua again before getting back to the briefing:
"The killer is likely at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. Skilled in stealth, calm and ruthless. Completely concealed — impossible to guard against…"
"Even a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, if caught off-guard by someone like this, could be instantly killed."
"You're all sect disciples with little experience. It's highly unlikely you can handle someone so devious and cruel."
"And this isn't his first crime, either."
"I checked the archives. Among all the cultivators skilled in hidden assassinations with a long list of crimes, one fits the profile best. His real name is unknown to the Dao Court, but in the cultivator world... they call him—"
'Yin Lao-Er' —
Second Master Hidden…
Ouyang Feng and the others all fell into thoughtful silence.
Only Mo Hua quietly nodded—he had guessed correctly.
Gu Changhuai noticed this, and his expression shifted slightly.
That reaction… could it be that Mo Hua already knew the killer was Second Master Hidden?
He himself had spent quite a bit of time digging through confidential Dao Court records just to uncover that information. How had this young sect disciple, who lived quietly within the sect, figured it out?
This kid… is suspiciously sharp.
Gu Changhuai gave Mo Hua a long, searching look.
Mo Hua sensed the stare and immediately shifted into "good-boy mode"—eyes down, hands folded, face serious and innocent.
Gu Changhuai continued:
"A seasoned criminal like this, especially one adept at stealth… ideally, it should be a Grade Three Court Officer who takes him down with overwhelming force."
"But manpower at the Dao Court is limited. Higher-ranked cultivators don't chase down lower-ranked criminals."
"Foundation Establishment offenders don't warrant a Golden Core to go after them."
"Still, this one's particularly slippery. Difficult to handle. So I came to give you a heads-up: if you want to cancel the mission, you won't be punished."
The group exchanged looks.
Then, one by one, they all shook their heads.
They were proud elites, after all—geniuses in their own right. Even if the target was a troublesome mid-Foundation cultivator, they weren't going to back down that easily.
Gu Changhuai's gaze showed a hint of approval. He handed over several dossiers:
"Here's everything we have on Second Master Hidden—background, techniques, cultivation methods. Go over it carefully, and be on guard."
Murong Caiyun accepted the documents and respectfully bowed.
"Thank you, Officer Gu."
Gu Changhuai gave a curt nod and turned to leave. But before walking away, he glanced again at Mo Hua—still calm and cheerful, as if completely unaware of the danger.
He frowned.
Second Master Hidden was insidious and cunning—truly dangerous.
Even seasoned Dao Court officers struggled to detect him, let alone defend against his sneak attacks.
So what was this kid doing here, tagging along for the ride?
Mo Hua looked cute and well-behaved, but Gu Changhuai couldn't shake the feeling there was something weird about him. Normally, he wouldn't meddle.
But then he remembered—this boy had saved Yu'er. And his cousin had a soft spot for him…
Gu Changhuai sighed and muttered a warning:
"Be careful."
Mo Hua blinked in surprise.
The others were stunned too.
Especially the Dao Court staff. They never imagined that the cold, untouchable Officer Gu would actually… show concern for someone?
Had hell frozen over?
Mo Hua chuckled:
"I will. Thank you, Uncle Gu."
Gu Changhuai nodded once more and left.
With all formalities complete, the group set off in pursuit of Second Master Hidden.
According to the dossier, Second Master Hidden was over 200 years old and had once been a disciple of one of Qianzhou's lesser-known sects, the Five Hidden Sect.
But the Five Hidden Sect had an obscure lineage and struggled to recruit disciples. Eventually, it declined, went bankrupt, and sold off its mountain estate. Fifty years ago, the whole sect migrated out of Qianxue State.
Sect rises and falls—nothing unusual.
But while the sect left, Second Master Hidden stayed behind, using the sect's secret arts to wreak havoc.
That secret art?
A stealth technique called—
"Lesser Five Elements Stealth Technique."
Mo Hua's eyes lit up.
Lesser Five Elements…
His own spiritual roots were also of the Lesser Five Elements type. This stealth technique… felt almost as if it were made just for him.
Heavenly Pattern Deduction had truly led him well.
The group left the Dao Court.
Murong Caiyun and the others still looked serious, mindful of Gu Changhuai's warning.
But Mo Hua was walking light on his feet, practically humming with excitement.
He could already feel that the Lesser Five Elements Stealth Technique was calling out to him.
Mo Hua was average in many areas—but when it came to spiritual sense, he was in a league of his own.
Which meant his specialty… was beating up sneaky, stealthy, cowardly little rats like Second Master Hidden.
Meanwhile, deep in Canglang Mountain…
In a forest that had appeared utterly empty…
A figure slowly emerged from thin air.
He was shriveled and short, his face sunken and wrinkled, eyes full of cold malice.
Second Master Hidden scanned the area, frowning.
After killing three people, he'd holed up in this deep mountain to lay low.
A habit of his.
But for the past few days… he'd had an unshakable sense of dread.
Like something—something malicious—was watching him.
He didn't understand.
He'd left no trace. No clues. Who could be tailing him? How?
He shook his head.
Now was a critical time. He couldn't afford another mistake.
Those three deaths had already been sloppy.
One more blunder, and Mr. Tu would personally rip him apart—sacrificing his remains to the monstrous servants of the so-called "Divine Master."
Second Master Hidden shivered.
He liked gutting others.
But he most definitely did not like the idea of being disemboweled himself and fed to those half-human, half-demon freaks.
(End of Chapter)