Chapter 622: The Little Neighbor
Before Gu Changhuai could even react, Mo Hua had already flipped the script, asking curiously:
"Uncle Gu, can you issue missions from the Dao Court?"
Gu Changhuai paused, frowning inwardly.
This little brat… why's he acting so familiar, like we're old buddies or something?
He looked at Mo Hua with guarded suspicion and asked:
"What are you trying to do?"
"Just asking," Mo Hua replied casually—his eyes gleaming slyly like a little fox. "Hypothetically…"
He emphasized, "Hypothetically, if I accidentally found some clue about a sin cultivator, could you issue a mission through the Dao Court?"
Gu Changhuai frowned and rejected the idea flatly:
"The Dao Court follows its own regulations. Any bounty for sects has to be carefully evaluated by the Adjudicator's Office. It's not something that can be issued on a whim."
Mo Hua nodded, immediately understanding.
"Carefully evaluated," "not arbitrary," "must be considered seriously"…
In other words, it all depends on the mood of the adjudicator.
Whether something is carefully considered or casually approved—it's all up to the subjective judgment of the person in charge. There's no strict rule.
Since Uncle Gu is a chief adjudicator, if he decides to do it, he does have the authority to issue bounties!
Gu Changhuai watched the crafty glint in Mo Hua's eyes, unsure what that glint meant. He frowned and asked:
"Why are you asking this…"
But mid-sentence, he suddenly realized something.
Wait—he was the one asking questions first, and this brat hadn't even answered yet…
He had come here to investigate Mo Hua's potential involvement in Boss Jiang's death.
And somehow, he got sidetracked by Mo Hua's nonsense and completely derailed!
Gu Changhuai put on a stern face. "I asked first. You answer first."
"What did you ask again?" Mo Hua blinked innocently.
Gu Changhuai rubbed his temples, repeating:
"Do you know Fireball Technique?"
Mo Hua didn't try to hide it. He nodded and said:
"Fireball Technique… isn't it harder not to know it?"
It's one of the most basic and widely-used spells in the cultivation world.
Mo Hua answered with complete confidence.
Even with all his years of experience as a Dao Court adjudicator, Gu Changhuai couldn't read a single flicker of guilt or uncertainty on that slightly childish face.
His conclusion was immediate:
This kid was slick. A little old fox in a young skin. Utterly unreadable.
Gu Changhuai's gaze darkened. He decided to go for the direct approach.
"Did you kill the traffickers who kidnapped Yu'er?"
He stared at Mo Hua with sharp, blade-like eyes.
Mo Hua considered brushing him off, but then thought—he'd probably need Uncle Gu's help for many things in the future. There had to be some trust between them. Lying would only backfire.
So he nodded:
"Yes!"
The admission was swift and clean.
Gu Changhuai, however, was stunned.
For a moment, his mind simply blanked out.
He had imagined many scenarios—but never expected Mo Hua to just… admit it, plain and simple. That left him with no follow-up ready to go.
After a long pause, Gu Changhuai asked:
"How did you kill them?"
Mo Hua answered, "I used Fireball Technique and wiped them all out."
As expected, Gu Changhuai thought.
That lined up with his theory.
But then… he hesitated.
After chewing on the statement for a while, he shook his head:
"Impossible…"
Using Fireball Technique—how?
Mo Hua was only early Foundation Establishment.
Those traffickers were also at Foundation Establishment level, at least—and they were experienced, with far deeper cultivation than Mo Hua.
Using Fireball Technique to kill one of them would already be difficult…
Mo Hua sighed helplessly:
"If I don't tell you, you suspect me. If I do tell you the truth, you don't believe me. Uncle Gu, you're making this very difficult for me…"
Gu Changhuai winced, feeling a bit guilty—but he still pressed on:
"There's no way it was just Fireball Technique."
Mo Hua thought for a moment, then offered:
"What if… I set up a formation in advance that injured them badly, then finished them off with Fireball? Would that make more sense?"
Gu Changhuai followed that train of thought, and nodded slowly:
"That does sound more reasonable…"
"Then let's go with that."
Gu Changhuai instinctively nodded—then suddenly froze halfway through, annoyed.
"What do you mean, 'let's go with that'?! You're early Foundation stage! Just a teenager! What kind of lethal formation could you possibly set up?"
Mo Hua answered sincerely:
"I'm really good at formations!"
Gu Changhuai clearly didn't buy it.
"I listed formations as my specialty when I joined the Great Void Sect!" Mo Hua added.
Gu Changhuai didn't know how to respond.
Of course he knew—Mo Hua had only gotten into the sect because Cousin Wenren spent a fortune and pulled many strings.
Claiming formations as a specialty was clearly just for show.
A backwater kid with a low-tier five-element root, from a no-name minor town—how good could he possibly be at formations?
Capable of building a killing array strong enough to wipe out a dozen traffickers?
That's the kind of brag that should come with a health warning.
Gu Changhuai snorted lightly.
Mo Hua sighed again, deeply exasperated.
Every time I try to be honest, people just don't believe me…
"I really am good at formations!" he repeated.
"Oh," Gu Changhuai replied flatly.
Fine. Don't believe me then…
Mo Hua pouted and gave up arguing.
But Gu Changhuai suddenly recalled something else:
"Boss Jiang… before dying, used a powerful Sword Command technique. You didn't get a scratch. How's that possible?"
Mo Hua had just opened his mouth when Gu Changhuai interrupted:
"Don't tell me you dodged it by luck…"
Mo Hua mumbled, "I… was actually going to say that…"
Gu Changhuai massaged his temples, feeling a splitting headache.
After all this questioning, he still had no idea which of Mo Hua's words were true, which were lies, which were half-true, and which were half-lies wrapped in three grains of truth.
And he couldn't even use torture.
Threaten him with "Dao Court" authority?
The kid was way too chill for that—zero fear.
And Cousin Wenren clearly favored the kid. If he went too far, she'd definitely be upset.
Honestly, this Mo kid… I really don't have a good way to deal with him…
"…Forget it."
After a long pause, Gu Changhuai sighed in defeat.
"I won't ask about Boss Jiang anymore."
His expression turned grim.
Those traffickers were scum anyway.
If someone else hadn't killed them, he would have.
And since they kidnapped Yu'er—he definitely wouldn't have spared them.
The truth was, Gu Changhuai didn't care whether or not Mo Hua personally killed them.
He just wanted to confirm something through Boss Jiang's death.
But now, it was clear—Mo Hua might be young, but he was sharp and deep. Too unreadable. Too unpredictable.
So in the end, he had no choice but to ask directly.
With a stern expression, sword-like gaze, Gu Changhuai stared Mo Hua down:
"Did you approach Yu'er… on purpose?"
"Do you have… another motive?"
Mo Hua's eyes lit up in sudden realization.
Mo Hua suddenly understood.
Only now did he realize that Gu Changhuai truly cared about Aunt Wan—and about Yu'er as well.
Although they were cousins, the bond between them didn't seem any weaker than that of real siblings.
As for Yu'er…
Their meeting really had been a coincidence. Whether there was some deeper karmic entanglement, he wasn't sure.
But Yu'er was such a sweet and kind-hearted child—so well-behaved and pure.
Even if there had been no cause and effect involved, as long as it was within his power, he definitely would've helped her.
Gu Changhuai's worry and suspicion toward him were, in the end, understandable.
He was the "bigger person," after all. No need to get petty.
Mo Hua had just opened his mouth to speak when suddenly, a clear, childlike voice rang out joyfully:
"Big Brother Mo!"
Mo Hua blinked in confusion and turned his head.
There, in a miniature version of the Great Void Sect's black-and-white robes, with her hair done up in little buns, was a tiny child. She stretched her arms wide, her little legs pumping as she ran happily toward him.
Mo Hua froze for a moment. "Yu'er?"
Gu Changhuai, standing to the side, was equally stunned.
Yu'er, mid-run, suddenly noticed Gu Changhuai on the other side of Mo Hua. Her bright smile vanished instantly. She stopped, bowed politely and stiffly:
"Greetings, Uncle Gu."
"Mm…"
Gu Changhuai's face stiffened. He wanted to smile warmly and get closer to her, but decades of habit made his face cold and severe no matter how hard he tried.
The result? He looked downright intimidating.
Yu'er instinctively took a small step back, then snuck a glance at Mo Hua.
Mo Hua waved with a grin.
Yu'er's little face lit up again. She quickened her pace and threw herself into Mo Hua's arms.
Watching the scene, Gu Changhuai felt a pang of sour jealousy so sharp it nearly cracked his teeth.
Mo Hua gently patted Yu'er's head and asked, "Why are you here?"
Yu'er beamed up at him. "I'm joining the Great Void Sect!"
"…The Great Void Sect?"
Mo Hua was shocked.
Gu Changhuai looked even more stunned.
If Mo Hua really was up to something, and now Yu'er was entering the sect too… wouldn't that be like throwing a lamb into a tiger's den?
Gu Changhuai's frown deepened.
A moment later, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a solemn aura and square, steady features walked over.
He bowed politely to both of them and said,
"Master Gu, Young Master Mo."
Even the normally haughty Gu Changhuai returned the bow with a serious expression.
Mo Hua returned the bow as well, though his face held some confusion.
The man spoke in a deep, steady voice:
"I am Wenren Wei, a guard of the Wenren family. I'll be entering the sect with Young Master Yu'er to care for her. I ask Young Master Mo to look after us."
Wenren Wei's tone was respectful but composed—not servile.
Mo Hua smiled politely. "Hello, Uncle Wei."
Wenren Wei's expression didn't change, but his gaze softened slightly.
Gu Changhuai, however, couldn't help blurting, "Yu'er's so young—how can she possibly be admitted to the Great Void Sect? That's against the rules…"
Wenren Wei simply said, "This is the eldest lady's decision."
In other words—he was just following orders. He didn't have a say in it.
Gu Changhuai frowned deeper.
Wenren Wei said no more.
Meanwhile, Mo Hua pinched Yu'er's cheeks playfully. Yu'er clung to him happily, not wanting to move an inch.
After a short while, Wenren Wan arrived, walking arm-in-arm with a graceful female elder in Great Void Sect robes.
The two chatted and laughed as they approached, clearly very close.
When they reached the group, Wenren Wan greeted Mo Hua and introduced:
"Mo Hua, this is Elder Murong from the inner sect."
Elder Murong?
Mo Hua's thoughts stirred. Murong… could she be related to Senior Sister Murong Caiyun?
He bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Elder Murong."
Elder Murong smiled and nodded gently. "So you're the Mo Hua she mentioned…"
Wenren Wan smiled, "Mo Hua is a good, sensible boy. He works hard at cultivation. It's just that he's a rogue cultivator with no background. Elder Sister Murong, if you get the chance, please look out for him in the sect and don't let others bully him…"
Elder Murong smiled kindly. "Don't worry, Sister."
She glanced at Mo Hua, her gaze meaningful.
A child favored by Elder Xun… probably doesn't need me to look after him.
Gu Changhuai, standing nearby, wore a complicated expression.
This brat—lying through his teeth, full of schemes, and dangerously sharp…
At his age, with his cultivation, and only half a year into the sect, he was already going on missions with senior disciples to take down sinister figures like Elder Yin…
Honestly, it'd be a miracle if he didn't bully his fellow disciples.
Who could possibly bully him?
Wenren Wan whispered a few words to Elder Murong. Then she finally noticed Gu Changhuai and asked, somewhat surprised:
"Changhuai? When did you get here?"
Gu Changhuai felt bitter. "I've been here the whole time…"
Wenren Wan looked puzzled. "You're a Dao Court adjudicator. What are you doing here?"
Gu Changhuai sighed. "I came to see Mo Hua. Needed to ask him something."
"You came to see Mo Hua?" Wenren Wan's expression grew serious.
Then it suddenly darkened. "Did someone bully Mo Hua? Did he report it to the Dao Court?"
"…No."
Gu Changhuai felt emotionally drained.
His cousin was great in every way, except she sometimes got overly emotional and couldn't see the situation clearly.
But he couldn't say much, so he just replied, "It's just a small matter related to a sect bounty. I asked, and it's fine now."
Wenren Wan didn't quite believe him, but she let it go.
She spoke a bit more with Elder Murong, who then excused herself:
"I'll be heading back now. I've taken care of everything regarding Yu'er."
"She'll be considered a disciple of the Great Void Sect in advance after you complete a few entry procedures."
"There's no precedent for this, and she's very young, so she'll live in the disciples' residence for now, cared for by your family's guards."
"As for her cultivation…"
"She's still at the Qi Refining stage. She needs to nourish her meridians and build a solid foundation, so we won't arrange anything for now. You can handle her training yourself."
"If anything comes up after she's in the sect, feel free to find me."
"No need to stand on ceremony—we're sisters after all."
Wenren Wan bowed gratefully. "Thank you, Sister Murong. Breaking the rules for Yu'er this time must've taken a lot of effort. I'll visit to thank you properly another day."
Elder Murong waved her hand. "No need to be so formal. I was just going with the flow."
As she turned to leave, her gaze brushed over Mo Hua, who was chatting with Yu'er.
There had never been a precedent in the Great Void Sect for admitting a child still in Qi Refining.
To break this rule, they needed approval from the Grand Elders.
At first, the elders were against it.
But for some reason, after Elder Xun heard about it—perhaps having divined something—he unexpectedly gave his blessing, even going out of his way to smooth the path…
Only later did Elder Murong learn about Yu'er's connection with Mo Hua.
A flash of understanding flickered in her eyes.
"Elder Xun never says much… but he clearly values this child far more than anyone realizes."
A truly rare thing indeed.
She cast one last glance at Mo Hua before quietly taking her leave.
Mo Hua was also preparing to return to the sect.
He actually still wanted to talk with Uncle Gu a bit more—mainly to find a way to convince him to act as his "inside man" within the Dao Court, a convenient mission-issuing tool guy, so to speak.
But now wasn't the right time. He'd find another chance later.
Since Yu'er was also entering the sect, Mo Hua said his farewells to Wenren Wan, and then walked with Yu'er through the mountain gates of the Great Void Sect.
Yu'er was reluctant to part from her mother and kept looking back.
Wenren Wei bowed to both Wenren Wan and Gu Changhuai, then quietly followed Mo Hua and Yu'er into the sect.
He was the appointed guardian—tasked with caring for Yu'er's daily needs.
Once they parted, no one else was left around.
Wenren Wan's gaze lingered on Yu'er's figure until she disappeared into the mountain forest, her expression slightly wistful.
Then she turned back, glaring at Gu Changhuai. "Alright, spill it. What were you scheming just now?"
Gu Changhuai, before Wenren Wan, had none of his usual pride. He looked a little guilty. "Sis, what are you talking about…"
Wenren Wan snorted. "I watched you grow up. You think I don't know how that scheming head of yours works? You went to find Mo Hua for no reason at all?"
"I just—"
"Don't give me excuses."
Gu Changhuai sighed. "I suspect he's up to something…"
Wenren Wan frowned and said helplessly:
"You and your brother-in-law are the same. Always overthinking. So you assume everyone else has ulterior motives."
"The way you look at others is how they'll look at you. If you scheme against others, of course they'll scheme against you in return."
Gu Changhuai gave a bitter smile.
Seeing this, Wenren Wan softened a little. "I know you care about me and Yu'er, but don't give Mo Hua a hard time."
"If anything happens to him, help him out. He's just a child, with no family backing—cultivating in a sect isn't easy."
After speaking, she took on the tone of a big sister, giving Gu Changhuai a firm pat on the shoulder. "If Mo Hua ever asks you for help, do what you can. Don't brush him off. Don't try to fool me either."
She looked him straight in the eyes.
Gu Changhuai was clearly conflicted. After a long pause, he reluctantly said, "I got it…"
Wenren Wan nodded in satisfaction and smiled. "Come home during your next break. I'll make your favorite—Jade Pastries."
Gu Changhuai sighed, then asked just as she was about to leave, "Sis…"
His gaze grew serious. "Are you really at ease sending Yu'er into the Great Void Sect?"
Wenren Wan froze, her body trembling slightly.
When she turned back, her usually clear and gentle face had lost some of its color, now shadowed by grief, sorrow… and a trace of fear.
"Sis…" Gu Changhuai was alarmed—he didn't understand what had just happened.
Wenren Wan gave a faint, bitter smile and whispered:
"Changhuai…"
"I… had a nightmare…"
"In the dream, there was blood rain falling from the sky, demons running wild…"
"Yu'er looked at me with cold, empty eyes. His skin was deathly pale. All his blood had drained, his organs were hollowed out, and his spirit sense had been sucked dry…"
"He asked me, in a voice so cold it pierced my soul… why his own mother didn't save him…"
Wenren Wan clutched her chest as if suffocating, her expression twisted in pain. "Even in the dream, no matter how I struggled, how I tried… I couldn't save him…"
"Under the weight of evil thoughts as vast as the sea… human strength was just too small…"
"I couldn't save him…"
"So all I can do is hope…"
Her voice faded to a murmur, nearly inaudible. At last, she lifted her eyes to gaze toward the Great Void Mountains. In her beautiful eyes flickered a fragile, desperate hope—beautiful, but heartbreakingly fragile.
Gu Changhuai's heart trembled violently.
Only now did he realize—there were things he knew nothing about.
And his cousin… wasn't acting out of emotion and impulse like he'd thought.
Gu Changhuai let out a deep sigh and said with solemn conviction:
"…Sis. I understand now."
Inside the Great Void Sect.
Yu'er knew none of this.
He was happily holding Mo Hua's hand, bouncing with joy as they walked forward, all the way to the disciples' quarters.
Mo Hua used his Great Void Token to open the gate. But to his surprise, little Yu'er pulled out a mini version of the token—and beeped his way inside too.
Mo Hua blinked. "Yu'er… you're living here too?"
"Mhm mhm!" Yu'er nodded excitedly.
Mo Hua continued walking and noticed that Yu'er followed him all the way to the door of his room—Taiyi Residence No. 50—before finally stopping.
Mo Hua glanced at him.
Yu'er pointed next door. "Big Brother Mo, I live here!"
Mo Hua looked up. The previously vacant disciple's room to his right had been cleaned and unsealed.
The sign now read: Taiyi, No. 51.
Mo Hua opened his mouth, stunned.
He hadn't expected Yu'er to actually become a disciple—and now, a literal next-door neighbor…
Behind Yu'er, Wenren Wei cupped his fists respectfully.
"From now on, I ask Young Master Mo to look after us."
Yu'er beamed. "Big Brother Mo, please take care of me~"
Mo Hua looked down at those sparkling eyes and smiled warmly. "Alright."
Since he had cultivation classes in the afternoon, Wenren Wei took Yu'er into his new quarters—Taiyi No. 51—to avoid disturbing Mo Hua.
Yu'er waved happily as he left.
Wenren Wei followed.
But just then, Mo Hua suddenly called out, "Uncle Wei."
Wenren Wei stopped and turned back, face calm and composed. He replied politely, "Young Master Mo, do you have instructions?"
Mo Hua shook his head. "I'm no young master. Just call me Mo Hua."
Wenren Wei nodded silently.
Mo Hua paused, then spoke with quiet seriousness:
"If Yu'er has another nightmare… Uncle Wei, please come get me."
Wenren Wei's stoic face showed a flicker of surprise. Then, as if understanding something, a small, rare smile appeared. He nodded.
"…Alright."
(End of this Chapter)