Chapter 640 – Clue
These "spirit beasts"… were actually people?
Chickens, ducks, cattle, horses—even sows and immortal cranes—were all code names for different cultivators?
Mo Hua's pupils shrank.
The messaging token… was actually a ledger.
And the ledger recorded a large quantity of "stock."
That could only mean—
The Vulture and his gang… weren't just simple kidnappers.
They were likely running a large-scale trafficking operation involving cultivators.
Selling humans like spirit livestock!
Mo Hua's eyes turned cold.
That bastard Vulture died far too easily…
Looking at the long, fully restored "spirit livestock ledger," Mo Hua furrowed his brows slightly, doubts rising in his heart.
Vulture was strong, yes—but not strong enough to single-handedly run such a massive, illegal "trade."
He was probably just a mid-level thug.
One link in a much larger trafficking chain.
And if so many cultivators had been trafficked under the radar, with no one noticing…
That meant the Vulture's group had a well-established, long-running criminal system in place.
A deeply entrenched profit chain.
They might even have a "black umbrella" behind them…
Possibly powerful cultivators covering up their tracks, shielding their actions from heavenly foresight.
Mo Hua fell silent for a moment, then sighed and quietly stored the messaging token into his storage ring.
He couldn't get involved in this—not yet.
When he had the strength, the connections, or when he uncovered more about what was happening behind the scenes…
Then he could start tracking this down to the bitter end.
Until then, no one could know about this messaging token.
Otherwise, it would bring disaster down upon him.
He was just a lone cultivator in the Dry Learning Prefecture, without background or backing. If he overestimated himself and got involved in this kind of mess…
And if those "black hands" behind the scenes took notice…
His own life would be in danger.
Even if Elder Xun or Aunt Wan tried to protect him, they might not be able to.
He couldn't rely on others too much.
And he definitely couldn't drag them into danger.
Mo Hua nodded to himself.
His master had warned him: "The tree that sticks out gets chopped down first."
Even his powerful master—who had mastered heavenly calculations—was ultimately schemed against and disappeared into danger, life or death unknown.
Mo Hua was nowhere near his master's level.
If he wanted to survive, he had to learn how to "vanish."
Vanish from cause and effect.
And even if he had to show himself, he needed to be in the most unremarkable position possible.
With his mind made up, Mo Hua carefully stored away the Vulture's messaging token and put the matter aside for now.
The priority now… was still tracking down the Fire Buddha.
The Next Day – Rest Day
Mo Hua led Yu'er, accompanied by Wenren guards, onto a luxurious carriage and departed the elegant, ancient Great Void Sect—headed to the Gu Estate in Qingzhou City.
Upon arrival, Yu'er went straight to report her cultivation progress to Aunt Wan (Wenren Wan).
As a direct descendant of a noble family with strict house rules, cultivation standards were extremely high.
Yu'er had previously been tormented by nightmares, leaving her weak and unable to train.
But now, having stayed with Mo Hua—eating well, sleeping soundly, and fully recovered—naturally, she had to catch up on all the missed lessons.
Mo Hua greeted Wenren Wan, exchanged some pleasantries, and then went to find Gu Changhuai.
A Gu clansman led him to Gu Changhuai's study.
It was immaculate and ornate, clearly the workspace of a pampered noble heir.
Even the screen by the side was embroidered with a brightly colored peacock, neck raised arrogantly, fanning its tail flamboyantly—utterly pretentious.
It matched Mo Hua's stereotypical impression of Uncle Gu perfectly.
The Gu clansman only escorted him to the door before bowing and leaving.
Mo Hua peeked inside, curious to see what Uncle Gu was up to.
Gu Changhuai, already aware Mo Hua had arrived, sighed and called out:
"Come in."
Mo Hua confidently stepped inside.
Gu Changhuai sat behind a redwood desk inlaid with gold.
Mo Hua looked around, saw there was no seat opposite the desk, and simply dragged over a stool to sit face-to-face with him.
Gu Changhuai sighed again.
This kid really didn't treat him like an outsider at all…
Mo Hua got straight to the point:
"Uncle Gu, any news about the Fire Buddha?"
Judging from Gu Changhuai's expression, Mo Hua already guessed there wasn't much progress—but still, he asked out of courtesy.
Gu Changhuai shook his head, clearly unwilling to elaborate.
"Then…" Mo Hua continued, "Was the messaging token from Hua Langjun restored?"
Gu Changhuai's face darkened. "No. Couldn't restore it…"
Mo Hua's eyes lit up—but he put on a disappointed expression.
Gu Changhuai narrowed his eyes, staring at him. "Why do you look… happy about that?"
"No, no…" Mo Hua replied, not sounding at all convincing.
He had learned the Primordial Magnetic Array specifically to restore erased magnetic runes in messaging tokens.
If someone else restored it first, wouldn't all his effort go to waste?
Gu Changhuai looked a bit confused, unsure what to say.
Mo Hua cautiously offered:
"Uncle Gu… why not let me try?"
Gu Changhuai blinked. "Let you try what?"
"The messaging token!"
Gu Changhuai gave him a suspicious look. "Don't tell me that in just a few days, you've already learned how to restore magnetic script?"
[To be continued. Please click next page.]
Mo Hua gave a modest nod.
Gu Changhuai fell silent.
He actually wanted to believe it, and part of him did—but reason made it hard to accept.
The Primordial Magnetic Array was a confidential technique. Most cultivators wouldn't even attempt to learn it. Even those who did rarely mastered it.
And even if someone did master it, that usually meant constructing arrays, not reversing them.
Restoring magnetic patterns was a different beast entirely.
Array theory was vast, varied, and deep. Even top-tier array masters couldn't master every type.
Every craft has its specialty.
So did array formations.
Mo Hua was far too young. If he had already built a solid foundation in basic arrays, that would be impressive enough.
But magnetic pattern restoration? That was a niche field requiring extreme specialization.
Where would he find the time, divine sense, and resources to study it that deeply?
Gu Changhuai shook his head.
"You don't believe me?" Mo Hua asked.
"What do you think?" Gu rolled his eyes.
"Why not?" Mo Hua was genuinely confused.
"So you expect me to believe whatever you say?" Gu scoffed. "Why not just say you've led a project to build a massive array while you're at it?"
Mo Hua's expression grew… slightly awkward.
Gu Changhuai sneered. "What? Don't tell me—you have built one?"
"If I said yes… would you believe me?"
Gu Changhuai gave him a blank stare. "I may not be an array expert, but I'm not completely array-blind, either…"
"Lead architect of a major formation…? What are you, twelve?"
You're blowing smoke straight up to the heavens, kid.
"I really learned how to restore magnetic patterns!"
Gu Changhuai still didn't buy it.
Mo Hua sighed.
Looks like there's no helping it.
Time to prove it with actions.
He pulled out a messaging token and handed it to Gu Changhuai.
"Uncle Gu, send a message on this token—secretly. Don't let me see it. Then erase it."
"I'll restore it and show you."
But before Mo Hua could even finish—
Gu Changhuai's expression changed dramatically.
He stared at the token with disbelief.
"This…"
"This is..."
Gu Changhuai pointed at the messaging token—cracked all over and looking like it had been through a disaster. His hand trembled slightly, his voice rising in disbelief and frustration:
"This is the messaging token I gave you?"
"It hasn't even been that long—how did you already break it?!"
Mo Hua felt a bit guilty, but still corrected him earnestly:
"It's not broken!"
Gu Changhuai gave him a frosty glare—the kind that said: Go ahead, let's hear your excuse. I'm dying to see how you spin this one.
Mo Hua blinked innocently.
"I just... accidentally took it apart. Got a few cracks on it. It's not exactly pretty anymore, but I already fixed it!"
"The surface looks a bit ragged, but the functionality is totally intact!"
Mo Hua straightened up and said seriously:
"A cultivator must not be deceived by appearances. We should focus on the true purpose—the core functionality of things!"
Gu Changhuai, ice-cold:
"Wow, you really do know how to talk. Break something, and you can still pull out a whole philosophical lecture…"
Seeing that his uncle was still fuming, Mo Hua quickly changed the topic:
"But that's not the point!"
"I only did it to study magnetic rune restoration!"
"This messaging token was a worthy sacrifice for the cause!"
Mo Hua looked completely serious.
"Fine, fine…"
Gu Changhuai, still simmering with irritation, snatched back the token. He sent a few messages through it, wiped them, and tossed the token back to Mo Hua.
"Restore it. Tell me what I just wrote."
"Mm-hmm!"
Mo Hua was full of confidence.
He took out his array compass, recreated the foundational magnetic rune patterns, and then used his divine sense to observe and record the Secondary Thunder Runes.
Then, using the array compass to combine the Foundational Magnetic Runes with the Secondary Thunder Runes, he began the deduction process.
Gu Changhuai watched with growing surprise. Mo Hua's expression was calm, his movements practiced. He was drawing a series of intricate rune patterns Gu had never even seen before—each stroke sharp and purposeful.
The earlier anger faded, replaced by awe.
Even though he didn't understand the technique, Gu could tell—this was no ordinary method.
And on the compass—magnetic ink condensed, gradually forming visible words:
"Little troublemaker…"
Mo Hua's face lit up, then immediately darkened. He looked at Gu Changhuai with a pout.
"Little troublemaker… that's not about me, is it?"
Gu Changhuai ignored the complaint.
He was stunned, staring at Mo Hua like he'd seen a ghost.
"You… actually restored it?"
This kind of technique… was something only master array cultivators from the Heavenly Pivot Pavilion could perform.
And you, a Foundation Establishment newbie, actually learned it?
Mo Hua saw Gu's flabbergasted face—like a country bumpkin seeing his first spirit crane—and let the "little troublemaker" comment slide.
"I am learning arrays from Elder Xun, after all," he said proudly.
"Elder Xun…"
Gu Changhuai was momentarily stunned, then his expression turned respectful.
He didn't know who exactly "Elder Xun" was, but anyone who could teach arrays in one of the Eight Great Sects—the Great Void Sect—and was respectfully called "Elder" had to be incredibly senior and well-versed in formations.
With someone like that as Mo Hua's teacher… all of this suddenly seemed much more believable.
Gu Changhuai now looked at Mo Hua with a completely different expression.
Even so, he was still hesitant to let Mo Hua attempt the restoration of Hua Langjun's messaging token.
Mo Hua, sensing his hesitation, asked:
"Uncle Gu, where's Hua Langjun's messaging token now?"
Gu Changhuai paused a moment before replying slowly:
"It was sent back from the Heavenly Pivot Pavilion…"
He snorted with displeasure.
"The array masters there… either their status is too high for me to call on, or they're too busy to help, or they just don't want to bother…"
"In the end, no one's willing to take on this task from the Dao Court…"
"So that means you'll have to rely on me!" Mo Hua's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Gu Changhuai froze, then sighed in defeat.
"Come with me to the Dao Court. I'll give you the token—see if you can make anything of it."
"Yes! Yes!"
Mo Hua nodded like a bobblehead.
Gu Changhuai shook his head.
He never thought that a dignified Golden Core Commander of the Dao Court would have to rely on a newly initiated junior disciple to investigate a clue…
But when you're under a roof, you have to lower your head.
He informed Wenren Wan and brought Mo Hua with him back to the Dao Court.
After handling some formalities, he retrieved Hua Langjun's messaging token.
It was a jade token—milky white with streaks of emerald green.
Mo Hua examined it, then sent his divine sense inside. Sure enough, the interior was completely blank—the messages had all been erased.
He swept it again. There were no signs of sealing or encryption.
Only then did he hand the token to Gu Changhuai.
"Uncle Gu, could you dismantle this for me?"
He was afraid if he did it himself, he might break it again…
Gu Changhuai wanted to refuse but hesitated before making a move.
He was worried Mo Hua's skills weren't polished enough—and if he damaged the inner formations, they might lose everything.
But then again, even if he had it restored at the Heavenly Pivot Pavilion, the risks were the same.
There was no such thing as a 100% guaranteed "safe restoration."
And if they didn't take the risk now—by the time the Fire Buddha vanished—restoring the token would be pointless anyway.
With that thought, Gu Changhuai steeled his resolve.
In just a few skillful moves, he dismantled the messaging token, revealing the underlying array pattern, and handed it to Mo Hua.
Mo Hua immediately began reconstructing the Foundational Magnetic Runes.
Every token had different foundational patterns.
This one was completely different from the Vulture's.
Mo Hua carefully copied the rune layout onto his compass, then cross-referenced each one with his annotated guidebook: "Commentary on Foundational Magnetic Runes".
He gradually deciphered the structure and function of the glyphs.
Most functional magnetic runes followed the same general logic.
The only real difference was in the habitual stylization used when inscribing them.
The biggest discovery was—
This particular token was one-way only.
It could only receive messages, not send them.
"The Fire Buddha's people… really are cautious."
Mo Hua began the deduction process again—starting from the foundational runes, using the Secondary Thunder Runes as the magnetic trail contract markers.
Soon, text began to emerge on the array compass.
Gu Changhuai's heart trembled.
"He actually… did it…"
He silently glanced at Mo Hua again, his emotions turbulent.
Then he turned and stared closely at the characters forming on the compass.
Because the Secondary Thunder Runes were so variable, there were bound to be small gaps or errors in the restoration.
The sequence was jumbled.
But overall, it was readable—
...
"Hua Lao Liu... where are you now?"
"If you screw this up, we're all dead…"
"You bastard…"
"First day of the Eleventh Month…"
"Your whole family will be wiped out…"
"Everything's ready—silent and undetected…"
"Bishan City. Rouge Shop…"
——
"What's so fun about those withered flowers and wilted willows?"
"Once the job's done, Young Master will reward you with a premium one—something you couldn't even lick in this lifetime…"
"Hua Lao Liu, don't be late."
"Hua Lao Liu?"
"If you let your lust control you again and ruin things, I swear I'll have you castrated…"
——
"Big Brother is furious. The consequences will be dire."
"You're dead meat…"
——
Mo Hua and Gu Changhuai exchanged glances after reading the contents, both frowning deeply.
"This tone… doesn't sound like the Fire Buddha."
"Could be someone under his command," Gu suggested.
There wasn't much useful information here—most of it was things they already knew.
Hua Langjun and the Fire Buddha were clearly in cahoots, and they were planning to meet in Bishan City to wipe out the Xie Clan.
But two points especially caught Mo Hua's attention.
One: "Young Master"
"Once the job's done, Young Master will reward you…"
Who was this "Young Master"?
Suddenly, Mo Hua remembered something from the Vulture's messaging token—the restored "ledger" had a line:
"20th day, Hundred Flowers, obtained one crane, gifted to Young Master…"
A spirit crane, gifted to "Young Master."
Were these two "Young Masters" referring to the same person?
Or was it just coincidence?
After all, this was the Qianxue Prefecture, a place crawling with noble disciples. The title "Young Master" wasn't exactly rare.
He himself was sometimes called "Little Young Master"…
Mo Hua glanced at Gu Changhuai and whispered:
"Uncle Gu, is there any notorious criminal cultivator who goes by the nickname Young Master?"
Gu furrowed his brows, thought for a bit, then shook his head.
"Never heard of one."
Mo Hua nodded.
If even Uncle Gu hadn't heard of him, then this so-called "Young Master" was likely someone operating from the shadows…
The second clue was: "Rouge Shop"
This was the only specific location mentioned in the entire message.
It could be a rendezvous point.
Or possibly a hidden sentry post.
Maybe even…
Their hideout.
Gu Changhuai had clearly thought the same thing.
"Uncle Gu, is there a Rouge Shop in Bishan City?" Mo Hua asked.
Gu pondered, "There are a few…"
"Should we go take a look?" Mo Hua asked cautiously.
At this point, there was no reason not to.
Gu nodded and rose to leave. But he hadn't even taken a few steps before he noticed Mo Hua trailing him like a loyal little duckling—clearly intending to tag along.
Gu Changhuai didn't want to bring him, but also knew there was no shaking him off.
So he didn't waste his breath, merely warned:
"Remember the three rules we agreed on!"
"Got it, got it." Mo Hua nodded quickly.
Gu sighed, turned to go, but paused again, his expression suddenly serious:
"Don't tell anyone about the magnetic rune restoration."
"Especially not anyone from the Dao Court."
Mo Hua blinked, then nodded solemnly:
"Don't worry. My lips are sealed tighter than a tortoise in winter."
Only then did Gu relax.
The two of them took a carriage toward Bishan City.
Since this was only a reconnaissance mission, Gu didn't mobilize any Dao Court personnel.
The carriage sped along, bumpy but fast—they soon arrived at the city.
There were four Rouge Shops in Bishan City.
Two were larger—lavishly decorated, heavy with the scent of makeup and powder. Customers came and went, both men and women, making them lively and bustling.
One was practically bankrupt—barely clinging to life.
None of the three looked suspicious.
But the last one stood out.
Its name was simply "Rouge Shop."
Tucked into a small alley, modest in size, with barely any foot traffic—eerily quiet.
Inside were indeed various cosmetics, but all looked old and dusty—clearly outdated stock.
The whole shop radiated an uncanny sense of wrongness.
Every so often, a cultivator would enter—but after a short while, they'd leave again.
Mo Hua and Gu set up in a nearby teahouse, sipping tea and nibbling pine nuts, eyes locked on the shop from across the street.
They didn't act rashly—choosing instead to observe.
After watching for over an hour, Mo Hua suddenly let out a soft:
"Hmm?"
Gu raised a brow. "You noticed something?"
Mo Hua lifted his teacup, took a sip, and lowered his voice:
"That shop… has no real customers."
"The men and women who come and go—they look different, but they're all the same person."
Gu's brows rose slightly—he nodded.
Mo Hua noticed his calm reaction and asked curiously:
"Uncle Gu, you saw through it too?"
Gu gave a light snort:
"Just a minor illusion technique. How could it fool me?"
Mo Hua wasn't thrilled with that smug attitude, so he followed up with:
"Then do you know who the person impersonating all those customers is?"
Gu was momentarily stunned.
How would he know?
He looked at Mo Hua. "You know?"
Mo Hua raised an eyebrow proudly.
Gu frowned. "How do you know?"
Mo Hua grinned.
"Because not long ago… I'm the one who threw him into the Dao Prison!"
(End of Chapter)