The Quest for Immortality

”These ’Spiritual Livestock,’ are they actually people?”

Chickens, ducks, cattle, horses, sows, cranes— are these all nicknames for different cultivators?

Mo Hua’s pupils contracted slightly.

On the Letter Token was an ”account book.”

The account recorded a large quantity of transactions.

This meant that the Bald Eagle and his group...

They weren’t just simply ”kidnapping,” they were likely conducting large-scale trafficking of cultivators behind the scenes.

Treating people like ”Spiritual Livestock” to be trafficked!

Mo Hua’s gaze turned cold; Bald Eagle, that damn bastard, got off too easy with his death...

Looking at the restored lengthy ”Spiritual Livestock account,” Mo Hua’s brows furrowed slightly, his mind filled with doubts.

Bald Eagle’s abilities were strong, but not to the extent that he could independently run today’s large-scale illegal ”business.”

He might have been just a minor leader.

Just one link in the entire ”trafficking chain.”

Surely there were more Sin Cultivators along this trafficking chain.

And yet, such large-scale trafficking of cultivators was happening without raising any apparent alarm—outwardly all seemed calm and undisturbed.

This meant that the Bald Eagle and his cohorts must have had a long-standing and stable criminal operation.

A deeply-rooted interest network.

Perhaps even a ”black umbrella” shrouding them from behind...

It was very possible that behind them stood some ”Great cultivator,” who had concealed their deeds from the Heavenly secret...

Mo Hua pondered for a moment, sighed, and silently stored the ”Letter Token” into his Storage Ring.

This matter was beyond his reach for now...

In the future, when he had strength and connections, or after uncovering the secrets within, only then would he think of a way to investigate this matter thoroughly.

Before that, the Letter Token must not be known by anyone else.

Otherwise, it would surely bring disaster upon him.

As a mere cultivator, alone in the Qianxue State Boundary without any support, if he overreached and rashly involved himself in such matters, he might catch the attention of the ”hidden hands” behind the scenes, and his very life could be in jeopardy.

Even if Elder Master Xun and Aunt Wan wished to protect him, it was uncertain if they could...

One shouldn’t rely too much on others.

Nor should one cause them too much trouble.

Mo Hua nodded slightly.

His master had warned him that the protruding nail gets hammered down first.

As strong as his master was, adept in the Heavenly Secret Calculation as if it was second nature, he was still calculated against, falling into dire straits, his fate unknown.

Less capable than his master, if he wanted to survive, he had to learn to ”hide.”

To ”hide” within cause and effect.

Even if he revealed himself, he had to position himself somewhere ”inconspicuous.”

With his mind made up, Mo Hua stored away Bald Eagle’s ”Letter Token” and temporarily ceased to think about it.

The matter at hand was to catch Fire Buddha.

...

The next day was a break day.

Mo Hua, leading Yu Er and protected by Wenren Wei, stepped into a splendid carriage, leaving the serene and ancient Taixu Gate, heading to the Gu Family in Qingzhou City.

Upon arriving at the Gu family, Yu Er went to report on her studies to Wenren Wan.

In a family with strict traditions and the disciples of a direct lineage, the requirements for cultivation were very strict.

Previously, Yu Er had been troubled by nightmares, weak and feeble, so naturally, her cultivation had fallen behind.

But now, with Yu Er staying by Mo Hua’s side, well-fed and rested, replete with vital energy, she would naturally make up for the cultivation lessons she had missed.

After seeing Wenren Wan, Mo Hua greeted her, exchanged some pleasantries, and then went to find Gu Changhuai.

A Gu family disciple led the way, bringing Mo Hua to Gu Changhuai’s study.

Gu Changhuai’s study was immaculate and dust-free, exquisite and luxurious.

It was clearly the study of a pampered, esteemed family’s disciple.

A colorful peacock was embroidered on a nearby screen, proudly displaying its feathers with an air of arrogance—quite ostentatious.

This fit Mo Hua’s ”stereotypical” impression of Uncle Gu.

The guiding Gu family disciple only led Mo Hua to the door before bowing and leaving.

Mo Hua stood outside the study, glancing inside to see what Uncle Gu might be doing.

Knowing Mo Hua had arrived, Gu Changhuai sighed,

”Come in.”

Mo Hua confidently entered.

Gu Changhuai sat at a rosewood desk inlaid with gold.

Mo Hua looked around and, seeing no seats in front of the desk, moved a stool from the side to face Gu Changhuai and sat down opposite him.

Gu Changhuai sighed again.

This kid, he’s too familiar with himself...

Mo Hua then began to discuss official matters.

”Uncle Gu, is there a lead on Fire Buddha?”

Although Mo Hua could tell from Uncle Gu’s complexion that there were likely no leads and little progress, he still asked out of formality.

Gu Changhuai shook his head but clearly didn’t want to say much.

”That...” Mo Hua continued to ask, ”Has the Letter Token from Flower Gentleman been restored?”

Gu Changhuai’s expression soured, ”No, it can’t be restored...”

Mo Hua’s eyes lit up, but he still expressed regret.

Gu Changhuai silently watched Mo Hua, frowning,

”Why do you seem... rather happy about that?”

”No, not at all...”

Mo Hua’s words were a tad insincere.

He had studied the Yuan Magnetic Formation exactly for the purpose of ”restoring” the Magnetic Patterns and recovering the erased text in the Letter Token.

If someone else had restored it, his efforts would have been in vain.

Gu Changhuai was somewhat puzzled and didn’t know what to say.

Mo Hua then tentatively whispered,

”Uncle Gu, how about you let me try?”

Gu Changhuai looked bewildered, ”Let you try what?”

”The Letter Token!”

Gu Changhuai eyed Mo Hua skeptically, ”Don’t tell me, in these few days, you’ve already learned how to ’restore’ the Magnetic Patterns of the Letter Token?”

Mo Hua nodded with a sense of ”modesty.”

Gu Changhuai was silent.