The Quest for Immortality

Xiao Tianquan’s killing intent has subsided.

The chill behind Mo Hua disappeared, but the doubts in his heart grew deeper.

This Xiao Tianquan... what exactly is he looking for?

Is he related to the water pirates?

Does he know the Water Yama?

Mo Hua recalled various signs from Xiao Tianquan along the way.

During the eradication of the water pirates, at least on the surface, Xiao Tianquan didn’t have any problems nor was he secretly up to anything.

He fulfilled all the tasks arranged by the Xia Canonical Official without any deviation.

When he was killing the water pirates, he truly slaughtered them, leaving no room for sentiment.

He was even more ruthless than others.

Mo Hua furrowed his brows.

”The Xiao family, Xiao Tianquan... is a bit strange.”

Then he searched all the remaining secret rooms, obtained one formation diagram, and found some stolen goods.

After that, there was nothing else.

Searched what should be searched, found what should be found, and what couldn’t be found was simply gone.

Mo Hua then picked a scenic high platform on the island to sit and look at the distant misty moonlit Mistwater River, waiting for news from Uncle Gu and Sister Xia.

About one hour later, Gu Changhuai and the Xia Canonical Official returned.

Both were weary, their expressions stern.

Mo Hua sighed, guessing in his heart that the Water Yama had escaped again.

Gu Changhuai’s face was a bit unsightly, ”There is a hidden passage on the island, the Water Yama had a backup plan and escaped through the passage...”

”We chased after him, but the Water Yama’s skills in the water are too good. Once he touches the water, he becomes like a dragon, his Taoist skill stronger, movement technique faster, riding the waves in the river, coming and going as he pleases.”

”But he was injured before, lost vital energy, ultimately falling behind. Seeing he was about to fall into dire straits, he suddenly swam toward the adjacent Third Grade river region...”

”Third Grade?” Mo Hua was a bit surprised.

”Yes.” Gu Changhuai nodded.

Mo Hua thought, ”In the Third Grade, wouldn’t the Water Yama... be an even match for you and Sister Xia?”

After all, the Water Yama was only at Foundation Establishment Peak, relying on Heavenly Dao’s suppression to contend with Uncle Gu and Xia Canonical Official, who were at the Golden Core Realm.

Entering the Third Grade Territory, wouldn’t he be seeking his own end?

Gu Changhuai’s gaze turned cold, ”This beast was indeed seeking death. As soon as he entered the Third Grade waters without cultivation restrictions, I used the Golden Core Power. With just one Wind Blade, I severed his arm.”

Mo Hua was quite shocked.

Gu Changhuai seemed to understand Mo Hua’s thoughts and glanced at him, ”You wouldn’t really think I, a Golden Core, couldn’t defeat Foundation Establishment, would you?”

Mo Hua shook his head repeatedly, sheepishly saying, ”Of course not.”

Gu Changhuai looked displeased, and then he frowned:

”Watching the next Wind Blade about to take Water Yama’s life... Right at that moment, someone intervened to save him.”

Mo Hua’s eyes narrowed, ”Who?”

Gu Changhuai shook his head, his expression grave, ”This person’s cultivation is deep, but he hid himself, not using any of his Taoist skills. After saving Water Yama, he submerged into the water and disappeared, nowhere to be found.”

”It’s as if a layer of mist covered everything...”

”Mist...” Mo Hua’s heart trembled.

The Xia Canonical Official, silent until now, sighed:

”Although Water Yama escaped, at least the pirate village was broken, and the water pirates eradicated. This raid was quite effective, and there will be rewards from the Taoist Court.”

She then glanced at Mo Hua, her voice softening, ”Thanks to your help in this raid, I will apply for more Merit Points for you.”

Mo Hua said, ”Thank you, Sister Xia.”

The Xia Canonical Official had become accustomed to being called ”Sister Xia.”

Especially after witnessing Mo Hua’s talent and expertise in formation during the mission, the Xia Canonical Official felt even less opposed to Mo Hua calling her ”sister.”

”I have some aftermath to handle, take care of yourself. After dawn, we’ll return home.” The Xia Canonical Official said.

”Alright.” Mo Hua nodded.

The Xia Canonical Official gave Mo Hua a gentle look and then left.

Mo Hua was curious, quietly asking Gu Changhuai, ”The Water Yama escaped; Sister Xia doesn’t seem anxious?”

Gu Changhuai cast a faint glance at Mo Hua.

Mo Hua stared back at Gu Changhuai.

Gu Changhuai helplessly sighed before speaking:

”The Water Yama is the fish, but also the bait. Now there’s a bigger fish that has taken the bait, naturally nothing bad about that.”

”Although this big fish swallowed the bait and ran away, at least it surfaced.”

”This is Qian Learning State Boundary, still within the Taoist Court’s setup. No matter how big the fish exposed on the surface is not to fear, what’s fearsome is when you hide in the depths without showing yourself.”

Mo Hua understood and nodded.

For the Taoist Court and the Xia family, this raid on the water pirates is not the end, but the beginning.

Future situations are likely to be more complicated.

Wondering if he could still profit amidst the chaos...

While Mo Hua was pondering, Gu Changhuai suddenly asked him, ”By the way, why did the Water Yama chase you with red eyes?”

Mo Hua paused.

Because I took his lifeline...

Gu Changhuai silently looked at Mo Hua.

Mo Hua coughed and said vaguely:

”Because... he was secretly packing to escape, and I accidentally found out, so he was embarrassed and enraged, wanting to kill me. Uncle Gu, you know, people like Water Yama have very petty characters...”

Gu Changhuai knew instantly that Mo Hua was speaking nonsense.

But then he thought, the thought of these bandits wanting to kill Mo Hua seemed only natural.

Sometimes he couldn’t help but want to strangle this kid.

Gu Changhuai suddenly empathized and decided not to pursue the issue further.

”I also have things to do, you stay honest here, we’ll return together later.” Gu Changhuai said.

”Alright.” Mo Hua agreed.

Then Gu Changhuai got up and left as well.