The Quest for Immortality

After signing the Sect Jade Token, Mo Hua carefully stored it in the Storage Ring.

This Jade Token is not only a ”letter of recommendation,” a ”calling card,” but also the recognition and regard from the sect’s ancestors, the Sect Leader, and the Elders towards him, which Mo Hua holds in high esteem.

Afterwards, there were some trivial matters to attend to.

Since he had already ”graduated,” the fellow disciples had left the sect, and there were no more classes to attend, Mo Hua’s time became relatively freer.

He made a list, noted some place names and people’s names, intending to visit them all before leaving the Qian Learning State Boundary.

The seniors and friends within the Taixu Gate had mostly been bid farewell already.

The rest were mostly outside the sect.

The next day, Mo Hua first went to Solitary Mountain City.

Master Gu led Mo Hua around the vicinity of Solitary Mountain, looked at the large Spiritual Machines and Formations atop the mountain, and the Refining Furnace within the Refinery Shop.

He also talked to Mo Hua about the current situation in Solitary Mountain City.

”Previously, during the Blood Sacrifice disaster, Solitary Mountain City was fortunate not to be implicated, so the Spiritual Machines and Formations on these mines remain intact, and the Refinery Shop is also undamaged.”

”Now with these industries, the Loose Cultivators in the city have food and clothing, can be self-sufficient, and the remaining Spirit Stones are used for cultivation. Life is better than before.”

”The orphans in the city have also been taken in by our Refinery Shop. Those with good Spiritual Roots are sent to some small sects for cultivation. Those with strong body foundations learn Artifact Refining. The smart ones learn Formations.”

”Of course, we have explained the principles to them.”

”Their expenses for cultivation, Body Refinement, Artifact Refining, and learning Formations are all covered by the Gushan Refining Workshop. After they master these skills, they must return to contribute to Solitary Mountain City, helping it grow and ensuring that the Loose Cultivators in Solitary Mountain City live better in the future...”

As they walked, Master Gu explained to Mo Hua in a steady stream.

Walking in Solitary Mountain City, Mo Hua indeed saw no more orphans with heavy bamboo baskets on the streets.

In contrast, there were many more cultivators coming and going.

Sometimes, when he saw a few children, there were smiles on their faces.

This once desolate Immortal City was gradually gaining vitality.

Although in Solitary Mountain, most of the Cultivation Ore had already been excessively mined by aristocratic families and exhausted, leaving few resources compared to before, the city was still relatively poor overall.

But because people lived better, had goals for living, and hopes for life, they were willing to strive for the future, the whole Solitary Mountain City instead brimmed with a burgeoning vitality and atmosphere.

Mo Hua felt deeply moved.

The most precious resource for an Immortal City, is actually ”people.”

With people, there is a city.

Without people, even the most prosperous Immortal City would eventually wither.

And the most important aspect of people is ”heart.”

If people aspire upward, united as one, even if it’s a bit hard and tiring, they can still build a foundation.

If people’s hearts are corrupted, no matter how much wealth there is, it only breeds greed and mutual exploitation, ultimately leading to mutual decline.

After walking around Solitary Mountain City, Mo Hua went to the Refinery Shop to inspect the Artifact Furnace again.

Most important was the Magnetic Ink Furnace.

Mo Hua collected all the Secondary Thunder Patterns, a byproduct derived from the operation of the Magnetic Ink Furnace during this period.

After confirming everything was fine, Mo Hua prepared to leave.

Master Gu, reluctant, said, ”Young Master Mo, why not stay another day. Many masters in the Refinery Shop want to thank you in person, and the orphans in Solitary Mountain City are also grateful for your kindness.”

Mo Hua shook his head and said, ”No need, as long as everyone can live a good life one step at a time.”

Master Gu sighed deeply, ”Leaving without seeking fame or reward. Young Master Mo, your conduct is truly noble and admirable.”

Mo Hua blushed slightly.

He simply disliked trouble, but since Master Gu praised him this way, he couldn’t bear to deny it.

”By the way,” Master Gu remembered something, ”Fan Jin, Master Fan, has been promoted and is no longer in Solitary Mountain City. Before he left, he specifically instructed me to convey his gratitude to you if I met you. He said you are his ’benefactor,’ and though he is in a lowly position now and dares not speak lightly of repaying, he will repay your kindness if he ever makes a name for himself.”

”Master Fan is too polite...” Mo Hua shook his head.

Master Fan had helped him before, so he spoke well of Master Fan in front of Master Xia, it was merely a small favor.

As for the future... The Taoist Court is a place of power and fame.

Master Fan’s background is not advantageous, and if he wants to make a name for himself, who knows how much effort it would take, there might not be any spare energy to repay others. .

These words did not weigh heavily on Mo Hua’s heart.

After confirming Solitary Mountain City was fine, and the lives of Loose Cultivators were improving, after bidding farewell to Master Gu, Mo Hua began his journey.

When he came, it was without a sound. When he left, it was equally silent.

Master Gu stood at the city gate, watching Mo Hua’s carriage recede, with myriads of emotions surging in his heart.

Mo Hua is Master Fan’s ”benefactor,” and likewise his, the biggest ”benefactor” of the Gushan Refining Workshop, and even the entire Solitary Mountain City.

He indeed chose right back then, having found such a great support.

However, partings are inevitable in life.

Young Master Mo also has his own future path and aspirations.

”May you have a safe and smooth life, and achieve immortality and enlightenment...”

Master Gu bowed toward Mo Hua’s departing carriage, with a sincere heart.

People in the world all seek immortality.

But whether immortals truly exist, or if anyone can become an immortal, Master Gu does not know.

But if there are truly immortals, then probably they would do things just like Young Master Mo.

And if a person indeed can become an immortal, can live forever, then Master Gu hopes, that the person reaching immortality will be this young master before him, with a Taoist Heart so kind, and a heart filled with compassion—Little Mo...