In the evening, Mo Hua was in the guest room reading a formation book, while Bai Zisheng sat nearby meditating and recuperating.

Situ Fang knocked on the door and brought in an elder, introducing him to Mo Hua: “This is Elder Jin. You should have met him before.”

Mo Hua thought for a moment, nodded, and greeted with a smile, “It’s good to see Elder Jin again.”

This was Situ Jin, a Foundation Establishment elder of the Situ family.

Back in Nanyue City, when Mo Hua, his senior disciple brother, and another person were apprehending the Corpse Cultivator Zhang Quan, Situ Jin had once lent a hand.

More than ten years had passed, and Situ Jin’s appearance had hardly changed.

In contrast, Mo Hua had grown older and was now a handsome young man.

Situ Jin looked at Mo Hua, initially with caution, then, after observing for a moment, he was stunned, his expression showing disbelief as he shook his head and sighed:

“Indeed, heroes emerge from the young… When Fang’er told me, I didn’t believe it, but to think that in just over ten years, in the blink of an eye, Young Friend has already reached… the peak of Foundation Establishment… It’s truly… inconceivable… inconceivable…”

Situ Jin couldn’t stop shaking his head, marveling and feeling ashamed.

In more than ten years, his own cultivation had progressed very little.

Yet, Mo Hua, that young cultivator who had left a deep impression on him back then, had already gone from the ninth level of Qi Refinement to the peak of Foundation Establishment.

Such a cultivation speed, even among the direct descendants of the Situ family, would definitely be considered among the very best.

Back in Nanyue City, he, an elder, had to personally step in to deal with that Foundation Establishment Corpse Cultivator Zhang Quan.

But now, times had changed. With Zhang Quan’s cultivation, this young brother in front of him could probably crush him with a single finger.

Situ Jin was not an influential elder of the Situ family. On the contrary, as a Foundation Establishment elder, he mostly worked at the lower levels. He had met many people and had a unique perspective.

When Situ Fang told him that Mo Hua had dealt with a dozen barbarian soldiers with just a few Fireball Spells, he thought she was joking.

But now, seeing it with his own eyes, he felt truly amazed.

Mo Hua humbly replied, “Elder, you flatter me. It was just luck. I was also fortunate to have the elder’s help in Nanyue City back then.”

Mo Hua’s temperament had always been that if others treated him politely, he would be very humble.

If others were impolite, he would be very sharp-tongued.

Situ Jin looked at Mo Hua again, still couldn’t help but feel incredible, shaking his head and sighing, then asked, “May I ask where Young Friend has been cultivating these past years?”

Mo Hua didn’t hide it, “I went to Qianxue Zhoujie and joined the fifth-grade Taixu Sect…”

“Fifth-grade…” Situ Jin’s expression was shocked, and he nodded, “No wonder, no wonder… Famous teachers produce outstanding disciples, and prestigious sects produce brilliant talents.”

Mo Hua asked, “Elder Jin… have you heard of the Taixu Sect?”

Situ Jin regretfully said, “I’m ashamed, I don’t know much about the matters of the fifth-grade realm…”

Mo Hua couldn’t help but wonder:

Elder Situ Jin hasn’t heard of the Taixu Sect. Could it be that this Situ Jian of the Situ family isn’t my junior disciple brother Situ Jian?

After all, the Jiuzhou is so vast, and there are so many aristocratic families. It’s quite normal for some prodigies to have the same name.

As Mo Hua was pondering, Situ Jin asked again:

“I heard that Young Friend knows our Situ family’s Young Master Jian? How did you meet? What is your relationship?”

Mo Hua wasn’t too sure, so he could only say, “If it’s truly the Situ Jian I know, then we should be… fellow disciples.”

Mo Hua didn’t want to say that he was Situ Jian’s senior disciple brother, as that would sound like he was elevating his own status.

In most cases, Mo Hua was very modest.

But even so, Situ Jin was still very surprised.

After all, in the cultivation world, the bond between fellow disciples of some large sects was still very precious.

Situ Jin nodded, “If that’s the case, I might be able to find a way to take Young Friend to meet Young Master Situ Jian. But I’m not afraid of Young Friend laughing at me…”

Situ Jin sighed, “I don’t have that much ability to let you meet alone. I can only let Young Friend mingle with the retainers and pay a visit to Young Master Jian together. After all, this young master is the family head’s most beloved son and the most promising prodigy of the Situ family.”

Mo Hua nodded, “Okay, thank you, Elder Jin.”

At this point, Situ Jin hesitated, seemingly having more to say. After thinking for a moment, he said to Situ Fang, who was beside him:

“Fang’er, go check on your cousin, how are his injuries…”

Situ Fang didn’t understand why but didn’t refuse. She nodded and said, “Okay, Elder,” then left.

Mo Hua guessed that Elder Situ Jin seemed to have something to say privately.

Elder Situ Jin stammered for a moment, then looked at Bai Zisheng, who was beside them.

Mo Hua said, “Elder, just speak your mind. This person is my prisoner now, you don’t need to mind him…”

Bai Zisheng was already a little numb. He continued to meditate without a word.

Situ Jin then sighed and slowly said:

“This child, Fang’er, is upright in character and has always been serious and responsible in her work, even a bit… rigid. So, in the family, she inevitably feels… out of place.”

Mo Hua asked, “Elder Jin, what do you mean?”

Situ Jin hesitated for a moment, then sighed deeply:

“I… am not afraid of losing face. I only ask, Young Friend, if you truly know Young Master Situ Jian… that you could say a few good words for Miss Fang in front of the young master. That would be enough…”

Mo Hua was slightly startled, then understood, and felt a strange sense of emotion.

In the eyes of outsiders, aristocratic families were all the same.

But within an aristocratic family, “strata” were also very strict.

It was extremely difficult for some family members far from the family’s core to obtain cultivation resources.

Mo Hua knew Situ Fang’s character when she apprehended the “flower thief” in Tongxian City and investigated the corpse case in Nanyue City.

With her character, she would certainly not intentionally seek favors or cling to connections, let alone trouble him.

Elder Situ Jin also knew this, so he could only send Situ Fang away and speak personally.

Mo Hua then asked softly, “Is your branch of the family not doing so well recently?”

Situ Jin’s face was bitter, “It was originally alright… but since the Great Wilderness Rebellion and the outbreak of war in Lizhou, many of our Situ family’s foundations have been affected, and the family’s income is stretched thin, making the distribution of cultivation resources even more stringent.”

“Our branch hasn’t produced a True Immortal in our ancestors, and in this generation, there aren’t many promising and responsible disciples. Many things can only be left for Fang’er to work hard on, but with her personality…”

Situ Jin sighed.

Mo Hua, however, said, “Sister Fang’s personality is actually quite good…”

Situ Jin was slightly startled.

Mo Hua said, “In everything in this world, there are gains and losses. Being upright naturally reduces opportunities for climbing, but at least those you befriend are reliable people. Flattering everywhere may seem glamorous, but in such comings and goings, there may not be much sincerity. A strong wind will blow it all away…”

“So, it’s best to act according to your heart.”

Situ Jin was lost in thought for a moment, then couldn’t help but murmur with a sigh:

“Young Friend, at such a young age, you possess such insight… worthy of being a disciple of a prestigious sect. I… admire you.”

Mo Hua glanced at Situ Jin and knew that Elder Jin might not be unaware of many of these principles.

However, since it concerned the fate of his own branch of the family, he truly had no other choice.

In life, there are always too many unavoidable circumstances.

Mo Hua felt sympathetic and said:

“Elder Jin, rest assured. If your… Young Master Jian, is indeed my fellow disciple, I will certainly say good words for Sister Fang.”

Upon hearing this, Elder Situ Jin bowed deeply to Mo Hua, “Thank you, Young Friend Mo.”

He thought for a moment and then solemnly added, “Young Friend, if there is anything I can help with in the Great Wilderness, please do not hesitate to ask. For matters above Golden Core, I am ashamed, I cannot help. But for matters below Foundation Establishment, I still have some influence – as long as Young Friend doesn’t mind…”

Mo Hua quickly replied, “Thank you, Elder.”

Just as they were talking, footsteps were heard from outside, and the two stopped their conversation.

A moment later, Situ Fang came in and said, “My cousin is fine, no need to worry.”

Elder Situ Jin nodded, “That’s good…” As he spoke, he stood up and cupped his hands to Mo Hua, saying, “I need to find some ways to make this happen. Young Master Jian doesn’t appear often, so I might have to trouble Young Friend to wait for some time.”

Mo Hua nodded, “Thank you for your trouble.”

Elder Situ Jin left.

Situ Fang was concerned about Mo Hua and also stood up to take her leave, saying, “Then I won’t disturb you. Please rest well. If you need anything, just find me.”

Mo Hua also smiled, “Thank you, Sister Fang.”

Afterward, Mo Hua and Bai Zisheng temporarily settled in the Situ family’s encampment, also taking the opportunity to understand the situation in the Great Wilderness and make some plans for entering the Dragon Pool of the Royal Court for tempering and forming a core.

Of course, the planning was mainly done by Mo Hua.

Bai Zisheng was mainly responsible for recovering from his injuries.

And Mo Hua had many things to plan.

He had to deduce karma, judge fortune and misfortune, and also read formation books, learn formations, and not neglect the matter of weaving straw dogs.

Therefore, he was busy almost day and night.

Every time Bai Zisheng opened his eyes while cultivating and recovering, he would see Mo Hua, either learning formations, or weaving straw dogs, or jotting down miscellaneous things on paper, drawing unknown lines…

It looked like this wasn’t just for a day or two; perhaps his junior disciple brother had always lived such an exhausting life.

Bai Zisheng couldn’t help but feel a little pained and softly called out, “Junior disciple brother…”

Mo Hua was concentrating and didn’t hear him for a moment.

Bai Zisheng called again, and Mo Hua finally looked up at him.

Bai Zisheng said gently, “Don’t overexert yourself…”

Mo Hua was slightly startled, then smiled and said softly, “It’s alright, I’m used to it… Senior disciple brother, recover from your injuries soon, and also…”

Mo Hua said mysteriously, “In front of outsiders, remember, never call me ‘junior disciple brother’. I’m afraid people will misunderstand…”

Bai Zisheng was quite helpless with Mo Hua and said with resignation, “Alright… whatever you say…”

So, after seven days, Elder Situ Jin finally had definite news.

“Young Master Jian has been cultivating and hasn’t had free time. Today, as usual, he will meet with some retainers. Young Friend Mo, I will take you there, but you can only see him from afar with the other retainers, and you may not even get to speak to him,” Situ Jin said.

Mo Hua nodded, “Okay.”

He just needed to take a look to confirm if it was Situ.

Situ Jin glanced at Bai Zisheng again, looking a bit troubled, “I can only bring one person…”

Mo Hua then “ordered” Bai Zisheng with an arrogant look:

“You are my prisoner, stay here honestly and don’t even think about escaping. Otherwise, if I catch you again, I will not spare you…”

Bai Zisheng closed his eyes to rest, feeling a bit tired.

Mo Hua, however, nodded, “It’s good that you understand.” Then he looked at Situ Jin, “Elder, let’s go.”

Elder Situ Jin’s expression was also a bit strange, but he still nodded, “Okay, Young Friend Mo, please follow me.”

“Mm.”

Mo Hua followed Situ Jin, leaving the guest room and walking along the main street towards a rather magnificent hall in the center of the encampment.

Outside the hall, there were Foundation Establishment guards of the Situ family, clad in armor and heavily guarded.

The leading guard was even a Golden Core cultivator.

Elder Situ Jin verified his token and stated his purpose before being allowed to pass.

Mo Hua followed Elder Situ Jin into the hall and saw that it was grand, beautiful, and luxuriously ornate.

As the “local tyrant” of Lizhou, the Situ family was clearly not short on money.

Walking through the magnificent hall, and further inside, they arrived at the reception room.

At this time, many cultivators had already gathered in the hall.

Most of these cultivators were well-dressed, amiable, and gathered together, speaking in low voices.

When Elder Situ Jin brought Mo Hua over, many people glanced at Mo Hua, but they were only surprised by Mo Hua’s delicate appearance, stunned for a moment, and then looked away, not paying much attention.

Mo Hua also remained silent, standing quietly to the side, listening to these people chat.

After listening for a while, Mo Hua learned that these were all retainers, some from the Situ family, and some from other families.

They all had their own purposes for coming to see Situ Jian.

Some were simply curious to meet this sword dao genius, others wanted to form connections, offering their services to Situ Jian, and some were even seeking marriage.

Some large families wanted to marry off their legitimate daughters to Situ Jian, so they would send some retainers in advance to meet Situ Jian, to see what he looked like, what his temperament was, and if he truly lived up to his reputation as a family prodigy…

A family with a daughter is sought by a hundred families.

If there was a young prodigy, it would be the same; thousands of families would rush to propose marriage.

Mo Hua waited for Situ Jian while listening to these gossips.

But this wait extended for an hour and a half, and there was still no sign of him.

This showed how high Situ Jian’s status was in the Situ family, and meeting him was indeed difficult.

Mo Hua was starting to feel sleepy and had already begun silently “reviewing” formations in his mind to pass the time.

Just then, a commotion came from afar, and a group of people walked over.

Mo Hua looked up and saw a group of dignified elders in splendid robes approaching, and these elders were surrounding a disciple.

This disciple was wearing a golden-red luxurious robe, with a handsome face and a steady, noble temperament. He was unsmiling and had a grand presence.

Walking among a group of Golden Core elders, he was also the most eye-catching one.

And Mo Hua was no stranger to this young man’s face; it was indeed his junior disciple brother – Situ Jian.

However, this proud demeanor was completely different from when he was in the sect.

Mo Hua felt a little enlightened.

Qianxue Zhoujie was a fifth-grade major Zhoujie, a renowned place for seeking dao in the world.

Even during the era of the Eight Great Sects, Taixu Sect was considered a first-class fifth-grade great sect.

The disciples of Taixu Sect were all top-tier geniuses from various families across the Jiuzhou.

But the problem was that these geniuses, gathered in the cloud of prodigies in Qianxue Zhoujie, naturally had to be divided into different ranks. As a result, many geniuses seemed to blend in with the crowd, or at least weren’t as outstanding.

You might be a genius, but there would always be someone more talented than you.

Conversely, if these geniuses were sent back from the Taixu Sect to their respective Zhoujie, then within their own families, they would all be the most talented and dazzling existence.

Situ Jian was the same.

In Qianxue Zhoujie, he was indeed a genius, but compared to Linghu Xiao, Ouyang Xuan, and the most outstanding prodigies of the Four Great Sects, he was a bit lacking.

But back in Lizhou, within the Situ family, he was the strongest.

The Situ Jian, surrounded by a group of Golden Core cultivators, was completely different from the “junior disciple brother” in Mo Hua’s impression.

While Mo Hua was stunned, Situ Jian had already walked past him.

The retainers all bowed respectfully:

“Greetings, Elders…”

“Greetings, Young Master Jian…”

“Young Master is truly extraordinary… with heaven-sent talent…”

Amidst a chorus of praises, Situ Jian nodded slightly, his expression calm, even a little cold, as he walked past the crowd.

His gaze merely skimmed over the faces of the retainers like a dragonfly touching the water, and of course, he only briefly glanced at Mo Hua before moving on.

But after taking a few steps, Situ Jian seemed to have seen something incredible and suddenly jolted.

He thought he had seen wrongly and quickly turned his head, looking at Mo Hua again.

Mo Hua smiled at him, “Situ…”

“Junior disciple brother!!!”

Before Mo Hua could finish speaking, he felt a blur in front of his eyes.

A figure rushed towards him with a whoosh and hugged him tightly, as if afraid he would run away.

Situ Jian no longer had his dignified demeanor from before. His excitement was evident on his face, and he said happily:

“Junior disciple brother, it’s really you?! You’ve come to the Great Wilderness?!”

Mo Hua was held by Situ Jian, feeling a bit amused and helpless.

The sudden turn of events stunned all the retainers who witnessed the scene.

Elder Situ Jin’s mouth hung open, his shock evident. The other elders of the Situ family also had bewildered expressions.

Only the Grand Elder of the Situ family, who had the deepest cultivation and highest status in the crowd, showed a glimmer of cold sharpness in his eyes.