And while Mo Hua was secretly sizing up Shangguan Ce, Shangguan Ce didn’t even glance at Mo Hua.

This was the Gu family’s family banquet, with numerous disciples and not a few children present. Shangguan Ce held a high and powerful position and naturally wouldn’t inquire about each person individually. He was speaking in a low voice with the Gu family head next to him.

The Gu family head, named Gu Shouyan, looked somewhat aged with thick eyebrows and sharp eyes, and a very strong and stubborn expression. He had once served as the Si Zhang Si of the Dao Court in Qianxue State, possessing great power and considerable authority.

Shangguan Ce and Gu Shouyan, the two family heads, wore serious expressions, though it was unknown what they were discussing. Because sound isolation measures were used, Mo Hua couldn’t hear. Not only the high platform where the two family heads sat, but even the banquet area he was currently in was arranged with at least a third-grade sound isolation array. These sound isolation arrays separated the direct descendants, elders, and distinguished guests of the Gu family from the general disciples outside. Mo Hua couldn’t hear the noise from outside. The disciples outside also couldn’t hear what these elders were chatting about. Both enjoyed the clan’s happiness but didn’t interfere with each other.

Mo Hua looked around at the other people and discovered that besides the Gu family cultivators, there were quite a few unfamiliar faces. These cultivators were all arrogant-faced, clearly raised in luxury, and their cultivation was also out of the ordinary. These must be the Gu family’s “distinguished guests,” and most likely all of them were elders from the Shangguan family. They were seated according to their status, cultivation level, and rank.

Mo Hua scanned the seats from top to bottom, murmuring in his heart. The larger the prominent family, the more particular they were. What seemed like an ordinary family banquet actually had many strict seating arrangements that couldn’t be overlooked. Since the Old Ancestor didn’t appear, the highest positions were naturally occupied by the two family heads. Below them were the powerful elders with profound cultivation. Then came the core disciples of the direct lineage, or rather, the candidates for the next generation’s family head. Below them, seating was arranged sequentially based on bloodline, identity, cultivation, etc. It was also probably necessary to consider the relationships between guests. Efforts were made to seat those with good relationships together to ensure both host and guests were completely happy. Those with animosity were seated separately to avoid causing trouble.

Mo Hua saw Shangguan Yi. Shangguan Yi was sitting in the upper seats, close to the family heads’ position, because he was a direct descendant of the Shangguan family and a candidate for the next generation’s family head. On the Gu family side, Elder Gu Hong, who often gave Mo Hua snacks, was also in an upper seat. She was a direct descendant elder with high status, seniority, and her cultivation was also very extraordinary.

Mo Hua glanced downwards again and saw Gu Changhuai. Uncle Gu was in the slightly upper section of the middle seats. Although he was a direct descendant, his parents died early, leaving him with no support in the clan. While his talent was good, his personality was a bit too solitary, so he only managed to get a slightly upper position in the middle section. However, this was still considered not bad. There were many who weren’t as well off as him. For example, Mo Hua himself.

Mo Hua lowered his head and saw that his own seat was in the slightly lower section of the middle seats. This was indeed normal. After all, he had come to freeload a meal. He was a rogue cultivator by origin, with no power, no influence, and poor spiritual roots. He had no kinship whatsoever with the Gu family, not even a distant connection. Being able to get a seat at this kind of family banquet was already good; he couldn’t be picky.

But… Mo Hua turned his head and looked at Yu Er and Aunt Wan beside him, frowning slightly. He was able to participate in the family banquet, partly because of his decent relationship with the Gu family, but primarily, it was likely due to the favor of Aunt Wan and Yu Er. But why, at such a grand family banquet, were Aunt Wan and Yu Er seated only in the slightly lower section of the middle seats? This was a bit strange. Aunt Wan was a direct descendant of the Wenren family and the officially married wife of Shangguan Yi’s uncle. And Yu Er was the only direct descendant grandson from the line of the Shangguan family head. Their seats being so far back at this kind of family banquet was very strange…

Mo Hua turned his head to look again. Yu Er was young and completely unaware of the world of prominent families, their ranks, and family banquet seating arrangements. He was just holding his chopsticks with a small hand, eagerly waiting for the banquet to begin. Aunt Wan should have been aware in her heart, but her eyes were entirely on her child. As long as Yu Er was safe and happy by her side, she didn’t care about these worldly family ranks and seating positions.

Mo Hua frowned in thought, and suddenly, his divine sense moved, detecting several gazes. “Someone is looking at me?” Mo Hua discreetly looked back and found that it wasn’t him. These gazes were all directed towards Aunt Wan and Yu Er beside him.

One of the gazes was Shangguan Yi’s. Although Shangguan Yi was sitting in the upper seats, he was clearly somewhat distracted, with his gaze occasionally sweeping downwards towards his beloved wife and son, his eyes filled with longing, and even a touch of melancholy. Such a big man actually looked a bit pitiful… Mo Hua shook his head.

Next was Uncle Gu. His gaze towards Aunt Wan and Yu Er was mostly one of worry. Of course, he also saw Mo Hua sitting next to Yu Er. Mo Hua winked at him. Gu Changhuai curled his lip, lightly snorted, then withdrew his gaze and focused on picking up his wine cup and drinking.

These two gazes were well-intentioned. The other gazes came from the group of elders from the Shangguan family. Their gazes, while not malicious, certainly held no good intentions. They were cold and distant, filled with scrutiny and pickiness, accompanied by some whispering. Mo Hua sighed slightly. This was not a good banquet. A group of people from prominent families, scheming against each other, it was really too troublesome.

But soon, the family banquet began, and Mo Hua put these thoughts aside. Delicacies were served one after another. Flying birds and spirit beasts, immortal fruits and exquisite dishes. Fish, shrimp, pigs, dragons, chickens, geese, phoenixes. The colors, aromas, and flavors were beautiful, making people’s mouths water. Although the Gu family hadn’t reached the fifth rank, they were still a prominent family, and the year-end family banquet, while not overly luxurious, was definitely rich. Especially for Mo Hua, who was from a rogue cultivator background. The sky and earth were big, but eating was the biggest thing. Since he was participating in the banquet, he should just enjoy the meal with peace of mind.

Disciples of prominent families were particular about etiquette, chatting and exchanging polite greetings. Mo Hua, on the other hand, ate heartily with Yu Er, free from distractions. As he was eating, Mo Hua suddenly noticed another gaze directed towards his side. It was very harsh and held dissatisfaction. Mo Hua looked and saw in the middle of the upper seats, a female elder in green clothes with heavy makeup, glaring at Aunt Wan. He didn’t know what she was calculating in her heart. Mo Hua continued gnawing on a chicken leg, silently paying attention to her.

The family banquet continued, with exquisite dishes and intertwined cups and plates. On the surface, there was harmony, but the atmosphere always felt somewhat estranged. Finally, after some unknown amount of time passed, Mo Hua, who was drinking fruit wine, felt a sense of disgust before hearing the female elder ask the person beside her: “I heard that Miss Wan from the Wenren family is also in the Gu family. Excuse my poor eyesight, but which one is she?” She controlled her voice perfectly, neither too loud as to seem rude, nor deliberately lowered, allowing everyone to hear. Moreover, this sentence was clearly asked despite knowing the answer.

Wenren Wan put Yu Er down, stood up gracefully, and curtsied to the female elder. The green-clothed female elder pretended to be surprised and didn’t stand up, only offering a perfunctory greeting: “I am from the great clan Shen in Qianzhou, a direct daughter, and married into the Shangguan family not long ago. I usually only hear people mention Miss Wan, but have never seen her face. I was temporarily curious, so I asked. If I was rude, please don’t take offense.”

Wenren Wan nodded slightly. The female elder then restrained her smile somewhat, putting on airs, “Calculating by seniority, I should be your aunt.”

Wenren Wan was already somewhat displeased, but in the end, she restrained herself and respectfully said: “Aunt.”

“Hmm.” The female elder smiled in response, then sighed, “Don’t blame your aunt. You’re not at home all year round, and it’s difficult for me to see you even once. Naturally, we’ve become estranged.” Then she lightly glanced at Wenren Wan, her plot revealed as she said, “Young Master Yi is also good, a candidate for the next generation’s family head. Even if you are the family head’s madam, staying in the Gu family all day, what is this matter? Could it be… you don’t put the Shangguan family in your eyes?”

Wenren Wan’s face turned slightly pale. The atmosphere in the hall cooled down a bit. Wenren Wan was about to say something when Shangguan Yi stood up and said gently: “Wan Er stays in the Gu family to take care of Yu Er.” He continued, “Yu Er is naturally weak and small, and to strengthen his body and health, consolidate his foundation and cultivate his origin, he was sent to Taixu Gate to cultivate at such a young age.” He went on, “Mother and child are connected at heart, and she also worries that Yu Er will slack off in his cultivation. Wan Er staying here is both for care and for urging.” He added, “And near Qianxue State’s border, the Shangguan family, Gu family, and Wenren family all have quite a few cultivation businesses, and these businesses all rely on Wan Er to manage…”

Seeing their deep affection as husband and wife, the female elder couldn’t help but pickily size up Wenren Wan with an ill-intentioned smile: “Gentle and graceful appearance, beautiful outside and wise inside, truly a great beauty. No wonder Young Master Yi is so infatuated, speaking up for you everywhere, doing everything according to your wishes, truly enviable.”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone’s expressions in the hall changed. This was a veiled accusation against Shangguan Yi, suggesting that as a young master of the Shangguan family, he was confused by lust, controlled by his wife, and unable to take on great responsibilities. Shangguan Yi’s face changed slightly. Some people secretly glanced at the face of Family Head Shangguan Ce, who was at the head of the table. After all, Shangguan Yi was Shangguan Ce’s only son. But Shangguan Ce’s expression was calm, as if he hadn’t heard, and seemed unconcerned that his own son was being criticized.

Gu Changhuai frowned. Seeing Wenren Wan standing alone and receiving criticism from the Shangguan family, he immediately wanted to stand up. But in a flash, a sharp gaze came towards him. It was the Gu family head, Gu Shouyan. Gu Changhuai’s expression was stubborn, and he hesitated several times before speaking, but in the end, he still couldn’t disobey the family head and only reluctantly sat down. Gu Changhuai also knew in his heart that standing up to speak would be of no help and would only make the situation worse. Meanwhile, on the other side, Shangguan Yi, although pretending to be calm, felt his heart sink. He also realized that the more he protected Wan Er and Yu Er, the more they might be criticized. It would also make him appear more sentimental and indecisive. Although he was indeed sentimental, it didn’t matter what others said. But he always couldn’t bear to involve his wife and child.

The female elder from the Shen family, seeing this situation, slightly revealed a cold smile at the corner of her mouth. Her gaze turned again to Yu Er, and she shook her head, saying: “Disciples of prominent families, at three years old, they learn etiquette. Their behavior, sitting, lying down, eating, and living, all have manners and cannot be overstepped.” She continued, “How can there be a child like this, with a joyful expression, not knowing to restrain himself when seeing elders, moving recklessly, without any manners, and only caring about eating and drinking at the family banquet…” The female elder said regretfully, “Like this, I fear a good child will also be poorly taught.”

Yu Er was publicly criticized by her and was suddenly at a loss, wilting and hiding by his mother’s side. Wenren Wan’s heart ached, and she was immediately greatly angry. Her gaze was cold, and she was about to retort when she saw Shangguan Yi’s worried gaze. She instantly understood. This female elder from the Shen family was an elder, and these few sentences, seemingly sarcastic, were on the surface teachings. While she was a junior, enduring was still good. If she couldn’t endure and spoke back, the consequences would undoubtedly be more serious. Not only would she bear the name of “disrespecting elders,” but even Yu Er would be implicated and accused of “lacking upbringing.” Because she was the mother, and Yu Er was also raised by her. Wenren Wan’s eye sockets were slightly red, and her pair of delicate hands clenched until they were white.

Mo Hua looked very angry. He was just about to say something when he discovered that the female elder, her ambition satisfied, had already turned her gaze to him without him knowing. “This young master, may I know which family he is from?” Mo Hua was startled.

The female elder didn’t wait for Mo Hua to answer and then said mockingly: “With inferior spiritual roots, in my opinion, he must not be a disciple of a prominent family, just some wild child from who knows where.” She then turned her gaze back to Wenren Wan and sighed: “This is your fault. Cultivators cultivate, emphasizing law, wealth, companion, and land. This character ‘companion’ refers to like-minded Dao friends.” She continued, “Disciples of prominent families, from a young age, what kind of friends they make must be strictly screened.” She went on, “Those with undistinguished origins, ignoble identities, unremarkable bloodlines, and inferior spiritual roots are not worthy, and even less suitable to enter the hall and be seated.” She added, “Moreover, this child eats even more crudely and rudely than Yu Er, lacking upbringing. Are you really not afraid that the direct descendant of my Shangguan family will be led astray by this boy?”

Although Yu Er didn’t quite understand, he knew that his Brother Mo was being spoken ill of, and his small face turned white with anger. Wenren Wan similarly couldn’t bear it. It was fine to endure her own matters. But Mo Hua was Yu Er’s benefactor. Yu Er was initially kidnapped, and it was Mo Hua who saved him. Yu Er was plagued by nightmares and completely relied on Mo Hua to relieve them. Wenren Wan’s gaze was cold, and she immediately said: “You…” But before she could speak, she saw Mo Hua pull her sleeve.

Wenren Wan was startled and looked down, only to see Mo Hua take a sip of fruit wine, moistening his throat, then wipe his mouth and slowly stand up. Wenren Wan didn’t know what Mo Hua wanted to do. Mo Hua then put on an innocent face, secretly pointing to the female elder, and quietly asked Wenren Wan: “Aunt Wan, who is this fierce old lady ah…” He deliberately lowered his voice. But it was purely a lowered voice, without using divine sense to cover it. The cultivators in the seats were all extraordinary in cultivation; how could they not hear what he said?

Fierce old lady… The expressions of the crowd immediately became subtle. The female elder was startled, then immediately wide-eyed with anger. She had lived until now, over two hundred years, and had only ever heard people flatter her as a “beauty who could overthrow cities,” “beauty like a painting,” “elegance not reduced from the past”… She also thought herself that her appearance was second to none. But she didn’t expect this little imp! To actually call her “old lady”! She pointed at Mo Hua and sternly asked: “Who is the fierce old lady?!” Her fierce questioning made it self-evident.

Mo Hua seemed startled and said weakly: “Aunt Wan calls you ‘aunt,’ so you’re not an old lady?” The female elder’s eyes spewed fire. Wenren Wan felt some delight in her heart, but also some tears and laughter she couldn’t express, “Although she is an aunt, she is only over a hundred years older than me, not to the extent of being called an old lady…” Mo Hua muttered: “How would I know? Her face is painted with too much powder, as thick as a wall, how can I tell…” The female elder almost bit her teeth off. Mo Hua then asked Wenren Wan again, “Not an old lady, then I’ll call… old aunt?” Finally, someone in the seats couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Soon, others also began to laugh softly. Stirred by the laughter, this female elder from the Shen family finally became uncontrollably angry. She slapped the table, shattering a table full of bowls and dishes, with food and soup flowing everywhere.

Mo Hua shook his head and said matter-of-factly: “This old aunt is used to throwing things. How impolite.” He continued, “Behavior, sitting, lying down, eating, living, should all have etiquette.” He went on, “Didn’t they say to start learning at three years old? Why have some people already been over two hundred years and still haven’t learned?” Mo Hua muttered softly again, “Look, she hasn’t learned well herself, and yet she’s thinking of teaching others…”

The female elder’s face, covered in “white” powder, was as black as the bottom of a pot, her features beginning to distort. After a long time, she finally suppressed her anger and said through gritted teeth: “Disrespecting elders! The Gu family is really… what kind of little imp can be at the table… Who are your mother and father? What exactly is your identity?” She threatened, “If you don’t reveal your origin, the Shangguan family, including the Shen family, will not let you go!”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone frowned. She was from the prominent Shen family, now married into the Shangguan family and held the position of an elder, yet her mind was so narrow, so lacking in demeanor, quarreling with a child, and even publicly threatening… The crowd then looked at Mo Hua again, with some worry in their expressions. Several Gu family elders who recognized Mo Hua stepped forward to mediate. “It’s a child, and children’s words are without taboo. Why get angry…” Elder Gu Hong also said perfunctorily: “The New Year is approaching, it’s not suitable to get greatly angered. After all, it’s a family banquet, harmony is good. I will talk to this child later…”

The female elder, however, remained firm, and coldly smiled: “This little imp is not from your Gu family, is he?” The elders were startled and looked at each other. Mo Hua was of course not from the Gu family. In this situation, they naturally couldn’t lie. The female elder then said coldly: “Then why is this little imp participating in your Gu family’s family banquet, and daring to speak impolitely to me? Your Gu family, had best give me an explanation!”

These words were simply unpleasant. The Gu family elders all had bad expressions. Previously, advising her was giving face to the Shen family and the Shangguan family. It was better to avoid trouble. But being so ignorant of propriety, arrogant and overbearing, meant she wasn’t putting the Gu family in her eyes. Although the Gu family was not as powerful as the Shen family, they were not a general small family either. How could they be so easily bullied?

Just as the atmosphere was somewhat stalemated, Mo Hua took out a wooden box, slowly placed it on the table, and said clearly: “I came to deliver a gift!” The female elder glanced downwards and saw that inside Mo Hua’s wooden box, there was only a simple character, ordinary, not mounted, without any luxurious aura. She then said mockingly: “Without any ambition, bringing some broken character painting to give as a gift, and not even feeling ashamed…” Beside her, an old Shangguan family elder’s expression changed greatly, and he immediately rebuked her: “Shut up!”

Meanwhile, on the high platform above, the Shangguan family head and the Gu family head actually slowly stood up. The female elder looked blank, not understanding why. A Shangguan family elder frowned tightly, looked at the character, and his gaze gradually became unbelievable. After looking at Mo Hua, his tone unconsciously became much more respectful, “Young brother, this character is…” Mo Hua said: “It’s Old Mister Xun who asked me to bring it!”

Old Mister Xun? The crowd looked at each other. Then several elders of very old seniority trembled in their hearts and said in a low voice: “Old Ancestor Xun of Taixu Gate.” “This character is… the Old Ancestor’s handwriting.” As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the crowd gasped, and when they looked at Mo Hua again, they were filled with even more disbelief. The Old Ancestor of Taixu Gate actually asked this little cultivator to deliver a gift? What virtue or ability did this little cultivator possess… to actually be able to deliver a gift on behalf of the Old Ancestor? What was his relationship with Old Ancestor Xun of Taixu Gate? A crowd of cultivators were shocked in their hearts.

Wenren Wan beside Mo Hua was somewhat astonished. She was still afraid he was being bullied in the sect. How, inexplicably, even the Old Ancestor was backing this child… Gu Changhuai was even more lost in thought. He knew Mo Hua was doing well in Taixu Gate, but he hadn’t expected him to do so well. The Old Mister Xun that Mo Hua mentioned, who taught him arrays, was unexpectedly the Cave Void Old Ancestor…

The atmosphere was stagnant for a time, and the hall was silent as cicadas. Just at this moment, a shadow flashed, and Shangguan Ce and Gu Shouyan had already arrived at Mo Hua’s side, looking at the character inside the box: “Fortune is deep and thick.” The two people’s expressions were astonished, and their hearts were slightly shocked. “Fortune is deep and thick?” “Why did Old Ancestor Xun of Taixu Gate inscribe these four characters? And what is the deep meaning?” The two people’s minds were filled with thoughts, but on their faces, they remained calm as water, revealing nothing, and not asking further questions. Gu Shouyan bowed to the character and said in a deep voice: “Many thanks to the senior for bestowing the character.” Then he looked at Mo Hua, and his stern face slightly smiled, “Put it away. A child’s body is growing, eat more.”

Mo Hua was slightly startled, then his eyes contained a smile, and he said politely: “Thank you, Family Head!” After that, Shangguan Ce and Gu Shouyan said nothing more. The banquet also proceeded normally. But when the dishes were served again, Gu Shouyan instructed someone: “Add an upper seat.” The crowd’s expressions were somewhat strange, but also felt natural. Thus, a seat was temporarily added among the upper seats. This was out of respect for Old Mister Xun. However, since the Old Ancestor didn’t come personally, it wasn’t to the extent of arranging a head seat. So this seat was only next to the two family heads, but above the general upper seats, counting as an “upper upper seat.” Gu Shouyan said: “Young brother, please.”

Mo Hua’s eyes lit up with joy, and he pulled Wenren Wan’s sleeve, “Aunt Wan.” Wenren Wan was startled, then stood up somewhat restrained. Mo Hua then pulled Yu Er’s small hand, and the three of them grandly walked to the table below the high platform and sat down at the “upper upper seat.” Upper upper seat. This was the face of Old Mister Xun. Mo Hua knew that he was borrowing the tiger’s might, relying on Old Mister Xun’s favor. But since Old Mister Xun gave him this character, he probably knew about these matters. Mo Hua was also not polite. The spiritual food in the upper upper seat was better than… And now no one dared to control him. Mo Hua could eat as he pleased.

Yu Er, getting Mo Hua’s “indulgence,” gradually had light in his originally frightened eyes, and his expression was no longer timid. He rightfully followed Mo Hua in eating and drinking heartily. Wenren Wan looked at the two children, her gaze both gratified and grateful. Meanwhile, the arrogant and overbearing green-clothed female elder from before was now seated below Mo Hua. She could only wide-eyed watch Mo Hua, sitting in her superior position, as if no one else were present, eating and drinking heartily, angry until her whole body trembled, her face distorted, the rouge painted on her face rustling down…

(End of this chapter) Recently, there have been serious issues with code conversion, let’s be more motivated and update faster. Please take a moment to exit reading mode. Thank you.