Despite their hard work, the faces of the Mining Cultivators in the shaft bore no signs of discomfort, oppression, or pain.
Instead, there was a touch of hope.
The hope that by working hard, one could live a little better.
This was a completely different scene from what he had witnessed upon his arrival.
Instructor Yan was reminded again of Mo Hua's words: "Sow the seeds of goodness, and reap the fruits of goodness."
Could the mine be considered one of these fruits of goodness?
If he hadn't sown seeds of goodness in his youth, would the mine still be as it had been before, with people living like zombies during the day and the zombies themselves toiling away at night, just as human beings do?
Perhaps then, he wouldn't have been able to witness the scene before him...
Instructor Yan felt somewhat relieved.
"Yes, I haven't achieved nothing after all..."
His abilities were indeed limited; he couldn't help many people.
Without understanding Taoist Skill, he couldn't kill the wicked.
His formation ability was average, not knowing any profound formations, nor could he construct large-scale ones.
All he could do was to pass down the legacy of formations.
He allowed those with a natural talent for formations not to waste their time.
He allowed those capable of benefiting others not to be buried in obscurity.
As long as one could sow more seeds of goodness, naturally, more fruits of goodness would grow...
With this thought, Instructor Yan's gaze became bright and clear.
His lifespan was limited, but there was still so much he could do!
He looked back once more toward the direction of South Yue City.
The mountains concealed his view; he could no longer see Mo Hua in front of the city gates.
But Mo Hua's figure was still etched in his mind.
This was the first, and only, cultivator who had managed to learn the Minor Hidden Spirit Sect's Sect Protecting Grade-One Twelve-Pattern Spiritual Pivot Formation in the Qi-refining Realm.
He wondered what accomplishments this child would achieve in the future...
Instructor Yan's eyes were full of hope.
...
Several days later, in South Yue City.
Instructor Yan had left, and now it was time for Mo Hua to depart as well.
He had already bid farewell to Elder Su, Situ Fang, Qinglan, and Yang Jishan, among others.
Elder Su was quite reluctant to let him go.
He really liked Mo Hua, and so he gave him a bunch of fine tea.
Mo Hua was somewhat puzzled, "Are you giving me so much?"
"Yes," replied Elder Su with a wistful expression: "Take it all. After you leave, it's no fun for me to drink alone. These fine teas will lose their taste without company."
Mo Hua nodded and said, "Drinking less tea is also good. You should spend more time thinking about your son."
Elder Su's face turned red, "What son?"
Mo Hua silently looked at him.
Elder Su then chuckled awkwardly and sighed:
"The past is unbearable to look back on; it's all about debts that come due."
Yet, his eyes still revealed a hint of affection.
Situ Fang and Qinglan also gave Mo Hua some gifts and invited him:
"Make sure to visit the Situ Family when you have the time, so I can show you some hospitality as the host."
Mo Hua responded, "Definitely, definitely."
Yang Jishan looked on with regret.
Such a fine talent.
How wonderful it would be if he could join the Taoist Soldiers Court!
The people of the Yang Family all had similar thoughts and mindsets.
He even said something very similar to what Yang Jiyong had said:
"If you ever want to join the Taoist Soldiers Court, just mention the Yang Family's name; we've got you covered!"
Mo Hua smiled and thanked him, "Thank you, Uncle Yang!"
Everything was ready, and Mo Hua, along with his junior brother and sister, Old Kui, and Mr. Zhuang, sat in the cart pulled by Big White, embarking on a new journey with the steady sound of horse hooves tapping away.
The road was rugged, yet the interior of the cart was steady and secure.
Mo Hua asked, "Master, where are we headed next?"
"Keep heading south."
"South?"
"Yes," Mr. Zhuang nodded and said, "It's about time."
He looked at Mo Hua, his eyes distant:
"You are ready for Foundation Establishment..."