When out and about, one should not flaunt their “wealth.”
Nearby Qian State, there were many disciples seeking education, and something like a “Sect-Entering Order” was surely very precious. One should not casually inform others, to avoid attracting covetousness.
Mo Hua asked again, “Do you know of the Qian Taoist Sect?”
“Who doesn’t know of the Qian Taoist Sect…” the elderly man said, startled, “You’re not thinking of seeking entry into the Qian Taoist Sect, are you…”
Mo Hua nodded. “I’ll try my luck.”
The elderly man quickly shook his head, “That’s even more impossible. The Qian Taoist Sect is one of the four major sects within the Qian Learning State Boundary, a top-ranking large sect. In the historical Qian Xue debates of Tao Cultivation, they’ve always ranked within the top three…”
“With your talent and Taoist Foundation, it’s impossible for you to be accepted.”
“Is there no exception…” Mo Hua asked.
“Exception…” The elderly man was briefly puzzled. “I, as an elder, do not know of any, but what kind of exception could there be? Even if you are the Sect Leader’s illegitimate child…”
The elderly man furrowed his brows, “I doubt that would be enough… You don’t understand how high the threshold for these sects is. They place extreme importance on the Spiritual Root…”
Mo Hua also furrowed his brows.
Placing such importance on the Spiritual Root…
It seemed he had underestimated the difficultly of gaining entry into a sect.
And it was uncertain whether the “Sect-Entering Order” would be recognized by the Qian Taoist Sect…
If it wasn’t, he feared he would need to start making plans early.
After finishing his meal, Mo Hua chatted with the elderly man for a while, then paid with Spirit Stones, and resumed his journey, heading towards the distant mountains.
Seeing Mo Hua—a young child—setting out alone, the elderly man frowned with worry and couldn’t help but caution him:
“Young lad, be careful. Try not to travel at night as much as possible. If it can’t be helped, seek shelter in the Mountain God Temple.”
“Thank you, Grandpa, I will!” replied Mo Hua.
“And be wary of some human traffickers…”
Mo Hua was startled, “Human traffickers?”
“Yes,” the elderly man nodded, speaking in a low voice, “This is Qian State. Although the sects wield great power and the Taoist Court enforces strict regulations, ensuring good public order, still…”
“Some people would do anything for Spirit Stones…”
Mo Hua asked, “Human traffickers… Who do they abduct?”
The elderly man pointed at Mo Hua, “Mainly those like you…”
Mo Hua was momentarily puzzled, but then understood.
Qian State First Realm is a place where cultivators seek to study and cultivate.
Among the various powers, talented young cultivators often come here to learn.
Therefore, kidnapping cultivators in pursuit of their studies, to ransom them back to their families for a huge amount of Spirit Stones, is a dangerous, yet highly lucrative trade.
Even if there is no demand for a ransom.
These talented cultivators, with top-notch Spiritual Roots and excellent qualifications, could also be sold for a substantial amount of Spirit Stones.
“Kidnapping cultivators…”
Mo Hua nodded, “Alright, I’ll remember that!”
The elderly man didn’t know whether Mo Hua truly remembered or was just saying so but didn’t say anything more, only looking at Mo Hua with deep concern.
Mo Hua waved goodbye to the elderly man then turned around, briskly walking along the mountain path toward the deep mountain in the distance…