...
An Yonglu was scolded till he was downhearted, feeling wronged inside:
I wish I could step forward, but you were the one who didn’t trust me...
Yet he dared not talk back.
After Old Master An had scolded him, he felt a little better. He sighed deeply and said:
"Donate it."
An Yonglu said, "Don’t be fooled by that kid Mo Hua..."
Old Master An sighed, "Mo Hua does have his own motives, but what he said is the truth. When disaster strikes, our An Family’s wealth will be unsustainable... It’s better to exchange it for a good reputation."
An Yonglu was unconvinced, "How can it be unsustainble?"
Old Master An said coldly, "With what will you defend it?"
An Yonglu wanted to say he could defend it, but when the words reached his lips, he cowardly dared not to speak.
Seeing him like this, Old Master An appeared somewhat weary and slowly said:
"I have thought for a long time these days, yet I still haven’t found a good solution."
"There are only two paths before our An Family: to leave or to stay."
"If we leave, we could move the whole family to another Immortal City, but the other cities all have powers entrenched, and it’s not likely they would make room for the An Family, let alone let us share in their spoils."
"Besides, our An Family’s Food Building has been established for a long time, and we’ve always aimed for peaceful wealth. Among the younger generations, there are none ruthless and vicious enough. If we relocate, within three generations, we will inevitably decline."
"If we move as Loose Cultivators, then our An Family will be like a piece of fat meat, and everyone would take a bite."
At this point, Old Master An was reminded of the past.
Back then, a caravan guarded by direct disciples of the An Family was completely devoured by Evil Cultivators secretly instigated by the Patriarch of the Qian Family within Big Black Mountain, leaving none alive.
Thinking about it now, Old Master An still felt a shiver down his spine.
Upon moving, who knows how many Black Mountains one would pass, how many Black Mountain Strongholds one would encounter.
Their An Family would trek all the way, only for their bones to be gnawed clean by others.
"If we don’t leave, then the only option is to stay and build a Large Formation."
"Since we’re staying to build the Large Formation, we must join forces. Even those poor Loose Cultivators have donated their Spirit Stones. How could our An Family selfishly keep our own interests, inviting contempt from others?"
Old Master An had another unspoken thought.
He, too, had his own private desire.
His life was nearing its end, and his cultivation could no longer advance. His days were coming to a close, and although he held the impressive title of a Foundation Establishment Family Head in public, he hadn’t accomplished much.
Old Master An wasn’t content either, unwilling to end his days in obscurity. He wanted to leave a name for himself and leave a good name for the An Family.
Once his mind was made up, Old Master An felt much more at ease, "Donate it."
An Yonglu was startled, "All of it?"
On hearing this, Old Master An’s temper flared up again, "Are you an idiot? If we donate everything, what is our big family going to do, survive on northwest wind? Can’t you think before you speak?"
An Yonglu meekly asked, "Then how much should we donate..."
Old Master An felt a headache brewing, but patiently said, "Seven or eight parts out of ten, perhaps."
"Oh," An Yonglu then ventured to ask, "Should I tally it up properly and deliver it to Court Leader Zhou?"
Old Master An nodded, then after a moment’s thought, shook his head, "No, you tally it up, draw up a list, and personally hand it to Mo Hua."
An Yonglu was slightly startled and somewhat reluctant, "That’s giving him too much credit..."
After all, even if he could draw a Large Formation, he was just a kid in his early teens.
An Yonglu wanted to say more, but seeing Old Master An’s eyelids twitch with suppressed anger, the message was clear—he could hardly restrain himself from hitting An Yonglu...
So, An Yonglu promptly shut his mouth, recognizing the situation.
Old Master An spoke helplessly:
"When you go to find Mo Hua, remember to bring Xiaofu along. Aside from necessary matters, speak less, and be more respectful in your demeanor."
An Yonglu could only bow and agree, although he still seemed somewhat puzzled.
Old Master An took a sip of tea, pondered for a moment, and then spoke earnestly:
"These Spirit Stones are being used to trade for reputation."
"If we successfully kill the Big Demon, all descendants of the An Family will have a good name."
"If we fail to kill it, the Loose Cultivators will also remember our kindness, especially with Elder Yu. Getting on good terms with him means that if the An Family ever falls into difficulty, Monster Hunters will also extend their aid."
"But most importantly, these Spirit Stones are to exchange for a favor from Mo Hua."
"That kid Mo Hua still values favor," Old Master An eased up, then added thoughtfully:
"If the Large Formation truly gets built, Mo Hua will be the Primary Formation Master of a first-class Formation at just thirteen years of age. No matter what reputation, it is far less important than owing Mo Hua a favor."
An Yonglu was taken aback, "Is it really that important?"
Old Master An shook his head and muttered, "You don’t understand the weight of the three words ’Primary Formation Master’. Especially when this Primary Formation Master is only thirteen, it’s even more frightening..."
An Yonglu’s heart chilled, and he solemnly nodded.
If Old Master said so, then being the Primary Formation Master must be even more formidable.
But whether a first-class Formation Master or a Primary Formation Master, he felt it didn’t make much difference...
Seeing his expression, Old Master An knew he hadn’t understood at all and sighed deeply once more.
Two days later, An Yonglu finished tallying the Spirit Stones and some Formation materials, drafted a list, and personally delivered them to Mo Hua, along with An Xiaofu.
Mo Hua was delighted, "Thank you, Uncle An, and please tell Old Master An that Mo Hua remembers this favor!"
An Yonglu nodded, considering his mission accomplished. He remembered Old Master An’s instructions and refrained from any excess conversation, exchanging only a few pleasantries before leaving.
On the other hand, Xiaofu stayed behind.
He was simple-minded, not caring about the donation of Spirit Stones. He just heard there was something going on and that it involved Mo Hua, so he eagerly followed along, and not until after he had managed to get a free meal under the pretense of business did he return.
After all, in his heart, the food at Mo Hua’s house was the best.