"Huar, take Mr. Zhuang as your master."
Mo Hua was briefly taken aback, "But..."
But once he became a disciple, he would have to leave with Mr. Zhuang, and he didn’t know when he would be able to return, when he could see his parents again...
Liu Ruhua’s demeanor was gentle, she shook her head and said:
"Don’t worry about so much. If you have accomplishments in formations, the world is vast, and you can go anywhere. Don’t mind the temporary separation."
"To learn formations from Mr. Zhuang is an incredible opportunity that you must not miss!"
"We are just loose cultivators without name or gain, and despite that, Mr. Zhuang is willing to take you as a disciple, which is an immense kindness."
"We have no way to repay this kindness."
"By taking Mr. Zhuang as a master and attending to him, you would be showing some gratitude for his kindness..."
Liu Ruhua’s tone was gentle but firm.
Mo Shan also nodded, "Listen to your mother."
"Alright, I’ll remember!"
Mo Hua seriously nodded.
After Mo Hua returned to his room, Liu Ruhua’s resolute expression disappeared, turning hesitant and anxious, torn with indecision.
Mo Shan held her hand and softly said:
"Are you reluctant to let him go?"
Liu Ruhua’s eyes tinged with sourness, she nodded.
How could she bear to let go of the child who had been by her side since childhood, especially one so caring and considerate...
But there was no choice in the matter of reluctance.
Liu Ruhua sighed,
"Huar’s mastery of formations is so good that no one in Tongxian City can teach him anymore. Staying here his whole life, it’s likely difficult for him to make any further progress..."
"I know he likes to study formations and wants to learn more, but he’s also concerned about us and can’t make up his mind."
"Parents’ love for their child leads them to plan for his future..."
"I can’t delay his future just because I can’t bear to let him go."
Mo Shan also found it hard to let go in his heart, but he didn’t show it and just smiled to comfort her,
"Don’t worry, it’s just traveling the clouds; it’s not like he’s not coming back. Who didn’t travel when they were young?"
"Maybe after a few years, he’ll come back."
"By then, he might even bring back a little bride for you."
Liu Ruhua burst into laughter through her tears and scolded him, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Seeing that his wife’s mood had improved, Mo Shan held her hand tightly and reassured her,
"No matter where he roams, he will always have a day of return; as parents, we simply wait for him here..."
Liu Ruhua’s mood gradually stabilized, and she silently nodded her head.
...
The next day, Mo Hua went to find Mr. Zhuang again, remembering his parents’ instructions, he respectfully performed a deep bow and crisply said,
"Mo Hua is untalented and humbly requests Mr. Zhuang to accept me as a disciple!"
Mr. Zhuang was stunned.
It was clear that he wanted to take a disciple, but Mo Hua came to respectfully request apprenticeship...
A warmth arose in Mr. Zhuang’s heart; he came forward to help Mo Hua up and even dusted off his clothes for him, "No need for such big formalities, it’s too stand-offish..."
Mo Hua squinted his eyes and smiled.
Seeing Mo Hua’s innocently joyful smile, Mr. Zhuang also smiled warmly, feeling a weight lifted from his heart.
No matter what, he had finally accepted this disciple.
No matter how the world may change, and how causes and effects evolve, this matter will remain unchanged.
Since it had been decided, there was no need to hesitate or wander; it was best to proceed with firm steps.
Mr. Zhuang suddenly felt much lighter in his heart.
It seemed after so many years of uncertainty, he had finally found his bearings and the many years of sullen hardships had all gone with the wind.
Mo Hua was happy for a while, then suddenly thought of something and became somewhat troubled again.
He quietly asked, "Gentleman, do you plan to take several disciples?"
Mr. Zhuang looked at him with a hint of a smile, "What is it you want to ask?"
Mo Hua felt it wasn’t quite appropriate and hesitated before saying, "What about Zisheng and Zixi? Aren’t you going to take them as well?"
If everyone was a nominal disciple together, but only he were to become Mr. Zhuang’s direct disciple, it probably wouldn’t sit well with them...