So, the group gradually began to gather and slowly withdrew from the depths of the mountains.
Only then did Mo Hua realize that more people had come into the mountains to look for him than he had thought.
He could see almost all the Monster Hunters with whom he was somewhat familiar, and even some Cultivators from the Taoist Court were present.
Mo Hua also saw Zhang Lan.
Seeing Mo Hua unharmed, Zhang Lan also heaved a great sigh of relief. He wanted to say something but didn’t know what to say at that moment, so he just roughly ruffled Mo Hua’s hair, messing it all up.
Knowing he was at fault, Mo Hua remained silent.
It was only when they reached the Inner Mountain that Mo Shan arrived from the other side of the mountains.
Even though he already knew that Mo Hua was safe and sound, he only felt reassured when he saw him with his own eyes.
With his head bowed, Mo Hua said in a low voice, “Dad…”
Mo Shan had been angry inside, but seeing his son now, all his anger dissipated.
All he could do was sigh, pat Mo Hua on the head, and say:
“Go see your mother; she hasn’t closed her eyes for several days…”
Startled, Mo Hua asked, “Mom is in the mountains, too?”
Mo Shan nodded.
Following Mo Shan, Mo Hua arrived at a campsite in the Inner Mountain, where he saw his mother, Liu Ruhua.
Standing at the entrance of the campsite, Liu Ruhua appeared frail and haggard, her gentle eyes filled with anxiety. Upon seeing Mo Hua, silent tears flowed from her eyes.
Feeling a twinge in his nose, Mo Hua called out, “Mom…”
Liu Ruhua didn’t wait for Mo Hua to say anything. She ran over and hugged him tightly, her arms trembling.
She clung to him as if afraid that he would disappear from her grasp in an instant.
During these days, she was so anxious that she could not sleep, and despite everyone’s efforts, they could not locate Mo Hua.
She feared that she would never see her child again, afraid that one day, even the very wish to see Mo Hua would be impossible.
Liu Ruhua held Mo Hua for a long time before she began to calm down.
Overwhelmed with remorse, Mo Hua apologized, “Mom, I’m sorry…”
With tears in her eyes, Liu Ruhua breathed a sigh of relief and shook her head:
“Though you’re young, you already possess considerable abilities and can distinguish right from wrong, and you also have your own opinions on matters. Mom doesn’t blame you.”
“But you must remember, there are many people in this world who are concerned about you, and whatever you do, you must not cause everyone to worry. No matter what happens, you must always let your dad and mom know.”
Mo Hua nodded solemnly. “Mom, I remember!” he promised.
Liu Ruhua looked at her son’s graceful features and his eyes, clear as water, and could not bear the thought of separation. She further cautioned him:
“Also, no matter what happens, you must protect your life at all costs.”
“There are countless treasures in the world, but for your father and me, you are the most unique and precious. Not even the pursuit of immortality is as important as your safety.”
Liu Ruhua’s gaze was tender and profound.
Mo Hua felt even guiltier.
He thought he had considered his parents’ feelings, but he realized he didn’t understand anything at all.
He anticipated some concern from his parents, but never imagined the extent of their worry.
In this world, a child’s concern for their parents pales in comparison to a parent’s worry for their child—one-tenth, perhaps even less.
Next time, he must not cause everyone to worry, especially his parents.
This was what Mo Hua resolved in his heart, and then he seriously reassured Liu Ruhua:
“Mom, don’t worry, I will live well, for a long, long time, all the way until immortality is reached.”
“And you and Dad will live just as long, and achieve immortality as well!”
Liu Ruhua did not take his words seriously, but her heart was still filled with gratification.
She wiped away her tears, rubbed Mo Hua’s face, and said with a smile:
“Alright, let’s agree on that!”