Zhang Lan listened with a headache ensuing.
"That’s just a tale, embellished and not to be taken seriously."
Mo Hua insisted, "’When the fake is used as the real, the real also becomes fake.’ How can you be sure that what’s told in the stories isn’t true?"
"Alright then..." Zhang Lan said helplessly.
Mo Hua was quick-witted, and Zhang Lan indeed could not outtalk him.
However, thinking that once he left Immortal City, he might not have a child as interesting as Mo Hua to banter and chat with anymore, Zhang Lan felt a pang of loss.
Mo Hua then comforted, "We will meet again if it’s destined. Perhaps one day, we’ll meet again."
Zhang Lan considered it and nodded, "You’re right, if it’s fated, we’ll meet again."
"If you ever pass through Kan State and reach the Zhang Family’s domain, make sure to visit. Mention my name, and I’ll host you properly and treat you well," Zhang Lan said with a buoyant and confident expression.
Mo Hua asked quietly, "Uncle Zhang, do you hold a high position in your clan?"
Zhang Lan didn’t elaborate much, only saying, "It’s decent enough. As long as you come, you won’t be disappointed. I’ll treat you to some good food."
Mo Hua’s eyes lit up and he quickly agreed, "Okay!"
Seeing this, Zhang Lan couldn’t help but smile. Then, he suddenly remembered something important and lowered his voice,
"There’s something most important to remember..."
Mo Hua looked puzzled.
"The Water Passing Step..." Zhang Lan reminded.
Suddenly understanding, Mo Hua also spoke in a low, serious voice:
"Water Passing Step wasn’t taught by you, Uncle Zhang. Rest assured, no matter what, I won’t sell you out..."
Zhang Lan’s expression was complex.
Mo Hua’s silence was naturally a good thing.
But the way you used the word "sell out" makes it sound like we’re colluding in disgrace, doing something nefarious...
Zhang Lan had to hand things over to the Taoist Court, which would probably take about two months.
During this time, if he was free, he would also come to drink and chat with Mo Hua.
There was laughter and conversation, but there was already a faint air of parting.
...
Additionally, Mo Hua took some time to see Manager Mo.
It was from Manager Mo that Mo Hua, by drawing Formation Patterns, made his first sum of Spirit Stones and took his first step to becoming a Formation Master.
Without Manager Mo, Instructor Yan might not have discovered his talent in formations, might not have recommended him to Mr. Zhuang, and he wouldn’t have become a recorded disciple of Mr. Zhuang, nor would he have taken Mr. Zhuang as his master today.
Manager Mo’s business had improved a lot.
The sign hanging in front of his door was the old one, bearing the three characters for "Fated Gathering," but the entire entrance and interior decorations had been completely renewed.
Manager Mo also looked more spirited.
When he saw Mo Hua, he was both surprised and delighted, quickly inviting Mo Hua into the house and pouring him a cup of tea.
Mo Hua waved his hand and said, "Manager Mo, there’s no need for such courtesy."
"You are an honored guest now; it is only right to observe the proper formalities."
Manager Mo watched Mo Hua sipping tea, feeling a wave of emotion in his heart.
Once, the young Cultivator who pretended to be his older brother to draw Formation Patterns for Spirit Stones, had now become a Great Formation Master known throughout the city.
He remembered Mo Hua’s first visit, a young boy standing beneath the counter, poking his little head out.
Now, he seemed not much taller, and his appearance was still cute and lovely, but his look and demeanor were completely different.
The aura around him was even more inscrutable.
The first time Manager Mo saw Mo Hua, he could only draw three Formation Patterns for the Bright Fire Formation. Two or three years had passed, and now he could create a top-grade Large Formation.
The chasm between then and now was vast as a rift in the earth.
He had no idea how Mo Hua had learned so much.
Manager Mo shook his head, his heart full of wonder.
After a while, he remembered something, stood up, went to the counter, and took out a maroon food box, setting it in front of Mo Hua.
Inside the food box were an assortment of exquisite pastries.
"These were given to me by someone, very precious pastries. Have a taste."
Mo Hua didn’t stand on ceremony, taking a bite. Soft, sticky, and sweet, his eyes lit up as he said, "Thank you, Manager!"
Seeing that Mo Hua enjoyed the pastries, Manager Mo also started smiling.
Such pastries had never been sent to him before.
After receiving Master Luo’s patronage, some Formation Masters were willing to draw formations for his store. With more formations in the store, more customers came, improving his business, and naturally, the gifts he received became more luxurious.