Mo Hua left the Taoist Court, ready to return home, only to encounter Master Luo on the way.
Master Luo casually said, "Little Mo, what a coincidence."
However, upon seeing his expression Mo Hua knew he came prepared. He didn’t look at all as if it were a mere coincidence.
"Master Luo, do you need something?"
"Chance encounters are better than meetings. I have recently obtained a cake of Tuanlong Tea at my estate. I wonder if Little Mo would honor me by joining me in tasting it?"
Though he had already had his fill of tea water, Mo Hua intended to decline, but it was hard to turn down Master Luo’s enthusiastic invitation. Moreover, he was indeed curious about what Tuanlong Tea was like, so he nodded in agreement.
Master Luo personally took Mo Hua to his cave abode, where he treasured and took out the tea cake, personally brewed the tea, and then personally handed it to Mo Hua.
"Please!"
Mo Hua glanced at the tea. It was pale gold like dragon saliva, and after tasting a mouthful, he found it mellow like dragon musk.
It was much tastier than the tea Court Leader Zhou had offered him.
Mo Hua couldn’t help but reflect that, by the looks of it, Master Luo’s days were far more "corrupt" than Court Leader Zhou’s...
"Excellent tea!" Mo Hua praised.
Although he didn’t understand what made it good, the deliciousness was undeniable.
Master Luo, pleased by Mo Hua’s compliment, seemed elated as if basking in the spring breeze.
After taking another small sip, Mo Hua leaned closer to Master Luo and asked, "Is there something you need?"
"Nothing at all," Master Luo said with an easy calm, "just invited Little Mo for tea tasting."
Mo Hua gave Master Luo a look that said "I don’t believe you."
Master Luo was helpless and a bit embarrassed. He coughed lightly, then lowered his voice and said:
"Master Qian wishes to see you."
"Master Qian?"
Master Luo sighed, "The issue with the Patriarch of the Qian Family has caused quite a storm throughout the city. Now that the Qian Family is sealed, Master Qian is unable to leave and is worried. He does not know what fate lies for the Qian Family, hence he sent someone to invite you."
"But why me?" Mo Hua was puzzled.
Master Luo explained, "The Qian Family is not well-liked. Though Master Qian is a Formation Master with wide connections, he is helpless in this matter and has no choice but to entrust you."
"What does Master Qian want to say to me?"
"I’m not sure. But most likely, he wants to ask about the disposition of the Qian Family and such."
Master Luo let out a small sigh and remarked, "Such a large Qian Family, on the verge of collapse in an instant."
After thinking it over, Mo Hua nodded and said, "Okay."
Master Luo was overjoyed, "Thank you, Little Mo!"
Later, Mo Hua went to find Court Leader Zhou and got a token to allow him into the Qian Family. Then, he went to the Qian Family and met with Master Qian.
Mo Hua used his Divine Sense beforehand to confirm there were no Elders from the Qian Family around, nor any Foundation Building Cultivators—it was indeed just Master Qian. Then he began speaking with Master Qian.
Master Qian asked nothing else, and as Master Luo said, he was only concerned about the safety of the Qian Family and the Taoist Court’s decisions.
For Mo Hua, this was a minor issue, but for Master Qian, it was a matter of life and death.
However, ultimately the Taoist Court was the decider, and Mo Hua couldn’t overstep his authority. He just gave a few simple remarks, saying:
"The Taoist Court is clear about right and wrong. They won’t kick someone when they are down. The Qian Family may be guilty, but they will not be exterminated to the last."
Master Qian breathed a sigh of relief.
Mo Hua then asked, "Do you know about the matter of Black Mountain Stronghold, Master Qian?"
Master Qian gave a bitter smile and shook his head.
He was just a Formation Master sequestered in his research. Even if he were given ten times his courage, he wouldn’t dare get involved with the affairs of Evil Cultivators.
Mo Hua nodded and then said, "As long as you know nothing, you are safe."
Master Qian had the capability of a First-grade Formation Master. A true First-grade Formation Master was rare everywhere.
Even if the Qian Family were to be severely punished and executed entirely, as long as Master Qian truly knew nothing, the Taoist Court would find a way to spare his life.
Because he was a Formation Master.
Even if the Taoist Court didn’t say so, relying on the goodwill between Formation Masters, he would ask the old Court Leader to spare Master Qian.
Upon hearing this, Master Qian looked at Mo Hua with gratitude.
Master Qian walked Mo Hua to the gate and apologized, "Being guilty, I can only accompany you this far, please don’t take offense, Little Mo."
"No need for such courtesy, Master Qian."
As Mo Hua turned to leave, he was called back by Master Qian.
Master Qian bowed deeply to Mo Hua and said sincerely:
"I cannot thank you enough for your great kindness. Should you ever command me, I would not hesitate, even at the cost of my life!"
"No need for such formalities, Master Qian."
Mo Hua returned the bow, thinking to himself that he might indeed have need of Master Qian’s help in the future.