Mo Hua silently vowed.
The group began their journey back, though Ling Huxiao appeared preoccupied on the way.
Walking behind the group, he glanced at Mo Hua several times, and eventually couldn’t resist asking:
"You know Sword Control?"
Mo Hua was slightly surprised but nodded, saying, "Just a little. It’s not traditional Sword Control—it relies mainly on the formations on the sword."
Ling Huxiao responded with a short "Hmm" and said nothing more, but inwardly he regarded Mo Hua as an increasingly unfathomable "expert."
"Someday, I’ll spar with him..."
Ling Huxiao resolved in his heart.
Arriving at the base of Taixu Sect’s mountain, the group parted ways.
Ling Huxiao returned to Chongxu Sect.
Mo Hua and his group returned to Taixu Sect.
At the mountain gate, Situ Jian asked, "Junior Brother, should we inform the sect elders about the Monster Cultivator?"
Mo Hua thought for a moment, deciding the matter was suspicious. While it might not be necessary to tell outsiders, the sect elders must be informed.
"Yes," Mo Hua nodded.
He then sought out Elder Song, who oversaw various disciple-related matters including attendance, and reported about encountering the Monster Cultivator at Refining Demon Mountain.
"Monster Cultivator!"
Upon hearing this, Elder Song’s expression immediately turned grave.
"Alright, I will notify the Sect Elders on duty at Refining Demon Mountain, so they can be vigilant and ensure the disciples’ safety."
"The elders on duty at Refining Demon Mountain—are they Elder Xun, Xun Ziyou?" Mo Hua asked.
Elder Song was somewhat surprised, "You know him?"
Mo Hua shook his head, "We met once briefly. I’ve heard his name but don’t really know him."
Elder Song nodded, "That’s correct. If anything happens, Elder Xun will follow up with you."
Mo Hua nodded, "Alright."
After reporting the incident to the sect, Mo Hua felt at ease and went to check on Cheng Mo.
Cheng Mo’s injuries had improved significantly.
"We avenged you—we severed one of that monstrosity’s arms."
Mo Hua even showed Cheng Mo the severed arm, though he promptly put it away again.
Cheng Mo, pale and weak, managed a wry smile, "Thank you, Junior Brother."
Seeing Cheng Mo’s dispirited demeanor, Mo Hua said:
"That Monster Cultivator was incredibly powerful. Even with five of us joining forces, we could only sever one arm before it escaped."
"Rest well and recover. Once you’re ready, we’ll go settle the score together—cut up that abomination and strip off its hide!"
Cheng Mo’s eyes brightened at this. He smiled and nodded, saying:
"Alright!"