Leader Yang continued, "I asked Brother Mo Shan, and he said it’s all up to you. He won’t interfere."
Zhang Lan then muttered, "Still harboring ill-intentions, what a thick face!"
Leader Yang said, "This is a great opportunity..."
"What’s so great about the Taoist soldiers Court?"
"It’s better than your Taoist Court anyway..."
The elderly Court Leader from the Taoist Court kept to himself, pretending he hadn’t heard a thing, yet he couldn’t help but cough.
Realizing his gaffe, Leader Yang apologized to the Court Leader:
"I meant Zhang Lan is lacking, not the Taoist Court. Lord Court Leader, please don’t take offense."
The Court Leader didn’t react, but Zhang Lan retorted:
"Yang, don’t push it, or I’ll spill your embarrassing incidents right in front of our Court Leader..."
"You think you don’t have embarrassing incidents? Who’s afraid of who?"
The two resumed their bickering.
Fortunately, with many guests around and everyone toasting and enjoying themselves, the atmosphere was generally harmonious.
Initially, Mo Hua listened to their bickering, but realizing it was about trivial matters, and being hungry himself, he just ate to his heart’s content, ignoring them.
Leader Yang and Zhang Lan argued for a while before Leader Yang remembered that he had been so preoccupied with his spat that he had nearly forgotten the important matter.
He looked intently at Mo Hua again.
Engrossed in his meal, Mo Hua saw Leader Yang’s look, felt obligated for the free meal, and had trouble outright declining, so he responded tactfully:
```
```
"Uncle Yang, I still want to study formations. Once I’ve made progress in formations, then I’ll consider whether or not to join the Taoist soldiers," Mo Hua said.
Mo Hua had thought that Leader Yang wouldn’t be too pleased, but to his surprise, Leader Yang’s eyes brightened, and he exclaimed in admiration,
"That is exactly how it should be! A Formation Master wholeheartedly devoted to the Dao, focusing on the study of formations, is truly following the Righteous Dao. Joining the Taoist soldiers Court can wait, and even if, in the future, you’ve made achievements in formations and don’t wish to join, it’s not a big deal..."
Leader Yang smiled kindly, revealing his hidden agenda:
"You could directly join the Yang Family as well..."
Zhang Lan scoffed and spat disdainfully, "Are you so drunk from a few cups of wine that you’re dreaming in broad daylight? If he’s joining anyone, it’ll be the Zhang Family. When is it your turn?"
"My Yang Family is a major clan..."
"And the Zhang Family isn’t?"
"I’m not going to argue with you."
"As if I’m eager to argue with you?"
...
The two began to argue once again.
Mo Hua sighed helplessly and resumed focusing on his own meal.
When the feast ended, and everyone dispersed, Mo Hua left feeling quite full.
As they reached the ground floor, the group exchanged a few pleasantries, about to part ways.
In a few days, Leader Yang would lead his troops away. The long and arduous path of Tao cultivation lay ahead, and who knew when they would meet again.
As their departure was imminent, Zhang Lan stopped arguing with Leader Yang.
On behalf of the Loose Cultivators of Tongxian City, Elder Yu presented some gifts to Leader Yang, cupping his fists in thanks,
"This time, it was all thanks to Leader Yang’s strategic command, and the valiant and adept fighting of the Taoist soldiers, that the Black Mountain Stronghold was eradicated, securing the peace of Tongxian City."
"It was but a trifle; Elder Yu is too courteous," Leader Yang replied, returning the gesture.
Then he added, "Moreover, if we speak of this matter, we truly owe a great deal to Mo Hua..."
Zhang Lan couldn’t help but give him a reproachful look, "Enough is enough..."
Was he not just trying to coax Mo Hua into joining the Taoist soldiers Court with endless praise?
"I’m not being long-winded," Leader Yang said gravely,
"In combat, formations are of utmost importance. Without Mo Hua, the Formation Master, the eradication of Black Mountain Stronghold would have indeed been a great struggle."
Court Leader Zhou thought it over, sighed, and nodded in agreement,
"Leader Yang isn’t wrong. We were fortunate that this young man is a Formation Master; otherwise, we never would have discovered the mountain path hidden among the cliffs, seen through the reality of Foggy Forest, or found the concealed gate to Black Mountain Stronghold, not to mention breaching the Stronghold fortified by layer upon layer of formations..."
Court Leader Zhou followed with his own round of praise.
Elder Yu nodded in proud agreement.
Mo Hua, the child of a Monster Hunter, felt it inappropriate to join in the praises, so he simply nodded modestly in accord.
Mo Shan was a bit embarrassed, "You both give me too much credit."