Immortality Through Array Formations (The Quest for Immortality)

Chapter 940: A Single Glance

The Shen family needed no introduction—they were a top-tier aristocratic clan in the Qianxue Region. One of the four great hereditary noble sects. A true behemoth. As a mere early-stage Golden Core cultivator, Fan Jin wasn't much better than an ant before them.

As for Mo Hua, he was the Dao Master of Arrays from the Great Void Sect. Even late-stage Golden Core Elders poured tea for him. His status was unfathomable.

Right now, this situation was truly like "immortals fighting"—and Fan Jin couldn't afford to offend either side.

And worst of all, standing by and doing nothing wasn't an option.

He was the one who had invited Young Master Mo to dinner, and now the boy was being confronted and nearly attacked—if Fan Jin stood aside, it would be no different from kicking someone when they were down.

Forget trying to cling to a powerful backer—he'd be lucky if Mo Hua didn't find a way to kill him later.

This Mo Hua might look gentle and sweet, with that pretty face and soft-spoken manner—but Fan Jin wasn't stupid. He didn't believe for a second that Mo Hua was truly as simple as he appeared.

Never judge a book by its cover.

A mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, who defeated the four great sects in array mastery, claimed the title of Dao Master, and sat as an equal with elders in the Great Void Sect—could such a person possibly be ordinary?

"Damn it... what the hell do I do?"

Fan Jin's heart was pounding like a drum.

And he didn't have much time to decide. Both sides were already moments away from clashing.

If he stepped forward now, he could still choose a side. If he hesitated any longer, and fighting broke out, he wouldn't even have the option to choose.

Gritting his teeth, Fan Jin's thoughts raced.

If he didn't help, he'd offend Mo Hua, and the Shen family wouldn't owe him a single favor.

But if he did help—even if he offended the Shen family—he'd earn Mo Hua's goodwill.

Between two evils, choose the lesser.

And if he was going to offend someone anyway—he might as well offend the one who wouldn't give him anything either way.

"To hell with it..."

No risk, no reward.

You want benefits? Then be ready to gamble. If you're scared of risk, then don't even dream of climbing up in this world.

What's more, this young master was someone he had invited. Now he was being provoked—emotionally and logically, Fan Jin had no excuse to stay out of it.

His legs felt weak, but he still stepped forward and placed himself in front of Mo Hua.

That single step made his knees tremble, but his heart felt more solid.

If you're gonna get stabbed either way, might as well stand tall while you're at it.

Fan Jin's expression turned cold.

One of the Shen family Golden Core cultivators barked, "Fan Magistrate, what's the meaning of this? You want to make enemies of the Shen family just to show off?"

Fan Jin's face was serious. "Your grudge is your own business. But this young master is an honored guest of the Dao Court. At the very least, while he's in Lone Mountain City, it's our duty to keep him safe."

He deliberately invoked the name of the Dao Court.

That way, it wouldn't look like he was trying to oppose the Shen family. He was simply fulfilling his official responsibilities.

Even if they tried to pursue this afterward, at least on the surface, no one could fault him.

Justified duty equals proper speech. In the Dao Court, how you say something is often more important than what you do.

Another Shen family Golden Core sneered, "You think mentioning the Dao Court will scare us off? You'd better—"

"Enough talk," Shen Gongzi frowned. "Do it."

The two Shen family cultivators stiffened, then cupped their hands. "Yes."

Among the Shen entourage, only two were Golden Core cultivators—the rest were Foundation Establishment. But in a third-tier immortal city like Lone Mountain, two Golden Cores could practically walk sideways.

On Mo Hua's side, aside from Master Gu and Fan Jin, both Golden Core, there was only Mo Hua himself.

In terms of numbers, the Shen side had the upper hand.

Worse still, their goal was to capture Mo Hua and vent the Shen heir's anger.

But Gu and Fan Jin couldn't attack Shen Gongzi. They could only passively protect Mo Hua, who was still in the Foundation Establishment realm—making them instantly fall into a disadvantage.

Two sides—one attacking, one defending. Outnumbered. The situation looked grim.

Gu and Fan Jin both knew this—and their expressions grew tense.

Just then, the two Shen Golden Cores sprang into motion—one drew a blade wreathed in searing fire, the other formed claws dripping with sickly green energy—both charging straight for Mo Hua.

Master Gu's face darkened like storm clouds.

Once the fight began, the situation would spiral out of control.

And Golden Core techniques—violent and explosive—could easily injure Mo Hua.

If Mo Hua got even slightly hurt, Gu wouldn't be able to face the Gu family, let alone the Great Void Sect. Not to mention—Mo Hua had once saved their entire Artifact Pavilion.

Anxious, Gu shouted, "Wait!"

The two Shen Golden Cores hesitated and looked toward him.

Gu said in a low, warning tone, "Don't say I didn't warn you—this young master is a direct disciple of the Great Void Sect. He was personally taught by a Grand Elder and caught their eye. You'd better think twice before making a move."

Mo Hua had an even greater title.

But Gu didn't dare say it aloud here. Too many ears. Too much attention. He didn't want to draw interest from unsavory parties.

After all, there could only be one Dao Master of Arrays. That title was too glaring.

But a "direct disciple"? That was still impressive—but less attention-grabbing.

Among everyone present, the only one who knew Mo Hua's true status was Shen Gongzi—the one who'd served under Shen Linshu.

But the two Shen Golden Cores didn't know.

So when they heard "direct disciple of the Great Void Sect," their eyelids twitched.

They were just branch members—ordinary Golden Core cultivators. To gain favor in the clan, they had to take dangerous jobs.

They might be ruthless on normal days, but that didn't mean they were stupid. They weren't dumb enough to kill just anyone.

A random rogue cultivator? Easy.

A minor family member? Sure.

Even a side-branch noble or outer sect disciple—they could kill, as long as no one found out.

But a true clan heir or sect inner circle disciple? Unless they had an earth-shattering opportunity waiting, they wouldn't dare touch them.

The Great Void Sect—ranked third among the Eight Great Sects of the Qianxue Region.

Its direct disciples? That weight was not to be taken lightly.

And now, in a public place, in front of officials like Master Gu and Fan Magistrate, killing such a person? They absolutely didn't have the guts.

Both Golden Cores frowned, hesitating.

The Shen heir grew impatient. "Afraid? Just kill him. I'll take full responsibility."

The two Golden Cores gritted their teeth, silently cursing: "Like hell you will."

If they killed a sect disciple and word got out, the Great Void Sect would definitely come knocking.

As the Shen family heir, he had ancestors and Nascent Soul elders to shield him. At worst, he'd get a slap on the wrist.

But they, as mere enforcers, would be tossed out to take the blame—and be utterly destroyed under the Great Void Sect's wrath.

Of course they knew this.

The Shen heir, seeing their hesitation, felt humiliated and furious. His face darkened, and his words turned cold:

"You two are branch members. You eat the main clan's rice, yet when it's time to act, you balk?"

"Think I won't report you to my father and have your whole family crushed?"

At those words, the two Golden Cores felt a chill down their spines—and then anger.

But they had no choice.

Seeing the heir's expression grow more furious, they knew he meant it. Gritting their teeth, they finally lunged forward.

Golden Core aura surged. Killing intent swept the room.

One's dagger flashed with icy light—aimed at Mo Hua's throat.

The other's claws gleamed green—striking straight for Mo Hua's heart.

Master Gu and Fan Jin, both grim-faced, sprang into action—sword like wind, hammer like thunder—rushing to intercept, doing everything they could to keep Mo Hua safe.

In an instant, the narrow banquet hall erupted—wood and stone flew, formations trembled, walls shattered.

The Shen Golden Cores quickly gained the upper hand.

Gu and Fan Jin were forced to fight defensively— clearly in a difficult spot.

The Shen young master watched coldly with a mocking smile—but after a while, his expression stiffened, and he couldn't help cursing in his heart.

The battle looked fierce, but it was all the Golden Core cultivators doing the fighting—Mo Hua hadn't even been touched.

Of the two Shen Golden Core cultivators, one was focused solely on sparring with that craftsman Gu, while the other was busy exchanging moves with the official Fan Jin. As for Mo Hua? They didn't dare lay a finger on him! In fact, between their techniques, they deliberately avoided even brushing against him, clearly terrified of accidentally injuring him.

On the surface, it looked like a violent clash, but in truth—it was all for show.

"Useless trash!"

"And they call themselves Golden Core cultivators? Cowards!"

The Shen young master's face twisted with hostility.

"Dogs in name only—bark loud, but when it's time to bite, they cower away."

Fine. Since the "dogs" wouldn't bite, then he, the "master," would have to do it himself.

He extended his right hand, and with a flash of spiritual light, a dazzling, luxurious longsword appeared—his personal life-bound weapon, already seven or eight parts refined.

"Just a late Foundation Establishment array cultivator, with a low-grade spirit root and weak blood—what the hell are you supposed to be?"

Gripping his sword tightly, his face full of murderous intent, the Shen young master walked toward Mo Hua.

His aura was thick and oppressive, his sword radiating chilling force. Clearly, both his cultivation technique and sword art were top-tier.

"Not good!" Master Gu sensed his killing intent and immediately changed his stance, striking toward the Shen young master.

Fan Jin didn't hesitate either—he'd already committed. Even at the risk of offending the Shen family, he moved to intercept him.

But their attacks were blocked halfway by the two Shen Golden Cores.

They had already disobeyed by not attacking Mo Hua. There was no way they'd now let Fan Jin and Master Gu ruin the young master's plans.

In that brief moment, the Shen young master had already stepped in front of Mo Hua, his sword technique pushed to its peak.

The blade shimmered with chilling light, its killing intent overwhelming.

All of it was locked tightly onto the frail-looking, soft-spoken Mo Hua.

The outcome seemed obvious.

"Young Master, run!" Master Gu shouted anxiously. He was still entangled with the Shen Golden Core, unable to help, and utterly panicked.

"Too late," the Shen young master sneered. He raised his sword high, his once-handsome face now twisted with savage delight.

"Time to cripple you, you blind little wretch…"

Mo Hua, who had stood motionless the entire time, finally lifted his eyes and gave the Shen young master a single glance.

Just one glance.

In that instant—a scream like a slaughtered pig tore through the entire restaurant.

The Shen young master dropped his sword, clutching his eyes, trembling all over like he'd seen something monstrous. He rolled on the floor, shrieking in terror, like a pig being branded with a red-hot iron.

The change was too sudden.

Everyone fighting froze in place, stunned, following the scream with blank eyes—only to witness something beyond comprehension.

The Shen young master, who moments ago had been wielding a sword with dominance and arrogance, had now collapsed to the floor like a stray dog—screaming and flailing in terror.

"Young master!"

The two Shen Golden Core cultivators were shocked and instantly abandoned their opponents, rushing to his side.

"Young master, what happened?"

"What did you see?"

The Shen young master was still clutching his eyes, trembling violently. "My eyes… I saw…"

"So much blood… ghosts… and… prison cells…"

"No… no, don't kill me! Don't kill me!"

He was like a madman, still trapped in some terrifying hallucination within his spiritual sea.

The two Shen Golden Cores felt a chill in their hearts. They turned to glare at Mo Hua and shouted, "You—what did you do to our young master?!"

Mo Hua snorted coldly and replied with disdain, "I didn't even move a finger. What could I possibly have done?"

The Shen cultivators froze.

They'd seen it with their own eyes—it was their young master who acted first, and this Great Void Sect young lord hadn't moved at all. The most he'd done was… lift his eyelids.

That's all.

How could this be possible?

Mo Hua thought for a moment, then calmly said, "Maybe your young master practiced some kind of forbidden technique and it backfired? Looks like a classic case of inner demons and Qi deviation."

"You… slandering us!"

The Shen Golden Core cultivators flared up in anger—but it felt forced. Their rage was mostly bluster.

Because deep down… they also knew. These pampered heirs—indulged in luxury and constantly chasing new thrills—who knew what shady techniques they might have secretly cultivated?

Now, hearing Mo Hua say it, and looking at the crazed, raving Shen young master rolling on the ground, even the two Shen Golden Cores couldn't help but think:

"Could it be that Young Master Qing really did dabble in some demonic technique? And ended up shattering his meridians and mind?"

As suspicion and unease swirled, commotion began outside.

The battle had clearly drawn the attention of nearby cultivators, and a crowd had started to gather.

Master Gu quickly stepped close to Mo Hua and whispered, "Young Master Mo, too many people and too many ears—best we leave now."

But just as Mo Hua made to leave, the two Shen Golden Core cultivators immediately stepped forward.

"Stop! You can't leave!"

"Our young master is in this state—you owe us an explanation!"

"That's right!"

Mo Hua gave them a calm glance and said indifferently: "You tried to kill me, and now you expect me to give you an explanation? Do you really think my Great Void Sect can't kill the likes of you?"

The two Shen family Golden Core cultivators instantly shuddered, a chill running down their spines.

Mo Hua might only be at Foundation Establishment, but in this moment, the calm, detached aura he exuded—like one holding life and death in his hands—made these two Golden Core cultivators feel a trace of fear in their hearts.

If it wasn't mere posturing, then it meant this seemingly frail young master before them truly had the power or backing to decide their fate.

The two Shen cultivators began to panic inwardly.

Just then, a stir ran through the crowd. After a brief commotion, it fell silent again.

The crowd parted, and a middle-aged cultivator with a paper fan in hand, scholarly appearance, and distinguished demeanor walked forward.

When the two Shen Golden Core cultivators saw him, their expressions lit up, and they cupped their fists:

"Elder Xiu, you've come at just the right time."

The middle-aged cultivator frowned.

"What's going on here?"

"Just a minor conflict…" one of the Shen cultivators stepped forward and whispered a few words in his ear.

Elder Xiu nodded haughtily, his gaze sweeping across Mo Hua.

At first, he barely gave Mo Hua a second glance. But after a moment, he paused slightly, then stared more intently.

The more he looked, the wider his pupils became, his face slowly contorting with disbelief—and finally… a touch of horror.

"You…"

Even his lips were trembling. Yet he did his best to suppress the fear in his heart, and forced himself to speak in a seemingly calm tone:

"Alright. I understand. Let's discuss this later… First, focus on ensuring Young Master Qing's safety—get him back to the Shen estate at once."

He gave the order, but his gaze darted evasively—throughout, he didn't dare look at Mo Hua again.

Everyone around looked at each other, confused.

And just like that, this entire farce came to an abrupt and anticlimactic end.

The Shen family members escorted their young master out of the dining hall.

The middle-aged cultivator referred to as "Elder Xiu" turned his back to Mo Hua. He appeared composed—but his steps were hurried as he quickly left.

Master Gu and Fan Jin exchanged glances, both feeling that something about this entire affair was very… strange.

"Young Master Mo…"

"Let's head back," Mo Hua said calmly, his gaze focused slightly as he looked at the middle-aged cultivator's receding figure disappearing at the end of the corridor.

"Alright."

Master Gu and Fan Jin both nodded.

This place was no longer safe.

After all, it was the Shen family's establishment. They didn't want Mo Hua lingering here and risking more unexpected trouble.

So the three of them exited the dining hall and walked in the opposite direction from the Shen group.

The two sides gradually grew distant, with no further incident along the way.

Fan Jin personally escorted Mo Hua all the way back to the Gu family's Refiner Pavilion before finally feeling at ease and cupping his hands in farewell.

"The Dao Tribunal still requires my attention, so I'll take my leave here. The Shen family is powerful—please, Young Master Mo, remain cautious."

Mo Hua nodded and replied softly,

"Thank you, Inspector Fan. I won't forget the favor you've shown me."

Fan Jin was overjoyed, though he kept a modest expression:

"Just a small effort, not worth mentioning. If you ever need anything, Young Master, simply summon me—Fan Jin will do everything he can."

Mo Hua smiled and cupped his hands in return.

"Alright."

A heavy burden lifted from Fan Jin's heart. With a cheerful smile, he bade farewell and left, his steps noticeably lighter.

After Fan Jin left, Master Gu still looked worried.

"Young Master, perhaps… it would be best if you returned to the Great Void Sect sooner? I'm afraid—"

He didn't finish the sentence, but Mo Hua understood.

He thought for a moment, then nodded.

"That may be wise. But before that—there's one thing I must do."

He paused, eyes sharpening.

"There's someone I need to meet."

Northwest of Lone Mountain City, before a grand and lavish estate—

The scholarly middle-aged cultivator with the paper fan gave instructions to a Shen family disciple:

"The clan's alchemists have already examined him. Young Master Qing seems to have merely suffered a fright—traumatized, but no lasting harm. Go report this to Elder Shouhang as soon as possible—after all, that's his only son. I still have sect matters to handle and won't be staying."

"Yes, sir."

After giving the instructions, the middle-aged cultivator boarded a carriage and departed from the Shen estate. The carriage headed southward through the city streets and exited the gates, heading beyond Lone Mountain.

Inside the carriage, the middle-aged cultivator rested with eyes closed—but his furrowed brow betrayed his agitation.

Desolate mountain scenery blurred past outside the window.

The carriage drew farther and farther from Lone Mountain City.

After half an hour of travel, they passed through a deserted forest.

Suddenly, the cultivator opened his eyes.

He hesitated, sighed deeply, and shook his head helplessly.

"Stop the carriage."

The carriage halted. After a short pause, the middle-aged cultivator stepped down and told the disciple driving,

"Wait here for me."

"Yes, Elder." The disciple bowed.

The cultivator then walked alone into the nearby wilderness.

The forest was barren and empty, with dry yellow leaves blanketing the ground, crunching softly underfoot.

He walked deeper, about a hundred steps in, before finally lifting his head—and there, sitting on a tree branch ahead, was a young cultivator with refined features and deep, penetrating eyes.

The middle-aged cultivator looked at the youth, cupped his hands, and sighed:

"It's been a long time since we parted outside Lishan City."

Mo Hua nodded.

"Yes, it's been a while."

His gaze was deep as he studied the cultivator before him.

This man—was the same one who had once traveled with Young Master Yun and the emaciated old man.

Back in Nanyue City, and later at that ruined temple outside Lishan, he had crossed paths with them more than once.

But Mo Hua had never imagined… this man would turn out to be an elder of the Shen family.

(End of this Chapter)