Immortality Through Array Formations

Chapter 327 - 325 Disposal_1

The revelation that the Patriarch of the Qian Family was an Evil Cultivator quickly spread throughout Tongxian City.

People felt surprised, yet it seemed somewhat expected.

After all, the Qian Family’s reputation was extremely poor, and they had far too many enemies.

Because of the Qian Family Patriarch, the Qian Family was sealed off, and no Cultivator was allowed to leave; violators would be treated as conspiring with Evil Cultivators.

Once the Qian Family Patriarch was found, his fate would be determined by the Taoist Court, and punishment would follow thereafter.

"What will become of the Qian Family?"

In the Taoist Court, Mo Hua asked Court Leader Zhou while they were having tea.

Mo Hua came to assist Court Leader Zhou at the Taoist Court.

The Qian Family Patriarch had fled, but his cave dwelling remained. The Taoist Court cleared out his dwelling, confiscating all items to see if there were any other clues or evidence of his crimes.

For anything related to Formations that Court Leader Zhou didn’t understand, he asked Mo Hua to help examine.

Commissioned by the elderly Court Leader, Mo Hua inspected each item, singled out the Evil Formations, and found other clues proving the Patriarch of the Qian Family’s connection to Black Mountain Stronghold.

With such solid evidence presented to the Taoist Court, Court Leader Zhou’s report was well-substantiated and easily composed.

After a busy session, Court Leader Zhou invited Mo Hua for tea, and Mo Hua took the opportunity to ask him this question during their break.

Court Leader Zhou, still pale and recovering from injuries, coughed once and slowly said:

"The Qian Family Patriarch must be caught and executed, to abide by the Taoist Law and serve as a warning to others."

"As for the other Qian Family disciples... the penalties may vary from light to severe."

Mo Hua was somewhat puzzled, "How so?"

"If the crime is considered severe, it goes without saying. I will report to the Taoist Court that the Qian Family colluded with Black Mountain Stronghold, conspired with Evil Cultivators, committed murder and plunder. Most of the Qian Family Cultivators will be executed. Even if they do not die, they will be exiled from Tongxian City, stripped of their family name and possessions."

"If the penalty is light, it means that all the misdeeds related to collusion with Evil Cultivators were solely the act of the Patriarch of the Qian Family, and the other Qian Family disciples were unaware. In this case, even if the Taoist Court holds them accountable, the punishment won’t be too severe.

At most, they will lose their property, but the lives of most Qian Family disciples should be spared."

Court Leader Zhou explained patiently and kindly to Mo Hua.

Mo Hua was taken aback, "Isn’t there a lot of room for manipulation here? Wouldn’t that breed corruption?"

Court Leader Zhou choked a bit and coughed violently twice, annoyed:

"You child, what aren’t you afraid to say..."

Mo Hua laughed sheepishly.

Helpless with Mo Hua, Court Leader Zhou conceded: "Indeed, there is..."

Court Leader Zhou sighed, "That’s why in this world, some Cultivators who commit serious crimes can still live in peace under the protection of the Taoist Court, while some Cultivators who commit minor offenses may face their entire family being executed for offending a Court Official."

"I’m telling you this not to encourage you to give or receive bribes but to make you aware of the way things work here. In the future, you should not be disadvantaged in this respect."

"Some issues, if you know the way, can be very simple to resolve. But without the right approach, no matter how hard you work, you may face obstacles everywhere and end up in an embarrassing situation," Court Leader Zhou said earnestly.

Having been deeply involved in the Taoist Court for a significant part of his life, Court Leader Zhou knew the ins and outs very well.

While these matters might not be profound or complex, Cultivators outside the Taoist Court might never understand them without guidance.

Mo Hua was internally grateful for Court Leader Zhou’s advice and patted his chest, saying:

"Court Leader, if you ever need a Formation Painting, just ask!"

Court Leader Zhou couldn’t help but smile at this, then laughingly said, "Alright, I’ll depend on you, Junior Formation Master!"

Mo Hua nodded confidently.

Within the realm of First-grade Formation Method, he now strolled with his hands in his pockets, fearless, for there were no rivals in sight – except Mr. Zhuang, of course.

Then Mo Hua asked again, "So, what will the final disposition be for the Qian Family?"

"What do you think?" Court Leader Zhou countered, with a cautious look in his eyes.

Mo Hua held his chin in thought and said:

"I think that neither severity nor leniency is a good approach..."

"If it’s severe, there will be too many casualties. Moreover, even if there are many wicked Cultivators within the Qian Family, there will always be innocent people involved. A one-size-fits-all approach is not acceptable."

"Leniency won’t work either. The Qian Family won’t learn their lesson and might become even more unscrupulous in the future."

"It would be best to sift through old cases. Those with blood on their hands or a criminal record should be severely punished or captured as a warning to others. Then, confiscate their property. As for the remaining Cultivators, let them have some hard times, forcing them to engage in Artifact Refining, Alchemy, or Monster Hunting themselves..."

"Once a person becomes complacent, they tend to develop vile thoughts, but if they toil daily, collapsing into sleep as soon as they lie down, they will have no energy for wicked schemes."

Court Leader Zhou’s eyes lit up as he listened.

Neither vengeful nor deliberately compassionate, with a clear conscience about right and wrong, ensuring each is treated according to their deserts.

Indeed, a good kid...

Court Leader Zhou smiled, "You speak well, though you sound like an old man who insists on the Median path without favoring any sides."

Mo muttered, "If I’m like an old man, then so be it…"

As long as things are handled properly, that’s all that matters.

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.