Chapter 221: Patrol

Mo Hua returned home, took the gifts from his storage bag, and gave them to his parents to keep for him.

Mo Shan and Liu Ruhua exchanged a glance, both taken aback.

Since when had so many cultivators become acquainted with Mo Hua, and most of them were people of status in Tong Xiancheng—Zhou Zhangsi, Gu Diansi, clan heads, elders, array masters…

He received so many gifts just for the New Year.

Every time Mo Hua went out, he came back with gifts; even when he stayed home, people still sent gifts to his door.

Gifts of all sizes piled up until the house could barely hold them.

Mo Hua set down the storage bag, slumped into the chair, and sighed like a small adult, "So busy!"

Liu Ruhua smiled at the sight.

Mo Hua said, "Mother, I'm hungry."

"Save room for dinner—I'll get you some osmanthus cakes first; just eat a little."

"Mm." Mo Hua nodded.

Liu Ruhua brought Mo Hua the osmanthus cakes and poured him a cup of tea, then asked:

"Have you replied to all the gifts? Have you properly thanked everyone?"

Mo Hua thought for a moment, silently counted through them, and said:

"All replies sent, all thanks given—we can now enjoy the New Year in peace."

After that, Mo Hua's life grew quieter; he no longer had to run around, and stayed home peacefully, waiting for the New Year.

Mo Hua still rose early every day, sat in meditation for a while, then drew several arrays, read array texts, and practiced arrays on the Dao Stele as usual at night.

All other time, Mo Hua spent with his parents.

On New Year's Eve, the family enjoyed a joyful reunion dinner.

Liu Ruhua prepared many delicious dishes; as expected, Mo Hua ate until he was full, then sighed, took out two pills from Mr. Feng, and swallowed them.

"No wonder Grandpa Feng had foresight."

Mo Hua thought to himself.

The next day, they began New Year visits, then wandered the New Year festivities at night, continuing until Lantern Festival—every night, Tong Xiancheng buzzed with lively celebrations.

Originally, the festivities wouldn't last this long, but this year was special: there was a spirit mine, an artifact forge, a pill hall, and Fu Shan Lou.

Free cultivators' lives improved, their spirit stones became plentiful, so the New Year lasted longer.

No longer did they have to rush back into labor right after the holiday, struggling just to make ends meet.

Mo Hua also slacked off a bit, strolling the streets whenever he had time; he even slipped over to Fu Shan Lou to see An Xiaofu.

Fu Shan Lou was packed during the holiday; An Xiaofu was so busy he barely touched the ground.

When Mo Hua saw him, he was sitting in the main hall, gripping a teapot and gulping tea down with a gurgle-gurgle.

Though exhausted, he seemed more spirited and much more cheerful.

Still, he remained plump, not having lost any weight.

Perhaps he worked more, but ate even more.

After leaving Fu Shan Lou, Mo Hua met Zhang Lan on the street.

Zhang Lan was a clan member who hadn't taken leave to return home for the New Year.

He knew some people here, but had few friends; the only one he could truly talk to was Mo Hua, so seeing Mo Hua made him happy, and he dragged Mo Hua along to stroll the streets again.

"See what's tasty or fun—I'll treat you!" Zhang Lan said with lavish generosity.

"Thank you, Uncle Zhang," Mo Hua said, then added with some confusion:

"Uncle Zhang, you're not young anymore. Why aren't you married and settled? Isn't it odd to be playing with a child like me?"

"That's called retaining one's childlike heart," Zhang Lan said.

"Unspoiled innocence?"

Zhang Lan ruffled Mo Hua's hair. "Everything you say sounds twisted."

Mo Hua covered his head, displeased: "That's called being embarrassed and angry."

"Fine, I can't argue with you," Zhang Lan sighed helplessly. "What's so great about marriage and settling down?"

Mo Hua's eyes flickered, thought for a moment, and said: "Are you avoiding an arranged marriage?"

Zhang Lan froze. "Why say that?"

"Xiaofu told me—family marriage arrangements demand spirit root compatibility, forced matches… no, forced marriages and weddings—you have no say."

Mo Hua looked at Zhang Lan. "You ran so far, didn't want to go home—you're avoiding being forced into a marriage with a woman you don't like, doomed to a life of gloom."

Mo Hua nodded, convinced his deduction was sound.

Zhang Lan sighed. "You're partly right—but not entirely. I just don't want to go back to the clan."

"Not even for the New Year?"

Zhang Lan said solemnly: "I am now Gu Diansi of Dao Ting Si. It's my duty to maintain peace in Tong Xiancheng. On such an important festival, how could I possibly leave?"

"But isn't Dao Ting Si busy? How can you afford to wander around like this?"

Zhang Lan frowned. "I'm on duty, not wandering. Zhou Zhangsi knows—and won't say a word."

"Really?" Mo Hua didn't believe him.

"Of course."

Mo Hua said "Oh," then pointed behind Zhang Lan. "Zhou Zhangsi seems to be calling you—he doesn't know you're 'on duty.'"

Zhang Lan's body stiffened instantly. He turned slowly—and there, indeed, Zhou Zhangsi was waving at him, smiling faintly.

Zhou Zhangsi's patrol was a Dao Ting Si tradition.

On major holidays, Zhou Zhangsi led patrols himself, inspecting all quarters to prevent cultivators from gathering and causing trouble.

Zhang Lan, who had been slacking off and wandering around, was caught red-handed and could only force a stiff smile.

Mo Hua felt a twinge of schadenfreude; just as he was about to slip away, Zhang Lan grabbed him. "Come with me."

"What do I need to go for? I'm not from Dao Ting Si."

"You're coming with me to accompany Zhangsi on the inspection," Zhang Lan said, unwilling to let Mo Hua escape.

"I'm not going."

"How many cultivators in Xiancheng dream of this chance and can't get it? You're so young—you should feel honored to accompany Zhangsi on patrol."

"Then go enjoy your honor yourself."

He wasn't unfamiliar with Zhangsi—he'd sent gifts during festivals. There was no need to force himself forward now.

Besides, accompanying Zhangsi on patrol was dull and restrictive; nothing compared to the freedom of strolling alone.

But before Mo Hua could run off, he noticed Zhangsi waving at him too.

Now Mo Hua couldn't escape. He sighed inwardly and reluctantly followed Zhang Lan to greet Zhangsi.

Zhangsi himself found these inspections boring; those trailing behind him were mostly elders from Zuhuoshi Sect, offering hollow flattery with fake smiles.

Dull and tedious.

For years, Zhangsi had grown accustomed to it—until he saw Zhang Lan and Mo Hua far off, strolling happily, unrestrained, their faces bright with chatter.

Suddenly, Zhangsi felt a pang of unease.

So he waved them over, calling Zhang Lan and Mo Hua to join him on his walk.

Joy can be shared; tedium can be shared too.

With Zhang Lan, the young man, and Mo Hua, the child, accompanying him, the inspection naturally became far more interesting—at least no longer as dull as before.

Mo Hua gave Zhang Lan a resentful glance—he'd have escaped if not for him.

Zhang Lan winked at Mo Hua: bear with it for now, I'll apologize next time.

Mo Hua had no choice but to accompany Zhangsi on the patrol.

Zhangsi occasionally asked Mo Hua questions—about cultivator customs, demon beast materials, pastries, snacks, and the like.

Mo Hua answered each one.

Thus, Mo Hua was forced to work a full day alongside Zhang Lan, accompanying Zhou Lao Zhangsi on a quiet, uneventful stroll through the streets.

Zhangsi was satisfied; Mo Hua could only sigh inwardly.