Chapter 313: Wishes

Ji Qingbai's expression turned solemn, then continued: "Back in Great Heishan, if it weren't for Mo Hua's help, our whole family might not have survived."

"Later, when we were hunted by criminal cultivators, Ji Li nearly died—again, it was Mo Hua who saved him."

"And Master Gu Diansi, and Kong Sheng who died in Shanzhai—I don't know exactly what happened, but I know Mo Hua was the one who helped them both."

"Not to mention the countless arrays he drew for the demon hunters—without those arrays, the Alchemy and Artifice Guilds could never have been built, and demon hunters entering the mountains would face far greater danger…"

"Thanks to his arrays, the cultivators of Xiancheng now live better lives, and only because of that could we find a safe place to settle—allowing Ji Li and Fu Lan to marry…"

The more Ji Qingbai spoke, the more his expression grew emotional, and he declared firmly:

"We must toast this cup of tea!"

Mo Shan declined: "Brother Ji, Mo Hua is still young—he doesn't deserve this…"

Ji Qingbai insisted: "Though young, he has accomplished great deeds—he deserves it."

Mo Shan still wished to refuse, but Ji Li and Fu Lan had already solemnly brought the tea to Mo Hua's side.

I hadn't even asked when Bai Zixi tapped me on the head.

"Master Chen has been single his whole life—give me one, see if it'll help me find a wife…"

Cups clinked, guests and hosts alike were delighted, and only when night fell did everyone finally disperse.

Bai Zi Xi watched, unable to suppress a smile.

No one thought the sweet cake tasted bad, no one failed to thank Mo Hua for his blessing, no one's expression was cold or indifferent, and of course no one laughed or cried in confusion…

Mo Hua nodded in agreement—the sweet cake really was delicious.

Ji Qingbai blinked, eyes filled with confusion, "Why?"

Liao Yusong, slightly drunk, repeated the thanks he'd given earlier like a broken record. Fu Lan, quiet and not eloquent, looked at Mo Hua with deep gratitude.

Liao Yusong lay on the grass, idly flipping through a book.

"That outside is 'sweet cake,' made by your own hands—if Mo Ge'er finds it unworthy, take it back and taste it."

Ji Li gave Mo Hua a gift box:

"Sweet cake?" Bai Zixi looked surprised.

Liao Yusong was very happy, drank a lot of wine; Fu Lan and Ji Li held hands, their eyes full of smiles.

Mo Shan let out a helpless, faint smile.

Mo Hua nodded, "It can bless people with harmony and happy marriages."

"But my mother won't make them." Mo Hua added.

Ji Qingbai's eyes brightened slightly.

Eat one piece, just to catch some good fortune.

Mo Hua quietly observed, confirmed Bai Zixi's reaction—it was the kind that made one laugh and cry at once.

"The taste really is excellent—Ji Li, that girl, truly is clever and skilled."

"Don't ask what you shouldn't."

Ji Qingbai's expression turned slightly regretful.

Mo Hua and Xiao Hu and the other eight sat at the same table as Xiao Ping and Xiao Zhu.

Mo Hua was startled—he'd rarely seen Bai Zixi look like that.

Mo Hua thought for a moment, then shook his head, "Seems not."

Bai Zi Xi blushed, laughing: "You little brat…"

Mo Hua smiled sweetly: "Thank you, Sister Fu!"

The banquet was festive yet quiet, the tables laden with wine and meat—abundant and delicious.

"Oh." Mo Hua wisely said no more.

"I don't know… it's just really simple."

The sweet cake was beautifully wrapped, and heavy.

Mo Hua and Ji Qingbai, two children like carved jade, sat on a tree, quietly eating the sweet cake.

…

"Will Aunt Liu make them?"

"Will you still eat it?" Mo Hua insisted. "Or should I put it away and hide it?"

Several companions laughed and played, devouring the food heartily, full and satisfied.

"I tasted one piece." Mo Hua said.

Earlier, I'd looked at the small box of sweet cake, wondering how to divide it.

"Oh oh." Mo Hua nodded, though reluctant, he still took one piece and bit into it—his eyes instantly brightened.

On the seventh day, Mo Hua toured Xiancheng, delivering sweet cakes everywhere.

"Mo Hua, you are our family's savior—no matter what happens in the future, if you ask, we will brave fire and water without hesitation."

Bai Zi Xi couldn't help laughing: "Of course you must eat the cake—it's Ji Li's heartfelt gift, don't waste it."

"Elder Yu… I already have two sons—forget it…"

"Wish you harmony and a happy marriage."

"How is the sweet cake made?"

Mo Hua suppressed his curiosity… but finally couldn't, his eyes brightening as he called out loudly: "Mr. —"

"Then wish him harmony with his father."

Mo Hua was startled, "Is it that precious?"

"What are you wishing for?" Mo Hua didn't understand.

Mo Hua muttered to himself, assigning one to each person.

"Grandpa Feng is probably looking for a bride, but let this old man have a taste too."

Happiness cakes are rare; Mo Hua also hopes the whole family can share in the good fortune.

Mo Hua gave the rest of the happiness cakes to Ji Qingbai.

Ji Qingbai took another bite of the happiness cake and looked up to ask:

Liao Yusong, who always loved pastries, also ate a piece and nodded in praise: "Truly delicious."

Mo Hua wanted to ask, but was too shy to do so.

Bai Zisheng steeled himself, and finally agreed with Mo Hua's kind intention, took a bite, and nodded slightly:

"Mother has already eaten; this piece is for Father."

No story!

Ji Li saw Mo Hua sadly putting away the gift, and smiled sadly too.

Mo Hua had originally thought the "happiness cake" was just one of the usual pastries served at weddings, something everyone would get—but only after returning home did he realize he was the only one who received it.

He looked at the cake and asked again: "Have you tried it?"

Both fragrant and sweet.

White locust flowers floated above; before him sat a large red wedding box.

Bai Zi Xi couldn't help laughing: "Such things naturally require blessings beforehand."

Bai Zi Xi said: "Happiness cakes are made by the newlyweds themselves, given to the most honored guests; the process is extremely intricate, the ingredients carefully chosen—especially for cultivators, one might never taste a happiness cake in a lifetime."

He asked Mr. whether he too would speak.

Ji Qingbai's pale hand reached out, took a piece from the box, and handed it to Mo Hua: "Eat together."

Mo Hua couldn't help thinking: if only the whole family could always be this peaceful and harmonious.

Liao Yusong's tone held no blame, only a touch of helplessness.

Mo Hua laughed and sighed: "Uncle Ji, you're overstating it."

Ji Qingbai then smiled broadly:

Good thing the tea was finished, and there were no more formalities—Mo Hua sighed in relief and went happily to the banquet.

"I will." Mo Hua nodded.

Mo Hua offered another piece to Bai Zi Xi, who refused at first, but finally took a bite and nodded:

He felt this cake carried such precious sentiment, it was almost too precious to eat—better to keep it.

Then I can mooch meals with a clearer conscience.

Mo Hua gave out a round, and still had more than half left; he packed them in the happiness box and sent half to Bai Zisheng.

"Mr., please try some?" Mo Hua said.

Mo Hua had been running all day and was hungry; he took the cake and began eating.

Mo Hua took a piece and handed it to his mother: "Mother, you try some too."

The mountain wind blew heavily, ruffling the pond's surface, smoothing the tender grass, carrying the pure fragrance of the locust trees, wandering through the mountain dwelling.

"There's still Xiao Hu and the others..."

As Mo Hua was leaving, Master Zhuang personally accompanied him out with Fu Lan and Liao Yu.

Bai Zisheng froze, his expression shifting several times.

"There's still Bai Zisheng's place..."

Bai Zi Xi nodded: "It's their heartfelt offering—it's also a blessing."

Delicious!

Mo Hua couldn't refuse; he took the tea with some awkwardness and drank it.

Mo Hua's face turned slightly red: "I'm still too young."

"Has anyone gotten married recently?"

Inside, the happiness cake looked plain, but upon biting, it was soft and glutinous; inside were various fillings, rich and fragrant in texture.

Bai Zi Xi shook his head and smiled: "Mother is already married; she doesn't need to eat it."

"Happiness cakes have special meaning—only cultivators who marry can taste them."

But not asking, Mo Hua was extremely curious.

After leaving the bamboo chamber, Mo Hua gave the other half of the happiness cake to Liao Yusong and Ji Qingbai.

"Commandant Yang, Uncle Yang—he's the Dao Soldier Commandant, probably hard to find a partner... and Uncle Zhang already got one, so he should get one too; can't be biased..."

Bai Zisheng was about to say more, but his peripheral vision caught the red happiness box and the "囍" character on it; for an instant, his expression grew wistful, and a flicker of guilt passed through his eyes.

"The flavor is indeed excellent."

Liao Yusong thanked him, sat atop the dark locust tree, and ate heartily; after a moment, his voice turned soft as he asked Mo Hua:

"Uncle Zhang Lan, though he seems dashing, is still a lonely man; he's not bad at all—give him one too."

Mo Hua smiled.