Chapter 341: The Way Out

"This is the border of Lanling Province, and here is an invitation from the Second-Grade Lan Mountain Sect."

Master Luo said, "Lan Mountain Sect is a well-known sect in Lanling Province, with a Jin Dan cultivator stationed within; it's only a matter of time before it rises to Third Grade. Its array heritage… is fairly decent."

Master Luo had originally intended to say, "Its array heritage is profound," but remembering the unknown, immensely mysterious array master behind Mo Hua, the words "profound" stuck in his throat—he could only say, "fairly decent."

"Lan Mountain Sect was founded on arrays, so its array culture is strong, and it has fewer conflicts of interest and scheming than other sects."

Master Luo continued, "I have some past ties with them, and coincidentally, I'm heading there myself—so I took the liberty of recommending Little Master Mo to them. I hope Little Master won't take offense."

Mo Hua quickly waved his hand. "Master Luo, you're too kind."

Master Luo handed the invitation to Mo Hua again. "Little Master Mo, please take a look first."

Mo Hua politely accepted the invitation.

The invitation was made of some unknown paper—elegant and refined, its text written in gold-dusted ink.

Mo Hua opened the invitation and glanced at the text.

As for other matters, I am merely a special array master—I have neither the time nor the ability to concern myself with them.

"But his great ability is useless!"

And the things I said were indeed motivated by personal interest.

Mo Hua was startled, then felt a flicker of interest.

If Mo Hua is willing to ask me questions, then that meets my expectations.

"That depends on the situation," Master Luo said.

"What situation?"

Mo Hua nodded and thanked him: "Thank you, Master Luo. No matter what, I'll remember this favor."

"Some peripheral guest elders may even have lower status than senior instructors within the inner sect."

A distinguished array master…

"Besides, he's still so young—even the head of Lan Mountain Sect would go to great lengths to recruit him; not just Lan Mountain Sect, but every cultivator in Lanling Province, no matter how obscure, would give him at least eight-tenths of their respect…"

Master Luo was not surprised; instead, he expressed understanding:

"As long as he's willing, there will be many who seek to recruit him, many families eager to win his favor—his status and position are already no different from other cultivators."

"It's not that there aren't so many—there are always scheming and intrigue whenever people are involved."

"Don't rush to accept."

"What's the point of that?" Mo Hua was startled.

I know Mo Hua's talent. Lan Mountain Sect may be a major power in an Eighth-Grade province, but in the broader cultivation world, it means nothing.

Master Luo observed Mo Hua's expression; seeing no anger, he finally relaxed.

"Then you don't want to join the inner sect?" Mo Hua asked.

"But if you do that, you mustn't grow too close to the inner sect—at least, don't actively seek closeness."

"If you don't wish to enter the inner sect, but merely seek temporary refuge, or use Lan Mountain Sect as a stepping stone to higher positions…"

"The paths of other cultivators are not your concern—we can only manage ourselves, and that's already enough."

Master Luo smiled faintly: "None of this is worth discussing yet…"

Regardless, he'd done a good deed—his intentions were not wasted.

Master Luo was speechless; in his endless talk, he'd ended up contradicting himself.

"But Little Master Mo, you're different—your paths are many, and every single one is excellent…"

That was a serious statement.

"Arrays are your foundation. As long as your array skills are supreme, you'll hold a transcendent status—no one dares offend you."

Master Luo chuckled awkwardly and could only say:

"Others won't be useful," Master Luo silently added in his heart, "like me…"

"What if there's internal strife in Lan Mountain Sect, and they force you to pick a side?" Mo Hua asked Master Luo again.

Mo Hua asked, I answered—that's already a favor, even if it's only a small one; I can't afford to earn his ill will.

"It's not the sky's Du Qun—it's everyone up there who's arranged in ranks…" Master Luo said.

As Master Luo spoke, he clicked his tongue, secretly envying Mo Hua.

"Since he's a cultivator without a sect, he's not 'one of us'—even if the lower ranks of Lan Mountain Sect treat him with courtesy, some inner sect disciples and array masters will still resent him…"

"Once he reaches Foundation Establishment and becomes a senior array master, he'll be a person of power and influence."

"If he's not harmed, he can afford to yield; but if the other side oversteps, he can simply resign outright as leverage."

That way, he could "hold onto a leg," advancing further in arrays.

Mo Hua's mood grew quiet. He fell silent for a long while, saying nothing, his gaze slowly lowering.

These words carried no hint of sowing discord.

"What about other cultivators in Tong Xiancheng?"

"If he keeps his distance from the inner sect, they'll resent him; if he draws close, they'll see him as a threat. Even if they pretend otherwise, inwardly they'll look down on him."

"Little Master Mo, please consider carefully—if you're willing to join Lan Mountain Sect, I'll speak with them and try to secure better terms for you."

"First, truly gifted array masters are exceedingly rare—recruiting them isn't easy; second, if word gets out that they're scheming and forcing a great array master to resign, Lan Mountain Sect will lose face and its reputation will suffer—so they won't dare go too far…"

Others beg to join the inner sect of Lan Mountain Sect, but Master Luo knew this didn't include Mo Hua.

"Master Luo, didn't you just say Lan Mountain Sect has few conflicts of interest and scheming? Yet what you're telling me now sounds like you're teaching me how to scheme…"

But whichever path Mo Hua chooses, it matters greatly to me.

What a pity—I lack the strength, the talent, and likely the treatment.

The invitation was concise and courteous, essentially inviting Mo Hua to serve as an instructor at Lan Mountain Sect, with promotion to elder upon reaching Foundation Establishment.

"Then what should he do in such a situation?" Mo Hua asked humbly.

Mr. Luo patiently said:

The waters of Lianshan Sect truly may not be able to nurture Mo Hua.

I only wish my parents could avoid suffering, escape Du Qun, and secure a stable post—even if it grants only a quiet, peaceful life.

I pondered for a moment, but found no great solution.

Mr. Luo looked at Mo Hua and said firmly:

Mr. Luo explained in detail to Mo Hua, "In Du Qun, instructors are all the same, elders are all the same. Though their titles are identical, actual power and status may differ vastly."

"If Great Master Mo agrees, you can no longer negotiate terms with us."

If Mo Hua joins Lianshan Sect, my recommendation counts as a small favor; if Mo Hua joins Lianshan Sect, he will remember my goodwill.

"The invitation clearly states it, but those instructors and elders are likely positions within the Outer Gate; purely in terms of authority and benefits, the Outer Gate falls far short of the Inner Gate."

Mr. Luo continued:

"On this mountain, will even the great Masters be ranked lower?" Mo Hua asked.

"It depends on whether he wishes to stay on—no one is forcing him; as long as the methods aren't excessive, they won't violate his principles."

"With Great Master Mo's talent for arrays, someone within the Inner Gate will soon be able to teach you; then, naturally, it will be your turn to teach others. If you belong to the Inner Gate, teach others, you will naturally become an Inner Gate instructor."

Yet inside, he let out a long sigh.

"Just focus on learning arrays, avoid trouble as much as possible, remain above worldly entanglements—then you won't offend anyone."

Mr. Luo bowed modestly: "It's merely a small favor; Great Master Mo is too kind."

"It's still the same: as long as your arrays are well-drawn, you can thrive anywhere. When you go to resign, what you fear is them…"

In his eyes, Mo Hua was very important—far more important than other itinerant cultivators—so while he felt sympathy for the fate of other itinerant cultivators, he did not care deeply.

Mo Hua was confused: "Shouldn't we mend relationships?"

"Joining the Inner Gate means binding yourself to Lianshan Sect—too many restrictions. If someday you wish to leave or seek a better position, Lianshan Sect will never let you go; instead, they will turn hostile…"

Mr. Luo shook his head: "Too close invites disrespect; too distant invites contempt. Do not deliberately distance yourself, nor deliberately draw near."

Mr. Luo considered carefully:

He hoped Mo Hua would have a brilliant future, a smooth path ahead, and one day become a renowned Array Master.

Mr. Luo had thought it all through thoroughly.

It was a highly formal sect appointment document, not a private agreement.

Mo Hua was stunned: "I haven't even agreed yet…"

Mr. Luo added: "Great Master Mo, if you join Lianshan Sect, your father and mother may come with you. Lianshan Sect has promised to give them positions within the Great Mountain—though not particularly prestigious, they are peaceful, good posts."

Mr. Luo handled human relations with ease, navigating all sides skillfully; he understood the inner workings of this place with great precision.

Joining Lianshan Sect seemed good on the surface, but Mo Hua always felt this path should not be chosen for him.

"The best solution is for you to remain an Outer Gate instructor and directly join the Inner Gate—endure some hardship, start as an Inner Gate disciple."

"Great Master Mo, your greatest disadvantage is your status as an itinerant cultivator."

Mr. Luo looked at Mo Hua and continued:

"At that time, every branch of Lianshan Sect will try to court you. Choose one branch, show some goodwill—or choose none at all, and focus quietly on learning arrays—it's all acceptable."

"Then still start as an Outer Gate instructor, later become a guest elder—but the conditions must be improved, the benefits must be better."

Seeing Mo Hua's expression, Mr. Luo quickly said: "Great Master Mo, don't rush to agree."

Mr. Luo sighed: "Great Master Mo, tell me honestly—you probably don't like hearing this…"

"If you're unwilling, it's no problem. I'll speak some kind words and gently decline them."

Mr. Luo didn't truly care whether Mo Hua genuinely wished to join Yunlan Sect.

Mo Hua smiled, knowing Mr. Luo spoke nothing but truth.

"Moreover, though you are an itinerant cultivator, in truth… you're hardly an itinerant cultivator at all."

Mo Hua was even more bewildered: "Mr. Luo…"

I don't truly wish to join Lianshan Sect; I'm merely curious, eager to hear Mr. Luo's opinion.

Mo Hua held it in his hand, heavy and substantial, and frowned.

"When disaster strikes, itinerant cultivators have only one path—uncertain future, bristling with thorns…"

Mo Hua nodded, then noticed a problem: