Chapter 825: Xia Diansi

Gu Changhuai looked utterly baffled.

What the hell is this kid talking about?

Get in touch with that woman named Xia?

What a joke…

Women are all troublemakers; out of sight, out of mind—how could he possibly go near her unless he'd lost his mind?

Gu Changhuai grumbled inwardly.

Mo Hua pulled out his "old excuse" again: "This is all for the investigation, for the truth!"

Gu Changhuai: "Say something practical."

After spending so much time with Mo Hua, he was now immune to these "grandiose" words.

"Alright," Mo Hua sighed, "I've realized that, on our own, we can't catch Shui Yanluo."

"This is a second-grade prefecture; Shui Yanluo is powerful, his methods are devious, and worse—he excels in water manipulation…"

Gu Changhuai frowned.

Though unwilling to admit it, he knew deep down that Shui Yanluo might be even more troublesome than Huo Fotuo.

Shui Yanluo's raw power is inferior to Huo Fotuo's.

In direct combat, Shui Yanluo would be no match for Huo Fotuo.

But capturing or killing Shui Yanluo is harder than dealing with Huo Fotuo.

Huo Fotuo's strength lies in his boundless, beast-like spiritual energy and his unmatched fire-based forbidden arts.

At the same realm, in direct combat, Huo Fotuo fears no cultivator.

But Shui Yanluo follows the "unorthodox" Dao—his techniques are ruthless, his movement ghostly, his eye arts eerie.

The most troublesome part is that he thrives near water.

On land, he's somewhat manageable.

But once Shui Yanluo slips into the Yan Shui River, with water's enhancement, his power surges.

He stirs up chaos, comes and goes freely—no one can stop him.

Finding a cultivator with water affinity and power equal to Shui Yanluo's is nearly impossible.

Gu Changhuai sighed.

Cultivators are like this.

Cultivation level is the foundation of everything, but cultivation level isn't everything.

With only raw cultivation, if one lacks experience, lacks deep strategy, doesn't understand the Dao, isn't skilled in various cultivation arts, and has no means to apply one's power, one will still be constantly hindered, helpless in the face of adversity.

"So you want Xia Diansi to help?" Gu Changhuai asked.

Mo Hua nodded. "Yes."

"But she's from the Dao Ting Si—no one knows what her intentions are," Gu Changhuai said warily.

Mo Hua replied: "Uncle Gu, didn't you yourself say before that Dao Ting Si cultivators must follow Dao law, act according to facts, arrest those who must be arrested, kill those who must be killed, and uphold justice…"

"If that's true, then as long as we follow Dao law, why care about Xia Diansi's identity or motives if we can join forces to capture Shui Yanluo and remove this menace?"

Gu Changhuai froze, pondered carefully, and realized it made some sense.

The Dao Ting Si belongs to the Dao Ting.

Though the Gu family is a clan, they are of bureaucratic origin, fundamentally different from other industry-based families.

The Gu family's ancestral precepts have always emphasized adherence to Dao law and impartial conduct.

If so, then no matter what the Dao Ting's intentions are, I need only follow the Gu family's ancestral precepts.

Gu Changhuai suddenly understood.

This might be the "pure stream" path the Gu family walks.

Obey Dao law, act by principle.

In this way, we neither collude with other clans nor flatter the Dao Ting.

After all, even the Dao Ting may not follow Dao law…

Gu Changhuai frowned.

Such a "pure stream" would surely breed envy and hatred—even make one enemies everywhere—wasn't impossible.

But this is the path the Gu family walks.

Persisting on it may bring countless obstacles and a treacherous road ahead, but if we abandon it, lose our backbone, we risk annihilation in an instant.

He had sometimes thought the clan master was too rigid, but now, thinking carefully, he understood a little of the clan master's intentions.

Gu Changhuai pondered for a moment, then said: "Fine!"

Mo Hua was surprised.

He hadn't expected Uncle Gu to agree so quickly.

His prepared arguments hadn't even been fully delivered.

Still, it's better that Uncle Gu figured it out himself.

Though Mo Hua didn't know exactly what he'd figured out…

"Then, Uncle Gu, find some time to meet with Xia Diansi," Mo Hua pressed.

Gu Changhuai said nothing—he still felt some resistance inside.

"Don't worry, I'll come too," Mo Hua said.

Gu Changhuai frowned. "What are you here for?"

If I don't come, I bet you two will just stare coldly at each other…

Mo Hua muttered inwardly.

"I have something important to discuss with Xia Diansi," Mo Hua said.

Gu Changhuai fell silent for a moment. "Fine…"

It would be better if Mo Hua went; if it were just me, I really wouldn't want to meet that Xia man.

Women are too troublesome.

"But if I invite her, she may not agree to come out," Gu Changhuai said.

"No problem, Uncle Gu, just try inviting her," Mo Hua said.

Mo Hua had already thought it through—he believed Uncle Gu would likely succeed in inviting Xia Diansi.

In terms of status, both of them are Diansi.

Uncle Gu has served as Diansi in Qianxue Province for over two hundred years and comes from the Gu family; he has handled countless cases and dealt with innumerable cultivators who broke the law.

Although Xia Diansi has the Xia family backing her and the Dao Court as her support, she is new here and not yet familiar with the internal situation of Qianxue Province.

Under these circumstances, she would certainly not mind asking Uncle Gu for some information.

On another note, even if Uncle Gu has no other advantages, at least his appearance is extremely handsome.

Men like beautiful women.

And no woman in this world dislikes a handsome young man.

Therefore, Uncle Gu's face must not go to waste—it must be put to good use.

Gu Changhuai did not know how many cunning thoughts were turning in Mo Hua's mind, so he could only say: "Alright, I'll try…"

So Gu Changhuai went ahead and tried.

A few days later, Gu Changhuai sent Mo Hua a message: "Xia Diansi agreed. Are you free tomorrow night?"

Tomorrow night?

Mo Hua thought for a moment—he had class tomorrow, and in the evening he still had to teach Yu'er formation techniques, but teaching formations wasn't urgent.

Mo Hua replied: "I'm free."

"There's a Gu family tavern in Taixu City. Go there around the seventh hour," Gu Changhuai said.

"Gu family tavern? Is it owned by the Gu family?"

"Yes."

"Good," Mo Hua replied.

The next day, after finishing his class, Mo Hua assigned Yu'er some formation exercises, then left Taixu Gate and arrived at the Gu family tavern in Taixu City.

The tavern was decorated in an ancient, elegant style.

Refined without losing luxury, luxurious yet restrained.

Mo Hua glanced and immediately guessed this tavern must have been arranged by Xu Wanyi.

Upon entering, a servant approached, but before he could speak two words, a surprised voice called out: "Is this Master Mo?"

Mo Hua looked up and saw a plump, smiling Jin Dan cultivator in the guise of a Shopkeeper, bowing to him.

He looked familiar, but Mo Hua couldn't recall who he was.

The Shopkeeper said: "I serve as a steward for the Gu family and also manage this tavern. I met young master at a Gu family banquet."

Mo Hua politely replied: "Hello, Shopkeeper Gu."

Shopkeeper Gu smiled and asked: "Young master, are you here to dine alone, or are you here for a banquet?"

"Uncle Gu invited me," Mo Hua said.

Shopkeeper Gu paused slightly, then nodded faintly, thinking: No wonder he's young Master Mo—even Gu Changhuai, who is always aloof and keeps strangers at arm's length, has invited him to dinner.

Shopkeeper Gu then smiled and said: "Young Master Gu did indeed instruct me to reserve a private room. I'll take you there now."

Mo Hua bowed. "Thank you for your trouble."

Shopkeeper Gu led Mo Hua to a quiet, elegantly furnished private room on the second floor.

Mo Hua's spiritual sense swept briefly—he noticed formation arrays had been set up around the room to prevent eavesdropping or disturbance.

The room was empty; neither Gu Changhuai nor Xia Diansi had arrived, no dishes had been served, and the table held only a single teapot.

Shopkeeper Gu said: "Young master, please sit for a while."

"Alright!"

Mo Hua nodded and chose a seat that looked pleasant, cool, and auspicious in feng shui.

Shopkeeper Gu glanced at Mo Hua, then at the nearly empty table, and whispered: "Shall I bring you some dishes first?"

"Wait for Uncle Gu," Mo Hua said.

"No need," Shopkeeper Gu said. "Consider it my 'greeting gift' to young master—don't be so formal."

Shopkeeper Gu's hospitality was too earnest to refuse, and Mo Hua was indeed hungry, so he readily agreed:

"Then I'll trouble you, Shopkeeper Gu."

Shopkeeper Gu smiled. "Young master, please wait a moment."

After he withdrew, not long after, servants arrived carrying dishes.

Though called a "greeting gift," every single dish was a lavish, exquisite course—perfect in color, aroma, and taste.

When Gu Changhuai, expression cold, entered with Xia Diansi, equally icy, they saw Mo Hua already devouring a pile of dishes before him.

Gu Changhuai couldn't help saying: "How did you start eating already?"

"I was hungry," Mo Hua replied matter-of-factly. "Besides, these were all offered by Shopkeeper Gu."

Gu Changhuai sighed.

This kid could make friends anywhere.

Even at a Gu family tavern, the Shopkeeper gives him special treatment.

Gu Changhuai shook his head and found a seat, pouring himself a cup of tea.

Xia Diansi also took her seat.

She came here for serious business, so she wouldn't care about a few drinks and dishes.

But…

She glanced at Mo Hua, then at Gu Changhuai, and her doubts began to grow.

In recent days, she had come to know a little about Gu Changhuai.

This man was cold, reclusive, rigid, unyielding, emotionally inept, unpopular, quick-tempered, hard to communicate with, and indifferent to everyone…

Only his appearance was barely acceptable.

Beyond that, he was cold and hard, like a stone.

The only thing that could truly anger him, even make him lose composure, was this young boy sitting at the table, gnawing on a chicken leg.

And Gu Changhuai's attitude toward this boy was also very strange…

It was clear that Gu Changhuai's attitude toward him was not friendly; sometimes he was even impatient and his words lacked courtesy.

But even when angry, Gu Changhuai remained restrained.

No matter how impatient he was, he could do nothing about the boy.

He even seemed somewhat… wary?

Xia Diansi frowned slightly, lost in thought.

"Big Sister Xia, this chicken leg is delicious—try some…" Mo Hua handed a chicken leg to Xia Diansi.

One chicken, two chicken legs.

Mo Hua ate one, and saved the other for Xia Diansi.

Gu Changhuai watched silently from beside them.

Xia Diansi appreciated Mo Hua's kindness, but as a Diansi herself, she was also somewhat cold, and merely replied coolly, "Thank you."

"Also," Xia Diansi corrected, "call me 'Xia Diansi.'"

"Mm-hmm, Xia Diansi," Mo Hua said.

After they sat down, the Shopkeeper brought out the dishes.

These dishes were arranged by Gu Changhuai.

He was a noble Young Master, who insisted on refined food and finely sliced meat, so the dishes he arranged were exquisite and luxurious.

Of course, in Mo Hua's eyes, they were a bit "decadent."

But food itself was innocent, so Mo Hua still ate.

Xia Diansi took only a few sips, then put down her chopsticks and asked Gu Changhuai, "Gu Diansi, why did you ask me here?"

Gu Changhuai said nothing, drinking quietly.

Xia Diansi's expression grew increasingly displeased.

Mo Hua sighed, somewhat helplessly, and said:

"Xia Diansi, have you heard of Water Yama?"

Xia Diansi's expression flickered slightly, but only for an instant, then returned to normal. "What about Water Yama?"

Mo Hua studied her expression, guessing she knew something, but wasn't sure how much.

Mo Hua spoke succinctly: "Uncle Gu also wants to capture Water Yama. He wants to team up with you."

Xia Diansi paused, considering carefully:

"Although Water Yama is a scourge deserving of execution, the Dao Ting Si's current focus is not on Water Yama."

"Aren't you investigating the Gui Shui Sect? Water Yama is closely tied to the Gui Shui Sect," Mo Hua said.

Xia Diansi froze, then her gaze turned cold as she looked at Gu Changhuai and sneered:

"Gu Diansi, how dare you casually reveal Dao Ting Si matters?"

Gu Changhuai took a sip of wine and snorted, "I didn't say a word."

"If you didn't say it, how would this child know?" Xia Diansi's gaze sharpened.

Gu Changhuai replied coolly, "I didn't say it, but he still knows. In this Qianxue Zhou border region, he probably knows more than you, a Diansi…"

Xia Diansi first sneered, but seeing Gu Changhuai wasn't lying, she was taken aback, turned to look at Mo Hua, and couldn't help asking:

"You…"

Mo Hua said, "My surname is Mo, my name is Mo Hua. I'm a Foundation Establishment mid-stage disciple of the Grand Void Gate."

"Mo?" Xia Diansi was surprised. "You're not a Gu?"

Mo Hua shook his head.

"Mo…" Xia Diansi pondered, puzzled. "Near Qianxue Zhou, I don't recall any major clan with the surname Mo…"

"I'm not from a noble family. I'm a cultivator without a sect," Mo Hua replied honestly.

"A cultivator without a sect!"

Even the usually icy Xia Diansi's expression changed noticeably.

A cultivator without a sect?

She came from a true great clan of Daozhou, and though she knew most cultivators in the world were without sects,

she was born and raised in Daozhou, and nearly everyone she interacted with was from a noble family or a major sect.

Cultivators without sects weren't nonexistent.

But those who, through their own strength, refused to marry into clans or cling to power, and entered the Dao Ting Si's core, were as rare as phoenix feathers.

At least, she had only heard of them—never met one.

Not just in Daozhou—even in Qianxue Zhou, few cultivators without sects could cross the threshold into the sects.

Xia Diansi studied Mo Hua again, noticing that though his appearance and aura were somewhat naive and carefree, his bearing was far from ordinary, and her astonishment deepened.

"How did a lone cultivator like you manage to join the Grand Void Gate?"

She remembered that the Grand Void Gate was at least one of the Eight Great Sects of Qianxue Province.

"That's a long story…" Mo Hua sighed.

If he were to tell it properly, he'd have to start with Yu'er's matter—so he didn't say anything.

Mo Hua immediately turned to the matter at hand: "I have…"

He thought for a moment, then added Gu Changhuai as well.

"…Myself and Uncle Gu have leads on Water Yama, but Water Yama is at Foundation Establishment peak, excels in water cultivation arts, lurks in the Yan Shui River, appears and vanishes at will, and is extremely difficult to apprehend."

Xia Diansi frowned. "How could you possibly have leads on Water Yama?"

Mo Hua's expression was humble, yet his tone carried a hint of "arrogance":

"Sister Xia, I won't hide it—I'm barely a 'local boss' around Qianxue Province; I know something, however small, about everything nearby."

Xia Diansi stared at Mo Hua in silence.

She had previously encountered Mo Hua at Dao Ting Si and assumed he was merely a pampered, naive, lively young master of the Gu family.

How had he suddenly become a "local boss"?

Xia Diansi turned her head and glanced at Gu Changhuai; seeing his indifferent expression, she realized he clearly agreed with that statement—and now she found it even harder to believe.

Yet she still couldn't fully trust it, so she asked:

"How much do you actually know about Water Yama?"

Mo Hua knew this was Xia Diansi testing him, checking whether he truly knew some inside information.

Mo Hua pondered for a moment, then said:

"Water Yama is at Foundation Establishment peak, cultivates the Water Prison Gate arts, wields the Water Punishment Whip, masters Water Shadow Step, and can concentrate lethal energy into his eyes to unleash strange eye techniques."

"Dao Ting Si's records on Water Yama are sparse, but this man has killed countless people—he must have committed many murders long ago."

"And over a year ago, the Yu family's water fortress downstream on the Yan Shui River was wiped out—Water Yama was behind it…"

…

Mo Hua selected and revealed some of what he knew.

Xia Diansi grew more and more alarmed as she listened.

Many of these details she had already known, but some pieces of information she had never heard from any source until now…

Xia Diansi looked at Mo Hua, her spirit slightly shaken, and asked:

"How did you come to know all this?"

Mo Hua smiled broadly and said nothing.

Xia Diansi fell silent for a moment, then stopped asking.

Then her expression turned slightly solemn. "Let me ask you one final question… You and Water Yama have no personal grudge, correct? Then why pursue him?"

Mo Hua's gaze flickered slightly.

It wasn't entirely true that they had no grudge.

At the very least, Water Yama must already harbor hatred toward him.

He probably still thinks Mo Hua is a "remnant of the Water Prison Gate," and thus wishes to kill him as soon as possible.

Of course, the fundamental reason wasn't any of that.

Some things were better left unsaid.

Mo Hua put on a solemn face and said:

"I am a disciple of the Grand Void Gate, taught by my sect to uphold my true heart, pursue the Dao wholeheartedly, and take it as my duty to slay demons and eradicate evil. Water Yama is saturated with crimes—his death is too good for him. If he is not slain, more cultivators will fall victim to his hands."

"Therefore, apprehending Water Yama and imprisoning him in Dao Prison to face his due punishment is the duty of every cultivator who upholds the righteous path!"

Mo Hua spoke with passionate fervor.

Gu Changhuai pressed his hand to his forehead.

This kid is at it again…

But Xia Diansi, seeing Mo Hua's righteous expression, seemed moved.

She thought for a moment, then nodded:

"Fine. We can join forces to capture Water Yama!"

Mo Hua was overjoyed; he poured Xia Diansi a cup of wine and raised his cup:

"It's a deal!"

Xia Diansi, seeing his expression, smiled as well. "It's a deal."

After raising their cups, both silently turned to look at Gu Changhuai beside them.

Gu Changhuai looked annoyed.

Mo Hua tugged at his sleeve. "Uncle Gu, you're the last one."

Gu Changhuai hesitated for a moment, then slowly raised his cup and clinked it with Mo Hua's and Xia Diansi's.

The three had now reached an agreement.

Yet after finishing the meal and leaving Gu's Wine House, Gu Changhuai still couldn't resist dousing Mo Hua with cold water.

"She's from Dao Ting Si—and from the Xia family."

"Dao Ting Si is rigid, the clans are cold-hearted, everyone has hidden agendas. Her agreement with you doesn't mean she has good intentions."

Mo Hua nodded. "I know, Uncle Gu. Don't worry."

Gu Changhuai glanced at Mo Hua, then said nothing more.

Later, Xia Diansi, for the sake of convenient communication, also took time to give Mo Hua a Message Token.

Thus, Mo Hua now held two Message Tokens from Dao Ting Si Diansi—one from Gu Changhuai, one from Xia Diansi.

Mo Hua used the Message Jade to tell Xia Diansi some of the clues.

And with the Dao Court and the Xia clan behind him, Xia Diansi's power and ability were considerable — within just a few days, he had picked up another lead on Water Yama.

She didn't hold anything back either, telling Mo Hua everything she'd managed to find out.

Mo Hua looked at the circles and dots marked out on the Smoke-Water River Map, his gaze flickering slightly.

The plan to encircle and hunt Water Yama could now begin…

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