Chapter 843: Choice

This Senior Ma is definitely suspicious.

The demonic aura on him originally came from being tainted on the Yanzhi Boat.

The "Young Master" Hua Ruyu mentioned—is this Senior Ma?

Mo Hua thought for a moment, then shook his head.

This Senior Ma probably isn't qualified enough…

Given his status, he likely doesn't even meet the criteria to be called a Young Master.

On the other side, Hua Ruyu said something else to Senior Ma, who nodded and turned to leave.

Hua Ruyu pondered for a moment, then glanced warily around before walking off in another direction.

The two of them went in opposite directions, one left, one right.

Mo Hua considered for a moment, chose not to follow Hua Ruyu, and instead took Senior Ma's path, quietly trailing behind him.

Senior Ma was tall and slender, walked like the wind, but had low vigilance and didn't notice someone secretly following him.

He probably never imagined that someone else could have slipped into the Yanzhi Boat, shrouded in thick fog and operating in secrecy.

After walking a while, Senior Ma arrived before a secret chamber.

He paused briefly, then knocked on the door.

After a moment, the door opened; Senior Ma stepped inside and closed it behind him.

There was no time for Mo Hua to see who was inside the room.

But that didn't trouble him.

Climbing through windows, breaking arrays, drilling holes to eavesdrop—he'd done this twice already; now it was just a third time.

Mo Hua climbed to the window with practiced ease, reused his old trick, and in no time could see the room's interior and hear its sounds.

This secret chamber was different from before.

The room where Hua Ruyu and Qianqian Senior Sister were held was all pink, clearly a lady's boudoir.

But this chamber was elegant and refined, more like a study.

Around it stood ink-wash landscape screens, blue-and-white porcelain, freehand brush paintings, plain velvet carpets, and in the center stood a tea table.

Sitting at the table was a man.

The man wore a graceful yellow robe, stood tall and upright, with sword-like brows and starlit eyes, his demeanor calm and steady.

Seeing him, Mo Hua sighed inwardly.

He recognized this man.

A direct disciple of Tai'e Sect, top among his cohort, highly respected, and also the biological older brother of Xiao Mutou…

Ouyang Feng.

Mo Hua had been close with him, always calling him "Senior Feng"; when he first entered Grand Void Gate, it was Ouyang Feng—who had deep cultivation—who took him on bounty missions to earn merit.

Mo Hua's emotions were complicated, his gaze solemn.

"Senior Feng is also on the Yanzhi Boat…"

Senior Ma entered the room, walked straight to Ouyang Feng, and sat down without invitation.

Ouyang Feng ignored him; Senior Ma didn't care.

Silence filled the room for a moment, then Senior Ma spoke: "Everything is arranged."

He placed a jade token on the table and slowly pushed it toward Ouyang Feng. "The person is inside the room. This is the secret key to open the door."

Ouyang Feng didn't take the jade token, didn't even look up at Senior Ma—he merely sipped tea silently, expression blank.

Senior Ma sighed. "Senior Feng, this is a good thing. We're fellow disciples, our bond runs deep—I'd never harm you."

Ouyang Feng suddenly lifted his head, eyes sharp, sneering: "You still remember our fellow-disciple bond?"

Senior Ma said: "Senior Feng, I'm doing this for your own good. Others desperately want to board this boat, join this circle, enter that pavilion—but they lack the qualifications."

"No matter how hard they beg or plead, the Young Masters won't even glance at them."

"But you, Senior Feng, are different. The Young Masters value you, went to great lengths to invite you here, giving you this chance to join this circle, enter the inner chamber, and someday become a member of the 'Young Master Pavilion.'"

Ouyang Feng's eyes showed contempt.

Senior Ma sighed. "Senior Feng, I know you're proud, but what good is pride? Can pride buy spirit stones? Can it revive your sect?"

"Others may not understand, but you should know—this Young Master Pavilion isn't just some ordinary group formed by noble scions and sect disciples for amusement."

"This Young Master Pavilion has existed since long ago. In nearly every generation across Qianxue Province, many prodigies have entered this 'Pavilion' and been listed as Young Masters."

"Those former Young Masters have long since left their sects, entering great clans, major sects, upper echelons of Dao Ting Si, even the Dao Ting Si's central authority."

"Their cultivation is at least Jin Dan; many are already Liu Yuhua; even Dong Xu isn't impossible…"

"What a vast force this is!"

Senior Ma said solemnly.

"Senior Feng, if you enter this circle, you open a direct path to the true upper echelons of the cultivation world. Tai'e Sect will be seen by the Young Masters as 'one of us' and receive favor from all sides. You and Tai'e Sect will both soar to greatness."

"And with your current status, once you become Tai'e Sect's sect leader, seizing the right opportunities, you could elevate Tai'e Sect further, restore its glory, even elevate it to Sida Sect status."

"Your personal success or failure, your sect's rise or fall—all rest on your decision."

Senior Ma's expression was fervent, his tone excited.

Ouyang Feng remained unmoved.

Seeing this, Senior Ma sighed, his voice growing colder:

"Conversely, if you refuse this honor, refuse to join this circle, you become an 'outsider'—and Tai'e Sect will be shunned everywhere. Even if you become sect leader, you'll stand alone, constantly hindered in every action."

"And it won't stop there—if you stubbornly cling to your principles, not only you, but your family and friends may suffer misfortune…"

Ouyang Feng's gaze turned icy. "Are you threatening me?"

"This isn't a threat," Senior Ma shook his head. "It's fact. For example, your younger brother—low-talent, gullible, and too trusting of others…"

Ouyang Feng's gaze was as sharp as a sword, brimming with threads of killing intent.

"Last time's affair—was it you who did it? Did you send Little Mu to the Ten Thousand Demons Valley?"

"Indeed, Brother Feng, you can't be fooled," Master Ma smiled faintly, not denying it. "But you should know—it's fortunate it was me who acted, for I still cherish old ties. Had someone else done it, Brother Mu might already be dead."

Ouyang Feng said nothing, only stared coldly at Master Ma.

Master Ma paused a moment, then earnestly urged:

"Brother Feng, the Young Master's faction's power is immense and unfathomable—you don't even know who all lurk within. Any elder, Gu Diansi, or inspector, prosecutor, or overseer from the Dao Court you meet in the future may secretly be one of them. If they truly turn against you, you cannot guard against them all."

Ouyang Feng's face darkened further. "So even the legitimate heir of the Hundred Flowers Valley—you dare lay hands on her?"

Master Ma sighed. "Her situation… is unusual. We never intended to touch her—but she stubbornly walked into this mire herself. We can't be blamed. And, truth be told, this is also your fate…"

Master Ma glanced at Ouyang Feng. "You two know each other well, your families are equally esteemed, you're a match in talent and beauty—perfectly suited. This Vermilion Boat is just the right place to serve as your bridal chamber."

"As for parental orders and matchmaker's words—those formalities can be added later."

"After tonight, your hearts will be aligned. The Ouyang and Hua clans will surely welcome this union."

Ouyang Feng's expression was blank. "I've known Qianqian since childhood—I've always thought of her as my little sister. I never wanted to hurt her."

"How is this hurting her?" Master Ma frowned. "With a husband like you, she should be delighted. How do you know she doesn't secretly wish for this?"

"A wise man adapts to circumstances, Brother Feng. Why cling so stubbornly?"

No matter how he pleaded, Ouyang Feng remained resolute, unmoved.

Seeing he couldn't sway him, Master Ma sighed. "Fine…"

He shook his head and placed a pill on the table. "I know you're troubled—I've prepared this pill specially for you."

"Swallow this pill, and you'll forget everything. No more doubts. Let instinct guide your body and soul—enjoy this night fully."

"When you wake tomorrow, you'll have Jin Yu's blessed union, boundless prospects, and many 'kindred spirits'…"

"Kindred spirits?" Ouyang Feng sneered. "You mean fellow corruptors?"

"It doesn't matter," Master Ma said. "What justice or fairness exists in this world? People gather only to pursue self-interest. So-called kindred spirits are merely fellow corruptors."

Ouyang Feng grew slightly angry.

Seeing this, Master Ma lost patience. His tone grew cold.

"Brother Feng, don't blame me for not warning you—the Young Master favors you, but he doesn't truly need you."

"The same goes for Sister Hua. If you won't be tonight's groom, someone else will take your place."

"A scion of a great sect—talented, beautiful, pure as ice and jade."

"Such a beauty draws countless covetous eyes. Such a fortune—how many Young Masters would fight to the death for it?"

"Listen to me. Swallow this pill. Do what you must. It's best for everyone. Otherwise…"

Master Ma gave a cold laugh. "That delicate flower won't be spared—who knows who'll pluck her? How many humiliations will she endure tonight?"

Ouyang Feng's face turned pale.

"I give you half an hour to decide. Swallow the pill, and all unfolds naturally. Otherwise, you'll regret it for the rest of your life."

After speaking, Master Ma turned and left.

The room was left with only Ouyang Feng alone.

He sat motionless before the tea table, staring at the pill, his soul seemingly gone.

He knew clearly—tonight's affair was a "letter of allegiance."

Once he swallowed this pill, he would walk down another path—never to return.

It seemed glorious and bright—but was rotten to the core.

It seemed boundless in prospect—but he would lose his Dao, betray his heart, become a dog for others, doing their dirty work for life.

How could one who lost his Dao-heart ever climb the Great Dao?

Ouyang Feng's heart grew heavier with bitterness.

But if he didn't swallow it…

The vast Young Master's faction, its countless unknown dangers, the sect's revival, his family's safety, and Qianqian…

Each and every one weighed upon Ouyang Feng's heart.

Ouyang Feng's face grew paler still; his once-straight back bent slightly.

He was a child of heaven, burdened with the hopes of his sect and parents, always playing the role of "Senior Brother," caring for fellow disciples, looking after juniors.

Since childhood, he had vowed to shoulder the burden of reviving the sect.

But he was still only a youth of twenty-five or six. He bore too many expectations, too heavy a load. He grew weary, he faltered—but he could never speak of it.

Now, the Young Master's faction's affair pressed upon his heart. He was powerless—and dared not even whisper a word to anyone.

This matter was the final straw.

Ouyang Feng's mind began to crumble.

Meanwhile, the faint aura of the Evil God, drifting through the air, slipped in unopposed, eroding his mind, clouding his Dao-heart.

Unconsciously, Ouyang Feng's eyes began to redden slightly.

His expression was numb, yet tears slipped silently from his corners.

"Enough… I can't escape…"

Perhaps this was fate…

Ouyang Feng gave a bitter laugh, tightly shut his eyes, his face filled with despair—then opened them, trembling slightly, reaching out to take the pill, slowly bringing it to his lips…

The red in his eyes deepened.

His Dao-heart dimmed bit by bit; his mind crumbled further…

The Evil God's desires slowly took root.

Just then, a clear voice rang out.

"Senior Brother Feng…"

That voice, like a clear spring, flowed through his heart, bringing him a thread of clarity.

Ouyang Feng froze, his hand halting mid-way to taking the pill.

He remained stunned for a long while, then glanced around—but the surroundings were empty. Ouyang Feng's brow furrowed slightly.

"I thought I heard a voice… who called me 'Senior Brother Feng'?"

That voice was sweet and familiar, somewhat like…

Senior Brother Mo?

Ouyang Feng smiled bitterly and shook his head.

At a time like this, I'm hearing Senior Brother Mo calling me.

Yet I've willingly fallen, strayed from the Dao—henceforth, I no longer deserve to hear him call me 'Senior Brother.'

Ouyang Feng's expression turned bitter, then he resumed taking the pill.

"Senior Brother Feng!"

Mo Hua called again.

But this time, his voice seemed blocked by thick mist, unable to reach Ouyang Feng's ears.

Beside Ouyang Feng's ears, demonic thoughts seemed to block out all sound; the red in his eyes grew deeper.

At that moment, a flash of swordlight gleamed in Mo Hua's eyes.

A pure golden light pierced through the mist, shattered the demonic thoughts, and shone into Ouyang Feng's pupils.

Ouyang Feng felt as if his soul had been lightly pierced by a sword—his scalp prickled with pain, yet followed by even clearer clarity.

Like a man sinking into deep sleep, suddenly awakened.

The shadows in his eyes vanished; the haze around his ears dissolved.

A crisp voice grew clearer.

"Senior Brother Feng, it's me!"

Hearing this, Ouyang Feng's heart trembled. He leapt to his feet, scanned the room, then turned to the window.

On the window was a small hole, now widened further.

Outside the hole glowed a pair of shining eyes.

Ouyang Feng's spirit trembled—it truly was…

"Senior Brother Mo?!"

Mo Hua quickly shushed him, then whispered, "Open the door a crack—let me in."

Ouyang Feng paused, then nodded dazedly.

He went to the door, saw no one outside, and quietly opened a slit.

Moments later, the crack widened slightly—as if an invisible figure had slipped inside.

Ouyang Feng closed the door, turned—and saw Mo Hua already seated before the tea table, taking out a clean cup and pouring himself tea.

Ouyang Feng's thoughts were in disarray. He stood frozen for a long while, utterly baffled, then asked hesitantly:

"Senior Brother Mo, how… how did you get here? Did those Young Masters invite you too?"

Mo Hua sipped his tea slowly, then sighed and shook his head:

"I wished they'd invite me—but they didn't. Even when I offered to pay myself, they refused to let me board. I found another way—I snuck on."

"Then you…"

"It's a long story. Time is short—no time to explain now," Mo Hua said.

Ouyang Feng blinked, then nodded.

Then he realized: if Mo Hua had been on the ship all along, he must have seen everything inside this room. A wave of shame washed over him.

"I…"

"Senior Brother Feng," Mo Hua cut in before he could speak, "human strength has limits. Some things simply cannot be resolved by you."

Ouyang Feng froze.

"So," Mo Hua continued, "if you can't resolve something, let it go for now. Focus on your cultivation. When your strength grows, you can return to it. Otherwise…"

Mo Hua's gaze darkened slightly, "you'll be crushed under a burden you cannot bear."

This was true for Senior Brother Feng—and for him too.

He had many things he wished to do—but with his current meager cultivation, he could do nothing.

He could only set it all aside, cultivate in peace, and wait for the day he gained the power to defy heaven and alter fate—then do what he had once failed to accomplish.

Ouyang Feng faintly understood Mo Hua's meaning. His expression grew thoughtful, yet inner confusion still lingered.

"I don't know…"

"Senior Brother Feng," Mo Hua's eyes were clear and resolute, "choose the right path, and even if the road ahead is rugged, you need only focus on overcoming the obstacles."

"But if you choose the wrong path, even smooth sailing is meaningless."

Ouyang Feng jolted. These few words cut straight through his inner knots—shocking him, yet leaving him helpless. He couldn't help but exclaim:

"Brother Mo truly… is born with innate wisdom, possesses a unique Dao heart. Though I'm a few years older, I see far less clearly than you."

Superior elemental roots are rare—but a superior Dao heart is beyond finding.

No wonder the Patriarch of Grand Void Gate holds Senior Brother Mo in such high regard…

Mo Hua bowed humbly: "It's just that those caught in the situation are blind, while outsiders see clearly. That senior brother with the long face didn't lure me with benefits—if he had, I might not have held my ground."

Ouyang Feng laughed. "Senior Brother Mo, you still know how to speak."

Mo Hua smiled with half-closed eyes.

Ouyang Feng, who had felt utterly alone and nearly lost his mind and Dao heart, now saw everything clearly.

He let out a long breath, his inner confusion gone, and glanced at Mo Hua with gratitude.

Then he remembered something and frowned. "Qianqian… she may be in danger."

"Mm." Mo Hua nodded sharply. "First, save Senior Sister Qianqian, then decide what to do next."

"Agreed." Ouyang Feng nodded.

After a brief further discussion, footsteps sounded outside—the approach of someone.

Ouyang Feng and Mo Hua exchanged a glance, nodded, and then Mo Hua activated his Concealment Technique once more, vanishing without a trace.

As if he had never been there at all.

Ouyang Feng silently marveled, then straightened his expression and rose to open the door.

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