Chapter 853: The Big Gossip

Such an important matter, and this waste only now speaks up—if not for this, I would have used every means at my disposal to capture that brat back then!

Xiao Diansi glared at Shui Yanluo with murderous intent, then turned his head, eyes half-open, gaze dark and cruel, toward "Mo Hua" in the distance.

In his eyes, blood-red killing intent churned, his aura terrifying.

But "Mo Hua" in the distance was merely a "blanket person," unafraid, showing no reaction at all, resting calmly against the broken wall.

Instead, Gu Changhuai beside him sensed something amiss and cast a cold glance over.

Their gazes met, tension thickened, yet neither spoke; after a moment, they each withdrew their eyes.

Xiao Diansi sneered inwardly.

"This Gu Changhuai remains as alert as ever…"

"As for that brat… he's got quite the heart—sleeps so soundly…"

He suppressed his emotions, his eyes narrowing once more, concealing all within his inner depths, speaking calmly:

"I understand. Regarding the Water Prison Sealed Casket, say nothing of it to anyone else…"

"Yes."

"How is your cultivation progressing?" Xiao Diansi asked Shui Yanluo.

"As you entrusted me, I've reached the fourth level," Shui Yanluo replied.

Xiao Diansi's expression softened slightly, nodding: "Almost there…"

Hearing this, Shui Yanluo seemed to release a heavy burden, bowing respectfully:

"The Water Prison Sect's methods are truly exquisite—I owe every bit of this ability to your complete and generous instruction."

Complete and generous instruction?

Mo Hua was startled upon hearing this.

All of Shui Yanluo's skills were taught to him by the Smiling Tiger?!

Xiao Diansi grunted, said nothing more, and waved his hand, dismissing Shui Yanluo.

Shui Yanluo bowed and departed.

The scene was left with only Xiao Diansi alone.

Mo Hua frowned, about to leave, when suddenly his spiritual sense stirred—he detected another figure.

"Someone else came?"

Mo Hua thought for a moment, then stayed put by the corner, ears straining to listen.

After a moment, a figure stepped from the shadows, approaching Xiao Diansi and bowing: "Uncle."

The man was tall and distinguished—it was Xiao Tianquan.

Xiao Diansi glanced at Xiao Tianquan, his expression deeply complex; after a moment, he sneered: "No need to call me uncle."

Xiao Tianquan said: "Blood ties remain unbroken; as long as this karmic bond exists, you are forever my uncle."

"Blood ties…"

Xiao Diansi's expression turned cold, a hint of mockery on his lips: "Everyone knows—in the eyes of the rich, money means nothing; in the eyes of the powerful, power means nothing; in the eyes of clans, bloodline means nothing."

Xiao Diansi stared at Xiao Tianquan, his gaze growing colder, more indifferent, even revealing a long-suppressed anger and resentment:

"I've devoted myself, schemed for years, done countless dirty deeds, poured countless hours into the Xiao family—all I sought was the position of Dao Ting Si's Zhou Zhangsi."

"Even when matters arose, to avoid tainting the family, I bore all the blame alone."

"You entered Dao Ting Si young—I personally guided you, step by step."

"You wanted achievements? I found men to die for you. You were bored? I went to Yanzhi Zhou to find women for you. You wanted prospects and connections? I introduced you to the Young Master Pavilion…"

"I even planned—if I became Zhou Zhangsi, cultivated relationships, paved the way—then when the Fifth-Rank Ganxue Dao Ting Si's next Zhou Zhangsi position opens, it would be yours!"

"But I never imagined…"

Xiao Diansi's eyes blazed with fury: "Those ancient bastards in the clan were so eager, they wanted to bypass me entirely and promote you directly to vie for this Zhou Zhangsi position!"

Xiao Diansi laughed bitterly with rage: "What a brilliant plan! I've spent my entire life building this path, and before I even take a single step, I've become a mere brick!"

"This is what a clan is! Talk of blood ties, yet when it comes to interests, they're all cold-blooded beasts!"

Xiao Tianquan's face paled slightly, shame flickering across his expression: "Uncle, this was the Ancestor's arrangement—I had no say…"

"Of course you had no say—the benefits all fell to you. What more do you want?" Xiao Diansi sneered.

Xiao Tianquan lowered his head and bowed deeply to Xiao Diansi.

Xiao Diansi studied Xiao Tianquan, knowing his nephew truly had no control over this—part of him felt understanding, yet jealousy still festered within.

It was only that, among this generation of Xiao disciples, Xiao Tianquan was simply too outstanding.

Bloodline, spiritual root, talent, comprehension, appearance—all perfect.

If I were the Ancestor, I too would dote on this direct-line grandson, going to any lengths to pave his way.

Compared to this vibrant, favored prodigy, I—a weary, scheming middle-aged Diansi—would be discarded without a second thought, unnoticed, unmissed.

And as long as one is young, talented, and good-looking, the Xiao family sees limitless future gains.

Especially… marriage alliances.

Xiao Diansi said coldly: "I heard the Ancestors are discussing your marriage to Xia Diansi…"

This sudden remark struck Mo Hua like a thunderclap, leaving him stunned and shell-shocked.

Xiao Tianquan… and Xia Diansi's marriage?!

Huh?!!

Mo Hua's mouth gaped open like a duck egg.

What the hell?

After the shock, Mo Hua immediately realized something, suppressed his emotions, and focused intently on listening.

On the other side, within the soundproof array.

Xiao Tianquan bowed his hands, silent, clearly acknowledging it.

Xiao Diansi's face carried a hint of mockery and a trace of admiration as he nodded: "No wonder he's the Ancestor—doing what ordinary people dare not even imagine…"

"According to convention, my Xiao family's rank and status could never rightfully marry into the Xia family—but you and Xia Diansi are an exception…"

"Your spiritual roots are excellent, your talent is outstanding, your future is limitless—and most importantly, you're very young."

"Xia Diansi is also fine—his appearance and spiritual roots are both top-tier, nothing to criticize—but he's old, has spent years serving in the Dao Ting Si, cold and aloof, with a terrible temper."

"With Xia Diansi's stature, seeking a match above or even equal to his station is difficult. But you're still young; your future potential compensates for your family's inferior standing."

"In this way, the two of you are actually well-matched."

Xiao Diansi's gaze darkened slightly as he glanced at Xiao Tianquan: "I heard… the Xia family's Xia Jiancha has met you personally and is quite satisfied?"

Xiao Tianquan replied solemnly and respectfully: "I am entirely indebted to Xia Jiancha's favor."

Xiao Diansi sneered, sighed, and spoke coldly:

"Everyone's playing their cards perfectly… Your marriage unites the Xia family with a leash to bind the Xiao family, and the Xiao family gains a ladder to climb higher—excellent, excellent…"

Only I, this old dog who's sold my life, have been sold out.

If I don't cry out, I might still draw a few more breaths; if I do cry out, I won't even leave behind my bones.

Xiao Tianquan also felt a pang of emotion, his expression sincere:

"Uncle, your kindness, I will never forget. These schemes were decided by the Ancestors—I have no right to object… But Uncle, rest assured: when I become Zhou Zhangsi, I will entrust you with great responsibilities. Even if you never become Zhou Zhangsi, the position of Vice Zhou Zhangsi belongs to no one but you."

Xiao Diansi nodded. "Good. At least your skill in painting false promises to make others sell their lives—you've learned it well. With this talent, becoming Zhou Zhangsi should pose no problem…"

Xiao Tianquan said: "Uncle…"

Xiao Diansi raised an eyebrow. "I've treated you well. Don't take me for a fool."

Xiao Tianquan fell silent.

Xiao Diansi gave Xiao Tianquan one final, deep look. "Considering I share the Xiao surname, and you are the Xiao family's cherished prodigy, their future pillar… For this reason alone, I will ensure you leave this Long Wang Temple alive."

"But once you step outside, I renounce the title of Diansi. I renounce the surname 'Xiao.' You and I have no further ties. Whether you live or die, it's none of my concern…"

With that, Xiao Diansi coldly swept his sleeve and departed.

Xiao Tianquan's expression held a flicker of loss—he still felt gratitude for the care Xiao Diansi had shown him these days—but in moments, the loss vanished.

He was a child of heaven, unlike Xiao Diansi. This parting was for the best.

Xiao Tianquan bowed respectfully toward Xiao Diansi's retreating back, then turned and walked away.

After the two left, Mo Hua exhaled slightly, retrieved his silver needles, stowed the iron wire, concealed his form, and quietly returned to his resting spot, slipping back into his blanket.

The "Blanket Person" became Mo Hua again.

Gu Changhuai sensed the movement, glanced around, and whispered: "What did you hear?"

Xia Diansi also looked over curiously.

Mo Hua recalled the conversation, his expression stunned.

He'd heard something monumental!

He'd eaten a colossal gossip!

This gossip was too big—he couldn't swallow it whole.

The Xiao and Xia families were trying to pair up Especially Xiao Tianquan with Xia Diansi!

Mo Hua opened his mouth to speak, then stopped, glancing at Xia Diansi.

Does Xia Sister even know about this?

If she doesn't, telling her seems… pointless?

Arms can't twist against thighs. Xia Sister is a Jin Dan, but the Xia family is the central Dao Ting's seat, a great clan of Daozhou, at the heart of the Nine Provinces.

Even if she refuses, what can she do?

And if she already knows, wouldn't I be gossiping right in front of the party involved?

After all, private marriage negotiations are not meant to be spoken of.

Xia Sister probably doesn't want others to know, and certainly doesn't want them gossiping about it.

As for Uncle Gu.

That idiot—he hasn't even figured it out yet. Given his current relationship with Xia Sister, telling him wouldn't make him realize anything.

Mo Hua silently swallowed the giant gossip.

Not being able to speak of a gossip was agony.

Gu Changhuai, seeing Mo Hua hesitate, asked: "Speak up. What are you hesitating about?"

Mo Hua glanced at Gu Changhuai, then at Xia Diansi, sighed inwardly, and chose another topic:

"I just heard a big secret… that Water Yama's entire skill set was taught by Smiling Tiger!"

Gu Changhuai's expression shifted sharply.

Xia Diansi, however, looked startled. "Smiling Tiger?"

Gu Changhuai sighed. "Xiao Diansi… the nickname Mo Hua gave him."

"Ah… I see."

Xia Diansi nodded, recalling Xiao Diansi's face—smiling without warmth—and had to admit: Mo Hua's nickname was remarkably apt.

Seeing this, Mo Hua added: "I also gave Xiao Tianquan a nickname—'Especially Xiao Tianquan.'"

"Especially Xiao Tianquan?"

Xia Diansi froze, then composed himself, lips slightly pressed—clearly suppressing a laugh.

Gu Changhuai sighed. "Stick to the matter."

Mo Hua "oh"ed, paused to consider, then briefly recounted what Smiling Tiger and Water Yama had said.

Of course, he omitted the fact that the Water Prison Forbidden Casket was in his possession.

He also spoke of Xiao Tianquan's affairs.

"That smiling tiger went to Yanzhi Zhou, claiming he sought women for his amusement, and even boasted of introducing 'Especially Xiao Tianquan' into the Young Master Pavilion to expand his connections…"

As he spoke, Mo Hua stole glances at Xia Diansi; he saw her frown slightly, her expression tinged with distaste, and she gave a faint nod.

Although Mo Hua did not reveal the biggest secret, this tidbit alone was enough to shock Gu Changhuai and Xia Diansi.

They had not expected Xiao Diansi to be so deeply involved.

As for Xiao Tianquan's affairs, they were surprised—but not entirely.

Behind closed doors, Yanzhi Zhou was a den of sensual indulgence, and the Young Master Pavilion was a haven for the powerful; such an 'olive branch' was nearly impossible for any sect disciple lacking true Daoic resolve and upright heart to refuse.

As long as it remained hidden, it was even considered a desirable 'good fortune'—many would beg for it.

Xiao Tianquan's visit to Yanzhi Zhou was not surprising at all.

Mo Hua speculated: "Judging by this, that smiling tiger has learned the supreme lineage of the Water Prison Sect."

"The Water Prison Sect's lineage is stratified—superiors dominate inferiors, and disobedience is forbidden."

"The smiling tiger's lineage clearly surpasses that of Water Yanluo; hence, the cruel Water Yanluo behaves so obediently before him…"

Gu Changhuai frowned. "If that's true, capturing Xiao Diansi won't be easy…"

Mo Hua nodded. "If Water Yanluo's entire skillset came from the smiling tiger, then whatever Water Yanluo knows, the smiling tiger likely knows too—and perhaps even better."

"That means he not only wields the Gui Water Sword, but also Water Shadow Step, Water Punishment Whip, and even… that eerie Blood Eye Technique…"

Both Gu Changhuai and Xia Diansi's expressions grew solemn.

Thus, Xiao Diansi is a Jin Dan version of 'Water Yanluo'—and a Dao-art enhanced one at that.

Or put another way, the seemingly formidable Water Yanluo is merely a 'counterfeit' version of Xiao Diansi.

"This Xiao Zhenhai has hidden himself well…" Gu Changhuai sighed.

Xiao Zhenhai was Xiao Diansi's true name.

For all these years, he had schemed within the Dao Ting Si, restrained himself in combat, and appeared only moderately skilled—neither outstanding nor weak—yet secretly he harbored so many unpredictable methods.

Xia Diansi said solemnly: "If this is true, we must not act rashly against Xiao Diansi. Best to maintain peace for now and leave this Long Wang Temple first…"

Mo Hua nodded.

But he knew in his heart it wouldn't be that simple.

Previously, the smiling tiger may have still wished for peace and to flee far away—he didn't truly want to offend the Xia and Gu families to the death.

But now that he knows the Water Prison Forbidden Casket is in his possession, the situation has changed entirely.

Gu Changhuai also said: "Xiao Zhenhai is outwardly kind but inwardly malicious, with deep cunning—we must remain vigilant…"

"Other abilities are manageable, but that Eye Technique—if he has cultivated it, he likely surpasses Water Yanluo significantly. If he strikes with it here in this perilous Long Wang Temple, you're likely doomed."

Xia Diansi pondered a moment, then took out a jade pendant and said:

"This is my Xia family's Ning Shen Jade—a secret artifact not passed outside the clan. It calms the spirit and repels malevolent energies. Wear it on your chest; if you fall under an Eye Technique, it will protect your heart meridian and suppress the corrupting qi. It won't fully block it, but it's far better than nothing."

She had originally prepared it to confront Water Yanluo.

Gu Changhuai was prickly and spoke harshly; she had never intended to give it to him. But now, the situation was exceptional—among the Jin Dan in this Long Wang Temple, only Gu Changhuai was worthy of her trust.

Gu Changhuai hesitated, then silently took the jade pendant. After a moment's thought, he handed it to Mo Hua:

"You take it."

He feared Mo Hua would be targeted by Xiao Diansi—after all, Xiao Diansi had originally wanted to capture Mo Hua as a hostage.

Mo Hua wanted to hit Gu Changhuai over the head with a stick.

With this level of emotional intelligence, no wonder he'd been single his whole life.

Mo Hua naturally refused, frantically signaling with his eyes.

"Uncle Gu, this jade is too precious—keep it yourself."

Gu Changhuai said, "You—"

Mo Hua said: "I'm fine. Even if the smiling tiger uses his Eye Technique, he'll only target you and Sister Xia. You two are Jin Dan—you're safe, then I'm safe. If you fall to his ambush, then I'm the one in real danger…"

Gu Changhuai paused, then nodded. "Alright," he said, carefully stowing the jade pendant away.

Xia Diansi said nothing, watching Gu Changhuai silently, her expression strange—as if she were angry.

Mo Hua sighed, feeling weary.

He suddenly understood how exhausting it must be for Gu Hong the Elder to play matchmaker…

After that, everyone fell silent.

Ouyang Feng and Hua Qianqian were still healing.

Xiao Diansi and Water Yanluo remained in temporary peace.

Mr. Wu had, at some point, knelt before the Ram-Horn Gate, muttering prayers of devotion to the Lord of Dahuang.

Time slowly passed.

The blood grooves around the ram-horn carving were gradually filled by the blood of three hearts serving as 'human offerings'.

Finally, after a full day, the hearts' blood was drained, shriveled and dry.

The blood grooves of the ram-horn carving were now completely filled, revealing strange, obscure crimson patterns along their edges.

A solemn and terrifying aura emanated from the ram-head carving.

Mo Hua's pupils contracted slightly.

The others also sensed this eerie presence, uneasy and bewildered.

Mr. Wu immediately prostrated himself, bowing six times, devout yet trembling with fear:

"Divine Lord, I bring the offering—please open the Gate of Living Sacrifice!"

After speaking, he lay flat on the ground, prostrate.

After a while, a dull sound echoed—as if some unseen entity had answered Mr. Wu's plea.

Above the great gate, the ancient golden light flickered briefly in the eyes of the ram-horn bas-reliefs.

Then, the bas-reliefs opened their mouths, releasing the two doors they had clamped shut.

The great gate slowly opened.

Before him stretched an endless sea of blood, thicker and denser than the residual blood outside, stretching boundlessly in every direction.

This was a colossal, boundless pool of blood.

At the center of the blood pool stood several demonic statues, surrounding a sacrificial altar upon which rose a fearsome pair of ram horns.

Before the ram horns lay offerings of flesh and blood, surrounded by Bai Sensen bones.

This was the place of sacrifice to the evil deity within the Yan Shui River Dragon Temple—the very place Mo Hua had dreamed of night and day…

The Altar of the Lord of Dahuang!

Mo Hua eased his breathing, afraid that if he breathed too heavily, the altar might vanish.

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