Chapter 104: Heart-to-Heart Conversation

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Gui Haixin had long understood that the problem must stem from himself. However, on the arena just now, he had no choice but to act as he did; otherwise, the outcome might have been disastrous. Now, seeing his son voluntarily admit to it, his anger was halved. He sighed, “Rise, Rong’an. I have long suspected it was you who acted. The Yihua Sect, though foolish, wouldn’t have chosen this moment to create a formidable enemy. But for the sake of Guihai City, I will let you off this time.”

Gui Hai Rong’an felt as if he had just been pardoned. He immediately kowtowed and said yes, then slowly stood up. Gui Haixin asked earnestly, “Rong’an, tell me what happened from the beginning.”

Gui Hai Rong’an wiped the sweat from his brow and said, “A few days ago, I had been closely watching the various experts arriving in Guihai City. Naturally, Mo Bai caught my attention. At the tavern, my friends witnessed a fierce fight between Nalan Xing’er of the Yuntian Sect and a disciple from Yihua Sect. I realized Mo Bai was no ordinary cultivator. Later, in front of Guihai Pavilion, he displayed his skills in a fierce duel with Yu Fu. At that moment, I had the thought of recruiting him, so that very night I sought out Tian Huashan from the Haikun Gang.”

He paused before continuing, “That friend Mo Bai mentioned—his companion at the Lingjue Arena—was Tian Huashan. I asked him to have Mo Bai serve us, but the boy was evasive, claiming his brother was one of our people, though secretly bargaining behind my back. I was furious. The next day, I sent people to follow Mo Bai and his group. When they finished eating at the Century-old Bun Shop and headed to the spring, it was exactly when Ouyang Zhenghe was dispatching the Ruthless Order to curry favor with Father. The Yuntian Sect’s Jiuling was ambushed and killed by the Nine Sects and Eighteen Gangs. Mo Bai and Nalan Xing’er went to rescue him. So I devised a plan: first kill the disobedient Tian Huashan, then capture Wu Luohua and Gan Yu, leaving a note and a threat for Mo Bai. That’s the whole story.”

Gui Haixin nodded and asked, “And after that?”

“Afterward…” Gui Hai Rong’an looked puzzled. “When the Lingjue Arena began, Mo Bai and Nalan Xing’er appeared beneath it. I kept people watching them, afraid he would rescue someone. Sure enough, before long, Nalan Xing’er couldn’t restrain herself and went to rescue under Mo Bai’s direction. Mo Bai himself was cautious, unwilling to act rashly.”

Jin Tianzuo interjected, “That’s because he knew he was being watched and feared you might tear up the agreement in anger.”

Gui Hai Rong’an nodded, “Exactly what Senior Jin said. I then went to stop Nalan Xing’er. After defeating her, I wanted to check the secret chamber to see the prisoners, but unexpectedly—”

“Unexpectedly what?” Gui Haixin asked.

“Unexpectedly, Yihua Sect’s Xiao Xue appeared. She wanted the hostages I had,” Gui Hai Rong’an said, face full of regret.

“That’s classic: the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.” Jin Tianzuo nodded approvingly. “Mo Bai used Nalan Xing’er to lull Rong’an into complacency, making him think he was without allies, then sent Xiao Xue to aid in the rescue. That boy’s mind is quite crafty.” Then he shifted tone, “But the fact that he could enlist help from Yihua Sect is very troubling. Could there be some connection between them?”

Gui Haixin’s brow furrowed deeply. What was once almost certain now became uncertain. “And after that?”

Gui Hai Rong’an looked bewildered. “I was no match for Xiao Xue, so I had to give up the hostages in the secret chamber and retreat to the stands. Little did I expect what happened next.”

At that moment, Gui Hai Yidao said, “Big Brother’s cultivation is already formidable, and his Phantom Hand technique is exceptionally lethal, but he didn’t expect Xiao Xue to be even stronger. I really want to have a duel with her!” This fierce warrior was, at this moment, thinking of such matters.

Gui Haixin slowly rose, having roughly understood why Mo Bai spoke as he did at the Lingjue Arena. “So Xiao Xue returned empty-handed. She didn’t rescue Mo Bai’s friend, who was clearly taken away by others.”

Jin Tianzuo also stood and said, “Whether rescued or abducted, that makes a huge difference.”

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Gui Haixin nodded. “Indeed. Whether that person is friend or foe is difficult to predict. But the alliance between Mo Bai and Yihua Sect to rescue someone, you need not worry too much. This was just Mo Bai’s way to find his allies. Now that Yihua Sect has been exposed, fractures have surely appeared between them. Their alliance is merely nominal now. Once we locate Wu Luohua and that girl Gan, we will seize the initiative and firmly control the Mo Bai card. Hmph. Yidao, issue my Guihai Order: the Nine Sects and Eighteen Gangs, the entire Guihai clan, must find Wu Luohua at all costs. Any clue must be reported to me immediately!”

Gui Hai Yidao immediately bowed and saluted. The Guihai Order was the highest command in Guihai City, issued only three or four times in a century, each time only during matters of life and death. Today, Father had issued it to gain leverage over Mo Bai, showing the gravity of the situation.

“Brother Jiuxi, long time no see. Your days at Yuntian Sect have been truly splendid. Not only are you the most outstanding disciple of the third generation, but now you are the dignified head of the Yuntian Sect’s Punishment Hall. Truly a cause for celebration,” said a man in his thirties, carrying a magnificent sword on his back, speaking to the arriving guest in a pine and bamboo grove.

“Haha, Brother Hu, I didn’t expect Iron Cavalry Society to have such timely news. Only a few days and you already know such important secrets of Yuntian Sect,” Jiuxi smiled slightly in response.

The man was none other than Hu Feng of the Xuanyuan Sword, head of the Iron Cavalry Society, the largest emerging force among the Nine Sects and Eighteen Gangs in Guihai City. Hu Feng waved slightly. “Brother Jiuxi, you flatter me. After so many years, I’ve only managed to lead a small gang, far from the real power wielded by the five great cultivation sects. I’ve endured much bloodshed and intrigue in Guihai City, and it’s been exhausting.”

Jiuxi laughed, “Brother Hu, I wonder if my arrival can alleviate your troubles?”

The two friends laughed heartily. Then Hu Feng said, “Brother Jiuxi, with you here, everything becomes clear. The Lingjue Arena is truly a duel between Guihai City and Yihua Sect, but I, Hu Feng, intend to act as the fisherman in the clam and snipe’s struggle.”

Jiuxi asked with hidden meaning, “And what do you want me to do?”

“First, kill Ouyang Zhenghe. Then deal a heavy blow to the Guihai clan. Finally, aid me in unifying Guihai City. With the support of your Yuntian Sect, I will surely establish a stable dominion,” Hu Feng spoke with a chilling resolve.

“Oh? This seems not a matter for one alone to decide,” Jiuxi said.

“I will help you eliminate that black-faced old man so he no longer threatens you, Brother Jiuxi,” Hu Feng said fiercely. He knew well what Jiuxi was thinking and sought to secure this ally.

“Haha, that old man is insignificant now. His appearance here today is merely a coincidence,” Jiuxi said, noticing the awkward look on Hu Feng’s face. “But if you become the Lord of Guihai City, surely we can form an alliance with Yuntian Sect to earn the respect of all under heaven.”

Hu Feng laughed heartily, “Naturally.”

Jiuxi turned and said, “But that old black-faced fellow is indeed a nuisance,” then left the pine and bamboo grove.

Hu Feng smiled oddly; the Xuanyuan Sword on his back twitched. Suddenly, a faint whistle was heard. Moving swiftly, he heard a report: “Master, the old man of Guihai has issued the Guihai Order. Our Nine Sects and Eighteen Gangs must exert all efforts to find Wu Luohua’s whereabouts.” Then the man whispered the details to Hu Feng.

Hu Feng’s eyes flickered. “Good. Let this Mo Bai help me stir up the situation in Guihai City. Issue my Iron Cavalry Order: anyone who encounters Wu Luohua is to be killed on sight!”

The man nodded and bowed.

The sunset had already fallen halfway, leaving only a faint crescent clinging to the mountain’s edge, reluctant to disappear. “Rarely do you come alone, without that Nalan girl by your side,” said a woman in white, holding an ‘Ice Sword’, standing behind Mo Bai with a faint voice.

“You like the sunset too?” Mo Bai said without turning; he already knew who it was.

“No, I prefer the moon at night,” Xiao Xue replied, then sat beside Mo Bai, though she couldn’t help but glance at the sun slipping away.

“Thank you for today,” Mo Bai said sincerely, without looking at Xiao Xue.

“There are some things that don’t need to be said repeatedly; saying too much makes them less precious,” Xiao Xue replied. “Actually, I didn’t help you much. I may have only added to your confusion.”

Mo Bai remained silent; indeed, he had no clues now.

“Are you really going to do this?” Xiao Xue asked, seeing his silence. Though usually taciturn, she found herself speaking much to Mo Bai. Perhaps it was concern for their sect, or some special feeling for him, though she knew it was not love.

Mo Bai gave a bitter smile. “Maybe I’m being unfair to your Yihua Sect.”

Xiao Xue smiled with some sadness. “Perhaps, but maybe you have no other choice.”

“I’m not usually one to be troubled so easily, and little usually worries me. But since I promised some people certain things, I must see them through. No accidents can happen in the meantime,” Mo Bai said firmly.

“Though I don’t know what kind of relationship you have with Wu Luohua and Gan Yu, don’t lose yourself,” Xiao Xue suddenly said.

Lose myself? Mo Bai didn’t know how to reply.