The Quest for Immortality

Ji Qingbai, with a solemn expression, continued, “Back at Dahei Mountain, if it weren’t for Mo Hua’s help, our entire family might not have survived.”

“Later, when we were chased by the criminal cultivators, Ji Li nearly lost his life, and it was Mo Hua who saved him.”

“And then there was Lu Hui and Kong Sheng, who died at Heishan Stronghold. Although I don’t know what happened, I know it was Mo Hua who helped.”

“Not to mention, he drew so many arrays for the Demon Hunters. Without those arrays, the Artifact Crafting Hall and Alchemy Hall couldn’t have been established, and the Demon Hunters would face much greater danger when hunting demons in the mountains...”

“Because of his arrays, the life of wandering cultivators in Tongxian City has improved, giving us a stable place to live. Only then could Ji Li and Fu Lan get married...”

The more Ji Qingbai spoke, the more emotional he became, resolutely saying:

“This cup of tea must be offered!”

Mo Shan declined, “Brother Ji, Mo Hua is still young and cannot take on such responsibility...”

Ji Qingbai insisted, “Though young, his deeds are significant, and he can bear this.”

Mo Shan still wanted to refuse, but Ji Li and Fu Lan had already solemnly brought the tea to Mo Hua.

Mo Hua couldn’t decline and awkwardly accepted the tea and drank it.

Only then did Ji Qingbai smile and say:

“Mo Hua, you are the benefactor of our family. In the future, no matter what, just say the word, and we will go through fire and water for you.”

Mo Hua, half-laughing and half-crying, said, “Uncle Ji, you overpraise me.”

Mo Shan also smiled wryly.

Fortunately, after drinking the tea, there were no more formalities, and Mo Hua felt relieved, happily joining the banquet.

The feast was joyous and lively, with abundant food and wine.

Mo Hua sat at a table with Da Hu, Da Ping, and Da Zhu, eating heartily with his friends.

With toasts exchanged, the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves until late, when they finally dispersed.

As Mo Hua was about to leave, Ji Qingbai, along with Ji Li and Fu Lan, personally saw him off.

Ji Qingbai, having drunk a lot, was very happy, holding Ji Li and Fu Lan’s hands, their faces full of smiles.

Mo Hua couldn’t help but think, if everyone could remain this peaceful and happy, it would be great.

That way, he could enjoy his meals even more.

Ji Qingbai, drunk, repeated his gratitude from the day. Ji Li, though introverted and not good with words, looked at Mo Hua with eyes full of gratitude.

Fu Lan then handed Mo Hua a festive box:

“Inside is ‘Joy Cake’, which I made myself. If you don’t mind, please take it and try it.”

Mo Hua smiled sweetly, “Thank you, Sister Fu!”

Seeing Mo Hua happily accept the gift, Fu Lan also smiled.

The Joy Cake was beautifully packaged and quite heavy.

Mo Hua originally thought it was just one of the usual wedding cakes that everyone would get, but upon returning home, he found out that he was the only one who had it.

Liu Ruhua explained, “Joy Cake is handmade by the newlyweds and given to the most esteemed guests. The process is very intricate and the ingredients are carefully selected. Many cultivators may never get to taste one in their lifetime.”

Mo Hua was surprised, “Is it that precious?”

Liu Ruhua nodded, “It’s their heartfelt wish, a blessing.”

“A blessing for what?” Mo Hua didn’t quite understand.

“A blessing for harmony and finding a happy marriage.”

Mo Hua blushed, “I’m still young.”

Liu Ruhua couldn’t help but laugh, “Such blessings are best given early.”

“Should I eat it then?” Mo Hua hesitated, “Or should I save it?”

He felt that such a precious cake should be saved.

Liu Ruhua chuckled, “Cakes are meant to be eaten. Don’t waste Fu Lan’s kind gesture.”

“Okay.” Mo Hua nodded. Though reluctant, he took out a piece and tasted it, eyes lighting up.

Delicious!

The Joy Cake looked ordinary but was soft and glutinous, with a rich and aromatic filling inside.

Both fragrant and sweet.

Mo Hua took another piece and offered it to his mother, “Mother, try it too.”

Liu Ruhua shook her head, smiling, “I’m already married, I don’t need it.”

“Then I wish you and father harmony and happiness.”

Liu Ruhua blushed, laughing, “You child...”

Mo Hua insisted, so Liu Ruhua took a piece, tasting it and nodding, “It’s really good. Fu Lan is quite skillful.”

Mo Hua also agreed, the Joy Cake was indeed delicious.

He then looked at the large box of Joy Cake, considering how to share it.

The Joy Cake was rare, and Mo Hua wanted everyone to have a share of the joy.

“Mother has had a piece, so this piece is for father.”

“Master Chen has been single all his life, let him try one and maybe he’ll find a wife...”

“Mr. Feng might not be looking for a wife, but he should still taste it.”

“Elder Yu... he already has two sons, so maybe not...”

“Uncle Zhang Lan, though a bit of a playboy, is still alone. He’s a good person, he should have one.”

“Commander Yang, he’s a Dao soldier commander, probably hard to find a companion... And since Uncle Zhang Lan got one, he should get one too, can’t be biased...”

“And Da Hu and the others...”

“And Mr. Zhuang...”

...

Mo Hua muttered, distributing the cake to everyone.

Liu Ruhua watched, amused.

The next day, Mo Hua made a round of Tongxian City, distributing Joy Cake.

Some just enjoyed the taste, some were grateful for the blessings, others had complex expressions, and some were amused...

After making his rounds, Mo Hua still had a little left. He packed it in the festive box and brought half to Mr. Zhuang.

“Joy Cake?” Mr. Zhuang was surprised.

Mo Hua nodded, “It’s a blessing for harmony and a happy marriage.”

Mr. Zhuang was stunned, his expression shifting several times.

Mo Hua watched quietly, confirming that Mr. Zhuang’s reaction was the amused type.

“Sir, please try it?” Mo Hua asked.

Mr. Zhuang hesitated but didn’t refuse Mo Hua’s kindness, tasting a piece and nodding slightly, “It is indeed good.”

Mo Hua smiled.

Mr. Zhuang seemed about to say something, but his eyes caught sight of the red festive box and the “囍” character on it, his expression momentarily wistful, a trace of guilt in his eyes.

There’s a story here!

Mo Hua was taken aback; he rarely saw Mr. Zhuang show such an expression.

Mo Hua wanted to ask but was hesitant.

If he asked, Mr. Zhuang probably wouldn’t say.

But not asking made Mo Hua very curious.

Mo Hua held back his curiosity... but couldn’t resist, eyes brightening as he softly spoke, “Sir...”

Before he could ask, Mr. Zhuang tapped his little head.

“Don’t ask what you shouldn’t.”

Mr. Zhuang’s tone wasn’t reproachful, rather a bit helpless.

“Oh.” Mo Hua sensibly didn’t ask further.

Leaving the bamboo room, Mo Hua took the remaining Joy Cake to Bai Zisheng and Bai Zixi.

Bai Zisheng, who didn’t usually like cakes, tried a piece and praised, “Really good.”

The rest of the Joy Cake went to Bai Zixi.

Bai Zixi thanked him, sitting under the white Bone Tree, eating slowly. After a while, she gently asked Mo Hua:

“How is this Joy Cake made?”

“I don’t know... it’s very complicated.”

“Can Aunt Liu make it?”

“Yes.” Mo Hua nodded.

Bai Zixi’s eyes brightened.

“But my mother won’t make it.” Mo Hua added.

Bai Zixi was puzzled, “Why not?”

“Joy Cake has special meaning, it’s only made for weddings.”

Bai Zixi ate another piece, then asked:

“Do you have any upcoming weddings?”

Mo Hua thought for a moment, then shook his head, “I don’t think so.”

Bai Zixi looked slightly disappointed.

She glanced at the cake, then asked, “Have you tried it?”

“I had a piece.” Mo Hua said.

One piece to share the joy was enough.

Bai Zixi’s fair hand reached out, took a piece from the box, and offered it to Mo Hua, “Let’s eat together.”

Mo Hua, feeling a bit hungry after running around all day, took the cake and ate it.

The mountain breeze gently blew, ruffling the pond’s surface, smoothing the soft grass, carrying the fragrance of the Bone Tree flowers, wandering through the mountain residence.

Bai Zisheng lay on the grass, flipping through a book out of boredom.

Mo Hua and Bai Zixi, two delicate children, sat quietly under the tree, eating Joy Cake.

White Bone Tree flowers floated above, with a festive red box in front of them.