Chapter 211: Chapter 211: Meeting (Fifth Update)_1 “”” Runes? Mo Hua glanced at them and discovered there were three runes in his hand, all made of jade. Two of them were inlaid with red patterns and bore the inscription “Fiery Flame Rune,” while the third was inlaid with golden patterns, inscribed with “Golden Sword Rune.” “Are these runes very expensive?” Mo Hua asked. Old Zhao nodded and said, “They are quite expensive, and not easy to buy, either. These runes should possess the power of spells from the Qi Refining Ninth Level, having considerable destructive force. They are regulated by the Taoist Court, and usually cannot be purchased through regular channels.” “Then they are too valuable. I cannot accept them.” “Take them with you for self-defense, it will give us peace of mind,” Old Zhao insisted, refusing Mo Hua’s rejection and patted his shoulder. “Alright, you should head back now. I’ll take care of teaching these bastards a lesson first.” “Mm-hmm, Uncle Zhao has worked hard.” Mo Hua stopped being polite, accepted the runes, and walked home. The wailing of those Qian Family cultivators resonated behind him, but Mo Hua didn’t concern himself with it. They brought it upon themselves. They deserved it. After returning home, Mo Hua studied the three runes a bit. He knew the basic usage of runes, but because he was poor and couldn’t afford them, he had never used them. Using runes was quite simple. You only needed to infuse them with spiritual power to activate the runes, which would then automatically trigger and form a spell. Normally, a rune could only be used once, but their power was great. There were very few restrictions on using runes; as long as it was within the same realm, regardless of the nature of the spiritual root, the cultivation technique practiced, or the amount of spiritual power, anyone could activate a rune. Due to the few restrictions and great power, the Taoist Court Officials would regulate runes with significant destructive capabilities. If not regulated and cultivators were allowed to misuse runes, especially if runes were hoarded to a certain scale, it would pose a great threat to the public order within the Tao Cultivation World. Therefore, it was very difficult for an average cultivator to obtain a few high-quality runes. Mo Hua didn’t know where the Qian Family got these runes from, but they were really willing to spend a fortune. Mo Hua thought to himself and then became somewhat puzzled: It doesn’t seem like I’ve done much, just drew a few formations. Do they really hate me that much? They don’t bother Elder Yu Changlin in the Foundation Establishment Stage but come after me instead. Are they just bullying the weak and fearing the strong… Qian Shunzhi and a few others were beaten black and blue and dropped off at the Taoist Court. Qian Hong spent a few spirit stones to bribe them and redeemed them back. The reason Elder Yu didn’t take advantage of them this time was that he wanted to escalate the issue to the Taoist Court, letting the officials there know the Qian Family harbored malicious intentions. At the same time, he wanted Qian Hong to act with caution, to not cross the lines set by the Taoist Court Officials. Skirting under the radar was allowed, but an open conflict was not. In Tongxian City, on the surface, everyone had to abide by the law. The “law” referred to was that of the Taoist Law, and the “order” respected was that enforced by the Taoist Court. Following that, Qian Hong tried to interfere again, either by bribing or hiring some cultivators from outside the area, and made covert moves again. But Elder Yu guarded Mo Hua very well. If these cultivators appeared in the south of the city, they would quickly be discovered, and as soon as they tried to make a move, they would be swiftly subdued. Then, as before, they would be thoroughly beaten and thrown to the Taoist Court. The more Qian Hong wanted to kill Mo Hua, the more methods Elder Yu had to protect him. He even cared not to let a single hair from Mo Hua’s head be lost. Qian Hong, feeling helpless after numerous unsuccessful schemes, gave up. Monster Hunters, who hunted monsters in Big Black Mountain all year round, were more alert than ordinary cultivators, more sensitive to murderous intent, more in tune with each other, quicker to act, and more ruthless in their attacks. Furthermore, they were on their own turf, and if a Monster Hunter was vigilant, they could notice even a foreign fly, let alone a living person at the Qi Refining Ninth Level. “Should we get a Foundation Building Cultivator to take action?” Qian Hong frowned. One would certainly not be enough. At least two would be needed. One to hold Elder Yu Changlin, another to sneak an attack, break through the Monster Hunters’ defense, and kill that Junior Formation master. But the key question was, who in the Qian Family would be willing to take the risk? Everyone was scheming for their benefit, and as the Family Head, he did not want to dirty his hands, either. “”” “` Violating the Taoist Law, murdering a cultivator. This crime could be minor or severe. If everyone chose to let it go, it would be as if nothing had happened. But once someone decided to pursue the matter, it would become complicated. To really follow the Taoist Law to the letter, one could possibly face execution… Qian Hong sighed. For now, it seemed best to hire a Qi Refinement Realm cultivator to do the job. If successful, it would be a permanent solution, and even if it failed, it would only result in the loss of some Spirit Stones. If it still did not work out in the end, even Foundation Establishment would not suffice. After all, in the long run, the threat posed by a talented Formation Master should not be underestimated. Mo Hua was the Junior Formation master’s doing, the Qian Family knew, and naturally, Master Luo knew as well. He had only speculated before, but now that he knew for sure, his feelings became even more complex. How could it be such a coincidence? Immediately, doubts arose in his heart. Could a teenage first-rank Formation Master really have such exceptional talent? Master Luo wanted to verify it with his own eyes. He sought out Old Mr. Feng. Old Mr. Feng had been making pills and saving people in Tongxian City for over a hundred years, dealing with Loose Cultivators, Clan cultivators, the poor, the rich, those of low status, and those of high status alike. Master Luo was no exception. When Master Luo’s grandson had been gravely ill years ago, it was Old Mr. Feng who healed him. And the Compound Formation in Old Mr. Feng’s Alchemy Furnace was personally drawn by Master Luo as a gesture of gratitude. However, although the Compound Formation was exquisite, it was not of the first rank. Old Mr. Feng was discussing Pill Recipes with other Pill Masters in the Alchemist’s Business when he heard of Master Luo’s visit. After pondering for a moment, Old Mr. Feng asked for Master Luo to be invited into the parlor to be served tea. The parlor of the Alchemist’s Business was specially designated for receiving guests. From the entrance to the parlor, high walls separated the path, hiding the interior workings of the Alchemist’s Business from view. Patterns of Formations adorned the walls, which could blur the perception of Divine Sense. While they could not completely block it out, unless one’s Divine Sense was exceptionally strong, they would not be able to detect anything crucial. Walking the path, Master Luo observed his surroundings and inwardly lamented: “This is indeed the work of a first-rank Formation Master.” Once inside the parlor, upon meeting each other and exchanging pleasantries, Old Mr. Feng asked: “Master Luo, what brings you here?” After hesitating for a long time, Master Luo said, “I wish to meet that ‘Junior Formation Master.’” “Mo Hua?” Master Luo nodded, “That’s the name.” Old Mr. Feng frowned, “Just to meet?” “To tell you the truth, after studying Formations for many years, I’ve never encountered such an exceptionally talented Formation Master. It’s both amazing and curious, so I wished to meet them,” said Master Luo. “It has nothing to do with the Qian Family?” “It has nothing to do with the Qian Family!” Old Mr. Feng fell silent, musing. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎 Master Luo earnestly said, “I hope you can introduce us.” After hesitating for a while, Old Mr. Feng replied, “Well then, Mo Hua will be coming to the Alchemist’s Business later. You can meet then. Please wait a moment, Master Luo.” Master Luo was delighted, “Thank you, Mr. Feng.” The two then sat in the parlor, sipping tea, chatting casually, and reminiscing about the past. After two rounds of tea, Master Luo was getting slightly anxious, when he heard the light footsteps coming, and looked up to see a child with an ordinary appearance and adorable features enter through the door. On the fair little face, the eyes sparkled with vivacity, as lustrous as the stars. Master Luo’s eyes widened slightly, filled with surprise. A faint light hovered above the child’s spiritual palace, indicating a brimming Sea of Consciousness and an extraordinary Divine Sense. Master Luo felt almost certain in his heart.