Chapter 943: Old Friend

Mo Hui again sized up the person in front of him, looked at the refined and elegant middle-aged cultivator, and said in surprise, "You're actually from the Shen family?"

The middle-aged cultivator cupped his hands and said, "I am Shen Xiuyan."

"Shen Xiuyan..."

Mo Hui silently remembered the name and asked again, "Are you an elder of the Shen family? Are you in charge of the matters in Gushan City?"

The middle-aged cultivator named "Shen Xiuyan" shook his head. "The matters in Gushan City are not under my management. I am an elder of Xiaoling Sect."

"Xiaoling Sect?" Mo Hui hadn't heard of this sect.

Shen Xiuyan said, "It's a small sect, ranked among the Qianxue Hundred Sects. It's not very prominent, so it's normal that Young Master Mo hasn't heard of it."

"Oh." Mo Hui nodded, somewhat surprised. "Your Shen family isn't a hereditary family of Qianshan Sect? You didn't go to Qianshan Sect to be an elder?"

Shen Xiuyan smiled bitterly and said helplessly, "Qianshan Sect is one of the Four Great Sects and the most top-tier sect in the Qianxue State. The threshold is too high, how can it be so easy to enter?"

"Moreover, the Shen family is a large clan with numerous members. There are fierce struggles among them. Everyone wants to enter Qianshan Sect. Not to mention the position of elder, even a teaching position requires exhausting efforts and fighting to the point of breaking heads."

"I don't have the background, nor do I have the ability. I originally wanted to go out to seek opportunities and change my destiny... but I didn't find any."

"I can only resign myself to fate and choose an ordinary sect among the Qianxue Hundred Sects to be a teaching position, just getting by."

"Of course, I'm now at the Gold Core stage, and with the reputation of the Shen family, Xiaoling Sect also dares not slight me. Naturally, they also promoted me to 'elder'."

"You're not just an ordinary elder, are you?" Mo Hui thought again. "I see that other Shen family members are still quite respectful to you."

"Compared to those above, I'm insufficient; compared to those below, I have more than enough, that's all," Shen Xiuyan said. "In the Shen family, there are many people who are doing well, and there are also too many people who are not doing well. As an elder of the Qianxue Hundred Sects, I am certainly not as good as those true direct descendants, but compared to the general family disciples who have to curry favor with others, I am still much better."

"So that's how it is..." Mo Hui nodded, gaining a little understanding of the internal situation of the Shen family.

Aristocratic families bully loose cultivators.

But within aristocratic families, they also oppress each other.

In large aristocratic families, not everyone is doing well.

"Young Master Mo," Shen Xiuyan again looked deeply at Mo Hui, then said somewhat uneasily, "You... You are looking for me for what?"

The name "Mo Hui" was completely forgotten by him before, completely without impression.

All matters related to Mo Hui were also shrouded in a layer of fog, sealed in a corner of his memory.

Shen Xiuyan almost instinctively didn't want to think back, and even more so, dared not remember.

Until today, when he personally saw Mo Hui, the cause and effect turned, and the sealed memory was unsealed. Only then did Shen Xiuyan remember the name "Mo Hui" and remember the bits and pieces related to Mo Hui.

At the same time, he also thought of another "Mo Hui."

That rumored monster "Mo Hui" in the Qianxue State, known by various great sects.

The leader of array dao in the Qianxue State.

The array method monster of Taixu Sect.

Shen Xiuyan also gradually linked these two people together.

That "little kid" who was clever and strange during the corpse disaster in Nanyue City and the demon disaster in Lizhou City has now become the leader of array dao, surpassing all the geniuses in Qianxue.

The sea turned into mulberry fields, and the world changed.

Shen Xiuyan was shocked in his heart and spontaneously felt a wave of disbelief.

And Mo Hui's identity is mysterious, his origin is equally unfathomable.

Therefore, when Mo Hui sought him out, Shen Xiuyan was really a little scared in his heart, not knowing what Mo Hui was trying to do.

Mo Hui said casually, "I just want to ask a little about the Shen family's matters. It's not a big deal."

Shen Xiuyan naturally couldn't believe it.

With Mo Hui's identity, the matters related to him could never be small matters.

Shen Xiuyan was silent for a moment, and kindly reminded him, "Young Master... I am a member of the Shen family."

A member of the Shen family would naturally protect the interests of the Shen family.

It is impossible to reveal family secrets to an outsider.

"I know," Mo Hui said in a low voice. "But are all the interests of the Shen family your interests? Are all the clan members of the Shen family your relatives?"

"Some interests are in the hands of other Shen family members, what does that have to do with you?"

"Some people are born to be elders of Qianshan Sect, while you can only be a teaching position in Xiaoling Sect..."

These words, like a demon's whisper, made Shen Xiuyan's heartstrings fluctuate.

Not of the same family, do not enter the same door.

But even if they are of the same family, each has their own home door.

The larger the aristocratic family, the more so.

Entangled interests, uneven distribution, deceit and scheming, mutual intrigue... these are the norms.

What Mo Hui said was not wrong at all.

But Shen Xiuyan still hesitated somewhat.

He fundamentally didn't want to have anything to do with Mo Hui again. This kind of boundless cause and effect is something he doesn't want to touch at all, and he wants to hide as far away as possible.

Mo Hui looked at him deeply and slowly said, "Do you still remember what happened in the broken temple that night?"

Shen Xiuyan's pupils shrank, and he only felt a wave of eerie wind blowing over, making his bones tremble.

The scene in the broken temple gradually floated back into his mind.

That was about ten years ago, when he, Old Man Wen, and Young Master Yun were chasing clues about that person. They arrived outside the demon-infested Lizhou City. Seeing that the sky was getting dark, they borrowed lodging in a broken temple outside the city.

The night was dim, and the three of them were drowsy.

But for some unknown reason, Old Man Wen began to feel hungry and chewed on his fingers as if they were Bigu Dan; Young Master Yun took out his sword and stabbed it towards his own heart pulse;

And he himself also took out a knife, and wiped his own neck with one knife after another, his blood flowing freely.

As if he had suffered a terrible nightmare.

Over the years, he occasionally dreamed this nightmare. In the dream, he cut his own neck again and again until blood was all over the ground.

Even if his head was cut off and fell to the ground, his headless body still continued to cut the headless neck little by little...

Blood dripped, and flesh was blurred.

This dream was too real, too terrifying, and had no end.

Half-dreaming and half-awake, Shen Xiuyan would be a little dazed, even a little doubtful.

He doubted whether he was already dead, and he doubted whether he had actually walked out of that broken temple that year...

Because all memories about Mo Hui were gone and hazy, he couldn't even think about how he broke the situation and how he left the temple.

Now that he saw Mo Hui, his memories gradually traced back, and the strands of cause and effect were completed. The matter of that year gradually became clear.

Shen Xiuyan frowned, enduring his heart palpitations, and recalled for a while, then realized.

That year, he was indeed saved by this young master.

Otherwise, he would have died in that broken temple outside Lizhou City long ago, unclear and indistinct.

He wouldn't even know how he died...

Mo Hui saw that he understood, and then said:

"I am not taking advantage of a favor to demand repayment, but everything in the world has cause and effect. I saved your life, and you do a little something for me, this is cause and effect. If you have cause and effect but do not repay it, you are likely to suffer great misfortune."

Mo Hui's expression was serious.

Shen Xiuyan's heart was shaken.

This thing about heavenly mechanisms and cause and effect, this is what Old Man Wen often talked about. He didn't believe it much at first.

But since ten years ago, when he waded into this muddy water to "change his destiny" and seek opportunities, there were some things he had no choice but to believe.

He still remembers that time of the corpse disaster in Nanyue City. It didn't concern him, and he originally didn't want to bother too much.

But Old Man Wen cast a hexagram and said mysteriously that there was great terror on the road ahead, and life and death were unpredictable. And if they could save the cultivators of one city, even one state, and tie good karma, they might have a glimmer of hope when they encounter a life-and-death desperate situation in the future.

The three of them then stayed in Nanyue City and helped suppress the corpse disaster.

It was because of this corpse disaster that they met a little kid named "Mo Hui."

This is the cause.

And this fruit just happened to respond in the death tribulation in the broken temple.

Without calming the corpse chaos, without knowing Mo Hui, then in the broken temple, Mo Hui would not have saved them, and the three of them would all have died without a burial place.

"Cause and effect, good and evil, one drink, one peck. Mister Zhuang initially gave us a choice, which was also equivalent to giving us a ray of hope..."

These were the original words of Old Man Wen.

Shen Xiuyan didn't feel much when he heard it at the time, but the more he thought about it later, the more he felt that the profound mystery within was truly profound.

"Cause and effect ah..."

Shen Xiuyan again silently looked at Mo Hui.

His memories gradually loosened, and some scenes gradually became clear again.

That time in the broken temple, the firelight reflected, Mo Hui's eyes were bright and crystalline, his small face was red and puffy. The scene of him roasting fire, roasting fish, and roasting sweet potatoes in the temple floated back into his mind.

It was clearly a very cute scene.

Shen Xiuyan's heart, for some reason, actually felt a trace of fear.

Because he knew that at that time in the corner of the broken temple, next to Mo Hui, there was another shadow, and in the shadow, there was a vague Daoist.

He didn't know who this person was at the time, but afterwards, he heard the rumors in Lizhou City and gradually understood.

That year, in order to compete for that opportunity, the Dali Mountain State, the entire Limountain City, all became a meat grinder for righteous and demonic slaughter.

Gold Core cultivators died in large numbers like a tide.

Even Feathered True Persons fell one after another.

And the instigator of all this was precisely that Daoist.

Those who had seen that Daoist, whether righteous or demonic, almost all died tragically, even if they were feathered, without exception.

And this young master in front of him, who was almost still only a Qi Refining realm little kid that year, could actually sit together with that Daoist, roast fire, roast fish, and roast sweet potatoes in front of that Daoist, and even save people under his hands...

Thinking back now, Shen Xiuyan still feels terrified.

The clearer this matter is, the more terrifying it feels.

Perhaps it was psychological effect, Shen Xiuyan looked at the present Mo Hui, and actually vaguely felt a trace of the aura of that "strange Daoist" on him.

Just like the young "strange Daoist"...

Such a person came to him to demand cause and effect...

Shen Xiuyan felt a chill in his heart and didn't dare to say "no" at all.

"Young Master Mo, please speak... As long as I know it, and it doesn't involve the core secrets of the Shen family, I will definitely tell you everything I know." Shen Xiuyan said sincerely.

Mo Hui nodded, quite satisfied, and then asked him, "Does the Shen family have a mountain peak in Gushan that you know of?"

Shen Xiuyan nodded, "Yes."

"What is that mountain peak for?" Mo Hui asked.

Shen Xiuyan pondered for a while, "That mountain peak was bought by the Shen family in Gushan that year to mine Minghuang Copper. Now that the mining is finished, it's just left empty and has no other use."

"No other use... Why is it sealed and not allowed to be approached?"

"I'm not too sure about this," Shen Xiuyan thought for a while. "Generally speaking, a mine that has been left empty for many years after mining is very dangerous. There are miasma, evil energy, and poison energy breeding, and some fierce demon beasts may also reside there. The mountain rocks are also prone to collapse due to years of disrepair..."

"Not allowing others to approach is probably to prevent accidents."

"After all, if a cultivator dies in the Shen family's mine, it will spread out, and the Shen family will also be quite troublesome."

Mo Hui nodded slightly, feeling that it was somewhat reasonable.

He asked again, "Then, does your Shen family have a temple built in Gushan City?"

"Temple?"

"Yes," Mo Hui nodded. "Temples, or altars, secret rooms, palaces, and other places used for enshrining."

This question was a bit tricky and strange.

Shen Xiuyan thought about it, but still shook his head. "Previous poor mining cultivators, to seek peace when they went down the mine, would worship some unknown mountain god or spirit."

"But this is because they are poor, their cultivation is low, they encounter danger and are unable to protect themselves, so they can only entrust their fate to illusory gods and monsters."

"The Shen family's mine is deep and solid. Most of the mining is done using spirit tools, and not many people go down. There is no need, and they almost never build these things..."

Mo Hui nodded, his gaze slightly narrowed, and he asked again, "Then, does your Shen family... slaughter entire families?"

Shen Xiuyan's face stiffened.

Was it really appropriate to ask him, an elder of the Shen family, such a sharp question face-to-face?

"No." Shen Xiuyan flatly denied.

"Really no?"

"Young Master Mo," Shen Xiuyan sighed, "My Shen family is, after all, a fifth-grade aristocratic family hereditary to the Four Great Sects, a proper sect. Without reason, without cause, it is impossible to openly violate Dao laws and do this kind of 'slaughtering entire families' thing."

"If the Dao Court Division finds out and reports it to the Dao Court, my Shen family won't be able to bear it."

Mo Hui was doubtful. "But, that young master of your Shen family seems very arrogant. He wants to kill people if a word doesn't go his way."

That's because he's stupid and has eyes on his butt.

Shen Xiuyan secretly cursed.

He is really spoiled, lawless, and dares to do anything.

"There are many playboys in aristocratic families, there's no way around it." Shen Xiuyan said, "Not only the Shen family, but other large aristocratic families are also like this. More or less, there are some unsavory activities behind the scenes."

"Aristocratic families are too big, there are too many people, and no matter how strict the family rules are, they cannot manage everyone."

"However, the kind of direct descendants with backing who are qualified to mess around are still a minority. Most aristocratic family disciples still have to follow the rules and fundamentally don't have that much freedom."

"Even if these direct descendants really commit a crime and kill someone, it doesn't mean there is no impact at all."

"In most cases, aristocratic families will find some collateral branches to substitute for the direct descendants and 'take the blame' to the Dao Court Division to settle the matter."

"In this world, there are no matters without cost, only..."

"Only," Mo Hui said, "people with privileges will shift the cost to others."

Shen Xiuyan sighed and nodded.

"That young master in Hongyan Building in Gushan City, is he called 'Young Master Qing'?" Mo Hui asked again.

"Yes," Shen Xiuyan said, telling Mo Hui the name of that Shen family young master, "He is called Shen Qingsheng."

"Shen Qingsheng..." Mo Hui repeated the name. "Is he also a direct descendant of the Shen family?"

"Strictly speaking, not quite," Shen Xiuyan said.

"What do you mean?"

Shen Xiuyan said, "This Shen Qingsheng is a direct descendant who was promoted halfway. His bloodline is not too pure, and he doesn't have an old ancestor protecting him."

"Then why is he so imposing?" Mo Hui was a little puzzled.

Shen Xiuyan explained, "His father is a true powerful elder, and his jurisdiction happens to include Gushan. In the area of Gushan, he can be said to be in control."

"Shen Qingsheng also benefits from this. As long as he is in Gushan City, almost no one dares to control him. Over time, he has become this kind of lawless character."

"What's his father's name?" Mo Hui asked.

"Shen Shouxing," Shen Xiuyan said.

"Shen Shouxing, Shen Qingsheng..." Mo Hui nodded. "I remember."

He had asked almost everything he wanted to ask.

This trip indeed yielded some clues, but not too many...

Mo Hui thought for a moment and then said, "Elder Xiu, can you help me find some documents related to Gushan City from the Shen family? Especially those concerning the mine from that year."

Shen Xiuyan's brows were tightly furrowed.

Mo Hui said, "Even if the most secret ones are not available, general-level documents are fine."

The truth is often hidden in general details.

Moreover, Shen Xiuyan probably couldn't get the most secret documents.

Shen Xiuyan was a little troubled, but after thinking about it, he still didn't refuse.

He really didn't dare to owe Mo Hui any cause and effect.

"Okay, I'll go back and check," Shen Xiuyan said.

"Thank you, Elder Xiu." Mo Hui was very polite.

Shen Xiuyan looked at Mo Hui, wanted to say something but stopped, and finally slowly opened his mouth, "Young Master Mo, you should try as much as possible... not to get involved in the Shen family's matters."

The Shen family is a big business, and their influence is also deeply rooted.

Mo Hui is after all only in the Foundation Establishment stage. Opposing the Shen family is really not very wise.

Moreover, it was also very difficult for him to handle.

But Shen Xiuyan could only tactfully mention it. He didn't dare to teach this young master how to act.

"Also, in Gushan City, be as careful as possible about Shen Qingsheng," Shen Xiuyan added.

"Will their father and son target me?" Mo Hui raised his eyebrows.

"Not their father and son," Shen Xiuyan shook his head. "It's Shen Qingsheng."

Seeing that Mo Hui was a little confused, Shen Xiuyan explained:

"Shen Shouxing is a powerful elder. He doesn't have a good background, and he climbed up step by step over the years. Such a person is a hungry wolf in front of interests. But relatively, on the premise that it doesn't involve interests, he is very clear in his heart and knows what risks cannot be taken and what people cannot be offended."

"If Shen Shouxing hears about Young Master's status in Taixu Sect, he should know what's proper and will not make a move against Young Master. But his son is hard to say..."

"Shen Qingsheng is Shen Shouxing's only son. He has been spoiled since childhood and is arrogant beyond measure. He must get revenge for every grievance."

Aristocratic family playboys are always undisciplined. If they were disciplined, they wouldn't be playboys.

Mo Hui nodded, "Thank you for the reminder, Elder Xiu, I understand."

Shen Xiuyan didn't know if Mo Hui really understood, but he didn't say anything more.

"Then, Young Master Mo, I..." Shen Xiuyan said in a low voice.

Mo Hui cupped his hands, "Elder Xiu, walk slowly, I won't keep you."

With Mo Hui's permission, Shen Xiuyan breathed a sigh of relief.

Although he was at the Gold Core stage and an elder of the Qianxue Hundred Sects, he didn't dare to put on any airs in front of Mo Hui.

Just thinking about the cause and effect on Mo Hui, thinking about the people related to him, thinking about the scenes in the broken temple one after another, Shen Xiuyan felt a chill in his heart.

"Young Master, take care, Shen will take his leave first."

Shen Xiuyan bowed his fist in salute to Mo Hui, then turned and slowly walked out of the wild forest, got on the carriage, and gradually went far away on the mottled mountain path.

The night was thick. Mo Hui looked at Shen Xiuyan's back, his expression as if lost in thought.

A moment later, he also no longer hesitated and walked towards the other side of the mountain forest.

At the edge of the mountain path on the other side, a carriage was stopped. Old Gu was leading the horse, standing in front of the carriage with a vigilant expression.

Seeing Mo Hui, Old Gu breathed a sigh of relief.

"Young Master, was the matter handled properly?" Old Gu asked.

"Yes." Mo Hui nodded. "It's done."

"Good," Old Gu said.

He didn't ask who Mo Hui saw or what he did, but acted as if he knew nothing. "Then I'll send you back to the sect."

Going to Taixu Sect was a long journey, and the sky was dark. Old Gu was not at ease and dared not be careless.

"Thank you, Old Gu," Mo Hui said.

Then he sat on the carriage and, under the personal escort of Old Gu, took advantage of the night to return to Taixu Sect.

Two days later, in Gushan City, in the Shen family.

Inside a luxurious study.

Shen Qingsheng, who had not recovered long and whose face was still somewhat pale, had red eyes and shouted hysterically:

"How can it be counted like this?!"

"Dad, I'm your son!"

"That little bastard from Taixu Sect, he humiliated me, he plotted against me, he almost... just killed me!!"

Opposite Shen Qingsheng stood a middle-aged man with a hooked nose and a somewhat ordinary appearance. This person was precisely Shen Qingsheng's father, and also the powerful elder of the Shen family, Shen Shouxing.

Shen Shouxing glanced at his son faintly, and asked in a low voice:

"How did he humiliate you, how did he plot against you, and how did he almost kill you?"

Shen Qingsheng was ashamed and angry, and said through clenched teeth, "He, he... just glanced at me..."

"Your meaning is..." Shen Shouxing's face was cold. "He just glanced at you and almost killed you?"