As for the Gu Family, they were indeed exceedingly gracious to Mo Hua.

Previously, when Mo Hua came to join meals, he would sit at the same table as Aunt Wan, in a slightly peripheral position at the banquet.

Now, he was still at the same table with Aunt Wan and Yu Er.

But this time, their seats were right next to the Gu Family Master.

Even during the banquet, the usually stern and rigid Gu Family Master, Gu Shouyan, would smile at Mo Hua and kindly ask him what he wanted to eat.

The Shangguan Family Master, Shang Che, and the Wenren Family Master, Wenren Jingxuan, also sat not far away, in seats slightly higher than Mo Hua's.

Whenever there was a chance, they would engage Mo Hua in conversation.

The topics of discussion were evidently carefully considered.

Often, after a few words, the conversation would turn to Formation, naturally praising Mo Hua's exceptional talent and profound knowledge in Formation, predicting a boundless future for him.

They were all family masters, and adept individuals, deliberately trying to "flatter" a young disciple with masterful conversational skills, truly reaching the pinnacle of perfection.

A gentle breeze and subtle rain, yet meticulous in execution.

Maintaining dignity, not appearing abrupt, and exuding a quiet and attentive care.

Even Mo Hua's mood greatly improved, eating a few more chicken legs.

Wenren Wan's eyes were filled with smiles.

Yu Er was also very happy, following Mo Hua's lead, grasping and nibbling on chicken legs with her hands.

Now, no one dared to criticize him anymore.

Nor would anyone dare to say Yu Er had "learned badly"—because the person she learned from was the Leader of the Formation competition at the Qian Learning State Boundary's Taoist Conference.

As long as you were an absolute genius, everything you did was right.

And so, at this banquet, both host and guest enjoyed themselves to the fullest.

However, by Mo Hua's side, there was an Elder of the Shangguan Family with a visibly high status whose face was gloomy throughout, much like the pig knuckle on the table.

Mo Hua quietly inquired about this Elder's name from Wenren Wan:

Shangguan Wang.

"Shangguan Wang..."

Mo Hua pondered for a moment and silently memorized this name.

...

After the annual banquet, Mo Hua felt stuffed and then routinely wandered in the Gu Family's backyard to aid digestion.

As expected, many Elders eagerly approached him to give gifts.

They were gifts that weren't too expensive but filled with sincere intentions.

Mo Hua said, "How could I accept?" but ultimately, he "couldn't resist the kindness" and accepted them all.

As he walked, Mo Hua thought of Gu Changhuai.

During the banquet, he seemed not to have seen much of Uncle Gu.

Mo Hua thought for a while, then found the study, and indeed saw Gu Changhuai alone, sitting at the desk, still reading through Jade Slips.

Gu Changhuai, surprised to see Mo Hua, said, "You actually have time to run around everywhere?"

The Gu Family's annual banquet was basically organized for Mo Hua.

The family masters of Shangguan and Wenren also had ulterior motives, wanting to establish some connections and good ties with Mo Hua ahead of time.

Mo Hua replied casually, "I'm just here for a meal."

His gaze swept over the Jade Slips on Gu Changhuai's desk, and he curiously asked, "Is the Taoist Court busy lately?"

"Not too bad..." Gu Changhuai responded dismissively.

But Mo Hua didn't believe him.

Uncle Gu's expression clearly indicated he was hiding something important.

Moreover, being busy even during the annual banquet suggested something crucial was afoot.

Mo Hua asked, "Are there cases again?"

Gu Changhuai didn't want to disclose anything and attempted to be evasive, but suddenly realized that Mo Hua was no longer the same as before.

There were many things that Mo Hua already knew, perhaps even more than himself.

And given Mo Hua's inquisitive nature and habit of digging to the bottom...

Gu Changhuai felt a bit of a headache.

After a while, he sighed, looked around, secured the doors and windows, sealed the Formation to ensure no information would leak, then solemnly said:

"There's another extermination case, and this time, the action was quicker and the killings more decisive. The Taoist Court investigated and found... it's organized by the Demon Sect."

"Demon Sect?"

Mo Hua's gaze sharpened.

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