Chapter Fifty-Four: Suspicions

Tian Huashan was a seasoned schemer. He stole a glance at Mo Bai and noticed a subtle change in his expression, instantly realizing he had struck the right chord. Clearing his throat, Tian Huashan picked up a wine flask in one hand and, with a flourish, pushed it toward Mo Bai. This gesture was more than simple courtesy—it carried the domineering spiritual energy unique to the Violet Dragon Palace.

The Violet Dragon Palace, one of the five great sects of spiritual cultivation, differed from the ethereal techniques of the Cloud Sky Sect by embracing a path of forceful vigor, distinct in style. Their founding ancestor, Master Violet Dragon, was renowned for harmonizing spiritual energy and physical cultivation to perfection, though he had long since retired to enjoy a tranquil life. The current palace master, confirmed to be Master Violet Dragon’s descendant, was known to outsiders as Lord Violet Dragon.

The wine flask spun through the air, flying toward Mo Bai. Mo Bai smiled knowingly; he understood that without demonstrating some skill, Tian Huashan would never truly respect him, nor would he reveal his true thoughts. Even for Xiao Hua’s uncertain romance, Mo Bai decided he must treat the matter with solemnity.

Yet Mo Bai’s abilities far surpassed Tian Huashan’s. Before the flask could reach him, Mo Bai sensed the measure of Tian Huashan’s force. To leave Tian Huashan some dignity, Mo Bai released a symbolic burst of spiritual energy, then caught the flask steadily in his hand and poured out the fine wine with a swish, not spilling a single drop.

A gleam of joy appeared on Tian Huashan’s face; with that display, Mo Bai was undoubtedly his equal. He cast a gratifying look at Zhang Biao, thinking to himself that the young man had made a wise choice. Zhang Biao, pleased by his leader’s approval, unconsciously straightened his back—his position as second-in-command was secure, and he need not fear the scheming Violet Lilac sowing discord before the boss again.

Mo Bai nodded slightly toward Tian Huashan, who immediately understood and steadied his excited heart, saying, “The Gan Family Fortress has been established on the outskirts of Guihai City for years and earned some renown. Gan Sen, in his youth, was a hero of his generation, but a major event changed him considerably.”

Wu Luohua, drawn in by the tale, asked quickly, “What happened?”

Tian Huashan replied, “After Gan Sen had his daughter Gan Yu, he became somewhat unusual.” He deliberately paused here, but just then, he caught Mo Bai’s fleeting glance, startling him into abandoning all pretense. He hurriedly continued, “I once had some camaraderie with Gan Sen; we exchanged visits and were once called the Twin Talents of Literature and Martial Arts, naturally I was martial, he was literary. However, after Gan Yu was born, Gan Sen suddenly turned inward. Coincidentally, his father passed away, and at first, everyone thought he grieved for his father’s immortal departure. But gradually, people realized he grew more gloomy.”

Mo Bai quietly remarked, “Did even his expressions become unnatural?”

Tian Huashan immediately responded, “Yes, how did you know, Brother Mo?”

A flash of anger crossed Tian Huashan’s face. He slammed the table and rebuked, “Those were the early days of my career, just after founding the Haikun Gang. We needed gold and silver to recruit men, but I was young and lacked resources. Counting on my friendship with Gan Sen, I went to borrow money to bolster my standing, but he avoided me. Hmph, if not—” At this point, Tian Huashan was filled with rage.

Mo Bai laughed and said, “If not, Brother Tian would already have become a top gang in Guihai City.”

Tian Huashan raised his head and cried, “It was the Violet Dragon that nurtured me, but only Mo Bai understands me!” Suddenly, he shifted his tone, “Brother Mo, yet heaven has given me another chance, right before my eyes. Whether I succeed depends on one more effort.”

Mo Bai took a sip and said, “Brother Tian, after all you’ve told me, I see no harm in accompanying you once around the Spiritual Rise Arena. Xin’er, what do you say?” He turned to look at Nalan Xin’er.

Nalan Xin’er dropped her secret chicken wing onto the table, disregarding her greasy lips, and suddenly leapt to Mo Bai’s side, bestowing her first kiss—a kiss tinged with the faint fragrance of oil. “Big Brother Mo is so good to me.” With that, she floated back to her seat and resumed feasting.

Mo Bai touched his face and smiled helplessly.

Tian Huashan, ever the veteran, reassured, “Rest easy, Miss Nalan. I guarantee you’ll have a delightful time at the Spiritual Rise Arena.”

Nalan Xin’er nodded repeatedly, actually covering up a small delight in her heart.

After several rounds of wine and many dishes, as the sun slipped below the horizon, Wu Luohua gently kicked Mo Bai under the table. Mo Bai burped and said, “Brother Tian, we’ve drunk our fill. We’ll take our leave now.” He stood, swaying slightly.

Tian Huashan hurried to his feet, “Brother Mo, it’s getting late. Why not stay here tonight?” Naturally, he feared Mo Bai would leave and not return.

Mo Bai politely declined, “No need, Brother. We have business to attend to and won’t trouble you further.”

Watching Mo Bai’s staggering steps, Tian Huashan worried he might forget his promise and cautiously asked, “Brother Mo, how can I find you?”

Mo Bai laughed heartily, “Fate will bring us together again.”

Sweating slightly, Tian Huashan watched Mo Bai and his companions depart, muttering to himself, “Damn, were they just here for a free meal? What does ‘fate’ mean anyway?” He gazed toward Guihai City and sighed, “I can only leave it to destiny.”

Once outside the Haikun Gang, Mo Bai’s spirits suddenly revived, showing no signs of drunkenness. Wu Luohua, seeing his expression, knew Mo Bai had made up his mind. “Big Brother Mo, what should we do?”

Mo Bai smiled, “You and Xin’er find a good place to rest. Tonight, I need to verify something alone. If I’m right, the truth will soon be revealed.”

Wu Luohua, anxious, said, “Big Brother Mo, don’t you need me?” Then, shaking his head with a helpless smile, “Even if I went, I wouldn’t be much help.”

Mo Bai looked at Wu Luohua and patted his shoulder, “Xiao Hua, as long as you have faith, one day you’ll protect Miss Gan with all your heart.”

Wu Luohua seemed greatly encouraged; his eyes grew moist, though the sentimental moment didn’t last. Nalan Xin’er, her cheeks flushed, spoke up, “Big Brother Mo, I want to go with you.”

Mo Bai replied solemnly, “No.”

Seeing Mo Bai’s refusal, Nalan Xin’er pouted, “Why not? I’m much stronger than Brother Hua. My spiritual energy is abundant, and my power is extraordinary now.”

Mo Bai said meaningfully, “When you learn to conceal your presence, you’ll be ready to face tonight’s adversary.”

Nalan Xin’er sniffed and shook her head, “I really am drenched in wine. But why doesn’t Big Brother have any?”

Wu Luohua laughed, “Big Brother Mo has already reached the realm where outer energy returns to the source.”

The next moment, their vision blurred as a figure streaked like a wisp toward the Gan Family Fortress.

Tonight, the Gan Family Fortress was shrouded in a dreamy dusk, lacking any festive cheer before the wedding. In the inner chambers, Gan Ying looked exhausted, but compared to the elderly man before him, he was still spirited.

Gan Sen’s face was pale, as if he had aged years in a single day; even his breathing was labored. Gan Ying held his father’s hand, remorseful: “Father, father, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have been blinded by lust or sought vengeance, bringing today’s disaster upon us. I was wrong, I was wrong.”

Who can say whether the deeds a man performs for a woman are right or wrong?

PS: Another week passes, collections still not growing~~