The Journey of Flower - Chapter 18

Hua Qian Gu’s heart thumped wildly. She could faintly hear from Shi Zun’s tone that he was not merely referring to her, but also blaming Bai Zi Hua. She wanted to say something, but did not dare to open her mouth. If Bai Zi Hua let people feel as though they could not breathe, Mo Zun’s intimidating aura was simply oppressive. A casual glance from him would make one feel more miserable than dying. It was no wonder everyone on Mt Chang Liu was so afraid of him.

Shen Xiao Mo instead laughed, saying “Da Shi Xiong (Eldest Senior ) , stop worrying for nothing. Er Shi Xiong (Second Senior) has his own reasons for doing things.”

He then hinted at Tao Weng with his eyes and Tao Weng quickly bowed and left. Standing alone in the empty hall way facing the three sovereigns, Hua Qian Gu felt even more nervous. However, what she was most concerned about was whether there was there the slightest hint of displeasure on Bai Zi Hua’s face.

“I heard you delivered the news of the theft of the Shuan Tian Chain and the massacre of Mount Mao? What is your name?” Xiao Shen Mo asked. His gentle voice was cloyingly sweet, making goosebumps rise all over Hua Qian Gu’s body.

“Hua Qian Gu.”

“En, what an obedient child. Come, tell Ru Zun, how did you know that the Instrument of the God that Mt Chang Liu is protecting is the Fu Xi Zither?” Hua Qian Gu felt cold sweat on her back. She rather he reprimand her sternly like Mo Yan Shi Zun. Instead, his coddling tone disarmed her.

“It is written in the book Elder Qing Xu gave to me.” Hua Qian Gu honestly answered.

“What book?” Mo Yan’s eyebrows knitted tightly. His gaze was so sharp it felt like it could pierce through everything.

“The Book of the Six Realms Elder Qing Xu wrote.”

“He wrote this book? How did he even know this? Look like this stinking priest is quite something.”

“Shi Xiong.” The moment Bai Zi Hua opened his mouth, his tone was so elegant it could split jade and gold. Even though his tone was casual, he was clearly reprimanding Mo Yan for being disrespectful to the dead.

Mo Yan gave a cold snort: “What is written in the book?”

Hua Qian Gu was secretly a little unhappy and said: ” It records down the major happenings in the six realms.”

“Does it talk about the Instruments of the Gods in detail?”

“Other than the few instruments which are missing, it writes in detail about the rest.”

Mo Yan squinted his eyes: “It writes down where and who has the other instruments?”

“Yes.”

Xiao Sheng Mo and Bai Zi Hua looked at each other. If such an important item landed in evil hands…

“Present it up.”

Hua Qian Gu hesitated and did not move.

“I want you to present it up.” Mo Yan’s voice was slightly impatient and angered, as though he could not believe there was actually a disciple who dared to disobey him.

Hua Qian Gu looked at Bai Zi Hua. She considered that this book was after all an item of the Mt Mao Sect and it recorded many classified matters of the sect, hence it should be passed on to disciples of Mt Mao Sect. If other people read it, would she be guilty of not fulfilling Priest Qing Xu’s instructions. Moreover, only on hearing Mo Yan’s questions did she know that each of the sects were in the dark about who were protecting each of the instruments. However she did not know how Priest Qing Xu obtain all these information and recorded it on the Book of the Six Realms. Since each sect were afraid that mishap would ball each instrument or they would invite a massacre by the demands like Mt Mao, each sect would not be willing to let any outsiders know that they had an instrument in possession. If Mo Yan and anyone else read the book, they would know everything about each instrument’s location.

Even though she absolutely did not mean to suspect the three sovereigns, every extra person who knew, would mean greater danger. Furthermore, it would be disobeying Priest Qing Xu’s last wishes.

In that moment she was put between a rock and a hard place, yet she could not give in: ” I hope Shi Zun will forgive me. The Book of the Six Realms belongs to the Mt Mao Sect. It records a lot of classified information regarding the sect, hence we really cannot let outsiders read it.”

On hearing this, Xiao Sheng Mo got even more excited. He was getting more interested in the book and Hua Qian Gu. This was the first time he saw someone actually defy Da Shi Xiong. There will be a good show to watch.

“What a joke. You speak as if I want to peep at their magic and secret manuals. Even if ten Mt Mao sects add up, Mt Chang Liu will not even regard them highly. If he dares to write down important information regarding his sect and other sects, why can’t I read it! Hand it over immediately!”

Hua Qian Gu felt very helpless, but she still stood firm, and insisted “Please forgive me Shi Zun!” Goner, I am such a goner. It was only the first day of school and she not only offender Teacher Tao Weng. She even offended Shi Zun. She was in for it next time.

“Are you trying to rebel!” Mo Yan slapped down hard on the table, his intimidating aura so scary that Hua Qian Gu nearly keeled over on her knees. Yet she did not move and resisted the enormously heavy pressure that was pressing over her head like a dark cloud.

Xiao Sheng Mo was laughing widely at a side. She was a goner. She really ruffled Da Shi Xiong’s feather.s

“Shi Xiong, Shi di, you guys temporarily take your leave. She has her own difficulties. Let me talk to her slowly.” Bai Zi Hua looked at Hua Qian Gu’s pitiful gaze as she stared at him for help and helplessly said.

“Hmph. You brought her home, so you better discipline her yourself!” Mo Yan left with a sweep of his sleeve.

Xiao Sheng Mo disappointed yawned, his silver Xiao danced a few rounds on his fingertips, forming a dazzling silver hoop. He then reluctantly went out. He originally wanted to watch a good show. It’s always like this. Er Shi Xiong, you are so boring! However, only he as the Sect Leader could persuade Da Shi Xiong a little. If not this little flower standing here trying so hard not to shiver was in big trouble.

Suddenly, the chamber was empty, leaving only he two of them. Hua Qian Gu begged the heavens not to let Zun Shang hear the loud thumping of her heart.

“Shi Yi has already helped you arranged everything? How do you find it here? Can you adjust to it?”

Hua Qian Gu puzzledly raised her head to look at him. She could not understand why despite his clearly amiable tone and words, she did not feel a single trace of closeness or concern.

“En, everything is great.” If I could see you everyday, it would be even better. Hua Qian Gu added in her heart.

“You have a mortal body. Furthermore you are born with an unfortunate destiny. You cannot compare to the other disciples in the mountain who have some foundation in the immortal arts. Furthermore, you were constantly harassed by evil creatures in the past, hence your body is extremely weak. To cultivate in the immortal arts, it really is pushing it. Hence, you naturally need to put in more hard work than others.”

Hua Qian Gu felt her heart want. this was the first time he had spoken so much to her. If she did not have natural talent, she would make up for it with hard work. No matter what, she would fulfill the one year she had with him.

“Disciple understands.”

Saying this she went forward a few steps up the steps until she was before him. Her heart bounced up and down in line with her steps. She raised both hands and lowered her head, yet she presented the Book of Six Realms before him.

Bai Zi Hua was expressionlesss: “And what is this?”

“I just caused trouble during class. Please punish me Zun Shang.”

Bai Zi Hua looked as though he had not expected her to react so fast. He quickly realised what was happened and shook his head saying: ” You have just entered Chang Liu and do not know many things. I can’t blame you for this.”

“But news that Chang Liu possesses the Fu Xi Zither could hence spread and may bring about a disaster like that on Mt Mao.”

“With Chang Liu’s abilities, we will definitely be part of the protection of the instruments of the gods. The demon and monster realms would have guessed it even without such news spreading. The only thing they did not know is which instrument we were protecting. Even if they know which instrument it doesn’t matter. If even Chang Liu cannot protect the instrument and the demons and monsters dare to fight us head on, then nobody in the immortal realm can protect the instruments already. You need not worry too much.”

“Your disciple understands. May Zun Shang accept the Book of the Six Realms.”

Bai Zi Hua looked at her quizzically and did not understand why she was acting in such a contradictory manner.

“There are a lot of records on the book which may be help Zun Shang lead the immortal realm, destroy monsters, protect the instruments of the gods and prevent the birth of the Demon God.”

Bai Zi Hua considered and said: “But what you say is correct. This is an item belonging to Mt Mao.”

“I believe in Zun Shang. Furthermore, when Priest Qing Xu wrote this, he must have hoped that it would be of use. Even though he gave it to me, it isn’t of much use to me and I cannot understand a lot of things inside. However, if its Zun Shang, it will be helpful to you. If we can protect the other instruments well and think of a way to recover the Shuan Tian Chain, I believe that Priest Qing Xu will be very happy.”

Bai Zi Hua did not speak.

Hua Qian Gu continued: ” Furthermore, after such a commotion, the book is not longer safe with me. There are so many important matters recorded inside. if other people snatch it by force, there will be disastrous consequences. Hua Qian Gu does not have the ability to protect the book now. If the book is placed with Qian Gu, it will definitely be a curse not a blessing. If Zun Shang does not mind, then please help this disciple safe keep it temporary. When Hua Qian Gu needs it, you can then return it. Is that ok?”

Bai Zi Hua’s ink black pupils darkened. He looked stared hard at Hua Qian Gu for two seconds. Hua Qian Gu quickly lowered her head.

He did not expect the young her who looked so weak and ordinary to be so thorough and careful when handling matters. Within her there was some impressive wisdom.

“Very well.” Bai Zi Hua took the book. His finger accidentally touched Hua Qian Gu’s fingertips. She was so alarmed she sucked in a deep breathe. His finger was as cold as an ice sculpture

She raised her head to look at Bai Zi Hua. She felt that beautiful as he was, there wasn’t a sense of mortality on him. In her heart she felt distant and disappointed. This was to be expected. Zun Shang was after all a lofty immortal.

“If anybody tries to ask about the instruments whereabouts or other things in future, you must let Shi Yi report to me. Chang Liu has so many disciples, there will always be quite a number of people with impure intentions who managed to sneak in. You must be extra careful when you do things in future.”

“Your disciple understands.”

“Then take your leave.”

“Yes.”

Hua Qian Gu quickly walked to the door. Suddenly she turned around and smiled at Bai Zi Hua softly: ” Zun Shang will it be very hard for me to see you next time?” Her tone was once again innocent and childish, unlike the adult-like tone she forced herself to take moments ago.

Bai Zi Hua returned to his senses.

“Even though you all rarely get to see me, you should know that I am always looking at you guys from Jue Qing Dian.”

Hua Qian Gu forcefully nodded her head. She knew it now. Even though she would rarely get to see him for the next year, he will always be looking at her from above like how he monitored the growth of other disciples. She will definitely not disappoint him.

As he watched her tiny figure leave the chamber and the large door close with a loud *peng, he felt that the surroundings was quiet without compare.

Bai Zi Hua opened the Book of the Six Realms and slowly flipped through it. He then close the book and could not help but give a long sigh.