Arrays of Immortality

Chapter 5: Mo Shan

Mo Shan was a Qi Refining Stage Level Eight demon hunter, making a living by hunting beasts and selling their materials. While it sounded impressive, the job was arduous and extremely dangerous. Most demonic beasts were far stronger than human cultivators, making their capture exceedingly difficult.

Generally, it took at least five to ten cultivators working together to kill a beast of the same level, and even then, success wasn't guaranteed. Precious materials from the beast often sustained damage during the fight, reducing their value. After splitting the earnings based on contribution, the remaining spirit stones were meager.

Injuries were another major risk—healing pills were costly, often leaving hunters in debt. Severe wounds could end their ability to hunt entirely, stripping them of their livelihood.

Mo Shan had a burly figure, honed from his years as a body cultivator. His sharp, rugged features carried a few traces of hardship, despite not yet reaching middle age by cultivator standards. Years of hunting beasts, braving harsh weather, and risking his life had left a mark on his face.

Upon entering the house, Mo Shan set down his blade and the bloodied pelt of an unknown beast slung over his shoulder. He let out a deep breath, finally able to relax.

His outer robe was tattered, stained with both fresh and old blood—likely from beasts, comrades, or even himself. Judging by his appearance, the hunt must not have gone well this time, Mo Hua silently guessed.

Mo Shan's brow furrowed unconsciously, his expression heavy. The bloodstains and his weary posture exuded a harsh and distant aura, warning strangers to stay away. Yet, when he saw his wife, the hostility dissipated entirely, as though a battle-worn soldier had shed his battered armor upon returning home.

His voice, hoarse from exhaustion, softened as he asked, "Everything's fine at home?"

Liu Ruhua began unpacking his belongings while wiping his face with a clean cloth. "Everything's good. You don't need to worry."

Seeing the dust and fatigue on his face, she said gently, "You must take better care of yourself out there."

Mo Shan managed a tired smile before glancing around the house. "Has Hua'er come home?"

"He came back yesterday. The sect's on holiday. He's probably still fast asleep. I'll go wake him. He'll be so happy to see you."

Noticing his blood-streaked clothes and injuries, Mo Shan stopped her. "Let him sleep a little longer. Training at the sect isn't easy. I'll take a bath, clean my wounds, and change clothes first."

Liu Ruhua nodded. "Alright. I'll prepare some food for you."

Mo Shan hadn't eaten properly in days and was starving.

Though the meal was simple, Liu Ruhua's cooking was excellent, and Mo Shan ate heartily. Hunting often meant eating hard, cold rations in the wild, with even fasting pills considered too valuable to waste. Sitting at home, eating his wife's warm, comforting food, the hardships of the past few days seemed to melt away.

After a long drink of hot porridge, Mo Shan sighed contentedly. Noticing the lingering blood on his clothes, Liu Ruhua asked worriedly, "Did someone get hurt again?"

Mo Shan sighed heavily. "Three were injured. Old Chu suffered the worst."

He recounted the events of the hunt:

"Our group of eight had cornered a wolf demon over ten feet tall. We were wearing it down, planning to finish it once its demon energy was spent. But then another hunting team passed by—mostly rookies, reckless and inexperienced. They tried to steal the kill but only provoked the beast. It devoured two of them alive, restoring its strength."

"The beast went berserk. Old Chu and I used every last bit of our energy to take it down. We succeeded, but Old Chu lost an arm and bled heavily. His injuries are grave—he won't be able to hunt anymore."

Mo Shan's tone grew bitter. "Old Chu's child is only two years old, and his wife makes ends meet by growing vegetables. Now they have a pile of medical expenses. Even if his wounds heal, how will they survive?"

Liu Ruhua sighed, recalling their past struggles. "Old Chu helped us when we were in need, lending us spirit stones despite his own hardships. We still have some saved up. Let's give it to him to help cover his treatment."

Mo Shan nodded. "We'll sell the wolf demon's pelt. It should fetch around three hundred spirit stones. I'll make sure Old Chu gets a good share, and we'll lend him some extra. But…"

He hesitated before continuing, guilt shadowing his face. "I'd hoped the wolf demon would cover Hua'er's sect fees for next year. Now things are tighter than ever."

Liu Ruhua took his hand and reassured him, "As long as our family is safe, we'll figure it out. I've saved some spirit stones from working at the inn, and we can borrow more if needed. We won't delay Hua'er's cultivation."

Mo Shan gazed at his wife, noticing how the years had worn her once-youthful face. The sight filled him with regret.

"You shouldn't keep working in the kitchens. The fire is harming your lungs and meridians. Next year, I'll team up with stronger hunters and kill more beasts. I'll earn enough spirit stones to ease your burden."

Liu Ruhua smiled softly and pointed to the hairpin in her hair. "Do you see this?"

Mo Shan, who hadn't paid attention earlier, now realized the pin was new.

"What's this?"

"Hua'er gave it to me. It's called a Fire-Repelling Hairpin. It shields against the kitchen's fire, keeping my body cool and my meridians clear."

"Hua'er is such a thoughtful child."

Pride and guilt mixed in Mo Shan's voice. "I haven't given you a gift in years…"

Liu Ruhua teased him gently, "It's the same as you giving it to me. Hua'er is your son, after all."

Mo Shan chuckled softly but then sighed, "They say luck is key to cultivation. Perhaps my greatest luck in this life was marrying you and having such a good son."

Liu Ruhua blushed slightly and smiled warmly.

Mo Shan watched her smile and made a silent vow. After the new year, he would team up with stronger hunters, venture deeper into the mountains, and earn enough spirit stones to ease their struggles. He would ensure his wife no longer had to suffer and provide Hua'er with a bright future.

Listening from his room, Mo Hua heard everything.

The young boy let out a quiet sigh.

Unbeknownst to him, his parents had endured such hardships for so long. Perhaps in any world, the burdens parents carry are far heavier than their children can ever imagine.

Even cultivators had to struggle for spirit stones, worrying about survival and the future.

In the end, cultivators and mortals weren't so different after all.

Mo Hua pondered silently, a determined thought emerging in his mind:

"Is there any way I can start earning spirit stones too?"

(End of Chapter)