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"If our Tianshui Sect fails to regain the trust of the Shui family, we will undoubtedly miss out on any further advancement."
Mo Lihai's words were filled with worry as he pondered how to quell the Shui family's anger.
He thought that no matter what the Shui family demanded, he would agree without hesitation, even if it meant sacrificing his own life.
Just as Mo Lihai was racking his brains, a disciple of the sect suddenly ran into the hall, looking anxious.
"Master, the Saintess has returned!"
The reporting disciple knelt on one knee and announced.
Upon hearing this, Mo Lihai's expression suddenly brightened.
A thought emerged from the disciple's words: If necessary, offering the Saintess to the Shui family might be a viable option! The Tianshui Sect had always had a tradition of presenting beautiful maidens to the Shui family, a custom that supposedly dated back ten thousand years.
At that time, the Shui family was sparse in numbers, and the Tianshui Sect had greatly contributed to the Shui family's lineage.
"Father, I am back."
Before Mo Lihai could think further, the Tianshui Sect Saintess, Mo Ling'er, dressed in a long white gown, appeared in the hall.
A few moments later, Mo Ling'er stood before Mo Lihai.
"Ling'er, why have you returned so early? Aren't you supposed to be studying at Shrek Academy?"
"I had some matters to attend to, so I came back early."
Mo Ling'er slightly lowered her gaze, avoiding direct eye contact with Mo Lihai, clearly hiding something.
At this moment, Mo Lihai's thoughts were entirely focused on finding a way to apologize to the Shui family, so he did not pursue the matter further.
"Ling'er, are you aware that the Shui family is about to reemerge?"
Mo Lihai shifted the topic to the news of the Shui family's return.
"Ling'er knows."
Mo Ling'er was momentarily stunned but quickly nodded in acknowledgment.
"I plan to send you to the Shui family to become one of their members. Are you willing?"
A glimmer of hope appeared in Mo Lihai's eyes, and much of the gloom in his heart dissipated, even replaced by a hint of anticipation.
If Mo Ling'er could indeed become a member of the Shui family, it would greatly benefit the future of the Tianshui Sect!
"What? Father wants to send me to the Shui family?"
Mo Ling'er reacted strongly, her face showing a look of shock. She was no longer a child and clearly understood what joining the Shui family entailed.
"Ling'er, the Shui family is one of the most powerful forces in the world. If you join them, it will be very beneficial for you as well."
Mo Lihai, not knowing the full story, assumed that Mo Ling'er's shock was merely a temporary reaction.
"Father, I do not want to join the Shui family."
After a brief but intense internal struggle, Mo Ling'er's difficult refusal escaped her lips.
In an instant, the situation reversed, and Mo Lihai's face displayed a look of utter disbelief.
"Ling'er, why is this?"
Mo Lihai couldn't comprehend why Mo Ling'er would refuse. If it were him, he couldn't think of any reason to decline.
"Father... I already have someone I like."
Mo Ling'er lowered her gaze again, showing a hint of feminine shyness.
"What?!"
Mo Lihai's pupils widened at her words, clearly taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.
But this was just the beginning. What Mo Ling'er said next almost made him spit out blood on the spot.
"Indeed, Father, the person I like is Huo Yuhao."
Mo Ling'er didn't notice her father's state. As she uttered Huo Yuhao's name, her face became even more flushed with shyness.
Huo Yuhao?! The moment Mo Lihai heard those three words, he felt his vision blur. He couldn't believe his own daughter had fallen for Huo Yuhao! This was a colossal misunderstanding! If the Shui family found out that not only had the Tianshui Sect once considered Huo Yuhao the inheritor of the Ice God's legacy, but also their own Saintess had fallen for him, the consequences... Mo Lihai didn't even dare to imagine!
"Father, what's wrong with you?"
Mo Ling'er lifted her head, looking at Mo Lihai's grim expression with a puzzled expression.
"This time I came back hoping that Father would allow the opening of the Tianshui Pool and let Huo Yuhao enter to cleanse his bones and marrow, to truly become the Ice Emperor's successor."
Mo Ling'er then explained the reason for her return to the sect.
"Pfft!"
Finally, Mo Lihai couldn't contain himself any longer. He spat out a mouthful of blood, his qi fluctuating violently.
"From today onwards, without my orders, you are forbidden from stepping out of the sect."
Mo Lihai raised his eyes with a stern gaze. He knew his daughter had strayed too far down the wrong path, and he had to forcibly correct it.
Upon hearing this, a surge of grievances, anger, and confusion flooded Mo Ling'er's heart.
"Why, Father!"
Mo Ling'er couldn't understand why her father would stop her from liking Huo Yuhao.
"It's simple. You are the Saintess of our Tianshui Sect, and Huo Yuhao already has someone he cares for. Am I supposed to let our entire sect become his stepping stone to become stronger?"
Mo Lihai, filled with intense anger, spoke with an undeniable tone.
During the previous investigation of Huo Yuhao by the Tianshui Sect, they had learned that he already had a girlfriend named Wang Dong'er.
"But, Father..."
Before Mo Ling'er could argue further, Mo Lihai unexpectedly slapped her across the face.
Smack!
The crisp sound echoed through the hall, leaving Mo Ling'er momentarily stunned.
"Bring the Saintess down for rest. Without my orders, she is not to see anyone!"
Before Mo Ling'er could regain her senses, Mo Lihai waved his hand, and two shadowy figures suddenly appeared in the hall.
"Saintess, please come with us."
The two figures spoke lightly, then, like a gentle breeze, they disappeared with Mo Ling'er into the hall.
"Dad, what are you doing?"
Mo Lihai watched as Mo Ling'er was taken away, his gaze incredibly dark. He had made up his mind: he would not allow Huo Yuhao to have any relationship with his daughter. If necessary, he wouldn't hesitate to deal with Huo Yuhao himself, which would also provide an explanation to the Shui family!
---
In the blink of an eye, several days passed, and the entire Tianshui Sect was shrouded in a strangely tense atmosphere.
Especially the sect's elders, all of them were trembling as if awaiting judgment from fate itself.
"Master, representatives from the Shui family have arrived!"
One morning, Mo Lihai, who had been sitting silently in the hall for several days, suddenly heard the report from a servant.
In an instant, Mo Lihai opened his eyes, a sharp gleam flashing in them.
"Inform all the elders in the sect to accompany me!"
With those words, Mo Lihai's figure vanished from the hall.
(End of this chapter)