Hua Yao looked at Qin Mo, disappointment filling her eyes.
"Qin Mo, do you know what you're doing?"
Qin Mo's expression was calm. "Of course I do. I merely made the choice that benefits me more."
Hua Yao frowned tightly. "Why? You clearly weren't like this before..."
"There is no why. Fellow Daoist Qin is a smart man. Naturally, he would choose the more correct path—for example, cooperating with us."
A voice interrupted Hua Yao. She turned and recognized the newcomer. "Meng Family Ancestor, it's you. What benefits did you promise Qin Mo?"
The Meng Family Ancestor smiled, looking in an excellent mood.
"Nothing much. I merely promised that once this is done, your share of the power of incense offerings will be given to him.
Such a trifling benefit allowed Headmaster Hua Yao to see the true face of an old friend. Shouldn't you be thanking me?"
"Despicable!"
Hua Yao's eyes blazed with fury as she glared at the Meng Family Ancestor. "Qin Mo is not that kind of person. You must have threatened him, forcing him to do this!"
The Meng Family Ancestor chuckled. "What does it matter whether I coerced him or tempted him with profit? In any case, Qin Mo is already on our side. If you two know what is good for you, you should understand that opposing our Aristocratic Clans will lead to no good end."
Hua Yao took a deep breath, suppressing the anger in her heart as she softened her tone.
"I never intended to oppose the Five Great Families. I merely wished to negotiate with you.
The human race is gradually showing signs of flourishing. Those outdated methods of the past should change as well."
"Headmaster Hua Yao, surely you aren't joking? Did you think us old bones truly failed to