Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2080 Chapter 989: Winds Rising (Part 3)

The Shen Family Head had just begun to stand up, yet after hearing those words, he dropped to his knees once more and spoke with deep sincerity:

"My grandson lacks proper guidance, and Linsu along with the rest... they're impulsive youths, caught up in the allure of the Rouge, behaving rashly and foolishly, which has truly tarnished our Shen Family's name..."

Anxiety gripped the Family Head as he braced for the Old Ancestor's reprimand, yet unexpectedly, the Shen Family Old Ancestor simply shook his head and remarked:

"This might actually turn out to be a good thing."

The Family Head's brow furrowed in confusion, "Old Ancestor... you..."

In a firm tone, the Old Ancestor declared: "I'd prefer they taste the temptations of the flesh, pierce through the seductive veil of feminine charms, recognize their own descent into baseness, and then turn their minds purely to cultivation."

"So that later on, they won't get ensnared by women of lowly origins who rely only on looks, swayed by fleeting feelings, and end up as utter failures."

"Those who cultivate must devote themselves to the Dao, chasing the mighty forces of heaven and earth to achieve eternal life."

"Anyone who dwells in love affairs and chases short-lived joys becomes nothing more than fodder in times of dire crises."

"You need to instill this lesson in him thoroughly."

The Family Head lowered his head in respect and replied: "Yes."

"Very well, you can go now," the Old Ancestor instructed, "Once you're out, summon Linsu to me."

A heavy breath of relief escaped the Family Head as he bowed once again with utmost respect, rising gradually, "May the Old Ancestor enjoy endless years and prosperity as boundless as the skies and oceans."

The Family Head then departed.

Shortly afterward, an elegant young man entered the chamber, offering a deep bow before greeting:

"Great-grandson Shen Linsu pays respects to the Old Ancestor."

The young man stood with grace and assurance, balanced without excess humility or arrogance.

A strange gleam flickered in the eyes of the Shen Family Old Ancestor as he gazed upon Shen Linsu, almost as though beholding his own youthful reflection.

"Linsu..." The Old Ancestor's manner softened warmly.

"Old Ancestor," Shen Linsu responded.

"The Sword Discussion Conference approaches soon."

"Indeed," Shen Linsu's eyes sparkled with determination, his voice firm, "Great-grandson will definitely seize the top spot at the Sword Discussion Conference to honor Qian Taoist Sect, Shen Family, and you, Old Ancestor!"

The Old Ancestor shook his head gently, "That top position isn't for Qian Taoist Sect, nor for Shen Family, nor even for me—it's for you alone."

"Your natural gifts, abilities, and wisdom stand at the peak; you just need this chance to demonstrate your worth."

"Secure first place in the Sword Discussion Conference, and your path will ascend without hindrance, straight to the heights."

Shen Linsu's eyes remained fixed and resolute, yet he spoke anyway:

"The Old Ancestor cherishes me, Shen Family raises me, Qian Taoist Sect instructs me—now that great-grandson has advanced in cultivation, I won't disappoint the Old Ancestor's profound care, nor the guidance from kin and sect."

The Old Ancestor nodded approvingly, "You're far more capable than your father; don't disappoint me."

"Have no worries, Old Ancestor." Shen Linsu assured him.

"Head out now and focus on your cultivation."

"Yes, great-grandson departs."

Shen Linsu offered another respectful bow before exiting.

The Old Ancestor quietly observed Shen Linsu's departing form.

Gazing at his lofty, striking great-grandson, brimming with life force, rich in Spiritual Power, exuding an innate superiority over others like a "Qilin" heir, a profound fondness welled up within him.

This was the genuine prodigy of the Shen Family.

This was the authentic child of destiny.

This was his closest descendant from the Heaven Void Ancestor line.

His fury stemmed from the Rouge Boat affair.

He wasn't upset over Shen Linsu's indiscretions; rather, it was the indignity that those base women lacked the worth to be "touched" by his Qilin-blooded great-grandson.

How could such low ranks possibly merit that?

A flicker of anger crossed the Old Ancestor's face, but it soon eased, returning him to his tranquil composure.

Observing Shen Linsu stirred thoughts of yet another figure in his mind:

"Mo Hua..."

This learner by the name of Mo Hua had arrived years back, bearing that relic of a Sect-Entering Order, desiring admission to Qian Taoist Sect.

Yet entry was denied.

Deep down, the Old Ancestor couldn't claim complete indifference to the matter.

A touch of remorse lingered in him.

Not for Mo Hua personally, but for inadvertently "aiding the foe."

Had Mo Hua been admitted back then—even as a lowly servant or an unnamed disciple short of the Outer Gate—letting him sense his inadequacy amid almost a thousand heavenly talents, fostering a meek Taoist Heart that would dwindle into obscurity...

That outcome would have outshone delivering him straight to Taixu Gate.

Absent Mo Hua's involvement, the sect's reorganization would have concluded smoothly, free from chaos or entanglements.

The power's course wouldn't have waited for this confrontation to decide.

Nor would the Shen Family's hidden Solitary Mountain have been exposed.

Amid swirling hidden threats, the Shen Family teetered on the edge, compelled to sever ties and make heavy sacrifices.

It was only due to timely awareness and bold measures.

Any delay, and the Shen Family would have plunged into catastrophe, hanging by a thread.

At present, the Old Ancestor grasped it clearly: Mo Hua was bound in that individual's karmic web.

Undoubtedly, Taixu Gate's Ancestor Xun recognized this as well.

Knowing so, he schemed to position Mo Hua as a "pawn," targeting Qian Taoist Sect and even the overhaul of the Four Great Sects.

The Old Ancestor sighed inwardly.

Good fortune often conceals calamity; calamity hides within good fortune.

For Qian Taoist Sect, this youth began as a boon, but rejecting him flipped it to "calamity."

Karma's shifts are indeed enigmatic.

Taixu Gate's Ancestor Xun truly merits his reputation as an expert in such arts, astoundingly molding a disciple of middling-low grade inferior Spiritual Root into a Formation Leader, forging him as a keen blade against Qian Taoist Sect.

"Yet, this comes to its close..."

The Old Ancestor mused in silence.

Taixu Gate ultimately wants solid roots. Despite the merger of the Three Gates, its elite disciples have mostly departed, leaving behind chiefly average ones.

The Qianxue Debate emphasizes swordsmanship, with the Sword Discussion at its core.

For Taixu Gate, it's truly a hopeless bind.

And Mo Hua, no matter his prowess in array drawing, can hope for at best another victory in formations.

"One lone Formation Leader won't rescue Taixu Gate's dream of Three Sects Unity..."

A faint chuckle escaped the Old Ancestor, though his eyes grew grave.

...

Back at Taixu Gate, Mo Hua picked up his routine cultivation once more.

As the New Year came and went, days sped past, bringing another month's end.

Mo Hua thus embarked on his ninth year within Taixu Gate.

This marked his last year of Dao practice at Taixu Gate too.

And in this year, he stood ready to join the grandest gathering in the Qian Learning State Boundary—one spanning the Four Great Sects, Eight Great Gates, Twelve Streams, plus numerous sacred sects among the Qian Learning Hundred Gates, assembling myriad heavenly prodigies to clash in thousands of Dao techniques, a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle for any sect follower:

Qianxue Sword Discussion Conference.