Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2097 Chapter 995: Ouyang Xuan (Part 2)

Among the group, Ouyang Xuan looked the most mismatched.

Isolated on his own, his face remained icy, his eyes piercing, so close that just one step would bridge the gap, but a vast divide seemed to stretch between them, underscoring his "aloofness."

Mo Hua paid no attention to his "detachment."

Disagreements between individuals happen all the time.

With only a handful of encounters, it's no surprise they couldn't "fit in" right away.

Mo Hua never expected Ouyang Xuan to "fit in," just that he would carry out the swordsmanship plan as required.

Crouching low, Mo Hua used a small branch to sketch lines and tiny figures in the dirt.

Next, he described to the others the fundamental tactical spots, setups, arrangements, shifts, and goals.

Even if simple, these elements hold vital importance.

In swordsmanship clashes, the pace shifts swiftly, often without room for orders, depending solely on shared instincts.

During tense instances, stronger foundational strategies mean faster reactions.

All complex maneuvers stem from the simplest teamwork.

Once finished, Mo Hua turned his gaze toward Ouyang Xuan.

Ouyang Xuan kept his face impassive, offering no words.

Unsure if the message had sunk in, Mo Hua suggested, "Let's run through it and check."

Following that, the team went through several cycles based on the outlined tactical steps.

Cheng Mo served as the "tank," while also delivering some strikes.

Situ Jian supported the assaults, easing the burden on Cheng Mo.

Linghu Xiao took the lead in attacking; his sword skills packed the biggest punch but demanded setup time and protection from disruptions, so the rest had to shield him.

For that reason, Linghu Xiao stayed at the rear.

Mo Hua positioned himself nearby to provide aid, watch the flow, manage the big picture, and adjust on the fly.

As for Ouyang Xuan...

Mo Hua probed a few times with Divine Sense, getting a general sense of his power level.

Ouyang Xuan's cultivation ran deep, Sword Qi leaking from him, marking him as a skilled sword cultivator with great talent and solid grasp of Sword Dao.

His Sword Dao fell just short of Xiaoxiao's pure Sword Heart, yet his cultivation surpassed hers in depth.

The Sect Leader had it right; Ouyang Xuan was truly a "top prodigy" as well.

Not the ideal "pentagon" type without weaknesses, but incredibly capable nonetheless.

Thus, Mo Hua placed him as a "single soldier," free to battle solo or lend help depending on the moment.

Should he shine, his solo prowess could shift the tide dramatically.

Should he falter, the team's core wouldn't suffer.

The group synced up for a bit.

Initially, things went smoothly; Ouyang Xuan caught on fast with his sharp insight, and his raw power let him blend in effectively.

Yet after repeated drills, impatience crept into Ouyang Xuan.

He'd freeze like a "stone," go rogue like a "standout," or shift spots on his own whim.

This threw Cheng Mo off, leading to constant slip-ups.

Cheng Mo, quick to flare up, lost his temper at once and barked, "What do you think you're doing?"

Ouyang Xuan shot back coolly, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Cheng Mo fumed, "We're drilling tactical formations. Why aren't you holding your spot and just dashing everywhere?"

"What formation?" Ouyang Xuan scoffed. "Shifting back and forth in those same old positions—it's obvious right away. What's the point of drilling it?"

He fixed a cutting look on Cheng Mo. "Repeating such basic tactics over and over, that's some dull talent. I really can't figure out why the Sect Leader stuck me in a team with a nobody like you..."

His tone carried a subtle jab, and as he spoke, his eyes flicked toward Mo Hua.

This set Cheng Mo off for real.

His features hardened completely, hands tightening on his massive axes as he growled softly, "What, you looking for a fight?"

"A fight?" Ouyang Xuan sneered. "You think you're worth it?"

Faced with Ouyang Xuan's provoking attitude, Cheng Mo almost brought his axe down but restrained himself at the last second.

Cheng Mo might seem hot-headed, but he wasn't one to charge blindly.

Sect rules banned fights among disciples; swinging now would break them and bring penalties.

Besides, Cheng Mo remembered this was Junior Brother's squad—only Junior Brother called the shots.

If Junior Brother told him to hack Ouyang Xuan, rules be damned, he'd swing without a second thought.

But with Junior Brother silent, he bottled his rage and held steady.

Linghu Xiao and Situ Jian watched from the side, faces darkening with anger.

Mo Hua stayed composed, a pensive look crossing his features.

In normal times, no matter Ouyang Xuan's foul mood or stance, he wouldn't care.

But circumstances had changed.

This swordsmanship team tied into Taixu Gate's stakes and his master's tangled fates.

He required a "obedient" ally, one who would stick to the plan without question.

Not some "genius" who seemed gifted but hid ulterior motives and stirred chaos.

The swordsmanship contest loomed near, and every moment counted.

Mo Hua had no desire to squander effort on Ouyang Xuan.

Occasionally, firmness demands a touch of severity.

Mo Hua eyed Ouyang Xuan flatly and said, "Come with me."

With that, Mo Hua pivoted and headed to a nearby cluster of trees.

Ouyang Xuan's brow furrowed, irritation flickering. He hated being "bossed around" like this.

Still, as Mo Hua moved further off, Ouyang Xuan paused, then smirked coldly. "Let's see what you think you can do to me."

Then he strode after Mo Hua.

The pair vanished into the woods that way.

Thick foliage hid them from sight.

Linghu Xiao, Cheng Mo, and Situ Jian exchanged stunned glances.