Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2098 Chapter 995: Ouyang Xuan (Part 3)

"Junior Brother... what exactly is he planning?"

"Is it possible... he intends to give Ouyang Xuan a thrashing?"

"Does he stand a chance against him?"

"Tough to tell... honestly, it seems challenging, since Ouyang Xuan possesses considerable strength..."

"The key issue is, our Junior Brother acts like a 'glass cannon,' leaving him with little room for mistakes..."

"Should we step in to assist? I worry Junior Brother could end up at a disadvantage..."

...

As the three conversed, a horrifying aura erupted abruptly from the grove, only to fade away in an instant. The trees displayed no signs of disturbance, yet they exuded an enigmatic stillness that pierced the Divine Soul with unease.

Linghu Xiao and his two companions sensed a sharp pang in their cores, halting their talk suddenly as they turned toward the woods.

Soon after, the grove shimmered faintly, and silhouettes emerged—Mo Hua and Ouyang Xuan walked out.

Mo Hua's face stayed composed as ever.

Ouyang Xuan, on the other hand, looked ghostly white, quivering faintly, like he had witnessed a horrifying specter, leaving him profoundly shaken.

Approaching the group, Mo Hua's features lit up with a friendly grin:

"We shared a 'heart-to-heart' chat, and Ouyang came to see that his earlier remarks were out of line, so let's put this behind us."

"After all, we're fellow disciples of Taixu Sect, so we ought to stand united, collaborating to uphold the Sect's glory and aim for a strong showing in the Sword Discussion Conference..."

Such words brought a soothing breeze, like spring's gentle touch.

Linghu Xiao and the rest displayed odd looks on their faces.

Ouyang Xuan grew even paler, unable to squeeze out a response.

Mo Hua scanned the group with a smile:

"Fine, then let's settle it cheerfully like that."

Following this, the group resumed refining their strategies for the Sword Discussion Conference.

Ouyang Xuan had truly turned 'compliant' now.

To the extent of being 'excessively compliant'—less like obedience and more like sheer bewilderment.

Whatever Mo Hua proposed, he adhered to it with precision.

His expression still held traces of astonishment, as though he hadn't shaken off the terror from the woods.

Nevertheless, this worked in their favor, making the later training proceed remarkably well.

...

Tai'a Sect.

The Tai'a Sect Leader was conversing with a middle-aged elder about Sword Discussion affairs, deep in discussion when his forehead creased suddenly.

"What's the matter?" the middle-aged elder inquired.

The Tai'a Sect Leader seemed troubled, "Do you reckon Xuan Er will fare alright..."

The middle-aged elder, plump with a light skin tone and a perpetual mild smile, responded, "What issues could Young Master Xuan possibly face?"

"It's about the Sword Discussion."

"Over at Taixu Mountain?"

"That's right," the Tai'a Sect Leader affirmed, his brows knitting tighter, "I pushed Xuan Er there against his will; if it goes awry, that won't end well."

The middle-aged elder reflected briefly before nodding:

"Young Master Xuan holds a unique position, brought up under the ancestor's watchful eye from youth, instructed directly by the True Transmission Elder—it's natural for him to develop a solitary temperament. Frankly, some friction is probably unavoidable..."

The Tai'a Sect Leader's frown deepened as he let out a sigh: "I simply had no choice..."

"The boy... commands such respect that even as Sect Leader, he's my equal; I can neither reprimand nor discipline him."

"I've kept these ties hidden from others."

"Lest his rank prevent him from mingling with peers."

"No elder from high to low dares to correct him, fostering his stubborn ways."

"Yet I've placed him with Taixu Mountain's group for the Sword Discussion..."

The Tai'a Sect Leader's worry intensified, "I'm concerned that in a worst-case clash, if he harms Taixu Mountain disciples, it could strain ties among the three branches."

Furthermore, given his prominence, even should Ouyang Xuan wound Taixu Mountain disciples, true repercussions would elude him.

Leading a Sect proves no simple feat.

The middle-aged elder mulled it over shortly, then offered cautiously:

"Perhaps we should reconsider? Pull together some Tai'a Mountain disciples to join Young Master Xuan for the Sword Discussion. Merely as companions to build rapport—no harm would come of it..."

"That defies proper conduct," the Tai'a Sect Leader replied firmly, "Endless indulgence like this robs him of any real grit; he'd devolve into a true 'spoiled heir'."

"Should he form his Core while staying this haughty, major setbacks await. Lacking drive, he'd stagnate entirely, squandering his exceptional talent."

The middle-aged elder shook his head, stating:

"In that case, gradual refinement is the path. Should Young Master Xuan stir up real issues, Tai'a can intervene with apologies and amends..."

The Tai'a Sect Leader pondered briefly, then nodded reluctantly, "No alternative remains..."

"Fingers crossed that in due course, Xuan Er warms to those Taixu Mountain disciples..."

Naturally, he realized harmony wouldn't bloom instantly.

Given Xuan Er's 'defiant' streak, bowing to none, sustained discipline seemed unattainable. Who knew the extent of chaos he might unleash...

This situation demanded handling step by step.

The Tai'a Sect Leader exhaled deeply.

Yet two days on, his worries persisted.

After prolonged deliberation, the Tai'a Sect Leader ultimately employed the Escape Skill, departing Tai'a Mountain for the Taixu Mountain Gate, slipping into the training ground to check on Tai'a Sect's 'spoiled heir' adaptation, praying he wasn't acting too overbearingly or sparking conflicts.

Entering the training ground, the Tai'a Sect Leader first ran into the Taixu Sect Master.

Mutual surprise flickered between them.

Still, with the Sword Discussion Conference's weight, such oversight came as no shock.

"After you," the Taixu Sect Master invited.

"Appreciate the effort."

Servants arranged chairs and poured tea.

Surrounded by tea's aroma, the pair of Sect Leaders settled in the pavilion, sipping calmly.

Across the training field, disciples drilled advances and assaults, weaving through diverse tactical shifts.

The arrays stood neat, actions synchronized.

The Tai'a Sect Leader had arrived seeking Ouyang Xuan, yet the sight before him left him dazed, murmuring:

"Could this be... Taoist Soldiers?"

The Taixu Sect Master clarified, "Not entirely; the disciples are merely drilling with greater discipline."

The Tai'a Sect Leader examined closely, giving a faint nod.

True enough, it fell short of Taoist Soldiers.

Taoist Soldiers demand far tighter arrays and unyielding protocols.

Orders must be followed without flaw.

In contrast, the field's disciples remained somewhat youthful, their array transitions still rough around the edges.

Moreover, they focused solely on basic tactical setups, lacking integrated Spiritual Artifacts and Formations, so they couldn't match 'Taoist Soldiers.'

Even thus, the display impressed deeply.

This might herald the nascent stage of 'Celestial Taoist Soldiers'...