Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2100 Chapter 996: Supreme Goodness Like Water (Part 2)

Everything proceeded without a hitch, and the overall vibe stayed perfectly ordinary.

The Taia Sect Leader let out a deep breath, musing to himself, 'This kid Xuan Er might act all defiant on a daily basis, but when it counts, he displays sharp instincts, staying out of trouble and carrying out the plan flawlessly.'

Truly, after just a few days apart, it's worth seeing him in a new light.

You shouldn't judge folks based on old biases forever.

Individuals evolve and mature over time.

This 'clan brother' of mine, from the same generation, now interacts smoothly with learners from various peaks.

A profound sense of satisfaction washed over the Taia Sect Leader.

He reached for his tea cup, ready to take a sip, when a sudden 'thump' echoed, indicating something had gone awry.

Ouyang Xuan and the burly fellow had botched their formation spots, crashing into each other from front and rear, both tumbling down.

The hefty one scrambled to his feet, muttering complaints under his breath.

A chill spread across Ouyang Xuan's features.

The air grew thick with strain in an instant.

The Taia Sect Leader froze mid-motion, sensing an issue, but before he could respond, a clear voice cut through:

'Little Xuan, launch a diversion on the right flank, watch out so you don't bump into Cheng Mo...'

With his advanced Feather Transformation cultivation, his senses were keen, allowing him to catch the words even from afar.

This remark left the Sect Leader utterly baffled.

'Little Xuan'... who could that possibly mean?

Was it... Ouyang Xuan?

Given that young man's headstrong nature, would he ever put up with such a thing?

The Taia Sect Leader peered intently, and indeed, Ouyang Xuan's face twisted in annoyance, clearly hating the 'pet name,' his gaze flashing with irritation.

It was obvious he despised it.

Yet in the very next instant, he adopted a haughty air filled with scorn, letting out a cold huff before striding straight to the right.

In the end, he put up with it.

The Taia Sect Leader stood dumbfounded, nearly convinced his eyes had deceived him.

Was this really Ouyang Xuan?

How could he endure that?

Back in Taia Sect, even a mild scolding from me would make him restless; if a Core Elder spoke up, he'd openly bristle.

This 'stubborn ox,' ever since reaching Taixu Mountain, had undergone a total personality shift?

The Taia Sect Leader reflected briefly, fixing a intense gaze on Mo Hua as complex feelings surged within.

Linghu Xiao of Mount Chongxu sought to ally with him.

And now, even Ouyang Xuan from Taia Mountain obeyed his directions, enduring the moniker 'Little Xuan' without exploding.

Could this boy be some kind of 'fiend' capable of captivating others?

He eyed Mo Hua's striking appearance, with his sharp eyes and pearly smile, and suspicion deepened...

This issue weighed heavily on the Taia Sect Leader's mind.

It preoccupied him even as he said goodbye to the Taixu Sect Master, departed the practice grounds, headed back to Taia Mountain, and settled into the Sect Leader's quarters, where worry still gnawed at him.

After some time, he resolved himself, calling for an Elder and giving the directive:

'Send Taia Mountain disciples to seek out Mo Hua, have him assist in forming teams, practice jointly, and join the Debate.'

The Elder blinked in surprise, 'Sect Leader, this...'

The Taia Sect Leader dismissed it with a wave, 'No more on that, I've decided. This youth named 'Mo Hua' can even rein in Xuan Er, so handling team setups for our Taia Mountain disciples will be no issue.'

'Plus, I've observed Taixu Mountain's drills; they're structured impeccably. Victory isn't guaranteed, but it's bound to outshine what we've got going on Taia Mountain.'

'With the Three Sects now united, we're all one family.'

'We ought to tag along...'

As Sect Leader, he had always prioritized practicality.

If someone's skilled, emulate them; if they're powerful, align with them.

That's the essence of pragmatism.

It's exactly this approach that once propelled Taia Sect to the forefront of the Eight Great Gates.

While the Sect Leader issued the order, the other Elders typically wouldn't challenge it.

'So...' The Elder hesitated, 'Should I handle the preparations?'

'Indeed.' The Taia Sect Leader affirmed with a nod, 'Make it quick; the Qianxue Debate draws near, and time is slipping away.'

'Got it.'

The Elder departed, carrying out the Sect Leader's command by relaying the message.

The order rippled through the disciple ranks.

Within Taia Mountain's Disciple Residence.

A cluster of disciples huddled, chatting excitedly.

'The Elder told us to track down 'Junior Brother' and have him guide us through the Debate.'

'Which 'Junior Brother'?'

'Who else but Mo Hua?'

'I get that, but what I'm saying is...' One disciple dropped his tone, a bit irked, 'He's a junior from Taixu Mountain's line; why should he matter to our Taia Mountain?'

'Didn't he instruct you in Formation too?'

'Whether he did or not, we'd at most nod to him; calling him 'Junior Brother' behind his back? He hasn't earned it.'

'Do what you want; if you won't say it, I will.'

'Spineless.'

The disciple shot back, 'He showed me Formation and even marked my assignment an 'A,' claiming I've got real talent... If I'm not calling him Junior Brother, who then? You?'

'Folks ought to show some gratitude...'

'Fine, fine, back to the point.'

'Are we set on linking up with Mo Hua for the Debate?'

'What choice is there? It's the Elder's directive, the Sect Leader's wish...'

'On that note, Mo... I mean Junior Brother, he's just a Formation Master—does he really know his way around a Debate?'

'Hard to say...'

'But Taixu Mountain's Debate practice looks worlds apart. Some Taia Mountain folks have joined forces with Taixu disciples; I checked it out, and their methods are completely unlike ours...'

'So, are we heading to Taixu Mountain for real?'

The Taia Mountain disciples wavered uncertainly.

Moments later, a disciple with keen eyes turned to a somewhat tanned, compact figure in their midst and inquired:

'Mu Tou, you're tight with Junior Brother— is he truly this capable?'

Ouyang Mu was immersed in sketching artifact forging patterns.

These had all come from Mo Hua, who needed aid in refining and enhancing the synergy between Formation and Artifact Refining.

Hearing the question, Ouyang Mu lifted his gaze.

Though still on the smaller side, after spending extended time with Mo Hua and surviving the trials of the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons, he'd grown considerably, now carrying a steadfast assurance in his expression.