Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2102 Chapter 997: Fangtian Mirage

Qianxue State Boundary stands as a holy land for countless sects.

For the past month, the whole region has glowed with lights and surged with endless streams of travelers, painting a picture of vibrant wealth and glory.

Spiritual steeds stretch out in endless lines like coiling serpents, exotic creatures haul ornate carts, colorful awnings blanket the paths, and luxurious palanquins float thick as mist in the air.

Vast cloud vessels, inhaling fog and breathing haze, glide along the wind currents from distant lands, finally anchoring at the docking area of Qianxue State Boundary.

From these cloud vessels, one cultivator after another steps off, gazing skyward in awe at the vast landscapes unfolding below and the vibrant aura of scholarly pursuit in Qianxue's majestic display.

Throngs of cultivators converge upon Qianxue State Boundary from all directions, merging like streams into an ocean to create an epic vista. Practitioners hailing from diverse regions, factions, and backgrounds—be it for learning, journeys, pursuing the Dao, meeting allies, or expanding their views—all flock to this spot for the grand Qianxue assembly, eager to behold the splendor of the Nine States' prodigious young talents.

With such a massive influx of cultivators, the usual "no fly" ban in Qianxue State Boundary has been specially waived.

From time to time, cloud vessels and spirit vessels soar through the clear heavens, trailing

brilliant streams of vapor, before settling at the estates of various sects and noble clans.

Sometimes, Feathered Immortals appear, their spiritual energy morphing into plumage, as they surf on clouds and stride through the void, gliding solo at the horizon's brink, poised elegantly like exiled celestials.

The Feather Transformation Realm represents an advanced stage in cultivation.

Within certain mid-tier and smaller state boundaries, such a vision emerges only once every few hundred years. Plenty of cultivators go through life without ever spotting a True Man.

Yet here in Qianxue State Boundary, a mere glance upward reveals Feathered Ascension piercing the firmament, leaving countless cultivators utterly stunned.

Those arriving from mid-tier and smaller state boundaries often boast of their worldly wisdom, yet as they step into Qianxue State Boundary and take in the surrounding wonders, they experience a profound, "ascension"-like immersion into the divine domain.

Mount of Tao, positioned right in the heart of Qianxue State Boundary, serves as the core hub of this monumental gathering.

Right now, the entrance to Mount of Tao teems with activity.

Followers from all sorts of sects, clad in their distinctive sect robes, assemble in this spot. From a high vantage, the gifted young disciples blanket the hills and fields like rolling waves, while the matching attire of each sect weaves into a sprawling, vivid, yet disciplined and striking fabric of silk.

The contingent from Taixu Gate joins the ranks as well.

Dressed in a black-and-white Taoist robe, holding a rigid stance with refined poise, Elder Xun Zixian positions himself at the head of the group.

At that instant, he addresses the Taixu Gate followers in a measured tone:

"In three days, the Sword Discussion shall commence. Prior to then, I'll guide you to explore the grounds and detail the exact guidelines for you."

The followers, faces grave with a hint of anxiety, clasped their hands and replied, "Yes."

Elder Xun Zixian looked to his right, spotting Mo Hua in a spotless Taixu Taoist robe, poised with grace and refinement, quietly staying close by his side, and gave a faint nod. This followed the ancestor's directive.

Whenever Mo Hua ventures out, the attending elder has to safeguard his well-being.

During the Sword Discussion Conference, surrounded by hordes of cultivators of all sorts.

Though in theory, nobody would risk stirring chaos, to be safe, Mo Hua needs vigilant protection.

Xun Zixian cast another look at Mo Hua, then pivoted and instructed, "Come with me."

Xun Zixian then took the lead, directing the Taixu Gate followers up the trail, sequentially stepping into Mount of Tao.

Within Mount of Tao, followers from every sect crowded the space, with figures milling about everywhere.

This marks the core area for the Sword Discussion.

The peak sprawls broadly, featuring intricate landscapes.

Sword Discussion platforms, each boasting unique topographies, rise in sequence.

Overhead, the glow from the fifth-grade grand array creates a protective dome, imposing and awe-inspiring.

As everyone strolled and surveyed the area, wonder inevitably stirred within them.

In the past, they had merely observed Mount of Sword Discussion from the

"spectator areas," without stepping into the core zone, without sensing this grand and

reverent vibe.

Back then, since they weren't required to compete onstage, the sensation differed greatly.

As Xun Zixian walked, he clarified matters for the followers:

"Up ahead lies the Sword Discussion Taoist Field. In three days, you'll draw lots, set up bouts, and then clash against disciples from other sects within this field,

testing your cultivation and Taoist arts..."

"Nine years of cultivation boil down to this single shot at the Sword Discussion."

"The Sword Discussion event splits into 'Heaven, Earth, Mysterious, Yellow' ranks, comprising four distinct combat divisions."

"You'll start in the 'Yellow' rank division."

"Every win builds a streak of successes, plus earns a point for the sect. Securing enough victories propels you into the 'Mysterious' rank

division."

"You don't have to triumph in every match to progress; some slip-ups are allowed, but avoid too many defeats."

"In the end, it hinges mainly on power, though fortune plays a small role too."

His tone remained soft, yet bolstered by spiritual power, it carried clearly to the ears of thousands of followers.

Xun Zixian halted briefly, then resumed his briefing:

"The styles of combat differ as well..."

"The 'Yellow' rank division acts as the entry-level one, meant for initial screening, so its style stays fairly basic, focusing on direct 'decisive battles!'" "Overcoming all five opponents from the enemy team inside a set timeframe secures the win. Alternatively, once time expires, the team with more survivors claims victory."

"For the 'Mysterious' rank division, the guidelines shift, making the clashes more intricate, beyond mere brawls."

"It encompasses the standard 'decisive battles,' alongside 'survival battles,' 'demon hunting games,' 'decapitation games,' 'defend city games,' 'attack city games,

and so on..."

"Strategies shift endlessly, victory criteria diversify. Claiming success proves even tougher..."

Xun Zixian elaborated with steady patience.

"Elder Zixian," Mo Hua inquired with interest, "these styles resemble those in Taoist

Soldier combats."

Xun Zixian affirmed with a nod, "Indeed, it's patterned after Taoist Soldier combat, upon which

the Sword Discussion guidelines were established."

Fights among cultivators lack the excitement, intricacy, constant flux, or superior forging of temperament found in Taoist Soldier combat.