Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2112 Chapter 999: First Place

Likewise, employing a single formation to train the disciples wiped away the "nature" and "individuality" of the cultivators, stopping them from joining the sword competition without restraint and unleashing their full power.

Those disciples who prevail through such methods depend not on their personal prowess and fail to earn the label of "geniuses."

The senior leaders from numerous noble clans and sects largely kept their silence.

They had tried similar efforts in the past, yet the outcomes proved disappointing, revealing far more challenges in practice than anticipated.

The fact that Taixu Gate managed to reach this level demonstrates their deep investment in the matter, making it much more intricate than it seems at first glance.

With the sword competition only just underway, however, it's too soon to judge if this formation brings benefits or drawbacks.

Up on the elevated platform, a few Golden Core cultivators and even some Feathered Immortals watched with gleaming eyes.

These people mostly hailed from Taoist soldier lineages, their faces firm from countless fights, radiating an air of authority.

One among them was a Feathered Immortal from the Yang Family.

As Taixu Gate's formation activated, his gaze brightened, and after scrutinizing a number of real sword competition bouts, he gave a subtle nod.

Details that escaped others were plain to him, thanks to his roots in a Taoist soldier family.

"Does the Yang Family have any disciples in Taixu Gate?" the Yang Family's Feathered Immortal inquired.

An Elder close by answered quietly:

"Indeed, from the Cheng'en branch, there's a youth called 'Qian Jun' in Taixu Gate. A few more are spread across the other branches." "Hmm."

The Yang Family's Feathered Immortal nodded, committing the name to memory, and after a brief reflection, he instructed, "Return and inform the Family Head that our Yang Family ought to strengthen ties with Taixu Gate moving forward. These disciples make fine prospects..."

"Understood..." the Elder murmured in response, then added with a touch of sorrow, "It's only that, in the end... they remain a bit unripe."

"They're merely young ones yet to venture beyond the sect; some greenness is expected," the Yang Family's Feathered Immortal replied, his eyes alight with optimism, "The key lies in fostering the mindset for battling alongside Taoist soldiers, the notion of 'one sword in unison!' With time and the forge of war, their potential will shine brightly."

"True Man's wisdom rings true..." The Elder mulled it over briefly before furrowing his brow and remarking, "Yet these youths stem from the main lines of noble houses, born to privilege, not forged for the front lines. They may never step onto the field of battle ahead."

"It matters not..."

The Yang Family's Feathered Immortal stated evenly, his gaze fixed intently on the sprawling Dao Mountain.

If turmoil ever sweeps the realm one day, igniting wars like raging flames and pulling all into the fray, their reluctance will hold no weight...

Across the heavenly display, the sword competition pressed on.

Disciples of rival sects showcased their various talents, but at heart, their style clung to a "sect-oriented" method in the contest.

Four disciples guarding a single "genius."

Or perhaps, five geniuses uniting to bolster each other.

This boils down to an "elite" strategy at its core.

Guided by Mo Hua, the Taixu Gate disciples had quietly shifted the sword debate toward a "battle," honing a "team" approach.

They might lack edges in cultivation or Taoist arts, yet their strategy shone with precision—moving and holding as a unit, obeying commands without fail.

For triumph, they cast aside their "individuality."

Rather than wielding passed-down Spiritual Artifacts, they opted for uniform, tailored Spiritual Artifacts suited to the strategy, stuck to designated Taoist skills, shunned pointless flair, refrained from flaunting talents; all bent toward the "tactic," all aimed at securing victory.

Through this, the gaps in performance grew stark.

During the "Huang" round of the competition, Taixu Gate's disciples notched a surprisingly strong success rate.

And thus, as the sun dipped low and twilight descended.

The inaugural day's sword competition drew to a close amid the clamor and thrill.

Once the bouts wrapped up, the Mount of Tao calculated the wins.

Taixu Gate, which had worried over its sect's shaky standing at the start, rocketed ahead to claim the lead, holding the top spot in the Qianxue Sword Debate for the opening day!

This outcome left even the Taixu Sect Leader in shock.

Throughout the day's sword competition, from watching the wins and the flow, he had figured Taixu Gate's early placement wouldn't lag far behind.

Yet securing outright first? It still struck him as a hazy "dream."

Not just the Sect Leader—from the Three Mountains to every elder and disciple—they all stood stupefied.

First place in the sword competition?

Even if merely for the first day, even if provisional, could Taixu Gate truly eclipse the Four Great Sects and Eight Great Gates to lead the sword debate?

This was first in the sword competition, after all.

Even if only for that single day, even if temporary, even if a mere "brief splendor," it marked uncharted territory.

The entire sect, from highest to lowest, brimmed with delight and fervor.

And much of this stemmed from Mo Hua's orchestration.

Mo Hua's standing among the disciples climbed yet higher, almost without notice.

Even the forebears and Sect Leader of Taia Chongxu Mountains, along with certain senior Elders, now regarded Mo Hua with fresh esteem.

The longer they observed Mo Hua, the more endearing and praiseworthy he seemed.

Deep down, they knew Taixu Gate's "sword competition first" wouldn't endure.

Still, it sufficed to fill them with pride and jubilation.

This "interim" top ranking for Taixu Gate in the sword competition sparked a major uproar when word reached the Four Great Sects, Eight Great Gates, and Twelve Streams.