Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2117 Chapter 1001: "Crown Prince" (Part 2)

Previously on Immortality Through Array Formations...

As the heavenly painting unveiled nearly a hundred sword contests, Mo Hua emerged at its center in his Taixu Sect robes, drawing varied gazes from the throng of cultivators—anticipation, curiosity, and suspicion mingling amid whispers of his rumored gloom and prodigal ways. Many struggled to identify the bright-eyed, sunny-faced youth among Taixu disciples, sparking confusion and divided opinions, with some female cultivators charmed and others wary of deceptive appearances. In his debut match against Qingshuang Sect's team on a modest forested terrain, Mo Hua's squad swiftly overwhelmed the foes through Cheng Mo's charge, Ouyang Xuan's flanking strike, Situ Jian's support, and Linghu Xiao's Chongxu Sword Qi, leaving him unmoved with hands in sleeves as victory claimed without his intervention, igniting murmurs of disbelief and critique from the spectators.

"Could it be... he's simply concealing his true power?"

"Hah, concealing power doesn't work that way. Just look at him—his spiritual energy feels scarce, his body seems fragile, and he's looking so delicate. What kind of power could he possibly be hiding?"

"His spiritual power falls short for advanced Daoist techniques. With those slender limbs, the moment anyone closes in, he's finished. I honestly can't picture what talents he might possess..."

"To me, he's merely here to 'get by...' "

Numerous cultivators, filled with lofty hopes moments ago, now experienced a wave of letdown they couldn't suppress.

In contrast, those who actually understood Mo Hua, such as Murong Caiyun, Hua Qianqian, and Shangguan Xu, could merely offer a bitter smile, seeing it as par for the course. This was precisely Mo Hua's way.

Unless absolutely necessary, he would never stir himself to act.

Yet, during this magnificent sword discussion gathering, under the gaze of countless "powerhouses" from the Dao Cultivation Realm, Mo Hua truly refrained from any action, displaying no flair whatsoever, which left observers both entertained and somewhat helpless.

Yu Er, however, paid no mind to such matters and cheered with pure delight:

"Brother Mo is incredible—he didn't need to do a thing, and his rivals all collapsed!"

After enduring the horrors of the demon beast ordeal, Yu Er held Mo Hua as the ultimate powerhouse in his heart, unbeatable whether he acted or not.

Wenren Wan let out a soft laugh and gently tousled Yu Er's hair.

She herself sensed a hint of disappointment.

This marked the inaugural sword discussion, drawing widespread attention. She had wished to witness Mo Hua in action, if only to "show his face."

Still, avoiding any moves and staying under the radar proved the wiser, more prudent choice.

Wenren Wan recognized Mo Hua's unique position and suspected he harbored hidden matters that barred him from exposing too much, so her regret remained mild before she brushed it aside.

After all, the sword discussion stretched over an extended period; there was ample time ahead.

Nevertheless, beyond the Mount of Dao, the debates about Mo Hua raged on without pause.

The majority of cultivators lacking inside knowledge still viewed Mo Hua as little more than a loafer.

Gu Changhuai, assigned to "guard duty," shook his head while overhearing the ceaseless chatter but chose to remain silent.

In the days that followed, Mo Hua joined multiple bouts.

Yet, much like that initial clash, his companions overpowered the arena as he stood with hands folded in his sleeves, "enjoying the spectacle" from the rear.

Gradually, his standing eroded further and further.

This became especially evident when set against the authentic "prodigies" of the Four Great Sects and Eight Great Gates.

Prodigies from rival sects all acted as "frontrunners," extending even minimal courtesy to disciples from Qian Learning Hundred Gates. They stepped up boldly, dominating the battlefield with authority and earning thunderous cheers.

Solely Mo Hua, positioned as the "frontrunner," trailed behind his own "followers."

Consequently, the gap between "superior and inferior" stood starkly apparent.

Suspicions toward Mo Hua intensified, and whenever he ascended the platform, fingers pointed his way:

"It's obvious now—this Mo Hua is just slacking off here, isn't he?"

"Lacking any real ability, he's leaning on those two powerhouse allies to snag a high spot?"

"Word is, one of his partners is a Sword Dao prodigy from Rushing Void Sect, emerging once every five centuries. The other, though lesser known, ranks among the elite in the Tai'a lineage."

"Those other two pack real strength too—they're supposedly his 'trusted allies' in Taixu Gate!"

"So, the famed Three Sects Unification of Taixu Gate boils down to Taixu, Tai'a, and Chongxu Sects propping him up single-handedly?"

"Sounds like escorting the 'Crown Prince' for studies?"

"More like escorting the 'Crown Prince' to the sword discussion."

"Tsk, tsk..."

"Why does Taixu Gate hype him up so fiercely?"

"Haven't you heard? It's like escorting the 'Crown Prince' in the sword discussion; he's the Taixu Sect Master's bastard son."

"Rubbish—he's obviously the Taixu Gate Patriarch's own grandson!"

"Not a huge gap either way..."

"Ah, that explains it..."

One person sighed, "It's tragic for Linghu Xiao, that Sword Dao prodigy unseen in five hundred years. Such a rare sword discussion chance, squandered like this."

"From what I've seen in these sword discussion days, this Linghu Xiao boasts a flawless Sword Heart and potent Sword Qi."

"Free from Mo Hua as the 'deadweight' and paired with a mightier ally, he could genuinely rival the Four Great Sects' prodigies. But as things stand... what a shame..."

"Why not pick a different partner?"

"What would you know? Genius or not, he's still merely a disciple. When the Sect Master and Patriarch command him to shoulder Mo Hua, what choice does he have? Dare to say no?"

"True enough... alas, throwing away a 'prodigy' like that."

"Abusing authority for favoritism, pure cronyism—in my view, Taixu Gate is doomed..."

"Taixu Gate is done for!" the group agreed with nods.

Another voice challenged, "But hasn't Taixu Gate... taken the lead in the sword discussion so far?"

Silence fell over them.

A few faces flushed with awkward shame.

Just then, a cultivator in white robes sneered dismissively:

"Leading now means nothing. This is only the start—Taixu Gate climbed high through sheer luck."

"As it progresses, Taixu Gate will face mounting challenges."

"Particularly in the Earth Division and Heaven Division, where elite prodigies decide everything."

"Post-Three Sects Unification, Taixu Gate snagged a Linghu Xiao from Rushing Void Sect—they had the momentum to surge ahead."

"But who knows what their Sect Master was smoking, tossing in this anchor who pulls them back; it'll be tough going forward."

"My forecast: by the 'Xuan' Division, Taixu Gate shows signs of strain; in the 'Earth' Division, their weaknesses get laid bare; they won't touch the 'Heaven' Division before their position crashes."

"They may cling to the Eight Great Gates, but forgetting the top four spots..."

This speaker declared it with total assurance, like an all-knowing expert.

The listeners bobbed their heads in agreement, and one cupped his hands admiringly, "This fellow seems deeply informed?"