Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2128 Chapter 1004: Qin Cangliu (Part 3)

Upon stepping into the Qian Learning State Boundary for the first time, Mo Hua crossed paths with Boss Jiang, the human trafficker who had betrayed the Sever Gold Sect.

Both key legacies of the Sever Gold Sect—the Gold-Cutting Imperial Sword Jue and the Gold-Cutting Sword Formation—now belonged to Mo Hua.

"Sever Gold Sect..."

A glint appeared in Mo Hua's gaze, sparking an idea in his mind.

In truth, his ties ran deep with both the Gui Water Sect and the Sever Gold Sect.

The sweeping "major reshuffle" that shook the Gui Water Sect and the Sever Gold Sect stemmed entirely from his own efforts.

Now, with both the Gui Water Sect and the Sever Gold Sect elevated to the "Eight Great Gates"... a strange sensation stirred within Mo Hua's chest.

Beyond the Gui Water Sect's impressive status, its rise to the Eight Great Gates undoubtedly involved secretive maneuvers by the Taoist Court.

And the one pulling the strings behind this was likely Master Xia.

Master Xia, or more precisely the Taoist Court itself, sought to interfere in the Qian Learning State Boundary's matters, with the heart of it all being the Four Sects and Eight Gates Twelve Streams.

Since the Four Sects held overwhelming power, the prime targets became the Eight Great Gates.

Penetrating an established Eight Great Gates proved far less straightforward and complete than backing a fresh one.

The Gui Water Sect served as an exposed pawn, transformed now into the Taoist Court's "pawn." But what of the Sever Gold Sect?

Following the chaos in the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons, Mo Hua had little further interaction, and Song Jian had vanished from sight for ages, leaving uncertainty about any troubles brewing there too.

Was the Taoist Court extending support to the Sever Gold Sect as well?

If that's the case, then... all these occurrences, every hidden layer, might trace back to a Taoist Court figure silently watching and scheming from the shadows?

Does that imply...

He had unknowingly turned into a "chess piece"?

His moves had unintentionally fueled the shifts and progress of this grand game?

"Who could this schemer from the Taoist Court be...?"

"And what goal drives him?"

Mo Hua's brow furrowed, unable to grasp the depths, yet the notion clung to his mind as a caution for days ahead.

Heavenly secrets operate this way: as you gaze into them, they gaze back at you.

You scheme against others, yet they scheme against you in turn.

You view others as mere chess pieces, but unseen forces might view you the same, weaving an immense game...

A subtle light ignited in Mo Hua's eyes, waves of cause and effect swirling in his pupils, sharpening his insight into the heavenly secrets.

With that, he reined in his wandering thoughts, embracing his role as a "chess piece," and pressed on with preparations for the Sword Discussion Conference.

"If I can seize the 'bait,' serving as a 'chess piece' just this once won't matter much..."

Two days passed, and the Mount of Tao came alive.

The sword discussion resumed its fervor.

The freshly united Taixu Gate faced off against the newly risen Eight Great Gates, the

Gui Water Sect.

This round brought a twist to the random format.

It shifted to the "Beheading Match."

Each side picked a single disciple to act as the "leader."

Regardless of the fate of other disciples or the battle's ups and downs, slaying the foe's "leader" secured victory—that defined the "beheading."

In clashes with Taoist Soldiers, elite squads often launched "beheading" strikes against the enemy's elite, high-ranking cultivators.

From such tactics arose the "Beheading Match" style.

Prior to a "Beheading Match," teams first named their "leader."

This "leader" typically stood as the mightiest Heavenly Pride Disciple among them. For the Gui Water Sect, the selected "leader" went by the name Qin

Cangliu.

The Qin family ranked as a fifth-grade aristocratic clan in the Qian Learning State Boundary, boasting ties to the Central Dao Court.

Qin Cangliu hailed from the Qin family's direct bloodline and ranked among the Gui Water Sect's elite Heavenly Pride Disciples.

These days, the Gui Water Sect fell under the Central Dao Court's direct oversight.

With his family's influence and the sect's alignment, barring surprises, Qin Cangliu seemed destined to rise as a pivotal force in some state

boundary under the Taoist Court before long.

Not even ascending to the Central Dao Court and reaching "Master Xia"'s stature lay out of reach.

Thus, no one else in the Gui Water Sect's lineup could claim the "leader" spot but

him.

For Taixu Gate, Mo Hua took the "leader" role.

Insiders familiar with the details showed no shock.

Yet among the watching cultivators, confusion rippled through many.

"What's Taixu Gate scheming?"

"This is a Beheading Match—do they grasp the rules? Do they get what 'beheading' entails?"

"Skipping Linghu Xiao as 'leader' is one thing, but why not Ouyang Xuan? Or that sword-bearing youth, or even that 'big guy'... he's sturdy enough to endure hits."

"Why pick this Mo Hua of all people?"

"His Dao Discussion Jade shatters like a thin eggshell at the lightest blow—how will they even fight?"

"Did they forget their wits at the sword discussion?"

The crowd of spectators erupted in murmurs once more.

Within the arena, disciples from both sides had settled into place.

Leading the Gui Water Sect stood Qin Cangliu, clad in a dark water Taoist robe, a "leader" emblem pinned to his chest.

He cultivated water-based arts, exuding a mild demeanor laced with chill.

Fueled by his drive to enter the Taoist Court and his time in the Gui Water Sect, he had cultivated an aura akin to a "Court Leader."

Even some Qin family elders, serving in the Taoist Court with keen judgment, had foreseen:

This youth is bound for lofty ranks ahead.

Yet for now, he remained merely a disciple.

He needed to showcase his strength, carve his legend at the Sword Discussion Conference, and build from there toward his soaring dreams.

His foe this time was Taixu Gate.

The target to "eliminate" went by "Mo Hua."

On this point, Qin Cangliu felt baffled too.

Why hadn't Taixu Gate selected another? Why designate this fragile Formation Master, ripe for a single blow, as their "leader"?

Why indeed?

Because of his Fireball Technique?

Whatever the reason, the objective stood clear:

"Everyone, go all out—eliminate Mo Hua no matter the price!"

Among their group of five, whichever closed in on Mo Hua required just one slice, one sword swing, or even a mere fist to end him and crack his "Dao Discussion Jade."

Such a strike would clinch the beheading, ensuring the Gui Water Sect's triumph in this bout.

And it would edge him nearer to his destiny.

"Understood, Brother Qin!"

The rest of the Gui Water Sect disciples responded with bowed heads.

Over on Taixu Gate's side.

Mo Hua wore a "leader" badge at his neck, directing Linghu Xiao and the team:

"The rules have shifted, changing our approach, so a fresh plan is needed."

"You all handle the assault, while I offer backup."

"That fellow there..."

"Qin Cangliu," Situ Jian supplied.

Mo Hua gave a nod. "Qin Cangliu—if we bring him down, victory is ours."

This Qin Cangliu carried an elite heritage and immense talent, likely headed for greatness, but in this sword discussion, taking him out came first.