Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2129 Chapter 1005: Decapitation Match
Previously on Immortality Through Array Formations...
The sword discussion in this round follows the format of a decapitation contest.
For the "decapitation" rules, Mo Hua possessed a superior strategy in mind, yet the Xuan Character Bureau had merely completed a handful of rounds so far, making it premature to expose too many hidden assets; that simply wouldn't do.
On top of that, Mo Hua aimed to restore the reputation of the Fireball Technique.
He intended to demonstrate a key idea: within the vast array of Taoist Skills, every one carries its own merits and flaws; power doesn't require Superior Daoist Magic alone.
Provided one practices with dedication, applies it skillfully, and handles it with precision, even a basic Fireball Technique deserves respect and cannot be dismissed lightly.
The Debating Bell sounded, signaling the start of the sword discussion.
Disciples from each faction launched into motion.
In the Xuan Character Sword Discussion's "decapitation match," the arena spanned a broader area with more intricate terrain, featuring peaks, rivers, marshes, and woodlands.
Starting spots were randomized.
The two teams could encounter one another right away, leaving no room for complacency.
Guided by Qin Cangliu, the Gui Water Sect disciples stepped into the arena and swiftly extended their Divine Sense, gripping their swords in readiness. Once they verified the area's security, the Gui Water Sect group, centered around Qin Cangliu as the "leader," pressed forward while scanning for foes. They opted for "attack."
Mo Hua's team, however, selected "defense."
During a decapitation match, the enemy leader proved "formidable," whereas their own stood as "vulnerable."
Mo Hua didn't have to ponder; the rivals would surely pick "aggressive assault."
Were he in their position, he'd make the identical choice.
After all, the allure of a "delicate" leader, ripe for a single fatal blow, was overwhelmingly enticing.
Thus, Mo Hua decided to "lurk by the tree and await the hare."
In stark contrast to the wary Gui Water Sect, Mo Hua entered the field with remarkable poise.
His Divine Sense held such immense strength that a quick scan revealed the nearby hills and waterways in full detail, and he indicated a modest woodland a few miles off to the right, declaring:
"Head over there."
Linghu Xiao and the rest gave their nods.
Though Ouyang Xuan refrained from nodding, he trailed along obediently anyway.
Arriving at the modest woodland, Mo Hua started deploying the Formation and positioning its elements.
Having circled the area a few times in preparation, the five Gui Water Sect members, scattered amid bogs and ridges, failed to locate any opponents and gradually veered toward Mo Hua's woodland spot.
The gap between the groups remained short; a clash seemed likely within a quarter-hour.
Beyond the Taoist Field, following a stretch of dull anticipation, the spectators started to buzz with excitement.
"At last, something thrilling to witness..."
"This 'Qin Cangliu' of Gui Water Sect isn't just any ordinary follower. Hailing from the Qin lineage, his roots trace all the way to the noble houses under the Taoist Court in the Taoist State."
"I've caught wind that he's truly from the Taoist State, sent to study with the Qin family in Qian State..."
"Is that so?"
"I merely said I've 'heard'..."
"Hearsay aside, his standing is undoubtedly high. Word is, in the Qian Learning State Boundary, daughters from numerous prestigious clans have sought betrothals with the Qin family to forge ties with Young Master Qin, yet none could even cross the threshold..."
"His betrothal was set in the Taoist State."
"Details like that can't be fabricated, unlike other rumors. Lacking a solid clan backing, no one would dare such a commitment."
"base."
"Furthermore, rumors say Qin Cangliu's passed-down Swordsmanship stands out remarkably." "The Gui Water Sword Skill from Gui Water Sect?"
"No, the Swordsmanship he received doesn't belong to Gui Water Sect; it's the Qin clan's 'Canghai Hengliu Sword Technique,' an elite Superior Water Series Swordsmanship, renowned as the family's heirloom, and few ever master it..."
"How does it stack up against Linghu Xiao?"
"Tough to judge, Linghu Xiao boasts a renowned clear Sword Heart, but Qin Cangliu embodies the reserved, reliable scion of nobility, never one for show in everyday dealings." "He likely devoted himself fully, refining his blade over a decade, all to shine brilliantly and claim the spotlight at this Sword Discussion Conference."
"That's the mark of true talents; surrounded by endless flattery and honors, some fail to match the buzz. A single encounter will expose the 'pure gold' from the 'gilded imitation.'"
"This sword discussion promises real spectacle..."
"It's an authentic clash between Sword Dao prodigies!"
Xiao and Qin Cangliu, these twin marvels.
The crowd's focus locked almost wholly on the impending duel between Linghu
Besides, plenty recalled Mo Hua, the Formation Master skilled with
the Fireball Technique.
"With this being a decapitation match, Mo Hua's unwittingly taken the 'leader' role. He must now join the fray head-on, no?"
"If he sits it out, then what?"
"Resort to the Fireball Technique once more?"
"Previously, Wu Ming turned out useless. Coming from Kun State, full of wealthy houses, he flaunted flashy Spiritual Artifacts to muscle into the sword discussion..."
"Wu Ming's own failings made him easy prey for the Fireball
Technique."
"Yet Qin Cangliu differs entirely; as a true Sect heir with proper lineage, he won't get tricked by something as basic as a Fireball Technique."
"Maybe when they cross paths, Mo Hua gets no chance to unleash the Fireball Technique and falls to a swift kill..."
"What a shame that would be, robbing us of the Sword Dao prodigies' face-off."
"I wish Mo Hua lasts a little longer, avoids a swift defeat, so there's still some fun to be had..."
As the onlookers bantered outside, within the field, the rival disciple squads at last converged just beyond the modest woodland.
Qin Cangliu leading his four companions, all in dark aquatic Taoist Robes and brandishing longswords with icy blue tones, now squared off against the Taixu Gate quartet:
Linghu Xiao, Ouyang Xuan, Cheng Mo, and Situ Jian.
Mo Hua was nowhere in sight.
The Taixu Gate four assumed a "defensive" stance, facing down the Gui Water
Sect while shielding the woodland.
Qin Cangliu's eyes flicked over the four, then fixed on the far-off woods.
Thick foliage concealed it, but a subtle aura pulsed inside; evidently, a figure lurked there.