Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2153 Chapter 1013: Zhang Lan

Previously on Immortality Through Array Formations...

The Daoist Law Elders, baffled by Mo Hua's intermittent visibility in the Spiritual Mirror during Sever Gold Sect's defeat, analyzed shadow images late into the night and uncovered his use of combined low- and high-level concealment techniques. In the subsequent match against Lingxiao Sect, Mo Hua's evasion under relentless spell bombardments fully exposed his methods, leading the elders to identify it as the Minor Five Elements Stealth Skill from the lost Five Hidden Sect. Eager to counter him, they prepared Five Elements Revealing Spiritual Artifacts for his upcoming bout with Carefree Sect, featuring a Feng family disciple, anticipating his downfall. Meanwhile, at the Feng family's cavern residence, Elder Feng hosted the arriving Chief Elder of the Zhang family from Kan State, praising the Sword Discussion's top talents before highlighting Mo Hua as a prodigious yet disreputable genius, prompting shock among the visitors.

Great Elder Zhang whipped his head around and shot a frosty stare.

A shiver ran down the green-robed cultivator's spine, prompting him to rise swiftly and offer a apologetic bow, "Junior was impolite."

Elder Feng offered a warm smile.

Great Elder Zhang remarked, "Don't chide the young one, Elder."

"It's fine..." Elder Feng dismissed with a wave, eyeing the green-robed cultivator closely before inquiring, "And who might this be...?"

The green-robed cultivator inclined his head and introduced himself, "Junior is Zhang Lan."

"Zhang Lan..."

Elder Feng mulled it over, observing the youth's green robes and his striking presence—relaxed but poised. Though still young, he had already reached Golden Core in cultivation, which filled Elder Feng with admiration as he commended:

"Well-deserving of the reputation, gifted and elegant, with a heart as expansive as the endless oceans. The Zhang family truly breeds exceptional talents..."

Great Elder Zhang brushed it off with a wave, "Brother Feng, you're overly generous. This kid's undisciplined, acting out of line no matter where he wanders."

Though he voiced this, a subtle gleam of pride lingered in his gaze.

Zhang Lan, the young fellow—he had raised him from childhood.

He'd long viewed the boy as indolent, ill-mannered, without resolve, destined for mediocrity.

However, following his time honing skills beyond the sect, facing untold trials, the youth had matured, channeling his efforts into cultivation with rapid progress, honoring his innate talents.

Elder Feng served tea to Great Elder Zhang.

The servant dutifully topped up Zhang Lan's cup as well.

"Please, enjoy some tea," Elder Feng invited, gesturing welcomingly.

Great Elder Zhang inclined his head, "My thanks."

The pair of elders then resumed their conversation, touching on shifts within the sect, shared past bonds, Qianxue's traditions, the roots of prodigies, and beyond.

The rest of the Zhang clan sat in silent attention nearby.

Zhang Lan kept his head lowered in respect, absorbing the talk, yet turmoil stirred within him.

Mo Hua?

Was that name truly spoken?

Had Elder Feng just named Qianxue's prodigy, the Formation Leader, as... Mo Hua?

Zhang Lan could scarcely credit it.

Could this be the Mo Hua he knew?

This was the elite Qianxue Continent, teeming with noble houses, sects aplenty, high talents abounding, prodigies at every turn... how could that boy possibly shine here?

Not merely shine, but at Foundation Building Middle Stage, boasting nineteen-pattern Divine Sense at its zenith, outstripping the Four Great Sects to seize the Formation Leader honor...

This bordered on the ridiculous, something even stories wouldn't dare invent...

Zhang Lan creased his brow, lost in relentless thought:

"Just a coincidence in names?"

"This Mo Hua isn't the one I remember?"

Yet that felt off...

What were the odds of two 'Mo Huas' crossing paths like this?

Besides, Elder Feng described this 'Mo Hua' with potent Divine Sense, adept at array deployment, and adept at hiding...

This matched Mo Hua perfectly, though as the 'top-tier geared,' no, the 'maxed-out geared' edition of Mo Hua.

Still, linking these two as one individual...

Zhang Lan struggled to accept it.

The deeper he pondered, the more implausible it seemed.

"Seek an opportunity to check... if this truly is Mo Hua, that rascal..."

Zhang Lan mused to himself.

Meanwhile, Great Elder Zhang and Elder Feng kept conversing.

The span of Dao cultivation stretches endlessly, as does a cultivator's lifespan, and with the Nine States' immense expanse—rugged peaks and winding paths—old Dao companions often go decades, even centuries, without reunion.

Countless kin and Dao allies part ways unwittingly for the final time in their lives.

These extended eras render destinies elusive, with mortality ever looming to divide.

Should fate deny another encounter, one might merely offer a simple libation at the tomb, seeking scant solace.

Hence, reunions with longtime companions spark endless exchanges, impossible to curtail.

Slowly, the distance bred by years apart dissolved, warming their exchange.

Elder Feng, lost in memories, let out a sigh:

"The Feng and Zhang clans share ancient ties. In our youth studying amid Qianxue, we shared deep camaraderie, our Core Formation moments not long divided. Yet now, Dao brother has achieved Feather Transformation, ascending to True Man status, while these weary bones of mine linger in Late Golden Core Stage—truly, I feel the shame..."

Great Elder Zhang shook his head, "Brother Feng, you're too severe with yourself..."

"The Dao cycles eternally, abundance and void follow patterns, prosperity and adversity arrive in due season; a cultivator's path defies foresight, whether easy or arduous, none can foretell."

"We merely perform righteous acts and leave tomorrow to fate."

"When the moment for advancement ripens, it arrives unbidden. Absent that readiness, persist in practice. Cultivate through life's span, allowing all else to unfold naturally."

"Triumph or setback, boon or bane, lies outside our grasp..."

Elder Feng reflected on these insights briefly, steadying his spirit before nodding,

and responding:

"Dao brother is spot on; I've grown hasty..."

The duo pressed on with talks of cultivation wisdom.

Great Elder Zhang recounted his Feather Transformation journey,

laying bare every detail without reserve.

Elder Feng absorbed it all with keen focus, reaping ample benefits.

Before they knew it, darkness had fully settled, and Elder Feng abruptly noticed, his expression apologetic:

"In my age, I prattle endlessly, nearly overlooking that Dao brother must weary from the travels and require prompt rest."

"To Dao cultivators, such minor exhaustion means little." Great Elder Zhang

retorted.

Yet for all his words, Elder Feng read the situation keenly.

"Resting caves stand ready; all may retire now."

"Come noon tomorrow, I'll guide the group to the Sword Discussion Conference,

that Qianxue spectacle, to behold the prodigies' splendor..."

Great Elder Zhang nodded, "Appreciated."

Soon, servants escorted the visitors to their quarters.

Every Zhang family member expressed grateful thanks to Elder Feng.

After such an arduous trek, exhaustion claimed them swiftly, slumber overtaking upon bedding.

Zhang Lan had felt bone-weary at first too, but the mention of "Mo Hua"

left him restless on his mat, mind racing in circles, flipping restlessly, sleep eluding him.