Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2154 Chapter 1013: Zhang Lan (Part 2)

By the next morning when he finally stirred awake, Zhang Lan's features still bore that same lazy and weary look.

On any typical day, Great Elder Zhang would certainly deliver some heartfelt guidance to him without hesitation.

He'd explain that those who cultivate must refine not just their body and spiritual strength, but also their essence, energy, and spirit.

Without a calm spirit and settled energy, and without mastering the art of nourishing one's vitality and demeanor, how could anyone truly concentrate on the Dao?

Yet, since they were visitors in the Feng family home, and the trip had indeed been exhausting, Great Elder Zhang chose to hold his tongue this time.

After all, a crucial event awaited them today.

They were set to watch the Sword Discussion.

Elder Feng had thoughtfully arranged a spread of lavish spiritual dishes and premium wines to welcome Great Elder Zhang and the Zhang family folks warmly.

Following the meal, the group made their way to the Mount of Dao.

The path buzzed with endless streams of carriages rolling by. Elder Feng chatted with the others about the renowned landmarks of the Qianxue State Boundary, those grand mountain estates.

All at once, beams of escape light flashed on the distant skyline, while Feathered Immortals occasionally streaked through the heavens, churning the cloud ocean below.

The Zhang family disciples felt a deep inner astonishment.

Even Great Elder Zhang let out a sigh of admiration:

"Our Zhang family holds Fourth-Grade status, ruling over the Canglan State Boundary with at least ten Feathered Immortals among us. In that light, we view ourselves as a force to reckon with."

"Still, when set against this Qianxue State Boundary, where Feathered Immortals fill the skies and noble houses host grand gatherings, we're truly like a lesser sorcerer facing a superior one."

"No need for such humility, Brother Dao…" Elder Feng shook his head, replying, "The Qianxue State Boundary stands as a exceptional Great Province Boundary, unmatched even among many Fifth-Grade State Realms."

"Plus, as the proverb puts it, 'A mighty dragon can't crush a native serpent.'"

"No matter how numerous or mighty the noble families here in the Qianxue State Boundary, they're all bound to this territory."

"Whereas the Zhang family commands an entire domain."

Plenty of Fourth and Fifth-Grade Families thrive in the Qianxue State Boundary.

But abundance often diminishes worth.

Some average Fifth-Grade Families in the Qianxue State Boundary may fall short in strength and sway compared to those enduring Fourth-Grade Families across the Nine State territories that control vast regions.

The loftier the heavens, the more distant the ruler; the broader the lands, the stronger the hold.

That's the logic behind it.

Thus, though the Zhang family ranks as Fourth-Grade and isn't some overpowering dragon, it serves as a formidable "local snake," the sole ruler of its domain.

In the Qianxue State Boundary, the Zhang family might not stand out.

But back in the Zhang family's Kan State lands, their orders could outweigh even edicts from the Taoist Court.

The world of cultivation stretches endlessly, and more allies open more routes.

Even without a personal bond with Great Elder Zhang, Elder Feng wouldn't dare overlook the Zhang family lightly.

On top of that, the Zhang family dwells in a Fourth-Grade State Realm, bound by its own constraints.

Within this Fourth-Grade State Realm, the Zhang family lacks a Heaven Void presence.

However, that doesn't rule out hidden Heaven Void Ancestors from the Zhang family lurking in other Fifth-Grade State Realms, among various clan powers, or in famed mountains and waters.

The Zhang family has simply stayed discreet about it, never making it public.

As they traveled, the pair kept up their casual conversation, touching on Qianxue's glories. After two hours, they arrived at the Mount of Dao.

By then, the Mount of Dao teemed with cultivators from all corners.

The clamor roared like thunder, utterly disorderly. Stepping into the mountain felt like plunging into a human tide, inspiring profound reverence.

"Brother Zhang, come this way."

Elder Feng took the lead, guiding Great Elder Zhang and his followers close behind.

"Curiously…" Elder Feng remarked as they walked, a hint of pride in his tone, "One of our Feng family members joins the Sword Discussion at the Carefree Sect today. He's the standout talent in our Feng family, boasting the finest spiritual root and sharpest insight of his peers."

"His rival hails from the Taixu Gate, among the Eight Great Gates. The Taixu Gate harbors the Sword Dao prodigy Linghu Xiao, and also… that Formation Leader I told you about earlier, the one with skill but no character, Mo Hua, who delights in using petty spells to mock his foes."

"Oh?" Great Elder Zhang's eyes lit up, and he nodded. "In that case, this journey proves truly rewarding."

With that, he turned to address the cluster of Zhang family disciples:

"I escorted you all to the Qianxue State Boundary to behold the Sword Discussion Conference and grasp what a real clash of prodigies entails."

"You possess some gifts within the family, yet in the expansive Nine State domain, especially this thriving Qianxue land, your talents shine like fireflies to the sun—barely noticeable."

"Skies stretch beyond every sky, and geniuses surpass every genius."

"Stay modest, observe keenly, and absorb every lesson."

His advice targeted mainly the talented Foundation Establishment disciples from this batch of the Zhang family.

Zhang Lan, at the Golden Core stage, wasn't part of that intended audience initially.

But as Great Elder Zhang lectured, his sidelong glance swept toward Zhang Lan, making the subtle point clear.

"Yes, Great Elder."

The Zhang family disciples replied in unison, bowing with clasped hands.

Zhang Lan's face showed mixed emotions, but he joined in the gesture reluctantly.

Still, at the news of the Feng family genius facing off against that "Mo Hua" in sword discussion, a spark of excitement flickered in Zhang Lan's chest, mingled with an odd twinge of unease.

The viewing area for the Qianxue Debate sprawled in vast, tiered levels.

Right now, it brimmed with cultivators of every sort.

Various groups claimed their own sections.

Spots existed for visiting cultivators, out-of-town noble houses and sects, native Qianxue cultivators, local noble families, Qianxue sect elders and pupils, plus elite VIP perches in lofty towers—each zone assigned precisely.

The throng swelled enormously yet stayed neatly arranged.

The Feng family, as Xun State nobles, counted as outsiders, but their tight ties to the Carefree Sect—including shared cultivation methods—granted them reserved spots on the Mount of Dao.

Elder Feng ushered Great Elder Zhang and the rest to the Feng family's section, where they settled into seats one after another.

Elder Feng then called for fresh fruits and tea, extending full courtesy.

Great Elder Zhang voiced his gratitude, and soon the group sat in quiet repose, sipping tea as they awaited the start of the sword discussion.