Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2161 Chapter 1015: Water Passing Step?

The Sword Discussion Conference went on after that, as disciples from various other sects kicked off their competitions.

Yet Elder Feng looked a touch absent-minded.

Thanks to the astonishing movement skills displayed by Mo Hua and Feng Zichen before, the fights that followed came across as quite lackluster.

Great Elder Zhang observed everything with a detached gaze.

In this bland, flavorless stretch of "trash" moments, Zhang Lan remained rigid like a statue, though his inner turmoil raged like an inferno, each instant dragging on like an eternity.

Unsure how much time he spent holding out, Zhang Lan grew desensitized from the wait, until at last, the day's sword discussions wrapped up.

The spectators in the vicinity started to scatter.

Right then, Great Elder Zhang abruptly faced him, casting a profound glance at Zhang Lan.

Zhang Lan shuddered violently, nearly scattering his spirit.

"Head back to the dwelling..." Great Elder Zhang commanded.

Zhang Lan stood stunned for a beat before catching his breath and nodding, "Understood, Chief Elder."

His mind churned in turmoil, making his voice waver a little.

Great Elder Zhang thought it odd but harbored no doubts, figuring instead that Zhang Lan, after viewing the Qianxue Debate, felt daunted and shaken by the showdown among so many elite geniuses.

Great Elder Zhang held no ire, but rather a sense of ease.

There's always a stronger one out there and a broader heaven above.

This truth holds for all.

At times, without venturing forth to witness, folks remain blind to the world's immensity and the abundance of prodigies.

Clinging to isolation and self-satisfaction leads nowhere.

Only by shattering this psychological hurdle, accepting others' excellence and one's own flaws, staying humble and patient, committing fully to cultivation—then can one's journey stretch longer and reach farther.

The Fang Tian Painting dissolved into stark white, the scene vanishing.

All rose to their feet, departing Mount of Tao in an organized fashion.

Zhang Lan blended with the throng, descending Mount of Tao.

His steps felt a bit rigid, still gripped by residual fear.

Fortunately, the Chief Elder harbored no suspicions, a silver lining in the bad luck.

Zhang Lan finally let out a true breath of relief.

Shortly after, he cast a look back at the blank Fang Tian Painting, his thoughts drifting unbidden to Mo Hua's clash with the Feng family's premier genius, merging flesh and liquid to weave through countless blade tips unscathed, stirring deep admiration in his heart.

He struggled to accept it as real.

The young rascal he'd bumped into in the isolated fringes of Qian State's Big Black Mountain border, after a decade without word, had now rocketed to prominence among the countless sects in the Fifth-grade Qianxue State Boundary.

Able to whip up storms at the Sword Discussion Conference, holding his own against famous prodigies from different sects as a true "son of heaven."

Even with hordes of cultivators despising him, not one could lay a hand on him...

"Mo Hua..."

This once-familiar name now rang strangely distant.

Zhang Lan lingered in a stupor for quite a while, as if trapped in a reverie.

Back at the Feng family quarters, Great Elder Zhang addressed the Zhang clan members:

"Elder Feng and I need to handle some pressing affairs. Feel free to go your own ways, exploring sights or forging connections as you like."

"But Foundation Establishment Disciples must have Core Formation

companions."

"Furthermore, this is the Fifth-grade Qianxue State Boundary, packed with noble houses and brimming with geniuses, nothing like our Zhang family's Canglan

State Boundary."

"When you move about, stay vigilant, show courtesy to others, and steer clear of any mishaps."

"Make sure to return by 22 p.m., or you'll face the family's rules."

All the disciples gave a respectful bow: "Yes, Chief Elder."

"Mmm." The Chief Elder acknowledged with a nod, flicking his sleeve as he departed.

The Zhang family disciples all exhaled in relief.

The mood turned vibrant.

The Zhang family youths chatted about spots to visit or kin and pals to meet, with some even inviting Zhang Lan along.

Zhang Lan, naturally laid-back and affable, enjoyed widespread fondness in the clan.

Plus, he had reached the Golden Core stage.

Zhang Lan mulled it over briefly, then chose to tag along.

They stepped out of the cave dwelling, roamed the nearby Carefree City, soaking in the regional vibes and dazzling landscapes of the Qianxue State Boundary.

Surrounded by dazzling opulence, with riches cascading like streams, it was a true spectacle for the senses.

The young Zhang family members felt wonder deep inside.

Only Zhang Lan's thoughts wandered afar, weighed down by grave worries.

As they strolled, one disciple suddenly lamented:

"The Qianxue State Boundary is such a marvel, but sadly, I can't study here—my folks won't permit it."

"True, the Chief Elder was generous this time to bring us for the event. Once we head home, who can say when we'll return."

"Qian State lies so distant, maybe we'll never set foot here again..."

"Such a shame..."

Overhearing this, Zhang Lan felt a stir within, pondering: "Maybe I should seize a chance... to meet Mo Hua?"

This trip to the Qianxue State Boundary happened by chance.

After the sword discussion viewing, they'd head back to Kan State, putting true vast distances between them and blocking any further encounters.

Down the line, divided by the world's edges, who could predict Mo Hua's path or if their ways would cross once more.

Still...

Zhang Lan wavered once again.

Mo Hua's Water Passing Step came from his own teaching, so logically now he ought to "keep distance," lest the Chief Elder discover it and unleash severe consequences. Also, Mo Hua was tied up with the sword discussion and best left undisturbed.

Besides, Mo Hua had changed utterly, now a radiant genius who might not even recall him...

He had no clue where to seek out Mo Hua...

Zhang Lan brimmed with doubts, torn and unresolved.

Yet in his indecision, he remembered the Chief Elder's oft-repeated reflections.

In the endless pursuit of the Dao, separations come easy, reunions rare.

A lifetime brims with fickle destinies and chance meetings; many part forever without realizing it's their final farewell.

And this instant might be his sole shot in life to behold Mo Hua anew.