Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2162 Chapter 1015: Water Passing Step?
Previously on Immortality Through Array Formations...
If we miss this opportunity, our paths might separate forever, each pursuing cultivation until death claims us.
A boundless melancholy welled up inside Zhang Lan's heart.
After pondering briefly, he told the group, "You guys go explore on your own; I'm off to meet a fellow cultivator."
The rest showed some confusion but refrained from prying, simply nodding in agreement—some addressing him as "Brother Lan," others as "Uncle Lan"—and remarked:
"Head out soon and return quickly; keep yourself safe."
Zhang Lan gave a nod, then took his leave from the Zhang Family members.
His goal was to locate Mo Hua, though the issue lay in not knowing Mo Hua's whereabouts. After a moment's reflection, he reasoned that as a disciple of Taixu Gate, Mo Hua likely headed back there following the Sword Discussion.
"Taixu Gate..."
Zhang Lan secured a carriage, inquired about the route, and set off toward Taixu Gate.
Both Carefree Sect and Taixu Gate fell under the Eight Great Gates, situated not too distant from one another.
Moreover, connecting the prominent sects were special pathways designed for swift transit, where carriages sped like coiling dragons, easing travel greatly.
Roughly one hour passed before Zhang Lan reached Tai Xu City; from there, using a map for guidance, he traversed the urban lanes and climbed the rocky mountain stairs, proceeding straight to Taixu Gate's entrance.
Yet, guards halted him at the entrance.
The Sword Discussion Conference was underway, drawing throngs of people to the Qianxue State Boundary, as cultivators from various factions flooded in, creating a chaotic assembly.
Crowds like these often breed disorder.
As a result, sects across the Qianxue State upheld rigid entry protocols, barring all external entrants.
Lacking a Sect Token or an Elder's missive, no one could pass through the gates.
Thus, Zhang Lan found himself blocked outside.
Naturally, he wasn't the only one; others sought entry to Taixu Gate for family visits, friendships, or to behold the sect's splendor, yet all met the same denial.
A few conversed with the mountain-guarding disciples, insisting on ties to particular elders or guest elders, but their efforts proved pointless.
Such regulations stood firm, beyond negotiation.
Zhang Lan lingered beyond the gate for quite some time, then let out a resigned sigh.
Forced meetings in life prove impossible.
This separation, too, seemed fated by destiny.
Dusk began to fall as the sun dipped low, the twilight hues fading away.
Zhang Lan's eyes lost their spark; with no choice, he pivoted and descended the extended mountain trail, one foot after another.
Each step carried him further from Taixu Mountain.
At that moment, within Taixu Mountain.
Having wrapped up the day's Sword Discussion, Mo Hua strolled alongside Situ and a few companions toward the Disciple's Residence. Midway, a strange wave of recognition stirred in his heart.
Mo Hua came to a halt.
Situ Jian inquired, "Junior Brother, what's the matter?"
Mo Hua shook his head, held out his palm to divine with his fingers, and informed Situ and the group:
"Head back without me; I've got an errand to run."
Situ Jian and Cheng Mo shared a glance.
Not pausing for their reply, Mo Hua dismissed them with a wave and hurried alone toward the mountain gate.
Near the mountain gate, a throng of cultivators clustered at the portal, stirring up minor unrest.
From atop the lofty steps, Mo Hua peered afar and spotted a fading silhouette tinged with dejection.
The green-robed figure struck a chord of deep familiarity.
Mo Hua paused in disbelief at first, but soon his eyes lit up, a joyful grin lighting his features as he
eagerly shouted:
"Uncle Zhang!"
This sharp call echoed across the elevated steps, down to the slopes below, and into the ears of the descending Zhang Lan.
Zhang Lan stiffened, turned gradually, and gazed upward at Taixu Mountain's expansive form, shrouded in swirling clouds and mists, radiating a mystical vibe.
The gate spanned broadly, the terrace ancient and enchanting.
Upon the terrace's far edge, a youth pure as a brushstroke waved gleefully in his direction.
Twilight had settled, the light dimming.
Yet the youth's gaze sparkled like constellations, his grin pure and dazzling like dawn's first rays.
Against the boy from his recollections, much appeared altered, though in essence, everything remained unchanged.
A gentle warmth coursed through his chest.
The delight of their reunion, akin to drought-ending showers, soothed his soul.
Zhang Lan smiled involuntarily, his look relaxed and laced with fond memories:
"Mo Hua, it's been ages..."