Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2163 Chapter 1016: Reunion

The majestic Taixu Mountain was enveloped in a vibrant sunset glow and swirling mists.

Mo Hua strolled casually through the peaks alongside Zhang Lan, sharing tales of the Taixu Gate's storied past, its ancient Daoist treasures, the elegant structures, and the stunning vistas of the mountains.

Zhang Lan found himself a bit dazed.

The true astonishment for him wasn't solely the extensive legacy of the fifth-grade Taixu Gate sect, its deep-rooted foundations, the grace of its followers, the glorious landscapes, or the array of natural marvels...

Though all that was undeniably striking, what really shook him to the core was realizing he had actually gained entry into the Taixu Gate itself?

Back at the Sword Discussion Conference, the entrance teemed with hordes of cultivators.

Among them were those with deep cultivation bases, others from notable lineages, and some who carried an air of authority, yet every single one was barred from entering.

Zhang Lan had been one of that crowd initially.

The regulations were ironclad, with the guarding elders and inner sect disciples showing no favoritism or flexibility, permitting zero deviations.

Yet when Mo Hua approached the entrance, he simply offered a grin and uttered phrases such as "Elder," "Senior Brother," and "This is an uncle I'm very close to."

To Zhang Lan's surprise, the gatekeepers let them through without any additional inquiries.

The entrance disciples bowed respectfully to Zhang Lan.

Even the entrance elders gave Zhang Lan a nod of acknowledgment.

Within the Taixu Gate, the wonders only intensified.

As they proceeded, nearly every disciple they passed would address Mo Hua

as "Senior Brother" or "Junior Brother."

All the elders they met en route would offer Mo Hua a knowing nod and a warm greeting.

Certain elders even initiated the salutation to Mo Hua ahead of his own smiling response.

Zhang Lan nearly convinced himself it was all a dream.

Without prior knowledge of Mo Hua's origins, he might have assumed Mo Hua's kin controlled the entire Taixu Gate.

In a formidable fifth-grade sect like this, earning such respect would demand being a Little Ancestor or perhaps a Young Sect Leader at minimum, wouldn't it?

Zhang Lan stole a subtle look at Mo Hua.

He had long recognized Mo Hua's knack for forging bonds, his prowess in mingling, and his ease in any setting.

However, achieving this level of regard exceeded anything he could have envisioned.

Midway through their walk, Mo Hua recalled a detail and inquired, "Uncle Zhang, you haven't had a meal yet, right?"

Zhang Lan affirmed with a nod.

Mo Hua responded with open-hearted generosity, "Let me treat you!"

Within Taixu Gate, disciples took their meals in the dining hall of the Disciple's Residence.

These spots were reserved strictly for disciples, firmly shutting out any "outsiders."

Mo Hua lacked the power to bend those rules.

The most he could do was sneak the Sect Leader's large white dog into the hall for scraps.

But that was the Sect Leader's pet, after all.

There was simply no provision for bending rules for Uncle Zhang.

Thus, Mo Hua visited the dining hall, purchased some wine and meat, and carried them outside. He then guided Zhang Lan to a serene, scenic summit on the right flank of Taixu Gate.

They selected a broad rock, spreading the premium wine and meat upon a cloth.

Seated directly on the earth, the pair faced the sunset-tinted heavens, the twilight mountain panorama—a magnificent sight—savoring meat, sipping wine, and reminiscing about bygone days.

In that instant amid such surroundings, Zhang Lan briefly sensed he was back in Tongxian City, at the tavern run by Mo Hua's family, blissfully skipping duties to share drinks with Mo Hua, devouring meat, conversing idly, hearing Monster Hunters recount thrilling tales from the wilds, all while awaiting the sunset to bathe the doorway in crimson light.

Yet in a mere flash, reality returned him to Taixu Gate.

His companion for drink and meal was now the celebrated star of Taixu Gate from the Sword Discussion Conference, the Formation Leader, a remarkably talented youth.

After a decade's separation, it seemed like mere moments ago. Mo Hua's looks had evolved, but his genuine and unpretentious manner persisted unchanged.

In the pursuit of Dao cultivation, the initial resolve holds firm, and the innocent heart endures.

Zhang Lan inwardly sighed with deep feeling.

Influenced by Mo Hua's easygoing aura, he found himself unwinding more freely.

Mo Hua had transformed from his former self, and yet he remained the very same

Mo Hua.

Mo Hua cast a glance back at Zhang Lan.

He noticed his once-slack Uncle Zhang now appeared far "more composed," less prone to loafing around as in Tongxian City days, and had matured considerably...

Mo Hua nodded inwardly with approval.

Yet he also felt a touch of astonishment:

"Uncle Zhang, you've achieved Core Formation?"

Zhang Lan nodded, "Yeah, I got lucky."

Mo Hua wrinkled his brow, puzzled.

He recalled vividly that back in Tongxian City, Uncle Zhang lingered only at Qi Refinement.

Subsequently, after slaying a Big Demon, Uncle Zhang was compelled to advance to Foundation Establishment.

But in what seemed an instant, after these passing years, he had attained Core

Formation?

This progression struck him as astonishing.

Mo Hua probed further, "Uncle Zhang, is there any issue with your cultivation?"

Zhang Lan sounded mildly irritated, "What issue could there be with my cultivation?"

Noticing Mo Hua's lingering skepticism, he clarified with a hint of resignation:

"Didn't I mention it earlier? I possess remarkable talent. I deliberately stalled at Qi Refinement because I resented the family-arranged marriage, so I sought solitude as a Supervisor for tranquility."

"Afterward, upon breaking through to Foundation Establishment, I was obliged to rejoin the clan."

"Once back, my father set up yet another marriage for me. I refused. My father can be quite firm, insisting that without reaching Core Formation for self-reliance, the marriage would proceed."

"Thus, I withdrew into secluded cultivation, training rigorously, advancing stage by stage from Foundation Establishment Peak straight to Core Formation, and yes, it was pure fortune that I succeeded on the initial attempt..."

Mo Hua stared in complete disbelief.

For this Uncle Zhang, evading marriage had kept him at Qi Refinement well into his thirties.

Then, to dodge another union, he surged to Core Formation by his forties?!

Mo Hua found himself admiring Zhang Lan in that moment, viewing him as a prodigy.

He couldn't resist asking, "Uncle Zhang, what if your father demands you reach Feather Transformation prior to marriage—would you ascend right then and there?"