Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2187 Chapter 1023: The Weight of the Formation Leader (Part 3)

Elites such as Xiao Wuchen and Ao Zhan rival the Foundation Establishment Peak Fire Buddha that Mo Hua faced in the past.

In both spiritual root talent and Daoist technique legacy, figures like Xiao Wuchen outshine even the Fire Buddha.

The Fire Buddha's loss at his hands was real enough.

Yet deep down, Mo Hua understands it stemmed from Uncle Gu in the Golden Core Realm drawing the flames of battle and clashing directly with the Fire Buddha until exhaustion set in, giving him the opening to strike.

The Sword Discussion Conference stands apart.

During the sword discussions here, no Golden Core Realm 'Uncle Gu' exists to pull enemy fire or face off against powerhouses like Xiao Wuchen and Ao Zhan.

Moreover, the Fire Buddha stood solitary.

In these elite sword discussions, however, individuals like Xiao Wuchen arrive with groups of five.

Those surrounding Xiao Wuchen and Ao Zhan are likewise premier geniuses from their own sects.

Plus, this is the Qianxue Debate, under the gaze of innumerable onlookers. Mo Hua can't unleash his full arsenal without restraint.

Securing victory in even a single match demands immense effort.

And should he claim one win, how will he handle the others?

Xiao Wuchen, Ao Zhan, Duanmu Qing, Shen Linsu—the foremost four prodigies of the Four Sects, alongside elite talents like 'Xiao Ruohan,' likely totaling around a dozen...

All of them pose as 'foes.'

And this concerns merely the 'Earth' level sword discussion.

Advancing to the 'Heaven' level sword discussion would reveal even greater numbers of adversaries.

The very idea sends chills down one's spine...

With such calculations, Mo Hua can't shake doubts about whether Taixu Gate can truly claim the top spot in this Sword Discussion Conference.

To the Taixu Sect Leader and Elders, perhaps merely holding a place among the 'Four Great Sects' suffices.

In truth, they might not even aspire to that 'Four Great Sects' rank.

It's a tempting vision, yet one that feels forever out of reach.

Mo Hua hasn't voiced this, but his aim remains fixed: to seize first place in the sword discussions.

Only by topping the sword discussions can Taixu Gate earn the prize of the sword discussion champion, and only then can he grasp that vital formation:

The Wood Revitalization Formation.

Mo Hua's eyes grew profound.

This array ties directly to his master's destiny.

It might even prove the key to reviving his master.

The title 'Wood Revitalization' appears unremarkable, and most won't grasp its worth.

But Mo Hua senses deeply that if it's the array to rescue his master, it must wield the might, in some way, to invert Yin and Yang, challenge life and death, rewind cause and effect, and unsettle the secrets of heaven.

By his instincts, this is undoubtedly an ancient and formidable array.

Regardless of the obstacles, he has to acquire it.

Regardless, he must rescue his master...

'Master...'

Mo Hua let out a sigh, hands clasped behind his head as he stared at the night sky, lost in memories of bygone days, his heart heavy with sorrow.

His master's visage and the counsel once given surfaced in Mo Hua's thoughts.

Yet Mo Hua lingered on these reflections only briefly before halting, unwilling to press further.

The Dao of heavenly secrets proves fickle; he worries that dwelling too long might let others sense the threads of fate, so he limits himself to occasional silent thoughts of his master, avoiding frequent reminiscence.

Mo Hua shut his eyes, mulled over matters for a short while, set aside notions of 'Master,' then concentrated, murmuring inwardly:

'I must triumph...'

'Though the threads of fate now tangle confusingly, I have to push for victory in every bout, gathering points from each success, biding time until the pivotal shift arrives...'

Mo Hua harbored a subtle foreboding.

This sword discussion won't unfold so straightforwardly.

Certainly, some grand incident looms on the horizon...

Prior to that, it's essential to claim every winnable match.

...

The Sword Discussion Conference pressed onward.

Mo Hua's subsequent foe hailed from the Qian Taoist Sect, a prime talent.

Not Shen Linsu, yet far from dismissible.

The sword discussion format stayed as an assault and defense clash.

This round, though, Taixu Gate took the offensive role, with Qian Taoist Sect on defense.

On the designated day, throngs packed the Mount of Tao, drawing even more cultivators to observe.

Taixu Gate had endured a string of losses before, breeding letdown and dejection.

But following Mo Hua's recent display of a formation that toppled the Heavenly Sword Sect, Taixu Gate's fortunes reversed sharply, sparking eagerness for the upcoming bout.

Criticism persisted, though, particularly aimed at Mo Hua:

'As this is a Sword Discussion Conference, leaning on formation arts sidesteps the core purpose and defies the event's true aim.'

'If Mo Hua possessed any decency, he'd drop the formations and duel other sects' geniuses in pure swordplay to settle the outcome.'

'Why not say that to Mo Hua directly?'

'If he deigns to reply, I'll back down.'

'Isn't it ridiculous to withhold any available edge?'

'Why isn't Mount of Tao stepping in?'

'No rules are broken, so what can Mount of Tao possibly do?'

'Just wait and see—in this sword discussion, Mo Hua will no doubt fall back on formations once more.'

'Which formation will he turn to this time?'

'How should I know? The boy's sly as a fox; no telling what arrays he's picked up.'

'No hurry—once the sword discussion kicks off and he acts, all will be revealed.'

...

Amid the external buzz, within the arena, the sword discussion commenced at last.

Qian Taoist Sect's disciples manned the defenses of the stronghold.

Taixu Gate then divided into two flanks to launch the attack.

This mirrored a standard siege, save that Mo Hua refrained from joining the fray.

The instant the sword discussion started, he bolted to a nearby knoll and began etching his formation in secret.

Onlookers wondered intently which array he'd craft.

Even greater intrigue surrounded his drawing technique and the pace he'd set.

Thus, Mo Hua dashed to the knoll, unfurled a blanket, and shrouded himself completely.

Then, concealed beneath the blanket, he inscribed his formation, keeping it hidden from all eyes.

The Fangtian Shadow Projection captured merely a 'caterpillar'-like shape bundled in cloth.

This sight enraged the audience, prompting a barrage of curses:

'Miserly!'

'Shameless!'

'Projecting one's own narrow-mindedness onto others.'

'Not even allowing a glimpse of his formation drawing?'

...

Close by, certain elders clutching 'Tracing Shadow Maps' also shook their heads with resigned expressions.

Their role in the Sword Discussion Conference aimed to flaunt their prowess for the benefit of noble clans, diverse sects, and myriad cultivators.

Most prodigies would relish exhibiting their abilities to the masses.

The Fangtian Shadow Projection offered the most magnificent platform.

Yet its creator likely never foresaw anyone inverting this, dreading exposure of their techniques.

Inscribing an array while veiled under a blanket.

Such a tactic eludes most talents.

They prioritize reputation.

Mo Hua stands apart; reputation means nothing to him.

Within the contest grounds, Mo Hua paid no heed to such concerns.

Victory above all—reputation be damned?

From the previous sword discussion, he'd grasped a key truth:

On this sword discussion platform, eyes track his every move, scheming endlessly to counter him.

The more techniques he reveals, the more counters emerge against him.

A concealed ace for the next round might spell yet another triumph.

Hence, he resolves to conceal all he can.

Shroud them by whatever method required.

Even if that means huddling under a blanket.

Curiously, the most basic tactics can yield the most startling outcomes.

At minimum, this blanket shielded Mo Hua, leaving observers utterly baffled.

With it, Mo Hua finished his array stealthily beneath the cover, then lingered a bit longer to mask his actual inscription speed, before folding the blanket away, stowing the array, and charging toward the Qian Taoist Sect's 'fortress.'

Any other sect would suffice.

But against Qian Taoist Sect, an ancient grudge simmered.

Once, he'd sought entry into Qian Taoist Sect but couldn't breach even the 'mountain gate.'

In today's Sword Discussion, he vows to shatter Qian Taoist Sect's 'city gate'!

Mo Hua's face beamed with delight.

Not from pettiness; the demands of the sword discussion left him no alternative.