Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2188 Chapter 1024: Minor Breakdown

Previously on Immortality Through Array Formations...
Elders at the Qian Taoist Sect fiercely debated altering the ancient rules of the Sword Discussion Conference, particularly the inclusion of Spiritual Ink among miscellaneous items, but ultimately refused any changes to avoid scandal and uphold ancestral traditions. They pondered strategies to counter Mo Hua's formidable Second Grade Nineteen Patterns High-Rank Formation, yet Elder Yan sternly warned of the young prodigy's unmatched depth as the Formation Leader, declaring no disciple from the Four Great Sects could restrain him in pure formation arts and urging exploitation of formations' fixed nature and drawing time through thorough research. Late at night in the Taixu Gate's Disciple Residence, Mo Hua pored over plans at his desk, sighing over the tournament's hardships after his high-rank formation empowered the city gate yet was breached twice by the Heavenly Sword Sect's Xiao Ruohan, feeling the weight of facing elite prodigies like Xiao Wuchen and Ao Zhan.

Right now, further up the Mount of Tao.

A towering peak and an elegant pavilion pierced the skies, resembling twin blades aimed heavenward, positioned across from one another amid the grand Mount of Tao.

This peak goes by the name Xuantian Peak.

This pavilion bears the title Sword Observation Tower.

Xuantian Peak claims the title of the loftiest summit on Mount of Tao, exuding unmatched dominance as the prime arena for the "Heaven" stage of the Sword Discussion Conference.

Having survived the intense clashes of the "Earth" stage, the triumphant Qianxue's Geniuses will assemble atop Xuantian Peak to battle the genuine heavenly prodigies in the ultimate confrontation.

In pursuit of supreme prestige for their Sect.

And to carve out a brighter journey along the Dao for their own futures.

Facing Xuantian Peak rises an age-old, imposing skyscraper, sharp like a blade, ascending toward the heavens.

This structure is the Sword Observation Tower.

The premier vantage for observing the Qianxue Debate.

Around the Sword Observation Tower lie Concealment Formations, while its framework bears numerous High-Rank Fog Formations that merge the tower seamlessly with the mists, rendering it invisible to common folk.

Most cultivators remain oblivious to the Sword Observation Tower's presence upon Mount of Tao.

This lofty Sword Observation Tower exists for select revered and elite "distinguished guests" to view the Qianxue Debate.

From the tower's summit, shrouded in clouds, observers can survey the expansive Hong Land vista and myriad cultivators resembling mere insects below.

Gaining access to this tower signifies either immense authority or exalted lineage.

Experts from various Sects and noble clans, Heaven Void Ancestors, Feather Transformation Sect Leaders, or Fifth-grade Family Heads.

Fifth-grade Court Leaders within the Taoist Court.

Commanders of potent Dao cultivation factions across the Nine State.

Plus, from certain profoundly ancient noble houses in the Taoist State, the innermost direct descendants.

Feather Transformation Realm Supervisors of the Taoist Court, Demon Suppression Department Directors.

And even overseers from the Seven Pavilions' core authority, or perhaps the reclusive Pavilion Elders themselves.

Such personages are beyond the reach of typical cultivators throughout their entire lives.

Within the Sword Observation Tower, a rigid order prevails.

Though all qualify as honored visitors, they get sorted into distinct levels.

Each individual must claim only a spot befitting their standing.

Furthermore, every chamber in the Sword Observation Tower remains sealed off and fitted with exclusive Fifth-grade Void Transmission Formations, enabling discreet arrivals and departures from the structure.

Those below cannot glimpse the Sword Observation Tower nor learn of these elevated figures amid the clouds.

Even individuals who have ascended the Sword Observation Tower find themselves restricted to their

rooms.

They remain ignorant of fellow observers throughout the vast Sword Observation Tower.

Overhead could lurk an heir from an venerable lineage.

Or perhaps a Prime Elder from a Sixth-grade noble house.

Or an overseer from the Seven Pavilions, maybe even a potent Pavilion Elder.

It's conceivable that kin of the Dao Court Emperor has arrived to observe; the possibility isn't remote...

Naturally, it could also be that no one occupies the space at all.

Those supreme dignitaries approaching the zenith of power in the Nine State might not all deign to attend the sword discussion.

Should they appear, they might lack the leisure to view each and every sword discussion.

After all, the "Heaven" stage of the sword discussion hasn't commenced yet, and the most thrilling epic duel awaits.

Presently, midway through the Sword Observation Tower.

The Sect Leaders from Tai'a, Chongxu, and the Taixu Three Mountains have convened, sipping tea while monitoring the competition.

The Sword Discussion Conference impacts Sect standings, influences the distribution of the Qianlong Spirit Mine, and ties into Sect overhauls; as Sect Leaders, they dare not overlook it.

In the past, they skipped many bouts.

Typically, one might show up one day, a pair the next, or none at times.

Sect Leaders, too, face endless demands on their time.

Yet as the sword discussion advances, a quiet unease stirs in their cores.

Fifth place in the sword discussion.

This position hangs in a precarious balance.

Advancing one notch propels them into the Four Great Sects.

Holding steady keeps them atop the Eight Great Gates.

But a single slip backward forfeits their edge over the Four Great Sects and primacy among the Eight Great Gates.

Besides, navigating the present sword discussion feels like battling upstream currents; falling back renders any recovery profoundly arduous.

Bearing their duties, they plot their moves wisely.

As seasoned Sect Leaders across countless years, none grasp the weight of Sect rankings more acutely.

Sect Leaders of the Four Great Sects.

Sect Leader of the foremost among the Eight Great Gates.

Regular Sect Leaders of the Eight Great Gates.

The gaps between these are vast. What's more, all three paths lie merely "one step removed."

One stride ahead means ascending to the Four Great Sects.

Preserving status ensures dominance over the Eight Great Gates.

A slip behind demotes them to commonplace status among the Eight Great Gates.

Essentially, each choice spans an entire realm of difference.

Confronted by this pivotal juncture where boundless riches dangle within reach, even immortals would falter in composure.

As Sect Leaders, the trio harbors profound aspirations, their expressions betraying no hint of turmoil.

Yet inwardly, they agonize over the tantalizing benefits a mere step away, their nights haunted by restless thoughts.

Still, at this juncture, further interventions lie beyond their grasp.

Now, their sole reliance rests on these youthful disciples striving for glory.

Whatever results emerge, the Leaders will embrace them.

Even defeat brings no reproach upon the disciples.

For these juniors have poured forth their utmost efforts, surpassing expectations in their displays...

Nevertheless, they fervently crave victory for the Taixu Gate.

Their lips utter no demands, nor do they burden Mo Hua and the rest with expectations.

Deep down, though, they crave Mo Hua and the other disciples' triumphs more intensely than any soul.

By any means, as long as success arrives, it suffices.

Triumph could secure their standing and perhaps even thrust them upward, surging from fifth to fourth.