Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2197 Chapter 1027: Shadows and Gloom

The Wanxiao Sect maintains only standard connections with the Taixu Gate.

Disciples from both factions rarely interact, lacking any profound "feuds."

This gathering today is simply for a sword exchange.

Meeting at the gateway is entirely expected.

The sole reason for any brief diversion might stem from Duanmu Qing's striking looks and poise.

Duanmu Qing keeps her face serene like still water.

Over time, she has grown used to the stares from men across the realm—be they filled with awe, respect, or surprise—yet her mind stays steadfast.

Duanmu Qing lifts her pristine white neck just a touch, fixing her crisp, icy eyes ahead, moving with poised grace as she guides fellow striking Wanxiao Sect disciples directly into the Inner Mountain. She wears a stunning multicolored robe, her features beyond the ordinary world, her bearing elegant, exuding a presence akin to an inaccessible icy peak that discourages any approach.

In this way, members of the two sects brushed past one another.

Throughout the encounter, not a single word was spoken.

Still, while crossing paths, Duanmu Qing's eyes unintentionally swept toward Mo Hua.

For one, Mo Hua possesses brows shaped like fine artwork, boasting a remarkable look and bearing of his own.

For another, Mo Hua stands at a shorter height, causing him to "stand apart" in a crowd of talented cultivators.

Moreover, Mo Hua, regardless of his tarnished name and surrounding scandals, holds considerable renown.

Beyond the feats he accomplished, the enemies he forged, and the "humiliation" inflicted on those geniuses at the Sword Discussion Conference...

Even merely as the "Formation Leader," his status is already mythical.

He stands as the undisputed top in Qianxue Formation arts.

This honor was claimed back in the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, a feat that defies belief.

A figure like Duanmu Qing, an ethereal beauty detached from mortal concerns, would surely know of Mo Hua's reputation without fail.

Naturally, it ends there.

Duanmu Qing cast only a fleeting look at Mo Hua from the corner of her eye before continuing onward.

But that brief look etched itself into Mo Hua's vision.

Mo Hua reflected on this look, a touch dazed, and found himself whispering:

"Is my Taoist Heart... tainted?"

His words came out softly, barely more than an unconscious murmur.

Not even Linghu Xiao or those nearby caught exactly what he uttered.

Yet Duanmu Qing, who had moved past, halted abruptly, turned her head gradually, and fixed a frosty stare on Mo Hua.

Mo Hua met her eyes as well.

His eyes shone pure and limpid, as if reflecting Duanmu Qing's form within them.

In addition, they held a deep, insightful quality.

For an instant, Duanmu Qing sensed her deepest secrets being laid bare, struck by an odd sensation of "shame."

Soon after, a surge of profound embarrassment and fury welled up inside her.

Her once aloof and lovely visage instantly frosted over.

A frigid intent to kill hung thick in the air; her crystalline eyes turned utterly icy, laced with intense revulsion as they bore into Mo Hua.

Mo Hua stood frozen.

What could this signify?

Before he could respond, a formidable spiritual pressure erupted from Duanmu Qing.

The essence of the five elements—gold, wood, water, fire, and earth—shone with dazzling light, evoking celestial glory, rendering Duanmu Qing godlike in presence.

Her gaze pierced sharply, her form released a fearsome yet alluring lethal aura.

The mighty Five Elements Taoist Skill brimmed with overwhelming force, firmly targeting

Mo Hua.

This time, Mo Hua felt truly alarmed.

Wanxiao Superior Spell?!

"Could it be... this lady... intends to end me?"

"We're not on the sword discussion platform..."

"Has she lost her mind?"

Instinctively, Mo Hua pressed his foot against the earth, executing the Water Passing Step to fall back a few meters.

His fellow juniors were just as startled and bewildered, yet they moved on reflex to shield him.

Cheng Mo stepped forward first, positioning himself before Mo Hua.

Linghu Xiao readied the Chongxu Sword Skill.

Situ Jian and Ouyang Xuan started to channel their sword qi as well.

Amid the swirling spiritual energies, the tension thickened into a hostile standoff.

Duanmu Qing curled her lips in an icy smirk, extended her fingers, poised to unleash a technique

to eradicate Mo Hua.

Right then, a rough, resonant shout rang out:

"Absurd!"

Pure spiritual pressure, infused with the mighty aura of a True Man,

abruptly pressed down on Duanmu Qing, Linghu Xiao, and the rest, suppressing all spiritual auras and halting the activation of Taoist Skills and Swordsmanship.

Faces across the group shifted in surprise.

Nevertheless, the murderous glare in Duanmu Qing's eyes lingered, and she even tried to invoke a spell.

An old elder emerged from the Inner Mountain, harshly rebuking:

"The Mount of Tao is holy territory; no recklessness permitted!"

"As elite sect talents, how dare you act this way?!"

"If you stir up more chaos or violate the code again, I'll penalize you all severely!"

Duanmu Qing paused quietly, grinding her teeth inwardly, at last withdrawing her lethal intent and spiritual energy, folding her sleeves neatly, and offering a courteous bow:

"Please pardon us, Elder."

Her tone rang bright and sharp, reminiscent of a silver flask breaking. The elder's clouded gaze quietly assessed her, his features impassive, though internally he was shaken, pondering why Duanmu Qing, typically aloof and unmoved by anything, displayed such fierce

ire today?

The Mount of Tao elder turned his attention to Mo Hua, now at a safe distance,

filled with wonder.

"Could it be... Mo Hua provoked her?"

"No way..."

"Given Mo Hua's looks, offending her wouldn't really be a drawback..."

The Mount of Tao elder grumbled to himself, yet kept a severe exterior, gravely cautioning:

"No disruptions allowed inside the Mount of Tao."

"Save any battles for the sword discussion platform later. Otherwise, expect no mercy from me."

Duanmu Qing inclined her head.

Mo Hua and his companions all lowered their heads in respect, replying, "Understood, Elder." Observing this, the Mount of Tao elder gave a faint nod and gradually withdrew.