Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2228 Chapter 1035: Ominous Sign (Part 4)

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Previously on Immortality Through Array Formations...
In the Sword Observation Tower, Heaven Void Ancestors from the Qian Learning Hundred Gates gathered silently, their profound cultivation rendering most indifferent to worldly affairs, though tensions simmered, such as Ancestor Ye's lingering anger toward Elder Master Xun over a humiliating defeat in the Sword Discussion Conference. Outside, sect leaders from the Four Great Sects and others convened anxiously, aware that the impending Asura battle could determine rankings and unleash sieges on prodigies like those from the targeted Taixu Gate. Spectators, including Taixu Gate elders, disciples, and allies from the Feng and Gu families, watched tensely, while many cultivators speculated with schadenfreude that Mo Hua and his peers could not evade the onslaught from multiple sects.

"Unless he discovers a burrow, ducks inside, and endures until the end..."

"What's on your mind?"

"His minor abilities have long been analyzed by everyone..."

"Had his Concealment Technique remained secret from the start, he could have perhaps 'persisted' right to the finish."

"Unfortunately, this sword discussion has dragged on for some time, with every effective move already revealed. Who would he deceive now using that insignificant ploy?"

"Everyone else will surely stay vigilant around him...

"Indeed, that makes sense."

"Observe closely, Taixu Gate is destined to face misfortune this round."

"Though you mention that, isn't the tournament setup somewhat unjust toward Taixu Gate?"

"You fail to grasp it; the world of cultivation is inherently unjust."

"Individuals emerge with diverse origins, uneven spiritual roots, fluctuating fortunes, lifespans of varying durations, unexpected twists... all of it reeks of unfairness..."

"The famed Asura Battle follows the identical pattern."

"It challenges your ability to battle fiercely for survival amid hopeless circumstances, employing whatever methods required, to claim victory in this bout."

"No one will argue logic with you."

"If fault must be assigned, point it at Taixu Gate's misfortune."

"Fault them for antagonizing numerous sects."

"And fault them for accepting a pesky 'little disaster bringer' such as Mo Hua..."

"Why accept Mo Hua specifically?"

"Precisely... Taixu Gate deserves this; they invited the trouble themselves..."

In the midst of the murmuring spectators, a refined-looking individual subtly merged into the group.

A keen-eyed observer spotted him and promptly shouted:

"Brother Bai, didn't you claim you'd 'devour the Spirit Sword'?" "A wager is a wager!"

"Precisely so!"

Bai Xiaosheng enjoyed bragging, relished ridiculing others, yet maintained a mild demeanor without arrogance, thus several Foundation Building Cultivators eagerly chimed in alongside him.

Having stealthily entered the throng, Bai Xiaosheng sensed annoyance upon catching those words.

Earlier, he had certainly bragged.

Deriding Mo Hua: "What sort of sword discussion could he manage?"

"Observe him; he can barely grip a sword properly."

"Should he execute genuine swordsmanship, I'll openly consume my superior Lifebound Spirit Sword!"

Yet Mo Hua proceeded to fell a Daluo Sect member in a single blow...

Bai Xiaosheng experienced discomfort akin to ingesting a fly.

However, he refused to concede.

"It's not me reneging, not me refusing to eat the Spirit Sword; rather, Mo Hua's action doesn't qualify as swordsmanship at all."

"His deed veered into unorthodox ways."

"It bears no relation to 'swords' in the slightest."

"That control of his sword amounts to mere trickery..."

"I honor my commitments; if he truly masters sword arts, I'd without doubt ingest my Lifebound Sword..."

"Let me declare here: should I fail to do so, I'll acknowledge Mo Hua as my ancestor..." "Fine, we have an agreement!"

Shangguan Family, atop the observation stand.

Wenren Wan cradled Yu Er while observing the contest. Anxiety gnawed at her for Mo Hua, and she anticipated his emergence.

The area buzzed with clamor.

Amid the din, Wenren Wan abruptly sensed vertigo, her sight dimming into a haze of crimson.

Memories from haunting nightmares flooded back vividly.

The heavens poured bloody showers, while demonic beasts reveled chaotically.

Yu Er's visage, smeared in gore, complexion ashen, gazed at her with vacant eyes.

His vitality sapped dry, innards excised, spiritual awareness devoured...

In an icy tone, he questioned: Mother, why didn't you rescue me?

Terror gripped Wenren Wan; she clutched Yu Er firmly without delay.

The instant after, a clear voice rang out:

"Mother, are you alright?"

The gruesome hallucinations dissolved entirely; Wenren Wan glanced downward to see Yu Er regarding her with a pure, bewildered expression.

Wenren Wan's features drained of color, her grin forced: "Nothing at all..."

Yu Er, now comforted, bobbed his head compliantly and resumed viewing Fang Tianhua Ying.

Wenren Wan regarded Yu Er, instinctively embracing him closer,

dreading that a mere instant's lapse, a fleeting lapse in attention, would cause her sole offspring to vanish...

Yet the firmer her grasp, the deeper dread clawed at her soul.

A sharp pang twisted in her bosom, constricting fiercely...