Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2411 Chapter 1095: Farewell (2)

This world, I fear it resembles scorched earth after a wildfire, making peace a distant hope...

With such thoughts occupying his mind, Zhang Lan's expression turned grim. A moment later, he suddenly halted, lowering his voice to ask Mo Hua,

"That Malignant Path Great Formation, you didn't... obliterate it yourself again, did you?"

Mo Hua offered a smile but remained silent.

Zhang Lan's jaw dropped, a mixture of shock and contemplation crossing his face. After a brief pause, he shook his head with a self-deprecating smile. Indeed, wherever this young fellow ventures, chaos is sure to follow.

Moreover, when it comes to these formations, it seems he encounters one only to dismantle it.

The situation in Tongxian City was no different, and now, within the borders of the Qian Learning state, the pattern repeats.

Zhang Lan could only fervently hope that in the future, should Mo Hua stir up significant trouble, he wouldn't reveal that Zhang Lan had taught him the Water Passing Step...

Zhang Lan sought confirmation from Mo Hua once more, "You haven't divulged the Water Passing Step to anyone, have you?"

Mo Hua nodded reassuringly, "Rest assured, I've kept silent. No third person will come to know."

"That's a relief..." Zhang Lan exhaled, though a trace of regret soon followed.

"It's a pity that only the most esteemed Elders within the direct lineage of the Zhang Family, those who have reached the third-grade Golden Core, are permitted to learn the Water Passing Step. I've only just stepped into the Golden Core stage myself and lack the qualifications. Otherwise, I would impart it to you right now, saving you the trouble of searching for movement techniques later."

Even now, Uncle Zhang remains concerned about my movement technique...

Mo Hua felt a surge of gratitude mixed with apprehension, "Uncle Zhang, would you truly dare to teach me?"

Zhang Lan dismissed his hesitation with a wave of his hand, "A good deed begun should be seen through to the end. You've already grasped the first and second grades of the movement technique. To leave the third grade untaught would be a waste, wouldn't it?"

"Besides, if this matter remains undiscovered, learning a bit more won't make a difference."

"If it ever comes to light, whether you learned more or less, I'll still face the ancestral hall and receive punishment. My fate will be no different."

"Given this, why not let you learn more and learn it well? If the Zhang Family's Water Passing Step can be widely disseminated through you, I can face the world with my head held high."

"Even if I end up kneeling in the ancestral hall, facing our forebears, I can still stand straight."

Mo Hua offered sincere praise, "Uncle Zhang, your perspective is truly magnanimous."

Zhang Lan responded with another wry smile.

Later, the two found themselves at the base of the mountain, sharing some wine and engaging in conversation.

Time seemed to melt away; as dusk painted the sky, the day drew to a close.

They, too, had to bid each other farewell.

Tomorrow, Zhang Lan would depart by carriage, accompanying the Great Elder of the Zhang Family back to Kan State, a journey spanning thousands of miles.

It was possible that in the coming decades, a century, or even several hundred years, this might be their final meeting, their last opportunity to share a drink together.

As they parted, a thousand unspoken words and emotions lay between them.

Zhang Lan simply raised his cup and sighed,

"I hope that one day, I can return to Tongxian City, sit at the Eight Immortals Table in your tavern, and leisurely share a drink and conversation with you."

A sense of melancholy washed over Mo Hua, yet he raised his cup, smiled, and nodded,

"When that day comes, I shall certainly be an excellent host and treat Uncle Zhang with the utmost hospitality."

A smile creased Zhang Lan's handsome features, unable to be suppressed.

The setting sun cast a warm, lingering glow upon the mountain path.

Embracing the twilight, Zhang Lan gradually faded into the distance.

Mo Hua remained at the mountain gate, waving farewell to Zhang Lan, his heart heavy with emotion.

...

The Feng family's cave dwelling.

By the time Zhang Lan returned, darkness had enveloped the land, and the hour was undeniably late.

His companions were occupied with packing their belongings, preparing for the journey ahead, their movements bustling throughout the compound. Yet, there was no sign of the Great Elder Zhang.

A secret sigh of relief escaped Zhang Lan.

The Qian Learning State's domain differed greatly from that of the Zhang Family; here, local powers held sway like formidable dragons, with numerous influential families and significant forces. Offending even one carelessly could mean encountering noble family scions or direct disciples of prominent sects, individuals not easily trifled with.

Consequently, to prevent conflict with these other great families and sects, the Great Elder had imposed a stringent curfew.

As it was already past the designated hour, encountering the Great Elder Zhang would undoubtedly result in a severe reprimand.

Zhang Lan considered himself fortunate and quietly tiptoed towards his room, intending to pack his meager belongings.

However, the moment he opened the door and turned, an elderly man, his face etched with stern solemnity, was seated in his room, calmly sipping tea.

"Great Elder..."

Zhang Lan felt as though he had been struck by a bolt of lightning.

Great Elder Zhang's gaze fell upon him, yet no words were uttered as he continued to sip his tea.

A prickling sensation ran down Zhang Lan’s spine, but he remained rooted to the spot, daring not to make a move.

The room was plunged into a silence so profound that even the slightest sound felt amplified.

After what felt like an eternity, Great Elder Zhang concluded his tea, rose deliberately, and began to walk towards Zhang Lan.

Zhang Lan’s heart clenched, steeling himself for the inevitable reprimand from Great Elder Zhang.

To his surprise, Great Elder Zhang extended a jade slip towards him.

Zhang Lan hesitated, inquiring, “Great Elder, what is this…?”

“Water Passing Step,” Great Elder Zhang replied tonelessly, adding, “A third-grade mental method.”

Zhang Lan stood frozen, stammering, “This… I…”

“Take it,” Great Elder Zhang commanded.

“Ah, yes…” Zhang Lan gratefully accepted the jade slip with both hands from Great Elder Zhang.

“You are of the direct lineage of the Zhang Family. While somewhat indolent, your talent is undeniable, and your character is commendable. This third-grade Water Passing Step is a supreme technique exclusive to the Zhang Family. Although your qualifications are not entirely sufficient, it matters not. I am making a special exception to impart it to you now. You must diligently comprehend its essence…”

Great Elder Zhang explained with an air of calm detachment.

A hint of bewilderment flickered across Zhang Lan’s face.

Observing this, Great Elder Zhang frowned and enunciated each word with emphasis:

“My words have been spoken; do not disgrace the supreme technique of the Zhang Family. Learn it well, do not let me down. Remember this, remember it!”

Great Elder Zhang spoke deliberately, his tone carrying a peculiar weight.

Having finished his admonition, he gave Zhang Lan a meaningful look before departing.

Zhang Lan found himself alone in the silent room.

Clutching the jade slip, he stood immobile, lost in thought.

“What does Great Elder… intend by this?”