Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2437 Chapter 1103: Pavilion Elder (Part 4)

Anonymous Magnetic Ink: "Mo Hua is merely Mo Hua. His cultivation stage, whether it's Golden Core or Foundation Establishment, changes nothing about his insidious and wicked nature. We must remain vigilant and refrain from spreading baseless rumors that could undermine our morale."

"Our objective is clear: annihilate 'Mo', protect the Dao, Mo Hua must perish!"

These words reignited the dormant fervor within the assembled crowd.

"Indeed, annihilate Mo and protect the Dao!"

"Mo Hua must die!"

"This Demon Slaying Alliance shall not disband, lest the cancerous presence of Mo Hua returns."

"Let us all unite, support one another, and one day, make Mo Hua pay the price for the transgressions of the Sword Discussion Conference!"

"Excellent!"

...

Thus, the Demon Slaying Alliance, teetering on the brink of dissolution, found renewed purpose. Fueled by their collective "hatred" for Mo Hua, it transformed into a subtle "underground" network where disciples who admired Qianxue's genius could connect and support each other.

The majority within the Demon Slaying Alliance harbored genuine animosity towards Mo Hua.

After all, certain actions attributed to Mo Hua transcended typical human conduct.

A segment of the members held complex feelings towards Mo Hua, a blend of fondness and disdain.

Because the prevailing sentiment was to "curse" Mo Hua and desire his swift demise, these individuals "followed the current," joining the chorus of condemnation.

A smaller faction, however, did not harbor intense hatred for Mo Hua.

Some, having personally experienced the Sword Discussion Conference and the Blood Sacrifice Array, witnessing Mo Hua's power and receiving his unexpected kindness, had undergone a transformation. They had "turned from darkness to light," developing genuine admiration and respect for Mo Hua in their hearts.

Yet, Mo Hua had already departed from the Qianxue State Boundary, leaving no trace.

The Demon Slaying Alliance consequently became the sole existing entity connected to Mo Hua.

Their only recourse was to remain within the alliance, harboring the faint hope of one day hearing news of Mo Hua.

Even in the absence of any news, the daily recounting of Mo Hua's alleged misdeeds and transgressions provided them with a focal point for their thoughts.

Meanwhile, beyond the Tumo Order, Mo Hua's influence began to wane.

The Taoist Court, including the Central Dao Court, acting under undisclosed directives, placed Mo Hua's background under the highest level of secrecy.

Ordinary court officials, even those within regional Taoist Courts, lacked the authority to access any records pertaining to Mo Hua.

The Taixu Gate also made concerted efforts to shield Mo Hua, refraining from disseminating any information about him.

Elders and disciples within the sect were explicitly instructed by the ancestral master to minimize discussions concerning Mo Hua, thereby averting any potential karmic repercussions.

The name "Mo Hua" became almost a taboo, a subject that all sects and families within the Qianxue State Boundary were reluctant to broach.

Twice the Formation Leader, First Swordsmanship of Qianxue.

These titles felt like a direct affront to their pride.

Furthermore, Mo Hua's external designation was that of a Loose Cultivator.

A Loose Cultivator who surpassed all their sect prodigies and scions of aristocratic families was an intolerable insult.

Every family and sect desperately wished for Mo Hua's name to be forgotten as quickly as possible, and they were even less inclined to publicize his achievements, which would only serve to overshadow their own geniuses and noble descendants.

However, for the majority of cultivators, regardless of how Mo Hua's fame might have risen, he was simply another remarkable talent within the Qianxue State Boundary.

The Qianxue State Boundary had always been a crucible for talent.

Each Qianxue Debate typically featured several brilliant prodigies, making it plausible for an exceptional figure to emerge.

This year it was Mo Hua; the next, it would be someone else.

Prodigies in this world were like carp crossing a river – plentiful, but not extraordinary.

Human memory is fleeting, and the new quickly eclipses the old.

With no one actively promoting his name or recounting his deeds, the legendary and controversial figure of Mo Hua gradually faded from public consciousness.

Cultivators within the Qianxue State Boundary continued their lives and their cultivation pursuits as usual.

The entire Qianxue State Boundary operated as it always had…

...

However, a month later, another significant event unfolded within the Qianxue State Boundary.

The Taoist Court was initiating an "accountability" measure.

The conspiracy of the Evil God and the disaster wrought by the Blood Sacrifice could not be dismissed lightly by the Taoist Court.

Both openly and covertly, numerous interests were still being contended and redistributed.

This "accountability" represented the Central Dao Court's inaugural and most impartial direct intervention into the internal affairs of the Qianxue State Boundary.

There existed another pressing concern, the predicament of four prominent disciples from Qianxue, known as the Four Talents. These exceptionally gifted individuals, celebrated for their potent bloodlines, had unfortunately fallen prey to Demon Thought. This unfortunate turn of events constituted a significant scandal, prompting a united effort from all factions to contain the matter. The primary objective was to shield the reputation of the Qianxue State Boundary and uphold the prestige of the Taoist Court.

However, the crucial question of how to handle these four disciples presented a considerable challenge. Bloodline prodigies were exceedingly rare and precious talents. Both the Taoist Court and the influential aristocratic families highly valued such geniuses, and were reluctant to see their potential for Tao cultivation go to waste. Furthermore, these four were not merely prodigies of Qianxue; they were also direct descendants of fifth-grade families, boasting connections to influential elders within the Taoist Court. Their potent bloodlines, which allowed them to awaken such remarkable abilities, were undeniable proof of their lineage and inherent power.

Given their esteemed status as prodigies, even in the face of wrongdoing, no one dared to contemplate their execution. To even consider punishment or criticism required the utmost delicacy and caution. Consequently, the fate of these four rested entirely on the impending decision of the Central Dao Court.

Inside the Hall of Debate Mountain, a solemn assembly convened. High-ranking representatives from each family and sect within Qianxue had gathered, bracing themselves for the accountability that the Central Dao Court would demand. This meeting was unequivocally anticipated to be an arduous affair. Every individual present bore a grave expression, and many faces were familiar to Mo Hua.

The attendees included the Court Leader and Supervisor of the Taoist Court, the Sect Leaders of the Taixu Three Mountains, the Four Sects and Eight Gates, the Twelve Streams, various other Sect Leaders, esteemed Elders, and prominent members of influential families. It was notable that almost every family represented held a standing of at least fifth-grade. The sole exception to this rule was the Gu Family. Despite not achieving fifth-grade status, the Gu Family was recognized as a "quasi-fifth-grade" entity, possessing substantial influence and maintaining close ties with the Taoist Court. Gu Hong, the Patriarch of the Gu Family and an Elder in the Feather Transformation Realm, was also in attendance.

Seating arrangements were strictly observed, with individuals taking their places according to the hierarchy of their family's size and status. Below the main hall, Shen Linsu, Ao Zhan, Xiao Wuchen, and Duanmu Qing – once celebrated bloodline prodigies of Qianxue – stood with visibly pale countenances. Their connection to the world, symbolized by their shattered Eternal Life Runes and fractured Sea of Consciousness, had been severely damaged, leaving their vital energy in a state of critical disruption. More devastatingly, their Dao hearts had been nearly obliterated.

Nevertheless, as individuals of supreme genius, intrinsically proud, and accustomed to the privileges of their noble standing, a residual arrogance lingered in their gazes. Though their faces were ashen, a defiant glint persisted, now tinged with a new layer of coldness and a sense of profound self-abandonment. Duanmu Qing, in particular, displayed an even more pronounced frigidity than before. Her eyes, vacant and devoid of light, resembled dead ashes, reflecting a desolation as if the world around her had long since decayed into rotten wood within the confines of her heart.

As the oppressive and heavy atmosphere stretched on, the high-ranking members of the great families and sects engaged in hushed conversations amongst themselves from their elevated positions. Below, Duanmu Qing and her three companions remained below, their expressions largely impassive.

After a period of anticipation, a formidable pressure emanated from the heavens, accompanied by the distinct sounds of approaching carriages and horses, occasionally punctuated by a deep, resonant dragon roar. This distinctive array of sounds was exclusive to the dragon-horse steeds favored by sixth-grade great families. Captivated by the spectacle, all eyes turned upward. There, amidst the clouds, a magnificent procession emerged: eight resplendent golden-white dragon horses, their forms robust and adorned with scales, drawing an exceptionally grand and ostentatious Nine Heavens Gilded Chariot. With unparalleled pomp and majesty, the chariot descended from the sky, coming to rest within the main hall.

The assembled high-ranking members of the various families and sects displayed visible displeasure, their brows furrowed. Nevertheless, they rose in unison to offer their respects to the approaching chariot, adhering strictly to the established protocols. The Nine Heavens Gilded Chariot halted, and from within, cultivators of the Taoist Court, possessing profound cultivation and radiating an air of haughtiness, began to disembark, each clad in exquisite attire. Representatives from Qianxue's leading families offered their greetings, their internal dissatisfaction carefully concealed beneath a veneer of meticulous adherence to ritual, intended to appease the Taoist Court and avoid any undue delays.

Shen Linsu, Ao Zhan, and Xiao Wuchen paid no heed to the proceedings, their attention elsewhere. Duanmu Qing, however, harbored a silent sneer, finding the ostentatious display and the hypocritical decorum of the aristocratic families utterly contemptible. She refrained from raising her gaze until a figure, cloaked in white, emerged from the Nine Heavens Gilded Chariot, exuding an aura that stirred the very soul. Instantly, the pupils of every master and elder among Qianxue State Boundary's high-ranking families contracted in startled recognition. The initial slight disarray within the main hall dissolved, replaced by an absolute, profound silence.

Caught off guard, Duanmu Qing instinctively looked up. In that singular moment, it felt as though a celestial blossom had unfurled in the deepest darkness of the night before her eyes, causing the entire world to recede into insignificance in its brilliant glow.A sudden tightness gripped her chest, causing her bloodline to surge as if ignited by an inner fire. The intensity of this burning sensation made her entire body tremble uncontrollably.