The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2205: Grand Luo Flying Sword Control (part 2)

~4 minute read · 987 words
Previously on The Quest for Immortality...
In the sword discussion against the Vajra Sect, Mo Hua's formations were heavily restricted by senior Formation Elders' scrutiny, magnifying their limitations and forcing him to rely on spells as Linghu Xiao and others clinched the win. Spectators dismissed Mo Hua as ordinary and ridiculed Taixu Gate's ineffective sword techniques, leaving disciples indignant but unable to counter due to their lineage's true weakness in Sword Dao heritage. With Taixu Gate and Daluo Sect nearly tied for leadership among the Eight Great Gates, the Dao Discussion Heaven Instrument schedules a pivotal decapitation match between them.

All eyes from the Four Sects and Eight Gates, along with the senior leaders of various sects in Qianxue and innumerable onlookers, fixed upon this pivotal contest.

Inside the arena, the tension permeated every level of both Taixu Gate and Daluo Sect.

For Taixu Gate, securing a spot among the Four Great Sects had become nearly impossible.

Yet, holding the leading rank among the Eight Great Gates remained essential.

This represented concrete and apparent benefits.

Emerging victorious in this bout could secure decades, perhaps even centuries, of prestige atop the Eight Gates.

A defeat here, however, could strip away everything they held.

Later regrets would serve no purpose whatsoever.

With the sect's fortunes hanging in the balance, Mo Hua refused to take any chances at this vital moment.

No one realized his goals extended far beyond that.

Regardless of the scale of those aspirations, progress had to come in gradual stages.

A strategy to triumph in this sword discussion needed to be devised.

To succeed, one must understand both self and foe.

Mo Hua summoned Linghu Xiao to gather details on the Daluo Sect.

Rumors suggested that Linghu Xiao, renowned as a Sword Dao prodigy, maintained ties to the Daluo Sect, grasped its inner workings, and possessed substantial insider knowledge.

As Mo Hua posed the questions, Linghu Xiao answered openly and in depth.

"Daluo Sect stands as a premier Sword Dao faction in Qianxue."

"In ancient times, it bore the name ’Daluo Sword Sect’ and ranked among the Four Great Sects, its Sword Dao mastery even eclipsing that of the Heavenly Sword Sect."

"Though it has waned somewhat in recent years, its power endures, always teetering between the top two spots in the Eight Gates."

"It lingers perpetually one stride from entering the Four Great Sects, yet that barrier remains uncrossed."

"Among Daluo Sect's present disciples, the mightiest pair hail from the esteemed Ye family and are kin through blood."

"One goes by Ye Qingfeng, serving as the chief Senior Brother of Daluo Sect. He wields the Daluo Unification Sword Skill with unyielding stability and profundity, seldom appearing in battles."

"Whispers claim his prowess rivals that of talents like Xiao Wuchen."

"Of course, these are mere rumors, and their accuracy eludes me. Still, Ye Qingfeng demands respect and caution."

"Aside from him exists another by the name of Ye Zhiyuan."

"Ye Zhiyuan enjoys greater renown."

"He carries an air of superiority, viewing peers as inferior, yet his aptitude in Sword Dao soars exceptionally."

"He masters the Daluo Sect's finest sword art, the Daluo Flying Sword Skill."

"These two exceptional talents, each commanding their groups, have advanced through the clashes thus far. With the ongoing ground-level sword discussion nearing its close, defeats have rarely touched them..."

...

Linghu Xiao spoke with ease and detail, revealing such volumes solely to Mo Hua.

Upon hearing this, Mo Hua let out a soft sigh.

In the Qian Learning State Boundary, such challenges abounded.

Indeed, geniuses roamed like stray hounds, and prodigies dotted the landscape.

Any sect discussed revealed deep legacies, brimming with numerous exceptional youths.

"Who faces us in tomorrow's bout?" Mo Hua questioned.

Linghu Xiao answered gravely, "Ye Zhiyuan..."

Sensing the odd shift in Linghu Xiao’s demeanor, Mo Hua probed, "Do you know this Ye Zhiyuan?"

Linghu Xiao paused briefly before affirming with a nod.

"Is he very strong?"

"Very strong," Linghu Xiao confirmed with another nod, "I once matched him as one of the dual Sword Dao marvels among the Eight Gates. Moreover, I..."

Linghu Xiao appeared reluctant to delve deeper, but Mo Hua’s earnest gaze prompted him to relent and admit with a sigh:

"I fell to him in a sword duel..."

Mo Hua acknowledged this and saw that Xiaoxiao’s expression soured, clearly nursing resentment over the incident, so he refrained from pressing on the details of when, where, or the reasons behind Linghu Xiao’s sword match against Ye Zhiyuan and the ensuing defeat.

For a Sword Dao talent to yield to a haughty peer who scorns all others.

Such an outcome surely stung deeply, likely laced with mockery.

Particularly for a reserved soul like Xiaoxiao, who bottled emotions within.

"Do you feel assured about challenging him in tomorrow's sword discussion?" Mo Hua inquired.

Linghu Xiao grasped Mo Hua’s intent and, after a moment's reflection, responded:

"Junior Brother, as you once said, my dedication to the Sword Dao means I must not fear defeat."

"Against any formidable Sword Cultivator, I will clash without hesitation, win or lose."

"However..."

Linghu Xiao proceeded with a cautious gaze, articulating deliberately:

"This extends beyond just myself..."

"The stakes of this sword discussion loom immense; no errors can be afforded. Personal glory or defeat holds little weight, nor does the title of Sword Dao prodigy. All my efforts aim for the sect's victory..."

Mo Hua inclined his head, stirred by a touch of emotion.

During their initial encounter at Refining Demon Mountain, Linghu Xiao pursued demons in isolation; he struck as a gifted yet reclusive youth, unskilled in forging bonds.

Yet now, he embraced the sect's triumphs and trials as his own.

A fine young man, without doubt...

Warmth filled Mo Hua at this realization.

"Rest easy, I'll take charge of the sword discussion," Mo Hua assured, then pressed Linghu Xiao further, "In what does this Ye Zhiyuan excel?"

"Sword Control," Linghu Xiao stated.

Mo Hua blinked in surprise, "Sword Control?"

Linghu Xiao nodded and elaborated, "The Daluo Flying Sword Skill constitutes an advanced flying sword style of sword art, and Ye Zhiyuan boasts remarkable gift in sword control artistry..."

"He counts among the scarce prodigies capable of refining ’Sword Control’ to perfection still within the Foundation Establishment Realm."

"When his Flying Sword engages, it streaks with blinding speed and devastating might."

"In our prior clash, that exact sword control technique undid me..."

Reflecting on it, Linghu Xiao's reluctance lingered evidently.

Mo Hua’s face adopted a strange cast.