The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2206: Great Luo Flying Sword Control (part 3)

"The most powerful technique, could it be the Sword Control..."

"This seems... like such a coincidence..."

...

Following his departure from Linghu Xiao, Mo Hua headed to the Disciple’s Residence, his mind filled with thoughts of the Sword Dao prodigy Ye Zhiyuan, who had perfected the "Daluo Flying Sword Skill"...

On the way, he bumped into Ouyang Xuan.

Ouyang Xuan appeared to be waiting deliberately for Mo Hua, and he announced, "The Sect Leader wants to see you."

"The Sect Leader?"

Mo Hua paused in surprise for a moment, then it dawned on him that this referred to the Taia Mountain Sect Leader.

Why is the Taia Sect Leader seeking me out?

"Okay." Mo Hua agreed with a nod.

Ouyang Xuan courteously took the lead in guiding him.

Though he exuded an aura of superiority throughout, he showed proper respect.

After numerous sessions of sword exchanges, Ouyang Xuan kept his admiration unspoken, yet deep down, he had grown somewhat impressed by Mo Hua.

Reaching Taixu Gate, inside a peaceful guest pavilion, as they stepped into the tea chamber, Mo Hua beheld the dignified and formidable Taia Sect Leader.

The Taia Sect Leader first cast a look at Ouyang Xuan, stayed quiet briefly, uncertain how to start the conversation.

Mo Hua shot a glance at Ouyang Xuan.

Ouyang Xuan got the hint, murmured an "um," and exited without turning around.

The Taia Sect Leader regarded Mo Hua, struck with awe for an instant, as though beholding a remarkable figure.

Were it not for the loss of dignity, he might have inquired of Mo Hua just how he had subdued the obstinate Ouyang Xuan.

Naturally, that wasn’t the pressing issue.

The tea chamber was calm, infused with the aroma of tea drifting gently.

With no others present, the Taia Sect Leader grew far more approachable, motioning to a nearby chair and stating, "Take a seat."

Mo Hua wavered briefly.

As just a disciple of the Sect, sharing a seat equally with the Sect Leader seemed improper.

The Taia Sect Leader remarked, "This comes as a direct command from the Sect Leader. When instructed to sit, do so properly."

Noticing Mo Hua’s intent to decline, he feigned a touch of displeasure, adding, "What’s this? Does your Taixu Mountain’s Sect Leader count as a true authority, while mine from Taia Mountain does not?"

With the matter put so bluntly, Mo Hua could no longer turn it down.

He offered a formal salute and then seated himself straight.

The Taia Sect Leader gave a subtle nod as Mo Hua settled in, paused briefly, and inquired gently,

"Have you made preparations for the sword discussion tomorrow...?"

The Taia Sect Leader was aware that much of the strategy for the Taixu Gate sword discussion had been devised by Mo Hua.

For their team, Mo Hua served as the de facto "leader."

Even the Sword Dao talent Linghu Xiao and the defiant Ouyang Xuan followed Mo Hua’s guidance.

Hence, he had no choice but to consult Mo Hua on this.

Strictly speaking, he ought not to have inquired.

On the night before the sword discussion, in his role as Sect Leader, he shouldn’t impose extra strain on the disciples.

Yet the Taia Sect Leader found it impossible to restrain himself.

Though a Sect Leader occupies an elevated status, he remains distant from the enlightenment of the ancestors.

Because of that lofty position, matters of status and prestige weigh even heavier.

And Taia Mountain differs from Taixu and Chongxu mountains.

The formerly thriving Tai’a Sect once claimed the highest standing among the Eight Great Gates.

That pinnacle of success endured for just a handful of years until the Rouge Boat affair brought a severe blow, dimming their former brilliance.

All the same, he had savored the heights of "eminence."

Having relished the prestige of a premier sect, he was all the more reluctant to endure the disdain of a lesser one.

Consequently, ranking held immense value in his view.

Facing tomorrow’s sword discussion with the Daluo Sect, any error could carry grave repercussions; he simply couldn’t stay at ease, thus approaching Mo Hua to gauge their readiness.

Mo Hua, grasping the Sect Leader’s worries, initially planned to reassure him that all was well.

But just as the reassurance was on his lips, an idea occurred, and he let out a sigh, appearing distressed, "It’s going to be tough..."

The Taia Sect Leader accepted this without question.

After all, it truly would prove challenging.

He had heard tales of the Daluo Sect’s Sword Dao prodigy Ye Zhiyuan on multiple occasions.

A disciple at the Foundation Establishment Realm who achieved the "Sword Control" level of the Daluo Flying Sword Skill was exceptionally uncommon.

This presented a tough adversary, making the difficulty entirely expected.

The Taia Sect Leader stated candidly, "If there’s any support required for tomorrow’s sword discussion, just let me know."

He valued actions over appearances, never one for empty shows.

If he desired the disciples to fight for the sect’s honor and pursue the top spot among the Eight Great Gates, he needed to provide concrete assistance.

Mo Hua’s gaze lit up momentarily before shifting to reluctance, "Well..."

The Taia Sect Leader urged, "No need for reservations; say what’s on your mind."

Mo Hua pretended to struggle with the request.

The Taia Sect Leader then declared firmly:

"The Three Sects Unification is complete; the Three Mountains now stand united. As Taia Mountain’s Sect Leader, I’m essentially your own Sect Leader, so there’s no call for formality."

"Besides, this concerns the sword discussion and our Taixu Gate; request whatever is needed without holding back!"

The Taia Sect Leader stressed "your own Sect Leader" and "our Taixu Gate" with emphasis.

Mo Hua, touched by the sentiment, then shared his idea:

"Sect Leader, might I examine Taia’s Sword Array?"

The Taia Sect Leader’s face stiffened, his pulse quickening.

Ah, I’ve met a sly fox.

This young one outdoes me in pretense... Straight to demanding the Sword Array...

Now it clicked why handling this Mo Hua was so tricky; it explained why no Taixu Gate Elder ever took him lightly.

He pondered if the boy had picked up such skills from their ancestor...

The Sword Array...

The Taia Sect Leader felt conflicted and questioned Mo Hua, "What use do you have for the Taia Sword Array...?"

Mo Hua answered assuredly, "For the sword discussion tomorrow."

"For the sword discussion? Would it require the Sword Array?" The Taia Sect Leader furrowed his brow.

"Indeed." Mo Hua affirmed with a nod, then commended, "I’ve heard Taia Mountain is famed for its Sword Casting, and at Sword Casting’s heart lies the Sword Array. The Taia Sword Array has to rank among the finest sword arrays worldwide."