The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2209: One Sword (2)

"Master, you’re back here once more..." The Little Scholar wrinkled his brow.

Bai Xiaosheng explained, "You simply don’t grasp it—this Sword Discussion Conference demands blending into the masses, viewing as one, judging as one, cheering as one; that’s where the excitement lies."

"It’s known as the Hundred Schools, a chance to witness the diverse aspects of existence. You’ll comprehend it in time."

The Little Scholar replied, "I’m clueless about any Hundred Schools or diverse existences; all I know is the ancestor warned that you’re neither seated correctly nor positioned right, and if you persist in straying, he’ll smash your face..."

Bai Xiaosheng shot a fierce look, "Is that the way to address your master?"

The Little Scholar appeared somewhat unjustly treated, "Those weren’t my words—the ancestor spoke them. He instructed me to deliver the reminder personally, as a caution."

Bai Xiaosheng dismissed it with a wave, "Ignore those folks; they’re frigid and dull, leaving a sour impression."

"Master, mind your speech. The ancestor will surely hear."

"So what if he does?" Bai Xiaosheng scoffed, though his assurance waned a touch.

Bai Xiaosheng shook his head firmly, "I refuse. Absolutely not seeing him."

"Truly not heading there? The uncle ancestor is quite kind..."

"No way."

The Little Scholar inquired with curiosity, "Is it reluctance to face him, or aversion to labeling him ’uncle grandpa’?"

Bai Xiaosheng’s expression soured, and he squeezed the Little Scholar’s lips, "One day, I’ll sew this chattering mouth of yours closed."

The Little Scholar emitted muffled protests.

At last, Bai Xiaosheng released him.

The Little Scholar massaged his face, complaining discontentedly, "Alright, skip it if you must..."

"I’ll inform the ancestor you’re occupied... delving into the Hundred Schools, pondering life’s varieties..."

Bai Xiaosheng approved with a nod.

The Little Scholar pivoted and strode a short distance before glancing back to advise:

"Master, try to speak less, judge less, and above all, avoid badmouthing the uncle ancestor’s sect, to prevent your tongue causing issues and irking the wrong people..."

Bai Xiaosheng irritably responded, "Enough, enough, I’ve got it under control. Keep nagging, and I’ll seal your mouth."

With that, the Little Scholar reluctantly departed, murmuring under his breath, his form fading into haze and vanishing abruptly.

Once the Little Scholar had gone, Bai Xiaosheng sensed a minor weight lifted and eagerly dove into the throng.

Separate from the masses, he appeared refined, resembling a youthful scholar of letters.

Yet upon joining them, he adopted a casual demeanor, akin to a carefree roaming Loose Cultivator, merging seamlessly, lively debating alongside several Foundation Building Cultivators:

"I stand by it—Taixu Gate won’t prevail."

"I’m not even mentioning their Sect Leader, but the Elders and those beneath, particularly the disciples, they fall short of Great Sect caliber."

"Their Sword Dao legacy has waned, and current sword techniques lack any real flair."

"Then there’s Mo Hua..."

"A Formation Master surviving on arrays at a Sword Discussion Conference—what’s that about?"

"In today’s clash, Daluo Sect will demonstrate authentic sword arts, the essence of true sword discourse."

"Daluo Sect’s legacy is formidable. Look back, it stems from ’Daluo Sword Sect,’ an ancient powerhouse with immense foundations."

"Notably, the Daluo Flying Sword Skill—the significance of ’Flying’ eludes you all."

"I possess some secret insights, though I can’t reveal them..."

Bai Xiaosheng declared assuredly, "Thus, I foresee Taixu Gate’s certain loss today."

"As for Mo Hua, he’s doomed this time..."

"Doubt me? Observe and witness..."

...

The spectators buzzed with fervent chatter.

Meanwhile, Zhang Lan, Wenren Wan, Gu Changhuai, Yu Er, Murong Caiyun, Hua Qianqian, and the rest observed Fang Tian’s painting in somber silence.

Each concentrated on this sword discussion round.

And harbored quiet worries for Mo Hua engaged in the sword discussion.

...

High above the assembly, within the Sword Observation Tower.

The assembly of "VIPs" observing had grown markedly larger than before.

In an extravagantly decorated chamber.

The Hundred Flower Valley master, dressed in resplendent robes, radiantly poised and majestic, occupied a seat at the table, peering beyond the window at Fang Tian’s painting.

Within Fang Tian’s painting, a striking youth readied himself for combat.

The Hua Valley Master creased her forehead faintly.

A vague resemblance nagged at him...

In formations, similarly gifted, bearing a hint of otherworldly poise in his gaze.

Likewise divisive and begrudged.

Adored by some, detested by many more.

Yet upon reflection, the differences stood clear.

His Spiritual Root remained mediocre, and sword practice eluded him.

Formations excelled, yet the style diverged.

His nature proved too warm and endearing, deeply bonded with peers, cherished by seniors, even doted on by the ancestor.

True, resentment existed, but stemmed from sporadic pranks, not ’prowess’.

All this contrasted sharply with that figure, keen like a celestial blade, free from mortal taints...

Absorbed in reverie, the Hua Valley Master drifted into a daze.

Just then, a woman chuckled lightly, "Sister, lost in what thoughts?"

The Hua Valley Master looked around, offering a faint smile, "Recalling certain old memories."

A lady with porcelain skin, gaze commanding, exuding innate authority in golden garb, softly grasped the Hua Valley Master’s arm, teasingly scolded:

"Your heart is truly unyielding, never once visiting your sister in Taoist State."

Nearby, two women somewhat less mature, attired in lavish garments with regal demeanors, agreed with nods:

"Precisely, precisely."

"Decades have passed without separation, yet not a word from Sister Hua, evidently forgetting us entirely."