The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2210: One Sword (3)

~4 minute read · 1,040 words
Previously on The Quest for Immortality...
Bai Xiaosheng banters with his disciple, the Little Scholar, who warns him to behave at the Sword Discussion Conference and visit the sect leader, but he dismisses the advice and mingles with the crowd, confidently predicting Taixu Gate's defeat and Mo Hua's demise against Daluo Sect's superior swordsmanship. Meanwhile, Mo Hua's fellow disciples watch his impending battle with heavy concern through Fang Tian’s painting. In the Sword Observation Tower, the Hua Valley Master observes the young fighter thoughtfully, reminiscing about past figures amid teasing from her fellow valley masters about their long separation.

The Hua Valley Master replied with a sigh of resignation, 'Sect duties keep me overwhelmingly occupied.'

'That's not true.'

'A mere Hundred Flower Valley shouldn't drain you like this, Sister Hua.'

'Precisely...'

'In my opinion, you ought to just let it go for a moment of tranquility...'

'Enough of that,' the woman in golden robes interjected from before, 'your lives are so carefree, so stop burdening Sister Hua.'

With those words, she clasped the jade-like hand of the Hua Valley Master and murmured gently:

'I can tell something weighs on your heart, and your days are filled with tasks, yet you must make time to visit Taoist State now and then.'

'Whether you meet us sisters or not, at least pay respects to the Lady Dowager.'

'She cherishes you above all and mentions you frequently; don't leave her feeling let down...'

A guilty expression crossed the face of the Hua Valley Master, who gave a small nod.

The golden-robed woman then displayed a pleased grin.

Within the Qian Learning State Boundary, noble clans abound, their blood ties weaving a tangled web.

Resembling ancient trees whose roots twist and interlock in chaos and confusion.

To outsiders, only the foliage and branches obscure the sight.

The marital bonds remain unknown.

Hidden kinships stay concealed between whom.

Shared forebears link which parties.

...

Meanwhile, in the Sword Viewing Room two levels below.

Sit the Sect Leaders from the Four Great Sects.

Even further down reside the Sect Leaders of the Eight Great Gates, and those of the Twelve Streams as well.

The Sect Masters of Taixu, Tai’a, and Mount Chongxu continue assembling in the familiar chamber, sipping tea.

Silence envelops the room, the air thick with tension.

Not a word passes among the three Sect Masters.

The earlier sword observation carried only mild strain.

Yet this contest, aimed at selecting the chief of the Eight Great Gates via the sword discussion, proves a true trial.

And utterly agonizing.

The one bearing the calmest demeanor is the Tai’a Sect Leader.

He broke the quiet, 'I've spoken with Mo Hua.'

Hearing this, the Taixu Sect Master furrowed his brow instantly, 'Prior to the sword discussion, avoid interrupting the disciples.'

'I handed him the Tai’a Sword Formation,' the Tai’a Sect Leader explained.

The Taixu Sect Master fell silent, having no retort.

Presenting artifacts doesn't count as interference.

Still, surprise flickered in his eyes, 'You're truly prepared to part with it...'

This being a sword array and all.

'Mo Hua mentioned that armed with this sword formation, the sword discussion might turn out a tad 'easier',' the Tai’a Sect Leader continued.

'Everyone understands the gravity of this sword discussion.'

'If it aids in any small way, even just rendering it 'somewhat' less daunting, that's worthwhile.'

Both the Taixu Sect Master and Chongxu Sect Leader expressed their approval with nods.

'I should mention upfront, I've already shared a portion of my Chongxu Mountain’s sword array with him.'

'Your Chongxu Mountain’s sword array falls short; when it comes to forging swords, Tai’a leads without question. Better to offer sword techniques...'

'Handing over sword techniques won't assist; that young Mo Hua skips sword training altogether...'

'Taixu Mountain doesn't prioritize swordsmanship legacy either...'

Irritation marked the Taixu Sect Master's face as he clarified, 'We're not sidelining it—Taixu Mountain’s swordsmanship centers on sword intent, grasped only post-Golden Core attainment...'

'Mastered, its might surpasses all expectations.'

'Isn't that mere boasting?'

'This is a Foundation Establishment sword discussion; bringing up Golden Core topics serves no purpose.'

'Moreover, the sword intents and spell points safeguarded by Taixu Mountain have dwindled from their former glory. What's noteworthy left to provide these days...?'

'Well... The ancestor is addressing that...'

'What fix could there possibly be?'

'Well... It's not settled yet...'

'Fine, when you do, show us and broaden our horizons...'

...

As their conversation flowed, the trio lapsed into quiet once again.

The mood grew oppressive anew.

Abruptly, the Tai’a Sect Master smacked his brow, 'Tea! Weren't we here for tea?'

The Chongxu Sect Leader scowled, 'No desire to drink.'

'Take a sip anyway.'

'The sword discussion commences shortly.'

Letting out a heavy breath, the Tai’a Sect Leader remarked, 'In this sword discussion, expect brutal clashes; without battling to the brink of demise, no winner will emerge clearly.'

'Daluo Sect demands respect.'

'Plus that Ye Zhiyuan, and their Daluo Flying Sword Control technique...'

These statements stirred unease among them.

'Sip some tea to steady your nerves.'

The Taixu Elder produced an elegant tea stove, pure spring water, vibrant tea leaves, and set about brewing.

Yet the minds of the three stayed riveted to the arena.

...

At that instant, all eyes fixed upon the Heavenly Glory Stage, eagerly awaiting the clash that would crown the head of the Eight Great Gates through the sword discussion.

Till the conclusion, the duration of this sword discussion bout remained a mystery.

The ferocity of combats within the sword discussion stayed unknown.

The final result's direction eluded prediction...

Before long, the Debating Bell tolled.

The sword discussion commenced.

Disciples from each side stepped onto the field.

This bout demands beheading the foe's 'leader.'

For Daluo Sect, Ye Zhiyuan serves as the 'leader,' boasting the peak cultivation and mightiest sword dao.

Taixu Gate's 'leader,' though, diverges from past choices, selecting Linghu Xiao.

Clearly, Taixu Gate recognizes this sword discussion's uniqueness, refusing to gamble or expose the delicate Mo Hua as the 'leader' prone to quick downfall.

Ye Zhiyuan let out a mocking laugh.

'Leader or not, think I'll spare you?'

In this sword discussion phase, victory and beheading Linghu Xiao are his aims, yet chiefly, he craves Mo Hua's death.

Slaying Mo Hua elevates him to 'Alliance Hierarch.'

To him, 'Alliance Hierarch' holds value rivaling command over the Eight Great Gates.

Though haughty and dismissive of others, he lacks foolishness.

An alliance spanning the Eight Great Gates, Twelve Streams, and even select Heavenly Pride from the Four Great Sects—its implications and significance require no elaboration.

Hitherto, no figure possessed the 'unity' to assemble such a grand gathering of Heavenly Prides into an alliance.

Even nominally, bereft of substantial authority, a Heavenly Pride 'Alliance Hierarch' stands unparalleled.