The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2218: Qilin Blood (part 4)

Mo Hua thought for a brief instant, stretched out his finger, and pressed it against the Dao Discussion Jade on his brow.

The disappointment in Shen Linsu’s gaze intensified.

"This is your Taixu Gate, a vital contest."

"Your teammates are all gone."

"And you, right at this critical point, still refuse to battle desperately? Just to preserve a bit of pride?"

"Are you really that terrified of dying?"

"I truly have... overestimated you..."

Within Shen Linsu’s detached tone, a trace of superior disdain had already emerged.

Mo Hua kept his face composed, quietly quelling the killing urge in his mind, curbing the edge in his stare, and gave Shen Linsu a flat look before channeling his spiritual energy to break the Dao Discussion Jade.

Shen Linsu observed quietly the location where Mo Hua had vanished, his eyes frosty and aloof, then swung his blade to demolish the Taixu Gate "City Lord Statue" that determined the triumph, shattering it to fragments.

The Debating Bell’s toll resounded, concluding the sword discussion.

The Taixu Gate had fallen.

...

The onlookers from Taixu Gate wore desolate looks.

Zhang Lan and the rest shook their heads, feeling a touch of resignation.

This outcome wasn’t really surprising.

Yet, the reality that Taixu Gate had indeed been beaten, snuffing out that final spark of optimism, still stirred unease in hearts.

Certain regular viewers rejoiced, ridiculing Taixu Gate’s overambitions and Mo Hua’s inadequacy.

Most folks sensed a sigh welling up inside:

"This is how elite geniuses perform..."

"Shen Linsu..."

"When confronted by such dominant might, every plan and scheme loses its value. Taixu Gate’s defeat isn’t unjust, considering the huge gap in prowess."

"To be fair, Taixu Gate isn’t feeble at all; it’s just unfortunate their rival was far too powerful..."

"This is the Qian Learning State Boundary, a sect sword discussion..."

"With prodigies such as Shen Linsu, Xiao Wuchen, Duanmu Qing, Ao Zhan... Ye Qingfeng from Daluo Sect holds his own too..."

"Looking even lower, countless more talents abound..."

"This year’s sword discussion must be the most talent-packed in centuries... We’re lucky to see it..."

"Indeed, a time of fierce rivalry, with geniuses rising everywhere..."

...

The sword discussion wrapped up.

A somber mood settled over Taixu Gate.

By dropping the duel to Qian Taoist Sect, they severed the sole path to joining the Four Great Sects.

Even should the Four Great Sects falter in every sword discussion next round.

Taixu Gate would have no shot left.

Still, there’s no fault to assign.

Shen Linsu proved overwhelmingly superior.

As junior disciples, Mo Hua and his group had given their utmost.

In such a sword discussion bout, it wouldn’t have mattered who stepped in; defeat was inevitable.

Junior disciples possess strength, yet they can’t possibly be "all-powerful."

Expecting junior disciples to face Shen Linsu alone would demand too much, and victory remains unattainable...

Once the letdown faded, their spirits eased bit by bit.

Though beaten, Taixu Gate’s present position sits at the pinnacle among the Eight Great Gates, a solid achievement.

In Dao pursuit, one ought to embrace satisfaction.

Just four spots exist in the Four Great Sects.

But only a single leading rank graces the Eight Great Gates.

This stands as a goal many sects chase in vain, and even the once-humble Taixu Gate never imagined topping the Eight Great Gates one day.

Viewing it thus, everyone’s outlook steadied considerably.

Moreover, the Earth Sword Discussion’s closing bout lingered.

This contest, truthfully, held little weight now.

A win wouldn’t open further doors.

A loss carried no heavy toll.

The Earth Sword Discussion had basically "concluded" at this juncture.

Following that came the Heaven Sword Discussion.

...

Within the Disciple’s Residence.

Mo Hua stayed composed, reviewing the day’s sword discussion successes and failures, etching every detail of Shen Linsu’s sword skills and bloodline powers onto a Jade Slip.

Next, he immersed himself in contemplating the "Heaven" Sword Discussion.

For him, this marked the genuine and grueling trial.

"How to tackle the ’Heaven’ Sword Discussion?"

"What’s the path to claiming the top spot in the sword discussion?"

For the moment, prospects appeared exceedingly faint, akin to scaling the skies in difficulty.

Regardless of the hardship, he had to clench his jaw, confront it head-on, and tackle each duel sequentially.

Engaging offers opportunity.

Shying away guarantees loss.

Mo Hua started jotting his leftover aces on the Jade Slip, along with essential strategies for the Heaven Sword Discussion.

His complete focus turned to the impending "Heaven" Sword Discussion.

Not solely Mo Hua, but across the Qian Learning State Boundary, every sect with potential to reach the Heaven Sword Discussion initiated their follow-up arrangements.

The Earth Sword Discussion’s ultimate clash, as it no longer swayed the rankings, drew scarcely any notice.

And precisely then...

Atop the Mount of Tao, deep into the night.

On the shadowy Taoist Field, the restricted elevated platform that no one else dares near.

The Dao Discussion Heaven Instrument functioned independently, tracing the threads of fate.

The lineup for the Earth Sword Discussion’s last bout was gradually computed by it as well.

Before long, a gentle glow pulsed on the Heaven Instrument, and the final bout’s lineup etched itself letter by letter via the causal array designs.

Abruptly, the air shifted sharply, and a rift tore open from nowhere in the blackness.

A hidden poppy blossom unfurled in the darkness.

Among the twisted fetters, a bloodied, violet-black sinister and corrupted infant’s palm clamped onto the Dao Discussion Heaven Instrument...