The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2224: Three Mountains Legacy (3)

~4 minute read · 1,119 words
Previously on The Quest for Immortality...
The Taixu Gate grapples with deep-seated enmities from numerous sects, stemming from historical grudges and its vulnerable position as the head of the Eight Great Gates, positioning it as the primary target in the Shura battle. Mo Hua emerges as a despised figure among disciples and elders, fueling eager discussions in the Tumo Order where foes vow to hunt him down and chant slogans for revenge. In the Taixu Gate's main hall, the three Sect Leaders deliberate late into the night, voicing grave concerns over the battle's perils and their limited ability to aid the disciples against overwhelming opposition.

"Furthermore, the prodigies from other sects are keeping pace closely."

The Chongxu Sect Leader let out a sigh, "To be frank, Mo Hua possesses remarkable talent, yet even the brightest talents face boundaries."

"For him to truly guide Taixu Gate in facing the world, confronting the Four Sects and Eight Gates together with the Twelve Streams, even if Mo Hua shows the bravery, we still require this solid base..."

"With the current power of Taixu Gate’s disciples, how could they possibly contend?"

"It’s an impasse."

"How should we bring this to Mo Hua?"

"Can the three of us Sect Leaders really thrust such a massive load onto his young frame without shame?"

The trio sank into quiet reflection.

The Taixu Sect Master, silent until now, cast a faint look and breathed a gentle sigh:

"Despite that reality, we can’t simply await destruction passively."

"Ever since the Sword Discussion began, we’ve all seen Mo Hua’s capabilities firsthand. When it comes to cultivation level or combat skills, he doesn’t rank highest."

"Yet in terms of formations, strategies, and cleverness, this young one truly shines."

"Additionally, as Taixu Gate’s ’Junior Brother’, he’s admired by all, holds great respect, and the disciples place their faith in him."

"Thus, for the Shura Sword Discussion, our ultimate dependence falls on Mo Hua."

"Being the Junior Brother, this duty is unavoidable for him."

"He likely senses it already; so as Sect Leaders, we don’t need to elaborate. However, in execution, we shouldn’t hold back resources."

"I suggest..." The Taixu Sect Master’s eyes grew keen, declaring firmly:

"In readiness for the fight, grant Mo Hua access to the three lineage heritages of Taixu, Tai’a, and Chongxu!"

"Allow him to select anything beneficial from each lineage and organize it as he sees fit."

"All aimed at the Sword Discussion Conference!"

"Unite the power from one sect’s three lineages to devise this ultimate Earth Grade Shura confrontation!"

The Taixu Sect Master expressed this with broad magnanimity.

Tai’a Sect Leader and Chongxu Sect Leader displayed nuanced expressions.

Having led their sects for numerous years, how could they miss these subtle implications?

"This seems rather sudden, doesn’t it?" Chongxu Sect Leader wavered.

The Taixu Sect Master exhaled leisurely, "We’re fully aware of the vital importance of the forthcoming Sword Discussion."

"Without resolving to act decisively now, regret will come too late if the Shura battle ends in defeat."

"At that point, if Taixu Gate endures a crushing loss, offering the inheritance afterward would serve no purpose."

"What if defeat strikes?" Chongxu Sect Leader creased his brow.

The Taixu Sect Master replied straightforwardly, "Should we lose, then loss it is; what more can one do?"

"You..."

The Taixu Sect Master declared with gravity:

"What immense rewards link to the Sword Discussion Conference? In the whole Qian Learning State Boundary, no major sect spares effort for the smallest prospect."

"Nothing in this world guarantees victory."

"Victory arises from striving for it. With just a faint hope, others seize it—they might win or they might fall."

"But without striving, starting with hesitation and fretting over outcomes, defeat is assured."

Chongxu Sect Leader stood briefly dazed, then inclined his head in partial accord, though his face held a peculiar cast as he questioned the Taixu Sect Master:

"This... doesn’t resemble your usual words?"

It was common knowledge that the Taixu Sect Master embodied philosophy, focusing on personal cultivation, aloof from mundane desires, and rarely uttering phrases like ’striving for a chance’ or ’avoiding sure failure through effort’.

The Taixu Sect Master heaved a profound sigh, "Situations compel me; no alternative exists."

Were he solitary, he could confront existence with indifference.

Should the sect enjoy tranquility, it might stay removed from worldly matters.

Yet the present differs; the sect’s entire welfare hangs in balance, shaping the prospects and fates of countless cultivators.

In such a moment, clinging to worldly detachment would mark him as self-centered and unwise.

Regardless of the toil or discomfort, he must endure to the finish.

Every advance Taixu Gate achieves, even a single step upward, proves advantageous.

Chongxu Sect Leader and Tai’a Sect Leader regarded the Taixu Sect Master with heightened esteem.

In hardship, refine the self; in prosperity, aid fellow beings.

Embody nobility as required, and engage the world when called, competing for honor and gain.

Tai’a Sect Leader pondered shortly, then agreed foremost:

"Exchange yields balance; offer to gain in return."

"I’ll return to consult Ancestor, and if Ancestor voices no dissent, I’ll unlock Tai’a’s inheritance for Mo Hua. Let him pick and determine its value for Shura battle readiness."

"With urgency pressing so close, if not now, then when to fight?"

Chongxu Sect Leader nodded too, "I’ll confer with Ancestor as well..."

As Chongxu Sect Leader, his authority remains constrained, with key choices resting with Ancestor, particularly those touching sect heritage.

The Taixu Sect Master offered a thankful bow:

"My gratitude to you both for grasping the broader welfare."

...

After parting from the Taixu Sect Master and descending Taixu Mountain, Tai’a Sect Leader and Chongxu Sect Leader journeyed side by side in a carriage.

"Are we really opening the inheritance?"

Chongxu Sect Leader lingered in doubt.

Tai’a Sect Leader shot him a resolute glance:

"Yes, open it! Not just the standard inheritances, but I believe your Chongxu Gate’s essential swordsmanship ought to go to Mo Hua too."

Chongxu Sect Leader knitted his brows, "He’s not into swords, not a Sword Cultivator—why hand him swordsmanship?"

Tai’a Sect Leader remarked, "Whether he pursues swords or employs it, provide it first. Without offering, how can you tell he won’t find a use?"

Chongxu Sect Leader contemplated briefly, enlightenment dawning gradually, and he sighed:

"Born of Taixu roots, mastering Tai’a’s Sword Array, then acquiring my Chongxu’s Sword Qi... this youth could genuinely emerge as the ’Crown Prince’ across three premier lineage heritages."

"Is this... Ancestor Xun’s notion?"

"Would the ancestor of your Tai’a Mountain consent?"

Tai’a Sect Leader shook his head, "I’m unaware of Ancestor’s intentions; my focus stays on the Sword Discussion."

"I disregard external opinions; my sole aim is safeguarding the sect’s position."

"Should this youth indeed aid Taixu Gate in preserving its Sword Discussion rank, he’ll without doubt claim the status as Crown Prince of Taixu’s three lineages!"

Tai’a Sect Leader voiced this directly.

Chongxu Sect Leader halted momentarily, then exhaled slowly, nodded, and murmured:

"If Crown Prince he becomes, so be it—other sects yearn for such a figure yet can’t attain one!"