The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2228: Ominous Sign (part 4)

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Previously on The Quest for Immortality...
In the Sword Observation Tower, Heaven Void Ancestors from the Qian Learning Hundred Gates gathered silently, their deep emotions worn thin by ages of cultivation, focused solely on the Dao and immortality, though tensions simmered between figures like Ancestor Ye of the Daluo Sect and Elder Master Xun of the Taixu Gate. Outside, sect leaders from the Four Great Sects and others convened anxiously, grappling with the impending Asura battle's potential to reshape rankings through brutal sieges and prodigies' clashes. Spectators, including Taixu Gate elders and disciples alongside Feng family allies, watched with suspended hearts for Mo Hua and his sect, while many cultivators speculated darkly on his inescapable doom amid the onslaught of multiple sects.

"If he doesn't find some hole to burrow into and remain hidden until everything ends..."

"What's on your mind?"

"Those minor abilities of his are already completely analyzed by everyone else..."

"Had his Concealment Technique not been revealed before, perhaps he could have 'persisted' right up to the finish."

"Unfortunately, this sword discussion has dragged on for quite some time, with every effective tactic already exhausted. Who would he deceive now using such a trivial ruse?"

"Everyone else will surely stay vigilant around him..."

"Indeed, that makes sense."

"Observe closely, Taixu Gate is destined for misfortune this time around."

"Though you say so, isn't the tournament's structure... appearing somewhat unjust toward Taixu Gate?"

"You fail to grasp it; the entire cultivation world operates on inequality."

"Individuals enter life with disparate origins, uneven spiritual roots, differing fortunes, spans of existence that vary, twists of fate... these inequalities abound..."

"The famed Asura Battle mirrors this exactly."

"It challenges your ability to battle fiercely for survival amid hopeless circumstances, employing whatever methods required to claim victory in this stage."

"No logic or pleas will sway them."

"If fault must be assigned, point it at Taixu Gate's misfortune."

"Point it at their habit of antagonizing numerous sects."

"And point it at their choice to accept such a vexing 'little calamity bringer' like Mo Hua..."

"Why accept someone like Mo Hua in particular?"

"Precisely... Taixu Gate deserves what they get; they invited this trouble themselves..."

...

Within the murmuring throng, a refined-looking individual subtly merged into the group.

A keen-eyed observer spotted him and promptly shouted:

"Brother Bai, didn't you declare you'd 'devour the Spirit Sword'?"

"A wager stands as a wager!"

"Spot on!"

Bai Xiaosheng enjoyed bragging and ridiculing folks, yet possessed a mild disposition without arrogance, thus several Foundation Building Cultivators chimed in on the uproar alongside him.

The unobtrusively entering Bai Xiaosheng grew somewhat uneasy hearing those words.

Earlier, he had certainly bragged.

Scoffing at Mo Hua: "What sort of sword could he even debate?"

"Observe him; he can barely grip a sword properly."

"Should he display genuine swordsmanship, I'll openly consume my premium Lifebound Spirit Sword!"

Yet Mo Hua proceeded to fell a Daluo Sect member in a single blow...

Bai Xiaosheng experienced discomfort akin to ingesting a fly.

However, he refused to concede.

"I'm not reneging; it's not refusal to eat the Spirit Sword; rather, Mo Hua's action doesn't qualify as swordsmanship at all."

"His deed strayed onto the demonic route."

"It bears zero relation to 'swords' in the slightest."

"His sword manipulation merely tricks the audience..."

"I honor my commitments; were he to truly master swordsmanship, I'd without doubt ingest my personal Lifebound Sword..."

"I proclaim it now: should I fail to do so, I'll acknowledge Mo Hua as my sire..."

"Fine, agreed!"

...

At the Shangguan Family's observation stand.

Wenren Wan cradled Yu Er while observing the contest. Anxiety gripped her for Mo Hua as she anticipated his emergence.

The area buzzed with clamor.

Amid the din, Wenren Wan abruptly sensed vertigo, her sight dimming into a crimson haze.

Memories from haunting nightmares flooded back vividly.

Heavens drenched in bloody downpour, fiendish beasts rampaging chaotically.

Yu Er's countenance smeared in gore, flesh ashen, gazing at her with vacant stares.

His vital fluids extracted, innards emptied, spiritual awareness devoured...

In an icy tone, he questioned: Mother, why did you not rescue me?

Terror seized Wenren Wan, who clutched Yu Er firmly without delay.

The instant after, a clear voice rang out:

"Mother, are you alright?"

The gory apparitions dissolved instantly; Wenren Wan glanced downward to see Yu Er regarding her with a pure, baffled expression.

Wenren Wan's complexion drained of color, her grin forced: "Nothing at all..."

Yu Er, now at ease, gave a compliant nod and resumed viewing Fang Tianhua Ying.

Wenren Wan regarded Yu Er, reflexively embracing him closer, dreading that a mere instant's lapse in attention might cause her sole offspring to vanish...

Yet the firmer her grasp, the deeper dread clawed at her soul.

A sharp pang constricted her bosom...