The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2255: Forbidden Sword Skill (part 2)

"Naturally, killing him immediately might be overly rash. In my humble estimation, it would be wiser to first cripple his cultivation, shatter his limbs, seal his Sea of Consciousness, and confine him within the Taoist Prison..."

"The ranking he secured at the Sword Discussion via the use of Forbidden Techniques must also be stripped away."

"Furthermore, his credentials as the Formation Leader require immediate revocation..."

"Only by taking these measures can we establish a firm example, purge impure inclinations, and restore the proper atmosphere within Qianxue."

A gathering of Heaven Void Ancestors listened, their gazes shifting with calculated intent.

Before long, one ancestor voiced his agreement, stating:

"Indeed, we cannot allow such a precedent to be established."

"If disciples are permitted to utilize Forbidden Techniques and compete in the Sword Discussion Conference without enduring severe consequences, it will surely induce others to emulate him, sparking endless troubles for the future."

"Pursuing fame and profit at the Sword Discussion while disregarding taboos is a sign of flawed Heart Skill and merits no leniency."

"That child, Mo Hua, must be dealt with harshly."

"His Sword Discussion ranking must be struck from the record entirely!"

"Cripple his path of cultivation; he must never again possess the ability to project Divine Thought into Sword..."

...

Though the gathering of ancestors spoke in measured, calm tones, their pronouncements were biting, painting Mo Hua as if he had committed the most unforgivable transgressions.

Confronted by this wave of accusations, Elder Master Xun, who had maintained a stoic silence, slowly lifted his eyes and inquired with indifference:

"Who dared tell you he practiced the Divine Thought into Sword True Jue?"

A profound silence instantly gripped the surrounding area as everyone was rendered speechless.

The ancestor of the Heavenly Sword Sect retorted with a sneer, "With a multitude of ancestors bearing witness, how could there be error? He had no blade in his hand, yet used Divine Thought to inflict damage—aside from your Taixu Gate’s Divine Thought into Sword True Jue, what other swordsmanship could Mo Hua possibly possess?"

"Our Taixu Gate’s Divine Thought into Sword True Jue..." Elder Master Xun cast a sharp glance at him and retorted: "Have you mastered it yourself?"

The ancestor of the Heavenly Sword Sect faltered, taken aback.

Elder Master Xun then surveyed the others, asking: "Has anyone among you actually learned it?"

The assembly of Heaven Void Ancestors remained utterly silent.

The Taixu Mind Transforming Sword True Jue serving as the premier heritage art of Taixu Gate, how could any of them have mastered it?

Furthermore, even though the technique is famed for its ability to stun the heavens and humble gods, wielding one's own Divine Thought as a blade carries immense self-destructive risks. Even if they held the manual, they would hardly dare risk their own lives to undertake its study.

Unless, of course, one was actively seeking death.

How many brilliant talents has Taixu Gate surrendered to this very technique, and how many promising disciples have withered away from the total exhaustion of their Divine Thought?

There was no way these ancestors could be ignorant of such history.

Had the drawbacks been less severe and the backlash not so violent, Taixu Gate would never have felt compelled to seal away their own foundational sword skill.

Elder Master Xun, observing the collective silence, gave a slight nod and stated:

"There you have it. One must not judge based on mere appearance and reach erroneous conclusions. This is especially true of Taoist sword techniques; while the outward manifestations might appear similar, the internal Taoist principles often differ fundamentally..."

"Without genuine experience, refrain from speaking recklessly."

"Not one of you has mastered the Taixu Mind Transforming Sword True Jue, so by what authority do you claim that what Mo Hua displayed was this specific Divine Thought Sword Technique?"

The assembly of ancestors shifted in visible discomfort.

One particularly haughty, one-eyed ancestor scoffed:

"Old Xun, cease your verbal gymnastics!"

"Right and wrong are self-evident. What else could this brat have studied but the Divine Thought Sword Technique? While I may not have learned it, I have certainly witnessed it. I was even wounded by your Taixu Gate members using this very blade before..."

"Though I am not its master, having been struck by it, do you truly believe I wouldn't recognize the nature of Divine Thought into Sword?"

Elder Master Xun turned his gaze toward this one-eyed ancestor, his expression darkening slightly; he knew better than to underestimate such an adversary.

After a moment of deliberate thought, Elder Master Xun questioned:

"Since you insist that Mo Hua has mastered Divine Thought into Sword, pray tell, from whom did he acquire it?"

The one-eyed ancestor furrowed his brows.

Elder Master Xun pressed on:

"This sword technique has been locked away and completely sealed."

"Who within the entirety of Taixu Gate remains today that could possibly instruct him?"

"Even as a Heaven Void, I possess no knowledge of this sword art."

"The other present ancestors likewise do not practice Divine Thought arts."

"Below the Heaven Void level, no such inheritance exists; even if they were given the teachings, no one could cultivate it to any measurable degree."

"The only person truly proficient in this sword art is a single individual, namely... my late brother..." Elder Master Xun’s eyes grew solemn, "... Senior Brother Dugu."

The air grew frigid, and the gathered ancestors could not suppress their frowns, a chill cascading through their hearts.

It was clear that they did not wish to—or perhaps did not dare to—speak of this figure.

Elder Master Xun continued: "The history concerning my senior brother is known to all present. You are well aware of his temperament. Given his solitary and haughty disposition, is it truly likely he would deign to teach a Foundation Establishment disciple such profound swordsmanship?"

"I certainly wouldn't, he wouldn't have, and no one else in Taixu Gate even possesses the knowledge."

"Are you suggesting Mo Hua somehow mastered Divine Thought into Sword without any mentor at all?"

"Beyond that..."

Elder Master Xun remarked with an air of absolute certainty: "How could a mere Foundation Establishment disciple cultivate something as formidable as the Taixu Mind Transforming Sword True Jue?"

"Do you treat our supreme Divine Thought Sword Technique with such contempt, and so easily disregard our ancient Taoist heritage?"

Elder Master Xun’s gaze remained sharp and freezing.

The group of Heaven Void Ancestors, momentarily paralyzed by his logic, reached a bewildered standstill.

Upon sober reflection, they were forced to admit the truth of his words.

The more potent a sword technique, the more grueling its path to mastery, requiring exceptional talent in Sword Dao, profound foundational roots, and the guidance of seasoned masters.

Mo Hua possessed none of these advantages.

That is not to mention that he is still just at the Foundation Establishment stage.

A disciple at that stage would be incapable of even manifesting Sword Intent, much less the pinnacle Spell Point—the "Taixu Mind Transforming Sword True Jue."

These facts were undeniable, yet the ancestors were clearly not prepared to let the matter rest.

A Heaven Void Ancestor persisted: "This matter, regardless, requires a full explanation."

"We must uncover the origins of the sword technique Mo Hua employed."

"Indeed."