The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2409: The Evil Monster’s Shadow (part 3)

"So our Taixu Gate has ascended to become one of the Four Great Sects of Qianxue? And... even holding the top position?"

Elder Master Xun nodded, "That is the current situation... However, the precise ranking and the division of benefits are entangled with too many interests. Ultimately, it requires the approval of the Dao Court's Tianquan Pavilion, so everything will take some time to finalize..."

Mo Hua voiced his confusion, "Surely the other Great Sects would not readily accept this outcome."

"Their acceptance is irrelevant; the battlefield accomplishments are undeniable, and..." Elder Master Xun continued, "Time is of the essence; a decision must be made swiftly..."

"This Tao Discussion Meeting encompasses more than just swordplay; there are also discussions on pills, formations, talismans, and artifacts. Should the sword discussion falter, the subsequent competitions cannot proceed."

Mo Hua couldn't help but inquire, "Is the severity of the Blood Sacrifice disaster truly that dire? Are we still proceeding with the other discussions as planned?"

Elder Master Xun affirmed with a nod, "Precisely because the Blood Sacrifice disaster is so grave, these regular grand events must not be canceled. Doing so would inevitably incite widespread panic."

"The subsequent Tao discussions serve the purpose of galvanizing support and reassuring the populace."

"Furthermore, the Dao Court, along with Qianxue's influential families and sects, will use the Tao Discussion Meeting to announce the allocation of a considerable amount of Spirit Stone resources. These will be used to assist scattered cultivators and to aid in the reconstruction of cities devastated by the blood sacrifice."

"That is indeed a commendable initiative..." Mo Hua responded, nodding his head.

Elder Master Xun turned his gaze towards Mo Hua, "You are required to participate in this Formation Competition."

Mo Hua appeared taken aback, "Am I permitted to leave my seclusion?"

"Indeed," Elder Master Xun confirmed with a nod, "You must attend. It is imperative that you make an appearance."

The insidious rumors targeting Mo Hua had been festering for an considerable duration and were becoming increasingly difficult to contain.

Fame, it is said, is a double-edged sword.

Mo Hua, as the designated Formation Leader, had displayed an extraordinary level of skill during the Sword Discussion Conference, overshadowing everyone else. Such brilliance was bound to ignite envy and resentment.

While few might dare to act openly, a relentless barrage of whispers and slander continued to surface from the shadows.

The human heart is an unfathomable abyss, prone to harboring malice. Certain individuals, seeking to sow discord, propagated fabrications of all kinds.

Some asserted that Mo Hua had already "succumbed to demonic cultivation" and dared not reveal himself, fearing the exposure of his supposed hidden transgressions.

Others proclaimed that Mo Hua was in league with the Demon Path, even suggesting he was the architect behind the Blood Sacrifice Array.

Still others questioned the improbable feat of Mo Hua, a disciple at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage with a notoriously poor Spiritual Root, managing to single-handedly surpass the four preeminent bloodline talents of Qianxue, and even the esteemed Senior Brother of the Daluo Sect, during the Sword Discussion Conference through nefarious and contemptible means.

Such "rumors" were inherently futile to refute, as any defense was routinely dismissed as mere "self-serving justification."

Yet, remaining silent was often interpreted as "tacit admission," as if one were conceding to the legitimacy of the accusations.

"Therefore," Elder Master Xun imparted with a knowing look, "you need not utter a word; any words spoken would be ineffectual. Your participation in the Formation Competition and your presence before the multitudes will suffice."

Mo Hua offered a nod, still harboring a degree of uncertainty, "Then, what precisely is expected of me during the Formation Competition?"

"Exhibit restraint, perform with calculated mediocrity, and still secure first place," Elder Master Xun stated nonchalantly.

Mo Hua: "..."

To hold back, perform averagely, and yet claim the top spot...

Could these directives truly coexist?

Nevertheless, comprehending Elder Master Xun's underlying strategy, Mo Hua nodded, "Understood. I shall temper my abilities."

...

Three days elapsed, and the Tao Discussion Meeting recommenced its proceedings.

The assembly, though diminished in number compared to its earlier gatherings, still presented the appearance of a vast, surging multitude.

An additional seven days passed, culminating in the scheduled day for the Formation Competition.

On this momentous day, Mo Hua, who had been in deep seclusion within the rear mountain under Elder Master Xun's tutelage, emerged before the assembled masses for the very first time.

Clad in the distinctive Taoist Robe of the Taixu Gate, his slender physique was apparent, complemented by a fair countenance and finely chiseled features. His eyes, remarkably bright, bore little discernible difference from his previous appearance.

Save, perhaps, for a slightly more gaunt frame and eyes that seemed to gleam with an intensified luminescence.

A considerable throng of cultivators and disciples engaged in animated discussion from the tiered viewing stands.

This particular event commanded the most significant attention since the resumption of the Tao Discussion Meeting.

Virtually every discerning gaze was riveted upon Mo Hua.

The pervasive rumors surrounding Mo Hua swirled like unseen currents beneath the surface of the undulating crowd.

Remembering Elder Master Xun's pointed instructions, Mo Hua maintained a low profile, consciously restraining his true capabilities and adopting an unassuming demeanor. He paid no heed to the curious gazes or the murmuring conversations directed his way.

The distinguished representatives from the major aristocratic families and prominent sects observed Mo Hua intently, each harboring their own distinct motives, yet all maintained a stoic silence.

In the spectator stands, Gu Changhuai, Zhang Lan, the Taixu Gate Elders, disciples, and numerous cultivators who were concerned about Mo Hua couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief as they observed him unharmed and as composed as ever.

Conversely, the Elders of the Mount of Tao were anything but relieved.

A palpable anxiety settled upon them, as if a great peril loomed. Their gazes remained fixed on Mo Hua, a figure firmly entrenched on their 'most wanted' list, fearing he might ignite another conflagration and plunge the Mount of Tao into chaos.

Logically, a Formation Competition should not elicit the same level of disturbance as a Sword Discussion.

However, the presence of Mo Hua renders logic utterly irrelevant.

Within this charged and intricate atmosphere, the Formation Competition commenced.

Mo Hua was accorded the foremost position, seated in the front row – a solitary seat, projecting an aura of 'standing peerlessly at the apex'.

The usually reticent Mo Hua let out a helpless sigh.

There was little he could do; his intention was to maintain a low profile, but his inherent capabilities simply did not permit such subtlety.

He was designated the "Formation Leader."

As there was no prior instance of a Formation Leader participating in a Formation Competition, he had no choice but to occupy the solitary first seat in the front row, under the scrutinizing gaze of thousands.

A faint sense of unease stirred within Mo Hua.

Yet, having weathered countless grand occasions, he swiftly regained his composure.

Following this, the examination topics were disseminated, and the test began.

The entire procedure bore a striking resemblance to the previous year's event.

Those adept at drawing formations would advance, while those who faltered would be eliminated.

Each disciple was granted three opportunities to correct errors.

Mo Hua found the established procedures to be familiar, almost comforting, yet tinged with a degree of monotony.

The reason for this ennui was the sheer simplicity of the formations presented.

Year after year, the Formation Competition showed minimal variation in the disciples' formation prowess, but Mo Hua had evolved immeasurably since three years prior.

With his Divine Sense reaching the 20 Patterns mark and having mastered the Ultimate Formation, the Formation Pivot of the Blood Sacrifice Formation, his comprehension of formations had ascended to an unprecedented echelon, having even successfully deconstructed the formidable Blood Sacrifice Array.

Reflecting upon his current standing, Mo Hua felt as though he were merely 'playing house' with children when he considered participating in the Formation Competition and replicating the formations from three years ago.

"Perhaps I should restrain myself a bit..."

Mo Hua sighed once more, then took up his brush and commenced drawing upon the Formation Paper. His movements were listless, yet executed with a peculiar earnestness.

Irrespective of the specific formation, he rendered each one with a languid and unhurried grace.

Mo Hua genuinely believed he was 'holding back' sufficiently, yet he remained oblivious to the immense pressure his perceived 'laziness' was inadvertently imposing upon the geniuses of Qianxue situated behind him.

Every individual present was a distinguished Formation Master, a veritable prodigy of formation arts within Qianxue, and it was inconceivable that they were unaware of Mo Hua's reputation.

It was impossible they had not heard of Mo Hua's past exploits.

Equally impossible was the notion that they had not witnessed his profound mastery and extraordinary techniques in the realm of formations.

Even the breathtaking spectacles from the Sword Discussion Conference remained vividly etched in their collective memory.

Now, Mo Hua stood in solitary prominence, far surpassing all others.

All the formation geniuses could do was observe his retreating figure.

This form, while not imposing in stature, was imbued with a terrifying depth.

He represented an insurmountable peak in formation expertise, an unfathomable abyss that none could traverse.

They remained uncertain as to the true height of this mountain or the true depth of this chasm.

In the intricate discipline of formations, a mere numerical difference was not the primary source of dread.

What instilled true fear was the inability to even perceive the magnitude of the disparity.

Those who had not delved deeply into the study of formations could not possibly comprehend the sheer terror personified by this 'monstrous anomaly' named Mo Hua.

Consequently, despite Mo Hua's seemingly indolent demeanor.

His profound aura permeated the entire arena.

Behind him, a multitude of formation geniuses felt themselves submerged in the oppressive shadow of a 'monstrous anomaly,' cold sweat trickling down their backs, their hands gripping the Formation Pens trembling uncontrollably...