The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2410: Farewell

The entire Formation Competition concluded amidst a peculiar atmosphere. Mo Hua found himself utterly bored, while everyone else was consumed by a palpable sense of dread.

From the very beginning to the end of the event, Mo Hua remained seated, his brush seamlessly sketching one Formation after another, driven by sheer ennui.

Regardless of their complexity, every single Formation challenge presented to him appeared identical under his skilled hand.

He even maintained a consistent duration for drafting each Formation.

This meticulous timing was, in fact, the sole aspect of the entire Formation Competition that genuinely required a modicum of his intellectual engagement.

Ultimately, as had been widely anticipated by many, Mo Hua secured the first place in the Formations category.

Furthermore, on this occasion, he deliberately ceased his efforts after achieving victory. He refrained from exceeding the examination requirements, avoided imposing excessive pressure on the other young disciples, and spared the examiners from undue hardship.

His conduct was marked by an uncommon consideration and thoroughness.

Following this, Mo Hua offered no lengthy pronouncements. He simply rose deliberately, cast his gaze across the entire assembly, then offered a slight nod to the chief examiner before descending from the stage.

Naturally, this was merely Mo Hua's personal assessment of his actions.

In the estimation of all onlookers, this particular display of "aloofness" conveyed an air of superior detachment from the common throng of geniuses, an unparalleled innate talent, yet with all its formidable sharpness carefully concealed, revealing a profound natural depth and serene composure.

His presence exuded a strength so potent it was daunting, yet simultaneously tranquil, to the point where he seemed to have reverted to a state of pure simplicity!

The Formation Competition formally drew to a close.

With the slightest effort, Mo Hua once again claimed the coveted first place.

Even after exhausting their every effort, the other prodigies specializing in Formations found themselves utterly incapable of surpassing him.

From this momentous occasion forward, Mo Hua etched his name into the annals of the Dao Discussion Conference as the sole Disciple in history to attain the esteemed position of double Formation Leader single-handedly.

A singular designation as "Formation Leader" was no longer sufficient to encapsulate Mo Hua’s mastery in the intricate art of Formations.

Consequently, he claimed two such titles.

Only the true masters among the Qianxue Formation experts could truly grasp the profound significance of these "double Leaders."

This was not merely an additive achievement; it represented a qualitative leap, a veritable "Leader of Leaders."

It signified that, in the realm of Formations, Mo Hua had ascended to an echelon that his peers could barely conceive of reaching. His accomplishments in Formations among all Disciples demonstrated an almost crushing, absolute dominance.

However, this magnitude of "difference" was so vast, so profound, it felt akin to a contest between beings inhabiting entirely separate Existences.

To the general spectators, this overwhelming superiority inevitably translated into a somewhat baffling subtlety.

It was not that they possessed no understanding of Formations. As scions of noble lineages or accomplished Qianxue Cultivators, the majority of them had, from a young age, been nurtured in environments of privilege and received extensive tutelage. Through such constant immersion, they had all, to varying degrees, acquired foundational knowledge of Formations during their formative stages of enlightenment.

Yet, this form of acquired knowledge was, ultimately, still far too superficial.

The more profound one's understanding becomes, the more keenly aware they are of the vastness of their own ignorance.

Conversely, a limited understanding often fosters an inflated sense of knowledge.

Precisely because their foundational studies were so shallow, they found themselves genuinely unable to articulate the exact source of Mo Hua’s overwhelming strength in Formations.

Had this occurred earlier, perhaps during the Sword Discussion Conference, and had Mo Hua unleashed a Formation that resulted in fatalities, the spectacle itself would have provided a direct and visceral demonstration of his power.

But in the current context, the Formation Competition involved nothing more than a gathering of individuals diligently sketching Formation diagrams, an activity that could inadvertently foster the illusion among observers that "I could replicate that if given the opportunity."

Nevertheless, irrespective of any external commentary or speculation, Mo Hua’s public reappearance was met with widespread acclaim as he grandly secured yet another Formation Leader title.

Certain previous whispers and slanders directed towards him—accusations such as him having "succumbed to temptation and descended into madness," his alleged role as the "mastermind behind the Evil Path Blood Sacrifice Array," or being a "mole for the Demonic Path"—also significantly diminished in intensity.

The simple truth was that sufficient strength possessed the power to silence all detractors.

And Mo Hua's demonstrable might, highlighted by his unprecedented achievement of securing double Leaders through his own merit, was naturally beyond any scope of reasonable dispute.

...

The persistent unrest gradually subsided, the malevolent influences that had plagued the sect ceased their active manifestations, and Elder Master Xun consequently rescinded all restrictions previously imposed upon Mo Hua.

Mo Hua finally made his way back to the Outer Mountain territory of the Taixu Gate, returning to the humble confines of the Disciple’s Residence and reintegrating with his fellow Junior Brothers.

Linghu Xiao, Situ Jian, Cheng Mo, and the other Disciples were overcome with immense joy. They even organized a special celebratory banquet to officially welcome Mo Hua back and wash away the lingering dust of his recent trials.

With all the intricate conspiracies and lurking dangers having finally dispersed, the days within the Taixu Gate were suddenly imbued with a profound sense of tranquility and peace.

However, this period of newfound happiness was destined to be short-lived, as Mo Hua soon came to the stark realization that the moment of inevitable separation was rapidly approaching.

The ninth year of his tenure at the Taixu Gate was nearing its conclusion.

In other words, the remaining days during which these fellow Sect brothers could continue to share their lives, engage in diligent cultivation, partake in convivial drinks, discuss the profound principles of the Dao, and enjoy their youthful camaraderie were dwindling to less than two months.

Two months hence, they would all find themselves embarking on separate paths, diverging in their respective journeys.

Although the inevitability of this day had always been known, its actual arrival, following the initial shock, left a pervasive sense of desolation among everyone.

A subtle melancholy settled over the disciples of the Sect.

For Mo Hua, during the preceding two months, the most frequent activity he engaged in was 'farewelling'.

He bid adieu to many who had shown him care, affection, and guidance.

And he also said goodbye to the nine years he had spent within the Taixu Gate...

Life often unfolds this way: existence together feels mundane and unremarkable.

It is only upon the cusp of separation that one awakens to a sharp realization, as if something precious has been quietly siphoned away.

The comings and goings, the ecstasies and agonies of life frequently manifest in such unguarded instants.

...

The initial individual Mo Hua sought out for a farewell was Zhang Lan.

Zhang Lan was preparing to return to Kan State.

His departure point was the base of Taixu Gate’s mountain.

Mo Hua expressed a touch of regret, stating, "Uncle Zhang, I had promised to guide you through the Taixu Gate, revealing its renowned sights within the Qian Learning State Boundary. It is regrettable that you must depart now..."

Zhang Lan responded with a sigh. "Circumstances prevent otherwise. The Chief Elder has urgent matters requiring his presence back with the clan, and I cannot indefinitely delay my own journey. Moreover..."

The disturbance originating from the Qian Learning State Boundary had been exceptionally severe this time.

Despite the unified efforts of the Qianxue Court Tribunal, various noble families, and Sects to suppress information, downplay the severity, and conceal the catastrophe of the Desolate Heaven Blood Sacrifice, thereby preventing widespread alarm in the Cultivation World.

However, secrets are rarely kept indefinitely.

The resurgence of the Demon Path and the Bloody Sacrifice at Qianxue had already been widely disseminated.

Concerning the future trajectory of the Nine State Cultivation World, prediction remained impossible.