The Quest for Immortality Chapter 2416: Qianxue’s Number 1 Great Sect

~5 minute read · 1,180 words
Previously on The Quest for Immortality...
Mo Hua bids farewell to Uncle Gu, offering him advice on pursuing Sister Xia. Master Xia discusses political matters and his reluctant acceptance of Gu Changhuai's character, while also setting expectations for Xia Canonical Official regarding her family's influence. The next day, Wenren Wan expresses her worries about Yu Er's unusual behavior to Mo Hua, who reassures her.

At the Gu Family's threshold.

Holding Yu Er's hand, Wenren Wan arrived to bid farewell to Mo Hua.

The Family Head, Gu Shouyan, accompanied by a host of elders, personally came to see Mo Hua off.

Elder Gu Hong, typically enthusiastic and clad in red, now held Mo Hua's hand, her face etched with reluctance.

From their very first encounter, she had been charmed by Mo Hua, viewing him as an adorable and well-mannered child.

Back then, she had no inkling that this youthful disciple, who shared melon seeds and traded 'gossip' with her, possessed such formidable abilities and brilliant talent that could eclipse even the prodigies of the Qian Learning State Boundary, shining brilliantly at the Qianxue Debate and securing the title of Formation Leader twice.

Even recalling it now felt somewhat surreal.

Elder Gu Hong gazed intently at Mo Hua.

Now, Mo Hua was transforming into a distinguished young man, his demeanor as gentle as jade, his features refined, and his beauty as captivating as an immortal's.

This Elder, known for her penchant for matchmaking, found her fondness for him growing even stronger.

"Such a remarkable individual, I wonder which family's young lady will be blessed enough to have him in the future..."

Elder Gu Hong mused inwardly.

After concluding their pleasantries, it was time for departure.

Standing at the entrance, Mo Hua bowed to the elders and Aunt Wan, "While cultivating at Qianxue, I am immensely grateful for the invaluable guidance from all the elders. Mo Hua is unable to express his thanks adequately."

Even the usually stern Gu Shouyan offered a smile at his words, "Young friend Mo, you are too gracious."

With a countenance full of concern, Wenren Wan advised Mo Hua, "Please ensure you take good care of yourself."

Elder Gu Hong placed a sincere hand on Mo Hua's shoulder, "Out there, always be mindful of your safety."

Yu Er, too, expressed deep reluctance, "Brother Mo, stay safe."

Mo Hua responded with a smile and a nod, gently patting Yu Er's head. He then offered a final salute to everyone before turning to board his carriage, commencing his journey back to Taixu Gate.

With this parting, the years would stretch between them, and their reunion remained uncertain.

...

Upon his return to Taixu Gate, the final significant matter was swiftly resolved within two days.

The Sword Discussion Conference, along with the overall rankings for the Dao Discussion Conference, finally reached its culmination.

Taixu Gate achieved first place in the Sword Discussion, first place in the Formation Competition, and, as widely expected, first place in Qianxue's Dao Discussion.

This cemented Taixu Gate's position as the preeminent major Sect in Qianxue.

Furthermore, the reformation of the sects was to be determined based on these Dao Discussion rankings.

Consequently, Taixu Gate ascended to the leading position among Qianxue's "Four Great Sects."

While this outcome had been anticipated by many, the final arrangement presented an unexpected twist.

Following deliberation by the Dao Court's Tianquan Pavilion, for reasons not entirely clear, Taixu Gate was not simply included among the "Four Great Sects." Instead, it was designated a separate category, allowing "Taixu Gate" to stand alongside the Four Great Sects.

The structure was defined as: Taixu Gate, one sect, and three mountains.

This arrangement established the ultimate sect hierarchy for the Qian Learning State Boundary as follows:

Three Mountains, Four Great Sects, Eight Major Gates, Twelve Streams, followed by the Qianxue Hundred Gates, and then thousands of smaller sects.

Three Mountains, Four Sects, Eight Gates, Twelve Streams.

This became the apex "Sect Academy" structure of the Qian Learning State Boundary.

Although Taixu Gate was nominally positioned as equal to the Four Great Sects, with no inherent superiority, the precedence given to the "Three Mountains" subtly elevated its standing above the Four Great Sects.

The pronouncement from the Heavenly Right Pavilion sent ripples of shock throughout the Qian Learning State Boundary.

The unexpected turn of events surprised nearly everyone.

"Three Mountains, Four Sects, with the Three Mountains overshadowing the Four Sects..."

"Isn't this granting Taixu Gate an excessively high status?"

"Could Taixu Gate have influential connections within the Heavenly Right Pavilion? Is the Pavilion Elder of the Heavenly Right Pavilion showing favor to Taixu Gate?"

"This is utterly preposterous..."

"If it were merely positioned alongside the Four Great Sects, the top spot might still be debatable, but with the explicit title of 'Three Mountains,' it's undeniably clear who holds the superior position."

"Now, Taixu Gate has likely truly claimed the throne as Qianxue's Number One Major Sect."

"Is this esteemed first place so easily maintained? In my opinion, a sect that suddenly rises to prominence like this likely has an unstable foundation; it doesn't truly embody its prestigious title. I certainly wouldn't entrust my child's cultivation journey to Taixu Gate."

"I strongly advise everyone against sending their outstanding family disciples to Taixu Gate, lest Taixu Gate lead these young talents astray..."

"Precisely, indeed..."

"Only a truly foolish person would send their disciple to Taixu Gate."

However, in private conversations, the vast majority of cultivators held a singular intention:

Send them!

Send them to Taixu Gate.

These words are mere gibberish. The rankings of the Sects are established facts; to assert a discrepancy between a name and its substance is utterly preposterous. Without considerable prowess, how could the Taixu Gate possibly attain such a standing?

The Three Mountains and the Four Sects.

If one refrains from dispatching disciples to the Three Mountains, should they then regress and send them to the Four Great Sects instead?

The Three Mountains consist of a single entity, known as the Taixu Gate.

Conversely, the Four Great Sects comprise four distinct establishments.

Which name resounds with greater prestige? Is such a question even necessary?

Regardless of verbal assertions, the majority of cultivators conduct themselves with integrity.

Some individuals even intentionally sow discord, propagating falsehoods to tarnish the reputation of the Taixu Gate. They cunningly suggest that aspiring cultivators should absolutely avoid applying to Taixu Gate, thereby increasing the chances for their own kin and clan disciples to gain admission.

For a time, the Taixu Gate found itself embroiled in the most heated debates, yet paradoxically became the most coveted Great Sect within the Qianxue State Boundary.

Within the Taixu Gate, everyone was filled with immense jubilation.

One Sect, Three Mountains, Four Great Sects, Eight Gates!

In a single day, they not only ascended to the ranks of the foremost sects in the Qianxue State Boundary but even managed to surpass the Four Great Sects in stature.

Although this decree from the Heavenly Right Pavilion appears peculiar and undoubtedly harbors undisclosed strategies, its ultimate outcome is a momentous occasion for the Taixu Gate, a source of immense honor for both its family and its disciples, a moment of pure glory.

From this juncture onward, they are recognized as the de facto First Sect of Qianxue!

Not only the Heaven Void Ancestors but also countless others inwardly sighed, their hearts profoundly touched.