Immortality Through Array Formations (The Quest for Immortality)

Chapter 878 – Unsheathed

Just as Elder Xun was about to say something to Mo Hua, footsteps sounded outside. The Sect Master of the Great Void Sect entered—his long black hair neat, his face ruddy with health, but his brows tightly furrowed.

Upon seeing Mo Hua inside, the Sect Master was clearly a little surprised.

Mo Hua quickly rose and saluted. "Greetings, Sect Master."

"Mm, good." The Sect Master's tone was gentle toward him.

"I went back for Big Dog earlier," Mo Hua said. "But you weren't there, so I tied him up in front of the Scripture Pavilion."

The Sect Master's expression turned a bit strange.

He couldn't quite understand—

How could such a proud and unruly spirit beast… actually behave like a docile guard dog in front of this boy?

Was this truly… a case of every tough guy meets his match?

"Good." The Sect Master kept his thoughts to himself, simply nodding lightly on the surface.

Elder Xun glanced at the Sect Master, then patted Mo Hua's shoulder and said, "That's enough for today. You can go back now."

Mo Hua understood they likely had matters to discuss, so he respectfully saluted again. "Elder, Sect Master—your disciple will take his leave."

After that, Mo Hua departed.

Elder Xun stood and carefully began collecting the formation diagrams Mo Hua had completed, stacking them one by one with great care.

The Sect Master watched silently from the side, inwardly thinking:

Truly worthy of being the Old Ancestor… still so composed at a time like this, and with the heart to teach formations…

This level of treatment—calling Mo Hua the Old Ancestor's own son wouldn't be an exaggeration.

Once Elder Xun finished tidying the table, the two turned to serious matters.

"The Ganxue Pavilion meeting has concluded," the Sect Master began. "The Sword Conference will be moved up, the entry limits relaxed, and from this Dao Conference onward, the sect rankings will start to change…"

"We all knew reform was coming—but I didn't expect them to actually start executing it this soon…"

He placed a jade slip on the table before Elder Xun.

"The Four Great Sects were fully prepared, but Tai'a Sect, Chongxu Sect, and our Great Void Sect—not to mention other sects who don't get along with them—were all caught off guard. We only found out at the last moment."

"But the initiative was always in their hands. Even if we object, it's meaningless…"

Elder Xun picked up the jade slip and scanned it briefly. His expression remained calm, as if unsurprised. Then he turned to the Sect Master and asked:

"So, what do you plan to do?"

The Sect Master immediately felt a heavy weight pressing on him. But since the Old Ancestor had asked, he had no choice but to answer:

"I've already made every arrangement I could."

"This Dao Conference is crucial. So, the contribution rewards for participating disciples have been increased by forty percent compared to before."

"Those selected for the Sword Conference have already been taken by Dao Elders to the Beast Refining Mountain for tactical training."

"As for pills, formations, talismans, and tools—we've selected this year's best disciples and assigned elders to personally guide them, to ensure we earn enough placement to maintain the Great Void Sect's rank…"

"All other mundane sect affairs have been put on hold. Everything now serves the Dao Conference."

…

The Sect Master's plan was laid out in perfect detail.

Elder Xun nodded slightly in approval.

Then the Sect Master sighed. "But this hurdle… won't be easy to clear."

He gestured at the jade slip.

"The Four Great Sects' moves may seem like routine procedural changes—but each one strikes at a vital weakness."

"The Great Void Sect might manage, but for Tai'a and Chongxu? It's extremely dangerous."

"Moving the Sword Conference up shortens their prep time, and removes their chance to maneuver."

"Widening the entry quota only adds pressure to sects already lacking manpower."

"And now, rankings begin this cycle."

"At this rate, forget Tai'a and Chongxu—even our Great Void Sect will struggle just to keep our spot in the 'Eight Major Clans'…"

Mentioning the rankings, the Sect Master's expression turned grave.

"If we can't maintain our position in the Eight Major Clans, we'll likely drop to the 'Twelve Streams'…"

"But the more I think about it… the worse it gets."

"While the Eight Major Clans are practically above the Twelve Streams, in name they're equal."

"To join the Twelve Streams, a sect needs a specialized cultivation strength—like exceptional sword arts, Dao spells, or great skill in pills, formations, talismans, or tools."

"Our Great Void Sect has solid foundations—but if we talk about 'specialties,' we may not compare with those already in the Twelve Streams."

"So if we fall from the Eight Clans and can't break into the Twelve Streams either… we may slide all the way down to the Hundred Sects of Ganxue."

"Cultivation is like rowing against the current. This applies to both individuals and sects."

"Once you fall behind, it's like plunging into a bottomless pit. It will affect our recruitment, our share of the Dragon Vein, and the very name of our sect."

"In that kind of downward spiral… climbing back up will be harder than ascending to the heavens."

The Sect Master let out a deep, weary sigh.

He had already braced himself for the worst.

If the Great Void Sect really did fall during his tenure—dropping from the Eight Major Clans and fading into the crowd of thousands—then yes, he would be "immortalized in history."

As the "founding father" of their decline.

Even if it wasn't truly his fault… that blame would still fall on him.

The Sect Master's heart was bitter.

He'd originally hoped for a leisurely tenure—peacefully cultivating in the quiet Great Void Sect. Yet fate had handed him this crisis instead.

The survival of the entire sect—such a crushing weight—now pressed entirely on him.

The world really was full of unpredictable misfortune…

The Sect Master's heart was heavy. After finishing his thoughts, he turned toward Elder Xun—only to find the old man's face calm and unfazed. No visible reaction at all.

Startled, he asked, "Old Ancestor, you…"

Elder Xun raised his gaze and looked at him mildly. "Reserve a slot for me."

"A slot?" The Sect Master blinked.

"A formation competition slot," Elder Xun said, then gave the Sect Master a reassuring glance.

"Don't worry. Just do your best. Even if the Great Void Sect falters, and truly begins to decline… it'll be my fault for failing to plan ahead—not yours."

The Sect Master smiled bitterly.

He was grateful for the Old Ancestor's reassurance… but deflecting responsibility now didn't really mean much.

Still, he was deeply puzzled.

Normally, he wouldn't dare question the Old Ancestor's intentions. But in such a critical time, he couldn't help but ask:

"You… what do you want that slot for?"

Elder Xun simply said: "You'll know when the time comes."

He said nothing more and quietly resumed drinking his tea.

The Sect Master, however, only frowned harder.

…

After that, the atmosphere within the Great Void Sect grew noticeably tense.

It was as if everyone instinctively understood that this upcoming Dao Conference was no ordinary event.

Murong Caiyun and Shangguan Xu—disciples of this current late Foundation Establishment generation—were especially diligent in preparation for the upcoming Sword Conference. Every day, they hunted beasts, trained tactics, and honed their coordination.

Mo Hua's generation, being mid-Foundation Establishment, didn't need to participate in the Dao Conference directly, so their schedule wasn't as packed. However, the tension among the disciples was still palpable.

Especially for those with noble lineage and deep backgrounds—who had likely heard insider information from their clans—there was even more unease, concerned for the Great Void Sect's current precarious standing.

The fate of the sect was directly tied to them.

After all, they had fought tooth and nail to enter the prestigious "Eight Great Sects"…

Only to possibly graduate as mere disciples of the average "Hundred Sects of Ganxue."

But they were only mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators. Even if they were anxious, they were in no position to help.

Mo Hua, meanwhile, continued focusing on his formation training.

However, since the Sword Conference was scheduled first—and its ranking weight held even more sway than the rest of the Dao Conference—Mo Hua thought it over and went to Elder Xun to ask:

"Elder, may I participate in the Sword Conference?"

He felt he might be able to lend some help.

Elder Xun was stunned at first, then immediately shook his head.

"You're only mid-Foundation Establishment. What are you going to do—join in just to make up the numbers?"

But he didn't even finish the sentence before a thought struck him.

Mo Hua… wasn't exactly your typical mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Especially when he recalled Mo Hua's… record:

A long string of criminals listed in the Dao Tribunal's wanted files—ruthless heretical cultivators, and even demonic cultivators.

Not to mention… Fire Buddha—a monstrous demon lord infamous for rivers of blood.

And let's not forget the reports gathered from Tongxian City—nearly unbelievable tales of massive formations, slain grand monsters… all attributed to this boy.

Elder Xun looked at the well-behaved, fair-skinned youth before him and found it hard to reconcile these feats with the person.

But the rumors from Tongxian were hard to verify. The Dao Tribunal's records, however, couldn't be faked.

Which meant most of those events were likely true.

After a moment of contemplation, Elder Xun still shook his head:

"The Sword Conference isn't so simple."

Mo Hua looked puzzled.

Elder Xun met his eyes and patiently explained:

"Your spiritual roots are lacking. Your cultivation technique is lower grade, meaning your meridian cycles are fewer than others—so your spiritual power is inherently weaker."

"On top of that, you're only mid-Foundation Establishment. Compared to the late or peak Foundation cultivators from Ganxue's elite, you're at a clear disadvantage in terms of spiritual strength."

"And the Sword Conference involves multiple battles. With your limited reserves, you'd burn out too quickly."

"Once you're out of spiritual power, it doesn't matter how many tricks you've got up your sleeve—you won't be able to use any of them. In the end, you'll be forced to surrender."

At this point, Elder Xun's gaze turned serious:

"I know—you've managed to navigate the outside world with ease, facing criminals, heretics, and even demons. You must have quite a few trump cards."

"But understand—fighting in the shadows and fighting in the open are two different things."

"In secret missions, your methods can be hidden and strike unexpectedly—that's their strength."

"But the Sword Conference is a public affair, watched by thousands. Once your trump cards are revealed, everyone will be watching you."

"Your opponents will prepare accordingly. They'll anticipate and counter you."

"And with so many battles, even if you have a dozen tricks—expose one per fight, and eventually, you'll be picked clean."

"By the end, once everyone has seen your whole hand—how are you supposed to win?"

Mo Hua's expression grew solemn. But he still asked with some confusion:

"Elder… but the other sects' prodigies also have trump cards, don't they? Aren't they worried about exposing theirs?"

"They're not the same as you," Elder Xun replied. "Their trump cards, at the root, are things like higher cultivation realms, superior techniques—hard power."

"Even if exposed, they're still difficult to beat head-on."

"But your trump cards… can they be shown? Dare they be shown? You haven't even shown them to me…"

Elder Xun silently looked at Mo Hua.

Mo Hua lowered his head a little, slightly embarrassed.

But Elder Xun didn't press. Instead, he continued:

"You may have many methods, but your cultivation foundation is too shallow. You're very vulnerable to being countered."

"To win, you must hide your trump cards well. Unless absolutely necessary, do not reveal them."

"If you rush into this Sword Conference, even if you contribute a bit—it won't be worth the cost. It's very likely to backfire."

His tone was firm, full of earnest concern.

Mo Hua nodded solemnly.

Indeed, Elder Xun was worthy of being called the Old Ancestor—his insight was as sharp as ever.

And it served as a wake-up call for Mo Hua.

His spiritual power was low—easily depleted.

His trump cards were many—but also easily targeted.

If one day, he truly stood under the eyes of tens of thousands… he'd need solutions to these weaknesses.

He'd need to strategically manage his trump cards.

Don't use them lightly—but if he does, they must decisively end the match.

Ideally, without letting anyone figure them out.

He hadn't truly thought through all this before.

"Elder, I understand." Mo Hua nodded firmly.

Elder Xun nodded with satisfaction, his voice relaxed:

"I told you before—just mastering formations is already the greatest help you could give. Don't worry about the rest. Besides…"

Elder Xun patted Mo Hua's shoulder and smiled: "...Don't underestimate your senior brothers and sisters. They might not match the top disciples from the Four Great Sects, but they're still the best from noble houses and major clans. If they made it into our Great Void Sect, they're all exceptionally talented. Trust in them."

Mo Hua nodded hard. "Mm!"

…

Roughly half a month later, within the Ganxue Prefecture, the very first Sword Conference since the sect restructuring—an event of great significance—officially began.

It was a grand spectacle.

The Four Great Sects, along with the powerful clans backing them, had poured immense resources into this Sword Conference. Not only was the scale unprecedented and the presentation extravagant, but the number of cultivators who came to spectate also far exceeded previous years.

Across the cities of Ganxue Prefecture, crowds surged like tides. Carts streamed like rivers, horses galloped like dragons, spirit beasts sparkled across the land, and flying boats filled the skies. It was bustling beyond imagination.

Mo Hua very much wanted to go watch.

Cheng Mo and the others even tried to drag him along to join the fun.

But Elder Xun refused.

He told Mo Hua to tame his restless heart and focus on learning formations in peace.

Mo Hua understood what was important and what wasn't. So, while the entire Ganxue Prefecture was caught in a whirlwind of excitement, he remained alone in the disciples' quarters, quietly drawing and redrawing the most difficult formation patterns at the peak of the second-grade, nineteen-pattern tier.

And just like that—amidst the clash of commotion and tranquility—

The Sword Conference came to an end.

As expected, Tai'a Sect and Chongxu Sect suffered devastating defeats.

Their core disciples had all been implicated during the Dao Tribunal's investigation of the Rouge Boat incident—nearly wiped out in one sweep.

The remaining disciples could barely hold the line. Even if they pushed themselves to the brink, they struggled to compete with the Four Great Sects, the other Eight Great Sects, the Twelve Streams, or even top sects among the Hundred Sects of Ganxue.

To make matters worse, this Sword Conference had expanded its entry slots—an extra blow to those already weakened sects.

It meant they were effectively sending in a mix of second-stringers and cannon fodder… to fight the main force and elite backups of the other sects.

A nightmare.

There was simply no competition.

Thus, Tai'a Sect and Chongxu Sect became the biggest losers of the Sword Conference.

Surprisingly, the Great Void Sect managed rather well—in terms of rankings, they narrowly held onto seventh place among the Eight Great Sects.

They were usually stuck at the bottom of the list, but now they had actually climbed a spot.

And this was despite facing targeted suppression—both overt and subtle—from many sects after the restructuring. It was a hard-earned result under immense pressure.

The disciples of Murong Caiyun's cohort had gritted their teeth and fought to the very end to achieve this.

Several disciples, including Murong Caiyun herself, collapsed from spiritual exhaustion and fractured meridians as soon as the competition ended, and had to be sent to the pill hall for healing.

The Sect Master of the Great Void Sect felt both comforted and moved.

"They're all good kids…"

In the elder hall, the Sect Master sat facing Elder Xun.

He sighed and said:

"I come from an aristocratic family. I've seen plenty of so-called geniuses. I know full well—sometimes, those with 'superior' spiritual roots aren't that impressive."

"As long as the roots are good enough, what truly matters is temperament. That's far more rare and precious."

"For these disciples to endure the pressure and go all out to defend our sect's honor and keep our place in the rankings—no matter their natural talent, they're worthy of being nurtured. They have great potential."

Elder Xun nodded and said:

"Indeed. If these children want to enter the Inner Sect in the future, relax the requirements a little. If they have family obligations and don't wish to stay, then give them a special Inner Sect legacy before they go. For the rest, offer preferential treatment where appropriate…"

The Sect Master nodded. "Good. I'll make the arrangements immediately."

Then, with a heavy heart, he sighed again:

"This time… Tai'a Sect and Chongxu Sect are really in trouble."

Their rankings after the defeat were anyone's guess.

Even though this outcome had been predicted, now that it had actually happened—it still sent chills down the spine.

The three sects had always shared a bond, and now, they could only commiserate with each other.

By comparison, the Great Void Sect's current situation was a lot better.

But only relatively speaking—it didn't mean they were safe.

Seventh place and eighth place were still the bottom.

And coming up next were the competitions for Refining, Pill Alchemy, Talismans, and Formations—four separate categories.

If the Great Void Sect could hold firm, they might just cling to their current spot. Even if they slipped to eighth, they'd still be among the Eight Great Sects.

But if they slipped up even a little—who knew where they might end up?

The outlook was anything but optimistic.

The Sect Master was still uneasy.

While it's true that the four non-sword Dao contests didn't carry as much weight as the Sword Conference—the duration was shorter, and the scale was smaller—

But with four different fields, the uncertainty was massive.

It wasn't the disaster you feared… it was the one you didn't see coming.

He turned to glance at Elder Xun… only to see the old man still calmly sipping his tea.

The Sect Master was quietly exasperated.

This old ancestor really has nerves of steel… Even at a time like this, he's not even the slightest bit anxious.

How could he remain so composed?

It was as if Elder Xun read his thoughts. He poured the Sect Master a cup of tea and said mildly:

"We've done all we can. Now we leave the rest to fate. Worrying won't help. Drink your tea."

The Sect Master could only accept the cup respectfully and take a sip.

He couldn't even tell if the taste was bitter or sweet—there was no flavor at all.

Elder Xun continued to sip his tea in silence. But deep within his gaze, buried under the calm surface…

There was a glint of anticipation. And an edge, sharp as a blade.

No one knew… he had forged a "treasured sword."

And now, he was simply waiting.

Waiting for the day that this brilliant, peerless blade— Would be drawn from its sheath and shock all of Ganxue Prefecture.

After that, the Dao Conference proceeded one event at a time, following the planned schedule.

Finally, two days later— It would be time for the Formation Conference.

And with that— This Dao Conference would soon reach its final conclusion.

(End of this Chapter)