Immortality Through Array Formations (The Quest for Immortality)

Chapter 888: Merging Forces

Over the next month or so, Mo Hua continued his cultivation in peace, just like always.

One afternoon during lunch in the disciples' dining hall, Cheng Mo kept staring at Mo Hua.

Mo Hua looked puzzled. "What are you looking at?"

Cheng Mo rubbed his chin. "Nothing… It's just—Senior Brother, you're now the number one in formation arts, but you look the exact same as before. Like, nothing's changed at all."

He still remembered that moment back at the Formation Dao Arena: Mo Hua's cold indifference, the way he breezed through formations with ease, slaying all competition with overwhelming dominance.

And that final phrase—"Is there more?"—simple, calm, and quiet, had left a whole row of examiners trembling from head to toe.

That cold and unbeatable aura had been so cool it made your scalp tingle.

But now…

Cheng Mo silently glanced at Mo Hua again.

Like nothing had happened, he was just sitting there in the dining hall, gnawing on a chicken leg…

Cheng Mo couldn't help but feel like these two versions of his senior brother came from completely different stories.

"Senior Brother, you're the formation champion—the top of the Dao of Formations—shouldn't you at least act a little more... dignified?" Cheng Mo asked.

Mo Hua rolled his eyes. "Formation champion, top of the Dao? What's that worth? The Dao of Formations is vast and boundless—I can't let a tiny bit of success slow my steps forward."

Formation champion… just a small achievement…

Everyone nearby fell into stunned silence—not just Cheng Mo.

But since it was Mo Hua saying this, they couldn't exactly argue.

Cheng Mo sighed, "Senior Brother, whatever you do, please don't say that kind of thing in public. Someone will lose their mind and try to fight you…"

Mo Hua nodded seriously. "Don't worry. I'm very humble outside."

Cheng Mo wasn't exactly sure what Mo Hua's definition of "humble" was anymore...

The group went back to eating in silence.

As Mo Hua chewed his chicken leg, he suddenly paused and looked at Cheng Mo. "You reached late Foundation Establishment?"

Cheng Mo nodded. "Mm. Just in the past few days. Just broke through."

He then turned to Situ Jian and the others. "You guys almost there too?"

Situ Jian nodded. "Yeah. I need about seven or eight more days."

Hao Xuan added, "Me too, Senior Brother. Fastest would be three days, slowest ten. I should be able to break through soon."

Suddenly, Mo Hua felt pressure.

He hadn't even sensed the bottleneck for late Foundation Establishment yet…

Sensing the bottleneck, breaking through it, advancing to late Foundation stage, increasing spiritual power, and stabilizing cultivation—it would all take time.

And this school year was almost over.

"I need to pick up the pace!"

Mo Hua's heart tensed.

He began cultivating even harder—but progress was slow.

Especially now, as Cheng Mo and the other "junior brothers" were breaking through one after another, Mo Hua's sense of urgency only deepened.

In theory, Foundation Establishment wasn't hard—at least not for disciples of the Eight Great Sects.

Qi Refinement laid the foundation; Foundation Establishment stabilized the Dao. The real wall came at Core Formation (Golden Core).

Before that, the key factors were: spiritual roots, inheritance, and cultivation resources.

Even someone with low aptitude could make it to late Foundation Establishment if they kept at it, had good teachers, and were force-fed enough heavenly materials and spirit stones.

But after Core Formation, everything changed.

Beyond spiritual roots and resources, it required comprehension, fate, even sheer luck—things far more abstract.

That's why most sects only taught up to Foundation level in group lessons.

Once a disciple aimed for Core Formation, their cultivation path became too unique and complex. They'd have to enter the inner sect and learn one-on-one.

And in the Ganxue Province, almost every disciple had high-grade spiritual roots and powerful family backgrounds—supported by clan resources and sect rewards.

Even among clans, there were different tiers, but anyone accepted into one of the top hundred sects of Ganxue already had more than most wandering cultivators could dream of.

So reaching late Foundation Establishment wasn't actually hard.

What was hard was cultivating it to perfection—making it solid, outstanding, far beyond the norm.

But Mo Hua… was different.

By strict standards, he wasn't a "genius."

His spiritual roots were terrible. His body was weak.

Back when he was in Qi Refinement, he was also dirt-poor—no heavenly treasures, no legacy techniques to temper his blood or spirit.

His speed back then hadn't come from natural talent—it was because true geniuses were taking their time building strong foundations.

Mo Hua had skipped all that in order to advance quickly.

But at the Foundation stage… the difference became clear.

With poor spiritual roots, his cultivation cycles were fewer. His progress slowed.

In early Foundation stage, it wasn't too obvious.

But by mid to late stage, his progress had clearly fallen behind.

Worse yet, he'd poured massive time and effort into the Array Conference.

Then there was the Divine Dread Sword, the parasitic demon fetus, and the self-severed soul—all of which had drained his spiritual essence. His divine sense had even regressed a little.

Mo Hua did some quick mental math—and realized there was no way he'd reach late Foundation before the year ended.

Which meant…

"I'll have to repeat the year?"

A chill swept through Mo Hua's heart.

No way… The mighty junior brother of the Great Void Sect… the Formation Dao Champion… would actually flunk out?

Talk about public humiliation.

After that, Mo Hua began cultivating like his life depended on it.

But cultivation wasn't something that bloomed overnight.

Especially with bad spiritual roots.

His progress was still discouraging—his cultivation barely budged, and he still hadn't even sensed the bottleneck for late Foundation stage…

Mo Hua's heart sank completely.

But once the problem appeared, it was reality—denial was pointless.

After thinking it over, he went to find Venerable Elder Xun.

The elder was in the elders' quarters, chatting with the sect master when Mo Hua arrived, catching them both by surprise.

Mo Hua tactfully explained that his focus on the Array Conference and formation studies had delayed his cultivation, and he likely wouldn't reach late Foundation stage before year's end.

Venerable Elder Xun thought for a moment and said,

"It's fine. Just do your best. Whatever stage you reach, that's where you're meant to be. Don't overthink it."

He didn't spell it out, but Mo Hua understood.

He meant: As long as you're trying your best, we won't make you repeat the year.

Mo Hua sighed in relief—and then quietly looked toward the sect master.

The sect master hesitated, glanced at Elder Xun, and then nodded.

"Don't worry. I'll personally guarantee it."

Even if they had to break the rules, so be it.

The Formation Dao Champion deserved that kind of leeway.

Mo Hua fully relaxed, bowed in gratitude, and left.

But after he was gone, the sect master seemed to be deep in thought.

Elder Xun asked, "What's on your mind?"

The sect master replied:

"Old Ancestor, I suddenly had a thought…"

"What if Mo Hua just… stayed at mid-Foundation forever? Always failed to break through? Repeated year after year, never graduating?"

"Wouldn't that mean… he could attend the Dao Conference forever?"

"As long as he's around, whether it's the Four Great Sects or any of the other top sects—they'd all just be fighting for second place."

"With him holding the throne, wouldn't the Great Void Sect dominate the Formation category forever?"

Elder Xun scowled. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

But the moment he said that, he too paused… and began thinking.

And realized…

It was theoretically possible.

As long as Mo Hua stayed at mid-Foundation, he wouldn't graduate.

As long as he didn't graduate, he could keep entering the competitions.

With him competing every year, the Great Void Sect would always win.

The temptation was so strong, even Elder Xun briefly found himself swayed by greed.

What if Mo Hua just... kept repeating the year? That wouldn't be so bad…

Then he violently shook his head and suppressed that greedy impulse.

"No! No! That would harm the child in the long run. Absolutely not!"

The sect master also knew it wasn't right. He'd only been joking.

Besides, if they really tried something like that, the Four Great Sects would definitely go berserk and pull every dirty trick in the book.

The other sects would curse the Great Void Sect for having no shame.

Elder Xun said, "Let's never speak of this again. What we should do is support this child in cultivating further—advancing his realm, studying higher-tier formations. Even if he doesn't reach late Foundation, we can't let him repeat a grade. Otherwise, what kind of message does that send about the Formation Dao Champion?"

"Agreed," the sect master said.

With Mo Hua's matter concluded, they moved on to official business.

"That matter…" Elder Xun's gaze sharpened. "Are the preparations complete?"

The sect master's face turned solemn.

"We've begun reaching out. We've dropped a few hints to that side. But…"

He frowned.

"…They're extremely resistant."

"Just resistant?"

"Is it just rejection?"

"No, not just that…" The Grandmaster of the Great Void Sect sighed. "They believe we're kicking them while they're down—mocking them."

"Mm." Venerable Elder Xun wasn't surprised.

This was normal. If the roles were reversed, the Great Void Sect would probably think the same.

The sect master frowned, "It looks bleak. Resistance on all sides. Patriarch, should we still press forward?"

"Of course." Elder Xun nodded. "This isn't just one sect's matter. And when planning such things, don't just listen to what others say—look at their actual situation. Gains and losses, life and death, interests… those are what matter."

"Most words are empty."

"What you hear is often like duckweed drifting on water—far removed from reality."

The sect master suddenly understood and nodded, "Yes."

"You're just sending a signal now," Elder Xun said. "Let their patriarchs hear a whisper, mentally prepare. The real decision still lies in their hands."

Hearing that, the sect master felt some relief and bowed, "I'll do as you say, Patriarch."

———

Everything was progressing according to plan.

A few days later, at Chongxu Sect.

In the secluded back-mountain cave residence—

Pinewood screens obscured karma. Silence filled the surroundings.

Patriarch Linghu of Chongxu Sect sat alone inside.

Before him was an ancient stone table, three teacups placed neatly, steam curling from each.

The table was old. The cups were old. The tradition—also old.

This was a tea ceremony that had once endured for ages… but hadn't been held in a long time.

Now, Linghu slowly sipped tea, quietly waiting.

After a while, space cracked apart—sword qi surged.

An elder with a powerful divine body and dark complexion stepped out, walking with wind-like steps to the table, lifting a cup without ceremony.

He wore the highest ceremonial robes of the Tai'a Sect—he was Patriarch Ouyang, the man behind the curtain.

He sat, drinking in silence.

There was no need for words yet. Both men knew—the true host hadn't arrived.

Another incense stick's time passed.

The void parted once more, smoothly and without a ripple.

Venerable Elder Xun, white-haired and aged, stepped through and joined them, raising a teacup in greeting before downing it.

Patriarch Ouyang had worn a scowl earlier, but seeing Elder Xun so aged and worn, he sighed softly.

"Old Brother Xun, out of the three of us, you've aged the fastest."

Elder Xun responded mildly, "No choice. Too much thinking. Too much work."

Patriarch Ouyang shook his head, "You're already a patriarch—why still personally teach and preach? You're just draining your spirit for nothing."

Elder Xun said, "Ancestral rules. Habit. Besides…"

He paused. "Teaching personally does have its perks—sometimes, you pick up a rare seedling or two to uplift our Great Void Sect."

At this, both Ouyang and Linghu looked a bit sour.

If it weren't for that freak emerging from the Great Void Sect, their current situation might not be any better than his.

After a moment, Patriarch Linghu spoke, "Enough. Let's get to the real issue…"

He got straight to the point: "I've caught wind of that matter. I assume, Brother Xun, you spread the word through certain elders and sect masters to test the waters."

"Let me make it clear—Chongxu Sect does not agree."

Patriarch Ouyang nodded, "Tai'a Sect doesn't agree either."

Though the three sects all originated from the same ancestor, they had long since split into independent families.

Each had its own foundation now. How could they simply merge?

There were too many tangled interests, too much internal conflict, too many complexities. Even imagining it gave them headaches.

Not to mention—once merged, someone had to lead.

And that leader… would undoubtedly be Great Void Sect.

Tai'a and Chongxu? Of course they wouldn't accept that.

Calling it "merging forces" sounded noble, but plainly put—this was annexation. The Great Void Sect taking advantage and devouring the others!

Just thinking about that stirred resentment in Patriarch Ouyang, and he looked at Elder Xun.

"Brother Xun, we three sects are kin. I don't expect you to save us in hard times, but at least don't kick us down…"

Linghu echoed, "Yes, that would truly chill our hearts."

Elder Xun simply sipped his tea in silence.

The other two remained expressionless, waiting.

Finally, Elder Xun calmly asked a single question:

"Do you really think we can keep our sects alive?"

The two were stunned.

Patriarch Ouyang replied, "Chongxu and Tai'a… maybe not. But your Great Void Sect? Fortunate and prosperous, with a monstrous disciple, now ranked third among the Eight Great Sects, riding the wave of the reform—you're rising faster than anyone! Why would your foundation be at risk?"

Elder Xun shook his head.

"Forget top three—even if we enter the Four Grand Sects, there's no guarantee our foundation will survive."

Both men stared, confused.

"Brother Xun… please explain."

Elder Xun hesitated, then slowly uttered two words:

"Evil God."

The other two's expressions darkened, brows furrowed.

"You know the name," Elder Xun said.

"You mean…" Linghu asked.

Elder Xun sighed, "An Evil God has already infiltrated Qianxue Province. And its reach… is deeper than any of us realized."

The others said nothing.

"You may have sensed something," Xun continued. "But without studying fate and karma, you don't realize how severe the issue is."

"It's not just you—other old fogeys too. Either secluded, uninvolved, or only focused on their own sect's benefit. Even if disciples go astray, as long as it doesn't shake the foundation, they turn a blind eye."

"That's not right."

Elder Xun's voice hardened:

"The corruption of the Dao heart… is more terrifying than anything."

"Once the heart is tainted, the Evil God will creep in. No matter how strong the sect, no matter how grand, once corruption sets in, collapse is inevitable."

"Evil Gods feed on hearts. Their methods are insidious, elusive."

"We cultivators—focused only on spirit and strength, not on the heart—will never be their match."

Patriarch Ouyang frowned. "Brother Xun, aren't you exaggerating a bit?"

Elder Xun replied, "Was the Rouge Boat incident not lesson enough?"

That cut deep.

The two old patriarchs frowned, clearly unhappy.

"Yes, Tai'a and Chongxu failed in oversight. But to say it was an Evil God behind it… isn't that a stretch?"

Elder Xun raised a brow.

"Aren't you curious? How was it kept hidden so long? How did all of you miss it? Why did this filth happen on the Yanshui River?"

"That river's Dragon King Temple has history."

"And why did it disappear? Who covered it up? What happened inside?"

"And now—why are bandits offering sacrifices there? What are they feeding?"

"Could it be someone's deliberately luring sect disciples to sin, to raise that… thing?"

At this, the two patriarchs' expressions changed.

As patriarchs, they cultivated, strategized, secluded for insight. They rarely paid attention to small conflicts between Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Not to mention, the Evil Mist had obscured all karmic threads.

If Elder Xun hadn't spoken now… they might never have realized the hidden danger.

Or rather… they had once suspected, briefly…

But somehow, they'd all forgotten.

Forgotten…

They had forgotten…

These venerable Dongxu Patriarchs had forgotten…

As they realized it now, both Patriarchs were chilled to the bone.

What kind of being could cause someone at their level to forget something entirely?

Patriarch Linghu muttered after a moment, "I'll look into this…"

Elder Xun shook his head. "It's no use. If you investigate now, you won't find anything substantial. And even if you do, it'll be a mix of truth and illusion. Give it some time—go into seclusion, lose focus for a moment—and this whole matter might slip your mind again…"

Patriarchs Ouyang and Linghu frowned even deeper.

After a pause, Ouyang spoke, "Brother Xun, among the three of us, your understanding of Fate and Karma runs the deepest. I don't believe you'd lie. But still, talk is cheap. You can't expect us to stake everything on your word alone."

"Especially when it concerns the fate of our sects."

"We understand your point," he continued, "but we can't just go along with this so-called 'Three Sect Merger' based on fear of some vague 'Evil God'—which to us, frankly, feels like a convenient excuse for a power grab."

Linghu nodded, "Hearing is illusion, seeing is truth. We must verify things for ourselves before making any decisions."

Elder Xun replied, "If an Evil God truly emerges, it will mean human hearts have turned chaotic, and the Heavenly Dao itself will begin to decline. By the time you finally 'confirm' it, it will already be far too late…"

The two Patriarchs exchanged uneasy glances, clearly skeptical.

Elder Xun sighed softly.

That was the problem.

People can only perceive what they're capable of perceiving.

The older someone gets, the more this becomes true.

And Evil Gods… they're born from divine thoughts—intangible, elusive.

Even powerful cultivators may never see them.

Even if they do see them, they may not comprehend.

Even if they comprehend, they may not truly understand.

And even if they understand, when the time comes to act, they'll hesitate—held back by fear, by complications, by inertia.

That's the flaw of human nature.

To know is already difficult. To unite knowledge and action? That's even harder.

But opportunity waits for no one. Blink—and it's gone.

If the chance to act is missed, the situation will spiral until it's irreversible.

Elder Xun had calculated it countless times. The more he calculated, the more certain he became: unless the three sects united, none of them would escape the upheaval brewing in Qianxue Province.

But if they did unite, it could be a grand opportunity.

Still… convincing these two long-lived, deeply stubborn relics?

Not so easy.

After a moment of silence, Elder Xun slowly said, "Have you two forgotten… the 'Heavenly Demon Catastrophe' in our shared history?"

The moment the words left his lips, Patriarchs Ouyang and Linghu's pupils contracted.

Elder Xun continued, "That ancient calamity… all written records were erased. Aside from old monsters like us, not even the current sect masters know of it."

"But you two should remember."

"During the Heavenly Demon Catastrophe, how many lives were lost in our Great Void lineage? How many swords were broken?"

"My senior brother—his cultivation was peerless, his swordsmanship unrivaled—yet even he couldn't take that final step. He had to seal his own divine sense and confine himself in the Void Sword Tomb, never again to leave."

"Through all the generations, it's always been the Great Void Sect bearing the hidden burdens—suppressing karmic curses, divine-sense assassinations, celestial omens."

"That Sword Tomb now? It holds countless bones."

"Some fell during the Heavenly Demon Catastrophe. Others were geniuses, cut down while slaying demons and evil spirits."

"This might be the fate of those who tread the path of Sword Manifestation through Divine Sense. I'm not asking for praise, and I'm not here to bargain. But you two… owe the Great Void Sect."

Elder Xun's gaze was deep and unwavering.

The other two old men said nothing—but a trace of guilt crept into their expressions.

People are selfish by nature.

In daily life, they only think of their own interests. But that didn't mean they didn't understand certain truths.

Tai'a forged spirit swords.

Chongxu refined sword qi.

Their contributions were visible. Tangible.

But the invisible things—that's where the true danger lay.

And in all these years, it was the Great Void Sect that silently bore the greatest cost.

At the level of sect masters and elders, one could plead ignorance of Fate and Karma.

But as Patriarchs, they knew the horrors of the divine sense realm.

They'd visited the Void Sword Tomb.

They knew what was buried there.

After a long silence, Elder Xun looked at them both and spoke gravely:

"The union of our three sects isn't just cooperation—it's our only chance to survive the coming disaster and preserve our legacies."

"Frankly, you can also take it as compensation for what our Great Void Sect has lost over the years—sacrifices made on the path of divine sense."

"And besides… you both know full well the precarious state your sects are in right now. Do you really want to sit by and watch your foundations rot?"

"As for my Great Void Sect… we're not perfect. But at least in the path of array formations, we have Mo Hua. One genius is enough to outshine a thousand flaws."

"Mark my words—the next champion of the Formation Path will be from my Great Void Sect!"

"This is the reality. This opportunity comes once."

"Right now, I still have the strength to pull you up. But if disaster truly arrives… even if I want to help, I won't have the strength left to do so."

"You both know what the wise choice is…"

Elder Xun's expression was solemn, his tone final.

Patriarchs Ouyang and Linghu sat in silence, long and deep… until both eventually let out a sigh from the depths of their chests.

———

One hour later, Elder Xun returned to the Great Void Sect.

The great burden in his heart… finally settled.

Whatever else happened—at least he'd taken the first step.

All the days of planning had not been in vain.

Elder Xun breathed a little easier.

Another hour passed.

Mo Hua came to see Elder Xun, as usual, to ask for guidance in formation theory.

Seeing Mo Hua still diligent, still tireless, Elder Xun nodded with satisfaction.

After the lesson, Mo Hua hesitated.

"What is it?" Elder Xun asked.

"I…" Mo Hua murmured. "Are you sure I'm not going to be held back?"

He'd asked this before—but he still wanted to make sure.

Naturally, Elder Xun had no plans to let him repeat the year. But today he had some free time, so he asked curiously:

"You really don't want to stay behind?"

"Mm." Mo Hua nodded.

It'd be kind of embarrassing…

Mainly because— "If I'm held back, my junior disciples will all become my… 'senior brothers.'"

That title of "Little Senior Brother" had been hard-earned. Mo Hua was rather attached to it.

Elder Xun chuckled. "Don't worry…"

He paused, then his eyes twinkled with amusement.

"One day a Little Senior Brother, forever a Little Senior Brother. That won't change."

He added, half-jokingly:

"And who knows? Soon enough, you might become Little Senior Brother to even more people."

"…More people?" Mo Hua blinked, a little confused.

Where would he find new disciples to make him their Little Senior Brother out of the blue?

(End of this Chapter)