Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2080 Chapter 989: Winds Rising (Part 3)

The Shen Family Head had just begun to stand up, yet after hearing those words, he dropped to his knees once more and spoke with utmost sincerity:

"My grandson lacks proper discipline. Linsu and his companions... they're impulsive youths, captivated by the charms of the Rouge Boat, behaving recklessly and truly tarnishing our Shen Family's name..."

Anxiety gripped the Family Head, who braced for the Old Ancestor's reprimand, yet unexpectedly, the Shen Family Old Ancestor merely shook his head and remarked:

"This might actually turn out to be a good development."

The Family Head's brow furrowed in confusion, "Old Ancestor... you..."

In a firm tone, the Old Ancestor declared: "I'd prefer they taste the temptations of the flesh, pierce through the seductive veil of feminine wiles, acknowledge their own weaknesses and humility, and then devote themselves to cultivation with an untainted mind."

"Preventing them later from getting ensnared by women of lowly origins who rely on looks alone, deceiving them through sentiments and rendering them useless."

"Those who cultivate must concentrate on Tao Cultivation, pursuing the might of Heaven and Earth to attain immortality."

"Individuals who dwell in romantic entanglements and chase fleeting joys become mere pawns to be sacrificed when true disasters strike."

"You must impart this lesson to him thoroughly."

The Family Head lowered his head in respect and replied: "Yes."

"Very well, you can go now," the Old Ancestor instructed, "Once you're out, summon Linsu to me."

A heavy breath of relief escaped the Family Head as he bowed deeply once again before rising gradually, "May the Old Ancestor enjoy endless years and boundless prosperity like the skies and oceans."

The Family Head then departed.

Shortly afterward, an elegant young man entered, offering a respectful bow as he announced:

"Great-grandson Shen Linsu pays respects to the Old Ancestor."

The young man exuded composure and assurance, balanced without arrogance or subservience.

A strange gleam flickered in the eyes of the Shen Family Old Ancestor as he gazed upon Shen Linsu, almost as though beholding his own youthful reflection.

"Linsu..." The Old Ancestor's manner softened warmly.

"Old Ancestor," Shen Linsu responded.

"The Sword Discussion Conference approaches soon."

"Indeed," Shen Linsu's gaze sparkled with determination, his voice steady and firm, "Your great-grandson will without doubt secure the top position at the Sword Discussion Conference, bringing glory to Qian Taoist Sect, to Shen Family, and to you, Old Ancestor!"

Shaking his head, the Old Ancestor replied, "That top spot isn't for Qian Taoist Sect, nor for Shen Family, nor for me—it's for you alone."

"Your natural gifts, abilities, and wisdom stand at the peak; you merely need this single chance to demonstrate your worth."

"Seize first place in the Sword Discussion Conference, and your path will ascend without hindrance, attaining the heights."

Shen Linsu's eyes remained fixed and resolute, yet he voiced:

"The Old Ancestor cherishes me, Shen Family raises me, Qian Taoist Sect instructs me. Now that your great-grandson has advanced in cultivation, I won't disappoint the Old Ancestor's profound care, nor the guidance from kin and sect."

The Old Ancestor nodded approvingly, "You surpass your father in potential—don't disappoint me."

"Have no worries, Old Ancestor." Shen Linsu assured him.

"Depart now and focus on your cultivation."

"Yes, your great-grandson bids farewell."

With a deep bow of reverence, Shen Linsu exited.

The Old Ancestor observed Shen Linsu's departing form in quiet contemplation.

Gazing at his lofty, striking great-grandson, brimming with vigor, rich in Spiritual Power, exuding an innate superiority over others like a "Qilin" progeny, a profound fondness welled up within him.

This was the genuine prodigy of the Shen Family.

This was the authentic heaven's chosen one.

This was his closest descendant from the Heaven Void Ancestor's line.

His fury stemmed from the Rouge Boat affair.

He harbored no resentment toward Shen Linsu's indiscretions; rather, his ire burned at those base women being unworthy of receiving "favors" from his Qilin-blooded great-grandson.

How could such lowborn individuals possibly merit it?

The Old Ancestor's face briefly twisted in mild wrath, only to ease gradually, reclaiming his tranquil poise.

Upon beholding Shen Linsu, another name inevitably surfaced in his thoughts:

"Mo Hua..."

This student by the name of Mo Hua had arrived years back, bearing that archaic Sect-Entering Order, in hopes of joining Qian Taoist Sect.

Yet entry was denied.

Deep down, the Old Ancestor couldn't claim complete indifference to the matter.

A faint sense of remorse stirred in him.

Not remorse over Mo Hua personally, but over failing to "aid the foe."

Had Mo Hua been admitted back then, even merely as a laborer or an unnamed disciple short of the Outer Gate, letting him sense his inferiority amid almost a thousand heaven's prodigies, cultivating a modest Taoist Heart that would dwindle into obscurity...

That outcome would have outshone delivering him straight to Taixu Gate.

Absent Mo Hua's involvement, the Sect's reorganization would have concluded smoothly, free from chaos or entanglements.

It wouldn't have dragged on to this contention to settle the power's course.

Nor exposed the Shen Family's hidden Solitary Mountain.

Amid roiling hidden tides, the Shen Family teetered on the edge, compelled to sever limbs and offer heavy sacrifices.

This was due to swift discovery and bold measures taken.

Any delay, and calamity would have overwhelmed the Shen Family, leaving it in dire straits.

At present, the Old Ancestor grasped it clearly: Mo Hua was bound in that individual's karmic web.

Undoubtedly, Taixu Gate's Ancestor Xun recognized this as well.

Aware of it, he schemed to position Mo Hua as a "pawn," targeting Qian Taoist Sect and even the overhaul of the Four Great Sects.

A sigh echoed in the Old Ancestor's heart.

Good fortune often conceals peril; peril hides within good fortune.

For Qian Taoist Sect, this youth began as a boon, yet rejecting him twisted it into "calamity."

The shifts in karma prove utterly enigmatic.

Taixu Gate's Ancestor Xun truly merits his status as an expert in such arts, astoundingly molding a disciple of middling-low grade inferior Spiritual Root into a Formation Leader, forging him into a keen blade aimed at Qian Taoist Sect.

"Yet, this draws to a close..."

The Old Ancestor mused in silence.

Ultimately, Taixu Gate wants for solid roots. Though the Three Gates united, the elite disciples largely departed, leaving behind chiefly average talents.

The Qianxue Debate prizes swordsmanship, with the Sword Discussion as its core.

For Taixu Gate, it's truly a hopeless bind.

And for this Mo Hua, no matter his prowess in inscribing formations, he'll merely snag another formation victory at best.

"One lone Formation Leader won't rescue your Taixu Gate's Three Sects Unification..."

A soft chuckle escaped the Old Ancestor as his eyes grew grave.

...

Back at Taixu Gate, Mo Hua picked up his routine cultivation once more.

As the New Year came and went, days raced forward, bringing yet another month to a close.

Mo Hua thus embarked on his ninth year within Taixu Gate.

This marked his last year of Tao cultivation there as well.

And in this year, he stood poised to join the grandest gathering in the Qian Learning State Boundary, spanning the Four Great Sects, Eight Great Gates, Twelve Streams, plus numerous sacred sects from the Qian Learning Hundred Gates, assembling myriad heaven's chosen, clashing in thousands of Taoist arts—a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle for any sect disciple:

Qianxue Sword Discussion Conference.