Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2097 Chapter 995: Ouyang Xuan (Part 2)

Standing out awkwardly among the group was Ouyang Xuan.

Isolated by himself, his face icy and eyes piercing, he was merely a step from the others, but a vast gulf seemed to divide them, highlighting his "aloofness."

Mo Hua paid no heed to his "detachment."

Disagreements between individuals are commonplace.

With just a handful of encounters, it's impossible to expect him to "fit in" right away.

Mo Hua never demanded that Ouyang Xuan "fit in," just that he follow the swordsmanship plan in line with the goals set.

Mo Hua crouched low, using a small branch to sketch lines and simple shapes on the ground.

Next, he started describing to the team the fundamental tactical spots, setups, arrangements, shifts, and aims.

Even if they seemed simple, these elements held vital importance.

In swordsmanship battles, conditions shift swiftly, often without room for orders, depending solely on shared instincts.

During tense instants, stronger foundational strategies allow for faster reactions.

Every complex tactical adjustment stems from the simplest teamwork.

Once finished, Mo Hua turned his eyes to Ouyang Xuan.

Ouyang Xuan kept his face impassive, uttering not a word.

Unsure if he'd comprehended, Mo Hua suggested, "Let's practice and see."

Following that, the group ran through several sessions based on the previously outlined movements.

Cheng Mo served as the "tank," while also delivering some strikes.

Situ Jian supported the assaults, easing the burden on Cheng Mo.

Linghu Xiao took the role of primary aggressor; his sword skills packed the biggest punch yet demanded setup duration and no disruptions, so he relied on teammates for protection.

For that reason, Linghu Xiao ended up in the rear position.

Mo Hua positioned himself next to him for backup, to watch the field, manage the big picture, and adjust on the fly.

As for Ouyang Xuan...

Mo Hua probed with Divine Sense a few times, getting a general sense of his power.

Ouyang Xuan possessed deep cultivation, Sword Qi leaking from his form, marking him unmistakably as a skilled sword cultivator with top-tier talent and solid Sword Dao insight.

His grasp of Sword Dao fell a bit short of Xiaoxiao's pure Sword Heart, though his cultivation level surpassed hers.

The Sect Leader had spoken truly; Ouyang Xuan proved to be another "top prodigy."

He wasn't the ideal "pentagon" talent without weaknesses, but his abilities remained impressive.

Thus, Mo Hua placed him in the "single soldier" spot, capable of battling solo or lending aid wherever the moment called for it.

Should he excel, his personal power could sway the outcome greatly.

Should he falter, the team's broader efforts would stay intact.

The group blended their efforts briefly.

Initially, things went smoothly; Ouyang Xuan proved sharp and picked up the strategies fast, his robust abilities letting him integrate effectively.

However, after repeated drills, impatience gripped Ouyang Xuan.

He'd freeze in place like a "stone," go off on his own like a "standout," or shift spots on his own whim.

Such actions led Cheng Mo to stumble often too.

Cheng Mo, quick to flare up, exploded in fury right away, snapping, "What's your meaning?"

Ouyang Xuan shot back icily, "What is it?"

Cheng Mo fumed, "We're practicing tactical formations. Why aren't you staying in your position and running around?"

"What formation?" Ouyang Xuan scoffed, "Back and forth, it's just those few positions, can be seen through at a glance, what's there to practice?"

His eyes pierced Cheng Mo, "Practicing such low-level tactics so many times, really dense aptitude, I truly don't understand why the Sect Leader insists on placing me in a squad with a mediocrity like you..."

His remarks carried a subtle dig, and as he spoke, his side-eye drifted to Mo Hua.

This fully ignited Cheng Mo's rage.

His features hardened completely, clutching his twin massive axes as he growled softly, "What, want to fight?"

"Fight?" Ouyang Xuan jeered, "Do you deserve it?"

Witnessing Ouyang Xuan's provoking attitude, Cheng Mo almost heaved his axe, yet he restrained himself ultimately.

Cheng Mo might seem impulsive, but he wasn't one to act without thought.

Sect rules barred disciples from clashing; swinging his axe would break those laws and invite penalties.

Besides, Cheng Mo realized this was his Junior Brother's group; only the Junior Brother's commands mattered.

If the Junior Brother told him to hack at Ouyang Xuan, rules be damned, he'd charge in without a second thought.

Yet with no word from the Junior Brother, anger boiled but he held back from rash moves.

Linghu Xiao and Situ Jian nearby wore unfriendly looks as well.

Mo Hua stayed composed instead, his face displaying contemplation.

In normal times, regardless of Ouyang Xuan's foul mood or stance, he wouldn't care.

But circumstances had changed now.

This squad focused on swordsmanship, tied to Taixu Gate's stakes and his master's linked fates.

He required a "obedient" ally, one who would carry out plans exactly as directed.

He had no use for a "genius" who seemed gifted yet hid ulterior motives and stirred chaos.

The swordsmanship contest loomed close, and moments were scarce.

Mo Hua had no intention of squandering excess time on Ouyang Xuan.

Occasionally, decisions called for a touch of severity.

Mo Hua eyed Ouyang Xuan flatly, stating, "Follow me."

With that, Mo Hua pivoted and headed to a nearby cluster of trees.

Ouyang Xuan's brow furrowed, irritation flickering. He disliked being "ordered around" in such a manner.

Still, as Mo Hua moved further off, Ouyang Xuan paused briefly and sneered under his breath, "I want to see, what can you do to me?"

Afterward, he strode after Mo Hua.

The pair vanished into the woods that way.

Thick foliage hid their shapes.

Linghu Xiao, Cheng Mo, and Situ Jian exchanged stunned glances.