Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2098 Chapter 995: Ouyang Xuan (Part 3)

"Junior Brother... what exactly is he up to?"

"Is it possible... he's planning to give Ouyang Xuan a good thrashing?"

"Does he stand a chance against him?"

"Tough to tell... honestly, it seems challenging since this Ouyang Xuan packs real power..."

"The key issue is, our Junior Brother acts like a 'glass cannon,' leaving him with hardly any room for mistakes..."

"Should we step in to assist? I'm worried Junior Brother could end up on the losing side..."

...

As the three chatted among themselves, a fearsome aura abruptly burst forth from the grove, only to fade away in an instant. The surrounding trees looked untouched yet carried an eerie depth and utter stillness, chilling the very Divine Soul.

Linghu Xiao along with the other two experienced a sharp pang in their chests, halting their talk right away as they whipped their gazes toward the grove.

Shortly after, the grove's edges shimmered, and several figures emerged, with Mo Hua and Ouyang Xuan walking out first.

Mo Hua kept his face composed as ever.

Ouyang Xuan, on the other hand, looked ghostly white, his body quivering faintly, like he'd witnessed a horrifying specter, leaving him profoundly shaken.

Stepping ahead of the group, Mo Hua's features lit up with a friendly grin:

"We just had a sincere 'heart-to-heart' talk, and Ouyang came to see that his earlier remarks were out of line, so let's put this behind us."

"After all, we're fellow disciples of Taixu Sect, so we ought to stick together and push for the Sect's glory, aiming for a solid spot in the Sword Discussion Conference..."

Such remarks brought a refreshing breeze like spring winds to everyone's ears.

Linghu Xiao and his companions showed odd looks on their faces.

Ouyang Xuan grew even paler, unable to squeeze out a response.

Mo Hua swept his eyes over the group, beaming as he said:

"Fine, then let's settle it with good spirits."

Following that, the group pressed on with refining their strategies for the Sword Discussion Conference.

At this point, Ouyang Xuan had truly turned 'docile.'

To the extent of being 'excessively docile'—not just compliant, but more like 'shell-shocked.'

Whatever instruction Mo Hua gave, he carried it out with precise care.

His expression still held traces of lingering dread, as though the horror from the grove hadn't fully released its grip.

Nevertheless, this turned out beneficial, making the rest of their training flow remarkably well.

...

Tai'a Sect.

The Tai'a Sect Leader was conversing with a middle-aged elder about Sword Discussion affairs, deep in discussion when his eyebrows knit together suddenly.

"What's the matter?" the middle-aged elder inquired.

The Tai'a Sect Leader seemed restless, "Do you reckon Xuan Er will fare alright..."

The middle-aged elder, somewhat plump with a light skin tone and a perpetual mild smile, responded, "What kind of issue could Young Master Xuan run into?"

"It's about the Sword Discussion."

"Over at Taixu Mountain?"

"That's right," the Tai'a Sect Leader confirmed with a nod, his frown deepening, "I pushed Xuan Er there against his will; if it goes poorly, it'll create problems."

The middle-aged elder mulled it over briefly before nodding:

"Young Master Xuan holds a unique position and grew up under the ancestor's watchful eye from a young age, receiving direct guidance from the True Transmission Elder, so it's natural for him to be somewhat withdrawn. In all honesty, some friction is probably unavoidable..."

The Tai'a Sect Leader creased his brow and let out a sigh: "I simply had no choice..."

"The boy... commands such respect that even as Sect Leader, I'm his equal; I can't reprimand or discipline him."

"I've kept these ties hidden from others."

"Otherwise, given his rank, he couldn't mix with his peers."

"No elder from high to low dares to correct him, fostering his stubborn streak."

"Yet now, I've placed him with Taixu Mountain folks, grouping up with other disciples for the Sword Discussion..."

The Tai'a Sect Leader's worry lines grew heavier, "I'm concerned that in a worst-case scenario, if he clashes and hurts Taixu Mountain disciples, it could strain ties among the three branches."

What's more, due to his elevated status, even should Ouyang Xuan harm Taixu Mountain disciples, no real penalty could touch him.

Leading a Sect proves no simple feat.

The middle-aged elder weighed the options for a second, then offered cautiously:

"Perhaps we drop the idea? Pull together some Tai'a Mountain disciples to join Young Master Xuan for the Sword Discussion. Merely as support, letting everyone bond—it shouldn't sour things..."

"That breaks all protocol," the Tai'a Sect Leader replied firmly, "Endless indulgence like this won't sharpen him at all; he'd end up a true 'spoiled young master.'"

"Once he forms his Core and stays this haughty, he'll face massive setbacks. Lacking drive, he'll stagnate, squandering his exceptional talent."

The middle-aged elder shook his head, stating:

"In that case, gradual shaping it is. Should Young Master Xuan stir up real issues, Tai'a can intervene with apologies and remorse..."

The Tai'a Sect Leader pondered briefly, then nodded reluctantly, "No better option..."

"Fingers crossed that in due course, Xuan Er warms up to those Taixu Mountain disciples..."

Naturally, he realized building rapport wouldn't happen in a flash.

Given Xuan Er's 'defiant' temperament, bowing to no one, keeping him in line seemed out of reach. Who knew the extent of mischief he'd unleash...

This situation demanded handling step by step.

The Tai'a Sect Leader heaved another sigh.

However, two days on, his worries persisted.

After prolonged deliberation, the Tai'a Sect Leader finally employed his Escape Skill, departing Tai'a Mountain toward the Taixu Mountain entrance, slipping into the training ground to check on this 'pampered young master' from Tai'a Sect—hoping he wasn't acting too superior and sparking conflicts.

Entering the training ground, the Tai'a Sect Leader first ran into the Taixu Sect Master.

Each felt a touch of astonishment.

Still, given the Sword Discussion Conference's weight, their involvement made sense.

"Come on in," the Taixu Sect Master invited.

"Appreciate your efforts."

Servants arranged chairs and poured tea.

Surrounded by the aroma of tea, the two Sect Leaders settled in the pavilion, sipping away.

Down on the training field, disciples drilled advances and assaults, cycling through diverse maneuvers.

The arrays held steady, actions synchronized.

The Tai'a Sect Leader had arrived seeking Ouyang Xuan, yet the sight unfolding before him left him stunned for a beat, murmuring:

"This... resembles Taoist Soldiers?"

The Taixu Sect Master clarified, "Not exactly; the disciples are merely drilling with greater discipline."

The Tai'a Sect Leader examined closely, giving a faint nod.

True enough, it fell short of Taoist Soldiers.

Taoist Soldiers demand far tighter arrays and ironclad discipline.

Every order and restraint permits zero slip-ups.

In contrast, the field disciples remained fairly youthful, their array shifts still a bit unpolished.

And for now, they focused on basic tactical setups, lacking supporting Spiritual Artifacts and Formations, so they couldn't match 'Taoist Soldiers.'

Even then, the display impressed deeply.

This might well hint at the budding shape of 'Celestial Taoist Soldiers'...