Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2103 Chapter 997: Fangtian Painted Shadow (Part 2)

Indeed, this remains merely a minor "Sword Debate" involving just five participants, distinct from the massive slaughter of Taoist Soldiers that engulfs

thousands upon thousands.

Yet, even the tiniest sparrow contains every essential organ.

Structurally, it truly emerges from the identical mold.

"The forebears of Mount of Tao deliberately established these regulations and transmitted them with profound purpose,"

"anticipating crises during eras of calm"

"Even raised in times of peace, do not overlook the catastrophes of Daoist conflicts that annihilate countless lives..."

Xun Zixian let out a gentle sigh.

Mo Hua nodded quietly in agreement.

Following that, Xun Zixian guided the group onward.

As they arrived at a towering peak, Xun Zixian gestured toward the radiant glow overhead, where the emptiness rippled like a luminous crystalline veil, and explained:

"Behold the Five-grade Grand Formation of Mount of Tao."

"It consists of five-grade grand arrays that capture the essence of heaven and earth, empowered by the might of the void!"

The disciples gazed upward, sensing the overwhelming and ineffable force of the array pulsing through the emptiness, leaving them all stunned into silence. Five-grade...grand formation...

Mo Hua felt a rush of awe, his emotions churning within.

"I ponder if someday I might erect a Five-grade Heaven Void level formation..."

The idea of one day grasping the array secrets of the void and assembling the Five-grade Heaven Void Formation filled Mo Hua with thrilled anticipation, his thoughts drifting far.

Xun Zixian caught sight of Mo Hua's eager stare and offered a soft smile.

Back when he himself was a youth chasing the Dao, encountering this Grand Formation of Mount of Tao initially, he had mirrored Mo Hua exactly—brimming with astonishment and desire.

Though the Five-grade Formation looms so incredibly far off, and even after years of Dao cultivation, he still hasn't approached its edges.

Still, nurturing such ambitions proves beneficial.

Xun Zixian pivoted and inquired, "Are you all aware of the purpose behind the Five-grade Formation of Mount of Tao?"

The group exchanged puzzled glances.

Most had simply observed the Sword Debate for amusement and hadn't explored it in depth.

Yet Mo Hua, who had studied it earlier, replied, "It draws upon the void's strength to safeguard the disciples."

Xun Zixian affirmed with a nod, "The Grand Formation of Mount of Tao isn't a Killing Formation, nor a Trapping Formation, and certainly no ordinary defensive array."

"The ancestors of Mount of Tao crafted this formation exclusively for the Sword Debate Tournament."

"It harnesses the void energy of the array to shield disciples amid the Sword Debate..."

"In three days, for your Sword Debate, each participant will receive a 'Dao Discussion Jade,' resembling a delicate droplet, elegantly positioned on the forehead."

"Linked to the Grand Formation of Mount of Tao's power, this Dao Discussion Jade generates a void barrier that absorbs any harm incurred during the Sword Debate."

"Your 'life' equates to this Dao Discussion Jade.

"Prior to the Sword Debate, elders will objectively evaluate your 'injury quota' according to your blood qi, physique, and spiritual power."

"That quota represents the 'health' of your Dao Discussion Jade."

"In combat, should a lethal blow deplete the 'health,' the Dao Discussion Jade will break, marking your loss in the Sword Debate."

"The formation then triggers, employing void energy to swiftly relocate you from the Sword Debate arena."

"Thus, disciples engaging in the Sword Debate can unleash their full potential free from fears of actual death or slaying others..."

Xun Zixian explained with steady patience.

This constitutes a Sword Debate, not outright slaughter, nor a brutal contest of survival.

Participants in the Sword Debate hail from noble clans and sect prodigies; it's unthinkable to demand they truly 'battle unto death!"

Otherwise, the hard-won nurturing of disciples would yield losses from a single Sword Debate.

Not only would noble families object fiercely, but the sect would endure severe setbacks too.

The heaven-favored geniuses, if slain or crippled over the Sword Debate, represent an irreplaceable tragedy.

Xun Zixian gazed skyward, a touch of nostalgia in his voice:

"Such supreme Five-grade Void Grand Formations, scattered across the cultivation realm, number scarcely more than a handful."

"Absent this Void Grand Formation's absolute safeguarding of top disciples, enabling unrestrained combat, conducting a genuine Sword Debate becomes nearly impossible..."

"Hence, only the Qianxue State Boundary can orchestrate this singular 'Sword Debate' Tournament, drawing prodigies from every corner, uniting them, letting cultivators from all Nine States gather to observe, forging the magnificent event before us..."

The disciples' gazes sparkled with fervor, a swell of pride emerging naturally. After covering the formations, Xun Zixian directed the group ahead, acquainting them with the site while weaving in details on particular rules: "Items for Dao cultivation permitted in the Sword Debate face strict constraints as well."

"Spirit Stones in modest amounts only; excess is forbidden."

"Pills are yours to select."

"Mount of Tao supplies both, prohibiting personal imports. Pills especially..."

Xun Zixian added, "One disciple once smuggled banned pills into the Sword Debate seeking a superior placing, nearly triggering self-implosion and sparking major chaos, so personal pills were outlawed thereafter... Every extreme rule stems from an extreme incident.

"Runes must come from Mount of Tao too, not self-provided. Each disciple may choose just one Second Grade High-Rank Rune."

"Spiritual Artifacts, however, you may carry your own, capped at Second Grade

High-Rank."

Spiritual Artifacts hold unique significance, as many disciples refine them into personal Magical Treasures. Affinity with Spiritual Artifacts forms a core aspect of a cultivator's prowess.

Thus, bringing personal Spiritual Artifacts is permitted. "Quantity and variety of Spiritual Artifacts remain restricted; only one each for armor, weapons, accessories, and similar items." "Formations follow suit with limits; one set per person, no higher than Second Grade Middle-level..."

Mo Hua nearly doubted his ears, "Second Grade Middle-level?"