Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2112 Chapter 999: First Place

In the same vein, employing a single formation to train the disciples wiped out their "nature" and "individuality" as cultivators, stopping them from joining the sword competition freely and displaying their full power.

Victories gained this way depend not on personal prowess and fail to qualify as "geniuses."

The top figures from numerous aristocratic families and sects largely stayed quiet.

They had tried similar efforts in the past, yet the outcomes proved disappointing, revealing far more real-world problems than anticipated.

The fact that Taixu Gate managed to reach this level demonstrates they invested considerable effort, and it's nowhere near as straightforward as it seems at first glance.

However, with the sword competition only just starting, it's too soon to judge if this formation proves beneficial or harmful.

Up on the elevated platform, a few Golden Core cultivators and even some Feathered Immortals watched with gleaming eyes.

These people mostly hailed from Taoist soldier lineages, their faces firm from countless fights, radiating an air of authority.

One among them was a Feathered Immortal from the Yang Family.

As Taixu Gate activated their formation, his gaze brightened, and after watching a handful of real sword competition bouts intently, he gave a subtle nod.

Details that escaped others were plain to him, thanks to his background in a Taoist soldier family.

"Does the Yang Family have any disciples in Taixu Gate?" the Yang Family Feathered Immortal inquired.

An Elder close by whispered back:

"Indeed, from the Cheng'en branch, there's a youth called 'Qian Jun' in Taixu Gate. A few more are spread out in the other branches." "Hmm."

The Yang Family Feathered Immortal nodded, committing the name to memory, then after a brief reflection, he stated, "Return and inform the Family Head that the Yang Family ought to strengthen ties with Taixu Gate moving forward. These disciples make for excellent prospects..."

"Understood..." the Elder murmured softly, then with a touch of sorrow added, "It's only that, in the end... they remain a bit green."

"They're merely young ones who haven't ventured beyond the sect yet; being inexperienced is expected," the Yang Family Feathered Immortal replied, his eyes alight with optimism, "The key lies in developing the mindset for battling alongside Taoist soldiers, the notion of 'one sword in unity!' With time and the forge of warfare, they'll undoubtedly shine brightly."

"True Man's insights ring true..." The Elder mulled it over briefly, then furrowed his brow and remarked, "Yet these youths come from noble family direct lines, born to privilege, not destined for the front lines. They may never see true combat ahead."

"It matters not..."

The Yang Family Feathered Immortal responded steadily, his gaze delving deep into the expansive Dao Mountain.

If turmoil ever sweeps the realm one day, with conflict blazing everywhere and all life pulled into the fray, willingness will cease to be a factor...

Across the heavenly screen, the sword competition pressed on.

Disciples of rival sects showcased their talents, but at its core, it stayed a "sect-oriented" style of contest.

Four disciples guarding a single "genius."

Or perhaps five geniuses uniting to bolster each other.

This boils down to an "elite" strategy.

Guided by Mo Hua, the Taixu Gate disciples had quietly transformed the sword debate into a "battle," honing a "team" approach.

They might lack edges in cultivation or Taoist arts, but their strategy shone brighter—moving in sync, retreating together, obeying commands without fail.

For triumph, they cast aside their "individuality."

Shunning family heirloom Spiritual Artifacts, they opted for uniform, tailored ones suited to the plan, stuck to designated Taoist skills, skipped flashy displays, hid their personal flair; all focused on the "tactic," all aimed at winning.

Thus, the gap in performance grew stark.

During the "Huang" round of the sword competition, Taixu Gate disciples notched a surprisingly strong victory rate.

And so, as the sun dipped low and evening shadows lengthened.

The sword competition's opening day wound down amid the clamor and thrill.

Post-matches, the Mount of Tao calculated the wins.

Taixu Gate, once worried about its shaky standing, rocketed ahead, claiming the top spot for the first day of the Qianxue Sword Debate!

This outcome left even the Taixu Sect Leader in shock.

Throughout the day's sword competition, he'd noted the wins and overall flow, estimating Taixu Gate's early position wouldn't lag far behind.

Yet securing outright first? It felt like stepping into a "dream."

Not just the Sect Leader—from the Three Mountains to every elder and disciple—everyone stood stunned.

Top of the sword competition?

Even for merely the initial day, even provisionally, could Taixu Gate truly outpace the Four Great Sects and Eight Great Gates to lead the sword debate?

This marked the pinnacle of the sword competition, after all.

Be it only for day one, be it fleeting, be it a "brief splendor," it stood without precedent.

The entire sect, from highest to lowest, buzzed with delight and fervor.

Much of this triumph traced back to Mo Hua's orchestration.

Mo Hua's standing among the disciples climbed yet higher, almost unnoticed.

Even the Taia Chongxu Mountains' ancestors, the Sect Leader, and various senior Elders started seeing Mo Hua in a fresh, appreciative light.

The longer they regarded Mo Hua, the more likable he seemed, the more they admired him.

Deep down, they knew Taixu Gate's "sword competition lead" wouldn't hold for long.

Still, it sufficed to fill them with pride and joy.

This "short-lived" sword competition victory for Taixu Gate sparked a major uproar when word reached the Four Great Sects, Eight Great Gates, and Twelve Streams.