Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2153 Chapter 1013: Zhang Lan

Previously on Immortality Through Array Formations...

The Daoist Law Elders puzzled over Mo Hua's intermittent visibility in the Spiritual Mirror during his match against Sever Gold Sect, eventually realizing he had combined low- and high-level concealment techniques. In the subsequent battle with Lingxiao Sect, his Five Elements Concealing Skill—likely the lost Minor Five Elements Stealth Skill from the Five Hidden Sect—was fully exposed through intense spell bombardments. The elders, now prepared with Five Elements Revealing Spiritual Artifacts, anticipated Mo Hua's next confrontation against Carefree Sect's Feng family disciple. Late at night, a Feng family elder in Qianxue State welcomed the arriving Chief Elder of the Zhang family from Kan State, discussing the Sword Discussion's top talents before highlighting Mo Hua as a prodigious yet controversial genius, prompting shock among the Zhang cultivators.

Great Elder Zhang whipped his head around and shot a frosty glare.

A chill prickled the green-robed cultivator's scalp; he sprang to his feet right away and bowed deeply, murmuring an apology, "Junior was impolite."

Elder Feng offered a warm smile.

"Don't fault the young ones, Elder," Great Elder Zhang remarked.

"It's fine..." Elder Feng dismissed with a wave, eyeing the green-robed cultivator closely before inquiring, "And who might this be...?"

The green-robed cultivator bowed once more and replied, "Junior is Zhang Lan."

"Zhang Lan..."

Elder Feng mulled it over, taking in his green robes and exceptional bearing—relaxed yet poised. Though young, he had already reached Golden Core cultivation, which sparked immediate admiration as he commended:

"Worthy of the reputation, gifted and elegant, with a heart as expansive as the oceans. The Zhang family truly breeds prodigies..."

Great Elder Zhang waved it off, "Brother Feng, you're overly generous. This kid's undisciplined, always acting out no matter where he wanders."

Though he spoke those words, a flicker of ease lingered in his gaze.

Zhang Lan, this youth—he had observed him mature from the start.

He had long viewed the boy as indolent, ill-mannered, short on resolve, and unlikely to accomplish much.

However, after some time honing himself beyond the sect, facing hidden trials, he grew more grounded, dedicating himself to cultivation and progressing swiftly, honoring his remarkable talent.

Elder Feng served tea to Great Elder Zhang.

The servant dutifully topped up Zhang Lan's cup as well.

"Enjoy some tea," Elder Feng invited, gesturing welcomingly.

Great Elder Zhang inclined his head, "Much appreciated."

The two elders then resumed their conversation, touching on sect developments, past bonds, Qianxue's traditions, the roots of prodigies, and beyond.

The rest of the Zhang clan members stayed silent, absorbing it all from the sidelines.

Zhang Lan kept his head lowered in respect, listening intently, yet turmoil stirred within him.

Mo Hua?

Was that name right?

Had Elder Feng truly named Qianxue's prodigy, the Formation Leader, as... Mo Hua?

Zhang Lan could scarcely credit it.

Was this the Mo Hua he knew?

This was prime Qianxue Continent, hub of noble houses, teeming with sects, where elites abounded and talents proliferated... how could he possibly shine amid all that?

Not merely shine, but at Foundation Building Middle Stage, boasting nineteen-pattern Divine Sense at its zenith, outstripping the Four Great Sects to seize the Formation Leader honor...

This stretched belief, too outlandish even for legends...

Zhang Lan creased his brow, lost in relentless thought:

"Same name?"

"This isn't the Mo Hua I know?"

But that felt off...

How could coincidence strike twice with another 'Mo Hua'?

Besides, Elder Feng described this "Mo Hua" with potent Divine Sense, prowess in spellcasting, and the ability to hide...

This screamed Mo Hua, but the "fully geared," no, the "maxed-out geared" edition of Mo Hua.

Still, linking these two as one individual...

Zhang Lan struggled to accept it.

And the deeper he pondered, the tougher it got.

"Seize an opportunity to check... if this is truly Mo Hua, that rascal..."

Zhang Lan mused inwardly.

Meanwhile, Great Elder Zhang and Elder Feng kept conversing.

The path of Dao cultivation spans endless years, a cultivator's span is vast indeed, and with the Nine States' immensity—remote peaks and endless paths—many old Dao companions might part for decades, or even ages.

Countless kin and fellow seekers bid unwitting farewells in a single lifetime.

Time's expanse renders fates elusive, with life and death ever poised to divide.

Should reunion elude destiny, only a meager libation at the tomb offers scant solace.

Hence, reunions with old allies spark endless tales, hard to curtail.

Slowly, the years' estrangement melted, their voices warming with familiarity.

Elder Feng, lost in memories, let out a sigh:

"The Feng and Zhang houses share deep ties from old. In our Qianxue academy days, we were like-minded souls, our Core Formations timed closely. Now, brother Dao has achieved Feather Transformation, ascending to True Man status, while my weary frame lingers in Late Golden Core, leaving me deeply envious..."

Great Elder Zhang shook his head, "Brother Feng, you're too severe on yourself..."

"The Dao cycles eternally, abundance and void follow patterns, prosperity and woe arrive in due season; a cultivator's journey defies foresight, whether easy or arduous, none can foretell."

"We merely perform righteous acts and leave tomorrow to fate."

"When cultivation's moment ripens, it arrives unbidden. If not, persist in practice. Endure and cultivate while breath holds, allowing all else to drift naturally."

"Triumph or setback, boon or bane, lies outside our grasp..."

Elder Feng reflected on these sayings, steadying his spirit before nodding and responding:

"Brother Dao speaks wisdom; I've grown hasty..."

The pair delved further into cultivation wisdom.

Great Elder Zhang recounted his Feather Transformation trials,

laying bare every detail without reserve.

Elder Feng absorbed it all eagerly, reaping ample insights.

Before they knew it, darkness cloaked the night, and Elder Feng abruptly noticed, his expression apologetic:

"In my age, I prattle endlessly, nearly overlooking how your travels must have wearied you, brother Dao—time to retire early."

"For Dao seekers, such weariness is trivial." Great Elder Zhang countered.

Yet words aside, Elder Feng read the signs well.

"The caverns stand ready; all may retire now."

"At midday tomorrow, I'll guide you to the Sword Discussion Conference,

so you can behold Qianxue's grand spectacle, the flair of its young talents..."

Great Elder Zhang nodded, "Gratitude."

Then servants ushered the visitors to their quarters.

Every Zhang family member voiced polite thanks to Elder Feng.

The long trek had drained them thoroughly, so they collapsed into slumber the moment they lay down.

Zhang Lan had felt bone-tired at first too, but upon catching "Mo Hua"'s name,

he sprawled on his bedding, mind racing, flipping restlessly, sleep evading him.