Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2154 Chapter 1013: Zhang Lan (Part 2)

In that manner, come the dawn when he finally stirred from sleep, Zhang Lan's countenance lingered in a state of indolence and weariness.

On any regular occasion, Great Elder Zhang would certainly impart some heartfelt counsel to him.

He would explain that those who cultivate must refine not only their body and spiritual force, but also their essence, energy, and spirit.

Should the spirit remain unsettled and the energy continue to churn restlessly, without grasping how to cultivate one's vitality and disposition, how could one possibly concentrate on the Dao?

Yet, given their status as visitors in the Feng household, and acknowledging the grueling travel that preceded, Great Elder Zhang chose to hold his tongue.

After all, a crucial event awaited them this day.

They were set to witness the Sword Discussion.

Elder Feng had thoughtfully arranged a lavish spread of spiritual delicacies and premium spirits to welcome Great Elder Zhang along with the Zhang clan members, showcasing their gracious welcome.

Following the meal, the group made their way toward the Mount of Dao.

The path was bustling with an endless stream of carriages. As they traveled, Elder Feng regaled the others with tales of the Qianxue State Boundary's renowned landmarks, its grand and imposing mountain estates.

All at once, beams of escaping light streaked across the distant skyline, while Feathered Immortals occasionally glided through the heavens, parting the vast cloud oceans.

The Zhang family disciples felt a surge of inner astonishment.

Even Great Elder Zhang let out a sigh laced with admiration:

"Our Zhang family stands as a Fourth-Grade Family, reigning supreme in the Canglan State Boundary, boasting at least ten Feathered Immortals among our ranks. By such measures, we view ourselves as a formidable force."

"Yet, when set against this Qianxue State Boundary, where Feathered Immortals abound like common sights and noble houses host lavish gatherings, we truly appear as a lesser power overshadowed by a mightier one."

"No need for such excessive humility, Brother Dao…" Elder Feng shook his head, replying, "In truth, the Qianxue State Boundary ranks as an exceptional Great Province Boundary. Even among Fifth-Grade State Realms, it holds unparalleled status."

"Moreover, as the proverb states, 'A strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake.'"

"In the Qianxue State Boundary, regardless of the multitude of noble families or their formidable might, they remain bound to this territory."

"Whereas the Zhang family commands an entire domain."

Across the Qianxue State Boundary, Fourth and Fifth-Grade Families abound in great numbers.

But when abundance dilutes rarity, value diminishes accordingly.

Plenty of commonplace Fifth-Grade Families in the Qianxue State Boundary may fall short in strength and sway compared to those enduring Fourth-Grade Families that hold sway over regions in the broader Nine State territories.

The loftier the heavens, the more distant the emperor's reach; the vaster the domain, the stronger the local authority.

Such is the underlying principle.

Thus, though the Zhang family holds Fourth-Grade status and lacks the stature of a mighty dragon, it thrives as a dominant "local snake," the sole overlord of its region.

Within the Qianxue State Boundary, the Zhang family might seem unremarkable.

However, in the lands governed by the Zhang family in the Kan State, their directives could outweigh even edicts from the Taoist Court.

The realm of cultivation spans endlessly, and forging more alliances opens more avenues.

Even without prior bonds to Great Elder Zhang, Elder Feng would never lightly disregard the Zhang family.

Furthermore, the Zhang family dwells in a Fourth-Grade State Realm, constrained by that realm's boundaries.

In this Fourth-Grade State Realm, the Zhang family lacks a Heaven Void presence.

That said, it doesn't preclude the existence of hidden Heaven Void Ancestors from the Zhang family in other Fifth-Grade State Realms, amid various clan powers or secluded peaks and valleys.

The Zhang family has simply maintained a discreet profile, never revealing such secrets.

During the journey, the pair kept up their casual conversation, delving into Qianxue's grandeur. After two hours, they reached the Mount of Dao.

By then, the Mount of Dao teemed with cultivators from all corners.

The clamor roared like thunder, a whirlwind of voices. Stepping into the mountain felt like plunging into a human tide, inspiring profound reverence.

"Brother Zhang, kindly follow my lead."

Elder Feng took the forefront, guiding Great Elder Zhang and his companions in tow.

"Curiously…" Elder Feng remarked as they proceeded, his face bearing a touch of pride, "One of our Feng family members will join the Sword Discussion at the Carefree Sect today. He stands as the finest talent in our Feng lineage, blessed with the superior spiritual root and unmatched insight of his peers."

"His rival hails from the Taixu Gate, among the Eight Great Gates. The Taixu Gate harbors the Sword Dao prodigy Linghu Xiao, and also… that Formation Leader I spoke of earlier, the one with skill yet lacking integrity, Mo Hua, who delights in using petty spells to mock his foes."

"Oh?" Great Elder Zhang's eyes gleamed with interest, and he nodded, "In that case, this journey proves truly rewarding."

With those words, he pivoted to address the cluster of Zhang family disciples:

"I escorted you to the Qianxue State Boundary to behold the Sword Discussion Conference and grasp the essence of a genuine clash among prodigies."

"Within the clan, you possess some promise, but amid the expansive Nine State and this thriving Qianxue domain, your talents shine as faintly as a glowworm before the midday sun—utterly negligible."

"Beyond every heaven lies a greater one, and beyond every genius, another surpasses."

"Stay modest, observe keenly, and absorb every lesson."

His admonition targeted primarily the standout Foundation Establishment disciples of the Zhang family's current generation.

Zhang Lan, at the Golden Core stage, hadn't been part of this intended audience from the start.

Nevertheless, as Great Elder Zhang delivered his speech, his sidelong glance swept toward Zhang Lan, plainly intending to include him.

"Yes, Great Elder."

The Zhang family disciples chorused their reply, forming respectful salutes with clasped hands.

Zhang Lan's features twisted in mixed emotions, leaving him no option but to join in the salute with the rest.

Still, at the mention of the Feng family genius facing off in sword discussion against that "Mo Hua," a spark of eager curiosity ignited in Zhang Lan's chest, mingled with an odd undercurrent of unease.

The observation terrace for the Qianxue Debate sprawled in tiered vastness.

At present, it brimmed with cultivators of every stripe.

Various groups occupied distinct viewing zones.

Spots were allocated for visiting cultivators, outlander noble houses and sects, native Qianxue cultivators, local noble lineages, Qianxue sect elders and disciples, plus elite VIP enclosures in elevated towers—each with its allotted space.

The throng swelled enormously yet maintained orderly flow.

The Feng family, hailing from Xun State noble houses, counted as outsiders, but their deep ties to the Carefree Sect—including mutual sharing of cultivation methods—granted them reserved seats on the Mount of Dao.

Elder Feng ushered Great Elder Zhang and his group to the Feng family's designated section, where they settled into their places sequentially.

Elder Feng then directed servants to bring forth fresh fruits and fragrant tea, extending flawless courtesy.

Great Elder Zhang voiced his gratitude, after which the party took their seats in silence, sipping tea as they awaited the commencement of the sword discussion.