Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2155 Chapter 1013: Zhang Lan (Part 3)

Once three cups of tea had been savored, a sudden burst of light lit up the distant sky.

Like an enormous watercolor scroll unfurling across the heavens and earth, this vision spread out vividly in front of all onlookers.

The Zhang Family members gazed upward, struck with profound astonishment.

Such a colossal spiritual treasure was an absolute rarity, a spectacle witnessed only once in a lifetime.

Moments later, hues converged within the scroll, unveiling the terrain and the elite disciples.

"It's beginning..."

uttered Elder Feng.

Within the depiction, the scene shifted in a whirlwind of action. Sect disciples clashed under varied regulations; sword duels flared with blades crossing in brilliant flashes, incantations streaked across the void, and some fighters collided with bare hands, shaking the ground and splitting the soil...

With their unique lineages and Daoist techniques, these sect disciples from diverse backgrounds painted a breathtaking and thrilling tableau of sword exchange.

The Zhang Family watched with rapt attention, filled with wonder and reverence.

Great Elder Zhang let out an involuntary sigh, "The Qianxue State Boundary is indeed a cradle of extraordinary talents..."

Elder Feng gave a nod and remarked:

"This represents the 'Xuan' tier sword discussion. Those sect disciples who reached this stage are far from obscure; they stand as the 'pillars' within their own sects."

"Yet these are merely the openers. The upcoming bout is the true spectacle."

"Carefree Sect versus Taixu Gate."

"In this era, the finest disciple from my Feng lineage will face off against Taixu Gate's genius."

declared Elder Feng, a note of pride in his voice.

Great Elder Zhang nodded, his face lighting up with increasing anticipation.

Seated just behind him, Zhang Lan grew tense without realizing it.

The following sword exchanges pressed on.

Great Elder Zhang and Elder Feng kept up their lighthearted banter.

Zhang Lan, however, ignored their words entirely, his gaze locked on the vast scroll, eager for that particular disciple to emerge and validate the doubts swirling in his mind.

Time slipped by unpredictably, and the sword clashes depicted on the scroll slowly drew to a close.

The combatants withdrew from the field one after another.

At last, the scroll grew hazy, colors swirling before reshaping into a fresh vista, displaying yet another set of sword debates.

It also showcased the forms of a new cadre of brilliant sect prodigies.

With pride etched on his features, Elder Feng indicated one segment:

"Brother Dao, in that cluster of white-robed disciples from the Carefree Sect, the one at the forefront is my clan's genius, Feng Zichen."

Guided by his gesture, Great Elder Zhang spotted a youth clad in white, poised assuredly with sword in hand, elegant like a breeze, his eyes sparkling with the fire of youth and boundless energy.

"A refined youth, truly exceptional."

commended Great Elder Zhang with genuine admiration.

Elder Feng smiled modestly while replying, "Brother Dao, your praise is too generous."

Even as the pair lauded the Carefree Sect's Feng family prodigy.

Zhang Lan's eyes seemed pulled by an invisible force toward the opposing side.

He turned to the Taixu contingent across from the Carefree Sect, where amid five figures stood a petite one in the midst, shielded by his comrades, bearing a youthful countenance that rang familiar...

His brows resembled a delicate sketch, pure and untouched by worldly grime.

His gaze mirrored serene depths, radiant yet fathomless.

His bearing was approachable and endearing, blending poise and steadiness with hints of vitality and slyness...

In that instant, a jolt hit Zhang Lan, his thoughts churning like a cauldron at full boil.

"Mo Hua..."

Recollections from Tongxian City flooded back like an unstoppable wave, crashing relentlessly into his soul.

Their initial encounter: a lad bent over a tavern table, clad simply but memorably, poring over a challenging array manual, almost leading to his own mishap, that eccentric young rascal...

The companion who shared drinks and feasts with him.

The mischievous imp who stumbled into Black Mountain Stronghold by chance, stirring up a major commotion.

The remarkably gifted young array master who aided the vulnerable and desperate.

The ally he scoured the wilds with, hunted down wicked cultivators, eradicated bandit practitioners, schemed against the overseer... In the end, they erected a grand array to battle a mighty demon...

All those fragmented remembrances cascaded into his consciousness.

Those vibrant, charming, and sharp images aligned and fused with the poised young figure on the scroll ahead.

Mo Hua.

A faint tightness gripped Zhang Lan's chest, stirring a mix of joy and sorrow within.

He never imagined reuniting with Mo Hua like this, after a decade apart since their parting in Tongxian City.

Zhang Lan drew in a steadying breath, struggling to believe it.

He gripped his thigh firmly.

Pain shot through sharply.

This was no illusion...

Zhang Lan released his breath gradually.

Meanwhile, Elder Feng started discussing Mo Hua:

"Over in the facing Taixu Gate, their top disciple is the young sword Dao prodigy up front, Linghu Xiao."

"Linghu Xiao was once a sword Dao talent unseen in the Chongxu Sect for hundreds of years. Following the merger of the Three Sects, he transferred to Taixu Gate, handing them a real windfall."

"And right behind Linghu Xiao, the smallest in stature is the fellow I've told you about before, Brother Dao - 'Mo Hua'..."

"This kid possesses remarkable wit and an exceptionally potent divine sense."

"His aptitude for formations is remarkably superior."

"Sigh... his standing is utterly dismal..."

Great Elder Zhang frowned in confusion, "What makes his reputation so bad?"

Elder Feng explained, "His character is awful; he delights in low-rank spells to mock others. Plus, he's sly, frequently deploying deceptive arts to ensnare foes, wielding underhanded incantations to irk everyone."

"He boasts real ability, yet lacks any shred of righteousness."

"Worst of all, this brat fancies using the 'Fireball Technique' to slay for sport..."

"Such a thing truly exists..." Great Elder Zhang gasped, "This kid is downright vile."

Zhang Lan: "..."

Were it not for the gap in status that barred casual interjection, he would have spoken up to vindicate Mo Hua and restore his honor.

Could Mo Hua possibly be like that?

Mo Hua, he...

Zhang Lan paused briefly, lost in thought, then lapsed into quiet reflection.

After mulling it over several times, it dawned on him...

Mo Hua did seem... exactly like that?

In his eyes, Mo Hua was a fine lad, a solid young fellow, though prone to erratic behavior at times, causing a fair share of frustration.

From outsiders' views, however, only the frustrating aspects stuck.

Now, it was clear Elder Feng wasn't alone in badmouthing Mo Hua. Zhang Lan strained to listen as nearby cultivators vented their outrage:

"This Mo Hua is utterly contemptible..."

"How many times has he toyed with a Concealment Technique? Can't somebody rein him in?"

"A noble Qianxue Debate, a showdown of geniuses, twisted into 'hide and seek' by him—does that make any sense?"

"Absolutely!"

"It's tragic that so many sect elites and youthful heroes in these sword discussions have perished by this wretch's hand—infuriating!"

"Dare he scorch my Lu Fairy's visage with a Fireball Technique?!"

"If someone cleaves down this fiend with one stroke, I'll hail him as my elder brother right away."

"If not elder brother, then as my adoptive sire..."

...

Zhang Lan stayed mute for a spell, at a loss for words; still, he pondered:

Perhaps it was wiser to feign ignorance of Mo Hua going forward?

Right then, the disciples from each side assumed positions, and the sword discussion kicked off.

Elder Feng voiced his eagerness: "This Mo Hua kid is a real pest; plenty of gifted disciples have tumbled to him previously."

"But things differ today; no matter his plots, retribution awaits, Brother Zhang..."

Elder Feng turned to Great Elder Zhang, proclaiming boldly:

"Watch as my clan's prodigy fells this kid with his blade today, claiming resounding acclaim and fulfilling all hopes."

Great Elder Zhang nodded with evident pleasure: "That would be splendid!"

Zhang Lan reflexively drew back, sealed his lips, and uttered not a peep.