Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2161 Chapter 1015: Water Passing Step?

The Sword Discussion Conference proceeded onward, with disciples from various other sects now engaging in their competitions.

Yet Elder Feng appeared somewhat absent-minded.

Due to the astonishing movement skills displayed earlier by Mo Hua and Feng Zichen, the following bouts felt quite lackluster in comparison.

Great Elder Zhang observed everything with a detached gaze.

In this monotonous and flavorless period of "trash," Zhang Lan remained standing rigid like a statue, though his inner turmoil raged like an inferno, each passing moment dragging on eternally.

Unaware of how much time he had withstood, Zhang Lan grew desensitized from the prolonged wait, until at last, the day's sword discussions concluded.

The surrounding spectators started to scatter.

It was then that Great Elder Zhang abruptly turned, casting a profound glance at Zhang Lan.

Zhang Lan shuddered violently, nearly scattering his very spirit.

"Head back to the dwelling..." Great Elder Zhang commanded.

Zhang Lan stood stunned for a beat before suppressing his breath and nodding, "Understood, Chief Elder."

His mind churned chaotically, his voice betraying a hint of tremor.

Great Elder Zhang sensed something off but dismissed any doubts, figuring that Zhang Lan, after viewing the Qianxue Debate, had been deeply shaken by the spectacle of so many elite geniuses clashing.

Great Elder Zhang felt no irritation, only a sense of ease.

There's always a stronger one out there, a loftier heaven above.

This truth holds for all.

At times, without venturing beyond one's shell, one can't grasp the world's immensity or the abundance of prodigies.

Clinging to isolation and self-satisfaction leads nowhere.

Only by shattering this psychological wall, recognizing others' brilliance and one's own flaws, staying humble and patient, committing fully to cultivation—then alone can the Dao stretch endlessly ahead.

The Fang Tian Painting dissolved into blank white, the scene vanishing entirely.

All present rose and departed Mount of Tao in a disciplined fashion.

Zhang Lan blended into the throng, descending Mount of Tao.

His steps felt a bit rigid, still gripped by residual fear.

Fortunately, the Chief Elder harbored no suspicions, a silver lining in this ordeal.

Zhang Lan finally exhaled deeply in relief.

Shortly after, he cast a look back at the vacant Fang Tian Painting, his thoughts drifting unbidden to Mo Hua's duel with the Feng family's premier genius, merging flesh and fluid to weave through countless sword tips unscathed, stirring profound admiration in his heart.

He struggled to accept it as real.

The young rascal he'd met in the isolated fringes of the Big Black Mountain State border in Qian State, untouched for a decade, had now risen to prominence among the countless sects in the Fifth-grade Qianxue State Boundary.

Able to command storms at the Sword Discussion Conference, holding his own against celebrated youths from diverse sects as a true "heaven's favored."

Though myriad cultivators despised him, not one could lay a hand on him...

"Mo Hua..."

This once-familiar name now rang strangely distant.

Zhang Lan lingered in a stupor, lost as if in a reverie.

Back at the Feng family quarters, Great Elder Zhang addressed the Zhang clan members:

"Elder Feng and I need to handle some urgent affairs. Feel free to go about as you please, exploring sights or forging connections."

"However, Foundation Establishment disciples require Core Formation

escorts."

"Furthermore, this is the Fifth-grade Qianxue State Boundary, teeming with noble houses and prodigies like gathering clouds, far beyond our Zhang family's Canglan

State boundary."

"Conduct yourselves with care, show courtesy to others, and steer clear of any mishaps."

"Return by 22 p.m., or incur the family's punishment."

The disciples all bowed low: "Yes, Chief Elder."

"Mmm." The Chief Elder acknowledged with a nod, flicking his sleeve as he departed.

The Zhang family disciples collectively relaxed with a breath.

The mood lightened instantly.

The young Zhang clan members chatted about destinations for fun or visits to kin and allies, with some inviting Zhang Lan along.

Though naturally indolent, Zhang Lan was affable and cherished within the clan.

Besides, he had reached the Golden Core realm.

Zhang Lan mulled it over briefly, then agreed to accompany them.

They exited the cave dwelling and roamed the streets of nearby Carefree City, soaking in the vibrant traditions and majestic vistas of the Qianxue State

Boundary.

Surrounded by opulent splendor, with riches cascading like rivers, it was a true visual banquet.

The Zhang youths marveled inwardly.

Zhang Lan alone drifted in distraction, weighed down by grave worries.

As they strolled, one disciple suddenly lamented:

"The Qianxue State Boundary is such a marvel, yet sadly, I can't study here—my folks forbid it."

"True, the Chief Elder graciously took us for this event. Once we return, who can say when we'll come back."

"Qian State lies so distant, maybe never again..."

"Such a shame..."

These words tugged at Zhang Lan's heart, prompting him to wonder: "Perhaps I should seek a chance... to meet Mo Hua?"

This trip to the Qianxue State Boundary was pure serendipity.

After the sword discussions wrapped, they'd head back to Kan State, separated by vast distances that would bar future reunions.

Down the line, divided by the world's edges, who knew Mo Hua's path or if paths would cross anew.

Yet...

Zhang Lan wavered once more.

Mo Hua's Water Passing Step came from his own teachings, so at this juncture, he ought to "keep distance" to evade scrutiny—or if the Chief Elder discovered it, disaster would follow. Plus, Mo Hua was occupied with the sword discussions and best left undisturbed.

Besides, Mo Hua had transformed, now a radiant genius who might not even recall him...

He had no clue where to locate Mo Hua...

Zhang Lan brimmed with doubts, torn and unresolved.

Still, amid his indecision, he remembered the Chief Elder's oft-repeated reflections.

In the endless pursuit of the Dao, farewells come easy, reunions rare.

Life weaves fates unpredictably; many part forever without realizing it's the final goodbye.

And this instant might be his sole shot at seeing Mo Hua once more.