Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2163 Chapter 1016: Reunion

Taixu Mountain lay wrapped in the glow of a vibrant sunset, veiled by drifting clouds.

With Zhang Lan by his side, Mo Hua strolled casually amid the peaks, sharing tales of Taixu Gate's storied past, its ancient Daoist treasures, elegant structures, and the stunning vistas of the range.

A sense of bewilderment washed over Zhang Lan.

The fifth-grade sect's ancient legacy, its deep-rooted foundations, the poised bearing of its members, the glorious landscapes, and the array of natural marvels didn't fully account for his astonishment...

Though those elements were undeniably striking, what really shook him to the core was managing to step through the doors of Taixu Gate itself.

At the Sword Discussion Conference, throngs of cultivators had gathered around the entrance.

Among them, certain ones boasted deep cultivation bases, others hailed from notable lineages, and a few carried an air of authority, yet every single one was barred from entering.

Zhang Lan had been one of that crowd.

Regulations stood firm, with the overseeing elders and core disciples at the gate showing no favoritism or flexibility, permitting zero deviations.

Yet as Mo Hua approached the entrance, he simply offered a grin and uttered phrases such as "Elder," "Senior Brother," and "This is an uncle I'm quite fond of."

To his surprise, the guards let them through without any additional scrutiny.

The entrance disciples bowed respectfully to Zhang Lan.

The guarding elders even gave Zhang Lan a courteous nod.

Deeper within Taixu Gate, the wonder only intensified.

Every disciple they passed on the path hailed Mo Hua as

"Senior Brother" or "Junior Brother."

The elders they met en route acknowledged Mo Hua with warm familiarity.

Certain elders even offered their greetings to Mo Hua ahead of his own smiling reply.

Zhang Lan nearly convinced himself this was all a dream.

Without prior knowledge of Mo Hua's origins, he might have sworn that Mo Hua's kin controlled Taixu Gate outright.

In a mighty fifth-grade sect like this, earning such regard would demand being a cherished Little Ancestor or perhaps a budding Sect Leader, wouldn't it?

Zhang Lan stole a subtle look at Mo Hua.

He'd long recognized Mo Hua's knack for forging bonds, his prowess in mingling, and his ease in any setting.

Still, achieving this level exceeded anything he'd envisioned.

Mid-stride, a thought struck Mo Hua, prompting him to inquire, "Uncle Zhang, you haven't had a meal yet, right?"

Zhang Lan affirmed with a nod.

Mo Hua declared with open-hearted cheer, "I'll cover it for you!"

Within Taixu Gate, disciples took their meals at the hall in the Disciple's Residence.

These spots reserved strictly for sect members, firmly shutting out any "strangers."

Even Mo Hua lacked the power to bend those rules.

The furthest he could go was sneaking the Sect Leader's large white hound into the hall for scraps.

But that belonged to the Sect Leader.

No such leeway existed for Uncle Zhang.

Thus, Mo Hua visited the dining hall, picked up some liquor and dishes, and carried them outside. He then guided Zhang Lan to a serene, scenic summit on the eastern flank of Taixu Gate.

They selected a broad rock, spreading out the quality drinks and food on a spread cloth.

Seated upon the earth, they gazed at the sunset-tinged heavens, the twilight-shrouded peaks, a magnificent panorama, savoring the fare, sipping the brew, and reminiscing over bygone days.

In that instant amid such surroundings, Zhang Lan briefly imagined himself back in Tongxian City, at the tavern run by Mo Hua's folks, slacking off without a care, boozing alongside Mo Hua, devouring bites, swapping tales, hearing Monster Hunters recount thrilling wilderness escapades, all while awaiting the dusk to paint the doorway in crimson light.

Yet in a flash, reality returned him to Taixu Gate.

Now, his fellow drinker and eater was the star of Taixu Gate from the Sword Discussion Conference, the Array Formation prodigy, a remarkable youth beyond the ordinary.

A decade's separation felt like mere hours past. Mo Hua's looks had shifted, but his manner stayed genuine and unforced, as though time hadn't touched him.

In the pursuit of the Dao, one's pure intent endures, and the innocent heart persists unchanged.

A quiet surge of feeling stirred within Zhang Lan.

Mo Hua's easygoing aura eased his own tension naturally.

Though Mo Hua had evolved beyond his former self, he appeared utterly unchanged

as the Mo Hua of old.

Mo Hua cast a glance toward Zhang Lan in turn.

He noticed his once-slothful Uncle Zhang now seemed far "more composed," less the loafer from Tongxian City days, and noticeably matured...

Mo Hua nodded inwardly, pleased.

Yet a touch of astonishment crept in as well:

"Uncle Zhang, you've advanced to Core Formation?"

Zhang Lan confirmed with a nod, "Yeah, fortune smiled on me."

Mo Hua creased his forehead, puzzled.

He recalled vividly that back in Tongxian City, Uncle Zhang lingered at

just Qi Refinement.

After slaying a major demon later, Uncle Zhang had been compelled to advance to Foundation Establishment.

But lo and behold, after these passing years, he'd climbed to

Core Formation?

This progression struck him as astonishing.

Unable to hold back, Mo Hua probed, "Uncle Zhang, is there any issue with your cultivation path?"

Zhang Lan appeared mildly irritated, "How could there be a problem with my cultivation?"

Noting Mo Hua's lingering skepticism, he clarified with a hint of resignation:

"Didn't I mention it earlier? I've got real aptitude. I stalled at Qi Refinement at first because I resented the betrothal my family set, so I hid away as a Supervisor for some calm."

"Once I advanced to Foundation Establishment, I was pulled back to

the clan."

"Back home, my father lined up yet another match for me. I refused. He's pretty set in his ways and insisted that without hitting Core Formation for some self-reliance, the wedding would proceed."

"Forced into it, I secluded myself, cultivated fiercely, surged through stages from Foundation Establishment Peak straight to Core Formation, and yes, it was sheer luck, nailing it on the initial attempt..."

Mo Hua stared in complete disbelief.

For this Uncle Zhang, dodging a union meant lingering at Qi Refinement into his

thirties.

Then, to evade another, he'd surged to Core Formation by his forties?!

A wave of admiration hit Mo Hua, viewing Zhang Lan as a true talent.

He had to ask, "Uncle Zhang, suppose your father demands you reach Feather Transformation prior to any wedding, would you ascend right then and there?"