Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2168 Chapter 1017: Underworld (Part 3)
Previously on Immortality Through Array Formations...
Perhaps it's due to some inherited legacy from the sect...
Young Mo Hua started out just fine, yet while advancing along his way, he appeared to wander astray.
As if doomed to "follow in the footsteps," he ended up treading the identical route as his master.
Despised by fellow cultivators, much like his master.
Yet, certain distinctions exist between them still.
Zhuang Daoling earned hatred for his outstanding talent and his disdain toward others.
Mo Hua drew loathing because of his sly and odd nature, which proved endlessly aggravating.
The present Mo Hua somewhat resembles... a different sort of "Zhuang Daoling."
Elder Master Xun sensed deep powerlessness.
Regarding such issues, he had grieved extensively yet found no real remedy, ultimately managing only a heavy sigh.
"Alas, 'foes of the realm,' maybe this is the fated journey for this line of master and apprentice…"
"Certain destinies, hidden from view, simply cannot be escaped…"
Thankfully, Mo Hua hasn't become a true "foe of the realm" at this point.
Numerous individuals detest him.
However, plenty also admire and cherish him.
Although the trail he follows echoes that of another "Zhuang Daoling," in the end, he isn't the actual Zhuang Daoling.
He is...
"Mo Hua."
Elder Master Xun whispered gently, thinking back to Mo Hua's sincere expression and his innocent Taoist heart like a youth's, slowly easing into comfort.
…
The following day, the sword exchanges carried on.
The Sword Discussion Conference advanced steadily, step by step.
A growing number of cultivators turned their focus toward Mo Hua.
Some held affection for Mo Hua.
Some harbored resentment toward Mo Hua.
The majority seethed with anger at Mo Hua and yearned to witness his downfall, eager to mock and pile on the ridicule.
Great Elder Zhang, in his pursuit of allies and probe into the Underworld's origins, began monitoring Mo Hua closely as well.
He observed nearly every one of Mo Hua's sword discussion bouts.
He aimed to determine whether the footwork Mo Hua employed matched the Zhang Family's Water Passing Step.
Zhang Lan, too, desired to observe Mo Hua's sword discussions.
In this manner, he and Great Elder Zhang ended up "coincidentally aligned."
Of course, Zhang Lan remained on edge.
The Great Elder possessed keen insight.
Lacking any hints, he might remain in the dark.
But should even the slightest trace emerge, once the Great Elder seized that "tail," and unraveled the threads to uncover the truth...
It would spell certain doom.
Thus, to evade the Great Elder's suspicions, Zhang Lan could only blend into the spectators quietly and watch Mo Hua's sword discussions in silence.
He refrained from voicing opinions, from engaging in talks, and especially from displaying any hint of familiarity with Mo Hua.
He acted merely as a transient observer, an anonymous onlooker.
As for Mo Hua?
He genuinely held no acquaintance with him.
…
Atop the Mount of Tao, tension thickened among the gathered crowd.
Resentment built up, as more young prodigies honed their blades against Mo Hua, itching to strike him down.
Yet the Xuan Character Bureau sword discussions had drawn to a close.
The bulk of the matches had wrapped up.
Outcomes stood largely fixed.
Opportunities to challenge Mo Hua had slipped away.
Besides, Mo Hua's foes in his latest rounds weren't overly formidable.
Through brief clashes, Mo Hua claimed victory in each, proceeding with relative ease and little hostility.
Despite the overarching menace, a deceptive tranquility hung in the air, like the hush preceding a tempest.
Amid this odd vibe, the Xuan Character Bureau sword discussions concluded with scant drama.
Surprisingly, Taixu Gate held onto third position.
This ranking owed much to Mo Hua and Linghu Xiao, who remained undefeated.
Disciples from other sects contributed substantial efforts too.
Moreover, within Taixu Gate, several once-overlooked disciples experienced a "metamorphosis" following the sword discussions.
And among them, a few even progressed to the "Earth" Character Bureau.
Mo Hua felt considerable surprise.
The sect elders and leaders brimmed with greater joy.
Following the Xuan Character Bureau's finish and a short period of recovery and preparation, the "Earth" Character Bureau discussions commenced formally.
The elite talents from the four sects sprang into motion.
The genuine powerhouses at last unveiled their "might"...