Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2186 Chapter 1023: The Weight of the Formation Leader (Part 2)

"For thousands of years, the regulations of the Mount of Tao have stood firm. Who would dare to alter them?"

"That's right... We can't touch the ancestral rules."

"Could we at least take the Spiritual Ink out of the miscellaneous items?"

"What kind of rubbish is that? The Mount of Tao's founder himself placed the Spiritual Ink among the 'miscellaneous items.' He had his own purpose for it."

"The founder of the Mount of Tao isn't just any ordinary ancestor."

"He didn't just add the Spiritual Ink; even if he'd thrown in a heap of dung, it would carry deep significance. You absolutely can't alter it!"

"With all these elders here, shouldn't you choose your words more carefully?"

"The language is rough, sure, but it hits the nail on the head."

One person nodded along, adding, "Exactly."

"The ancestral rules are unchangeable..."

"On top of that, even if we tried to modify them right now, it's far too late. The tournament has progressed this far already."

"Plus, this Sword Discussion Conference draws eyes from countless honored guests. Switching rules midway would be foolhardy and bound to draw backlash."

"No alterations allowed; we'll proceed with the competition as planned."

"So, we need to figure out how to counter this Mo Hua's Formation, right?"

"A Second Grade Nineteen Patterns High-Rank Formation isn't something you pick up easily. I bet the boy hasn't grasped much beyond the basics."

"If we grasp his core formations well, dealing with him should become simpler..."

Before replies could come, an experienced Elder of Formation Arts with keen eyes let out a cold scoff, "Do you grasp what 'Formation Leader' truly signifies?"

"Figure out his core formations?"

"Do you realize who you're discussing?"

"Didn't you see the previous Formation Competition?"

"Are you unaware of how Mo Hua secured his victory? Have you no clue?"

"What does 'crushing' really mean? Do you comprehend it?"

"This is the Sword Discussion Conference, where he uses spells to keep the battle intense and close."

"In a Formation Competition, without holding back, all those so-called talents you mention? They're nothing but garbage, every single one!"

"He's a guest in the sword discussion, but the star of the formation competition."

"In the Formation Competition's spotlight, Mo Hua doesn't just claim to be the top of this sect or that one like other geniuses. He truly holds the title of first in the Qianxue Sect!"

"You don't study formations, don't instruct in them, and can't fathom the depth of his formation foundation."

"Nor do you appreciate how astonishing it is to nurture a Formation Demon like him..."

The Elder of Formation Arts speaking had hair as white as snow and skin etched with deep lines, commanding immense respect from his years of service.

His remarks left every face in the room grim and sour.

Still, nobody ventured a counterargument, nor did they have one to offer.

Silence hung over the hall for some moments.

Up on the stage, an elder from the Qian Taoist Sect, holding a position of notable prestige, looked grave as he spoke measuredly:

"So, what approach does Elder Yan recommend?"

The white-haired elder Formation Master, known as Elder Yan, pondered for a moment before declaring bluntly:

"Forget about trying to counter him with formations."

"No sect, not even if all disciples from the Four Great Sects united, could hold him back in formations."

"If someone could, he wouldn't have dominated everyone and seized the Formation Leader title."

"And that was back three years ago..."

The Qian Taoist Sect elder's features turned pale, yet he remained silent.

Elder Yan went on, "Though you may dislike the boy, you have to acknowledge his genius in formations."

"Three years have flown by now. No telling how far his skills have grown."

"Therefore, you stand no chance against him in pure formation work."

"Yet a formation remains just that—a formation. Its strength is mighty, but it comes with built-in constraints."

"Formations demand advance setup and careful placement."

"Once deployed, they stay fixed in place."

"These limits bind every Formation Master, Formation Demon included."

"Even if Mo Hua sketches formations at top speed, it still costs precious time."

"That delay becomes his weakness."

"His patterns in sketching, deploying, and wielding formations—any flaws there can be studied and turned against him..."

"Everything and everyone fears deep analysis."

"Once fully dissected and known, he'll face constant checks, and no matter his formation prowess, he won't stir up trouble anymore..."

The Qian Taoist Sect elder's look eased a touch, and he clasped his hands, stating, "Then I'll leave it in Elder Yan's hands."

Elder Yan gave a faint nod, though relief didn't touch his expression.

...

In the dead of night at Taixu Gate.

Mo Hua hunched over his desk in the Disciple's Residence, diligently mapping out plans on paper.

As the proverb says, 'Preparation breeds success; neglect invites failure.'

The sword discussion appears straightforward—just stepping onto the stage to clash with prodigies from rival sects and claim triumph or loss.

But offstage, Mo Hua has invested endless hours and energy.

Around the clock, he's devised strategies, run through scenarios, hunting for that narrow path to win.

These struggles, however, escape the notice of audiences and the majority.

Triumph never comes without effort.

Furthermore, the geniuses hailing from the major sects across the Qian Learning State Boundary make for truly daunting foes.

The daytime sword discussion against the Heavenly Sword Sect proved tough as well.

Mo Hua had played his ace, fortifying the city gate with a High-Rank Formation, yet the Heavenly Sword Sect broke through it two times.

Particularly Xiao Ruohan— that strike from the Nine Heavenly Sword Techniques carried devastating force.

Without his clever reserve of a hidden ploy, defeat might have struck again.

Mo Hua let out a sigh:

"Securing even one victory feels so grueling..."

Thus far, after battling numerous sect disciples and clashing head-on with standouts like Xiao Wuchen and Ao Zhan, Mo Hua deeply sensed the solid roots of the Qianxue Sect and the awesome might of those from noble clans.

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