Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2188 Chapter 1024: Minor Breakdown

Previously on Immortality Through Array Formations...
Elders at the Mount of Tao fiercely debate the unchangeable ancestral rules of the Sword Discussion Conference, rejecting pleas to alter the inclusion of Spiritual Ink among miscellaneous items despite the tournament's advanced stage. A seasoned Formation Elder, Yan, sternly warns against underestimating Mo Hua, the undisputed Formation Leader whose prowess crushed rivals three years prior, declaring no sect can restrain him directly in formations. Instead, Yan advises exploiting formations' inherent limits—pre-arrangement, immobility, and drawing time—by researching Mo Hua's habits to neutralize his advantages. Late at night in Taixu Gate, Mo Hua pores over strategies at his desk, reflecting on the grueling daytime clash with the Heavenly Sword Sect, where his High-Rank Formation empowered the city gate yet was breached twice by prodigies like Xiao Ruohan, underscoring the formidable strength of rival sects and families.

Meanwhile, further up the sacred Mount of Tao.

A majestic peak and an elegant pavilion pierced the heavens, resembling twin blades thrust skyward, facing one another amid the grand backdrop of Mount of Tao.

That peak bears the name Xuantian Peak.

That pavilion is known as the Sword Observation Tower.

Xuantian Peak claims the title of Mount of Tao's loftiest summit, exuding an aura of dominance, and it hosts the climactic "Heaven" stage of the Sword Discussion Conference.

Having survived the intense clashes of the "Earth" stage, the triumphant geniuses from Qianxue will assemble atop Xuantian Peak to vie against the celestial prodigies in the ultimate confrontation.

In pursuit of the supreme glory for their Sect.

And to carve a brighter trajectory along their own Dao journey.

Facing Xuantian Peak rises an timeless, imposing edifice, sharp like a blade, soaring amid the mists.

This structure is the Sword Observation Tower.

The premier vantage for observing the Qianxue Debate.

Beyond the Sword Observation Tower lie Concealment Formations, while its framework is etched with numerous High-Rank Fog Formations, causing it to merge seamlessly with the clouds and evade detection by common folk.

Indeed, the majority of cultivators remain oblivious to the Sword Observation Tower's presence on Mount of Tao.

This lofty Sword Observation Tower caters to select esteemed and revered "distinguished guests" who view the Qianxue Debate.

From the tower's elevated heights, shrouded in clouds, observers can survey the expansive Hong Land vista and the myriad cultivators resembling mere insects below.

Access to this tower signifies either immense authority or exalted lineage.

Representatives from various Sects and noble clans, including Heaven Void Ancestors, Feather Transformation Sect Leaders, or Fifth-grade Family Heads.

Fifth-grade Court Leaders within the Taoist Court.

Commanders of potent Dao cultivation factions across the Nine State.

As well as key direct descendants from profoundly ancient noble houses in the Taoist State.

Feather Transformation Realm Supervisors of the Taoist Court, along with Demon Suppression Department Directors.

And perhaps even Supervisors from the Seven Pavilions' central authority, or the shadowy Pavilion Elders themselves.

Such personages are beyond the reach of typical cultivators throughout their entire lives.

Within the Sword Observation Tower, a rigid hierarchy prevails.

Though all qualify as honored visitors, they are stratified by levels of prestige.

Each individual must adhere to a spot befitting their standing.

Furthermore, every chamber in the Sword Observation Tower features seals and exclusive Fifth-grade Void Transmission Formations, enabling discreet arrivals and departures.

Those below remain blind to the Sword Observation Tower and ignorant of these elevated figures amid the clouds.

Even climbers of the Sword Observation Tower stay restricted to their private quarters.

They possess no knowledge of fellow spectators throughout the tower during the battles.

Above them could dwell an heir from an venerable lineage.

Or a Chief Elder from a Sixth-grade noble house.

Or a Supervisor from the Seven Pavilions, potentially a commanding Pavilion Elder.

It's conceivable that kin of the Dao Court Emperor attends to observe; nothing precludes it...

Yet, it's equally plausible that the spaces lie vacant.

Those supreme dignitaries approaching the apex of power in the Nine State might forgo attending the sword discussion altogether.

Should they appear, they may lack leisure to view each and every event.

Ultimately, the "Heaven" stage of the sword discussion hasn't commenced, so the most thrilling epic duel awaits.

Now, in the central level of the Sword Observation Tower.

The Sect Leaders from Tai'a, Chongxu, and the Taixu Three Mountains have convened, sipping tea while observing the competition.

The Sword Discussion Conference impacts Sect standings, influences Qianlong Spirit Mine distribution, and ties into Sect reforms—matters Sect Leaders cannot overlook.

In the past, they skipped most bouts.

Typically, a single one might appear one day, a pair the next, or none at all.

Sect Leaders, after all, juggle heavy duties.

However, as the sword discussion advances, unease stirs within them.

Securing fifth place in the sword discussion.

This position hangs in precarious balance.

A single stride ahead propels them into the Four Great Sects.

Staying put keeps them atop the Eight Great Gates.

Yet a minor slip backward forfeits their edge over the Four Great Sects and primacy among the Eight Great Gates.

Besides, the ongoing sword discussion mirrors battling upstream currents; any regression renders future progress arduous.

Bearing their duties, they plot their course wisely.

As veteran Sect Leaders, they grasp the gravity of Sect rankings more acutely than most.

Sect Leaders of the Four Great Sects.

Sect Leader heading the Eight Great Gates.

Standard Sect Leaders of the Eight Great Gates.

These distinctions loom large. What's more, all three paths lie "within a single step."

Advancing unites them with the Four Great Sects.

Holding firm cements leadership of the Eight Great Gates.

Retreating demotes them to regular status among the Eight Great Gates.

Essentially, each choice spans vast divides.

Confronting this juncture, where vast fortunes teeter on one move, even immortals would falter in composure.

The three Sect Leaders harbor profound aspirations, their expressions betraying no hint of turmoil.

Internally, though, they agonize over the tantalizing benefits a mere step away, having long forfeited restful nights.

At this juncture, further intervention eludes them.

They must now rely solely on the young disciples to seize victory on their own.

Whatever result emerges, the Leaders will embrace it.

Even defeat warrants no reproach toward the disciples.

For these youths have exerted utmost effort and excelled beyond expectations, surpassing initial hopes...

Nevertheless, they fervently desire triumph for the Taixu Gate.

Their lips remain sealed, and they refrain from burdening Mo Hua and the rest.

Deep down, however, they crave Mo Hua and the disciples' success more intensely than any other.

By any means, victory suffices.

A win could safeguard their standing and even offer a shot at elevation, surging from fifth to fourth.