Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2197 Chapter 1027: Shadows and Gloom
Previously on Immortality Through Array Formations...
The Wanxiao Sect maintains only standard relations with Taixu Gate.
Contacts among disciples from both factions remain infrequent, without any profound "grudges."
This gathering today serves simply as a sword exchange session.
Meeting at the gate is entirely expected.
In the worst case, it's just Duanmu Qing's striking looks and poise that could briefly captivate onlookers.
Duanmu Qing keeps her face serene like still water.
Over time, she's grown used to the stares from men across the world—be they filled with awe, respect, or surprise—yet her resolve stays firm and unshaken.
Duanmu Qing lifts her pristine white neck a bit, fixing her pure and icy eyes ahead, advancing with poised grace while guiding fellow outstanding Wanxiao Sect disciples directly into the Inner Mountain. She dons a stunning multicolored robe, her features surpass the ordinary realm, her bearing elegant, exuding a presence akin to an inaccessible icy peak that discourages any approach or talk.
In this way, members of the two sects brushed past one another.
Throughout the entire encounter, not a single word passed between them.
Nevertheless, during the passing, Duanmu Qing's eyes accidentally swept toward Mo Hua.
For one, Mo Hua possesses brows resembling a fine artwork, boasting a remarkable look and bearing as well.
For another, Mo Hua's height falls short, causing him to "stand out" amidst a group of talented cultivators.
Moreover, Mo Hua, though burdened with a tarnished name and surrounded by disputes, holds considerable notoriety.
Aside from his notable actions, the enmities he's forged, and the "humiliation" inflicted on those young geniuses at the Sword Discussion Conference...
Even solely through his role as "Formation Leader," he stands as a legend.
Indeed, he reigns as the top authority in Qianxue Formation knowledge.
This distinction came to him in the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, a feat that's almost inconceivable.
A figure like Duanmu Qing, an otherworldly beauty detached from mortal concerns, surely knows of Mo Hua's reputation.
Naturally, it ends there.
Duanmu Qing only cast a fleeting look at Mo Hua from the corner of her eye before continuing onward.
Still, that brief look etched itself into Mo Hua's vision.
Mo Hua reflected on this look, struck with mild bewilderment, and couldn't resist whispering:
"Has my Taoist Heart... been tainted?"
His words came out softly, nearly an unconscious murmur.
Not even Linghu Xiao or those nearby caught exactly what he uttered.
Yet Duanmu Qing, having moved past, halted abruptly, turned her head gradually, and cast a frosty stare at Mo Hua.
Mo Hua met Duanmu Qing's eyes in return.
His eyes shone with clarity and purity, as if they could reflect back Duanmu Qing's form.
Moreover, they held a deep and insightful quality.
Duanmu Qing suddenly sensed her deepest secrets exposed, a strange sense of "inferiority" washing over her.
Soon after, intense embarrassment and fury surged within her chest.
Her usually aloof and lovely visage iced over in an instant.
A bone-chilling intent to kill hung in the air; her crystalline eyes turned utterly frigid, laced with profound revulsion as they locked onto Mo Hua.
Mo Hua froze in place.
What's the meaning behind this?
Before he could respond, a formidable spiritual pressure erupted from Duanmu Qing.
The might of the five elements—gold, wood, water, fire, and earth—burst forth in radiant glory, evoking the majesty of the skies and rendering Duanmu Qing divine in appearance.
Her gaze sharpened intensely, her form released a fearsome yet alluring lethal aura.
The formidable Five Elements Taoist Skill bore tremendous force, firmly targeting
Mo Hua.
This time, Mo Hua felt truly alarmed.
Advanced Wanxiao Technique?!
"Does this mean... this lady... intends to end me?"
"We're not in the sword discussion field..."
"Has she lost her mind?"
Mo Hua reflexively pushed off the ground with his foot, executing the Water
Passing Step to withdraw a few meters away.
His fellow juniors shared the shock and bewilderment, yet they naturally moved to shield him.
Cheng Mo stepped up first, positioning himself before Mo Hua.
Linghu Xiao readied the Chongxu Sword Skill.
Situ Jian and Ouyang Xuan started to summon their sword qi as well.
Amid the swirling spiritual energies, the air grew thick with tension and hostility.
Duanmu Qing smirked coldly, extended her fingers, poised to unleash a technique
that would annihilate Mo Hua.
Right then, a rough and resonant voice rang out:
"Outrageous!"
Pure spiritual pressure, infused with the formidable might of a True Man,
abruptly pressed down on Duanmu Qing, Linghu Xiao, and the rest, suppressing all their spiritual auras and halting any activation of Taoist Skills or Swordsmanship.
Expressions shifted across everyone's faces.
Still, the murderous glare in Duanmu Qing's eyes lingered, and she tried once more to invoke a spell.
An old elder emerged from the Inner Mountain, rebuking harshly:
"The Mount of Tao is hallowed land; no recklessness permitted!"
"You are sect geniuses—how could you act like this?!"
"If you stir up more chaos or violate regulations, I'll penalize you all severely!"
Duanmu Qing paused quietly, grinding her teeth in secret, eventually withdrawing her lethal intent and spiritual energy, folding her sleeves, and
offering a courteous bow:
"Please pardon us, Elder."
Her tone rang pure and bright, resembling the break of a silver flask. The elder's clouded gaze flicked toward her wordlessly, his features impassive, though inwardly he stirred with confusion, pondering why Duanmu Qing—so typically aloof and unperturbed, caring little for anything—displayed such fierce
emotion today?
The Mount of Tao elder turned his attention to Mo Hua, now at a safe distance,
sensing great surprise.
"Is it possible... that Mo Hua provoked her?"
"No way..."
"Given Mo Hua's looks, should he have slighted her, it wouldn't exactly harm her standing..."
The Mount of Tao elder thought to himself, yet kept a grave demeanor on the surface, issuing a serious admonition:
"No disruptions tolerated within the Mount of Tao."
"Save any battles for the sword discussion arena later. Else, don't fault me for harsh measures."
Duanmu Qing inclined her head.
Mo Hua along with the others bowed deeply and replied, "Understood, Elder." Witnessing this, the Mount of Tao elder gave a faint nod and withdrew gradually.