Chapter 1003

"Grand Void Gate? It's actually first?"

"They have more people—they have an advantage."

"After all, the three sects merged; their numbers increased, so using this 'sea of people' tactic and winning more in the Huang-class matches is normal…"

Someone sneered, "What good is sheer numbers if you can't win? Without this 'Dao Soldier Formation,' maximizing the combat power of the masses, no matter how many you have, it won't work."

"If you send ordinary disciples up and they can't win, you're just giving points to the other side."

"The more people you have, the more points you give away."

"And those formations and spirit weapons—they're clearly custom-made. Non-standard spirit weapons require designing formation diagrams, refining forging blueprints, and coordinating with specialized forging guilds to produce…"

"If it were just one or two items, fine—but Grand Void Gate's sword debate involves so many disciples, each equipped with a full set, mostly all different. Grand Void Gate really went all-in this time…"

"What do we do now? The Sida Sect's stance is for us to 'snipe' Grand Void Gate—but right now, we're the ones being 'sniped' by Grand Void Gate…"

"You can just listen to what the Sida Sect says. Do you really want to be their dog?"

"Circumstances overpower people—what else can we do?"

"Don't worry; the sword debate has just begun. This is only the Huang-class round—there's still plenty of time. Grand Void Gate can't possibly keep winning all the way to the end…"

"If anyone's truly anxious, it's the Sida Sect. If Grand Void Gate takes first place, it's their positions that get squeezed."

"That's true…"

…

Elders from the Eight Great Sects, the Twelve Schools, and the hundred Qi Academy branches were all discussing Grand Void Gate's top ranking in the sword debate.

Within the Sida Sect, disciples felt their honor was damaged.

But the senior elders remained far calmer.

Qiandao Sect's grand hall.

The elders in charge of the sword debate from the four sects met briefly, discussing Grand Void Gate.

"Who came up with Grand Void Gate's formation system?"

"Old Ancestor Xun?"

"He's an old ancestor—he's busy with matters of state, no time to oversee this."

"Then it must be one of Grand Void Gate's elders—I recall… that elder named 'Xun Zixian,' whose intellect is extraordinary, deeply versed in Old Ancestor Xun's teachings, with extraordinary mastery of formations…"

No one responded.

After a moment, Elder Shen of Qiandao Sect frowned and spoke slowly:

"Could it be… that disciple?"

The hall fell silent for a moment.

That disciple—none of them wanted to mention him.

Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivation, overpowering the Sida Sect, seizing the Formations Championship—even right before these very elders.

This was undeniably a "humiliation" to the Sida Sect.

For the Sida Sect, it was like an ugly scar.

But now, given the unusual circumstances, they had no choice but to reopen this wound.

Elder Long Ding sighed, then shook his head, "It doesn't seem likely…"

"Anyone with extraordinary spiritual awareness and near-demonic intellect must be solitary, hold views unlike ordinary people, and act in ways alien to the mundane…"

"Such a person would never go out of their way to please fellow disciples, expending so much effort for them."

The scene from that Formations Competition still burned in his mind.

Mo Hua, weak in blood qi and low in spiritual power, sat in the corner of the vast arena, radiating an overwhelming aura like a reclusive "monster," leaving all the prodigy formation experts in the hall gasping for breath.

"What would such a monster gain from doing something so exhausting and thankless?"

All the Sida Sect elders nodded.

Though they disliked Mo Hua, they all acknowledged his "strength."

A formation prodigy of such supreme talent would pursue only the Great Dao of formations—rising above all others, step by step, never held back by those beneath him.

True strong people are always lonely and selfish.

Elder Wan Xiao pondered, then suddenly asked, "Is this 'formation prodigy' also participating in this sword debate?"

"Yes—he's paired with Linghu Xiao of Chongxu Mountain and Ouyang Xuan of Tai'e Mountain."

Elder Long Ding frowned, "What's Grand Void Gate thinking? Sending a formation expert to compete in sword debate?"

The Dao Debate was divided into five major categories: sword, formation, talisman, pill, and artifact.

He's a formation expert—why not just compete in formations? Why compete in swords?

The strangest part is he's paired with Grand Void Gate's two remaining "last surviving" prodigies.

Isn't that a liability?

"Does Grand Void Gate not want to win?"

"Or is this 'Mo Hua' not just a formation prodigy—but also an undiscovered, earth-shattering, spirit-weeping sword genius?"

Elder Tianjian sneered.

Everyone was equally baffled.

After a moment, Elder Tianjian shook his head and sighed:

"This must be Old Ancestor Xun's arrangement. That Old Ancestor Xun… his schemes are unfathomable."

Concerning the Dongxu Old Ancestor, all the elders fell into deep thought—but dared not speak further, lest they truly Tang Tu the elder and violate taboos.

No matter which sect, any old ancestor who entered Dongxu was a formidable figure—never to be lightly disrespected.

Elder Wan Xiao said, "Let's wait and see. Whatever Grand Void Gate's scheme, it will be revealed during the sword debate."

"The day after tomorrow, it'll be this prodigy's turn to act, won't it?"

"Once they make a move, they can't hide it anymore—whether they're a dragon or a worm, it'll all be revealed."

"That 'Number One in Sword Debate' from Grand Void Gate…"

"There's nothing to say about it—the number of foundation-level disciples is larger, and they're slightly stronger, but it doesn't change the big picture."

"Some twists are fine too; if it's as dull and uneventful as before, it's bound to get boring."

"To outsiders, it looks like we're just 'reforming the sect' and 'self-renewing'—but it's all just self-directed theater…"

"True, some change is good."

"In the Huang-class preliminary rounds, they can sail smoothly, but later on, their true colors will show."

"The Sword Debate is a long, grueling battle; by the end, one match equals a hundred. If you exhaust yourself in the opening, how will you compete later?"

"What the Sword Debate truly tests isn't the foundation-level disciples, but the genuine 'top-tier disciples'…"

…

The Sida Sect has reached a provisional conclusion.

Grand Void Gate's 'Number One in Sword Debate' was merely a 'fleeting flash.'

This point is clear not only to the Sida Sect, but also to the other Eight Gates, the hundred Qian Academies, all the noble families, and even Grand Void Gate itself.

Mo Hua understood this too.

But no matter what, it was still a good start.

Grand Void Gate's prodigy foundation simply cannot compare to that of the Sida Sect.

If the opening goes well, there's still room to compete later.

If the opening goes poorly, there's no chance at all later.

Moreover, since we've had a good start, we must strive to expand our advantage—so if the situation turns against us, we can still 'survive' a little longer.

Mo Hua encouraged his junior disciples:

"Our advantage is currently great. Since that's the case, we must seize this opportunity and win as many matches as possible to expand our lead. That way, even if we fall behind later, we can hold our ground."

"Yes, Senior Brother!"

The disciples chorused in unison.

Mo Hua then resumed organizing the upcoming Sword Debate according to plan, step by step.

Victory isn't achieved overnight—it's accumulated bit by bit.

Seize the present moment; win one match at a time.

What happens later is uncertain, but every single point of victory right now must be firmly held.

Nightfall slowly descended, enveloping the mountains and sect gates.

Yet Grand Void Gate burned brightly with lights, its disciples fully mobilized.

In the Dao Transmission Hall, the Sword Debate disciples gathered in groups of five, studying tomorrow's matchups, strategizing tactics, positioning, discussing what spirit weapons and arrays to equip, and pondering possible emergencies and how to resolve them…

Then, following Mo Hua's prescribed format, they compiled all of this into a standardized procedure, memorizing it thoroughly.

"Never fight unprepared."

"If you're going to fight, prepare thoroughly."

This was what Senior Brother told them.

They kept it in mind and began implementing it through the Sword Debate.

Elder Yi of Grand Void Gate, who taught Dao methods, along with other inner sect elders skilled in Dao and sword arts and adept at combat, also remained in the Dao Transmission Hall, offering suggestions and refining the disciples' Sword Debate tactics.

In the Array Hall, Zheng Fang, following the array list provided by Mo Hua, led a group of talented disciples from Sanshan—Grand Void, Grand Elysium, and Rushing Void—to inscribe arrays onto array media.

These arrays were for use in tomorrow's Sword Debate.

The official arrays permitted in the Sword Debate are limited to second-grade intermediate level, so disciples from array families within Grand Void Gate, with sufficient talent, could all draw them.

They were array masters, lacking combat ability, and generally did not participate in the Sword Debate.

Normally, they should have been preparing for the 'Array Debate' after the Sword Debate.

But now, Mo Hua gave them a chance to 'apply what they've learned.'

They could draw arrays for their fellow disciples in the Sword Debate, while also preparing for their own 'Array Debate.'

It was a two-fold benefit.

In the Spirit Weapon Workshop, Ouyang Mu led a group of disciples aspiring to become spirit weapon artisans, repairing damaged spirit weapons, improving armor, recasting spirit swords, and more…

They too were applying what they'd learned.

At the same time, they were learning through use—enhancing their spirit weapon craftsmanship by practicing crafting, improving, and repairing.

Grand Void Mountain glowed with brilliant lights.

Almost all disciples gathered together, contributing their share toward the Sword Debate.

At the same time, they were laying the foundation for the future Array Debate and Spirit Weapon Debate.

The entire sect united in pursuit of the Dao, as one body, with hearts and minds aligned.

This cohesion delighted not only the elders, but also pleased the sect master—and even some elder ancestors in the back mountains were moved.

The three mountains reunited under one lineage, disciples united as one—this might be a scene they never thought they'd witness again in their lifetimes…

This stirred them far more deeply than that fleeting 'Number One in Sword Debate.'

Thus, Grand Void Mountain remained brightly lit, bustling until deep into the night.

The disciples rested briefly.

The next day, the Sword Debate resumed.

The situation remained overwhelmingly favorable.

Thanks to their thorough preparation, Grand Void Gate's victories kept mounting, their advantage steadily growing. After the second day's Sword Debate, Grand Void Gate still held first place.

The Grand Void sect master couldn't help thinking: If only the Sword Debate could remain at the Huang-class level forever—then Grand Void Gate could keep winning forever…

Of course, that thought could only remain a thought.

Soon, on the third day, things became different.

The "Discourse Celestial Apparatus" follows the draw order of "from weak to strong."

Thus, by the third day of the Discourse Sword, many sects' prodigies began to appear one by one.

Mo Hua was no exception.

He too would officially compete.

Before the match, Wen Ren Wan brought Yu Er to Grand Void Gate specifically to bring Mo Hua some "greatly tonifying" spiritual cuisine.

Among the aristocratic families of Qian Xue, when their sons participate in the Discourse Sword Assembly, their parents, grandparents, and even elder relatives of the same clan and lineage all come to observe, witnessing their performance at this grand event.

Mo Hua was different—he was alone.

His parents were far away in Lizhou, with no family elders to look after him.

Thus, when he entered the Discourse Sword Assembly, he was truly a "lonely man."

Although he was now Grand Void Gate's junior elder brother, the leader of Qian Xue's Array Dao, and held high prestige within Grand Void Gate, Wen Ren Wan still felt pity for Mo Hua.

In her heart, Mo Hua was still just a child.

Now, at such an important event as the Discourse Sword, not a single relative stood beside him.

Wen Ren Wan handed Mo Hua a jade pendant shaped like a flag, symbolizing "victory at the outset," then said gently:

"Tomorrow, I'll bring Yu Er to watch you compete."

She looked forward to Mo Hua's first Discourse Sword performance.

Yu Er's face lit up with excitement: "Big Brother Mo, go for it!"

Mo Hua's expression turned slightly peculiar—he really wanted to say he shouldn't have such high expectations for him.

But seeing Wen Ren Wan and Yu Er's earnest gazes, he couldn't bring himself to speak, and only smiled and said:

"Thank you, Auntie Wan. I'll do my best."

Wen Ren Wan nodded with a smile and added: "Chang Huai will come too."

Mo Hua was surprised. "Isn't Dao Ting Si busy?"

"The Discourse Sword Assembly is a major affair, gathering cultivators from all Nine Provinces. The scale is too vast—Dao Ting Si's top priority is maintaining peace on Discourse Mountain and ensuring no major incidents occur during the Assembly..."

"This is official duty, so Chang Huai will go too."

Wen Ren Wan explained.

"I see..." Mo Hua nodded.

Wen Ren Wan said more words of encouragement and blessing, told Mo Hua not to be nervous, then left.

Mo Hua didn't feel anything to be nervous about.

He continued his usual cultivation and reading; at midnight, his spirit sank into his mind sea and practiced arrays all night.

The next morning, facing the sunrise, Mo Hua looked radiant.

After a simple preparation, he set off with his fellow disciples toward Discourse Mountain to attend his first Discourse Sword match.

Along the way, Linghu Xiao was aloof, Ouyang Xuan had a sour face.

Sister Situ remained as calm as ever, Cheng Mo wore an expression of eager anticipation.

The five of them arrived together at Discourse Mountain.

Then came the usual procedures for participating in the Discourse Sword.

They entered the preparation chamber, selected spiritual weapons, pills, talismans, and arrays, after which the elders of Discourse Mountain distributed the "Discourse Jade."

This "Discourse Jade" was integrated with the fifth-rank Discourse Mountain array and served as the "Yan Yinzi" to activate void energy.

For the disciples, it was both a "protective talisman" and a "life-or-death talisman."

As long as the jade remained intact, the disciple lived; if the jade shattered, the disciple lost.

Before distributing the Discourse Jade, elders first assessed the disciples' physical bodies and blood qi to set the jade's "damage tolerance."

Everyone else was fine, but when it came to Mo Hua, the elders were baffled.

"In all my years as an elder, having presided over so many Discourse Sword Assemblies, I've never seen a disciple like this..."

"Truly... inconceivable."

"How could his blood qi be this weak?"

"What a revelation..."

Mo Hua's face darkened.

The elders didn't notice his mood and continued murmuring:

"How could Grand Void Gate accept a disciple with such talent? Truly... unconventional..."

"I can't figure out how he'll fight in the Discourse Sword..."

"Exactly—he's frail, his skin as thin as paper; one sword slash and he'd be gone..."

"Even the Discourse Jade—he'd shatter it with a touch."

"How is he supposed to compete?"

A group of elders frowned, worrying over Mo Hua.

One elder, unable to bear it any longer, kindly suggested: "Should we increase his Discourse Jade's 'health' a bit?"

"Add it..."

"But... isn't that against the rules?"

"True—you add a little, but it's still like trying to fill a well with a teacup. This child still shatters at the slightest touch..."

"Just add a little—I can't bear to see him this weak..."

Mo Hua: "..."

After much discussion, the "Discourse Jade" Mo Hua ended up with still had a bit of "health" added to it.

Since it was certified by a group of elders, it wasn't considered cheating.

Mo Hua's emotions were complicated.

These elders, though they'd spoken ill of him for hours, were strangely kind-hearted…

Of course, it was said to be slightly strengthened, but in truth, it wasn't strengthened much—his Discourse Jade was still weak.

Others' Discourse Jewels glowed with a soft, luminous radiance.

Mo Hua's Discourse Jade held only a faint trace of blue light.

One glance was enough to tell the difference.

Mo Hua didn't care; he pressed the Discourse Jade against his forehead, and instantly, the light trembled, surrounding him with void energy.

Mo Hua's keen and sensitive spiritual sense sensed the flow of array energy within the void—seeming unreal yet real, ethereal and elusive, profound and infinite.

"This is… fifth-rank void energy…"

Mo Hua's heart trembled.

Unfortunately, his realm was far too low.

Otherwise, under such circumstances, he could have used Heavenly Mechanism Calculations to reverse-engineer part of the void array's pattern.

Mo Hua felt deep regret.

Afterwards, he patiently waited with Linghu Xiao and the others, awaiting the moment to step onto the stage for the Discourse Sword.

Meanwhile, outside the arena.

What Mo Hua didn't know was that too many cultivators were waiting for him.

Amid the boundless sea of people, countless eyes—visible or hidden—watched the Fangtian Painting Shadow, awaiting Mo Hua's appearance.

Among them were many relatives and friends.

Like Wenren Wan, Yu'er, Qianqian of Baigu, Murong Caiyun, a graduate of Grand Void Gate, Shangguan Xu, and others…

And many high-ranking officials from Shijiahe Sect and other clans.

Including those who had interacted with Mo Hua: the Gu family patriarch and his elders, the elders of the Shangguan and Wenren clans, as well as some high-ranking figures from Shijiahe Sect and other clans whom Mo Hua had never met.

In hidden corners, pairs of cold, gloomy eyes watched, eager to scrutinize Mo Hua.

And many cultivators from across the Nine Provinces, including disciples from sects who had never seen Mo Hua, also waited for his appearance.

They had come to Qianxue Province, and in their daily lives, visits to fellow cultivators, they had all heard Mo Hua's name, if only in passing.

Thus, many wished to see with their own eyes what this legendary "Array Master" truly looked like.

Of course, not everyone had heard of Mo Hua.

Occasionally, someone in the outer arena of the Discourse Mountain would ask:

"Who is Mo Hua?"

At such times, those in the know would recite a long list of titles:

Grand Void Gate's array prodigy, spiritual sense monster, crushed the array prodigies of the Sida Sect's eight major sects and twelve schools while only at Foundation Establishment mid-stage, spiritual sense surpassing three ranks, painted a nineteen-pattern peak array, pierced the entire Discourse Array question bank, claimed first place in the Discourse Array, became Qianxue's Array Master, a legendary array monster, an anomaly beyond possibility…

This list of titles was too long, too exaggerated, causing many outsiders to frown.

Their first reaction was:

"Are you people of Qianxue Province really this prone to bragging now?"

"Can't you be more truthful and practical?"

"Just be honest."

"We outsiders may lack 'experience,' but we certainly don't lack 'common sense'…"

Some were skeptical but curious, asking:

"What does this 'Mo Hua,' the Discourse Array Master, actually look like?"

Descriptions multiplied:

"Heard he's short and has an extremely volatile temper."

"Extremely gloomy, like a ghost."

"Anyone who masters arrays to this level isn't a madman—he's a 'monster'…"

"I've inquired—he's a monster."

"My cousin's cousin's uncle's third son's cousin is a disciple of Duanjin Gate—he said Mo Hua of Grand Void Gate is utterly despicable, uses any means necessary, has no moral bottom, once stripped a Duanjin Gate senior brother, hung him upside down from a tree, and drew a turtle on his body…"

"Drew a turtle?! How cruel…"

"Indeed, extremely cruel."

"Also heard he's the Grand Master's illegitimate son, so he's wildly spoiled—a complete playboy…"

"Your info's wrong—I can confirm he's not the Grand Master's illegitimate son, but the Grand Ancestor's own grandson! In the sect, he does whatever he wants, no one dares to stop him."

"Even the True Transmission elders personally pour tea for him…"

"Unthinkable! Utterly rebellious…"

"Also heard his private life is chaotic—he's involved with the legitimate daughter of a sixth-rank Dao court great clan…"

…

On the audience seats, a crowd swore by their claims, each insisting their version, creating a loud, chaotic uproar.

And under this gaze of countless eyes, the Fangtian Painting Shadow flickered, then finally revealed Mo Hua's figure.

(End of Chapter)