Chapter 1027

Late at night, in the Qianxue Province border.

In a certain sect's grand hall.

A group of Dao Law elders gathered again, faces dark.

The last time they stayed up for a meeting was last time.

They had originally thought this kid Mo Hua could no longer cause trouble, and Tai Xu Sect had indeed lost several matches in a row.

Just as the outcome seemed settled, this annoying Mo Hua pulled another stunt.

And this time, the number of people in the hall had increased again.

Besides the Dao Law elders, a group of Array elders had also been dragged over.

After all, Dao Law elders only dealt with Dao Law.

As for array-related issues—

They were all sect elders above Jin Dan level, many with broad knowledge, so they weren't completely clueless.

But that was for ordinary array problems.

They were also dealing with ordinary array masters.

A prodigy-level array genius like this? They couldn't possibly keep up.

Especially when it was Mo Hua, the undisputed Array Master of Qianxue's thousands of sects.

Even if he was only Foundation Establishment, even if he was still just a sect disciple, his array mastery was something these Dao Law elders could never reach.

Professional matters must be handled by professional cultivators.

Thus, certain array elders with profound knowledge from various sects had been specially summoned to attend this meeting.

The array elders found it strange.

Such a thing was absolutely unheard of in the past.

After all, this was the Sword Debate Assembly, where sword techniques and Dao Law were tested.

These Dao Law researchers would never consult array specialists like them about strategy.

But with Mo Hua's emergence, some things had gradually begun to break new ground.

Inside the hall, a group of cultivators sat in a circle, murmuring:

"We really underestimated this kid—

"He actually went to great lengths to exploit loopholes in the Sword Debate Assembly, drawing high-level arrays to defend the city—truly outrageous—"

"This brat always comes up with something new—"

"It's such a headache—"

One Dao Law elder, furious at Mo Hua, sneered:

"For a thousand years in the Sword Debate Assembly, no one ever exploited this loophole—only this brat is cunning enough to pull off this 'public embarrassment'—"

"It's not that no one tried to exploit loopholes—it's that no one had the ability to!"

"How many people can draw a nineteen-stroke high-level array at late Foundation Establishment? And even if they could, they usually wouldn't come to the Sword Debate."

"You don't understand," explained an array elder, "it's not enough just to be able to draw it—the key is speed."

"In battle, drawing two, even three high-level arrays in a short time—this array-drawing speed is unimaginable."

"Don't say he's just Foundation Establishment—even many Jin Dan array elders here can't draw faster than this kid."

The array elders present all had grim expressions, but had no way to refute it.

Some of them had gone to watch the battles.

Others, even if they hadn't watched, had studied the shadow-recordings multiple times.

Though Mo Hua concealed his array-drawing and made it hard to see clearly, the speed at which his arrays formed was truly breathtaking.

Laymen only saw the high-level arrays.

Only experts could notice that this drawing speed was the most outrageous part.

Strong arrays require long preparation time.

This is one of the greatest drawbacks of arrays.

If you can't form them quickly, no matter how powerful they are, they're useless.

Thus, beyond his profound array mastery, Mo Hua's rapid array formation was "cheating"-level.

"We've been fooled by this kid—"

Someone sighed helplessly, "In Tai Xu Sect's Sword Debate team, Mo Hua's original role must have been 'array master'!"

Not just any array master.

A second-rank high-level array master with exceptional survival capability!

That's why Tai Xu Sect's ancestral elders and high-ups allowed him to team up with prodigies like Linghu Xiao.

But they hid it too well.

First spells, then concealment, then movement techniques, and finally arrays.

Their trump cards were revealed one by one.

Everyone had been led by the nose, step by step.

People's perception of Mo Hua shifted from the hollowly titled "Array Master," to a "hanger-on" in the Sword Debate, to Tai Xu Sect's "Crown Prince," then to a low-rank spiritual cultivator, then to a spiritual cultivator with concealment, then to one with movement techniques—

Just when everyone thought he was a powerful cultivator skilled in all arts, he suddenly pulled out his original trade, catching everyone off guard.

After all the twists and turns, they were back to square one:

This Mo Hua was still the array prodigy who crushed the Si Sect and dominated three generations.

The number one array master of Qianxue's array debates, the Array Master Supreme!

At this moment, all the Dao Law elders in the hall finally understood.

In an instant, they all felt as if they were monkeys being toyed with by sesame seeds, corn, and watermelons.

"This brat is truly damned."

One elder gnashed his teeth.

If not for his status as an elder and the shame of losing face, he would have gladly sought a "Kill Mo Hua Warrant" and joined the "family" denouncing Mo Hua.

"Enough," said one elder, "saying this is pointless. The urgent matter is to find a way to handle the current problem."

"There's a permanent solution—"

One elder's gaze flashed, "Declare him in violation, revoke his win from the previous round, and ban him from using high-level arrays."

"Excellent!"

"Using a high-level array in the Sword Debate Assembly has never been done before."

"Declare him in violation, and be done with it."

Others echoed in agreement.

But someone sneered, "Is it really that simple?"

"He dismantled the array medium, carried array brushes, and used spirit ink—all of these are already permitted by the Sword Debate rules."

"If you insist on declaring him in violation, you must add new rules and change the regulations."

"The rules of the Discourse Mountain have been in place for thousands of years—who dares change them?"

"True—ancestral law cannot be altered."

"Then at least remove spirit ink from the 'miscellaneous items' list?"

"What nonsense! That spirit ink was personally designated by the Founding Ancestor of Discourse Mountain to be placed among 'miscellaneous items.'"

"The Ancestor had his profound reasons."

"The Founding Ancestor of Discourse Mountain is no ordinary ancestor."

"Don't even say spirit ink—he could have placed a pile of shit in there, and it would still be a move of profound intent, and you still couldn't change it!"

"With so many elders present, shouldn't you choose your words more elegantly?"

"My words may be crude, but the truth remains the truth."

Others nodded in agreement: "Indeed."

"Ancestral law cannot be altered—"

"Moreover, even if we wanted to change it now, it's too late—we've already progressed this far."

"Besides, this is the Sword Debate Assembly, watched by countless eyes. Changing the rules at this stage would seem childish and invite criticism."

"It can't be changed. We must proceed as is."

"Then find a way to counter Mo Hua's array?"

"A second-rank, nineteen-stroke high-level array isn't easy to learn; this brat can't possibly know many."

"Understand the foundation of his array, and it'll be easier to deal with—"

Before anyone could reply, a senior, exceptionally perceptive array elder sneered, "Do you even know what the title 'Array Supreme' means?"

"Understand the foundation of his array?"

"Do you even know who you're talking about?"

"Didn't you attend the last Array Debate Assembly?"

"Do you have no idea how Mo Hua won?"

"What does 'crush' mean? Do you understand 'crush'?"

"This is the Sword Debate Assembly—he relies on spells, so he fights back and forth."

"If this were the Array Debate Assembly, where arrays are the focus, frankly speaking, every one of your so-called prodigies, one by one, are worthless!"

"In sword debate, he's the visitor; in array debate, he's the host."

"At the true domain of array debate, Mo Hua doesn't care about who's the top disciple of this sect or that sect—he is the genuine, undisputed First of Qiandao Sect!"

"You don't study arrays, you don't teach arrays—you have no idea how deep his array foundation truly is."

"And you have no idea how unbelievable it is that someone produced such an array prodigy."

This speaking array elder was white-haired, deeply wrinkled, and of extreme seniority.

His words left everyone's faces grim.

Yet no one dared refute him, nor could they find words to refute him.

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Then, a highly esteemed elder of Qiandao Sect, seated on the dais, solemnly spoke:

"Then, according to Elder Yan, what should we do?"

The white-haired elder, called "Elder Yan," paused briefly, then said bluntly:

"Don't even think about countering him with arrays."

"Even if you combined all the disciples of your sects—even all four of the Sida Sects—none of you could counter him in arrays."

"Otherwise, he wouldn't have crushed you all to win the title of Array Supreme."

"That was three years ago—"

The Qiandao Sect elder's face turned ashen, but he said nothing.

Elder Yan continued: "Though you dislike this boy, you must admit his talent in arrays."

Elder Yan added, "Although you don't like this boy, you must admit his talent in array formations.

"Three years have passed since then—no one knows how advanced his arrays have become."

"Therefore, in arrays, you certainly cannot surpass him."

"Therefore, in array formations themselves, you certainly cannot compare to him."

But formations are still formations; though powerful, they have severe limitations.

A formation must be pre-placed and pre-arranged.

Once set, a formation cannot be moved.

These two points apply equally to any formation master—even a formation prodigy is no exception.

3

Moreover, this Mo Hua, no matter how fast he draws formations, still wastes time doing so.

That time is also a vulnerability.

His habits—how he draws, sets, and uses formations—can all be studied and exploited. "Anything, anyone, fears being studied."

Once thoroughly studied and understood, every move becomes constrained; no matter how skilled his formations, he will never again create a ripple.

The Qiandao Sect elder's expression softened slightly, and he bowed his hands. "Then we rely on Elder Yan."

Elder Yan gave a slight nod, but his expression was clearly not relaxed.

Grand Void Gate, deep night.

Mo Hua still leaned over his desk in the disciples' quarters, patiently sketching something on paper.

If you prepare, you succeed; if not, you fail.

The Sword Debate seems simple—just step onto the stage, duel another sect's prodigy, and determine victory or defeat.

But beneath the stage, Mo Hua has poured in immense time and effort.

Day and night, he plans tactics, traces cause and effect, seeking that one thread of advantage.

Yet these labors remain unseen by the watching cultivators, and by most others.

Victory is never easy.

Moreover, the prodigies from all major sects in Qianxue Province are truly no easy opponents.

Even the Sword Debate against the Heavenly Sword Sect today was no exception.

Mo Hua had already used his trump card, reinforcing the city gate with a high-level formation, yet the Heavenly Sword Sect still breached it twice.

Especially that Xiao Ruohan—his Heaven Sword Nine Styles were devastatingly powerful.

Had he not held back a superior technique, he nearly lost again.

Mo Hua sighed:

"Winning one round is so hard—"

To this day, after facing off against numerous sect disciples, especially directly clashing with prodigies like Xiao Wuchen and Ao Zhan, Mo Hua truly felt the depth of the Qiandao Sect's foundations and the strength of aristocratic disciples.

Prodigies like Xiao Wuchen and Ao Zhan are on par with Huo Fotuo, whom he once faced at Foundation Establishment peak.

In terms of spiritual root quality and dao transmission, Xiao Wuchen and the others surpass Huo Fotuo even further.

Huo Fotuo did die by his hand, true.

But Mo Hua knew well: it was only because Jin Dan cultivator Uncle Gu had drawn the fire, fighting Huo Fotuo head-on until nearly drained, allowing him to seize the opportunity.

The Sword Debate is different.

In the Sword Debate, he has no Jin Dan "Uncle Gu" to draw fire and block Xiao Wuchen and Ao Zhan for him.

Moreover, Huo Fotuo was one man.

But in the prodigy debate, Xiao Wuchen and the others are five.

The men beside Xiao Wuchen and Ao Zhan are each top-tier prodigies of their own sects.

And this is the Qianxue Sword Debate—countless eyes watch from every angle. Mo Hua cannot afford to unleash all his methods without restraint.

Winning even one is difficult.

And even if he wins one, what of the rest?

Xiao Wuchen, Ao Zhan, Duanmu Qing, Shen Lin—four top prodigies of the Si Sect, plus a first-rate prodigy like Xiao Ruohan—there are perhaps a dozen or more such "enemies."

This is only the Earth-level Sword Debate.

When it reaches the later Heaven-level Sword Debate, every face you see is an enemy.

Merely imagining it makes the scalp tingle. With this calculation, Mo Hua couldn't help but doubt: can Grand Void Gate truly win first place in this year's Sword Debate?

To the Grand Void Gate's sect master and elders, perhaps merely securing a place among the Sida Sect is enough.

No, they dare not even dream of the Sida Sect position.

It is a tempting dream, yet utterly out of reach.

But Mo Hua never spoke it: his true goal has always been first place in the Sword Debate.

Only if Grand Void Gate wins first place in the Sword Debate will the prize for the champion fall to Grand Void Gate—and only then might he obtain that formation:

Yi Mu Hui Chun Formation.

Mo Hua's gaze darkened slightly.

This formation is tied to his master's karmic thread.

It may even be the very formation that can bring his master back to life.

The name "Yi Mu Hui Chun" sounds ordinary; others may not know its value.

But Mo Hua knows clearly: if this truly is the formation to save his master, then it possesses, in some sense, the power to reverse yin and yang, defy death and life, trace back karma, and shatter fate.

By Mo Hua's intuition, this is undoubtedly an ancient and terrifying formation.

At all costs, he must obtain it.

At all costs, he must save his master—

"Master—"

Mo Hua sighed, clasping his hands behind his head, gazing up at the night sky, lost in memories, filled with melancholy.

His master's face, the words he had entrusted to him—each one flowed through Mo Hua's mind.

But Mo Hua only thought about it for a moment before he dared not think any further.

The Way of Heavenly Secrets is unfathomably subtle; he feared someone would sense the karmic link, so he only dared to occasionally think of his Master in his heart, never dwelling on it often.

Mo Hua closed his eyes and沉思 for a moment, banished all thoughts of "Master," then focused his attention and said silently in his heart:

"I must win———"

"Even though the karma right now is bewildering and unclear, I still have to do my best to win every match, accumulate every victory point,

and wait for the crucial turning point to arrive—."

Mo Hua had a vague premonition in his heart.

This Sword Discourse would absolutely not be that simple.

Something major was bound to happen·

Before that, every match he could win was one more match won.

Afterwards, the Sword Discourse Grand Meeting continued.

Mo Hua's next opponent was a top-tier prodigy of the Qiandao Sect.

It wasn't Shen Lin, but he couldn't be looked down on either.

The format of the Sword Discourse was still an attack-and-defense battle.

Only this time, Grand Void Gate was on the offense and Qiandao Sect was on the defense.

When the day of the Sword Discourse arrived, the crowd on Lun Dao Mountain was dense, and even more cultivators had come to watch.

Grand Void Gate had been losing one match after another, which had been disappointing and deflating.

But in the last match, because Mo Hua had shown off a formation and defeated Tian Jian Sect, Grand Void Gate had suddenly "perked up" again, so this Sword Discourse naturally had something worth watching again.

Of course, criticism had always been there, especially directed at Mo Hua:

"Since this is the Sword Discourse Grand Meeting, relying on formations is putting the cart before the horse and going against the original intent of the Sword Discourse."

"If this Mo Hua had any shred of shame, he should abandon formations and face the other sects' prodigies in a real sword duel, to decide victory and defeat."

"You go tell Mo Hua that yourself."

"If he deigns to pay you the slightest attention, I'll lose."

"Not using the means you have—aren't you a Wang Ba?"

"Is Lun Dao Mountain really not going to do something about it?"

"It didn't break the rules, so what right does Lun Dao Mountain have to interfere?"

"Just watch. In this Sword Discourse, that kid Mo Hua will definitely rely on formations again."

"What formation this time?"

"How would I know? That kid is as sly as a ghost—who knows what formations he's learned?"

"What's the rush? Once the Sword Discourse starts and he makes a move to draw, won't we know?"

While the crowd outside buzzed with discussion, the Sword Discourse inside the arena finally began.

The Qiandao Sect disciples defended the city.

Grand Void Gate, meanwhile, split into two forces and began the assault.

This was no different from the usual flow of a siege battle; the only difference was that Mo Hua did not take part.

As soon as the Sword Discourse began, he ran off to a small hill and sneaked off to draw formations.

Everyone was curious what formation he would actually draw.

What was even more curious was how fast his formation-drawing technique and formation-completion speed would be.

The result was that Mo Hua ran to the small hill, directly pulled out a blanket, and covered himself with it.

Then he hid inside the blanket and drew sneakily, not letting anyone see at all.

On the Fang Tian Hua Ying, all that could be seen was a "Mao Mao Chong" wrapped in a wool blanket.

This thoroughly infuriated the watching cultivators, who cursed loudly:

"Stingy ghost!"

"Despicable!"

"Judging a gentleman with the heart of a petty man."

"He won't even let people watch him draw formations?"

Beside them, some formation elders holding "Mo Ying Tu" also sighed, looking utterly helpless.

They had all come to the Sword Discourse Grand Meeting precisely to display their own strength, to let the great clans, the great sects, and even the myriad cultivators see.

Other prodigies couldn't wait to show off their divine might before the crowd.

This Fang Tian Hua Ying was the biggest stage of all.

But probably even the ancestor who created the Fang Tian Hua Ying never imagined that someone would go against the grain, afraid that his skills

would be seen by others.

Even drawing a formation, he had to cover it with a blanket.

This kind of thing, ordinary prodigies really couldn't bring themselves to do.

They cared about face.

But Mo Hua was different—he truly didn't care about face at all.

And Mo Hua inside the arena naturally didn't care about all that.

Everything was for winning; how much is face worth anyway.

Through the previous Sword Discourse matches, he had clearly understood one thing:

That was, on the Sword Discourse field, at any time and any place, there was a pile of people watching him, and they were all trying every means to target him.

The more of his methods were exposed, the more he would be targeted.

And some trump cards, the later they're revealed, the more they can be concealed for one more round, and perhaps that means one more victory.

Therefore, if you can hide something, you absolutely must hide it.

Hide it by any means necessary.

Even if it's just finding a blanket to cover yourself with, that's fine.

And often, the most plain and simple methods produce the most unexpected effects.

At the very least, this blanket covered Mo Hua, and it also left everyone else utterly baffled.

Just like that, Mo Hua covered himself with the blanket, stealthily finished drawing the array, then dawdled a while longer so others couldn't guess his true array-drawing speed. Only then did he put away the blanket, tuck the array away, and run toward the direction of the Qiandao Sect's "city."

Other sects, he could let it slide.

But he and the Qiandao Sect had old grudges between them.

Back then, he had wanted to join the Qiandao Sect, but couldn't even get through the "mountain gate."

So today at the Sword Discussion, he would blast open the Qiandao Sect's "city gate"!

Mo Hua's face was full of eager excitement.

It wasn't that he was petty — the situation at the Sword Discussion truly left him no choice.