Chapter 882: Setting the Topics

At dusk, Elder Zheng returned to Qiandao City, and several old acquaintances among his Dao companions came to see him off with a farewell feast.

During the banquet, the company was overcome with feeling—some lamented Elder Zheng's departure, others were reluctant to part and invited him to serve as a guest elder at their respective noble houses and sects.

Elder Zheng politely declined each one.

After the banquet, they took their leave of one another.

Elder Zheng then returned to his own residence, closed his eyes to rest his spirit, and took a short break.

When the hour came, he packed up all his treasures, formation manuals, and formation diagrams, and left straightaway the cave abode he had lived in for several decades, without looking back, heading out of the city.

Riding in a carriage, he left the city, and after about one shichen, arrived at the Cloud Ferry Crossing on the border of Qianxue Province.

Boarding this Cloud Ferry, with three transfers in between, in about one month he would be able to reach Zhenzhou.

Elder Zheng had already felt no attachment, but as he stepped away to leave, for some unknown reason, a sudden sense of concern arose in his heart.

The face and voice of that little brother he had met during the day surfaced once more in his mind.

Elder Zheng felt a surge of emotion.

Amid the bustling Qianxue Province, where people chased fame and profit, there truly still existed a disciple of such humble birth, sincere heart, and exceptional comprehension.

His earlier judgment had indeed been biased.

The Cloud Ferry's whistle sounded—it was about to depart.

Elder Zheng stepped forward, but suddenly stopped again.

"Once I step onto the deck and leave Qianzhou, I fear I won't return in this lifetime…"

Elder Zheng's footsteps faltered, and a sudden unease gripped his heart, as if after this departure he would miss some important matter.

Frowning, he hesitated for a long while, and finally sighed:

"Enough, I'll stay a few more days. I'll leave after watching this session of the Formation Discussion Grand Meeting to the end. Zhenzhou is far away, and a few more days won't matter anyway…"

With this thought, Elder Zheng felt much more at ease.

He raised his head and saw a bright moon hanging at the edge of the sky, its clear radiance spilling across the land; occasionally a cool breeze passed by, accompanying the moonlight.

……

Time flowed on, and another day passed.

Tomorrow would be the Formation Discussion Grand Meeting.

At this moment, on Lundao Mountain, inside a grand, sealed-off great hall.

A group of formation elders had gathered together, setting the topics for tomorrow's "Formation Discussion Grand Meeting."

The elders present were all third- and fourth-rank formation masters of remarkable attainment, drawn from the major sects throughout Qianxue Province.

Though between the various sects there was open rivalry and covert struggle, with much friction.

Yet formation masters held a rather transcendent status, and formed a unique circle of their own, often not too bound by sectarian prejudice.

Moreover, at this moment they were setting the topics for the Formation Discussion Grand Meeting.

This was a major affair; no one dared slack off, and none would bring private grudges to the table.

Thus the atmosphere within the great hall was quite harmonious.

The group deliberated with one another, selecting suitable formations to serve as the "examination topics" for this session of the Formation Discussion Grand Meeting.

And to avoid any appearance of impropriety, the chief examiner for this occasion was a formation grandmaster of the Feather Transformation realm from the Celestial Pivot Pavilion of the Dao Court, known as "Grand Master Wen."

Though the Celestial Pivot Pavilion was subordinate to the Dao Court, it governed only formation-related affairs, and compared to the central Dao Court's power apparatus, it was relatively neutral.

Grand Master Wen himself also hailed from Qianxue Province, and his formation attainments were evident to all; thus his serving as chief examiner neither invited suspicion nor failed to command belief.

At this moment, the matter of setting the formation topics was also led by Grand Master Wen, proceeding in an orderly fashion…

"This 'Yi Wood Gen Mountain Formation' is good—we can test them on it…"

"Several types of 'Li Fire Formations' above sixteen patterns are too aggressive in slaughter; they shouldn't be encouraged. And once drawn incorrectly, it's easy for the fire to run wild and cause a disturbance at the Formation Discussion Grand Meeting."

"True. They're still sect disciples; we should still emphasize cultivating virtue and nurturing nature, focusing on comprehending the Heavenly Dao and benefiting production—or test them on defensive-type formations…"

"That view is off. Slaughter formations still need to be tested. Formation masters are inherently clumsy in actual combat; if we don't test more slaughter formations, when they enter the cultivation world in the future, their methods will be too soft and they'll suffer greatly for it."

"That's small-scale combat—one-on-one, where setting up formations costs time and effort, too troublesome; formation masters naturally suffer there."

"But large-scale battles are different. All large-scale battles require overall planning—crafting armor, forging spears, deploying troops and arranging formations. That is the true stage of formation masters."

"Hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands of people, empowered by formations, sweeping forth in mighty force, slaughtering in all directions, invincible…"

"You're speaking too soon. They're still mere junior disciples; how could they possibly command hundreds or thousands in battle?"

"True. Besides, these disciples are the precious darlings of the noble houses; in the future, probably few of them will actually go to the battlefield to risk their lives."

"Then what's the point of them learning formations? Learn it and not use it, just to show off?"

"That's too extreme of you…"

"How is that extreme?"

"Alright, alright, gentlemen, the main business comes first," someone urged.

"Yes, arguing this is pointless; right now we still need to consider the matter of setting the topics…"

"In my view, split it down the middle…" an elder said, keeping things even, "test half slaughter formations, half production-type formations."

Someone shook his head: "Too many. I think four-five is better—slaughter and trapping formations at four-tenths, production formations at five-tenths, and the remaining one-tenth on formations with deep theoretical elements."

"Then… specifically which ones to test? These formation diagrams, back and forth, have been tested to death."

"We've been setting topics for years, so naturally we've worn them out, but you have to consider those disciples—many formations, they've only just learned."

"That's true enough…"

"Still, it really is getting a bit tiresome, the way we've been testing."

"Should we try something new?" an elder proposed.

"What new tricks? Going too far beyond the syllabus isn't good. If those disciples get nervous on the spot and can't draw them, we topic-setting elders will be cursed in their hearts, and the old ancestors of those noble houses and sects might also have plenty of complaints…"

"That's true…"

"Add a variation to the formation array"

"I think it's too difficult..." said one elder, "We're all old hands; we've studied for decades and have seen many things, so we've all dabbled in various formation variations."

"The disciples are different—they're just kids, their lifespans don't even reach a fraction of ours, and they've barely trained in formations for a few years at most; they know only one or two basic formation patterns. Testing them on variations is too harsh."

"But the sect has reformed—our Formation Discussion Assembly can't remain unchanged. Just make a small change: include one or two formation variations."

"Besides, this contest allows for errors: if you can't draw three, you lose—but if you miss one or two, it's not a big deal."

"I still think it's too hard."

"You're overthinking it. Don't forget—this is Qianxue Province. The one thing Qianxue Province has no shortage of is geniuses."

"To win the Formation Discussion Assembly, you need real ability."

"Then let's do it this way: we'll first pick some, then have Master Wen review them—he'll make the final decision..."

"That's perfect."

Originally, they were merely voicing their opinions.

But opinions were opinions; the final decision rested entirely with Master Wen, the chief examiner.

Afterwards, everyone followed the official guidelines and the directions discussed earlier, selecting questions one by one.

Starting from the Sixteen-Thread level.

The Formation Discussion Assembly begins its examination at the Sixteen-Thread level.

This is a threshold, meant to eliminate candidates.

If you can't even reach Sixteen Threads, you have no right to compete against the formation prodigies of other sects.

But if you pass Sixteen Threads, you earn a certain ranking.

It's not high, but it truly contributes something to your sect.

Beyond Sixteen Threads, each additional thread becomes harder than the last.

Each thread is a major barrier, eliminating a large number of candidates.

Especially at the end, the gap between Eighteen Threads and Nineteen Threads is worlds apart.

Disciples who can draw Nineteen Threads are exceedingly rare.

Inside the Formation Hall, a group of formation elders either pondered, flipped through scrolls, wrestled with indecision, or strained their thoughts, selecting one formation after another.

According to protocol, they first listed candidates, then filtered them, and finally submitted a unified set to the chief examiner, Master Wen.

Master Wen would then finalize the questions, sealing them in jade slips.

Thus, the selection was done by the elders, while the final decision rested with Master Wen.

It was fair for all sides.

And all of this had to be settled in one night before the Formation Discussion Assembly began; the elders would not leave until the assembly ended, which also helped prevent leaks.

Time slipped away slowly.

The selection and finalization of questions, starting from Sixteen Threads, grew progressively harder...

After an unknown length of time, they finally neared completion.

But when selecting the final question—the Nineteen-Thread level, just below Foundation Establishment peak, meant to serve as the "crowning" challenge—

Master Wen hesitated, torn between several formations, glancing left and right, unable to decide.

Everyone waited in silence.

Yet no matter how long they waited, Master Wen still hadn't decided.

One elder chuckled, "Master Wen, this is your first time serving as chief examiner, isn't it?"

Master Wen, a middle-aged man with a gentle expression and a reputation for seriousness, nodded. "Indeed."

The elder said, "Master Wen, don't overthink this final question—it's just a safeguard, a last-resort backup. In all these years, no one has ever drawn it..."

"Not even this final question—few disciples manage to complete even the preceding few Nineteen-Thread formations."

"You must understand, most of these disciples are merely at late Foundation Establishment; very few are at peak Foundation Establishment."

"Their spiritual sense can barely reach Eighteen Threads—Nineteen Threads is already extraordinary."

"Add to that, this is a 'Grand Examination.'"

"From the initial Sixteen Threads all the way up, it tests their Dao heart, spiritual sense, and perseverance, while bearing the pressure of countless eyes watching. The later it gets, the more exhausting and difficult it becomes."

"These disciples, mostly from noble families, raised in comfort, simply won't last that long."

"Those who can endure from start to finish and fully complete even one or two Nineteen-Thread formations are few and far between."

"Never mind drawing this final question."

Master Wen asked, "Never before?"

"Never," said the elder.

Another elderly formation elder added, "This 'crowning' formation has special meaning."

"This question isn't meant to be tested—it's meant to tell the disciples: beyond the mountains lie higher mountains, beyond the heavens lie higher heavens; formation arts are vast and boundless, learning has no end. They will never finish drawing all formations, and many formations they will never learn."

"As formation masters, they must maintain humility, avoid arrogance, and keep climbing."

"Therefore, just pick any difficult one for this final formation—no need to agonize over it."

Master Wen accepted the advice and nodded.

But he was meticulous, almost obsessive—he never did anything "casually." Every decision required principles, and once he had to choose, he couldn't help but hesitate.

This delay consumed another incense stick's worth of time.

Everyone watched him in silence.

Master Wen snapped back to reality and felt slightly embarrassed.

Yet he still couldn't bring himself to be "casual." He pondered: since disciples couldn't draw this final formation, and its purpose was to "crown" the exam, the standard was simply "difficulty."

The hardest part of formation art lies in the Dao.

He followed his own intuition and selected from among the formations the most profound, the most obscure, one that even touched upon the fundamental transformations of spiritual power.

Thus, the proposition was now fully complete.

Master Wen inspected it once more from beginning to end, then sealed all the "propositions," imprinting them with sealing runes.

The proposition phase of the Formation Symposium was over.

Everyone was greatly pleased.

"Finally finished with all this…"

"We can rest now."

"Tomorrow is the final round of the Dao Symposium; after tomorrow, the entire Dao Symposium will come to an end."

"Formation art is the most reliable—it's either you know it, or you don't."

"Tomorrow will be calm and steady; once it's over, everything will be settled, no more anxiety."

"Actually, by now, it's mostly over already."

…

As they chatted, the crowd walked outward.

As chief examiner, Master Wen said: "You've all worked hard. I brought some wine from Daozhou, and arranged a fine table of spiritual delicacies—please, do me the honor of tasting this fine wine and food, and relieve your fatigue."

Though this was his first time serving as chief examiner, he still understood these social courtesies.

And no one present would dare refuse the face of a Master from the Tianshu Pavilion.

Normally, they would have no chance to cultivate ties with Master Wen.

Moreover, after a full day of labor, a bit of wine to ease exhaustion was only natural.

Everyone bowed in unison:

"Master Wen, you're too kind."

"That's perfect—thank you, Master Wen."

"We cannot refuse such an honor."

"Master Wen's generosity—we could not ask for more…"

So Master Wen summoned servants to set up wine and a feast in the side hall, where the guests exchanged cups, discussing formation insights and amusing anecdotes.

After the banquet, everyone returned to their guest chambers to rest.

The night was quiet, the moonlight serene.

Everyone slept soundly, unaware of what they would face tomorrow…

…

After one night, the next day dawned faintly.

A sliver of dawnlight pierced through Tai Xu Mountain.

In the disciples' quarters, Mo Hua, who had practiced formation art all night, opened his eyes; his clear gaze reflected the glow of the morning clouds.

Today was the day of the Dao Symposium.

And he too must set out to participate in the Formation Competition.

Before leaving, he specifically visited the Elder's residence to pay his respects to Master Xun and asked:

"Master, is there anything I should pay special attention to?"

"No."

Master Xun said.

At this point, there was nothing left to worry about.

Yet Mo Hua felt a flicker of nervousness inside.

After all, this was the Formation Symposium—so grand in scale, his first time participating—so naturally, he felt some unease.

Seeing this, Master Xun said: "Just keep your composure. Don't rejoice at victory, don't grieve at defeat. Show some depth. Don't overthink the rest—just draw the formations."

"Just draw the formations."

"Yes," Master Xun nodded, "Keep drawing until the very end."

Mo Hua pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Understood, Master."

"Go," Master Xun said.

"Yes." Mo Hua bowed, then set off.

Master Xun watched Mo Hua's retreating figure, and a glimmer of light sparked in his cloudy eyes.

This day had finally come…

…

Mo Hua left Tai Xu Gate and headed straight for Lun Dao Mountain.

This was Master Xun's instruction: go quietly, alone.

Arriving at Lun Dao Mountain, the sight before him was grand beyond measure—crowds surged like tides, horses flowed like dragons.

Many cultivators had gathered at Lun Dao Mountain, with great pomp.

But compared to the Sword Symposium, this scene was actually somewhat modest.

The Sword Symposium was a true contest of swordplay and spellcraft—blade winds, sword rains, water and fire arts, supreme Dao techniques, clashes of life and death, dazzling in every moment.

Highly entertaining.

Whether high or low in cultivation, those who came for spectacle could enjoy the spectacle; those who understood the art could appreciate its depth—all could be thoroughly delighted.

But the Dao Symposiums for alchemy, formations, talismans, and artifacts were different—their content was dull; without understanding the subtleties, one could rarely see anything remarkable.

Especially formation art.

The formation technique was dry and profoundly complex.

Most cultivators who did not understand formations would get headaches at the sight of abstract formation patterns; watching a cultivator draw formations would strike them as utterly boring.

But this was Qianxue Province, with deep traditions, and among the disciples, all knew at least a little about formations.

And this was the final match of the Dao Discourse Assembly, concerning the sect's ranking—of great significance.

Thus, the number of cultivators come to watch was not small.

At this moment, these cultivators were all barred outside.

They could not enter the venue at first.

The disciples participating in the Formation Discourse Assembly would enter Dao Mountain first.

Mo Hua blended into this group of disciples.

In his hand, he held a Dao Discourse jade slip given to him by Mr. Xun; this jade slip represented one slot for the Formation Discourse.

Moreover, it was a direct, examination-exempt invitation.

This slot was very precious.

Because the Formation Discourse Assembly was inherently dull and lacked spectacle, this reform had streamlined the process.

Some selections had been fully prepared in advance.

Selections had various thresholds: cultivation level, formation master rating, elder recommendation, preliminary examinations, and so on.

This ensured that only the elite of each sect could participate in the Formation Discourse Assembly.

And Mo Hua's "slot" allowed him to bypass all these cumbersome procedures and enter the final "Formation Trial."

Each sect received only a few such slots.

Sects ranked lower received none at all.

Mo Hua clutched this heavy jade slip and entered Dao Mountain with the line.

At the mountain gate, elders stood guard, checking each one individually; only after confirmation could they proceed.

The long line moved forward solemnly and silently.

When it was Mo Hua's turn, he stepped forward and handed the Dao Discourse jade slip to the checking elder.

The elder, seeing Mo Hua, clearly paused, took the jade slip from him with skepticism, verified it several times, then summoned others to check again—still finding it hard to comprehend.

Finally, he shook his head and let Mo Hua pass, though inwardly he grumbled:

"What is Grand Void Gate thinking? They've completely given up—shoving any disciple into the Dao Discourse Assembly…"

But Mo Hua thought nothing of it; with a calm expression, he walked into Dao Mountain.

An hour later, all disciples participating in the Formation Discourse Assembly had entered the arena.

Only then did the gates of Dao Mountain fully open.

The high-ranking members of the Shijiahe Sect and other sects, along with cultivators from all sides and disciples of various sects, dense as a tide, gradually entered Dao Mountain.