Chapter 1029: Supreme Dao Flying Sword Mastery
Chapter 1029: Supreme Dao Flying Sword Mastery
And indeed, the Ink Slaughter Codex proved useful.
In the next Earth Rank Debate, against the Golden Fist Sect, Mo Hua's array formation was severely restricted.
Conventional arrays weren't particularly difficult to deal with, especially for the seasoned array elders of Qianxue Province.
Mo Hua's general array tactics were mostly within their calculations.
The inherent flaws of the arrays were further magnified.
For example, the slow formation—no matter how fast Mo Hua drew, it still required a certain amount of time to set up, and various limitations like the arena's restrictions and the array medium.
Moreover, once an array was set up, it would leave some traces behind.
Mo Hua's array-setting skills were originally not easy to detect.
However, no matter how skilled he was, he couldn't withstand the scrutiny of so many array elders and the massive number of simulations and predictions.
Additionally, the Lunjian Arena in Lundaoshan, though complex and varied, was still artificially structured according to a certain "template."
Unlike the Great Black Mountain or Demonforge Mountain, which were truly desolate and chaotic "wilds", arrays found it hard to remain truly "hidden."
In such a situation, Mo Hua's previously excellent array-setting skills became less effective.
Although Mo Hua ultimately won against the Golden Fist Sect, it was mostly thanks to Linghuxiao and the others.
Mo Hua reverted to his old ways, using spells to "coast by."
Due to the array's failure, he couldn't contribute much.
In the eyes of the spectators, Mo Hua, the "Array Dao Champion", gradually lost his luster and became "mediocre":
"See, I told you, just knowing arrays isn't enough."
"This is the Sword Debate Tournament. Even if he's the Array Dao Champion, he'll still have to keep his claws sheathed and his tail between his legs."
"His array, at best, only lasted for three or four rounds. Now he's back to his old self."
"A cultivator still relies on their own cultivation. Without solid strength, constantly relying on external forces will only take you so far..."
"This is the Sword Debate Tournament. Even if we don't talk about sword techniques, at least learn some high-level spells, right?"
"Let's not even talk about that. His spiritual energy is so low, he wouldn't be able to use high-level spells even if he learned them..."
"Forget it, don't make it hard for him. The Voidgate Sect doesn't even have any decent sword techniques. What can he learn?"
"That's true, the Voidgate Sect is really bad..."
...
The Voidgate Sect disciples heard all these comments.
They were angry, but they couldn't find a valid reason to refute them.
The Taiyi Legacy focused on sword forging.
The Chongxu Legacy focused on sword qi.
The Voidgate Legacy, on the other hand, was intangible and ungraspable, and couldn't be cultivated even at the Zhu Ji stage.
Even with the partial sharing of legacies among the three sects, the high-level sword techniques still belonged to the Chongxu lineage.
The Voidgate lineage indeed lacked any notable sword techniques, especially at the Zhu Ji stage.
Previously, the Voidgate Sect taught its disciples sword techniques that, while not bad, were only relatively better compared to ordinary sects.
In the Sword Debate Tournament, when compared to the top-notch legacies of the four sects and eight gates, the sword techniques taught by the Voidgate Sect were truly inadequate.
Even if they were used, they would bring a sense of shame and embarrassment.
When others criticized the Voidgate Sect's array skills, the disciples wouldn't get angry because their senior brother was the Qianxue Array Dao Champion, the top array talent.
They would just sneer and mock the others for being foolish.
But when others criticized the Voidgate Sect's sword techniques, the disciples would genuinely get angry.
Because the Voidgate Sect's sword technique legacy was truly lacking...
In the entire Sword Debate Tournament, none of the Voidgate Sect's top-performing disciples had learned the Voidgate Sect's sword techniques.
Linghuxiao and Ouyang Xuan, for example, weren't from the Voidgate lineage.
Additionally, Situ Jian learned the Fire Departure Sword from his family.
Cheng Mo used an axe and didn't use a sword at all.
Mo Hua didn't even use spiritual equipment; he relied on spells and arrays.
Therefore, when others mocked the Voidgate Sect's sword techniques, saying things like "the Voidgate Sect's sword techniques are no good", "the Voidgate Sect's sword techniques can't be taken seriously", "the Voidgate Sect has no sword dao legacy", "how can they participate in the Sword Debate without a sword dao legacy?"...
Most of the Voidgate Sect's disciples could only hold their anger in their hearts and remain silent.
...
From the overall situation of the Sword Debate, the Voidgate Sect was winning.
The Supreme Dao Sect was also winning.
In fact, due to the Supreme Dao Sect's deep heritage, being a "sect with two top talents", each top talent led a team, and they had more wins than the Voidgate Sect.
Thus, the victory of both sects was almost even.
It all came down to one match in Xuan Shu.
If the Voidgate Sect fell behind by even one match, they would have to relinquish the top position among the eight gates.
This "dangerous" gap drew the attention of countless cultivators from various factions.
Everyone wanted to know which sect would ultimately claim the top position among the eight gates.
Who would make it to the end: Voidgate Sect or Supreme Dao Sect?
Amid the tense atmosphere, the Heavenly Instrument of Dao Discussion conveniently revealed the list for the next debate:
The Decisive Match.
Voidgate Sect against Supreme Dao Sect.
The timing was simply too coincidental.
So coincidental that Mo Hua even suspected the Heavenly Instrument of Dao Discussion wasn’t just a magical artifact but had become a "spirit" of sorts.
It seemed to have deliberately scheduled the debate between Voidgate Sect and Supreme Dao Sect at this critical moment to draw attention and create a grand spectacle.
This match had become incredibly significant.
The winner would be the top of the Eight Sects.
The loser would be left in the dust.
This was a fight to the bitter end, a battle that must be won at all costs.
The leaders of the Four Major Sects, Eight Minor Sects, and countless cultivators watching from the sidelines all turned their attention to this match.
Within Voidgate Sect and Supreme Dao Sect, the atmosphere was incredibly solemn from top to bottom.
For Voidgate Sect, the position among the Four Major Sects was no longer a concern.
But the top spot among the Eight Sects had to be defended.
This was a tangible benefit.
Winning this match could mean decades, even a century, of glory as the top sect among the Eight.
Losing this match could mean missing out on everything.
Even if one regretted it bitterly afterward, it would be too late.
With the interests of the sect at stake, Mo Hua couldn’t afford to be careless at this critical juncture.
No one knew that his ambitions were even greater.
But no matter how grand his ambitions, they had to be realized step by step.
This debate must be won at all costs.
Know your enemy, know yourself.
Mo Hua summoned Ling Hu Xiao and asked about the situation in Supreme Dao Sect.
He had heard that Ling Hu Xiao, a genius in swordsmanship, had some connections with Supreme Dao Sect and was quite familiar with its internal affairs.
Since Mo Hua asked, Ling Hu Xiao naturally shared everything he knew.
"Supreme Dao Sect is one of the top swordsmanship sects in Qianxue Province."
"Long ago, it was known as the Supreme Dao Sword Sect, one of the Four Major Sects, with swordsmanship prowess even surpassing Heavenly Sword Sect."
"Although it has declined somewhat, its strength remains formidable, consistently ranking first or second among the Eight Sects."
"It has always been just one step away from becoming one of the Four Major Sects, but it has never quite made it."
"In this session, Supreme Dao Sect has two of its strongest disciples, both from the Fifth Rank Ye family and cousins."
"One is Ye Qingfeng, the eldest disciple of Supreme Dao Sect. He practices the Supreme Dao Unity Sword Technique, is steady and calculative, and rarely engages in combat."
"However, it is said that his strength is formidable, and even compared to Xiao Wuchen of Heavenly Sword Sect, he is not inferior."
"Of course, that’s what others say. I can’t verify it, but at the very least, Ye Qingfeng should not be underestimated."
"Additionally, there is Ye Zhiyuan."
"Ye Zhiyuan is even more famous."
"He is arrogant and looks down on others, but his talent in swordsmanship is exceptional."
"He practices the Supreme Dao Flying Sword Mastery, the most advanced sword technique in Supreme Dao Sect."
"These two geniuses lead their respective teams and have made it to this point with few losses. The Earth Rank Debates are almost over, and they have performed exceptionally well..."
...
Ling Hu Xiao spoke calmly, and only in front of Mo Hua would he share so much.
Mo Hua listened and sighed softly.
Qianxue Province had its drawbacks.
Geniuses were as common as dogs, and prodigies were everywhere.
Mention any sect, and they would have a significant background, with prodigies in abundance.
"Who will we face tomorrow?" Mo Hua asked.
Ling Hu Xiao was silent, "Ye Zhiyuan..."
Mo Hua noticed Ling Hu Xiao’s unusual expression and asked, "You know this Ye Zhiyuan?"
Ling Hu Xiao remained silent for a moment, then nodded.
"Is he very strong?"
"Very strong", Ling Hu Xiao nodded, "I was once considered one of the two greatest swordsmanship prodigies among the Eight Sects, alongside him. And... I..."
Ling Hu Xiao seemed reluctant to speak, but seeing Mo Hua’s sincere expression, he couldn’t hold back and sighed, "I lost to him in a sword duel..."
Mo Hua nodded, seeing that Ling Hu Xiao’s expression was not good, clearly still harboring some resentment. He didn’t press further on when, where, or why the duel took place, or why Ling Hu Xiao lost.
As a swordsmanship prodigy, losing to another arrogant and condescending genius must have been a bitter pill to swallow.
Especially for someone like Ling Hu Xiao, who kept everything bottled up.
"Are you confident in facing him in the debate tomorrow?" Mo Hua asked.
Ling Hu Xiao understood Mo Hua’s meaning, thought for a moment, and said:
"Senior Brother, you were right. If one is devoted to the path of the sword, one cannot fear losing."
"I will face any strong sword cultivator, regardless of the outcome."
"But..."
Ling Hu Xiao’s gaze was cautious as he slowly continued:
"This isn’t just about me..."
"This debate is of great importance, and there can be no mistakes. My personal victory or defeat doesn’t matter, nor does the title of swordsmanship prodigy. Everything I do is for the sect to win..."
Mo Hua nodded, feeling a sense of admiration.
When he first met Linghu Xiao, it was at Demonforge Mountain. Linghu Xiao was hunting monsters alone, a talented individual with a solitary and somewhat unsociable temperament.
But now, he truly shares the glory and the disgrace of his sect.
What a good kid...
Mo Hua felt deeply gratified.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of the Sword Debate. I'll make the arrangements", Mo Hua said, then asked Linghu Xiao, "What is this Ye Zhiyuan good at?"
"Controlling flying swords", Linghu Xiao replied.
Mo Hua was taken aback, "Controlling flying swords?"
Linghu Xiao nodded and explained, "The Supreme Dao Flying Sword Mastery is a profound technique for controlling flying swords. Ye Zhiyuan has an exceptional talent in this area, making him a genius in sword control..."
"He is one of the few who can achieve a high level of proficiency in 'flying sword control' at the Zhu Ji stage."
"His flying sword technique is rarely used, but when it is, it is extremely fast and powerful."
"Previously, I was defeated by his flying sword technique..."
Linghu Xiao still seemed somewhat resentful when he thought about it.
Mo Hua's expression, however, was a bit strange.
"The strongest technique is controlling flying swords, huh..."
"Isn't that... quite convenient..."
...
Leaving Linghu Xiao, Mo Hua walked toward the disciples' quarters, pondering the sword cultivator Ye Zhiyuan, who was proficient in the Supreme Dao Flying Sword Mastery...
Halfway there, he encountered Ouyang Xuan.
Ouyang Xuan seemed to be waiting for Mo Hua and said, "The sect leader wants to see you."
"The sect leader?"
Mo Hua was taken aback for a moment before realizing he was referring to the sect leader of Taiyi Mountain.
The Taiyi sect leader wants to see me?
Mo Hua was a bit surprised.
"Alright." Mo Hua nodded.
Ouyang Xuan, understanding the situation, led the way ahead.
Although he still had a bit of an arrogant attitude, he was at least respectful.
After so many Sword Debates, Ouyang Xuan, though he didn't say it, had a grudging respect for Mo Hua.
Arriving at Voidgate Sect, they entered a quiet guest pavilion and the tea room, where Mo Hua saw the imposing and stern-looking sect leader of Taiyi Mountain.
The Taiyi sect leader glanced at Ouyang Xuan for a moment, then fell silent, unsure how to start.
Mo Hua looked at Ouyang Xuan.
Ouyang Xuan understood and nodded, turning and leaving without a word.
The Taiyi sect leader looked at Mo Hua, momentarily stunned by his presence.
If it weren't for the loss of face, he might have even asked Mo Hua how he managed to "tame" the stubborn Ouyang Xuan.
Of course, that wasn't the main issue.
The tea room was quiet, with the aroma of tea wafting through the air.
With no outsiders around, the Taiyi sect leader became much more amiable, gesturing to the seat beside him. "Sit down."
Mo Hua tried to decline a few times.
As just a sect disciple, sitting on equal terms with the sect leader seemed inappropriate.
The Taiyi sect leader said, "This is an order from the sect leader. Sit down."
Seeing Mo Hua still hesitating, he feigned anger. "What? Is the sect leader of Tai Xu Mountain a sect leader, and the sect leader of Taiyi Mountain not yours?"
With that, Mo Hua couldn't refuse.
He bowed and sat down properly.
The Taiyi sect leader, seeing Mo Hua sit, nodded slightly and, after a moment of hesitation, asked softly:
"How are your preparations for tomorrow's Sword Debate?"
The Taiyi sect leader knew that a lot of the planning for Voidgate Sect's Sword Debate was handled by Mo Hua.
In their team, Mo Hua was essentially the "captain."
Even the sword genius Linghu Xiao and the rebellious Ouyang Xuan followed Mo Hua's lead.
Therefore, he could only come to Mo Hua for this matter.
Technically, he shouldn't have asked.
With the Sword Debate approaching, he shouldn't add unnecessary pressure to his disciples.
But the Taiyi sect leader couldn't help it.
Though he held a high position, he was far from the transcendent level of the ancient ancestors.
And because of his high position, the ranking and power were even more important.
Taiyi Mountain was different from the other two mountains, Tai Xu and Chongxu.
The former Taiyi Sect had once been the top of the Eight Great Sects.
Of course, that glory only lasted for a few years, and they took a major hit over the Lipstick Boat incident, leading to their decline.
But he had experienced that glory.
Having tasted the prestige of a top sect, he was even more determined not to suffer the cold treatment of a lower sect.
Thus, he placed great importance on rankings.
Tomorrow's debate with the Supreme Dao Sect was a critical step, and he couldn't help but come to Mo Hua to gauge the situation.
Mo Hua understood his concern and initially wanted to say everything was fine to reassure the sect leader.
But the words caught in his throat, and he suddenly thought of something, sighing and frowning. "It's going to be tough..."
The Taiyi sect leader didn't doubt him.
Because it truly was going to be tough.
He had heard of the sword genius Ye Zhiyuan from the Supreme Dao Sect more than once.
A sect disciple who could achieve the 'flying sword control' level of the Supreme Dao Flying Sword Mastery at the Zhu Ji stage was truly rare.
This was a formidable opponent, and a tough fight was to be expected.
The Taiyi sect leader then said straightforwardly, "If you need any help for tomorrow's Sword Debate, just let me know."
He was a man of action, not one for empty words.
To inspire his disciples to strive for the sect and the top position among the Eight Great Sects, he had to offer something tangible.
Mo Hua's eyes lit up, but then he hesitated. "This..."
The Taiyi Sect's leader said, "Don't be shy, speak your mind."
Mo Hua pretended to be hesitant.
The Taiyi Sect's leader then put on a stern face and said seriously, "The three sects have merged, and the three mountains are now one. I am the leader of Taiyi Mountain, which means I am your leader as well. Why be so formal?"
"Moreover, this is for the Lunjian, for our Voidgate Sect. If you need anything, just say it!"
The Taiyi Sect's leader emphasized the phrases "your leader" and "our Voidgate Sect."
Mo Hua was deeply moved and finally revealed his thoughts, "Leader, can I see the Taiyi Sword Formation?"
The Taiyi Sect's leader's expression froze, and his heart skipped a beat.
Oh no, I've run into a sly fox.
This kid is even better at acting than I am... asking for the sword formation right off the bat...
Now he finally understood how difficult it was to deal with Mo Hua. No wonder none of the elders of Voidgate Sect took him lightly.
I wonder if he learned that from our ancestor...
Sword formation...
The Taiyi Sect's leader was in a dilemma. He asked Mo Hua, "What do you need the Taiyi Sword Formation for?"
Mo Hua said confidently, "For tomorrow's Lunjian."
"Lunjian? You need the sword formation for that?" The Taiyi Sect's leader frowned.
"Yes", Mo Hua nodded and praised, "I've heard that Taiyi Mountain has always been famous for sword forging, and the core of sword forging is the sword formation. The Taiyi Sword Formation must be one of the best in the world."
"With this sword formation, even against the Supreme Dao Sect's sword techniques, we will be invincible and unstoppable..."
Mo Hua didn't hold back with his compliments.
The Taiyi Sect's leader felt comfortable all over.
But deep down, he knew.
A sword formation is not the same as a sword technique.
How can you use a sword formation for sword forging to counter a sword technique?
Mo Hua is definitely trying to flatter him.
But he is the leader, and this kid is a sect disciple. He shouldn't lie in front of him...
The Taiyi Sect's leader hesitated and asked Mo Hua, "Really?"
"Yes!" Mo Hua nodded repeatedly, his eyes clear.
Regardless of anything else, just looking at his face and those clear eyes, one would think this kid couldn't possibly be lying.
The Taiyi Sect's leader was momentarily stuck.
The sword formation is not just any ordinary thing. It is a core legacy and must not be leaked.
But the upcoming Sword Debate Tournament is equally important. Losing this match would mean regretting it for the rest of their lives.
The Taiyi Sect's leader frowned and thought for a moment, then made up his mind and waved his hand, "Alright! I'll give it to you!"
You can't catch a wolf without bait.
The sword formation, no matter how precious, is not as important as the position of the leading sect.
Moreover, he had the intention of befriending Mo Hua.
If you want to befriend Mo Hua, you can't be stingy with the sword formation.
Mo Hua is a genius, the champion of the Qianxue True Dao, and the "treasure" of the Voidgate Sect's ancestor. Without some real benefits, what kind of friendship would it be?
These days, if you don't give people a taste, who would be loyal to you?
Empty promises and superficial flattery won't get you anywhere.
Mo Hua's expression brightened.
He didn't expect the Taiyi Sect's leader to be so generous.
He would even give him the sword formation.
"Thank you, Leader!" Mo Hua said with a smile.
"I can show you the sword formation, but..." The Taiyi Sect's leader still had some doubts, "Is it really useful for tomorrow's Lunjian?"
"Yes!" Mo Hua nodded, "With this sword formation, tomorrow's Lunjian will be 'much simpler.'"
The Taiyi Sect's leader was half-convinced, half-skeptical.
"But tomorrow is the Lunjian. Do you have enough time to learn it now?"
"It's fine", Mo Hua assured, "I learn array formations very quickly."
Not to mention, you can't learn array formations that fast...
The Taiyi Sect's leader thought to himself.
But since he had already promised, there was no point in hesitating.
The Taiyi Sect's leader was known for his decisive actions. He immediately said, "Wait here, I'll have someone bring it to you shortly."
Mo Hua said happily, "You're really kind, Leader!"
The Taiyi Sect's leader quickly became categorized as a "good person" in Mo Hua's mind.
...
Meanwhile.
In the Ink Slaughter Edict.
A person named "One Arrow Away" said arrogantly, "What is the Voidgate Sect?"
"If it weren't for the merger of the three sects, they wouldn't even have a decent sword technique."
"At the Sword Debate Tournament, without a sword legacy, what kind of sword are they debating? How ridiculous."
"Among the entire sect, only Linghuxiao is worth a look."
"Mo Hua?"
"Just a mere array master, a fame-seeker. He can't even hold a sword, yet he wants to participate in the Lunjian?"
"Even that Linghuxiao is just my underling. How dare he be mentioned in the same breath as me?"
...
His random insults were very familiar, and soon someone said, "Ye Zhiyuan?"
"So what if it is?"
Someone questioned, "How did you get in here? Do you have a grudge against Mo Hua?"
"That's none of your business..."
One Arrow Away: "I only ask you this: if I kill Mo Hua, can I become the Alliance Leader?"
Everyone was silent.
They disliked Ye Zhiyuan's arrogance, but they didn't want to break their word.
"That's correct."
"Great!" One Arrow Away said, "Tomorrow, I will take Mo Hua's head with one strike and become your Alliance Leader!"
"If I can't even kill a mere Mo Hua, what kind of Tianjiao would I be?"
"A bunch of failures, just wait and see."
"Tomorrow, your Alliance Leader will be crowned king!"
Everyone read his words, feeling irritated but helpless.
(End of Chapter)
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