Chapter 1034: The Legacy of the Three Mountains
Chapter 1034: The Legacy of the Three Mountains
Mo Hua's gaze was melancholic, but it gradually sharpened.
He cleared his mind and focused, beginning to study the rules of the Asura War.
The Asura War, once part of the Qian Study Lunjian Conference, was the final showdown for disciples advancing from the Di Rank Lunjian to the Tian Rank Lunjian.
Participants would battle in a vast and complex Lunjian Arena, forming teams based on their sects, fighting, killing, fleeing, and surviving.
The ranking of the disciples would be determined by the order of elimination.
Based on the disciples' rankings, points would be awarded to their respective sects.
As a former Tian Rank Advancement War, the Asura War offered a large number of victory points.
The more survivors, the more points a sect could earn.
These points could significantly alter the previous Lunjian rankings.
This presented a massive opportunity.
Naturally, it also carried great risk.
A good performance in the Asura War could propel a sect to a higher position.
A poor performance could cause a sect to plummet in the rankings.
Of course, this potential for change was still based on the previous Lunjian rankings.
The Asura War, after all, was just one Lunjian.
Even with its significant weight, it could not elevate a lower-tier sect among the Eight Major Gates to the status of one of the Four Great Sects.
In most cases, it would only cause fluctuations of three to four positions.
For ordinary sects, especially the twelve minor sects and the hundred Qian Study sects, such fluctuations were largely insignificant.
However, for the Eight Major Gates, particularly those at the forefront, and the Four Great Sects, the rankings were crucial.
Even advancing by one or two positions could drastically change a sect's standing.
Conversely, falling by one or two positions could result in significant losses for the sect.
Moreover, the Asura War was extremely challenging.
Its difficulty was several times greater than that of a regular Lunjian.
This was because it was a free-for-all among sects.
The stronger the sect, the greater the advantage.
Especially for the Four Great Sects, whose disciples were talented and powerful, with many teams advancing to the Di Rank Lunjian, and top-tier Tianjiao leading them.
Compared to ordinary sects, and even the Eight Major Gates, they were in a different league.
There were four such "giant" sects.
With top-tier Tianjiao leading, numerical superiority, and high average cultivation levels, these giant sects could essentially "sweep" through the Asura War.
Other sects stood no chance against them.
Though there seemed to be an opportunity to advance, the chances were slim.
A five-member team Lunjian, if unable to defeat Tianjiao like Xiao Wuchen or Shen Lishu, had no hope in a larger free-for-all.
However, most sects did not aim to compete with the Four Great Sects.
Their primary targets were the sects immediately above them in the rankings.
By bringing them down, they could climb a little higher.
In the Lunjian Conference, every step up in the sect rankings was a good thing, representing a larger share of the Qianlong Spirit Mine and a substantial amount of spirit stones, akin to "real gold and silver."
Therefore, they did not set unrealistic goals.
But Mo Hua was different. His ambitions were greater.
He wanted to leap to the pinnacle, and standing in his way were the "Four Great Sects."
And not just them; among the Eight Major Gates, there were seven other sects.
In total, eleven mountains.
Additionally, in the twelve minor sects, there were some smaller mountains with whom he had grievances.
Thinking about it, the Asura War seemed insurmountable for Tai Xu Gate, with countless obstacles.
There seemed to be a faint glimmer of hope.
But this hope was so faint as to be almost invisible.
Mo Hua felt a mix of hope and despair...
Mo Hua took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
In times of great importance, one must remain calm.
The more one desires something, the more one fears losing it, and the more one must remain composed and level-headed.
Mo Hua took out a thick stack of array papers and began listing all the "enemies" he needed to deal with.
He analyzed the information on disciples collected since the Lunjian Conference.
He enumerated all the challenges.
He calculated all the causes and possibilities of conflict.
Then he considered all the possible countermeasures.
The battle scenarios of the Asura War were simulated and deduced in Mo Hua's mind...
Using his vast divine perception, meticulous thinking, and powerful ability to deduce the tides of fate, he sought to understand the real situation and control it, to uncover the tiniest sliver of hope in the midst of adversity...
...
Mo Hua was deducing and planning.
In Qian Xue Prefecture, the patriarchs and elders of various sects, along with many powerful cultivators, were also discussing and strategizing.
Some sects with friendly relations even exchanged letters to share information.
How should the Asura War be fought?
Gradually, a consensus formed:
"Join forces to eliminate Tai Xu Gate first."
This decision was partly due to old grudges.
Tai A Gate, once the top sect among the Eight Major Gates, had long coveted the position of one of the Four Great Sects, leading to conflicts of interest and numerous disputes.
Being the top sect among the Eight Major Gates also made it a target for the other Eight Major Gates.
Chong Xu Gate, while remaining calm, was closely aligned with Tai A Gate and supported it, making it unpopular as well.
Tai Xu Gate, needless to say, was even more despised.
Among the Four Great Sects, especially Shen Family's Qian Dao Sect, the hatred for Tai Xu Gate was intense.
Among the newly promoted Eight Major Gates:
Duan Jin Gate had a grudge against Tai Xu Gate.
Gui Shui Gate had a feud with Tai Xu Gate.
These grudges and feuds, though rooted in Mo Hua, were blamed on Tai Xu Gate.
Many sects were subordinate to Qian Dao Sect and followed its lead.
Other sects were allies of Duan Jin Gate and Gui Shui Gate, with mutual interests.
These allied forces also have a poor relationship with Tai Xu Gate.
Now, Tai A, Chong Xu, and Tai Xu have merged into one sect.
Naturally, all these grudges and enmities have converged into one place.
Tai Xu Gate has become the target of everyone’s ire.
These conflicts between sects are just one aspect of the issue.
Another aspect is Tai Xu Gate’s current position.
Being the top of the Eight Major Gates is actually a hot potato.
If they advance further, they could threaten the Four Great Sects, becoming a thorn in their side.
If they retreat, all the sects within the Eight Major Gates would vie for the top spot, making Tai Xu Gate’s position a prime target for everyone.
If the Eight Major Gates want to progress, their first target is the Tai Xu Gate, which ranks first among the Eight Gates.
The Four Great Sects, not wanting to fall behind, also see Tai Xu Gate as their biggest threat, being just one step away from joining their ranks.
For these reasons, Tai Xu Gate finds itself at the center of the storm.
Not to mention, there’s Mo Hua in Tai Xu Gate.
The disciples participating in the Lunjian bear a grudge against Mo Hua due to their losses.
The elders outside the arena, especially the Dao Law elders, also have a deep-seated resentment towards Mo Hua.
Now, on a larger scale, Tai Xu Gate is the target of everyone’s ire.
Among the sect’s disciples, Mo Hua is a common “arch-enemy”...
Many disciples are eagerly anticipating this Asura War.
...
In the Kill Mo Order, everyone is buzzing with discussion.
I have an irreconcilable conflict with Fireball:
“I don’t know why this Asura War suddenly appeared, but I can only say that this Asura War has come at the perfect time!”
“No matter how cunning and skilled Mo Hua is, can he possibly evade the pursuit of five people in a team? Can he evade the pursuit of several teams from a sect, or even the combined forces of four sects, eight gates, and twelve streams, which total over a hundred teams?”
“If he can still survive, I’ll recognize him as my father on the spot!”
Da Sha Zi: “This Asura War format is excellent. I was worried I wouldn’t have another chance to encounter Mo Hua in the Lunjian and avenge my past humiliation.”
“Now, this opportunity has been handed to us.”
“It’s like rain after a long drought.”
“I’m not well-read, but I wonder where this Asura War came from…”
Cang Lang Sword: “It’s said that it’s a legacy from our ancestors, accidentally triggered by the Dao Discussion Celestial Instrument…”
A youth who is as free as the wind sincerely agreed:
“The things left by our ancestors are indeed excellent.”
Everyone chimed in: “Our ancestors were wise.”
“Our ancestors were far-sighted…”
“Mo Hua is cunning, and without this Asura War, it would be difficult to kill him.”
“It’s also our good fortune that the final round is this Asura War.”
“It seems that Mo Hua has committed so many wrongdoings that even the gods in heaven can’t bear to see it and have intervened, making the Dao Discussion Celestial Instrument deduce the ‘Asura War’ to give us a chance for revenge…”
“In this world, not only are there many good people, but there are also many benevolent gods…”
“We should agree on three rules: in the Asura War, we will join forces to kill Mo Hua, making him experience a nightmare like an Asura…”
“Whoever successfully slays ‘Mo’ can be our leader!”
“Eliminate ‘Mo’ to defend the Dao, avenge past humiliations, and this battle is our chance!”
“We can lose the Lunjian, but Mo Hua must die!”
A group of people responded in unison:
“Eliminate ‘Mo’ to defend the Dao!”
“Avenge past humiliations!”
“We can lose the Lunjian, but Mo Hua must die!”
...
In Tai Xu Gate, the grand hall.
The three mountain patriarchs and the elders gathered together, discussing well into the night.
As the night deepened, the elders dispersed.
Only the three patriarchs remained in the hall.
The Patriarch of Tai A Mountain pondered for a moment and said with a serious expression:
“Trouble, I didn’t realize we had so many enemies in Tai Xu Gate.”
“Even Mo Hua, that child, is so hated? He seemed quite likable to me…”
The Patriarch of Chong Xu Mountain sighed: “This Asura War looks difficult…”
Even with the high weight of the Asura War and the significant impact on the final scores, it usually only results in a shift of three to four ranks.
But Tai Xu Gate is different.
Now, Tai Xu Gate has become a target for everyone to attack.
If they are surrounded and eliminated at the start, their ranking could plummet drastically.
All the previous efforts would be in vain.
They would also be cut off from the Tian Rank Lunjian.
All their hopes would turn into illusions, shattering in an instant.
“We need to come up with a plan.”
“The Qian Study Lunjian is a Tianjiao Lunjian, everything depends on the disciples’ efforts. As patriarchs, there’s not much we can do.”
“Even if we could do something, it would be before the Lunjian, preparing carefully, investing resources, and cultivating disciples to lay a solid foundation for their Lunjian…”
“Without prior effort, we can only worry during the Lunjian.”
“Now, we can only rely on them. We can’t do much to help.”
The Patriarch of Chong Xu Mountain sighed heavily.
“But we must do something.”
“What can we do?”
The Patriarch of Tai A Mountain pondered for a moment and said: “I’ll ask Mo Hua again?”
“What will you ask him?”
“Whether he has any confidence.”
“Is this a matter of his confidence?” The Patriarch of Chong Xu Mountain frowned, “Facing the combined forces of four sects, eight gates, and twelve streams, and the hostility of the majority of the disciples, no matter how capable he is, what confidence can he have?”
“You didn’t see the previous Lunjian.”
“Leaving aside the top Tianjiao from the Four Great Sects, who are insurmountable obstacles, the Tianjiao from other sects are also formidable.”
The Patriarch of Chong Xu Mountain sighed, “To be fair, Mo Hua is already an outstanding disciple, but even the most outstanding has limits.”
“Truly leading Tai Xu Gate to stand against the world, against the Four Great Sects, the Eight Major Gates, and the Twelve Streams, even if Mo Hua has the courage, we must also have the strength to support it…”
The disciples of Tai Xu Gate, with their current strength, how can they possibly compete?
"This is a dead end."
"How can you even bring up the idea of going to Mo Hua?"
"The three of us, as the heads of our sects, can't possibly have the nerve to place such a heavy responsibility on his young shoulders, can we?"
The three of them fell silent.
The Tai Xu Gatekeeper, who had not spoken until now, his eyes flickering, slowly sighed and said:
"Though that's true, we can't just sit here and wait for our doom."
"Since the Lunjian began, you've all seen Mo Hua's abilities. In terms of cultivation and combat power, he's not the standout."
"But when it comes to formations, tactics, and mental fortitude, this child is undoubtedly one of the best."
"Not to mention, he is the 'Little Senior Brother' of Tai Xu Gate, highly esteemed and respected by the disciples."
"So, in the end, the Asura Lunjian will rely on Mo Hua."
"As the Little Senior Brother, it's his duty to shoulder this responsibility."
"He must be well aware of this, so we, as sect leaders, don't need to say much. But when it comes to practical matters, we must not be stingy."
"I propose..." The Tai Xu Gatekeeper's gaze sharpened, and he spoke with a heavy voice:
"To prepare for the battle, we should open the inheritances of the Tai Xu, Tai A, and Chong Xu lineages to Mo Hua!"
"Anything useful from the lineages, let him choose and use as he sees fit, and arrange as he pleases."
"For the sake of the Lunjian Conference!"
"By combining the strengths of the three lineages, we can plan for this final Earth Rank Asura War!"
The Tai Xu Gatekeeper spoke with great passion.
However, the expressions of the Tai A and Chong Xu sect leaders were somewhat complex.
Having been sect leaders for so many years, how could they not understand the underlying thoughts?
"Isn't this a bit too sudden?" the Chong Xu sect leader hesitated.
The Tai Xu Gatekeeper sighed slowly, "How important this Lunjian is, you and I both know."
"If we don't make a tough decision now, once we lose the Asura War, it will be too late to regret it."
"At that point, even if we offer the inheritance, it will be of no use to Tai Xu Gate."
"Then... what if we lose?" the Chong Xu sect leader frowned.
The Tai Xu Gatekeeper was very calm: "If we lose, we lose. What can we do?"
"You..."
The Tai Xu Gatekeeper said sternly:
"The Lunjian Conference is about what great stakes? In the entire Qian Xue Prefecture, every major sect would spare no effort for the slightest chance of success."
"In this world, there are no sure things."
"Success is always fought for. With the slightest chance, others may succeed or fail."
"But if you don't fight, if you hesitate and fear, you are destined to fail."
The Chong Xu sect leader was taken aback, then nodded in agreement, though his expression was still somewhat strange as he asked the Tai Xu Gatekeeper:
"This... doesn't sound like something you would say?"
Everyone knew that the Tai Xu Gatekeeper was a person of Buddhist nature, always cultivating his mind and body, indifferent to external matters. How could he possibly talk about "fighting", "struggling", and "defeat being certain"?
The Tai Xu Gatekeeper sighed deeply, "The situation forces us to act, and we have no choice."
If he were alone, he could remain indifferent to external matters.
If the sect were at peace, he could live a life without contention.
But now, the interests of the entire sect are at stake, and every move involves the future and prospects of tens of thousands of cultivators.
If he were to still insist on living without contention, it would be selfish and foolish.
No matter how exhausting or difficult, he must persevere until the end.
Every step forward on the path of Tai Xu Gate is valuable.
The Tai A and Chong Xu sect leaders couldn't help but look at the Tai Xu Gatekeeper with newfound respect.
In adversity, one should focus on self-cultivation; in prosperity, one should help others.
When it's time to be aloof, be aloof; when it's time to put aside one's pride and strive for success, one should do so.
After a moment of deep thought, the Tai A sect leader nodded and said:
"To give is to gain. Only by giving can one receive."
"I'll discuss it with the old patriarch. If he has no objections, I will open the Tai A inheritance to Mo Hua. Let him choose what might be useful for the Asura War."
"The situation is urgent; now is the time to fight, not later."
The Chong Xu sect leader also nodded, "I'll discuss it with the old patriarch as well..."
In reality, the Chong Xu sect leader had little real power, and many decisions, especially those involving the sect's inheritance, were made by the old patriarch.
The Tai Xu Gatekeeper clasped his hands in gratitude, "Thank you both for your understanding."
...
After bidding farewell to the Tai Xu Gatekeeper and leaving Tai Xu Mountain, the Tai A and Chong Xu sect leaders traveled together in a carriage.
"Are you really going to open the inheritance?"
The Chong Xu sect leader was still hesitant.
The Tai A sect leader glanced at him and decisively said:
"Open it! Not only the ordinary inheritances, but also the core sword techniques of Chong Xu. I suggest you give Mo Hua a copy of them..."
The Chong Xu sect leader frowned, "He doesn't practice sword techniques; he's not a sword cultivator. Why should I give him sword techniques?"
The Tai A sect leader said, "Don't worry about whether he practices sword techniques or if he can use them. Give him a copy first. How will you know if he can't use them if you don't give them to him?"
The Chong Xu sect leader thought for a moment, gradually understanding, and sighed:
"Born from Tai Xu, learning the sword formations of Tai A, and then receiving the Sword Qi of Chong Xu... this child will truly become the 'Crown Prince' who possesses the top inheritances of the three lineages."
"Is this... the old patriarch's intention?"
"Has the old patriarch of Tai A also agreed?"
The Tai A sect leader shook his head, "I don't know the old patriarch's thoughts. I only care about the Lunjian."
"I don't care what others say; I just want to protect the sect's ranking."
"If this child can truly help Tai Xu Gate maintain its Lunjian ranking, then without a doubt, he will be the Crown Prince of the three Tai Xu lineages!"
The Tai A sect leader spoke plainly.
The Chong Xu sect leader was taken aback, then slowly sighed and nodded, saying softly:
"Fine, Crown Prince it is. Other sects would beg for such a Crown Prince..."
(End of Chapter)
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