Chapter 881: Grand Ceremony
Chapter 881: Grand Ceremony
The Shangguan, Wenren, and Gu families had all arrived to witness the ceremony.
Wenren Wan held Yu'er’s small hand as they walked among the Shangguan family members.
Gu Changhuai was also present.
The Dao Court’s affairs were hectic, and he wasn’t particularly interested in the Dao Discussion Conference. However, Wenren Wan told him that Mo Hua was also participating, insisting that he come along. He had no choice but to agree.
Moreover, his relationship with Mo Hua was quite close, and it wouldn’t be right not to show up.
Additionally, Xia Jiancha, representing the Dao Court, had also come to observe the ceremony.
Xia Diansi followed behind Xia Jiancha, her expression somewhat cold.
Ever since the Xiao Tianquan incident, Xia Diansi’s position in the Xia family had become somewhat distant, and her relationship with Xia Jiancha, her uncle, had also grown strained.
Amidst the crowd, Xia Jiancha and Gu Changhuai exchanged a glance but said nothing.
Following the noble families were the elders from various sects.
Elders from the Four Great Sects, the Eight Major Sects, the Twelve Streams, and even smaller sects had all come to witness the ceremony.
Among them were the elders from Taiyi Sect, Chongxu Sect, and Taixu Sect.
Taiyi Sect and Chongxu Sect, having lost the Sword Discussion, had more or less given up, and not many people from those sects had come.
But Taixu Sect was different.
This Dao Discussion Conference was crucial for Taixu Sect.
They were currently ranked eighth.
Originally, they had been seventh in the Sword Discussion, but after the competitions for artifacts, elixirs, and talismans, which were clearly advantageous for the Four Great Sects and the Twelve Streams, their ranking had slipped to eighth.
Though not in immediate danger, they were close to the brink.
If they could hold their ground in this final competition, they would retain their position among the Eight major sects.
If they couldn’t, they would likely share the same fate as Taiyi Sect and Chongxu Sect.
Therefore, most of the elders from Taixu Sect had come.
This included Elders Xunzi You and Xunzi Xian, whom Mo Hua was quite familiar with.
After the sect elders came the ordinary disciples.
Many disciples from Taixu Sect had also come, including Cheng Mo, Situ Jian, Hao Xuan, Zheng Fang, and senior disciples like Murong Caiyun and Shangguan Xu from the previous generation.
Murong Caiyun and her group had fought fiercely in the Sword Discussion, and almost everyone was visibly weakened, their faces pale.
But this final competition was crucial for the sect’s fate, so they had no choice but to attend.
Finally, as the crowd surged like a tide and all gathered at Dao Mountain, the last Dao Discussion Conference began under the watchful eyes of thousands.
...
Dao Mountain, Grand Dao Field
The vast Dao field was filled with over a thousand tables and cushions.
This was the venue for the array formation exam.
Outside the Grand Dao Field, nearby, several raised platforms had been built.
These platforms were for the "distinguished guests" from the Dao Court and the noble families, as well as the high-ranking members of the sects.
Beyond the platforms were ordinary seats, densely packed and surrounding the area, numbering in the tens of thousands.
And beyond the seats lay Dao Mountain.
At this moment, the mountain, including some trees, was crowded with disciples watching.
The entire Dao Mountain was teeming with cultivators, presenting a grand scene.
After a while, the disciples participating in the Dao Discussion Conference began to enter the Grand Dao Field, taking their places to prepare for the array formation exam.
Everyone was watching these disciples, their gazes filled with admiration or envy.
Those who had made it to the final round were all array formation geniuses from their respective sects.
To represent their sects and participate in the most prestigious Dao Discussion in Qianxue Province was undoubtedly a mark of excellence.
These disciples were all at the late Foundation Establishment stage, or even the peak Foundation Establishment stage.
They were either tall and straight, or graceful and elegant, with manners that were either refined and courteous or gentle and intelligent, making others admire and respect them.
These array formation prodigies entered the field under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
Until a figure that clearly didn’t fit in walked into the crowd—Mo Hua.
With his fair and tender skin and noticeably shorter stature, he looked like a little lamb among a pack of wolves as he walked among the other disciples.
The onlookers were momentarily stunned, and then whispers began to spread:
"That’s not right... This disciple looks so young."
"His cultivation isn’t high enough, either."
"I feel like he’s only at the mid Foundation Establishment stage."
"It’s not just a feeling; he’s definitely at the mid Foundation Establishment stage!"
"What does that mean... Can a mid Foundation Establishment disciple even participate in the Dao Discussion Competition?"
"Cheating?"
"What kind of cheating? He probably got a special slot and was allowed to participate as an exception..."
"An exception? From which sect?"
Someone said, "Look at his robe; it looks like he’s from Taixu Sect."
"Taixu Sect?"
Someone was speechless: "Does Taixu Sect have no one left? Bringing a mid Foundation Establishment disciple to fill the slot? This is a joke, right?"
"Maybe he has a special background, either the sect leader’s relative or a senior ancestor backing him up..."
"Probably a noble’s child, taking someone else’s slot."
Someone indignantly said, "If they’re resorting to favoritism and backdoor dealings, I think Taixu Sect is doomed."
Such murmurs could be heard throughout the vast seating area.
The disciples from Taixu Sect also saw Mo Hua in the crowd.
They were also stunned.
"Little Senior Brother?"
"How come we didn’t know Little Senior Brother was participating in the Dao Discussion Competition?"
One disciple said, "Little Senior Brother is mysterious; how could he let you know?"
"Even if you try to flatter him now, he won’t hear you."
"What do you understand? You need to always keep Little Senior Brother in your heart, so he can feel your admiration. Then, he’ll share his array formations with you first."
"You’re dreaming."
"I’ve verified this; last time, I gave Little Senior Brother..."
"Focus on the real issue, don’t go off-topic..."
"Right, by the way, why can Little Senior Brother participate?"
"Mr. Xun’s slot?"
"Probably."
"Why?"
"Because Little Senior Brother is good at array formations."
"Of course, that goes without saying. But..." The disciple hesitated, "This is the late Foundation Establishment stage competition, right? Our opponents are from the next year, and they are the top array formation geniuses in the entire Qianxue State. Even the Four Great Sects are included. How can we compete?"
His words made everyone fall silent.
Even if they all believed that Little Senior Brother’s array formation skills were extraordinary, they wouldn’t be so arrogant as to think he was better than all the array formation geniuses in Qianxue State.
Especially when those geniuses were from the next year.
In Qianxue State, powerful families and sects were abundant, and outstanding talents were as numerous as fish crossing a river.
Everyone felt a bit worried.
Cheng Mo, however, didn’t care much about it. "Since Mr. Xun has allowed Little Senior Brother to participate, he must have his reasons. We don’t need to worry about it."
"Moreover, in my opinion, Little Senior Brother’s strength is not much different from the so-called geniuses of other sects."
Cheng Mo, who had been close to Mo Hua for a long time, had a mysterious confidence in him.
He added, "Of course, if Little Senior Brother wins, it means he is strong. If he loses, it’s only because he is younger and less cultivated, not because he is less skilled!"
In his words, Mo Hua being a year younger, losing was still winning, and winning was winning even more.
The disciples all nodded in agreement. "Exactly, exactly!"
On the other side, Murong Caiyun, Shangguan Xu, and a few other seniors who knew Mo Hua well looked somewhat surprised.
"Is that... Mo Hua?"
"It seems so..."
"Why would Mo Hua participate in the competition?"
They looked at each other in confusion.
"Did he sneak in somehow?"
"How could he? The Array Formation Conference is no joke, and identity checks are very strict."
"Then... did the Sect Master or the Ancestor make an exception and give him a slot?"
"Why?"
Shangguan Xu seemed to be thinking deeply.
Murong Caiyun’s heart raced.
She was almost certain that this must be the will of Ancestor Xun.
The Ancestor never did anything without a reason.
If he allowed Mo Hua to participate, it meant that in his eyes, Mo Hua had the strength to win this competition for Tai Xu Sect.
Murong Caiyun clenched her fists tightly.
The Murong family and Tai Xu Sect shared the same fate, and she was the “Grand Senior Sister” of this generation, with a heavy responsibility.
Even if she risked her life, she could only achieve so much.
The final competition was on array formations, and she was powerless to do anything about it, could only watch helplessly.
But if Mo Hua stepped in...
Murong Caiyun felt a strange sense of relief and an inexplicable anticipation in her heart...
...
On the high platform.
Wenren Wan also saw Mo Hua.
Her purpose was clear; she had been ignoring everyone else, focusing only on Mo Hua.
As soon as she saw Mo Hua, she smiled and pointed him out to Yu’er. "Yu’er, look, Brother Mo is there."
Yu’er’s eyes lit up, and he couldn’t help but clap his hands in excitement, wanting to cheer for Mo Hua.
At that moment, a cold, harsh voice rang out.
"Standing without posture, sitting without grace, at such a young age, with no sense of etiquette, how can he ever bear the responsibility of the family head in the future?"
The speaker was a female elder in green, heavily made up, from the Shen family, who had married into the Shangguan family and had repeatedly made things difficult for Wenren Wan at the last banquet.
Wenren Wan had expected such trouble.
Since she had come to observe the ceremony with the Shangguan family, she knew such incidents were inevitable. She treated the harsh words as a passing breeze, not minding them at all.
The female elder, who had a vengeful nature, felt even more resentment at being ignored.
Seeing that Wenren Wan didn’t respond, she shifted her gaze to Yu’er.
Yu’er, feeling her gaze, recoiled as if stung by a venomous bee.
But then he remembered what Mo Hua had told him:
"A man must stand tall and firm. As long as you are true to your heart, you have nothing to fear!"
Yu’er’s heart filled with courage, and he cautiously peeked out, mimicking Mo Hua’s gesture, making a mocking face at the female elder.
This unexpected move infuriated the female elder.
She was about to glare at Yu’er, but he quickly hid his face in his mother’s embrace, giggling.
Wenren Wan was taken aback, then couldn’t help but smile.
Only the female elder was so angry that she trembled, her heavily powdered face turning deathly pale.
In her mind, the Shangguan family, including Shangguan Yi and Shangguan Yu, were weak and had no right to inherit the family head position.
Only if the Shangguan Yi family was finished and the position was vacated would her own children have more opportunities in the future.
But now, this usually timid little brat had learned to challenge her!
The green-clad female elder was filled with hatred but could only seethe inwardly, not daring to do anything to Yu’er.
All of this was seen by Shangguan Ce, seated above.
He didn’t pay much attention to the actions of the female elder from the Shen family.
Instead, he was surprised to see how lively and even somewhat "mischievous" Yu’er was, almost like a normal child.
Shangguan Ce frowned slightly.
Could the Ancestor’s prediction be wrong...
Has Yu’er’s great calamity already been averted?
Shangguan Ce was deeply troubled.
"Brother Shangguan?"
The head of the Gu family called out beside him.
Shangguan Ce turned his head, smiled apologetically, and continued chatting with the head of the Gu family.
Both of their gazes had also swept over Mo Hua, and while they were somewhat surprised, they didn’t pay much attention.
On the other side of the platform, the elders of the Four Great Sects were seated. These elders held a higher status than ordinary sect elders, and their seats were more prestigious.
At the moment, several elders were sipping tea and chatting idly.
"This Dao Discussion Conference has been a success..."
"Indeed. Once today’s array discussion concludes, everything will be settled. The reforms within our sects will begin to show results, and the Four Great Sects will gain even more influence."
"Under our leadership, Qianxue Province will surely flourish!"
"Let us toast to the unity and prosperity of our four sects."
"Agreed!"
The elders drank their tea, but each had their own thoughts simmering beneath the surface.
After a moment, an elder from the Heavenly Sword Sect, wearing a robe adorned with sword patterns, glanced at the many prodigies below, especially those from the Qian Dao Sect, and sighed, "As expected, the top position in this array discussion will likely go to the Qian Dao Sect..."
Elder Shen waved his hands, "Not at all, not at all. Last time, it was sheer luck that our Qian Dao Sect took first place. This time, such a good fortune is unlikely to repeat itself..."
"And from what I observed," Elder Shen continued, "Elder Xiao, your Heavenly Sword Sect has an exceptionally talented disciple in array arts this year. I believe the top position in array arts should belong to your sect!"
Elder Xiao of the Heavenly Sword Sect was displeased, "Elder Shen, you’re exaggerating. In terms of array arts heritage, how can our Heavenly Sword Sect compare to your Qian Dao Sect?"
"Our disciples are weaker in array arts tradition."
"After all, your Qian Dao Sect’s array arts heritage can be traced back to that notorious sect of prodigies..."
Elder Shen was genuinely irritated now, shaking his head, "Elder Xiao, that’s not accurate. The Qian Dao Sect has achieved what it has today through unity, hard work, and perseverance. The other so-called origins and traditions are mere rumors and should not be taken lightly."
"That makes it even more commendable!" Elder Xiao thought to himself with a sneer but said aloud, "Elder Shen, there’s no need to be modest. The top position in this Dao Discussion will certainly go to your Qian Dao Sect!"
Elder Shen demurred, "I dare not hope for such an outcome. I’ve observed that our Qian Dao Sect’s disciples this year are not as strong as those from your Heavenly Sword Sect."
Elder Xiao’s eyes flickered, "If you insist, then I think the Dragon Cauldron Sect has a good chance. I saw their few disciples earlier, and they have deep mental fortitude and extensive array arts knowledge. They shouldn’t be underestimated."
An elder from the Dragon Cauldron Sect interjected, "You’re being overly polite. I know my own strengths and weaknesses. If it’s about physical prowess, we’re decent, but in array arts, we’re not worth mentioning..."
Elder Xiao of the Heavenly Sword Sect then turned to look at the elder of the Ten Thousand Dawn Sect. Before he could speak, the elder of the Ten Thousand Dawn Sect laughed, "Our Ten Thousand Dawn Sect is just here to fill the ranks. If we can secure the last position, it will be a blessing. We dare not hope for more."
"Too humble..."
"Let’s not talk about this anymore. Let’s enjoy our tea..."
"This is a rare tea I specially prepared..."
"Please."
"Please..."
The elders continued to exchange pleasantries and formalities before finally raising their teacups.
But as they lifted their cups, the smiles on their faces faded, and their eyes betrayed a variety of thoughts and intentions.
The elders of the Four Great Sects, each lost in their own musings, paid little attention to the unassuming Mo Hua.
Meanwhile, below the platform, Elder Zheng, no longer an elder of the Qian Dao Sect, sat among the crowd, his expression indifferent as he scanned the disciples in the grand arena.
Then, he saw a familiar, refined figure.
Elder Zheng was taken aback.
"Mo Hua..."
At first, he found it hard to believe. After a moment, the usually stern elder couldn’t help but smile faintly.
"Indeed, the more one anticipates, the more pleasant surprises one can find in this world..."
Elder Zheng straightened his posture, looking forward to the upcoming competition.
...
Outside the grand arena, the scene was bustling with noise and excitement, a cacophony of voices and a myriad of expressions.
Inside the grand arena, the preparations for the array discussion were proceeding in an orderly manner.
Mo Hua, guided by an instructor, entered the arena and found his assigned seat in a secluded corner.
A simple table and a cushion.
Ordinary and unremarkable.
And far from the center of the arena, where the core disciples of the Four Great Sects and other sects were seated.
Mo Hua remained calm, remembering Mr. Xun’s instructions. He kept his emotions in check, neither overly joyful nor sad, and focused solely on drawing the array.
He just needed to keep drawing...
Thanks to his regular practice, Mo Hua quickly cleared his mind of distractions, maintaining a calm and composed state, free from any tension or anxiety.
He sat quietly on the cushion.
Even under the watchful eyes of the crowd, his mind remained as clear and still as a mirror, undisturbed by the chaos around him.
The surrounding people no longer affected him in the slightest.
After a short while, the stern-faced chief examiner ascended the platform to explain the principles of array arts and the rules of the array discussion, sternly warning against cheating.
Then, he personally struck the Dao Discussion Bell.
As the ancient bell’s resonant tones echoed through every corner of Dao Discussion Mountain, the array discussion officially began.
The examiners distributed the test papers one by one.
Mo Hua unfolded his paper and glanced at it.
Out of politeness, caution, and respect for the Dao Discussion Conference, he took a few more looks to confirm that the question was indeed very simple before he began to draw.
A mere sixteen-pattern array.
He could draw it with his eyes closed.
Mo Hua held his brush and, in a few breaths, left flowing, dragon-like array patterns on the paper...
(End of Chapter)
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