Chapter 992: The Team
Chapter 992: The Team
Within the Tian Shu Pavilion, the Pavilion Ancestor gazed at the 'Swallowing Dragon' black piece, deep in thought for a long time.
Meanwhile, in the Tai Xu Gate, Mo Hua also officially began his preparations for the Swordsman Competition Congress.
As the saying goes, 'If you plan, you will succeed; if you don't plan, you will fail.'
This principle was instilled in him by his father, Mo Shan, from a young age, as a fundamental rule for a hunter.
The more grand and challenging the goal, the more thorough the preparation should be.
Mo Hua sat in his disciple's residence, pondering deeply for a long while. The next day, he paid a visit to Murong Caiyun at the Murong residence in Tai Xu City.
Murong Caiyun was his senior sister, a year ahead of Mo Hua, and she had already graduated.
Unlike Ouyang Feng, after leaving the Tai Xu Gate, Murong Caiyun did not choose to travel the world. Instead, she returned to the Murong family, secluded herself for cultivation, and prepared to attempt to form her Golden Core.
"I'll give it a try. If I succeed, I'll become a Jin Dan cultivator and be able to handle things independently, taking over the Murong family's business."
"Or I can enter the inner sect, start as an instructor, and gradually work my way up to become an elder."
"If I fail, I'll travel the world, calm my mind, and then seek another opportunity to form my Golden Core."
"At the Golden Core stage, breaking through depends on both your foundation and luck."
"If luck is on your side, you might form your core in one attempt."
"But if luck is against you, it might take three, five, or even ten attempts. With each failure, you'll need to try again, and this process could take a long and arduous journey..."
In the courtyard of the Murong family, Murong Caiyun, dressed in a colorful robe, looking dignified and beautiful, personally brewed tea for Mo Hua, pouring him a cup as they discussed her plans for forming her Golden Core.
Mo Hua lifted the teacup and took a sip.
The tea was a floral blend, its aroma rich and dignified, yet not lacking in clarity, it was soft and refreshing on the palate, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.
Indeed, the tea brewed by Senior Sister Murong was exceptional.
Tea, like people, has its own unique qualities.
Mo Hua silently praised her in his heart, then asked, "Senior Sister Murong, do you think you can form your Golden Core in one attempt?"
Murong Caiyun smiled gently and replied, "It's not that simple. If the first attempt fails, then there's always a second try. It's just a matter of trying a few more times..."
"A cultivator's life is destined for the Dao. The Dao is boundless, so one should maintain a calm mind and keep moving forward. Success should not breed arrogance, and failure should not lead to discouragement."
Mo Hua nodded repeatedly, feeling that Senior Sister Murong's words were very true.
Despite this, he still wished her well, saying, "I hope Senior Sister Murong will succeed in your first attempt and successfully form your Golden Core!"
Murong Caiyun's eyes smiled, "Then I'll take your words as a blessing."
She poured another cup of tea for Mo Hua.
Among the disciples, it was likely only Mo Hua who had the privilege of having the Tai Xu Gate's senior sister and the direct descendant of the Murong family personally brew and serve tea.
And indeed, the tea was excellent.
Mo Hua took another sip, and Murong Caiyun asked, "You came to see me, is there something you needed?"
"Yes," Mo Hua nodded, putting down his teacup and getting straight to the point, "I wanted to ask about the Swordsman Competition."
Murong Caiyun was not surprised and instead asked Mo Hua, "Are you planning to participate in the Swordsman Competition Congress?"
Mo Hua nodded, "After all, there's only one chance in a lifetime."
In truth, he had already participated in a 'Formation Techniques Congress', but that was under special circumstances.
It was Old Master Xun who had pulled some strings for him, and it was also because his divine sense had reached enlightenment, his divine consciousness was exceptionally strong, and his formation techniques were too advanced.
However, the Swordsman Competition Congress was a different matter.
All the participants were celestial geniuses, nourished by Ling Shi and Ling Ye, and consuming heavenly treasures. Their cultivation progress was more or less on par with each other.
It was a true test of their cultivation in a real battle.
Even at the middle stage of Zhujizhongqi, one could not genuinely compete with those at the late stage or even the peak of Zhujizhongqi, the celestial geniuses.
Moreover, the Swordsman Competition would have many rounds.
It was a test of raw power.
Even with good luck, winning a round or two by chance wouldn't mean much.
One couldn't afford to waste the only opportunity to participate in the Swordsman Competition.
Mo Hua said, "I want to give it my best shot and strive for a slightly better ranking."
He spoke with humility.
At this moment, Murong Caiyun didn't realize the extent of the 'slightly better' ranking Mo Hua was aiming for.
But Mo Hua's ambition was a positive thing.
Although she had graduated, she was still a disciple of the Tai Xu Gate.
The Murong family and the Tai Xu Gate shared a close bond.
Whether it was for Mo Hua or the Tai Xu Gate, she was more than happy to help.
Even though she was currently in the crucial preparation stage for forming her Golden Core, with time being tight, Murong Caiyun readily agreed, "Sure, I'll answer any questions you have."
Mo Hua asked all the doubts he had prepared.
After a moment's thought, Murong Caiyun patiently explained in a gentle and soothing tone:
"The Swordsman Competition Congress is a five-person team competition."
"Although it's a five-person format, it's not as simple as a free-for-all. Different terrains and rules will be involved, such as headhunting, defending the city, annihilation, survival, hunting demons, and all-out battles, to name a few."
"Ordinary disciples can just enjoy the spectacle without worrying too much."
"But if you genuinely want to participate and earn a ranking, bringing honor to the sect and securing your future, there's a lot to consider. It requires extensive research."
"There are countless variables, from comprehensive preparation to adaptability."
"Additionally, you need strong cultivation, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and reliable teammates."
"As for the rest, just do your best to win."
"The Swordsman Competition follows a cumulative victory system, with many rounds of competition. The team with the most wins advances."
"Similarly, with each victory, not only does your team's ranking improve, but it also contributes to the sect's overall ranking."
"The initial rounds are simpler, with each win adding only one victory point."
"As the competition progresses, the opponents become stronger, making it harder to win. Each victory accumulates more points, possibly reaching dozens or even hundreds."
"Therefore, the Swordsman Competition tests the depth of the top disciples from various sects."
"The more top disciples a sect has, and the stronger they are, the more likely they are to win in the later stages, accumulating more victory points and achieving a higher ranking for their sect..."
At this point, Murong Caiyun expressed some regret, "Our Tai Xu Gate... no, not just the Tai Xu Gate, but all the other eight gates and twelve streams, the gap lies here."
"The number of top disciples in our sects is far fewer than the Four Great Clans."
"When it comes to the Swordsman Competition, reaching the semifinals or even the finals, it's already an achievement for the Tai Xu Gate to have one or two elite teams left."
"But each of the Four Great Clans likely has four or five such elite teams."
"And above these elite teams, there are even more exceptional ones, the bloodline genius teams."
"With top-grade or even heavenly-grade spiritual roots, cultivating the highest-level techniques and the most advanced Dao methods, with their spiritual power circulating at the pinnacle, and being direct descendants, they reach the peak of Zhujizhongqi..."
Murong Caiyun smiled bitterly.
This kind of talent, with perfect talent, perfect inheritance, and spiritual power cultivated to the peak of Zhuji, is truly remarkable.
Having one such disciple would be a blessing for Tai Xu Gate, but the Four Great Clans could form an entire team with such talents.
Mo Hua was secretly amazed.
The Four Great Clans' foundation was indeed profound...
He had previously underestimated the situation.
Mo Hua frowned in thought, deep in contemplation.
Murong Caiyun's beautiful eyes sparkled as she observed Mo Hua, her mind silently pondering.
She had great admiration for Mo Hua's array skills.
However, the Swordsman Competition Congress was not the same as the Array Assembly. It wasn't a direct comparison of array techniques. In the fast-paced offense and defense, array formations could become cumbersome and inconvenient.
When it came to true strength, Mo Hua was rather one-sided.
He excelled in stealth, evasion, and control spells, but his physical body was weak, and his spiritual power was low, lacking direct offensive abilities.
This was the impression she had of Mo Hua from their previous collaborations in hunting down wanted Xiushi and claiming the sect's rewards.
Aside from that, the most unique aspect was his "Zengfu Zhenfa" array.
Murong Caiyun still remembered the feeling of "boiling spiritual power" and the power of the Five Elements Enhancement.
The sensation of having the Five Elements Law upon oneself was incredibly captivating.
Unfortunately, this experience was fleeting, and Murong Caiyun had only felt it once.
This left her with lingering resentment.
Murong Caiyun withdrew her thoughts and began to assess Mo Hua's abilities.
Based on the current situation, Mo Hua was an excellent supporting Xiushi.
He was a Wan Jinyou, capable of filling any gaps in the team.
However, this also meant that he would heavily rely on his teammates.
The stronger his teammates, the stronger he would become.
Conversely, if his teammates were weak, Mo Hua's presence would become awkward...
But...
Murong Caiyun looked at Mo Hua and carefully asked, "Junior Brother, the Swordsman Competition Congress is a five-person team event. Have you decided on your teammates yet?"
Mo Hua thought for a moment and replied, "I've had some ideas, but I haven't finalized them yet."
"You should consider this carefully," Murong Caiyun advised.
If he chose weak teammates, his role as a supporter would be meaningless, and participating in the competition would be pointless.
If he chose strong teammates, aside from whether they would agree to join his team, it would be difficult to explain to the sect.
The Swordsman Competition Congress was a significant event, determining the allocation of Qianlong Lingkuang and directly affecting the sect's core interests.
The arrangement of the competition teams was planned well in advance and treated with utmost seriousness.
This was especially true for the Celestial Geniuses, each of whom had their own designated spot.
Mo Hua's current situation was clearly a sudden decision, as he now wanted to seriously participate in the competition.
This was an unexpected development.
As a Xiushi favored by the Lao Zu and the "Little Senior Brother" of the sect, he had a good reputation and high prestige.
If he personally recruited someone, causing a stir among the competition participants, it might become a tricky situation for the sect.
Mo Hua understood Murong Caiyun's concerns and nodded seriously, "I'll give it careful consideration."
After asking some questions about the competition rules, he had a general idea and politely took his leave.
"Senior Sister, I'll head back to the sect now. Don't let me interrupt your Jiedan."
As Mo Hua turned to leave, Murong Caiyun suddenly called out to him.
"Junior Brother..."
"Senior Sister, is there something else?" Mo Hua asked.
Murong Caiyun fell silent for a moment, her expression turning somber. She sighed softly, "I can't help with Tai Xu Gate's matters. I..."
Her face was filled with reluctance.
Mo Hua understood her thoughts and spoke gently, his eyes softening, "Senior Sister, rest assured. Leave the competition to me. After all, I am now of the Tai Xu, no, the Tai A, Chong Xu, and Tai Xu lineages' 'Little Senior Brother'."
Murong Caiyun was taken aback, feeling inexplicably reassured. A smile appeared on her face.
"Senior Sister, I hope you'll successfully Jiedan soon. When the time comes, I'll invite you to a grand Jindan banquet and treat you to a celebratory drink." Mo Hua smiled.
Murong Caiyun also smiled and replied, "Yes, be careful on your journey."
Mo Hua waved goodbye and parted ways with Murong Caiyun, embarking on his journey to Tai Xu Mountain.
In the distant mountains, Mo Hua walked along the stone steps.
Murong Caiyun watched his retreating figure, suddenly realizing that Mo Hua had grown taller without her noticing.
At that moment, his solitary figure on the mountain path seemed slender, but as he connected with the vast aura of Tai Xu Mountain, he exuded a subtle aura of standing firmly on the earth, transforming into a green mountain, and shouldering the weight of the heavens...
Murong Caiyun stared in awe, then smiled softly, her eyes and brows resembling colorful clouds, bright and beautiful.
...
Upon returning to Tai Xu Gate, Mo Hua began to seriously consider the matter of team formation.
The Swordsman Competition Congress was no child's play.
Team formation required early preparation.
Mo Hua didn't beat around the bush and went straight to Linghu Xiao, asking, "Xiao Xiao, I'm going to the competition. Do you want to join me?"
Without a moment's hesitation, Linghu Xiao's eyes flashed with determination, and he nodded firmly towards Mo Hua, "Okay."
In just two breaths, with a single sentence, Linghu Xiao, the genius of Chong Xu Gate who appeared once in five hundred years, was easily and decisively "convinced" by Mo Hua.
With Linghu Xiao on board, everything would be much easier.
Mo Hua himself, along with Linghu Xiao,
Plus Cheng Mo, plus Situ Jian.
That made four people.
Although Cheng Mo and Situ Jian weren't considered top-tier disciples in the Four Great Clans, they were still considered "first-rate disciples" within Tai Xu Gate.
Cheng Mo had tough skin and thick flesh, making him an excellent meat shield.
Situ Jian was proficient in sword techniques, capable of both offense and defense, and could also serve as a Wan Jinyou, fulfilling various tactical needs.
There weren't many Xiushi" stronger than them in Tai Xu Gate.
Moreover, the two often hung out with Mo Hua, and under his influence, their strategies and skills carried a hint of Mo Hua's style, making them cunning and resourceful. In actual combat, their combat power would be even stronger.
Additionally, their familiarity with each other would lead to better teamwork.
For small team spellcasting, teamwork was crucial.
Mo Hua still had many options for the remaining spot.
After all, he had been the "Little Senior Brother" for so many years, and with his extensive connections, he could easily recruit anyone he wanted.
Yang Qianjun, Hao Xuan, who was fast on his feet, Yi Li, who had decent spells, and many others could fill the role.
However, this could be decided later. The immediate task was to inform Old Master Xun and the Sect Leader.
Especially with Linghu Xiao, the only Celestial Talented Singleton in Tai Xu Gate and the "precious genius" in the eyes of the Chong Xu lineage's Lao Zu.
Mo Hua had "convinced" him... no, he had brought him along, and it was necessary to seek the opinions of the old master and the sect leader.
If there were any issues, they should be resolved in advance.
When Mo Hua went to find Old Master Xun, the Sect Leader was also present.
Old Master Xun furrowed his brows in deep thought.
"Yes," Mo Hua nodded, "He's been wanting to participate in the Swordsman Competition with me for a long time."
Linghu Xiao, despite having the character 'smile' in his name, never smiled.
He was always cold and distant towards everyone.
In the eyes of outsiders, Linghu Xiao was a proud and aloof swordsman genius.
The more he cultivated the sword path to perfection, the more he became one with the sword, and the more he kept people at a distance.
Only Mo Hua could play along with him.
It could even be said that Mo Hua owed Linghu Xiao a life-saving debt.
Even the agreements he had made with the Chong Xu and Ta'a lineages would have to change.
He knew this wasn't a good habit.
Because the more he scratched his head, the more hair he lost.
But looking at Mo Hua before him, he couldn't help but scratch.
Old Master Xun, on the other hand, remained silent and calmly glanced at Mo Hua, asking, "Have you thought this through?"
"Yes!" Mo Hua nodded seriously.
"Your Mu Piao..."
"I'll be careful," Mo Hua assured.
"Good," Old Master Xun nodded slightly, "I understand. Go and prepare well."
Mo Hua's expression brightened, and he said, "Thank you, Old Master."
Old Master Xun thought for a moment and replied, "I don't know if it's good or bad, but at least it won't get worse... You should know the current situation.
Given the current state of the Tai Xu Gate, their chances of winning the Swordsman Competition were slim.
With their top-tier combat power missing, the Tai Xu Gate had little chance of competing for the position of the Four Great Clans.
Even maintaining their position among the Eight Great Gates would be challenging.
Although, if nothing unexpected happened, Mo Hua could still win the title of Zhen Dao Kui Shou, but they couldn't place all their hopes on the Formation Techniques Class.
After all, the Swordsman Competition was the main event.
If they suffered a devastating defeat in the Swordsman Competition, even the title of Zhen Dao Kui Shou might not be enough to secure the Tai Xu Gate's precarious position.
Moreover, with the sect's reform and the merging of the three clans, the Tai Xu Gate was now surrounded by enemies, making the Swordsman Competition several times more difficult than before.
The situation was dire, with few Celestial Geniuses and limited resources at their disposal.
Old Master Xun responded calmly, "Planning is in the hands of man, but success is in the hands of heaven. No matter how much you plan for this Swordsman Competition, it's up to the disciples to fight for themselves."
"Since that's the case, let's leave it to them."
At the very least, he trusted Mo Hua, even though he sometimes acted strangely and was hard to understand.
Old Master Xun remained silent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
Two days later, at the regular clan meeting.
The elders of the Chong Xu Gate indeed had strong objections.
"You're changing the rules that were already set? Are you treating the Swordsman Competition as a joke? You Tai Xu Gate..."
The elder realized he had spoken out of turn.
Now, they were all part of the Tai Xu Gate.
He quickly corrected himself, "You Tai Xu lineage, where do you place the interests of the clan? This is not a game!"
Another elder expressed dissatisfaction with Mo Hua, "Yes, this disciple named Mo Hua, he is indeed the Zhen Dao Kui Shou, but he can't do as he pleases."
"Moreover, this is a Swordsman Competition, not a Formation Techniques Class!"
"Why is a formation master getting involved? If he goes into the Swordsman Competition, he might not even survive the first encounter."
"What is your intention with this, Tai Xu lineage?"
In front of the Lao Zu, he might have hesitated.
The atmosphere in the hall became tense.
The elders of the Chong Xu lineage fell silent.
The decision was his to make.
But they were still slightly resentful, and said angrily, "You're spoiling that Mo Hua, and one day, it will cause trouble."
If the Ta'a and Chong Xu lineages had disciples capable of becoming the Zhen Dao Kui Shou, they could be spoiled as well.
Everything depended on strength.
After the merger of the three clans, the survival of the Tai Xu Gate might truly depend on Mo Hua, the Zhen Dao Kui Shou.
The elders of the Chong Xu lineage had no choice but to remain silent.
"Since that's the case, let's settle this matter..."
He hadn't expected the Ta'a lineage to also object.
After all, the situation was what it was, and it wouldn't get any better or worse.
If they were going to lose, they would lose together!
But if they were going to win, they would win together.
Therefore, he had to include the current disciple of the Ta'a Gate with the best talent, strength, and most rebellious attitude in this team!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
