Chapter 994: Sword Pointed at the Four Clans
Chapter 994: Sword Pointed at the Four Clans
Outside the Disciple Dormitory, in a remote mountain forest.
Ancient towering trees reached for the sky, their lush foliage creating a dense canopy.
Mo Hua stood beneath one of these ancient trees, the very tree he used for his divine consciousness sword training.
Hundreds of disciples gathered around him, forming a circle.
These were the junior disciples of Tai Xu Gate, summoned by Cheng Mo's instructions.
Of course, not all disciples were present.
It was the final year of their cultivation journey, and most disciples were busy with their own affairs. Some were in secluded cultivation, others were out demon hunting, refining their Dao techniques, or continuing to take on bounty missions. There were also those studying array formations, talismans, pill refining, and spiritual equipment crafting.
Mo Hua had done well to gather so many disciples on short notice.
Among them, the majority were disciples from the Tai Xu Mountain lineage, with only a few from the Ta'a and Chong Xu Mountain lineages.
The Tai Xu disciples shared a deep bond with Mo Hua, having trained together for a long time, and they held him in high regard as their "Little Senior Brother."
If Mo Hua called, most Tai Xu disciples would come running if they had the time.
However, the disciples from Ta'a and Chong Xu Mountains had become more distant towards Mo Hua since the recent restructuring of the three lineages.
Mo Hua didn't mind.
For now, these disciples were enough.
In the small forest, the hundreds of disciples stood or sat, forming a tight circle around Mo Hua, all silently watching him.
"Little Senior Brother, why have you called us here?" one of them asked.
The others' gazes also held varying degrees of curiosity.
Mo Hua got straight to the point, "Are you all going to participate in the Swordsman Competition Congress?"
Some disciples nodded, while others shook their heads.
Mo Hua asked them, "Why not?"
After a brief silence, someone spoke up, "Little Senior Brother, my cultivation foundation is a bit shallow, and my Heavenly Mandate is low..."
"I'm not good at combat..."
"My Dao techniques are inadequate."
"I don't know who to team up with..."
"The Swordsman Competition Congress is a big deal, and with so many watching, I... feel a bit nervous..."
"Yes, since my abilities are lacking, I don't want to embarrass myself."
"If I lose in front of so many people and it's an ugly defeat, it might reflect poorly on our sect, and we'd feel guilty..."
The disciples discussed, and ultimately, it was either a lack of confidence, discomfort with competition, or a fear of embarrassing the sect.
After all, within the sect, disciples varied in talent and temperament. Not everyone possessed the capacity for warfare and the necessary mindset.
Mo Hua paused, then continued, "You should know about the victory system of the Swordsman Competition Congress."
"As long as you win a single match, even if it's at the very beginning, and even if it's insignificant, it will earn a victory point for our sect."
The disciples nodded.
They were aware of this system.
But...
"A single victory point... is indeed too... insignificant..." a disciple whispered.
Mo Hua shook his head, "Do not belittle small acts of goodness."
"Though it may seem like just one victory point, they accumulate. If we gather enough, it will lay the foundation for ultimate victory."
"This isn't just about a single point; it's about the contributions you make for the sect."
Mo Hua's eyes shone with conviction, "We are all members of Tai Xu Gate, sharing its glory and shame."
"For Tai Xu Gate to prosper and become powerful, it needs the efforts of every disciple."
"When you participate in the Swordsman Competition Congress, you're not just fighting for yourself but also for the sect's honor and interests."
"Even in defeat, there is honor."
"Others may ridicule you, but the sect's elders, the sect leader, and all the senior members will acknowledge your efforts and the dedication you've shown to the sect."
"And if you win, even if it's just one match, even if it's a narrow victory, it's a real contribution to Tai Xu Gate's success."
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
"Victory is never achieved overnight; it's built through these small steps..."
"Tai Xu Gate isn't just about a few divine prodigies; it's about all its disciples!"
"The strength of Tai Xu Gate relies on every disciple."
Mo Hua's words were sincere and touched their hearts.
Hearing this, the disciples' resolve wavered.
They didn't lack the desire to participate in the competition; it was just that their efforts seemed insignificant compared to the celestial geniuses, and this had made them hesitant.
Mo Hua understood.
Normally, ordinary disciples were considered "cannon fodder," and whether they participated or not didn't significantly impact the sect.
The sect wouldn't force disciples to compete; it was entirely up to their willingness.
But the situation had changed.
After the merging of the three lineages, Tai Xu Gate now had three times as many junior disciples.
And they now had Mo Hua as their "Little Senior Brother."
"But, Little Senior Brother..." a disciple whispered, "I want to go, but my abilities are truly weak..."
"And I don't know how to fight others..."
"Yes, I've never practiced..."
"If I go up there, I probably won't win a single match..."
Mo Hua waved his hand dismissively, "It's fine. If you've never competed in a sword duel or hunted demons, what's the worst that could happen?"
Everyone was taken aback.
Mo Hua continued, "If you really don't know how to fight or win, treat the competition like 'demon hunting.'"
"You're not just competing; you're hunting five 'human-like demons.'"
With this analogy, many disciples indeed felt more at ease.
They might not have experience in sword duels, but they were familiar with demon hunting.
Even those who weren't skilled in combat or disliked the bloodshed could follow Mo Hua's instructions and still manage to kill a demon or two in the Demon Hunting Mountain, earning some merit points.
"But..." a disciple said, "Competing in a sword duel and hunting demons are different..."
Demons were tough and strong, but their instincts were predictable.
Cultivators, on the other hand, were flexible, versatile, and more cunning.
The strategies for fighting beasts and humans were entirely different.
Mo Hua confidently assured them, "Don't worry, I've thought it through. When the time comes, follow my instructions: form a unified formation, equip yourselves with array formations, match your spiritual equipment, and stick to the tactics."
"Consider yourselves as Dao troops, fearless and focused. Just follow the orders, and it doesn't matter if you win or lose."
This is a Swordsman Competition, not a life-or-death battle."
As Mo Hua spoke, encouraging them, everyone's eyes lit up involuntarily.
Seeing their newfound fighting spirit, Mo Hua's tone became more spirited.
"In the Qian Xue Prefecture, every disciple from all sects has only one chance to participate in the Swordsman Competition. I don't believe that deep down, you truly want to give up this opportunity."
"Since you don't want to give up, then go and fight for it!"
"The Qian Xue Prefecture is filled with renowned sects, and it's true that Celestial Geniuses are as numerous as clouds, with countless experts."
"But no matter how excellent their talents, how high their cultivation, or how strong their abilities, these Celestial Geniuses are still just people, no more noble than any of you."
"Under the way of heaven, all beings are but straw dogs."
"If we're all straw dogs, who is more noble than whom?"
"The Dao is vast, and a cultivator's life is filled with countless difficulties and obstacles."
"We must not lose our determination to strive forward, nor can we let go of the courage to draw our swords against the strong."
"Moreover, this is a Swordsman Competition. Losing won't be a loss, and winning will be a huge gain!"
"Even if we face the Celestial Geniuses of the Four Great Clans, we must find a way to bite off a piece of flesh from them!"
Mo Hua's words resonated with conviction.
The disciples were momentarily filled with an emotional high.
Some of them felt their hearts swell with ambition, and their eyes even turned slightly red.
Mo Hua waited for their emotions to settle down a bit before speaking in a deep voice, "There's one more important point..."
Looking at everyone, he slowly said, "This Swordsman Competition will undoubtedly attract a 'surround and suppress' tactic from the Four Great Clans, and possibly other sects. The process will undoubtedly be extremely challenging, but remember... this is the Swordsman Competition for our sect's restructuring!"
"In other words, this competition will determine our sect's ranking!"
"If we can truly defeat the Four Great Clans, then our Tai Xu Gate will become one of the Four Great Clans from now on!"
Mo Hua's gaze was calm as he scanned the entire hall, speaking word by word, "Think about it... When we entered, we were disciples of the Eight Great Gates. But when we graduate, we will be the Celestial Geniuses of the Four Great Clans in the Qian Xue Prefecture!"
All the disciples were stunned.
The disciples of the Four Great Clans!
This thought had never crossed their minds before.
It wasn't that they couldn't imagine it, but they never dared to think in that direction.
The Four Great Clans are of such high status; how could one easily cross the threshold of the Four Great Gates? Where in the world is such good fortune to be found? But now, after Mo Hua's words, the "ambition" hidden in their hearts began to grow and spread like wild grass caressed by the spring breeze.
Mo Hua's tone turned slightly sharp, "To be blunt, with our talents, we actually don't qualify to join the Four Great Clans..."
"Since we can't join the Four Great Clans..."
Mo Hua's voice was clear and steady, and for a moment, his eyes shone brilliantly, dazzling like the stars, "Then, through our own efforts, let's make our sect one of the Four Great Clans!"
These words resonated like the morning bell and evening drum, stirring everyone's hearts.
The Tai Xu Gate disciples nearby felt their chests tighten, and then an infinite battle intent, like a raging fire, burst forth from within them.
Not only the disciples, but even some of the Tai Xu Gate elders who were secretly listening from afar were dumbfounded.
Their hearts were pounding.
Mo Hua's words applied to them as well.
To be blunt, they, as elders, were also not qualified to enter the Four Great Clans.
Some lacked the family background, cultivation, or abilities to cross the threshold of the Four Great Clans.
Others were bound to the Tai Xu Gate by their families, so they could only be elders of the Tai Xu Gate for generations.
No matter how high their cultivation, if they had even a shred of shame, they would never betray their families and join the Four Great Clans.
In this lifetime, they would never have the title of 'Elder of the Four Great Clans'.
But Mo Hua was right.
If the Tai Xu Gate became one of the Four Great Clans...
Then these elders, who were originally from the Eight Great Gates, would instantly upgrade and become elders of the Four Great Clans!
This was indeed an unbelievable stroke of good fortune!
The elders of the Tai Xu Gate looked at each other in disbelief, their faces filled with incredulity.
In a distant pavilion, the Tai Xu Gate leader also lost himself in thought for a moment.
He had been secretly listening in as well.
After all, with Mo Hua suddenly gathering so many disciples, not only were the elders concerned, but as the sect leader, he had to keep an eye on things to prevent any potential troubles.
Therefore, he heard every word Mo Hua said.
The Tai Xu Gate leader was stunned for a moment, and in his heart, he exclaimed, "This Mo Hua, I don't know where he got that silver tongue. His words flow like a river, and even I, as the leader in the Illumination Realm, feel my blood boiling from his speech."
After all, if the Tai Xu Gate becomes one of the Four Great Clans...
He, as the Tai Xu Gate leader, would become the leader of the Four Great Clan's leader!"
This was indeed an unexpected and sudden leap to the top.
Of course, he was also aware that Mo Hua's words were just sweet talk, and actually achieving it would be no easy task.
If the positions of the Four Great Clans were so easily contested, would they still be the Four Great Clans?
Mo Hua was just painting a grand picture for his fellow sect members...
The Tai Xu Gate leader shook his head.
However, looking at the young and hopeful faces in the mountain forest, he couldn't help but feel moved.
Regardless of the outcome of this Swordsman Competition,
these disciples might become the seeds of the Tai Xu Gate.
In the future, when they spread across the Nine Provinces, they would grow into a vast and thriving forest.
He turned his head again and looked at Mo Hua.
Mo Hua stood under a large tree.
His slender figure was hidden by the foliage, but his aura seemed to merge with the ancient towering tree behind him.
In a daze, Mo Hua seemed to be the very tree that pierced the heavens and covered the entire mountain forest, enveloping Mount Tai Xu.
"Tree..."
The Tai Xu Gate leader's pupils constricted.
That night, the long night was as bright as day, and the divine tree reached the sky, like thousands of trees and ten thousand flowers, covering Mount Tai Xu.
The Tai Xu Gate leader was startled and looked at Mo Hua in disbelief.
After watching for a while, he rubbed his forehead and murmured,
"I've been thinking too much lately, always prone to wild thoughts. What does this have to do with anything..."
Mo Hua had only stood under the tree for a moment, and what did that have to do with the divine tree he had vaguely seen that day...
The Tai Xu Gate leader shook his head.
In the forest, Mo Hua looked at the spirited crowd with satisfaction and nodded, finally saying,
"I've arranged the tactics; just follow my instructions.
"In the Qian Xue Prefecture, there are countless Celestial Geniuses, but it doesn't mean that only by standing out and achieving a stunning victory, becoming the top champion, can one be considered a winner."
"What we should do is try our best. Even if we only win one match, that's still a win."
"As long as we win one match, no matter how insignificant the victory, it will lay the foundation for Tai Xu Gate's ultimate triumph."
"The more you win, the closer Tai Xu Gate will climb towards the position of the Four Great Clans."
"This is not only for you but also for the sake of our sect!"
"From this moment on, we will begin our preparations. Three months later, we will point our swords towards Lun Dao Mountain and challenge the Four Great Clans!"
As Mo Hua finished speaking, the crowd erupted in excitement.
The junior disciples of Tai Xu Gate, their eyes burning with determination, shouted in unison, "Yes, Little Senior Brother!" Hundreds of them, filled with fervor, their voices shaking the forest.
The observing elders, momentarily stunned, also found this hard to believe.
Mo Hua's reputation among the disciples and his ability to rally them was something that these elders of Tai Xu Gate could only look up to with admiration.
The Tai Xu Sect Leader, amidst his fluctuating thoughts, gazed at Mo Hua with a contemplative look.
...
After that, Mo Hua began his meticulous planning without delay.
Anyone can speak grand words, but the key is in the execution.
First was the issue of team formation.
The Swordsman Competition Congress had a five-person team format without substitutes. If a team had fewer members or was incomplete, they would have to fight with a disadvantage.
This served as a warning to the disciples.
In the real world of cultivation, battles were ruthless, and there was no true fairness. No one would wait for you to be ready.
If they couldn't even ensure a full team, then losing at the competition would be their own fault.
Since it was a five-on-five battle, team formation was crucial.
Previously, team formations were mostly left to the top disciples, with the majority following the principle of "autonomy and willingness."
Disciples with similar cultivation levels and deep friendships would form teams together.
This had its pros and cons.
The advantage was better harmony, but the drawback was that their cultivation systems might not complement each other, resulting in less effective combat power.
Mo Hua decided to mix up most of the disciples' teams, reshuffling them.
He used cultivation strength as the primary criterion, taking into account the relationships among the disciples.
Most importantly, he aimed to create more complementary teams, ensuring a surprising effect in combat, and combining this with corresponding battle formations and spiritual equipment to achieve a synergy greater than the sum of its parts...
Some disciples understood these principles, but they couldn't execute them themselves.
Some couldn't refuse their friends, not wanting to leave them behind;
Some lacked social skills and couldn't find other teammates;
Others were unclear about their own abilities and didn't know who to team up with.
Their cultivation journeys had always been individualistic, lacking coordination.
Therefore, they couldn't handle this unified team formation on their own.
Similarly, the elders of Tai Xu Gate couldn't manage this either.
As elders, they had a generational gap with the disciples, and they lacked a genuine and deep understanding of most of them.
Without this understanding, they couldn't form effective teams.
Forced pairings might result in disharmonious teams or resentment among the disciples.
Moreover, their time and energy were limited, with most of their attention focused on the divine prodigies.
Consequently, this large-scale, unified coordination could only be handled by Mo Hua.
As the Little Senior Brother, he lived and cultivated with his fellow disciples daily, fostering a close and familiar relationship. His words carried weight, and his prestige was high.
Previously, the disciples' demon hunting tactics were devised by him.
Many of the strategies for their bounty hunts also originated from his plans.
These past experiences laid the foundation for Tai Xu Gate's success in the Swordsman Competition.
When Mo Hua formed the teams, he also considered real combat scenarios, with many considerations.
Firstly, there should be a front-line defender, either a shield-wielding treasure user or an Earth-element body cultivator with thick skin, to draw fire.
Secondly, there should be one or two vanguard attackers, either sword cultivators or body cultivators, with a balanced offense and defense, skilled in charging and killing.
Then, there should be a spirit cultivator or a sword cultivator proficient in sword qi, responsible for long-range attacks using Dao Fa.
Finally, a functional cultivator would fill the last spot.
This disciple should have a particular specialty, such as reconnaissance, sneak attacks, or control spells.
This would form a well-rounded team.
They could advance or retreat, attack or defend, and handle most combat situations.
Of course, this was a team composition suitable for disciples with decent strength.
There were also some disciples who weren't skilled in combat, had weaker cultivation, limited social connections, and lacked outstanding abilities. They could only hope for a stroke of luck.
Mo Hua formed some unconventional teams for them.
For example, the "Fast Runners" team consisted of five disciples skilled in movement techniques. Their strategy was to run if they couldn't win, settle for a draw if possible, and with luck, even win a match.
Another team was the "Unstoppable" team, made up of body cultivators known for their thick skin and nothing else. Their goal was to wear down their opponents.
Mo Hua also formed "Knife Teams."
The Tai A, Chong Xu, and Tai Xu Gates all specialized in sword cultivation, and most disciples in the Qian Xue Prefecture followed the same path.
Otherwise, the Qian Xue Prefecture's grand competition wouldn't be named the "Swordsman Competition."
However, this abundance of sword cultivators led to redundancy and imbalanced team formations.
Many of these sword cultivators were like Cheng Mo, known for their recklessness.
They had no other specialties, making them difficult to position properly, unwilling to think, and they were impulsive and reckless.
Tactics were useless for them.
More complex strategies were beyond their capabilities.
Mo Hua had no choice but to put them together in "Knife Teams," and he told them,
"During the competition, don't overthink it. Take victory and defeat in stride, and just start hacking away at your opponents. Whatever happens, happens..."
This statement was straightforward, easy to understand, and inspiring.
The group of sword cultivators cheered,
"Little Senior Brother is brilliant!"
Additionally, there were teams with unique compositions, focusing on the element of surprise, aiming to win at least one match.
Winning a single match was considered a victory.
After the teams were generally settled, Mo Hua made some adjustments based on the disciples' preferences, ensuring everything was in order. Then, they began their formal training.
At this time, the Tai Xu Sect Leader brought a tall and proud young man before Mo Hua and introduced him, saying,
"Mo Hua, this is the Celestial Genius disciple of Tai A Mountain's lineage I mentioned earlier, Ouyang Xuan."
(End of Chapter)
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