Chapter 997: Fangtian Huayin
Chapter 997: Fangtian Huayin
Qian Xue Prefecture, a sacred land of various sects.
For the past month, the entire prefecture has been festively decorated, bustling with people and vehicles, presenting a scene of vibrant prosperity.
Lingma horses stretch as far as the eye can see, pulling carriages adorned with luxurious canopies, while palanquins fill the sky.
Gigantic Yundu ships, riding the wind, arrive from distant lands, docking at the port of Qian Xue Prefecture.
As the ships unload, numerous cultivators disembark, gazing up at the sky, marveling at the continuous mountains and the numerous sects standing tall, creating a vibrant academic atmosphere in Qian Xue.
Countless cultivators, like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea, gather from different prefectures, various factions, and diverse backgrounds. Some come to study, others to travel, seek the Dao, visit friends, or broaden their horizons. They all converge here, witnessing the grand Swordsman Competition Congress, eager to catch a glimpse of the Celestial Geniuses of the Nine Prefectures.
Due to the large number of cultivators, Qian Xue Prefecture has exceptionally lifted the 'Jinkong' restriction.
In the vast white sky, cloud ships occasionally fly by, and Lingzhou vessels shuttle through, leaving behind elegant trails as they dock at the residences of various sects and noble families.
From time to time, Yuhua Zhenren, with their spiritual power transformed into feathers, ride the clouds and soar through the air, their solitary figures gracefully flying towards the horizon, resembling immortals banished from heaven.
The Illumination Realm is a realm of high cultivation.
In some smaller prefectures, it's rare to see a Yuhua Zhenren even once in several hundred years.
Some cultivators may live their entire lives without ever setting eyes on a Zhenren.
But now, in Qian Xue Prefecture, just by looking up, one can witness the soaring figures of cultivators ascending into the sky, leaving many cultivators in awe.
These cultivators, hailing from smaller prefectures, boast of their extraordinary experiences. However, as they step into Qian Xue Prefecture and witness the surrounding scenery, they can't help but feel a sense of transcendence, as if they are about to 'ascend' to the immortal realm.
At the center of Qian Xue Prefecture stands Lundao Shan, the focal point of this grand event.
Currently, the front of Lundao Shan is packed with people.
Disciples from various sects, adorned in their respective sect's Daopao, gather here.
Looking down from above, the disciples of the Celestial Geniuses cover the mountains and the sea, resembling a vast and orderly silk brocade in various colors.
Among them stands the formation of Tai Xu Gate.
Xun Zixian, an elder with a straight posture and a gentle, scholarly aura, stands at the forefront of the Tai Xu Gate's formation, dressed in a dark and white Daopao.
He addresses the disciples of Tai Xu Gate, "In three days, the Swordsman Competition will commence. Before then, I will take you around the venue and explain the specific rules."
The disciples listen with solemn expressions, slightly tense, and respond with a bow, "Yes."
Xun Zixian glances to his right and notices Mo Hua, dressed in the Dao robe of Tai Xu, with his refined and unworldly appearance, obediently following by his side. He nods slightly.
This is the instruction of Lao Zu.
Whenever Mo Hua goes out, the elder accompanying him must ensure his safety.
The Swordsman Competition Congress involves numerous cultivators, a mix of the good and the bad.
Although it's unlikely that anyone would dare to cause trouble, it's better to be cautious and keep an eye on Mo Hua.
Xun Zixian looks at Mo Hua once more and then turns, saying, "Follow me."
Leading the way, Xun Zixian guides the disciples of Tai Xu Gate along the mountain path, entering the interior of Lundao Shan.
Inside Lundao Shan, the disciples of various sects gather, creating a bustling crowd.
This is the inner field of the competition.
The mountain terrain is vast, and the land is intricate.
Countless competition arenas with unique terrains stand side by side.
Above, the light of the five-star grand array forms a barrier, majestic and vast.
As they walk and observe, the crowd can't help but feel amazed.
Previously, they had only witnessed the competition from the audience seats and had never entered the inner field, experiencing this grand and solemn atmosphere.
Since they didn't need to participate personally, their impressions were naturally different.
As Xun Zixian walks, he explains to the disciples, "Ahead lies the competition arena. In three days, you will draw lots, form matchups, and compete with disciples from other sects based on your cultivation and Dao Fa."
"In your nine years of cultivation, this is your only opportunity to participate in the Swordsman Competition."
"The competition format follows the 'Tian Di Xuan Huang' principle, dividing the matches into four levels."
"You will start with the 'Huang' level matches."
"Each victory accumulates a win, and each win also earns a point for your sect. Once you reach a certain number of victories, you will advance to the 'Xuan' level matches."
"It's not necessary to win every match to advance; there is room for mistakes, but don't lose too many."
"Overall, it's mainly about strength, but luck also plays a part."
His voice is gentle, but with the help of spiritual power amplification, it reaches the ears of thousands of disciples.
Xun Zixian pauses and continues his explanation, "The format of the matches also varies greatly..."
"'Huang' level matches are the basic level, used for preliminary selection, with a relatively simple format. Most are straightforward 'Decisive Battles.'"
"Within a set time, if you defeat all five disciples of the opposing team, you win. Alternatively, the team with the most disciples remaining at the end of the time limit wins."
"In the 'Xuan' level matches, the rules change, and the format becomes more complex, no longer just simple battles."
"It includes the basic 'Decisive Battles,' as well as 'Survival Battles,' 'Demon Hunting Battles,' 'Headhunting Battles,' 'Fort Defense Battles,' 'Siege Battles,' and more..."
"Tactics vary, and the conditions for victory are different, making it more challenging to achieve victory..."
...
Xun Zixian patiently explains.
"Elder Xun," Mo Hua asks curiously, "these competition formats seem similar to Dao troop battles."
Xun Zixian nods, "Indeed, these competition formats are modeled after Dao troop battles."
The battles among cultivators are no less dangerous, complex, or ever-changing than Dao troop battles, and they are equally effective in tempering one's mind.
Of course, this is just a small-scale 'Swordsman Competition' with five people, different from the large-scale Dao troop battles involving tens of thousands.
Despite its small size, it is a comprehensive and well-structured formation.
Indeed, it is a masterpiece carved from the very essence of its creator.
"The elders of Lundao Mountain had their reasons for establishing these rules and passing them down," said Xun Zixian with a light sigh. "It is a reminder to stay vigilant and prepare for potential dangers."
"Born in peaceful times, we must not forget the devastating wars and the suffering of the cultivators," he added.
Xun Zixian nodded slightly.
Then, he led the group forward, reaching a mountain peak and pointing to the dazzling light above, where a crystal-clear light curtain shimmered in the void like a piece of jade.
"This is the Lundao Mountain Formation, a fifth-grade formation that harnesses the power of heaven and earth, containing the might of the void."
The disciples looked up in awe, sensing the indescribable power of the formation as it rippled through the void. They were all left speechless by its sheer might.
A fifth-grade formation...
Mo Hua was overwhelmed and filled with excitement.
"I wonder if I'll ever be able to create a fifth-grade Dongxu-level formation one day..."
Just thinking about the day when he could comprehend the principles of void formations and construct a fifth-grade Dongxu formation, Mo Hua's heart raced with anticipation.
Xun Zixian noticed Mo Hua's longing gaze and couldn't help but smile warmly.
He recalled his own childhood when he first encountered the Lundao Mountain Formation, feeling the same awe and admiration as Mo Hua did now.
Although a fifth-grade formation seemed like a distant dream, even after years of cultivation, he had never come close to achieving it.
But having such aspirations was a good thing.
Xun Zixian turned and asked, "Do you know what the fifth-grade formation of Lundao Mountain is used for?"
The group exchanged puzzled glances.
They had witnessed the excitement of the Swordsman Competition but had never delved into its details.
Mo Hua, however, had done some research and replied, "It's a formation that harnesses the power of the void to protect the disciples."
Xun Zixian nodded, "The Lundao Mountain Formation is not a killing formation, nor is it meant to trap or defend. It serves a unique purpose."
"This formation was specifically designed by the elders of Lundao Mountain for the Swordsman Competition Congress."
"It utilizes the power of the void to safeguard the disciples during the competition..."
"Three days from now, when you participate in the competition, each of you will receive a 'Lundao Jade'—a droplet-shaped, exquisitely crafted jade pendant to be worn on your forehead."
"This Lundao Jade will connect with the power of the Lundao Mountain Formation, forming a protective void shield that will bear the brunt of the injuries you sustain during the competition."
"This Lundao Jade is akin to your very life."
"Before the competition, several elders will assess your blood energy, physical body, and spiritual power to determine a fair and impartial 'injury tolerance' for each of you."
"This tolerance translates to the 'blood volume' of your Lundao Jade."
"During the battle, if you suffer a fatal injury and your blood volume is depleted, the Lundao Jade will shatter, signifying defeat."
"The formation will then activate, using the power of the void to forcibly transport you out of the competition arena."
"This ensures that disciples can fight with all their might, giving their all, without the fear of killing or being killed..."
Xun Zixian explained.
This was a competition, not a murder or a breeding ground for evil.
Every participating disciple was a direct descendant of a noble family and a talented cultivator from their sect. It was unthinkable to let them risk their lives in a life-or-death battle.
If disciples were allowed to fight to the death, each competition would result in numerous casualties.
Not only would the noble families object, but the sects themselves would suffer greatly.
The true divine prodigies were gifted by heaven, and if they were to die or become disabled due to the competition, no one could afford the consequences.
Xun Zixian looked up at the sky, a hint of emotion in his voice, "Even in the entire cultivation world, such top-tier fifth-grade void formations are extremely rare."
"Without these void formations to protect the celestial geniuses and allow them to fight without restraint, a true battle to the death, organizing a Swordsman Competition would be nearly impossible..."
"That's why only Qian Xue Prefecture can host this one-of-a-kind Swordsman Competition Congress, attracting talents from all over the world, gathering them in one place, and allowing cultivators from the Nine Prefectures to witness this grand event..."
The disciples' eyes shone with pride and admiration.
After explaining the formation, Xun Zixian led the group forward, familiarizing them with the competition grounds while also providing additional rules and regulations:
"There are strict limitations on the cultivation items you can bring to the competition."
"The amount of spiritual stones is fixed and cannot be exceeded."
"You can choose a certain number of pills, but both spiritual stones and pills will be provided by Lundao Mountain, and you cannot bring your own. Especially for pills..."
Xun Zixian added, "In the past, a disciple secretly consumed prohibited pills during the competition to gain an advantage, nearly causing self-destruction. Since then, private possession of pills has been prohibited..."
Every strict rule had a story behind it.
"You also cannot bring your own talismans; Lundao Mountain will provide them. Each disciple can choose one second-grade high-level talisman."
"You can bring your own spiritual equipment, but it's limited to second-grade high-level as well."
After all, spiritual equipment is unique, and many disciples even nurture their spiritual equipment to become their life-saving treasures.
The compatibility with spiritual equipment is an essential aspect of a cultivator's strength.
Therefore, disciples are allowed to bring their own spiritual equipment.
"However, there are restrictions on the number and types of spiritual equipment. Armor, weapons, and accessories—only one of each is allowed."
"And for formations, there are also limitations. Each person can only bring one formation, and it must be second-grade mid-level..."
Mo Hua thought he had misheard, "Second-grade mid-level?"
Xun Zixian nodded, "Mid-level."
Mo Hua was puzzled, "But pills, spiritual equipment, and talismans are limited to second-grade high-level. Why can formations only be mid-level?"
Xun Zixian spoke, "Because most late-stage Zhubi disciples can only create second-rank middle-tier Battle Formations..."
Mo Hua was stunned.
Xun Zixian explained, "This is based on the general situation..."
"Generally, late-stage Zhubi cultivators can't create second-rank high-tier Battle Formations. This is considered an 'over-spec' ability, so it's natural to impose restrictions."
"Moreover, the power of second-rank high-tier Battle Formations is too great. Whether it's for offense or defense, or trapping the enemy, the effects are too strong. If we allow disciples to use them, all tactics will inevitably revolve around Battle Formations, which goes against the original intention of the Swordsman Competition Congress."
"The Swordsman Competition Congress should primarily focus on 'dueling' with other methods as supplementary."
Mo Hua was a bit dumbfounded.
Only then did he realize that he had been held back by the geniuses of Qian Xue Prefecture.
Within Qian Xue Prefecture, the widespread Celestial Genius disciples with their lagging Battle Formation skills had restricted his own Battle Formation prowess.
Mo Hua hadn't paid attention to such detailed rules before.
No one had told him about them either.
The difficulty of these Battle Formations had always been "assumed" as a given.
But Mo Hua was different from everyone else; his Battle Formation skills were too advanced. His "assumed" basic Battle Formations were always of the "high-tier" variety.
Even high-tier Battle Formations seemed ordinary to him.
He never imagined that the Battle Formations provided for the Swordsman Competition Congress would be limited to "second-rank middle-tier" ones...
Mo Hua sighed.
The rules were set by others, and there was nothing he could do about it.
Upon further reflection, it did seem quite reasonable.
However, without the Battle Formations, he would have fewer "trump cards" at his disposal.
Mo Hua frowned in thought for a moment, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "Elder Zixian, aside from these, are there any other items we can bring?"
Xun Zixian replied, "Generally, these are the main items. In addition, the storage bags will contain some miscellaneous items to simulate real combat situations."
Mo Hua's mind raced, and he quietly asked, "What about the miscellaneous items...?"
Xun Zixian saw through his thoughts with a glance and nodded. "Yes."
Mo Hua immediately felt relieved.
Xun Zixian smiled faintly and shook his head.
The group continued their journey forward.
As Mo Hua walked, he contemplated the restrictions of the second-rank middle-tier Battle Formations.
He wondered if these limitations would affect his tactics, especially those of the other Tai Xu Gate disciples.
After a moment's consideration, Mo Hua realized that there would indeed be an impact, but it wasn't as significant as he thought. The power was slightly weaker, but overall, it was still versatile.
Moreover, there was still time to make temporary adjustments before the actual Swordsman Competition.
Mo Hua finally felt at ease.
As they walked, the group soon reached the end of Lundao Shan, where the viewing seats were located outside.
In the sky, a massive and peculiar "white cloth" hung across the sky.
The disciples were all amazed.
Mo Hua was also puzzled and pointed at the "white cloth," asking, "Elder Zixian, what is that thing?"
"That's a spiritual equipment."
"Spiritual equipment?" Mo Hua was taken aback.
Xun Zixian explained, "It's a giant 'projection spiritual equipment' specially crafted by the Four Great Clans for this Swordsman Competition."
"In appearance, it's a huge projection screen."
"During the Swordsman Competition, it will clearly display the images of the disciples dueling, allowing the disciples from Qian Xue Prefecture, the Nine Provinces, and various clans to watch."
"This spiritual equipment is not cheap. Its name is..." Xun Zixian slowly revealed,
"Fangtian Huayin!"
Fangtian Huayin...
The disciples looked up, gazing at the enormous projection screen covering half of the mountain, imagining the upcoming spectacle of thousands of disciples dueling. They were awe-struck.
Mo Hua was also stunned, and his scalp tingled.
He was speechless.
His original plan was to "make a fortune quietly" by hiding his unsavory methods.
When the chaos of the battle ensued, he could secretly make some small moves without anyone noticing.
But he never expected that the Swordsman Competition Congress would use such a massive Fangtian Huayin for "projection."
With such a large screen, how could he hide his trump cards? Later, he feared even the color of his underwear would be visible to everyone.
Moreover, such a large "Fangtian Huayin" looked expensive.
Mo Hua couldn't help but grumble inwardly.
He wondered which of the Four Great Clans had the audacity to spend so much on creating such a massive object...
This restriction was even more targeted at him than the second-rank middle-tier Battle Formation limitation.
Of course, it was also possible that the Four Great Clans had simply created such a large Fangtian Huayin for the convenience of the viewers.
But Mo Hua still felt frustrated.
Even after visiting the competition venue and returning to Tai Xu Gate, sitting at his desk in the disciple's dormitory, Mo Hua's brows remained furrowed.
Putting aside other concerns, this Fangtian Huayin was too much of a disadvantage for him...
He didn't want to stand out.
But since it had already been created, he couldn't secretly go and blow it up.
Moreover, this Fangtian Huayin seemed to be of a high rank, and even if he tried to blow it up, he might not succeed.
"Forget it..."
Mo Hua sighed.
With things as they were, he could only think of ways to hide himself even deeper.
By not revealing his true abilities, he could bide his time, "play the fool to catch the wise," and the longer and deeper he hid, the better...
"This calls for some serious planning..."
Mo Hua took out his original plan and began reworking it.
How could he advance step by step, both concealing his strength and securing victory, without exposing his trump cards, and gradually achieving more...
The difficulty of this task was immense.
However, Mo Hua's planning gradually brought clarity to the overall strategy.
(End of Chapter)
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