The Quest for Immortality

This time’s sword discussion is a decapitation match.

Regarding the ”decapitation” rules, Mo Hua actually had a better plan, but since the Xuan Character Bureau had only competed a few rounds, it was still early; revealing too many trump cards wasn’t good.

Moreover, Mo Hua wanted to clear the name of the Fireball Technique.

He wanted to convey a principle: among the myriad of Taoist Skills, each has its strengths and weaknesses; it doesn’t have to be Superior Daoist Magic to be powerful.

As long as one diligently studies, uses it well, and with finesse, even a simple Fireball Technique should not be underestimated.

The Debating Bell rang, and the sword discussion began.

Disciples from both sides commenced their actions.

For the Xuan Character Sword Discussion’s ”decapitation match”, the venue was larger, and the terrain more complex, including mountains, streams, swamps, and forests.

The entry positions were random.

Both sides might run into each other directly, so they couldn’t afford to be careless.

As soon as led by Qin Cangliu, the Gui Water Sect disciples entered the field, they immediately expanded their Divine Sense, holding their swords on alert.

After confirming the surrounding safety, the Gui Water Sect, with Qin Cangliu as the ”leader” at the center, advanced while scouting for enemy movements.

They chose ”attack”.

As for Mo Hua’s side, they chose ”defense”.

In a decapitation match, the opposing leader was ”strong”, while their own leader was ”weak”.

Mo Hua didn’t need to think; the opposition would definitely choose ”aggressive attack”.

If it were him, he would choose the same.

After all, the temptation of a ”fragile” leader, who could be killed in one strike, was too great.

Therefore, Mo Hua planned to ”wait by the tree stump for the rabbit”.

Unlike the cautious Gui Water Sect, Mo Hua was very composed upon entering the field.

His Divine Sense was so powerful that with a mere glimpse, he grasped the surrounding mountain and river landscapes, pointing to a small forest a few miles to the right, saying:

”Let’s go there.”

Linghu Xiao and the others nodded.

While Ouyang Xuan did not nod, he still followed honestly.

Upon reaching the small forest, Mo Hua began setting up the Formation and arranging the formation.

After planning a few circles around, the five from Gui Water Sect in various swamps and hills couldn’t find anyone and eventually shifted towards Mo Hua’s small forest.

The distance between both sides wasn’t far; they were estimated to meet in less than a quarter of an hour.

Outside the Taoist Field, after a period of tedious waiting, the audience gradually began to anticipate.

”Finally, a good show to watch now...”

”This ’Qin Cangliu’ from Gui Water Sect is no ordinary disciple. Originating from the Qin family, his lineage can even be traced back to the aristocratic families of the Taoist Court in Taoist State.”

”I also heard that he is originally from the Taoist State, fostered at the Qian State’s Qin family for his studies...”

”Really?”

”I said I’ve ’heard’...” .

”Regardless of hearsay, his status is certainly not low. I’ve also heard that in the Qian Learning State Boundary, many noble family’s daughters have asked for marriage proposals to the Qin family, seeking a good alliance with Young Master Qin, but couldn’t even step into the doorpost...”

”His marriage was arranged in the Taoist State.”

”Other things could be false, but such ’engagement’ matters couldn’t possibly be faked. Without a strong family foundation, there’s no confidence for such a base.”

”Moreover, I heard that Qin Cangliu’s inherited Swordsmanship is exceptional.”

”Gui Water Sword Skill of Gui Water Sect?”

”No, the Swordsmanship he inherited isn’t of Gui Water Sect; it’s the Qin family’s ’Canghai Hengliu Sword Technique’, a top-tier Superior Water Series Swordsmanship, famous and the Qin family’s treasure, scarcely anyone can learn it...”

”How does that compare to Linghu Xiao?”

”That’s hard to say, Linghu Xiao’s Sword Heart is clear and renowned, but Qin Cangliu is a low-key and steady noble family’s child, not pompous in daily life.”

”He probably sunk his mind, honing his sword for ten years, intending to amaze and stand out at this Sword Discussion Conference.”

”That’s how geniuses are; amidst all the praise and accolades, some may indeed not live up to the hype. One clash would reveal who’s ’real gold’ and who’s ’plated gold’.”

”So this sword discussion will be worth watching...”

”This is truly a duel of Sword Dao geniuses!”

Everyone’s attention was almost entirely on the confrontation between Linghu Xiao and Qin Cangliu, the two prodigies.

Besides, many also remembered Mo Hua, the Formation Master who could use the Fireball Technique.

”This is a decapitation match; Mo Hua inadvertently became the ’leader’. Now he has no choice but to participate aggressively, right...”

”If he doesn’t participate, what can he do?”

”Use the Fireball Technique again?”

”Last time, Wu Ming was a dud. He’s from Kun State, which has many affluent families; he was trying to show off with gaudy Spiritual Artifacts, attempting to join the sword discussion...”

”Wu Ming was incompetent, which is why he fell victims to the Fireball Technique.”

”But Qin Cangliu is different; he’s a legitimately inherited Sect prodigy, impossible to be outsmarted by a mere Fireball Technique.”

”Perhaps, once they meet, Mo Hua won’t have time to use the Fireball Technique and will be killed in one strike...”

”That would be unfortunate, missing the showdown between two Sword Dao geniuses.”

”I hope Mo Hua can hold on a bit longer, not lose too quickly, or else there’d be nothing to enjoy...”

...

As the crowd outside was chatting, inside, the two groups of disciples finally met outside the small forest.

Qin Cangliu and his group of five, clad in black water Taoist Robes, wielding longswords of chilling water hues, faced the few from Taixu Gate:

Linghu Xiao, Ouyang Xuan, Cheng Mo, and Situ Jian.

Mo Hua was absent.

The four from Taixu Gate took a ”defensive” formation, confronting Gui Water Sect, guarding the small forest.

Qin Cangliu’s gaze swept past the four, looking towards the distant small forest.

The forest was dense, with an aura flickering faintly within; clearly, someone was hiding inside.