The Slaughter Mo Order indeed proved to be useful.
In the upcoming Earth-Level Sword Debate, Mo Hua's formations were severely restricted when facing the Vajra Sect.
Ordinary formations weren't particularly difficult to counter, especially for the seasoned formation elders of Qianxue State.
Mo Hua's general formation patterns had already been anticipated in their deductions.
As a result, the weaknesses of formations were further magnified.
For example, slow deployment—no matter how fast Mo Hua could draw, setting up a formation still required time. The fixed deployment locations, restrictions of formation mediums, and other constraints were all unavoidable.
Additionally, once a formation was set up, it would inevitably leave traces behind.
Mo Hua's formation techniques were sophisticated, making them difficult to detect.
However, no matter how refined his techniques were, they couldn't withstand the scrutiny of so many formation elders, who meticulously analyzed and simulated every possibility.
Moreover, the Sword Debate Arena at Lundao Mountain, though complex and ever-changing, was still fundamentally artificially designed based on certain templates.
Unlike Heimu Mountain or Refining Demon Mountain, which were truly desolate and chaotic "wild" environments, the artificial terrain of Lundao Mountain made it difficult for formations to be truly concealed.
Under these circumstances, Mo Hua's once-brilliant formation techniques were no longer as effective.
Although his team still managed to win against the Vajra Sect, the victory was primarily thanks to Linghu Xiao and the others.
Mo Hua had to revert to his old ways, using spell techniques to "tread water" instead.
With formations proving ineffective, he couldn't contribute much to the fight.
As a result, the title of "Formation Dao Leader" that Mo Hua once held in the eyes of the spectators began to lose its luster, making him seem "mediocre":
"See? I told you, just knowing formations is useless." "This is a Sword Debate Tournament. Even if he's the leader of the Formation Dao, he still has to tuck his tail and behave." "His formations lasted, at best, three or four matches. Now his true colors are showing." "Cultivators must rely on their own strength. If you always depend on external forces, you'll never go far..." "This is a Sword Debate Tournament—if not sword techniques, at least learn some high-level spells!" "Forget it. His spiritual energy is so weak that even if he learned an advanced spell, he wouldn't be able to use it..." "Give him a break. The whole Tai Xu Sect doesn't even have a decent sword technique inheritance. What do you expect him to learn?" "Yeah, Tai Xu Sect is just too weak..."
The disciples of Tai Xu Sect overheard these discussions.
They were furious, but they couldn't refute it.
Tai Ah Sect specialized in sword forging. Chong Xu Sect specialized in sword qi techniques. Tai Xu Sect specialized in sword intent, something intangible and unattainable, which Foundation Establishment cultivators couldn't even begin to cultivate.
Even though the three sects had merged and some teachings were shared, the top-tier sword techniques still belonged to Chong Xu Sect.
Tai Xu Sect truly had no noteworthy sword techniques, especially at the Foundation Establishment stage.
Previously, the sword techniques taught to Tai Xu disciples weren't bad, but that was only in comparison to ordinary sects.
When competing in the Sword Debate Tournament against elite sects from the Four Sects and Eight Schools, Tai Xu's sword techniques were simply unremarkable.
In fact, showcasing them in public would even feel embarrassingly inferior.
If someone criticized Tai Xu's formations, their disciples wouldn't be angry—after all, their Little Senior Brother was the top formation genius of Qianxue.
If anyone mocked their formations, they would just scoff and call them fools.
But if someone insulted Tai Xu's sword techniques, then the disciples would actually get mad.
Because deep down, they knew it was true—Tai Xu Sect's sword inheritance was truly lacking...
In fact, among all the top-performing Tai Xu disciples in the Sword Debate Tournament, not a single one used a sword technique from Tai Xu Sect.
Linghu Xiao and Ouyang Xuan didn't count—they weren't from the Tai Xu lineage.
Situ Jian used his family's Li Fire Sword Technique. Cheng Mo used an axe—he didn't even wield a sword! And Mo Hua? He didn't even use a spirit weapon, relying entirely on spells and formations instead.
Thus, when others mocked Tai Xu Sect for:
"Having no worthwhile sword techniques," "Being unable to stand on the main stage," "Lacking any real sword inheritance," "How dare they compete in a Sword Debate without a proper sword technique?"
Most Tai Xu disciples could only swallow their frustration—because they had no retort.
...
From the overall situation of the sword competition, while the Taixu Sect was winning,
The Daluo (Great Luo Sect) Sect was also winning.
In fact, due to the deep foundation of the Daluo Sect (Great Luo Sect) —being a "sect with dual prodigies"—each of the two prodigies led a team, and they had won slightly more matches than the Taixu Sect.
As a result, the victories of the two sects were nearly tied.
Only one match set them apart.
If the Taixu Sect fell behind by just one match, they would have to relinquish their position as the leader of the Eight Gates.
This precarious gap had drawn the attention of countless cultivators from various factions.
Everyone wanted to know who would ultimately claim the top spot among the Eight Gates.
Who would last until the end—Taixu Sect or Daluo Sect?
Amid this tense atmosphere, the Dao Debate Celestial Apparatus timely announced the lineup for the next sword competition match:
The Decisive Match.
Taixu Sect vs. Daluo Sect
(Great Void Sect vs Great Luo Sect).
The timing was almost too perfect.
So perfect that Mo Hua even suspected that the Dao Debate Celestial Apparatus was not just a magical treasure but had already gained sentience.
As if it had deliberately arranged this match at such a critical moment to attract attention and create a grand spectacle.
With this setup, this match carried immense significance.
Whoever won would be the number one among the Eight Gates.
Whoever lost would be left in the dust.
This was a battle that had to be won at all costs.
The Four Sects and Eight Gates, the upper echelons of the sects in Qianxue State, and countless spectators all turned their attention to this match.
Within both the Taixu and Daluo Sects, from the top to the bottom, the atmosphere was extremely solemn.
For the Taixu Sect, securing a position among the Four Sects was already out of reach.
But holding onto the top spot of the Eight Gates was a must.
It was a tangible, graspable benefit.
Winning this one match could mean enjoying the prestige of being the leader of the Eight Gates for decades, or even a century.
Losing this match, however, would mean losing everything.
No amount of regret would change that.
With the sect's interests at stake, at such a crucial moment, Mo Hua dared not be careless.
No one knew that his ambitions were even greater.
But no matter how grand his ambitions, they had to be realized step by step.
This sword competition had to be won by any means necessary.
Know yourself and your enemy.
Mo Hua called Linghu Xiao over to ask about the Daluo Sect's situation.
He had heard that Linghu Xiao, as a sword prodigy, had some connections with the Daluo Sect and was quite familiar with them, knowing many inside details.
Since Mo Hua asked, Linghu Xiao naturally answered without holding back.
"The Daluo Sect is one of Qianxue's top sword sects."
"A long time ago, it was called the 'Daluo Sword Sect' and was once one of the Four Great Sects, with its swordsmanship even surpassing the Heavenly Sword Sect."
"Although it has declined slightly, its strength has remained formidable, always oscillating between first and second place in the Eight Gates."
"It has always been just one step away from rejoining the Four Great Sects, but it has never quite crossed that threshold."
"This generation of the Daluo (Great Luo Sect) Sect has two strongest disciples, both from the fifth-grade Ye family, and they are cousins."
"One is called Ye Qingfeng, the chief disciple of the Daluo Sect. He cultivates the 'Daluo Unity Sword Art,' has a calm personality, and is deep-minded. He rarely fights others."
"But it's said that his strength is formidable, on par with prodigies like Xiao Wuchen."
"Of course, that's what others say—I don't know if it's true or not. But at the very least, Ye Qingfeng is not to be underestimated."
"Aside from him, there's another called Ye Zhiyuan."
"Ye Zhiyuan is even more famous."
"He is arrogant and disdainful of others, but his sword talent is extremely high."
"He cultivates the Daluo Sect's top sword art—the 'Daluo Soaring Sword Technique.'"
"These two prodigies, each leading a team, have fought their way to this stage. As the Earth-level sword competition nears its end, they have rarely lost a match..."
Linghu Xiao spoke in detail—something he only did when talking to Mo Hua.
After listening, Mo Hua let out a slight sigh.
Qianxue State had this one flaw.
Too many geniuses. Too many prodigies.
Every sect had an impressive background, and every sect had its own share of top-tier talents.
"Who are we facing tomorrow?" Mo Hua asked.
Linghu Xiao remained silent for a moment before replying, "Ye Zhiyuan..."
Seeing a change in Linghu Xiao's expression, Mo Hua asked, "You know him?"
Linghu Xiao was silent for a while before nodding.
"Is he strong?" Mo Hua asked.
"Very strong," Linghu Xiao nodded. "I was once ranked alongside him as one of the two great sword prodigies of the Eight Gates. And I..."
Linghu Xiao seemed hesitant to continue, unwilling to bring up the topic. But faced with Mo Hua's sincere gaze, he sighed and admitted:
"I lost to him in a sword duel..."
Mo Hua nodded. Seeing that Linghu Xiao's expression was not great—clearly still brooding over the loss—he refrained from asking further about when, where, and why he had dueled Ye Zhiyuan and lost.
As a sword prodigy, losing to another arrogant and self-important genius—
He had likely been mocked for it too, making the defeat all the harder to swallow.
Especially for someone like Linghu Xiao, who kept everything buried in his heart.
"So, do you have confidence in fighting him tomorrow?" Mo Hua asked.
Linghu Xiao understood what Mo Hua was implying. After a moment of thought, he said:
"Senior Brother, you were right before—since I am devoted to the sword, I must not fear losing."
"No matter how strong the opponent is, I will fight him, win or lose."
"But..."
Linghu Xiao's gaze was cautious as he continued:
"This isn't just about me..."
"This match is too important—we can't afford any mistakes. My personal victory or defeat doesn't matter, nor does the reputation of being a sword prodigy. Everything I do is for the sect to win…"
Mo Hua nodded, feeling a bit emotional.
When he first met Linghu Xiao in the Demon Refining Mountain, he had been a solitary genius who hunted demons alone, a loner with few friends.
Now, he was truly tied to the sect's honor and disgrace.
A good kid…
Mo Hua was quite pleased.
"Don't worry, I'll handle the arrangements for the match," Mo Hua said. Then he asked, "What is Ye Zhiyuan best at?"
"Sword control," Linghu Xiao replied.
Mo Hua was startled. "Sword control?"
Linghu Xiao nodded and explained, "The 'Daluo Soaring Sword Technique' is an advanced flying sword technique. Ye Zhiyuan has an exceptional talent for sword control."
"He is one of the rare sword cultivators who has mastered sword control to a high level while still in the Foundation Establishment stage."
"His Soaring Sword Control is rarely used, but once activated, it is incredibly fast and powerful."
"I lost to that move before…" Linghu Xiao admitted, still unwilling to accept that defeat.
Mo Hua's expression turned a little strange.
"His strongest move is sword control?"
"Well… isn't that convenient…"
Leaving Linghu Xiao, Mo Hua walked toward the disciples' quarters, lost in thought about the sword prodigy Ye Zhiyuan and his mastery of the 'Daluo Soaring Sword Technique.'
Halfway there, he ran into Ouyang Xuan.
Ouyang Xuan seemed to be waiting specifically for Mo Hua and said, "The Sect Master wants to see you."
"The Sect Master?"
Mo Hua was momentarily stunned before realizing that he must be referring to the Sect Master of Tai'a Mountain.
The Tai'a Sect Master wants to see me?
Mo Hua found it a bit surprising.
"Alright." Mo Hua nodded.
Ouyang Xuan tactfully took the lead, guiding the way.
Although he still carried his usual arrogant demeanor, his attitude at least remained respectful.
After so many rounds of sword duels, even if he wouldn't admit it out loud, Ouyang Xuan had developed a grudging respect for Mo Hua.
Upon reaching Tai Xu Sect, in a quiet guest hall, Mo Hua entered a tea room and saw the robust and imposing Tai'a Sect Master.
The Sect Master first glanced at Ouyang Xuan and remained silent for a moment, as if unsure how to begin.
Mo Hua looked at Ouyang Xuan.
Understanding the hint, Ouyang Xuan simply grunted in acknowledgment and left without looking back.
Tai'a Sect Master gazed at Mo Hua, momentarily astonished.
If it weren't beneath his dignity, he might have even asked Mo Hua how he had managed to "tame" this stubborn mule named Ouyang Xuan.
Of course, that wasn't the main issue.
The tea room was serene, filled with the lingering fragrance of tea.
Now that they were alone, the Sect Master's demeanor softened significantly. He gestured to the seat beside him and said, "Sit."
Mo Hua declined politely.
He was merely a disciple; sitting on equal footing with the Sect Master felt improper.
The Tai'a Sect Master said, "This is an order from your Sect Master. When I tell you to sit, you sit properly."
Seeing Mo Hua still hesitant, he feigned anger, "What? Your Tai Xu Sect's Sect Master is a Sect Master, but I, the Tai'a Sect Master, am not your Sect Master as well?"
At that, Mo Hua could no longer refuse.
He respectfully bowed before sitting up straight.
The Tai'a Sect Master nodded slightly after seeing him seated. After a brief hesitation, he asked softly:
"How is your preparation for tomorrow's sword duel?"
The Sect Master was well aware that Mo Hua was heavily involved in organizing the Tai Xu Sect's sword duels.
In fact, for their team, Mo Hua was essentially the leader.
Even the sword prodigy Linghu Xiao and the unruly Ouyang Xuan followed his lead.
Thus, he had no choice but to ask Mo Hua.
Strictly speaking, he shouldn't have asked.
With the duel so close, it was not his place as Sect Master to add unnecessary pressure on the disciples.
But he couldn't help himself.
Although a Sect Master holds a lofty position, he was still far from being as detached as the Ancestors.
And precisely because of his high position, rankings and prestige became all the more important.
Tai'a Mountain was different from Tai Xu and Chong Xu Mountains.
In the past, Tai'a Sect had once risen to the very top of the Eight Great Sects through tireless effort.
Of course, that glory only lasted a few years before they suffered a major setback due to an incident involving the Yan Zhi Boat, and their prestige never recovered.
But no matter what, they had once been at the peak.
Having experienced the glory of a top-tier sect, he was even more unwilling to suffer the cold shoulder of a lower-ranked sect.
Thus, rankings were something he valued deeply.
Tomorrow's duel against Da Luo Sect was critical. A single misstep could have severe consequences, leaving him too uneasy to remain idle.
So he sought out Mo Hua to probe the situation.
Mo Hua understood his concerns. Initially, he had planned to reassure him with a simple "it should be fine."
But just as he was about to speak, a thought suddenly crossed his mind. He sighed instead, furrowing his brows in distress, and said, "It won't be easy…"
The Tai'a Sect Master had no doubts.
Because it truly wouldn't be easy.
He had heard of Da Luo Sect's sword prodigy, Ye Zhiyuan, more than once.
A disciple who could reach the realm of "sword control" with the Da Luo Flying Sword Art while still in the Foundation Establishment stage was truly a rare talent.
A formidable opponent—finding it difficult was only natural.
The Tai'a Sect Master immediately said, "If you need any help for tomorrow's duel, just say the word."
He was a practical man and never dealt in empty words.
If he wanted his disciples to fight for the sect, if he wanted the top spot among the Eight Great Sects, then he had to offer real benefits.
Mo Hua's eyes lit up but then hesitated. "This…"
The Tai'a Sect Master said, "Don't be shy. Speak your mind."
Mo Hua pretended to be troubled.
The Tai'a Sect Master then put on a stern expression and said seriously:
"The Three Sects have merged; the Three Mountains are united as one. As the Sect Master of Tai'a Mountain, I am practically your own Sect Master as well. No need for formalities."
"Besides, this is for the sword duel, for our Tai Xu Sect. If you need anything, just say it!"
The Tai'a Sect Master deliberately emphasized the words "your own Sect Master" and "our Tai Xu Sect."
Mo Hua appeared deeply moved before finally revealing his request:
"Sect Master, can I borrow a look at Tai'a's Sword Formation?"
The Tai'a Sect Master's expression froze, and his heart skipped a beat.
Damn, I've run into a little fox.
This brat is even better at acting than I am… Opening his mouth and immediately asking for the Sword Formation…
Now he finally understood why dealing with Mo Hua was so tricky. No wonder the elders of Tai Xu Sect never underestimated him.
Maybe he picked up these tricks from their Ancestor…
The Sword Formation…
The Tai'a Sect Master was troubled. He asked Mo Hua, "What do you need the Tai'a Sword Formation for?"
Mo Hua replied righteously, "For tomorrow's sword duel."
"The duel? You need a Sword Formation for that?" The Tai'a Sect Master frowned.
"Mm." Mo Hua nodded, then praised, "I've heard that Tai'a Mountain has always been famous for sword forging, and the core of sword forging lies in the Sword Formation. Tai'a's Sword Formation must be one of the finest in the world."
"With such a formation, even against Da Luo Sect's sword prodigy, we will surely be invincible, cutting through all obstacles…"
Mo Hua spared no effort in his flattery.
The Tai'a Sect Master listened with immense satisfaction.
But deep down, he knew.
A Sword Formation and a sword technique were two entirely different things.
Who in their right mind would use a sword-forging formation to counter a sword-fighting technique?
This kid was definitely coaxing him.
But as the Sect Master, facing a mere disciple, surely the boy wouldn't dare outright deceive him…
The Tai'a Sect Master hesitated and asked, "Are you sure?"
"Yes!" Mo Hua nodded firmly, his gaze clear and unwavering.
Just his expression alone was enough to make people believe he wasn't lying.
The Tai'a Sect Master stiffened slightly.
A Sword Formation wasn't just any ordinary technique—it was a core inheritance that must never be leaked.
But the upcoming sword duel was also of paramount importance. Losing this match would lead to endless regret.
After a moment of deep contemplation, the Tai'a Sect Master clenched his teeth and waved his hand.
"Fine! I'll give it to you!"
If you want great rewards, you must be willing to take risks.
No matter how precious the Sword Formation was, it couldn't compare to the prestige of being the top sect among the Eight Great Sects.
Besides, he also had the intention of forging a closer relationship with Mo Hua.
A genius like Mo Hua, a top talent in formations, and the "little treasure" of Tai Xu Sect's Ancestor—if he wanted to establish a good relationship, he had to offer something worthwhile.
These days, if you don't feed someone meat, how do you expect them to truly trust you?
Mo Hua's face lit up with joy.
He hadn't expected the Tai'a Sect Master to be so generous.
Even a Sword Formation could be given to him.
"Thank you, Sect Master!" Mo Hua said with a smile.
"I'll let you see the Sword Formation, but…" The Tai'a Sect Master still hesitated slightly. "Will it really be useful for tomorrow's duel?"
"Absolutely!" Mo Hua nodded. "With this formation, tomorrow's duel will be much 'easier.'"
The Tai'a Sect Master remained half-convinced.
"But the duel is tomorrow. Will you have enough time to learn it?"
"No worries," Mo Hua assured. "I learn formations very quickly."
Come on, no matter how fast you are, it can't be that fast…
The Tai'a Sect Master silently muttered to himself.
But since he had already agreed, there was no point in overthinking it.
Being a decisive man, he said, "Wait here. I'll have someone bring it to you shortly."
Mo Hua beamed. "Sect Master, you're the best!"
In his mind, the Tai'a Sect Master was now officially classified as a "great guy."
In Mo Hua's mind, the Sect Master of Tai'a Mountain was quickly categorized as a "great benefactor."
…
At the same time.
Within the Slaughter Mo Order.
A person named "One Sword Apart" arrogantly declared:
"What kind of thing is Tai Xu Sect?"
"If not for the three sects merging, they wouldn't even have a decent sword technique."
"A Sword Competition without a sword inheritance—what are they even competing in? What a joke."
"Among their entire sect, if you count everyone, only Linghu Xiao is barely worth a glance."
"Mo Hua?"
"Just a mere array master, a fame-seeking fraud. He can't even hold a sword properly, yet he dares to compete in a sword competition?"
"Even that Linghu Xiao is just my defeated opponent. Being mentioned alongside me—does he even deserve it?"
His reckless, trash-talking tone was all too familiar, and soon, someone spoke up:
"Ye Zhiyuan?"
"So what if I am?"
Someone questioned, "How did you sneak in here? You don't even have a grudge against Mo Hua, do you?"
"That's none of your concern..."
One Sword Apart said, "I just want to ask—if I kill Mo Hua, I can become the alliance leader. Is that true?"
The group fell silent.
They couldn't stand Ye Zhiyuan's arrogance, but they also didn't want to go back on their word.
"That's right. ??"
"Good!" One Sword Apart declared. "Tomorrow, I will take Mo Hua's head with a single sword strike and become your alliance leader!"
"If you can't even kill someone as insignificant as Mo Hua, how dare you call yourselves geniuses?"
"A bunch of useless trash—just wait and see."
"Tomorrow, your alliance leader shall be crowned king!"
The group read his words, filled with anger yet powerless to do anything.
Everyone looked at his words, feeling annoyed, but they were helpless to do anything.
(End of this Chapter)