Immortality Through Array Formations (The Quest for Immortality)

Chapter 589 – Entering the Sect

"Taixu Divine Thought Sword Incantation…"

Mo Hua furrowed his brows slightly.

Right now, all he knew was that it had a long, intimidating name.

Everything else? Total mystery.

What kind of sword technique was this?

Was it a body-cultivator sword art?

Was it a technique that honed swordsmanship to its peak, killing through sword qi alone?

Or was it purely a spiritual sword art that used divine sense?

Mo Hua sighed.

Though he had deduced a faint trace of karma, the clues were too sparse. His spiritual sense was limited, and his divination abilities still shallow—far from being able to pinch his fingers and divine the heavens at will.

It looked like he would have to join Taixu Gate to investigate the origins and secrets of this technique.

Was it really as awe-inspiring as its name? Could one truly turn divine sense into sword qi, roam the Grand Void, and slay evil?

He had to find out!

Mo Hua nodded to himself.

Most sword techniques, he could ignore. But this one might use divine sense to form swords!

Since his foundation was built on divine sense, and he walked the path of proving the Dao through spiritual consciousness, not learning a sword art like this would feel like a missed calling…

Sure, he once said that mere sword techniques weren't worth learning…

But let's be honest—

Flying on swords is really cool.

If he could actually learn it… then hey, let's all pretend he never said anything earlier.

"Sword-riding, huh…"

Mo Hua suddenly recalled that thug leader, Jiang Laoda—who'd built up a golden body, condensed a brilliant sword qi, and shone with dazzling golden light.

Sure, in the end he sliced a thatched hut in half and looked like a moron, but the brilliance of that sword light had made Mo Hua genuinely envious.

Way cooler—and more destructive—than his dinky little fireballs.

He really wanted to learn it!

Mo Hua's eyes sparkled.

However… if the sword art was really that powerful, it was probably a sect-guarding secret, and Taixu Gate might not be willing to teach it to him…

Mo Hua hesitated, then relaxed.

"When the cart reaches the mountain, there's always a road."

Take his martial uncle, for example. He never intended to teach Mo Hua, but fate and trickery—

No, diligence—helped Mo Hua learn it anyway.

Surely Taixu Gate's sect master wasn't more stingy than his martial uncle…

Mo Hua's thoughts stirred and he quickly made up his mind.

Next step: get into Taixu Gate.

Once he was in, he could find a way to learn this "Taixu Divine Thought Sword Incantation"!

Even if he couldn't, it wouldn't be a loss.

He could still study cultivation, formation arts, and patch up his weak points—it was a win-win no matter what.

But…

Mo Hua's brow furrowed again as he remembered something else.

"Lord Huangshan…"

During the karmic glimpse, in the blurred reflection of fate, he had seen another—very different—Huangshan Jun.

With blood-red eyes, monstrous claws, and a massive, menacing form, this version radiated ferocity and demonic presence.

Its aura was abnormally deep and immensely powerful…

There was no way this was just a weak little second-grade mountain god. Even if it had gone rogue or turned demonic, this power level was far beyond that tier.

Something was off.

This Huangshan Jun… definitely had secrets.

Mo Hua's lively eyes narrowed slightly.

"That yellow-furred weasel is definitely hiding something. Lied to me… deliberately concealed something important."

Sure, it was weak now, but in the past? It was clearly something big—very big.

And the white-robed sword cultivator who once slew it must have been even stronger than the weasel claimed.

And that Divine Thought Sword technique… was definitely not ordinary.

Looks like he'd need to go pay that shady mountain god another visit sometime, and press for answers…

"Dare to lie to me, huh…"

Mo Hua let out a cold snort, eyes glinting with a hint of danger…

Meanwhile, in a distant ruined temple deep in the wilderness—

Lord Huangshan lounged under a leaky roof, chewing on misshapen fruit, basking in the sparse sunlight that filtered through.

His long, narrow face looked completely relaxed.

Then—suddenly—a chill ran up his spine.

He shivered involuntarily.

Even the warm sun seemed a little colder.

"Which nasty bastard is eyeing me now…?"

His expression changed, brow furrowing deeply as he pondered.

Over the years, he had kept such a low profile. Playing dead when trouble came, groveling when needed, even apologizing or acting pitiful—he hadn't offended any powerful cultivators or demonic entities…

Sure, life had gotten "a bit poor," but it was peaceful.

Lord Huangshan strained to recall, but couldn't think of any threats.

Then… a fierce, innocent little face suddenly popped into his mind.

He froze.

His mouth twitched.

"No way…"

"That little brat…"

His heart turned bitter. Even the fruit in his mouth suddenly lost its sweetness…

Mo Hua wanted to go interrogate Lord Huangshan again, but there just wasn't time.

And given how "glorious" the weasel once was, it likely still had tricks up its sleeve. Confronting it would require a solid plan and preparation.

For now, joining the sect was the top priority.

Huangshan Jun's mysteries… could wait.

After all, even if the mountain god runs, the temple doesn't move.

And if the temple's still there, then that sneaky fox-weasel can't escape.

Wenren Wan delivered the recommendation letter to Taixu Gate.

It included Mo Hua's background and listed "proficient in formations" as his special skill.

Since all the proper connections had been made, it was just a formality—every elder who handled the letter simply stamped it with their Dao seal in approval.

Eventually, the resume reached the sect master of Taixu Gate.

The sect master held veto power.

But in matters like this, he usually turned a blind eye—unless there were serious conflicts of interest or value misalignments, he wouldn't offend the influential clans or go against the majority just to block one applicant.

After all, it was just one spot.

Even if he disapproved, it wasn't worth causing discord or harming the harmony of Taixu Gate over such a small matter.

Still… he was not pleased.

The sect master of Taixu Gate was a middle-aged man of over three hundred years, with thick black hair, a love of longevity practices, and calm, somewhat lazy features.

He frowned, clearly irritated and helpless:

"Sure, we've got ties to those clans—but that doesn't mean we have to do everything they say…"

"A sect should have its own backbone."

But even so, he still opened the "resume" in his hands—only to pause in surprise after just one glance.

The sect master looked up at the elder who handed it over.

"You didn't mess this up?"

This elder was tall and thin, from the same generation—three hundred years ago, they had both been disciples of Taixu Gate, once fellow juniors.

Both had started in the outer sect… and worked their way inward.

Both of them had entered the inner sect from the outer sect.

Now, he was the Sect Master, and that junior of his had become an elder—one of the elders he trusted most in all of Taixu Gate.

The elder gave a wry smile. "How could I joke about something like this?"

The Sect Master of Taixu Gate shook his head, clearly puzzled.

"What are the Shangguan and Wenren families thinking? Two major clans jointly recommending a rogue cultivator? That's strange…"

The elder replied, "It's said there's some favor owed."

"What kind of favor?"

The elder shook his head. "How would I know?"

The Sect Master considered for a moment and then nodded. "Repaying kindness is a virtue. Very well, accept it."

The elder asked, "You're not going to stall this a little?"

That, too, was a common practice.

"Stalling," in this context, meant delaying approval to express discontent—then using the situation as leverage to gain support from other elders on unrelated matters.

For example, if the Sect Master wanted to advance certain policies but faced resistance, he could trade this favor for support.

Or he could use it to ask for another favor from the Shangguan or Wenren clans.

Or even raise the price of the disciple's admission tribute…

Since this was a special-case entry, a little political bargaining was expected.

Wherever people gather, there will be politics. These kinds of negotiations were practically inevitable.

Compared to other sects, Taixu Gate was already far less scheming and cutthroat…

But the Sect Master shook his head.

"No need…"

He flipped through the resume again and sighed lightly.

"It's rare enough that these clans aren't using power for selfish gain but are instead repaying a debt. That's worth respecting…"

"And the child's a rogue cultivator, right? It's not easy for one of them to get this far. No need to raise the admission fee… treat him the same as the other disciples."

The elder nodded. "Alright."

The Sect Master flipped a few more pages, and suddenly paused when he saw the "Specialty" section.

It read: Skilled in Array Formations.

He was momentarily stunned and speechless.

After a long pause, he finally muttered in admiration:

"This is… truly fearless youth. Gotta admire the courage."

Even among disciples of the Shangguan or Wenren clans—or even direct disciples of Taixu Gate itself—very few dared to claim they were "skilled in array formations."

The elder chuckled. "Ah, this child—'ignorance is bliss,' as they say. Can't really fault him. Once he joins the sect, he'll understand… the path of formations isn't something so simple."

The Sect Master nodded lightly, then said, "Alright, have him come for admission in three days."

He glanced one last time at the resume.

The name written was: Mo Hua.

"Mo Hua…"

The Sect Master softly repeated it, then nodded and silently committed the name to memory.

"Quite a nice name, really…"

Everything afterward went smoothly.

Even Wenren Wan was a little surprised.

She had expected Taixu Gate to haggle or push back a bit, but things went surprisingly well.

Three days later, Mo Hua would officially enter the sect.

Wenren Wan breathed a sigh of relief—finally, it was settled.

Mo Hua, too, was delighted.

Though the journey had some bumps, he was finally going to join the sect.

Wenren Wan helped prepare Mo Hua's entrance—buying supplies and gear—and then, three days later, brought him to the base of Mount Taixu, where the sect was located.

Before parting ways, she reminded him of a few important things about the sect:

"Some disciples are arrogant—just ignore them as much as you can."

"If you get into trouble, don't be afraid. Tell an elder—and then have them come to the Shangguan clan to find me."

"If someone bullies you, don't fight back—you're all skin and bones, you won't win. Go to the elders. And if they don't help, I'll back you up."

"You have to learn how to protect yourself…"

Wenren Wan was genuinely worried.

Mo Hua was still so young, so obedient, pure, and kind—what if, after entering the sect, he was tricked, ostracized, mocked, or bullied? What if he suffered in silence with no one to defend him?

Just thinking about it made her heart ache.

Mo Hua, on the other hand, didn't think he'd be "bullied," but he still appreciated her concern.

He nodded firmly and said:

"Don't worry, Aunt Wan—I'll be careful and won't let anyone bully me!"

Seeing his confident expression—like someone who had never once been bullied—Wenren Wan couldn't help but chuckle and affectionately ruffled his hair.

Yu'er had also come to send him off. Her tiny face was full of reluctance as she quietly asked:

"Big Brother… can I come visit you sometime…?"

Mo Hua looked at Wenren Wan.

She smiled and nodded.

So Mo Hua said:

"If you come visit, I'll make you a mighty, majestic tiger!"

Yu'er's eyes lit up instantly, and she nodded like a pecking chicken:

"Mm! Mm! Mm!"

Soon after, a senior brother from Taixu Gate came down to escort Mo Hua.

"This is your Senior Brother Xu. He's also from the Shangguan clan but joined two years before you. Once you're in, if you have any questions, you can ask him."

Wenren Wan introduced them.

Mo Hua looked at the senior brother—he wore a black-and-white Dao robe embroidered with Taixu patterns, had a graceful demeanor, and a friendly smile. He seemed approachable, so Mo Hua cupped his hands and greeted:

"Senior Brother Xu."

Shangguan Xu returned the salute with a warm nod.

Then Wenren Wan took Yu'er's hand and left.

As they walked away, Yu'er kept looking back, reluctantly waving at Mo Hua.

After they left, Mo Hua followed Shangguan Xu up the mountain.

Mount Taixu was very tall.

The sect gate sat halfway up the mountain, so there was still a fair distance from the base to the entrance.

Shangguan Xu walked with steady steps, his cultivation deep. Mo Hua moved lightly and gracefully. After walking in silence for a bit, Mo Hua got bored and started chatting with him.

At first, Shangguan Xu was a bit reserved, but seeing how cheerful, sincere, and friendly Mo Hua was, he couldn't help but like him.

After all, once Mo Hua joined, he would be a fellow disciple—even if only an outer sect one.

So Shangguan Xu answered all his questions patiently and thoroughly.

Once they were comfortable with each other, Mo Hua's chatter started flowing like a river:

"Senior Brother Xu, are the sect rules strict?"

"If I break them, will I be expelled?"

"If not expelled, will I be grounded? Or punished with gate-guarding or sweeping duties?"

"Senior Brother Xu, if someone—accidentally, coincidentally, inadvertently—happens to secretly learn something… would that break sect rules?"

"Not that I'm planning to do that! Just asking…"

"Also, what does the Sect Master look like? Do the elders have bad tempers?"

...

These questions left Shangguan Xu both amused and helpless, but he still answered each one patiently:

"Don't worry, the rules in Taixu Gate are relatively relaxed…"

"Unlike the Four Great Sects…"

"In those sects, every movement of a disciple—from how they walk and sit to when they wake and sleep—is strictly regulated. Everything must follow proper etiquette; even delays in rising or retiring are not tolerated."

"Whatever the elders teach, you must learn. If you perform poorly, you'll be reprimanded—or even pressured to voluntarily withdraw from the sect."

"They also have frequent evaluations…"

"Do well, and you get privileges. Do poorly, and you'll face cold treatment."

"Cultivation, formation arts, weapon refinement, pill alchemy, talisman crafting—everything is tested, and there's no room for sloppiness. The rules are incredibly strict."

"There are small tests every ten days, major tests every month, and rankings based on performance. Disciples are ranked into tiers—first, second, third…"

"So if you're in the Four Great Sects, you have to stay motivated."

Mo Hua's scalp tingled.

"That intense?!"

Shangguan Xu nodded.

"That's why they're considered the Four Great Sects. They demand excellence in everything. The disciples they train really are the cream of the crop…"

He sighed, admiration and a touch of envy in his voice, then continued more casually:

"Of course, things are a lot more relaxed in Taixu Gate…"

"We have a decent amount of teachings. You can study whatever you want, and even if you're not that great at it, it's okay—nobody will scold you too harshly. Even if you score a D, it's fine…"

"That said, you'll still need to pass the course or win over the elders. If you really piss them off, that's a different story…"

"As for cultivation methods…"

"Aside from the true core techniques of the sect, most other methods are accessible even to outer sect disciples. After all, we're a place of teaching—there's not too much gatekeeping or elitism…"

"Whatever you manage to learn is your own ability."

"Of course, the sect's secret techniques are still off-limits…"

"There also aren't too many strict rules about your daily routine. As long as you attend classes and turn in your assignments on time, your free time is pretty flexible. The sect won't micromanage you."

"Self-motivated, choose what to learn, and if you're bad at it—no big deal."

In other words: you can coast.

Mo Hua nodded, eyes sparkling.

He realized—Taixu Gate was the perfect place for him!

Shangguan Xu added:

"As for the Sect Master—you'll see him in a few days at the entrance ceremony. He's just… well, like a Sect Master, really. Pretty easy-going."

"He's very chill, and really into health and longevity…"

"The elders are another matter… there's all kinds."

"Some are easy to get along with, others… not so much."

"In your cohort, let me think…"

He furrowed his brows in thought, then said:

"There's this one old elder who teaches formations—been around forever and never retired. He's a real oddball. Very strict, extremely picky, won't tolerate even a speck of sloppiness."

Shangguan Xu looked at Mo Hua and sighed:

"You're a little unlucky. Better be careful…"

"Oh…"

Mo Hua nodded, but deep down he was curious—who exactly was this "old elder"…?

Shangguan Xu was about to say more when he looked up—and realized that while chatting, they had already reached the mountainside, where Taixu Gate's main entrance stood.

Mo Hua looked up too and saw a simple yet profound mountain gate.

The threshold wasn't high.

Above the gate hung a stone plaque, engraved with three bold, ancient characters full of Daoist rhythm and subtle majesty:

太虛門 (Taixu Gate)

The characters were like blades and swords—fused seamlessly into the stone. They appeared humble at first glance, yet within hid a sharp and overwhelming sword intent.

It was likely the work of some transcendent sword cultivator who had achieved the state of "returning to simplicity."

Just one glance, and Mo Hua found himself mesmerized.

Though he didn't study sword arts or cultivate sword qi, his divine sense vaguely felt the ethereal and boundless sword intent—as if soaring freely in the void.

"Taixu Divine Thought Sword Manifestation True Art…"

Mo Hua murmured inwardly.

"Junior Brother?"

Shangguan Xu noticed Mo Hua spacing out and looked at him, puzzled.

Mo Hua snapped out of it and asked:

"Senior Brother Xu, those three characters…"

Shangguan Xu looked up.

"Oh, those? They've been there since the sect was founded. Probably written by one of the old patriarchs—super ancient."

Then he glanced at the sky and said:

"It's getting late. Let's head in. You've just joined the sect, and there's still a bunch of things to handle."

"Mm."

Mo Hua nodded and followed Shangguan Xu across the threshold—stepping into Taixu Gate.

But as Mo Hua crossed that threshold, he didn't notice that the characters for "Taixu Gate" above the entrance began to glow faintly, trembling ever so slightly—radiating a hidden sword intent.

Then the nearby clouds and mist gathered around the gate, bathed in that sword intent, and turned into refined wisps of smoke, slowly rising into the sky.

This strand of sword intent was both extremely pure and extremely subtle.

The refined smoke shone with the color of mastery—yet blended perfectly with the surrounding mist.

Most of the disciples and elders of Taixu Gate didn't notice anything.

But in a chamber far away, the Sect Master of Taixu Gate, who had been meditating, suddenly opened his eyes wide.

In a flash, he moved outside, and through the towering peaks and the Daoist courtyard of Taixu, he looked toward the mountain gate—where he saw that rising wisp of pure smoke.

The Sect Master stared for a long while, utterly stunned, and muttered in disbelief:

"My Taixu Gate's mountain gate… actually let out blue smoke?!"

(End of Chapter)