The Quest for Immortality

Qianxue State Boundary, a sacred place for sects.

The entire state has been illuminated and bustling with traffic, a scene of prosperity and splendor since a month ago.

Spirit horses line up like a long dragon, rare beasts pull carriages, canopies cover the ground, and sedan chairs are as abundant as clouds.

Huge cloud ferries, which swallow clouds and exhale mist, ride the wind veins, coming from afar, docking at the ferry port of Qianxue State Boundary.

On the cloud ferries, cultivators disembark one after another, looking up to the sky, marveling at the mountains and rivers stretching out before them, and the flourishing learning spirit of Qianxue’s grand scene.

Crowds of cultivators gather at Qianxue State Boundary, along different roads, coming together like rivers flowing into the sea, forming a grand spectacle.

Cultivators from different state boundaries, different forces, with various identities, whether for studying, traveling, seeking Dao or visiting friends, or broadening their horizons, all gather here to attend this grand Qianxue debate, witnessing the elegance of the Nine State’s heavenly pride disciples.

Due to the large number of cultivators, the ”no fly” restriction at Qianxue State Boundary is even lifted exceptionally.

Occasionally, cloud ships and spirit boats fly across the white sky, with splendid trails of clouds, docking at the residence of each sect and aristocratic family.

There are even occasions when Feathered Immortals, their spiritual power transforming into feathers, ride clouds and tread the air, flying alone on the edge of the sky, gracefully like banished immortals.

Feather Transformation Realm is a high-level realm for cultivators.

In some medium and small state boundaries, it is a rare sight in centuries.

Some cultivators have never seen a True Man in their entire life.

But now at Qianxue State Boundary, just by looking up, one can see Feathered Ascension soaring into the sky, truly astounding many cultivators.

Coming from medium and small state boundaries, they pride themselves on their knowledge, but upon entering Qianxue State Boundary, witnessing the surrounding sights, they truly feel an extraordinary, ”ascension” like experience into the celestial realm.

And Mount of Tao, located at the center of the entire Qianxue State Boundary, is the focal point of this grand event.

At this moment, the front of Mount of Tao is packed.

Disciples from various sects, wearing their own sect’s Taoist robes, gather here.

Looking down from above, the heavenly pride disciples cover the mountains and plains like hills and seas, but each sect’s uniform Taoist robe forms a vast, colorful, yet orderly and beautiful silk tapestry.

The Taixu Gate’s lineup is also among them.

In a black and white Taoist robe, with a straight posture and gentle elegance, Elder Xun Zixian stands at the forefront of the lineup.

At this moment, he speaks slowly to the disciples of Taixu Gate:

”Three days later, the Sword Discussion will begin. Before that, I will take you to familiarize yourselves with the venue and explain the specific rules to you.”

The disciples, with solemn expressions and a slight tinge of nervousness, cupped their hands and said, ”Yes.”

Elder Xun Zixian glanced to his right, seeing Mo Hua in a pristine Taixu Taoist robe, graceful and elegant, obediently following beside him, nodded slightly.

This was the instruction from the ancestor.

When Mo Hua is out, the elder accompanying him must ensure his safety.

At the Sword Discussion Conference, with so many cultivators, a mix of good and bad.

Although logically, no one would dare cause trouble, just in case, Mo Hua must be watched over carefully.

Xun Zixian glanced at Mo Hua again, then turned and said, ”Follow me.”

Then Xun Zixian led the way, guiding the Taixu Gate disciples along the mountain path, one by one entering Mount of Tao.

Inside Mount of Tao, it was filled with disciples from various sects, people everywhere.

This is the inner venue of the Sword Discussion.

The mountain stretches widely, with complex terrain.

The Sword Discussion arenas, each with different terrains, stand one after another.

Above, the light of the fifth-grade large formation forms a barrier, grand and magnificent.

Everyone walked while observing, inevitably marveling in their hearts.

Previously, they had only viewed the Mount of Sword Discussion from the ”audience seats,” never entered the inner venue, never felt this magnificent and solemn atmosphere.

Previously, they did not need to go on stage themselves, so the feeling was naturally different.

Xun Zixian explained to the disciples as he walked:

”Ahead is the Sword Discussion Taoist Field. Three days later, you will draw lots, arrange matches, and then engage with other sect’s disciples in this arena, competing with your cultivation and Taoist skills...”

”Nine years of cultivation, only this one chance at the Sword Discussion.”

”The Sword Discussion tournament is divided into ’Heaven, Earth, Mysterious, Yellow’ tiers, four different battle leagues.”

”You will first participate in the ’Yellow’ tier league.”

”Each victory accumulates a winning streak, also adding a victory point for the sect. Winning a certain number of matches leads to the ’Mysterious’ tier league.”

”It’s not necessary to win all to advance, there is room for mistakes, but don’t lose too much either.”

”Overall, it mostly depends on strength, but also a bit on luck.”

His voice was gentle, but with the help of spiritual power amplification, it reached the ears of thousands of disciples.

Xun Zixian paused, then continued to explain:

”The format of the battles also varies...”

”The ’Yellow’ tier league is a basic league, for preliminary selection, the format is relatively simple, mostly straightforward ’decisive battles.’”

”Defeating all five disciples of the opposing side within a certain time grants victory. Or, when time is up, the side with more disciples on the field wins.”

”In the ’Mysterious’ tier league, the rules are different, the battles will be more complicated, not just simple fights.”

”It includes the basic ’decisive battles,’ as well as ’survival battles,’ ’demon hunting games,’ ’decapitation games,’ ’defend city games,’ ’attack city games,’ etc...”

”Tactics are ever-changing, and the conditions for victory are varied. Winning is also more challenging...”

...

Xun Zixian patiently explained.

”Elder Zixian,” Mo Hua asked curiously, ”these formats seem like those of Taoist Soldier battles.”

Xun Zixian nodded, ”This is indeed modeled after Taoist Soldier warfare, and the rules for the Sword Discussion were set.”

Combat between cultivators is not more thrilling, complex, or ever-changing, nor better at tempering one’s character than Taoist Soldier warfare.