The Quest for Immortality

At this moment, higher up on the Mount of Tao.

A peak and a pavilion towered into the clouds, like two swords pointing to the sky, standing opposite each other against the majestic Mount of Tao.

This peak is called Xuantian Peak.

This pavilion is called the Sword Observation Tower.

Xuantian Peak is the highest peak of the Mount of Tao, with an overwhelming presence, serving as the ultimate battleground for the ”Heaven” phase of the Sword Discussion Conference.

After enduring the fierce battles of the ”Earth” phase, the successful Qianxue’s Genius will gather at the top of Xuantian Peak to compete against the true stars of the heavens in the final showdown.

To earn the highest honor for their Sect.

And to forge a more glorious path in the Dao for themselves.

Opposite Xuantian Peak stands an ancient, stately high-rise building, steep as a sword, reaching into the clouds.

This is the Sword Observation Tower.

The highest place to witness the Qianxue Debate.

Outside the Sword Observation Tower, there are Concealment Formations, and its structure is inscribed with various High-Rank Fog Formations, making the tower blend into the clouds and impossible to be seen by ordinary people.

Even most cultivators are unaware of the existence of the Sword Observation Tower on the Mount of Tao.

This towering Sword Observation Tower is meant for some truly honorable and prestigious ”distinguished guests” to watch the Qianxue Debate.

From high above the tower, among the clouds, one could overlook the vast Hong Land painting and countless cultivators like ants.

Entering this tower means either power or nobility.

Cultivators of each Sect and aristocratic families, Heaven Void Ancestors, Feather Transformation Sect Leaders, or Fifth-grade Family Heads.

Fifth-grade Court Leaders of the Taoist Court.

Leaders of some powerful Tao cultivation forces in the Nine State.

And, from some truly ancient aristocratic families in the Taoist State, the core direct lineage.

Feather Transformation Realm Supervisors of the Taoist Court, Demon Suppression Department Directors.

And even the Supervisors from the Seven Pavilions power center, or even the elusive Pavilion Elders.

These are figures that ordinary cultivators cannot come into contact with in their lifetime.

Inside the Sword Observation Tower, there is also a strict hierarchy.

Although all are distinguished guests, they are divided into different ranks.

Everyone can only occupy a position that matches their status.

Moreover, all rooms in the Sword Observation Tower are sealed and equipped with dedicated Fifth-grade Void Transmission Formations, allowing them to enter and exit the tower unknown to others.

People outside cannot see the Sword Observation Tower or know about these people high in the clouds.

Even those who’ve climbed the Sword Observation Tower are confined to their rooms.

They also don’t know who else is watching the battle within the entire Sword Observation Tower.

Above them might be the heir of an ancient family.

Or a Chief Elder of a Sixth-grade aristocratic family.

Or a Supervisor from the Seven Pavilions, even an influential Pavilion Elder.

It’s even possible that the Dao Court Emperor’s family is here to watch; it’s not out of the question...

Of course, it’s also possible that no one is there at all.

Those truly noble figures nearing the pinnacle of the Nine State’s power, may not all come to watch the sword discussion.

Even if they do, they may not have the time to watch every sword discussion.

After all, it’s not yet the ”Heaven” phase of the sword discussion, and the truly exciting grand battle has yet to begin.

And at this time, in the middle section of the Sword Observation Tower.

The Sect Leaders of Tai’a, Chongxu, and the Taixu Three Mountains have gathered together, watching the contest over tea.

The Sword Discussion Conference concerns Sect rankings, affects the allocation of the Qianlong Spirit Mine, and involves Sect reforms. They are Sect Leaders, so they cannot ignore it.

Previously, they wouldn’t attend every match.

Usually, one would come today, two tomorrow, sometimes none would come.

After all, Sect Leaders are also very busy.

But as the sword discussion has progressed, they have grown somewhat anxious in their hearts.

Ranked fifth in the sword discussion.

This ranking is delicate. .

One step forward would enter the Four Great Sects.

Remaining unchanged still makes them first among the Eight Great Gates.

But even a slight step backward, their position among the Four Great Sects and as the leading Eight Great Gate would be lost.

Moreover, the current sword discussion is as difficult as rowing against the current; any retreat makes it extremely challenging to advance again.

With their responsibility, they strategize accordingly.

As Sect Leaders with many years of experience, they know the importance of Sect rankings better than anyone.

Sect Leaders of the Four Great Sects.

Sect Leader of the head of the Eight Great Gates.

Ordinary Sect Leaders of the Eight Great Gates.

The differences among these are substantial.

Moreover, these three options are nearly all ”a step away.”

A step forward means joining the Four Great Sects.

Maintaining the position means leading the Eight Great Gates.

A step backward means becoming an ordinary member of the Eight Great Gates.

Practically every step is a world apart.

Faced with this situation, this opportunity where immense wealth is just a step away, even immortals can’t remain calm.

As Sect Leaders, the three have deep ambitions, showing no trace of emotion on their faces.

But in their hearts, they’re tormented by the loss and gain of benefits just one step away, losing sleep over it long ago.

But at this point, there’s nothing more they can do to help.

All they can depend on now is for these young disciples to fight for themselves.

Whatever outcome they achieve, the Leaders must accept it.

Even if they lose, they cannot blame the disciples.

Because these young ones have already tried their best and performed excellently, even better than they anticipated...

But that said, they are still desperately eager for the Taixu Gate to win.

They say nothing with their mouths, nor do they dare to pressure Mo Hua and the others.

But in their hearts, they truly yearn for Mo Hua and the other disciples to win more than anyone else.

No matter how, as long as they can win, it’s good enough.

Winning might preserve their current position, and even provide a chance to advance, climbing from fifth to fourth.