At this point, the propositions are complete.
Master Wen checked everything from beginning to end once more, then sealed all the "propositions" with a sealing pattern.
The creation of the propositions for the Array Discussion Conference was thus concluded.
Everyone was overjoyed.
"Finally it’s all done..."
"Time to take a break."
"Tomorrow is the final session of the Taoist Conference, after that, this event will conclude."
"Formations are indeed the most reliable, either you know it or you don’t."
"Tomorrow, as long as everything goes smoothly in the competition, everything will be settled, and there’s no need to be anxious anymore."
"Actually, things are pretty much done now anyway."
Everyone chatted while they headed outside.
As the chief examiner, Master Wen said: "Thank you all for your hard work. I brought some wines from Taoist State and also arranged a table of superior spiritual meals. I invite all of you to enjoy these fine wines and dishes to relieve your fatigue."
Though it was his first time as the chief examiner, he understood the importance of social etiquette.
And no one present would disregard the prestige of the Formation Master of Heaven Shu Pavilion.
During ordinary times, they wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get acquainted with Master Wen.
Moreover, after a busy day, having some drinks to relax was more than welcome.
Everyone cupped their fists and said:
"Master Wen, you’re too kind."
"This is excellent, thank you for your efforts, Master Wen."
"To be respectful is better than to comply."
"Master Wen’s graciousness is something to be eagerly accepted..."
Consequently, Master Wen called for someone to set up wine and a feast in the side hall, where everyone exchanged cups and discussed Formation insights and anecdotes.
After the banquet, everyone returned to their rooms to rest.
The night was tranquil, and the moonlight serene.
Everyone slept soundly, unaware of what they would experience the next day...
After a night passed, the next day, just before dawn.
A streak of fish-white light shone into Taixu Mountain.
In the Disciple’s Residence, Mo Hua, who had practiced Formation painting all night as usual, opened his eyes, reflecting the brilliance of the morning glow.
Today is the day of the Taoist Conference.
And he must set out to participate in the formation competition.
Before departing, he specially went to the Elder’s Residence to visit Elder Master Xun and asked for advice:
"Elder Master, is there anything in particular I should pay attention to?"
"There’s no need." Elder Master Xun replied.
At this point, there’s really nothing more to be concerned about.
However, Mo Hua felt somewhat nervous inside.
After all, it’s such a large-scale Array Discussion Conference, and it’s his first time participating, so naturally, some apprehension would remain.
Seeing this, Elder Master Xun said: "Just keep your composure, don’t be overly complacent with victory or saddened by defeat, show some maturity, and don’t worry too much about other aspects, just focus on the formation painting."
"Just focus on formation painting?"
"Yes," Elder Master Xun nodded, "Just keep painting to the end."
Mo Hua pondered for a moment, then nodded, "Alright, Elder Master, I understand."
"Go now." Elder Master Xun said.
"Yes." Mo Hua bowed before departing.
Elder Master Xun watched Mo Hua’s departing figure, a gleam emerging from his clouded eyes.
This day has finally come...
Mo Hua left Taixu Gate and headed directly toward Mount of Tao.
This was also Elder Master Xun’s instruction, to let him go quietly by himself.
Upon reaching Mount of Tao, a grand spectacle met his eyes, with people as numerous as tidewaters and horses like Wandering Dragons.
Many cultivators were gathered at Mount of Tao, making it a grand affair.
Yet, compared to the Sword Discussion Conference, this scene was considered somewhat smaller.
The Sword Discussion Conference is all about real sword fighting and magic battles, with blade winds, sword rain, fire and water spells, superior Taoist skills, clashes of power, and thrilling encounters.
It is exceedingly entertaining.
No matter one’s level of cultivation, whether watching for the spectacle or seeking to understand deeper meanings, everyone finds it enjoyable.
However, the Taoist Conference events like Dan, Array, and Talisman are different, often perceived as dull if one doesn’t understand the nuances, failing to capture any excitement.
Especially formations.
Formations are obscure and profound.
Most cultivators who don’t understand formations get headaches in the face of abstract patterns, and watching cultivators draw formations seems extremely tedious to them.
Yet here at Qian Learning State Boundary, the heritage runs deep, and disciples between sects have some understanding of formations.
And this is the final session of the Taoist Conference, affecting the sect’s position, hence it bears significant importance.
Thus, many cultivators came to watch, but they were initially blocked from entering.
They couldn’t enter immediately.
The disciples participating in the Array Discussion Conference were prioritized to enter Mount of Tao.
Mo Hua was among these disciples.
In his hand was the Debating Jade Slip given by Elder Master Xun, representing a spot in the Array Discussion.
Moreover, it was a direct invitation bypassing qualifying trials.
This spot was quite precious.
Since the Array Discussion Conference tends to be dull and not greatly entertaining, the process was streamlined for this iteration.
Various selection criteria were prepared beforehand.
Selections involved multiple thresholds, such as cultivation level, formation master’s assessment, elder’s recommendation, preliminary assessments, etc.
To ensure that those participating were elite members from each sect.
Mo Hua’s "spot" allowed him to skip these tedious processes and directly participate in the final "formation grand examination."
This spot was limited to only a few for each sect.
The lower-ranked sects might not have any at all. Orıginal content can be found at 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍
Mo Hua grasped this weighty Jade Slip and entered Mount of Tao with the crowd.
At the entrance stood elders conducting checks, passing only after confirming all was correct.
The long queue moved solemnly and quietly forward.
When Mo Hua’s turn came, he stepped forward and handed the Debating Jade Slip to the verifying elder.
The elder hesitated visibly upon seeing Mo Hua, suspiciously taking the Jade Slip, verifying it multiple times, even calling for further checking, still somewhat perplexed.
Ultimately shaking his head, he allowed Mo Hua to pass, though internally he couldn’t help but grumble:
"What is Taixu Gate doing, completely giving up? Just throwing any disciple into the Taoist Conference..."
Mo Hua, however, didn’t think much of it, wore a calm expression, and walked into Mount of Tao.
Two hours later, all the disciples participating in the Array Discussion Conference had entered the Taoist Field.
Only then did the gates of Dao Mountain fully open.
The families and sect officials who came to observe, along with cultivators and disciples from various sects, densely packed like tidewaters, began entering Mount of Tao in droves.