Asking about longevity

Grand Elder Zhang turned his head and glared coldly.

The blue-robed cultivator immediately felt his scalp tingle, flicked his sleeves, stood up, and cupped his hands in apology, "This junior was rude."

Elder Feng smiled kindly.

Grand Elder Zhang said, "The younger generation is unruly, please don't blame them, Elder."

"It's alright..." Elder Feng waved his hand, sized up the blue-robed cultivator, and asked, "This one is..."

The blue-robed cultivator bowed and said, "Junior, Zhang Lan."

"Zhang Lan..."

Elder Feng pondered, seeing him in blue robes, with an extraordinary appearance, a carefree yet steady demeanor, and already possessing a Golden Core cultivation at a young age, he was immediately amazed and praised,

"The person is as his name suggests, talented and handsome, with the ambition of the vast ocean. The Zhang family truly produces talents in abundance..."

Grand Elder Zhang waved his hand, "Brother Feng, you're too kind. This kid has always been undisciplined and never behaves properly anywhere."

Of course, he said this, but a hint of gratification still showed in his eyes.

He had watched Zhang Lan grow up.

Previously, he only felt that this kid was lazy, acted inappropriately, and was indecisive in his actions, making it difficult for him to achieve great things.

But after going out to gain experience, he didn't know what he had experienced, but he became much more stable, able to calm down and cultivate, and his cultivation improved rapidly. He had not wasted his outstanding talent.

Elder Feng poured tea for Grand Elder Zhang.

The page also respectfully stepped forward and refilled a cup for Zhang Lan.

"Drink tea," Elder Feng said, making a "please" gesture.

Grand Elder Zhang nodded, "Thank you for your trouble."

After that, the two elders continued to chat, discussing the changes in the sect, past friendships, the customs of Qianxue, the origins of geniuses, and so on.

The other members of the Zhang family stood aside, listening quietly.

Zhang Lan also lowered his eyes and listened respectfully, but his heart couldn't help but stir.

Mo Hua?

He didn't hear wrong, did he?

The Qianxue genius, the array Dao leader, that Elder Feng just mentioned, is... Mo Hua?

Zhang Lan found it unbelievable.

Is this the... Mo Hua he knows?

This is the Qianxue Great State Boundary of the fifth rank, a place where aristocratic families gather, sects are numerous, high-grade items are as common as dogs, and geniuses walk all over the place... and he can make a name for himself here?

And not just any name, mid-Foundation Establishment, peak nineteen-stripe divine sense, overpowering the four major sects, winning the array Dao leader...

This is too outrageous, even storytellers wouldn't dare to write it like this...

Zhang Lan frowned, and couldn't help but ponder in his heart:

"Same name and surname?"

"This Mo Hua is not the Mo Hua I know?"

But that's not quite right...

How could it be such a coincidence that he would encounter two 'Mo Hua'.

Moreover, Elder Feng also said that this "Mo Hua" has a strong divine sense, is good at spells, and can also conceal himself...

This is clearly Mo Hua that kid, and a "high-end", no, a "top-end" version of Mo Hua.

But to say that these two Mo Hua are the same person...

Zhang Lan still couldn't quite believe it.

Moreover, the more he thought about it, the more unbelievable it seemed.

"Find a chance to see... if it's really that child Mo Hua..."

Zhang Lan said silently in his heart.

On the other side, Grand Elder Zhang and Elder Feng were still chatting.

Therefore, old friends meet, and after a series of greetings, it is inevitable that there will be more words.

Gradually, the unfamiliarity of many years disappeared, and the tone of the two became more enthusiastic.

Elder Feng sighed with emotion about the past:

"The Feng family and the Zhang family have been friends for generations. You and I studied together in Qianxue back then, had similar interests, and the days of forming our Golden Cores were also similar. Now, Brother Dao has already ascended and become a Real Person, but this old bone of mine is still stuck in the late stage of Golden Core, I am truly ashamed..."

Grand Elder Zhang shook his head: "Brother Feng, you're too serious..."

"The operation of Heaven has its constant, fullness and emptiness have their numbers, misfortune and fortune have their appointed times. The path of cultivation in a person's life is unpredictable, and no one can say for sure whether it is smooth or reversed."

"All we can do is to do good deeds and not ask about the future."

"When the time for cultivation arrives, it will naturally be completed. If the time is not right, then go back to cultivation. Live to old age, cultivate to old age, and let the rest take its course."

"Whether it is success or failure, fortune or misfortune, none of it is within our control..."

Elder Feng savored these words for a long time, his mind gradually calmed down, and he nodded:

"Brother Dao is right, I was impetuous..."

The two then talked about some cultivation experiences.

Grand Elder Zhang told all his experiences of ascending, knowing everything and saying everything.

Elder Feng listened attentively and benefited a lot.

Unknowingly, the night grew deeper, and Elder Feng realized this, with an apologetic expression:

"I'm getting old, and once I start nagging, there's no end. I almost forgot that Brother Dao has traveled all the way and should rest earlier."

"For cultivators, this little fatigue is nothing," Grand Elder Zhang said.

But even if he said that, it was impossible for Elder Feng to really be so tactless.

"The cave dwellings have been prepared, everyone can rest for now."

"Tomorrow at Weishi, I will take you to the Sword Debate Assembly to observe and see the grand event of Qianxue and the demeanor of the geniuses..."

Grand Elder Zhang nodded, "Thank you."

After that, the page led everyone to rest.

The members of the Zhang family bowed and thanked Elder Feng.

They were indeed very tired from traveling for too long, so they fell asleep as soon as they touched the bed.

Zhang Lan was originally also very sleepy, but now that he heard the words "Mo Hua", he lay on the bed, thinking about it, tossing and turning, and couldn't fall asleep.

And so, until he got up the next day, Zhang Lan still had a look of laziness and fatigue.

If it were on a normal day, Grand Elder Zhang would inevitably lecture him.

Telling him that cultivator cultivation is cultivating flesh and blood, is spiritual power, but also essence, qi, and spirit.

If the spirit is not fixed, the qi is still restless, if you don't know how to nourish life and nature, how can you wholeheartedly ask questions?

But considering that this was a guest at the Feng family, and that it was indeed a long journey, Grand Elder Zhang said nothing more.

Moreover, today, there is an important matter.

They are going to the Sword Debate to observe.

Elder Feng specially prepared a table of spiritual delicacies and fine wine to treat Grand Elder Zhang and a group of Zhang family disciples, as a welcome wash of dust.

After that, everyone went to Mount Lun Dao.

Along the way, there were carriages and horses, and Elder Feng told everyone about the famous scenic spots and magnificent mountain courtyards of Qianxue State.

Escape lights rose in the sky, and occasionally ascensions soared into the air, stirring up the sea of clouds.

The Zhang family disciples were shocked.

Even Grand Elder Zhang sighed with emotion:

"Our Zhang family is a fourth-rank aristocratic family. Within Canglan State, we are the only dominant family. There are no less than ten Real Persons in the clan. Speaking of which, we are also a giant."

"But coming to this Qianxue State where ascensions fill the sky, compared with these aristocratic families with bells and tripods, we are really a small witch seeing a great witch."

"Brother Dao doesn't need to be too modest..." Elder Feng shook his head and said, "Qianxue State is, after all, a rare great state. Even among the fifth-rank states, it is one of the best."

"What's more, as the saying goes, a strong dragon does not suppress a local snake."

"Within Qianxue State, no matter how many aristocratic families there are, no matter how strong they are, they are only limited to this world."

"Unlike the Zhang family, who dominates one side."

There are many fourth- and fifth-rank aristocratic families in Qianxue State.

But when there are too many of anything, it is easy to become worthless.

Many ordinary fifth-rank aristocratic families in Qianxue State, in terms of power and influence, may not even be comparable to those fourth-rank aristocratic families that are located in a corner of Kyushu and suppress one side, with a long inheritance.

The sky is high and the emperor is far away, and the land is far away and the power is heavy.

That's the principle.

Therefore, although the Zhang family is of the fourth rank, it is not considered a strong dragon, but it is a powerful "local snake", and it is also the only one that dominates one side.

Arriving in Qianxue State, the Zhang family may not be anything.

But if you arrive in the Zhang family's territory in Kan State, then the Zhang family's orders may really be better than the Dao Court's official documents.

The cultivation world is vast, and having more friends means more paths.

Even if Elder Feng and Grand Elder Zhang had no personal relationship, they would not dare to easily neglect the Zhang family.

Moreover, the Zhang family is located in a fourth-rank state, and there is a limit to the state.

Within the fourth-rank state, the Zhang family has no Void Refinement.

But that doesn't mean that there are no Zhang family Void Refinement ancestors in seclusion in other fifth-rank states, in various clan forces, famous mountains and great rivers.

It's just that the Zhang family is low-key and has never revealed it.

The two exchanged a few more pleasantries on the way, talking about the grand occasion of Qianxue. An hour later, they entered Mount Lun Dao.

At this time, Mount Lun Dao was full of cultivators.

The voices of the people were boiling and noisy. Stepping into the mountain was like being in a sea of people, which was shocking.

"Brother Zhang, please follow me."

Elder Feng led the way in front, and Grand Elder Zhang followed with everyone.

"Speaking of which, it's also a coincidence..." Elder Feng said as he walked, with a proud expression, "Today, the Xiaoyao Sect also has my Feng family disciples participating in the Sword Debate. He is still the best spiritual root and the highest comprehension of the Feng family in this generation."

"And his opponent is the Taixu Sect, one of the eight major sects. In the Taixu Sect, there is the sword Dao genius Linghu Xiao, and then... the array Dao leader I mentioned earlier, who likes to play with low-level spells and has talent but no virtue, Mo Hua."

"Oh?" Grand Elder Zhang's eyes lit up slightly, and he nodded, "If that's the case, then this trip is indeed worthwhile."

After speaking, he turned his head and warned a group of Zhang family disciples:

“I brought you all to the Qianxue Prefecture border to let you witness the Sword Debate Assembly and see what a true clash of geniuses looks like.”

“You might be considered somewhat talented within the clan, but when placed in this vast Nine Provinces, this flourishing land of Qianxue, your little bit of talent is like a firefly in broad daylight, hardly worth mentioning.”

“There is always someone better, and the sky is the limit.”

“You must always be humble, watch carefully, and learn diligently.”

These words were mainly directed towards the few Foundation Establishment disciples with exceptional talent in the Zhang family's younger generation.

Zhang Lan, at the Golden Core realm, was not originally included.

However, when the Great Elder Zhang spoke, he glanced at Zhang Lan out of the corner of his eye, clearly hinting and reminding him as well.

“Yes, Great Elder.”

The Zhang family disciples replied in unison, cupping their hands.

Zhang Lan had a complex expression and could only cup his hands along with the others.

However, upon hearing that the Feng family's genius was going to have a sword debate with that 'Mo Hua,' a sudden expectation arose in Zhang Lan's heart, along with a strange sense of nervousness.

The viewing platform for the Qianxue Sword Debate was layered and immense.

At this moment, the viewing platform was filled with cultivators.

Different cultivators had different viewing areas.

There were areas for visiting cultivators, visiting families and sects, local Qianxue cultivators, local families, elders from various Qianxue sects, sect disciples, and even special VIP seats in the high pavilions, each with its own designated area.

The crowd was vast, but clearly divided.

The Feng family was a Xun Province family and considered a visiting family, but they had close ties with the Xiaoyao Sect, sharing cultivation methods and even exchanging resources. Based on this relationship, the Feng family had specific viewing seats on the Sword Debate Mountain.

Elder Feng led Great Elder Zhang and his group to the Feng family's seats, and everyone sat down in turn.

Elder Feng then ordered people to serve fruits, tea, and water, providing thorough hospitality.

Great Elder Zhang expressed his thanks, and then everyone sat peacefully, sipping tea and waiting for the sword debate to begin.

After a few rounds of tea, a flash of light suddenly appeared in the sky.

The Halberd of Painted Shadows stretched across the sky and earth, like a huge colored ink painting slowly unfolding before everyone.

The Zhang family members looked up, deeply shocked.

Such a massive spiritual artifact was truly a sight to behold.

After a while, various colors of watercolor gathered on the Halberd of Painted Shadows, revealing the landscape and the figures of the geniuses.

“It's starting…”

Elder Feng said.

On the Halberd of Painted Shadows, the situation suddenly changed drastically. Disciples from various sects, according to different competition formats, fought and killed each other, debating with swords and vying for supremacy. Sword lights intertwined, spells crisscrossed, and some cultivators even engaged in hand-to-hand combat, causing the earth to shatter…

Different sects, different inheritances, different Dao techniques, all kinds of geniuses, jointly created a splendid and colorful scroll of sword debate.

The Zhang family members watched with rapt attention, marveling at the spectacle.

Great Elder Zhang couldn't help but sigh, “Qianxue Prefecture is indeed a place where talents emerge in large numbers…”

Elder Feng also nodded and said:

“This is the Xuan-level Sword Debate. The sect disciples who can advance to this level of competition are no longer unknown figures. Within their respective sects, they are considered 'mainstays'.”

“But these are just appetizers. The next match is the real highlight.”

“Xiaoyao Sect versus Taixu Sect.”

“The most talented disciple of our Feng family will compete with the genius of the Taixu Sect.”

Elder Feng said with satisfaction.

Great Elder Zhang nodded, his expression becoming more and more expectant.

Zhang Lan, sitting behind him, unknowingly became even more nervous.

After that, the sword debate continued.

Great Elder Zhang and Elder Feng continued to chat.

But Zhang Lan had no intention of listening, staring at the huge Halberd of Painted Shadows, waiting for that disciple to appear and confirm his guess.

After waiting for an unknown amount of time, the sword debates on the Halberd of Painted Shadows gradually came to an end.

The disciples who debated also withdrew one by one.

Finally, the Halberd of Painted Shadows became blurred, the colored ink smeared, and then the picture reappeared, presenting another batch of sword debate matches.

It also presented the figures of another batch of sect geniuses.

Elder Feng, with a proud expression, pointed to a picture in the center:

“Daoist brother, among the Xiaoyao Sect disciples dressed in white, the one at the head is our Feng family's genius, Feng Zichen.”

Great Elder Zhang followed his finger and saw a young man in white, standing with his sword, as elegant as the wind. His sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes were full of youthful heroism and high spirits.

“A handsome young man, outstanding and extraordinary,” Great Elder Zhang praised sincerely.

Elder Feng felt honored and said with a smile while humbly saying, “Daoist brother, you flatter me.”

While the two were praising the Feng family genius from the Xiaoyao Sect.

Zhang Lan's gaze was attracted to the other side, as if drawn by a magnet.

He looked towards the opposite side of the Xiaoyao Sect, to the Taixu Sect's ranks, to the short, but unfamiliar and familiar young face standing in the center of the five, protected by his fellow disciples…

His eyebrows were like paintings, delicate and untouched by dust.

His eyes were like deep pools, bright and profound.

His temperament was kind and lovely, revealing a bit of composure, a bit of calmness, and some cleverness and cunning…

In an instant, Zhang Lan's scalp tingled, and his heart was stirred like boiling water.

“Mo Hua…”

The past events in Tongxian City surged in his heart like a tide.

The first time they met, the simple, handsome, and extraordinary child lying in the restaurant, looking at obscure formation books, almost causing him to be unable to step down…

The little friend who drank and ate meat with him.

The little brat who broke into Black Mountain Fortress by mistake and caused no small disturbance.

The little formation master with amazing talent, who helped the poor and rescued the needy.

They searched the mountain together, captured evil cultivators together, besieged bandit cultivators together, schemed against Dian Si together… and even built a large formation together to fight against the great demon…

The memories, bit by bit, flooded into his mind. In these memories, that lively, lovely, clever, and eccentric figure overlapped again and again, and finally converged together, overlapping with the figure of that handsome young man on the Halberd of Painted Shadows in front of him.

Mo Hua.

Zhang Lan's chest tightened slightly, and his heart ached slightly.

He didn't expect that Mo Hua, whom he hadn't seen for ten years since their separation in Tongxian City, would be seen again in this way.

Zhang Lan took a deep breath, somewhat unbelievable.

He pinched his thigh hard.

It hurt a lot.

It wasn't a dream…

Zhang Lan slowly breathed a sigh of relief.

On the other side, Elder Feng also began to mention Mo Hua:

“The strongest disciple of the Taixu Sect on the opposite side is the sword Dao youth in the front, Linghu Xiao.”

“Linghu Xiao was originally a sword Dao genius rare to see in centuries within the Chongxu Sect. Later, the three sects merged, and he was incorporated into the Taixu Sect, which can be considered a bargain for the Taixu Sect.”

“And behind Linghu Xiao, the shortest one is the 'Mo Hua' I mentioned to you earlier, Daoist brother…”

“This child is extremely intelligent and has an extremely strong divine sense.”

“His talent in formations is even higher.”

“However… his reputation is extremely poor…”

Great Elder Zhang was puzzled, “Why is his reputation so poor?”

Elder Feng said, “He has a bad temper and likes to tease people with low-level spells. He is also very insidious, habitually using tricks to deceive people, and disgusting people with tricky spells.”

“He has some talent, but you can't see even a bit of virtue.”

“The worst thing is that this child prefers to kill people with 'Fireball Technique,' taking pleasure in humiliating others…”

“There is such a thing…” Great Elder Zhang exclaimed, “This child is truly shameless.”

Zhang Lan: “…”

If it weren't for the difference in seniority, making it inappropriate to speak casually, he would have had to say a few words for Mo Hua to restore his innocence.

Could Mo Hua be such a person?

Mo Hua, he…

Zhang Lan was slightly stunned, fell into thought, and then fell into silence.

After thinking about it again and again, he found that…

Mo Hua seemed to be… such a person?

From his perspective, Mo Hua was obviously a good child, a good young man, only that sometimes his actions were unconventional, a bit of a headache.

But from the perspective of others, only "headache" remained.

At this time, obviously, it was not only Elder Feng who was saying "bad things" about Mo Hua. Zhang Lan pricked up his ears and heard the surrounding cultivators filled with righteous indignation:

“This Mo Hua is truly despicable and shameless…”

“He has played an Invisibility Spell for several matches now? Can't anyone control him?”

“A good Qianxue Sword Debate, a clash of geniuses, has been turned into a 'hide-and-seek' by him. Is this reasonable?”

“That's right!”

“It's a pity that countless sect talents and young heroes have fallen into the hands of this despicable villain to this day, which is really hateful!”

“Is my Fairy Lu's face something he can blast with a Fireball Technique?!”

“Someone, kill this evildoer with a sword, and I will worship him as my big brother on the spot.”

“Big brother is not enough, I'll worship him as my adoptive father…”

… …

Zhang Lan's expression was silent, speechless for a long time, but he was considering in his heart:

In the future, should he pretend not to know Mo Hua?

At this moment, the disciples of both sides took their positions, and the sword debate began.

Elder Feng said with expectation, “This Mo Hua is really too hateful. Countless talented disciples have fallen into his hands before.”

“But today is different. This child has exhausted his schemes and deserves to be unlucky, Zhang brother…”

Elder Feng looked at Great Elder Zhang, his tone generous:

“Today, let's see how my Feng family's genius will behead this child with his sword, winning applause and meeting the expectations of everyone.”

Great Elder Zhang happily nodded, “Very good!”

Zhang Lan subconsciously shrank his body, tightly closed his mouth, and didn't dare to say a word.