NOVEL WEB Chapter 447: Chapter 997: The Painted Shadow of Fangtian
Chapter 997: The Painted Shadow of Fangtian
The Qianxue Province Realm, the sacred land of the sects.
For over a month now, the entire region had been lit with lanterns and streamers, bustling with activity—a vibrant and prosperous sight.
Spiritual horses stretched in endless lines, rare beasts pulled carriages, colorful canopies filled the land, and foot-carriages rolled like clouds.
Massive Cloud-Ferries—engulfed in mist—rode the wind currents, arriving from afar and docking at Qianxue's many port gateways.
From each ferry, cultivators disembarked, raising their eyes to the sky and marveling at the scene before them—endless mountains and rivers, countless sects, and a thriving scholarly air. The grandeur of Qianxue left them awestruck.
From every direction, cultivators surged toward the Qianxue realm along different paths, like rivers flowing into the sea. The momentum was colossal.
These cultivators came from different provinces, factions, and backgrounds—some to study, some to travel, some seeking the Dao, others reuniting with friends or broadening their horizons. They had all gathered for this one event: the grand Sword Debate of Qianxue, to witness the elegance and power of the geniuses of the Nine Provinces.
Due to the overwhelming influx of cultivators, the Qianxue realm had even temporarily lifted its no-flying restriction.
In the bright white skies above, cloudships and spirit vessels occasionally glided past, trailing brilliant clouds as they parked above sect headquarters and clan compounds.
From time to time, a Feathered Ascendant Realm cultivator—bathed in spiritual light—would soar through the sky alone, riding clouds with grace, like an immortal descended from the heavens.
The Feathered Ascendant Realm was a high realm.
In some smaller provinces, one might not see such a cultivator for centuries.
Some cultivators would go their entire lives never glimpsing one in person.
But now, here in Qianxue, all you had to do was look up—and you'd see celestial silhouettes flying across the sky. It was enough to leave many stunned and speechless.
Even those who thought themselves well-traveled were overwhelmed. Setting foot in Qianxue was like stepping into an immortal realm—transcendent and otherworldly.
At the very center of the Qianxue Province Realm stood the Mountain of Dao Discourse, the focal point of this entire gathering.
And at this moment, the base of the mountain was packed to the brim.
Disciples from every sect—wearing robes unique to their schools—had all assembled.
From above, the sea of disciples stretched across the mountain like a tidal wave of color. Their robes formed an orderly and stunning tapestry—brilliantly multicolored, yet unified in form, like a beautifully woven scroll.
Among them stood the disciples of Great Void Sect.
At the head of the formation, clad in a black-and-white Dao robe, straight-backed and scholarly, was Elder Xun Zixian.
At this moment, he addressed the Great Void disciples in a calm, steady voice:
"Three days from now, the Sword Debate begins."
"Before that, I will familiarize you with the terrain and explain the rules."
The disciples all responded solemnly, a little nervous:
"Yes, Elder."
Xun Zixian glanced to his right. Clad in Great Void robes and looking elegant and composed, Mo Hua stood obediently at his side. Xun gave him a small nod.
This was a direct order from the Grand Elder.
Wherever Mo Hua went, whichever elder accompanied him had to ensure his absolute safety.
The Sword Debate would be chaotic—many cultivators, of mixed backgrounds and factions.
No one was expected to cause trouble... but just in case, they had to be cautious.
Xun Zixian gave Mo Hua another glance before turning and saying:
"Follow me."
Then he led the Great Void disciples up the mountain trail into the interior of Dao Discourse Mountain.
Inside, the place was a sea of disciples from all sects.
This was the inner arena of the Sword Debate.
The mountain terrain was vast and complex.
Combat zones of all shapes and sizes were arranged side by side, scattered across the land.
Above them, a grand Grade-5 formation glowed overhead, forming a magnificent, sprawling barrier.
As they walked and observed, awe filled the hearts of the disciples.
They had only ever seen this place from the audience stands—never set foot inside. They had never felt its grand and solemn atmosphere firsthand.
They'd never needed to compete themselves before. This was a whole new experience.
While walking, Xun Zixian explained:
"Up ahead is the Sword Debate arena. In three days, you'll draw lots, be matched against opponents, and battle disciples from other sects in combat of cultivation and Dao."
"In your nine years of cultivation, there's only one Sword Debate."
"The tournament is divided into four tiers: Heaven, Earth, Profound, Yellow."
"You will begin in the 'Yellow' tier."
"Every victory adds a win to your record, and one point for the sect."
"Win enough, and you advance to the 'Profound' tier."
"You don't need a perfect win streak to move on, but don't lose too much either."
"Overall, it's about strength… and a bit of luck."
His voice was gentle, but enhanced by spiritual amplification—it reached the ears of thousands of disciples.
Xun Zixian paused, then continued:
"There are also many types of battle formats."
"The 'Yellow' tier battles are preliminary rounds, so they're relatively simple. Most are straight-up elimination matches."
"Defeat all five members of the opposing team within a time limit, and you win."
"Or if time runs out, whichever team has more members still standing wins."
"Once you reach the 'Profound' tier, things change. The formats get more complex—it's no longer just about fighting."
"You'll face formats like: 'Elimination Matches,' 'Survival Rounds,' 'Monster Hunts,' 'Decapitation Rounds,' 'City Defense,' 'City Sieges'…"
"Countless tactical variations, each with different victory conditions. Winning gets significantly harder."
Xun Zixian explained patiently.
Mo Hua couldn't help asking:
"Elder Zixian, these formats sound a lot like Dao Soldier warfare."
Xun nodded:
"They are modeled after Dao Soldier campaigns."
"Nothing in the world matches Dao Soldier warfare for its complexity, peril, unpredictability—and its ability to temper one's mind and Dao."
"Of course, these are just small-scale five-man skirmishes—not full-blown wars with thousands."
"But even a sparrow has all its organs."
"The structure is carved from the same bone."
"The Grand Elder who founded Dao Discourse Mountain specifically created these formats to pass them down—there was deep meaning in it."
"To stay vigilant in times of peace. To prepare for disaster before it strikes."
"Even in an era of peace, one must not forget the tragedies of Daoist war…"
Xun Zixian sighed softly.
Mo Hua silently nodded in understanding.
Then, Elder Xun led them farther in.
At a certain mountain peak, Xun Zixian pointed toward the dazzling brilliance overhead—
the void rippling like crystalline glass—and said:
"This is the Grade-5 Grand Formation of Dao Discourse Mountain."
"A formation that steals from heaven and earth, infused with the power of the void."
All the disciples looked up, awe in their eyes as they sensed the terrifying and indescribable power rippling through the formation—one by one, they fell silent in shock.
Grade-5… Grand Formation…
Mo Hua was shaken, and his heart surged.
"I wonder if, one day… I'll be able to construct a Grade-5 Hollow Void-level array myself…"
Just imagining the day he could comprehend void array principles and construct such an advanced formation made his heart flutter and his mind wander.
Xun Zixian caught sight of Mo Hua's starry-eyed gaze and couldn't help but smile gently.
Once upon a time, when he was still young and first seeking the Dao, he too had looked up at this formation with awe and longing.
Although a Grade-5 formation remained out of reach even after all his years of cultivation—
to have such aspirations was still a good thing.
Then Xun Zixian turned to the group and asked:
"Do you all know what this formation is used for?"
The disciples glanced at one another, unsure.
Most had only ever come to watch the Sword Debate for fun—never really thought about the deeper mechanics.
Only Mo Hua, having done some research beforehand, replied:
"It's used to borrow the power of the void and protect the disciples."
Xun Zixian nodded.
"The Grand Formation of Dao Discourse Mountain is not a killing formation, nor a trapping array, nor a typical defensive one."
"It was specially designed by the ancestors of this mountain—exclusively for the Sword Debate."
"It draws on the power of the void to protect the dueling disciples…"
"Three days from now, during the debates, each of you will receive a 'Dao Debate Jade'—shaped like a teardrop, exquisite like a pendant—to be worn on your forehead."
"This Dao Jade is connected to the power of the grand formation. It will generate a protective void shield that absorbs damage in your place."
"The Dao Jade is effectively your 'life' in the duel."
"Before the debate begins, a number of elders will assess your blood essence, physical body, and spiritual energy to determine a fair damage threshold for each of you."
"That threshold becomes your Dao Jade's 'HP bar'."
"During combat, if you suffer fatal damage and your HP runs out, the Dao Jade will shatter—signaling your defeat."
"At that point, the grand formation will activate and forcibly teleport you out of the dueling arena using void power."
"This ensures that all disciples can fight with everything they've got—no holding back—and don't have to fear death or accidentally killing someone."
Xun Zixian spoke slowly and clearly.
This was a debate of Dao, not a bloodbath, nor some life-or-death Gu-style elimination tournament.
Every participant was a treasured heir of a major family or a sect's prized talent. There was no way they'd be sent to fight to the death.
Otherwise, after just one Sword Debate, many years of training would go up in smoke.
Not just the clans—even the sects would cough up blood in frustration.
The true peerless geniuses—those chosen by fate—were precious beyond words. If they died or became crippled because of this, no one could afford the loss.
Looking up at the sky, Xun Zixian sighed with emotion:
"Top-grade Grade-5 Void Arrays like this are now extremely rare in the entire cultivation world."
"Without such a formation to fully protect the geniuses, allowing them to fight without worry, a proper Sword Debate would be impossible to organize."
"That's why—almost only in Qianxue Province—can we host such a unique Sword Debate Grand Assembly."
"It draws the most talented cultivators from across the Nine Provinces, gathering them all in one place… creating the magnificent event you see today."
The disciples' eyes lit up, pride swelling in their hearts.
After explaining the formation, Xun Zixian led them forward, continuing the tour while interspersing detailed rules along the way:
"There are strict limitations on the cultivation items you can bring into the Sword Debate."
"Spirit stones are capped—you cannot bring extra."
"As for pills—you may bring a few, chosen yourself."
"But both spirit stones and pills are provided by Dao Discourse Mountain. You are not allowed to bring your own."
He added specifically:
"In the past, there were cases where disciples secretly took forbidden pills to gain an edge and almost exploded themselves. That caused a serious incident—so now, all external pills are forbidden."
Because behind every outrageous rule…
lies an even more outrageous incident.
"As for talismans—you can't bring your own either. Dao Discourse Mountain will supply them."
"Each disciple is allowed one Grade-2 High-tier talisman."
"Spiritual artifacts, on the other hand—you may bring your own, also limited to Grade-2 High-tier."
This was because spiritual artifacts were unique—many disciples nurtured theirs as life-bound treasures.
The compatibility between a cultivator and their artifact was part of their true strength,
so artifacts were allowed.
"But there are still restrictions on number and type: one piece of armor, one weapon, one accessory. That's it."
"And finally, array formations."
"You may bring only one set, and it must be limited to Grade-2 Mid-tier."
Mo Hua almost thought he misheard.
"Grade-2… Mid-tier?"
Xun Zixian nodded.
"Mid-tier."
Mo Hua looked confused.
"But pills, spiritual artifacts, and talismans are all limited to Grade-2 High-tier. Why are arrays only allowed up to Mid-tier?"
Xun explained:
"Because the average late Foundation Establishment disciple can only draw a Grade-2 Mid-tier array."
Mo Hua froze.
Xun Zixian continued:
"These rules are based on standard capability."
"Most Foundation cultivators can't draw Grade-2 High-tier arrays. That's considered 'beyond the spec.' So of course, it's restricted."
"Plus, the power of a Grade-2 High-tier array is too overwhelming—whether for attack, defense, or entrapment."
"If we allowed them, all strategies would revolve around arrays, which defeats the purpose of the Sword Debate."
"The debate is meant to be about combat of Dao arts first, with everything else as secondary."
Mo Hua was left speechless.
Only now did he realize… he was being "held back" by the overall level of array talent in Qianxue Province.
Their average array ability… was dragging him down.
He hadn't paid attention to such detailed rules before.
No one ever mentioned them—because everyone assumed it was common sense.
But Mo Hua wasn't like everyone else.
His array skill was too high.
What he considered "basic" arrays were already high-tier.
So to learn that the arrays provided in the debate were capped at Grade-2 Mid-tier…
Mo Hua sighed.
The rules were made by others—there was nothing he could do.
And thinking carefully, the rules actually made sense.
Still, without his usual high-tier arrays, he'd lose a lot of his "trump cards."
Frowning, Mo Hua pondered for a while.
Then something occurred to him, and he asked:
"Elder Zixian, aside from all this, can we bring anything else?"
Xun replied:
"That's basically it. Though inside your storage pouch, we'll also include some miscellaneous items to simulate real combat situations."
Mo Hua's eyes lit up. He leaned in and whispered:
"Those 'miscellaneous items'... do they include...?"
Xun Zixian saw through him instantly, gave a knowing look, and nodded.
Mo Hua instantly grinned again.
Xun Zixian gave him a faint smile and shook his head.
The group continued marching forward in an imposing line.
And all the while, Mo Hua walked deep in thought— mentally recalibrating all his formations… to fit the Grade-2 Mid-tier limitation.
Restriction.
Would this kind of restriction affect his tactics?
Especially those that involved coordinating with the other disciples of the Great Void Sect?
After thinking it over for a while, Mo Hua realized—it would have some effect,
but not to a crippling degree. The power would be weaker, yes,
but overall, the strategies were still applicable.
Plus, the Sword Debate hadn't actually started yet.
There was still time to adjust things on the fly.
Only then did Mo Hua breathe a sigh of relief.
As the group continued walking, they soon arrived at the far end of Dao Discourse Mountain.
Beyond this point lay the spectator seating.
At this moment, however, what stretched across the sky above them…
was a massive, strange "white cloth."
The disciples were instantly intrigued.
Mo Hua also looked puzzled and pointed at it:
"Elder Zixian, what's that big white cloth?"
"That's a spiritual artifact," Xun Zixian replied.
"A spiritual artifact?" Mo Hua blinked.
Xun Zixian explained:
"It's a massive 'Image-Projection Spiritual Artifact' specially forged by the Four Major Sects for this Sword Debate."
"To put it simply, it's a giant projection screen."
"During the debate, it will clearly display the battles of participating disciples, for the viewing pleasure of the many noble families and sects from Qianxue Province and the Nine Provinces."
"It was extremely costly to forge. Its name is…"
"Fangtian Painting Shadow."
Fangtian Painting Shadow…
The disciples all looked up in awe at the enormous screen that spanned half the mountainside.
Thinking about how this screen would soon display the intense clashes between countless disciples,
they were all visibly shaken.
Mo Hua was also stunned—so much so that even his scalp tingled.
Internally, he was speechless.
Originally, his plan was simple:
"Get rich in silence, hide the shady tricks."
"In the chaos of battle, sneak in some under-the-table moves—no one would notice anyway."
But never did he imagine…
that the Sword Debate would involve something like this massive projection array to broadcast everything!
With a projection screen this huge…
how the heck was he supposed to hide his trump cards?!
At this rate, even the color of his underwear would probably be crystal-clear on display!
And this "Fangtian Painting Shadow"—just looking at it, you could tell:
Expensive. Extremely expensive.
Mo Hua couldn't help but roast internally:
"Which genius from the Four Major Sects had too much time and spirit stones on their hands to make something so absurdly over-the-top?"
"This targets me harder than the stupid 'Grade-2 Mid-tier array' restriction!"
Sure, maybe the Four Sects really did just want a convenient way for spectators to enjoy the show.
But still—Mo Hua was thoroughly grumpy.
Even after the tour ended and he returned to the Great Void Sect, sitting down at the disciples' communal table—
he was still frowning.
If nothing else, this Fangtian Painting Shadow was just… too counterproductive for someone like him.
He absolutely did not want to become "the flashy main character on screen."
But the thing had already been built.
It wasn't like he could sneak off at night and blow it up.
Besides, judging from its aura, this artifact was clearly of very high grade.
Even if he tried to blow it up, he might not even make a scratch.
"Forget it…" Mo Hua sighed deeply.
Now that things were the way they were, he could only think of ways to hide himself even deeper.
Keep his real strength hidden, lay low, bide his time— play the pig to eat the tiger.
The longer he could hide, the deeper he could hide—the better.
"Looks like I'll have to really put some planning into this…"
Mo Hua pulled out his original plan and began revising it.
He had to tread carefully—step by step— concealing his strength while steadily winning matches.
To go far, without exposing his trump cards— That… was no small challenge. Still, under Mo Hua's strategic recalibration, the path forward gradually began to take shape.
(End of this Chapter)