Asking about longevity

In the evening, Elder Zheng returned to Qiandao City, and several Taoist friends with whom he had known each other came to bid farewell to him.

Everyone at the banquet was filled with emotion. Some felt sorry for Elder Zheng, while others were reluctant to let him go and invited Elder Zheng to serve as a guest guest in their aristocratic family or sect.

Elder Zheng declined them all.

After the banquet, everyone said goodbye.

Elder Zheng returned to his residence, closed his eyes and rested for a while.

When the time came, he packed up all the treasures, formation books, and formation diagrams, and left the cave where he had lived for decades without looking back, heading out of the city.

After riding in the car and leaving the city, about an hour later we arrived at Yundu Port on the border of Qianxue Prefecture.

After boarding this Yundu and transferring three times, we will be able to reach Zhenzhou in about a month.

Elder Zheng had no nostalgia at all, but when he walked away, for some reason, he suddenly felt worried in his heart.

The little brother I met during the day, his face and voice came to mind again.

Elder Zheng was filled with emotion.

In the prosperous Qianxue State, where people are striving for fame and fortune, there is actually such a child who was born in poverty, is sincere, and has extraordinary understanding.

My previous judgment was still biased.

Yundu's whistle sounded, and he was about to set off.

Elder Zheng took a step forward, but suddenly stopped.

"Step on the deck and leave Qianzhou. I'm afraid I won't come back again in this life..."

Elder Zheng's steps were hesitant, and he suddenly felt a little uneasy in his heart, as if he would miss something important after leaving.

He frowned, hesitated for a long time, and finally sighed:

"That's all, let's stay a few more days and leave after watching this Array Conference. Zhenzhou is a long way away, so I don't care about these few days anyway..."

Elder Zheng felt much more relaxed when he thought about this.

He raised his head and saw a bright moon hanging in the sky. Its clear light filled the earth. Occasionally, a breeze blew by, accompanying the clear light.

…

Time passed, and another day passed.

Tomorrow is the Array Discussion Conference.

At this time, Lundao Mountain was in a closed grand hall.

A group of formation elders gathered together and were preparing for tomorrow's "Array Discussion Conference".

The elders present here are all third- and fourth-grade formation masters from the major sects in the Qianxue Prefecture who have extraordinary attainments in formations.

Although there are overt and covert conflicts among various sects, there are many discords.

However, the status of the formation master is relatively transcendent, and it is also a unique circle in itself. Sometimes it is not too constrained by sectarian opinions.

Moreover, at this time, we are preparing a proposition for the Array Conference.

This is a big deal, and no one dares to slack off, let alone put personal grudges on the table.

Therefore, the atmosphere in the hall is quite harmonious.

Everyone discussed with each other and selected the appropriate formation as the "examination questions" for this formation discussion conference.

In order to avoid suspicion, the examiner this time was an Ascension Realm Formation Master from Daoting Tianshu Pavilion, known as "Master Wen".

Although Tianshu Pavilion is subordinate to the Taoist Court, it only governs formation matters. Compared with the power structure of the central Taoist Court, it is relatively neutral.

Master Wen himself also comes from the Qianxue state, and his attainments in formations are obvious to all, so he is not taboo but also convincing as the examiner.

At this time, the matter of discussing formation propositions is also being led by Master Wen and is proceeding in an orderly manner...

"This "Yimugen Mountain Formation" is good, you can give it a try..."

"The types of "Lihuo Formation" with sixteen patterns and above are too heavy-handed and should not be encouraged. Moreover, once the drawing is wrong, it is easy to go wrong and cause riots at the formation discussion conference."

"Yes, they are all still disciples of the sect, and they still pay attention to self-cultivation, focusing on understanding the way of heaven, benefiting production, or taking some defensive formations..."

"That's wrong. You still have to take a test on the killing formation. Formation masters are already bad at actual combat, so if they don't test the killing formation more, I'm afraid that if they enter the world of cultivation in the future, their methods will be too weak and they will suffer a big loss."

"It's a small battle, one on one. It takes time and effort to set up the formation. It's too troublesome, and the formation master will naturally suffer."

"But wars are different. All wars must be coordinated and arranged, armors and guns must be forged, and troops must be arranged in formation. This is the real stage for the formation master."

"Hundreds of people, thousands of people, or even ten thousand people, with the blessing of the formation, are mighty and powerful, killing all directions, and are invincible..."

"It's too early for you to say this. You are still just a young disciple. How can you order hundreds of thousands of people to kill?"

"That's right. Besides, these disciples are the treasures of aristocratic families. I'm afraid not many of them will be able to fight on the battlefield in the future."

"Then what do they do with the formation? Do they use it to show off?"

"You are too extreme..."

"How can this be called extreme?"

"Okay, okay, everyone, let's get down to business." Someone advised.

"Yes, there is no point in arguing about these. Now we still have to consider the proposition..."

"In my opinion, half and half..." An elder said calmly while holding a bowl of water, "Test half of the killing formations and half of the industrial formations."

Some people shook their heads: "More, I think four to five is better, 40% for the killing formation and trapped formation, 50% for the industrial formation test, and the remaining 10% for some formations with difficult theoretical elements."

"Then... what are the specific exams? These array diagrams have been tested over and over again, and they all failed."

"We have naturally failed to turn over all the propositions all year round, but you have to consider that those disciples have just learned many formations."

"That's right..."

"However, I am indeed a little tired of taking the exam."

"Would you like to try something new?" an elder suggested.

"What new trick? It's not good to go too far. If those disciples are nervous for a moment and can't draw it, we, the proposition elders, will be scolded by them in our hearts, and the ancestors of the aristocratic sects may also be very angry. There are criticisms..."

"That's true..."

"Add a dot matrix variation?"

"I don't see it very well..." one of the elders said, "We are all old guys. We have studied for so many years and have a lot of experience. We have dabbled in various formation variations."

"Those disciples are different. They are all little kids. They have not lived for a fraction of our age. They have not practiced formations for many years. They only know one or two basic formations. Examine the formation variations. It’s so hard for them.”

"But the sects have all restructured. We can't just change a little bit in this formation discussion conference. We can just change it a little and test one or two formation variations."

"Anyway, this competition is error-tolerant. If you can't draw three pictures, you will lose. If you can't draw one or two pictures, it doesn't matter."

"I still think it's too difficult."

"You are overthinking, but don't forget that this is the Qianxue State. The most indispensable thing in the Qianxue State is genius."

"If you want to win in the debate competition, you have to have some real skills."

"Then let's do it this way. Let's pick some first, and then let Master Wen take a look at it and let him make a decision..."

"That's very good."

…

They themselves are just expressing their own opinions.

But opinions are opinions, and the final decision rests with Master Wen as the examiner.

After that, everyone chose topics one by one according to the rules of the proposition and the ideas and directions just discussed.

Starting from the sixteen lines.

In the Array Discussion Conference, the test starts from the sixteen lines.

This is a threshold for elimination.

If you can't even reach the sixteenth line, you won't be qualified to continue competing with the formation geniuses of various sects.

And after passing the sixteen lines, you can get a certain ranking.

Although it is not high, it is indeed something that can make some contribution to the sect.

After sixteen lines, each line becomes more difficult than the last.

Every line is a big threshold that can screen out a large number of people.

Especially in the end, from the eighteenth to the nineteenth lines, the difference between these lines is even more huge.

There are basically only a few disciples who can draw nineteen lines.

In the Dao Discussion Hall, a group of formation elders were either meditating, reading, struggling, or thinking hard, picking up formations one by one.

According to the rules, they listed them first, then screened them, and finally submitted them to the examiner.

Master Wen came back to finalize the title and sealed it in a jade slip.

In this way, the topic is selected by a group of elders, and the topic is decided by Master Wen.

Be fair to each other.

And all of this must be decided the night before the Array Conference. The elders will not leave until the Array Conference is actually over. This will also prevent leaks to a certain extent.

Time passes little by little.

The selection and setting of the topic, starting from the sixteen lines, become more and more difficult...

I don’t know how long it took, but it was finally coming to an end.

But when choosing the last question, which is above the ordinary nineteen lines, almost the peak of foundation building, it is used to "capped" the test question.

Master Wen was a little undecided, going back and forth between several formations, looking left and right, unable to make up his mind.

Everyone waited quietly.

But I don’t know how long I have been waiting, Master Wen has not decided yet.

Then an elder smiled and said, "Master Wen, this is your first time as the examiner, right?"

Master Wen, who looks middle-aged, has a gentle expression, and is always serious about things, nodded, "Exactly."

The elder then said: "Master Wen, don't worry about this last question. It's just in case. It's just for safety. For so many years, no one has been able to draw this picture..."

"Not to mention the last question, even the nineteen lines of formations in front of it, very few disciples can finish it."

"You have to know that most of these disciples are in the late stage of foundation building, and not many are at the peak of foundation building."

"Their consciousness is as strong as the sky, with eighteen lines and nineteen lines. This is already extraordinary."

“Plus, this is the ‘big test’.”

"From the initial sixteen lines, all the way up, the Taoist mind, spiritual consciousness, and perseverance are all tempered. You also have to bear the pressure of the spotlight. The further you go, the more tired and difficult it becomes. It's very hard."

"These disciples, who come from aristocratic families and are pampered, will never be able to survive that time."

"Those who can draw one or two nineteen-pattern formations from beginning to end, to the very end, are very rare."

"Let alone being able to draw this last question."

Master Wen asked: "Never?"

"Never." The elder said.

An older formation elder next to him continued, "This 'capping' formation is very particular."

"This question is actually not for testing, but to tell the disciples that there are mountains beyond the mountains, and there is a sky beyond the sky. The formations are vast and there is no end to learning. They can't finish all the formations in this world, and there are many formations. , they can’t learn it either.”

"As a formation master, you must maintain humility, not be arrogant, and always climb."

"Therefore, for this last formation, just pick any difficult one and put it in. Don't worry too much."

Master Wen nodded his head.

But he works seriously and has some obsessive-compulsive disorder. He doesn't do "random" things. He must have some principles when making decisions. Once he has to choose, he still can't help but get entangled.

This delay lasted for another stick of incense.

Everyone looked at him silently.

Master Wen came back to his senses and felt a little embarrassed.

But he still couldn't "casually", and thought about it in his mind. Since the disciples couldn't draw this final formation, and it was used to "cap", then the standard was "difficult".

The most difficult part of the formation lies in the Tao.

According to his own wishes, he chose the most profound and remote formation among all the formations, and even involved the underlying changes in spiritual power, and put it in.

At this point, the proposition is complete.

Master Wen checked it again from beginning to end, then sealed all the "propositions" and stamped them with seals.

The topic of the Array Discussion Conference is over.

Everyone was very happy.

"Finally the work is over..."

"You can take a rest."

"Tomorrow is the last Dao Discussion Conference. After tomorrow, this Dao Discussion Conference will come to an end."

"The formation is the most reliable. If you can do it, you can do it. If you can't, you can't."

"Tomorrow is safe and sound. After the competition is over, the dust has really settled. There is no need to worry anymore."

"Actually, it's basically over now."

…

Everyone was chatting and walking outside.

Master Wen, who is the examiner, said: "Thank you for your hard work. I brought some wine from Daozhou, and asked someone to prepare a table of exquisite spiritual meals. I also asked you to enjoy your face and taste the delicious wine and food to get rid of your fatigue." ”

Although it was his first time as an examiner, he still understood this bit of worldliness.

As for the Tianshu Pavilion Formation Master's face, no one here would deny it.

If they wanted to make friends with Master Wen in normal times, they would not have the chance.

What's more, after a busy day, it's best to drink some wine to relieve fatigue.

Everyone cupped their hands and said:

"Master Wen, you're welcome."

"That's very good, then there is Master Laowen."

"Being respectful is worse than obeying orders."

"Master Wen's kind wishes are just what you ask for..."

So Master Wen called people to come and set up a banquet with wine in a side hall. Everyone exchanged glasses and chatted about their experience in formations and interesting things.

After the banquet, everyone went back to their rooms to rest.

The night is quiet and the moon is serene.

Everyone also slept peacefully. At this time, they still had no idea what they would experience tomorrow...

…

After a night, it was just dawning the next day.

A ray of fish white shines into Taixu Mountain.

The disciple was in the middle, and Mo Hua, who had practiced the formation all night as usual, opened his eyes, and his clear eyes reflected the brilliance of the morning glow.

Today is the day of the Taoism Conference.

And he was about to set off to participate in the formation competition.

Before leaving, he made a special trip to the Elder's Residence, visited Mr. Xun, and asked for advice:

"Old sir, is there anything else I should pay special attention to?"

"No need."

Mr. Xun said.

As of now, there is nothing to pay attention to.

Mo Hua felt somewhat nervous.

After all, it was a large-scale conference, and it was his first time to participate, so he felt a little uneasy.

Seeing this, Mr. Xun said: "Just restrain yourself, don't be happy with victory, don't be sad with defeat, act more dignified, don't worry too much about other things, just draw the formation."

"Just draw the formation?"

"Yeah," Mr. Xun nodded, "Just keep drawing until the end."

Mo Hua thought for a moment and nodded, "Okay, old sir, I understand."

"Go." Mr. Xun said.

"Yes." Mo Hua bowed and set off.

Mr. Xun looked at the back of the ink painting, with a gleam of light in his cloudy eyes.

This day has finally arrived...

…

Mo Hua left Taixu Gate and went directly to Lundao Mountain.

This was also Mr. Xun's order. He was told to keep quiet and go alone.

When we arrived at Lundao Mountain, what we could see was a grand scene, with people like the tide and horses like swimming dragons.

Many monks gathered in Lundao Mountain, creating a great scene.

But compared to the sword discussion conference, this scene was actually a bit small.

The Sword Discussion Conference is a real sword fighting competition, with wind and rain of swords, water and fire spells, superior Taoist techniques, and killing and confrontation, all exciting.

Excellent viewing pleasure.

Regardless of the level of cultivation, those who can watch the excitement can watch the excitement, and those who can see the doorways will enjoy watching it.

However, these Tao discussion conferences such as the Alchemy Formation Talisman and Equipment are different. The content is boring. If you don’t know the art, you often won’t see anything exciting.

Especially the formation.

The formation is boring and difficult.

Most monks who don't understand formations get headaches when they see abstract formations. They will find it extremely boring to watch monks draw formations.

But this is the boundary of Qianxue State, the inheritance is far-reaching, and the disciples all know some formations more or less.

And this is also the last meeting of the Tao Discussion Conference, which is of great significance as it relates to the order of the sect.

Therefore, there were not many monks who came to watch.

At this time, these monks were blocked outside.

They were not allowed to enter in the first place.

Disciples who participate in the Lunzhen Conference will be given priority to enter Lundao Mountain.

Mo Hua was among this group of disciples.

In his hand, he held a jade slip given to him by Mr. Xun. This jade slip represented a place in the discussion formation.

Moreover, it is a quota for direct invitation without examination.

This quota is very precious.

Because the discussion conference was boring and not very enjoyable to watch, this restructuring also streamlined the process.

Some selections are all prepared in advance.

There will be various thresholds for selection, such as cultivation, formation master qualification, elder recommendation, preliminary examination and so on.

This ensures that those who can participate in the discussion of formations are the elites of each sect.

And Mo Hua's "quota" can directly avoid these cumbersome procedures and participate in the final "formation test".

Each sect only gives this quota to a few people.

The lower-ranked sects will not even have one.

Mo Hua held the heavy jade slip and followed the team into the Discussion of Dao Mountain.

The elders stopped at the mountain pass and checked one by one. Only after confirming that everything was correct could they be allowed to pass.

The long team, solemn and quiet, moved forward slowly.

When it was Mo Hua's turn, he stepped forward and handed the Discussion of Dao jade slip to the elder who was checking.

When the elder saw Mo Hua, he was obviously stunned. He took the jade slip from his hand with doubt, checked it several times, and asked people to check it several times, but it was still a little difficult to understand.

Finally, he shook his head and let Mo Hua in, but he couldn't help complaining in his heart:

"What does Taixu Sect mean by this? Is it completely rotten? All kinds of disciples are stuffed into the Discussion Conference..."

But Mo Hua didn't think too much, and walked into the Discussion Mountain with a calm face.

An hour later, all the disciples who participated in the Discussion Conference entered the Taoist temple.

The gate of the Discussion Mountain was opened.

The high-ranking officials of the noble families and sects who came to watch the ceremony, as well as the cultivators and disciples of various sects, crowded in like a tide, and entered the Discussion Mountain one after another.