Chapter 1722: Chapter 877: Parting Paths (3) Elder Shen finished speaking and lowered his eyes, awaiting the Ancestor’s decision. The elder in a splendid robe pondered silently for a moment, then shook his head, "Let it be, the Bagua Thunder Formation is not lightly taught, nor can it be easily learned; if he is unwilling to teach, do not force him." Elder Shen was puzzled, furrowed his brow, and said, "Ancestor, is this formation truly about having an unyielding and upright character?" Seeing the Ancestor didn’t reply, he continued: "In my disciple’s opinion, talk of character is purely fictitious; if one’s Spiritual Root and bones are good, what can’t be learned? Why bother speaking about character?" "The Zheng Family’s Thunder Formation, I see it as nothing more than smoke and mirrors; they just treasure it too much and are unwilling to share, using ’character and Taoist Heart’ as an excuse to prevaricate." The elder in a splendid robe glanced at Elder Shen, shook his head, not wanting to say more, and simply instructed: "Let this matter rest, if the people of the Zheng Family wish to stay, let them stay, and consider previous events as non-existent." "If they wish to leave, do not give them trouble." "Although the Zheng Family resides in Zhen State, they are one of the few families that can pass down the Thunder Formation, and should not be underestimated." "Moreover..." The elder in a splendid robe paused, "The Dao Discussion Conference ahead is the priority, do not cause unnecessary trouble." "Yes, Ancestor," Elder Shen replied. Only then did the elder in a splendid robe pick up the Jade Slip offered by Elder Shen, glanced over it briefly, and nodded slightly. "Well done, just instruct as such..." "Remember, either do nothing or be thorough, do not leave room for prolonged dreams." Elder Shen promptly bowed deeply: "I will heed the Ancestor’s instructions." ... Days later, at the Qianxue State boundary, in the Qianxue Pavilion. Inside the grand and majestic hall, the Four Great Sects, Eight Great Gates, the Twelve Streams, and part of the leaders and Powerful Elders from each sect within the Qian Learning Hundred Gates gathered together to discuss the sect reform, as well as the specific agenda of the Dao Discussion Conference. Most matters had already been discussed beforehand. This meeting at the Qianxue Pavilion was meant to finalize these decisions. However, before the meeting, the Qian Dao Sect leading the Four Great Sects issued a proposal. Elder Tai’a Gate, upon seeing the Jade Slip, immediately stood up and slammed the table, saying, "Absolutely not!" An elder from the Sever Gold Sect retorted with a peculiar tone, "Why not?" Elder Tai’a Gate flipped through the Jade Slip and said, "The changes are too drastic." "These are merely adjustments in schedule and minor changes in agenda, hardly anything..." "Ridiculous!" Several sects echoed in agreement. "Indeed, things that have been passed down for hundreds of years, they say to change it as they wish." "Truly disregarding the ancestors’ teachings." But those who disagreed were ultimately in the minority. Most sects remained silent, while some clearly supported the proposal. "The ancestors’ teachings were originally meant to adapt to the times and constantly change." "I feel the Qian Dao Sect’s proposal is excellent." ... Inside the Qianxue Pavilion, discussions were lively. Sitting in a high position, Elder Shen coughed, waiting for the crowd to quiet down a bit, before speaking: "Everyone has seen the Jade Slip; this meeting primarily discusses a few points, I hope you all bear them in mind:" "Firstly, the Sword Discussion Conference will be prioritized; first discuss the sword, then discuss the Dao;" "As everyone knows, the Sword Discussion Conference is a major event at the Qianxue State boundary, not only gathering sect disciples and families from across the Nine States, but also attracting cultivators from various state boundaries to attend, as has always been the case." "However, following the annual schedule of first discussing the Dao and then the sword, becomes too lengthy." "The Dao Discussion Conference covers talismans, formations, pills, and instruments, which is inherently complex, and once delayed, the Sword Discussion Conference must be postponed, making it difficult to prioritize." "Therefore, to ensure the Sword Discussion Conference is held on time and not delay the cultivators from various realms of the Nine States, the time for the Sword Discussion Conference must be moved forward!" "All manpower and material power should be concentrated on the Sword Discussion Conference, ensuring each subsequent Sword Discussion Conference is held as scheduled, aiming to elevate this conference to become the top grand event in Qian State, and even the Nine States." "That’s first; secondly, the Sword Discussion Conference will expand its quotas." "The original intention of the Sword Discussion Conference is not to let a few disciples monopolize and lead, but rather to encourage more sect disciples to actively progress." "Expanding quotas allows more disciples to participate, encouraging disciples to compete and mutually improve, which is beneficial." "Thirdly, and most importantly..." Elder Shen paused, his expression solemn, "From this session onward, the ranking of the Four Great Sects, Eight Great Gates, and even the Twelve Streams will be determined based on each sect’s ranking in the Dao Debate Conference!" As soon as these words were spoken, the room erupted in commotion. Elder Shen paused for a moment before continuing to explain: "In the following three sessions, this ranking will change each time." "However, after three sessions, it will be finally determined, with the sect ranking remaining unchanged for a hundred years." "Sect reform, three sessions of Dao Debate, ten years of time, to determine the ranking for the next hundred years. This reform will take place every hundred years, allowing the capable to rise..." Elder Shen spoke earnestly: "The positions of the Four Great Sects and the Eight Great Gates are at the top of the thousands of sects in our Qian State Boundary, holding significant importance." "The teaching principle of a sect is to impart Dao and train students. Only by cultivating outstanding disciples and achieving superiority in the Dao Debate Conference can one qualify for this position." "Otherwise, it would be occupying the position without fulfilling the role, in name only, causing others to laugh." "To prevent some sects from relying on the achievements of their ancestors without striving for progress, this matter will be initiated and led by us, the Four Great Sects, setting an example." "This is also a form of motivation for us, the Four Great Sects." "Among the ’Four Great Sects’, whoever is capable can take the position." "If our disciples from the Four Great Sects are inferior in skills, we are willing to step down without hesitation." "The Qian Dao Sect, including the current Four Great Sects, will not complain!" "Everyone, what do you think..." Within the Qianxue Pavilion, the hearts of the people immediately stirred. The position of the Four Great Sects! Within the Qian State Boundary, there is no sect that does not want to be among the forefront, to be ranked among the Four Great Sects, to occupy the largest share of the Qianlong Mountain Range, to devour this piece of fat meat. Even the elders of the Tai’a Sect and the Rushing Void Sect, upon hearing Elder Shen’s words, felt their hearts stir. If not for the matter of the Rouge Boat, they indeed would by all means wish to fight for this opportunity. But now, they are forced to swallow their grievances in silence... Several sects of the Tai’a Sect also tried to resist. But the Qian Dao Sect, including the Four Great Sects, had already arranged everything in secret. These matters were already predestined. In the end, the vote of each sect almost unanimously agreed to the Qian Dao Sect’s proposal. The sect reform, calculated and maneuvered by various parties, officially began to be implemented... ... The Taixu Gate. In the midst of the Elders’ Residence, Mo Hua was still learning formations with Elder Master Xun. More accurately, Mo Hua was in the "exam." Elder Master Xun had set up a comprehensive array exam sheet, containing over ten second-grade nineteen-pattern and even peak nineteen-pattern formations, requiring Mo Hua to complete them all in one go within a limited time. There could be breaks in between, but very little time was allotted. Mo Hua began drawing from morning until evening. When he handed over the "exam sheet" to Elder Master Xun, the incense in front of Elder Master Xun had only one-third left. "Finished?" "Yes." Mo Hua nodded. Elder Master Xun took Mo Hua’s formation exam paper and reviewed each formation carefully. Despite the limited time, despite the abundance of patterns, despite the high difficulty of the formations. The formation patterns on the exam paper were meticulous and orderly, as if printed, without a single error! Even the pen technique was consummate and flawless. At this level of proficiency, completing such a top-level array exam is nearly impossible among second-grade Formation Masters. Even for an ordinary third-grade Formation Master, it would never be achievable to this extent. With a solid foundation, extensive knowledge, profound experience, and deep attainment. The depth of divine thought, pen technique honed through countless practice. Even an old monster who can perform Divine Soul Snatching to draw second-grade formations would only be equivalent to this... Elder Master Xun took a deep breath of cold air, then gazed deeply at Mo Hua, finally relieving the heavy weight on his heart... The turning point for Taixu Gate has arrived!