Chapter 35: Ruins of the Predecessors

“A predecessor's cave dwelling?”

Song Changsheng frowned and said, "Brother Zhu, if this Foundation Establishment cultivator's relic has survived until now, it means the outer formations must be perfectly preserved, and they are most likely second-order formations.

While I have some understanding of formations, I am still inadequate when facing such permanent second-order formations. You overestimate me too much; I suggest you find a second-order formation master to accompany us."

Although the predecessor's cave dwelling piqued his interest, he had to state certain things upfront; otherwise, he would end up taking the blame if things went wrong.

Hearing this, Zhu Yiqun smiled and said, "We have naturally considered those factors.

Changsheng, to be honest with you, we have already attempted to enter the relic, but that second-order formation on the perimeter is truly formidable, and we had to return empty-handed.

Later, we consulted some records and found that it is a grand formation called the [Xuan Yang Tian Gang]. It is extremely pure Yang and extremely rigid, but during the Winter Solstice every year, when the Yang energy between heaven and earth weakens, the formation will be unable to exert its full power. That will be our best opportunity to act."

Song Changsheng realized the truth. The [Xuan Yang Tian Gang Formation] was a type of formation that relied on the movement of Yang energy between heaven and earth; the stronger the Yang energy, the stronger the formation, and vice versa.

Although the Purple Imperial Realm was a different world from Earth, many aspects were similar, such as the calendar.

In this world, the Winter Solstice was the time when Yang energy was at its weakest and Yin energy was at its peak, so the [Xuan Yang Tian Gang Formation] would also be affected.

Choosing to act at this time was undoubtedly the best option.

However, no matter how weak a second-order formation became, it could not drop to the level of a first-order one. Relying on Song Changsheng alone, it would still be nearly impossible to break the formation.

Perhaps sensing his thoughts, Zhu Yiqun patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, we haven't been idle this past year. The items to assist you in breaking the formation are already prepared. With your mastery of formations, I believe there will be no problem."

If that were the case, Song Changsheng could feel somewhat confident, but whether or not to go was the issue. The relic was certainly located outside the market town.

Within the market, his safety could be somewhat guaranteed, but once outside, there were many who would seek his life.

After a moment of contemplation, Song Changsheng nodded and said, "Very well, I will do my best."

Ever since his last encounter with an ambush, Xia Yunxue had given him a low-grade second-order talisman for self-defense. He had been carrying it close to his person during this period; if he encountered a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it could buy him some time.

However, this was not foolproof, so he would also need to visit an elder later.

Hearing Song Changsheng's acceptance, a bright smile instantly appeared on Zhu Yiqun's large face. "With those words, I am relieved. There are seven days left until the Winter Solstice. Tomorrow at noon, I will take you to meet the other companions joining us this time, and then we shall set out to make preparations."

"In that case, we shall meet here again tomorrow," Song Changsheng said, cupping his hands before taking his leave.

However, he did not return to the Treasure Seeking Pavilion, but instead headed to the Market Guard Office.

The Liuyun Market was co-founded by the six major powers of Lingzhou, and naturally, it was responsible for maintaining order and security within the market.

Each of the six major powers of Lingzhou provided one Foundation Establishment cultivator and several Qi Refinement cultivators, divided into two shifts to take turns guarding the Liuyun Market.

Currently, the three Foundation Establishment cultivators at the Guard Office came from the Earth Fire Sect, the Wang Clan, and the Li Clan.

Both the Wang and Li clans were allies of the Song Clan. Among them, the ancestor of the Wang Clan had received great kindness from Song Yungui. Over the years, the two sides had frequently intermarried and supported each other like brothers.

During the great war over a decade ago, the Wang Clan had contributed their utmost to assist, eventually even losing a Foundation Establishment cultivator in battle; such was the depth of their friendship.

Song Changsheng's grandfather had once told him that if he encountered anything he couldn't handle in the Liuyun Market, he could seek help from the Wang Clan.

Because of this, the elder Song Changsheng intended to visit today was the current Wang Clan elder stationed at the Liuyun Market—Wang Wanzhou.

"Please convey a message for me: tell him that Song Changsheng of the Song Clan has come to visit Senior Wang," Song Changsheng said, handing his identity token to the guarding disciple.

"Please wait a moment." Seeing that it was a disciple of the Song Clan, the guard did not dare to be negligent and hurried inside to report.

A moment later, Song Changsheng heard a hearty voice say, "Has Brother Xianming's grandson arrived?"

Song Changsheng looked up and saw an elderly man with a square face, a head of silver hair, and an extraordinary aura walking out.

He hurriedly stepped forward to pay his respects. "Song Changsheng of the Song Clan greets Senior Wang."

"Hahaha, I have heard of you; you are indeed a talented young man. Calling me 'Senior' is too formal. You are Brother Xianming's grandson; by lineage, you should call me Great-Uncle," Wang Wanzhou said heartily, patting Song Changsheng on the shoulder.

"Greetings, Great-Uncle," Song Changsheng replied quickly, cupping his hands with a very respectful attitude.

The man before him was no simple figure; he was a contemporary of Song Xianming and was already two hundred years old. His cultivation at the late stage of Foundation Establishment made him a notable expert in Lingzhou.

The two walked into the Guard Office together. After being seated as host and guest, Wang Wanzhou stroked his beard and looked at Song Changsheng with a smile. "You have been in the market for less than a year, yet you have already made quite a reputation. Truly, heroes emerge from youth."

Song Changsheng smiled bitterly and cupped his hands. "Please do not tease this junior, Great-Uncle. For me, the disadvantages of being too prominent far outweigh the benefits.

Currently, the Earth Fire Sect and its allies are eager to eliminate me. I am truly forced by circumstance to disturb you," he said.

Wang Wanzhou's smile faded, and he shook his head. "That man, your grandfather... he is just too rigid. He could clearly protect your safety by giving you something simple, yet he insists on being perfectly impartial.

No matter what, you are his biological grandson. It is truly unacceptable that you don't even have a protective item."

Song Changsheng remained silent. Given the other party's status, he could say whatever he wanted, but as a junior, it was not appropriate to interrupt at this moment.

"Speak, what business have you with this old man?" After scolding Song Xianming, Wang Wanzhou looked at Song Changsheng with a smile.

"Great-Uncle, this junior needs to leave the market for a trip, but I fear someone might act desperately and strike. Therefore, I have come to ask you to grant me a communication jade slip to assist me in a critical moment," Song Changsheng said respectfully.

Wang Wanzhou realized the situation and nodded. "I see. That is a minor matter."

With that, he took a jade slip from his spatial bag and handed it to Song Changsheng. "If they lose their sense of shame and attempt to bully the small with the large, crush this jade slip, and I will be able to sense your location and rush over.

Since you have come to me today, I will naturally ensure your safety."

"Thank you, Great-Uncle. Then this junior shall take his leave." Song Changsheng felt deep gratitude; the weight of those words provided an immense sense of security.

At the same time, he thought of his own grandfather—that old, stubborn man. Although he had never given him special treatment, he had always been protecting him in a different way.

All of this was understood without a word being said...

(End of Chapter)