Chapter Thirty-Five: Relics of the Ancients

“An ancient cultivator’s abode?” Song Changsheng frowned and said, “Brother Pig, if a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s relic could survive until now, its protective formation must be intact—a second-tier formation, most likely. I have some understanding of formations, but when it comes to a permanent second-tier array like this, I’m afraid I’m not up to the task. You overestimate me. I suggest you invite a second-tier formation master to join us.”

Though the prospect of an ancient cultivator’s abode intrigued him, some words needed to be spoken upfront, lest he be blamed later.

Zhu Yiqun chuckled at his response, “We’ve already considered everything you mentioned. To be honest, we’ve tried entering the relic before, but that second-tier formation at its periphery is formidable. We had to retreat empty-handed. After researching, we found it’s called the ‘Xuan Yang Heavenly Firmament Array’—it’s powerful and masculine. But every year, during the Winter Solstice, the world’s yang energy wanes, and the formation can’t exert its full strength. That’s our moment to strike.”

Song Changsheng suddenly understood. The ‘Xuan Yang Heavenly Firmament Array’ operates by harnessing the world’s yang energy—the stronger the yang, the stronger the formation, and vice versa. Though the Violet Imperial Realm and Blue Star were two different worlds, their calendars bore similarities.

In this world, the Winter Solstice marked the time when yang energy was weakest and yin energy was most abundant, so the ‘Xuan Yang Heavenly Firmament Array’ would be affected. Choosing this time to act was undoubtedly wise.

Still, even a weakened second-tier formation wouldn’t drop to the level of a first-tier one. Alone, Song Changsheng found it unlikely he could break it. Perhaps seeing his hesitation, Zhu Yiqun patted his chest, “Don’t worry. We haven’t been idle this past year. We’ve prepared tools to assist you in breaking the formation. With your expertise in arrays, I’m confident you’ll manage.”

If that was so, Song Changsheng felt a bit more assured. Yet whether to go or not was another matter—the relic was surely outside the marketplace.

Within the market, he enjoyed some measure of safety, but outside, there were plenty who’d like to see him dead.

After pondering for a moment, Song Changsheng nodded, “Very well, I will do my best.”

After that last attack, Xia Yunxue had given him a second-tier, low-grade talisman for protection. He carried it at all times, and if confronted by a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it would buy some time.

Still, it wasn’t foolproof, so he planned to visit a senior for further assurance.

Hearing Song Changsheng agree, Zhu Yiqun’s broad face blossomed into a radiant smile, “With your promise, I’m at ease. The Winter Solstice is seven days away. Tomorrow at noon, I’ll introduce you to our companions for this venture, and then we’ll set out early to make preparations.”

“In that case, let’s meet here again tomorrow,” Song Changsheng said, cupping his hands in farewell before departing.

Instead of returning to Treasure Pavilion, he headed to the town’s Guardhouse.

Liuyun Market had been established by the joint efforts of the six major powers of Lingzhou, who were also responsible for its order and defense.

Each power sent a Foundation Establishment cultivator and several Qi Refining cultivators in turn, rotating as guards.

Currently, the three Foundation Establishment cultivators stationed at the Guardhouse hailed from the Earthfire Sect, the Wang Clan, and the Li Clan.

Both the Wang and Li Clans were allies of the Song Clan. The patriarch of the Wang Clan owed a great debt to Song Yun Gui, and over the years, the two families had intermarried and supported each other as closely as brothers.

During the great war over a decade ago, the Wang Clan had spared no effort, ultimately sacrificing a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Their bond was plain to see.

Song Changsheng’s grandfather had told him that if he ever faced trouble in Liuyun Market, he should turn to the Wang Clan.

Thus, today’s visit was to the Wang Clan’s elder currently stationed at Liuyun Market—Wang Wanzhou.

“Please inform Elder Wang that Song Changsheng of the Song Clan has come to pay his respects,” Song Changsheng said, handing his identity token to the gatekeeper.

“Please wait.” Recognizing him as a Song Clan member, the guard hurried inside to report.

Soon, Song Changsheng heard a hearty voice, “Is it the grandson of Brother Xianming?”

Looking up, he saw a square-faced elder with a full head of silver hair, imposing in manner, stride out.

Song Changsheng quickly stepped forward and bowed, “Song Changsheng of the Song Clan greets Elder Wang.”

“Hahaha, I’ve heard of you. Indeed, you are quite impressive. No need for formalities—since you’re Brother Xianming’s grandson, you should call me Granduncle,” Wang Wanzhou said, clapping Song Changsheng’s shoulder with cheerful warmth.

“Greetings, Granduncle,” Song Changsheng replied respectfully, cupping his hands.

The man before him was no ordinary figure. A peer of Song Xianming, he was two hundred years old, and his late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation made him one of Lingzhou’s foremost experts.

Together, they entered the Guardhouse, and after taking their seats, Wang Wanzhou stroked his beard, smiling as he regarded Song Changsheng, “You’ve been here less than a year, yet your reputation is already considerable. Truly, heroes emerge young.”

Song Changsheng gave a wry smile and cupped his hands, “Granduncle, please don’t tease me. For me, flaunting talent brings more trouble than benefit. Earthfire Sect and its allies wish nothing more than to see me gone. I had no choice but to disturb you.”

Wang Wanzhou’s smile faded as he shook his head, “Your grandfather is too rigid. He could easily ensure your safety with just a few resources, yet insists on treating everyone equally. You are his own grandson, and he hasn’t even given you a protective item. It’s unreasonable.”

Song Changsheng remained silent. With the other’s status, he could say as he pleased, but as a junior, it wasn’t his place to interject.

“Well then, what brings you here?” Wang Wanzhou asked, after his criticisms, smiling kindly at Song Changsheng.

“Granduncle, I need to leave the market for a task, but I fear someone might act recklessly. I’ve come to request a transmission jade slip from you, so that in a critical moment, you might lend me your aid,” Song Changsheng said respectfully.

Wang Wanzhou nodded in understanding, “Ah, so that’s it. A small matter.”

He took a jade slip from his spatial pouch and handed it over, “If they try to bully you, crush this slip. I’ll sense your location and come at once. Since you’ve come to me, I will see to your safety.”

“Thank you, Granduncle. I’ll take my leave now,” Song Changsheng said, feeling deeply grateful. The weight of those words filled him with a sense of security.

At the same time, he thought of his own grandfather, that stern old man who, though never showed him favoritism, always protected him in his own way.

All these things, unspoken, conveyed everything…