"An ancient cultivator's estate?"
Song Changsheng frowned and said,
"Brother Zhu, if a Foundation Establishment cultivator's estate has managed to remain intact until now, then the formation guarding it must still be operational and it's most likely a tier-two formation.
While I do have some understanding of formations, dealing with a permanent tier-two formation is beyond my current ability. You're giving me too much credit. I suggest you find a proper tier-two formation master to accompany you instead."
Though he was intrigued by the idea of an ancient cultivator's ruins, some things needed to be said upfront otherwise, he'd be the one taking the blame later.
Zhu Yiqun smiled at his response and said,
"Of course, we've already considered all that.
To be honest with you, Changsheng, we've already tried entering the ruins once. But that tier-two formation guarding the place is indeed formidable we had no choice but to retreat empty-handed.
Later, we dug up some information and found out that the formation is known as the Xuan Yang Heavenly Steel Array. It's extremely yang-aligned and rigid, drawing power from the natural yang energy of the heavens and earth. But on the day of the Winter Solstice, when the world's yang energy is at its weakest, the array can no longer operate at full strength. That's our best chance to make our move."
Realization dawned on Song Changsheng.
The Xuan Yang Heavenly Steel Array was a type of formation that functioned based on the ambient yang energy. The stronger the yang energy, the more powerful the formation, and the weaker the energy, the weaker the array.
Though the Purple Mansion Realm was a completely different world from Earth, they still shared similarities, such as the calendar.
In this world, the Winter Solstice was also the day when yang energy reached its lowest point and yin energy was at its peak, which meant the Xuan Yang Heavenly Steel Array would be weakened.
Striking at that time was the best strategy.
However, even a weakened tier-two formation wouldn't drop to the level of a tier-one. It still wouldn't be easy for Song Changsheng to break through it alone.
Perhaps sensing his doubt, Zhu Yiqun patted his chest and said confidently,
"Don't worry. We haven't been idle this past year we've already prepared everything you'll need to assist in breaking the formation.
With your knowledge of formations, I'm confident you can do it."
If that was the case, Song Changsheng felt a bit more confident. But the real issue was whether he should go at all after all, the ruins were certainly located outside the marketplace.
Within the bounds of the marketplace, his safety was somewhat assured. But once outside, there were plenty of people who'd be happy to see him dead.
After a moment of contemplation, Song Changsheng nodded and said, "Alright, I'll do my best."
Ever since he was attacked last time, Xia Yunxue had given him a low-grade Tier-Two talisman for self-defense. He had been keeping it on him ever since. If he ran into a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it could at least help him hold out for a while.
Still, that wasn't entirely reliable, so he planned to pay a visit to an elder before setting off.
Seeing that Song Changsheng had agreed, Zhu Yiqun's broad face broke into a bright smile.
"With your word, I'm relieved. The Winter Solstice is in seven days. Tomorrow at noon, I'll introduce you to the rest of our team. After that, we'll depart early to make the necessary preparations."
"In that case, let's meet here again tomorrow," Song Changsheng cupped his hands in farewell and then took his leave.
But instead of returning to the Treasure-Seeking Pavilion, he headed toward the Garrison Hall of the marketplace.
Liuyun Marketplace was jointly established by the six major powers of Lingzhou, who were also responsible for maintaining its order and defense.
Each of the six powers contributed one Foundation Establishment cultivator and several Qi Refining cultivators to form two rotating groups that took turns guarding the marketplace.
Currently, the three Foundation Establishment cultivators stationed at the Garrison Hall were from the Earthfire Sect, the Wang Clan, and the Li Clan.
Both the Wang and Li Clans were allies of the Song Clan. The Wang Clan's patriarch in particular had received great kindness from Song Yungui, Song Changsheng's grandfather. Over the years, the two clans had forged a close bond, often marrying into each other's families and supporting one another like true brothers.
During a great war more than a decade ago, the Wang Clan had gone all out to assist the Song Clan, even losing a Foundation Establishment cultivator in battle proof of the depth of their relationship.
Song Changsheng's grandfather had once told him: if you ever run into serious trouble in Liuyun Marketplace, don't hesitate to seek help from the Wang Clan.
It was precisely for this reason that the elder he planned to visit today was Wang Wanzhou, the Wang Clan elder currently stationed at the marketplace.
"I'd like to request an audience. Please inform Elder Wang that Song Changsheng of the Song Clan is here to pay his respects," Song Changsheng said, handing his identity token to the gatekeeper.
"One moment, please." Seeing that he was from the Song Clan, the gatekeeper didn't dare show the slightest negligence and quickly went to report.
Before long, Song Changsheng heard a hearty voice say,
"So it's the grandson of Daoist Brother Xianming?"
Looking up, Song Changsheng saw an imposing elderly man with a square face, a head full of silver hair, and a commanding presence walking toward him.
He hurried forward and bowed respectfully, "Song Changsheng of the Song Clan pays his respects to Elder Wang."
"Hahaha, I've heard of you! You certainly live up to your reputation." Wang Wanzhou patted him on the shoulder and laughed heartily. "No need to call me 'Elder.' You're Xianming's grandson, so by seniority, you should be calling me Granduncle."
"Greetings, Granduncle," Song Changsheng quickly cupped his hands again, his demeanor full of respect.
The man before him was no ordinary figure. A peer of his grandfather Song Xianming, Wang Wanzhou was already over two hundred years old, with cultivation at the late Foundation Establishment stage one of the top experts in Lingzhou.
The two entered the Garrison Hall together and sat down as host and guest. Wang Wanzhou stroked his beard and looked at Song Changsheng with a smile.
"You've only been in the marketplace for less than a year, and yet you've already made quite a name for yourself. Truly, heroes rise from the young."
Song Changsheng gave a wry smile and cupped his hands again.
"Granduncle, please don't tease me. In truth, standing out like this has brought me more trouble than benefit.
Now the Earthfire Sect and its allies are eager to get rid of me. I had no choice but to come and trouble you today."
Wang Wanzhou's smile faded, and he shook his head.
"Your grandfather is just too rigid. With all the resources at his disposal, it would be easy for him to keep you safe. But instead, he insists on treating everyone equally.
You're his flesh and blood, and yet he didn't even give you anything for protection that's simply unreasonable."
Song Changsheng remained silent. Given Wang Wanzhou's seniority, he could say what he liked. But as a junior, Song Changsheng knew it wasn't his place to speak.
"So, tell me what did you come here for?" Wang Wanzhou asked, his smile returning as he looked at Song Changsheng.
"Granduncle, I need to leave the marketplace for a while, but I fear desperate enemies might try something reckless. I've come to ask if you could grant me a messaging jade slip so that I may call for aid if things get out of hand," Song Changsheng said with a respectful bow.
Wang Wanzhou understood at once and nodded. "Ah, so that's it. That's a small matter."
He reached into his storage pouch and pulled out a jade slip, handing it to Song Changsheng.
"If they're shameless enough to bully the young, crush this jade slip. I'll sense your location and come immediately.
Now that you've come to me, rest assured I'll make sure you're safe."
"Thank you, Granduncle." Song Changsheng felt a deep sense of gratitude. That simple promise carried tremendous weight and filled him with a profound sense of security.
At the same time, he thought of his grandfather. That old man so stubborn and reserved had never given him special treatment, yet had always protected him in his quiet way.
So many things… left unsaid, yet deeply understood.
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