Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

Chapter 35: Chapter 35: Predecessor’s Ruins

”A predecessor’s cavern?”

Song Changsheng frowned. ”Brother Zhu, if the ruins of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator have survived until now, it means the Array protecting it must be perfectly preserved. It’s most likely a Tier Two Array.

Although I have some understanding of Arrays, I’m not capable of dealing with a permanent Tier Two Array. You overestimate me. I suggest you find a Tier Two Array Master to go with you.”

Although the predecessor’s cavern piqued his interest, some things had to be said upfront. Otherwise, he’d be the one taking the blame later.

Hearing this, Zhu Yiqun smiled. ”We’ve naturally considered what you’ve said.”

”Changsheng, to be honest with you, we already tried to enter the ruins, but the Tier Two Level Array protecting it is incredibly formidable. We had to return empty-handed.”

”Later, we looked up some information and found that it’s a Grand Array called the Profound Sun Celestial Spirit Array. It is of the Supreme Yang and Firmness. However, during the Winter Solstice each year, the Yang Qi between heaven and earth weakens, and the Grand Array cannot exert its full power. That will be the perfect time for us to make our move.”

Song Changsheng had a realization. The Profound Sun Celestial Spirit Array was an Array that operated using the Yang Qi between heaven and earth. The stronger the Yang Qi, the stronger the Array, and vice versa.

Although the Purple Imperial Realm and Blue Star were two different worlds, they had similarities in many aspects, such as their calendars.

In this world, the Winter Solstice was the time of year when Yang Qi was at its weakest and Yin Qi was at its strongest. Therefore, the Profound Sun Celestial Spirit Array would also be affected.

Choosing this time to make a move was undoubtedly the best option.

However, even a weakened Tier Two Array could not possibly fall to the Tier One Level. It was still highly unlikely that Song Changsheng could break the array by himself.

Perhaps seeing what he was thinking, Zhu Yiqun patted his chest and said, ”Don’t worry, we haven’t been sitting idle this past year. We have already prepared the items to help you break the array. With your skill in Arrays, I’m sure there will be no problem.”

If that was the case, Song Changsheng felt a bit more confident. But whether to go or not was another question. The ruins were certainly outside the Marketplace.

Inside the Marketplace, he had some measure of safety, but outside, there were quite a few people who wanted him dead.

After a moment of contemplation, Song Changsheng nodded. ”Alright, I’ll do my best.”

Ever since he was last attacked, Xia Yunxue had given him a Tier Two Low Grade Talisman for protection. He had been carrying it with him ever since. If he encountered a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, it could hold them off for a while.

However, this wasn’t a foolproof guarantee, so he needed to visit an elder shortly.

Hearing Song Changsheng agree, a brilliant smile spread across Zhu Yiqun’s large face. ”Your words put me at ease. The Winter Solstice is in seven days. Tomorrow at Noon, I’ll take you to meet the other fellow Daoists joining us. Then we’ll set out to make preparations early.”

”In that case, let’s meet here again tomorrow.” Song Changsheng cupped his hands and took his leave.

However, he didn’t head back to the Treasure Hunting Pavilion, but to the Marketplace’s Garrison Mansion instead.

Liuyun Marketplace was jointly established by the Six Great Influences of Ling Province, who were naturally also responsible for maintaining order and security in the Marketplace.

Each of Ling Province’s Six Great Influences would send one Foundation Establishment Cultivator and several Qi Cultivators to guard Liuyun Marketplace in two rotating shifts.

Currently, the three Foundation Establishment Cultivators in the Garrison Mansion came from the Earth Fire Sect, the Wang Clan, and the Li Clan.

The Wang Clan and the Li Clan were both allies of the Song Clan. The Wang Clan’s ancestor, in particular, had received a great favor from Song Yungui. Over the years, the two clans had often intermarried and helped each other like brothers.

In the great war a dozen or so years ago, the Wang Clan had even given their all to help, ultimately losing a Foundation Establishment Cultivator in battle. This was a testament to the friendship between the two clans.

Song Changsheng’s grandfather had once told him that if he ever ran into trouble in Liuyun Marketplace that he couldn’t handle, he could always seek help from the Wang Clan.

For this very reason, the elder Song Changsheng intended to visit today was the Wang Clan Elder currently stationed in Liuyun Marketplace—Wang Wanzhou.

”Fellow Daoist, please announce me. Just say that Changsheng of the Song Clan has come to pay his respects to Elder Wang,” Song Changsheng said, handing his Identity Waist Token to the disciple guarding the gate.

”One moment.” Seeing that he was a disciple of the Song Clan, the guard didn’t dare to be disrespectful and hurried inside to report.

Before long, Song Changsheng heard a hearty voice say, ”Is that Daoist Xianming’s grandson?”

Song Changsheng looked up and saw an old man walking out. He had a square face, a full head of silver hair, and an extraordinary aura.

He hurried forward, bowed, and said, ”Changsheng of the Song Clan pays his respects to Elder Wang.”

”Hahaha, I’ve heard of you. A fine and talented young man, indeed. Calling me ’Elder’ is too formal. You’re Daoist Xianming’s grandson. By rights, you should be calling me Grand-uncle,” Wang Wanzhou said heartily, clapping Song Changsheng on the shoulder.

”Greetings, Grand-uncle.” Song Changsheng quickly cupped his hands, his attitude extremely respectful.

’This man before me is no simple character. He’s of the same generation as Song Xianming, already two hundred years old, and his Late-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivation makes him one of the top experts in Ling Province.’

The two entered the Garrison Mansion together. After they were seated as host and guest, Wang Wanzhou stroked his beard and looked at Song Changsheng with a smile. ”You’ve been in the Marketplace for less than a year, yet you’ve already made quite a name for yourself. A hero is born from the young, indeed.”

Song Changsheng gave a wry smile, cupped his hands, and said, ”Grand-uncle, please don’t tease me. For me, the drawbacks of showing off my abilities far outweigh the benefits.

”Now, the Earth Fire Sect and its allies are all eager to eliminate me. I had no other choice but to come and trouble you.”

Wang Wanzhou’s smile faded. He shook his head and said, ”Your grandfather... he’s just too rigid. He could have easily given you something to ensure your safety, but no, he insists on this ’leveling a bowl of water’ nonsense.

”You’re his biological grandson, after all. For him not to even give you a protective artifact... it’s simply inexcusable.”

Song Changsheng remained silent. ’Given his status, he can say whatever he wants, but as a junior, it’s not my place to interrupt.’

”Alright, out with it. What did you come to find me for?” Wang Wanzhou asked, turning to Song Changsheng with a smile after he finished complaining about Song Xianming.

”Grand-uncle, I need to leave the Marketplace for a matter, but I’m afraid someone might get desperate and act recklessly. So, I’ve come to ask you for a Communication Jade Scroll, to lend me a hand at a critical moment,” Song Changsheng said with a respectful bow.

Wang Wanzhou’s eyes lit with understanding. He nodded and said, ”I see. That’s a small matter.”

As he spoke, he took a Jade Scroll from his Qiankun Bag and handed it to Song Changsheng. ”If they shamelessly decide to bully someone weaker, crush this Jade Scroll. I will be able to sense your location and rush over.

”Since you came to me today, I will naturally protect you completely.”

”Thank you, Grand-uncle. I will take my leave now.” Song Changsheng was filled with gratitude. The weight of those words was immense, giving him a profound sense of security.

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

The meaning behind it all... was something that went without saying...