Chapter 35: Ruin Site
"A senior's cave dwelling?"
Song Changsheng frowned. "Brother Zhu, if this ruins from a Foundation Establishment cultivator has survived until now, it must mean that the defensive formation around it is still intact and most likely a second-rank formation.
"While I do have some understanding of formations, I still fall short when it comes to dismantling permanent second-rank formations. You’re overestimating me. I suggest you find a second-rank formation master to accompany you instead."
Although the ruin site intrigued him, he felt compelled to speak plainly now, better than taking the blame later.
Zhu Yiqun chuckled. “Of course we’ve considered all of that.”
“To tell you the truth, we’ve already tried to enter the ruin site once, but the second-rank formation around it was too formidable, and we had to withdraw.”
“Later, through some research, we discovered that the formation is called the Mystic Yang Skysteel Array. It’s a formation of pure Yang energy, but during the Winter Solstice, the Yang energy in the world diminishes, weakening the formation’s power. That’s when we plan to strike.”
Realization dawned on Song Changsheng.
The Mystic Yang Skysteel Array operated using the ambient Yang energy of the heavens and earth, the more Yang, the stronger the formation, and vice versa.
Though the Ziyu Realm and Earth were two different worlds, they shared some similarities, like their calendars.
In this world, too, the Winter Solstice marked the day when Yang was at its weakest and Yin was at its peak. So the timing of their attempt made sense.
However, even in its weakened state, a second-rank formation wouldn’t fall to first-rank levels. For Song Changsheng to break it alone was still improbable.
Perhaps seeing the hesitation in his eyes, Zhu Yiqun thumped his chest. “Don’t worry. We haven’t spent the last year doing nothing. We’ve prepared plenty of support tools to aid in dismantling the formation. With your talent in formations, I truly believe you can pull it off.”
If that was the case, Song Changsheng felt a bit more confident. But whether or not to go was still a question. The ruin site would surely be outside the market city.
Within the marketplace, he still had some degree of protection. But outside? There were plenty of people who wanted him dead.
After a moment of contemplation, Song Changsheng nodded. “Alright. I’ll do my best.”
Since that ambush he survived, Xia Yunxue had given him a second-rank talisman for self-defense. He had carried it close ever since. Even if he encountered a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it would buy him some time.
Still, that wasn't entirely reliable. He needed one more measure, he would visit a certain elder.
Seeing Song Changsheng agree, Zhu Yiqun’s face lit up. “Now I can rest easy. The Winter Solstice is seven days away. Tomorrow at noon, I’ll take you to meet the others coming with us. Then we’ll set out to make preparations.”
“In that case, we’ll meet here again tomorrow.” Song Changsheng cupped his fists and took his leave.
But instead of returning to the Seeking Treasure Pavilion, he headed to the Garrison Headquarters of the market city.
The Drifting Cloud Market was co-founded by the six major forces of Ling Province. Naturally, they were also responsible for maintaining its order and protection.
Each of the six forces sent one Foundation Establishment cultivator and several Qi Refinement disciples on rotating shifts to guard the market city.
Currently, the three stationed Foundation Establishment cultivators were from the Earthfire Sect, the Wang Clan, and the Li Clan.
The Wang and Li Clans were both allies of the Song Clan. The patriarch of the Wang Clan in particular owed a great debt to Song Yun’gui, and over the years the two families had become close, even intermarried. They supported each other like brothers.
In a war over a decade ago, the Wang Clan had gone all out in support and even lost a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Their bond ran deep.
Song Changsheng’s grandfather had once told him, “If you ever run into serious trouble in the market city, go to the Wang Clan.”
So today, the elder Song intended to visit was none other than the Wang Clan’s stationed elder, Wang Wanzhou.
"May I trouble you to inform Senior Wang that Song Changsheng of the Song Clan requests an audience?" Song Changsheng handed over his identity token to the gatekeeper.
“Please wait a moment.” Recognizing his clan, the guard treated him with proper respect and hurried inside.
Moments later, a hearty voice rang out. “Is that Brother Xianming’s grandson?”
Song Changsheng looked up to see a square-faced, silver-haired elder with a commanding presence approaching.
He quickly stepped forward and bowed. “Song Changsheng of the Song Clan greets Senior Wang.”
“Hahaha, I’ve heard of you. As expected, a fine young man!” Wang Wanzhou patted him on the shoulder, laughing. “Calling me ‘Senior’ is too formal. You’re Brother Xianming’s grandson, by rights you should call me Great Uncle.”
“Greetings, Great Uncle,” Song Changsheng responded with deep respect.
This man was no ordinary elder, he was of the same generation as Song Xianming, already over two hundred years old and a late-Foundation Establishment expert well-known in Ling Province.
The two entered the garrison, took their seats, and made small talk. Wang Wanzhou stroked his beard and smiled. “You’ve only been in the market for less than a year, and you’ve already made quite a name for yourself. Truly, heroes emerge from youth.”
Song Changsheng gave a bitter smile and bowed slightly. “Great Uncle, please don’t tease me. For someone like me, being too high-profile brings more harm than good.
“The Earthfire Sect and its allies are determined to eliminate me. I had no choice but to seek your help.”
Wang Wanzhou’s smile faded as he shook his head. “Your grandfather... always so stiff. He could have handed you a few treasures to keep you safe, but insisted on ‘treating all grandchildren equally.’
“You’re his direct grandson, and yet he didn’t even give you something to protect yourself? Unbelievable.”
Song Changsheng remained silent. With the elder’s seniority, he couldn’t say much in reply.
“So,” Wang Wanzhou said, smiling again, “what do you need from this old man?”
“Great Uncle,” Song Changsheng stood and bowed again. “I need to leave the market soon. I’m worried certain enemies might grow desperate. I came to request a transmission jade slip that I can use in a critical moment.”
Understanding dawned in Wang Wanzhou’s eyes. He nodded. “Ah, I see. A small matter.”
He pulled out a jade slip from his spatial pouch and handed it to Song Changsheng. “If anyone dares act shamelessly and bully you with higher cultivation, just crush this. I’ll sense your location immediately and come to your aid.
“Since you came to me, I’ll naturally protect you.”
“Thank you, Great Uncle.” Gratitude welled up in Song Changsheng’s heart. That promise held tremendous weight, an assurance of safety.
At the same time, his thoughts drifted to his own grandfather, that rigid old man. Though he had never shown any favoritism, he had always protected Song Changsheng in his own way.
Some things... didn’t need to be said aloud.
(Chapter End)