Still within the Imperial Capital, Li Biexue stood atop the ninety-ninth floor of the Star Gazing Tower. This had once been Chongxuan’s residence, but following his succession as the National Preceptor, the tower now belonged entirely to him. At this moment, Yin Yu sat behind him, perfectly composed. “Has the National Preceptor discovered anything? Can that Xiuguan truly return to the Cloud Realm?”
Li Biexue merely chuckled and shook his head. “I am not Chongxuan; I do not practice numerology. I cannot quite fathom these celestial phenomena and stars. As for Xiuguan, confirmation remains elusive. However, his return is only a matter of time; why dwell on it?”
As he spoke, Li Biexue’s gaze remained fixed on a single point before him, unmoving for even half a moment. It was a speck of blood, his Primordial Spirit Essence Blood, currently a dark crimson hue. Within this domain, there were thousands of demonic cultivation methods, most of them bizarre and sinister. The technique he was employing now was called 'Purple Blood Cognition of Profundity'—a secret demonic art he had found long ago before he even reached the Cloud Realm. Using his own essence blood as a catalyst, merged with a thousand drops of Purple River Vehicle Blood from varying sources, it could reveal the fortune or misfortune of his life for the next hundred days. And the so-called Purple River Vehicle Blood was derived from the placenta of a woman, which had to be retrieved before the infant was delivered. He performed this divination before every major event. Before reaching the Zenith Realm, he relied on this art to escape several near-fatal tribulations. After entering the Zenith Realm, Li Biexue’s primordial spirit became anchored to the Great Dao, making him increasingly sensitive to the mechanisms of Heaven and Earth. After employing this art now, the sensation was even clearer, almost allowing him to observe every facet of his fortune and woe within the coming day.
Roughly half a breath later, the dark red blood before him showed no change whatsoever. Slightly puzzled, Li Biexue indifferently shook his head. Blood turning golden symbolized good fortune. Blood turning black signified imminent disaster. Throughout the entire process, Li Biexue could usually perceive various strange omens that would cross-reference with events yet to unfold. Yet today, he had only witnessed a mere handful of images in total. One of them was the scene of Zong Shou stepping into the Imperial Capital. Another depicted Zong Shou enveloped within a vast net of black lightning, seemingly trapped in a desperate situation. And himself, perched high atop this tower, gazing down coldly.
The blood showed no change, perhaps because there would be no danger or excitement within these hundred days? There seemed to be no great fortune either—just an uneventful calm. So why then had he only seen these few sparse images? The situation was slightly different from the norm.
A sudden thought stirred in Li Biexue’s mind, recalling the death of Xizi back then, and the battle in the Mortal Sky Realm. Before that great war, this 'Purple Blood Cognition of Profundity' had also failed him. Before the battle with Xizi, he had sensed no ominous or profound mysteries regarding fortune or misfortune. Before the battle in the Sky Realm, he only knew he would likely emerge unharmed, yet he failed to predict the death of Xing Xie.
Thinking it over, this current situation was actually the normal outcome. Although many Zenith Realm experts participated in that previous conflict, it should not have been enough to obscure the insight of 'Purple Blood Cognition of Profundity'. Therefore, this result should be entirely proper.
Yin Yu was unaware of the subtle shift in Li Biexue’s emotions over this brief time. He spoke smoothly, a smile playing on his lips. “From the National Preceptor’s words, one might assume you are brimming with confidence. However, I have also heard that Xiuguan, the figure who proved Eternity, is eternally indestructible. Even with my Twelve Town-Guarding Bronze Men, I—”
Before the words were finished, he was forcibly interrupted by Li Biexue: “The Yin Vein Spirit Slaughtering Array!”
Yin Yu paused for a moment, then heard Li Biexue continue: “In four days, I will deploy this formation within the Imperial Capital. At that time, even if Xiuguan brings all four Zenith experts of the Boundless Dao here, it will be of no consequence!”
“Yin Vein Spirit Slaughtering?”
Yin Yu was confused, but seeing Li Biexue’s absolute confidence, he knew it was no small matter. He then laughed easily. “I will immediately command the Four Great Families to follow the National Preceptor’s orders. I will also request aid from Scholar Zhu and the Daoist Sect; they can assist the National Preceptor.”
“Scholar Zhu? The Daoist Sect?”
Li Biexue sneered coldly. “If this array is truly deployed, Scholar Zhu Qingxuan will likely not dare step foot in this city. And the likes of the Yang and Li families might not be willing to go through fire and water for Your Majesty.”
Yin Yu was unconcerned, possessing greater confidence in Li Biexue. “Even if those venerable figures dare not enter the city, having them strike the perimeter to create a diversion or two would be beneficial. If the National Preceptor prevails, with Scholar Zhu and the Qingxuan Holy Venerable, those Xiuguan individuals will struggle to escape the Cloud Realm. If we fail, we can still manage the aftermath.”
Seeing Li Biexue nod slightly, clearly agreeing, Yin Yu smiled again, an expression laced with a chilling coldness. “As for those families, they will not have a choice!”
As they spoke, Yin Yu suddenly recalled another person. “What if the Compassionate Dao Lord and Xiuguan join forces?”
The Compassionate Dao Lord was the foremost of the Three Holy Venerables of the Daoist Sect; even after the schism, the cultivators of the Grand Clarity lineage still revered him as their progenitor. He was a powerhouse who had nearly achieved the Half-Step True Realm, not significantly weaker than Xiuguan. If these two joined forces, the situation would truly be dire.
“The Compassionate Dao Lord? Impossible! If he dared to show himself in the Cloud Realm, he wouldn’t have waited until now. If the Master of the Sword Sect is intelligent, he absolutely will not intervene in this conflict.”
Li Yuanmo flicked his sleeve dismissively, indicating no trouble. He did not explain the reason, but his tone was extremely certain. Then, his gaze shifted subtly toward the distance, and he chuckled softly. “It seems your subject, Zuo Xin, has arrived at the palace requesting an audience. The head of the Yang family is accompanying him—it seems the Emperor was right!”
At this moment, Yin Yu’s eyes were sharp as a hawk’s. Gazing down from the ninety-ninth floor, he saw two figures successively entering the palace gates. Zuo Xin was likely there to report, while the master of the Yang family, Yang Yehen, was most likely there to display his loyalty. He couldn't help but sneer. Those five great clans were all experts at gauging the situation; otherwise, how could they have survived since the time of the Barren Cloud Era? They had hesitated for an entire day. If they still hadn't made a decision by now, he would truly be disappointed in them.
The Great Qian Dynasty was currently beset by internal and external troubles; the ten governorships of the Shadow Demon Court were attacking the Celestial Sphere World, and the five continents of Jiangnan were balanced precariously on the edge of collapse. Yet, Zong Shou had committed such an inexplicable, foolish act. These clan families had long lost the leverage to bargain with him.
He recalled Jin Buhui, and Yin Yu’s expression darkened slightly, before he smiled again. He hadn't anticipated that such a minor figure could provoke Zong Shou into such a fit of rage, seemingly causing him to completely lose his reason. If he had known this, perhaps keeping the man alive would have made it easier to manipulate the ruler of Great Qian. He was further perplexed by Zong Shou’s nature—called an imbecile and an idiot, yet he had almost swept through the Cloud Realm. Described as a cunning warlord, yet he repeatedly acted purely on impulse.
Yin Yu couldn't help but shake his head slightly. “Actually, there is still one thing that puzzles me. Is Zong Shou truly acting solely for Jin Buhui? Is he risking such a profound danger for a friend, regardless of whether Great Qian falls or the Boundless Dao declines?”
“Not necessarily! Your Majesty possesses the Twelve Town-Guarding Bronze Men, and the Nation’s Fate is revitalized. So long as you gather enough Venerables of the Sacred Realm, you can sweep the Six Directions like the First Qin Emperor did! You could even march upon the Outer Domain and forge an unparalleled achievement. For the Boundless Dao and Great Qian, only this moment—when Your Majesty is most vulnerable—is likely the final opportunity.”
Yin Yu listened thoughtfully; this was indeed the speculation he had used to frame his question, yet unease lingered in his heart. “Furthermore, Zong Shou likely has some trump card. Does Your Majesty know that after the battle at the First Qin Emperor’s Tomb, at least twenty Sacred Realm experts from the Six Teachings and the great families of the Cloud Realm have been missing ever since—”
At this point, Li Biexue narrowed his eyes. “I suspect the majority of them are connected to Zong Shou!”
Yin Yu grew more perplexed. Even if the fall of these Sacred Realm experts was linked to Zong Shou, they shouldn't pose a threat to Zenith Realm experts.
Li Biexue offered no further explanation, sinking back into contemplation on his own. Did Zong Shou possess the Heaven-Ascending Winged Artifact? Or was that the foundation of the Boundless Dao's Xiuguan's audacity in daring to ascend to the Imperial Capital? It was regrettable that after Su Xiaoxiao committed suicide that day, due to the interference of the Twin Dragon Convergence Array and numerous Zenith experts, he had almost entirely lost his sensory connection to the tomb’s interior. He regretted not having gained more detailed information then—
However, even if Zong Shou possessed that artifact, it posed no real threat. Everything in the world had its counter, and the Twelve Town-Guarding Bronze Men forged by the First Qin Emperor were likely the only things in the Cloud Realm capable of suppressing the Heaven-Ascending Winged Artifact. And he still had a chance to reclaim that divine treasure!
※※※※
“Is it confirmed? The news of Xiuguan’s return was spread under the orders of that Zhang Huai from Great Qian?”
In the Spiritual Heaven Realm, Qingxuan sat cross-legged in the Thousand Soul Lamp Chamber, his eyes filled with bewilderment. “What is Zong Shou plotting? Is the oath to enter the capital in seven days and take Yin Yu’s head merely a diversionary tactic to deceive us? Does he truly have no such intention—”
“Zong Shou has always kept his word; he has never broken a promise.”
Dao Lord Taihuang was equally confused. “This matter, from beginning to end, is shrouded in strangeness. Yin Yu gains the Bronze Men, Li Biexue becomes the Grand Shang National Preceptor, and Zong Shou insists on entering the capital. The Dragon Swallowing Scheme, the Hegemon’s Manifestation—perhaps there are reasons beyond our knowledge. But regardless, if Zong Shou enters the capital, his death is certain!”
The initial sentences were spoken with doubt, but the final one was resolute and absolute. Qingxuan did not question it; he had personally experienced the might of the Twelve Town-Guarding Bronze Men ten thousand years ago. The Three Thousand Daoist Sects had nearly been purged in that era.
“I feel something is amiss. If Zong Shou were not confident, he wouldn't go seeking death. If Li Biexue knew he was outmatched, he would have long since fled. Something was already odd at the First Qin Emperor’s Tomb; our Daoist Sect lost four Sacred Ranks—”
As he spoke, Qingxuan’s eyes suddenly grew cold, and he reached out a hand vaguely beyond the boundary of the Heaven Realm. In moments, he retrieved a golden scroll.
Qingxuan didn't immediately unroll it, for only a few breaths later, the illusory projection of Scholar Zhu materialized within the lamp chamber. “The Grand Shang Emperor has issued an edict, ordering this old man to proceed to the Imperial Capital in four days to jointly confront the Boundless Dao. Qingxuan, Taihuang, what are your thoughts on this?”
Qingxuan gave no immediate answer, only a flicker of displeasure crossing his eyes. He only just obtained the Twelve Bronze Men; he hadn't even consolidated his strength, yet he was already ordering them, the Holy Venerables, around. What would the future hold?
“Given Li Biexue’s nature, he will certainly deploy the Yin Vein Spirit Slaughtering Array to ensure absolute safety. We dare not enter the city and can only stand guard outside. Scholar Zhu, are you prepared to stop him, or will you stand with us?”
Zhu Zi first showed a look of bewilderment, which gradually solidified into resolve. “His Majesty’s mind is set; this old man cannot stop him, only offer admonishment afterward. In truth, if this demon could be executed, even if it meant allying with the demonic path!”
“Then let us both remain outside the city and await the fall of Zong Shou—or the death of Yin Yu—!”
Qingxuan smiled, a chill in his eyes. He actually wished to know what had transpired between Zong Shou and Li Yuanmo. But for now, all they could do was wait.