Chapter 465

In the pervasive darkness, Li Huowang's brows furrowed as he listened to Liu Zongyuan. "Are you saying that the Jindian Grand Array set up by the Directorate of Astronomy in Shangjing was meant to counter a natural disaster?"

While he was in Shangjing, despite being entangled in the events, his attention had been completely consumed by Beifeng, leaving him no time to consider why the Daliang Emperor and the Directorate of Astronomy were working together.

Afterward, he had speculated wildly, assuming the Daliang Emperor's elaborate preparations were for his own path to immortality.

Now, it seemed the situation was quite the opposite: the Directorate of Astronomy and the Daliang Emperor intended to use the Eye of the Divine Mountain Ghost to combat the celestial calamity of the "Heavenly Dog Devouring the Sun."

Li Huowang's mind suddenly cleared regarding the true nature of events unfolding across Daliang, though a hint of regret quickly surfaced in his heart.

During the Shangjing incident, it seemed he had not played a positive role.

But the Directorate of Astronomy had given no warning beforehand. How was he to know they were truly creating a grand array to save the people from a natural disaster?

Given the Directorate of Astronomy's consistent modus operandi, it was impossible for him to have imagined such a benevolent purpose.

"No, Brother Li, you are not mistaken; it is my fault," Zhuge Yuan's voice chimed in, prompting Li Huowang to cock his ear slightly in its direction.

"This entire affair, from beginning to end, was my blunder. I was deceived by the Sitting-Forgetfulness Dao," Zhuge Yuan's voice was laden with self-reproach and sorrow.

"From the very start of 'Slaying the White Board,' I fear I fell into the Sitting-Forgetfulness Dao's trap. It's possible that the puppet emperor controlling the government in Daqi is also a tactic of the Daqi Sitting-Forgetfulness Dao, with both factions cooperating."

"Their actions weren't about avenging the deceased White Board. Instead, they aimed to exploit my identity as a 'Heart-Imprisoned' to unite both Sitting-Forgetfulness Dao factions, then jointly trick Dou Mu and seize the Directorate of Astronomy's Eye of the Divine Mountain Ghost."

Upon hearing Liu Zongyuan's revelation, Zhuge Yuan, as someone directly involved, gleaned far more information from it than Li Huowang.

"Don't be too distressed," Li Huowang couldn't help but interject, offering comfort. "After all, you did everything you could. If there's anyone to blame, it's the Sitting-Forgetfulness Dao."

Before Zhuge Yuan could respond, Liu Zongyuan, standing nearby, mistakenly assumed Li Huowang was speaking to him and quickly interjected.

"Brother Er, you're too polite," Liu Zongyuan began. "But I'm not distressed. I wasn't serving in Shangjing; why would I risk my life? I had already fled to Qingqiu that day."

Seizing the opportunity, Liu Zongyuan continued to chatter relentlessly: "Ah, decades ago, we purged the Sitting-Forgetfulness Dao once. Who would have thought that after all this time, they'd become formidable again."

"Those despicable creatures are like maggots in an outhouse; no matter what you do, they always persist."

"Hey, Brother Er, I'll tell you something, but keep it to yourself. I heard that this time, the Sitting-Forgetfulness Dao has completely infuriated the higher authorities. After the celestial disaster is resolved, it's likely that all branches of the Directorate of Astronomy across the realm will be notified to carry out a full-scale extermination of them."

"During the Shangjing incident, the Sitting-Forgetfulness Dao suffered heavy losses, with many killed or crippled. Now, with another major offensive, those accursed Sitting-Forgetfulness Dao are likely to be utterly annihilated."

Hearing this, Li Huowang immediately sat up straight, even clenching his fists in excitement. "That's excellent news! I despise the Sitting-Forgetfulness Dao the most! The Directorate of Astronomy should have done this ages ago!"

"Exactly, Brother Er," Liu Zongyuan replied. "Didn't I know how deeply you despise the Sitting-Forgetfulness Dao? That's why I specifically came to ask you to join me. Who would have thought your eyes would be blind? Ah, what a pity."

"It's no matter," Li Huowang quickly declared. "I can still kill even with blind eyes! Let's depart immediately!"

"Oh, no, no, Brother Er, please don't," Liu Zongyuan waved off. "You should focus on recuperating. Don't push yourself; there are plenty of capable individuals in the Directorate of Astronomy. They won't miss you, nor will your presence significantly add to their strength."

Li Huowang had actually anticipated that Liu Zongyuan wouldn't accompany a blind person on an assignment. He was merely putting on an act to maintain his established persona.

He still had a multitude of troubles of his own and had no genuine interest in getting involved in this particular affair.

After concluding their serious discussion and exchanging pleasantries, Liu Zongyuan's attention inevitably shifted to the terrifying appearance of Li Sui.

"Hey, Brother Er," Liu Zongyuan remarked, "in your Aojing Cult, it's one thing for humans, but why do you skin dogs as well?"

Li Huowang reached out and stroked Li Sui's hard, skull-like head. "She's not a dog; she's a spirit beast I acquired by chance. Since I'm blind, I'm currently using her for self-defense. Don't let her terrifying appearance mislead you; sometimes she's far more reliable than people."

"Is that so? That truly is a stroke of luck. Most people wouldn't dare to keep such a... spirit beast! Do you sell this?"

Hearing this, a low, threatening growl immediately rumbled from deep within Li Sui's throat, and she bared her menacing white teeth at Liu Zongyuan.

"Quiet, Brother Liu is just joking," Li Huowang said, patting Li Sui's neck. Her hostility towards Liu Zongyuan instantly subsided.

Sensing Li Sui's uncharacteristic behavior, Li Huowang felt a pang of headache. The old Li Sui was simple and childlike, but now she was behaving like this.

It seemed that due to some internal influence, a bestial nature had become intertwined with her personality.

"Alright, Brother Er, since we've discussed enough, I'll be on my way. Take your time recuperating, and don't fret over anything."

With that, Liu Zongyuan stood up to leave, but Li Huowang swiftly called out to him.

"Brother Liu, wait a moment," Li Huowang interjected. "Since you are so knowledgeable, do you happen to know of any cultivation methods or divine abilities from any sect that allow one to replace their eyes? As you know, I am currently..."

"Hmm... you really don't need to consult those people for this," Liu Zongyuan mused. "You're unfamiliar with their territories and could easily be deceived. We have our own methods."

"You've completed so many assignments; the Directorate of Astronomy's rewards must be substantial, right? Take the Longevity Pills they gave you and exchange them at the Shangjing treasury. They are sure to have cultivation methods and magical artifacts that can restore your sight."

After saying this, Liu Zongyuan quickly departed. In the dim surroundings, Li Huowang sat alone, silently stroking the back of Li Sui's neck.

Too many things had happened recently; he needed to organize his thoughts. "Li Sui, bring me a piece of charcoal and a sheet of Xuan paper."

"Yes, Father," Li Sui replied.

Soon, a sheet of Xuan paper was spread before Li Huowang, and a piece of black charcoal, coiled by a tentacle, was placed into his hand.

Holding the charcoal, Li Huowang used its sharpened tip to list his current troubles on the paper, from top to bottom.

1. Bai Lingmiao's eyes are nearing blindness due to excessive sun exposure. Furthermore, her fragile body has a short lifespan.

2. The anomaly of the celestial disaster: Since the Directorate of Astronomy's plan was disrupted by the Sitting-Forgetfulness Dao, there might be more such disasters. He isn't afraid for himself, but how can Ox-Heart Village ensure its self-preservation and survival in such a turbulent environment?

3. His past, altered by the Yin-Yang Dou Mu: His past as "Hong Zhong" remains a latent threat that must be addressed when an opportunity arises.

4. Immortal cultivation: This pursuit must be maintained diligently, as it pertains not only to Zhuge Yuan's resurrection and his own overall strength but also to the very reality of the world.