Chapter 1389: The Prophet Has Techniques, All Methods Are Empty; The Great Dao Is Emotionless, Tears Leave Marks

"What a meticulous routine inspection!"

Dao Dianzhu's voice carried a hint of amusement. "So, what abnormalities did you ultimately discover?"

Yu Zhiwen had no choice but to selectively ignore the teasing tone and replied with unwavering resolve, "None whatsoever!"

She would never allow the scenes she had imagined earlier to manifest in reality—that could lead to actual deaths.

As a Tianji Shushi, her duty was to anticipate every possible contingency and eliminate the worst outcomes.

"Shasha..."

In the Tianzu combat direct channel, only static filled the air.

After a long silence, Dao Dianzhu's voice returned, devoid of any discernible emotion. "Really, no 'any' abnormalities at all?"

Yu Zhiwen felt a sense of unease.

Dao Dianzhu must have noticed something to speak like that.

She activated her Zhujixing Tong and quickly conducted a thorough temporary full check, then shook her head with ironclad conviction. "Yes, absolutely no abnormalities!"

"Look at the Xingpan footage from the previous moment."

This voice, laced with a hint of coldness, made Yu Zhiwen's heart skip a beat.

Something had gone wrong...

She silently reviewed the Xingpan from a moment ago and spotted a faint red glow near Zhuque Jintaa that had indeed appeared.

But that thing had vanished swiftly, at most indicating the passage of a stowaway.

Yu Zhiwen didn't stop her search.

There had to be more!

Otherwise, Dao Dianzhu wouldn't be so serious!

She examined it meticulously again.

Her gaze swept over the conspicuous red light marked on the Xingpan near her own position from that moment, but she didn't linger on it.

Because that glaring red glow, when viewed now, blended seamlessly into the complex Daowen on the Xingpan, drawing no attention.

In the end, Yu Zhiwen found no further issues and apologized with a hint of confusion. "I was careless and should have reported this promptly: there was a stowaway passing through."

But was that really worth Dao Dianzhu contacting her directly?

The Tianzu combat channel fell back into static silence, and Yu Zhiwen waited nervously.

Yet, there was no response for a long time.

In Sheng Huan Dian, Dao Qiong Cang, who had just returned from Wu Rao Dijing, gazed at the Tianji Sinan in his hand and let out a deep sigh. "It's indeed the power of forgetting..."

As the highest commander of Tianzu operations, the Tianji Sinan was naturally linked to Yu Zhiwen's Xingpan, allowing communication via a parent-child Xingpan setup during missions.

Without any deliberate manipulation, everything Yu Zhiwen sensed on her Xingpan was transmitted flawlessly to the Tianji Sinan.

This way, Dao Qiong Cang could detect and handle all situations more effectively and in real time.

Ascending the Tianji and returning from Wu Rao Dijing, Dao Qiong Cang knew exactly what he was doing—he used this to evade Shen Guang guidance, retreating further into the shadows to avoid being forced into battle like on Xukong Island.

And in that brief absence, the Ran Ming Yizhi site had predictably emerged fully.

With such a major event unfolding, upon his return from Wu Rao Dijing, Dao Qiong Cang's first priority was to review everything that had happened, gathering all the information.

He repaired the Tianzu combat channel.

He also retrieved and replied to all communications from Tianzu, from the lowest levels to the highest, during his brief absence, regardless of whether responses would come back.

All the events that occurred were, in a way, within expectations, including Yue Gongli and Ai Cangsheng being influenced and forced into the Ran Ming Yizhi site.

But one thing was half-unexpected!

When accessing Yu Zhiwen's Xingpan data, just like her reaction, Dao Qiong Cang initially overlooked that striking red light that had appeared on Zhuque Jintaa—not the fleeting stowaway, but the second red glow.

Long ago, Dao Qiong Cang had implanted a passive Tianji Shu in himself:

"Upon encountering any unclear forces causing emotional fluctuations like guidance, forgetting, ignoring, defiance, or compulsion—leading to over-frequency, under-frequency, excessive calm, or thought disruptions—trigger memory recall, trace the error source, and if not found, continue recalling, with part of the spirit entering a 'memory loop' state."

This was one of the Tianji Thirty-Six Styles: Da Jiyi Shu!

Once Da Jiyi Shu was triggered, Dao Qiong Cang's spirit split in two.

One half maintained normal behavior, carrying out everything methodically without appearing abnormal to outsiders.

The other half entered a state of vigilance, constantly broadcasting in his mind: "State abnormal."

"Enter 'state abnormal' while keeping daily actions unchanged, and from the deepest mental level, continuously remind yourself that you are in a 'Shengdi Guidance' or 'Zushen Guidance' moment, until the 'and cycle' state is resolved."

This was another of the Tianji Thirty-Six Styles: Da Yichang Shu!

Both Tianji Shu were passively triggered.

They were rarely needed in daily life, but when activated, the enemy was at least at the Shengdi level.

This was one of Dao Qiong Cang's early methods to shield himself from interference by the Five Great Shengdi families and other unknown forces, preventing his secret Tianji research.

It subtly reminded him of being influenced, allowing resistance while appearing compliant, to reclaim his autonomy.

The principle of such Tianji Shu was simple: treat oneself as a Tianji puppet for operation.

Shengdi Guidance power essentially amplified and diminished certain human emotions and desires.

To break it was straightforward: realize it and "defy"; if not, a "third party" was needed to remind and then "defy."

Human emotions could deceive humans, but Tianji Shu could not.

In these two Shu, the emotionless "Tianji Shu" was given life by Dao Qiong Cang, becoming that reminding "third party."

Precisely because of these two Shu, Dao Qiong Cang had earlier detected the guidance power of Zhan Shen Guan Ran Ming's lingering thoughts and responded in time.

Naturally, he also learned of the disappearance and reappearance of the "excuses compendium" through this.

He had forgotten, searched for anomalies, and even discussed the "disappearance of water" principle with Ai Cangsheng because of it.

He still didn't fully understand why Xu Xiaoshou possessed such abilities.

But the process didn't matter; he just needed to implant the result into himself again:

"When triggering Da Jiyi Shu or Da Yichang Shu, the results include not only 'Shengdi' but also 'Xu Xiaoshou.'"

Upon returning from Wu Rao Dijing and reviewing the Zhuque Jintaa situation, when he first ignored that conspicuous red light, the two Tianji Thirty-Six Styles were triggered.

Dao Qiong Cang immediately got two answers:

"Either Shengdi or Xu Xiaoshou."

After questioning, Yu Zhiwen remained completely unaware, confirming it was indeed the "power of forgetting."

Thus, Dao Qiong Cang knew his Tianji Thirty-Six Styles had succeeded again.

With the answer narrowed down so precisely, it was almost certain.

When something was ninety percent likely, treat it as one hundred percent—Dao Qiong Cang was nearly sure that red glow was Xu Xiaoshou!

Why had Xu Xiaoshou entered the Ran Ming Yizhi site, and why was there another Xu Xiaoshou...?

Why had Xu Xiaoshou appeared at Zhuque Jintaa, yet Yu Zhiwen survived unscathed...?

Why, after the Ran Ming Yizhi site's emergence, did the Sixiang Miyu erupt with Shengdi and Zuyuan power, while Yu Zhiwen hesitated...?

Through deduction alone, Dao Qiong Cang could easily fill in the answers.

Of course, as a Tianji Shushi, he never relied on deduction; he always prepared for the worst and only trusted facts!

Sheng Huan Dian was empty.

On the silver table, two old operation reports had been unearthed at some point.

Dao Qiong Cang glanced at them sideways.

The first was from Lan Ling, a deceased Hongyi who had guarded Bai Ku.

Her report detailed all the battles she participated in at Bai Ku, including her thoughts, deductions during the fights, and post-battle evaluations of all team members.

Her assessment of working with Yu Zhiwen was highly positive.

But there was one word that recorded a major unresolved puzzle from her post-battle review:

"Run."

To her dying day, Lan Ling never knew whose idea that "run" was that turned the tide for Xu Xiaoshou—Yu Zhiwen's or Xu Xiaoshou's.

The second operation report was from Gou Wuyue.

In Sheng Shen Diantang, probably only Dao Qiong Cang and Ai Cangsheng believed in its authenticity, as they were both among the Ten Zun Seats and understood each other's characters.

But the Ten-Person Council wasn't unanimous; if the Trial Division deemed it unqualified, Dao Qiong Cang had to punish Gou Wuyue.

Setting aside the operation content, Gou Wuyue's report also included an evaluation of Yu Zhiwen:

"She can be relied upon heavily, but watch for whether her personal emotions interfere, and guard against Xu Xiaoshou."

These two subtle details on the reports, insignificant compared to the main content, naturally escaped most people's notice and connection.

But Dao Qiong Cang caught them all.

"Human emotions are the only variable that Tianji Shu cannot deduce!"

This was Dao Qiong Cang's insight upon sealing as Shengdi, and one of his ongoing research focuses.

At the same time, he realized:

"But we can approach it infinitely, achieving perfection—that's the allure of Tianji Shu."

"Because possessing variables is the sole proof that the world, fate, and even Tianji Shu truly exist."

In summary:

Master the variables, and Tianji seals divinity.

This was Dao Qiong Cang's Dao, and one reason he assigned Yu Zhiwen to Zhuque Jintaa.

"Shasha..."

After the Tianzu combat channel had been quiet for a while, Dao Qiong Cang spoke earnestly and ended the communication. "Follow your true self and stay safe."

"Boom!"

The world shattered violently.

Even the Qilin before him blurred.

As Shengdi Tuxing power clashed with Longzu power, Xu Xiaoshou sensed trouble.

How could this fragile world withstand the combined assault of these two forces?

If the strange energy leaking out affected Sixiang Miyu, it would surely attract unwanted attention!

Moreover...

"I'm here to negotiate, not to fight!"

Behind the berserk giant, a red Taotie beast head emerged, swallowing most of the Shengdi Qilin's attack energy in one gulp.

With the effects of "transformation" and "Dragon Pearl," he forcibly halted the follow-up blast of that fist and claw, preventing the shattered world from collapsing entirely.

As for the backlash from stopping the fight, Xu Xiaoshou endured it by activating "Buddhaslayer," withstanding it head-on.

The Qilin ceased its attack.

If it hadn't cooperated, Xu Xiaoshou couldn't have ended this head-on battle alone, but fortunately, the Qilin clearly understood words.

"Senior, you've tested my strength, so you should know I wasn't bluffing earlier."

The berserk giant didn't retract his awakening skill but, after dismissing the fight as child's play, maintained eye-level exchange and continued his bluff. "Talents like me—we have many in the Shengnu."

"If you're worried about Shengdi, there's no need."

"The Shengnu is backed by Tian Shang Diyi Lou, and inside Tian Shang Diyi Lou, there are many sacred beasts like you!"

Pausing, Xu Xiaoshou said without batting an eye. "You've probably heard of the Bai Mai Three Ancestors and the Mo Di Black Dragon, right?"

The Shengdi Qilin didn't say much, just flickering its gaze with unusual emotions.

"Wu..."

The surrounding space echoed with mournful winds again, a force that seemed not to belong to this world.

Perhaps it was one of the sources sealing the Qilin?

Xu Xiaoshou only saw the Shengdi Qilin nod slightly and immediately rejoiced.

Sometimes, a mix of stick and carrot worked wonders; pure talk was useless. He spoke again to persuade:

"They are just one part of our power!"

"Tian Shang Diyi Lou aims to overthrow Sheng Shen Diantang and topple the rule of the Five Great Shengdi families, liberating peak powers like you, Senior."

"Once our goal is achieved, we'll reshape the world's order, freeing talents from limitations!"

Xu Xiaoshou grew more excited as he spoke, with the berserk giant's hands drawing large circles in the shattered void:

"Then, Banisheng won't have to confine themselves to one corner, Shengdi won't dominate everything."

"You won't have to huddle in this tiny Sixiang Miyu— the world is vast, and you can go anywhere!"

"So, Qilin Senior, why not give yourself a chance and cooperate with Tian Shang Diyi Lou?!"

Xu Xiaoshou's words were impassioned and stirring, almost moving himself.

The Shengdi Qilin seemed to be listening, stirred by his speech.

Its massive deep-blue eyes trembled continuously, and soon, black tears streamed from them.

The tears followed the black tear tracks under its eyes, flowing like a waterfall into the black mist, out of the shattered world, toward an unknown place.

"Wu—"

The void's wails grew louder, fully infected by the Shengdi's emotions.

The Qilin echoed with a mournful cry. "Humans..."

"How about it? Quite a tempting proposal, right?"

Xu Xiaoshou's eyes welled up with tears as he wiped them away, about to step forward and shake claws with the Shengdi Qilin to seal their friendship.

But he suddenly froze.

Damn, I'm in berserk giant form right now!

How could a tough, fierce berserk giant shed tears? I bleed, but I don't cry!

"Influenced, passive value +1."

The info bar kept popping up.

Xu Xiaoshou scrolled up through the messages; similar "influenced" notifications had been appearing since he entered this shattered world.

Shengdi power affecting the surroundings was normal.

The Qilin's emotions altering the world was normal.

His spiritual awakening triggering repeatedly was normal!

The only abnormality was...

"Wu wu wu..."

The Shengdi Qilin shifted from moved sorrow to unrestrained weeping, covering its face with its claws, crying without any dignity. "Stop it, wu..."

"Don't say any more, wu wu, I'm sorry..."

The berserk giant empathized and burst into tears too, the two giants syncing in emotion:

"Don't cry, wu wu..."

"You're making me want to cry too, s-sorry, I must be awful..."

What am I doing?

Why am I apologizing?

No! Something's wrong!

Why am I crying?

Xu Xiaoshou cried while panicking as he watched the Shengdi Qilin turn into a tearful mess.

Its black tears formed a sea, flooding the shattered world like an enlarged Black Water Stream...

Wait!

Black Water Stream?

Could the black water there be...?

As sorrow overflowed into a river, his thoughts became fragmented and incoherent.

Suddenly, a low voice echoed from the distant void:

"It gave you a chance."

"You should have run long ago."