Chapter 1894: Enter the Tower

“Almost blew it!”

Dao Qiongcang seldom spared a glance at the situation at the Cross Street Corner.

If he hadn't erased some memories at the critical moment, Liu Guifen would have indeed shouted "Dao Ancestor."

“What a honey trap.”

The plan was going so well. Given Shen Yi's nature, even if Liu Guifen brought him three Elephant World Spider Lotus Crystals, he would be safe no matter what happened. Even if the Five Declines of Heaven and Man's Three Aversions Eye were activated, getting a single question answered would have been a good outcome. He never expected such a significant variable. With Aunt Xiang's possession, even Shen Yi was forced to disarm!

“You couldn't even protect Liu Guifen. I overestimated you, Shen Yi...”

However, even at this point, Dao Qiongcang did not remotely intervene or override Liu Guifen's will.

When the false is taken for the true, the true also becomes false.

He merely erased the words "Dao Ancestor" temporarily from Liu Guifen's memory, leaving the rest for Liu Guifen to improvise.

None of it mattered.

The game was already half-revealed.

Xiang Yaoyao wasn't foolish. Since they had probed this far, there was bound to be some speculation. As long as "Dao Ancestor" wasn't exposed, it was fine.

“What inheritance?”

On one side, the Five Declines of Heaven and Man were still pressing for answers.

Shen Yi pulled Xiang Yaoyao, who was clinging to him, off his body, glared fiercely at her, and gently placed her on the nearby tea table.

“That's enough, everyone stop.”

He flicked his finger at Bawang beside him, and a forceful energy pierced through the void, reverberating like thunder in the mind of the Five Declines of Heaven and Man, causing them momentary dizziness. Their minds went blank for a moment, and the Three Aversions Eye naturally ceased.

Liu Guifen collapsed to the ground with a thud, white foam and saliva dripping incessantly from his mouth, his vitality seemingly drained.

“I'm sorry, Brother Liu.”

Shen Yi stepped forward, helped Liu Guifen up, and apologized, “My wife was acting wildly, and Brother Tianren was also out of line. You've suffered, and I owe you a favor for this.”

It took Liu Guifen a good while to fully recover his senses. Memories flashed back in his mind, and after replaying everything that had just happened, he felt both nervous and incredibly fortunate.

Thankfully, only the dagger was revealed...

Since acquiring that emerald dagger, his greatest fear was being captured, dissected, and subsequently having his Dao Ancestor inheritance seized. Others might do such a thing, but surely not Shen Yi, one of the Ten Revered Seats? This man was honest and highly valued loyalty. After recalling what had just transpired, Liu Guifen was even astonished that Shen Yi was the one who had spoken up on his behalf! This was an unprecedented event in his entire past experience. Such a sincere person, if not for his imposing physique, would not have survived half a year in the Spirit Refining Realm!

“It's alright, it's alright...”

Liu Guifen, propped up by forearms thicker than a human head, stood up, secretly making a mental note about the Five Declines of Heaven and Man, but dared not cast another glance at Aunt Xiang. He awkwardly wiped the foreign matter from his mouth, then waved his hands repeatedly, indicating his understanding:

“I traveled a great distance to offer congratulations, and indeed, there might be some suspicion of ulterior motives on my part. The human heart is unpredictable in the martial world. I can entirely understand Senior Tianren's actions, putting myself in his shoes. Boss Shen Yi's willingness to speak for me has already filled me with immense gratitude. I ask for nothing else; this matter is behind us, completely in the past...”

Even the Five Declines of Heaven and Man was not someone he could afford to provoke at this moment; that was a terrifying demi-saint who had achieved sainthood using a Blood World Pearl! Liu Guifen knew that a gentleman's revenge is never too late, even after a hundred thousand years. At this moment, he absolutely could not show the slightest bit of resentment.

“Mm.”

Shen Yi gently patted his shoulder, and the matter was thus closed. He couldn't genuinely punish either Xiang'er or the Five Declines of Heaven and Man. Liu Guifen had to endure this suffering. Owing him a favor was enough to settle the matter. He was always a man of his word.

“Liu Guifen, you're from the Eastern Domain, aren't you?”

By the tea table, Aunt Xiang finished wiping the saliva from the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief, cast a glance with her beautiful eyes, and asked again.

Shen Yi turned his head and glared. Still asking questions?

Aunt Xiang lifted her chin, a smug expression on her face: “What, there's no Three Aversions Eye now. Can't I show some concern for your brother?”

Shen Yi gave up helplessly.

“Sit down.”

He pressed Liu Guifen onto the wooden stool, not giving him a chance to jump up again. After being interrogated by the Three Aversions Eye, he still had to face further questioning!

Liu Guifen could see that Shen Yi truly wanted him to sit down and rest, but how could this simple-minded fellow know... Surrounded by wolves, sitting down felt even more agonizing than standing.

“To answer you, Aunt Xiang, I am indeed from the Eastern Domain,” Liu Guifen replied, clasping his fists.

“No need to be so reserved,” Aunt Xiang said, putting down her handkerchief. “Since Shen Yi considers you his brother, there are no longer any hard feelings between us. I apologize for what just happened. Let's just chat about everyday things now.”

Everyday things... Such sophisticated phrasing. Being interrogated, I was surprisingly unable to refute... Liu Guifen nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Shen Yi sensed something was amiss, but he scratched his head, unable to find fault with anything Xiang'er had said. It was perfectly normal to chat a bit more and get to know a newly recognized brother. He sat down beside Xiang'er, who immediately nestled into his embrace for warmth, her fingers playfully tracing his arm. Then, she casually asked:

“You're from the Eastern Domain and haven't committed any major crimes. How did you end up at the Cross Street Corner, perhaps seeking opportunities?”

Liu Guifen was momentarily stunned. How direct!

“Ah, haha...”

He let out two dry laughs. Several pairs of eyes in the room were fixed on him, and even Shen Yi remained silent. Assuming this bald man couldn't possibly understand his current feelings, Liu Guifen could only nod helplessly:

“You could say that.”

“You also want to enter the Reversed Buddha Pagoda?” Aunt Xiang asked, hitting the nail on the head. Even Shen Yi was startled.

“Uh...” After a moment of hesitation, Liu Guifen secretly glanced at Shen Yi, then steeled himself, “Yes! Who wouldn't want to?”

“Indeed, the ancestral god's opportunity in the Reversed Buddha Pagoda is something every Spirit Refiner desires,” Aunt Xiang commented casually, then seemed to connect the dots. “The 'inheritance' Brother Liu just mentioned, isn't that also an ancestral god's... Mm.”

The moment she revisited the previous topic, Shen Yi reached out and gently squeezed her face, making her words garbled. Since they had probed this far, Liu Guifen dared not conceal anything. He pulled out the green dagger and stated sincerely:

“You could say that, though I'm not entirely sure myself. However, if Aunt Xiang desires it, I shall present this dagger to you immediately.”

Several gazes in the room simultaneously converged on the dagger; Shen Yi was no exception.

“You know, I am actually a bit curious... Mm.”

Aunt Xiang seized the opportunity, reaching out to take the dagger, but her hand was immediately caught by Shen Yi. She opened her mouth again, intending to speak, but Shen Yi's fingers pinched her red lips closed. She puffed up her cheeks, pouted, and glared angrily at Shen Yi. Shen Yi acted as if he saw nothing.

The interrogation by the Three Aversions Eye was already excessive; wanting to take someone else's opportunity was far too presumptuous and deeply against Shen Yi's principles.

“Brother Liu, there's no need to test us. Since this dagger is your opportunity, you should keep it safe. If anything happens to you, and this dagger appears on anyone from East Street in the future, no matter where they are, I will kill them.”

Shen Yi said, looking directly at the Five Declines of Heaven and Man, equally blunt: “Brother Tianren, you are no exception.”

What an honorable and magnanimous person!

The Five Declines of Heaven and Man once again recognized Shen Yi's character, nodding in understanding that he had no intention of coveting the dagger. Looking back at Liu Guifen, their eyes met, but the latter immediately shifted his gaze. Knowing that this fellow harbored a shadow in his heart, the Five Declines of Heaven and Man, standing on this open and honest East Street, felt much of his inner gloom lift.

He also clasped his fists: “We met through conflict, Brother Liu. What just happened was not Shen Yi's doing; it was entirely my fault alone. I also apologize to you...” As he spoke, he began to bend at the waist.

“Hey!!!”

Before he could finish speaking or even bow... Liu Guifen shot up from the wooden stool as if scalded, leaping three feet into the air:

“Senior Tianren, please don't debase yourself before me!”

His face turned pale with fright. In the current Five Domains, who doesn't know that the Five Declines of Heaven and Man embodies decay? Who possesses the fortune to withstand an apology and a bow from the Five Declines of Heaven and Man? Accepting it would likely mean one's luck and fate would entirely wane! Rumor has it that this 'decaying man' of Qingyuan Mountain, while battling the Dao Palace Master, used a host of white-clad remnant souls to force the Dao Palace Master to accept a single bow from him. Shortly after that bow, the Dao Palace Master, who had held power for over thirty years, was immediately unseated.

“How could I, Liu Guifen, be worthy...”

Liu Guifen's lips trembled: “Senior Tianren, you are a demi-saint. I am merely a junior of the Grand Void. It is my immense fortune that the Three Aversions Eye questioned me, as it can lead to a sincere exchange of trust later. What fault could there be in this matter?” He spread his hands, his face as pale as paper, beads of sweat like pearls on his forehead. “There's no mistake! I, Liu Guifen, willingly submitted to the questioning. Senior Tianren is blameless!”

Shen Yi: “...”

It seems Brother Tianren's reputation outside isn't very positive?

Aunt Xiang broke free from her restraint, fixed her gaze on the dagger, and asked, “Since you already possess an ancestral god's inheritance, why do you still wish to enter the Reversed Buddha Pagoda? You must know it's not a benevolent place.”

Shen Yi turned his head, and Aunt Xiang smiled at him, “Dummy, I'm thinking of your brother, Liu. How could an ordinary person withstand the Reversed Buddha Pagoda? It's a death trap! You should try to dissuade him too!”

Shen Yi then turned back to Liu Guifen: “Indeed, Xiang'er has a point. While Brother Liu's strength is commendable, it's still somewhat insufficient for entering the Reversed Buddha Pagoda.”

You're too easily swayed...

Liu Guifen thought to himself, 'I finally have a helper like Shen Yi.' He responded helplessly, “The dagger's inheritance is incomplete. To progress further, I cannot confine myself to comfort.”

Shen Yi nodded, approval in his eyes. He was an ambitious person.

“There is a chance.”

Aunt Xiang raised her eyebrows high, and only when everyone looked at her with curious expressions did she part her red lips: “Brother Liu is reputed to be an all-rounder. If his Heavenly Divination Art truly reaches the King Seat level, he might be able to assist Shen Yi.”

Heavenly Divination Art?

Shen Yi was surprised. Xiang'er could actually tell that Brother Liu practiced the Heavenly Divination Art? Lei Xier and the Five Declines of Heaven and Man, on the other side, instantly realized, though they weren't sure how she'd inferred it, that Aunt Xiang seemed to believe that Liu Guifen was connected to Dao Qiongcang? Was he his Heavenly Divination puppet? But the Three Aversions Eye had just questioned him, and Liu Guifen clearly didn't recognize Dao Qiongcang... Oh, right. If the person facing him *were* Dao Qiongcang, it would be strange if Liu Guifen *did* recognize him! Aunt Xiang's question was truly insightful!

Liu Guifen also understood the unspoken meaning of her words. After a moment of hesitation, he candidly admitted:

“I have indeed also practiced the Heavenly Divination Art. But Aunt Xiang is overthinking. I truly don't have the qualifications to know the Dao Palace Master. What I call 'Heavenly Divination Art' is merely an unorthodox, minor technique I obtained from a rogue cultivator in the Southern Domain. As for whether I've reached the 'King Seat' realm, very few genuinely practice Heavenly Divination Art, so there's currently no basis for comparison. I myself am unsure of my current level.”

Very confident. He must have some tricks up his sleeve.

Aunt Xiang nodded slightly, her mind deep in thought. She was no longer surprised that Liu Guifen truly knew the Heavenly Divination Art. The emerald dagger's inheritance was on a very high level, and Liu Guifen's recent surge in power was obvious to all. As for what was obtained from the Divine Ruins, most people would consider it to be either 'not related to Sui Yin, or related to Ran Ming'. Yet, observing Liu Guifen's demeanor, he was neither associated with Sui Yin nor Ran Ming, showing no hint of either's hidden schemes. Given this, discarding the impossible, what remains, however difficult to comprehend, points only to the possibility that 'Dao Qiongcang manipulated the situation, using Liu Guifen as a pawn to enter the Cross Street Corner.'

“To go to such great lengths, yet make it so obvious, is very uncharacteristic of Dao Qiongcang. No, if he dared to reveal these things to me, it means what I'm seeing is irrelevant. So why did Liu Guifen still come?”

Aunt Xiang immediately thought of the Elephant World Spider Lotus Crystal, which was indeed something Dao Qiongcang could provide. But... to use this to possess Shen Yi? Impossible. Dao Qiongcang would have to be insane to dare attempt that. If he truly dared to enter Shen Yi's body, it's uncertain who would possess whom. Aunt Xiang wasn't blindly overconfident; it was simply that decades ago, the Ten Revered Seats had interacted frequently, and if Dao Qiongcang had truly dared to attempt possession, he'd had countless opportunities to strike. As for the Elephant World Spider Lotus Crystal, once it's consumed, it's consumed. Shen Yi's fearlessness was not unfounded; he simply didn't worry about anyone tampering with this item.

So... “Purely for Shen Yi's good, wanting him to recover his strength?” On this point, Aunt Xiang strongly disagreed. If Dao Qiongcang were a good person, she wouldn't be a woman. What was the motive? Aunt Xiang pondered hard but came up empty. She felt as if she was on the verge of a breakthrough, yet always just a little short, which was exasperating.

She hit Shen Yi.

“What?”

“Nothing, just wanted to hit you.”

Suppressing her thoughts, Aunt Xiang turned back to Liu Guifen: “The Reversed Buddha Pagoda is about to open. Shen Yi's strength has recovered, and he can enter once the next anomaly occurs... Are you going alone?”

So, she agreed?

Liu Guifen hadn't expected that being interrogated by the Three Aversions Eye would save him so much trouble, or that he would so easily obtain a spot to enter the Reversed Buddha Pagoda. He quickly said, “Please understand, Aunt Xiang, this opportunity at the Reversed Buddha Pagoda is immense. It's not just me from North Street who is interested; I also have Witch Si Niang under my command...”

Aunt Xiang's heart stirred: “The Grandmaster of Spiritual Formations who came to the Cross Street Corner with you, the one with impressive techniques?”

“Yes, she can actually set up Saint-level spiritual formations, which would be extremely useful and certainly lend Boss Shen Yi a great deal of help! She is indispensable; she absolutely must go in!”

“Alright.”

“And the Thirteen Golden Dragons, thirty-two Revered Ones, seventy-nine...”

“That's too many people. Are they rushing to be reborn?” Aunt Xiang frowned.

Liu Guifen awkwardly rubbed his nose, “How many does Aunt Xiang plan to send in from East Street?”

“As you can see,” Aunt Xiang said, gesturing around the room. She then stretched, feeling tired and wanting to sleep.

“Four...”

Liu Guifen was slightly startled. That was surprisingly few. Are the people of East Street not interested in the ancestral god's opportunity? Or does Shen Yi possess such great control that he can suppress everyone's greed?

“Wrong, it's three.”

Aunt Xiang chuckled. After her yawn, she pointed to her chest, “Auntie won't go in; it's dangerous.”

Shen Yi reached out and put his arm around her waist, gently rubbing her head. He hummed in affirmation: “Yes, the Reversed Buddha Pagoda is dangerous. Xiang'er, just wait for me outside.”

Oh, you two, please stop! Liu Guifen, a bachelor of over 170 years, truly couldn't bear to watch the couple's excessive affection anymore. He turned his head away, his gaze falling directly on Lei Xier.

She was a breathtakingly beautiful girl, who had been sitting quietly by the tea table, speaking little. Especially her eyes, one black and one white, occasionally exuding a thin mist, which was extremely mysterious and wondrous. Liu Guifen was momentarily lost in thought, then, realizing his impropriety, he gave a small apologetic nod and turned his head away again. This time, he looked at the Five Declines of Heaven and Man again.

The Five Declines of Heaven and Man, clad in an orange robe and wearing an orange Yama mask, had wrinkles densely covering the skin around his only exposed eye, clearly indicating his advanced age. Compared to Lei Xier, his aged and grim appearance indicated a danger level more than just one notch higher. Liu Guifen dared not look any longer. This time, he lowered his head, meeting no one's gaze.

He hesitated for a long while, then finally raised his head again, as if having made a difficult decision, and spoke in a deep voice:

“Boss Shen Yi, there are a few things I'm unsure whether I should say.”

“Just say it.” Shen Yi always preferred straightforward people.

“It might offend the two of you.” Liu Guifen bowed first to Lei Xier and the Five Declines of Heaven and Man, offering an apology beforehand.

“I don't mind.” Lei Xier's voice was like a nightingale in a secluded valley.

If it were Xu Xiaoshou, he'd probably say, 'Please offend me to your heart's content'... The Five Declines of Heaven and Man let out a faint chuckle from beneath his mask: “It doesn't matter.”

“It's all for self-preservation. I hope Boss Shen Yi can know these things beforehand.”

Liu Guifen said, swallowing hard, then looked at Lei Xier:

“I bear no ill will towards Miss Lei herself, but I still wish to add that the Divine Demonic Eye and the Supreme Life Demon Body are certainly the Demon Ancestor's hidden moves, and they will inevitably lead to unforeseen incidents.”

The room fell silent. Cold sweat was already breaking out on Liu Guifen's back, but he dared not stop. He cherished his life; he feared that after entering the Reversed Buddha Pagoda, he would be backstabbed by these individuals and perish on the spot. He then pointed to the Five Declines of Heaven and Man, gritted his teeth, and continued:

“I also respect Senior Tianren, but the Blood World Pearl is certainly Sui Yin's hidden move, and it will inevitably lead to unforeseen incidents.”

The room remained dead silent. Liu Guifen's head was almost buried in his chest, trembling and daring not to speak further.

After a while, laughter was heard, and Shen Yi said, “Is that all?”

That's all?

Liu Guifen was stunned, raising his head in disbelief. He saw that Shen Yi was incredibly calm, Aunt Xiang was smiling, Lei Xier's expression was unchanged, and the Five Declines of Heaven and Man remained masked.

What I said were all shocking revelations! That was information provided in the inheritance, explicitly highlighted!

Liu Guifen was completely dumbfounded: “Boss Shen Yi...”

“Brother Liu.”

Shen Yi released Aunt Xiang's soft hand, stood up, gently patted Liu Guifen's shoulder, and gazed out at the abruptly changing sky:

“Once you enter the Reversed Buddha Pagoda, life and death are irrelevant. Whether it's Miss Lei, Brother Tianren, or you, I am well aware that there's someone behind each of you. None of it matters.”

He waved his hand. Bawang buzzed with a tremor, then flew over, seized by him and pressed firmly onto the ground. Outside the window, the sky darkened, faint golden light spilled forth, the ground suddenly rumbled and quaked, and the room swayed precariously. Shen Yi stood unmoving, Bawang planted beside him, letting the windows, tea table, and wooden door creak and groan. He gazed forward, his expression still serene:

“Perilous ahead, difficult behind, we'll cross mountains and rivers. And with me, Shen Yi, there is no word 'retreat.' Since you have sought me out, I promise you, I will protect everyone I can.”

He paused, then looked back at Liu Guifen: “But the Reversed Buddha Pagoda is perilous. Perhaps at that time, I may find myself stretched thin, so Brother Liu, you must also be extra careful.” He turned around and also looked at Lei Xier and the Five Declines of Heaven and Man. Outside the window, the sky shattered. Golden light erupted from the earth, and the ground trembled violently. Shen Yi, holding Bawang, bathed in the brilliant light, his body seemingly clad in golden armor, solemnly declared:

“Everyone, take care of yourselves. Leave the rest to me; that will suffice.”

A deep rumbling resonated in their ears. The entire Cross Street Corner experienced a strange commotion.

Liu Guifen, however, was utterly lost in thought, unable to hear anything, gazing blankly at Shen Yi. He felt that at this moment, the image of Shen Yi, one of the Ten Revered Seats, soared as high as the heavens in his mind. He finally understood why, at the Cross Street Corner—whether on East Street or any other—everyone instinctively added 'Boss' whenever they mentioned 'Shen Yi.' How could such a person—one who could shoulder responsibility, dared to shoulder it, and always led the charge when trouble arose—not captivate people?

If no inheritance... Liu Guifen's scalp tingled slightly. If not for that dagger and that inheritance, based purely on these words, Liu Guifen would have joined East Street and pledged his life to Shen Yi then and there!

“Boss Shen Yi, I understand!”

Liu Guifen exclaimed loudly, turning to Lei Xier and the Five Declines of Heaven and Man, “Both of you, I apologize, and please bear with me in the future.”

Golden light spread throughout the entire Cross Street Corner. Everyone knew that the anomalous manifestation of the Reversed Buddha Pagoda was appearing again. This time, it was particularly exaggerated, as if actively awaiting someone's arrival.

“Everyone, it's time to depart.”

Shen Yi looked straight ahead and walked towards the door. Lei Xier and the Five Declines of Heaven and Man naturally followed. However, Liu Guifen still needed to return to North Street; he had to at least bring Witch Si Niang along, as she would be a significant asset.

“Shen Yi!”

Just as he was about to leave, an urgent shout echoed from the boudoir. Lei Xier and the Five Declines of Heaven and Man tacitly understood, and exited the room first, leaving the remaining brief moments to the couple.

Shen Yi paused, Bawang still in hand, but this time he did not turn around. From behind, a warm, soft body pressed against him, and hands tightly wrapped around his waist, as if unwilling to let him go. Shen Yi was slightly moved; he heard muffled sobs. What he worried about most was still Xiang Yaoyao.

“Xiang'er, I have to go...”

“Dummy!”

“Mm.”

“Dummy!”

“Mm.”

“You, also take care of yourself...”