Chapter 1091: Test

The cave dwelling was completely dark.

A head-sized circular jade disc lay on a celadon jade table, shimmering with an emerald glow. Intricate patterns were gradually emerging as the young man, holding a jade knife, engrossed himself in engraving them.

Formation discs, a crystallization of artifact refining and formation techniques, are rare and precious, becoming scarcer at higher grades. The core issue lies here: mastering either of these disciplines is impressive, but finding someone proficient in both artifact refining and formation techniques simultaneously is exceedingly difficult.

Even Li Suining, having lived a second life, had never considered attempting such a feat. Engraving the jade disc now was merely a special practice method.

'It's now the tenth month of the ninth year of Xiuwu.''I wonder how Suikuan and the others are doing...'

Spiritual energy flowed within the cave dwelling. The white-robed man, a hint of anxiety in his demeanor, put down his jade knife, exhaled, then rose and paced a couple of steps before stopping at the entrance. He hesitated for a moment but did not step out.

Li Suining had been confined here for over three years, practically under house arrest, and was now growing restless:

"My uncle said he was also under house arrest and couldn't leave. Yet, in the spring of the tenth year of Xiuwu, when the Tuoba clan invaded Huai and Western Shu probed, he intervened against the enemy, revealing his sword intent. Does that mean he was only released when the enemy was at the gates?"

"If that's the case, why the pretense of house arrest?"

Li Suining was truly perplexed. After all, with the Star of Martial Cultivation shining upon him, even without divine abilities, a Foundation Establishment cultivation was enough to contribute significantly on the battlefield without being eliminated. Why such concealment?

Most importantly, if he remained immobile, how could he alter the course of events? The Tuoba invasion of Huai was one thing, but what about the Battle of Baihai in the eighteenth year of Xiuwu... or even the more distant Changhe Rebellion, which claimed his uncle's life? If he remained confined, what room for maneuver would he have?

Anxiety gnawed at him as he quietly calculated:

"That great battle injured the elder; I wonder if he has recovered. This time, with the Tuoba clan invading Huai, will the King of Wei... also engage Tuoba Lan?"

As he pondered, he noticed the cave dwelling's door swaying slightly. The profound silence around him suddenly filled him with a sense of dread.

"Buzz..."A brilliant celestial light suddenly streamed down, revealing a man in a black robe. His golden eyes, though devoid of malice, still pierced Li Suining like swords, startling him, then filling him with ecstasy!

'The King of Wei has emerged from seclusion!'

Without hesitation, he prostrated himself, respectfully declaring:"Your junior bows to the King of Wei!"

Li Zhouwei's golden eyes fixed on him."You are quite sensible."

Although Li Zhouwei was the King of Wei, most clan members in Tingzhou still addressed him as a True Man. It was the True Men from surrounding areas, who had taken Yang Song's position, who constantly referred to him as the King of Wei... Li Suining's address, however, was in accordance with proper etiquette.

He observed for a moment, then paced over to Li Suining, glancing at a letter on the table."It seems Jiang Chun is very fond of you."

Li Suining, already full of doubts, suddenly realized the implications of his situation, breaking out in a cold sweat. He hastily replied:"My uncle... cares for all his juniors... not just me."

The True Man nodded, his gaze steadily fixed on Li Suining."The clan was already keeping an eye on Weizheng's matter. You certainly chose a good role. Zhou Fang, who narrowly escaped disaster by accident in his youth, has now, also by accident, saved Guest Elder Ding. So, everyone is watching him."

'True Man... has he caught on?'

Although the words were plain, they sent a chill through Li Suining, his heart sinking to rock bottom as if plunged into an ice cellar. After kneeling for a moment, he replied:"Your junior... doesn't understand. Your junior lost his father at a young age and only has a few elders to rely on."

"It's fine."

The King of Wei of Great Song had simply tested him and now understood. He fixed his gaze on Li Suining, a hint of a smile in his eyes. Only the hollow echo of his boots on the cave floor could be heard, while Li Suining remained silent, head bowed.

Ever since Li Ximing returned from Chunyi Dao and saw Chi Buzi, he had already formed a theory about the dazzling colors in the Immortal Mirror's vision. The Li clan had seen countless geniuses, and Li Zhouwei had even met Xue Yang of Luoxia Mountain!

Yet, even this Great True Man of Luoxia Mountain failed to gain the slightest favor from the Immortal Mirror. Moreover, Li Xuanxuan had personally witnessed Chi Buzi being possessed, so there was no mistake about it!

'The current Chi Buzi might merely be someone else wearing his skin. It's highly probable that what elicited a reaction from the Immortal Mirror was precisely the celestial possession technique!'

And Li Suining's unparalleled talent in formation arrays and his extraordinary mind precisely corroborated this!

'How could someone be born with such knowledge... It must be possession!'

Yet, even knowing that Li Suining's body likely harbored someone from the heavens, Li Zhouwei would not reveal anything that might expose himself, nor would he even express an attitude of shared allegiance!

He even needed to help Li Suining conceal it!

Li Zhouwei's golden eyes rested quietly on Li Suining. He waved a hand slightly, stifling the words Li Suining had been about to utter.

'No matter which venerable figure is behind you... having gone to such lengths, you surely cannot reveal your plans, so there's no need to speak.'

Li Suining, however, felt a bitter taste in his mouth, his thoughts completely contrary.

'I fear I can't hide it from these powerful divine ability users!'

What Li Suining needed most was the trust of Li Zhouwei and Li Ximing. In this era, without the means to gain the trust of a Purple Mansion expert, how could he influence the situation? Li Zhouwei's current attitude had already left him feeling uncertain.

But the Li Zhouwei before him took a step closer, approaching him with a smile."Whatever you need, just report it directly to me, and I'll take care of it. There's no need to seek out Zhou Fang or the others; their words... are often unhelpful."

'Huh?'

Li Suining was momentarily stunned, standing rooted to the spot, dumbfounded."This..."

Li Zhouwei, however, helped him up, his golden eyes, like those of the King of Wei, subtly shifting as if in inquiry."However... before that... I also need to take you to Mount Dali!""Are you willing?"

Li Suining's mind was clouded with doubts, but he merely bowed and said:"As you command, Elder!"

Li Zhouwei's arrangement was long-planned!

'The Fox Clan... remains ambiguous in their stance... Li Suining is the perfect test!'

Li Ximing's hint about Chi Buzi always made him feel it referred to someone from the heavens, but Li Zhouwei, having participated in the Dragon-Fox Pact, always felt it referred to the venerable figure behind the Fox Clan!

The Fox Clan had protected the Li family until now and had once received some immortal's entrustment, making it highly probable that this was a celestial arrangement. Li Suining's unusual phenomena were undoubtedly the best touchstone!

The golden-eyed youth was exceedingly calm, his thoughts clear.'This is a two-way verification. The Fox Clan has a major figure behind them. If Li Suining is not a celestial creation, the Fox Clan will most likely detect something upon seeing him!'

'And since Li Suining is a celestial instrument, he can be used to test the Fox Clan's attitude—from the information about Chi Buzi, the Fox Clan might have connections with the heavens!'

He conjured a ray of light and murmured inwardly:'By observing the reactions of both sides, I will learn many things!'

'If... everything settles peacefully, Li Suining... will surely be of great use!'

The sky was dim, overcast with thick clouds.

Beyond the great plains of the Jiangbei heartland along the Baijiang Stream, a majestic mountain appeared. Its thick earth was a desolate yellow, its colossal rocks grotesque. Numerous palaces were arranged within the barren mountain, yet no trees were visible.

Mount Tangdao was originally a perilous mountain. Due to a hidden source of primal magnetism, its geomancy was destabilized, and with a change in Xuan Earth, it transformed into pure primal magnetism. Its interior became hollow. Situ Huo immediately occupied this place and heavily utilized metallic malevolence, transforming it into a barren wasteland, like a terminally ill old man who had taken a potent medicine.

Viewed from the northern plains, the barren mountain was completely dark, its colors deep and somber.

A man, appearing to be in his thirties or forties with a prominent nose and deep-set eyes, stood against the sky. His gaze was grim as he stared at the majestic mountain, remaining silent for a long time.

It was Helian Wujiang.

Soon after, a youth in a snow-white feathered robe descended from mid-air. In his hand, a long oar-saber shimmered with light. He had an uncommon appearance, save for a small scar on his cheek, which gave his expression a hint of gloom.

Helian Wujiang looked at the junior and asked:"Has the Tuoba family arrived?"

Helian Wumeng said solemnly:"News has arrived... the Tuoba family has encamped in Luoxia, led by Tuoba Lan himself... The Li and Ni families, who were lingering near Liangzhou from Western Shu, have also retreated and are now hovering outside Xiping instead."

"With no support from those two families, Murong Yan immediately seized that position... I hear... Murong Yan has cultivated the Spring of Rebirth and is now at the mid-stage of Purple Mansion."

Upon hearing this, Helian Wujiang shook his head."You don't need to argue with Tuoba Lan. Although he is of the same generation as me, he has the backing of the Tuoba family. Let him cause trouble if he wants; just bear with it for now."

Helian Wumeng coldly raised an eyebrow and asked:"If not for the Tuoba surname, what is he? Uncle, you reached Foundation Establishment alongside him. He exhausted all sorts of rare treasures, yet still lost to you. He's also a dishonorable person, and he's hated you ever since!"

Helian Wujiang was born during the Helian family's lowest point. Not only did he achieve Purple Mansion early, but his speed was also no slower than Gold Core descendants like Tuoba Lan, who cultivated in grotto-heavens. He was originally a top-tier genius, but once he reached Purple Mansion, he was gradually surpassed by others. Yet, he remained unconcerned, his expression calm.

"I heard King Dai has mastered all five techniques, and the young master has also reached Purple Mansion. Don't provoke him. You've only integrated the Edict Iron Pellet and haven't mastered the other two treasures. You should bide your time and conceal your strength."

The youth shook his head and said:"Situ Huo is currently defending the mountain, and General Yang is ready for reinforcement... Jiang Jun hasn't made any significant moves, but... there's news from the northern bank of Tingzhou."

Helian Wujiang raised an eyebrow, listening as the junior chuckled:"Sima Yuanli went with General Yang's orders, but it seems his talks with Li Ximing didn't go well. He returned disappointed both times over three days, unable to give General Yang a definite answer... He was left waiting outside the main hall for quite a while."

Helian Wujiang, being naturally good at strategizing, immediately understood the implications. He shook his head and said:"They're eager to invite Li Zhouwei out of seclusion... It seems Li Ximing's stance is very firm. They were forced to choose Sima Yuanli to persuade him, but Sima Yuanli doesn't want to offend either side, and his character isn't strong enough. How could he possibly persuade Li Ximing?"

The junior then continued:"If they really sent someone strong-willed, they would offend the Li family..."

Helian Wujiang shook his head and said:"Then you think too highly of the Li clan. Without Li Zhouwei, the Li clan is just like the Linggu family. Haven't you seen those two princes of the Li family... Li Jiangxia and Li Jianglong, who are still being forcibly transferred to the north? Why? Isn't it just to force Li Zhouwei out of seclusion?"

"These two guarding Baijiang Stream are facing increasing danger. Last time, Li Jiangxia was seriously injured; what will happen next? Don't underestimate General Yang!"

Helian Wumeng looked thoughtful as he gazed skyward, noticing dark clouds rolling in from the south, casting a gloomy pall. A streak of light then streaked towards him, landing in his palm.

The fierce general of the Helian family read it carefully, a slight frown of surprise on his face."There's news from the Tuoba family!"

Helian Wujiang immediately turned, listening as the junior said:"Tuoba Lan and others have besieged the mountain for several days, using treasures. They've indeed deduced that there are changes of 'Deposed Qi' within Mount Tangdao! Yang Ruiyi... most likely arrived in the north for support and is now trapped within the mountain!"

This made the middle-aged man immediately narrow his eyes.

It was crucial to understand that with the arrival of the Tuoba family, the combined forces of Zhao were already strong enough to suppress Great Song. With Western Shu also eager to cause trouble on the side, if the conflict escalated, Great Song would certainly be at a significant disadvantage on the main battlefield!

The current delay was entirely due to Yang Ruiyi!"This person, relying on that Deposed Qi spiritual treasure, comes and goes without a trace. If he captures and suppresses someone, they could very likely die silently! This is what could reverse the situation, and why everyone is hesitant..."

However, as Western Shu's forces gradually retreated, Helian Wumeng knew that Zhixuan had long harbored ambitions of a large-scale southern advance!"Now that the Tuoba family's magical barrier has descended... if a significant portion of their divine ability users can be ensured to trap Yang Ruiyi and Situ Huo in Mount Tangdao, then the other flank will have a clear path forward, facing only Liu Bai. That wouldn't just be an advantage; it would be a heaven-sent opportunity!"

Helian Wujiang's expression slightly darkened as he said:"Tuoba Lan intends... to continue pressing the attack on Mount Tangdao to draw out Yang Ruiyi!"

Helian Wumeng merely smiled, saying indifferently:"I think there's more to it! It's simply taking advantage of the situation... Even if he has a scheme, what of it? Zhao's current power... is fully sufficient to fight him head-on, and we're even looking forward to a major clash with him!"

His gaze was dismissive:"Li Zhouwei hasn't appeared for many years; those elders must be growing impatient. Qi Lanyan, in particular, is fanning the flames, ensuring Li Zhouwei won't be able to fully recover from his internal injuries! As for casualties, who cares?"

He retrieved the streak of light and, with lowered gaze, said:"I haven't seen him in many years either. This order is perfect; I'll cross the river and see what he's capable of now!"

Helian Wujiang's gaze sharpened, and he reminded him:"You should go, but still be careful... Although your divine abilities match his, a single Edict Iron Pellet isn't enough to allow you to move freely before him!"

The youth took a deep, excited breath, touched the scar on his face, and said:"Don't worry... Clan Uncle. If I can pass through the gates of life and death under his halberd, it will surely bring me great improvement... Besides, Li Zhouwei... is actually just like me."

His handsome face was filled with grim malice:"I must avenge my ancestors, and I will turn the world upside down to do it. Having an opponent like him is perfect for refining the Edict Iron Pellet between life and death. If I can't survive under Li Zhouwei's hand, your nephew will only die a more miserable death later..."

"Even if I take ten thousand steps back, they won't stand to see me wield the three royal artifacts of the Helian family; they'll try to harm me sooner or later. Dying under his halberd would not only win me some pity from the elders but would also be a gratifying end."