Hope Shattered, A Monument Erected For You

Wanli Holy Land, atop Yunlan Peak.

The sun was rising, suffused with a vast, majestic purple aura.

Hua Yunxiao sat quietly, absorbing the clusters of majestic purple energy born from the nascent sun.

"Hoo—"

After a long while, he exhaled a long breath of stale air, which billowed like clouds for thousands of meters.

"Buzz—"

Hua Yunxiao opened his eyes, the traces of Daoist charm within them gradually dissipating.

In the next moment, his body and mind felt incredibly comfortable.

His realm, which hadn't broken through for a long time, had finally achieved a brand new breakthrough.

After decades of accumulation in the early stage of the ninth level of the Nascent Soul realm, he had now broken through two minor levels in one go, reaching the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

And this was all thanks to the guidance of the Old Ancestor, and—the teachings of Spiritual Master Zhuge Wuwei.

"Early this morning, I saw the vast purple energy, surging like a deity descending, and knew that Imperial Lord Hua would surely have a great fortune today."

Not far away, Zhuge Wuwei, with white hair and a youthful complexion, approached on the clouds with a smile.

His voice arrived before he did.

"Spiritual Master Zhuge."

Hua Yunxiao immediately stood up and bowed respectfully.

"Imperial Lord Yun, there's no need for such formalities."

Zhuge Wuwei smiled slightly and waved his hand, unconcerned by such etiquette.

"Spiritual Master Zhuge, we are to take action at noon. However, for some reason, since... the Old Ancestor's instructions, I've felt restless and uneasy."

Hua Yunxiao pondered for a moment before voicing his hidden worries.

"Restlessness is the correct response."

Zhuge Wuwei's smile faded, his expression growing solemn.

"I've been observing the celestial phenomena recently and discovered that since the Soul Tablet descended from the heavens, the position of the Heavenly Pivot has shifted and is now obscured by dark clouds.

The heavens are about to undergo great change.

If this change continues to worsen over time, then a great catastrophe will befall us, and chaos will surely descend!

The Cloud Barrens Era may face an unimaginable destructive calamity.

Of course, if the Heavenly Pivot returns to its rightful position, the clouds will part revealing the sun, spiritual light will gather, and divine phenomena will reappear...

Then, it will be a grand opportunity for the world.

This is a struggle for Heavenly Secrets, fortune, the Way of Heaven, and destiny."

Zhuge Wuwei looked up at the sky.

The sun blazed like fire, surrounded by mist, but its light was not as fierce as usual, as if covered by a layer of dim clouds.

"Spiritual Master Zhuge, then... we..."

Hua Yunxiao hesitated for a long time before asking.

"This is merely my personal inference, and these inferences were the result of a dispute with my disciple.

Their origin comes from the 'Mystic Tortoise Back Diagram' of the Era of Demise.

Speaking of which, this young man insists that this catastrophe is actually the advent of a prosperous era, destined to see the descent of a 'Lord of Destiny'.

After a quarrel about it, he was unconvinced and came to you."

Zhuge Wuwei couldn't help but reveal a kind smile again as he spoke of this.

Hua Yunxiao, upon hearing this, felt relieved, but then a faint hint of disdain flickered across his lips.

Zhuge Qingchen's abilities...

He no longer thought highly of him, after all, this person wasn't even as capable as Su Li!

Yet, he couldn't deduce it and tried to deceive them, only to be exposed by Su Li, causing him great embarrassment...

Now, if Spiritual Master Zhuge's words were to be believed, the 'Mystic Tortoise Back Diagram' was also misinterpreted, leading to this 'running away from home' incident?

With this, Hua Yunxiao's opinion of Zhuge Qingchen dropped even further.

If Zhuge Qingchen had even a tenth of Su Li's ability, would he be in such a difficult position now, needing to accept his favor?

"Could it be that this brat Zhuge Qingchen believes he is the Lord of Destiny?"

Hua Yunxiao's mind stirred, and he couldn't help but tease.

"The kid really does think so. Moreover, I have also deduced that his destiny is indeed... incredibly noble, a true 'Destined to Return' destiny.

However, there is a deficiency in his destiny.

If this deficiency is filled, he can truly be Destined to Return, with a complete Heavenly Pivot."

Zhuge Wuwei spoke, casting a meaningful glance at Hua Yunxiao.

Hua Yunxiao started, then understood what was implied. He asked, "Then, Spiritual Master Zhuge, in what aspect is he lacking?"

Zhuge Wuwei replied, "Among the seven emotions, he lacks the emotion of love."

Hua Yunxiao pondered slightly, already grasping some ideas, but still asked uncertainly, "So... what does Spiritual Master Zhuge mean?"

Zhuge Wuwei didn't answer directly. Instead, he calmly said, "Imperial Lord Hua's chances of success in this Infant Transformation are very high, but there are indeed some risks involved. Furthermore, Imperial Lord Hua has a bone growing across his brow, which is an ominous sign.

However, I can resolve all of these for Imperial Lord Hua. I can do it now."

Hua Yunxiao's expression sharpened. He immediately bowed deeply and said, "Spiritual Master Zhuge, Yunxiao is confused. Please guide me."

Zhuge Wuwei stated, "Your ancestor, Hua Lingxiao, has already arranged everything with me. You just need to execute the plan properly. Also, the female infant you adopted earlier, the Xuan Yin Sacred Body, correct?"

Hua Yunxiao's heart tightened. He respectfully replied, "Her name is Mu Yuxi. I discovered her by chance--"

Zhuge Wuwei interrupted him, "You discovered her by chance, then had Yun Wanchu adopt her to grow up with your daughter? Your so-called 'chance' was actually intentionally prepared by your ancestor, Hua Lingxiao. For this, your ancestor slaughtered an entire clan.

Even the Infant Soul Yaolan from the Nine Desolations Tower, which is about to awaken at midnight today, was obtained by your ancestor after he annihilated their entire clan.

Of course, these are merely tools that have been raised in captivity."

Upon hearing this, Hua Yunxiao's pupils contracted slightly. His lips twitched, but he ultimately said nothing.

"She is also a crucial part of this plan, so bring her along this time. Also, Fang Yueheng was analyzed by that young man named Su Li? Did he deduce something?"

Zhuge Wuwei's expression visibly became more solemn when he mentioned 'Su Li'.

"Yes, Yunxiao personally witnessed and heard this matter."

"Hmm, tell me in detail about your past with him, without any omissions! This matter is extremely crucial!"

"Yes, Spiritual Master Zhuge."

"Yuxi, today, the Holy Lord will likely have you serve Master Su. You probably won't be able to stay with me anymore."

Hua Ziyan felt refreshed after finishing her morning cultivation.

She couldn't help but tease Mu Yuxi.

Mu Yuxi was currently wearing a light pink gauze dress. Her skin, as clear as jade, exuded a faint aura, making her look as delicate as a budding flower.

A gentle breeze blew, causing the pink dress to dance, outlining her curvaceous figure and exceptionally full bosom.

This made Hua Ziyan suddenly realize that the little girl Mu Yuxi, who had always followed her, a bit foolish and timid, had now grown into a woman.

Hearing Hua Ziyan's teasing gaze, Mu Yuxi felt a flutter of panic in her heart.

She lowered her head slightly, a shy smile naturally appearing on her lips. Her beautiful eyes seemed to reflect the carefree days from a few days ago on that desolate mountain, when the unkempt young man chatted and teased her.

For a moment, she was lost in thought.

It wasn't until Hua Ziyan called her name several times that she snapped back to reality, responding with a mixture of guilt and fluster.

"The Holy Lord said that for this period, you will temporarily serve and protect Master Su. Master Su has a life-saving grace towards us, so you absolutely cannot neglect him. However, looking at you, I fear your heart is entirely set on him. Master Su is a good person, but his thoughts are somewhat shallow. Moreover, you haven't experienced much hardship and tend to be slow to perceive worldly affairs. Having you protect him... honestly, I'm not at ease.

But the Holy Lord probably won't let me replace you to protect him.

So, Yuxi, you must be more mindful!"

As Hua Ziyan spoke, her true intentions were revealed – she wasn't particularly fond of Master Su and wanted to replace Mu Yuxi to protect him. She was merely concerned about Mu Yuxi's ability to handle the task.

"Sister Li, I, I will protect Master Su with my life! No one will harm him! Unless, unless I'm dead!"

Mu Yuxi immediately vowed earnestly.

Her eyes were filled with determination, as if this were her lifelong belief.

"You want to protect Master Su with your life? With Master Su's abilities, if you were in mortal danger, wouldn't he deduce it in an instant and protect you thoroughly!

Honestly, with Master Su's abilities, he probably sees through your every thought at a glance. He knows everything as clearly as if it were written on a mirror."

Hua Ziyan smiled and teased.

"Ah—no, that can't be, that... that would be so embarrassing..."

Mu Yuxi dared not think further. Her pretty face burned, and she lowered her head, too ashamed to meet anyone's gaze.

"You... you don't actually have some audacious thoughts in your heart, do you..."

Hua Ziyan's eyes widened, her pretty face filled with disbelief and curiosity.

Dawn broke.

Su Li stood up from his bed, watching Yun Qingxuan's departing figure with a complex expression.

Yun Qingxuan was very formidable.

She had almost drained him dry.

If not for his Life Archive ability, which allowed him to know her inner thoughts at all times, he probably wouldn't have been able to withstand Yun Qingxuan's terrifying schemes!

Moreover, Yun Qingxuan's even more formidable aspect was that even as she planned to place all her trust in him, she still inquired about control of the 'Soul Locking Tower,' thus resolving her final fallback.

The significance of this question was self-evident.

Considering the divination's outcome—that only by truly working together would there be a sliver of hope for survival—and also because he could discern her thoughts at any moment, Su Li informed Yun Qingxuan of some points to note when operating the 'Soul Locking Tower.' He also revealed that if they truly intended to target Gongcheng Tiansheng, then any weaknesses Gongcheng Tiansheng displayed would be false!

His true weakness was not, as Yun Qingxuan had previously determined, the 'lower left rib,' but rather the 'ear root' on his right ear. That spot was the lifeline of his true Infant Soul.

An Infant Soul was the soul of a nascent soul that existed apart from the body. While extremely powerful, it also possessed a fatal weakness!

His deductions, by foreseeing the future, had inadvertently uncovered this secret.

Currently, regarding this exchange of trust, Su Li did not conceal the information.

Because if it truly came to that point, it would mean that even their combined efforts had failed!

Alternatively, if he died, Yun Qingxuan, with no other recourse, would have no choice but to endure humiliation and then assassinate Gongcheng Tiansheng.

That would be the ultimate dead end!

Yun Qingxuan harbored a deeply despairing thought: she would never plan for the best-case scenario, but would always consider the worst.

When she asked if she could trust him, she had already decided to stake everything on trusting him!

Su Li, of course, answered her affirmatively!

Simultaneously, because he could know her thoughts through the Life Archive, Su Li also informed her of the worst possible outcomes!

Afterward, the two repeatedly discussed and devised countermeasures for various situations.

With this, Yun Qingxuan, having accounted for every contingency, finally felt at ease before quietly departing.

Su Li got out of bed, rinsed his mouth with some Spiritual Qi water, and then took two Qi Replenishing Pills to stave off hunger before stepping out of the courtyard.

The weather was excellent today.

Su Li activated his Universe Ring and glanced at the ten 'Random Teleportation Talismans' stored within, feeling a slight sense of calm.

After drinking Nine Radiance Heart-Inquiry Tea all night, his body's capacity to store Spiritual Qi had greatly increased.

Concurrently, the Nine Radiance Spirit Artifacts in his Universe Ring had all been initially refined!

At this moment, he dispersed the Spiritual Qi within his body and opened the Life Archive System.

The Heavenly Secrets Value remained unchanged, still at 72,361 points.

The previously locked character information had also vanished.

After Yun Qingxuan left, she could no longer be locked onto, making it impossible to constantly observe her situation.

This was a minor drawback of the system; it could only lock onto people visible to his eyes.

Then, based on the people encountered through that person's archive information, he could open their archives.

"I hope this time, we can succeed together."

"Your 'Everything is Doomed' Destiny can only be changed by me! Your mother, only I can help you rescue her! While the Soul Locking Tower is powerful, it easily erodes 'fortune' and 'fate.' Although the Nine Radiance Heart-Inquiry Tea can compensate, the compensation is negligible, while the consumption is considerable!"

"I hope you won't disappoint me!"

"I have been disappointed by this world once already!"

Su Li's expression was calm, yet his eyes held a mixture of hope and world-weariness.

After Yun Qingxuan left Cloud Xiu Peak and returned to her own residence, she immediately took out the Soul Perishing Tea Can without hesitation.

She then brewed tea again, and at the same time, placed the 'Soul Locking Tower' from her Universe Ring back into the Soul Perishing Tea Can.

She had promised Su Li not to touch the 'Soul Locking Tower' for a while, yet now, she seemed to have forgotten that vow.

"Since there is a sliver of hope... then, I can only trust myself."

"Master Su, I apologize!"

"After this is done, I will erect a monument for you and perform the rites of a disciple to worship you!"

"You are a core target in this conflict; it is impossible for us to succeed together."

"I can only choose that final path!"

"I know you can deduce everything, but when I survived the massacre of my sect in my early years, I understood a truth—no matter how skilled a Heavenly Secrets Master is at deduction, even if they can read people's minds, when I can even deceive myself, they will be helpless!"

"When I trusted you, I truly trusted you!"

"But when I don't trust you, I truly don't trust you either! Because no one in this world is worth it anymore!"

"I made one fatal mistake in the past, and I will never make it again!"

"Let alone, if you were to scheme against me, I would have no way out!"

"Master Su, I apologize!"

Yun Qingxuan's thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant, and then she took a deep breath of the white smoke rising from the Soul Perishing Tea Can.

The next moment, her entire being seemed to turn into nothingness as she vanished from the spot.

Thanks to book friend 'Hei Xiao Hei' for the 1000 Qidian coin reward~

Thanks to book friend 'Xing Zhe 620' for the 500 Qidian coin reward~

Thanks to book friends 'Di Di Da Pi Ka Pi Ka' and 'Tiao Shu Tian Wang' for their 100 Qidian coin rewards each~

Thank you all very, very much~~