Chapter 463: Array

Chapter 463: The List

In the midst of utter darkness, Li Huowang's brows gradually furrowed upon hearing Liu Zongyuan’s words. “You mean to say that back in Shangjing, the Heavenly Observing Bureau set up that grand formation in the Golden Hall for the purpose of dealing with celestial disasters?”

Back then, although he had been dragged into the situation, his attention had been entirely captured by the north wind, leaving him no time to ponder what the Great Li Emperor and the Heavenly Observing Bureau were really up to.

Later, he had merely speculated wildly, thinking that the emperor’s great effort must have been for his own ascension to immortality.

Now it seemed the opposite was true—both the Heavenly Observing Bureau and the Great Li Emperor had used the Divine Mountain Ghost Eye to confront this solar eclipse disaster.

For a moment, his thoughts became clearer regarding what was truly unfolding within the Great Li Empire, but soon a trace of regret stirred within him.

In the events at Shangjing, he had seemingly played a role far from heroic.

Yet, before, the Heavenly Observing Bureau had given no hint of their intentions; how could he have known they were truly forming that formation to save the world from celestial calamity?

Their usual methods made it impossible for him to consider such a possibility.

“No, Brother Li, you’re not at fault here—it’s my mistake,” Li Huowang tilted his ear slightly toward Zhuge Yuan’s voice.

“This entire matter is my doing. I was deceived by the Forgetful Dao.”

Zhuge Yuan’s voice carried both guilt and sorrow.

“From the moment I cut down Bai Ban, I must have fallen into the trap of the Forgetful Dao. Perhaps even the corpse-emperor of the Great Qi who holds power was their doing. Both sects working together.”

“They didn’t do this for revenge against the dead Bai Ban, but to use my identity as the Heart Coil to unite the two branches of the Forgetful Dao, then trick out Doumu and steal the Divine Mountain Ghost Eye from the Heavenly Observing Bureau.”

Upon hearing Liu Zongyuan’s account, Zhuge Yuan—who was directly involved—had uncovered far more information than Li Huowang.

“You shouldn’t feel too bad—you did everything you could. If anyone is to blame, it’s the Forgetful Dao,” Li Huowang couldn’t help but offer comfort.

Before Zhuge Yuan could respond, Liu Zongyuan, thinking Li Huowang was speaking to him, quickly interjected:

“Brother Er, you’re too kind. But I’m not upset—I never went to Shangjing to serve, why risk my life? That day, I’d already fled to Qingqiu.”

Taking that opportunity, Liu Zongyuan continued chattering on:

“Ah, decades ago, we cleaned up the Forgetful Dao once, never thought it would rise again so soon.”

“These sons without buttocks are like maggots in a privy—they can’t be eradicated no matter how much you try.”

“Hey, Brother Er, don’t tell anyone, but I heard that this time, the higher-ups are thoroughly pissed off. Once the disaster is over, the Heavenly Observing Bureau will launch a full-scale crackdown on the Forgetful Dao across the land.”

“Originally, after Shangjing, many of them died or were crippled. Now with another big push, those damn scoundrels might be wiped out completely.”

Hearing this, Huowang sat straighter, even clenching his fists in excitement. “That’s good news! I hate the Forgetful Dao more than anything! The Heavenly Observing Bureau should’ve done this long ago!”

“That’s right, Brother Er, I know how much you despise the Forgetful Dao, so I came to find you. Who knew your eyes would be gone, ah.”

“It’s fine,” Li Huowang quickly said. “Even blind, I can still kill! Let’s go now!!”

“Whoa, no need, Brother Er, rest and recover properly. Don’t take unnecessary risks. There are plenty of capable people in the Heavenly Observing Bureau—your absence won’t matter, nor will your presence.”

In truth, Li Huowang had expected Liu Zongyuan wouldn’t accompany a blind man on duty. He was just maintaining his past image, putting on a show.

He himself had too many troubles already—he had no interest in getting involved in this matter.

After finishing their business talk, they exchanged pleasantries. Liu Zongyuan’s attention inevitably turned to the terrifying figure of Li Sui.

“Heh, Brother Er, among your Aojing sect, people are one thing—but why do you skin dogs too?”

Li Huowang reached out and touched Li Sui’s hard skull. “She’s not a dog. She’s an immortal beast I obtained by chance. Since I’m blind, she’s temporarily for protection. Don’t look at her appearance, but sometimes she’s more reliable than humans.”

“Really? That’s quite a stroke of luck. Few people dare keep such a beast! Do you sell these things?”

At that, a low growl rumbled from deep within Li Sui’s throat, revealing her sharp white teeth toward Liu Zongyuan.

“Quiet, Brother Liu was just joking,” Li Huowang said, tapping Li Sui gently on the neck. His hostility toward Liu Zongyuan vanished instantly.

Feeling Li Sui’s unusual behavior, Li Huowang felt a headache coming on. In the past, Li Sui was simple-minded, like a child. But now...

It seemed that due to the influence of the steamed bun inside her body, her nature had taken on a more beastly quality.

“All right, Brother Er, since we’ve said enough, I’ll be going. Take care of yourself while you heal. Don’t panic about anything.”

As Liu Zongyuan stood to leave, he was immediately stopped by Li Huowang.

“Wait, Brother Liu, since you’re well-informed, do you know which sect or school has techniques to replace eyes? You know, I’m…”

“Hmm… You really don’t need to seek help from others. You’re unfamiliar with their territory and easily deceived. We have our own solutions.”

“You’ve done many missions for the Heavenly Observing Bureau, right? You’ve probably got plenty of rewards. Use the longevity pills they gave you to exchange for something in the Shangjing treasury. They definitely have methods and tools to restore your sight.”

With that, Liu Zongyuan left quickly. Alone in the dim light, Li Huowang sat silently, stroking Li Sui’s neck.

Too many things had happened recently. He needed to sort through them carefully.

“Li Sui, bring me some charcoal and a sheet of Xuan paper.”

“Okay, dad.”

Soon, a sheet of Xuan paper lay before him, and a piece of black charcoal was placed into his hand by a tentacle.

Li Huowang held the charcoal, using its sharp edge to write down his current troubles, from top to bottom.

One: Bai Lingmiao’s eyes are nearly blinded from too much sun exposure. Her fragile body has a short lifespan.

Two: Abnormal celestial disasters. Since the Heavenly Observing Bureau’s plan was disrupted by the Forgetful Dao, there may be more such disasters. While he wasn’t afraid, how could he ensure the survival of Niu Xin Village in such chaos?

Three: His altered past, modified by the Yin-Yang Doumu. His history as a Red Man remains a threat—he must find a way to remove it.

Four: Cultivation. This must continue steadfastly—not only for Zhuge Yuan’s revival and his own strength, but also for the truth of reality itself.