Sun Liao arrived in secrecy. Indeed, he was probably one of the greatest array formation masters in the entire Piaolu planet. In fact, he clearly was the best master alive in the Hongchen Kingdom at the moment. More than that, his talent had brought him to the pinnacle of the Heaven grade. Although it was unofficial, Sun Liao was a 1-star Spirit array formation master at the very least, probably even a bit higher than that. However, Emperor Weide had done everything to hide a huge part of his achievements. In order to fully reach his current status, Sun Liao had been forced to speed up his cultivation. At the moment, he was a 1st-grade Spirit Warrior. Unfortunately, he had gone so fast that he might have sustained injuries throughout his body. As such, moving forward would become more difficult.
All that being said, Sun Liao regretted nothing. Without his support, the Hongchen Kingdom would have suffered even more. As he had traveled throughout the land in order to set up and repair array formations all over the place, Sun Liao had seen the suffering and misery of people up close. No matter what he had to do, he would protect the Hongchen Kingdom from the Empyrean Asura Theocracy. Hopefully, if the Golden Flowery Fragrance Institute could refine the Nine-Souls Calamity Ascension Pill, they might actually stand a chance.
From his understanding, Sun Liao was convinced that this pill would help Emperor Weide break through the curse of the Forsaken Dao Era. With a Sage among their ranks, the humans would be able to push back against the demons. Not only would they prevent demons from invading, but they might actually gain some ground. Although Sun Liao didn't care about expanding the Hongchen Kingdom, it was necessary to build a form of buffer zone around the defensive array formations left over from Emperor Nuwa's era.
Director Hua met Sun Liao in private, but all protocols were adhered to, to the letter. Although Director Hua had a higher standing than Sun Liao, his status was special. As such, he only slightly bowed toward her, but it didn't seem disrespectful at all.
"Director Hua, I have to admit that our journey has been exhausting in order for us to reach your Golden Flowery Fragrance Institute. My men and I would need some time to rest. I hope that everything is already ready."
"Of course, Master Sun. We've arranged rooms for you and your delegation. On the matter of the array formation, we've gathered all the necessary information into this jade slip. We put everything about the Core Earthly Life Master as well as what we require in terms of array formations to perform the refinement."
Director Hua took a jade slip out of her spatial ring. As it flew toward Sun Liao, one of his guards took it respectfully while Sun Liao stayed immobile. After injecting his spiritual senses into the jade slip, the guard gave it to Sun Liao who simply put it in his own spatial ring as though it was a trivial matter. This jade slip contained immense secrets for the Golden Flowery Fragrance Institute. The mere fact that they agreed to give it to an outsider was incredible, but Sun Liao didn't bat an eye. Honestly, he was now used to it.
In the corner of the room, Cao Yun was observing everything. His heart and breathing were so slow and reduced that no one could hear them. Besides, he was using 'Ashen Feather Seal' to hide completely. Not even his brother Sun Liao was able to detect him. To be fair, Sun Liao was tired and wasn't using a compass. With his compass and if he was actively trying to find anything suspicious, Sun Liao might have been able to detect his brother.
As he observed Sun Liao, Cao Yun's heart was in pain. His brother had aged much more than Ren Chao and Mei Hua. Of course, he still looked extremely young for his age. But a cultivator like Cao Yun could see signs that no young Spirit Warrior should exhibit. There were small circles under his eyes, a few wrinkles here and there. Cao Yun even saw a handful of gray hairs near his temples. Cao Yun didn't look deeper into his friend's body, but he was convinced that Sun Liao was exhausting his pre-natal Jing much more than necessary. In simple terms, he was burning the candle at both ends. Since his cultivation was already unstable, it was especially hard on him.
Looking at his brother, Cao Yun could tell that Sun Liao's influence and talent had gotten to him. Unfortunately, his brother always had this flaw, his arrogance. After Emperor Weide in person had told him how invaluable he was, Sun Liao had finally bought into it. Combined with a bit of despair and pain, Sun Liao had reverted to his natural demeanor, maybe even worse than that actually.
Anyway, at last, Cao Yun sent a telepathic message to Sun Liao.
"Brother Sun, it's me, Brother Chen. Please, don't be alarmed. Remember our oath under the bodhi tree."
With the message, Cao Yun sent a vision of the tree and of that day, so that Sun Liao would know he was who he claimed to be. For a mere instant, Sun Liao was surprised, but he controlled himself. By his side, one of his guards saw it. Since it disappeared quickly, he didn't pay it any mind, but he did see Sun Liao's expression change. It was highly unusual. Considering the importance of Sun Liao, his guards had been handpicked by Emperor Weide himself. As such, they would lay down their lives for Sun Liao.
The exhausted array formation master spoke to Director Hua, but it was also addressed to his own guards.
"Director, I am ashamed to admit that fatigue has crept up on me. I require an isolated place to meditate and recover."
"Obviously, our Golden Flowery Fragrance Institute is pleased to welcome you, Master Sun. If you so wish, we can lead you to an isolated cultivation chamber. Nothing can disturb your quiet there."
"Good. I'll leave my delegation to you, Director."
As Sun Liao was about to exit the room, the guard who had noticed his expression change stepped forward and sent a telepathic message to his master.
"Young Master, I do not think it wise for you to leave alone."
"Silence! We're within the Golden Flowery Fragrance Institute. Nothing can happen to me here. If you really fear for my safety, you can guard the entrance of the institute for all I care. I'm tired and this mission is of the utmost importance. If we succeed, mankind may finally produce a Sage! Do you want to be the one to impede me while I'm trying to achieve such a great result?! Is it what you want me to report to Emperor Weide?!"
"Young Master, this humble one sincerely apologizes. But this humble one has to insist! Your safety is our sole concern. If something happens to Young Master, nothing will be achieved. Please, Young Master, reconsider."
Unfortunately, Sun Liao's guards were insistent. Obviously, Sun Liao was talking with Cao Yun while he was giving orders. At the moment, Sun Liao knew that Mei Hua and Ren Chao were waiting for him. As such, he was just burning with the intense desire to meet them and this buffoon was stopping him. Under other circumstances, Sun Liao would have admired his earnest attitude. This wasn't such a circumstance. Before Sun Liao could insult him, Cao Yun gave his brother an idea.
"Fine, insolent one. If you're so eager to defend me, you'll stand guard before the isolated cultivation chamber. But I won't tolerate anyone trying to disturb me inside. And, you will stand guard personally for as long as necessary."
"I understand, Young Master. Please, forgive this insolent one."
Sun Liao had a hard time telling whether his guard was sincere or not. Most likely, he hated Sun Liao for his arrogance. Now that he thought about it, Sun Liao didn't even know what this guard was called. For that matter, he didn't know any of his guards' names. Well, it didn't really matter all that much. With his compass, Sun Liao had always been able to avoid any problem or danger. His guards were just useless to him since they had never had to fight for his security. Until now, they had just hindered him with their paranoia.
Director Hua asked Xiao Xuefeng herself to lead Sun Liao to the isolated chamber. Of course, even the guards were surprised considering that she was known as Spirit Master Xiao Xuefeng. At first, they thought that the two of them would talk about alchemy and array formations, but they simply didn't talk at all. Since the guards were constantly using their spiritual senses to keep track of Sun Liao, they would have sensed any communication. They would all have been surprised to learn that both Cao Yun and Xiao Xuefeng could easily send telepathic messages without them noticing anything. In fact, even Sun Liao had the hang of it, but it was mainly due to the fact that he was used to being close to those guards.
At some point, the guards were led to another wing while Sun Liao and the same guard kept following Xiao Xuefeng. Finally, they reached the isolated chamber promised to Sun Liao. This room was located near the Heavenly Golden Peach Tree. Sun Liao's guard wanted to get in first in order to inspect it. But Sun Liao got upset.
"I don't have time for your stupidity and paranoia! If there's someone inside, I'll just scream upon entering and you can come in! Heavens!"
The guard was more than frustrated but Sun Liao's expression was adamant so he knew he would never be able to change his mind. In fact, the guard was even worried that Sun Liao would send him away.
At last, Sun Liao went in. Xiao Xuefeng closed the doors behind him and Sun Liao himself activated the array formations blocking any perception from the outside world. Obviously, his guard was nervous, but Xiao Xuefeng comforted him. Moreover, he couldn't believe that the Golden Flowery Fragrance Institute would do anything to Sun Liao. Had they been somewhere else, he would have gone so far as to disobey his master just to inspect the room. But in this place, he didn't think it was necessary to go that far.
It was fortunate because Ren Chao and Mei Hua were both waiting in that room. Although they were concealed, a thorough inspection might have revealed something. Cao Yun had planned to have Sun Liao help conceal them. Thankfully, Sun Liao had simply been able to stop his guards from getting in. Otherwise, Cao Yun would have been forced to ask him to help manage some array formations to conceal them completely.
Anyway, now that they were cut off from the outside world, Mei Hua and Ren Chao fully revealed themselves. After them, it was Cao Yun's turn who had simply walked in with his brother Sun Liao.
Suddenly, Sun Liao could see the face of his brother, he could also see his full cultivation. With his perception, it was easy for Sun Liao to sense that Cao Yun was a 7th-grade Spirit Warrior. Besides, his cultivation wasn't too shaky. Clearly, he had broken through recently and was still stabilizing it, but his cultivation was very firm nonetheless, not like his own. Sun Liao held back his emotions as Ren Chao was also nearby. He slapped Cao Yun's shoulder and grabbed it.
"Brother... I knew it! I knew you couldn't be dead! With you by our side, we'll finally be free of this threat. This is a sign that we'll endure. If we can refine the Nine-Souls Calamity Ascension Pill, we might have two great heroes who break through and become Sages. Emperor Weide and Chen Guo side by side, what a sight!"
Cao Yun's smile froze, as did Ren Chao and Mei Hua's faces. In fact, Ren Chao was ashamed of himself when he heard his brother. Just like Sun Liao, Ren Chao had been loyal to Emperor Weide and had helped him with his blacksmithing. Now that he knew the truth, Ren Chao hated and despised his older self. Soon, this would be Sun Liao's fate.
"Brother Sun, there are many things I have to tell you. Please, listen to me. I hid many things."
Cao Yun kowtowed before his brothers and sister.
"Although we pledged our lives to one another, I held back crucial information and I lied to you all for so long. I am unworthy of your loyalty. This unfilial one begs you to forgive him."
All three were taken aback, especially Sun Liao as he had no idea what Cao Yun was talking about. On the other hand, Mei Hua and Ren Chao were moved. The first one to move was Mei Hua. She grabbed her brother's arm and tried to lift him up. Immediately, Ren Chao and Sun Liao did the same. Cao Yun resisted a little but didn't want to embarrass his brothers and sister. Even Ren Chao would not have been able to move him if Cao Yun didn't want to move himself.
Finally, Cao Yun told the whole story to his brothers and sister. Although Ren Chao and Mei Hua had heard it already, Cao Yun explained everything, he went into great detail. In the end, it took him almost three days to tell them everything he had on his mind. Day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, Sun Liao's face changed for the worse. As the truth was unveiled before him, Sun Liao's arrogance and pride shattered. All those years, he had been helping the man who had tormented his brother so much, the man who had literally had his brother slain. And Sun Liao had derived great pleasure and pride from such a betrayal. Wasn't it as though he had betrayed his own flesh and blood?!
Sun Liao even remembered seeing Yong Ke back in the Imperial City. When he had seen her, he had sensed something familiar about her. But now, he knew what it had been, she was his brother's kin. All of Sun Liao's world collapsed. Something worse happened within his mind, though. Sun Liao had a dark and terrible thought come to the forefront of his mind.