"Elder Tang did well, solving it in less than a month."

Chen Xuan entered the great hall, speaking with a smile.

But his smile quickly disappeared, as Tang Gu’s expression was very solemn.

"What’s wrong?"

"One good news and one bad news, which would you like to hear first?"

Tang Gu asked in a somber tone.

One good, one bad?

Chen Xuan hated this kind of thing the most.

But he had no choice, so he sat down casually, "Let’s hear the good news first."

"The good news is I’ve cracked the Array, and according to my deductions, the second level of the Array should be very similar to the first, so the time needed to crack it should be much shorter."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuan nodded; it was indeed good news.

Then he asked, "And the bad news?"

"The bad news is, for you to pass through the Array quietly, I need the essence blood of the Black-winged Simurgh. Only by using its essence blood can I set up a concealing Array."

"The Black-winged Simurgh?"

Chen Xuan straightened up, raising his eyebrows slightly, "Where can such a Demon Beast be found? What kind of power does it possess?"

He had no memory of such a Demon Beast.

"I am not clear about that, you’ll need to investigate for yourself, but... Dark Moon should know."

"Uh—"

Chen Xuan was immediately stunned.

Not knowing!? Damn it.

"Elder Tang, you do give me surprises."

"I only handle Array solving; the rest is not my concern."

Tang Gu spread his hands, as if he had no other option.

Moreover, the Array of the Library Pavilion was so complex; truth be told, if it weren’t for his years of research on Arrays, he wouldn’t have had the chance to crack it.

"Alright then!"

Chen Xuan stood up, saying, "I’ll find a way for this. Tonight I will visit the Three Judicial Departments again, and you start cracking the second layer of the Array."

"Hmm!"

Tang Gu nodded; though solving the Array during this period was somewhat exhausting, consuming a lot of Spiritual Power.

He did not refuse.

Because he found that cracking the Array of the Library Pavilion had loosened the Spiritual Power that had been stuck without progress for so long.

According to this situation, his Spirit Cultivation might very well advance further.

At that time... his soul could become stronger, perhaps allowing him to live longer.

Thinking of this, a pair of old eyes showed unusual excitement.

"Hmm?"

Chen Xuan noticed his anomaly and asked, "What’s wrong?"

"This time, I may have to thank you. Researching this Array has great benefits; I might break through to the Dao stage, which could mean I won’t die so early."

Who wants to die if they can live?

"I see!"

Chen Xuan murmured, then asked, "Will the Dao stage increase life span?"

"Something like that."

Tang Gu nodded slightly, then explained, "According to ancient records, after the Dao stage, the soul undergoes a cleansing, akin to the Spirit Tribulation of the Dao Realm; after cleansing, the soul becomes much stronger."

"I’ve lived too long, and my soul has been gradually weakening, so if my soul undergoes cleansing, isn’t that akin to increasing life span?"

"I see...."

Chen Xuan immediately realized.

He also learned for the first time that living too long could weaken the soul.

"It seems my understanding of the Martial Dao is still too little."

He sighed inwardly.

Of course, he couldn’t be blamed.

Though he collected many books about the Martial Dao, including some ancient ones.

But those above the Dao Realm are rarely circulated outside.

Most are collected by the Great Yu in the Imperial Palace, and the rest are in the hands of top families.

An outsider like him, how could he have access?

...

Chen Xuan left Prince Xuan’s Mansion and arrived at Dark Moon.

He had never heard of the Black-winged Simurgh, so he could only hope Dark Moon would know.

This time Chen Xuan did not suddenly appear but openly walked in through the main entrance.

Looking inside, he saw Jiang Qi reclining there, a book covering his head, seemingly asleep.

"Cough, cough, cough..."

Chen Xuan coughed a few times.

"Who is it? What do you want?"

Jiang Qi did not move, his voice somewhat lazy and slightly annoyed.

Actually, he couldn’t be blamed for being so lazy; recently, business had been mysteriously absent.

Sometimes, not a single person would come for days.

Sincerely he had to use reading to kill time.

"Jiang Qi!"

The one lying down heard someone call his real name, immediately frowning slightly.

In Moran City, he was considered a notable figure.

Calling his name outright truly displeased him.

But soon, the voice seemed familiar.

Suddenly, he removed the book from his face!

Prince Xuan!

He sprang up straight as a rod.

He immediately walked to Chen Xuan, a smile on his face, bending respectfully and saluting, "Lord Xuan King, forgive me, it’s my mistake!"

Damn it!

How come it’s him!

This made the drowsiness instantly disappear.

"No need for courtesy; I came today to inquire about something."

Seeing Chen Xuan did not blame him, Jiang Qi also let out a sigh of relief in his heart.

Immediately he smiled and asked, "Lord Xuan King, whatever you want to ask, just say it, as long as Dark Moon knows, we will certainly tell you."

"Why not sit down and talk?"

Chen Xuan said with a smile; the two were standing at the entrance, and occasionally people outside glanced their way.

"Oh... well, well, it’s my impoliteness, please Lord Xuan King, come in, have a cup of my tea, and talk leisurely."

Jiang Qi repeatedly admitted his mistakes.

He was indeed startled and forgot his manners.

Otherwise, he would never let Chen Xuan stand at the door for so long.

After the two entered the inner room.

Jiang Qi took out his finest tea.

He respectfully placed the brewed tea in front of Chen Xuan, saying respectfully, "Please, Lord Xuan King."

"Sit!"

Chen Xuan pointed to the chair, then lifted the jade cup, sniffed slightly, and then looked at Jiang Qi.