Chapter 397: Chapter 396: The Art of Pretending, Taking the Initiative

When it comes to bluffing, Li Jing is a professional.

Unable to ignore Eunuch Wang’s remarks face-to-face.

Li Jing has the ability to see through others’ cultivation levels without ever having fought or witnessed them in action, which he learned from General Shao’s report to Emperor Xia Zhengyang of Da Xia.

This ability is indeed very rare.

At the same time, it demands a high level of personal cultivation.

In order to see through others’ cultivation, one must possess the related ability, and the cultivation level must be higher than that of the one being seen through.

In short.

That Li Jing can see through his cultivation suggests that Li Jing’s cultivation level is higher.

How much higher, exactly, is hard to say.

Nevertheless, across the entire Da Xia court and countryside, though Eunuch Wang himself is not famous, he’s genuinely second to none.

Yes.

He is the ultimate power hidden behind the Da Xia scene.

Li Jing is not simple, Eunuch Wang already had a clear understanding of this.

But he never imagined that the latter could be stronger than him.

Such a master...

He was "picked up" by Princess Wenqu, Xia Qianqian, who favored him?

On this side, Eunuch Wang is surprised.

Xia Qianqian, who also got off the carriage after Li Jing, was full of shock.

This is the first time she knew that Eunuch Wang, who is always next to her father, is a powerhouse in the Ascending Immortal Realm.

She didn’t even know that the Eighth Realm existed within the court and countryside.

This level of power usually belongs to elders or even higher-ranking people from major sects.

If they don’t speak out, the Da Xia Dynasty would only back off in many ways.

In fact.

The Da Xia Dynasty has long been subjugated by these sect forces, because it lacks a powerhouse in the Ascending Immortal Realm to "maintain the scene".

If it were not for the saying that kings are granted power from heaven, and cultivators cannot interfere excessively in secular power, the current Da Xia Dynasty may not even have a specific name.

What shocked Xia Qianqian even more was.

Li Jing could see at a glance the cultivation level of a powerhouse in the Ascending Immortal Realm...

She knew what this meant.

Staring at Li Jing, who was slender but looked tall standing in front of her, Xia Qianqian dared not stand shoulder to shoulder with him for a while.

The officials standing with Eunuch Wang also have a look of shock on their faces.

Like Xia Qianqian, they had no idea their top superior was actually a powerhouse in the Ascending Immortal Realm.

Li Jing didn’t pay attention to what Xia Qianqian was like.

Looking at Eunuch Wang and the astonished eunuchs, Li Jing spoke calmly.

"Looking at you, it seems you haven’t been in Ascending Immortal Realm for long. Our meeting is fate, so watch closely now, I only do this once. Whether you can gain some insight depends on your luck."

Not only was Eunuch Wang shocked that his cultivation level had been revealed, but the fact of this was also bothering him.

He had indeed entered the Ascending Immortal Realm for some time now.

He concealed it because he alone was incapable of holding up the Da Xia Dynasty.

If he openly stood on stage, sect forces would certainly begin to target the court and pose a threat to him personally.

It’s reasonable for the large Da Xia Dynasty to lack anyone in the Eighth Realm to maintain the scene.

The persistent suppression of sect forces was a critical issue.

They didn’t want a powerhouse in the Ascending Immortal Realm to appear in the court, otherwise, the court would at least have the capital to converse on equal terms with the sect forces.

If they grow stronger, the fact that the court does not control the sect forces might change.

Thus, the sect forces would naturally not sit by and watch the emergence of a powerhouse in the Ascending Immortal Realm within the court.

This reveal of Eunuch Wang’s cultivation level by Li Jing in public had made him really upset.

The eunuchs he brought with him were all his trusted aides.

However, to prevent news from leaking afterwards, he had to ensure these men remained silent forever.

A trusted aide, of course, had his trust.

But the matter was critical.

Especially as it could affect his personal safety, he didn’t want to risk it.

Only the dead can keep secrets forever.

Hearing Li Jing’s words which were similar to "watch carefully, I’m going to bluff", Eunuch Wang was slightly stunned.

Then, he saw Li Jing raise his hand and make a strange hand seal.

Next second.

Heaven and earth moved, the wind and clouds changed color.

The imperial palace...

No!

The entire Da Xia Imperial City was shrouded in a heavy cloud, and a dreadful sense of terror quietly descended.

In that instant.

All the people in the Da Xia Imperial City turned deathly pale and looked up in confusion.

This...

What’s going on?

What happened to Da Xia?

Such a catastrophe...

In front of the Imperial Palace.

The eunuchs, who witnessed Li Jing causing such a change in heaven and earth by raising his hand, were trembling, and Xia Qianqian, who was still a commoner standing behind Li Jing, simply had weak knees.

This destructive...

What is it?

Magic skill?

Can magic skills reach this level?

Even though she has not yet started cultivation.

But Xia Qianqian was sure.

If Li Jing completes this magic skill, the entire Da Xia Imperial City will be destroyed in an instant.

Don’t talk about any sects, and don’t talk about any dynasties.

As long as they’re within the imperial city, no one can escape!

Ascending Immortal?

It’s just a joke!

Eunuch Wang himself was equally terrified by the scene before him, but his eyes were filled with fanaticism.

The moment Li Jing’s forbidden spell caused the wind and clouds to change, he had the understanding that once certain people finished, it would be over for Da Xia.

The almost entirely materialized might of heaven was descending, this was some terrifying Thunder Skill to the extreme that could directly call down Heavenly Punishment! 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

All these made him feel insecure.

Xia Qianqian brings back this person, and the Da Xia Dynasty can’t afford to mess with him.

What made him feel fanatic was.

He felt the supreme power of heaven and earth that he had barely begun to perceive after entering the Ascending Immortal Realm, the Power of Rules.

Just enter the Ascending Immortal Realm and he would have a chance to experience the barely perceived Power of Rules.

Such a thing, to him, is more than a blessing in life?

Insecurity, instantly pushed to the back of his mind.

His eyes were full of bloodshot, staring at the dark sky, his mind immersed in trying to understand.

Meanwhile.

A figure dressed in a dragon robe walked out of the palace.

The one who came out at this moment was naturally Emperor Xia Zhengyang of Da Xia.

Li Jing was causing quite a show outside, how could he possibly stay still?

Over here.

Li Jing originally intended to pretend for a while and then stop.

This move of his was not meant to expose his own means with the Forbidden Skill.

He wanted to use the simplest and most direct method to allow Eunuch Wang, who had just entered the Eighth Realm, to intuitively feel the rules of the Thunder Skill in order to deter this eunuch and make it easier to talk to the emperor afterward.

Having had previous experiences in the national capital, Li Jing had learned his "lesson".

Compared with monsters, Spiritual Beasts or other Alien Species, human cultivators are quite dull.

Simply running their cultivation practices at full strength is not enough to allow humans to have a clear perception.

Li Jing changed his mind and continued to shift the handprint in his hand when he saw Xia Zhengyang, in a dragon robe, quickly stepping out of the Imperial Palace.

In his view.

The health bar value displayed above Xia Zhengyang’s head was a massive 10988.

This one, is even stronger than Eunuch Wang!

Li Jing has always been insightful.

He had already noticed from the reactions of the crowd when he blurted out Eunuch Wang’s cultivation just now, that this old eunuch had kept his powers deeply hidden, and his status as an eighth realm power was unknown to others.

As for why he hid it.

With Li Jing’s analytical ability, he had the answer within a few minutes.

An emperor and an old eunuch, both were powerful figures in the Eighth Realm hiding behind the scenes.

This round, he had to make it more thorough.

As the Forbidden Spell Method in his hand shifted, the terrifying heavenly aura looming over the sky became more substantial.

A few of the eunuchs behind Eunuch Wang who were not very strong, collapsed on the ground as their legs gave out.

Eunuch Wang didn’t care about this at the moment.

Xia Zhengyang, who had left the Imperial Palace, also didn’t care about these eunuchs.

He came out of the Imperial Palace for the purpose of experiencing the Power of Rules in a more intuitive way.

It is worth mentioning that.

Xia Qianqian, an ordinary person facing the terrifying aura had a pale face, but had an unusual persistence. She was looking up at the clouds in the sky, following the example of Xia Zhengyang and Eunuch Wang.

This little sister.

It’s worth mentioning that she’s tough.

The ordinary people in the whole Da Xia Imperial City had already collapsed to the ground like fools.

Trembling?

That’s a privilege granted only to the strong who have reached a certain level of cultivation.

...

Xia Qianqian’s palace.

Liu Sisi held the pale-faced Ya’er in her arms, and stood in the courtyard of the palace with a furrowed brow.

She and Ya’er didn’t feel much of the World Thunder Punishment effects.

Because before Li Jing cast the Forbidden Spell Method, he had already contacted Smoke Eye through his thoughts and asked her to protect them.

Smoke Eye was now revealing her true Immortal Items state and hanging beside Liu Sisi’s head.

Under her protection, Liu Sisi and Ya’er won’t be targeted by the World Thunder Punishment, so it naturally will not land directly on them.

However, they could easily understand what this terrible situation was all about through their naked eyes.

It was clear that this was done by her own husband. Liu Sisi felt horrified, and wondered what he was up to.

He had just left not too long ago, it was supposed to be his first time entering the Imperial Palace...

Could it be that the Da Xia Emperor annoyed him and now he wants to eliminate the royal family?

Just as she was puzzled.

The oppressive aura lingering between heaven and earth quietly dissipated.

?

Liu Sisi slowly typed a question mark in her mind.

What’s going on?

Is it over already?

Seeing the clouds in the sky quickly receding and the terrifying aura disappearing in the blink of an eye, Liu Sisi felt puzzled and tightened her grip on the pale-faced Ya’er in her arms.

"Little girl, there’s nothing to be afraid of, that just now was great. Whatever it was, seems to be over now, let’s go inside."

...

In front of the Imperial Palace.

Li Jing, who did not know yet that he was a "father," had his hands behind his back, appearing inscrutable.

It’s not that he didn’t want to carry on pretending, but that he couldn’t pretend any longer and had to stop in time.

It’s helpless.

His proficiency in the World Thunder Punishment was too high.

As the rules of the Thunder Punishment appeared during the casting of the World Thunder Punishment, Li Jing gained some understanding of the rules. This made the Spell Formula become a little smoother.

Originally, it would take about thirty seconds to complete the basic version of the World Thunder Punishment, but now he only needs twenty seconds.

Twenty seconds!

A Forbidden Skill that could destroy all living creatures!

This.

Honestly speaking, it’s kind of weird.

If he continues to pretend, the Spell Formula of the World Thunder Punishment would have to really descend on the Da Xia Imperial City.

Although he quite fancies harvesting some Experience Points in this way, he can’t just do something that would lead to great misfortunes.

He could have continued to pretend for a little longer if he were to add some complications.

However, he was worried that the rising situation would have a serious impact on the ordinary people in the Imperial City.

The heavenly aura receded.

The clouds dispersed.

Xia Zhengyang and Eunuch Wang were not yet satisfied.

Both were in the early stages of the Eighth Realm, with Xia Zhengyang being slightly stronger.

They were unable to achieve any tangible insights given the terrifying situation which lasted only about twenty seconds.

After all, the Power of Rules belongs to the Ninth Realm.

Even Fu Yao who was on the cusp of the Ninth Realm, could not directly realise something definitively from the Thunder Punishment Rules. She could only spend time studying it in order to gain some minor insights.

However, this observation allowed Xia Zhengyang and Eunuch Wang to gain a little benefit.

As cultivators in the Eighth Realm.

The two of them had a basic understanding of the Power of Rules.

The Power of Rules, which was originally obscure in their minds, became much clearer conceptually.

If the two of them are able to reach the threshold of the Ninth Realm in the future, it would bring considerable benefits to both.

Looking at Li Jing, Xia Zhengyang bowed with his hands folded in front of him.

"I am fortunate to have received your guidance, I... no, I, Xia Zhengyang, am extremely grateful."

Although Eunuch Wang did not speak, he immediately followed Xia Zhengyang’s gesture, bowed his head and bent his body.

"It was a minor thing, no need to worry."

Li Jing waved his hand, speaking with a smile.

"Now the Da Xia Imperial City has many members of various factions roaming around. I do hope that what just happened will not cause too much trouble for the Da Xia Royal Family."

"Your concern is appreciated, Xia Zhengyang will handle this matter properly."

Xia Zhengyang responded.

Before he finished, Eunuch Wang suddenly raised his hand and slapped it down.

All the wet, trembling eunuchs present didn’t even whimper and immediately turned into ashes under the sweep of a black slate.

Upon seeing this, Li Jing’s eyes twitched.

Damn it!

This master and servant, were really ruthless!

Doesn’t this mean I indirectly killed these eunuchs?

Um ......

What a waste!

So much experience!

With various exclamations in his heart, Li Jing kept his face and tone unchanging, maintaining an inscrutable demeanor.

Behind him, Xia Qianqian watched Eunuch Wang ruthlessly deal with the eunuchs, her expression indifferent as though nothing was out of the ordinary.

The indifference of the royal family was fully manifested in her at this moment.

Fragility was just her exterior from the beginning.

If she was truly tender-hearted, even a saintly figure, wouldn’t she have the ambition to be a queen?

With Li Jing shielding her, she was not worried about being silenced.

At the moment, she was staring intently at her father.

She was very clever.

Although Li Jing did not explicitly reveal Xia Zhengyang’s cultivation level, from the latter’s behavior since leaving the Imperial Palace, she had already determined that her father was a strong one in the Ascending Immortal Realm, just hiding it.

One emperor, one eunuch, and they were both Ascending Immortals.

It seemed a bit difficult for her to be a queen.

Luckily, she was still young and had plenty of time to discreetly "grow".

On the other side.

Xia Zhengyang saw his worthless daughter staring at him, slightly frowning.

An emperor is always sharp-witted.

Previously indeed it would be rare for him to notice something different in the generally amiable Xia Qianqian.

But now, he sensed something.

The Xia Qianqian here, her spine was too straight.

Where was her previous demeanor?

And her eyes were hiding a sharp glint.

This clearly told him, "Father, I don’t want to be ordinary anymore."

If it was in the past.

As soon as Xia Zhengyang noticed Xia Qianqian behaving like this, as the emperor he would have bluntly told her not to think too highly of herself.

However, this moment was different.

She had the support of Li Jing.

A strong one on the verge of ascending!

It had never happened in Da Xia Earth Realm.

The situation in Da Xia was similar to the present world.

It was not that no one could step into the Ascending Realm, it’s just that people had never seen anyone do it.

Those who potentially had stepped into it had faded from people’s view.

Now there was a live example standing right here.

Even if Xia Zhengyang still considered Xia Qianqian a waste without cultivation, he had to give face to Li Jing.

Not just when face to face with him.

Even after Li Jing left, he had to give him face.

Glancing deeply at his daughter whom he always considered a waste, Xia Zhengyang smiled and stepped aside.

"Elder, the banquet in the palace was prepared early in the morning and we’ve been awaiting your arrival. It’s windy outside, shall we talk inside?"

"All right."

Li Jing nodded and stepped into the Imperial Palace.

Upon seeing this, Xia Qianqian quickly followed, without even giving a proper greeting to Xia Zhengyang.

Xia Zhengyang himself pretended to turn a blind eye as if he hadn’t seen this.

He had no choice, for, now, Xia Qianqian had the confidence.

Watching Li Jing and Xia Qianqian entering the Imperial Palace one after another, Xia Zhengyang signaled to Eunuch Wang with his eyes.

Upon seeing this, Eunuch Wang understood, nodded his head, and disappeared on the spot.

Xia Zhengyang then followed into the Imperial Palace.

......

As a high powered Ascendant with the power rules in his control, Li Jing was given exceptional treatment.

Xia Zhengyang directly put this person in his own seat, he who was the Emperor of Da Xia, chose to sit below.

This saving of face was done perfectly.

The principle of who’s stronger being in charge was vividly displayed at this moment.

Xia Qianqian was very smart, silently sitting at the end of the banquet table.

Although she didn’t know why Li Jing was interacting with her father, she knew that he would leave soon.

With Li Jing, she could confidently be herself, be a princess.

But if she blindly inflated her ego because of this, it could have a negative impact.

Seeing her do this, Xia Zhengyang felt satisfied.

In principle.

He had no objections to Xia Qianqian having ambition.

If you’re part of the royal family and don’t have ambition, what’s the difference between you and a dead fish?

The problem was that Xia Qianqian couldn’t cultivate, so she didn’t deserve to have that ambition.

Xia Zhengyang was not a good father.

But even so, he cared for his own flesh and blood.

Even if Xia Qianqian was useless, she was his blood, and would carry on the Xia family’s lineage in the future.

He gave Xia Qianqian land to make her leave the Imperial City to ensure her "value" was not erased, but there was also a thought of ensuring her growth, away from the city’s scandals that she couldn’t handle.

If she lived in the Imperial City.

Xia Qianqian would not only be more miserable than living in her own territory but might even be killed unexpectedly one day.

In the royal family, drama was never scarce.

Even if Xia Qianqian couldn’t cultivate and threatened no one, her royal blood alone was a threat.

Xia Qianqian didn’t become arrogant because Li Jing backed her, and Xia Zhengyang was naturally satisfied with this.

The three of them took their seats.

Before they could get a word in, two beautiful women that looked like replicas of each other, walked in from outside the palace, dressed grandly.

Upon their arrival, Xia Zhengyang turned to Li Jing with a smile.

"Elder, let me introduce you. This is my queen, Xiao Xi, and the one with her is my ninth daughter, Xia Yuxi, she has the title Chaoyang."

Without waiting for Li Jing to answer, Xiao Xi and Xia Yuxi approached and paid their respects.

"Junior Xiao Xi, I greet the Elder."

"Junior Xia Yuxi, I greet the Elder."

The two greetings were extremely pleasant to hear.

Li Jing was a perceptive person.

This scene was definitely arranged by Xia Zhengyang in advance.

And he definitely had many arrangements.

Specifics depended on Li Jing, and his value.

After all.

A banquet shouldn’t have only a few people.

Considering his performance and value, he didn’t need to say more.

Only the queen and the third princess were present, not even a proper prince was there.

This lineup was not grand, and was quite unworthy of his performance.

However the precise set up showed that Xia Zhengyang intentionally made a change.

There were many powerful royal families, and they definitely had face.

But with more people came more problems, and it could be easy to feel annoyed.

The fact that only two people came showed that Xia Zhengyang cherished him greatly, considering his feelings.

Eunuch Wang, who had previously stood guard at the front of the Imperial Palace, did not follow in. He obviously seemed to have been instructed by Xia Zhengyang.

Facing the two paying their respects, Li Jing smiled and nodded his head.

At this juncture, Xia Zhengyang spoke again.

"Yuxi, go to the elder’s side and entertain him. Do not disgrace the Da Xia Imperial Family."

"Yes."

With a graceful stride, Xia Yuxi sat next to Li Jing, picked up the wine pot, and laughed softly.

"Elder, let me pour wine for you."

"Suitable."

Li Jing gladly accepted.

This routine to broker a match is well understood by those in the know.

Choosing to reject is not an option.

He had deliberated at length before coming to the Imperial Palace, and his goal has yet to be achieved.

He must continue the act and not be overly pretentious. He has to temporarily placate Xia Zhengyang to win his favor.

Unlike Xia Qianqian, Xia Yuxi was clearly much favored.

Otherwise, after Li Jing displayed his immense worth, she wouldn’t have been called upon to sit next to him at such an occasion.

Glancing briefly at Xia Yuxi, who had cheerfully served him wine, Li Jing peeked at the Health Bar above her head.

7674.

Initial stage of Six Realm.

Looking at her stunning beauty, rivalling that of Liu Sisi, Li Jing glanced at the queen who had taken her seat next to Xia Zhengyang.

The Health Bar above her head was 7829.

Also at the initial stage of Six Realm.

Witnessing this, Li Jing couldn’t help but look at Xia Yuxi in a new light.

Her favoritism seemed rather reasonable.

From the fact that Xia Yuxi is Xia Zhengyang’s ninth daughter, it is difficult to estimate her real age.

But she is clearly the queen’s child, and her cultivation level is on par with the queen’s.

This late bloomer’s talent is unquestionable.

As Li Jing was sizing up Xia Yuxi, she was doing the same.

This elder...

Looks so young!

Seems...

Quite handsome too!

His temperament also seems very approachable...

Xia Yuxi felt a surge of excitement.

As Li Jing had predicted.

It was Xia Zhengyang who had specially instructed Eunuch Wang to arrange for only her and the queen, Xiao Xi, to come to the Imperial Palace.

All the necessary information, Eunuch Wang had already clearly briefed the mother and daughter duo.

However, at this moment, facing Li Jing, Xia Yuxi didn’t dare to overstep her bounds.

Though Li Jing appeared gentle, no one could be sure of his true temperament. If she angered him, she couldn’t bear the consequences.

Suppressing her excited thoughts, Xia Yuxi glanced fleetingly at Xia Qianqian, a hint of frost appearing in her eyes.

This failure, by some stroke of luck, has been favored by this prestigious elder upon returning to the Imperial City once. Could it be that she used some sort of method?

Below the banquet.

Xia Qianqian noticed Xia Yuxi’s gaze, her face full of indifference.

Beauty, undoubtedly, has no effect on Li Jing.

His wife’s beauty is indeed captivating, but her elegant and gentle temperament with a hint of playful vivacity is something a spoilt, scheming princess like Xia Yuxi cannot compare to.

Although Xia Qianqian hasn’t stepped into cultivation,

she understands human nature better than most.

On the other hand.

Seeing her own daughter not making an effort to get close to a super-strong elder like Li Jing, but instead locking eyes with Xia Qianqian, Queen Xiao Xi was really anxious.

This girl!

Given the chance, she does not seize it, but instead squabbles with a failure. What is she thinking?

Even if she only garnered a bit of Li Jing’s favor or advice, the benefits to her future would be tremendous.

Xia Zhengyang, who was sitting next to Xiao Xi, had observed Xia Yuxi’s performance. Outwardly he remained unperturbed, but he was quite disappointed.

How does the saying go?

Without comparison, there is no harm.

At this moment, looking at the disfavoured Xia Qianqian, it seemed she might be more suitable by Li Jing’s side.

At least she would definitely focus her attention on Li Jing.

Shaking his head in disappointment, Xia Zhengyang raised his cup towards Li Jing, saying,

"Elder, let me toast to you first."

Before he could raise his head to drink, Li Jing raised his hand.

"No need for unnecessary courtesies, since we already know each other, it would be better to go straight to the point."

On hearing his words, Xia Zhengyang stiffened and reluctantly put down his wine cup.

At the banquet.

Li Jing held absolute control. He could only follow his lead.

There was no choice.

Who else is an Ascending Immortal Realm powerhouse?

On this side.

Seeing Xia Zhengyang put down his wine cup, Li Jing began nonchalantly.

"Your Majesty, you should know that someone like me, unaffiliated with any sect and living in seclusion in the Southern Desolation, wouldn’t travel such great distances to the Da Xia Imperial City without a reason. My visit is for the issue of opening the channel to the Big World in the Heavenly Saint Land."

The phrase ’no sect’ made Xia Zhengyang’s heart jolt.

He had already known about that.

But after witnessing Li Jing’s power, he was reluctant to believe that a super powerhouse of his level would not have a background.

But now that Li Jing stressed it, he believed.

As powerful as Li Jing, there’s no need to deceive him.

No sect is good!

If they could...

Amid his thoughts, a hint of coldness twinkled in Li Jing’s eyes as he spoke.

"I won’t hide from you, although I’m unaffiliated, I bear the responsibility of protecting the Heavenly Saint Land. I can’t go into details with you about why. On this visit to the Da Xia Imperial City, my first goal is to understand something - whether the channel to the Big World was opened actively by Da Xia, or it opened due to some other reason. The time to open the channel isn’t yet due."

This sudden revelation startled Xia Zhengyang.

The present Xiao Xi, Xia Yuxi, and Xia Qianqian also widened their eyes in surprise.

The claim to protect the Heavenly Saint Land, if made by a regular person, they would not believe.

But if made by Li Jing, it’s hard for them not to.

Not just Da Xia, in the entire Heavenly Saint Land, there is not a known Ascending Immortal Realm cultivator.

If a newbie pops up, they must have other reasons, it’s unlikely they came for the Big World People.

Especially an Ascending Immortal like Li Jing with no sect, without concerns of interest.

Reaching his level, what could the Big World add?

Coming to Xia Zhengyang personally.

Hearing Li Jing stating explicitly that the channel wasn’t opened naturally and raising doubts, he could not help but believe the person was indeed a protector of the Heavenly Saint Land.

Because the channel was indeed not opened naturally.

The true story behind this, only a few in Da Xia knew.

Including those from the sects and forces...

The present Xiao Xi and others, were also clueless.