Chapter 535 - 47: Song Xianming’s Worry

Ambition is a ravenous beast. It must be kept in a cage, not allowed to run rampant, or it will drag the Song Clan into a state beyond redemption.

The Song Clan was far from as strong as it appeared. It would be no exaggeration to say it ranked last among the Seven Eminent Clans; it could not withstand such grand ambitions.

"Grandfather, rest assured. I’m not that reckless," Song Changsheng said with a smile, turning his head. "What the clan needs now is to consolidate, not expand. Only after we’ve fully assimilated Zhangye County will I consider other matters."

He had never intended to bite off more than he could chew. He was simply looking three steps ahead for every one he took—planning for a rainy day.

"As long as you understand." Meeting Song Changsheng’s clear gaze, Song Xianming nodded, gratified. ’This heir is even more outstanding than I imagined.’

"What are your plans now?"

"Originally, I was planning to restart the exploration of the Wutong Secret Realm. But this time, Yuechan and I were fortunate enough to slay a Five Elements Spirit Beast and obtain a Five Elements Demon Pill. I intend to go to Luoxia City to request an audience with the Third City Lord and have a Five Spirits Pill refined."

"The Five Spirits Pill?" Hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in Song Xianming’s eyes. He was, of course, aware of the pill’s miraculous uses.

"Are you confident?"

Song Changsheng nodded lightly.

Under normal circumstances, he should have been a long way from breaking through to the Purple Mansion. But he’d had an incredible string of fortuitous encounters lately.

First, he glimpsed the Celestial Dao, saw the character for "Dao," and came to understand his own path. Then, he unexpectedly unlocked the legacy of the Heaven-Supporting Sword Immortal, causing his comprehension of his own Dao to advance by leaps and bounds.

Following that, he underwent half a year of Star Infusion, opening his Middle Dantian ahead of schedule.

Moreover, in Dingyuan City, he used the Earth Core Cold Flame to construct a phantom of the Purple Mansion Melting Furnace within his Middle Dantian, converting his body’s Spiritual Power into Mana.

Thanks to these numerous opportunities, he had, in less than three years, achieved what others might not in decades, or even a century.

Now, all he needed was a single supplementary item, and he could enter seclusion to attempt his breakthrough.

"Good. You should go," Song Xianming said with delight. "We old timers will look after things here at the clan. After you get the Five Spirits Pill, go into seclusion in Luoxia City. It will be safer there."

His words hinted that something was amiss. Song Changsheng frowned slightly. "What is it? Did something happen?"

"You haven’t been back to the clan for a while, so you probably don’t know," Song Xianming said, his gaze filled with worry. "The current Sect Leader of the Lieyang Sect, Zhang Hongguang, hasn’t been seen for several years. Do you know what that means?"

Song Changsheng hesitated slightly. "Zhang Hongguang is a veteran Foundation Establishment Great Perfection Cultivator. The next step is the Purple Mansion realm. You suspect..."

"That’s right. Do you remember the war between the two sects? The Lieyang Sect answered the Golden Crow Sect’s summons and is said to have earned considerable Merit on the battlefield.

"Combined with the Lieyang Sect’s unusual actions in recent years, I have reason to suspect they obtained some sort of treasure from the Golden Crow Sect to aid in a breakthrough.

"That’s why the Lieyang Sect has been so quiet since Hex Tang’s death, and it would also explain why Zhang Hongguang hasn’t appeared for so long."

Song Changsheng’s expression darkened. He knew there was a very high probability that Song Xianming’s speculation was correct.

"The clan’s current situation is like this great river before us. It seems calm on the surface, but who knows how many undercurrents are surging below.

"After all these years, it’s very likely Zhang Hongguang has already succeeded in his breakthrough. The Lieyang Sect’s power would have surged, and the only reason they haven’t made a move is that they aren’t confident enough yet.

"If news of you entering seclusion to break through to the Purple Mansion realm leaks out, they’ll become desperate and will surely launch a full-scale invasion.

"Let the mistakes of the past be a lesson for the future. Don’t forget what happened to me all those years ago," Song Xianming said in a grave voice.

Song Changsheng’s heart jolted. Years ago, during his own breakthrough, a traitor within the clan had leaked information about Song Xianming. It had forced him to come out of seclusion prematurely, causing grievous damage to his foundation.

Although there had been a major purge, Song Changsheng couldn’t be sure if they had rooted out all the traitors. In that light, breaking through in Luoxia City was indeed the safer choice.

"I understand," Song Changsheng said with a nod. This was no child’s play; he couldn’t be too cautious.

Seeing the grave expression on his face, Song Xianming reached out and patted his shoulder. "Don’t worry too much. This is all just speculation, after all. It might not come to pass.

What you need to do now is adjust your mindset and cultivate in peace. Once you break through to the Purple Mansion realm, the clan will truly rise and no longer have to fear the Lieyang Sect!"

"Rest assured. I will give it my all!"

"Good. It’s getting late. Let’s head back." Song Xianming nodded, and the two of them returned together.

「Three days later」 With matters in Zhangye County settled, Song Xianming and the others returned to Vast Mist Peak via the Space Transmission Array, while Song Changsheng, Zhuang Yuechan, and their party hurried toward Luoxia City...

Of the three City Lords of Luoxia City, the Third City Lord was the most mysterious. Many people didn’t even know her name, only that she was a Tier Three Alchemy Master.

Song Changsheng had come this time hoping to request an audience with this elusive Third City Lord.

Refining the Five Spirits Pill was no small matter; an ordinary Tier Three Alchemist might not be up to the task. He could only place his hopes on this mysterious Third City Lord.

But he had no connection with this Third City Lord, having only met her once many years ago. To approach her so rashly seemed overly presumptuous, which put him in a difficult position.

’However, she seems to be quite familiar with Xiao Qingwan. Perhaps I should ask her to act as an intermediary for me?’

With this in mind, he found Zhuang Yuechan. "Yuechan, do you know where Elder Xiao is? I’d like to pay her a visit."

"You want to see Master Xiao?"

Zhuang Yuechan hesitated upon hearing this.

"I’ll ask for you first," she said. "Master Xiao may not be willing to see you."

"I understand."

After waiting for the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Zhuang Yuechan returned with good news. "Master Xiao is on Danxia Peak. She said I can bring you to see her."

"That’s great! Let’s go now." Song Changsheng was overjoyed. He quickly took Zhuang Yuechan by the hand and hurried toward Danxia Peak...

Xiao Qingwan was as aloof and unapproachable as ever. After Song Changsheng paid his respects, she cut straight to the point: "What do you want?"

Song Changsheng knew this elder disliked beating around the bush, so he explained everything clearly. "I wish to ask the Third City Lord to refine a Five Spirits Pill, but my Master and Master Zhan are both occupied with important matters. That is why I have taken the liberty of asking you, Elder, to make an introduction on my behalf."

"The Five Spirits Pill?" Xiao Qingwan’s eyes flashed. She stared at Song Changsheng for a long moment before finally nodding. "Leave the materials. I’ll pass them on for you. The refinement process for a Five Spirits Pill is exceptionally complex and will take at least half a year. Are you willing to wait?"

"I am willing! Thank you, Elder!" Song Changsheng was overjoyed and quickly handed the prepared materials to Xiao Qingwan. He hadn’t expected it to go so smoothly.

"Mm. You two may leave now." With a wave of her sleeve, Xiao Qingwan accepted the materials and promptly dismissed them.

Leaving Xiao Qingwan’s bamboo lodge, Song Changsheng let out a long sigh of relief. He didn’t know why, but he always felt immense pressure when interacting with Elder Xiao.

Zhuang Yuechan found this rather amusing. "You’re not even this nervous around my Master or Second Martial Uncle. Is Master Xiao really that intimidating?"

"I don’t know either," Song Changsheng said with a wry smile. "Perhaps it’s just the sort of pressure only an elder can exert."

Zhuang Yuechan’s eyes dimmed at his words, and she subconsciously changed the subject. "Master Xiao said refining the Five Spirits Pill will take half a year. What are your plans until then?"

"First, I’ll re-establish the Space Transmission Array at the Moon Viewing Pavilion. After that, let’s visit the Black Market together. Come to think of it," Song Changsheng said apologetically, taking her hand, "I’ve never really taken you out to just walk around."

"As long as you can be by my side, I’m more than content," Zhuang Yuechan said softly, pressing her cheek against his chest.

A warmth spread through Song Changsheng’s heart. Just as he was about to speak, a streak of light cut across the sky, heading straight for them...

...