Chapter 686 Crossing Canglan, Fierce Battle in the Air

“Song Qingluo pays his respects to the Clan Leader.”

Inside the Moon Viewing Pavilion, Song Changsheng gazed at the kneeling Song Qingluo, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

At just over thirty years of age, he had already broken through to the Foundation Establishment Stage, proving himself to be in no way inferior to the likes of Song Qingxi and Song Qingxia. It justified Song Changsheng’s decision to go against the consensus and entrust this Foundation Establishment Pill to him.

“I told you before that as long as you could break through to the Foundation Establishment Stage, the entire intelligence network in Bian Province would be yours to command. Now that you have met the Elder Council’s requirements, it is time for me to fulfill my promise.”

As he spoke, Song Changsheng took a token and a jade scroll from within his robes and presented them to Song Qingluo.

“This contains the locations and contact points for most of the hidden scouts the Wind Language Hall Secret Chamber has planted in Bian Province. From now on, they will report directly to you.”

“Furthermore, the Dark Hall has another group of scouts ready. Their names are recorded in this jade scroll, and they will also be yours to command. The clan will not interfere.”

“But you must know what you can and cannot do.” Song Changsheng’s words were laden with unspoken meaning, his tone profound.

“I understand. I will never needlessly make enemies for the clan.” Song Qingluo, understanding Song Changsheng’s implication, was quick to give his assurance.

“Excellent. Take this time to familiarize yourself with everything first, and then you can slowly take over the Wind Language Hall’s operations. I’m about to make a trip to Zhangye County. If anything comes up, you can report directly to the Minor Affairs Elder.”

“Your nephew obeys.”

Song Changsheng offered a few more words of encouragement before leaving the Moon Viewing Pavilion and heading for Celestial Sound Mountain.

Presenting his Identity Token, Song Changsheng proceeded unimpeded into the main hall of Celestial Sound Mountain, where he ran right into Zhan Tianxia, who was just preparing to leave.

“This disciple pays his respects to Second Martial Uncle.” Song Changsheng bowed respectfully.

“Oh, it’s you, Changsheng. What brings you to Luoxia?”

Zhan Tianxia’s attitude toward Song Changsheng was now far more amiable; he was like a completely different person. Even Niu Dazhuang had never seen his master act so kindly.

“Martial Uncle, my clansmen at Five Elements Peak have detected unusual activity from the Demon Race along the Canglan River. We suspect it may be a precursor to a Beast Tide. I have come to confirm this matter,” Song Changsheng said respectfully.

Upon hearing this, Zhan Tianxia looked slightly astonished. “You’ve noticed as well?”

“What have you discovered, Martial Uncle?” Song Changsheng’s face lit up. He knew he had come to the right place.

“The demon beasts along the Canglan River began showing signs of unrest three months ago, but it didn’t garner enough attention at the time. Then, half a month ago, a Loose Cultivator who had gone to the Demon Realm for training reported that he thought he’d sensed the aura of a Celestial Tribulation.”

“He suspects a Great Demon was undergoing its Thunder Tribulation to become a Demon King.”

“As you know, the birth of every Demon King is accompanied by a storm of blood and slaughter. I have already verified the truth of this matter from multiple sources.”

“It’s a certainty that Tuo Province will face a Beast Tide. The only question now is how large it will be, as that will directly affect our defensive priorities.”

“I plan to send Dazhuang across the Canglan River to investigate. Since you came to Luoxia, I assume you have similar plans?”

“You’ve guessed correctly, Martial Uncle. I did have that in mind. When is Second Martial Brother departing? I’d like to go with him, so we can watch each other’s backs on the road.”

“Mm, that’s a good idea. Dazhuang leaves tomorrow. You can go with him. Dazhuang can be reckless, so you’ll have to be there to remind him.” Zhan Tianxia said earnestly.

Song Changsheng couldn’t help but smile. “Second Martial Brother is more meticulous than he appears. You worry too much, Second Martial Uncle.”

At this, Zhan Tianxia said with some exasperation, “As if I don’t know what kind of person Dazhuang is? If he were half as shrewd as you, I’d have nothing to worry about.”

Sensing the conversation was taking a turn, Song Changsheng quickly interjected, “Second Martial Uncle, I’ve been in seclusion for six years and don’t know how Yuechan has been. I’d like to go see her first. Is… now a convenient time?”

“Why wouldn’t it be convenient? Go on ahead. You’ll depart with Dazhuang for Tuo Province at 9:00 AM tomorrow.”

“This disciple obeys.”

After bidding farewell to Zhan Tianxia, Song Changsheng hurried to Zhuang Yuechan’s small courtyard. It hadn’t changed much in the six years he’d been away; if anything, it seemed even more vibrant, clearly having been tended to with great care.

Song Changsheng reached the door to Zhuang Yuechan’s bedroom. A sweep of his Divine Sense revealed someone else was inside.

He was just raising his hand to knock when the red sandalwood door CREAKED open, revealing a face that could topple kingdoms.

“Sixth Martial Sister.” Recognizing the newcomer, Song Changsheng quickly bowed.

“It’s been a long time, Junior Brother.” A radiant smile bloomed on Shen Shishi’s face.

“I was in seclusion for a while. Thank you for looking after her all this time, Senior Sister.”

“Nonsense. Yuechan is my junior sister too; it’s only right that I look after her. Her condition hasn’t changed much over the years. She just finished some broth. You should go in and talk with her.”

With that, Shen Shishi walked out with the tray, leaving Song Changsheng and Zhuang Yuechan alone.

Song Changsheng watched Shen Shishi leave, then walked slowly to Zhuang Yuechan’s bedside.

It was as if the past six years had left no trace on her.

Song Changsheng sat on the edge of the bed. He reached out, brushed a stray lock of hair from her nose, and whispered, “You’ve been asleep for so many years. Won’t you open your eyes and take a look? Even the Sleeping Beauty from the fairy tales couldn’t out-sleep you.”