Chapter 625 - 632: Promotion Ceremony

However, she couldn’t agree too easily, or he would look down on her.

A cunning thought flashed through Li Qingya’s mind, and the corners of her mouth curved up slightly.

Gong Ye clicked his tongue. His gaze traveled down Li Qingya’s body, shamelessly sizing up her voluptuous figure. The aggression in his eyes was barely concealed.

Li Qingya’s face turned crimson under his gaze, and a suggestive atmosphere began to flow between them.

Finally, Gong Ye released the restraints on Li Qingya and pulled her into his arms.

Li Qingya’s face grew even more flushed, but she only feigned resistance, not truly refusing him.

Gong Ye smiled confidently, then carried her toward his cave residence.

He was beaming with pleasure, but his eyes held an indiscernible shadow.

’Ah, women... once you sleep with them, they become utterly devoted. They think the relationship has been elevated, that the two of you have become one.’

’But in reality, they’re just tools to be used.’

"HAHA—"

He burst out laughing, then took Li Qingya and made love to her with wild abandon, showing his true colors.

Afterward, sated, Li Qingya leaned against Gong Ye’s chest, her expression gentle.

"Gong Ye, I hope you won’t let me down."

She gazed at Gong Ye, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Gong Ye planted a kiss on her forehead and said intimately, "You silly girl!"

"From now on, we’ll be inseparable... If I ever treat you poorly, may the heavens strike me down!"

As he spoke, he raised his hand as if making an oath.

’I’ll have to get struck by lightning for my tribulation ascension anyway, so it doesn’t matter.’

But Li Qingya was moved beyond words, and her eyes reddened slightly.

"Rest assured, I will definitely help you. All those who hurt you must pay the price!"

"Just like the Snake Clan, completely annihilated!!!"

"Good!"

A look of deep emotion appeared on Gong Ye’s face as he hugged Li Qingya even tighter. In his heart, however, he was already scheming how to use the monster to lay waste to the Demon Realm.

’And then, I’ll find Song Wanning to settle the score.’

’What they owe me... they must all repay with their lives.’

...

After returning to the Ancient Cold Sect, Song Wanning parted ways with Liu Xingzhi and headed for the Sect Master Hall.

"What did you say?"

Luo Hantian shot to his feet upon hearing her words.

"Are you saying that Li Qingya is also a suspect?"

His expression changed. On second thought, he realized it was highly possible.

Ever since Song Que’s death, they had lost all contact with Li Qingya; she hadn’t shown her face since.

Besides, Li Qingya spent long periods of time away from the Sect and rarely returned. It seemed perfectly reasonable for Song Wanning to suspect her.

"It’s only a guess. After all, I’ve never met her, so I can’t pass any final judgment."

Song Wanning sat in a chair, her fingers toying with a nearby flower arrangement. Her voice was distant.

Luo Hantian sat back down and let out another heavy sigh.

"To tell you the truth, I’ve had the same suspicion before."

But their mountain peak has already endured such immense grief. I was afraid that making baseless accusations would only wound their hearts further.

He never expected Song Wanning to be the one to bring it up.

"Actually, Master and the others have had the same thought."

Song Wanning plucked a leaf and toyed with it in her hand, her tone growing more nonchalant.

"I won’t get involved in this matter."

’I was the one who drew out Song Que. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to interfere in Li Qingya’s affairs as well.’

Luo Hantian understood her concerns and readily agreed.

"Rest assured. I will handle this matter discreetly and make sure no one finds out."

This was a secret that could never be revealed; otherwise, their situation would become incredibly awkward.

"By the way, your and Junior Brother Liu’s promotion ceremony will be held in half a month. You two should go pick out your preferred mountain peaks in the next few days!"

Luo Hantian changed the subject to their promotion ceremony.

They had both already advanced to the Body Integration Realm, meaning they could now preside over their own mountain peaks and become Supreme Elders of the Ancient Cold Sect.

From now on, they would each have their own mountain peak.

"Alright, I understand."

Song Wanning nodded and turned to leave.

She then sent a Communication Talisman to Liu Xingzhi, and they arranged to go select an unclaimed mountain peak together.

The Ancient Cold Sect also quickly sent out invitations. They wanted to show the outside world that even with Song Que’s death, the Ancient Cold Sect still stood strong.

Furthermore, their new generation of prodigies was outstanding and unparalleled!

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye, and the promotion ceremony began.

Representatives from all the major powers arrived to offer their congratulations. For a time, the Ancient Cold Sect was thronged with visitors and bustling with excitement.

The Sect was decorated with lanterns and colorful banners. The disciples were in high spirits, all feeling proud to have such formidable new Supreme Elders.

Song Wanning was dressed in a long purple gown with her hair swept up. She radiated the presence of a drawn sword, so sharp that others dared not meet her gaze.

Yet, upon closer inspection, one could also sense a languid air about her—casual and free-spirited.

Liu Xingzhi had also made an effort to dress up for the occasion. Though he always wore white, he looked distinctly different today.

He wore a turquoise feather crown, a gift from Song Wanning, which added a touch of vitality to his usual remote, mountain-like presence.

As the guests of honor, the two were constantly approached by people offering congratulations.

Due to their high Cultivation, they didn’t need to engage in much small talk; a simple nod of acknowledgment was sufficient.

"Hiss... What kind of shit luck does the Ancient Cold Sect have? They lost one Song Que but gained two more Body Integration Realm Cultivators."

"And both of them are so young! Their futures are limitless!"

"Especially Venerable Song. Did you guys know? She’s one of the Ascenders! And she only ascended about ten years ago, but she’s already reached the Body Integration Realm!"

This news had long spread far and wide, and everyone had marveled at it before. But seeing her now in the flesh, they couldn’t help but be amazed all over again.

Just what kind of monstrous talent was she to reach such a level?

Everyone gazed at her with envy and admiration, wishing they could be so fortunate.

Just as the crowd was buzzing with discussion, members of the Demon Clan arrived.

Baili Shang himself led a contingent from the Demon Clan to offer congratulations.

The people following him all carefully carried boxes, each one a congratulatory gift for Song Wanning.

Ever since the restrictions on the Central Domain were lifted, the barriers between the Four Domains had long since vanished. The Human Clan, Demon Clan, and Demon Race were no longer mortal enemies.

Still, Baili Shang’s grand entrance was unexpected, and everyone turned to look at him.

Everyone knew of this genius from the Demon Clan.

"I heard Venerable Song once went to the Central Domain with Venerable Baili!"

"Hiss... you mean that time they participated in the Alchemy competition?"

"I almost forgot... Venerable Song is also an Alchemy Grandmaster..."

"..."

A sudden silence fell over the crowd. They had almost forgotten about this formidable figure’s other identity.

How on earth did she do it?

Everyone’s mind was filled with the same question, finding it all too incredible to believe.

"Venerable Song is truly no ordinary person."

"The title of Heavenly Dao’s Son is no lie!"

Other than that explanation, nothing else seemed plausible enough to convince them.

Baili Shang, however, paid no mind to these discussions.

As he looked at the radiant figure on the high platform, a sense of pride inexplicably swelled in his heart.

This was the figure he would pursue for all eternity.