Chapter 626 - 633: Here Come the Troublemakers

"The Demon Palace has brought gifts to congratulate Venerable Song!"

"May Venerable Song soar to the heavens and live as long as the world itself!!"

Baili Shang’s voice carried far and wide, reaching the ears of every person present.

Seeing Baili Shang’s grand entrance, a smile tugged at Song Wanning’s lips.

"Venerable Baili, you’re too kind. Please, have a seat!"

She returned the pleasantries and invited Baili Shang to sit, and the two exchanged a look of tacit understanding.

Liu Xingzhi saw the look that passed between them and knew they had an excellent relationship. He gave Baili Shang a nod in greeting.

Baili Shang returned the polite gesture, then turned his attention to Song Wanning.

The two conversed in low voices as he recounted the Demon Clan’s progress from the past year.

Ever since Song Wanning’s departure, the Demon Clan had been hunting the monsters with all their might. They had even discovered numerous monster lairs within their own territory.

The search startled the Demon King himself. He’d never imagined such a grave threat had long been lurking within the Demon Clan’s domain.

What’s more, the monsters reproduced at an incredible rate. A single nest could contain dozens of young, a truly staggering number.

To this day, the Demon Clan couldn’t be one hundred percent certain that they had exterminated all the monsters.

After listening to his tale, Song Wanning’s expression grew more somber.

But she had done what she could; she couldn’t dedicate her energy to the monsters indefinitely.

Now, she needed to deal with Gong Ye and the task of mending the world.

The two chatted for a while longer, and then the promotion ceremony began.

As the master of ceremonies, Luo Hantian warmly thanked everyone for their attendance. Then, following protocol, he announced the mountain peaks chosen by Song Wanning and Liu Xingzhi, officially declaring them Supreme Elders of the Ancient Cold Sect.

From this day forward, they would take part in the Ancient Cold Sect’s major decisions, becoming true holders of power within the sect.

This was their reward for their many contributions.

The moment he finished speaking, the hall erupted in thunderous applause. Everyone was all smiles as they offered their congratulations.

Whatever they truly thought, on the surface, at least, they all wore joyful expressions.

Throughout the proceedings, Song Wanning and Liu Xingzhi remained composed, offering slight reactions here and there. The formalities were soon concluded.

The banquet followed, with a continuous stream of delicacies and fine wine served to the tables.

Everyone took their seats and began toasting one another, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Song Wanning and Liu Xingzhi sat at a table with several immensely powerful figures. The mood was cheerful, and smiles graced everyone’s faces.

Just as everyone was enjoying the harmonious atmosphere, a commotion suddenly broke out. A drunken guest had brought up the matter of Song Que’s death.

Song Que’s sudden demise had surprised many, but their surprise had turned to understanding when they learned that the Ancient Cold Sect had been silently slaughtering countless monsters.

But now, someone was questioning it.

No, it was more than questioning—they seemed intent on exposing the truth.

"How did Song Que, the true culprit who was secretly raising those monsters, become a hero who sacrificed himself to destroy them in your version of the story?"

The speaker wore a long, faded robe and had salt-and-pepper hair. Judging by his bone age, he was over three hundred years old, his Cultivation stagnant at the Out-of-Body Stage.

Someone recognized him as the Loose Cultivator, Li Yuan.

"Li Yuan, what is this drunken nonsense?"

"Yeah! This is a joyous occasion for the Ancient Cold Sect. Don’t you go ruining it!"

People nearby rushed to tug at his sleeves, but Li Yuan saw nothing wrong with his actions. On the contrary, he raised his voice, shouting his accusations at Song Wanning and the others at the head table.

Song Wanning and the others’ expressions darkened. Just as they were about to respond, several more people stood up from the crowd.

"That’s right! The Ancient Cold Sect must give us an explanation! We’ve all heard about what Song Que was doing in secret!"

"Was the rest of the Ancient Cold Sect involved?"

As if rehearsed, the group collectively aimed their accusations at the Ancient Cold Sect.

Instantly, the hall fell so silent you could hear a pin drop. The bustling atmosphere vanished as everyone turned to watch the drama unfold.

Luo Hantian’s heart skipped a beat, and he shot to his feet. "Where did you all hear such rumors? Is an occasion like this really the appropriate time to air them?"

"Do you have any idea what our Ancient Cold Sect sacrificed to eliminate those monsters? Do you know the price Venerable Song and Venerable Liu paid?"

Killing intent surged within him as his gaze swept over each of the accusers.

Aside from two Loose Cultivators, the others all belonged to sects that had long been at odds with the Ancient Cold Sect.

But before they could respond, another clear, loud voice cut through the silence.

"Master Luo, word of Song Que’s deeds has spread far and wide. It would be best for the Ancient Cold Sect to offer an explanation."

A group of people flew in from the distance. They were from the Supreme Sect of the Eastern Domain.

This Sect was known for its reclusiveness. Its members rarely ventured out for training, preferring to dedicate themselves to arduous cultivation. This was because their primary studies were astrology and divination.

"People from the Supreme Sect? What are they doing here?"

"Could it be they’ve divined something?"

"Tsk. So was Song Que really the one behind raising the monsters?"

The expressions of many in the crowd shifted. Even a few of the Sect Masters on good terms with the Ancient Cold Sect now cast them doubtful looks.

Luo Hantian’s heart pounded. ’Why has the Supreme Sect come to stir up trouble?’

A cold light glinted in Song Wanning’s eyes as she remained seated.

’Looks like someone is deliberately trying to take down the Ancient Cold Sect,’ she thought. ’This must have been planned long in advance!’

’But this matter was kept strictly confidential. How could anyone have found out?’

Her thoughts immediately flew to Li Qingya.

"Hah."

Song Wanning sneered. ’If I was only suspicious before, I’m now one hundred percent certain. Li Qingya is definitely involved.’

’She’s Song Que’s eldest disciple. She was probably helping him raise the monsters in secret. Now that she knows she can’t return to the Ancient Cold Sect, she wants to destroy it.’

’What a vicious heart.’

Luo Hantian had clearly reached the same conclusion, and his expression turned incredibly grim.

"Heh heh... Fellow Daoists of the Supreme Sect, I welcome you for coming to offer congratulations. But if your esteemed Sect intends to sling mud at the Ancient Cold Sect, then don’t blame me for becoming hostile!"

"Today is a joyous day for my Ancient Cold Sect. Are you intentionally looking for trouble?"

"You’ve gone too far!!"

His eyes narrowed, a cold light glinting within them, and his aura became deep and unfathomable.

"I do not know where you heard these rumors. If you all take your seats now and offer your congratulations to the Ancient Cold Sect, I can choose to overlook your sect’s discourtesy!"

The threat in his voice was obvious. The Ancient Cold Sect absolutely could not admit to this.

’Song Que must remain a hero!’

"Hahahaha..."

The Sect Master of the Supreme Sect let out a cold laugh at his words. With a mocking sneer, he pressed aggressively, "In that case, does your esteemed Sect dare to show everyone the scene of Song Que’s final moments? Let us see who it was that truly killed him?!"

Geniuses and other important figures from Major Sects all have soul lamps. These lamps can reveal the final moments before their owner’s death, serving as an unconventional form of protection.