Chapter 628 - 635: The Backers Are Here

"These are the congratulatory gifts we’ve brought. Congratulations to Venerable Song on her advancement!"

The Clan Leaders from the Central Domain were exceedingly polite. Their respectful attitude stunned the members of the other Sects.

They had only heard rumors about the Huo Family incident and had always felt there was some exaggeration involved.

But now it seemed it was all true!!

’Even the top families of the Central Domain are wary of Song Wanning, yet the Supreme Sect is rushing to offend her. They must be out of their minds!’

"You have all come from so far. I should be the one to apologize for not giving you a proper welcome!"

"Everyone, please take your seats!"

Song Wanning replied with a smile as Luo Hantian immediately began to usher all the arriving guests to their seats.

For a moment, everyone seemed to ignore the Supreme Sect, leaving them looking like clowns, unsure whether to stay or go.

Even the few who had spoken out earlier wished they could find a hole to crawl into and hide.

The truth was no longer important now.

What was important was that no one dared to provoke Song Wanning, given her power.

The Cultivation World was just that realistic. Strength reigned supreme—an immutable truth since time immemorial.

Only the powerful had the right to speak!

The Supreme Sect’s Sect Master’s face flushed red, burning as if it were on fire.

His lips trembled a few times, but he didn’t know what else to say. In the end, he could only brace himself and turn to leave.

"I just remembered I have some matters to attend to at the Supreme Sect. I’ll be taking my leave!"

He didn’t even dare to look back.

He didn’t dare to face the mocking gazes, and he especially didn’t dare to meet Song Wanning’s eyes.

The group had arrived menacingly, only to scurry away in disgrace. It was an utterly ridiculous sight.

Many people started laughing and making fun of the Supreme Sect’s behavior.

Meanwhile, the Sect Masters of the various Sects had a thought. They picked up their wine cups and headed toward the main table.

’This is a great opportunity. I have to build some connections with the Netherworld King and the families from the Central Domain.’

Out of respect for Song Wanning, they didn’t refuse and politely drank the wine offered.

After those people left, Song Wanning raised her cup and smilingly thanked everyone.

"Wan Ning will never forget the help you’ve all offered today."

She drained her cup, the smile in her eyes becoming a little more sincere.

’Regardless, these people helped her. She would remember this kindness.’

Song Wanning had always been fiercely protective of her own and prioritized her self-interest. She saw nothing wrong with her actions today.

"Hahaha, we just came to offer our congratulations! No thanks are necessary!"

"That’s right. We came specifically to congratulate Venerable Song. Don’t let some unimportant people ruin the mood."

Everyone politely drank their wine, and the conversation shifted to pleasantries.

Besides offering congratulations, they had also come to learn more about the monsters. After all, they’d heard the creatures had an extremely high reproduction rate. If they weren’t completely eradicated, everyone worried they would stage a comeback.

Song Wanning didn’t hold anything back and told them everything she had experienced.

"We must take this seriously. After all, the one behind it all, Gong Ye, has yet to be captured."

The Netherworld King said in a low voice.

He had also made some inquiries about Gong Ye’s abilities. The man was indeed not easy to deal with.

So many Mahayana cultivators had gone looking for him, yet none had found him. It was a testament to his great skill!

The Clan Leaders of the Central Domain also nodded grimly. "It seems our Central Domain must get involved as well. The sooner we capture Gong Ye, the sooner we can eliminate this hidden threat."

Compared to the rumors, they were more willing to believe the images they had seen.

Regardless, Gong Ye was demonstrably taming monsters, which made him extremely dangerous.

Hearing this, the corners of Song Wanning’s lips curved up slightly. ’It seems the trap I set for Gong Ye back then is working.’

’Compared to Song Que, Gong Ye is the real menace to the Spirit Realm.’

’Everyone should unite and work together to deal with Gong Ye!!’

...

The advancement ceremony was over.

The guests who had come to offer their congratulations also gradually dispersed.

Song Wanning and the others personally saw the honored guests off. It wasn’t until they returned to the Sect Master Hall that they dared to breathe a sigh of relief, look at each other, and break into laughter.

The matter was now out in the open, and they no longer had to worry about being discovered.

"This was all thanks to Wan Ning."

Luo Hantian sighed with emotion. It felt like just yesterday that Song Wanning was in the Lower World, making requests of him.

In the blink of an eye, she had grown to a level he could never have predicted.

This mix of gratification and inadequacy left him with truly complex feelings.

"We’re family. There’s no need to say such things."

Song Wanning smiled and spoke directly to Luo Hantian.

"Sect Master, I have only one wish now. In the future, when disciples of my Song Family ascend, I hope they can directly join my Chasing Fish Peak!"

This was her only request as a Supreme Elder.

She had done a great deal for the Ancient Cold Sect, so it was only natural that she hoped her own family would have a place to settle in the future.

Especially since the two realms would eventually merge into one. The Song Family’s meager resources would be nowhere near enough, nor could they produce High Rank Cultivators. The Ancient Cold Sect could be an option for them.

Song Wanning was planning ahead, always thinking about her family.

Luo Hantian chuckled upon hearing this. "But of course. From now on, disciples of your Song Family are welcome to join the Ancient Cold Sect at any time!"

"Thank you, Sect Master!"

Song Wanning was satisfied, and the smile on her face deepened.

The group discussed the matter of the monsters for a while longer, after which Song Wanning announced that she would be leaving soon and might not return for a long time.

With the matter of Gong Ye still unresolved, she couldn’t just wait around in the Sect.

Hearing she was leaving again, everyone just smiled with a hint of resignation.

But they all understood that Song Wanning was a free bird; she had almost never stayed in the Sect for long.

Luo Hantian once again felt thankful that he had been sharp enough to recruit Song Wanning into the Ancient Cold Sect back then.

’Otherwise, a talent like her would have ended up in another Sect!’

He smilingly took Song Wanning to the Treasure Pavilion and let her pick any medicinal ingredients she needed.

"Junior Sister Song, you must be careful on your travels. Refine some more Elixir Pills for self-defense, just in case."

"Okay!"

Song Wanning’s smile was brilliant. ’I’m so lucky,’ she thought to herself.

’I’ve met so many wonderful people.’

...

The Supreme Sect’s Sect Master left the Southern Domain in disgrace. All along the way, his mind was filled with the image of Song Wanning’s arrogant demeanor, and he felt deeply unsettled.

’She’s the kind of person who even dared to kill the Huo Family’s ancestor. Will she come to kill me in secret?’

The more he thought about it, the more terrified he became, and he immediately led his people back toward the Eastern Domain.

Seeing his disciples looking anxious and clearly dissatisfied with him, the Sect Master’s anger grew even stronger.

Once he returned to the Supreme Sect, he immediately took out a Communication Talisman and contacted Gong Ye.

He told Gong Ye everything that had happened that day and anxiously asked what he should do.

Back then, he had been blinded by greed, wanting to obtain the Seven-Colored Flower to advance his Cultivation.

After all, he had been stuck at his current level for decades and was desperate to break through.

Only the Seven-Colored Flower could help him advance directly with no side effects.

It was this temptation that led him to cooperate with Gong Ye and attempt to smear the Ancient Cold Sect’s name.