Chang Wudao's words landed like a boulder dropped into a calm lake, stirring up a storm in everyone's hearts.
Shock, confusion, excitement...
All eyes turned to that figure not burly, yet towering like a mountain.
Song Xianming's expression remained calm. He glanced at Chang Wudao and replied indifferently,
"It's just a minor divine ability. Hardly worth mentioning."
Cangmang Peak instantly fell into dead silence.
Song Changsheng stared blankly at his grandfather, stunned. Deep down, he couldn't help but sigh,
"What a masterclass in pretending to be humble…"
On the path of cultivation, each realm had its distinct markers.
For the Qi Refining stage, the key was drawing spiritual energy into the body formally stepping away from the mundane and touching the threshold of longevity.
The Foundation Establishment stage had three major hallmarks: first, flight via artifact control; second, protective spiritual aura; and third, nurturing an artifact in the dantian. Only those who achieved all three could truly be called Foundation Establishment cultivators.
As for the minor divine ability, it was one of the key hallmarks of a Purple Mansion stage cultivator.
It surpassed ordinary spells and arts in both level and power. Even Purple Mansion cultivators needed considerable time to comprehend and master it. That's why when Chang Wudao uttered those words, everyone had been so shocked.
Of course, this didn't mean that Song Xianming had already stepped into the Purple Mansion realm. Just like the previous realms, Purple Mansion had several defining traits. Only by fulfilling all of them could one be considered a true cultivator of that level.
Song Xianming was still at the peak of the Foundation Establishment. He had merely grasped a higher-level combat technique in advance due to his exceptional talent and deep insight into a specific minor divine ability.
Even so, that alone was enough to leave everyone in awe.
"As expected, Song Xianming is still the same Song Xianming peerlessly gifted. I lost fairly. But your Song Clan still owes me an explanation for today. Otherwise, your entire Cangmang Peak shall know no peace!" Chang Wudao wiped the blood from his mouth with his sleeve, his killing intent surging.
"Shameless."
"Utter nonsense."
"You think we're afraid of you?"
The Song Clan members erupted in fury, rebuking Chang Wudao one after another.
Song Xianming's eyes also grew cold. He fixed his gaze on Chang Wudao and said icily,
"Your son tried to kill and got himself killed instead. He brought it on himself. If you're not satisfied, we can fight again this time, I will take your head."
"Heh... I admit I'm no match for you. But if I want to, I can still make sure none of you live in peace." Chang Wudao sneered with a tone of reckless desperation.
For the first time, a murderous aura radiated from Song Xianming. Looking down from above, he said coldly to Chang Wudao and the others:
"To think a sect leader would stoop to the level of a common thug. What a spectacle.
Fine. Do you want an explanation? I'll give you a chance. Three days from now, Song Changsheng will set up a challenge arena at the foot of Cangmang Peak. Any cultivator below Foundation Establishment is welcome to fight. Life or death will be left to fate.
This is my final bottom line. If you dare push beyond that don't blame me for slaughtering without mercy."
The killing intent surging from Song Xianming was nearly tangible. His momentum surged like a raging tide, making even the Earthfire Sect and Qiu Clan members avert their eyes in fear.
Chang Wudao clenched his fists and said through gritted teeth,
"Very well. As you say let the juniors resolve it. In three days, Earthfire Sect will come to challenge."
Qiu Tianyang spoke with a stern face,
"The Qiu Clan will do the same."
With that, he left decisively with Qiu Tianxing in tow.
"What, you lot still here? We don't serve dinner around here," Song Luzhou said sarcastically.
Chang Wudao shot him a cold glare, then turned to Song Changsheng and said grimly,
"Boy, don't even think about running. Even if you flee to the ends of the earth, I'll drag you back."
Song Changsheng cupped his hands calmly and replied,
"Sect Master Chang need not worry. As my grandfather said anyone below Foundation Establishment is welcome. I'll accept them all.
But if I accidentally kill one or two along the way, I do hope you'll be magnanimous and not hold a grudge."
Chang Wudao's expression turned black as ink. He burst into a laugh of rage,
"Very well! Let's hope your skill matches that sharp tongue of yours!"
"Then there's no need for you to worry. Life and death are dictated by fate. If I die, it simply means I wasn't strong enough."
"Tch. So full of yourself. We're leaving!"
With a final cold laugh, Chang Wudao turned and left with Cheng Yufei and the others, sleeves billowing behind them.
"Tch, what a joke," Song Luzhou scoffed, curling his lip. He wanted to spit in contempt, but remembering his image, he held back in the end.
Song Xianming cupped his hands toward Wang Qingquan and said in a clear voice,
"Many thanks to both Daoists for speaking up on our behalf. Please, come inside so we may properly express our gratitude."
"Hahaha, there's no need for such formality between the Song and Wang families we're as one. We won't intrude today. But in three days, during the arena duel, I'll be there to cheer for young friend Song!"
Wang Qingquan cupped his hands to everyone, then departed with his people, turning into twin streaks of light that vanished into the horizon.
"Zhou'er, have everyone disperse. Today's matter is settled. We mustn't delay the clan's normal operations," Song Xianming said as he landed beside Song Changsheng, looking over at Song Luzhou.
"Understood, Uncle." Song Luzhou bowed respectfully and left with Song Luyao and Song Luhuai to calm the clan members.
Once everyone had gone, Song Xianming's upright figure suddenly deflated like a punctured balloon. A strange flush crept onto his face abnormal.
Song Changsheng's expression changed drastically, and he rushed forward to support him but was halted by a sharp look from Song Xianming. The old man quickly steadied himself and sent a sound transmission:
"Say nothing. Twenty-first brother, bring Changsheng and come with me to the Cloudward Hall."
After the three entered the hall, Song Xianming could no longer keep up the facade. He suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood, and his once-mighty aura collapsed like a tide receding. He nearly fell over.
Startled, Song Changsheng hurried to support him.
"Grandfather, what's wrong?!" he asked in panic.
Song Xianyun grabbed Song Changsheng's wrist and quickly took his pulse. His brows furrowed deeply like a tangled knot. Without hesitation, he took out a blood-red pill and helped Song Xianming swallow it. Then he turned to Song Changsheng and said grimly,
"Big brother forced himself to act just now he's harmed his foundation. The situation is dire."
"Then… what do we do?" Song Changsheng's eyes widened in alarm as he looked at his now extremely frail grandfather. Guilt and worry surged in his heart.
Song Xianyun thought for a moment, then said,
"Don't panic. There's still a pill left in the clan treasury, one left behind by our ancestors. I'll fetch it now. Stay here and look after Grandfather. Do not let word of this get out understand?"
"Yes, I understand," Song Changsheng nodded solemnly.
Song Xianyun rushed down the mountain.
Song Changsheng helped Song Xianming onto the bed and gripped his thin, bony hand, channeling spiritual energy into his body.
Before long, the pill that Song Xianyun had administered began to take effect. A hint of color returned to Song Xianming's pale face, and his awareness gradually came back.
Seeing this, Song Changsheng's face lit up with relief. He leaned close to his grandfather's ear and asked softly,
"Grandfather, how are you feeling?"
Song Xianming managed a faint smile, his voice weak:
"Grandfather made a gamble on your behalf... don't blame me."
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