The scene fell into a deathly silence.
"The hour is nearly up. Anyone else wants to challenge?" Song Luzhou stood beside Song Changsheng, casting a cold, mocking glance at the people from the Earthfire Sect.
Qu Jinsheng's face was as ugly as if he'd swallowed manure. He gave Song Changsheng a venomous glare but ultimately said nothing, flinging his sleeves and leaving with his group in tow. The Qiu Clan followed shortly after.
The Yu Clan's patriarch gave Song Changsheng still enveloped in the Taiji Diagram a complicated look, then gave Song Luzhou a cupped-fist salute before leading his injured clan members back to their camp.
This bout of arena battles ultimately ended in the defeat of the three major factions. Within a week, the name Song Changsheng swept across the entire Lingzhou region, earning him the title: "Number One Below Foundation Establishment."
The title might have sounded arrogant, but for the members of the Song Clan, it was like a powerful shot of adrenaline. After years of suppression and decline, they had nearly forgotten the glory their family once held.
Following that battle, Song Changsheng's prestige within the clan skyrocketed, reaching a level that rivaled even the elders.
And so, an old proposal that had been shelved for years was brought back by the Elder Council for public discussion.
The proposal read:
"If the clan were to elect its first Young Patriarch in a century who would you choose?"
Years ago, when Song Changsheng had first shown signs of greatness within the clan, Song Luyao proposed making him a Young Patriarch. At the time, Song Xianming had personally rejected it, agreeing only to promote him as a "Purple Mansion Realm Candidate."
But now, the matter was brought up again this time openly, and for all members of the clan to discuss.
The moment the proposal was announced, it sparked fierce debate throughout the clan. In the end, Song Changsheng received an overwhelming eighty percent support rate.
The vast majority of clan members believed that if Song Changsheng became the Young Patriarch, he would one day lead the family to reclaim its former glory or even surpass it.
A small minority held a more conservative view, arguing that talent alone didn't equate to leadership.
But those voices were quickly drowned out. Overall, Song Changsheng had the strongest support.
Given this momentum, Song Xianyun, along with several elders from the council, once again submitted a formal request to Song Xianming urging him to appoint Song Changsheng as the Young Patriarch.
The matter caused such a stir in the clan that it overshadowed another major event: Song Lutong's imminent attempt to break through to Foundation Establishment.
...
Inside a stone chamber carved into the mountain of Cangmang Peak, Song Changsheng bowed respectfully to Song Lutong.
"I wish you success in your breakthrough, Uncle. May fortune and immortal fate shine upon you."
Song Lutong threw an arm around his neck and punched him lightly in the chest, laughing heartily.
"Relax! This time's a sure thing. Once I succeed, your uncle's got your back!"
Song Changsheng smiled. It was good to see his uncle so confident before entering closed-door cultivation.
"Then I'll be relying on you in the future, Uncle."
"Of course, of course! You just keep working hard don't waste that talent of yours," Song Lutong said in a mock-elderly tone.
"I understand."
"Good. Then I'm off." Song Lutong gave his shoulder a firm pat before turning and walking into the chamber without looking back.
Song Changsheng watched the stone doors close, a faint trace of worry in his heart. Breaking through to Foundation Establishment was a massive hurdle one misstep could mean death and the end of one's cultivation path.
Although Song Lutong had taken the Stalactite Spirit Liquid, the success rate was still only fifty-fifty. Truth be told, Song Changsheng wasn't feeling very confident.
Song Luhuai, an elder with experience, tried to reassure him with a smile:
"Lutong's a physical cultivator with outstanding talent. He's been preparing for years. His breakthrough should be smooth just a matter of time. It might take one year or a few more, but he'll pull through. No need to worry."
"I understand. Thank you for standing guard, Uncle Twelve."
Song Changsheng felt a bit more at ease.
As soon as he left the chamber, he saw Song Xianyun flying in on his sword. Song Changsheng hurriedly stepped forward and bowed.
Song Xianyun looked elated, his face glowing as he stroked his beard and said with a chuckle:
"I've already submitted the proposal with the Elder Council to have you appointed as Young Patriarch. This time, it's practically guaranteed."
Song Changsheng was momentarily stunned. He quickly waved his hands.
"Grandfather, I'm not nearly qualified! How could I take on such a responsibility?"
This wasn't false modesty it was how he truly felt. Becoming the Young Patriarch meant becoming the future Clan Leader. That wasn't a trivial role, and Song Changsheng didn't believe he was ready.
"Enough of that humility," Song Xianyun chuckled.
"This isn't just the Council's decision it's the collective will of hundreds of our kin. Once your grandfather finishes his closed-door cultivation, this will be finalized. We'll hold a grand ceremony for you then make it glorious!"
So there was no room for refusal. Song Changsheng could only respond with a wry smile.
...
After bidding farewell to Song Xianyun, Song Changsheng headed to the clan's Contribution Hall. Using the points he had accumulated over the years, he exchanged for a piece of Tier-2 Molten Core Flame Iron from the clan treasury.
He had previously obtained a piece of Jellyfish Steel from Chang Tianhua. Though the Molten Core Flame Iron was inferior in quality, the two metals one of water and one of fire were perfect for upgrading his Lifebound Magic Treasure: the Waterfire Gourd, to Tier-2, Low Grade.
His artifact refinement skills had plateaued at top-grade Tier-1 for some time. Now, with new insights gained recently, he plans to push himself and try to break into the next level.
Since he wanted to experiment with some new ideas, Song Changsheng didn't choose to break through on Cangmang Peak. Instead, he returned to Little Azure Mountain.
As soon as he set foot on the island, Song Qingxi clung to him, chirping nonstop in his ear about all sorts of everyday things how the spirit fish in the lake had multiplied, how the green plum trees were growing more spiritual, and so on.
He had only been gone for half a month, yet it felt like he'd been away for ages.
After giving her a small gift to keep her happy, Song Changsheng entered closed-door cultivation. He had made up his mind: he would not emerge until he broke through to become a Tier-2 Low-Grade Artifact Crafter!
Seasons passed spring into autumn, heat into cold. Quietly, a full year slipped by. And on one seemingly ordinary day, Song Changsheng experienced a truly extraordinary moment of his own.
After several failed attempts, he finally succeeded in crafting his first Tier-2 Low-Grade magical artifact. Holding the small round shield in his hand, he couldn't help but feel overjoyed.
Ever since his Water Origin Shield had been destroyed, he had planned to forge a new defensive artifact. Now, he had finally fulfilled that goal.
It was a round shield as well. Though only a Tier-2 Low-Grade item and made from far more ordinary materials than the Water Origin Shield, it marked an important milestone in his journey. He named this first Tier-2 artifact of his life: "Tiangang Shield."
After solidifying his breakthrough in artifact refining, Song Changsheng spent some time reinforcing his new skills and then began the process of reforging his treasured gourd.
This time, he intended to use a refining method recorded in He Yunxuan's inherited crafting techniques a method known as the "Soul-Slaying Gourd."
-support me in Patreon for more chapter, 105+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LordoftheReader