"Don't be fooled by how everything seems to be unfolding just as we predicted," the old man said calmly. "The smoother things go, the more likely something is wrong. The people under Song Luoyao aren't fools."
"You mean… this could be another of Song Luoyao's schemes?" The middle-aged man shuddered at the thought, cold sweat instantly soaking his back.
"Hmph, that's not out of the question. So for now, we'll sit back and watch. Let those petty clowns jump around for a bit." The old man clasped his hands behind his back, speaking in an unhurried tone.
"You're right, Father. I'll go keep a close eye on our men, just in case anyone slips up." The middle-aged man bowed respectfully, then turned and left the secret chamber…
Three days had passed since Song Lutong and the others had left. Under the strict control of the Enforcement Squad, the entire clan appeared peaceful and orderly. Even those with ill intent didn't dare to act openly at most, they resorted to harmless little tricks in the dark.
What was truly surprising was how unusually quiet the major powers of Lingzhou had been during this time eerily quiet.
By all reasoning, with the Song Clan sending out nearly all their top forces and leaving their stronghold more vulnerable than ever, the Earthfire Sect should've jumped at such a golden opportunity. Yet they remained oddly still, as if oblivious to the situation.
Song Changsheng found this deeply puzzling. Was the Earthfire Sect cooking up something in secret again?
Suddenly, a realization struck him. He hadn't seen the Third Elder.
Among those who had left for the mission, Song Luoyao hadn't been present. And she wasn't in the clan either.
A hunch rose in Song Changsheng's heart he felt as if he'd just grasped a crucial piece of the puzzle.
"Could this all be related to Ninth Aunt? Where exactly did she go?" he muttered to himself, deep in thought. Since he had been in seclusion during the clan meeting, he was unaware that Song Luoyao had gone to Luoxia City to bid for a Foundation Establishment Pill at auction.
While he stood there lost in thought, a stooped old man approached from the other direction. Song Changsheng's eyes lit up, and he quickly stepped forward to bow. "Greetings, Clan Elder."
Song Xiandu stopped and looked at him with a kind smile. "What's the matter, little Changsheng?"
His expression was warm and friendly, and his deeply wrinkled face blossomed like a smiling chrysanthemum. Yet, for some reason, Song Changsheng felt uncomfortable under his gaze something about it just didn't sit right with him.
The feeling passed quickly, and since he was eager for answers, he didn't dwell on it. In a respectful tone, he asked, "I just returned from Little Azure Mountain and went to pay my respects to Ninth Aunt, but she was nowhere to be found. Do you happen to know where she went?"
Song Xiandu raised his eyebrows in mild surprise. "You didn't know?"
Song Changsheng was slightly taken aback. If I knew, why would I be asking you?
"She went to Luoxia City to bid for a Foundation Establishment Pill for you. She's been gone for quite some time now. I thought you were aware."
Song Changsheng's mind went blank for a moment, and then everything clicked. So that's why the elders had left in such a rush they must've gone to support her. Did something happen?
A wave of possibilities flooded his mind.
Song Xiandu, still smiling, said, "By my reckoning, they should be back soon. Then you can begin your breakthrough into Foundation Establishment. So young and already reaching that realm makes this old man feel ashamed!"
Song Changsheng forced a smile, then bowed again. "Thank you for the clarification, Elder. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."
"Very well, don't let me keep you. My son Lusheng is always mentioning you, saying that now that you've grown up, you never come to him for spell training anymore."
"I've just been busy lately. Please pass along my regards to Uncle Lusheng. I'll be sure to visit him in a few days."
As he spoke, an image of a middle-aged man surfaced in his mind. Back in his childhood, that man had been his mentor, patiently teaching him spells and techniques not just an elder, but a true teacher. A visit was long overdue.
"Don't worry, I'll deliver the message," Song Xiandu chuckled before slowly ambling away.
After checking his current rank in artifact crafting at the Hall of Hundred Arts, Song Changsheng returned to his courtyard. But for some reason, he couldn't calm down. A restless unease gnawed at him as if something big was about to happen.
Ninth Aunt… please be safe, he prayed silently in his heart.
When Song Changsheng learned that Song Luoyao had gone to bid for the Foundation Establishment Pill on his behalf, he was both shocked and deeply moved. But that feeling was quickly replaced by growing anxiety.
There was no way her journey would be smooth. Countless hidden dangers and ambushes must have awaited her. One misstep and she could've lost her life.
He originally planned to sit down and cultivate, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't calm his mind. Irritated and restless, he decided to go out for a walk. The moment he stepped outside his courtyard, several streaks of rainbow light shot across the sky and landed on Cangmang Peak.
Song Changsheng's heart skipped a beat. Without hesitation, he rushed in that direction.
The rainbow lights had descended at the Hall of Hundred Arts. By the time Song Changsheng arrived, a crowd had already gathered, but strangely, everyone was stuck outside.
He squeezed forward and saw Song Lutong leaning against the doorframe, eyes wide with fury. Anyone who approached was sternly pushed back by him.
In just a few short days, Song Lutong looked like a completely different person his face was haggard, his hair messy, and an ominous, dangerous aura radiated from his entire body. The sight deepened the sense of dread in Song Changsheng's chest. Under his sleeve, his hand trembled slightly.
"Uncle," he called out.
Song Lutong's eyes flared, but when he recognized Song Changsheng, his expression softened a little. In a gruff voice, he said, "Your Second Uncle is waiting for you inside. Go in."
He stepped aside and made way.
As Song Changsheng entered, he saw Song Xianyun, Song Luzhou, and Song Luhuai standing in a semicircle with their backs to him. The atmosphere was heavy and stifling.
None of them even noticed his arrival. Song Changsheng felt his throat go dry. He quietly walked over to stand beside Song Luhuai, and with just one glance, the world around him seemed to spin. His vision blurred.
On a soft couch lay Song Luoyao, drenched in blood. Her face was as pale as a sheet, her body wrapped in bandages that were already soaked through with fresh blood. From the knees down, her legs were gone completely severed.
If not for the faint rise and fall of her chest, Song Changsheng would have believed she had already left this world.
"Who… who did this?" he stammered, his lips trembling.
A look of hatred crossed Song Luhuai's face. He growled, "It was those bastards from the Lieyang Sect. Somehow, the news got leaked. Ninth Sister was ambushed on her way back. If we hadn't rushed to her aid in time, those animals might've finished her off!"
"There's a traitor in the clan!" Song Luzhou roared, eyes bloodshot, killing intent pouring off him.
Though the two rarely saw eye to eye, they were, in truth, half-siblings born of the same father. Seeing Song Luoyao in such a state pained and enraged him more than anyone.
Song Xianyun's face was filled with grief and guilt. "This is all my fault," he said bitterly. "I should have stopped her from going in the first place."
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