As soon as Song Changsheng spoke, the previously smiling Song Lusheng froze. His expression changed drastically in an instant, and a hint of fear flickered in his eyes as he looked at Song Changsheng.
He tried to suppress the storm raging in his heart and forced a stiff smile onto his face. "What traitor? What are you talking about?"
Song Changsheng took one step after another, closing in on him, his eyes locked coldly on the other man's. "If Uncle doesn't understand, then let me put it plainly: why did you betray the clan?"
Feeling the pressure and aura radiating from Song Changsheng, despair surfaced in Song Lusheng's eyes. He collapsed to the ground like a pile of mud, slumped in defeat, and let out a bitter laugh. "How did you find out? I thought I never left any trace…"
Looking at the man on the ground, Song Changsheng's eyes were filled with anger but more than that, sorrow.
Since the age of eight, when he first began drawing qi into his body and started cultivating, Song Lusheng had been his instructor at the clan academy. Nearly half of his spell techniques were taught to him by this very man.
To him, Song Lusheng wasn't just an elder, but a teacher. Even though their contact had dwindled over the years, Song Changsheng had always held a deep respect for him.
So he couldn't understand.
Why? Why was it him?
No one could fully comprehend the shock and grief Song Changsheng had felt upon seeing those names.
"Uncle, come with me to the Hall of Enforcement and receive judgment," Song Changsheng said, looking down at him from above.
Song Lusheng's eyes were vacant as he slowly nodded. Supporting himself on a nearby doorframe, he struggled to stand.
But at that moment everything changed!
A seemingly ordinary gemstone ring on his finger suddenly shattered, releasing a blinding white light that shot straight at Song Changsheng's face.
Bang!
A Taiji diagram appeared before Song Changsheng, absorbing the light in rippling waves. The attack failed to harm him in the slightest not even a corner of his robe was touched.
Song Lusheng was utterly crushed. That ring had been his grandfather's protective charm in his youth. It held power comparable to a second-rank, low-grade offensive talisman. Yet it had been blocked so effortlessly.
He now knew he had no chance left.
Seeing that Song Lusheng still tried to resist even now, Song Changsheng sighed. All pity in his heart vanished. He flicked his fingers, releasing a strand of yin-yang energy that transformed into a black-and-white chain, binding Song Lusheng and tossing him aside.
At that moment, a frail voice echoed through the courtyard:
"Lusheng? What's all the noise about?"
An old man with a hunched back and white hair stepped out. When he saw the cold expression on Song Changsheng's face and Song Lusheng bound on the ground, unable to move, this wise elder immediately understood what was going on.
His bent figure slowly straightened, and his clouded eyes turned sharp. Staring firmly at Song Changsheng, Song Xiandu spoke with clear and steady breath:
"I've suspected many, but I never thought it would be you. Song Luoyao didn't come in person?"
"Elder, that's exactly what I wanted to say," Song Changsheng replied coldly. "We suspected many, but never imagined… you were the traitor hiding within our clan!"
"Traitor?" Song Xiandu sneered. "Let's not be so melodramatic. When I shed blood for this clan in battle, you weren't even born yet."
Song Changsheng stepped closer, eyes sharp as knives. "Then tell me why betray the clan?
When the Clan Leader entered seclusion to break through to the Purple Mansion Realm, you leaked the news to the Lieyang Sect. When the Third Elder went to Luoxia City, you gave his whereabouts to the Earthfire Gate. And there's more too many to count.
You bear the name Song. The clan has never treated you poorly. Why did you do it?"
Song Xiandu suddenly laughed wildly and madly, as if Song Changsheng had just told the world's funniest joke. After a long moment, he stopped and looked up, a crazed look in his eyes.
"Why? You ask me why?
Boy, you're still young. There are things you haven't lived through maybe you've never even heard of them.
My great-grandfather was Song Taiyi. My grandfather was Song Chuyi. My father was Song Yungui. I'm the eldest son of the main bloodline! The position of Clan Leader should've been mine by right!
And who is Song Xianming? Just someone who happened to reach Foundation Establishment first thanks to some lucky encounter! And that old hag Song Yunhan handed the Clan Leader's seal to him? Based on what?
Fine, if that's the clan's decision I accepted it. But I'm the main line's rightful heir. And yet I can't even get a single Foundation Establishment Pill?
You call that 'not being treated poorly'?"
Song Xiandu's face twisted as he howled, completely different from the kind and gentle elder he usually appeared to be.
A cold light flickered in Song Changsheng's eyes. His voice was icy:
"The clan never distributes Foundation Establishment Pills based on birthright. Your three spiritual roots disqualified you from even being selected as a Foundation Establishment candidate. What right did you have to demand the pill?
Back when Patriarch Yungui led the clan, he established the rule private interest must never outweigh the public good. That pill was never yours to begin with.
Enough talk. Come with me to the Hall of Enforcement and face judgment!"
Song Changsheng struck without hesitation, suppressing the old man and taking both him and Song Lusheng away.
Meanwhile, disciples of the Hall of Enforcement began arresting the other conspirators. The entire operation was carried out in total secrecy, stirring barely a ripple.
In just one day, nearly all the spies and traitors within the Song Clan were wiped out.
.....
"Mother, should we inform Grandfather and the Grand Elder about the judgment proceedings?"
Song Changsheng asked while massaging Xia Yunxue's shoulders.
After all, the two people he arrested today were of high status one was a spell instructor at the clan academy, and the other was an elder involved in clan governance. Both held sensitive and critical positions within the family.
This is a major case serious and significant. Even if the Clan Leader were to personally preside over it, it would be entirely appropriate.
"No need. The presiding judge has already been decided."
"You'll be the one in charge, Mother? That's not bad. Taking on such a case right after assuming leadership of the Hall of Enforcement it's a great opportunity to establish your authority."
"You're only half right. It is about establishing authority but not for me. It's for you." Xia Yunxue patted his hand and said with a smile.
"Me?" Song Changsheng's eyes widened. He had already done the arrests now the interrogation was on him too?
"That's right. This is a test from the clan. No matter what decision you make, we'll support you."
It all made sense now. From the very beginning, the Council of Elders had wrapped this matter up and handed it to him. The real reason was clear: to help him, the newly appointed Young Clan Leader, make his mark and assert his presence.
After a moment of contemplation, Song Changsheng said firmly, "I've decided we'll hold a public trial. Let it serve as a warning to others."
"As you wish." Xia Yunxue stretched lazily and then floated away, truly leaving the matter in his hands.
Song Changsheng took a deep breath and called out toward the hall entrance, "Guards!"
"Young Clan Leader," a disciple of the Enforcement Hall clad in black stepped in and bowed respectfully.
"Spread the word tomorrow at noon, the traitors of the clan will be publicly tried in the Hall of Enforcement."
"At once!"
-support me in Patreon for more chapter, 130+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LordoftheReader