After their defeat, both the Earthfire Sect and the Lieyang Sect fell strangely silent, as if they had swallowed their anger and chosen to bide their time.
But Song Changsheng knew better neither the Earthfire Sect nor the Lieyang Sect were the kind to suffer a loss without retaliation. This recent incident was likely just a test of the Song Clan's defenses. The real storm was still on the horizon.
Therefore, he hadn't let up on his cultivation for even a moment during this time.
But today, an unexpected visitor arrived at his courtyard…
Knock, knock, knock.
A series of steady knocks rang out. Song Changsheng opened his eyes on the bed, swept the area with his spiritual sense, and immediately identified the visitor. His brow furrowed slightly.
"Sixty-first Uncle? What's he doing here?"
Though puzzled, he got up at once and opened the door. He cupped his hands and greeted him with a smile.
"Sixty-first Uncle, what brings you to my humble place today?"
"Greetings, Young Clan Leader…"
Song Luyou looked troubled as if he was finding it hard to speak his mind.
Raising an eyebrow, Song Changsheng gestured, "Please, Uncle, come in and have a seat."
Once inside, they sat down in the reception hall. Song Changsheng smiled and said,
"Uncle, is there something you need help with? Please speak freely. As long as it's within my power, I'll do everything I can."
As the saying goes, no one visits the shrine for no reason. Song Changsheng hadn't had much interaction with Song Luyou before, except briefly during the development of the Wood Spirit Vein.
Now, seeing the conflicted look on his face, Song Changsheng easily guessed he was here to ask for a favor. Still, this uncle had always been honest and had contributed greatly to the clan. If it was something reasonable, Song Changsheng wouldn't mind helping.
After hesitating a few moments, Song Luyou lowered his head, his voice filled with guilt and shame.
"To be honest, I've come to ask for the Foundation Establishment Pill in your possession."
So that was it. Song Changsheng's expression didn't change, but inwardly he understood immediately.
Ever since he had let slip that he possessed a Foundation Establishment Pill, many people had come knocking both openly and in secret. Every one of them wanted that pill. It had become exhausting.
Those who came were either close relatives or highly respected elders. Song Changsheng had refused them all with firm words. He had already offended quite a few people, and unpleasant rumors had begun to spread.
One of the reasons he had volunteered to guard the Chiyun Iron Mine was to get away from this mess.
He had thought Song Luyou was the quiet, honest type he hadn't expected him to try pulling strings to.
Naturally, Song Changsheng's tone turned colder. He said bluntly,
"Uncle, you don't need to say anymore. If it were something else, I'd do my best to help. But this matter is absolutely out of the question."
"The Foundation Establishment Pill belongs to the clan it's not my possession. It must be distributed fairly, justly, and transparently, so the clan can trust the process. Coming to me like this what are you trying to do?"
"I know my request puts you in a difficult position, Young Clan Leader," Song Luyou said, bowing deeply, voice choked with emotion. "But I have no other choice. I'm already fifty-six years old. If I don't break through soon, I'll lose the chance forever. Please, I beg you have mercy."
Looking at him, bent low and practically in tears, Song Changsheng couldn't help but sigh.
"Uncle, the clan recognizes all you've done, but that's no excuse for favoritism. Please, go back. Everyone must compete on equal footing."
Song Luyou grew desperate, raising his voice.
"Young Clan Leader! The clan's process isn't fair I refuse to accept this!"
"…Sigh, here we go again."
Song Changsheng let out a silent sigh.
Every time he rejected someone trying to pull strings, they would shout the same thing: "The clan is unfair, I won't accept it!" He sometimes wondered if they had all agreed on this line in advance.
He sat back down and rubbed his temples. "Uncle, in what way is the clan being unfair? Please, tell me. If there's truth to it, the Elder Council will speak on your behalf."
Song Luyou cupped his hands and replied, "Back when Ancestor Yunhan was still alive, he established a clan rule: anyone who achieved second-rank proficiency in any of the Hundred Arts would receive the status of Honorary Elder and be given priority access to a Foundation Establishment Pill.
"I am a second-rank, lower-grade geomancer this qualifies me under that rule. If the clan is handling things fairly, then this pill should rightfully belong to me."
He wasn't wrong. That rule did exist.
But Song Changsheng also knew that Song Luyou wasn't the only one who met the requirement. If he gave the pill to him, what about the others?
There was only one Foundation Establishment Pill.
"Uncle, you're not the only one who qualifies," Song Changsheng said with a long sigh. "If I give it to you, how do I face the others?"
Song Luyou was momentarily speechless. After a pause, he clenched his teeth and said, "Then it should be distributed based on contributions to the clan!"
Song Changsheng looked at him with some sympathy. While Song Luyou had indeed made significant contributions, others had done just as much. If the pill were distributed strictly based on contribution, he still wouldn't be the top candidate.
Still, this conversation helped Song Changsheng make a decision.
This Foundation Establishment Pill had been in his possession far too long, and who knew how many people were eyeing it?
As long as it remained with him, situations like this would keep happening.
"It's time to find a rightful owner," he murmured to himself.
After a brief moment of reflection, he made up his mind. Looking up at Song Luyou, he said firmly,
"Uncle, I won't promise this Foundation Establishment Pill to anyone in private no matter who they are."
"But I understand how you feel. The clan will keep its word. Besides you, two other people meet the requirements. Within three days, the Elder Council will vote to select the most suitable candidate. Please go home and wait."
With too many monks and too little gruel Song Changsheng had no better option than to rely on this process.
Seeing that Song Changsheng's stance was unshakable, Song Luyou knew he was serious. He let out a long sigh, cupped his hands, and said, "Understood," then turned and left in silence…
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Song Changsheng convened the Elder Council and conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the three candidates.
After careful deliberation, the council cast their votes and selected Song Changquan.
He was a second-rank, lower-grade alchemist who had served the clan diligently for years. Among the three, he possessed the greatest talent and had the highest potential to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.
When the result was announced, Song Luyou was devastated but it was the Elder Council's decision. No one could change it unless the Clan Leader personally intervened.
But everyone knew that was impossible. Song Xianming was known for his unwavering adherence to the rules. Even if his son knelt before him, he wouldn't override the council's decision.
Once the outcome was finalized, Song Changsheng handed the Foundation Establishment Pill to Song Changquan, who immediately announced that he was going into seclusion.
Though Song Changsheng felt he might be rushing it a bit, everyone had their fate and timing. All he could do was quietly hope for the best.
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