Song Xianyun's words immediately stirred excitement among everyone present. The family had suffered heavy losses in the previous battle, forcing them to sell off many shops at low prices and surrender half of their profits from the Liuyun Market.
Now that their strength had surged, it was high time to reclaim what they had lost!
"I agree it's about time we make Earthfire Sect cough up what they swallowed!" one hot-tempered elder slammed the table and roared.
"It must be taken back," Song Luyao added coldly.
The Elders' Council unanimously passed Song Xianyun's proposal. Not long after, the Song Clan held a grand meeting where the six major powers of Ling Prefecture gathered to renegotiate the division of profits from the Liuyun Market.
This time, the Song Clan held an overwhelming advantage due to their enhanced strength, and they unapologetically claimed 30% of the profits for themselves.
Though Earthfire Sect was reluctant, Lieyang Sect showed no interest in stepping in. Without this powerful ally, Earthfire Sect had no chance of contending with the Song Clan and could only manage to keep a 20% share as their base stake.
The remaining 50% was split evenly among the other four factions, so they had nothing to complain about Earthfire Sect was the true loser in this arrangement.
But in this world, might make right. They had no choice but to accept it.
This entire matter was spearheaded by Song Xianyun. With the burden lifted from his shoulders, Song Changsheng once again entered seclusion to comprehend his minor divine ability, the Mountain-Flipping Seal.
However, it turned out to be even more difficult than he had anticipated. After three more months, he was still unable to grasp even the basics.
Realizing that shutting himself in wasn't yielding results, Song Changsheng decided to end his seclusion. If enlightenment hadn't come by now, it likely meant the right opportunity or insight simply hadn't arrived yet.
He did, however, manage to refine the Ink Jade Lotus Platform to a low-grade Tier-2 artifact before concluding his retreat.
"Young Lord, the Grand Elder instructed that you report to him immediately upon coming out of seclusion," said a green-robed clan member respectfully as soon as Song Changsheng stepped out.
"Understood. Go about your duties," Song Changsheng replied calmly with a nod, then leisurely made his way to the Clan Affairs Hall.
Since the Grand Elder hadn't summoned him urgently, it likely wasn't a matter of immediate danger there was no need to rush.
Inside the hall, Song Xianyun was scribbling away at a scroll. Without looking up, he said, "Changsheng, you're here. Sit down for a bit I'll be finished soon."
Song Changsheng shrugged and took a seat. As he waited, he quietly activated the Earth Dragon Clan's body-refining technique with each breath.
He had already altered his breathing rhythm so completely that even when asleep, his body would continue its cultivation process. Looking inward, he could now faintly see the outline of the Earth Dragon's Reversal Diagram forming on his spleen. Once the full image emerged, the technique would be considered mastered.
"Changsheng, come over here," Song Xianyun called suddenly, motioning for him.
As he approached, Song Changsheng saw a detailed beast-hide map laid out on the table. The Grand Elder pointed at a red-inked route drawn across the map and said:
"Changsheng, although the family has regained a portion of its market profits, our finances are still strained. After much consideration, the elders are thinking of reopening the trade route to Luoxia City. We'd like to hear your thoughts."
Song Changsheng's eyes lit up with joy.
"That's great news! With our strength restored, it's only fitting to restart the trade route."
The Song Clan's history of trade with Luoxia City goes back over a century, starting during the reign of Clan Leader Song Yunhan. It was this route that revitalized the clan from its weakest days.
In fact, for over a hundred years, that trade route was the very lifeline of the Song Clan's economy.
Even as their strength grew, that route remained one of their economic pillars.
Unfortunately, after the devastating battle over a decade ago, the clan suffered serious losses and became the target of many. Song Xianming then made the strategic decision to scale back operations and give up several ventures including this trade route.
It was a move made out of necessity. The clan simply lacked the power to maintain it.
But now, things were different. The patriarch's injuries were healing. Two more Foundation Establishment cultivators had been added to their ranks. And with four more elders recently advancing, the clan's strength was on a whole new level more than enough to resume trade.
"It's just…" Song Changsheng hesitated. "The safety issue?"
Reopening the route was no doubt beneficial. Even a single trip could bring tremendous profit to the clan. But he couldn't help but think of what had happened to Song Luyao...
Their enemies were too many and too covetous Song Changsheng didn't believe they would just sit idly by while the Song Clan resumed trade with Luoxia City.
"There's no need to worry about security," Song Xianyun said with a smile. "We've thought this through carefully. Relying solely on our clan's power won't be enough to keep the trade route safe. So this time, we're allying with the Li and Wang Clans.
The Song Clan will send two Foundation Establishment cultivators, and the Li and Wang Clans will each send one. A total of four Foundation Establishment experts are more than enough to deter any petty troublemakers."
Realization dawned on Song Changsheng. Four Foundation Establishment cultivators were indeed a formidable force. Not to mention the Earthfire Sect even the Lieyang Sect would have to think twice before trying to swallow them whole.
"What goods are we sending this time?" he asked.
"Primarily the spiritual herbs we harvested from the Wood Spirit Vein last time," replied Song Xianyun, "as well as some magical artifacts and refined ore ingots. Altogether, it's worth nearly twenty thousand spirit stones."
That was a substantial fortune. If the trade went smoothly, it would greatly ease the clan's financial strain.
"And who will be going on this mission?"
Song Xianyun smiled mysteriously.
"One of them is Lu Huai. As for the other... it's you."
"Me?" Song Changsheng was momentarily stunned.
"Yes. That's also your grandfather's idea. He said young people should seize their youth to travel, gain experience, and broaden their horizons."
Joy flickered in Song Changsheng's eyes. In all his years of cultivation, the clan had kept him on a tight leash. The farthest he had ever been was Liuyun Market.
He had long yearned to see more of the outside world, but he had also understood the importance of his responsibilities and had kept himself rooted to the mountain.
But now he could finally go see the legendary Luoxia City with his own eyes!
"When do we depart?" he asked eagerly.
"We still need some time to gather and prepare the supplies," Song Xianyun replied. "Tentatively, you'll set off next month. But before that, you need to refine this."
As he spoke, he retrieved a long rectangular box from his spatial pouch and handed it to Song Changsheng.
Changsheng accepted it curiously and opened it only to be hit with a wave of fierce killing intent, making his hair stand on end.
Steadying his mind, he looked inside. There, neatly arranged, were three dark, willow-leaf-shaped flying knives. Faint streaks of blood light shimmered across their surfaces, exuding an intense, murderous aura.
"Spiritual weapons?" Song Changsheng asked in surprise.
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