"One last thing. The recent demon beast attack in the Mortal Realm is inextricably linked to the Earth Fire Sect. In fact, it was almost certainly their doing.
If we just let this slide, the clan's future influence in Ling Province will diminish. I believe we must pay them back in kind," a long-bearded Clan Elder said indignantly.
"But of course. My next step is to negotiate with the Li Clan to reduce the quotas of Spirit Medicine and ore we supply to the Earth Fire Sect. That should be enough to make them hurt for a while," Song Luzhou said, rubbing his smooth chin with a cunning smile.
"Excellent."
Everyone present nodded in agreement. A bloodless retaliation against the Earth Fire Sect was clearly the optimal solution. In their own corner of Ling Province, when it came to heritage and resources, the Song Clan had never been afraid of anyone.
"Alright, that concludes today's clan meeting. We need to raise the Spirit Stones quickly, so please, I urge you all to make this a priority."
"We will not shirk our duty!"
——————
The announcements for the clan's rewards and the call to contribute Spirit Stones were issued at the same time.
Purchasing the Foundation Establishment Pill was a major affair that concerned everyone. All the Song Clan Members understood that only when the clan was strong could they enjoy better cultivation conditions and hold their heads high with pride!
As such, everyone contributed generously, offering up a portion of their savings, large or small.
Song Changsheng, who had already become a Purple Mansion Seed, also donated two thousand Spirit Stones. After contributing this sum, he was left with only a few hundred, and he had no choice but to temporarily shelve some of his plans.
But he felt no regret. He had been born into this clan, and he was willing to make sacrifices for it.
What Song Changsheng hadn't expected at all, however, was that his generous contribution would cause a huge stir within the clan.
Some began to question how a mere Qi Cultivator like Song Changsheng could produce so many Spirit Stones. They wondered if someone in the clan was abusing their power for personal gain.
Although no one was named, any discerning person could tell the accusation was aimed at Xia Yunxue.
But Song Xianyun soon stepped forward personally to refute the rumors. He issued a report on the events of the recent trial, which clearly stated the origin of Song Changsheng's Spirit Stones.
With the Grand Elder's backing, all the dissonant talk vanished without a trace. But some words, once spoken, come with a price.
That very day, the Law Enforcement Team arrested several people who had been fanning the flames from the shadows. After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that these individuals were actually spies planted by some of the clan's old rivals.
Uncovering a few spies while dealing with a rumor was an unexpected bonus.
The clan moved quickly. Only a few hours passed between the rumor starting and the spies being caught. Song Changsheng, who was at the center of the controversy, didn't even know what had transpired before the clan's official notice on the matter was placed in front of him.
Song Changsheng didn't care what others said about him, but he could not tolerate people secretly slandering his mother.
But the attitude and speed with which the clan handled the matter moved Song Changsheng greatly. The clan's protectiveness over him and his mother was self-evident.
He had thought the matter was settled, but it turned out there was a follow-up.
The stories of his deeds—capturing the Young Master of the Earth Fire Sect alive and confronting a Foundation Establishment Cultivator—also began to circulate. Coupled with his generous contribution, his reputation within the clan soared.
He was really starting to have the air of a Young Clan Leader...
「Vast Summit, Suspended Mirror Lakefront.」
Song Luyao respectfully reported to Song Xianming about the matter of the rumors.
Holding a fishing rod, Song Xianming said with a calm expression, "Anything that affects the clan's unity must be treated with the utmost importance.
I refuse to believe it was just a few pawns. Keep digging. I want to know who is really stirring up trouble from the shadows!"
A cold glint flashed in Song Luyao's eyes. "Are you saying... that traitor is active again?"
"Keep investigating, and everything will come to light." A hint of killing intent laced Song Xianming's voice.
"Understood."
For a time, hidden currents surged within the clan.
...
Song Changsheng didn't know his grandfather had come out of seclusion, let alone that Song Luyao had met with him in secret. Right now, he was considering his own next steps.
'My Artifact Refining Technique has fallen quite a bit behind my skill with arrays. I have to find a way to improve it. I'll go take on some Artifact Refining tasks,' Song Changsheng thought to himself.
He set off for the Contribution Hall, which was not only a place to exchange Contribution Points for resources but also where the clan posted its tasks.
The tasks were many and varied, covering all sorts of categories and ranked by difficulty.
After browsing for a while, Song Changsheng finally chose a long-term task: being stationed at a clan-owned shop located in Ling Province's sole marketplace—Liuyun Marketplace.
Liuyun Marketplace was a trading hub for cultivators, jointly controlled by the six great Foundation Establishment Influences. It served them, dozens of Qi Refining Influences, and the numerous Loose Cultivators who traveled to and from Ling Province.
Over a thousand cultivators resided in Liuyun Marketplace year-round, with even more passing through to trade. The shops there were all extremely profitable.
The shop Song Changsheng was assigned to primarily dealt in business related to Magical Artifacts. It just so happened to be in need of an Artifact Refiner, and he fit the qualifications perfectly.
The compensation for this kind of task was typically generous, and it also presented an opportunity to improve his Artifact Refining Technique, so Song Changsheng accepted it without hesitation.
However, this presented a problem. These tasks were generally long-term, and he would not be able to leave until the next Artifact Refiner arrived to take his place.
If that was the case, what would become of Little Cyan Mountain?
Never mind the Spirit Fish that had yet to break through; there was also the Spirit Gathering Array and the Mist Concealing Tea. He couldn't just abandon these things. He had to find someone to cover for him.
Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck Song Changsheng, and he thought of two very suitable candidates: Song Qingxi and Song Qingxing.
Since Song Qingxing was unsociable and liked to cultivate alone, it would be perfect to send him to Lake Heart Island. The place was remote but safe, and with the Spirit Gathering Array, his cultivation wouldn't be hindered. It was simply the perfect place for him.
Most importantly, it would be difficult to expose his Wind Spirit Root there. It was a plan that killed several birds with one stone!
'I'm a genius.'
Song Changsheng shamelessly praised himself before reporting his idea. To his surprise, it was approved.
However, it wouldn't just be the two of them going; Fourth Elder Song Luhuai would be accompanying them.
Besides protecting the precious Song Qingxing, there was another important reason: of all the elders remaining behind, Song Luhuai was the one whom Song Qingxing treated best. The hope was that sending him along might also help improve the boy's disposition.
This made no difference to Song Changsheng. His only personal assets there were the Spirit Gathering Array and the Mist Concealing Tea, and he trusted in Song Luhuai's integrity.
With the main problem solved, Song Changsheng made careful preparations and set off on the road to Liuyun Marketplace.
Liuyun Marketplace was situated in the Liuyun Mountain Range, north of the Moon Viewing Mountain Range. It was a journey of several thousand miles from Vast Mist Peak, and at Song Changsheng's pace, it would take at least several days.
After traveling hard, Song Changsheng finally entered the Liuyun Mountain Range at noon on the third day. There, nestled at the foot of the mountains, he saw Liuyun Marketplace...
PS: This book is at a critical point for getting on recommendation lists. I ask all my fellow Daoist readers to keep up with the latest chapters and lend me a hand. I am endlessly grateful!