Seeing Song Changsheng emerge, bathed in golden light, the few people present all broke into smiles. Such a young Foundation Establishment Cultivator was a true prodigy, not just within the Song Clan, but across all of the Daqi Nineteen Provinces.

"Grandfather, Mother, esteemed Uncles, Changsheng pays his respects," Song Changsheng announced, his voice ringing out as he gave a deep bow.

"Good, good, good. The ’Chang’ generation of the clan finally has someone who can carry the mantle," Song Xianyun said with a wide smile, stroking his beard.

He was happier than anyone about Song Changsheng’s successful Foundation Establishment. It meant the clan had a successor, and old-timers like them could finally rest easy.

"Sheng’Er, did you comprehend the Yin Yang True Intent?" Xia Yunxue asked expectantly, pulling on Song Changsheng’s arm.

"Yes, Mother. That’s right."

His breakthrough had revealed all his secrets, so Song Changsheng couldn’t deny it even if he wanted to. He had no choice but to admit it openly. Besides, everyone present was a respected elder he loved.

"You little rascal, hiding it from us all this time," Song Luzhou cursed with a laugh, but didn’t press the matter further. Just as Song Xianming had said, what cultivator didn’t have a few secrets?

As long as it didn’t harm the clan, there was no need to pry into every detail. This was a matter of basic trust and respect.

"Sheng’Er, first, you should consolidate your cultivation. In three months, the clan will hold a joint Foundation Establishment Grand Ceremony for you and Lutong. As for the clan’s latest arrangements for you, your mother will tell you."

After speaking, Song Xianming rose and returned to Ruyun Hall. Song Xianyun and the others offered their congratulations one by one before also taking their leave. Song Changsheng respectfully saw each of them off.

’Even though I’m a Foundation Establishment Cultivator now, my elders are still my elders.’

After they had all gone, Song Changsheng grinned and said, "Mom, when did you get back?"

Xia Yunxue glared at him and said reproachfully, "You were in seclusion for over two years, and I waited here for two years. Do you have any idea how worried I was? You’re just like your father—heartless, both of you."

Song Changsheng scratched his head. ’I was in seclusion for that long? Time truly flies when you’re cultivating; you lose all track of the days.’

"Hey, why don’t I see Uncle Lutong?" Seeing that Xia Yunxue looked like she was about to start pulling his ear, Song Changsheng quickly changed the subject.

"While you were in seclusion, the clan made some minor personnel changes. Ninth Sister, due to her injuries, voluntarily stepped down from her position in the Law Enforcement Hall. She will now focus on the clan’s intelligence work.

Lutong was promoted to Sixth Elder and has taken my place guarding the Mortal Realm for a time." Although she knew he was changing the subject, Xia Yunxue patiently explained it to him anyway.

Song Changsheng sighed internally. ’Ninth Aunt’s injuries must be too severe for her to be in a public-facing role anymore. Taking charge of the Wind Language Hall is the best outcome for her.’

What surprised him, however, was the arrangement for Song Lutong. ’With that guy’s personality, can he really stand being cooped up in the Mortal Realm?’

’Wait a minute,’ Song Changsheng suddenly realized. ’If Song Lutong went to guard the Mortal Realm, then doesn’t that mean my mother...?’

Seeing the expectant look in Song Changsheng’s eyes, Xia Yunxue nodded. "That’s right. The clan has arranged for me to take over the Law Enforcement Hall. From now on, the Law Enforcement Hall and the Wind Language Hall will be managed separately."

Receiving a definitive answer, Song Changsheng’s spirits lifted, and he felt happy for her from the bottom of his heart.

This transfer wasn’t just about Xia Yunxue gaining more power and becoming an Elder with real authority; more importantly, it represented the clan’s absolute recognition of her. For Xia Yunxue, this was second in importance only to Song Changsheng himself.

"Oh, right, Mom. What was the new arrangement Grandfather mentioned?" Song Changsheng recalled Song Xianming’s earlier words, feeling there was a deeper meaning to them.

Xia Yunxue took a deep breath. "Let’s talk about it when we get back."

Song Changsheng found it a bit strange. ’What’s so important it has to wait until we’re back?’ But he was smart enough not to ask any more questions. ’Heaven and earth may be vast, but Mom is vaster. What she says, goes.’

After the two returned to their courtyard, Xia Yunxue went off to cook on her own, not mentioning the clan’s arrangements at all. No matter how slow on the uptake Song Changsheng might be, he knew something was up, and his heart couldn’t help but feel unsettled.

Soon, a delicious meal was laid out on the table. Xia Yunxue beckoned for Song Changsheng to sit. Though there were only two of them, she had set out three sets of bowls and chopsticks. The atmosphere suddenly felt a little heavy.

Xia Yunxue took out three wine cups, filled each one with Spirit Wine, and said with a faint smile, "This is a happy occasion. Have a couple of drinks with your mother." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Song Changsheng had no objections; he had already caught the fragrant aroma of the Spirit Wine. He raised his cup in a toast to his mother, tilted his head back, and downed it. The pungent liquor burned its way down his throat, making his pupils constrict.

"This wine... is this your treasured Red Beauty Drunk?" Song Changsheng asked in surprise.

"That’s right. This is the wine your father and I brewed when we fell in love. It’s been thirty years now, and only these two jars are left." A nostalgic look appeared in Xia Yunxue’s eyes. Time passed so quickly; it felt like in the blink of an eye, things had changed and people were gone.

Song Changsheng sighed softly. ’Mother has always treated this wine like a priceless treasure. Even I only managed to sneak a taste once as a child, and it almost killed me. For her to bring it out today... it’s probably not that simple.’

"Mother, if you have something to say, please just tell me directly."

Xia Yunxue refilled her cup and drained it in one go. With a complex expression, she took out a purple Jade Token, about the size of her palm, and passed it to Song Changsheng.

Song Changsheng stood to receive it. The Jade Token was cool to the touch. On the front, two lifelike Flood Dragons were carved on either side in a formation of two dragons playing with a pearl. At the very top of the token was a crescent moon, accompanied by auspicious clouds.

In the very center, the character for "Song" was engraved in an ancient script, looking solemn and grand.

The back was blank except for the carving of a Coiling Dragon, giving it a dignified and solemn air.

"This is... the Young Clan Leader’s Identity Jade Token?" Song Changsheng was suddenly stunned. This object hadn’t been seen for a hundred years; he had only caught a fleeting glimpse of it in the clan records.

Xia Yunxue nodded, her lips parting slightly. "While you were in seclusion, your grandfather made a promise. As long as you successfully reached Foundation Establishment, you would become the clan’s Young Clan Leader.

This is a tremendous honor, but... I want to know what you think."

Song Changsheng had a feeling that if he said the word "no," this Jade Token would be taken away from him.

It was, without a doubt, a difficult choice.

’Is being the Young Clan Leader impressive? Of course it is. There have only been two in the clan’s history, and both were dragons among men, with the potential to break through to the Purple Mansion realm.’

’In terms of status, the Young Clan Leader is second only to the Clan Leader, ranking even above the various Elders. You also receive the full, unconditional support of the clan. Countless people would kill for an opportunity like this.’

’But being the Young Clan Leader doesn’t just mean status and power; more than that, it means responsibility and duty. Once I accept, I would no longer be living for myself. The clan’s interests would come before all else.’

Song Changsheng hesitated.

’The world is vast. I want to go out and see it for myself—to see the towering waves on the East Sea Shore, the flourishing Immortal Dao of the Central Divine Continent, the endless sea of sand in the Far West...’

’But if I accept this, all of that will become an illusion. I might end up like Song Xianming, trapped in Ruyun Hall for the rest of my life.’

The room was silent, the only sound being their breathing. After a long while, a brilliant smile spread across Song Changsheng’s face. "From the first moment I saw it," he said, "I knew it was mine."

...