Chapter 92: Chapter 93: Why Become a Thief?

Upon hearing Song Changsheng’s decision, Xia Yunxue’s fists clenched tightly, but she soon relaxed them. ’This was the answer I expected, wasn’t it?’

From a mother’s perspective, she didn’t want her son to become that blasted Young Clan Leader. The burden that came with the position was simply too great.

Song Xianming had served as the Clan Leader for nearly a hundred years. His contributions to the clan were innumerable; in the eyes of every Song Clan disciple, he was a heaven-supporting pillar of white jade, a purple-gold beam that spanned the seas.

But how many people knew that in the past century, the number of times Song Xianming had left Vast Mist Peak could be counted on one hand? That he was trapped day in and day out on the Vast Summit, unable to leave?

As a mother, she didn’t want her son to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. But as a clan Elder, she knew this was the best possible outcome.

Song Changsheng was the most suitable candidate. He could carry the hopes of every Song Clan disciple, lead the clan to greater heights, and it was no exaggeration to say he might even restore the clan to its former glory!

"Have you decided?" Xia Yunxue asked, taking a deep breath.

"I’ve decided."

"Good. Your investiture will be held during the Foundation Establishment Grand Ceremony. For now, let’s eat."

Neither of them had any appetite during the meal. The table full of delicacies was barely touched, but the jar of Red Beauty Drunk was emptied to the last drop.

There were only two jars of this wine in existence. Xia Yunxue left the last one to Song Changsheng, who stored it away as a treasure...

Early the next morning, Song Changsheng consolidated his Cultivation before heading toward the Wind Language Hall. Now that he had successfully reached Foundation Establishment, it was only natural that he pay a visit to his Ninth Auntie.

The Wind Language Hall was the clan’s intelligence agency. Established a century ago, it served as the clan’s eyes and ears to the outside world and had made significant contributions.

However, its history was ultimately too short. It rarely managed to obtain core intelligence on the major powers in Ling Province, so it had always maintained a low profile within the clan.

This was Song Changsheng’s first time visiting. The hall was indeed located in a remote spot, practically embedded in the cliff face and hidden by a large curtain of ivy. One could easily miss it if not paying close attention.

He pushed aside the ivy and stepped inside. The temperature instantly dropped by several degrees. From time to time, figures passed him, all shrouded in black robes that obscured their faces and auras. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Although everyone seemed curious about his arrival, no one stopped to question him.

Song Changsheng followed the passage into a large hall, where a burly, middle-aged man blocked his path. "The Third Elder has summoned you," the man said in a booming voice.

"Please, lead the way." Song Changsheng wasn’t surprised at all that Song Luyao knew of his movements. ’After all, I’m in her territory. How could any disturbance, no matter how small, escape her notice?’

The burly man led the way in silence while Song Changsheng observed his surroundings. He noticed the place was quite deserted; you could walk for a long time without seeing anyone.

Moreover, most of the people he did see were not disciples of the Song Clan. ’They must be outsiders the clan has been cultivating since childhood.’

After about a quarter of an hour, the man stopped abruptly. Clasping his hands in a respectful gesture, he said to Song Changsheng, "The Elder is inside. Please go in by yourself."

"Thank you."

Song Changsheng pushed the door open and entered, finding a space that resembled the Scripture Pavilion. It was filled with numerous bookshelves stacked high with colorful Jade Scrolls.

A single glance revealed thousands of them—a truly staggering sight.

"You’re here," a cold voice called out.

Song Changsheng looked toward the source of the voice and saw Song Luyao sitting in a wooden wheelchair, watching him with a calm gaze.

"Greetings, Ninth Auntie. Your nephew has successfully achieved Foundation Establishment," Song Changsheng said, hurrying forward to bow respectfully.

Song Luyao’s expression was placid, as if she wasn’t surprised by the news. She said coolly, "I heard you comprehended the Yin Yang True Intent?"

"That’s right."

"Not bad. You can now look forward to reaching the Purple Mansion. Even the Golden Core Dao is not entirely out of reach." A faint hint of approval showed on Song Luyao’s face.

"Ninth Aunt, you praise me too highly. I was merely lucky."

"Mm. Humble and composed. Now that’s more befitting of a Young Clan Leader," Song Luyao said, glancing at the purple Jade Token at his waist.

’She had been the first to propose making Song Changsheng the Young Clan Leader. From the looks of things, she hadn’t misjudged him. He truly was the most suitable choice.’

Song Changsheng gave a wry smile. He really had just been lucky.

He took out a Purple Jade Bottle and said respectfully, "The clan has its rules. A Foundation Establishment Pill is only for those who have made great contributions and earned it through fair competition. This nephew dares not break the clan’s rules, so I have come to return the Foundation Establishment Pill."

Seeing the still-sealed Foundation Establishment Pill, a flash of astonishment crossed Song Luyao’s eyes. "You used an Ancient Cultivator Method to achieve Foundation Establishment?"

"I did."

"Foolish!"

Song Luyao slammed her hand on the armrest of her wheelchair. "The Ancient Cultivator Method for Foundation Establishment is incredibly dangerous!" she raged. "If anything had happened to you, how could you have faced the clansmen who have placed so much hope in you?"

Song Changsheng lowered his eyes, standing respectfully by her side without daring to offer the slightest rebuttal.

Seeing him act this way, the anger on Song Luyao’s face subsided slightly. "Do not act so recklessly in the future," she said, her tone still cold.

"Understood."

"Since you managed to save this Foundation Establishment Pill, you can decide who it goes to. As the Young Clan Leader, you now have that authority," Song Luyao said coolly, pushing the Jade Bottle back toward him.

Song Changsheng was surprised, but he quickly understood. ’This is a test from Song Luyao.’ Allocating a Foundation Establishment Pill was a delicate task, far more complex than it seemed.

"Your nephew will obey."

"Right, there is one more thing I need you to handle," Song Luyao said suddenly, picking up a Jade Scroll.

"Please instruct me, Ninth Aunt."

"In the two years you were in seclusion, I haven’t been idle. I’ve finally uncovered some clues about the clan’s traitor. By now, I’ve basically confirmed who it is."

A flash of hatred appeared in Song Changsheng’s eyes as he demanded, his voice thick with anger, "Who is it?"

"It’s all in here. I’m giving you full authority to handle this," Song Luyao said, passing the Jade Scroll to him before wheeling herself away.

Song Changsheng pressed the Jade Scroll to his forehead. A moment later, a look of absolute horror filled his eyes. "How could it be him?"

——————

After leaving the Wind Language Hall, Song Changsheng didn’t return to his residence. Instead, he made his way to a courtyard on the mountainside. His heart grew heavy as he took in the familiar scenery.

"Well, if it isn’t Sheng’Er! Or should I be calling you Young Clan Leader now?" A friendly-faced, middle-aged man approached, smiling warmly at Song Changsheng.

The sight of the man made Song Changsheng’s heart ache with even greater bitterness. Still, he clasped his hands in greeting. "Uncle Lusheng."

Song Lusheng didn’t notice anything amiss with Song Changsheng and greeted him with a laugh. "It’s been a long time since you last came to see me, not since you learned Water Dragon Roar. Father still mentions you often. Quick, come inside and talk!"

Song Changsheng didn’t move. His expression was a storm of emotions as he spoke. "Uncle... why become a traitor...?"

...