Chapter 237: Chapter 237: Negotiating Terms

A wave of pressure washed over her, and Song Wanning felt her body grow heavy.

Instead of anger, a smile touched her lips. Her expression remained calm and composed.

"Senior, you are mistaken. Even if I can’t claim ownership of the Trial Tower, as long as I—or my clansmen—hold the Boundary Token, we can still open it."

"Whether the Trial Tower truly belongs to me is not important, wouldn’t you agree?"

Song Wanning said this as she toyed with the ends of her hair, her expression unreadable.

’She wasn’t wrong. As long as she had the Boundary Token, what did it matter if she couldn’t claim ownership?’

’The Song Family could always benefit in some way.’

’He wants to trade it back for just a True Disciple position and an unconfirmed lead on the Xirang?’

’She wasn’t an idiot.’

Hearing this, Luo Hantian’s expression cooled. He stared directly into Song Wanning’s eyes. "Have you never considered what will happen after you ascend?"

If she offended the Ancient Cold Sect, had she not considered the consequences she would face once she ascended to the Upper Realm?

His words were both a test and a threat. But to his surprise, Song Wanning merely shrugged, a fearless look on her face.

"It’s hard to say if I’ll even survive the Heavenly Tribulation. Wouldn’t you agree, Senior?"

This blatant display of apathy actually made Luo Hantian chuckle in amusement.

However, the more she acted this way, the more his admiration for her grew.

’If they could recruit such a disciple for the Ancient Cold Sect ahead of time, it would truly be their gain.’

After all, an outstanding Ascension Cultivator like her would have no trouble finding a Sect to take her in.

After a moment of contemplation, he sighed, his expression softening into a gentle look once more.

"Forget it. You youngsters refuse to suffer even the slightest loss."

The Ancient Cold Sect was vast and powerful; there was no need to scheme against a young girl.

"Besides helping you claim ownership of the Trial Tower and offering a True Disciple position, I can also give you a portion of our legacy in advance. And, of course, I can provide some information."

"You can also pick a few Magical Treasures, but with the two realms separated, they can’t reach you right now..."

The moment he finished speaking, Song Wanning smilingly cut in, "Senior, although this junior cannot receive them, my master has already ascended to the Spirit Realm. You could have the treasures transferred to my master’s hands. Just tell her they are a gift from her disciple."

’It’s not even certain if I can ascend, so I’d better get the treasures into my own people’s hands first.’

Luo Hantian: "..."

’This girl doesn’t miss a trick.’

He shot Song Wanning a speechless glance but ultimately didn’t refuse. Just as he was about to speak, Song Wanning spoke again. "In addition, I hope the Ancient Cold Sect can provide a place of shelter for the disciples of my family in the future."

’Whether the Song Family members join the Ancient Cold Sect or not, they’ll at least have another option. That way, this deal won’t be too much of a loss.’

Luo Hantian’s words were once again stuck in his throat.

’This girl really has the guts to ask. Isn’t she afraid I’ll just get angry and refuse?’

"Fine. I can accept that request."

As long as it wasn’t the position of a True Disciple, the rest wasn’t difficult.

"Excellent! You are most forthright, Senior! In that case, this junior accepts. I will do everything in my power to bring the Trial Tower back to the Ancient Cold Sect!"

Song Wanning knew when to quit while she was ahead. If she couldn’t claim ownership of the Trial Tower, it would be inconvenient for the Song Family to come here.

Cooperating with this senior was a win-win situation.

"Good! Very decisive!"

Joy touched Luo Hantian’s features. If he could bring the Trial Tower back, he would be fulfilling the wish of his ancestors.

He beckoned for Song Wanning to come closer, and they began to select the legacy and treasures.

Song Wanning showed no restraint, taking her time to choose meticulously. It wasn’t until the morning of the second day that she finally made her decision.

She decided to send all three treasures to her master. She gave him her master’s name and a portrait; with Luo Hantian’s power, finding one person shouldn’t be difficult.

As for the remaining few Jade Scrolls, she tucked them into her storage ring without a second thought.

"I hope Senior will also pass on my greetings to my master."

A hint of sincerity appeared in Song Wanning’s eyes. It had been so long; she wondered if her master was well.

Since her rebirth, the person she missed most was her master.

"Alright."

Luo Hantian agreed. Without any further ado, he began helping Song Wanning claim ownership of the Trial Tower.

The Boundary Token, which had resisted all her attempts, became incredibly obedient in Luo Hantian’s hands, docilely absorbing Song Wanning’s blood.

A moment later, a ripple spread through her Sea of Consciousness. In the next instant, a small tower flew into it with a SWOOSH.

When Luo Hantian saw the sub-tower mentioned in the records, a look of delight appeared in his eyes. He circled it several times, appraising it, before leaving in high spirits.

Her Sea of Consciousness fell quiet once more. Song Wanning looked down at the Boundary Token in her hand. She had to return to the Song Family first to set up the Trial Tower.

Thinking back on this experience, she felt a complex mix of emotions.

It seemed just as the Golden Small Sword had said: ever since Ye Chuxue’s luck had turned sour, her own fortune seemed to have improved a great deal without her even realizing it.

The legacy Jade Scrolls in her Storage Ring, in particular, made her heart surge with excitement. As long as she studied the legacy, she would have another layer of security when she entered the Secluded Land.

At this thought, she immediately spurred herself onward, rushing back to the Song Family. As for Bai Yang’s Communication Talismans, she had listened to all of them but replied to none.

’What’s the use of him realizing his mistake now?’

’She didn’t need it anymore.’

...

Back at the Song Family estate, the Trial Tower was quickly set up. Song Qingyun and the several elders were overjoyed, looking at Song Wanning with expressions full of adoration. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Song Wanning gave a faint smile, briefly mentioned the matter of the Trial Tower, and then handed the copied legacy to Song Qingyun.

If everyone had the talent to comprehend the legacy, that would be even better.

This selfless act moved the elders to tears. They all knew the Song Family was facing imminent danger, and Song Wanning’s immediate family had been running themselves ragged, even sacrificing everything for the sake of the clan.

Everyone took this kindness to heart, and the rifts that had once existed between them gradually closed, their relationships becoming seamless.

Now, everyone’s hearts were united as one, and they all strived hard in their respective positions.

The entire Song Family was brimming with a vibrant energy.

After handing over the Trial Tower, Song Wanning found Li Rao to give her some guidance on her Alchemy Technique. She also took out a suitable legacy and left it for her to comprehend on her own.

The legacy left by a great power was formidable, but it required high comprehension to understand. Song Wanning herself hadn’t even scratched the surface, so she naturally couldn’t guide Li Rao much.

"Don’t worry, Master, Li Rao will study hard!"

Li Rao’s small face was tense. She had also sensed the recent atmosphere in the Song Family, and a sense of urgency had grown within her.

She had not only grown taller but also had a better understanding of right and wrong, of kindness and ill will.

The Song Family treated her with genuine kindness, and she wanted to do something to help. For now, all she could do was cultivate diligently, study alchemy, and strive to become a useful person.

"Good child."

Song Wanning patted her head, her heart softening.

After giving a few more instructions, she went into seclusion once more.

She couldn’t find any news about the Xirang, so she could only hope that Luo Hantian might have a way.

For now, she decided to focus on studying these legacies.

Song Wanning rolled her wrists. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was never enough time.