Chapter Twenty-Four: Rumors and Whispers

"One last thing. The recent beast attacks in the mortal realm are undoubtedly entangled with the Earthfire Sect—perhaps even orchestrated by them. If we just swallow this humiliation, our family's influence in Lingzhou will surely diminish. I believe we ought to give them a taste of their own medicine," declared a long-bearded elder, indignation coloring his voice.

"Naturally," Song Luzhou replied, stroking his smooth chin and letting out a sly chuckle. "I'm about to negotiate with the Li Clan to reduce the Earthfire Sect's share of spirit herbs and ores—enough to make them choke on it."

"Excellent," the crowd agreed, nodding one after another. Being able to strike back without drawing swords was the ideal outcome. In Lingzhou, on this patch of land, the Song Clan feared no rival when it came to deep-rooted power.

"Very well. Today's clan council ends here. We must gather spirit stones swiftly. I ask all of you to give this your utmost attention."

"It is our solemn duty!"

——

The announcement of rewards and the call for spirit stone loans were issued together. Purchasing Foundation Establishment Pills was a matter that closely concerned every member of the Song Clan. All understood that only when the clan grew stronger could they enjoy better cultivation resources and hold their heads high.

Thus, each person contributed generously, offering up more or less of their savings.

Song Changsheng, who had already become a Purple Mansion seed, donated two thousand spirit stones. After this, he was left with only a few hundred, forcing him to temporarily set aside some personal plans.

Yet he felt no regret. Born into such a family, he was willing to give for its sake.

What Song Changsheng did not expect was that his generous gesture stirred up a great commotion within the clan. Some questioned how a mere Qi Refinement cultivator like him could produce so many spirit stones—was there perhaps some abuse of power within the family?

Although no names were spoken, everyone with discernment knew these accusations targeted Xia Yunxue.

But soon, Song Xianyun herself stepped forward to clear the air, publicly recounting the events of the trial and clarifying the source of Song Changsheng’s spirit stones.

With the Great Elder’s endorsement, the discordant voices vanished without a trace. However, careless words sometimes demand a price.

On that very day, the enforcement team arrested several individuals who had been stoking the flames in secret. Investigations revealed that these people were spies planted by old rivals of the family.

In resolving a mere rumor, the clan had unexpectedly unearthed several infiltrators—a most fortuitous turn.

The Song Clan acted swiftly. From the moment the rumor arose to the capture of the spies, only a handful of hours had passed. Song Changsheng, at the center of it all, remained oblivious until the clan's official notice was placed before him.

Song Changsheng cared little for others’ opinions, but he could not tolerate slander against his mother. The clan’s decisive and heartfelt handling of the matter moved him deeply. Their protective affection for mother and son was beyond words.

He thought the matter had ended, yet the ripples continued.

News of his capture of the Earthfire Sect’s young master and his confrontation with Foundation Establishment cultivators spread throughout the clan. Coupled with his selfless donation, Song Changsheng’s reputation soared—he was beginning to look the part of a young clan leader.

On the desolate summit, beside the Suspended Mirror Lake, Song Luyao respectfully reported the rumor incident to Song Xianming.

Rod in hand, Song Xianming replied with a calm expression, "Any matter that threatens clan unity must be treated with utmost seriousness. I do not believe this affair involves only a few pawns. Continue the investigation. I want to know who is stirring up trouble from the shadows!"

A chill flashed in Song Luyao's eyes. "Do you suspect the traitor has begun moving again?"

"Investigate, and all will be revealed," Song Xianming replied, a note of murderous intent in his voice.

"Yes, sir."

For a moment, undercurrents surged within the clan.

…

Unaware that his grandfather had emerged from seclusion, and ignorant of Song Luyao’s secret meeting, Song Changsheng was focused on his next steps.

"My skills in artifact refining have fallen behind my proficiency in formations. I must find a way to improve," he mused. "Time to take on some artifact forging assignments."

He set out for the Contribution Hall, which was not only where one exchanged contribution points for resources, but also the hub for clan tasks.

The tasks varied widely, sorted into different levels by difficulty.

After browsing, Song Changsheng selected a long-term post overseeing a family shop in Lingzhou’s only market—Liuyun Market.

Liuyun Market was jointly run by the six Foundation Establishment powers and served as a trading hub for cultivators. Between these major powers, dozens of Qi Refinement factions, and the itinerant cultivators passing through Lingzhou, the market was home to over a thousand resident cultivators, with even more coming and going for trade. Shops there were highly profitable.

The shop Song Changsheng would manage dealt primarily in magical implements and happened to be short an artifact refiner—his specialty.

Such assignments paid well and offered the chance to hone his craft, so Song Changsheng accepted without hesitation.

But a challenge remained: these tasks were lengthy, and one could only leave after a successor arrived.

What about Qing Mountain? Not to mention the spirit fish that had yet to break through—even the spirit gathering formation and the Misty Tea were assets he could not simply abandon. He needed someone reliable to take his place.

Suddenly, inspiration struck: Song Qingxi and Song Qingxing were perfect candidates.

After all, Song Qingxing preferred solitude and cultivating alone. Assigning him to the islet in the lake was ideal. While remote, it was safe, and with the spirit gathering formation, his cultivation wouldn’t suffer. It was the perfect setting.

Most importantly, his Wind Spirit Root would be less likely to draw attention there—a win on multiple fronts.

"I am truly ingenious," Song Changsheng shamelessly praised himself and submitted his proposal. To his surprise, it was approved.

However, they wouldn’t go alone; Fourth Elder Song Luhuai would accompany them. Besides protecting the precious Song Qingxing, another reason was that of all the elders remaining behind, Song Qingxing had the best rapport with him. The arrangement might even help temper Song Qingxing’s personality.

This was of little consequence to Song Changsheng. His only assets there were the spirit gathering formation and Misty Tea, and he trusted Song Luhuai’s character.

With the main obstacle resolved, Song Changsheng prepared thoroughly and set off for Liuyun Market.

Liuyun Market was situated in the Liuyun Mountains north of the Moonwatch Range, several thousand miles from the Cangmang Peak. Even traveling at his best pace, it would take Song Changsheng several days to reach it.

Hurrying along the way, Song Changsheng finally entered the Liuyun Mountains at midday on the third day, and caught his first glimpse of the market at the mountain’s foot…

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