Chapter Fifty-Seven: Return

Song Xianyun’s white eyebrows stood upright as he shouted angrily, “Such heretical tricks—how dare you!” With a sweep of his hand, he tossed a golden orb into the air, its dazzling radiance illuminating heaven and earth in a blinding flash.

A sudden hiss echoed as wisps of blue smoke rose in the air, releasing a wretched stench. Feng Wuming’s face drained of color; he hurriedly recalled his released venomous insects. He had sent out three, all suffering varying degrees of injury. His heart ached at the sight.

“You audacious insect cultivator, how dare you run wild in Lingzhou! Do you think there’s no one here to stop you? Surrender now!” Song Xianyun’s voice thundered as the orb hovered above his head.

“What is that thing? It can actually harm my life insects!” Feng Wuming was both shocked and enraged; he had never encountered such a magical artifact before.

“It was prepared especially for you!” Song Xianyun’s words rolled like spring thunder as his spiritual power surged, making the orb’s light blaze even brighter.

Feng Wuming felt an intense discomfort coursing through his body, stemming from the life insect residing in his heart. He could sense its agony, as if it wanted to burst free.

“How can this be? What is that artifact, and why do my insects react as if faced with their nemesis?” Feng Wuming was utterly suppressed by the orb. Meanwhile, the others closed in from all sides.

Seeing he was about to be surrounded, a look of madness flickered in Feng Wuming’s eyes. Gritting his teeth, he summoned the three injured life insects and cried out:

“Blood Insect Cleansing Heaven!”

In an instant, the three insects exploded, transforming into a foul cloud of blood mist. The crowd reeled in shock, hastily activating protective energies to shield themselves, wary of any lurking insects.

Moments later, golden rays pierced the blood mist, dispersing it entirely. When the haze cleared, only a puddle of blood remained—Feng Wuming had vanished without a trace.

“What a ruthless insect cultivator, to self-destruct his own life insects just to escape.” Wang Wanzhou’s expression was grim.

“He’s lost half his life already. Even if he got away, without his life insects, he can’t stir up much trouble,” said Li’s guardian quietly.

“That may be so, but we must stay vigilant. I suggest we search the entire market, inside and out, in case any insects are still lurking.”

“Well said.”

The group quickly split up to act. Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night in the marketplace…

“Hiss…” Song Changsheng felt utterly drained, unable to muster any strength. He slowly opened his eyes to see an aged face before him.

“Child, you’re finally awake.” Relief washed over Song Xianyun as he watched Song Changsheng awaken.

“Grand Elder.” Song Changsheng struggled to rise, but his limbs felt powerless.

“Lie still. You’re very weak right now.”

“Forgive my rudeness, Grandfather.”

“We’re family, there’s no need for formality. Did something go wrong in your cultivation?” Song Xianyun tucked the blanket around him, his tone gentle.

“I accidentally got infected by a venomous insect, fought it off, and now I’m exhausted.”

Song Xianyun’s eyes widened in alarm. “Where is the insect?”

“I destroyed it with my own hands. Has the insect cultivator been brought to justice?” This was what concerned him most.

Song Xianyun sighed. “He managed to escape, but he’s too wounded to cause trouble for now. We’ve given him a harsh warning—he shouldn’t dare return.”

Song Changsheng frowned, unease stirring in his heart. Insect cultivators were unpredictable; would Feng Wuming really swallow this defeat so easily?

Perhaps sensing his worries, Song Xianyun smiled warmly. “Even if he returns, there’s nothing to fear. Our family possesses a special orb that counters all insects. Unless he breaks through to the Purple Mansion realm, he poses no threat.”

Song Changsheng was deeply moved. A single insect had tormented that rogue cultivator for decades, forcing him to risk exposure for poisonous bait. Yet the Song clan had artifacts designed to neutralize such threats with ease.

This was the heritage of a true family!

From the start, this world was never fair. Disciples of the sacred sects looked down on all, while solitary cultivators struggled just to survive.

Song Changsheng was undeniably fortunate, with his family as the strongest shield behind him.

“When you’re recovered, come with me back to Vast Peak. You’ve given us many sleepless nights lately. Your mother has repeatedly asked for you to return. Whether it’s Little Green Mountain, Vast Peak, or any other spiritual mountain, it’s far safer than here,” Song Xianyun said earnestly.

“I accept, Grandfather.” Song Changsheng no longer refused; this period had been far too intense, making him acutely aware of his own limitations.

Once back, he would prepare to break through the Foundation Establishment stage—and face the wider world beyond…

After Song Xianyun departed, Song Changsheng finally had a chance to examine his own body. His spiritual sense swept through his form; no major issues, just a slight injury to his dantian. He would need to halt cultivation for a while.

This was already the best outcome.

Yet what pained him most was the loss of his hard-earned Primordial Qi—only a single wisp remained. It would take years of diligent cultivation to replenish it. His heart bled at the thought.

———

Five days later, Song Changsheng’s wounds had mostly healed, and he prepared to return to Vast Peak.

As he contemplated leaving, he felt a twinge of reluctance. The past year here had been more exciting than the previous twenty, and he had forged many bonds with fellow cultivators.

He asked Song Xianyun for an extra day to properly bid farewell to Zhu Yiqun and the others; who knew when they would meet again?

His only regret was not seeing Xu Yunhe one last time. According to Zhu Yiqun, Xu Yunhe had departed alone soon after returning from his cave abode, and no one knew his whereabouts.

But one thing was certain: when they met again, Xu Yunhe would surely have transformed—becoming a figure renowned far and wide.

“Changsheng, it’s time to go,” Song Xianyun called gently.

“I’m coming.”

Song Changsheng stepped onto his flying sword, and together with Song Xianyun, soared away in a streak of light…

Inside Treasure-Seeking Pavilion, Song Luyuan watched his daughter Song Changqian stand motionless by the window. “He’s gone far now, you can’t see him anymore.”

Song Changqian turned, forcing a bitter smile. “Father, I want to go elsewhere for some training.”

“Why such a sudden idea?” Song Luyuan looked at his daughter in surprise.

“Father, you’ve protected me too well. Compared to Changsheng, I lag behind in every respect. If this continues, someday I’ll make an irreparable mistake. I can’t live under your wing forever—I must face the storms alone to truly grow.” Her voice was resolute, her gaze unwavering.

Song Luyuan sighed deeply and finally nodded with difficulty. He could not shield her forever; to survive in this harsh world, her steps could not be confined to the small Treasure-Seeking Pavilion…