Rumors (Please Keep Reading)

"The last matter: the demon beast attack in the Mortal World this time was certainly inextricably linked to the Earth Fire Sect—perhaps it was their handiwork outright.

"If we simply swallow this anger, the Lineage's voice in Ling Province will decline in the future. I believe we should return the favor properly," said a long-bearded Clan Elder indignantly.

"Of course. Next, I intend to negotiate with the Li Clan and reduce the share of Spiritual Herbs and Ores supplied to the Earth Fire Sect. That will be enough to make them swallow a bitter brew." Song Luzhou stroked his smooth chin and chuckled.

"Excellent."

Everyone present nodded in succession. Being able to strike back at the Earth Fire Sect without shedding blood was naturally the best option. On this little patch of land in Ling Province, when it came to foundations, the Song Clan had never feared anyone.

"Mm. Then today's Clan Meeting shall end here. The collection of Spirit Stones must proceed quickly; I ask everyone to take this to heart."

"We shall not shirk our duty!"

The notice regarding the Lineage's rewards and the borrowing of Spirit Stones was issued at the same time.

Purchasing a Foundation Establishment Pill was a major matter closely tied to every member of the Lineage. All Song Clan Members understood that only if the Lineage grew stronger could they enjoy better cultivation conditions and hold their heads high.

Thus, everyone generously opened their purses, contributing some portion of their Accumulated wealth, whether much or little.

Song Changsheng, who had already become a Purple Palace Seed, also donated two thousand Spirit Stones. After taking out that sum, he had only a few hundred left on him, and some of his original plans had to be temporarily shelved.

However, he did not regret it. Born into such a Lineage, he was willing to give for it.

What Song Changsheng had never expected was that this lavish contribution of his would stir up a tremendous uproar within the Lineage.

Some questioned how Song Changsheng, a Qi Condensation Cultivator, could produce so many Spirit Stones. Could someone within the Lineage have been abusing their authority for personal gain?

Though they did not state it outright, anyone with eyes could see that they were Targeting Xia Yunxue.

But Song Xianyun soon stepped forward personally to dispel the rumors and issued a report on what had happened during the trial, clearly identifying the source of Song Changsheng's Spirit Stones.

With the Great Elder vouching for him, those discordant remarks vanished without a trace. But some words came with a price once spoken.

That day, the Enforcement Team arrested several people who had been secretly fanning the flames. After a thorough investigation that dug to the roots, they discovered that these people were actually Spies planted by several of the Lineage's Old Rivals.

Handling one rumor had unexpectedly rooted out several Spies. It could only be called a pleasant surprise.

The Lineage moved swiftly. From the birth of the rumors to the capture of the Spies, only a few hours passed in total. Song Changsheng, who stood at the center of public opinion, did not even know what had happened before the Lineage's notice of its handling was placed before him.

Song Changsheng did not care what others said, but what he could not tolerate was someone secretly slandering his mother.

Yet the Lineage's attitude and speed in handling the matter deeply moved Song Changsheng. The Lineage's protection and affection for mother and son needed no words.

He had thought the matter would pass just like that, but he had not expected there to be more to come.

His deeds of capturing the Young Master of the Earth Fire Sect alive and confronting a Foundation Establishment Cultivator also spread, and coupled with his generous contribution to the Lineage, his reputation within the Lineage rose greatly.

He truly had a little of the bearing of a Young Clan Head now...

At the Summit of Vastness, by the shore of Suspended Mirror Lake.

Song Luyao respectfully reported the matter concerning the rumors to Song Xianming.

Holding a fishing rod, Song Xianming said calmly, "Anything that affects the Lineage's unity must be treated with the utmost seriousness.

"I do not believe that there were merely a few little pawns behind this matter. Continue investigating. This Old Man wants to know just who is stirring wind and rain in the shadows!"

A Cold Light flashed through Song Luyao's eyes. "You mean that traitor has begun moving again?"

"Keep investigating, and everything will become clear." Song Xianming's tone also carried killing intent.

"Yes."

For a moment, undercurrents surged within the Lineage.

Song Changsheng still did not know that his grandfather had emerged from seclusion, much less about Song Luyao's secret meeting with him. At present, he was considering his next development plan.

"My Artifact Forging Technique has fallen far behind my Array skills. I must find a way to improve it. I should take on some artifact-forging tasks," Song Changsheng thought to himself.

He Set Off for the Contribution Hall. It was not only a place to exchange Contribution Points for resources, but also where Lineage missions were posted.

The tasks here came in all kinds and types, ranked at different levels according to their difficulty.

After looking through them all, Song Changsheng ultimately chose a long-term task stationed at a Lineage Shop. This Shop was located in Ling Province's only Market—Liuyun Market.

Liuyun Market was a trading ground for Cultivators jointly controlled by the Six Great Foundation Establishment Powers. Counting the several major Foundation Establishment Powers, dozens of Qi Refining Forces, and the Rogue Cultivators constantly passing through Ling Province—

Liuyun Market had over a thousand Cultivators residing there year-round, and even more came and went to trade. The Shops there were all extremely profitable.

The Shop Song Changsheng was going to mainly dealt in business related to Magic Artifacts and happened to be short of an Artifact Forger. He fit the requirements perfectly.

Such tasks generally offered generous compensation, and he could improve his Artifact Forging Technique through them as well, so Song Changsheng naturally accepted it without hesitation.

However, another problem arose. Such tasks generally lasted quite a long time, and he would have to remain there until the next Artifact Forger came to take over.

If so, what would happen to Little Green Mountain?

Not to mention the Spirit Fish that had yet to break through—even the Spirit Gathering Array and Mist Concealment Tea could not simply be abandoned. He had to find someone to fill in for him.

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck Song Changsheng, and he thought of two Suitable Candidates: Song Qingxi and Song Qingxing.

Song Qingxing did not fit in with others and liked cultivating alone anyway, so he could simply be sent to Lake Heart Island. Though that place was remote, it was safe, and with the Spirit Gathering Array there, it would not delay his cultivation. It was practically tailor-made for him.

Most importantly, it would be harder for his Wind Spirit Root to be exposed there. It was simply one stroke for many gains!

"I'm truly too clever."

Song Changsheng shamelessly praised himself, then reported his idea upward. Unexpectedly, it was approved.

But it would not only be the two of them going. Fourth Elder Song Luhai would accompany them as well.

Besides protecting Song Qingxing, that precious treasure, there was another important reason: among all the elders remaining behind, Song Qingxing had the best attitude toward him. Having him go along was also meant to change his temperament.

This did not matter much to Song Changsheng. His only private property there was the Spirit Gathering Array and Mist Concealment Tea, and he still trusted Song Luhai's character.

With the main difficulty resolved, Song Changsheng made careful preparations before embarking on the road to Liuyun Market.

Liuyun Market lay in the Liuyun Mountain Range north of the Moon-Gazing Mountain Range, a full several thousand li from Vast Peak. At Song Changsheng's pace, the journey would take at least several days.

Hurrying along the entire way, Song Changsheng finally entered the Liuyun Mountain Range at noon on the third day and saw Liuyun Market at the foot of the mountains...

PS: This book is currently at a crucial stage for recommendation placement. I ask all fellow Daoists to keep reading and lend me a hand. Chuxin will be endlessly grateful!

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