Song Changsheng
Eternal Life Begins with Understanding the DaoBiodata
| Name | Song Changsheng 1 |
|---|---|
| Alias | Young Clan Head (later Clan Head); Southwest Alliance Leader 82 295 1008 |
| Gender | Male 1 |
| Species | Human 1 |
| Affiliation | Song Clan (Wangyue Song Clan); Southwest Alliance 1 1008 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 1 1 |
| Status | Alive 795 1007 1157 |
Physical Description
Song Changsheng is a tall and strikingly handsome young man. He stands approximately seven chi in height, with a face like polished fine jade. His features are sharpened by sword-like eyebrows, and his thick, jet-black hair is most often casually tied behind his head with a ribbon. He typically wears either a silver-moon cloud-patterned green robe, with a small gourd hanging from his waist, or a heavier black Daoist robe with dark gold threading that forms auspicious cloud patterns and the Song Clan's Silver Moon emblem on the back 1 16. Over the years, his physique has grown more robust from body cultivation; he has been seen with bronzed, bulging muscles, a jaw covered in stiff stubble, and his eyes wrapped in a pitch-black silk ribbon, which gives him a more rugged, weathered appearance 405. Despite these occasional rougher traits, his overall bearing is that of a distinguished and elegant cultivator.
- Face like fine jade with slightly sharp features, accentuated by sword-like eyebrows 1.
- Thick, black hair casually tied behind the head with a ribbon 1.
- Tall stature, at roughly seven chi in height 1.
- Often carries a small gourd hanging from the waist 1.
- Favors distinctive robes: a silver-moon cloud-patterned green robe, or a black Daoist robe with dark gold embroidery of auspicious clouds and the Song Clan's Silver Moon emblem 1 16.
- Later appearance includes a bronze, muscular build, stiff stubble on the jaw, and eyes sometimes covered by a pitch-black silk ribbon (often associated with an emergence from seclusion) 405.
- Under special circumstances, his form can undergo dramatic transformation (such as growing scales, extra limbs, and wings), but his default appearance remains that of a handsome young man of jade-like complexion.
- When activating the complete Five Beast Battle Body, he becomes more than one zhang taller, develops scales, six arms ending in claws, and a pair of blazing wings 835.
Personality
Song Changsheng's personality is a carefully balanced synthesis of seemingly contradictory traits—ruthless pragmatism and profound kindness, strategic manipulation and genuine humility, commanding authority and patient mentorship. He is above all a leader who prioritizes the long-term survival and prosperity of his clan, willing to make hard decisions that others would shrink from, yet he never loses sight of the human element, showing consistent care for his disciples, family, and even former enemies when they prove their worth. This complexity makes him a figure of deep respect and subtle wariness among allies and rivals alike 96 337 887.
- Strategic and Calculating: Song Changsheng habitually thinks several moves ahead, whether in clan politics, resource management, or personal advancement. He manipulates others into taking responsibility—such as encouraging the lazy Song Youfu to strive for Clan Head—and uses public trials to turn opinion against his rivals 939. He also hides his true capabilities during the Dao Discussion Meeting to avoid unwanted attention, demonstrating a long-game approach 591. In the East Sea, he used Song Daoling's identity token and the news of his victory as bargaining chips to induce Liuli to move sea demons away from the Gemini Islands rather than confronting them directly 737.
- Ruthless and Pragmatic: When the mortal clan members posed a potential future betrayal, he did not hesitate to eliminate them, even while acknowledging their current innocence. His decision was supported by Song Luyao, who shared his pragmatic view that the clan's interests come first 96. Similarly, he annexed the Brocade Banner and expanded his power without sentimentality 939. When Li Qinghe attempted to blackmail him during the Wanlong Merchant Association crisis, Song Changsheng beheaded him without hesitation while imposing lasting punishment on the other rebels 997.
- Humble and Wise: Despite his extraordinary talent and achievements, he often presents himself modestly. As a young cultivator, he deferred to his clan brothers by introducing himself humbly 71. He also declined tempting offers—such as a position at the Myriad Manifestations Academy or the Heavenly Meridian Sect—because he valued his clan's needs above personal gain 591 692.
- Genuinely Kind and Generous: He readily helped his elder brother Song Changming by gifting Spirit Stones for a protective talisman without expecting rewards 1. He also treated the hostage Song Yuqing with respect and kindness, intending to bring him under his wing 723. His disciples, like Chi Li and Chiming, receive patient guidance and resources 623 948. He also spared the surviving Wanlong Merchant Association elders after crushing their rebellion, provided they faithfully served the association thereafter 997.
- Commanding and Authoritative: Over the years, he has cultivated a natural dignity that compels respect. When he entered the grand hall during the Grand Clan Meeting, all present stood and bowed, and ordinary people dared not meet his eyes 884. He also accurately reads the subtle emotions of subordinates like Song Youfu and uses that awareness to maintain control 886. His overwhelming display against the Southwest's strongest Golden Core cultivators secured unanimous recognition of him as the Southwest Alliance Leader 1008.
- Mentor and Teacher: He invests significant time in his disciples' growth, not just in techniques but in philosophy. He teaches Chi Li that following a master's path slavishly is wrong, urging him to forge his own Dao 961. He also tests Chi Li's skills in combat before revealing his identity, praising his performance 597. He later accepted Li Chengjun as a disciple and personally guided his cultivation of the dangerous Engraving Arrays with the Body method 856.
- Emotionally Controlled yet Capable of Deep Feeling: He keeps his face expressionless during tense negotiations, such as when convincing Xiao Qingwan about his grandfather's supposed nobility 143. However, he feels genuine regret over his grandfather's legacy and shows affection for Zhuang Yuechan, laughing at her jokes 96 939.
- Diplomatic and Adaptable: He knows when to yield and when to stand firm. He changed his tune quickly when facing the Vast Sea Loose Cultivator to avoid conflict 159. Yet he also firmly demands that his clan be given a way out when dealing with powerful figures like Bai Zhengchun 331. He later sought cooperation with Pan Shi City and offered assistance against True Lord Mingtai's corpse poison in exchange for intelligence support 851.
- Responsible Regional Leader: Song Changsheng believes that concentrating authority is sometimes necessary for a faction's survival. During the Wanlong Merchant Association conflict, he explained that its elders had enabled the chairman's abuses and that a decentralized association would be unable to endure a changing era 997. As Southwest Alliance Leader, he repeatedly risked his life against the strongest enemies during the regional war despite having more secure alternatives 1063.
Abilities
Cultivation Base
Song Changsheng’s cultivation foundation rests on the Yin‑Yang Profound Radiance Scripture, a Dao Scripture that harmonizes his incompatible water and fire spiritual roots, converting the conflict into a synergistic fusion that greatly accelerates his cultivation speed 1. His meridians and dantian are exceptionally wide, allowing him to store and channel spiritual power far exceeding that of ordinary cultivators 144. He further refines his spiritual power with Mist Concealment Tea and employs the Ink Jade Lotus Platform as an auxiliary tool to store vast reserves, enabling sustained use of high‑consumption spells and the ability to fight above his cultivation level 144. Upon breaking through to the Purple Palace stage, his meridians and dantian widened again, and his physical body and soul experienced substantial enhancement; during the breakthrough he also comprehended the innate divine ability Yin‑Yang Annihilation 352. His divine sense grew to rival that of an Early Golden Core cultivator after reaching the Spirit Refining stage, bolstering all his soul‑based techniques 669.
His Perfect Golden Core contains twelve Qi Cyclones, granting him recovery and dharma-power reserves far beyond those of ordinary Golden Core cultivators 677 831. Even before reaching Golden Core Great Perfection, his Law insights, physique, bloodline, and divine soul all reached the peak of the Golden Core realm, leaving his cultivation level as his only significant limitation 876.
- Wide meridians and spacious dantian allow storage of spiritual power beyond normal limits 144.
- Ink Jade Lotus Platform stores additional spiritual power for extended combat 144.
- Mist Concealment Tea improves spiritual power purity 144.
- Breakthrough to Purple Palace widened pathways and increased physique and soul strength 352.
- Divine sense comparable to Early Golden Core after Spirit Refining 669.
- His twelve-aperture Perfect Golden Core provides exceptionally sustained dharma power and recovery 677 831.
- His cultivation, while at the False Infant stage, allows him to suppress ordinary Golden Core Great Perfection cultivators with a gap described as the difference between heaven and earth 1008.
Physical Cultivation
Song Changsheng practices a demanding body‑tempering path that eventually allows his physical body to clash with spirit artifacts. He first mastered the Yin‑Yang Two Forms Array inscribed on his own body, connecting acupoints and meridians; after activation he could cut a first‑tier high‑grade magic artifact in half 63. He later cultivated the Earth Dragon clan’s method, significantly boosting his physical strength to the level of a second‑tier magic artifact 101. By the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, his Earth, Fire, and Metal body-tempering diagrams had reached Great Accomplishment, making his physique comparable to a spirit artifact 233.
The Five Beast Battle Body technique, which requires materials from five mythical beasts, transforms his appearance into a chimera with scales, extra arms, claws, and wings, enhancing all physical attributes 835. After absorbing all five remnant souls, the complete battle body gained the Earth Dragon Emperor's extreme regenerative ability, the Bi Fang Bird's fiery wings and enhanced speed, and the Six-Armed Demonic Ape's mountain-splitting strength 370. Following the ascension of his bloodline, its duration increased from roughly half an hour to several hours 836. This battle body is used in close combat with Golden‑Core‑level opponents 634. He also engraved the Impermanence Killing Formation inside his body—a full‑power strike that drains all his magical power and leaves him weakened, though during the Five Academies Grand Competition he offset the drain using Primal Chaos Qi formed from the essence of sun and moon 853.
- Body can withstand attacks from second‑tier magic artifacts 101.
- By the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, his physique was comparable to a spirit artifact 233.
- Five Beast Battle Body grants scales, extra limbs, claws, and fiery wings, boosting all physical capabilities 835.
- The complete battle body grants extreme regeneration, explosive strength, and enhanced aerial mobility 370.
- His Star Bloodline supplies powerful restorative ability, which he learned to integrate in protracted battles against Great Perfection Demon Kings 806.
- His Great Perfection Law of Strength permits physical blows powerful enough to crack space and shatter high-grade defensive artifacts 806 830.
- Impermanence Killing Formation delivers a single overwhelming strike at the cost of complete magical depletion 853.
- Engraved array on body can cut high‑grade artifacts 63.
Divine Soul and Spiritual Sense
Song Changsheng’s divine soul power is a key asset, enabling techniques that threaten even Golden Core cultivators. He cultivates the Soul Severing Blade (also called Soul Severing Golden Blade), a dangerous method that involves "taking a knife to one’s own divine soul"; once mastered, it can directly attack an opponent’s soul 680. He also obtained the Nine Heavens Cloud Palace, a divine soul technique that addresses his previous weakness in soul‑based combat 299. His Illusion Breaking Eye is a supplementary technique used to penetrate illusions and perceive concealed truths 144. The growth of his divine soul after the Spirit Refining stage raised his divine sense to the Early Golden Core level, increasing the power of all his soul techniques 669.
His willpower is similarly extraordinary. Song Changsheng successfully forced out Su Ding's divine soul projection through sheer determination after the Golden Core cultivator attempted to probe and control him 375.
- Soul Severing Golden Blade can damage Golden Core cultivators’ souls 669.
- Nine Heavens Cloud Palace provides a structured divine soul technique 299.
- Illusion Breaking Eye counteracts illusionary spells 144.
- Divine sense range and strength exceed typical Purple Palace cultivators 669.
- His extraordinary divine soul and willpower enabled him to resist and expel a Golden Core cultivator's divine soul projection 375.
Combat Techniques and Divine Abilities
Song Changsheng employs an extensive arsenal of combat techniques, ranging from minor to great divine abilities, elemental control, sword arts, and spatial techniques.
Minor Divine Abilities (all derived from the Song clan’s ancestral inheritance):
- Mountain Overturning Seal: A sealing‑type divine ability with a suppressive effect; used to pin enemies and restrict movement 108 362.
- Heavenly River: A large‑area attack that manifests a surging river of mana, effective in group battles 108 1128.
- Xun Wind Finger: The most lethal of the three in terms of killing power, also cultivated by Song Xianming 108.
- Soul Severing Golden Blade – also classed as a minor divine ability, used to damage souls 362.
- Heavenly Gang Shield: A defensive minor divine ability 362.
Great Divine Abilities (higher‑level techniques):
- Yin‑Yang Annihilation: An innate divine ability comprehended during his breakthrough, considered a type of eye technique; used to annihilate opponents during the battle against the Blood Demon Sect 352 634.
- World-Ending Grinding Mill: A Yin-Yang Law divine ability that manifests a massive black-and-white grinding mill capable of crushing opposing Law domains and attacks 756 831.
- Spatial Phasing: Allows him to merge into the void, phasing through attacks and re‑coalescing unharmed; he used it to neutralize Bai Zimou’s sword strike 760.
- Drawing a Circle as a Prison: Creates a spatial confinement to trap enemies, used to imprison Ye Minghong’s fleeing core and later to trap Demon Lord Canglang 780 1157.
- Universe in the Sleeve: A powerful spatial divine ability that can capture or redirect opponents and their attacks; Song Changsheng used it to counter Ji Liangyu's ambush 647 831.
- Thousand Shadow Tracing: A spatial movement and pursuit divine ability that allowed him to both rescue Xu Miaoyin and prevent True Lord Youying's escape 1102.
Other Combat Techniques:
Water‑Fire Control Technique: Grants mastery over water and fire elemental spiritual energy, significantly boosting his spells 1.
Fleeting Light and Shadow: An exquisite movement technique that remains one of his primary mobility assets 144 299.
Traceless Snow Tread: An evasion technique obtained later, complementing his movement skills 299.
Shrinking the Ground into Inches: Allows rapid close‑quarters approach, used against sword cultivators 556.
Seven Absolutes Sword Technique: A sword style he practices, wielded with the Book Language Sword 299 315.
Heaven-Opening Sword Strike: A powerful sword technique used alongside his great divine abilities during his battle with Ji Liangyu 831.
Stabilizing Rivers and Mountains: His signature sword, used to cleave through sword‑qi rivers and split the Blood Sea 556 634 780.
Chengyuan Sword: A sword modeled after the Human King Sword that can gather and unleash the Power of Human Dao Luck after Song Changsheng fused it with a Chengyuan Sword fragment 706 754.
Violet Void Divine Fire: An invisible flame refined from essence, energy, and spirit; inherited from the Qingtian Sword Immortal, it burns the Blood Sea and weakens enemies 379 634.
Earth Core Cold Flame: A spirit fire he refined into his Spirit Severing Gourd; used to destroy the Blood Sea of a Purple Palace cultivator 158 249.
Tai Chi Diagram: A defensive treasure and technique closely tied to his Yin-Yang path, capable of resisting powerful attacks and protecting him in life-or-death battles 81 245.
Mountain Overturning Seal suppressed Zhang Hongguang in mid‑air combat 362.
Heavenly River flooded a training ground, testing its barrier’s limits 1128.
Yin‑Yang Annihilation killed two Blood Demon Sect cultivators in a single use 634.
World-Ending Grinding Mill gradually ground away Ji Liangyu's Death Qi and the power of her bronze awl 831.
Spatial Phasing evaded a near‑instant sword strike from Bai Zimou 760.
Drawing a Circle as a Prison trapped a fleeing demon king’s core 780.
Universe in the Sleeve overturned Ji Liangyu's attempted sneak attack 831.
Violet Void Divine Fire burned the Blood Sea, forcing the Blood Demon Sect leader to transform 634.
Earth Core Cold Flame disabled Dong Tianxie’s Blood Sea 249.
Artifact Refining and Array Mastery
Song Changsheng is both a skilled artifact forger and a Fourth‑Tier Mid Grade Array Master. He refined his own Water‑Fire Treasure Gourd early in his cultivation, imbuing it with water‑fire power 4. Later, he incorporated the Earth Core Cold Flame into his Spirit Severing Gourd, upgrading it to a mid‑grade spirit artifact 158. He also refined a spirit sword modeled after the Human King Sword Chengyuan, infusing it with the Power of Law of Yin and Yang, and a spatial magic tool to surprise Song Tianyuan 706. After refining a Chengyuan Sword fragment into the weapon, the sword gained the ability to gather and release the Power of Human Dao Luck; he later used it and accumulated luck to refine and strengthen a broken sword 754 1126.
His array mastery enables him to activate the Mountain Protection Array to boost his power, and his Impermanence Killing Formation (a body‑engraved array) is a unique fusion of physical cultivation and formation knowledge 634 853. He can also set up Fourth‑Tier formations, though he notes that deploying a formation instantaneously from a small sphere (as seen in the Star Picking Tower) far exceeds his current capability 853. He returned the Engraving Arrays with the Body inheritance to True Monarch Yingyue, helped the Array Dao Academy improve the method, and personally supervised Li Chengjun's initial cultivation of it 843 856.
- Refined Spirit Severing Gourd into a mid‑grade spirit artifact 158.
- Forged a sword imbued with Yin‑Yang Law to maximize his sword cultivation 706.
- The fused Chengyuan Sword can gather and release Power of Human Dao Luck 754.
- Used the Chengyuan Sword and accumulated luck to strengthen a broken sword 1126.
- Controlled the Mountain Protection Array to oppose Golden‑Core‑level threats 634.
- As a Fourth‑Tier Mid Grade Array Master, he can set up high‑tier formations, but not instantaneously from miniaturized carriers 853.
- Collaborated with True Monarch Yingyue to advance the Engraving Arrays with the Body method 843 856.
Power Progression
| Stage | Realm/Cultivation Level | Age/Timeframe | Key Breakthrough Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qi Condensation | Late Phase (7th Layer), later 8th and 9th Layers | 16 – ~17 | Introduced Qi and comprehended the Yin-Yang Profound Radiance Scripture; broke through to Late Phase at age 16 1. Reached the 8th Layer in less than two months at age 17 13. Within two more months, advanced to the 9th Layer with the aid of Zhu Yiqun’s medicinal cuisine 34. Minor advancements: - Comprehended the Breath Concealment Technique at Qi Condensation Middle Phase and the Water-Fire Control Technique at Late Phase 1. - Refined the Water-Fire Treasure Gourd 4. - Reached Second-Tier low-grade in formations and First-Tier peak-grade in artifact forging 58. - Attempted to condense his own Great Dao Foundation 58. |
| Foundation Establishment | Foundation Establishment (Middle Stage initially; later Great Perfection) | Late teens – ~20s | Crossed the Soul Pass, established his Foundation, and comprehended the Yin-Yang True Intent, reaching the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment 91. After refining a Heavenly Spirit Pill, his cultivation reached Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment 279. Minor advancements: - Mastered Object Manipulation Flight and the Protective Spiritual Shield within half a month 96. - Learned the Minor Divine Ability Mountain Overturning Seal 108. - Became a registered disciple of Mu Guibai, completed the Minor Divine Ability Heavenly Gang Shield, and advanced the Five Beast Body Tempering Art 267. - Refined his natal magic tool into the Spirit Severing Flying Knife (Low-Grade Magic Treasure) 340. - Discovered and refined the innate magic artifact Five Elements Creation Seal 325. - Deposited his insights and techniques into the clan’s Scripture Repository 279. |
| Purple Mansion (Violet Palace) | Violet Palace, progressing to Great Perfection | Under 50 | Breakthrough triggered a massive Heavenly Anomaly; his Violet Palace mutated due to the Primal Chaos Qi, and he comprehended the innate divine ability Yin-Yang Annihilation 352. He later reached Purple Palace Great Perfection and was widely acknowledged as the foremost cultivator beneath the Golden Core stage 626. Minor advancements: - Completed the Five Beast Battle Body, gaining the five beasts' combined regeneration, speed, and strength enhancements 370. - Refined Geng Metal Qi and Ding Fire Essence to prepare for the Five-Element Golden Core path 393. - Achieved Spirit Refining, strengthening his Divine Soul to rival an Early Golden Core cultivator and raising the power of his Soul Severing Golden Blade 669. - Obtained a Golden Core Forming Pill (30% success boost, second chance on failure) and the Essence of Heaven and Earth and Void Crystal to compensate for his Dao comprehension 660. - Upgraded Vast Peak’s Spirit Vein and the Mountain Protection Array before entering seclusion 672. - Focused on solidifying his foundation thoroughly, following Mu Guibai’s example of spending decades at the Violet Palace Great Perfection stage 614. |
| Golden Core | Perfect Golden Core (12 Qi Cyclones) | Under 150 (estimated ~100–150) | Endured nine Heavenly Lightning bolts plus a tenth legendary bolt that struck his Divine Soul; he refined the lightning and formed a Golden Core with twelve Qi Cyclones, dubbed the Perfect Golden Core 677 678. Minor advancements: - Achieved Great Accomplishment in the Yin-Yang Law and Laws of Space; comprehended the spiritual powers World-Ending Grinding Mill and Spatial Phasing 756. - Cultivated the Law of Strength to Great Perfection and learned to integrate his Star Bloodline's restorative power through extended battles in the Myriad Manifestation Illusion 806. - Refined the Heavenly Fire Cauldron and Divine Bird Skyfire Fan for Song Qingxi 756. - Tempered his physique with a Ten Absolute Body Refining Pill and Flood Dragon Essence Blood 793. - By the Golden Core stage, his comprehension of laws, bloodline, physique, and soul had all reached the peak of the Golden Core realm, making him equal to a Golden Core Great Perfection cultivator in everything but spiritual power reserves (which his twelve‑aperture Golden Core compensated for) 876. - Supplemented the clan’s foundation by advancing formations and artifact forging 845. |
| False Infant (Nascent Soul Precursor) | False Infant | After ~20 years of seclusion (estimated ~120–150) | Awakened after twenty years of closed‑door cultivation and successfully condensed a False Infant, a precursor to the true Nascent Soul stage 989. Minor advancements: - Easily suppressed the Golden Core rebels within the Wanlong Merchant Association, demonstrating combat power that outsiders mistook for that of a Nascent Soul True Lord 996 997. - Defeated Wang Changqing in two moves and overwhelmed Chen Jingming, Mu Huachen, and Cang Manyun—three Golden Core Great Perfection cultivators—in a single exchange, becoming the unanimously recognized Southwest Alliance Leader 1008. - Used the Chengyuan Sword and Power of Luck to refine and greatly strengthen a broken sword 1126. - After awakening, he learned of the clan’s progress and visited Myriad Manifestations Palace to prepare for future challenges 989. |
History
Early Years and Rise
Song Changsheng was born into the Wangyue Song Clan, a lineage that traced its founding to the clan ancestor Song Taiyi, who killed a third-tier great demon and established the clan in the Wangyue mountain range nearly five centuries earlier. The clan had since grown to nearly four hundred cultivators and six Foundation Establishment cultivators, with the generational names “Tai, Chu, Yun, Xian, Lu, Chang, Qing, You, Jing, Ming” marking its bloodline. Song Changsheng was the eldest son of Song Luyan and a direct grandson of the then-clan head Song Xianming. His earliest recorded achievement was his breakthrough to the Qi Condensation Seventh Layer, a milestone that marked him as a promising young cultivator and prompted his elder brother Song Changming to request a protective talisman for his daughter 1.
The turning point in his early career came with the arena battle against the Earth Fire Sect, the Chou Clan, and the Yu Clan. Song Changsheng emerged victorious, earning the title “the number one person beneath Foundation Establishment” in Ling Province 82. This victory catapulted his prestige within the clan. The clan immediately began discussing the election of a Young Clan Head, with Song Changsheng as the overwhelming favorite, receiving an approval rating of eighty percent from the clan members 82. Despite his own feelings of unreadiness, the appointment proceeded. Shortly afterward, Song Changsheng entered seclusion on Little Green Mountain for a year, emerging as a Second-Tier Low-Grade Artifact Forger after successfully forging his first magic tool, the Heavenly Gang Shield 82. During this period he also mastered two standard Foundation Establishment Realm spells—Object Manipulation Flight and the Protective Spiritual Shield—and developed the Five Beast Body Tempering Art after four days and nights of meditation on the Dao Scripture 96.
Foundation Establishment and Clan Leadership
The period following Song Changsheng’s rise was marked by strategic consolidation and internal strengthening. When the clan elders, including Patriarch Song Xianyun, entered seclusion to refine the Ascending Dragon Pill and break through cultivation bottlenecks, Song Changsheng was left in charge of clan affairs. Despite initial struggles, he proved himself capable with the assistance of the clan elders, and Song Xianyun later expressed satisfaction with his handling of affairs 110. The seclusion bore fruit: Song Xianyun reached the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment, becoming the second Purple Mansion Great Cultivator in the Song Clan, while other elders advanced to Foundation Establishment Middle or Late Stage 110. However, the breakthrough attempt of Song Changquan ended in failure and death, leading his son Song Qingshi to request burial of the remains in the Mortal World—a request Song Changsheng granted 110.
Song Changsheng’s leadership was further tested in the arena against the Four-Clan Alliance. After a major battle at White Cloud Peak, he claimed the remains of three powerful Foundation Establishment cultivators and, rather than hoarding the spoils, redistributed them to strengthen the Song-Wang Clan alliance. He publicly offered a generous share to the Wang Clan, a move that Song Xianyun questioned, but Song Changsheng explained it was both a repayment of past favors and a strategic gambit to secure a powerful ally in anticipation of Song Xianyun’s upcoming breakthrough to the Purple Mansion realm 185. The Wang Clan’s Clan Head, Wang Qingquan, recognized the gesture and solidified the alliance 185.
In the years that followed, Song Changsheng’s responsibilities grew. He was formally installed as the successor patriarch in a grand ceremony before the ancestral hall, where Song Xianming recited his virtues—“virtuous and talented, with extraordinary comprehension, close to his kin, works tirelessly for the clan”—and the assembled clan members cheered, while children recited the three-character clan rules 294 295. The weight of leadership settled on his shoulders as he promised not to fail their expectations 295.
Under Song Changsheng’s direction, the clan expanded its influence. He led an expedition against the Blazing Sun Sect and the Rong Clan, mobilizing the Black Star Battleship and challenging Zhang Hongguang directly. The Blazing Sun Sect’s affiliated forces and the Rong Clan failed to provide reinforcements, and the seven great Foundation Establishment families of Yang Province surrendered to the Song Clan out of opportunism 361. After destroying the Blazing Sun Sect and forcing the Rong Clan to close its gates for a century, Song Changsheng tried and executed Rong Xingzhou and five others at Tianyang Peak 366. This victory boosted the Song Clan’s prestige in Ling Province 367.
Upon hearing the news of the clan’s triumph, Patriarch Song Xianyun passed away peacefully, expressing his wish for the clan’s prosperity 367. Song Changsheng then convened a high-level meeting to plan the clan’s future. To address manpower shortages and the need for specialized operations, he ordered the expansion of the Wind Whisper Hall, the establishment of the Dark Hall for intelligence gathering, and the creation of the Hidden Hall for training elite Hidden Guards 367. These institutions were designed to ensure the clan’s long-term survival and growth, reflecting Song Changsheng’s belief that the Song Clan could be passed down for a thousand or ten thousand years, like the holy lands and ancient clans 439.
Purple Palace and Clan Head
As Song Changsheng’s own cultivation advanced, he began to turn his attention to the Brocade Banner Song Clan, a separate branch that had long been a source of tension. After repeated internal disputes, Song Changsheng invaded Heavenly Dragon Peak, demanding a hostage and recognition of the Wangyue Lineage as the legitimate lineage. Song Yuqing volunteered as a hostage to protect the clan 722. Song Daoling, the Brocade Banner’s strongest cultivator, returned and exchanged a blow with Song Changsheng, resulting in a draw that earned Song Changsheng respect and fear from the Brocade Banner members 722. This confrontation led to the removal of Song Wuji as Clan Head of the Brocade Banner and the election of a new leader 722.
The conflict escalated as Song Changsheng secured alliances with Thousand Blades City and the Vast Sea Merchant Association to block the Brocade Banner’s expansion 732. Meanwhile, reinforcements from Twilight Cloud City, Sunset City, and the Song Clan arrived at Jade Pool Island, a new construction project overseen by the Wanlong Merchant Association 732. The passing of the key elder Song Luyun deepened Song Changsheng’s resolve. He re-refined his Violet Palace-stage magic treasures and distributed them to other elders to raise overall clan strength, knowing that a battle between the two Song Clans was inevitable 702.
The decisive moment came with the death of Song Tianyuan, the Brocade Banner’s Grand Elder. Song Yuqing, acting as the Brocade Banner’s representative, asked Song Changsheng three questions about his plans for their lineage. Song Changsheng answered that the Brocade Banner would receive a century of autonomy if they surrendered, but that those who opposed him would face consequences 931. After the questions were concluded, the Brocade Banner forces, convinced by Song Yuqing and Song Zhexuan, accepted Song Changsheng as their new Clan Head. Song Changsheng was then formally appointed Clan Head of the unified Song Clan, with the name Wangyue Song Clan spreading far and wide along with his brilliant record 837 931.
Later Years and Legacy
With the clan unified under his leadership, Song Changsheng turned to deeper matters. He began using the collective fortune of the Song Clan to issue decrees, consuming a sliver of their fortune each time, and visited the ancestral hall to observe the Great Qi Human King Sword and the Brocade Banner’s spirit tablet 914. Concerned about the connection between the clan’s fortune and the Brocade Banner’s decline, he decided to enter seclusion in the Wutong Small World for several decades to cultivate and achieve multiple goals 914. During this period he also created a clone, Song Changshou, who began adapting to his new body and planned to enter a cultivation retreat 686.
Before entering seclusion, Song Changsheng considered finding a successor for the clan head position. He tested Song Jingxiu using the Heart-Questioning Formation, and the young cultivator passed, taking on an important intelligence mission to the Jinxiu Banner Song Clan 686. The clan’s strength continued to grow: Song Luzhou successfully broke through to become a third-tier low-grade alchemist, a milestone in the six hundred years of the Song Clan’s history, and both Song Youfu and Song Youlin broke through to the Violet Palace Stage 795. Song Changsheng witnessed these achievements with relief, seeing the clan flourish as he had always hoped 795.
His work increasingly extended beyond clan administration. Song Changsheng returned the Engraving Arrays with the Body inheritance to True Monarch Yingyue in fulfillment of his promise to He Yunxuan, then agreed to assist the Array Dao Academy in perfecting the art 843. He subsequently accepted Li Chengjun as a disciple and guided the latter through the perilous body-tempering and formation-engraving stages of the technique 856. At the same time, he oversaw the continued growth of the East Sea Wind Whisper Hall under Song Jingxiu, whose network eventually included nearly four hundred informants throughout the Dagan Cultivation World 872.
Song Changsheng also prepared the Wangyue Song Clan for a more chaotic era. He planned the infiltration of the Eastern Heaven Alliance through the Blazing Sun Guard, sought to develop capable Purple Palace cultivators among affiliated forces, and considered absorbing or allying with established powers such as the Golden Crow Sect and Heavenly Meridian Sect 881 887. Song Yuqing ultimately chose to cooperate with him from within the Brocade Banner, recognizing that the old clan’s decay could not be repaired through force alone 902.
After twenty years in seclusion, Song Changsheng condensed a False Infant and emerged with strength that far exceeded the Golden Core realm 989. When the Wanlong Merchant Association fell into an internal power struggle, he supported Peng Siying, annihilated the rebels’ Gu formation, crippled Mao Dongxing and Peng Huaming, and forced the remaining conspirators to submit 995 996. His intervention restored Peng Siying’s position and reinforced his role as the association’s Chief Guest Elder 994 997.
His authority reached a new height at the Southwest Alliance Conference. By defeating Wang Changqing and then effortlessly overcoming Chen Jingming, Mu Huachen, and Cang Manyun—the Southwest’s three strongest Golden Core Great Perfection cultivators—Song Changsheng secured unanimous appointment as Southwest Alliance Leader 1008. During the later regional war, he personally intervened only at the decisive moments, twice preventing the Nine Regions of the Southwest from collapse by confronting the enemy’s strongest forces at grave personal risk 1063.
The Song Clan’s rise had been meteoric. Within a few decades, the gap between them and established powers like the Heavenly Sword Sect had become negligible 638. Song Changsheng himself had become a figure of legend, with cultivators of the Song Clan proudly accepting gazes from all directions, knowing that what the Brocade Banner had never achieved in its lifetime, Song Changsheng had accomplished 837. His history was not merely one of personal cultivation, but of the transformation of a family—from a small clan of a few hundred cultivators struggling for survival to a force that commanded respect across the Ziyu Realm.
Relationships
| Character | Relationship | Nature of Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Song Xianming | Grandfather | Close. Song Xianming understands Song Changsheng better than anyone, even his own mother. He abdicated at the height of his power to let his grandson lead, but he constantly worries that Song Changsheng’s ambition will cause the clan to overreach. Their conversations are frank and heartfelt: Song Xianming warns against hasty action, discusses clan strategy, and guides his successor with a mixture of pride and caution. Song Changsheng, in turn, shows deep respect, often seeking his grandfather’s counsel and heeding his advice. 11 145 185 294 327 380 |
| Zhuang Yuechan | Wife / Partner | Close. Their relationship is built on mutual devotion and sacrifice. Zhuang Yuechan publicly declared her bond with Song Changsheng despite the huge disparity in status between Sunset City and the Song Clan, enduring countless obstacles for his sake. Song Changsheng reciprocates with unwavering loyalty: when she fell unconscious for thirty years, he visited her regularly, fed her ginseng soup, and vowed never to fail her. They confess their love at Moonfall Cliff, and she supports his decisions with laughter and affection, even as he schemes. 145 252 295 380 581 939 |
| Song Youfu | Disciple / Mentee | Close. Song Changsheng acts as a mentor, pushing Song Youfu to take on responsibility and strive for the Clan Head position. He disciplines his laziness but trusts him with critical tasks, such as handling the Brocade Banner’s aftermath. Their dynamic is one of tough love and strategic grooming: Song Changsheng manipulates him into growing, yet genuinely cares for his cultivation and future. 723 939 |
| Song Changming | Elder Brother | Close. The brothers share a strong familial bond. Song Changming trusts Song Changsheng with his daughter’s safety, asking for a protective talisman, and Song Changsheng gives Spirit Stones without expecting repayment. Their interaction shows a natural, unforced affection and mutual support. 1 |
| Song Xianyun | Clan Elder / Grandfather Figure | Respectful cooperation. Song Xianyun acknowledges Song Changsheng’s strategic thinking, mediates clan opinions to support his elevation to Purple Palace Seed, and discusses future plans. He values Song Changsheng’s judgment. 23 185 294 |
| Song Lutong | Uncle | Familial concern. Song Changsheng appoints Lutong as Town Guardian of Zhangye County but worries about his impatience and lack of seriousness. He offers cautionary advice, and their relationship is that of a worried nephew trying to guide an impulsive uncle. 303 327 |
| Song Qingxing | Junior Relative | Protective guidance. Concerned that Song Qingxing might fall onto the Ruthless Sword Dao, Song Changsheng arranges a playmate (Song Xi’er) to help him bond with the family. Later, he entrusts him with winning over Song Yuqing, showing growing trust. Song Changsheng also rewarded him with Song Daoling’s Spirit-Capturing Jar and a Fourth-Tier talisman, then entrusted him with guarding Yongan Island. 11 723 737 |
| Xiao Qingwan | Senior (Complex History) | Tense but respectful. Xiao Qingwan was the lover of Song Xianming, who fled before their wedding, leaving her bitter. Song Changsheng seeks her help to refine a Five Spirits Pill and respects her authority, but their interactions carry the weight of past wrongs. She raised Zhuang Yuechan and has little goodwill toward the Song surname. 145 327 252 295 |
| Shen Qingxiu | Ally / Senior Observer | Cordial respect. She watches Song Changsheng’s inauguration, encourages Xiao Qingwan to see him, and negotiates generous rewards for the Scriptures he brings from Sunset City. They treat each other as equals. 295 581 252 |
| Niu Dazhuang | Acquaintance (Initially Hostile) | Antagonistic. Niu Dazhuang immediately confronts Song Changsheng upon learning his surname, holding a grudge over Song Xianming’s abandonment of Xiao Qingwan. His hostility forces Song Changsheng to tread carefully. 45 145 |
| Peng Siying | Friend / Ally | Protective alliance. In Four Directions City, she discusses the Chen Lang incident with Song Changsheng and orders her subordinate to teach the Chen Family a lesson, showing she will defend her friends’ interests. Later, Song Changsheng intervenes decisively against the Wanlong Merchant Association rebels, preserving her position and consolidating his status as its Chief Guest Elder. 514 994 995 997 |
| Yin Shang, Xu Yunhe, Zhu Yiqun | Life-and-death Brothers | Deep camaraderie. Song Changsheng introduces them as brothers to whom he would entrust his life. They went through the Griffon Mountain Range together, and Zhu Yiqun later risks his life for the Song Clan during a crisis. 326 346 |
| Chi Li | Direct Disciple | Master-disciple. Song Changsheng recognizes Chi Li’s potential and takes him as his direct disciple despite his father’s initial neglect. Chi Li eagerly accepts, performing the three bows and nine kowtows. Song Changsheng later teaches him spear techniques, provides a specially forged three-thousand-jin spear, and urges him to forge an independent Dao rather than blindly following his master. 600 623 961 |
| Li Chengjun | Direct Disciple | Master-disciple. Song Changsheng accepted Li Chengjun as a disciple after recognizing his determination to cultivate Engraving Arrays with the Body. He guided Li Chengjun through body tempering and the successful engraving of the Impermanence Killing Formation, respecting the younger cultivator’s courage and resolve. 856 |
| Old Ghost Chihuo | Subordinate / Ally | Mutual benefit. Song Changsheng provides Barrier Breaking Pills and Lifespan Extending Peaches to support Chihuo’s breakthrough, and Chihuo expresses loyalty, resigning as Chi Clan Head to serve as Grand Elder of the Blazing Fire Hall. Their relationship is pragmatic but respectful. Song Changsheng later entrusted him with selecting personnel from the Blazing Fire Hall for infiltration of the Eastern Heaven Alliance. 585 600 887 |
| Song Yuqing | Protégé | Strategic mentorship. Initially taken as a hostage, Song Yuqing is treated with dignity. Song Changsheng brings him under his wing and tasks Song Qingxing with winning him over, recognizing his intelligence and adaptability. Song Yuqing eventually agrees to work with Song Changsheng to reform the decaying Brocade Banner from within. 723 902 930 |
| Wang Qingquan / Wang Clan | Ally | Strengthened alliance. Song Changsheng gives the Wang Clan a generous share of spoils to repay past favors and secure a powerful ally for the clan’s future, including during Song Xianming’s breakthrough. Wang Qingquan acknowledges his generosity. 185 |
| Lian Siqian | Unrequited Admirer | One-sided affection. While caring for the unconscious Zhuang Yuechan, Lian Siqian develops feelings for Song Changsheng. She struggles with envy but understands his devotion to Zhuang Yuechan. 581 |
| Yuan Tianshu | Guest Elder | High esteem. Yuan Tianshu praises the Song Clan’s potential and considers Song Changsheng’s future bright. He accepts a position as guest elder. 309 |
| Song Daoling / Brocade Banner Elders (Song Xiangquan, Song Wuyou) | Enemies | Open hostility. Song Changsheng humiliates their envoys with spatial displacement techniques, declares war, and severs ties. The Brocade Banner sees him as a threat to their authority. Song Changsheng later ambushes Song Daoling, seizes his resources, and uses the victory to advance the Song Clan’s East Sea strategy. 689 737 909 |
| Song Changxuan / Song Changxue | Clan Elders (Same Generation) | Collaborative burden. They are among the few remaining elders of the “Changsheng” generation who carry the main duties of the Council of Elders alongside Song Changsheng. 795 |
| Song Chang’an | Clan Member (Close Blood Relation) | Deep gratitude. Song Chang’an is the biological son of the late Song Luhai, who treated Song Changsheng like his own son. Song Changsheng pulls him back from the brink of death, feeling great emotion. 795 |
| Song Jingxiu | Junior Relative / Intelligence Administrator | Trusted subordinate. Song Changsheng entrusted Song Jingxiu with important intelligence work after he passed the Heart-Questioning Formation. Under Song Jingxiu’s leadership, the East Sea branch of the Wind Whisper Hall expanded into a major intelligence network with hundreds of informants. 686 872 |
| Song Xiancheng | Elder | Respectful sympathy. After Song Xiancheng loses two sons and a grandson for the clan, Song Changsheng bows solemnly and offers condolences, recognizing the sacrifices behind the clan’s rise. 228 |
| Jianxin (Myriad Manifestations Palace) | Observer / Potential Interest | Minimal but significant. She remains distant yet shows slight interest in Song Changsheng, hinting at the Palace’s attention. Her presence causes a stir. She later delivers major batches of cultivation resources from the Myriad Manifestations Palace to him. 689 902 |
| True Monarch Yingyue | Senior Collaborator | Respectful cooperation. Song Changsheng returned Engraving Arrays with the Body to Yingyue because it had been created by her late disciple, He Yunxuan. She invited him to help the Array Dao Academy perfect the method, and the two later collaborated on its future development. 843 856 |
| Bai Zhengchun (Sunset City) | Suspicious Senior | Cautious suspicion. He questions Song Changsheng’s motives and offers to kill He Tai on his behalf, testing him. Song Changsheng remains wary. 252 253 |
| Liuli | Transactional Ally | Cautious mutual benefit. Song Changsheng used proof of his victory over Song Daoling to negotiate with Liuli, trading valuable information for her assistance in relocating the sea demon horde from the Gemini Islands. 737 |