In a dim, secret chamber, an altar carved from white jade stood in the center. A flame burned quietly upon it, identical to the one in the general store.

A Song Clan Elder with a white beard and hair sat quietly in meditation before the altar, his eyes closed.

Suddenly, the flame on the altar flared violently without warning, as if hot oil had been dripped into it.

The Clan Elder’s eyes snapped open. He quickly formed several Spells with his hands. Once the flame calmed down, it revealed a fist-sized Crystal Stone.

Picking up the Crystal Stone, the Clan Elder rushed to the Minor Affairs Hall without a moment’s delay.

Although it was late at night, Song Xianyun was still busy with his paperwork, a persistent worry etched between his brows.

During their last battle at Fengxi Port, the Song Clan fought Yu Chengbo and his men. Since Yu Chengbo lacked his High-Grade Spiritual Artifact, Song Xianyun’s group leveraged their own artifacts to barely fight to a draw. Both sides were heavily injured in the exchange, and the Song Clan retreated.

Then, they received news that Song Changsheng was a wanted man. However, Ling Province was hundreds of thousands of miles away from Bian Province; it was too late to rush over. Furthermore, Song Lutong had been grievously injured in the battle at Fengxi Port, while both Song Xianyun and Song Luzhou had also sustained injuries, leaving them willing but unable to help.

Song Xianyun ran to the Soul Lamp Hall several times a day. Fortunately, Song Changsheng’s Soul Lamp remained brightly lit, which allowed him to feel a sliver of relief.

But even a saint has his limits. For their own Young Clan Leader to be put on a wanted list was a profound humiliation. Song Xianyun decided to give them a taste of their own medicine, immediately issuing wanted posters for several of the Lieyang Sect’s outstanding contemporary disciples.

He also declared that anyone who killed one of these disciples would receive a Spiritual Artifact as a reward, a proclamation that excited the Loose Cultivators of Ling, Bian, and Yang Provinces.

Although the Lieyang Sect dominated a province, it was already a sick tiger. This world was never short on desperados, and as soon as the Song Clan’s bounty was posted, many began to move in the shadows.

Unfortunately, the Lieyang Sect simply retreated into its shell, sealing their mountain gates and forbidding their outstanding disciples from leaving.

After all, their recent losses had been too severe. Under normal circumstances, it would take them ten to twenty years to recover. If they were to lose several more excellent disciples, they would be beyond tears.

The Song Clan was waiting for an opportunity, but so was the Lieyang Sect.

Currently, the Lieyang Sect’s Supreme Elder’s seclusion had entered a critical phase. The moment he emerged would be the perfect opportunity to annihilate the Song Clan in one fell swoop. For now, they were simply enduring the humiliation.

Therefore, this exchange of wanted posters was more about deterrence than any actual effect.

But with no word from Song Changsheng, Song Xianyun’s heart remained in his throat, unable to relax.

The moment he saw the Clan Elder, Song Xianyun shot to his feet and asked hurriedly, "Is it news from the Young Clan Leader?"

The Clan Elder handed over the Crystal Stone and shook his head. "I only know that it was transmitted from the direction of Luoxia City."

Song Xianyun took the Crystal Stone and crushed it. A stream of information imprinted by a Divine Sense instantly flooded his mind. After reading it, his face lit up with joy.

He strode out of the hall in a few steps, then swiftly rode his sword to the mountain’s peak.

As soon as he walked into the main hall, Song Xianyun said eagerly, "Big Brother, we’ve received news from Changsheng."

Inside the Seclusion Chamber, Song Xianming’s eyes snapped open, a sharp glint flashing within them for an instant before disappearing.

He walked out of the Seclusion Chamber and looked at Song Xianyun. "How is Sheng’er?"

"Changsheng is doing very well! He’s escaped the Lieyang Sect’s pursuit. Not only that, he also killed three Lieyang Sect disciples led by Liu Yunfeng, as well as the Loose Cultivator Qian Ming and others!"

Song Xianyun’s face was flushed with excitement, and he felt a sincere pride in Song Changsheng’s impressive achievements. ’How many years has it been since we’ve felt this vindicated? Fifty years? A hundred?’

Song Xianming was also a bit surprised. He had originally only hoped that Song Changsheng would manage to save his own life; he never expected the boy to make such a bold move.

"And that’s not all. Changsheng also made a bold proposal for the clan."

"Oh? What sort of mischief is that boy up to now?"

Song Xianyun said with barely contained excitement, "Changsheng plans to persuade the Xiang Province Rong Clan to join us. After the Great City Lord’s birthday banquet, he wants to give them a taste of their own medicine and ambush Yu Chengbo and his people on the road!"

"Do you think the Rong Clan will cooperate with us?" Song Xianming asked, his gaze calm as he lightly stroked his beard.

Song Xianyun thought for a moment before replying, "I believe the possibility is very high.

Although the Rong Clan disdains forming an alliance with us, over the years they have helped by tying up most of the Lieyang Sect’s attention, which has allowed our clan to slowly recover its Primordial Qi. They are our allies in fact, if not in name.

The Lieyang Sect has suffered disastrous losses this time. If we can also eliminate Yu Chengbo or Mao Wuwei, the Rong Clan will surely be able to overwhelm the Lieyang Sect on the main battlefield. This would be a great boon for both us and the Rong Clan; they have no reason to refuse.

Most importantly, to accomplish this, they must find an ally. After all, two cultivators at the Foundation Establishment Great Perfection realm are no pushovers."

Song Xianming nodded. "Indeed. In that case, let Sheng’er go and make contact with the Rong Clan."

"Should we start preparing in advance?"

"You don’t need to worry about that. I will handle the preparations," Song Xianming said with a wave of his hand.

Hearing this, Song Xianyun looked up abruptly, his voice filled with surprise. "Big Brother, you’re going to take action personally?"

"After taking the Green Sky White Jade Pill, combined with the Wood Essence Jade Marrow from before, my injuries are mostly healed. It won’t be a problem.

The Lieyang Sect has pushed us too far. We either don’t strike, or we strike to make them hurt!" A chilling killing intent flashed deep within Song Xianming’s eyes.