Chapter 204: Chapter 159: Rong Shaoyuan (2)

"What are ’elementary school students’ and ’college students’?" Zhuang Yuechan furrowed her delicate brows in thought. She considered herself well-read, yet she had never heard of these terms.

Song Changsheng faltered, realizing a moment too late that these terms were completely foreign to the people of this world. Seeing that Zhuang Yuechan was poised to question him further, he quickly laughed it off.

"It’s not important," he said. "It just means the Great City Lord’s sermon was too profound for us. Understanding even a part of it is an achievement. Comprehending just half of the content has already given me a completely new understanding of my own Dao."

Before Zhuang Yuechan could speak, a familiar voice drifted over. "Talk about shameless bragging. I could only understand one-tenth, yet you claim to have comprehended half? What a joke!"

Song Changsheng turned to see two men standing nearby, one old and one young. The elder’s aura was contained, but he gave off the feeling of a raging sea, powerful enough to swallow Song Changsheng whole at any moment. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

The other man was around thirty years old, holding a folding fan. He had fair skin, bright eyes, and pearly white teeth. If not for his flat chest and prominent Adam’s apple, Song Changsheng would never have guessed he was a man. He was more beautiful than many women Song Changsheng had seen. This was the one who had just mocked him.

Song Changsheng had met this man once before. They had clashed over Zhuang Yuechan.

Song Changsheng ignored him, instead offering a cupped-fist salute to the elder. "This junior, Song Changsheng, pays his respects to Senior Vast Sea."

The Vagrant of the Vast Sea’s reputation wasn’t stellar; he was notoriously petty. But seeing Song Changsheng’s impeccable manners, he couldn’t find any fault. He gave a slight nod. "No need for such courtesy, young friend. Did you say you comprehended half of today’s sermon?"

Without a moment’s hesitation, Song Changsheng replied, "That was just this junior boasting to a friend. I have made a fool of myself in front of you, Senior."

"Tch, I knew you were bluffing." Hai Dongping lightly fanned himself, wearing an expression that screamed, ’I saw through you from the start.’

"At your age, it’s best to keep your feet on the ground. Dongping, let’s go." The Vagrant of the Vast Sea didn’t doubt the retraction. After all, even he had only been able to grasp less than half of the material. Deep down, he had never believed Song Changsheng’s claim. Since the boy was sensible enough to admit he was lying, there was no need to waste any more time. He was, at the end of the day, just a junior.

He then led away Hai Dongping, who looked as smug as a victorious general.

Once they were out of earshot, Zhuang Yuechan chuckled. "Fellow Daoist Song, you certainly think fast. Given the Vagrant of the Vast Sea’s temperament, you would have been in for some trouble today if you had stuck to your claim."

Song Changsheng winked at her with a grin. "How are you so sure I was telling you the truth? What if I really was just bluffing?"

"I know your character, Fellow Daoist Song," Yuechan said. "I was surprised to hear you comprehended half, but it’s not something I’d find impossible to believe."

Song Changsheng paused for a moment. ’This feeling of being trusted... it’s actually quite nice.’

Initially, he had no idea what it meant to comprehend half the sermon. He’d assumed everyone was more or less on the same level, so he spoke without thinking.

It wasn’t until Hai Dongping mentioned only understanding a tenth that he realized he’d inadvertently made a huge flex. As the personal disciple of the Vagrant of the Vast Sea, Hai Dongping’s aptitude was surely not lacking.

If even *he* could only grasp a tenth, didn’t his claim of understanding half sound like an outrageous boast?

Just as Zhuang Yuechan said, considering the Vagrant of the Vast Sea’s personality, Song Changsheng had decisively changed his tune and downplayed his own abilities to avoid trouble. It seemed to have worked well.

"Fellow Daoist Song, your aptitude for comprehension is truly astonishing," Zhuang Yuechan said sincerely. "The first time I heard my master’s sermon, I only grasped three-tenths, and he praised me for my outstanding talent. I was so pleased with myself back then, but I’m nowhere near your level."

"Young Clan Leader."

Just as Song Changsheng was about to reply, he saw Song Qingluo hurrying over. She glanced at Zhuang Yuechan and seemed hesitant to speak.

Zhuang Yuechan, perceptive as ever, saw they had important matters to discuss and took the initiative to leave. "It’s getting late," she said. "I should return and consolidate what I’ve learned today. I’ll take my leave."

"Please, Fellow Daoist Zhuang. I’ll see you tomorrow."

After Zhuang Yuechan left, Song Qingluo pressed a Crystal Stone into his hand. "A message from the clan."

Without any hesitation, Song Changsheng crushed the Crystal Stone. A stream of information flowed directly into his Sea of Consciousness.

As he expected, the clan fully approved of his plan. The only surprise was that his grandfather intended to take action personally this time.

’With Grandfather and the Grand Elder involved, our strength is now on par with Yu Chengbo and his people,’ he thought. ’As long as we can get the Rong Clan on board, this is practically a done deal.’

"Take my token to the Rong Clan’s residence and invite Rong Shaoyuan for a meeting," Song Changsheng said, handing his Young Clan Leader’s Waist Token to Song Qingluo.

It would be better to pay a visit in person, but his presence was too conspicuous. It could easily arouse the Lieyang Sect’s suspicion, which would complicate things...

"Song Changsheng?" Rong Shaoyuan, who was sitting cross-legged on a Jade Bed, frowned slightly upon hearing the report.

"Indeed. The messenger has his Waist Token as proof and says he invites you for a meeting," the servant reported, respectfully presenting Song Changsheng’s Waist Token.

Rong Shaoyuan glanced at the token before looking away. He didn’t believe anyone would try to deceive him over something like this. What made him curious was why the other party had specifically requested to see *him*.

Though they had seen each other on a few occasions, they had never once spoken, let alone established any kind of rapport.

’I have nothing better to do. No harm in seeing what he wants.’ Rong Shaoyuan ultimately decided to go. In his view, while Song Changsheng’s background was humble, his talent was extraordinary. The fact that he’d made a name for himself at the Lieyang Sect’s expense made him a figure of some note, someone worth meeting.

In a gazebo outside the bamboo lodge, Song Changsheng had already prepared wine and food, quietly awaiting Rong Shaoyuan’s arrival.

Normally, for a matter like this, he should have negotiated with the Rong Clan Elder in charge. But Song Changsheng knew all too well what the people of the Rong Clan were like. Approaching them directly would likely be a fruitless endeavor, so he decided to take a more roundabout path.

Rong Shaoyuan was one of the most outstanding youths of the current Rong Clan. While he didn’t yet hold real power, his status was considerable. The same proposal, coming from his mouth versus Song Changsheng’s, would have two entirely different outcomes.

"Forgive me for the sudden invitation, Fellow Daoist Rong. I hope you don’t mind the intrusion." Seeing Song Qingluo lead the man over, Song Changsheng immediately put on a welcoming smile and stepped forward.

Rong Shaoyuan returned the cupped-fist salute. "When Fellow Daoist Song extends an invitation, how could I possibly refuse?"

The two sat down in the gazebo. Gazing at the exquisite dishes and the fragrant Spirit Wine, Rong Shaoyuan chuckled lightly. "Fellow Daoist Song, why did you ask me here? Let’s be direct."

Since his guest was being so direct, Song Changsheng could hardly be coy. He raised his wine cup with a smile. "I invited you here, Fellow Daoist Rong, because I do have a matter to discuss. Forgive my bluntness, but how goes the battle with the Lieyang Sect over that Spirit Stone Vein?"

The moment he heard this, Rong Shaoyuan’s expression turned cold. A few years ago, a small-scale Spirit Stone Vein had been discovered on the border between Yang Province and Xiang Province.

The value of a Spirit Stone Vein was self-evident, and it sparked a fierce rivalry between the Lieyang Sect and the Rong Clan. The conflict had dragged on for years. Though both sides exercised restraint, they had both suffered considerable losses over time, and the fighting now showed signs of escalating.

A major battle was expected within the next month or two. Unfortunately, the Rong Clan’s hands were tied by other commitments. If the situation devolved into all-out war, they would surely be at a disadvantage. This had become a major source of anxiety for the Rong Clan’s leadership.

Hearing Song Changsheng mention this, Rong Shaoyuan assumed he was being mocked, and a flash of displeasure crossed his heart.

Seeing the look on his face, Song Changsheng already knew the answer. He smiled faintly. "I mean nothing else by it. I only ask you one question, Fellow Daoist Rong: Do you want to win?"

Rong Shaoyuan felt coming here today had been a mistake. Resisting the urge to storm off, he sneered, "And I suppose you have a way?"

"If Yu Chengbo and Mao Wuwei were killed, by what margin would the Rong Clan’s chances of victory increase?"

...