This reward was far too generous.

There were two Tier Two Heart Methods, tailored to his Earth and Fire Spirit Root, along with several exquisite Magic techniques. These were things a low-level Loose Cultivator like him would normally never have access to.

The other Miracle Pills, Talismanic Spiritual Artifacts, and more were piled up high enough to form a small mountain. Although most were only at the Tier One Level, for them, this was still a massive amount of cultivation resources—enough to establish a foothold in the Yua Kingdom.

The most precious item of all was the legacy of a Tier Two Array, something that was difficult to buy on the open market, even with money.

After the initial excitement, Wum Yan gradually calmed down. He knew that compared to what the baby named Lingyun would receive, his own reward was nothing.

His thoughts drifted back to an ancient hour ago.

After Song Changsheng had agreed to his suggestion of placing the child with the Wang Clan, he had immediately led him to the Wang Family’s estate.

But just as the two of them reached the outskirts of the Wang Family estate and he was about to call for Clan Leader Wang to come out and greet them...

...the sleeping Lingyun had suddenly started grabbing at the air, his little face filled with terror as if he were having a nightmare. The fear only faded after he clutched onto Song Changsheng’s lapel, and he fell back to sleep.

It was at that moment that Song Changsheng’s heart softened. He had turned and left the Wang Clan’s territory with Wum Yan, not looking back once.

Wum Yan knew in his heart that Song Changsheng couldn’t bear to leave the child, so he had decided to adopt him himself.

If Lingyun was ever found to possess a Spirit Root, the resources he would receive would be far beyond what a small Qi Refining Family could ever offer. It would be no exaggeration to say his future would be a meteoric rise.

That was what he envied the most.

’A blessing in disguise.’ 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Though the child had suffered a sudden misfortune, he had gained a much better opportunity for his future—something countless people could only dream of.

In his youth, Wum Yan had also wanted to join a Foundation Establishment Sect, but he had been mercilessly rejected due to his poor aptitude. He was left to struggle and scrape by in the Cultivation Realm, forced to split every single Spirit Stone in two just to make it last.

Back then, he had been incredibly envious of the disciples from cultivation families. As long as they had a Spirit Root, even the worst Mixed Spirit Root, their clan would spend resources to nurture them.

And even if they didn’t have a Spirit Root, they could live a life of comfort in the Mortal Realm, free from the worry of their entire clan being sacrificed to the heavens like the Ling Clan.

"I have to make something of myself."

Clutching the Storage Bag in his hand, Wum Yan swore a silent oath.

——————

At dawn the next day, just as the first sliver of light appeared in the sky, Song Changsheng stared wide-eyed at the Tai Chi Diagram floating before him, a look of deep exasperation on his face.

He had been trying all night, forcing out who knows how much Essence Blood, but he still couldn’t refine it. The diagram didn’t even show the slightest reaction.

Sometimes, Song Changsheng couldn’t help but wonder if this thing was even a Magical Artifact at all.

’How could the insignificant Ling Clan possess such a strange treasure?’ Song Changsheng was puzzled.

On the way back, Wum Yan had told him everything he had seen and heard. Based on that information, Song Changsheng deduced that this Tai Chi Diagram was likely the reason Feng Wuming had infiltrated the Ling Clan.

Feng Wuming might have known something, but unfortunately, his soul had now well and truly scattered.

’I wonder what the limits of this treasure are,’ Song Changsheng mused, rubbing his chin.

It could block a Little Divine Technique without taking any damage even before being refined. Essentially, no one in the Foundation Establishment Stage had the means to break through its defense.

In that regard, even the Luwu Bell had to take a backseat.

"Eee-yah~"

Just then, after a full night’s sleep, Little Lingyun finally opened his eyes.

His bright eyes were as pure and flawless as black jewels.

Despite being in a strange environment with a stranger, the little guy didn’t cry at all. Instead, he stared up at Song Changsheng and reached out with his chubby little hands.

Song Changsheng smiled and picked him up, saying gently, "Waking up without a single cry or fuss... you’re not like an ordinary child at all. Perfect. My mother has been wanting a grandson for years. From now on, you’ll take my surname. We’ll call you Song Lingyun."

"Eee-yah-yah!"

The little one seemed to understand, breaking into a brilliant smile.

"You must be hungry. Here, have something to eat. This is milk from a Tier One Top-Grade Golden Leopard. Even I’ve never had this before." Song Changsheng took out a canister of beast milk. With a flick of his fingertip, the milky-white liquid transformed into a thin stream and flowed into the baby’s mouth.

In just a moment, more than half the canister was empty.

After eating his fill, the little one blinked a few times and fell into a deep sleep, letting out soft snores.

Song Changsheng frowned at the canister in his hand, thinking, ’Why did he fall asleep right after eating? This beast milk isn’t poisonous, is it?’

He poured the last bit into his own mouth but found nothing wrong with it, aside from a slightly gamey taste.

’How strange. I’ll have Fifth Uncle take a look when I get back.’

Song Luzhou was not only the Song Clan’s most outstanding Alchemist but also its best Medical Master. After all, Alchemy and medicine had always been intertwined. If there truly was something wrong with Little Lingyun’s body, it would not escape his Dharma Eye.

After taking care of the little one, the sky was already bright. Song Changsheng pushed open the door, called his group out, and prepared to go find the Celestial Artisan.

Song Qingxi looked at the baby in Song Changsheng’s arms and asked curiously, "Uncle, is he coming with us too?"

"Of course. I’ve decided to adopt him, which makes you his big sister now." Song Changsheng casually tucked Little Lingyun into her arms, then strolled downstairs, completely ignoring the girl’s reproachful gaze.

Led by Chi Huo Old Ghost, the group made their way toward the Celestial Artisan’s residence...

"Young Master, this is Qiaojiang Mountain. Master Lu lives here."

Hearing this, Song Changsheng put away his flying sword and landed on the ground. He cupped his fist toward Qiaojiang Mountain in a salute and announced, "Song Changsheng of the Ling Province Song Clan has come to pay a visit. I request an audience with Master Lu."

His calm and steady voice, infused with Spiritual Power, echoed through the mountains, startling countless birds into flight.

After a long moment, a young man in a bright yellow brocade robe emerged from the forest, riding a large green ox. He bowed slightly to Song Changsheng and said, "Greetings, Elder Song. May I ask why you wish to see my master?"

"The power unit of my Tier Two Flying Ship was accidentally damaged, which is why I have come to trouble Master Lu. I would be grateful if you could pass on my request."

Since he was the one asking for a favor, Song Changsheng was very polite.

The young man seemed quite flattered and quickly bowed his head. "Elder Song, you are too kind."

Then, a troubled look appeared on his face. "My master is indeed capable of fulfilling your request, Elder. However, he has been greatly troubled recently and does not wish to see any guests. Perhaps you could return another day."

Before Song Changsheng could speak, Chi Huo Old Ghost lost his patience. A terrifying pressure emanated from him as he said menacingly, "What arrogance! My Young Master comes to pay a visit, and you treat him with such disrespect? Just wait until I storm this mountain and see how many heads this Master Lu has on his shoulders!"

Chi Huo Old Ghost was a man who lived on the edge, and he carried a natural air of killing intent. The ox-riding youth had never experienced such an intimidating display and his face instantly turned pale.

Just as the youth felt like he was about to suffocate, Song Changsheng frowned and said, "Chi Huo, do not be rude."

Sensing the displeasure in Song Changsheng’s tone, Chi Huo Old Ghost immediately retracted his aura and retreated, bowing his head in silence.

After reprimanding Chi Huo Old Ghost, Song Changsheng turned to the young man. "May I ask what is troubling Master Lu? Is there anything I can do to help?"

The youth gasped for a few breaths, shot a fearful glance at Chi Huo Old Ghost, and then replied respectfully, "To answer your question, Elder, my youngest junior sister was injured by a villain. We’ve invited many Physicians and Alchemy Masters, but none have been able to cure her. It has now become a sickness of the heart for my master."

Hearing this, an idea sparked in Song Changsheng’s mind. He cupped his fist again and said, "If that’s the case, perhaps I could give it a try."

The young man’s eyes lit up at his words. "Elder, you have a way?" he asked eagerly.

Song Changsheng didn’t dare make any guarantees. "I have some confidence," he replied. "I will certainly do my best."

The youth didn’t doubt him and said with delight, "In that case, please follow me up the mountain and give it a try, Elder! If you can cure my junior sister, my master will surely reward you handsomely!"

...