Chang Wudao’s words were like a giant boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating a tremendous uproar in everyone’s hearts.

Shock, doubt, amazement...

Everyone’s gaze converged on the figure who, though not burly, stood as tall and imposing as a mountain.

Song Xianming’s expression was calm as he looked nonchalantly at Chang Wudao. "It’s merely a Little Divine Technique. As easy as flipping my palm, and nothing worth mentioning."

The entirety of Vast Mist Peak was instantly plunged into a dead silence.

Song Changsheng stared blankly at his grandfather, sighing to himself, ’He’s such a damn good show-off...’

On the path of cultivation, every stage has its distinct hallmarks.

The hallmark of the Qi Cultivation Stage is Introducing Qi into the Body, formally shedding one’s mortal coil and touching the threshold of the path to long life.

The Foundation Establishment Stage also has three main hallmarks: first, Object Flight; second, Spiritual Gang Body Protection; and third, Dantian Nurturing Artifact. Only those who have mastered all three can be called a Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

And Little Divine Techniques are one of the primary hallmarks of a Great Cultivator at the Purple Mansion Stage.

They exist on a higher level than Magic, and their power is in a completely different league. Even a Purple Mansion Cultivator needs a period of time to comprehend and master one, which was why everyone was so shocked when Chang Wudao uttered the words "Little Divine Technique."

Of course, this didn’t mean Song Xianming was already a Purple Mansion Stage Cultivator. Just like the previous two stages, the Purple Mansion Stage also has several main hallmarks. Only one who has achieved them all is a true Purple Mansion Cultivator.

Song Xianming was still at Foundation Establishment Great Perfection. It was just that he had relied on his outstanding comprehension and thorough understanding of a particular Little Divine Technique to grasp this higher-level combat method ahead of time.

But that alone was enough to shock everyone.

"Indeed. Song Xianming is still the same Song Xianming, a man of outstanding talent. I have no complaints about my defeat. But for what happened today, your Song Clan must still give me an explanation. Otherwise, I will ensure that Vast Mist Peak never knows another day of peace!" Chang Wudao said, his voice thick with killing intent as he wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his sleeve.

"Shameless."

"This is just shameless pestering."

"Do you think we’re afraid of you?"

The members of the Song Clan were furious, verbally assaulting Chang Wudao.

Song Xianming’s eyes turned cold. He stared at Chang Wudao and said coolly, "Your son tried to kill someone and was killed instead. He brought it all upon himself. If you’re not satisfied, then let’s fight again. I will surely take your head!"

"Heh heh. I admit I’m not your match, but if I so choose, I can make life miserable for everyone in your clan," Chang Wudao said, deciding to throw all caution to the wind.

For the first time, a murderous aura emanated from Song Xianming. He looked down upon Chang Wudao and his men. "To think the dignified leader of a sect would act like a common thug. It’s truly been an eye-opening experience."

"Fine. You want an explanation? I’ll give you a chance. Three days from now, Song Changsheng will set up an arena at the foot of Vast Mist Peak for one day. Anyone below the Foundation Establishment Stage may challenge him. Life and death will not be questioned."

"Let the younger generation resolve the matters of the younger generation. This is my final bottom line. If you dare to push your luck any further, don’t blame me for going on a killing spree."

The killing intent coalescing around Song Xianming was almost tangible, his aura overwhelming. It made the members of the Earth Fire Sect and the Qiu Clan afraid to even look at him directly.

Chang Wudao clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. "Fine. We’ll do as you say and let the juniors settle it. In three days, the Earth Fire Sect will come to answer the challenge."

Qiu Tianyang said with a grim face, "The same goes for the Qiu Clan."

With that, he turned and left decisively with Qiu Tianxing.

"What’s wrong? You’re not leaving yet? We don’t serve dinner here," Song Luzhou said sarcastically.

Chang Wudao shot him a cold glance, then finally looked at Song Changsheng. "Boy, don’t even think about running. Even if you flee to the ends of the earth, I will hunt you down and drag you back."

Song Changsheng gave a slight bow, his tone neither servile nor overbearing. "Sect Leader Chang, you worry too much. As my grandfather said, I will take on any challenger below the Foundation Establishment Stage."

"It’s just that, when the time comes, if I accidentally kill one or two, I hope Sect Leader Chang will be magnanimous and not hold a grudge against this junior."

Chang Wudao’s face instantly darkened. He was so furious he began to laugh. "Good. Very good. I hope your strength is as impressive as your mouth."

"You needn’t trouble yourself over that, Sect Leader. Life and death are decided by fate; wealth and honor are decreed by heaven. If my skills are lacking, then I will die. That is all."

"Hmph. Such a sharp tongue. We’re leaving!"

Chang Wudao gave a cold sneer, then left with a flick of his sleeve, taking Cheng Yufei and the others with him...

"Tch. What a piece of work," Song Luzhou muttered, curling his lip. He wanted to spit, but then thought better of it to maintain his image and ultimately dropped the idea.

Song Xianming cupped his fists toward Wang Qingquan and said in a clear voice, "I thank you two for speaking up for justice. Please, come inside for a chat."

"Hahaha, the Song and Wang Families are one and the same! To say such things is to treat us as outsiders. We won’t come in. In three days, for the arena battle, this junior will certainly come to cheer on Young Friend Song!"

Wang Qingquan cupped his fists toward the crowd, then left with his companion, turning into two long rainbows that streaked away.

"Luzhou, have everyone disperse. Today’s matter is concluded. Don’t let it interfere with the clan’s operations," Song Xianming said, landing beside Song Changsheng and looking at Song Luzhou.

"This nephew understands." Song Luzhou cupped his fists respectfully and went with Song Luyao and Song Luhuai to calm the clan members.

After everyone had left, Song Xianming’s tall, straight body suddenly slumped like a deflated ball. An unnatural flush appeared on his face.

Song Changsheng’s face fell. He rushed forward to support him, but was stopped by a stern look from Song Xianming. He quickly composed himself and sent a quiet voice transmission: "Don’t make a scene. Twenty-first Brother, bring Changsheng and follow me to Ruyun Hall."

Once the three of them were inside Ruyun Hall, Song Xianming could no longer keep up the facade. He violently spat out a mouthful of blood, his formidable aura collapsing in an instant, and he nearly fell to the ground.

Song Changsheng was horrified. He quickly caught him and asked worriedly, "Grandfather, what’s wrong?"

Song Xianyun grabbed his wrist. A moment later, his brows furrowed into a tangled mess. He quickly took out a blood-red Pill and had Song Xianming swallow it, then turned to Song Changsheng. "Big Brother forced himself to act and has damaged his foundation. The situation is not looking good."

"Then what do we do?" Song Changsheng’s eyes widened. Looking at the extremely weakened Song Xianming, his heart filled with guilt and worry.

Song Xianyun thought for a moment. "Don’t panic yet. There’s still a Pill left behind by the Ancestor in the Clan Treasure Vault. I’ll go get it now. You stay here and take care of your grandfather. Don’t let word of this get out, understand?"

"Your grandson understands," Song Changsheng said with a solemn nod.

Song Xianyun hurriedly descended the mountain.

Song Changsheng helped Song Xianming to the bed and, holding his thin, withered hand, began to channel Spiritual Power into him.

After a short while, the Pill Song Xianyun had given him began to take effect. A trace of color returned to Song Xianming’s deathly pale face, and his consciousness slowly returned.

A hint of joy appeared on Song Changsheng’s face. He quickly leaned close to his ear and said, "Grandfather, how are you feeling?"

Song Xianming tugged at the corner of his mouth and said weakly, "I made this bet on your behalf. Don’t blame your grandfather."

...