Boom—
Boom—
Lightning tribulation struck again and again, each bolt crashing down with enough force to shatter mountains. Mu Yuan bore every strike with unyielding resolve. Even when her body was charred black, she refused to yield.
Watching that steadfast figure, the smile at the corner of Song Wanníng's lips deepened. Her father and mother were both exceptional people. In this life, free from the burdens of her past, they would surely walk their own paths.
The rise of the Song family was only one part of her vision. What she truly wished was for her family to reunite in the Spirit Realm, and perhaps… even in the Immortal Realm. Bold thoughts flickered through her mind, one after another, until in the blink of an eye, Mu Yuan had passed her tribulation. With her strength spent, she collapsed to the ground.
Soon, multicolored radiance appeared, washing over her battered form. The wounds vanished, her flesh mended, and her entire being shone even more brilliantly than before.
Mu Yuan's beauty was striking, yet compared to Song Wanníng, she carried a gentler, more restrained charm. Those who knew her well understood that behind that demure face was an iron will. She handled matters swiftly and decisively, earning the respect of everyone in the family.
"Wanníng, we did it!"
A gleam of deep light flashed in Mu Yuan's eyes, and with it, her ambition grew.
Her daughter had been right. The Song family's goal had never been merely to enter the ranks of the top clans—it was to stand above them all.
"Come, let's return to the spirit vein."
Unable to rest easy unless she was there, Mu Yuan quickly took out her spirit boat.
"Alright."
Song Wanníng nodded, and the mother and daughter rushed back toward the spirit vein.
Meanwhile, the He family welcomed a mysterious powerhouse.
The man was dressed entirely in black, his robes concealing every trace of his presence. Yet his bearing was effortlessly commanding, so oppressive that others could hardly breathe in his presence.
The He Patriarch personally went to the gates to greet him, his manner respectful to the extreme. The sight stirred quite a commotion within the clan.
"Who was that just now? He only glanced at me once, but it felt like I was being flayed alive… terrifying!"
"And did you see? His eyes—they were gray!"
"Yeah, those pupils didn't look human at all… more like a demon's."
"Hush! Don't talk nonsense. How could our Patriarch possibly be greeting a great demon? Use your head."
"I was just making an example… but those eyes—"
"What do you think that big shot came here for?"
"Who knows? But judging by how excited the Patriarch looked, it's probably something good."
Excitement rippled through the disciples. The stronger their clan became, the more resources they would have. Recently, the meteoric rise of the Song family had filled them with envy. When would such good fortune fall upon them?
In the main hall, the He Patriarch warmly hosted Feng Youming. Yet since only Feng Youming himself had come, the Patriarch felt a flicker of disappointment.
Still, he understood. The other side wouldn't send a full force just on his word. Sending an advance agent first was reasonable. He had just opened his mouth to speak when Feng Youming cut in casually, "When will the Song family negotiations take place? This Lord will go join the fun."
His tone was languid, showing not the slightest regard for the He Patriarch. If he had understood the human race's internal situation better, he would have gone to the Song family himself already.
The Patriarch's heart gave a jolt. Feeling the subtle contempt in Feng Youming's tone, a trace of displeasure rose in him.
But when he thought of the power behind the man, he immediately forced a smile. "The top clan negotiations are set for three days from now, to be held at the Ning family estate. As the He family is not among the top clans, we cannot attend—"
Feng Youming's brows drew together, his voice suddenly cold. "So you're saying you have no qualifications to participate? Then why bring us here at all? Useless trash."
An instant later, his oppressive aura burst forth. The He Patriarch was crushed to his knees with a muffled thud.
Shock flashed in his eyes, quickly replaced by burning shame and anger.
The last person he had met had treated him politely, speaking of possible cooperation. Wanting to elevate the He family's standing, he had agreed. Never had he imagined this man would treat him like this.
Fury burned in his chest, but having already boarded this pirate ship, there was no turning back.
Otherwise, they would never let him go.
Forcing himself to steady his trembling body, he bit back his anger. "I can introduce Senior to the Ning family—"
Before he could finish, Feng Youming casually withdrew his aura and even helped him back to his feet. "See? Now that's better. You should have said so earlier. I nearly misunderstood you."
There was a smile on his face, but it never reached his eyes. That display had been deliberate, meant to put the He Patriarch in his place. A reminder not to overstep. From what he could see, the man was a useful dog for now—worth keeping alive.
The Patriarch forced a strained smile. For the sake of his own ascension and the He family's future, he would endure. Results were all that mattered. He quickly contacted the Ning Patriarch.
Feng Youming didn't know the details of their exchange, but by nightfall, the He Patriarch was taking him to the city's teleportation array.
Beyond the array lay a city ten times larger than an ordinary one, its spiritual energy far more refined. The cultivators there all looked sharp and vigorous. The whole city was well-ordered and thriving.
Feng Youming arched a brow. Though it was far inferior to the Fengling Domain, it was still impressive. Once they took the Song family's territory and awakened that top-grade dragon vein…
All this would be reduced to dust.
He strode into the Ning estate without hesitation and was quickly welcomed. As a Divine Transformation cultivator, he was not someone the Ning family could treat lightly—they had only three such experts themselves.
Upon learning he was here regarding the Song family's promotion, the Ning Patriarch's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of calculation in them.
For countless years, the three great clans had held dominance. Now, a Song family suddenly appeared, seeking to seize resources from their hands. Naturally, the three clans would not accept it.
They were already prepared to make things difficult for the Songs and minimize the resources they would have to share. Now, with an extra Divine Transformation cultivator on their side, all the better. If they could get Feng Youming to strike at the Song family while they reaped the spoils… even better.
A cold gleam flashed in the Ning Patriarch's eyes. He had already decided to use Feng Youming.
Feng Youming, for his part, merely smiled. His true purpose here was to probe the Song family's strength and find their weaknesses. After all, if he wanted to take over their territory, he needed the perfect excuse.
…
Song Wanníng knew nothing of what was happening in the Ning estate. She and Mu Yuan returned to the Song family. After a long family discussion, the long-awaited day of negotiation arrived.
The original Ancestor and elders remained behind to guard the family and the spirit vein. Song Qingyun and his wife and daughter would personally attend the talks.
The moment they stepped out the gates, countless eyes turned to them.
Everyone was eager to see what terms the Song family would secure.