After returning to the Song family estate, Song Qingyun gathered everyone and announced that the Song family had officially risen into the ranks of top-tier clans.
The disciples erupted into cheers of surprise and delight. Who could have imagined that the Song family would rise to prominence so suddenly? Even they themselves had never dared to think it possible.
Song Qingyun was just as stirred. For the Song family to flourish under his leadership was something that would bring glory to their ancestors. He encouraged the disciples not to slack in their cultivation. The future of the Song family still rested on their shoulders.
…
In the main hall, Song Wanníng was speaking to the others about Feng Youming.
"Feng Youming? I have never heard of this name. Are you certain it is not an alias?"
"I am not sure."
Song Wanníng shook her head.
Feng Youming's appearance had been sudden. Even in her past life, she had never figured out his true identity. As she spoke, she took out a memory stone. The image of Feng Youming's lazy posture appeared before everyone's eyes. Especially those gray eyes. They drew attention immediately.
"Strange… why have I never seen this man before?"
"I have not either."
"There are not many human cultivators at the Divine Transformation stage, but he…"
Everyone shook their heads in turn.
A Divine Transformation cultivator's reputation should spread far and wide, yet Feng Youming's face was completely unfamiliar.
"And his eyes… they are somewhat different from our human race, yet the aura he carries is clearly that of a human cultivator."
Their words confirmed the suspicion taking root in Song Wanníng's heart.
Feng Youming… was likely someone who had emerged from an unknown place.
But why appear now?
And for what purpose?
"This man may very well be here for the Song family. Everyone must stay alert these days. Do not allow anything about the spirit vein to be exposed."
Song Wanníng could not figure out his intentions, but she was certain he had not appeared at the negotiation table without reason.
In fact…
She faintly felt that the person orchestrating events from the shadows might be connected to Feng Youming.
Her heartbeat quickened, not from fear, but from a rising sense of anticipation. As long as he showed himself, as long as they caught even the faintest clue…
The elders took her words seriously and immediately issued orders. The entire clan went on high alert, keeping watch for anything unusual. Should anyone see Feng Youming, they were to report to the family at once.
After Song Qingyun and Mu Yuan entered the room, Song Wanníng told them privately about Feng Youming.
When they learned that he had once nearly crippled their daughter, killing intent surged between them. Song Qingyun ground his molars. "Damn it. If we had known yesterday, even if it meant risking our lives, we would have taken him down!"
Mu Yuan said nothing, only held Song Wanníng's hand, her eyes filled with heartache. For her past life, their daughter had always spoken lightly of the suffering she endured. How much pain had she truly borne? Their daughter… had lived a life far too bitter.
"Father, Mother, I am not telling you this for the sake of revenge."
Song Wanníng's expression grew grave as she laid out her suspicions. At once, both parents became more vigilant.
"You are right. A Divine Transformation cultivator suddenly appearing and deliberately joining our negotiations… no matter how you look at it, he came for the Song family. It may even be that the ones plotting to harm us… are them!"
Song Qingyun's brows furrowed deeply. He and Mu Yuan exchanged a look, their faces turning more solemn. This concerned the very survival of the clan. It was far more than a matter of killing a man.
Mu Yuan's eyes were puzzled. "But what exactly are they after?"
Yes… what were they after?
In her past life, Song Wanníng had never learned the answer. She only knew that Bai Yang and Ye Chuxue had brought people to the Song family's gates, slaughtering everyone.
After that, she knew nothing.
Could it have been nothing more than hatred for her, enough to drag the entire Song family into destruction?
In the past she had believed so, but now… she was no longer sure.
Especially with Feng Youming's appearance…
"Father, Mother, I will uncover this secret."
…
News of the Song family's ascension to a top-tier clan quickly spread across the land, and word of Song Wanníng's breakthrough to the mid Divine Transformation stage caused an even greater stir.
When Liu Yiyi heard, her whole body trembled with anger.
She was furious… and afraid.
Song Wanníng was known to repay every slight, to hold grudges deeply. Given Liu Yiyi's past schemes, she was surely already on Song Wanníng's kill list.
Now, before she had even found a way to retaliate, terrible news had struck. What was she to do?
"No… if Song Wanníng lives, the one who dies in the end will be me!"
Liu Yiyi paced in panic. Song Wanníng's speed of advancement filled her with dread.
But she was alone now. Her elder brother was dead, her position within the sect growing ever more precarious. How could she possibly deal with Song Wanníng?
Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks. A glint of malice flickered in her eyes.
At this point, she had no other choice. She would have to take a gamble.
Yet…
Liu Yiyi pressed a hand to her chest, her heart burning with unwillingness. That place had been her secret. Now she would have to expose it. But if it meant bringing Song Wanníng down, it would all be worth it. So long as she lived, there was hope. She would have to risk everything.
…
Over the next few days, the Song family knew no peace.
One clan after another came to visit, their words of congratulations little more than a cover for probing into how certain members had advanced so quickly.
Mu Yuan returned early to guard the spirit vein without the slightest relaxation.
Even in reclaiming resources, the Song family faced no small challenges. These were handled by Song Qingyun and several elders, while Song Wanníng remained in her courtyard, instructing Li Ruo and rarely stepping outside.
Until she received word that Feng Youming had been spotted in one of the Song family's cities.
Song Wanníng's brows lifted slightly. After giving Li Ruo a few brief instructions, she left the Song estate that very night.
According to the report, Feng Youming had appeared in Weiyang City, a territory under Song family control.
The Song family oversaw more than twenty cities surrounding their main city. Merchants paid annual taxes, and in return, the family ensured their safety and maintained stability.
They also ran various businesses of their own.
Weiyang City was the farthest from the main city—though with the recent expansion, it was no longer the most distant.
Using the teleportation array, she arrived in Weiyang City and immediately summoned the city's steward elder.
"Young Miss, he entered the city early this morning. Strangely enough, he went to a rundown, unremarkable house. That house has been vacant for over a hundred years."
The steward elder found it odd, but the order from above was clear. If Feng Youming was sighted, he was to report immediately.
"A rundown house?"
Song Wanníng thought for a moment. If Feng Youming truly had a purpose, he would not be so easily spotted. This must be part of an act, something meant for the Song family to see.
"It does not matter. For the next few days, keep a close watch. Record every place he goes, without missing the slightest detail."
"Yes! I will see to it at once!"