Everyone's gaze was fixed on Song Changsheng, waiting for his final decision.
There was no need to elaborate on the value of a top-grade spiritual artifact. In the entire Lingzhou region, the number of such treasures could be counted on one hand. Even the Song Clan, with centuries of accumulated heritage, owned only three.
Though the clan did possess even rarer magical treasures, without a Purple Mansion cultivator, they were little more than ornaments, far less practical than a well-suited top-grade spiritual artifact.
The artifact in question, the Sky-Shielding Umbrella, had been the personal weapon of the previous clan head, Song Yunhan, and had been stored in the clan's treasury ever since. Even the Grand Elder Song Xianyun had never been granted its use.
Now Song Luzhou was proposing to send this treasure to Song Luke, who resided far away in the Central Continent. The pressure of that decision now fell squarely on Song Changsheng's shoulders. He knew that he would have to make the call.
From a practical standpoint, a top-grade spiritual artifact was easily worth several Foundation Establishment Pills and could provide the clan a chance at survival should a major crisis arise.
And presently, with the news of Song Xianming's recovery already pushing the clan into the limelight, the Song Clan was bound to attract envy and hidden threats. In a critical moment, such an artifact could very well turn the tide of fate.
But in the long run, if the Sky-Shielding Umbrella could help Song Luke reach the Purple Mansion realm, the benefits for the clan would be immeasurable.
The Song Clan descended from a prestigious Jindan family, with roots even deeper than the famed Golden Crow Sect. By all logic, the Wangyue Song Clan should have risen quickly after forging such a connection, if not soaring, at least steadily advancing.
So why had the clan instead gone into decline over the years?
It all came down to one reason: they had no voice in the ancestral lineage. No one within the core of the ancestral family was speaking for them, and so they were slowly sidelined and marginalized.
But if Song Luke reached the Purple Mansion realm, he could break into the core circles of the ancestral clan. At the very least, they would no longer be restricted when it came to Foundation Establishment Pills.
Moreover, the Song Clan could rely on his influence to bring stability to Lingzhou and push forward their development. He could even become a pillar of support when Song Xianming attempted his breakthrough to Purple Mansion in the future.
The potential gains were tremendous.
But of course, all of this was based on one premise that Song Luke would succeed in his breakthrough. If he failed, it would be a complete loss, and everything would be for nothing.
Faced with such a pivotal crossroads, Song Changsheng fell silent. This was a decision that would affect the future of the entire clan.
Rationally speaking, he should refuse. The risks were too high. Though ten stalks of Yin-Yang Zishu Cores sounded like a lot, they were barely a drop in the bucket for an ancestral family with thousands of years of history and tens of thousands of cultivators.
He didn't believe that an "outsider" like Song Luke could compete with direct descendants of the main lineage. Even with a top-grade spiritual artifact, the odds were slim.
But emotionally, Song Changsheng couldn't bring himself to say no.
Song Luke had been taken to the ancestral clan at the age of eight, yet he had never forgotten his roots. Over the years, he had continuously fought for the interests of the Song Clan without complaint.
Twenty years ago, when the clan suffered heavy losses in a great war, it was Song Luke who used his savings to purchase a batch of resources and sent them back, helping the family recover its strength without ever asking for anything in return.
He even convinced the elders of the ancestral family to grant the Song Clan a period of peace, no tribute, no requirement to send their best talents away. Thanks to that rare respite, the family had managed to climb out of the abyss.
Though he never said how he managed it, it wasn't hard to imagine the great cost he must have paid.
"If Grandpa were here, what would he do?"
After a moment of silence, Song Changsheng looked up and said firmly,
"Even if there's only a sliver of hope, we can't give it up. I agree to send the Sky-Shielding Umbrella to Uncle Luke."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Song Changsheng felt a wave of relief wash over him.
The elders in the room had mixed expressions. Some felt the decision was too impulsive, while others admired Song Changsheng's decisiveness, reminiscent of Song Xianming in his prime.
But whatever they thought, none voiced opposition because they had no reason to oppose it.
The optimal choice isn't always the right one.
Everyone knew that keeping the Sky-Shielding Umbrella within the clan would bring the greatest immediate benefit. But family isn't just about profit because they were more than an organization. They were family.
A look of excitement appeared on Song Yushi's face. She had already prepared herself for rejection, but the outcome far exceeded her expectations.
She bowed deeply to everyone present and said respectfully,
"Thank you, Young Clan Leader. Thank you, elders."
Xia Yunxue gently took her hand and smiled,
"We're all family, no need to be so formal."
"Mm... Thank you, Auntie."
Song Yushi's nose tingled, and a glimmer of tears sparkled at the corner of her eyes.
Song Changsheng then spoke:
"Mother, cousin, and the others have had a long and exhausting journey, not to mention the battle they just survived. I've already arranged rooms for them. Please take them to rest."
Xia Yunxue nodded.
"Alright."
Once she left with Song Yushi, Song Changsheng turned to the others.
"Do the elders have anything else to add?"
No sooner had he finished speaking than an elder stood up and said,
"Young Clan Leader, this old one doesn't mean to question your judgment, but shouldn't such an important matter be reported to the Clan Leader and the Grand Elder first?"
Another elder immediately echoed the concern,
"Yes, wasn't this decision a bit too hasty?"
Song Luyao, who had been silently observing, let out a cold snort.
"The Clan Leader is in closed-door seclusion, and the Grand Elder is still gravely injured. According to clan rules, the Young Clan Leader has the authority to act on behalf of the Clan Leader with the assistance of the Elder Council."
"If anyone believes the Young Clan Leader's decision is unreasonable, you should have raised your objections earlier. Why stay silent then and speak now?"
With that, the two elders fell silent.
Song Changsheng swept his gaze across the room. Seeing no further objections, he spoke decisively:
"Then it's settled. Once my grandfather comes out of seclusion, I'll personally explain it to him."
"Next, we need to decide how to allocate the three Foundation Establishment Pills my cousin brought. After all these years, we can't afford to wait any longer. We must convert them into strength as soon as possible. The clan is short on manpower."
As soon as he finished, the atmosphere in the room grew tense.
There were only three Foundation Establishment Pills, but far more people who needed them. Everyone had a favored junior; everyone had their preferences and private thoughts.
Song Luzhou timely added:
"I've examined the quality of these three pills, and it is extremely high. Each can increase the success rate by at least five percent more than standard ones. We must find a way to maximize their value."
Song Changsheng turned to him.
"Fifth Uncle, do you have a suggestion?"
Instead of replying, Song Luzhou turned to Song Luyao.
"Ninth Sister, how many clan members currently qualify to use a Foundation Establishment Pill?"
"Among those under sixty, we have eighteen who have already formed their Dao Foundations. Within the year, three more are expected to do so."
Song Luyao answered without hesitation, she knew the clan's situation like the back of her hand.
"So roughly twenty candidates." Song Luzhou nodded.
"Then I suggest holding a trial competition, with the pills awarded to the top three."
It was the most straightforward and fair way: let strength speak.
But not everyone agreed.
"Strongest doesn't necessarily mean most suitable," one elder stood up to object.
"Breaking through to Foundation Establishment depends largely on aptitude. This method is unfair to those who are just a step away from reaching peak Qi Refinement."
He had a point. A twenty-year-old at the ninth layer of Qi Refinement had more talent than a fifty-year-old at the same level.
But someone else immediately rebutted:
"It takes at least two to three years of full support to condense a Dao Foundation from the ninth layer. Add another year or two to attempt the breakthrough, that's five years. Can the clan afford to wait that long?"
Song Changsheng also voiced his support:
"True. Though it may be unfair to some, time is not on our side. The goal is to utilize the pills within two years."
The protesting elder had no choice but to sit down in frustration.
"How about choosing based on contributions to the clan, like last time?" another elder proposed.
"I believe age should be considered. While anyone under sixty qualifies, those under thirty have the best success rates."
"We should evaluate temperament, aptitude, and contribution together."
"This old man thinks"
And so it went. Voices overlapped. No one could convince the others, and the meeting soon descended into chaos.
The debate dragged deep into the night, yet no resolution was reached.
Finally, Song Changsheng had had enough. He knocked on the table and signaled for quiet.
"Each method has its merits and drawbacks. Let's follow clan tradition and hold a vote."
According to the clan's regulations, when disagreements arose, the Elder Council would vote. Each elder had one vote, each senior elder had two, and the Clan Leader (or acting leader) had three.
The votes were soon tallied.
Two proposals, "Strength Above All" and "Aptitude First," tied for the lead.
Only one person hadn't voted: Song Changsheng.
Once again, all eyes turned to him for the final decision.
Without hesitation, Song Changsheng cast his vote for Song Luzhou's "Strength Above All" proposal.
After all, this was a world where the strong ruled, and talent alone couldn't guarantee success.
The outcome was clear. Song Luzhou's plan narrowly prevailed. Though a few remained unhappy, the decision had been made, and no one could change it.
"Very well, then that's settled," Song Changsheng said.
"Since we're holding a tournament, why not expand it and make it a full-fledged Clan Grand Competition?"
"But… the Grand Competition has always been for the younger generation. Wouldn't that create an unfair gap?"
Song Changsheng nodded.
"I understand your concern. This time, we'll divide the competition into three separate divisions."
All underage clan members would compete in the first arena.
Those aged eighteen to thirty who had not yet reached the peak of Qi Refinement would compete in the second arena.
The third arena was reserved for Qi Refinement peak cultivators under sixty.
Each arena would determine three winners, all of whom would receive rewards.
"That arrangement is very reasonable. I support it," said Song Luyao without hesitation.
The other clan elders also raised no objections. After all, this wasn't a bad thing; it would help identify outstanding clan members.
Only Song Luzhou looked a bit sour. His original plan had been to award the Foundation Establishment Pills directly to the top three. But judging by Song Changsheng's setup, the clan would now have to spend a lot more.
"This brat is far too generous when it comes to spending resources…" he grumbled inwardly.
Still, he kept his opinion to himself.
Strictly speaking, this was Song Changsheng's first time acting with the authority of Clan Leader, and what the elders needed to do now was support him to help him establish his authority, not challenge him at every turn.
"Since no one has objections, then it's settled. The grand tournament will be held one month from now," Song Changsheng said, hammering down the final decision.
"Should we invite any outside powers to observe?" asked one of the elders.
After all, this was a great opportunity to showcase the clan's strength. In the past, sects like the Earthfire Sect would often be invited to attend.
Song Changsheng thought for a moment and said:
"Just invite the Wang Clan, Li Clan, and the clan's affiliated families."
"Understood."
...
After the meeting, Song Changsheng had a formal announcement issued, telling all eligible clan members to begin preparations.
However, he deliberately withheld the fact that the rewards for the grand tournament would be Foundation Establishment Pills.
For now, Song Changsheng didn't want to reveal that the secret Earthfire Sect had been too quiet lately, which felt unnatural. He wanted to keep a trump card close to his chest.
Instead, he privately gathered all the Qi Refinement peak cultivators and subtly encouraged them to give it their all.
Suddenly, across the entire Song Clan, everyone was eagerly sharpening their blades, quietly determined to shine in the tournament…
...
Little Azure Mountain, lakeside island.
Song Qingxing, with flowing black hair, sat silently under a plum tree, a simple ancient sword resting across his knees. Spiritual energy from the surroundings naturally converged toward him.
Whoosh
A giant paper kite soared across the lake and gently descended onto the island. A young girl in a flowing blue-green dress leapt gracefully from its back.
Song Qingxing slowly opened his eyes, a flash of sharp sword intent flickering in his gaze. He looked calmly at the spirited girl and asked,
"You're back?"
"Yep! I'm so exhausted, but luckily, that was the last mission of the year. Now we just wait for the harvest," said Song Qingxi, putting away the kite with a carefree smile.
"You seem unusually cheerful," Song Qingxing quickly noticed something was off.
"Oh? Not bad, you noticed! Guess why I'm so happy!"
Song Qingxi cupped her face in her hands, eyes sparkling with excitement.
But Song Qingxing simply looked at her in silence, unmoved.
After a brief pause, Song Qingxi deflated like a balloon.
"Wooden block…" she muttered, rolling her eyes.
"Fine, I'll tell you. Grandpa at the foot of the mountain told me Uncle is back."
The moment the words left her mouth, Song Qingxing shot up from the ground.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"I'm heading to Cangmang Peak," he replied simply.
"Huh? Hey, wait for me!"
-support me in Patreon for more chapter, 160+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LordoftheReader