Among the crowd of cultivators watching, many were from other families, quickly sending messages back to their clans.
No matter which side they supported, such a major event could not be ignored.
The development was beyond everyone's expectations, yet somehow it did not come as a complete surprise.
Song Qingyun gathered her disciples and contacted several allied families. Including some forces that Song Wanníng had secretly helped before, all of whom pledged to come to their aid. But the three great families still held the advantage in Divine Transformation cultivators.
Add the Divine Transformation cultivators from other large families, and they could muster over ten Divine Transformation cultivators. The Song family now had five Divine Transformation cultivators, plus those from allies. Still, they seemed slightly outnumbered. Especially with Wanníng still underground, her emergence uncertain...
Song Qingyun narrowed her eyes and sneered inwardly. Fortunately, they had prepared early. Otherwise, facing a sudden family war, the Song family would easily fall into a passive position.
"Ning Patriarch, you have openly provoked a family war, leading a rebellion against the established rules of the cultivation world. If that is so, starting today, your three families should no longer expect to hold your positions among the three great families."
Song Qingyun did not want to waste words. She continued, voice sharp and commanding: "Today will be the day your three families collapse!"
If all families united, the three great families would have no way out. They would be forced to accept punishment like everyone else.
After all, the others operated according to cultivation laws, with clear authority.
Not like the three great families.
Ning Patriarch's brow tightened, conflicted thoughts flashing through his mind. He knew Song Qingyun was provoking him into action, hoping the Song family would be completely wiped out and forced to defend themselves.
But if he waited for reinforcements, the treasure in the courtyard might disappear or be claimed by others.
More than Song family's resources, he cared about the treasure that could rapidly advance everyone. As long as he obtained it, he could advance quickly. Even ascending would not be a dream.
Such an opportunity was within reach.
Ning Patriarch glanced at the Divine Transformation cultivators and his eyes suddenly gleamed.
"Charge!"
At his command, the Divine Transformation cultivators surged toward the gate. Ning Patriarch followed closely, brandishing his magical treasure, his killing intent fierce. Other Nascent Soul cultivators and clan leaders exchanged glances, then also charged toward the courtyard.
The war was about to erupt. Song family's Nascent Soul elders hurried out to join the fight.
Outside the courtyard, spells flashed everywhere, intertwining brilliantly with overwhelming momentum.
The other Song disciples hid inside, their strength insufficient. Sending them out would be a death sentence. Following the Patriarch's orders, they stayed inside the formations to avoid unnecessary casualties.
The huge commotion was contained within the Song family's formation, protecting nearby buildings and cultivators.
News of the siege spread rapidly, reaching far and wide. Various forces converged on the Song family, while some quietly watched the chaos, amused.
...
Song Wanníng was completely unaware of the uproar outside.
But she knew the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder would surely draw attention. Many envied the Song family's rise and might take action.
She remained focused, unwilling to make a single mistake.
As the spirit pearl finally neared the Dragon Spirit, her eyes sharpened and she chanted the incantation once more. Burning incense smoke began to drift, following the direction of her fingernails, soon covering every corner around them.
With repeated chanting, the long-sleeping Dragon Spirit showed signs of awakening. It slowly opened its misty, large eyes. Even just a slight opening sent a tremendous aura rushing over Song Wanníng.
Thud.
She dropped to one knee immediately, barely supported by her sword on the ground. Otherwise, she might have collapsed face-first.
The Dragon Spirit's eyes fully opened, filled with a confused expression.
Song Wanníng was drenched in cold sweat, her bones creaking painfully.
As expected of the Dragon Spirit of a top-tier dragon vein, even without doing anything, its aura was beyond her ability to resist.
She continued silently chanting the incantation, no matter how difficult, never once faltering. The incense smoke continuously drifted down, settling above the Dragon Spirit's head.
Then it transformed into a familiar symbol, sinking into the Dragon Spirit's body.
The Dragon Spirit let out a muffled hum and closed its eyes comfortably. After a long moment, it slowly opened them again.
This time, its gaze was no longer dull and confused but filled with innocence and curiosity. Tilting its head, it looked at the cross-legged Song Wanníng and tentatively called out, "Mother?"
There was a deep sense of closeness coming from this person. It felt as if it had been incubated by her, born with an innate familiarity.
Song Wanníng was slightly stunned, raising her eyebrows in surprise.
The Dragon Spirit just called her that?
It was a spirit born of Heaven and Earth, calling her mother?
She was nowhere near capable of giving birth to such a mighty offspring.
But the Dragon Spirit's closeness delighted her beyond words.
She blinked happily and waved at the Dragon Spirit.
"Little one, come here."
The Dragon Spirit and the dragon vein were opposites: one vast, spanning all humanity, the other small, only palm-sized and utterly adorable.
Excited, the Dragon Spirit wagged its tail and leapt at Song Wanníng, quickly burrowing into her arms.
Song Wanníng was knocked down and lay there for a long while, unable to get up.
Though small, the Dragon Spirit was heavy. Its gentle leap broke several of her ribs, nearly causing her to cough up blood.
She hurriedly took a pill, easing the pain and clearing the bruising in her chest.
"Little one, I am not your mother, I am your sister."
Song Wanníng tapped the Dragon Spirit's forehead and smiled. "You better be careful. My little body can't handle your wild jumps."
The Dragon Spirit blinked its watery eyes, confused.
"Sister?"
"Eh—"
Song Wanníng shamelessly agreed.
This closeness was voluntary from the Dragon Spirit, not a kidnapping.
Having long been accustomed to spirits rejecting her, the Dragon Spirit's warmth was unfamiliar and overwhelming. But now was not the time to dwell on that. Outside, the situation was unknown. She needed to hurry.