Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

The next morning, the remaining guests departed one after another.

In the Cultivation Realm, travel was not bound by day or night. Those who chose to stay overnight on Vast Mist Peak mostly had other motives.

The previous night had been a busy one for the Elders of the Song Clan. Grand Elder Song Xianyun and Second Elder Song Luzhou, in particular, were inundated with a constant stream of visitors. Song Changsheng, on the other hand, had enjoyed a rare moment of peace as he was responsible for receiving the party from Luoxia City.

Throughout the night, the Song Clan had received an untold number of requests for marriage alliances, trade agreements, and formal pacts.

Some had even tried to use their "cash power."

But Song Xianyun and Song Luzhou’s attitude was firm, and their public stance was consistent.

’Want to trade? Sure. Go directly to the Moon Viewing Marketplace. Trade is free there, and there are no middlemen to take a cut.’

’Want a marriage alliance? Fine, but the daughters of the Song Clan do not marry out. You can either marry into our clan or have one of your women marry in.’

’Want an alliance? Not happening. The Song Clan’s status is different now. Casually forming alliances would only lower our standing. We can discuss it when both our parties are on equal footing.’

Of course, the two of them expressed all this very tactfully, but the meaning was clear.

Some were happy, and some were worried.

Luoxia City was clearly among the happy ones. The Song Clan had stood firmly on their side the day before, foiling the Golden Crow Sect’s plot to stifle Luoxia City’s growth.

Furthermore, after last night’s negotiations, the Song Clan had decided to form a defensive alliance with Luoxia City.

Of course, while it was called an alliance, it was in reality the weaker party seeking shelter with the stronger one.

The two sides established a series of responsibilities and obligations.

For example, the Song Clan was obligated to guard the northern gate and fend off threats from the north. In return, the Song Clan would receive the protection of Luoxia City.

For another example, with the Song Clan’s permission, Luoxia City could openly recruit disciples in Ling Province, while outstanding Song clansmen could directly become disciples of Luoxia City’s Purple Mansion Cultivators.

There were many similar clauses. Overall, it was a win-win situation for both parties; Luoxia City had not used its power to bully them.

After seeing off the last guest, Song Changsheng and Song Xianming stood atop the mountain peak, quietly gazing at the rolling mountain range in the distance.

After a long silence, Song Xianming spoke leisurely, "I heard from your mother that you’ve taken a liking to that young woman from yesterday?"

Song Changsheng nodded silently. His feelings for Zhuang Yuechan were mutual, but due to certain concerns, they had never broken through that final layer. Now, however, he had made up his mind.

"If you’ve made up your mind, then go for it. Don’t worry too much. The grievances of the older generation end with me."

"I will." Song Changsheng’s expression was calm. Once he set his mind to something, he would never back down easily.

"The Yu Clan wants to turn traitor?"

"Yes, but the information isn’t highly credible. However, one point is worth noting: Chang Wudao is likely about to take that step as well. And it’s very possible they’ve colluded with the Lieyang Sect."

Song Xianming’s eyes were half-closed. He shook his head and said, "He won’t get the chance. Convene the Elder Council. I have something to announce."

Song Changsheng’s heart skipped a beat. ’That moment is finally approaching!’ he knew.

Watching Song Xianming’s departing figure, Song Changsheng hesitated for a moment before suddenly calling out, "Did Martial Uncle come to ask you that question yesterday?"

Song Xianming paused for a fraction of a second, nodded, and said without turning back, "Yes."

"And what was your answer?"

Song Xianming turned around and said calmly, "I have regrets. But even if time could be turned back, I would still make the same choice at that moment. She could not betray her sect, and I could not betray my clan. Our ending was sealed from the very beginning."

"Things are different now," Song Changsheng said in a clear voice. "Luoxia City has moved south. It’s no longer the same transcendent Luoxia City it once was."

Song Xianming heaved a long sigh.

"How can a broken mirror be made whole again?"

——————

Inside the council hall, the upper echelon of the Song Clan was gathered. Aside from Song Lutong, who was guarding the Marketplace, and Song Qingxing, who had not yet returned from his training, even Song Changxuan, who was stationed in the Mortal Realm, had returned to the clan.

Song Xianming sat at the head of the hall, looking at the familiar and unfamiliar faces before him, his heart filled with emotion. After so many years of vigorous development, the Song Clan was finally showing signs of a renaissance.

But the drawbacks of such a rapid increase in strength were also obvious.

Among the Foundation Establishment Cultivators, the first tier of strength consisted of three people: Song Xianyun, Song Changsheng, and Song Luzhou. All of them possessed Foundation Establishment Great Perfection Cultivation.

The second tier was comprised of Xia Yunxue and Song Lutong, both of whom had Late-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivation.

But the third tier—the rising stars of the clan from recent years, such as Song Chang’an, Song Changxuan, Song Changrong, Song Luyun, and Song Changxiu—were all only at Early-stage Foundation Establishment.

Not only were the proportions imbalanced, but there was even a generational gap, which was extremely disadvantageous in the long run.

Once the next batch of Foundation Establishment Pills was refined, this situation would undoubtedly become even more severe.

This was a problem that came with rapid development. The Song Clan needed a period of consolidation to get back on the right track.

But before that, there was one more very important thing the Song Clan had to do!

Song Xianming swept his gaze across the room and announced in a deep voice, "I declare that as of today, the entire clan is to prepare for war!"

Everyone’s spirits soared. They rubbed their hands in anticipation—they had been waiting for this moment at long last!

"Next, I will assign tasks."

"Twenty-first Brother, you will be in charge of overall coordination. You must make thorough preparations and strive to accomplish everything in one single battle."

"I obey the Clan Leader’s order!" Song Xianyun accepted with delight. He had been waiting for this day for far too long.