Longevity: Comprehending the Heart Method

Song Xianming let out a soft sigh. It had finally come time to pick a side.

To be honest, he didn’t want to choose any of them. The Song Clan couldn’t afford to offend any of the factions—not the distant Celestial Vein Sect, nor the weakest power, Luoxia City.

This was a game for the great powers, a strategic gamble. The only way for a small clan to survive was to navigate the fissures between them, staying on everyone’s good side.

But it was clear they had no intention of letting the Song Clan sit on the fence. The three of them had blocked all his paths of retreat. At a time like this, hesitation was the most dangerous thing of all.

With barely a moment’s thought, Song Xianming looked at the group and smiled. "Luoxia City has guarded the border for all these years, shielding the cultivators of Daqi from countless storms. Everyone owes them a debt of gratitude for that. I personally believe Luoxia City’s request is not unreasonable."

As his words fell, Song Changsheng let out a heartfelt sigh of relief. He no longer had to worry about being caught in a difficult position.

A gratified look also appeared on Shen Qingxiu’s face. Luoxia City’s investment had not been in vain, after all.

Chen Tianyang’s expression suddenly darkened. He said coldly, "Fellow Daoist Song, does this mean you intend to cast your vote for Luoxia City?"

"That’s right." Song Xianming met Chen Tianyang’s gaze with a calm expression.

Song Xianming’s decision meant this round of voting had reached a stalemate. Unless another Purple Mansion Influence capable of controlling a province appeared in a short time, this would be the final result of the vote.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, do you have any objections to this result?" Shen Qingxiu asked leisurely, savoring her fragrant tea.

"I’m afraid you’re celebrating too soon, Fellow Daoist Shen. Even if we change the method, your side isn’t guaranteed to win."

"Then I won’t trouble you to worry about it. I hope you’ll report the results of the vote back to your Sect Leader. We can set a time to decide on a new method of allocation," Shen Qingxiu said with a gentle smile.

"Hmph!"

Chen Tianyang snorted coldly and stormed off with a flick of his sleeve. He didn’t spare Song Xianming another glance, nor did he leave any harsh parting words—to do so would be beneath someone of his status.

"Hehe, Fellow Daoist Chen is still young, after all, and lacks a bit of composure. Fellow Daoist Song, please don’t take it to heart." Li Siyuan, who had been watching from the side, said this with false sympathy, but inwardly, he was bursting with laughter.

Although he had also come with the goal of winning the Song Clan’s vote, he hadn’t held out much hope. After all, the Celestial Vein Sect’s disadvantage compared to the other two factions was simply too obvious.

Ling Province was sandwiched between the territories of Luoxia City and the Golden Crow Sect. You’d have to be out of your mind to offend both of them just to choose the completely unrelated Celestial Vein Sect.

His trip was merely a matter of doing his best and leaving the rest to fate.

It would be even better if he could take the opportunity to muddy the waters. As long as this vote didn’t go to the Golden Crow Sect, everything would be fine.

After all, as long as no one flipped the table, the result of the vote would essentially decide the ownership of this territory.

The Golden Crow Sect was already strong enough; letting them continue to grow and dominate did not align with the Celestial Vein Sect’s interests.

Who would have thought Song Xianming would be so cooperative? He didn’t even need to make a move, and Song Xianming had directly sided with Luoxia City. The thought of Chen Tianyang’s sour face as he left made Li Siyuan want to laugh out loud.

"Since the result is decided, I will take my leave as well. Fellow Daoist Song, we shall meet again."

Li Siyuan cupped his hands in salute to the two of them and strode out like a victorious rooster.

"Thank you for your staunch support, Fellow Daoist Song. Luoxia City will remember this."

She spoke from the heart. This territory was of extraordinary significance to Luoxia City, and it was indeed thanks to Song Xianming that it hadn’t fallen directly into the hands of the two major sects.

But Song Xianming just shook his head with a bitter smile. "All of you have put my Song Clan over a fire to be roasted. This celebratory gift is truly too hot to handle."

"Please accept the gift with peace of mind, Fellow Daoist. The two major sects are large and wealthy; they won’t miss something so small," Shen Qingxiu said nonchalantly. ’They’ve already given it, are they shameless enough to ask for it back?’

Song Xianming shook his head slightly. ’What a mess.’

Seeing this, Song Changsheng, who was standing nearby, quickly rose and said, "Senior Aunt, you’ve come from afar and must be weary. This disciple has already arranged for a room to be cleaned. Please, allow me to show you the way."

"You’re a sharp one, kid, just not very honest. Have you forgotten something?" Shen Qingxiu said, looking at Song Changsheng with a half-smile.

Song Changsheng scratched his head. He racked his brain but came up with nothing. He couldn’t help but say with an awkward laugh, "I must ask Senior Aunt to enlighten me."

"Can’t remember? Fine. Since you don’t dare to ask, I will overstep my bounds today. You may leave us now." Shen Qingxiu set down her teacup, and her entire aura changed in an instant. The air seemed to fill with sharp blades, thick with killing intent.

Song Changsheng’s eyes widened. ’Weren’t things just fine a moment ago? How could she change so fast? A woman’s heart is a needle at the bottom of the sea. That saying really is true everywhere.’

"Senior Aunt?"

"Sheng’Er," Song Xianming suddenly cut him off. He waved his hand calmly and said, "It will be fine. Yu Xueqian of the Martial Spirit Sect hasn’t left yet. Go and see her."

"Also, without my order, no one is to take a single step into this hall. Violators will be punished according to clan rules!"

Song Changsheng’s expression flickered, but he eventually gritted his teeth and retreated.

The moment he stepped out, a Restriction enveloped the entire hall, completely cutting off any possibility of being spied on from the outside.

"Changsheng, what’s going on?"

Zhuang Yuechan looked at the glowing golden Restriction, her expression full of worry. ’They’re not going to start fighting, are they?’

"Ah, Senior Aunt and my grandfather just have some things to discuss in private. It’s nothing serious, don’t worry." Although Song Changsheng was anxious himself, he still offered a reassuring smile.