Chapter 11: Song Xianming

“Such precious spirit liquid, drinking it straight is a bit like Zhu Bajie eating the ginseng fruit—I’d better just take a small sip.” Song Changsheng pulled out the cork and took a large gulp.

He smacked his lips, but couldn't seem to taste anything; aside from a strange fragrance, it was no different from drinking cold water.

The Earth Milk Spirit Liquid had a mild medicinal property, and even if one didn't refine it after consumption, it would slowly release energy to enhance one's cultivation.

Despite his rapid progress, Song Changsheng had always deliberately focused on solidifying his foundation, avoiding cultivation-boosting pills whenever possible.

The Earth Milk Spirit Liquid was good, but one shouldn't be greedy; it was better to let things progress naturally.

“I still need to deliver the wine to Fifth Uncle, but there’s only half left now…” Song Changsheng looked at the wine flask in his hand, feeling a bit troubled.

“Hmm, I’ll just mix in some first-grade spirit wine. He shouldn't be able to tell.”

……

That evening, Song Luzhou was leisurely sipping wine from a white jade cup. After a taste, he said suspiciously, “This wine… it doesn't seem quite right. Did your sister-in-law come out with a new batch?”

——————

The next day, after finishing his morning cultivation and grooming himself meticulously, Song Changsheng walked along the steps toward the summit.

There was only one path from the mountainside to the summit, paved with white jade steps—over six thousand in total—leading straight to the Cloud-Entering Hall.

Song Changsheng climbed step by step. Every time he walked this path, his heart felt an unprecedented sense of calm.

Because he was living a second life, he possessed a composure far beyond his peers. He did everything in a steady, measured way, often leading his elders to say he lacked the sharp edge expected of a young man.

But he would only smile and continue on his own path. He didn't lack sharpness, but being overtly aggressive simply wasn't his nature.

Cultivation begins with the heart; seek stability, not speed.

Just like these steps, he could have used a spell to reach the top in an instant, but he preferred to climb like a mortal, one step at a time.

Others didn't understand why he did this, but only he knew that this, too, was a form of cultivation.

On the path of cultivation, speed is important, but one’s state of mind is an indispensable part. Many truths that people only realize in their twilight years, Song Changsheng had understood long ago.

These steps were like his path of cultivation; only by leaving a footprint with every step could he walk steadily and go far.

Therefore, he never vied for momentary speed.

The spiritual energy at the summit was much denser than at the mountainside. Every breath felt refreshing—hardly surprising, as it was the gathering place for the essence of a third-grade spirit vein.

Spirit veins correspond to the cultivation levels of practitioners. A third-grade spirit vein is sufficient to support a Zifu-stage cultivator, but the family hadn't had a great master of the Zifu stage since the passing of Ancestor Song Yungui, so much of the spiritual energy was wasted.

“Grandson pays his respects to Grandfather.” Outside the main hall, Song Changsheng bowed deeply and meticulously. He held a heartfelt respect for his grandfather.

“Is that you, Sheng’er? Come in.” A slightly aged voice drifted out, and the hall doors opened on their own.

Song Changsheng walked into the hall. It was empty, but he was already used to it.

He walked to the side of the hall and pushed open a hidden door. The scene before him changed instantly.

What appeared before him was a vast lake. The water was crystal clear, shimmering with ripples as a light breeze blew across it. Occasionally, a spirit fish would leap out of the water.

Red-crowned cranes flapped their wings contentedly, letting out joyful cries.

Under a large elm tree by the lake, an old man sat on the ground holding a fishing rod, with a yellowing bamboo creel beside him.

The old man was dressed in a silver-moon cloud-patterned gray robe, wearing a white jade crown, a red jade pendant at his waist, and cloud-patterned boots, looking like an immortal descended from the heavens.

This was the number one expert of the Song clan, and indeed the entire Ling Prefecture—Song Xianming.

“Grandfather, any luck?” Song Changsheng asked with a smile as he approached Song Xianming.

“You came too early. There isn't a single fish biting yet.”

Song Xianming’s face was full of a kind smile, like a neighbor’s grandfather, making one feel naturally close to him.

“You said before the New Year that you were going into seclusion for a year. Why did you come out so early?” Song Changsheng found a rock and sat down.

Song Xianming sighed leisurely, “With such major events happening in the family, how could I remain at peace in seclusion?”

An exotic spirit root, an attack by demonic cultivators, his grandson nearly losing his life…

With all these things happening, who could remain calm?

“That Song Xing entered the Dao yesterday,” Song Xianming said suddenly.

“Oh? As expected of an exotic spirit root genius. It took me over three months to sense the first wisp of spiritual energy. I suppose we should call him Song Qingxing from now on.” Song Changsheng raised an eyebrow, not feeling surprised.

“That child has extraordinary talent; he is a natural seed for the Sword Dao. In terms of talent, he might even surpass Ancestor Taiyi.”

Although these were words of praise, Song Changsheng seemed to hear an underlying concern.

“However, he is cold by nature. I fear he will walk the Path of Ruthlessness in the future. That is not a good thing for the family.” Song Xianming sighed deeply. After waiting so long for a genius, to have it turn out this way left him worried.

“The Path of Ruthlessness?” Song Changsheng frowned. To cultivate the Ruthless Sword Dao, the first thing one must sever is the seven emotions and six desires. He feared the family’s efforts would end in vain.

After pondering for a moment, Song Changsheng said, “Qingxing is still young and malleable. As long as we help him integrate into the family, there is still room for change.”

“Hmm, that is what I thought as well. I called you here today for this very reason. Do you have any good ideas?”

Song Changsheng stood up and paced for a while. A flash of inspiration struck him, and he smiled. “Grandson actually has a good idea.”

Song Xianming looked interested. “Let’s hear it.”

“If we want Qingxing not to step onto the Path of Ruthlessness, we must use emotions as his tether—family, friendship, love… ahem, it’s too early to talk about love.

But we can start with family and friendship. If we find him a good playmate, it could help him integrate into the family faster,” Song Changsheng said confidently.

“Oh? Does my good grandson already have a candidate in mind?”

“What do you think of Xi’er?”

Song Xianming’s slightly furrowed brows relaxed, and he nodded in agreement. “Xi’er is kind and lively, and they are about the same age. That is a good choice. It’s just that it’s still uncertain whether Xi’er will have a spirit root.”

“I think Xi’er is full of spiritual energy; she should have talent in the future.” Thinking of his lively and cute little niece, a smile appeared on Song Changsheng’s lips.

“In that case, let’s proceed as you suggested.” Song Xianming nodded. Just then, a fish bit the hook. He gave his arm a slight flick, and a spirit fish about an inch long was pulled from the lake.

“Not bad, not bad. A first-grade high-tier. You’re in for a treat, lad. This Jade-Scaled Fish is only found in this Mirror-Suspension Lake. Take it back with you later.” Song Xianming placed the jade-like fish into the creel.

“Thank you for the gift, Grandfather. But surely you didn't call me here just to give me a private meal?”

“Hahaha, of course not. I have a new task for you. Prepare to set off immediately.” Song Xianming cast his hook back out and said with a chuckle.

Song Changsheng asked in surprise, “What kind of task?”

Song Xianming smiled and said, “Little Green Mountain.”

……

(End of chapter)