Chapter 598 - 79: The End is Near, Qingxing’s Thoughts (Part 2)

At this moment, Song Xianyun’s pulse could only be described with two words: "chaotic" and "weak."

Even Song Changsheng, who was not skilled in medicine, knew how terrible this was.

"It’s... good that you’re back... I... was so worried about you..." Song Xianyun struggled to open his eyes wide, tilting his head to look at Song Changsheng before him. Relief filled his gaze.

"Don’t try to talk. I’ll heal your injuries."

Song Changsheng gripped Song Xianyun’s hand tightly and used the Light of Resurgence to heal him.

A vibrant life force flowed into Song Xianyun’s body. Color immediately returned to his face, and the aura of death surrounding him lessened.

But... that was all. The injuries on Song Xianyun’s body did not improve.

The Secret Technique’s healing ability was powerful, but it wasn’t omnipotent. Song Xianyun was advanced in age, and his very source had been grievously wounded by that Tier Three Demon Wolf long ago.

This time, he had forced himself to engage in Magical Combat. He had suffered multiple injuries, further depleting his source. His wounds had worsened, and what little lifespan he had left was drained even further.

Now, Song Xianyun was like a lamp with no oil left—his condition was beyond any mortal means to reverse.

When he realized this, Song Changsheng froze on the spot, as if struck by lightning.

A grim smile appeared on Song Xianyun’s face. "My time is near," he said in a hoarse voice. "Don’t waste any more of your strength. Just stay and talk with me for a while."

"No, you’ll definitely get better," Song Changsheng said, his voice strained.

"Don’t try to fool me. I know my own body better than anyone. But don’t you worry, I won’t be dying just yet."

Song Changsheng could only fall silent. After a moment, he changed the subject and began recounting his experiences from the time he was missing.

Song Xianyun’s mental state was very poor. At first, he could keep his eyes open and watch Song Changsheng speak, occasionally offering a response, but eventually, he could only listen.

Seeing this, Song Changsheng stopped talking. He reached out, tucked the corner of the blanket for the old man, and said, "Get some rest, elder. I’ll come visit you again tomorrow."

He was just about to stand and leave when he heard Song Xianyun’s weak voice from the bed. "As Clan Leader, you must prioritize the clan now. There’s no need to come here unless it’s necessary."

Song Changsheng’s body trembled. "I understand," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

He stepped out of the small courtyard and looked at the crowd gathered outside. "Twenty-First Grand-uncle is resting now," he said softly. "You should all return."

The crowd exchanged glances, then bowed and dispersed, all except for one person who remained standing in place.

Song Changsheng was slightly taken aback. "When did you get here?"

"Just now. Congratulations on reaching the Purple Mansion, Uncle," Song Qingxing said with a deep bow, then fell silent.

"You performed a great service the moment you returned. Well done. I’m proud of you," Song Changsheng said with gratification.

"It was my duty," Song Qingxing replied, then lapsed back into silence.

His gaze swept unintentionally over the Copper Mirror at Song Qingxing’s waist. Song Changsheng sighed softly. "Already at Late-stage Foundation Establishment. You must have endured great hardships these past years, haven’t you?"

It had been less than eight years since Song Qingxing broke through to Foundation Establishment. The hardship required to reach the late stage in such a short time was easy to imagine.

"It was bearable." As always, Song Qingxing was a man of few words.

Seeing this, Song Changsheng couldn’t help but shake his head. "You’ve been away for so many years. Your cultivation has grown, but you’re still a block of wood."

"Have you been to see Xi’Er yet?"

"I have."

"Good to know you have some conscience, then. Xi’Er’s eight years of waiting weren’t in vain," Song Changsheng said, shooting him an exasperated glance.

Hearing this, deep guilt washed over Song Qingxing’s face. He never expected his training expedition to take so long, causing Song Qingxi to wait with longing for eight long years!

How many eight-year periods does one have in their youth?

At this thought, he dropped to his knees with a THUD before Song Changsheng. "I want to become Dao Companions with Xi’Er," he said in a low, serious voice. "I hope for your blessing, Uncle."

Song Changsheng hadn’t expected him to propose at a time like this. He looked down at Song Qingxing kneeling before him, his expression complicated. "Are you sure you’ve thought this through?"

"Yes!" Song Qingxing’s answer was firm and decisive, without a trace of hesitation.

Hearing this, Song Changsheng looked up, a hesitant expression crossing his features.

He wasn’t doubting the sincerity of Song Qingxing’s feelings for Song Qingxi; that had long been proven.

Besides, Song Changsheng had already checked the clan registry. Song Qingxing was a descendant of the Fifth Ancestor, Song Chuwu, while Song Qingxi was from the line of the Third Ancestor, Song Chusan. Although they were from the same clan, their bloodlines had grown distant over the generations, so there was no issue of them being too closely related.

His main hesitation stemmed from the fact that Song Qingxing was already a Late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, while Song Qingxi had only just condensed her Dao Foundation. The gap between them was immense.

Although Song Qingxi’s talent was good, it was still far inferior to Song Qingxing’s.

Dao Companions were different from mortal couples. They were meant to support each other on the long path to immortality. If their talents were too disparate, how could they support each other?

Even if Song Qingxing didn’t mind and was willing to give more, would Song Qingxi accept it?

’It’s impossible. She would only feel like she was a burden to Song Qingxing.’

Therefore, now was not the right time to bring things out into the open.

And he couldn’t give Song Qingxing a rash answer, either. At the very least, he needed to know Song Qingxi’s thoughts on the matter first.

After hesitating for a long moment, Song Changsheng finally reached out and helped Song Qingxing to his feet. "I believe you would never let Xi’Er down," he said earnestly, "and that you would protect her well."

"However, becoming Dao Companions is a matter for two people. Even I cannot make this decision for Xi’Er. You should ask for her opinion first."

At these words, Song Qingxing straightened up, saying eagerly, "Then I’ll go ask her right now."

Seeing this, Song Changsheng was dumbfounded and quickly grabbed him. "No, you can’t! Xi’Er has already condensed her Dao Foundation and will soon enter seclusion to break through to Foundation Establishment. At this critical juncture, you absolutely must not disturb her and cause her to be distracted."

Song Qingxing froze, then nodded repeatedly. "You’re right. I was being rash."

Seeing that he had persuaded him, Song Changsheng let out a sudden sigh of relief.

’Are you kidding me? Going to ask her now would throw Song Qingxi’s Dao Heart into chaos, wouldn’t it?’

’If she agreed, that would be one thing. Everyone would be happy, and I wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore.’

’But what if she disagreed?’

’Song Qingxing’s Dao Heart would probably shatter on the spot, and Song Qingxi’s breakthrough to Foundation Establishment would definitely run into problems.’

After putting Song Qingxing off, Song Changsheng returned to the Minor Affairs Hall and began preparing for the great battle in ten days.

The first thing he did was "write a letter."

He wrote a letter to the Great City Lord.

In the letter, he first expressed his gratitude for the support and help that Luoxia City had provided to the Song Clan and himself in this battle. Then, he reported on his experiences during his absence, but he concealed Kongsang Xiruo’s identity as a Merfolk, saying only that he had been aided by a great expert.

It wasn’t that he distrusted the Great City Lord’s character. It was simply that Kongsang Xiruo’s safety was at stake, and it was better not to mention it if he didn’t have to, to avoid any unnecessary trouble.

At the end of the letter, he also stated his intention to attack the Lieyang Sect and the Rong Clan next.

He stopped writing there, making no mention of asking for aid.

It wasn’t that he believed the Song Clan could withstand the Golden Crow Sect’s pressure alone, but rather that he was afraid of putting Muu Guibai in a difficult position.

The Rong Clan and the Lieyang Sect were both vassals of the Golden Crow Sect, and it was suspected that the Golden Crow Sect had even backed their attack on the Song Clan.

If he wanted to destroy these two clans, the Golden Crow Sect had to be taken into account.

The only one who could help Song Changsheng withstand the pressure from the Golden Crow Sect was Luoxia City. However, this would very likely lead to Luoxia City and the Golden Crow Sect becoming outright adversaries, which would be extremely detrimental to Luoxia City’s future development.

That was why he did not proactively ask for aid.

If he asked directly, it would be tantamount to forcing Luoxia City into a corner. They would have to help even if they didn’t want to. After all, the Song Clan was an ally of Luoxia City, and he himself was a disciple of Luoxia City. If he actively requested aid, it would be inexcusable for them not to act.

But if he didn’t say anything, Muu Guibai could pretend not to know. This way, Luoxia City could stay out of it and avoid being put in a difficult position.

...