The clan tournament was progressing smoothly. The youth division, with over a hundred participants, had the largest turnout. However, most of them joined merely for experience. So, within just three days, the semifinals were completed, narrowing the field to the final three contenders.
The Song Clan had been established for nearly five hundred years. Of the fourth-generation cultivators with the "Xian" character in their names, only a handful remained. The fifth-generation "Lu" and sixth-generation "Chang" cultivators had become the backbone of the family and gradually assumed leadership roles, while the seventh-generation "Qing" cultivators were thriving and growing rapidly.
Most of the junior cultivators in the family were from the "Chang" and "Qing" generations. The three who made it to the finals this time could be said to represent the elite of these two generations.
Aside from the clear frontrunner, Song Qingxi, the other contestants had also performed exceptionally well, surpassing even Song Changsheng's expectations. One standout was Song Qingxia, who was only at the fifth level of Qi Refinement.
Originally, Song Changsheng had thought that breaking into the top ten would already be a great result for her. To his surprise, she exceeded expectations once again, defeating a sixth-level cousin and making it into the top three.
But the biggest surprise for everyone came from another contender: Song Muqing, the son of Song Yulong. At only fifteen years old, he had already reached the seventh level of Qi Refinement, making him Song Qingxi's most formidable opponent in this tournament.
Although Song Yulong and Song Yushi were born from the clan's main bloodline, they were officially included in the Song clan's genealogical records. The same applied to Song Muqing. In essence, they were all one family.
So, when Song Muqing expressed his desire to participate in the tournament, Song Changsheng didn't hesitate to approve. On one hand, it was a gesture of inclusivity from the clan, and on the other, it was a strategic move to apply some pressure on Song Qingxi, who had won too easily up to that point.
"Fifth Uncle, in your opinion, who's stronger, Muqing or Qingxia?" Song Changsheng asked with a smile as he looked at the two standing opposite each other in the ring.
Song Luzhou was slouched lazily in his chair. Upon hearing the question, he responded without hesitation, "Muqing may lack real combat experience, but his higher cultivation level gives him the upper hand. In the end, it'll come down to how far Qingxia can push him."
Song Changsheng nodded silently in agreement. Song Qingxia was certainly the tournament's dark horse, but her starting point was too low. If she had the same resources as the other two, her cultivation wouldn't fall short of theirs.
But gold always shines. Song Qingxia had already proven her worth through sheer strength. No matter the outcome of this match, she had entered the radar of the Song Clan's upper echelon. More resources were bound to come her way in the future.
Most believed that Song Muqing had this match in the bag, but he, being in the thick of it, felt immense pressure.
With a lower cultivation level, Song Qingxia gave up on defense entirely and focused on relentless offense. Her attacks were fierce and came from tricky angles, leaving Song Muqing scrambling.
But he wasn't a fool. Gradually, he regained his footing and began to take control of the match. Eventually, he turned the tide and secured victory.
"You win." Song Qingxia's expression was calm and composed even in defeat. She gave a respectful bow, then turned and walked off the platform.
Many in the crowd sighed in regret; anyone could see that she had lost only because of the gap in cultivation.
Song Qingxia naturally heard the murmurs but paid them no mind. To her, a loss was still a loss. Cultivation level was part of one's strength. There are no "what-ifs" in real combat.
Defeat would not bring her down; it would only make her stronger.
Watching the heroic young woman walk away, Song Muqing scratched his head in embarrassment. In his mind, if they were on equal footing, he would've been the one to lose.
"Hey, she's already long gone. Still staring?" Song Qingxi suddenly appeared on the platform, teasing him as she noticed his dazed expression.
Song Muqing snapped back to reality, his cheeks turning red.
"Wanna rest a bit first?" Song Qingxi, who had been a spectator for quite a while, was already itching to fight. But considering Muqing had just finished a tough match, she offered him a break to keep things fair.
Although the previous battle was intense, Song Muqing hadn't expended too much energy. After steadying his breath, he cupped his fists and said, "No need. Let's begin now!"
"Well then… I won't be holding back!"
A moment later, Song Muqing collapsed onto the arena floor like a dead pig.
In the stands, Song Yushi couldn't help but raise her hand to her forehead in frustration. It was a complete thrashing, a one-sided beatdown. Song Muqing didn't stand a chance against the young girl and was defeated in an instant.
She had originally been against Song Muqing participating in the competition. After all, he'd received an enormous amount of resources from a young age and wasn't starting from the same line as the other Song clan juniors.
And the reality was exactly as she feared. While the younger generation of the Song clan stood out among Foundation Establishment-level sects, they were still leagues behind the disciples of Golden Core clans.
But unexpectedly, Song Qingxi came out of nowhere and crushed Song Muqing with overwhelming force. This further deepened Song Yushi's understanding of the true potential hidden within the Song clan.
Song Changsheng wasn't surprised by the result. Song Qingxi had far more real combat experience than Song Muqing. There was simply no comparison; getting completely overpowered was expected. It was just that the fight ended so quickly and brutally that it left a psychological shadow on the younger ones.
Still, setbacks were nothing to fear for the young.
With Song Qingxi's dominant victory, the underage division of the tournament came to an end. Next up was the adult division, made up entirely of clan members aged between eighteen and thirty.
Among them, Song Changsheng recognized several familiar faces: Song Changying, who had descended the mountain with him to test spiritual roots; Song Changhu and Song Changxiu, who had participated in the coming-of-age trials together…
Their talents were only average, and they had all reached the late stage of Qi Refining, so they couldn't compete for the [Foundation Establishment Pill]. Still, the rewards of the tournament were generous enough to stir excitement.
Looking at those familiar and unfamiliar faces, Song Changsheng felt a wave of emotion wash over him. Ten years had passed without him even realizing it, and he had already far surpassed many of them.
This round of matches lasted for two days, but no contestant particularly stood out to Song Changsheng; it was just ordinary performances overall.
Of course, that didn't mean there was no talent present. After all, the competition mainly tested combat ability. Those skilled in other disciplines had little opportunity to shine.
What everyone truly anticipated was the final match, only twenty or so participants, all at the peak of Qi Refining. But their strength far exceeded that of the previous two rounds.
Wang Wanzhou and Li Siyang, both sharp-minded individuals, quickly understood the stakes as they observed the age range and cultivation levels of the participants.
They exchanged a glance, then looked away in unison, turning their attention back to the arena. But each harbored their thoughts.
The Song and Wang clans had intermarried for generations, with a bond stretching back hundreds of years. Among the six Foundation Establishment factions in Lingzhou, their relationship was the closest.
Even in the Song clan's most destitute days, the Wang clan never abandoned them, offering support with all their strength. It could be said that the two clans were already tied together, sharing both honor and loss.
Now, after years of recuperation, the Song clan's strength was returning to its peak. This grand competition signified that they had obtained [Foundation Establishment Pills] from other sources, an inevitable boost in power.
That was exactly what the Wang clan wanted. The stronger the Song clan grew, the stronger the Wang clan would become.
But for Li Siyang, this wasn't good news at all. Unlike the Wang clan, an established local power, the Li clan had risen only through the direct support of the Song clan.
By all logic, they should have earned more of the Song clan's trust. But after the death of Song Yun'gui, the Li clan, restless at heart, broke away from the Song clan's control.
Later, as the Earthfire Sect rose in power, the Li clan, fearing for their survival, had to go crawling back to their former masters, hoping to rely on their protection to deter Earthfire.
But a traitor remains a traitor. It's hard to change one's true nature.
Years ago, while overseeing the Chiyun Iron Mine, Song Changsheng accidentally discovered a wood-element spiritual vein, which allowed the Song clan to establish an herb cultivation base.
Over time, the base not only met their own medicinal needs but also produced surplus herbs for trade.
Since the herbal trade was the Li clan's foundation, the Song clan's move directly cut into their lifeline. The Li clan was understandably furious and started scheming.
Now, with the Earthfire Sect in decline and desperate for allies, the Li clan and Earthfire struck up a mutually beneficial alliance, an emotional and strategic union, sealing their cooperation.
As a result, four of the six major Foundation Establishment factions in Lingzhou had now allied.
Li Siyang naively believed that this would restore balance to Lingzhou. But who would've thought the Song clan obtained [Foundation Establishment Pills] again? This was anything but good news for them.
Though the Li clan's alliance with the Earthfire Sect wasn't public yet, secrets like that don't stay hidden for long. When the truth comes out, could the four clans suppress the Song clan? Could they truly suppress Song Xianming and his grandson?
Thinking of this, Li Siyang couldn't help but glance at Song Changsheng beside him.
In the next moment, Li Siyang felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave because when he looked at Song Changsheng, Song Changsheng was staring back at him with a faint, almost mocking smile. Their eyes met, and Li Siyang felt his heart skip a beat.
But as the head of his clan, he quickly steadied himself and forced a smile. "Young Clan Leader, why are you looking at this old man like that?"
Song Changsheng noticed Li Siyang's reaction. Although Li Siyang tried to hide it well, under Song Changsheng's keen gaze, nothing could escape.
This grand competition was related to the [Foundation Establishment Pill]. Song Changsheng could have held it privately without inviting outsiders, but he still invited the Wang and Li clans.
Besides flexing their muscles to the two clans, a more important reason was to observe their reactions.
As a close ally, the Wang clan's behavior pleased Song Changsheng, but the Li clan's attitude was more intriguing.
Some subtle moves by the Li clan had already been detected by spies from the Whispering Pavilion. Song Luyao had mentioned it to him before, but those were only suspicions. At that very moment, Song Changsheng was certain the Li clan had betrayed the Song clan for the second time!
"Uncle, I see your face doesn't look well. Is something wrong?" Song Changsheng stared directly into Li Siyang's eyes and asked calmly.
Li Siyang felt like he was being hunted by a beast; cold sweat soaked through his clothes. He quickly waved his hand. "Maybe I've been overthinking lately. It's nothing, nothing at all."
"I see. Then, Uncle should take care of your health. The Song and Li clans are one family; I'll be relying on you more in the future," Song Changsheng said with a sudden, gentle smile.
Li Siyang felt a great weight lifted from his chest as the heavy pressure vanished. He secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Although their exchange was brief, it caught Wang Wanzhou's attention. He glanced at both men thoughtfully…
What happened in the audience was just a minor incident that hardly drew anyone's notice. Most eyes were fixed on the arena.
The third match was underway, a battle between an old man and a young man.
The elder was over fifty years old, his vigor somewhat diminished, but his combat experience was rich, and his strikes ruthless, dominating the opponent who was barely over twenty.
The youth was a short and stocky, chubby fellow, forced into a desperate retreat by the elder's offense, his round face full of panic.
"You're no match for me, kid. Admit defeat now, and I won't harm you," the elder said coldly.
Unlike other matches, all contestants in this final round had been subtly instructed by Song Changsheng that the ultimate goal was to fight for the [Foundation Establishment Pill], so no one held back, and blood had been spilled in the previous two fights.
The elder's words were partly a threat but also an attempt to avoid mutual destruction.
"You… you don't have me all figured out yet," the chubby youth replied, trying to stay calm, though his panicked face betrayed him.
A harsh expression appeared on the elder's face as his attacks surged like a tide against the young man.
From the stands, Song Changsheng suddenly turned to Li Siyang. "Uncle, who do you think will win this fight?"
Li Siyang, still startled by Song Changsheng's earlier gaze, carefully observed the battle and tentatively replied, "Though their cultivation levels are about equal, the elder's attacks are ruthless and precise, his magical tools are used expertly.
In contrast, his opponent is timid and his tools unimpressive. The chances of victory are slim."
A smile appeared at the corner of Song Changsheng's mouth as he looked toward the arena. "I have a different opinion, Uncle. How about we make a bet?"
"Have you misread the situation?" Li Siyang immediately became wary of Song Changsheng's confidence. He observed but found nothing unusual.
Puzzled, he cautiously asked, "If it's a bet, what are the stakes?"
Song Changsheng shook his head. "They're both my Song clan disciples. Betting would be unfair to you. Just for fun."
Hearing this, Li Siyang relaxed a bit and said firmly, "I believe the elder has the victory all but secured."
A faint smile curled on Song Changsheng's lips. "Old fox, your eyesight isn't that great."
To the crowd, the chubby youth was being chased around relentlessly, unable to fight back, but Song Changsheng noticed something fishy.
The youth was indeed no match for the elder, but he had already laid a trap, step by step, leading his opponent exactly where he wanted…
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