The disciples of the Song Family had been walking around in a daze these days, constantly showered with flattery and praise wherever they went.
And when Luo Hantian and Baili Shang personally came to visit, it completely cemented the Song Family's standing in the Spirit Realm.
Their visit was a public declaration: from now on, the Song Family was under their protection.
Anyone who wanted to make a move against them had better think twice.
From that moment, the Song Family's path changed forever. Not just them, even the Wentian Sect rose along with their tide, officially becoming a subordinate sect of the Song Family.
The lower realm's powers began to shuffle and reorganize. Many sought shelter under stronger factions just to avoid being carved apart. Soon, the world itself stabilized again. There was no longer a divide between the lower realm and the Spirit Realm.…
Song Wanníng stayed in the Song Family for a long time without ascending.
Leng Qingzhu and Liu Lanyi both came to visit, lively and cheerful, and ended up staying for quite a while too.
Everyone knew Song Wanníng was about to ascend. Once she entered the Immortal Realm, seeing her again would become nearly impossible. No one wanted to part with her, so most of their days were spent together.
Song Wanníng also felt she owed Li Ruo too much. As her master, she hadn't taught her enough. The girl had relied on herself for most of her cultivation. So, she made use of every bit of time left to guide her properly, trying to make up for what she hadn't done before.
Li Ruo's cheeks were always flushed pink, her bright and tenacious personality deeply adored by both Liu Lanyi and Leng Qingzhu.
"You can relax. I'll take over teaching this disciple of yours from now on," Leng Qingzhu teased, her eyes glimmering with amusement. "I'll treat her well, promise."
Those unfilial disciples from the past were long gone. With only this one left, she naturally intended to teach her properly.
"Thank you, Master!"
Song Wanníng beamed, then joked around with everyone again.
These days had been the happiest since her rebirth.
Her family was by her side.
It was pure joy, free of any burdens or regrets.
But happiness always passed too quickly. The aura within Song Wanníng was growing more and more unstable. She knew it was time to leave.
Everyone else sensed it too. They urged her to ascend instead of suppressing her power any longer. After all, staying too long in the lower world was just wasting her time and talent.
So, Song Wanníng began preparing for her ascension.
At Luo Hantian's suggestion, the Song Family invited representatives from various sects and clans to witness the event.
Luo Hantian also called in many allies from the Gu Han Sect to attend.
Soon, the Song Family was bustling with activity, holding a grand banquet to mark the occasion.
People from all walks of life came to offer their congratulations. Everyone knew Song Wanníng was about to ascend, though none had any idea how she'd do it.
Those who weren't invited couldn't help but sourly gossip behind the scenes.
"The Song Family sure knows how to show off. She hasn't even survived her tribulation yet, but she's already celebrating?"
"Yeah, let's see what happens if she fails her tribulation!"
"They're just flaunting it, that's all."
Their words dripped with jealousy. They couldn't stand how one extraordinary descendant had completely rewritten the Song Family's destiny.
Once, their clans had stood on equal footing. Now, the gap between them was as wide as the heavens and earth. So, quite a few people secretly hoped Song Wanníng would fail her tribulation and make a fool of herself.
But Song Wanníng didn't care. After finishing Li Ruo's daily lesson, she gently stroked the girl's hair, her tone soft and warm.
"The Song Family shouldn't be your cage. You need to go out more. When you face danger, run if you have to. When you find treasure, grab it if you can…"
Her endless advice sounded just like a mother lecturing her own child.
Li Ruo nodded over and over, her eyes shimmering with tears though they still sparkled brightly.
Song Wanníng couldn't help but laugh, a soft giggle escaping her lips.
After that, she turned to face Mu Yuan and Song Qingyun.
"Father, Mother, I don't know when we'll meet again after this. Please, take care of yourselves. I'll be waiting for you in the Immortal Realm."
Seeing the concern and reluctance in their eyes, Song Wanníng felt her own tears threatening to fall.
The Immortal Realm was far different from the Spirit Realm. It wasn't a place one could reach by effort alone. She didn't know if her parents would ever have the chance to ascend. Maybe this farewell would truly be their last.
She took out the Realm-Linking Incense that Mo Yang Xiānjūn had given her and handed it to them.
"If you miss me, use this to find me."
The moment she said that, tears finally spilled from her eyes. She threw herself into their arms like a child, quietly sobbing.
Mu Yuan and Song Qingyun's eyes grew wet too, but they still forced smiles.
"Silly girl, this is a good thing. Why are you crying?"
"It's just that your father and I aren't strong enough to protect you forever. Once you're in the Immortal Realm, you'll be all alone. It won't be easy…"
The thought made their hearts ache even more. No matter how strong their daughter became, they still wished they could shield her from every storm.
But reality didn't allow it.
The three of them held each other tightly, crying in silence. The others around couldn't help but tear up as well.
Leng Qingzhu tilted her head away, unable to watch any longer.
But when Song Wanníng finally walked up to her, her own tears broke free.
"Wanníng… When you reach the Immortal Realm, if you meet someone worthy, you should take them as your master," she said, voice trembling.
It was the last thing Leng Qingzhu could do for her. A cultivator normally couldn't take two masters, but she didn't want that rule to hold Wanníng back. With Wanníng's talent, she was sure someone powerful in the Immortal Realm would be willing to take her in, giving her another layer of protection. It was a master's quiet, selfless love for her disciple.
"Master!!"
Song Wanníng hadn't expected her to say something like that. Shocked and deeply moved, she threw her arms around Leng Qingzhu.
"Master, in this lifetime, I'll only ever have you as my master. I'll never bow to another! I believe you'll ascend too! I'll wait for you and Martial Uncle in the Immortal Realm…
We'll definitely meet again, I promise!"
She grabbed Liu Lanyi's hand, eyes full of hope.
Her master and martial uncle were both exceptionally gifted. They'd definitely ascend someday.
"Haha, alright! We'll all ascend together," Liu Lanyi laughed, teasing lightly. "When that happens, we'll count on you to back us up."
The somber atmosphere lightened again, and everyone burst into laughter.
Song Wanníng smiled through her tears, greeting each of them one last time before finally standing before Baili Shang.
The Demon King had already ascended, and now the entire Demon Palace rested on Baili Shang's shoulders.