Chapter 63: Grandpa's Secret
Even at high consumption it could definitely be used as a trump card. One shouldn't give up on something entirely just because of a small flaw, right?
Besides, with Song Changsheng's current combat power, there was no need to use array formations against Qi Refinement cultivators. He had that much confidence.
“I've been in seclusion for so long. It's time to go out. Grandpa must be worried.”
Thinking this, Song Changsheng casually wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, took out a set of brand-new green robes, put them on, and then circulated his cultivation technique to stimulate his qi and blood. His pale face instantly gained a bit of color, making him look less weak.
After tidying up the area, Song Changsheng opened the restrictions and pushed open the heavy main doors. The scene before him instantly left him stunned.
Because what he saw wasn't Song Xianming, but Xia Yunxue, whose eyes were swollen like peaches.
Song Changsheng suddenly felt his throat constrict, and his eyes welled up. His knees buckled, and he dropped to the ground with a "thump," saying hoarsely, “Unfilial son greets Mother!”
Xia Yunxue looked at Song Changsheng kneeling on the ground. The anger in her heart instantly vanished, replaced by endless heartache and worry. She embraced Song Changsheng, her many days of worry finally culminating in a single phrase: “My son.”
Tears welled in Song Changsheng's eyes, and he forced a smile, “Mother, what are you doing? I'm fine, aren't I?”
“If anything happened to you, how could I explain it to your father!” Tears streamed from Xia Yunxue's eyes, dampening Song Changsheng's shoulder.
Her body trembled uncontrollably. This Fifth Elder of the Song clan, who had seen countless deaths, was truly afraid this time.
“Mother, this child won't do it again.” Song Changsheng wiped her tears with his sleeve, his heart full of guilt.
“You still want a next time? If your grandpa hadn't told me, I would still be in the dark because of you.” After the initial worry, anger reappeared on Xia Yunxue's face. Her jade hand landed on Song Changsheng's ear, twisting it one hundred and eighty degrees.
Song Changsheng immediately raised his hands in surrender, “I won't dare, I won't dare! Mother, you'll twist it off!”
“It serves you right to have it twisted off, so you'll stop being disobedient,” Xia Yunxue spoke sternly but she still lightened her grip.
“Mother, look at this.” Song Changsheng produced a jade box as if by magic, his face full of flattery.
Xia Yunxue took it with a puzzled expression. Upon opening it, she found a Beauty Retention Pill.
No woman disliked beauty, not even Foundation Establishment cultivators. Xia Yunxue was delighted in her heart, but she still put on a stern face and said, “How do you have this? Mother will confiscate it.”
Song Changsheng immediately felt relieved. He had finally appeased her. He quickly nodded and said, “What's this son's is Mother's, of course.”
Xia Yunxue nodded, quite pleased. She was about to assert her maternal authority and scold him further when she heard an aged voice say, “It's good that the child is fine. You should speak less.”
“Grandpa.” Song Changsheng quickly stood up and bowed, simultaneously giving him a grateful look. If not for his intervention, his ear would have suffered greatly again.
“Father, this child is truly too insensible. If I don't lecture him a bit, who knows what trouble he'll cause next time,” Xia Yunxue glared at Song Changsheng, then walked forward to support Song Xianming.
“The child has grown. He naturally knows what to do and what not to do. You can control him for a while, but not for a lifetime. It's time to let go.”
Song Xianming patted her hand, speaking earnestly.
“This daughter-in-law understands.” Xia Yunxue said softly.
“Hmm, you two haven't seen each other for a long time. Talk to your heart's content. This old man won't interfere anymore.” Song Xianming chuckled, patted Song Changsheng's shoulder and then left alone.
“Did you hear what your grandpa said? Don't be happy too soon. If you want me to completely let go, wait until your cultivation surpasses mine.” Xia Yunxue glared at Song Changsheng.
Song Changsheng scratched his head, not daring to speak. In his experience, anything he said at this moment would be wrong; it was better to keep silent.
Seeing that he didn't speak, Xia Yunxue continued, “What are your plans next? You've cultivated such a dangerous method; it's time to settle down for a couple of days, right?”
Song Changsheng thought for a moment and said, “I've been back for a while. Later, I plan to return to Little Qing Mountain to continue contributing to the family.”
While he said "contributing to the family," Song Changsheng actually had his own hidden agenda. He possessed too many secrets, whether it was the several secret arts he had comprehended from the Dao Scripture or the Lu Wu Bell. None of these were suitable for public display.
The secret arts were difficult to explain their origin, and he feared that spiritual tools would provoke the covetousness of others.
Little Qing Mountain was a better place, vast and sparsely populated and allowed for freedom.
Xia Yunxue's willow-like brows furrowed as she was about to tell him to behave, but remembering Song Xianming's words, she changed her attitude and said, “You can go to Little Qing Mountain, but you must not leave the mountain at will before breaking through to Foundation Establishment. Cultivate diligently, otherwise, you'll come with me to the mortal world.”
Song Changsheng immediately patted his chest in assurance, as he himself had been thinking the same.
The Earthfire Sect wanted his life and there was also the more dangerous Feng Wuming lurking in the shadows. Without breaking through to Foundation Establishment, he felt no sense of security at all.
Seeing him agree, Xia Yunxue's expression softened. She took out a jade pendant from her Qiankun Bag and said, “This is a protective item your maternal grandfather once gave me. It can withstand a full-force attack from a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Remember to keep it on you.”
Song Changsheng happily took it and hung it at his waist, gaining another life-saving item.
The two walked and talked about their experiences over the past two years. When they mentioned the immortal's cave ruins, Song Changsheng suddenly asked, “Mother, is there some past conflict between the family and Falling Sunset City?”
Xia Yunxue was startled, nodded, then shook her head, leaving Song Changsheng confused.
“Why are you nodding and shaking your head? Is there or is there not?”
“Alas, this matter is a bit complicated. You should ask your grandpa yourself.” As expected, Xia Yunxue couldn't give him an answer either.
Song Changsheng's curiosity reached its peak at this moment. What was the past between Grandpa and Falling Sunset City? Why were Wang Wanzhou and his mother both so secretive about it?
“It seems I'll only find out by asking Grandpa.”
Deciding to act on it, after seeing Xia Yunxue back to her courtyard, Song Changsheng once again went to the Cloud-reaching Hall, intending to ask Song Xianming for a clear explanation.
Song Xianming was currently holding a fishing rod, fishing by the Mirror Lake.
Seeing Song Changsheng return, Song Xianming said without turning his head, “Young people shouldn't be so curious.”
Song Changsheng said speechlessly, “As an elder, isn't it improper to eavesdrop on our mother-son conversation?”
“Heh, you weren't speaking in secret either,” Song Xianming chuckled.
Song Changsheng sat down beside Song Xianming, glancing at a greenish jade pendant on his waist, and casually said, “Why does your jade pendant have the character 'Wan' written on it? I remember Grandma's name was Li Manshu.”
Song Xianming's face darkened slightly. He picked up his fishing rod and tapped Song Changsheng on the head with it…
(Chapter End)