Chapter 298: Reluctant to Leave the Embrace of Dreams

Amidst the clamor, an elder from the main house, relying on the remaining sentiment with Song Zining, approached and inquired, “How could this be? The Elder of Qingyang has not been heard of for a long while?”

The elder was already over seventy, nearly twenty years older than Zhang Boqian. Yet, he still referred to the Elder of Qingyang respectfully, one could only wonder what Zhang Boqian would think if he were to hear this.

However, Song Zining had nothing more to add. Not all the elders were present today, and someone like Song Zhongxing had never appeared. Many branches and affiliates also had no representation. He just passed on the message, and it was up to the others how they would handle the situation.

Song Zining said coolly, “I am no longer part of the Song Clan, and I can’t interfere with such matters.”

The elder, surprisingly quick-witted, understood immediately after a brief moment of astonishment, and exclaimed, “So that’s it! With the Seventh Young Master as the head, the Elder of Qingyang wouldn’t make a move, just like when the Ancestor was around!”

Most of the guests felt a chill. They had stayed at the Wen Dao Estate until today, and their families or factions were closely connected to the Song Clan. Each had their own considerations. Unlike the Song Clan’s elders who seemed slow to react, or perhaps willfully blind, the movements of the Elder of Qingyang were of great concern, and they had heard rumors and made their own judgments.

Seeing the old members of the Song Clan about to drive Song Zining away, some guests felt a sense of relief, but there was a strange feeling mixed in. Even Schadenfreude didn’t quite feel right.

Most of the Song Clan elders were still murmuring anxiously, while the rest remained silent, looking elsewhere or feigning deep thought, pretending they hadn’t heard a thing.

Song Zining, having spoken his piece, cared little for their reactions. He said to Qian Ye, “I have nothing more to do here. Let’s find a place for a drink. We won’t stop until we’re thoroughly drunk!”

Qian Ye’s disdain was evident, “With your tolerance for alcohol…”

“Your young master excels in both wine and women. How could I be lacking?” Song Zining bristled instantly.

“Back then, in the Yellow Springs…”

Song Zining, seeing Qian Ye about to reveal past scars, quickly interrupted, grabbing him, almost wanting to strangle Qian Ye to death.

The two laughed and bickered, flying away, leaving behind long trails of origin power, each spectacular in its own way.

Qian Ye’s trail shone with a crimson gold, like the dawn, a sight that had long been famous in the Empire, known as the Dawn Illumination. Song Zining’s trail, however, was unpredictable, shifting from the stars to land masses, then to cities and streets, with people and animals moving about in vivid detail.

No one had ever seen such a scene, and they were left bewildered, yet somehow felt something. Finally, someone called out, “This is the Splendor of the World!”

The Splendor of the World, along with the Dawn Illumination, was one of the three top-tier Dawn Origin Powers. Their power was hard to compare, but it was even rarer, and the conditions for cultivation were extremely strict, or rather, there was no guaranteed path to mastery.

No one expected Song Zining to cultivate the Splendor of the World. His talent was indeed greater than what most believed, and from this, it seemed he might well become a Heavenly Monarch.

The higher-level secret arts placed increasing emphasis on one’s disposition. Due to Song Zining’s personality, opinions varied on his potential, but now, with the Splendor of the World clearly displayed, any flaw would not hinder his breakthrough to Divine General level.

He was always known for his military strategy and divine calculation, and once he achieved Divine General, becoming the Marquis and leading the clan would be a natural progression. Even if he hadn’t reached that height yet, it would be easy for him to ascend in a few years. The attitude of the Elder of Qingyang actually reflected the view of many high-ranking talents in the Empire.

The initial years would be tough, but if Song Zining could maintain his upward trajectory, those upper-class families vying for higher status would have to weigh their options carefully. They would likely seek coexistence rather than a replacement, as the position of the Imperial Valve was never set in stone.

Such a remarkable talent, being expelled by the elders, was truly unfathomable. Many guests were already reconsidering their alliances with the various branches of the Song Clan. After all, a foolish ally was never a good thing. They could endure, but they needed more benefits to soothe their hearts.

A few guests thought of another possibility: could the Song Clan be planning to voluntarily downgrade to protect their core interests? This was not uncommon in the Empire’s history, where many noble families had cut branches to save the main stem.

But was Song Zining a branch or the main stem?

In the study, Song Zhongnian stood by the window, watching the two trails of origin power fading into the distance. He took half a step forward, then drew back.

The old steward, anxious, said, “Master, if you don’t follow them now, it will be too late!”

Song Zhongnian, lost in thought, did not speak until the trails disappeared, then said, “The Council of Elders has suffered a severe blow, and our reputation is greatly damaged. The situation, however, is not beyond control. With careful planning, I should be able to restore order.”

The old steward sighed inwardly, not daring to persuade further.

At that moment, a servant rushed in, panic-stricken, “Head of the Family, something terrible has happened! Elder Lu suddenly left, leaving this letter for you. We couldn’t stop him!”

Song Zhongnian’s face changed, and he hurriedly took the letter. On it, eight large characters: “Lingering in office, foul air.” Nothing else was written.

Song Zhongnian snorted, a hint of anger in his heart. This Grand Elder rarely attended the Council, and during these chaotic days, he did not show up. If he had, with his support, Song Zhongnian would not have been so embarrassed.

Now, after Song Zining’s commotion, Lu had simply left, and the letter made it clear he was dissatisfied with Song Zhongnian.

Song Zhongnian said calmly, “What’s the panic? Our Song Clan still has a Grand Elder. Elder Lu left in such a critical moment, disregarding the safety of our clan. What value does he have now? It was a waste of our years of provision, a mistake in judgment!”

No one dared to respond. However, Elder Lu, despite his high status, asked for little, and took nothing with him. Over the years, he had merely spent some on basic necessities, what provision was there to speak of?

Song Zhongnian steadied himself and said, “Send people immediately to assist the elders. Make sure their injuries are properly treated. Understood?”

“Yes, Head of the Family!” The servant and the old steward both received their orders and left.

Song Zhongnian finally found some peace, continuing to ponder the situation silently.

At that moment, a floating boat sailed across the horizon. Song Zhongnian, recognizing it as the one Song Zining was on, was taken aback. The boat rose higher and higher, eventually disappearing into the distance.

Sighing, Song Zhongnian did not move. The floating boat meant Song Zining could travel freely, even leave Qin Continent. There was no time to catch up now.

On the floating boat, Song Zining and Qian Ye sat facing each other. Qian Ye was calm, but Song Zining was in low spirits, turning the wine cup in his hand, not taking a sip.

“Still want to reclaim the head of the family?”

Song Zining smiled bitterly, “Is there anything left to think about? Even the elders and grandfather don’t want me in that position. He never showed up, and I’m just a small fry causing trouble, utterly useless.”

“The elders of your Song Clan are truly admirable,” Qian Ye mused, “No wonder, during the Ancestor’s time, there was talk of passing the title to the next generation.”

Song Zining sighed, “Haven’t you noticed that our Song Clan is different from other clans? The Council is filled with my grandfather’s generation, with only a few seats from the secondary branches. There are almost no middle-aged or young members. Even though Song Zicheng is the announced first heir, he can only occasionally sit in on minor matters. Passing the title to the next generation? Easier said than done.”

Qian Ye frowned, “Idle and clinging to power. Is there no desire for reform?”

“Decisions in the Song Clan are made by the Council, one vote per person, regardless of rank. Even the head of the family has only a few vetoes a year. The main line holds eighty percent of the seats, and the secondary branches and affiliates hold the remaining twenty. This is the rule set by our ancestors.”

This was indeed different from other clans where the head of the family made the final decision, and routine affairs were handled by standing institutions. The frequency and minuteness of the Council meetings were rare. For instance, major family matters like blood battle deployments and private army expansions, which were typically discussed publicly, were not immune to factionalism and balancing of interests, but the head of the family held the final say. Otherwise, Zhao Jundu would never have entered the Iron Curtain.

Qian Ye asked curiously, “Does this mean two Song Clan elders are more powerful than a Divine General?”

Song Zining, despite his gloomy mood, laughed, “Yes, everyone is equal in the voting process.” He then sighed, “It all comes down to our main line’s difficult succession, aiming to preserve our position.”

Qian Ye was surprised, but said nothing. Under this system, even if a talented individual from a secondary branch arose, their influence in family affairs was limited to their seat. Meanwhile, the main line, needing to fill those positions, promoted individuals who may not be qualified. Once they tasted power, they would not easily give it up, even to their own children.

“Secondary branches and affiliates often split off, while those without seats in the main line seek their own paths. Or, if they think their share is insufficient, they also build private assets. All these are done under the name of the Song Clan, but in reality, they are merely loose alliances. The appearance is grand, but the reality is not.”

“So, reform means taking their wealth?”

Song Zining said quietly, “To reform completely, many people… would have to be killed.”

“Are the elders so fearless? They don’t seem that way!”

“Used to getting and keeping, those who risk everything for profit are never few.” Song Zining looked at his hands and laughed sarcastically, “I don’t mind getting my hands dirty, but others are afraid, terribly afraid.”

“So, you’ll watch them tear down the Song Clan?”

“I’ve already put out the word. Though some will take risks, others will give me face. With fewer outsiders looting, the family assets can be preserved to about sixty or seventy percent. After the challenge from the Prince of Qingyang, the Song Clan will inevitably drop to the ranks of the lesser families. Hopefully, the next head of the Song Clan will use this as a lesson and reform the clan.”

“Next head of the family? Who?”

“There will be someone,” Song Zining said in a low voice, “In the thousand-year history of the Empire, the rise and fall of clans is as common as the sunrise and sunset. Some branches are uprooted, and the main trunk sprouts new leaves, while others sever the main trunk and bury the branches, seeking new life.”

It seemed Song Zining did not hold much hope for the future of the Song Clan. Qian Ye felt a heavy weight in his heart and asked, “What will you do next?”

At this, Song Zining stretched and relaxed, “I’ll go to the Neutral Grounds and manage our territory. Once I reorganize Dark Flame and create our own fleet, we can establish a foothold on Yong Lu and develop slowly.”

Yong Lu, similar to the Evernight, is isolated, resource-poor, and geographically complex, plagued by natural disasters. Both the Empire and the Evernight see it as a place of no interest, neither wanting to invest heavily nor willing to abandon it.

Thus, the Empire secretly supported many small human states on Yong Lu, while the Evernight often sent exiled or fallen tribes to carve out a living space.

Compared to the Neutral Grounds, the environment on Yong Lu was not as harsh, allowing ordinary people to survive, albeit with a shorter lifespan.

Song Zining planned to establish a domain and rule on Yong Lu.

“Yong Lu? Why not the Neutral Grounds? We still have Northland.”

Song Zining shook his head, “The environment in the Neutral Grounds is too harsh, and Northland is also not favorable for ordinary survival. For long-term development, a large population base is essential. The most crucial point is that the Neutral Grounds have the Blood Throne. In contrast, Yong Lu is ruled by an upper-rank Divine General at best.”

Heavenly Monarchs naturally overlooked Yong Lu, and as long as it did not disrupt the balance, even if half of it was taken, no one would care. But rapid development in the Neutral Grounds would attract the Blood Throne’s interference. Even Zhang Buzhou, who claimed not to fear the Blood Throne, had limited true territory.

Knowing Song Zining’s military acumen, Qian Ye said, “Alright, I’ll trust you.”

The floating boat had left Qin Continent and was heading toward the Neutral Grounds.

“Stop at the edge of the East Sea,” Qian Ye suddenly said.

“Why?”

“I… I want to see Yelena.”

Song Zining nodded, “I see, you should visit her. Let’s go to Nanqing City first, and then you can go see her.”

“Isn’t that a detour?” Qian Ye was puzzled.

Song Zining looked a bit uncomfortable, “It’s nothing, I have urgent business in Nanqing City.”

It was a transparent lie, even Qian Ye could see through it. Reluctantly, Song Zining admitted, “She probably doesn’t want to see me, so it’s better if I don’t meet her.”

“Why wouldn’t she want to see you?” Qian Ye was even more puzzled. Back then, Yelena and Song Zining had a good relationship. Without his plan, Yelena’s first departure from the Evernight would not have been so smooth.

Song Zining simply said, “Later, I opposed you continuing on.”

Qian Ye realized, “How would she know that?”

Song Zining shook his head, “She’s now very powerful, and she might know.”

Though still puzzled, Qian Ye respected Song Zining’s decision. However, going to Nanqing was not practical, as the boat did not have enough fuel, and there were no safe supply points nearby. Moreover, Qian Ye had just received the title of Tidal Sound City Lord from Zhang Buzhou, and landing in an unfamiliar city could be problematic. Finally, they decided to stop farther away, and Qian Ye would go see Yelena alone.

As the East Sea came into view, Song Zining remembered and asked, “Why do you want to see her this time?”

Qian Ye was silent for a moment, then said, “I just want to see her.”

Song Zining nodded in understanding.

The floating boat descended near the edge of the East Sea, stopping in the outer region. Song Zining saw Qian Ye off, saying, “I’ll wait here, return soon.”

For some reason, Qian Ye felt Song Zining was acting strangely, but he attributed it to the recent turmoil in the Song Clan, and did not ask further.

Qian Ye turned and started walking towards the edge of the land, but a sudden sense of danger made him instinctively turn back towards Song Zining.