Family Cultivation: Evergreen of the Song Family

A long silence fell over the General Affairs Hall. No one expected that only half a century had passed since the last large-scale battle, and the Black Scale Clan had returned to fight again.

The Black Scale Clan belongs to the Scale Clan, one of the eight major tribes of the Sea Clan. They are related to the Rainbow Scale Clan and are almost ubiquitous throughout the East Sea. In terms of strength, this branch of the Black Scale Clan is even stronger than the Rainbow Scale Clan, the old rival of the [Brocade Banner], to which the Glazed Demon King belongs.

At this critical juncture, with Song Minghuang in seclusion and Song Daoling severely injured, the Black Scale Clan launched a large-scale attack. Not to mention Song Tianyuan alone, even if the entire [Jinxiu Banner] were to be deployed, they would have almost no chance of winning.

"How could the Blackscale Clan appear in our territory!" Song Zhexuan forced himself to stand up, walked to the sea chart hanging behind him, and stared intently at the northeast corner.

Song Shouhe replied in a deep voice: "Is that even a question? It must be the Hanhai Chamber of Commerce and Qianren City pulling strings behind the scenes!"

"Vice Chieftain, we can't hesitate any longer. The only ones who can save our million-strong clansmen on the Tenglong Islands are the East Sea Alliance."

The Tenglong Islands are the most core and fertile area of ​​the [Jinxiu Banner] in the East China Sea. In order to meet the human resources needed for resource development, nearly eight million mortals and nearly fifty thousand cultivators have been settled on the islands.

It maintains a powerful naval fleet consisting of more than one hundred ocean-going warships year-round.

Looking at the entire cultivation world of the Great Qian Dynasty, they are also a very powerful force.

However, they were no match for the Black Scale Clan, who had dispatched three demon kings at once. This was something that Song Tianyuan, a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, could not withstand. The Tenglong Islands could fall at any moment.

If the Tenglong Islands fall, the [Jinxiu Banner] will not only lose a Golden Core cultivator, but also its 50,000 elite troops and powerful fleet will be wiped out.

In comparison, the eight million ordinary people seem rather insignificant.

In addition, it will cause a series of chain reactions, after all, the maritime territory of the [Jinxiu Banner] is not just the Tenglong Islands, but also has a large number of islands and small archipelagos scattered around, with millions of mortals and tens of thousands of cultivators.

Song Shouhe and the others couldn't help but be anxious. They knew that in that naval battle, the entire East China Sea Fleet of the [Jinxiuqi] was wiped out, and the main force suffered severe losses, and it has not fully recovered even now.

Therefore, the vast majority of these people come from various collateral families, and these are their future!
Frankly speaking, he is now more willing to believe in Song Changsheng and the East Sea Alliance than in the [Splendid Banner], at least Song Changsheng truly has the ability to resolve this crisis.

Song Zhexuan's face was ashen. In the face of millions of lives, nothing was beyond compromise, but he could not represent the entire [Jinxiu Banner] at all.

"I'm going to see Song Jiyuan. From now on, whatever methods you use, whatever connections you have, to call for reinforcements, I will bear all the consequences!"

Having said that, he quickly left the General Affairs Hall. The elders from the collateral branches present looked at each other in bewilderment, and then began to do their best to find reinforcements...

Meanwhile, on the turbulent East China Sea, a fleet flying the flag of Thousand Blade City was lingering at sea.

On the largest flagship, a messenger approached a distinguished middle-aged man at the bow and respectfully said, "Reporting to the city lord, the [Brocade Banner] has sent word that its deputy clan leader, Song Zhexuan, claims he is willing to offer 100,000 catties of [Deep Sea Mystic Gold] as a reward, requesting your personal assistance to the Tenglong Islands."

Upon hearing this, the City Lord of Thousand Blades City chuckled and said, "Ten thousand catties of [Deep Sea Mystic Gold], that's quite a generous offer. Under normal circumstances, I might actually have been tempted."

But I've meticulously prepared for this grand performance for so long; it can't be left unfinished."

The complex relationship between Thousand Blade City and the Embroidered Banner cannot be explained in just a few words.

Previously, the [Jinxiuqi] faction was powerful, and they could only unite with the Hanhai Chamber of Commerce to protect themselves.

However, now that the [Brocade Banner] has suffered a great loss of strength, it has created an excellent opportunity for them to launch a counterattack, and they have gained the upper hand in recent years.

That should have been the end of it, but the news of Song Changsheng's breakthrough to the late Golden Core stage swept through the [Jinxiuqi] like a gust of wind, giving him hope of defeating the [Jinxiuqi].

I just don't know why, but he hasn't made a move yet.

The longer it drags on, the greater the chance that Song Minghuang will make a breakthrough.

Therefore, Thousand Blade City, in conjunction with the Hanhai Chamber of Commerce, planned this attack on the [Splendid Banner] in order to create the conditions for Song Changsheng to make his move.

The results are quite remarkable now; the [Jinxiuqi] has become desperate and is resorting to any means necessary, even seeking help from them.

Now, they don't need to do anything; they can just wait quietly for the Black Scale Clan to conquer the Tenglong Islands.

The Embroidered Banner has suffered this calamity and is not far from collapse. They do not believe that Song Changsheng would give up such a good opportunity.

The territory of the Splendid Banner is vast and its industries are numerous. The Song Clan of Wangyue and even the East Sea Alliance have only just risen to prominence and do not have enough manpower to take over. At that time, they can naturally reap the benefits without bloodshed and strengthen themselves.

Even if the Song family had any objections afterward, they could only endure it, because Wanxiang Palace would not allow them to continue to provoke war after destroying the Song family.

Dealing with the [Brocade Banner] can be considered an internal conflict between the same clan, so this reason is not very useful.

While he was busy calculating, little did he know that Song Shouhe had already personally arrived at the Twin Islands to request reinforcements.

The Black Scale Clan dispatched three demon kings to besiege the Tenglong Islands, and such a major event naturally could not be kept from the ears and eyes of the Wind Whisper Palace.

Song Changsheng granted the East Sea Garrison the authority to act expediently, which was undoubtedly a good opportunity to kick them while they were down. The elders in the alliance all volunteered to fight.

The promises they had made to them were still fresh in their minds, and after years of preparation, they could no longer contain themselves. Therefore, they all scoffed at Song Shouhe's plea for help, and some even suggested kicking him out.

However, after rational analysis, Song Youlin and Song Youfu ultimately decided to provide aid to the Tenglong Islands.

This is based on a long-term perspective.

If the goal is to destroy the "Brocade Banner," now is undoubtedly the best opportunity to kick them while they're down.

However, if they want to annex, they must win the hearts of the common people. This war, which concerns the life and death of tens of thousands of [Jinxiuqi] cultivators and tens of millions of mortals, is therefore of utmost importance.

The glimmer of hope in the face of adversity is often the most impressive.

Once this group of people is rescued, they will have a base of support within the [Jinxiu Banner]. With the support of Song Shouhe and other elders from the collateral branches, both liquidation and annexation can proceed smoothly.

After making up his mind, Song Youlin ordered someone to inform Song Changsheng of the news, while he personally went to the Luoxia City garrison to request an audience with Zhan Tianxia.

Although there are two Golden Core cultivators in charge of the Twin Islands, Li Chengming is neutral, so only Zhan Tianxia can take action.

Their strength alone is certainly insufficient to resolve this crisis, but the Tenglong Islands are not pushovers either. They only need to restrain a portion of the Blackscale Clan's power from the sidelines.

Just as the envoy was about to depart, Song Youfu quietly stopped him.

Song Jingrun asked, puzzled, "Is there anything else you need, Uncle?"

"Jingrun, you are the eldest son of the ninth generation of the family. The patriarch and the elders have high hopes for you. I won't beat around the bush with you about some things."

You should delay your departure by two hours.

"Two hours? Won't that ruin everything?"

Upon hearing this, Song Youfu rolled his eyes and put his hand on his shoulder, saying, "You blockhead, you'll only delay important matters if you go now."

"Let me ask you, what is the biggest obstacle to your family's takeover of the [Embroidered Banner]?"

“Naturally, it’s those Golden Core cultivators,” Song Jingrun replied without hesitation.

"That's right, Song Daoling and Song Minghuang are both doomed to die. The only one is Song Tianyuan. The clan leader has always admired him, and he has a very high reputation in the Embroidered Banner. It's a dilemma whether to kill him or not."

If you inform the clan leader now, and Song Tianyuan is rescued, wouldn't that put the clan leader in a difficult position?
Judging from the current situation, the Tenglong Islands won't last much longer. Once Song Tianyuan dies at the hands of the Black Scale Clan, defeat will be inevitable. Then, the clan leader can step in to turn the tide, doubling the effect while also eliminating a problem. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Song Jingrun was startled and stammered, "This...this isn't appropriate, is it?"

Song Youfu poked his forehead hard and said, "You've been following Xiao Linzi around for too long, and your brain has become rusty."

It must be understood that family interests come first. The current [Brocade Banner] is still the enemy. Being soft-hearted towards the enemy is being cruel to oneself.

Xiao Linzi has always acted with integrity and disdains such schemes and tricks; you've been influenced by them to some extent.

"It's alright. I'm not a good person, so I'll do these lowly things. Just do as I say, and if the clan chief questions me, I'll take full responsibility."

"Yes, nephew."

Song Jingrun knew very well that Song Youfu's approach was in the best interests of the family.

"The Blackscale Clan has launched a large-scale invasion?"

When the news reached them, the entire Cangmang Peak was bustling with activity as preparations were underway for Zhuang Yuechan's Golden Core Ceremony.

Song Changsheng never expected things to turn out so badly.

Originally, I planned to deal with this matter after the Golden Core Ceremony, but the [Brocade Banner] was about to collapse on its own.

"Very well, let's settle this matter ahead of time without disturbing anyone else. I'll go myself."

Just as they were about to leave, Zhuang Yuechan pushed open the bedroom door and said decisively, "I'll go with you."

Song Changsheng agreed without hesitation. Although she had only recently broken through to the Golden Core stage, her cultivation was already stable. With the newly refined Jade Cleansing Sword in hand, she had no problem protecting herself.

On the way to the space teleportation array, Song Jingrun couldn't help but reveal what Song Youfu had done.

Song Changsheng was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, then revealed a helpless smile. It must be said that Song Youfu saw things very clearly; he did indeed have reservations about Song Tianyuan.

If Song Tianyuan were to die at the hands of the Black Scale Clan, that would indeed be the most perfect outcome.

Song Youfu may seem lazy and irresponsible, but his overall perspective far surpasses that of ordinary people, and he is cunning enough to never let anyone down at crucial moments.

He believed that Song Youlin must have considered these issues as well, but was simply bound by his own moral principles.

He was equally pleased with this. Upright and honest, Song Youlin's style of conduct never changed because of his position. He never went against his conscience, which was also a very rare quality.

For a family to prosper in the long term, it needs people like him, and the more the better, otherwise it will end up like the "Brocade Banner".

As the saying goes, one must win by using the orthodox and the unorthodox. Both Song Youlin and Song Youfu are talents that the Song family needs; the only question is to place them in the right positions.

“Youfu is more suitable to take your place,” Zhuang Yuechan suddenly said.

"I thought you preferred Youlin."

Zhuang Yuechan smiled and said, "Youlin is indeed an excellent choice, but the position of clan leader requires bearing too many responsibilities and facing too many choices. One cannot do without a bit of cunning."

"Are you referring to me indirectly?" Song Changsheng realized.

"Is not it?"

Song Changsheng unconsciously touched his nose. He really wasn't a good person either, so there was nothing wrong with saying that.

Having arrived at the Twin Islands via a spatial teleportation array, and just as they stood still, a figure suddenly knelt down.

"I beg the Immortal to have mercy and spare the lives of the millions of people on the Tenglong Islands. I, Yuqing, swear to repay this debt with my life!"

"Why bother? Now that I'm here, I won't stand idly by."

No matter how many grudges there are, mortals are always innocent. Song Changsheng personally helped Song Yuqing up.

"Thank you so much for your mercy, Master!" Song Yuqing couldn't help but cry tears of joy.

"Alright, let's not delay any longer, let's set off now."

With a flick of his sleeve, Song Changsheng led Song Yuqing, Zhuang Yuechan, and the others on a rapid teleportation journey to the Tenglong Islands...

At this moment, the scene can only be described as tragic. The archipelago is almost completely surrounded by a huge number of sea monsters, and fierce battles are taking place on every island.

The inland waterways were littered with the wreckage of warships and the corpses of both races. The inland sea of ​​the archipelago was almost entirely stained with blood. It was roughly estimated that the [Brocade Banner] had lost at least several thousand people, and this number continued to increase as time went on.

The [Jinxiuqi] has been operating in the Tenglong Islands for over a thousand years. With a large amount of resources, its defenses are virtually flawless, and its protective array is sturdy enough.

Even the most perfect defense cannot conceal the fact that there is a lack of high-end combat power.

The three demon kings of the Black Scale Clan were all extremely powerful, and the defensive formation was quickly broken. Song Tianyuan was unable to hold them off alone and could only burn his own golden core essence to forcibly hold back the three demon kings, buying time for the cultivators in other areas to evacuate and break through.

If he wanted to leave, even the three demon kings couldn't stop him.

But he cannot retreat. If he does, tens of thousands of his clan's elite troops will scatter, and nearly ten million clansmen will become food for the dead.

Therefore, he chose to fight to the bitter end to preserve the family line.

But he was only a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator after all. Even if he risked his life, how long could he hold out?
If Song Youlin hadn't asked Zhan Tianxia to share some of the pressure, the Tenglong Islands would have fallen long ago.

Even so, it was merely a matter of prolonging its existence.

Feeling his power rapidly dissipating, Song Tianyuan, who was as thin as a rake, felt an extreme despair welling up in his heart.

The enemy was at the height of their power, while he was exhausted and saw no hope in this battle.

Is it possible that what happened back then is going to repeat itself?

"Hahaha……"

"Ha ha ha ha……"

In his final moments, Song Tianyuan burst into loud laughter, filled with endless desolation and resentment.

He never imagined that on this hellish battlefield, his comrades-in-arms would be the East China Sea Alliance, whom he considered a formidable enemy.

All those years of perseverance and dedication seem like a joke.

Song Daoling—

Even as a ghost, I will haunt you!

Song Tianyuan roared madly, two lines of tears silently rolling down his cheeks. He didn't hate his opponent, because they were enemies to begin with.

He hated Song Minghuang for turning a deaf ear to the family's voice, and he hated Song Daoling for failing to come to their aid despite his injuries having already improved.

The former could turn the tide of the battle, while the latter, at the very least, could buy time for the vast majority of the tribesmen to break out and escape.

But none of them showed up.

Watching his clansmen perish in the demon's belly, his heart ached; this should not have happened.

"Elder, you should break through and leave us alone."

Seeing Song Tianyuan about to burn himself out, Song Zhexuan and the others wept bitterly and knelt down, begging him to leave.

In their view, as long as Song Tianyuan was around, there was still hope.

"I am nearing the end of my life and can no longer walk. All I can do now is buy you some more time."

My lads, grip your swords tightly, break through the encirclement, and do not look back.

"Let them go as they can, and we'll avenge them later!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a resolute glint flashed in Song Tianyuan's eyes. He prepared to detonate his golden core and perish together with a demon king of the Black Scale Clan.

Just then, a huge Tai Chi Bagua diagram suddenly appeared in the sky, seemingly encompassing heaven and earth.

Black and white energies burst forth from the Yin and Yang poles, transforming into tens of thousands of law-based flying swords in the air, falling like raindrops.

"Puff puff"

In the blink of an eye, thousands of sirens had their skulls pierced by the falling law-based flying swords.

These flying swords seemed to have eyes, killing only sea monsters and not harming humans. In such a chaotic and densely populated battlefield, there was not a single case of accidental injury.

Immediately afterwards, a rapid melody of a zither came from the sky, like the sound of clashing swords and galloping horses, its power overwhelming like a tiger swallowing ten thousand miles.

The desire to live was rekindled in the eyes of those who had been resigned to death.

"Who's playing tricks? Come out here!"

A black-scaled demon king roared angrily at the horizon.

Song Changsheng, hand in hand with Zhuang Yuechan, arrived through the air, sword energy condensing at their fingertips. With a haughty expression, they said, "I've arrived. What are you going to do about it?"

The moment the two of them stood there, they shone as brightly as the sun and moon in the sky. Their powerful aura swept across the entire Tenglong Islands. Even the three demon kings of the Black Scale Clan felt a heavy pressure. Their hearts sank, and they knew they had met a tough opponent.

The cultivators below were filled with disbelief. The Black Scale Clan didn't recognize people, but they were very familiar with this person.

Why him?

"It seems the lesson we taught you in the last battle wasn't enough, daring to venture deep into our human race's coastal territory alone. Now that you're here, none of you are leaving!"

With a clear whistle, Song Changsheng sent the Tai Chi Bagua diagram in the air crashing down upon the three demon kings...

……

P.S.: I promised at the beginning of the month that I wouldn't let the votes you all cast go to waste. I would add at least 10,000 words this month. I'll add one more today, and I still owe 5,000 words.

In addition, there will be double monthly tickets from the 29th to the 31st of this month. Fellow Daoists, please save a few for Chuxin. Thank you very much!

My supervisor has agreed to switch my shift, so updates will be earlier from now on. (End of Chapter)