Chapter 107: Chapter 107: Going Through the Back Door

After their last failure, the Earth Fire Sect and the Lieyang Sect suddenly fell silent, as if they had decided to stomach the defeat.

But Song Changsheng knew full well that neither the Earth Fire Sect nor the Lieyang Sect were the type to willingly take a loss. This was, at most, a probe against the clan. The real storm was still to come.

So, he had not slacked off in his cultivation during this time.

But today, an unexpected guest arrived in his courtyard...

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

A rhythmic knocking sounded. Song Changsheng opened his eyes from his bed, and a sweep of his Divine Sense instantly revealed the visitor’s identity. His brow furrowed. ’Sixty-first Uncle? Why is he here?’

Although puzzled, Song Changsheng still opened the door as quickly as possible. Cupping his hands in greeting, he smiled and asked, "Sixty-first Uncle, what brings you here today?" 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"Greetings, Young Clan Leader..."

Song Luyou looked troubled, as if he found it difficult to speak.

Song Changsheng raised an eyebrow, gesturing for him to enter. "Please come inside and talk, Sixty-first Uncle."

The two entered the living room and sat down. Song Changsheng then said with a smile, "Sixty-first Uncle, is there something I can help you with? Please speak freely. As long as it is within my power, I will certainly do my best."

As the saying goes, one never visits a temple for no reason. Song Changsheng and Song Luyou had rarely interacted, the only exception being the development of the Wood Spirit Vein.

Seeing the troubled look on his face, Song Changsheng could naturally tell that he had come for help. This was an honest man who had contributed a great deal to the clan.

As long as it was something within his power to do, Song Changsheng was more than willing to help him.

Song Luyou stammered for a moment, then cupped his hands toward Song Changsheng with a look of shame. With his head bowed low, he said, "To be perfectly honest, I have come to ask for the Foundation Establishment Pill that the Young Clan Leader holds."

Song Changsheng understood at once. ’So he’s also here for the Foundation Establishment Pill.’

Ever since he had revealed that he possessed a Foundation Establishment Pill, numerous people had approached him, both openly and in secret. All of them, without exception, wanted that one pill, annoying him to no end.

Those who sought him out were either close uncles and cousins or highly respected Clan Elders, and he had sternly refused them all. In doing so, he had offended quite a few people and sparked some discordant voices within the clan.

In fact, his volunteering to be stationed at the Red Cloud Iron Ore Vein had been partly to get away from it all. Song Changsheng had always seen Song Luyou as a simple, honest man; he never expected him to also try to use a back-door connection.

Song Changsheng’s attitude couldn’t help but grow cold. He said bluntly, "Sixty-first Uncle, there’s no need to say more. If it were any other matter, I could help you, but this is absolutely impossible.

The Foundation Establishment Pill belongs to the clan; it is not my personal property. The recipient must be selected in a fair, just, and open process. Only then will the clan members accept the decision. What do you all think you’re doing, coming to me like this?"

"Young Clan Leader, I know this request puts you in a difficult position, but I had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure. I am already fifty-six this year. If I don’t break through now, in a few years, my chance will be gone forever. I implore you, Young Clan Leader, take pity on me."

Song Luyou bowed deeply, pleading with Song Changsheng with tears in his voice.

Seeing him in such a state, Song Changsheng sighed. "Sixty-first Uncle, the clan sees and appreciates your contributions, but that can’t be a reason for favoritism. Please return for now. Let everyone compete for it fairly."

Song Luyou instantly grew agitated and raised his voice. "Young Clan Leader, the clan is unfair! I refuse to accept this!"

’Sigh, here we go again.’

Song Changsheng sighed to himself. Every person he had refused who came trying to pull strings had roared the very same line. He sometimes wondered if they had all conspired together.

He sat back down and pinched the bridge of his nose. "In what way is the clan unfair? Please tell me, Uncle. If your claim is true, the Elder Council will see that justice is done for you."

Song Luyou cupped his hands and said, "Back when Ancestor Yunhan was in charge, he established a clan rule: anyone whose Hundred Arts Tier reaches Tier Two is entitled to the treatment of an Honorary Elder, and the clan must give them priority for a Foundation Establishment Pill.

As a Tier Two Low-Grade Earth Master, I perfectly meet that condition. If the clan handles matters impartially, this Foundation Establishment Pill ought to be mine."

His argument was logical and well-founded, and such a clan rule did indeed exist. However, he wasn’t the only one in the clan who met the condition. If the pill was given to him, what about the others?

There was only one Foundation Establishment Pill.

Song Changsheng let out a long sigh. "Uncle, you’re not the only one who meets this condition. If I gave it to you, what would I do about the others?"

Song Luyou was momentarily at a loss for words. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "Then it should be allocated based on contribution to the clan!"

Song Changsheng gave him a sympathetic look. Although Song Luyou’s contributions were outstanding, the others were no slouches either. If it were truly allocated based on the scale of one’s contributions, he still wouldn’t be the one to get it.

However, this encounter with Song Luyou did make Song Changsheng come to a decision. This Foundation Establishment Pill had been in his hands for far too long, and countless people were coveting it.

As long as it remained in his hands, incidents like today’s would happen again and again.

’It’s time to find a suitable candidate for it,’ Song Changsheng said to himself.

After a moment’s thought, he made up his mind. He looked up at Song Luyou and said firmly, "Uncle, I will not privately promise the Foundation Establishment Pill to anyone. It doesn’t matter who comes to me.

However, I understand how you feel. The clan will do as it has promised. Besides you, there are two others who meet this condition. Within three days, the Elder Council will hold a vote to make the selection. You may go now, Uncle."

With so many in need and so few resources to go around, Song Changsheng had no choice but to use this method.

Seeing Song Changsheng’s resolute attitude and knowing he was serious, Song Luyou let out a long sigh. He cupped his hands, said, "Understood," and then turned and departed in silence...

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Song Changsheng convened a meeting of the Elder Council, where they conducted a comprehensive analysis of the three candidates. Ultimately, after careful consideration, the Elder Council voted to select Song Changquan.

He was a Tier Two Low-Grade Alchemist who, over the years, had worked conscientiously and made immense contributions to the clan. Furthermore, his talent was the best of the three, and he had the greatest chance of breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Stage.

After the result was announced, Song Luyou was utterly crestfallen, but it was the Elder Council’s decision. No one could change it unless the Clan Leader personally intervened.

Everyone knew that was impossible. Song Xianming was the one who valued "rules" above all else; he would not alter the Elder Council’s resolution even if his own son came begging.

As soon as the results were announced, Song Changsheng gave the Foundation Establishment Pill to Song Changquan, who then immediately declared he was entering seclusion.

Although Song Changsheng felt he was being a bit hasty, everyone had their own path. All he could do was silently pray for him in his heart...