After returning to his residence, Song Changsheng entered seclusion to refine the [Godslaying Flying Knife]. This treasure contained a large amount of Evil Qi, which caused him quite a bit of trouble.

Fortunately, his Divine Soul was powerful and he was unaffected by its interference. In just half a month, he had completely refined all three flying knives. He could clearly feel the destructive power coiled within them, ready to be unleashed.

"As expected of a Spiritual Artifact personally refined by the Yungui Ancestor. It’s even better than the Spirit-Slaying Blade. Another life-saving trump card." Song Changsheng gazed at the three flying knives, unable to tear his eyes away.

The preciousness of a Spiritual Artifact was self-evident. Not only did nurturing one take a great deal of time, but it also consumed a vast amount of resources. Despite the many Foundation Establishment Cultivators the Song Clan had produced over the generations, they had only amassed a little over ten Spiritual Artifacts.

As for refining a one-time consumable into a Spiritual Artifact, most people wouldn’t even dare to dream of it, let alone actually do it. Especially within a Foundation Establishment Influence, this was the act of a quintessential prodigal son.

But Song Yungui did just that. Furthermore, he broke convention by nurturing it with Evil Qi, refining it into a terrifying weapon of slaughter.

To date, four Foundation Establishment Cultivators had already met their bitter end at the hands of the [Godslaying Flying Knife], and it had left an indelible memory for two Late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators as well.

Actions speak louder than words. Battle after battle had proven Song Yungui’s methods correct.

He did not place the [Godslaying Flying Knife] in his Dantian to be nurtured. Instead, he carried it on his person, as the number of Magical Artifacts being nurtured in his Dantian had already reached its limit.

Upon his Yin Yang Dao Foundation, the [Luwu Bell], [Yin Yang Spirit-Slaying Gourd], [Profound Celestial Battle Armor], [Ink Jade Ghost Lotus], and [Broken Water Spear] floated in neat order, absorbing Spiritual Power to strengthen themselves.

Nurturing five Magical Artifacts at once wasn’t the limit of his Dantian, but it was Song Changsheng’s personal limit.

An ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivator would already be stretched thin nurturing one or two at the same time. Those who could manage three were rare. As for someone like Song Changsheng, he was likely one of a kind, not just in Ling Province, but in the entire Daqi Cultivation World.

Song Changsheng dared to do this only because his cultivation Heart Method was special. He primarily cultivated by absorbing Sun Essence and Moon Radiance Qi, allowing the Spiritual Power he absorbed during normal times to be used for nurturing his Magical Artifacts. If not for this, he would never have dared to be so extravagant.

’Right, I still haven’t looked at that invitation.’ In his haste to refine the [Godslaying Flying Knife], Song Changsheng had almost forgotten about it.

He took out the large, red invitation. The texture was peculiar—it felt neither like paper nor like animal hide. He gave it a tug, but it didn’t change in the slightest.

’With my current physique, even a casual pull should have the force of several hundred pounds, yet it has no effect on this invitation at all. Luoxia City is truly worthy of its reputation. Even the material for a simple invitation is so special.’

Song Changsheng mused for a moment before opening the invitation. The instant he did, a hazy spiritual light bloomed forth.

The sound of a zither suddenly echoed in his ears. At times, it was like the tinkling of a spring, soothing the heart. At others, it was like the clash of armored cavalry, stirring heroic pride. Then, it became mournful and bleak, moving him to tears.

Before he knew it, a tear slid from the corner of Song Changsheng’s eye, tracing a path down his cheek. It dripped onto the floor and shattered into pieces.

Song Changsheng snapped back to his senses, staring at the invitation in his hand with horror. ’A mere wisp of zither music sealed in an invitation was enough to make me lose control of my mind. Just how powerful must the musician be?’

He had a feeling that if that music had contained any killing intent, he might already be dead.

It wasn’t that Song Changsheng was boasting, but his Divine Soul Power was a cut above that of an ordinary Mid-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator. Even so, he had been completely powerless against the zither music, and his emotions had even been swayed by it.

Such a method was simply terrifying to contemplate.

The only Musician Song Changsheng had ever met was Zhuang Yuechan. Although her zither music was formidable, capable of killing without a trace, it was like the difference between clouds and mud when compared to the music from this invitation. There was simply no comparison.

"Fellow Daoist Zhuang is the Great City Lord’s Direct Disciple, so this music must be the work of the Great City Lord himself, right? He truly is the number one expert below the Golden Core realm. A technique like this is genuinely terrifying," Song Changsheng said, a lingering fear in his heart.

He steadied his mind and focused on the invitation again. He found that the zither music and the Spiritual Light had both vanished. It now looked completely ordinary, no different from a regular invitation.

However, the date on it surprised Song Changsheng. The event was still more than a year away, which meant he would have to stay in Luoxia City for at least a year.

"I have to stay for that long? And the old man didn’t even give me a heads-up," Song Changsheng grumbled under his breath.

But soon, a crucial question occurred to Song Changsheng. ’Since I’m going to a birthday celebration, I can’t possibly show up empty-handed, right? Where’s the gift?’

’Something this important couldn’t have been forgotten, could it? I’ll ask the Grand Elder before I leave.’

Song Changsheng walked out of his Seclusion Chamber and picked up his Communication Jade Token. To his surprise, there was a message left via Divine Thought. He activated it with his Spiritual Power, and Song Luhuai’s voice emerged: "Come see me as soon as you are out of seclusion."

’Did something unexpected happen?’ Song Changsheng frowned slightly and hurried toward Song Luhuai’s residence...

When Song Luhuai saw Song Changsheng arrive, a look of delight crossed his face. "You’re just in time. We can’t make a decision on this matter and wanted to hear your opinion."

"What kind of matter could the Elder Council not decide on?" Song Changsheng asked, surprised.

Song Luhuai sighed. "It’s about that boy, Qingxing."

"Qingxing? What happened to him?" Song Changsheng’s heart tightened. Come to think of it, he hadn’t seen Song Qingxing in several years. ’Could something have happened to them at Little Cyan Mountain?’

"Don’t worry, Qingxing and the others are fine. It’s just that Qingxing recently sent me a message saying he wants to leave the mountain to gain experience, and Qingxi wants to go with him."

"The Elder Council is in a heated debate over this. Some believe that with Qingxing’s outstanding talent, he should be hidden away, waiting for the right moment to shock the world."

"Others believe that jade cannot be perfected without carving. Simply training behind closed doors will never forge a true Swordsman, so we should grant his request."

"Neither side can convince the other, so they unanimously decided to hear your opinion. After all, you’ve spent the most time with the two of them."

Song Changsheng’s brows furrowed. After a moment of thought, he said, "Qingxing is already seventeen this year. It’s about time for him to leave the mountain. He majors in the Sword Dao, and a sword that has never tasted blood can never belong to a true Swordsman."

"Mindlessly restricting him and hiding him away isn’t good for him. Therefore, I believe he should be allowed to go out and gain experience. However, we must take his safety very seriously. The clan cannot afford to lose a genius like him."

Song Luhuai’s frown gradually relaxed. He nodded and said, "What you say makes sense. We’ll do as you suggest. But that child, Qingxi, wants to go too..."

"How about this: since there’s still time, I’ll make a trip there myself," Song Changsheng said immediately.

...