Chapter 229: Chapter 172: Resolution
All eyes fell on Song Changsheng, awaiting his final decision.
The value of a Top-Grade Spiritual Artifact went without saying. Across all of Ling Province, you could count the number of publicly known ones on a single hand. Even the Song Clan, with its centuries-deep foundation, only had three.
Although the Song Clan possessed even more precious Magical Treasures, they were essentially decorations until the clan produced another Purple Mansion Great Cultivator. In practice, they were less useful than a Top-Grade Spiritual Artifact.
The Heaven-Covering Umbrella Song Luzhou mentioned was the Lifebound Spiritual Artifact of the previous Clan Leader, Song Yunhan. It had always been kept in the Clan Treasure Vault, and even Grand Elder Song Xianyun had never been granted its use.
And now, Song Luzhou was advocating to give this Spiritual Artifact to Song Luke, who was far away in the Central Continent. The pressure immediately fell upon Song Changsheng’s shoulders. He knew he had to make a choice.
In terms of value, a single Top-Grade Spiritual Artifact was worth several Foundation Establishment Pills, which could give the Song Clan a second chance if they suffered a major disaster.
From a short-term perspective, the news of Song Xianming’s recovery had already pushed the clan into the eye of a storm. The Song Clan would inevitably face countless threats, both overt and covert. At a critical moment, a Top-Grade Spiritual Artifact could even turn the entire situation around.
But from a long-term perspective, if this Spiritual Artifact could help Song Luke break through to the Purple Mansion realm, the Song Clan would reap immense rewards.
The Song Clan’s Ancestral Vein was, after all, an old Golden Core Family, even a cut above the Golden Crow Sect. Logically speaking, now that the Moon Viewing Song Clan had latched onto such a powerful backer, shouldn’t they be, if not soaring to the heavens, at least getting better and better?
But why has the Moon Viewing Song Clan been on the decline these past few years?
It was because they had no one on the inside—no one with any influence in the Ancestral Vein—which led to them being completely marginalized.
If Song Luke could reach the Purple Mansion realm, he would gain access to the Ancestral Vein’s inner circle. Then, at the very least, their supply of Foundation Establishment Pills would no longer be throttled.
Furthermore, the Song Clan could leverage his power to bring stability to Ling Province and foster greater growth. It would even provide an extra layer of security for when Song Xianming attempts his breakthrough to the Purple Mansion realm!
The potential benefits were immense.
Of course, all of this hinged on Song Luke successfully breaking through to the Purple Mansion realm. If he failed, it would be a devastating double loss, and all would be for naught.
Faced with this crossroads, Song Changsheng fell silent. He was now facing a choice that could impact the clan’s entire future.
Logically, Song Changsheng should have refused. The risk was too high. Ten Yin Yang Purple Tree Hearts might seem like a lot, but it was a trivial amount to the Ancestral Vein, a power that had existed for millennia and boasted over ten thousand Cultivators.
Song Changsheng didn’t believe that Song Luke, as an "outsider," could compete with those Direct Lineage Clan Members, even with an extra Top-Grade Spiritual Artifact. The hope was simply too slim.
But on an emotional level, Song Changsheng couldn’t find a reason to refuse.
Song Luke had been taken to the Ancestral Vein when he was eight, but he had never forgotten his roots. All these years, he had tirelessly fought for the clan’s interests.
During the great war twenty years ago, the Song Clan suffered devastating losses. He used his own savings to purchase a shipment of resources and send them back, helping the clan get back on its feet, yet he never once asked for anything in return.
He also persuaded an elder of the Ancestral Vein to give the clan time to rest and recuperate. During this period, the clan didn’t need to offer tribute or send its outstanding members to the Ancestral Vein.
It was precisely because of this that the Song Clan was able to emerge from its slump so quickly.
Although he never said how he managed it, it wasn’t hard to imagine the immense price he must have paid.
’If Grandpa were here, what would he do?’
After a moment of silence, Song Changsheng looked up and said, "Even if there’s only a sliver of hope, we can’t give up. I agree to give the Heaven-Covering Umbrella to Uncle Luke."
The moment he spoke those words, Song Changsheng felt the tension leave his body.
The people present had mixed reactions. Some Clan Elders thought the decision was too hasty, while others felt Song Changsheng had acted decisively, reminding them of Song Xianming in his prime.
But whatever their personal feelings, none of them voiced any opposition, because they had no grounds to do so.
The optimal choice is not necessarily the right one.
Everyone knew that keeping the Heaven-Covering Umbrella in the clan was the most beneficial choice. But as important as the clan’s interests were, they couldn’t be driven by benefits alone. They were a family!
A thrilled expression spread across Song Yushi’s face. She had been fully prepared for rejection, but the outcome took her completely by surprise.
She solemnly bowed to everyone present and said, "Thank you, Young Clan Leader. Thank you, honored elders."
Xia Yunxue took her hand and said with a smile, "We are all family. There’s no need for such formalities."
"Yes, thank you, Auntie." Song Yushi felt a sting in her nose as her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
"Mother, Cousin Yushi and her companions are weary from their long journey, and they’ve just survived a battle. I’ve already had rooms prepared for them. Why don’t you take her to rest first."
Xia Yunxue nodded. "Alright."
After she left, holding Song Yushi’s hand, Song Changsheng turned to the others and said, "Honored elders, is there anything else you wish to add?"
No sooner had he finished speaking than a Clan Elder rose to his feet. "Young Clan Leader, I am not questioning your decision, but for a matter of such importance, shouldn’t the Clan Leader and Grand Elder have been consulted before a conclusion was reached?"
"Indeed, wasn’t the Young Clan Leader’s action a bit rash?" another Clan Elder quickly chimed in.
Song Luyao, who had been watching coldly from the sidelines, snorted. "The Clan Leader is in death seclusion, and the Grand Elder is still recovering from his severe injuries. According to clan rules, the Young Clan Leader has the right to temporarily exercise the Clan Leader’s authority with the assistance of the Clan Elder Council.
