Chapter 829 - 695: Feeding and the Whetstone (2)

Chapter 829: Chapter 695: Feeding and the Whetstone (2)

Song Kuangyi stepped forward and lowered his voice:

"What I mean is, the fact that there is still no conclusive news from Zone 9, and no clues about Kuangyan’s whereabouts, is actually the best news."

The fury in the heart of the Song-Cao Clan was somewhat diminished by this statement, a glint of inquiry flashed in her beautiful eyes:

"Oh? What do you mean by this, my son?"

Song Kuangyi’s gaze was calm as he analyzed:

"The lack of news implies that Kuangyan is very likely not dead yet; someone intends to use Kuangyan as a pawn."

The Song-Cao Clan’s face showed a thoughtful expression, and she asked:

"What you’re saying makes sense, so who do you think this person is?"

Song Kuangyi did not answer immediately. He paused for a while, seemingly pondering his words:

"Kuangyan was delegated to Zone 9 as a special commissioner, a position of great honor.

The local thugs in Zone 9 may feign compliance and slack off, but if they truly had the audacity to harm him... son thinks it’s unlikely.

Therefore, behind this matter, there may be hidden motives, and the root of this affair may not lie in Zone 9, but rather... in our midst."

The implication in Song Kuangyi’s words was clear, and the Song-Cao Clan instantly understood her eldest son’s hint.

She instinctively glanced in the direction outside the main hall, which happened to be where the major lineage of the Song Clan was located.

A chill quietly rose from the depths of her heart.

While the mother and son were tacitly aware, an elderly man in dark clothes strode into the hall and respectfully bowed to Song Kuangyi and the Song-Cao Clan.

Song Kuangyi immediately stepped forward and anxiously asked:

"Teacher, what’s the situation? Have you found any clues?"

The elderly man in dark clothes had a somber face and said:

"Young master, madam. I have just uncovered through some secret channels that the trusted individuals around the young family head of the major lineage have inexplicably decreased by two in the past few days."

Song Kuangyi’s expression changed dramatically, and he asked urgently:

"Teacher, can you confirm? Which two people? Why did they suddenly disappear?"

The elderly man in dark clothes nodded affirmatively:

"This is a serious matter, and I have repeatedly confirmed it. Indeed, two are missing, but... for the time being, we have not discovered where these two people went or why they disappeared.

Nor can it be said with certainty that they went to..."

The elderly man hesitated and did not continue.

The face of the Song-Cao Clan darkened to the extreme, as if water could drip from it.

She suddenly pressed her right hand on the rosewood tea table beside her, without a sound, but the next moment, the extremely solid tea table crumbled silently and invisibly into dust, scattered on the carpet.

She let out a cold laugh of indeterminate meaning, and the temperature in the entire hall seemed to suddenly drop significantly, even the flowing clouds in the dynamic ancient paintings on the walls seemed to stagnate for a moment.

After a while, the Song-Cao Clan ceased her laughter and turned her gaze to her eldest son:

"My son, what do you think?"

Song Kuangyi’s face showed an extremely complex expression, mixed with shock, anger, but more so with profound difficulty and pain.

With his inherently kind and harmonious nature, it was really hard for him to directly accuse the blood-related major lineage.

He bit his lip, seemingly underwent a fierce struggle within, and finally spoke:

"Mother, this matter... this matter remains inconclusive. Just because two trusted individuals are missing from the major lineage doesn’t directly prove it’s their doing.

It might be due to other tasks, or it could be a coincidence. If we rashly suspect, it may only exacerbate internal family disputes..."

Seeing his mother’s face growing even darker, Song Kuangyi continued:

"Therefore, I want to request permission to personally go to Lower City District 9 to thoroughly investigate this matter and rescue my younger brother."

The Song-Cao Clan’s complexion turned from gloomy to bright, with a hint of relief but still filled with worry:

"No, absolutely not. If the major lineage truly has malicious intent against your younger brother, then Zone 9 is extremely dangerous. I cannot let you take risks. If something happens to you too, how could I bear it?"

Song Kuangyi stepped forward, unexpectedly defying his mother’s wishes:

"No, Kuangyan is my brother, and regardless of the danger ahead, I must go to Zone 9 to rescue him. Only if I go is there the greatest hope.

I can’t trust anyone else to go."

The Song-Cao Clan was still resolute in her refusal:

"I said no, I will send someone else..."

She didn’t finish her sentence before being interrupted by Song Kuangyi’s actions.

He kneeled heavily before his mother, head lowered, his voice painful yet firm:

"Please grant me permission, mother. Kuangyan is my most beloved brother, and now he’s in peril, his fate unknown. How can I, as his elder brother, remain in the Upper City?

This heart is not at peace! This matter must be handled by me. My brother must be saved by me."

He raised his head, his eyes burning as he looked at his mother, continuing to analyze:

"I know what mother is worried about, but please consider...

Firstly, it may not really be the major lineage’s doing. There might be other hidden motives, and my visit would be perfect to uncover them;

Secondly, if by chance it is truly the major lineage’s doing, my personal visit could deter them from acting recklessly. After all, if both Kuangyan and I were to face trouble, it would mean the third lineage is left without hope, and the major lineage would actually be panicking."

The Song-Cao Clan could understand this reasoning. The major lineage has consistently oppressed the third lineage both openly and secretly, eager to see the third lineage utterly destroyed, yet they surely dare not truly annihilate the third lineage.

The third lineage half-alive is a good third lineage, otherwise, the major lineage would be truly sleepless and anxious.

The Song-Cao Clan showed some hesitation on her face, and at this moment, the head of the third lineage, Song Bangyan, sped into the hall.

He also wore the Celestial Crown, with a handsome and elegant demeanor, but carried an inherent aura of authority without anger.

Upon entering, he glanced at his eldest son kneeling on the floor and directly spoke:

"No need to argue further. I have already petitioned the family head and explained the situation. Kuangyi, prepare yourself, and set out for Lower City District 9 as soon as possible."

The Song-Cao Clan hastily stood up, wanting to say much, but ultimately only said:

"My son, be extremely careful, and make sure to bring back your brother."

Song Kuangyi rose to accept his orders, simultaneously looking at his father:

"Yes, mother, I shall not disgrace this mission. Father, is there anything else you want to instruct?"

Song Bangyan looked at his son, in whom he placed high hopes, his gaze profound, and after a moment of contemplation, said:

"You should be aware that due to certain historical reasons, the Upper City has always been inconvenient in directly managing the specific affairs of various districts in the Lower City.

Therefore, on this journey, not only should you bring your brother back safely but also seize this opportunity wisely, do you understand?"

Song Kuangyi showed a thoughtful expression and solemnly nodded:

"I understand, father, I will act judiciously."

Song Bangyan nodded. He had always trusted his eldest son’s understanding and capabilities.

He gestured and said:

"You have always been prudent, making plans before taking action. As your father, I am at ease. Go ahead and prepare well."

"Yes, father, mother, I take my leave."

Song Kuangyi bowed again, with impeccable etiquette despite his stirred emotions.

He stepped back several paces before turning and walking out steadily.

The elderly man in dark clothes also bowed and then followed him out.

Only Song Bangyan and the Song-Cao Clan couple remained in the hall, with the Song-Cao Clan’s beautiful eyes full of anxiety, unable to resist complaining:

"Why must Kuangyi go? If he were to have an accident, our third lineage would..."

Song Bangyan spoke in a deep voice:

"It appears dangerous but is actually safe, unless the major lineage goes completely mad or Zone 9 wants to rebel and stand alone; otherwise, Kuangyi’s journey is perfectly secure.

Moreover, unlike Kuangyan, he already possesses considerable strength, and these years have surrounded him with cultivated talents. It’s time to let them see the world."

He paused, his tone revealing the coldness and foresight of a family ruler:

"Without leaving the nest, a fledgling never learns to fly; without entering the mountains, a tiger is merely a domesticated cat.

Without experiencing decisive battles and witnessing mountains of corpses and blood, the sharpest claws and teeth are just displays. Without being drenched in blood and dust, the best character is not truly useful.

This turmoil may be the best whetstone for Kuangyi."