Chapter 605 - 83: Shock and Awe

The Lieyang Sect was annihilated.

Their last hope was personally snuffed out by Chen Mingzhao.

Even at the moment of his death, Wang Yuesong had no idea why his sect was associated with Evil Demons.

Chen Mingzhao’s expression grew grim as he gazed at the ruins of the Scripture Pavilion.

"Second City Lord, will this suffice?"

"Mr. Chen, your grasp of the greater good is profound. To personally take action and clean house... you are truly a model for the Righteous Dao. I am impressed!" At that moment, even Zhan Tianxia found himself looking at Chen Mingzhao with new respect for his decisiveness. He had thought it would take much more convincing.

"Then I will leave the rest to Clan Leader Song. Make sure not a single Demon Remnant escapes." Chen Mingzhao practically spat out the last few words through clenched teeth.

"Rest assured, Mr. Chen." Song Changsheng gave a slight bow with cupped hands.

"My thanks."

After returning the gesture with a blank expression, Chen Mingzhao transformed into a streak of light and departed. He did not want to remain there a moment longer.

Aboard the [Black Star Ship], Shangguan Yinn and the others nearly had their eyes pop out of their heads. To them, the Golden Crow Sect was an existence as high as the heavens.

They had thought that with the Golden Crow Sect’s backing, the Lieyang Sect would escape this disaster. They never imagined the Song Clan would show the Golden Crow Sect no deference whatsoever, even forcing them to personally "clean house."

In that instant, the way they looked at Song Changsheng changed subtly. It was now a look of deep-seated awe.

After watching Chen Mingzhao depart, Song Changsheng signaled the Elders to lead their men and clean up the battlefield. He then approached Zhan Tianxia and said respectfully, "Thank you for coming to my aid, Martial Uncle."

"There’s no need for such formalities.

The Golden Crow Sect went too far this time. If that Chen Mingzhao hadn’t known when to back down, I would have certainly fought him. He can’t be allowed to think Luoxia is full of pushovers," Zhan Tianxia said coldly.

"Golden Core powers cannot personally intervene in the conflicts of those beneath them."

This was one of the rules of the game upheld by the Two Sects and One City, but the Golden Crow Sect had violated it time and again. If it wasn’t curbed, who knew what a mess Daqi would become in the future.

Song Changsheng fell silent. These were not topics he was currently in a position to discuss.

Fortunately, Zhan Tianxia had not expected a reply. He changed the subject, asking, "What are your plans now? Are you going to repeat this whole process with the Rong Clan of Xiang Province?"

Zhan Tianxia knew that Song Changsheng’s target was not just the Lieyang Sect. The Rong Clan of Xiang Province was also on his list of conquests.

"That is the plan. However, given the circumstances, I doubt it will go smoothly."

Song Changsheng was referring to Chen Mingzhao. The man had departed in the direction of Xiang Province, so he was, unsurprisingly, on his way to the Rong Clan.

The Rong Clan was different from the Lieyang Sect. It would be much more difficult to use the same trick twice.

"It is good that you understand. The tree that stands tallest in the forest is the first to be broken by the wind. You’ve already caused a big enough stir today. If you continue and attack the Rong Clan, it will not be to your advantage."

There was reason in Zhan Tianxia’s words.

Across the entire Daqi Cultivation World, there were only seven publicly known Purple Mansion powers. Each one held significant weight. The annihilation of the Lieyang Sect had already sent shockwaves through the land. If the Rong Clan were to follow in its footsteps, the other Purple Mansion powers would inevitably grow wary of the Song Clan, and might even unite to oppose them.

For the Song Clan, which was on the rise, this would be a terrible state of affairs. It would make it nearly impossible for them to make a move in the Daqi Cultivation World.

Song Changsheng’s gaze grew heavy. He nodded and said, "I will heed your teachings."

"Mm." Zhan Tianxia gave a slight nod, then turned and landed on the deck of the [Black Star Ship]. Whether Song Changsheng truly understood his meaning was not important to him. The decision was in Song Changsheng’s hands; he had fulfilled his duty as a senior.

Just then, Song Qingxing, cloaked in an aura of slaughter, arrived before Song Changsheng on his sword. "Uncle," he said indifferently, "it’s all been cleaned up."

Thanks to Wang Yuesong having recalled all sect members from abroad, the Song Clan had managed to wipe out nearly every Lieyang Sect disciple in one fell swoop. Even if one or two fish had slipped through the net, they were in no position to stir up any trouble.

"Good. Take our clansmen to finish clearing the battlefield. Gather all the corpses for cremation. They may have been our enemies, but I will not have their bodies defiled by Evil Demons."

"Yes." Song Qingxing silently withdrew.

After about an hour, the battlefield was clear. The Lieyang Sect had been a Purple Mansion Sect with a history of over seven hundred years, after all. Though the Scripture Pavilion was destroyed, Yuann Tianshu had immediately secured the sect’s Treasure Vault. The sheer variety of cultivation resources and Rare Treasures inside was dazzling.

Even Song Changsheng couldn’t help but lament how true the saying was: the path of murder and arson is paved with gold.

In addition, Song Lutong had led a team to salvage a number of Cultivation Technique Manuals from the ruins of the Scripture Pavilion, which was another considerable fortune in itself.

"Uncle Tong, please go to the [Black Star Ship] and bring the seven clan leaders here. I have instructions for them," Song Changsheng said to Song Lutong.

"You got it."

Song Lutong was quick. Soon, Chu Nanfeng, Shangguan Yinn, Gan Xingyuan, Bai Ruohong, Luo Minghao, Li Zhengdao, and Shen Ruoci stood before Song Changsheng.

Compared to before, they now carried themselves with an air of utter deference.

With his hands clasped behind his back, Song Changsheng quietly sized up the seven people before him.

The political situation in Yang Province had been stable for many years, unlike Ling Province, which had suffered one major war after another. As a result, the power of these seven great families was well-preserved. Their collective strength was impressive—a force that could not be ignored.