Chapter 607 84: Coercing the Rong Clan, Secretly Plotting

The Black Star Ship transformed into a streak of light and shot straight toward Xiang Province. Meanwhile, news of the Lieyang Sect's destruction spread quietly, leaving countless factions in shock.

It had been a long time since a power at the Purple Mansion level had been annihilated in the Daqi Cultivation World.

Only then did many people have a sudden realization: the Song Clan of old had returned, even stronger and more ruthless in their methods than before.

Naturally, the news that Song Changsheng was leading his people to Xiang Province could not be concealed. It sent shockwaves through the region, and countless eyes, both openly and in secret, turned to watch.

The fate of the Rong Clan would determine how these factions would treat the Song Clan in the future...

In contrast to the stability and prosperity of Yang Province, Xiang Province was now a chaotic mess. The six great Foundation Establishment Influences were practically at each other's throats over the assets the Rong Clan had abandoned. It was no exaggeration to say the province was plagued by conflict.

To make matters worse, many Loose Cultivators had also joined the fray, taking the opportunity to stir up trouble. This caused the situation to escalate repeatedly until it became completely uncontrollable.

And as the overlords of Xiang Province, the Rong Clan was powerless to intervene, able only to watch as the situation unfolded.

But all of this changed with the arrival of the Black Star Ship.

On the first day Song Changsheng and his people entered the province, the six great Foundation Establishment Influences tacitly ceased their fighting. The Loose Cultivators who had been running rampant also settled down, and all eyes turned in unison toward the Rong Clan's headquarters, Celestial South Peak.

They had already learned of the Lieyang Sect's destruction, so they wanted to see what kind of attitude the Song Clan would take toward the Rong Clan.

This, in turn, concerned their own futures.

If the Rong Clan were to be destroyed, it would be like removing a massive stone that had been pressing down on them. From then on, Xiang Province would be their domain.

What's that? You say the Song Clan is still around?

Don't be ridiculous.

They knew full well what the Song Clan's foundations were like. Swallowing Yang Province had already given them indigestion; how could they possibly handle the more distant and complex Xiang Province?

But if the Rong Clan managed to survive by some fluke, things would be a bit more troublesome for them.

After all, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. As long as the Rong Clan was given some time to catch its breath, they would all have to continue living under its shadow.

Therefore, many were praying in secret. As for what they were praying for, that went without saying.

"Rong Mingtao, I know you're still alive. Come out and see me!" Song Changsheng hovered in the air, his cold voice echoing under the heavens, causing the expressions of every Rong Clan member present to change.

"Grand-uncle, you can't go! It's said that Zhang Hongguang, the Sect Leader of the Lieyang Sect, was lured out and then killed by him." Atop Celestial South Peak, the Rong Clan Leader, Rong Xingzhou, grabbed Rong Mingtao's arm and pleaded earnestly.

"COUGH COUGH COUGH... There's no hiding from this. Don't needlessly dampen the clan's morale. I'll go and meet this Clan Leader of the Song Clan."

As he spoke, Rong Mingtao reached out and gently pushed Rong Xingzhou aside. He turned his head to Chen Mingzhao and said, "I must trouble Elder Chen to mediate."

Chen Mingzhao sighed softly and said, "I never expected this Song Changsheng to be so young, yet have such a massive appetite. He destroyed the Lieyang Sect and still isn't satisfied."

"Please rest assured, Fellow Daoist Rong. If that Song Changsheng pushes his luck, I will certainly not let the matter rest!"

After walking a few steps forward, Chen Mingzhao suddenly stopped. He turned to look at Rong Mingtao with a serious expression and said, "Before that, I need you to be straight with me, Fellow Daoist. Have you had any contact with Evil Demons?"

A wry smile appeared on Rong Mingtao's face. He cupped his hands and said, "I only learned at the very end that He Tai was involved with Evil Demons. Had I discovered it sooner, I would never have associated with him. I hope Elder Chen does not doubt me."

Hearing this, Chen Mingzhao let out a heartfelt sigh of relief. He and Rong Mingtao rose into the air together to confront Song Changsheng.

"Clan Leader Rong, we meet again. Did you ever imagine this day would come?" Song Changsheng said indifferently, sizing up Rong Mingtao with a cold gaze.

"COUGH COUGH COUGH... Fellow Daoist Song, I know you harbor resentment, but my Rong Clan lost eight hundred disciples on the battlefield. Our very foundation has been shaken. I myself have become this half-dead wreck. Surely the resentment in your heart should have subsided somewhat by now?" Rong Mingtao said, gasping for breath.

"Not enough!" A cold, harsh light glinted in Song Changsheng's eyes.

The expression on Rong Mingtao's face immediately stiffened.

"Song Changsheng, must you really try to wipe us out completely? Leave a little leeway so that we might meet again on better terms!" Rong Shaoyuan demanded angrily.

The moment his words fell, Rong Mingtao's expression changed drastically. He angrily rebuked him, "Insolence! When I am speaking with Fellow Daoist Song, what place is there for you to interrupt? Get back now!"

He then turned to Song Changsheng and said, "Fellow Daoist Song, a junior of my clan has spoken out of turn. Please forgive him."

Rong Mingtao had adopted a very humble posture. He had no choice; in the face of his clan's survival, his personal honor and disgrace were now insignificant.

However, Song Changsheng clearly had no intention of letting it go.

He let out a cold laugh, his face a mask of frost. "Rong Shaoyuan, you and I have known each other for over ten years. I once thought we would always be friends. How disappointing."

"Before you question me, you should think long and hard about who started all of this."

"If you cannot give me a satisfactory explanation today, I will raze the Rong Clan to the ground, no matter the cost!"

As his voice fell, the aura around Song Changsheng erupted. Its immense power weighed down on the crowd of Rong Clan Cultivators, subjecting them to a crushing pressure.

"Fellow Daoist Song, are you acting as if I don't exist?"

Chen Mingzhao's expression darkened. His very presence here was a clear statement of the Golden Crow Sect's stance, yet Song Changsheng was still shamelessly running his mouth. He was being utterly disregarded.