"Quite interesting."
Chen Qingyuan understood Song Ningyan's inner thoughts and was filled with interest in the matter.
"If you want to change the Song Family's founding principles, you need strength that can crush everything. Otherwise, it's a fool's dream," Chen Qingyuan said.
"In life, some things are worth a try," Song Ningyan's eyes hid many emotions, her tone firm: "How can we know the answer without trying to the end?"
"This time you're going back, you want to call off the marriage alliance with the Piaomiao Sacred Ground, right?"
Initially, Chen Qingyuan really didn't want to leave home, but now he was quite intrigued.
"Yes," Song Ningyan nodded.
"Aren't you afraid of stirring up trouble?"
Breaking off an alliance between two major powers wasn't something that could be done on a whim, given the vast interests involved.
"I didn't dare before, but now it's different."
Song Ningyan had gone to great lengths to become Zhao Yichuan's disciple, seeking his protection.
Zhao Yichuan was no ordinary elder; he was the direct disciple of the Dao Yi Academy's dean. Unless something unexpected happened, Zhao Yichuan would be the future dean, and Song Ningyan's status would rise with the tide.
With this identity, Song Ningyan felt confident.
"I like your spirit," Chen Qingyuan enjoyed watching the excitement.
"Aren't you afraid of getting dragged into this?"
Truthfully, Song Ningyan didn't want to involve Chen Qingyuan.
"If I missed such an exciting drama, it would be the greatest regret of my life."
Chen Qingyuan smiled slightly, figuring he was just a spectator and hoping the Song Family wouldn't hold a grudge against him!
"If that's the case, let's set off tomorrow!"
Song Ningyan wanted to resolve the matter before the marriage alliance was finalized.
"Alright." Chen Qingyuan nodded, returned to Yunxi Residence to pack his belongings, and quietly waited.
***
That night, Master Yu Chenran came.
"Master."
Chen Qingyuan quickly seated Yu Chenran in the place of honor and poured a cup of fragrant tea.
"On this trip to the Song Family, don't be afraid if you encounter trouble; your master has your back. As long as those old fellows in the Song Family haven't lost their minds, they wouldn't dare to harm you seriously; at most, they'll try to trip you up in secret, consider it a test."
Yu Chenran wanted to push Chen Qingyuan to grow as quickly as possible; pressure creates motivation.
The future of Qing Sect might very well rest on Chen Qingyuan's shoulders.
In the past, disciples of Dao Yi Academy were advised to avoid worldly affairs and focus on cultivation. Now, with Chen Qingyuan as a disciple, the Academy could no longer remain hidden as before.
"Yes, Master." Chen Qingyuan nodded earnestly: "I will not disgrace you, Elder."
"I can't guarantee elsewhere, but as long as you're in the Northern Wilderness and don't act against the moral bottom line, I can cover for you."
Yu Chenran's assurance gave Chen Qingyuan great comfort.
"Thank you, Master."
Chen Qingyuan said cheerfully.
After a brief chat, Yu Chenran patted Chen Qingyuan's shoulder and left slowly.
The next day, Chen Qingyuan and Song Ningyan set off.
Their destination, the Tianhe Star Domain, required crossing hundreds or even thousands of other domains, a journey incredibly far.
Along the way, the two were mostly silent, with little to talk about.
Once outside the Dao Yi Academy, Song Ningyan wore a dark long dress with a veil, her long hair tied with a cloth strip. Her gaze was cold, her aura distant, like a block of ice.
Chen Qingyuan, dressed in white, had an extraordinary bearing.
After traveling non-stop for over half a month, Song Ningyan turned to Chen Qingyuan, "Let's find a place to rest."
"Sure." Chen Qingyuan caught a glimpse of something unusual in her eyes.
They found a spot at the foot of a mountain, spread out a white cloth, and sat down to rest, keeping a distance of several meters from each other, neither speaking.
Song Ningyan closed her eyes in meditation, seemingly organizing her thoughts.
They would soon reach the Tianhe Star Domain, and Song Ningyan's heart grew increasingly restless, no longer as calm as before.
It was a normal reaction, given she was about to defy her fate and oppose her family's elders. Previously, it was just a thought, but now it was time for action, and she felt some fear.
From childhood, Song Ningyan was indoctrinated with the idea of never defying the family, and that sliver of fear in her heart was hard to erase.
If Song Ningyan wanted to reach higher positions in the future, she had to overcome this fear and stabilize her Dao Heart.
"I hope you can take this step," Chen Qingyuan muttered to himself, seeing Song Ningyan's dilemma.
This was something no one could help her with; she had to rely on herself.
After resting for a day, Song Ningyan's complexion seemed much better, but there was still an unmistakable unease in the depths of her eyes.
"It's time to set off." Chen Qingyuan didn't make light of the situation, speaking seriously: "You're not just a member of the Song Family, but also a disciple of Dao Yi Academy. Times have changed; even if the Song Family wants to punish you, they have to consider the consequences."
"I'm fine."
Song Ningyan looked deeply at Chen Qingyuan for a moment before turning her gaze forward.
Thus, after another ten days, they finally arrived at the Tianhe Star Domain.
Using the large teleportation arrays in various locations still took quite some time.
The core regions of the Northern Wilderness—Tianhe, Dixing, and Renling—had no hierarchy, existing on an equal plane.
The concentration of Spiritual Qi in the Tianhe Star Domain was indeed much stronger than in remote domains. Ordinary trees grew incredibly thick and tall, and common wildflowers bloomed beautifully, vibrant in color.
The ancient Song Family was located on a main star in the Tianhe Star Domain, their buildings more luxurious than a mortal palace by a hundredfold, sprawling as far as the eye could see.
The main gate was carved from a ten-meter-tall piece of jade, with walls on both sides.
The Song Family had one main gate and many side gates, each guarded by family sentinels. Outsiders without an invitation or permission were not allowed inside.
"The young lady has returned."
As soon as Song Ningyan appeared, she was recognized and the news was immediately relayed to the higher-ups.
Standing at the gate, Song Ningyan hesitated to move forward.
The unease in her eyes grew more pronounced.
To common people, the Song Family was lofty, and as a legitimate daughter, she surely had endless resources and a noble status. But to Song Ningyan, the Song Family was a cage, each corner oppressive, suffocating her.
She worried that once she stepped into the Song Family this time, she might never be able to leave again.
Could her identity as a disciple of Dao Yi Academy really make the Song Family compromise?
Song Ningyan was uncertain.
In the end, it was a matter of insufficient personal strength. If she had the power to push through everything, there would be no need to worry about these issues; the Song Family would treat her with the utmost reverence.
"Scared?"
Chen Qingyuan stood beside Song Ningyan, hands behind his back.
Song Ningyan remained silent.
After a moment, Song Ningyan suppressed the turmoil in her heart and, with great effort, took a step forward with her left foot.
And so, the two stepped through the gate side by side.
What would greet them, one wondered?
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas