Chen Qingyuan fell into deep thought. Song Wenxian's words of offering protection were not a surprise to him, but rather a shock.
Unwarranted kindness often hides ulterior motives.
He had no deep ties with the Song Family, so why would they go to such lengths?
Confusion, surprise, unease, and a touch of panic.
"Old I am friends with your Master, and with your own talents, the Song Family has every reason to draw closer to you."
Seeing the unrest in Chen Qingyuan's heart, Song Wenxian hurriedly explained.
"I see." If it was for the sake of his Master, that made sense. Much of Chen Qingyuan's confusion dissipated, and he bowed respectfully: "Should I encounter any difficulties in the future, I will surely seek help from the Song Family without hesitation."
"Hahaha…" Song Wenxian laughed heartily and nodded in satisfaction: "I like your straightforward nature, especially that thick skin of yours."
"Hehe." Chen Qingyuan laughed unabashedly, thinking how with the Song Family's protection, his future cultivation journey would surely be smoother.
The Dao Yi Academy, the reclusive Ancient Clan of the Song Family, the Sword Immortal Changgeng who stayed out of worldly affairs, and the backing of the Qing Sect, and so on.
This was hardly the cruel life of cultivation!
It was more like the adventures of a second-generation immortal; if bullied, one could simply run home for help.
"Brat, have you considered the proposal I made earlier?"
Aside from making it clear that the Song Family would protect Chen Qingyuan, Song Wenxian had another matter he wanted to press.
"Please forgive my dullness, I'm not sure what proposal Predecessor is referring to?"
Chen Qingyuan asked, puzzled.
"Becoming my granddaughter's husband."
As he spoke, Song Wenxian revealed a meaningful smile.
"No, no." The image of Song Ningyan flashed before Chen Qingyuan's eyes, and he immediately shook his head: "Please, don't jest with me."
"Ah, well then!"
A hint of regret flashed in Song Wenxian's eyes.
After a short stay, Song Wenxian departed.
That night, Chen Qingyuan sat in meditation, gathering a considerable amount of Spiritual Qi within his body.
The next day, a ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds and spread across the ground.
"It's time to go."
Chen Qingyuan packed his belongings and bid farewell to the elders of the Song Family.
"Take care, Young Master Chen."
After the battle that day, Chen Qingyuan had left an indelible mark in the hearts of the Song Family members, who treated him with great courtesy. The younger generation of Heaven's Prides no longer dared to look down upon him; their gazes were calmer, mixed with a hint of envy and awe.
On the way back, Chen Qingyuan was not alone; Song Ningyan was with him.
Having resolved her family's issues, Song Ningyan had no reason to stay with the Song Family and was eager to return to the Dao Yi Academy. She had already made it clear to her elders that if she couldn't make a name for herself, she would let the family arrange her marriage and various other matters.
"Senior Brother, I'm accompanying you back. Are you happy?"
Having grown familiar with Chen Qingyuan, Song Ningyan shed her aloof and arrogant mask and asked playfully.
"Not happy." Chen Qingyuan pursed his lips.
"Why?" Song Ningyan's tone was slightly pitiful.
"You've changed." Chen Qingyuan sighed softly: "You're not as proud as you used to be, it's a bit unfamiliar."
"I can switch back at any time."
Previously, Song Ningyan had received a jade slip of cultivation techniques from Chen Qingyuan, which contained insights into many Dao Techniques and resolved many of her cultivation doubts, enlightening her.
Moreover, Chen Qingyuan had helped Song Ningyan out of an arranged marriage and his performance in the arena had earned her gratitude and intense curiosity.
"Never mind, my heart can't take it."
Chen Qingyuan quickened his pace.
***
After more than a month, the two traveled through various Star Domains, witnessing the colorful splendor of the starry rivers and encountering some brazen robbers, but they made it back to the Academy relatively smoothly.
Chen Qingyuan and Song Ningyan went to their respective cultivation residences and paid their respects to their Masters.
Baiyan Palace.
Today, Yu Chenran was dozing off on a soft patch of grass, living a life of ease.
"Master, your disciple has returned."
Chen Qingyuan searched many corners and finally found him, greeting respectfully.
"I know, stop bothering me."
Yu Chenran continued to lie down, eyes closed, his demeanor lazy.
"Disciple has something to report." Chen Qingyuan envied Yu Chenran's carefree life, free to do as he pleased.
"Spit it out, then." Yu Chenran said.
"…"
Master, you weren't like this before. When you tricked me into taking you as my Master, you were so kind and fatherly. Now, after just a few years, you've shown your true colors.
"Disciple met with the Clan Leader of the Song Family, and he made a promise before I left; the Song Family is willing to Protect the Dao for the disciple."
Chen Qingyuan briefly recounted the events at the Song Family and mentioned their offer of protection, seeking his Master's opinion on whether there might be any malicious intent hidden within.
"Oh." Upon hearing this, Yu Chenran simply uttered "Oh," his expression unchanged.
Chen Qingyuan had expected a significant reaction from his Master, but was met with indifference, leaving him stunned.
After a while, Yu Chenran spoke: "If there's nothing else, you can leave. Don't disturb your Master's rest."
"Master, I still don't have a suitable Dao weapon."
After fighting with Changsun Fengye, Chen Qingyuan longed for a proper weapon.
A superior weapon could play a crucial role in battle.
"What kind of weapon do you want?"
Yu Chenran asked.
"Uh… I'll stick with a sword for now."
Chen Qingyuan thought for a moment and made a decision.
"For now?" Yu Chenran had heard about Chen Qingyuan's battle with Changsun Fengye and was initially shocked, but later calmed down: "Brat, you have a high aptitude for the Sword Dao, you can definitely pursue this path. What do you mean by 'for now'? Do you have other plans? I must remind you, cultivation is about taking one step at a time, don't aim too high."
"Disciple will heed Master's teachings."
Chen Qingyuan didn't dare to argue and bowed deeply.
It wasn't that Chen Qingyuan wanted to cultivate recklessly, but the silver spear he had hidden away was of unknown origin. Perhaps, in the future, Chen Qingyuan would take out the silver spear and embark on a new path.
"Alright, I won't nag anymore." Yu Chenran shifted to a more comfortable position: "Go to the Sword Hall and find Elder Gu. There are many famous swords there, just pick one."
"Yes, thank you, Master."
Joy sparkled in Chen Qingyuan's eyes.
"Off you go! Don't bother your Master if it's not important."
Yu Chenran yawned.
Afterward, Chen Qingyuan headed straight for the location of the Sword Hall.
The Dao Yi Academy was divided into a main vein and six branches.
The Sword Hall was one of the branches.
Gu Qingfeng, the head of the Sword Hall, was a bald old man with a white beard, who usually wore plain clothes and emanated a strong sword aura.
A Mahayana cultivator, a top-tier Sword Cultivator without a sword.
"Junior Chen Qingyuan, greets Elder Gu."
Upon arriving at the grand hall of the Sword Hall, Chen Qingyuan bowed to Gu Qingfeng, who stood above.
Proofreader & Editor: Lotas