Turn a Stone into Gold . . .
The people of Song Clan were faced with a simple decision: which side should they choose? It was a decision that hardly required contemplation.
Both options were clear, and the choice was unanimous. The situation left Song Xuan in awe. He gazed up at Cha Eun Xiao, struggling to believe the words he had just heard. It was a shock that this generous and handsome young master, Cha Eun Xiao, would favor him.
Song Xuan had been present since the turmoil began. First, it was Song Fei who tormented him, then Song Wuyang and the others arrived, never sparing him a second glance. In Song Xuan's eyes, despite his aspirations, he was deemed a man with a feeble body, unsure of what he could contribute.
But the tide of fate had shifted remarkably, almost miraculously. It was as though a gift from the heavens had descended upon him. This was his chance to rise to prominence.
"As a clan, internal conflict can only lead to destruction," Cha Eun Xiao remarked, his tone placid. "I have experience living within a clan, and I understand the difficulties that arise when dealing with the turmoil it harbors. I find it unbearable."
He had already extended his spiritual senses to investigate the entirety of the Song Clan residence, successfully locating Song Jue. The scene he encountered left him disheartened.
Uncle Song was in a nondescript location, indulging in drinks and a dish of peanuts. Despite being aware of the casualties in his clan and the urgent need for support, he appeared indifferent to the situation.
It seemed as though Uncle Song had resigned himself to the fate of his clan.
Cha Eun Xiao sighed internally, but he had a plan to restore Song Jue to his former glory.
"You are absolutely correct, Master," the third elder of Song Clan responded with profound respect. He wholeheartedly concurred with Cha Eun Xiao's assessment.
"Song Xuan, come here," Cha Eun Xiao instructed. He produced a jade bottle and nonchalantly poured out two dan beads. "Swallow them now."
Song Xuan needed no further prompting and immediately consumed the two dan beads. Before the astonished onlookers of Song Clan, a miraculous transformation unfolded.
Song Xuan, once the fallen prodigy of Song Clan, whose body had been rendered useless, made an astonishing recovery in his meridian system. It took no more than the time it took to brew a pot of tea. Moreover, his potential surpassed his previous state.
If it weren't for the incredible recovery before their eyes, it would be dismissed as a fantastical dream. Since Erhuo's hatching, it had become increasingly proficient at crafting dan beads. These dan beads exhibited superior efficacy and concealed their true nature better. The dan beads Cha Eun Xiao had given the three elders and the one he provided to Song Xuan, which repaired his meridian system, were meticulously disguised. Only individuals with keen perception could discern their true quality, deterring others from harboring ill intentions.
Cha Eun Xiao was only at the seventh level of the Dream Origin Stage, and he had just unveiled his extraordinary dan beads to the members of Song Clan. In the absence of Han Bingxue, many among them might have contemplated the idea of seizing Cha Eun Xiao's valuable dan beads for themselves.
Nonetheless, the onlookers could only marvel at the incredible opportunity extended to Song Xuan, feeling a sense of admiration toward Cha Eun Xiao. They couldn't fathom the extent of Cha Eun Xiao's powerful connections, but they were certain it was substantial.
The actions they witnessed left them with a single phrase on their minds: "turning a stone into gold." It seemed like a divine ability. What transpired next further challenged their existing worldview. Han Bingxue emerged and made a remarkable offer, stating, "Since the moment I saw this young man, I knew he must be talented. He is a young cultivator with great potential. Since you are destined to be favored by my boss, let me teach you a cultivation method, give you a sword art, pass on a palm art, offer you a footwork art… Hmm… I will also instruct you in a secondary fist art."
The people of Song Clan were in awe. They wondered if Han Bingxue was planning to accept Song Xuan as his personal disciple.
Song Xuan was now seen as an incredibly fortunate individual. Not only was he elevated to new heights, but he also received comprehensive guidance.
It led to various comments within Song Clan:
- "What an unbelievable opportunity Song Xuan has received!"
- "He's not just ascending; he's skyrocketing to unimaginable heights!"
- "Did he save the world in his previous life or something? How else can you explain such blessings?"
Cha Eun Xiao could only shake his head in embarrassment, feeling a strong urge to scold Han Bingxue for his excessive remarks.
But he couldn't bring himself to say it. He knew that Han Bingxue might respond with, "I like Song Xuan. I want to see him succeed. You like him too. Why can't I show my favoritism? My intentions are pure. That's more genuine than yours!"
Cha Eun Xiao had no choice but to accept the situation. It was a reminder that the shameless could be powerful.
Soon after, Song Clan took decisive action. Song Wuyang's followers were either eliminated or incarcerated. Over a thousand people were affected, all bearing the Song name. They were Song Clan members, along with numerous others who had worked for the Song Clan.
As the news of these events spread, the townspeople celebrated with fervor. The town transformed into a jubilant atmosphere, with citizens setting off firecrackers and celebrating as if it were a grand festival. The celebrations extended for miles around, with people reveling in the good news as though it were a new year's celebration.