Uncle Song Jue . . .
In the region under the dominion of Song Clan, the fall of Song Wuyang's rule was cause for celebration. Those who had been victims of the harsh suppression and bullying by Song Wuyang's subordinates rejoiced, viewing it as divine justice finally served.
Some citizens even gathered at the gates of the Song Clan's estate to express their gratitude by kowtowing before the elders of the clan. The leadership of the Song Clan was struck by an overwhelming sense of shame. While they had been aware of the mistreatment by Song Wuyang and his men, they hadn't fully grasped the severity of the issue or the extent of the populace's resentment.
Witnessing people continually express their gratitude, the elders found it deeply embarrassing. They questioned how Song Clan, once considered the protectors of the land, had devolved into local tyrants, necessitating external intervention to correct their mistakes and eliminate Song Wuyang and his cohorts. The elders were uncomfortable with accepting this gratitude, considering their duty was to safeguard the people.
As the elders sat in this uneasy atmosphere, they began to appreciate Song Xuan's potential. They saw in him a bright future.
Then, Cha Eun Xiao, the enigmatic and formidable individual in the elders' eyes, unexpectedly made a request that took them by surprise. He inquired if Song Jue, his uncle, was present within the estate. Cha Eun Xiao wanted to meet him but noted that the current situation might not permit a visit. Instead, he asked the elders to send for him.
The elders were bewildered by this request, as they couldn't fathom the connection between Cha Eun Xiao and Song Jue. After a moment, they made a connection. Cha Eun Xiao's actions in opposing Song Wuyang and aiding Song Xuan were based on his acquaintance with Song Jue.
This revelation left the elders in awe. They realized that Song Jue had formed a friendship with a remarkable and influential individual in the past, which explained Cha Eun Xiao's powerful support. The realization transformed their perception of Song Xuan and deepened their admiration.
They pondered how Cha Eun Xiao had orchestrated this situation to set the stage for Song Jue, allowing him to reclaim his influential position within the clan. By favoring Song Xuan, Cha Eun Xiao had given Song Jue a platform to regain his standing.
The elders felt a sense of embarrassment and regret, realizing that if they had known of Song Jue's influential connections, they would never have allowed Song Wuyang to commit such transgressions in the past. They contemplated how, if Song Jue's brother still led the clan, Song Clan might have avoided its current predicament and even ascended to dominance in the Oracle District.
Instead, the clan's actions had led Song Jue to befriend an incredibly powerful figure, who had arrived to offer support at a crucial moment. It was a deeply embarrassing revelation for Song Clan.
Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but smile as he observed the elders' discomfort. He anticipated that Song Jue would soon assume the highest position within the clan. Although he couldn't resolve all of their problems, he believed that the events that had unfolded would ensure Song Jue's ascendancy, securing his authority within the Song Clan.
In the backyard, Song Jue was relishing a chicken drumstick in one hand and a pot of liquor in the other, his enjoyment tempered by a hint of frustration.
Song Jue, upon his return to the realm, found himself grappling with an unexpected turn of events. He had never anticipated that his elder brother would be deposed from the chief's seat due to his actions, and this revelation was a harsh reality.
Throughout the years, resources were regularly dispatched to Cha Nantian from Cha Clan as a form of consolation. Yet, Song Jue had never received such support from the Song Clan. While he had previously stated that he didn't mind, the truth was that he did. Upon his return to the realm, he finally understood the reasons behind this lack of interaction. His brother's intentions were evident; he wished to see Song Jue exiled to the lower world, far away from the internal troubles brewing within the clan.
It was Song Jue's actions that had led to his brother's deposition. Shortly after that, his brother had fallen victim to poisoning, resulting in a debilitating loss of nine-tenths of his cultivation. Additionally, his nephew, Song Xuan, who had shown immense talent, had been reduced to a state of helplessness.
These revelations had left Song Jue disillusioned with his own clan, and he had contemplated the idea of bringing the entire clan to ruin.
Cha Eun Xiao had bestowed upon Song Jue a set of supreme dan beads before his departure, hoping they might help cure his brother and nephew. Yet, after careful consideration, Song Jue had decided against using them. Supreme dan beads were invaluable treasures to them, and if his brother and nephew were to suddenly recover upon his return, it would be evident that he had been behind it. Although he had grown more powerful than before, he was not yet the most influential figure within the Song Clan. Therefore, he chose to bide his time, waiting for the moment when he could address the ongoing turmoil without drawing unnecessary attention.
Song Jue's decision weighed heavily on his conscience. He was a man of principle, and the notion of holding back when he possessed the means to alleviate his family's suffering was deeply troubling. He wished to act in the best interests of his brother and nephew.
When he learned of external forces causing disruption within the Song Clan, he remained indifferent. In fact, he felt a sense of relief that someone had finally initiated action against the clan. He harbored no attachment to the Song Clan and would have been content to witness the clan's demise brought about by formidable external adversaries.
In Song Jue's eyes, there was little value in preserving such a corrupt and oppressive clan.