Chapter 231 - 173: Responsibility

"Fifth Uncle, how is her condition?" Inside the Hundred Arts Hall, Song Changsheng asked, frowning as he looked at Xia Qingxue lying quietly on the bed.

Song Luzhou shook his head. "I gave her a Tier Two Top-Grade healing pill, and the clan’s Physician has examined her as well. Neither had much of an effect. Her injuries are too severe. If it weren’t for your skillful intervention, she’d already be in the Yellow Springs."

Song Changsheng was momentarily speechless. ’The fact that Xia Qingxue is still alive despite such severe injuries has little to do with me. If I’m not mistaken, she must possess some kind of special constitution—that’s the key to her survival. Her failure to awaken is likely related to this special constitution as well.’

"How do you plan to handle her? She’s a real hot potato."

"What else can we do? We have to notify the Golden Crow Sect. The Yuan Province Garrison Envoy only gave us three months," Song Changsheng said with a shrug and a bitter smile.

A sharp glint flashed in Song Luzhou’s eyes. "We certainly have to notify the Golden Crow Sect. But have you considered one thing? If the Blood Demon learns that we’re the ones who saved her, what kind of trouble will that bring to the clan?"

"Sigh, I’ve been struggling with that same problem. We have many enemies, and our every move is watched. The only reason we didn’t attract attention when we brought her back was because we had Senior Clan Sister Yushi and the others providing cover.

Whether we notify the Yuan Province Garrison Envoy to come get her or have the clan send her back, we’ll have completed the Golden Crow Sect’s task. We’ll definitely receive a handsome reward.

But doing so would make it public knowledge that we saved Xia Qingxue. I’m afraid that will invite retaliation from the Blood Demon." Song Changsheng’s brow furrowed, and he felt a headache coming on.

He didn’t know how much power the Blood Demon had hidden away in the Daqi Cultivation World, but the mere fact they dared to ambush Dai Zichen was proof that their strength could not be underestimated and that they were unbelievably audacious.

And since they are deliberately hiding their identities, they must be plotting something significant. If they learn that it was the Song Clan who foiled their plans, our clan’s annihilation could be just around the corner.

’Some might ask, why not just do the handover secretly? Why must it be made public?’

It wasn’t that Song Changsheng hadn’t considered this, but he quickly rejected the idea. ’After suffering such a major setback, the Golden Crow Sect definitely won’t let this go.’

’But the Blood Demon is hidden so deep, there’s no way to track them. If I were in charge of the Golden Crow Sect, the Song Clan would make excellent bait. Given the Blood Demon’s vengeful nature, they’d definitely come for retaliation. All the Sect would have to do is lie in wait.’

’It might sound feasible with the Golden Crow Sect’s protection, but things are never that simple. Unless the Golden Crow Sect can uproot the Blood Demon in one fell swoop, the ones who escape will simply lie dormant.’

’The Golden Crow Sect can’t stay here forever. Once they leave, the Song Clan will have to face the Blood Demon’s wrath alone. As for our chances of victory... well, you don’t have to be a genius to figure those out.’

’Placing the clan in danger of annihilation just for a reward would be an incredibly idiotic choice, no matter how generous that reward might be.’

Song Luzhou had clearly thought of this as well, but he didn’t have any better ideas.

"We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. We still have over two months, right? We can deal with it then. For now, let’s focus on waking her up." Song Changsheng shook his head, refusing to dwell on the problem any longer.

Song Luzhou nodded. "I’ll do my best, but I can’t guarantee the outcome."

"Right. This concerns the clan’s very survival. The fewer people who know, the better."

"You little brat, are you lecturing me now?" Song Luzhou’s eyes widened in mock indignation.

"I’ll go check on Elder Brother Yulong." Sensing trouble, Song Changsheng made a quick exit.

In another room, Song Yulong had slowly stirred awake, but he was still not in good condition. Song Yushi and Song Muqing were at his bedside, tending to him.

Seeing Song Changsheng arrive, the two quickly stood up and bowed. "Greetings, Young Clan Leader."

"Senior Clan Sister, please, no formalities. How is our clan brother now?" Song Changsheng said with a wave of his hand.

Song Yushi’s voice was filled with gratitude. "Thanks to your and Fifth Uncle’s treatment, my elder brother has woken up. He just fell back asleep. The Physician said he’ll be fine after a good period of rest."

"That’s good to hear," Song Changsheng said with a smile. "Senior Clan Sister, if you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to ask. Here on Vast Mist Peak, you’re home, so please don’t be a stranger."

"Thank you, Young Clan Leader. An aunt has already made all the arrangements; we don’t need anything for the time being."

"Alright. In that case, I won’t disturb your rest. I’ll take my leave."

"Take care, Young Clan Leader."

After Song Changsheng left, a weak voice spoke up from within the room. "Yushi, who was that?"

"Elder Brother, you’re awake! The Young Clan Leader just came to see you," Song Yushi explained with a smile.

"Young Clan Leader?" Song Yulong sounded puzzled. ’As far as I know,’ he thought, ’the clan hasn’t had a Young Clan Leader in over a hundred years.’

"After you fell unconscious, the Young Clan Leader was the one who arrived just in time to save us. The entire battle lasted less than half an ancient hour. Even those elite prodigies from the Ancestral Vein are probably no match for him," Song Yushi said, her voice full of admiration.

A flicker of astonishment crossed Song Yulong’s eyes. He never expected Song Yushi to hold the Young Clan Leader in such high regard. He knew all too well just how freakishly talented those "direct-line" members Yushi mentioned were.

’But then again,’ he mused, ’the Song Clan was originally a Purple Mansion Family. Even though we’ve declined, the foundation is still there. It’s only natural to have a few outstanding disciples.’

"Right, how is that fellow Daoist we rescued?"

At his question, the light in Song Yushi’s beautiful eyes dimmed. She fidgeted with the hem of her robes, her head lowered. "She’s the missing disciple from the Golden Crow Sect," she mumbled. "I’ve brought trouble to the clan."