Free Web NovelChapter 313: Chapter 313: Negotiating Terms
Meanwhile, in the main hall, the Divinity Transformation cultivators sat in their chairs, their expressions shifting constantly.
They had all guessed what the Song Family intended to do, and they sighed inwardly one after another.
The current balance of power between the families was about to be completely overturned.
No one was in high spirits. They understood that all the spoils from this conflict would belong to the Song Family. They would be lucky to simply preserve their own families; they didn’t dare even mention the distribution of benefits.
Song Qingyun sat at the head of the hall, taking in everyone’s sullen faces as the corners of his mouth lifted into a smirk.
’This is the Cultivation World. As long as you’re strong enough, no one will dare to act out of line.’
Under normal circumstances, these people would have long been clamoring to carve up the assets of the defeated families. When would they ever wait so obediently?
Before long, Song Wanning entered, leading a group of people.
Following behind her were all the Family Heads who had just arrived. They weren’t as fast as the few Divinity Transformation cultivators, so they had only just now rushed over.
But everyone already knew of Song Wanning’s heroic feat.
Timid as quails, they each found a seat and obediently sat down.
Song Wanning and her group also found their seats. The atmosphere in the hall grew heavy, and no one dared to be the first to speak.
"Thank you, fellow Daoists, for coming from so far to lend the Song Family a hand."
As the one in charge, Song Qingyun spoke up with a smile.
Hearing this, everyone broke free from the grim atmosphere, and smiles returned to their faces.
"Sect Leader Song, given the relationship between our two families, there’s no need for thanks! My only regret is that we arrived a little late and couldn’t join the battle from the start. Otherwise, how would they have dared to be so arrogant?"
One of the Family Heads immediately declared his position, his face a mask of righteous indignation.
The other families quickly chimed in, creating a lively scene.
Song Wanning watched from the side as they exchanged pleasantries. Before long, everyone finally got to the point.
Song Qingyun still wore a smile, but his voice carried a forceful edge.
"We have weathered a great disaster. Although we ultimately pulled through safely, my Song Family still suffered considerable losses. Therefore, the assets of those defeated families will be taken by the Song Family as compensation. Does anyone have any objections?"
A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. ’This was all won by Wan Ning at the risk of her life; there’s no way I’m sharing it with others.’
’After all, she fought so many Divinity Transformation cultivators alone. The slightest mistake and Wan Ning would have perished, her soul scattered.’
’This all belongs to Wan Ning by right!’
As soon as he said this, the smiles on everyone’s faces froze, but only for an instant before they returned to normal.
They all nodded and agreed, but they couldn’t help complaining in their hearts.
’What losses did your Song Family even suffer?’
’Just a few injured disciples who will be fine after a couple of Elixir Pills!’
’Not a single brick or tile was broken!’
But no one dared to voice these thoughts.
"Good. In that case, I will send people to take possession!"
Pleased, Song Qingyun immediately sent a mental transmission to the clan’s elders.
All assets of the participating families were to be confiscated.
If any refused to comply, they were to be bound and brought to the Song Family for punishment.
But he wasn’t worried about anyone resisting. Song Wanning cut down Divinity Transformation cultivators like they were melons. Who would dare to defy her?
If anything, many would probably flock to the Song Family’s side.
After he gave his orders, it was Song Wanning’s turn to speak.
Song Wanning sat to one side, leaning lazily against the back of her chair, showing no sign of fatigue.
The Divinity Transformation cultivators felt a pang in their hearts as they watched her.
’Comparisons are odious...’
’We’re all at the Divinity Transformation realm, but the difference in our combat power is like heaven and earth...’
They gazed at Song Wanning with heavy hearts, wondering what she was about to say.
"Fellow Daoists, I have two important matters to announce. I hope you will all listen carefully and make a serious choice."
Song Wanning’s expression was placid, yet she radiated an authority that commanded respect without any show of anger.
"Regardless of your choice, the Song Family will not interfere, nor will we make things difficult for you."
’Since these people were willing to help, regardless of their motives, they have earned the Song Family’s approval.’
’Therefore, I won’t force their hand.’
Song Wanning’s words made many hearts skip a beat.
Judging by Song Wanning’s demeanor, they had a feeling this was something major.
Song Wanning didn’t keep them in suspense.
"Some days ago, I encountered someone at the Ning Family’s estate. I later discovered that he was from the Secluded Land."
She briefly explained the origin of the Secluded Land and the intentions of its people. Upon hearing this, everyone became furious.
"A bunch of mere deserters dare to come to our territory and flaunt their power?"
"Exactly! These people are shameless!"
"They actually have the audacity to try and seize our territory? Why don’t they just go and die?"
BAM—
Someone slammed their hand on the table and shot to their feet, their eyes red with fury.
"The clan’s territory is its legacy! What right do those people have to steal it?"
"Song Dao You, tell us what to do! We’ll all listen to you!"
"That’s right, Song Dao You! We will never allow those people to seize our clan lands!"
"..."
Everyone expressed their opinions at once, all turning to Song Wanning for a decision.
Song Wanning smiled faintly and continued in a calm, unhurried voice:
"I’m not certain how long it will take for them to break the restriction and emerge, but we must prepare ourselves beforehand."
As she spoke, with a flick of her finger, a small dragon made of Spiritual Energy emerged and affectionately nuzzled her fingertip.
The pupils of everyone present constricted.
’So that’s the thing that caused the great reshuffling of the Human Clan.’
’And now Song Wanning is just showing it off like this?’
They all stared intently at the Dragon Spirit, their curiosity piqued.
"I’m sure you all see it. This is a Dragon Spirit—the spirit of a supreme-grade dragon vein."
The hall exploded with noise.
The crowd was in an uproar.
The Family Heads, like greenhorns who had never seen the world, shot to their feet in excitement.
"A dragon vein?"
"And a supreme-grade one at that?"
No one could remain calm after hearing this news.
Why was cultivation so difficult in this day and age?
Wasn’t it because Spiritual Energy was growing thinner by the day? If one wanted to ascend by relying on honest cultivation alone, there was no telling how much time it would take.
That was why most cultivators roamed the world, searching for fortuitous encounters.
Forget ascension—just being able to raise everyone’s level of strength was a monumental event!
Everyone’s faces flushed with excitement, their eyes shining as they stared at the Dragon Spirit.
’No wonder those families were willing to risk death to seize it. Who the hell wouldn’t want to snatch it?’
’Even we want to snatch it!’
But no one dared to entertain the thought.
"Song Dao You, just say it. What are your conditions?"
The Dragon Spirit had clearly acknowledged Song Wanning as its master. By bringing it out now, she obviously intended to negotiate.
And that was indeed her intention.
’If the dragon vein is only used by the Song Family, the other families will surely feel resentful. In the long run, it’s inevitable they’ll develop malicious intentions again.’
’It’s better to share it for everyone’s mutual benefit.’
’Besides, with so many Divinity Transformation cultivators dead, if we don’t start cultivating more diligently, we’ll be in big trouble when the cultivators from the Secluded Land emerge.’
So, after careful consideration, Song Wanning decided to set her terms.
"I can share the dragon vein and allow its influence to radiate to all of your clan lands, so we may all prosper together."
"But the dragon vein is my personal property. Therefore, any family that wishes to participate must give the Song Family a share of their earnings every year!"
