Seeing the head’s grave expression, Third Elder Song felt relaxed. “Head, you’re overthinking. You worry about the Fang family, but they brought this upon themselves. Qin Ruqing is known for her exacting revenge, but she also distinguishes between friends and foes. The Song family has always maintained a friendly cooperative relationship with her. What’s there to fear?”

Third Elder Song continued, “Her reputation from the Hundred Clans Conference was partially promoted by us; her brother Qi Rong studied under our family and received rare cultivation techniques; and now, their ancestor is recuperating in our family’s estate!”

“Her rise to prominence was inevitable, and our past assistance is a merit!”

“Moreover…” Third Elder Song’s voice dropped, “Moreover, I already promised her. If the Song family goes back on its word, it would offend her.”

Whether it’s about being difficult or not, offending someone destined to be at the top of the cultivation world and stir up the winds and clouds—what benefit does the Song family get?

The long table fell into silence.

Even Song Minzheng was rendered speechless by Third Elder Song’s shameless argument.

No one could refute it.

They finally understood what Song San’s reliance was all about.

His sole reliance was Qin Ruqing.

Not everyone in the Song family might want to cling to Qin Ruqing’s favor, but no one dared to offend her!

The outcome was predestined.

As the clouds parted, Song Minzheng made his decision quickly, his tone firm: “After today’s feast, I will consult with Miss Qin about the future cooperation.”

The expressions of everyone at the long table varied, but Song San(Third Elder Song) couldn’t help but smile inwardly.

“Consult…” The head’s bowing was quite decisive.

The Song family truly has the potential to rise to greatness.

It’s well-deserved!

Song Minzheng, known for his decisive action, immediately went to meet with Qin Ruqing that evening as planned.

Contrary to the plan, Qin Ruqing declined the banquet and started the discussion directly.

Song Minzheng didn’t beat around the bush and opened with, “Qin Ruqing, we at the Song Clan are extremely grateful for this major business opportunity you’ve presented. We would like to know how exactly this business should proceed so that we can make the necessary arrangements.”

“Oh, the Song Clan really wants to do business with me? I didn’t expect Third Elder Song to have such authority,” Qin Ruqing teased intentionally.

Song Minzheng immediately adopted a serious expression and said solemnly, “Elder Song San indeed doesn’t have the authority to make decisions for the entire clan. However, after reporting this matter, the Song Clan unanimously believes that a treacherous and untrustworthy clan like the Fang Clan should have their misdeeds exposed to the world and be judged by all!”

Qin Ruqing’s smile grew wider. “The Song Clan has always been committed to upholding justice. I deeply admire that.”

After some pleasantries, they got to the main topic.

“To be honest, the Fang Clan severely injured my clan’s ancestor and the Fifth Elder, which has crossed my bottom line. Coupled with past grievances, I do not intend to hold back this time,” Qin Ruqing stated seriously.

“Oh? I would like to hear more details.”

“The old grudge between the Qin and Fang clans was exposed during the Hundred Clans Conference. However, at that time, it was merely verbal accusations. Now, if we are to take action, we must present concrete evidence to convince the public.”

Song Minzheng instinctively wanted to ask about Qin Ruqing’s plan but noticed her gaze, which seemed to carry deeper meaning.

He immediately closed his mouth, feeling a sense of alertness.

He realized that Qin Ruqing seemed to be testing the Song Clan’s attitude.

Although they had reached a cooperative intention, there were different kinds of cooperation.

It could be based on interests or on mutual feelings.

Interest-based cooperation is purely bound by benefits; although it can be close, it is also easily dissolved and can lead to enmity.

In contrast, feeling-based cooperation requires a foundation of personal connections, such as marriage or naturally strong relationships.

In such cases, both parties become natural allies, and trust is implicit.

The Song Clan’s current situation did not fit either scenario perfectly.

A simple interest-based bond seemed too fragile.

Given Qin Ruqing’s strong position, the Song Clan naturally wanted a closer relationship.

As for a feeling-based bond, it was more of a pipe dream because there was no marriage alliance between the Song and Qin clans, and the younger generation of the Song Clan had only a mediocre relationship with Qin Ruqing.

It wouldn’t make sense to say Third Elder Song and Qin Ruqing were old friends.

Even Third Elder Song didn’t have that much influence.

However, there was one final type of cooperation that the Song Clan was reluctant to mention: a “leg-hugging” cooperation.

This type of cooperation, though called a partnership, was actually about primary and secondary roles.

The Song Clan, being a Golden Core-level clan, seeking to cling to a stronger force might sound unappealing, but it was the tacit agreement they had reached in their meeting.

If they didn’t cling to Qin Ruqing at this moment, how could they establish a close bond?

What valuable contributions could they offer her?

Qin Ruqing needed them now.

If they missed this opportunity, even if they wanted to cling to her, it would be too late.

So, deep down, Song Minzheng had already submitted.

His previous attitude had been somewhat pretentious.

Reflecting on this, Song Minzheng realized that he had grown accustomed to speaking grandiloquently as a clan leader.

The “leg-hugging” approach was rare and his skills were somewhat unpolished.

After this realization, Song Minzheng’s attitude made a complete turnaround.

He began actively offering strategies to Qin Ruqing.

“If you want to find evidence, you need to consult the elders who were aware of the old feud between the Qin and Fang clans. There are not many such people left, but you are indeed fortunate. That Fang ancestor is one of them.”

“Isn’t Qin Ruqing holding a remnant soul of his? That remnant soul is precisely what we need!”

Qin Ruqing feigned confusion. “Oh, what can a remnant soul with muddled consciousness possibly do?”

Song Minzheng replied earnestly, “Qin Ruqing might not know, but there is a technique called Soul Searching that can extract memories from a remnant soul.”

“If that’s the case, we might indeed uncover the truth from the remnant soul,” Qin Ruqing said, initially pleased, but then frowned. “However, since a remnant soul cannot speak, how can we convince the public?”

Song Minzheng looked composed.

“Don’t be hasty, Miss Qin. The residual soul can’t speak because it’s very fragile. But if we nurture it and let it grow stronger, it will develop clear awareness. Then, we can use soul control techniques to make it reveal the truth. With the two living elders in addition, everything will be foolproof!” Song Minzheng said with a righteous smile.

Qin Ruqing was also excited and clapped, praising, “The head’s method is brilliant! I had never thought of handling it this way!”

In reality, it wasn’t that she had never considered it, but rather that she had been practicing such methods since she was young.

When she was little, she had captured an elder from the Zhang family, treated his wounds to prevent him from dying, and then poisoned him.

It was the same routine.

Song Minzheng nodded kindly. “We have the soul search and control techniques in our Song family’s library.”

“If the Song family is willing to lend these techniques…” Qin Ruqing began, but Song Minzheng’s expression turned serious, and he rejected her.

“These techniques cannot be lent out to Miss Qin.”

“Why?”

“Searching and controlling souls are very dangerous. Although Miss Qin can kill a Transcending Stage ancestor, your realm is still a bit lacking. Using these techniques forcefully might harm your own soul. It would be better if our Song family’s old ancestor handles it.”

Qin Ruqing’s eyes widened in surprise. “That would be too much of a bother!”

The Song family was more considerate than she had imagined!

Song Minzheng downplayed it with a gentle smile. “Our old ancestor is also at the Transcending Stage. Using soul search techniques on Old Master Fang’s residual soul is just a simple task. Miss Qin need not worry.”

Song Minzheng had made a breakthrough in his flattery, realizing that sending someone to the top involved thorough and persistent praise.

He felt that efforts should not be wasted.

With this, Qin Ruqing couldn’t refuse any longer.

She was genuinely impressed by the Song family’s approach and thanked them sincerely.

Song Minzheng felt a sense of satisfaction from her gratitude, which came so easily.

Reflecting on the potential of such a person, he sighed in admiration and continued to inquire more about her requirements.

“So, the first priority with the recording stone is to confirm the Fang family’s crimes—both past and present.”

Qin Ruqing nodded, acknowledging the Song family’s skill in focusing on key points.

“Aside from this, do you have any other needs, such as establishing your own public image…”

This question was quite direct, almost like asking, “What kind of image would you like to project?” However, Song Minzheng felt that since they had reached this point, being straightforward was acceptable.

Qin Ruqing didn’t find it inappropriate at all. In fact, she was even more direct.

Smiling, she stated with determination and calm, “My request is simple: I want to replace Feng Mingyue as the leader of the younger generation…”

Song Minzheng’s eyes widened.

He watched as Qin Ruqing corrected herself, “Not replace, but create an entirely new image!”

Qin Ruqing’s eyes suddenly brightened, like the clouds parting to reveal the moon on the sea.

She continued, “I want the Song family to build me a brand-new, unprecedented, shocking, and unimaginable image. I want you to display my fangs and show my ambition. Let those weaker than me see my strength, and those stronger consider my potential. I want everyone to evaluate me with caution from now on, no longer daring to underestimate or offend me!”

As Qin Ruqing spoke faster, her words reflected her true desires.

She was open and unreserved!

After finishing, she turned to Song Minzheng with eager anticipation, “Head Song, do you understand what I mean?”

Song Minzheng took a long time to find his voice.

He awkwardly adjusted his clothing, as if the tightness around his chest made it hard to breathe.

Slowly and with difficulty, he said, “I… understand.”

Not just understand.

He couldn’t look directly into Qin Ruqing’s bright eyes, and he felt a mix of awe and pure fear.

He saw the magnificent declaration of dawn to the world, and he was the first to hear it.

How overwhelming!

And how honored.