Chapter 85: The Scheming of Young Master Song

“Mr. Jiang, what do you believe is the purpose of living in this world?” Song Chengzong took a solitary sip of wine and suddenly asked. Before Jiang An could reply, he continued, as if talking to himself:

“I have no intention of delving into philosophy. I simply mean to say that my lifelong pursuit has always been to reach the pinnacle of martial cultivation. To be frank, I achieved the rank of Grandmaster at thirty, reached the second stage two years later, and now, eight years have passed. Yet I remain just a step away from the third stage, and that step feels as insurmountable as a chasm.”

As he spoke, a note of self-mockery crept into his voice, and his expression grew complex. He could not help but think of another—a man thirteen years his junior, who had already attained the third stage of Grandmaster.

Xing Zi.

That name alone was enough to drive one to despair.

Jiang An made no move to speak, remaining silent and watching Song Chengzong intently, as if to say, “Go on, I’m listening.”

Song Chengzong felt a touch of helplessness. He had expected that, though Jiang An was a prodigy in martial cultivation, he would lack experience in worldly affairs. Yet it seemed Jiang An was just as cagey, unwilling to show his hand without cause.

“Ahem, let me be blunt then. I hope to gain your assistance, or rather, seek a partnership between us,” Song Chengzong laid his true purpose on the table.

“I’m all ears.”

“The heads of the Song family through the generations have always been chosen for their might in martial arts, their standing in politics, or, more recently, their acumen in business. In this generation, the next heir will almost certainly be chosen from between myself and Cheng Ying. My advantage is that I am the strongest among the younger generation. Cheng Ying, while less gifted in martial cultivation, is a master of the political arena. We have vied against each other for years, resulting in a precarious balance. Of course, my chances are the best, so I must maintain this advantage and eliminate as many uncertainties as possible. And Mr. Jiang, you are the greatest of these uncertainties!”

“In terms of martial prowess, it is known that nine grandmasters have already fallen to your hand. In influence, you now control the underworld of an entire province and continue to expand. In wealth, you hold two immensely lucrative, best-selling products—given time, it is no exaggeration to say your fortune could rival that of nations! And in connections, you are, after all, the Song family’s son-in-law, giving you every right to involve yourself. All things considered, whoever wins your support will hold the greatest chance of victory. I do not require your support, but I must ensure that no one else, especially Cheng Ying, gains it.”

“I doubt you’ve met Cheng Ying yet. As for him, even I cannot fathom his true intentions. But as a consummate politician, he is well aware of your value. That is why, after your previous confrontation, he refrained from further action. I can even predict that tomorrow he will certainly invite you to a banquet and attempt to win your allegiance…”

Song Chengzong spoke methodically, but Jiang An suddenly smiled and asked, “Oh? In that case, how do you explain what happened today?”

He was referring to the fact that, given his alleged importance, why would anyone from the Song family dare provoke him?

Song Chengzong paused, then replied quietly, “Every family has its privileged scions. Besides, Cheng De is my second uncle’s son. That uncle lost the battle for the family headship to my father years ago, so he would naturally seek any means to disrupt us. The Elder Council, which he leads, is the strongest opposition to Wan Shuang’s rightful return to the family. But there is another who objects just as fiercely—my mother.”

He gave a wry smile. “To be frank, in my mother’s eyes, Wan Shuang is the child of a rival in love. She would never allow her name to enter the Song family register.”

Jiang An laughed lightly, but his tone was resolute. “Rest assured, Xiao Shuang will never be entered into the Song family genealogy. Others may covet the Song family's power, but I have no interest.”

Song Chengzong gazed deeply at Jiang An and said, “There are no absolutes in this world. You are indeed formidable, but you are only one man. You have already made enemies of many great powers. With the enormous profits behind your superlative products, I imagine foreign interests will never let you go easily. They would never rest until they have taken a piece for themselves. If I am not mistaken, your two products are facing significant obstacles to wider distribution in other parts of the country?”

This was true. When the products were first launched, everyone assumed they were ordinary, and distribution went smoothly. But once the immense value of Xishuang and Yannian Pills became apparent, what power would not want a share? Many groups openly sought investment or partnership, but even more worked covertly to undermine him—something Fan Jun had long complained about.

“On that note, let me share another piece of information. The main reason your reputation has not yet soared is because the Hua family—one of the four great families—has kept news of your achievements suppressed domestically. My mother is from the Hua family, and their reason for doing so is that you stand in their way. To explain further, the Hua family used to be the foremost clan in the nation, but for more than ten years, they’ve been overshadowed by the Xing family. Xing Zi alone draws all the glory, suppressing every one of their younger generation. Yet, I happen to know the Hua family has secretly groomed a peerless genius of their own, ready to elevate him and challenge Xing Zi for dominance. But just as they prepared to launch him, you emerged, stirring up the world and throwing their plans into disarray. Naturally, they will not allow you to make your name known throughout the land.”

Watching Song Chengzong’s inscrutable smile, Jiang An sensed he was withholding something. Martial artists gaining fame made sense, but this seemed to go beyond that. Could there be some tangible benefit to reputation itself?

Since Song Chengzong would not say more, Jiang An did not press the matter, but asked, “After all this, Young Master Song, what kind of cooperation do you propose?”

“It’s very simple. My request is modest: remain neutral and uninvolved. If I inherit the position of family head, I will grant you one month’s access to the family heirloom, the Spirit-Linked Crimson Jade—a treasure that can accelerate a grandmaster’s refinement and spiritual transformation!” As Song Chengzong laid out his terms, his eyes locked unwaveringly on Jiang An.

Jiang An’s expression did not change. He said nothing.

“There’s no need for an immediate answer, Mr. Jiang. In fact, I don’t mind if you visit Cheng Ying tomorrow. I am confident that after hearing his terms, you will still choose me,” Song Chengzong said, exuding confidence.

After some further idle conversation, Jiang An took his leave.

No sooner had Jiang An’s family departed than the smile vanished from Song Chengzong’s face. He walked to an inconspicuous building in the rear courtyard, opened a hidden door, and descended into a cellar.

Inside waited a man, middle-aged, with faint eyebrows.

“Young Master, you’re here,” the man greeted him, rising.

Song Chengzong nodded slightly, took a seat, and said, “Cheng Wei, you heard my conversation with him in full through the bug. I followed our plan to the letter. Do you think it will succeed?”

Cheng Wei replied with a question, “Young Master, what do you make of his strength?”

“I cannot see through him. He should be a step above me, but certainly not a third-stage grandmaster. He doesn’t give me that sense of unfathomable dread,” said Song Chengzong, then changed tack abruptly. “He truly lives up to his reputation as the fifth-ranked on the Heaven List. If not for the fact that the Selection is still a decade away, I’d be eager to compete with these geniuses myself.”

“No need to rush, Young Master. The one who laughs last is king. But ten years from now, the Divine Dao Gathering will see fiercer competition than in centuries. All our planning has been for that day,” Cheng Wei mused.

“Rest assured, I keep that ever in mind. No matter what, I must claim the title of family head first!”

“Our chances are strong. But the Spirit-Linked Crimson Jade is crucial. Are you truly willing to lend it to him? What if something goes wrong…”

“Haha, naturally I only offered it to keep him in check. For someone like him, only a treasure that could help him ascend further would draw his interest. And once I become the head of the Song family, it will be mine to lend or not as I please. He should count himself lucky I don’t covet his possessions,” Song Chengzong said coldly.

“In that case, I believe he will accept our proposal,” Cheng Wei remarked with calm assurance.

Song Chengzong grunted, then sighed, “It’s a pity—ten years from now, that man will be past his prime, or else he would be a perfect choice. I hear he’s adept in both law and martial arts, with outstanding talent.”

“No need for regret. With ten years ahead, we’re certain to find someone even more suitable!”

(To be continued)