Chapter Sixty-Eight: No Formalities Among Family

After a brief pause, suddenly the "barrage" of messages surged like a tide! Countless streams of mental information flooded into Song Yue's sea of consciousness, and he quickly sifted through them, selecting only the useful bits.

As for those messages like—

"Amitabha, which valiant hero is so bold as to discuss such explosive topics? This humble monk has pressing matters; I'll take my leave first."
"Damn, who’s this lunatic?"
"Anonymity really makes people fearless... Hero, dare to show your true identity?"

And even more exclamatory particles, sighs, banter, and nonsense—Song Yue ignored them all.

He was here to stir the waters!

Connecting through the Tongtian Tablet was much like the dark web in the mortal world: everyone was anonymous and untraceable. Unless, of course, you were like that monk who announced his identity with every word. Otherwise, nobody knew who was who.

Truth be told, even the monk, if he simply changed his way of speaking, would remain unrecognizable.

Song Yue wasn't sure what he might gain from this, because he didn't know if the matter of Master being sealed on the Battlefield of the Nine Passes was public knowledge or a well-hidden secret.

But he wanted to know. He needed to understand.

A stifling anger burned in his chest!

What had happened before left him with a deep sense of powerlessness, and his view of the lofty cultivation world had shifted.

He hated himself for being too young, too weak.

They say sons are raised to care for their parents in old age; though he wasn't Master’s son, he wasn’t far off. Master had shielded him again and again in moments of crisis, like a towering mountain—solid, steady, and dependable.

But Song Yue didn't want it that way.

He knew that every time Master protected him, he was gambling with his life!

Such a peerless genius of his era, now fallen to such a state, still fighting to the death to protect him!

Why?

What had Song Yue done to deserve such devotion?

So even if Master’s tragedy was a sky-covering curtain, one day, Song Yue would tear a hole through it!

Soon, he gathered much valuable information.

It had to be said, the anonymity of the Tongtian Tablet was incredible—things no one dared say publicly were spoken freely here.

"Judging by the tone, heh, are you kin to the Master? Interesting. This is a long story, but it goes something like this..."

"A general, brave and unmatched, led his troops into battle, coordinating an ambush with his allies. But after he fought desperately to lure the enemy in and complete the mission, the ambush site was empty. With no backup, he fought to the death to protect his men, and in the end, the survivors shielded him as he broke out. Most perished or were wounded..."

"Afterwards, the general, furious, confronted the marshal. The marshal blamed him for recklessness, claiming his rash advance caused the loss, and wanted to execute him to appease the souls of the fallen."

"Many pleaded for the general, but in the end, he was sealed away and exiled from the Battlefield of the Nine Passes..."

That was one version.

There was another.

"Heh, the so-called 'Marshal' with the feathered hat—wasn’t that the Ancient Teachings of Three Pines? And this business isn’t as simple as it looks. That sect had dealings with the demons—many exchanges, in fact!"

"The Master was a man who couldn't tolerate a speck in his eye, and he was too formidable. So, he was always a thorn in their side. But his prestige was so high that even though the Ancient Teachings were powerful, they couldn't just dispose of such a young, respected leader. So they resorted to schemes..."

When Song Yue read this, any trace of drunkenness vanished.

A chill rose up his spine, straight to the base of his skull.

A human sect, colluding with demons?

It was too surreal!

According to his Master and the illusions he’d seen in the underground palace, ages ago, the gods and buddhas of all heavens fought a great war against the demons. Eight passes fell, immortals and deities perished, and only the ninth remained, sealed by supreme powers.

Humans and demons were supposed to be mortal enemies!

So, there really were no eternal enemies—only eternal interests?

Just then, Song Yue received another mental message, likely from someone of the Ancient Teachings of Three Pines—

"What nonsense is this? Daring to spout such wild accusations—do you dare name yourself? Don't think anonymity will protect you; if you’re found, whoever you are, you’ll face severe punishment!"

"The matter of Lu Shengfu was settled long ago: his carelessness led to the army’s destruction, his troops dead or wounded, and he alone survived, fleeing in cowardice. How could such a man go unpunished? Sparing his life was mercy enough!"

"After all these years, who still speaks for Lu Shengfu? If you have the courage, name yourself!"

Song Yue sneered. Name myself? You wish!

Do you take me for a fool?

He responded mentally, "The Ancient Teachings of Three Pines, right? Who’s your leader? Wash your neck and wait—one day, I’ll take your head myself!"

This pronouncement brought the surging messages to a halt.

Countless people speculated—who was this? How audacious!

He was making a vow! If the leader of the Three Pines happened to be present in the stele’s space, he might even sense this powerful murderous intent aimed at him!

"This is too much, I’m out—going dark."
"I’m leaving, today’s topic is too dangerous."
"Scared, I’m gone."

A flood of messages swept the board.

Meanwhile, those affiliated with the Ancient Teachings inside the Tongtian Tablet were seething!

"Wretch, how dare you speak so brazenly—who are you?"
"Impudent! You insult our leader—pray I never find you!"
"Damn you! Ignorant madman, do you even know what you’re saying?"

Song Yue sneered, continuing, "Go on, swear your loyalty—get on your knees and grovel! Bring your leader here to locate me! A bunch of cowards—just wait, I’ll come for you soon!"

With that, he logged off.

He left the Jade Void Tongtian Tablet’s space.

He wasn’t foolish enough to sit around and wait for someone to trace him.

Even if his Master claimed his tablet was NO.1, who would dare underestimate the power of a supreme cultivator?

He couldn’t even kill a white-robed youth.

Alas!

You must work harder, Song Yue!

After coming out, Song Yue sat in deep thought.

Among all the mental messages, not one dared mention the leader of the Three Pines by name—or even any other members’ names.

That meant their names were truly taboo.

Utter them, and you might really be found.

Song Yue understood he had taken a risk.

In the world of warriors, no one knew who he was, but in the human world, many knew he was Master’s disciple.

Who could guarantee there weren’t warriors among them?

But he had to know who had harmed his Master.

Now he knew.

His purpose in life grew clear again.

The despair that had weighed on him was washed away—he felt whole again, revived.

The next morning, Song Yue, refreshed and alert, arrived at the Hangcheng branch of the Department of Management.

His authority had been elevated to the highest level—he was now the sole master of this place.

The building was silent and empty. The red bird had shrunk to the size of a palm and perched on his shoulder, asking curiously, "What is this place? Why is there no one here?"

It had been hiding in the Jade Void Tongtian Tablet all this time, unaware of the recent events.

"It’s just me now!"

Song Yue made his rounds, lingering long in the equipment vault—not out of selfishness, but to familiarize himself with everything.

There was too much to do, so he had to prioritize.

He thought for a moment, then called Qian Qianxue: "Qian... sister, are you graduating soon?"

On the other end, Qian Qianxue rolled her eyes—this rascal wanted to call her ‘Qian bro’ again!

But at least Song Yue sounded normal, which relieved her.

"Yeah, what’s up?"

Actually, Qian Qianxue could have graduated long ago.

She had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage, becoming a veritable land immortal among humans. In the entire Cultivation Academy, it was rare to have even one student reach that level before graduation. This time, with the opening of the Kunlun Secret Realm, a few such lucky ones had emerged.

Qian Qianxue was one of them.

Some others, after obtaining Foundation Pills in the underground palace, applied to graduate at once and went into seclusion to break through.

Qian Qianxue was the first to succeed—testament to her talent.

"Interested in an internship?" Song Yue asked.

"You? Finding me a job?" Qian Qianxue’s tone was skeptical.

"Don’t underestimate your brother—I’m now a department head!" Song Yue straightened up as he spoke, putting on a show of dignity.

Qian Qianxue couldn’t help but laugh.

She knew Song Yue worked at the Department of Abnormal Affairs; just a few days ago, he’d complained he wasn't even a deputy. Now he was claiming to be a department head?

But then she remembered some rumors she’d heard lately.

She wasn’t fond of socializing, but people always came to gossip.

The Department of Abnormal Affairs was mysterious, but the Cultivation Academy had a high status, with many well-connected students, so news traveled fast.

The academy didn’t stop students from learning about such things early, since many would later join key departments—including the Department of Abnormal Affairs.

"Why so quiet? Overwhelmed by my new aura?" Song Yue teased, gazing out at the sunlit window from his office.

Only by joking like this could he avoid thinking of Zhao Laoda and the others.

Adults are pitiful—often forced to hide their sorrow.

"Get lost," Qian Qianxue retorted, then asked, "Did you call just to chat?"

"No, I really need a favor." Song Yue sighed. "Let’s grab a drink?"

"If you really need me, then sure," Qian Qianxue replied seriously.

In a café outside the Cultivation Academy—

Song Yue chose a quiet corner, ordered Qian’s favorite drink, and waited.

The café was filled with pairs of young men and women, many familiar faces—especially the boys, most of whom had been beaten up by Song Yue at some point.

When they saw him enter, many froze, faces pale.

But then they remembered he hadn’t come to the academy looking for trouble in some time, and relaxed. The girls who knew him found it both amusing and exasperating—some even pitied their boyfriends.

They’d been bullied into trauma, and yet, despite his good looks, Song Yue was notorious for being a rascal!

What was he doing here?

Rumor had it he was dating Qian Qianxue, but who knew the truth?

Qian Qianxue was beautiful, but also cold and reclusive, rarely attending public events.

As people whispered, Qian Qianxue entered, pushing open the door.

Many eyes lit up instantly.

She seemed different today—perhaps she’d applied a touch of makeup?

Her hair cascaded like silk, eyes shining bright as stars, dressed in a white knee-length dress, skin like flawless jade, adding a glow to the café.

Seeing the crowd inside, Qian Qianxue frowned slightly, regretting she’d agreed to meet Song Yue here.

Who knew what rumors would spread after this?

"Over here!"

Song Yue waved to her from the corner.

Her cheeks tinged pink, Qian Qianxue strode quickly over to him.

Song Yue gave her a once-over and gave a silent thumbs-up.

Brother Qian was stunning!

"Sit, I already ordered your favorite," he said, gesturing with his chin.

The couples in the café fell silent, all watching Song Yue’s table.

Qian Qianxue, a little shy, tugged at her skirt and sat carefully opposite him, taking a sip of her drink, her cheeks flushed.

Song Yue glanced around and frowned, "What are you all looking at? Never seen people in love? Keep staring and I’ll dig your eyeballs out!"

Everyone snapped their gazes away; some boys’ hearts raced in fear.

Even some girls turned pale.

In recent years, Song Yue hadn’t bullied girls, but a decade ago, when he first started harassing students, he made no distinction—he just went easier on the girls.

Any student could recount tales of Song Yue’s mischief.

Anyone foolish enough to say Song Yue was a decent guy was asking for a beating.

Except for Wen Rou.

Everyone knew Song Yue never bullied Wen Rou.

Even Qian Qianxue had been picked on by him once—rumor had it she’d given him a hard time, leading to their current dynamic.

Many otherwise confident boys regretted missing their chance with the goddess Qian—if only they'd known, they’d have made a move before the demon king Song Yue did!

Now, avoiding his gaze, Song Yue grinned at Qian Qianxue.

She sighed in resignation—so shameless! Who’s dating you?

"I have to say that, or they’d never believe it. Might as well give them some gossip to chew on," Song Yue chuckled. Then he turned serious: "You really should see more of the world. How about working with me?"

She ignored his earlier remark, but the latter made her pause. "What do you mean? Where?"

"The Department of Management. I’m the branch chief now." Song Yue sighed, his face tinged with melancholy.

The Hangcheng branch was now an empty shell—plenty of resources and infrastructure, but no one left!

Old Wolf had vanished without a trace. With so much happening, he should’ve shown up, but never did.

Now, all Song Yue could think of were Brother Qian and Wen Rou.

If Lin Huan and Xiao Mo weren’t aliens, he’d have recruited them too.

He was still uncertain about Xiao Qi and Xiao Meng—they didn’t quite fit. But if he was truly desperate, he’d bring them in as well.

He had no choice—the Hangcheng branch was now seen as a death trap in the department.

"Branch chief?" Qian Qianxue was surprised. She wasn’t ignorant of the system; her family had people working in the capital’s department. A branch chief wielded immense power!

Strictly speaking, even more than most city leaders.

The department was independent—the director answered directly to the top officials.

Local authorities had no right to interfere.

"Yes, it looks good on paper, but I’m alone here—everyone’s either dead or gone, and the department can’t function."

Song Yue shook his head sadly.

Qian Qianxue felt it was all a bit surreal.

A year ago, this guy was still picking fights at the academy—now, he was chief of the Hangcheng branch of the Department of Abnormal Affairs?

"So, what do you think? Help me out—men and women working together, less tiring! I’ll show you the hidden side of this ancient city!"

Qian Qianxue looked at him and said softly, "I heard people say the Hangcheng branch discovered something big and was silenced?"

Song Yue nodded, "I don’t know the details, but someone said they won’t let me go. Looks like... this job is dangerous. Maybe you shouldn’t—"

"My family wanted me to work at home after graduation," Qian Qianxue said thoughtfully. "But I don’t want that. Since you invited me, I’ll try. But I might not do well—you can’t scold me."

Song Yue grinned and raised his drink, "Welcome aboard!"

Qian Qianxue clinked her glass to his, a rare smile lighting up her beautiful face.

"Bring Wen Rou in too—she’s not suited for combat, but her talent in alchemy is extraordinary," Qian Qianxue suggested.

"She’s not graduated yet, has she?" Song Yue frowned. He was reluctant to drag Wen Rou into this.

"She’s completed her credits and can apply to graduate early," Qian Qianxue replied.

Song Yue fell silent.

Brother Qian might be a homebody, but she was strong, armed with top-tier artifacts from her family. Her background meant even cultivators hesitated to cross her.

A family like the Qians, among the elite in Huaxia’s cultivation world, had deep roots.

That’s why he dared invite her. But Wen Rou was different. Despite her own unusual family, she was too gentle, too weak. Even keeping her in the department might not be safe enough.

That day, a mere avatar of the white-robed youth killed Sun Zeping and Zhao Laoda with a snap. If not for Master’s desperate intervention, none of them would have survived.

The might of true cultivators was suffocating.

"Actually, you underestimate Wen Rou—she’s much stronger than you think. She’s not that fragile," Qian Qianxue said, seeing through his worries.

"And you invited me without hesitation, but you worry so much for her..." Qian Qianxue’s star-bright eyes studied him.

"You’re different," Song Yue blurted out, then grinned. "No need to be polite among family!"

"Ugh!" Qian Qianxue retorted, blushing in both shame and anger.

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