Beyond spirit realm of the starry sky

Two Days Later — Song Clan

Song Yan, Song Mian, and Song Tu arrived beneath the Mylan Mountain and made their way to the training grounds of the Song Clan, where disciples were engaged in their daily practice under the guidance of their respective elders.

As Song Yan and Song Tu entered, a wave of confusion spread among the elders and disciples."There's still more than two months left before the Ghost Territory closes," one disciple whispered."Why are they back so early?" murmured another.

Song Tu turned to Song Mian and said, "I'll arrange for a few elders to return with me to the Ghost Territory's entrance. We need to ensure the safety of those who are still inside."

With that, he took his leave, and Song Yan and Song Mian continued walking toward the clan hall, where official matters were handled. The hall was located at the center of the compound, surrounded by buildings constructed by the Song Clan.

Inside the hall, Song Qian was seated on a high platform beneath a seat carved with a phoenix. Six inner clan elders sat to her sides, discussing internal affairs. The hall wasn't overly grand, but it was well-decorated and bore the dignity of leadership.

As Song Yan and Song Mian entered, the elders paused their discussion. Song Qian frowned upon seeing them.

"You should be in the Ghost Territory. Why have you returned so soon?" Song Qian asked sharply.

The two cupped their hands in greeting. Then, Song Yan recounted everything that had occurred—from their entry into the Ghost Territory to Lee Xiao's departure.

The room filled with murmurs and rising tension.

"You're both alright?" Song Qian asked, her tone softening slightly.

"Yes, Matriarch. We're both fine," Song Yan and Song Mian replied.

Song Qian glanced at Song Mian for confirmation. She gave a calm nod. With a sigh, Song Qian closed the day's affairs early.

Later — Song Qian's Abode

In her chambers, Song Qian sat pensively.

"What do you think?" she asked quietly.

"You're overthinking it," came a voice from behind as Song Lao emerged from the soul subspace. "They only encountered a minor elder. I doubt it'll lead to any serious consequences."

"Even so," Song Qian replied,

"the Ghost Sect may seem invincible in the Southern Continent, but compared to the powerful families and sects in the North, they're nothing."

"They have plenty of enemies. I don't think they'd expend effort to retaliate over a minor elder's loss," Song Lao added.

Song Qian looked at him intently. "You're not from the Southern Continent, I know. You must come from a prestigious family."

"I was just an average cultivator," she continued. "Reaching the Star Realm seemed like the peak of my potential. But ever since I formed a Dao bond with you, my talent and understanding of Source Laws skyrocketed. I even reached the late Tribulation Realm... became matriarch of the clan…"

She paused, her voice softening. "But I've always had this unease about people from other continents. Sometimes I wonder… if your family ever came looking for you, would they take you away from me?"

"Hahaha," Song Lao laughed, pulling her into an embrace. "I'm still here, aren't I? Let's not worry about the future."

"Hmm… maybe I'm overthinking," Song Qian said with a faint smile.

Yet, within Song Lao's laughter was a quiet sorrow—one he kept hidden from her.

Meanwhile

Song Yan wandered around the clan before returning to her newly rebuilt abode—destroyed once before during a cultivation breakthrough. It now had two rooms, each with a bed.

"Hmm... it's good that the repairs are complete," she murmured, inspecting the space.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the night crept in, Song Yan stood by the window, watching the fading light. Her thoughts grew heavy.

"That was too close," she muttered, expressionless, staring at the horizon. "Have I... become soft?"

She clenched her fists."If not for Ye Kaishan shielding me twice, I'd have been seriously injured."

A cool breeze flowed in. The only sounds were of rustling air and insects.

"No. I must not rely on anyone," she whispered. "As a woman, I should be the one protecting—not the one being protected."

"Cultivation is defying the heavens. Misfortune and danger lie at every step. If I falter like this... what right do I have to expect anything from him?"

She closed her eyes."In my past life, I cultivated to the Soul Emperor realm. I endured countless betrayals, treacherous schemes, and near-death battles. But lately... I've grown too excited about the idea of a Dao companion. I let my guard down. I forgot who I was."

Taking a deep breath, she entered her soul subspace.

"Still not awake?" she murmured, gazing down at Ye Kaishan.

He had been asleep for over two days since entering her subspace to rest. Nothing seemed wrong—just deep slumber.

She gently placed a hand on his forehead, watching him quietly for a moment. Then she withdrew from the subspace.

Meanwhile, in Ye Kaishan's consciousness—

"Hmm... did someone call me?" he muttered, sitting before the Space-Time Soul Tree.

His body had been drained completely due to the tree's demands, and for the past two days, he had been recovering energy.

"The tree's power is immense, and since I'm still weak—and it's in its early growth—my body can't yet handle its full requirements," he thought.

He sighed. "I need to grow stronger... and also help the tree mature."

Two things, he had realized, helped him grow stronger:

First: Cultivation.Although he lacked soul energy, his body—through qi and blood—grew stronger. This, in turn, indirectly nourished the soul tree. Every major realm breakthrough or energy accumulation accelerated its growth.

Second: Space-Time Artifacts.These rare treasures could be directly absorbed by the tree and fuel its power. He preferred this method—but if he wasn't strong enough, the tree wouldn't share new skills with him.

"So ultimately," he concluded, "I'll need both paths."

"It's not ideal... but it's still a path forward."

Feeling his strength nearly restored, he stood.

"It should have been two days by now. We must've reached the Song Clan already... I should check the situation outside."

He closed his eyes, preparing to return to the physical world.