Patriarch of the Song family!
A Blood Oath Talisman prohibiting future revenge.
In just half a day—no, to be precise, a full day—since being abducted last night by Li Yong and the Army Seeking Revenge, Song Miyao had experienced more terror and shock than in all her previous eighteen years.
This Blood Oath Talisman... she mused. It seems I’m not particularly valuable in the Patriarch’s eyes. This is just a compromise he made because Xu Xing hadn’t openly fallen out with him... Or perhaps, I’m just a tool to demonstrate the camaraderie between Xu Xing and the Patriarch, their supposed bond as martial brothers.
After her kingdom fell and she was passed around like a prostitute, Song Miyao had gained a clearer, harsher understanding of the world. She didn’t believe it was her Song family bloodline that made the Patriarch of the Song family value her. Otherwise, he would have sent someone to rescue her long ago.
Then came the sudden opportunity for cultivating immortality after entering the Siming Mountain Palace. And now, this Blood Oath Talisman.
All of this pointed to one undeniable fact: Xu Xing was not someone she could afford to offend. Even the Patriarch of the Song family, who had supposedly "become an Immortal," had to greet Xu Xing—the very rebel who had overthrown the Song family’s state—with a smile.
"This concubine is willing to make this blood oath," Song Miyao said, lowering her qiufu slightly as Deng An’s face began to show impatience. Her eyelashes quivered as she recited, "Henceforth, I dare not seek revenge against Emperor Tiande or his descendants. If I violate this, may my heart be consumed by fire, and may I die."
She then dripped a drop of fresh blood onto the Jade Blood Charm in Deng An’s hand. Upon receiving the blood, the Jade Blood Charm flickered with a crimson light.
A moment later, the Blood Charm detached from the jade plate and flew directly into Song Miyao’s forehead, rooting itself in her Niwan Palace. Its runes imprinted themselves upon the inner walls of her Niwan Palace.
The process of the Blood Charm rooting itself in her Niwan Palace was indescribably painful. Song Miyao merely knitted her delicate brows, not uttering a single cry of pain throughout the ordeal.
Deng An ignored Song Miyao, smiled at Xu Xing who stood to the side, and said, "The blood oath is complete. Junior Brother Xu, you can rest assured."
"If Junior Brother is still uneasy," Deng An continued, transmitting his voice directly to Xu Xing with a malicious suggestion, "I can order someone to destroy her cultivation foundation. Although it’s ninety-nine percent likely her cultivation aptitude is inferior, and at best mediocre, to prevent any unforeseen issues, acting cautiously isn’t going too far..."
Although Deng An and Xu Xing’s hushed discussion was inaudible, Song Miyao, having been repeatedly betrayed by others in recent days, had grown acutely sensitive. She quickly spoke up, making another assurance, "After entering the Immortal Sect, I am willing to serve Your Majesty as a concubine. I only beg to preserve my life. I hope Your Majesty and the Immortal will grant this..."
Apart from her hatred concerning her father’s death, Song Miyao didn’t harbor much deep animosity towards Xu Xing. If any remained, it had grown numb. Moreover, they had initially been enemies, not friends. Xu Xing had issued an edict declaring her a bewitching and demonic woman, which led to her miscarriage. Yet, she secretly felt relieved that Li Xiaozu’s child had died in her womb, unborn. Her hatred for Li Xiaozu far surpassed any she felt for Xu Xing.
Emperor Chongming had sent her for a "marriage alliance," throwing her into a den of wolves. Though she still felt some father-daughter affection for Emperor Chongming, it had faded with time. Emperor Chongming wasn’t directly ordered to be executed by Xu Xing; he was torn apart and devoured by the people. This was the people’s choice. Punishing the wicked on behalf of the people was the greatest justice under the sky.
For personal reasons, she certainly harbored hatred. But facing Emperor Tiande, such hatred dared not surface. Furthermore, although she didn’t know Xu Xing’s status within the Immortal Sect, she imagined it was exceedingly high. In her Patriarch’s eyes, she was dispensable. If she could use this chance to attach herself to Xu Xing, it would be a good path forward.
Song Miyao’s words completely interrupted Xu Xing and Deng An’s conversation. Xu Xing glanced at her. This woman’s disposition is so apathetic, he thought. Although it’s an unavoidable tactic to cling to the powerful and scrape by in chaotic times, one must still be vigilant. While he somewhat admired her decisiveness, his overall assessment of her plummeted. Perhaps Song Miyao had many unavoidable reasons for her actions, but in the eyes of others, it just appeared selfish and heartless.
Princess Anren is True Lord Song’s blood relative, Xu Xing mused. If it were anyone else, Xu Xing would have taken action. But True Lord Song has already given his assurance; how could Xu Xing then commit such a despicable act?
After some internal deliberation, Xu Xing rejected Deng An’s suggestion. There was no need to let a minor pawn jeopardize important matters; it would make him seem too petty. Although the Immortal Path advocated caution, one also needed to assess the situation before acting. At this time, and even in the future, Song Miyao posed no threat to him. Acting pettily and arousing Song Knife’s vigilance was unnecessary and might instead create more complications.
As for whether Song Miyao might encounter some fortuitous opportunity in the future... I still believe Emperor Chongming’s greatest mistake was not killing me immediately. But who truly pays attention to a mere pawn? How many people in this world could achieve a comeback like mine, aided by the Bronze Ancient Mirror? If one were truly so small-minded, they would probably live in constant fear. It’s like killing a chicken today and fearing its Chicken Egg will seek revenge tomorrow...
It was like when he first raised his army in rebellion; the Civil & Military Officers in Shenjing hadn’t paid him much heed. After all, during the Grand Ancestor’s era, there had been hundreds of rebellions within the borders, and weren’t they all eventually suppressed? Among the rebels of past ages, how many had ever managed to endure to the very end?
However, since Princess Anren is willing to become my concubine, I am quite willing to form this marital tie with True Lord Song... A faint smile touched Xu Xing’s lips. Song Knife had been managing affairs in the Flying Feather Immortal Palace for so long. Song Miyao becoming his concubine would certainly benefit her, but conversely, it would benefit him even more...