Protect Our Patriarch

……

Time flew by.

Unknowingly, Wang Shouzhe had already been living in the Eternal Spring Garden of the Green Emperor Valley for nearly three months.

With Wang Lingzhu as his guide, he had visited all the notable and accessible spots within the Lingyun Holy Land during this period. He even met his fifth sister, Wang Luo Qiu.

However, Luo Qiu was always determined. After briefly accompanying Wang Shouzhe and Ningxi, she once again immersed herself in rigorous cultivation.

It was evident that her childhood dream of becoming an Empress had never faded, and she was determined to fulfill her boastful claims.

During these three months, Wang Shouzhe had broadened his horizons, discovering the myriad ways formations could be utilized, which inspired him greatly.

He had already planned to make some adjustments to his family's spirit-gathering formation upon his return, to uncover new functionalities, such as a dedicated prenatal room, delivery room, and nursery for clan members, utilizing high-concentration spiritual energy to slightly enhance the innate aptitude of infants.

Having invested so much in building the spirit-gathering formation, it was only right to maximize its utilization.

The day finally arrived for Wang Shouzhe to be summoned by Jiang Zhencang, the Holy Master of the Holy Land, after he emerged from seclusion.

However, Jiang Zhencang did not arrange the meeting in the formal Lingyun Sacred Hall but instead in a side hall of his residence. He even sent his disciple Wang Yingxuan to greet them, giving Wang Shouzhe and his companions due respect.

Contrary to his esteemed status as the Holy Master, Jiang Zhencang's residence was not lavish, merely a modest courtyard with green tiles, starkly contrasting the grand and majestic Lingyun Sacred Hall.

Nevertheless, the courtyard was meticulously arranged, with small bridges and flowing water, green trees and red flowers, showcasing the owner's careful maintenance and a vibrant sense of life.

Led by Wang Yingxuan, Wang Shouzhe and the others passed through a moon gate, walked along winding corridors, and soon arrived at a side hall.

The side hall was situated beside a pond, with blue stone slabs paving the edge, and a peach tree in full bloom at the entrance.

The decoration of the side hall was also extremely simple, at first glance, it was no different from the residences of most small southern clans, so ordinary that it seemed unusual.

"Grandfather, this courtyard was built by my master in imitation of the one he lived in before entering the Holy Land, to remind himself not to forget his original intention." Wang Yingxuan explained, seemingly noticing Wang Shouzhe's confusion, "Master is inside, let's go in."

With that, she led Wang Shouzhe and the others inside.

As soon as Wang Shouzhe entered, he immediately caught sight of a figure.

It was a tall figure, standing and observing a map of the outer region battlefield.

The person was dressed in a deep blue robe, with a jade crown on his head, his hair already graying, yet his back remained straight.

Like an old pine on a cliff, having endured harsh winters and scorching summers, fierce winds and torrential rains, yet still unwavering, persistently stretching its branches towards the sky.

Wang Shouzhe's expression turned solemn, and he immediately stepped forward, bowing deeply, "Shouzhe, along with my great-grandson Ningxi and great-granddaughter-in-law Lingbo, pay respects to Holy Master Jiang."

From the bottom of his heart, he held great respect for Jiang Zhencang.

During his nearly three thousand years as the Holy Master of Lingyun Holy Land, he not only bore the responsibility of educating the Great Qian but also the heavy burden of being the main force guarding the outer region battlefield.

Generation after generation, disciples from the Holy Land and various academies ventured to the outer region battlefield, fearlessly fighting on the front lines, using their weapons and flesh to fend off the invasion of outer region demons, making sacrifices and contributions for the prosperity and stability within the Great Qian.

Even Jiang Zhencang, the Holy Master, often needed to take turns guarding the outer region battlefield. Over the three thousand years, the number of outer region demons that died directly or indirectly at his hands was countless.

It could be said that without these people holding the front line, the current peaceful life would not exist.

"Shouzhe is here." Jiang Zhencang turned around, sizing up Wang Shouzhe, and said with a smile, "They say Shouzhe is as graceful as a jade tree, with the demeanor of an immortal, and seeing you today, it's indeed true."

"Holy Master overpraises." Wang Shouzhe replied modestly, "Compared to Holy Master's supreme bearing, like an ancient immortal descending to the mortal world, Shouzhe still has much to improve."

After exchanging a few compliments.

Jiang Zhencang also greeted the two juniors briefly, instructing Wang Yingxuan to entertain them and take them out to play, before warmly inviting Wang Shouzhe, "It's rare to meet with Shouzhe, let's set other matters aside for now and play a game of chess first."

Then, he eagerly set up the chessboard.

"……"

Wang Shouzhe was speechless.

An hour later, Jiang Zhencang laughed heartily, "Shouzhe's chess skills are indeed as surprising as the rumors say."

Two hours later, Jiang Zhencang's smile grew even more amiable, "Meeting Shouzhe truly feels like a long-lost reunion."

Three hours later, Jiang Zhencang reluctantly said, "Enough, enough, one must exercise restraint with indulgences, let's call it a day."

You're in the Lingxu Realm, you have the final say.

Wang Shouzhe put down the chess piece, ending this "one game" of chess.

At this point, Jiang Zhencang had already brought out a tea set, placing it on the table between them.

"Shouzhe, have a taste. This is immortal tea from the twelfth-level peak Enlightenment Tea Tree of the Immortal Palace, brewed with top-grade immortal spring water to reveal its miraculous flavor."

As he spoke, he carefully took out six tea leaves, barely larger than grains of rice, and a small pot of immortal spring from his luxurious storage ring, brewing a pot of tea with a reverent demeanor.

Wang Shouzhe took a sip, frowning slightly, "The tea is indeed good, with the effect of nourishing the soul and cleansing the body, but the taste is too bland."

A pot of tea with only six tiny leaves, how could it not be bland?

"This is immortal tea, don't be ungrateful." Jiang Zhencang glared at Wang Shouzhe, thought about hospitality, and reluctantly added two more leaves, his expression as if he were cutting his own flesh.

Wang Shouzhe was speechless, unable to help but secretly complain in his heart.

Twelfth-level peak, at most, it can be called half-step immortal tea. When our Lixian truly matures and sheds some Life Tree leaves, that will be real immortal tea.

However, Holy Master Jiang's tea is indeed rare, even better than the tea currently produced by Lixian. If consumed long-term, it could make his soul more refined, greatly benefiting his cultivation progress.

Wang Shouzhe curiously glanced at Holy Master Jiang's storage ring, which was likely a Divine Spirit Artifact-level storage ring, wondering how much half-step immortal tea it contained.

Noticing Wang Shouzhe's gaze, Jiang Zhencang immediately felt a sense of unease, as if being targeted, and quickly changed the topic, "Let's talk about serious matters. Regarding your application for a one-time inheritance of the [Green Emperor True Method], after discussion among our elders, it has been approved, and it has also been filed with the Immortal Palace."

The inheritance site of the Green Emperor Valley lineage was brought out from the Immortal Palace by the first Lingyun Holy Master. Although Lingyun Holy Land has the right to dispose of its inheritance rights, anyone receiving the inheritance must be filed with the Immortal Palace.

"Thank you, Holy Master Jiang, for your mediation." Wang Shouzhe expressed his gratitude with a bow.

His awakened bloodline was of the life attribute, and he currently lacked a suitable Divine Realm inheritance, let alone a life attribute manual inheritance, so he could only choose the closest wood attribute true method inheritance.

Decades ago, he learned that the Green Emperor Valley lineage of Lingyun Holy Land had surplus inheritance opportunities, so he set his sights on the "Green Emperor True Method."

The last inheritance of the "Green Emperor True Method" was nearly a thousand years ago, and it was about to accumulate two inheritance opportunities.

This gave Wang Shouzhe an opportunity.

After all, he was barely considered half a member of the Holy Land, and as long as he offered enough in return, he had a chance to secure this inheritance opportunity.

After reducing part of Emperor Longchang's debt, he successfully obtained a [Recommendation Letter] and acquired the first half of the Green Emperor True Method. He had already successfully converted all his profound energy into Green Emperor True Energy and advanced his cultivation to the third level of the Purple Mansion Realm.

However, the most crucial part of the Green Emperor True Method still required the inheritance site to proceed, allowing him to smoothly cultivate to the Divine Realm.

"Don't thank me just yet." Jiang Zhencang said, "These two inheritance opportunities, one is for our Holy Land's own great prodigy, Lu Wei. She is one of our own, and barring any accidents, she is also the future heir of the Green Emperor Valley."

"The extra opportunity, we usually save one to prevent two suitable great prodigies from appearing at the same stage. Therefore, unless you are willing to truly join Lingyun Holy Land, you can only choose to purchase or exchange it with an inheritance of the same level. The price for trading Divine Realm inheritance rights between clans or Holy Lands is usually around five million immortal crystals."

"Three choices: join, exchange, or purchase. This is only because of your status, Shouzhe, that you have the privilege to choose. For an ordinary person, they wouldn't even have the opportunity to choose."

Wang Shouzhe bowed and said, "I choose to purchase. I can offer six million immortal crystals, but not as a lump sum payment, instead paying one hundred thousand immortal crystals annually over sixty years."

With the current accumulation and financial strength of the Wang Clan, raising five million immortal crystals in cash at once is not difficult. However, the Wang Clan is currently in a period of rapid development, with many areas requiring expenditure.

If they were to spend five million immortal crystals at once, it would be like eating an egg now and having fewer chickens later. Paying in installments with some interest is the most cost-effective for the Wang Clan.

Additionally, Wang Shouzhe had considered using the incomplete "Golden Toad Manual" for exchange, but after years of "in-depth research" with Liu Ruolan, they discovered that this manual was not an evil harvesting manual, but rather contained profound truths about the essence of life and the way of yin and yang. Although unconventional, it was a legitimate manual.

If the couple practiced this manual together, their cultivation speed could achieve an "addition greater than two" effect.

Old ghost Jiang turned it into a harvesting manual because of his own crooked mind and lack of restraint.

Moreover, this manual was only partially incomplete, not just an introductory chapter like an upper volume.

If it could be gradually completed, it might become the Wang Clan's family inheritance manual. Although unconventional, it was at least a manual pointing directly to the Void Realm.

In terms of theoretical value, it far surpassed a single Divine Realm inheritance.

Therefore, directly purchasing was the most cost-effective.

"That's fine, after all, you are a named disciple of Longzuo Academy." Jiang Zhencang considered for a moment and agreed to this plan, "However, since you have accepted the Green Emperor Valley's inheritance, if the Holy Land or the Great Qian faces a major crisis in the future, the current Holy Master still has the right to summon you to serve."

"There's no need for the Holy Master to worry about that." Wang Shouzhe said righteously.

As the Wang Clan continued to grow and develop, its fate had become intertwined with Lingyun Holy Land and the Great Qian.

The Wang Clan not only had many clan members developing within the Holy Land and the Great Qian court, but their daughters or granddaughters were also highly likely to become future Holy Masters. If these two entities truly faced a major crisis, how could the Wang Clan remain uninvolved?

Lingyun Holy Land was aware of this, which is why they agreed to sell such a valuable inheritance opportunity to Wang Shouzhe.

Of course, this was only one reason.

On the other hand, it was because the Wang Clan had shown incredible potential, with Wang Shouzhe being the absolute leader and family core.

Supporting Wang Shouzhe was equivalent to strengthening the overall power of Lingyun Holy Land and the Great Qian. It was best if they never needed to use it, but if they did, perhaps this extra bit of strength would be the straw that broke the camel's back. Who knows~

If it weren't for this consideration, no matter how wealthy the Wang Clan was, Lingyun Holy Land wouldn't spare them a glance.

"Then it's settled." Jiang Zhencang smiled.

Since Wang Shouzhe would be considered half a disciple of the Holy Land after accepting the inheritance, his attitude towards Wang Shouzhe became even more cordial.

After discussing Wang Shouzhe's inheritance, it was time to address Wang Ningxi's matter.

Jiang Zhencang called Wang Yingxuan and Ningxi in, personally examining Wang Ningxi's severed meridians and damaged sea of energy.

After a moment, he frowned, "This child surviving is truly not easy. It must have cost a lot to save him, right? It's difficult, really difficult. Shouzhe, instead of spending so much to save him, it might be more worthwhile to have your great-grandson have a few more children."

Wang Ningxi's expression froze, feeling as if a thousand horses were galloping through his mind.

Although you are the current Holy Master, have you considered the feelings of the person involved when saying this?

However, despite the harshness of Jiang Zhencang's words, they represented the normal thinking of countless clans.

Total resources are limited, and they belong to the collective. Spending enormous resources and effort on a child with ruined bloodline aptitude is not worthwhile from any angle.

With those resources and effort, it would be better to cultivate more outstanding children.

Don't be fooled by Emperor Longchang's apparent favoritism towards his children; it's because they are excellent. In fact, Emperor Longchang's descendants are countless, and those who aren't outstanding may never have the chance to meet the Emperor in their lifetime...

And Jiang Zhencang was no different.

Having lived for over three thousand years, what hasn't he seen? He doesn't even bother with the struggling Tianfu Jiang Clan anymore.

It's only because Wang Shouzhe is a transmigrator, with thoughts different from theirs, and because the Wang Clan's overall resources are relatively abundant, that they could invest so much effort in Wang Ningxi.

"Do your best and leave the rest to fate." Wang Shouzhe patted Wang Ningxi's head, feeling a bit heartbroken, "Ningxi has been smart and obedient since childhood. If there's a chance, we should try to save him. If he can recover, he might become a pillar of humanity in the future."

"Great-grandfather." Wang Ningxi's eyes moistened slightly, "It's okay if there's no way, I can work on the basic research of the clan industries, and hopefully earn back the resources the clan lost."

"Don't talk nonsense, since Holy Master Jiang asked me to bring you here, he must have some solution." Wang Shouzhe said, "You'll have plenty of opportunities to give back to the clan in the future."

"Yes, great-grandfather." Wang Ningxi nodded firmly, "Whether I can be cured or not, I am a part of the Wang Clan."

"Alright, considering how much effort you're putting in, I'll do my part." Jiang Zhencang said, "I've already had people review the relevant ancient texts in the Holy Land's Scripture Repository and found a few similar cases."

"These cases were all because the clan was strong, and the children received timely treatment when they fell ill, similar to Ningxi's situation. However, two of them still couldn't find a cure, and the clan eventually chose to give up."

"The only cured case was from nineteen thousand years ago, a descendant of the then Immortal Court Lord of the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty, the 'Tai Xuan Immortal Venerable.' The Tai Xuan Immortal Venerable personally intervened, expending a considerable amount of immortal spirit energy to extract one of the conflicting bloodlines using immortal methods, saving the descendant. Fortunately, the child was promising and eventually reached the Void Realm, not letting the Tai Xuan Immortal Venerable's efforts go to waste."

"……"

Wang Shouzhe and Wang Ningxi exchanged glances.

A True Immortal's intervention... is that even a solution!?

Isn't this a joke? What capital does the Wang Clan have to invite an Immortal Dynasty's True Immortal to intervene?

Moreover, their Lixian had already tried, and with her weak immortal spirit energy, the effect was minimal. Even if a True Immortal intervened, it would likely require significant effort, a cost the Wang Clan couldn't bear.

"If that's the case, then forget it." Wang Ningxi shook his head, "Inviting a True Immortal is too difficult."

"It is indeed difficult." Jiang Zhencang admitted, "The Immortal Court Lord is too important to all of humanity. If they expend too much and fall into a weakened state, it would be easy for enemies to exploit."

"So this time, let's talk about the second method. Shouzhe, do you know of a True Immortal called 'Blood Venerable' from the Shenwu Royal Dynasty period?"

Wang Shouzhe thought for a moment and said, "I've heard of Blood Venerable when I excavated a blood nest base with Senior Brother Fang from Longzuo Academy, but I didn't know he was a True Immortal."

"During the later period of the Shenwu Royal Dynasty, the world was chaotic, and all sorts of demons and monsters emerged. The ten most notorious were called the 'Top Ten Wanted Criminals.' Blood Venerable was one of them, and it took over three thousand years to eliminate him." Jiang Zhencang narrated, "Yet, even now, we occasionally discover blood nest bases. Imagine how rampant he was back then?"

"However, despite his extreme thinking, Blood Venerable was a terrifyingly powerful individual with extraordinary skills, possessing a sharpness and wisdom beyond ordinary people. When his path in the Gu Emperor Way reached a bottleneck, he believed it was due to his inadequate aptitude. Through his own research, he combined the Gu Emperor Way with bloodline aptitude, creating a type of Marrying Blood Gu that could extract bloodline power."

"He himself relied on this to become a True Immortal."

……

"According to historical records, Blood Venerable and his lair were destroyed. However, there's a rumor that such a formidable figure wouldn't have just one lair. Shouzhe, if you can find Blood Venerable's hidden lair, you might find some unactivated high-level Marrying Blood Gu, which could potentially solve Ningxi's problem."

Jiang Zhencang kept saying "might" and "possibly," making it sound even less reliable than inviting a True Immortal.

This made Wang Shouzhe frown. Logically, Jiang Zhencang wasn't someone who would speak recklessly.

Without any clues, finding a relic from ten thousand years ago with a possible existence was an unreliable task. Even if it could be found, what were the odds?

He must have some intelligence and clues to speak of such things.

Sure enough.

Jiang Zhencang continued with a smile, "Speaking of this, it's quite a coincidence. Since the establishment of Lingyun Holy Land, in just seven to eight thousand years, we've already discovered eighteen blood nest relics, even you, Shouzhe, have uncovered one."

"Considering that the Shenwu Royal Dynasty had already swept and attacked the blood nest bases, the total number that could survive wouldn't be too many. Therefore, discovering so many blood nest relics within the Great Qian's territory in such a short time seems unreasonable."

"Thus, we've summarized and organized the scattered and fragmented information obtained from various blood nest bases. We've found that within the Great Qian's territory, more precisely, possibly in uncharted lands, there exists a lair-level blood nest base."

As he spoke, Jiang Zhencang handed Wang Shouzhe a compiled piece of intelligence, "The blood Gu and other items produced by the blood nest bases have limited utility for our Holy Land, only encouraging criminals to try them in the outer region battlefield's cannon fodder camp. Shouzhe, you can allocate some energy to explore, and if you gain benefits, share them with the Holy Land and integrate the information into the Holy Land's Scripture Repository."

"Additionally, pay attention to the secrecy of your actions, and do not let these items flow into the Demon Dynasty. They use these items without scruples, and their pure benefits far exceed ours."

"Thank you, Holy Master Jiang." Wang Shouzhe stood up and bowed in gratitude, solemnly saying, "Once the hidden lair of Blood Venerable is unearthed, our Wang Clan will invite people from the Holy Land to participate, and we will not monopolize it."

"There's no need to be so formal, I trust your character, Shouzhe." Jiang Zhencang smiled, "However, this relic's existence is only a possibility. Perhaps this lair was already destroyed during the Shenwu Royal Dynasty. Even if it exists, it might not be easy to find."

Indeed, if it were easy to find, even if its overall utility was limited, the Holy Land would have excavated it long ago.

It was precisely because Lingyun Holy Land was uninterested in this uncertain gain that they passed the "dirty work" to the Wang Clan.

However, Wang Shouzhe knew that this was like a big pie falling from the sky. Blood Gu, in the hands of the Wang Clan, would be far more beneficial than in the hands of the Demon Dynasty.

Moreover, this Blood Venerable's lair was related to Ningxi's future, so Wang Shouzhe naturally paid attention.

Subsequently.

Wang Shouzhe first organized the intelligence, made some brief arrangements, and then assigned the reconnaissance work.

He, on the other hand, temporarily stayed in the Holy Land to receive the inheritance of the [Green Emperor True Method].

……

Time flew by.

In the sky above the vast grasslands of Monan Commandery.

A Yun Yao flying boat flapped its wings gracefully, weaving through the blue sky and white clouds.

After a long journey, the Yun Yao flying boat finally arrived at the [Eastern Qian Kingdom].

At that moment.

Yao Chengchao, the young master responsible for all the business of this Yun Yao flying boat, shed tears of excitement as if escaping from hell.

It was too difficult for him!

This journey was one of the three "unforgettable aviation disasters" he had experienced in his life.

No, this time could even be considered the top of the three "unforgettable aviation disasters."

The first two were the [Sudden Energy Explosion in the Shenwu Ruins Space Aviation Disaster] and the [Five Little Wolf Cubs Causing Chaos on the Yun Yao Flying Boat Aviation Disaster].

But this time, the [Lici Demoness Returns Aviation Disaster] completely shattered Yao Chengchao's spirit.

Among his business partners, Yao Chengchao was known as "Quick Blade Yao," not because he wielded a fast blade, but because his business dealings were swift and ruthless.

In exclusive businesses and irreplaceable deals, his heart was always "black."

But this time, he was utterly defeated by Wang Lici.

The cause, of course, was the sale of an all-you-can-eat contract for three servings of ordinary food, each priced at a thousand immortal crystals. In Yao Chengchao's view, aside from being too greedy, there wasn't much wrong with it, and he even reluctantly praised the plump manager he disliked.

However, two months after the Yun Yao flying boat took off, in the vast Xiju Ocean.

All the ordinary food on board was consumed?

Then Wang Lici presented her ticket and contract, and under the "ridicule" of Yunyang Daoist and Jiang Xingyuan, who had been cut by the quick blade, Yao Chengchao had no choice but to reluctantly provide precious spiritual food to fill the daily consumption.

Yet, in just over a month, it was all consumed.

No matter how capable Yao Chengchao was, he couldn't conjure food out of thin air. Was he supposed to hunt Dragon Whales in the Xiju Ocean? Hunting Dragon Whales wasn't that easy!

Many people couldn't even catch a fish and had to rely on foraging "wild vegetables" to barely maintain their dignity.

Normally, a professional Dragon Whale hunting team with experience, equipment, and tools, even with good luck, would take over a decade to catch a Dragon Whale!

At this point.

Wang Lici and the others stated that they had brought plenty of reserve food, including high-grade spiritual meat and spiritual rice! They could sell it to Yao's Air Transport at a high price to alleviate the awkward situation of food shortage on the flying boat.

Isn't this ridiculous?

So Yao's Air Transport had to buy their reserve food at a high price and then provide it to them for free...

However, they complained about hunger every day, accusing Yao's Air Transport of breaching the contract. Gongyang Ce, Jiang Xingyuan, and other passengers joined in the commotion.

Although Yao's blade was swift, they were very particular about the spirit of the contract.

In desperation, Yao Chengchao had to accept Wang Lici's even faster blade.

As the days passed, Wang Lici and the others' reserve food dwindled, and under the simple principle of rarity, the blade grew faster.

Every day, a large chunk of meat was cut from Yao Chengchao, each cut more vicious and ruthless than the last.

This continuous and escalating damage drove Yao Chengchao to the brink of collapse.

Finally, when Yao Chengchao tallied the accounts...

He realized he had to work for Wang Lici for free for a hundred years! A whole hundred years, damn Wang Clan, could you be the bane of this young master?

And Jiang Xingyuan wasn't any better, showing concern for Yao Chengchao every day.

"Young Master Yao, you're the most trustworthy person I've ever met, a thumbs up for you."

"Crying isn't a crime, a man can cry when deeply hurt."

"Today's loss isn't scary, tomorrow's reputation will spread far and wide."

……