Protect Our Patriarch

……

The convenience of transportation greatly reduced the distance between regions.

From Qingluo Garrison in Beihai Bay to Zhenze Garrison in the southern six garrisons of Longzuo Commandery, Wang Shouzhe and Liu Ruolan took a private flying carriage, which only took two and a half days.

In the past, this journey would have required a sea voyage followed by a land route, taking at least ten days to half a month.

However, purchasing a private flying carriage was already a sky-high expense. In addition, the long-term costs of raising spiritual birds, maintaining the carriage, and hiring drivers were enormous over time.

Therefore, most clan leaders or ancestors of sixth-grade clans could only envy private flying carriages, but were reluctant to purchase one.

In comparison, although the Wang's Clan was also sixth-grade, even the part of the Wang's Clan shown to the public was far superior to ordinary sixth-grade clans. Moreover, the true foundation of the Wang's Clan was far deeper, known only to the core members of the clan.

Swamp,Gourd Crossing.

Under the speed of the Wang's Clan, the flood control dike and sluice gate had basically taken shape, and the number of waterwheels had nearly doubled.

Huge waterwheels rumbled, pouring water out, continuously draining the water from the marshes of swamp to the outside of Gourd Crossing.

The two Celestial ancestors of the Wang's Clan personally took action, breaking the barriers between the marshes, allowing the water to flow downwards into Gourd Crossing.

During the dry season, the already scarce water in the swamp marshes was rapidly decreasing.

One had to admit, the strength and stamina of Celestial Realm cultivators were extraordinary. If they put aside their status and worked, their efficiency would be no less than that of large-scale engineering machinery on Earth, and they were even more flexible.

At this moment, a clear cry of a crane echoed in the sky, and Wang Shouzhe's private flying carriage descended from the sky, slowly landing on the dike.

Seeing this, Ancestor Kun Yuan and Ancestor Cheng Ye of the Wang's Clan hurriedly came to greet him, "Welcome, Master Wang Shouzhe."

"No need for formalities, Ancestors." Wang Shouzhe lifted the curtain and gracefully stepped out, smiling, "Seeing the joy on your faces, have you encountered some good fortune?"

Ancestor Kun Yuan stroked his beard and laughed, "Master Wang Shouzhe, you truly have keen eyes. Unexpectedly, after draining the water, we found so many treasures in swamp."

"In just a few days, our search team has collected over a hundred thousand catties of fish, including first and second-grade spiritual fish, as well as spiritual clams and pearls."

"The harvest of aquatic spiritual herbs and medicines is also abundant. Yesterday, that youngster Cheng Ye even found a fourth-grade four-colored water lotus. In the depths of the water, we discovered several spiritual veins."

"Rest assured, Master Wang Shouzhe, our Wang's Clan will not monopolize these gains. After all, without the dike and waterwheel array set up by the Wang's Clan, we wouldn't have these gains. Once the accounts are settled, our Wang's Clan will only take thirty percent."

No wonder they were so happy.

This operation to drain the water and catch the flood dragon had not yet caught the dragon, but had already yielded gains worth at least hundreds of thousands of Top Gold. The future gains would likely be even richer.

Now, with the Wang's Clan under great economic pressure, these gains, almost picked up for free, were like timely rain for the Wang's Clan.

"Swamp is, after all, the territory of the Wang's Clan. Thirty percent is too little, make it forty percent." Wang Shouzhe smiled and casually gave the Wang's Clan an extra ten percent, then reminded, "Also, don't overexploit the resources. Leave some space for the spiritual creatures. After dealing with the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon, we will refill the marsh to maintain the ecological environment of swamp."

Having lived on Earth, Wang Shouzhe knew that excessive destruction of the natural environment would bring a series of negative consequences. The existence of the swamp ecosystem was also very necessary.

"Yes, Master Wang Shouzhe." The two ancestors of the Wang's Clan immediately put away their smiles and promised, "We will definitely follow your will."

After this incident with the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon and hearing Wang Shouzhe's development plan for swamp, the two ancestors were now completely convinced by Wang Shouzhe and had fully aligned themselves with the Wang's Clan, completely following Master Wang Shouzhe's lead.

Seeing them so cooperative, Wang Shouzhe was also very pleased.

swamp was, after all, the territory of the Wang's Clan. The development of swamp would inevitably require cooperation with the Wang's Clan. If these two didn't understand the situation, it would be a headache.

"What's the situation with the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon?" he asked casually.

The main reason for this grand operation was the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon. The Azure Flood Dragon, about to transform into a dragon, was a treasure. Its flesh was rich in spiritual energy and highly nutritious, and even its scales, claws, tendons, and dragon blood were very valuable.

Previously, the Wang's Clan had hunted a sixth-grade fierce beast and made a fortune. That beast was only at the initial stage of the sixth grade, far from its peak. This Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon, about to transform into a dragon, would be even more valuable.

"It's hiding in the largest marsh. The Fire Fox Ancestor is watching it." Wang Kunyuan said, "Although the marsh is deep, it won't be able to hide for long."

As he spoke, Wang Kunyuan led Wang Shouzhe to the large marsh where the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon was hiding.

"Brother Shouzhe!"

As soon as they arrived, a small, delicate fire fox shot out like a flame-colored lightning bolt, leaping into Wang Shouzhe's arms.

Wang Shouzhe quickly caught it.

The little fire fox snuggled against Wang Shouzhe's chest, coquettishly saying, "That little mud eel is very bad. After I hit it a few times, it burrowed into the mud and wouldn't come out."

Burrowed into the mud?

Wang Shouzhe's mouth twitched.

This Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon really had no dignity, now it was truly like a mud eel.

The poor Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon, about to transform into a dragon, had such keen senses. In the mud, it heard the seven-tailed fire fox's complaints and almost exploded with anger. If I could beat this fox, would I need to hide in the mud?

It felt a deep sense of sorrow. It had finally found an opportunity, but before it could enjoy it, it encountered such a disaster.

Fury, uncontrollable fury!

The Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon could no longer endure.

It suddenly burst out of the mud, wrapped its tail around a giant pearl clam that nurtured Pearl Grass, and pulled it out of the mud. Then, like a coiled dragon, it soared into the sky, baring its teeth and claws, roaring at Wang Shouzhe, "Awoo awoo awoo!"

"Oh, even after being beaten like this, it still has quite a temper and dares to roar at me." Wang Shouzhe shook his head, "Little Fire, quickly finish it off, but be careful not to roast it."

"Awoo awoo awoo!" The Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon was anxious, roaring again.

"Brother Shouzhe, it means it wants to surrender." The Fire Fox Ancestor slapped its forehead with its paw, looking speechless, "After all, it's still a flood dragon, but it has no ambition."

"Surrender?" Wang Shouzhe looked at the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon in surprise, finding it amusing, "Little mud eel, don't joke around. As a wild fierce beast, what use do I have for you? Your greatest value is to become a pile of meat to nourish the children of our Wang's Clan."

"Awoo awoo" The Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon was anxious, roaring for dozens of breaths.

"Brother Shouzhe, the little mud eel says that if we spare it, the giant clam will be ours." The Fire Fox Ancestor, lying in Wang Shouzhe's arms, translated in a coquettish voice, "It says there's a Pearl Grass about to mature inside."

"Pearl Grass?" Wang Shouzhe nodded, "I didn't expect such a treasure to be hidden in this swamp. No wonder this Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon came to this shallow marsh."

"Brother Shouzhe, does that mean we have a deal?" The Fire Fox Ancestor tilted its head, looking at Wang Shouzhe, "Pearl Grass is a rare sixth-grade spiritual herb, one of the main ingredients for refining Tongling Baodan, and worth much more than its meat."

"That's not how it works." Wang Shouzhe shook his head, "The Pearl Grass originally belongs to swamp. Even if we kill it, I can still get it. How can it use my thing to exchange for its freedom?"

The Fire Fox Ancestor squinted its eyes in a sly smile, "Brother Shouzhe, you make a lot of sense."

Then, it turned to the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon, speaking in a Lolita voice from above, "Big mud eel, did you hear Brother Shouzhe? Besides this giant clam, what other treasures do you have to exchange for your life?"

The Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon almost fell back into the marsh in anger, roaring non-stop.

"If you dare to curse again, I'll burn you to death," the Fire Fox Ancestor said angrily.

……

……

Upon hearing this, the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon immediately gave in, its head shrinking, looking somewhat aggrieved and dissatisfied, muttering in a low voice.

A fierce beast at the peak of the sixth grade had already developed extraordinary intelligence, almost breaking free from the shackles of being a "beast" and becoming more like humans.

However, due to the simple living environment and lack of communication experience, their "life experience" was insufficient, making them behave more like human children of eight or nine years old.

Only by breaking through to the seventh grade and becoming a great demon, with a significant increase in lifespan and wisdom, and after being "tempered" for hundreds of years, could they truly "mature."

Just like the Fire Fox Ancestor, although it was already a seventh-grade great demon, it still behaved childishly at times.

"Brother Shouzhe, I think this little mud eel is quite obedient, and its bloodline is decent. Why not give it a chance to join our Wang's Clan?" the Fire Fox Ancestor suggested.

Wang Shouzhe hesitated, "After all, it grew up in the outer regions, its wild nature hasn't been tamed. Wouldn't it be prone to rebellion?"

"Brother Shouzhe, don't worry. If it were other fierce beasts, it might be difficult, but it's a flood dragon, so it's simple." The seven-tailed fire fox patted its chest with its paw, "Let it swear an oath in the name of the Ancestral Dragon, and then leave it to me to train. I guarantee it will be obedient and follow orders."

Hearing this, Wang Shouzhe was tempted.

To be honest, everything was going well for the Wang's Clan, and they had many high-end Celestial Realm combat forces. The only thing lacking was a true Purple Mansion Realm combat force belonging to the Wang's Clan.

The Fire Fox Ancestor was very powerful and had always helped Wang Shouzhe. But ultimately, it was the guardian spiritual beast of the Yuwen's Clan and had to stay with them most of the time.

The Wang's Clan could borrow it occasionally, but if they wanted to incorporate the Fire Fox Ancestor into the Wang's Clan, the entire Yuwen's Clan would probably fight Wang Shouzhe to the death.

Especially Lady Bilian, who was not an easy person to deal with.

However, guardian spiritual beasts usually needed to be raised from a low level. Only in this way would the bond between the beast and the clan be deep enough for the beast to actively protect the clan.

Moreover, young fierce beasts were easier to train, unlike high-level fierce beasts whose personalities were already set, making them harder to control. Fierce beasts raised among humans from a young age were also more humane.

Just like the Yuan Shui Spirit Turtle of the Wang's Clan, because it had always lived close to the Wang's Clan, it was obviously more humane than wild fierce beasts.

Many of Wang Shouzhe's children and grandchildren used to ride the Yuan Shui Spirit Turtle to school when they were young.

But this approach had a significant drawback: the training period was too long.

The Yuan Shui Spirit Turtle at home enjoyed abundant resources every year and progressed quickly among Yuan Shui Spirit Turtles. But after decades, it had only barely reached the fourth grade.

Given the current overall combat power of the Wang's Clan, it had completely fallen behind the main force and could only stay in Zhuhui Lake, ferrying children.

This problem was actually common in the Basalt world.

For example, Tianhe Daoist's Purple Mansion Old Turtle, Binglan's Ice Flood Dragon, and even the Fire Fox Ancestor were all weaker than their respective masters.

As for taming mature fierce beasts, there were cases, but the clan's development speed had to be fast enough to always suppress the beast. Otherwise, the risk of rebellion was high.

Historically, there were too many cases of fierce beasts rebelling after being tamed.

This was the main reason why Wang Shouzhe hadn't considered taming the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon before, as the risk was significant.

"Alright, let's give it a try. To make it more willing, our Wang's Clan only needs it to serve for a hundred years. After a hundred years, we can discuss whether it stays or leaves." Wang Shouzhe thought for a moment and finally agreed.

He believed in the potential of his clan's development. They were currently in need of a seventh-grade spiritual beast, but in a few decades, the number of Purple Mansion Realm cultivators in the clan would explode.

By then, a mere seventh-grade Yuan Shui Azure Dragon would be easy to control.

"Brother Shouzhe, you're so smart. If it's only for a hundred years, it will be much easier to tame." The Fire Fox Ancestor understood and immediately began negotiating with the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon.

Sure enough, the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon initially refused angrily, but the situation was stronger than the dragon, and the Fire Fox Ancestor was too fierce in its beatings.

After several failed resistances, it reluctantly compromised and began negotiating terms with the Fire Fox Ancestor.

In the end, the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon agreed to serve the Wang's Clan for two hundred years, on the condition that the Pearl Grass be left for its dragon transformation once it matured. During its service, the Wang's Clan had to provide for its food and drink and not mistreat it while it was still growing.

Wang Shouzhe naturally agreed to these conditions.

He wanted a seventh-grade Yuan Shui Azure Dragon, not a sixth-grade peak Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon.

As for serving for two hundred years instead of one hundred, it made little difference to him. After enjoying the Wang's Clan's abundant resources, how could the Yuan Shui Azure Dragon bear to leave and struggle outside?

Look at the Yuan Shui Spirit Turtle in Zhuhui Lake, living so leisurely and comfortably. Even if you drove it away, it wouldn't want to leave.

Then.

Under the mediation of the Fire Fox Ancestor, Wang Shouzhe and the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon swore heavy oaths in the name of their ancestors and drafted a contract, with both parties signing in blood, which was kept by the Fire Fox Ancestor.

After a series of ceremonies, the contract was officially established.

In the Basalt world, such oaths in the name of ancestors were very effective. Neither Wang Shouzhe nor the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon would casually joke with their ancestors' names.

Unless absolutely necessary, both parties would not violate the contract.

The reverence and respect for bloodline ancestors in this world far surpassed that of humans on Earth. After all, the foundation of clan inheritance was bloodline. Without respect for ancestors, how could the clan maintain its connections?

The Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon's reverence for the Ancestral Dragon was even more deeply ingrained in its bloodline, more so than humans.

Therefore, once the contract was signed, both parties felt a sense of closeness, as if they were already part of the same family.

It was like the subtle psychological changes that occur when a couple completes their marriage registration.

"Brother Shouzhe, the little mud eel has just become the clan's spiritual beast and doesn't understand many rules. It still has some wild nature. To avoid scaring the clan's children, let it follow me for the next two years. I'll train it well." The Fire Fox Ancestor squinted its eyes and smiled mischievously, "Besides, I need to teach it a lesson, so it understands that even if it becomes a seventh-grade Yuan Shui Azure Dragon, its boss is still its boss."

The Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon shivered.

No, it didn't want to follow this perverted fox who liked to beat it for no reason. This fox definitely had bad intentions!!

It looked at Wang Shouzhe with watery eyes, full of pleading, hoping the newly contracted master would show mercy...

"The Fire Fox Ancestor makes a lot of sense." Wang Shouzhe agreed, "There are many rules in the human world, and even more in the clan. As a wild fierce beast, it definitely hasn't encountered these before and needs to learn. I'll keep the Pearl Grass for now and give it to the Azure Flood Dragon in two years for its promotion."

As Wang Shouzhe spoke, he casually put away the giant clam.

Although the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon was dissatisfied, it immediately coiled up obediently and drooped its head when the Fire Fox Ancestor glared at it.

It was filled with depression.

Everything had been fine, so how did it suddenly become the guardian spiritual beast of a human clan?

But it was too late to regret. Fortunately, it only needed to serve for two hundred years. The Yuan Shui Azure Dragon's bloodline was of high quality, and its lifespan was long. Two hundred years wasn't too long and was barely acceptable.

"Fire Fox Ancestor, I'll leave the Azure Flood Dragon to you." Wang Shouzhe bowed slightly to the seven-tailed fire fox, sincerely saying, "Thank you for your hard work during this time."

"Oh, Brother Shouzhe, you're too polite. What's our relationship?" The Fire Fox Ancestor rolled its eyes coquettishly.

At this moment, the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon was stunned.

It stared with its huge golden eyes, looking back and forth between the Fire Fox Ancestor and Wang Shouzhe, filled with shock, feeling its worldview collapsing.

This... this... humans and foxes can...?

However.

Before it could finish being shocked, the Fire Fox Ancestor had already transformed back into its original form, grabbed it by the nape, and flew away, leaving a sentence behind.

"Brother Shouzhe, you go ahead with your work. I can't wait to play games with the little Azure Flood Dragon, hehe."

A series of mischievous laughs echoed through the sky, accompanied by the terrified howls of the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon, gradually fading into the distant horizon.

At this moment, Ancestor Kun Yuan of the Wang's Clan finally dared to approach cautiously, bowing to Wang Shouzhe and congratulating him, "Congratulations, Master Wang Shouzhe, on acquiring the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon. Once it transforms into a dragon, the Wang's Clan will have a true guardian spiritual beast."

He was now completely convinced by the Wang's Clan.

With the future assistance of this Yuan Shui Azure Dragon, the Wang's Clan would surely rise higher and higher. Given the Wang's Clan's style, they would definitely bring prosperity to the surrounding poor clans once they became stronger.

Perhaps the Wang's Clan could even benefit from this.

"Ancestor Kun Yuan, once you reach the Purple Mansion Realm, the Wang's Clan will also rise." Wang Shouzhe smiled and returned the courtesy.

"All thanks to Master Wang Shouzhe's care, our Wang's Clan has a future." Ancestor Kun Yuan quickly expressed his humility.

As he interacted more with the Wang's Clan, he increasingly felt the deep foundation and limitless potential of the Wang's Clan. He had already made up his mind to firmly hold onto the Wang's Clan's support.

If they could form an alliance through marriage, it would be even better. Coincidentally, his clan's new generation of direct descendants had not yet married. While marrying into the Wang's Clan's direct line might be impossible, perhaps they could form a union with the Wang's Clan's collateral line...

Ancestor Kun Yuan's thoughts began to stir.

Meanwhile, Wang Shouzhe, having dealt with the matters at hand, returned to the main residence in a good mood.

With the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon, the Wang's Clan had an additional trump card for the unpredictable future, increasing their chances of success.

However, with the winds of change stirring in the Great Qian, the days ahead would likely be far from leisurely.

……

Purple Mansion Academy of Longzuo Commandery.

Changchun Valley.

It was another spiritual tide season.

At this time of year, the wood-element spiritual energy in the world was at its peak, with lush growth and vibrant life.

Changchun Valley, nourished by several top-grade wood-element spiritual veins, reached a peak concentration of wood-element spiritual energy during this season. The vegetation in the valley was exceptionally lush, with various spiritual flowers blooming in competition, and countless spiritual butterflies and bees dancing among the flowers, looking particularly busy.

This extremely dense wood-element spiritual energy also gave rise to many seasonal special spiritual plants.

As a result, Changchun Valley was even more lively than usual during this period, with young disciples in Changchun Valley uniforms frequently coming and going.

At the entrance of Changchun Valley.

A young man stood with his hands behind his back, quietly gazing at the valley before him.

He wore a green robe, exuding a calm and majestic aura, like the pine and cypress at the valley entrance, making people admire him.

He had been standing there for a while, without speaking or interacting with the passing disciples of Changchun Valley. His deep gaze seemed to penetrate the entrance's barrier, seeing further and deeper.

In that deep gaze, there seemed to be an indescribable sense of nostalgia.

The passing disciples of Changchun Valley couldn't help but whisper to each other when they saw him.

There was no helping it. Although they couldn't discern this senior's cultivation level, his aura was extraordinary. Even the legendary core disciples of the various peaks and branches seemed inferior in comparison.

Just as the disciples were secretly discussing, a familiar young man hurried out of the valley, bowing to the young man, "Greetings, Senior. I am Feng Qiushan, a core disciple of Changchun Valley. Senior Sister Lu Wei received your invitation and sent me to welcome you."

With that, he immediately opened the barrier at the entrance, inviting the young man into the valley.

It turned out that this young man standing at the entrance was none other than Wang Zong'an, the young clan leader of the Changning Wang's Clan.

He hadn't come alone today.

But for him, Changchun Valley held a special significance. Therefore, he had left his family guards, clan brothers, and nephews at the guest courtyard of the Purple Mansion Academy of Longzuo Commandery and had come alone to this long-awaited land.

"Feng Qiushan?" Wang Zong'an glanced at the young man's face, his memory returning, "I remember now, you were part of the batch of disciples who entered in the year 163, right? I recall you were the most talented little prodigy among that batch. It's surprising to see you now in the mid-stage of the Lingtai Realm. It's quite nostalgic."

Back when he was at the academy, the core disciples in charge were still Senior Brother Jinshan and the others.

Now, it had already changed.

Feng Qiushan was stunned for a moment, then looked at Wang Zong'an with some suspicion and caution, "Senior, are you also from our Changchun Valley lineage?"

"Yes, in my younger days, I also studied at Changchun Valley." Wang Zong'an smiled gracefully, "However, I was just an ordinary disciple back then, so you probably don't remember me."

An ordinary disciple?

Feng Qiushan's mouth twitched, not knowing where to start.

Senior, with your profound cultivation and majestic aura, you don't look like an ordinary disciple at all. Moreover, with your celestial appearance, if you had come to our Changchun Valley as an ordinary disciple, you would have captivated all the senior sisters.

Wait! Hold on!

A flash of inspiration struck Feng Qiushan's mind, and he suddenly remembered something, "Senior, could you be the legendary Senior Brother Zong'an?"

He vaguely remembered that when he first entered the sect, he had heard the senior sisters mention a Senior Brother named "Wang Zong'an."

Legend had it that although this "Senior Brother Zong'an" was an ordinary disciple, he was exceptionally handsome and had an extraordinary aura, secretly captivating many senior sisters.

At that time, many senior sisters speculated that he might be a direct descendant of a great clan, specially sent to the academy for training.

However, the legendary "Senior Brother Zong'an" was very low-key, often appearing and disappearing like a dragon.

Moreover, this "Senior Brother Zong'an" left the academy after accumulating enough contribution points in just a few years. Yet, even now, many senior sisters still missed him.

The younger generation of core disciples, like Feng Qiushan, were often compared to the legendary "Senior Brother Zong'an," making them feel like "commoners" in comparison.

This caused many senior brothers and junior brothers to harbor resentment, almost forming a psychological shadow.

"My surname is Wang, and my name is Zong'an. The Senior Brother Zong'an you mentioned should be me." Wang Zong'an smiled slightly, his demeanor calm and composed.

It's really him?!

Feng Qiushan felt like a thousand spiritual horses were galloping through his mind, leaving him in a daze.

But at the same time, he seemed to understand the senior sisters a bit more.

Because compared to this senior, they, the new generation of core disciples, really could only be considered "commoners." No wonder the senior sisters always missed "Senior Brother Zong'an."

"Uh, Senior..."

"We are all disciples of the same lineage. Calling me Senior is too distant. Just call me Senior Brother."

As they walked and talked, they unknowingly reached the depths of Changchun Valley.

Along the way, Wang Zong'an's presence naturally attracted the attention of the surrounding disciples.

At this moment, they also encountered some ordinary disciples carrying baskets, all heading in the same direction.

Seeing this, Wang Zong'an understood, "Is it the spiritual tide year? Judging by everyone's actions, there should be a good harvest of spiritual mushrooms this year."

Feng Qiushan was still in a daze, unable to recover.

However, seeing that the senior was obviously much stronger than him and had no reason to deceive him, he didn't doubt the authenticity of the situation.```

Hearing Wang Zong'an speak, he quickly regained his senses and respectfully replied, "Yes, Senior Brother Zong'an. This year's spiritual tide is much stronger than in previous years, and the number of spirit mushrooms produced is also higher, with better quality. Since you're here, why not take some back with you to taste and reminisce?"

"There's no need for that," Wang Zong'an smiled. "My parents and Senior Sister Lu Wei are very close. Every year during the spiritual tide, they send a lot of spirit mushrooms home. This year’s batch is probably already on the way. These should be left for the junior brothers and sisters."

As he spoke, Wang Zong'an suddenly noticed two familiar figures and couldn't help but smile. He quickly walked up to them and greeted, "Senior Sister Bai Ling, Senior Brother Yuan Mo, long time no see."

It turned out that these two were Yuan Mo and Bai Ling, who had been quite close to Wang Zong'an during their time at the academy.

Their ability to enter the academy indicated that their talents were naturally quite good. Although they weren't prodigies, they were still among the top of the lower-grade A class. Apart from a few who got in through connections, lower-grade A was one of the basic requirements for admission to the academy.

Decades had passed, and they were now in the third or fourth layer of the Lingtai Realm. They no longer wore disciple robes but rather the attire of deacons.

Clearly, they had long since graduated from the academy and were now working there to give back.

This had always been the academy's rule.

Except for personal disciples and core disciples, ordinary disciples only needed to work for the academy for a certain number of years or accumulate enough credits to gain their freedom and return to their families.

Wang Zong'an had also accumulated enough credits to leave the academy back then. However, because he was strong, he accumulated credits quickly and left in just over ten years.

Bai Ling and Yuan Mo were overjoyed to see Wang Zong'an. After all, it had been nearly fifty years since they last saw him after he left the academy.

In fact, Wang Zong'an had already revealed his identity to them before leaving the academy. Seeing him again now, they were both surprised and filled with emotion.

Who would have thought that the "seventh-grade family" mentioned by Junior Brother Zong'an would turn out to be the now-famous "Changning Wang's Clan"?

Everyone knew that Wang Zong'an, the heir of Changning Wang's Clan, had been overseeing Qingluo Garrison for years and had become a major figure, even the garrison town's guard had to listen to him. The "Junior Brother Zong'an" of the past was now on a completely different level from them.

Especially Senior Brother Yuan Mo, who no longer felt even a hint of jealousy towards Wang Zong'an. After all, their identities, status, and strength were worlds apart, making any comparison meaningless.

In contrast, Senior Sister Bai Ling was much more composed.

After all, although she had admired Wang Zong'an back then, she had never held much hope, so she wasn't too disappointed.

Seeing Wang Zong'an again now, she was just pleasantly surprised. She immediately bowed and said with a charming smile, "Given your current status as the young clan leader, I dare not accept the title of Senior Sister. Just call me Bai Ling."

Yuan Mo also respectfully bowed.

In the Basalt world, strength determined respect. Unless they were from the same clan or had formally acknowledged each other as master and disciple, the more capable one would be respected, regardless of when they entered the academy.

Despite the formalities, Bai Ling was not distant towards Wang Zong'an and warmly invited him to watch the ceremony under the Longevity Tree to relive old times.

However, Wang Zong'an had important matters to attend to and declined.

After chatting briefly, they parted ways due to their respective commitments.

After parting, Wang Zong'an continued deeper into Changchun Valley under the guidance of Feng Qiushan.

Senior Sister Lu Wei's residence, called "Rose Pavilion," was named for the roses planted all around the yard.

When Wang Zong'an was studying in Changchun Valley, he had been there before. The space inside was minimal for living and cultivation; most of it had been converted into laboratories for biological research, which were quite extensive.

Many of Changchun Valley's research achievements, such as new insect repellent powders, were developed in the "Rose Pavilion."

Even many of his father's cultivation results were discreetly attributed to Senior Sister Lu Wei.

At this time of year, the roses were in full bloom. From a distance, Wang Zong'an could see the vibrant red roses blooming outside the Rose Pavilion, like a cloud of crimson.

The core disciple Feng Qiushan, who had brought Wang Zong'an, quickly stepped forward to announce their arrival.

Before he could enter the Rose Pavilion, a figure shot past him so quickly that he had no time to react.

Wang Zong'an, however, raised an eyebrow and swiftly sidestepped.

At the same time, a clear female voice came from deep within the Rose Pavilion, "There's still an experiment unfinished, Junior Brother Jinshan. You owe me so much money, and you want to run before completing the experiment?"

Before the words had faded, a green rose vine shot out from the Rose Pavilion, quickly catching up to the fleeing figure and binding him like a kite in the air.

"Senior Sister, please spare me... Oh, Zong'an, it's you!"

"Zong'an, Zong'an, save me!"

It turned out that the person bound in the air was Senior Brother Jinshan. His clothes were already torn by the rose vines, making him look quite disheveled.

Hearing his pitiful cries, Wang Zong'an couldn't help but sweat.

Senior Brother Jinshan was said to be a Celestial Realm elder now, yet he still couldn't escape Senior Sister Lu Wei's grasp. How pitiful.

"So it's Zong'an. Come in," Senior Sister Lu Wei's voice came from inside the Rose Pavilion.

"Um... Senior Brother Jinshan, shouldn't you be well-off? Why did you sell yourself to Senior Sister Lu Wei? Don't you know about her experiments...?" Wang Zong'an asked, coughing awkwardly.

"I... I just needed the money."

Hearing Wang Zong'an's question, Senior Brother Jinshan looked as if he had been asked something embarrassing, his eyes darting around, and his answer was hesitant.

"Zong'an, he needed the money to buy a Spirit Plant Transformation Pill for his fifth-grade White Jade Spirit Peony," Senior Sister Lu Wei's voice explained. "Junior Brother Jinshan, you should just accept your fate."

"Congratulations, Senior Brother Jinshan. Your hard work in cultivating the White Jade Spirit Peony has finally paid off," Wang Zong'an said with a smile, cupping his hands. "Though the process was tough and you incurred some debt, at least you achieved your dream."

"Congratulations, my foot!" Senior Brother Jinshan cried out in despair, tears streaming down his face. "My White Jade Spirit Peony... it transformed into a male!"

A male?

Wang Zong'an was initially shocked but then couldn't help but laugh inwardly.

Generally speaking, most spirit plants are hermaphroditic and can transform based on their own gender perception.

Most spirit plants develop their gender identity according to their owner's will during cultivation and then transform accordingly. Senior Brother Jinshan's case seemed quite rare.

"Hehe," Senior Sister Lu Wei mocked mercilessly. "I guess Junior Brother Jinshan was too perverted, so even the White Jade Spirit Peony was afraid of the tragic fate of transforming into a female."

"Injustice, Senior Sister Lu Wei, it's an injustice!" Senior Brother Jinshan cried. "I took care of her meticulously, confided in her every night, and yet she did this to me? There's nothing more tragic in life than this."

Confiding in a spirit plant every night? How lonely must he have been...

Wang Zong'an looked at Senior Brother Jinshan curiously, unable to understand.

If he was so lonely, why not find a human senior sister or junior sister to date?

Wang Zong'an clearly remembered that all the senior and junior sisters in the academy were charming and enthusiastic. If he wanted to, they would be more than happy to date him.

If it weren't for his arranged marriage back home, he might have found a senior sister he liked and had a passionate romance.

Sigh, he really couldn't understand Senior Brother Jinshan's peculiar habit of dating spirit plants!

Feeling a bit sympathetic, Wang Zong'an spoke up for Senior Brother Jinshan, who had helped him many times.

Fortunately, Senior Sister Lu Wei was willing to give Wang Zong'an some face and eventually released Senior Brother Jinshan, sending him away.

Afterward, Lu Wei and Wang Zong'an sat in her rose-filled courtyard, drinking tea and discussing matters.

After a long conversation, Wang Zong'an said, "That's my father's intention. Those new plant products will still be under your name."

"Junior Brother Shouzhe is overly cautious. Zong'an, do you know what rumors are circulating outside?" Senior Sister Lu Wei rolled her eyes. "Many people outside say that I have an affair with Junior Brother Shouzhe and that you, Wang Zong'an, are actually my son... So, I created many high-quality plant spirit seeds to support the Wang Clan."

"Cough, cough," Wang Zong'an was embarrassed and quickly stood up to apologize. "Sorry for the trouble, Senior Sister Lu Wei. But now that the Wang Clan is getting stronger, my father..."

"Alright, alright. If I really minded, I wouldn't have waited until now to say something," Senior Sister Lu Wei said nonchalantly. "I have no parents, so let them say what they want. Besides, I quite like Junior Brother Shouzhe. If there's a chance to have a child with him, I think it would be quite exciting. Maybe we could even have a great prodigy."

"..."

Wang Zong'an's mouth twitched, and he fell silent, thinking, Senior Sister, even if you have designs on my father, could you not say it in front of me? Could you consider my feelings as his son?

"As for borrowing people from Changchun Valley, it's not impossible, but it depends on their willingness. Also, your Wang Clan needs to pay them according to the rules," Senior Sister Lu Wei said. "I think Jinshan would be very willing; he owes me a lot of money."

"Thank you, Senior Sister Lu Wei," Wang Zong'an said gratefully.

After receiving a satisfactory response from Lu Wei, Wang Zong'an was sent out by the impatient Senior Sister Lu Wei.

He also borrowed Senior Sister Lu Wei's Earth Bracelet. Since she was staying in Changchun Valley for research and cultivation, aiming to reach the Purple Mansion Realm, the Earth Bracelet was not essential for her.

Afterward, Wang Zong'an visited the Longevity Tree, expressing that he had refined his "beloved daughter" into his life-bound spirit plant and was taking good care of it. He promised to bring his life-bound Longevity Tree to visit the old Longevity Tree when he had the chance.

The Longevity Tree was naturally pleased, saying, "I didn't entrust the wrong person."

His frequent use of "I" made Wang Zong'an wary, thinking he must thoroughly brainwash his life-bound Longevity Tree to ensure it didn't transform into a scruffy, bearded man when it reached the ninth grade.

As for using a Spirit Plant Transformation Pill at the fifth grade, Wang Zong'an disdained it.

Although the pill was effective, it would damage the spirit plant's foundation, making it much harder to advance to the seventh or even ninth grade.

The White Jade Spirit Peony had limited potential and probably couldn't reach the seventh grade, but his Longevity Tree was exceptionally talented, and he hoped it would reach the ninth grade. How could he bear to damage it?

After finishing his business in Changchun Valley, Wang Zong'an had completed half of his mission.

The other half was to "visit" his sister, Wang Liyao, who had greatly influenced his growth and whom he still admired and respected.

On the Heartbroken Island in the lake.

Shuiyun Pavilion.

This was the place with the most concentrated Yuanshui spiritual energy in the entire Yuanshui Heavenly Lake. It was a place of natural beauty, but the small courtyard itself was quite simple and full of life, in stark contrast to the grandeur of Yuanshui Ascetic's Yuanshui Pavilion.

This was also an influence from Wang Shouzhe.

For her daily living quarters, Wang Liyao always prioritized comfort. She even had a small herb garden in her courtyard, specifically growing spirit plants and fruits favored by the Yuanshui Spirit Turtle and the Li Fire Sparrow.

The courtyard also had a pool and a bird's nest for the two little creatures, giving it a warm, farmhouse-like feel.

If one didn't see it with their own eyes, it would be hard to believe that the famous great prodigy of Longzuo Academy, Wang Liyao, lived in such a place.

Under the flower trellis in the courtyard, Wang Liyao, dressed in a water-blue long robe with sword sleeves, read her father's letter quietly. Her star-like eyes flashed with excitement and anticipation.

"After thirty years of preparation, it's finally starting. My Xian Ge has waited too long."

She had successfully advanced to the Celestial Realm at the age of thirty-nine.

Now, nearly thirty years had passed since her advancement. With her great prodigy B-grade bloodline, her cultivation had long since reached the mid-Celestial Realm.

However, for her father's plan, she had been diligently honing her strength and solidifying her foundation, acting very low-key. Apart from her meticulous work at the academy, she rarely displayed her strength.

Now that her father's plan was finally starting, her sword was also ready to shine.

"Clang!"

A clear sword cry rang out.

A top-grade spirit sword, resonating with Wang Liyao's aura, flew from her waist, circling around her like a living being.

The sword's design was simple and ancient, with inscriptions on the blade that were somewhat blurred, but this did not diminish its power.

As it circled, a faint green light emanated from the blade, exuding an aura of elegance and majesty.

As the sword vibrated, a clear, melodious girl's voice came from the blade, "Sister Liyao, it's finally my turn to shine. I'm so happy!"

This was...

The sword spirit, Xian Ge!

With the sword's cry, a majestic aura emanated from Wang Liyao, like water and lightning, or a vast expanse of blue waves, exuding an awe-inspiring presence.

Her star-like eyes also flashed with electric light.

Seeing this, Wang Zong'an felt both admiration and respect.

As expected, his sister was his sister. Her mere presence was incomparable to ordinary Celestial Realm cultivators. Even he, a great prodigy, felt inferior.

This time, his sister would surely not disappoint their father.

As the saying goes, "A sharp sword is forged through grinding, and the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from the bitter cold."

After years of honing a single sword, when it was unsheathed, it would surely shine brightly.

...

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