Protect Our Patriarch

……

The "Prodigy Trial" has been a tradition since the founding of the Great Qian.

The term "Trial" signifies a preliminary test of one's prowess.

Since ancient times, Guilong City, the capital, has been a gathering place for high-grade families and the royal family, teeming with powerful individuals and geniuses. Young prodigies are as common as "cattle in a herd."

For someone like Wang Shouzhe, who started with a lower-grade A-level aptitude, he would only be a passerby in Guilong City, not even worthy of a second glance.

Only those with a middle-grade C-level aptitude or higher would garner a bit of attention. After all, at this level, as long as they have sufficient cultivation resources, the probability of advancing to the Celestial Realm is quite high.

To truly make a name for oneself among the younger generation, one must at least be a prodigy, and not just any prodigy, but at least of upper-grade D-level aptitude.

But that's just to make a name.

To become famous in the talent-filled Guilong City, to dominate among the younger generation, even upper-grade D-level is not enough. One must be above B-level, an exceptional genius even among prodigies.

In local commandery cities, there are often only a few prodigies under a hundred years old, even including the local commandery prince's family, rarely exceeding three. Among them, those with strength above the Celestial Realm are even fewer, probably just one or two.

But in Guilong City, there are at least thirty to forty young prodigies under a hundred years old, including royal family members, and sometimes even fifty to sixty.

Among them, those with strength above the Celestial Realm number in the teens, possibly exceeding twenty.

To rank in the top ten among so many geniuses, to become one of the "Top Ten Experts" of the younger generation, is extremely difficult.

Not to mention, among the current top ten young experts, besides Shangguan Tianque who left the list more than ten years ago, there are still two great prodigies.

Great prodigies are rare, but in this talent-rich Guilong City, one appears every seventy to eighty years on average. Especially with the powerful and deep-rooted royal family, the proportion of great prodigies is much higher than in other families.

Of course, there are occasional hundred-year gaps without a great prodigy, but such cases are rare. Most of the time, one or two of the top ten experts are great prodigies.

Occasionally, during a talent boom, the number of great prodigies can even reach three.

Therefore, some confident local prodigies who want to make a name for themselves can come to the capital to challenge the scene, under the pretext of the "Prodigy Trial."

Among the top ten young experts in the capital, defeating any one of them would earn recognition from the capital's families, making a name for oneself and reaping many future benefits.

However, most of these local prodigies end up failing.

It's no wonder, as about half of the top ten young experts in the capital are royal family members.

The remaining half are mostly monopolized by second-grade families like the Chen's Clan of Daqian, third-grade families like the Wang's Clan of Daqian, and the Gongye's Clan of Daqian.

Occasionally, a fourth-grade family can squeeze one in, which is already considered a great achievement, worthy of praise.

This is why the Shangguan's Clan of Guilong has been highly praised by the Commandery Prince of Heng for having two clan members on the list in the past century.

Though rare, prodigies coming to the capital for the trial happen every ten to twenty years.

In contrast, a great prodigy trial is a truly grand event.

It's been over a hundred years since the last great prodigy trial.

Back then, the great prodigy of the Holy Land, Gongyang Ce, came to the capital to set up a challenge before he was a hundred years old, sweeping the scene like a cheat.

Until he met the then top-ranked young expert, the royal great prodigy Wu Chengsi.

Their battle was earth-shattering and lasted for days, even alarming the Emperor.

Afterward, the Emperor summoned Gongyang Ce for a brief conversation.

Since then, Gongyang Ce became famous in the capital, respected as "Young Master Ce," and considered a strong contender for the next Holy Son.

Meanwhile, Wu Chengsi and Gongyang Ce became friends, admiring each other after their battle.

The impact of that great prodigy trial was profound, even influencing the current Imperial Heir Struggle.

At that time, the Wang's Clan of Ping'an was in its "prosperous period," focusing on developing Ping'an Town. Even if they heard some rumors, they wouldn't have paid much attention.

The great prodigy trial back then was too distant for Ancestor Zhouxuan and the other ancestors.

The ancestors of the Wang's Clan of Ping'an probably never imagined that a seemingly trivial event would, after a hundred years, become deeply connected to the Wang's Clan.

And in such a manner.

One can't help but marvel at the wonders of fate.

……

At this moment.

Inside the White Cloud Tower.

After the initial shock, the people present finally began to seriously scrutinize the "formidable" fairy before them.

Though her appearance was still unclear, Wang Liyao, no longer concealing her aura, exuded an inexplicable charm, her ethereal presence more pronounced than before.

Yet, amidst this celestial aura, there was a fierce determination, like a pine tree or bamboo, unyielding and daring to challenge the heavens.

Under the glow of the spirit stone lamps, her aura was truly like that of the Nine Heavens Maiden.

"Tianhe True Inheritor?" The Commandery Prince of Heng suddenly realized, "So that's who it is. No wonder someone could cultivate the Tianyi True Water lineage. It turns out to be the true disciple of Tianhe Zhenren from Longzuo. No wonder. I heard years ago that Tianhe Zhenren took in a great prodigy as a true disciple, but she was still young and hadn't entered the world yet."

To some keen observers, though Wang Liyao hadn't entered the world, the name of Tianhe's true inheritor was already known.

Especially for someone of the Commandery Prince of Heng's status, though he hadn't seen Wang Liyao, he had heard of her.

However, as a royal scion and a great prodigy himself, the Commandery Prince of Heng had once studied at the Holy Land with other great prodigies like Yunyang and Langya, making a name for himself. Though Langya had already become a Divine Ability Master, he and Yunyang were still honing their skills at the ninth level of the Purple Mansion Realm, preparing for the final step.

For someone like him, even if he had heard of it, he wouldn't be as surprised as ordinary people. If not for this chance encounter, he might have forgotten.

"Your Highness... this great prodigy said her name is 'Wang Liyao'." The steward reminded softly, "This name sounds quite similar to Miss Li Ci."

The steward, managing the White Cloud Tower for the Commandery Prince, was not only highly cultivated but also adept at reading people and situations.

He knew the Commandery Prince was fond of Miss Li Ci, a younger relative.

"Ah, indeed." The Commandery Prince of Heng glanced at the banner and then at Wang Liyao, somewhat puzzled, "Could they be from the same family?"

"But that can't be. I remember Yunyang saying that Li Ci came from a small eighth-grade family. Since when did our Great Qian have such powerful eighth-grade families? Two top-tier geniuses from the same generation?"

Though Wang Liyao hadn't yet demonstrated her strength, being the true inheritor of Tianhe Zhenren, she must have some skills to dare challenge the capital.

Great prodigies have a high probability of becoming Divine Ability Masters. If she lost too badly, it would be a huge embarrassment, possibly mocked by her peers for a thousand years.

Besides the Commandery Prince of Heng, many other high-status individuals were present. Seeing the banner Wang Liyao hung, they were excited and couldn't help but discuss.

The Big Eater contest had already been worth the ticket.

Now, a rare great prodigy trial was even more exciting. Everyone was eager.

Just then.

The Shangguan Clan's Celestial Realm guard finally reacted, rushing to support Shangguan Yunhong: "Young Master Yunhong, are you alright?"

He was truly anxious. As a family elite guard, failing to protect the young master was a grave offense.

"I, I'm still... ugh~~"

Shangguan Yunhong stood up shakily but hadn't steadied himself before his face turned pale, and he bent over.

The Big Eater contest had already pushed him to the limit, making him vomit once. His stomach hadn't settled when Wang Liyao kicked him in the belly again. Now, he felt his stomach churning like waves, and he couldn't hold back, vomiting painfully again.

Seeing this, the Celestial Realm guard was furious, glaring at Wang Liyao: "Where did this country girl come from? So young yet so arrogant, daring to cause trouble in Guilong City and sneak attack our Young Master Yunhong?"

Before he finished speaking, he leaped like a giant bird, striking at Wang Liyao from a distance.

"I'll capture you first and let our clan head deal with you."

This guard was not weak, appearing to be only a hundred years old but already at the second level of the Celestial Realm. In a local area, he would be an ancestor of a family.

But in the talent-rich capital, he was not as outstanding.

As he struck, a dull sound of breaking air echoed. The profound energy of the Celestial Realm condensed into a massive earth-yellow hand, slamming towards Wang Liyao.

Like a mountain collapsing, the momentum was astonishing.

But Wang Liyao stood with her hands behind her back, not even blinking.

At this moment.

"Zheng!"

The sound of a sword rang out.

A figure in a purple dress flashed onto the stage like lightning. She held a sword in her right hand, the sword moving like a dragon, slicing through the earth-yellow hand.

The hand split in two, flying to the sides and crashing into the stage, creating two pits.

Even the high-quality cloud stone of the stage couldn't withstand the Celestial Realm's palm strike.

Meanwhile.

The woman's wrist flicked, the sword's power increasing, slashing towards the Celestial Realm guard.

"Boom, boom, boom!"

Several explosions echoed.

The domineering sword energy condensed to the extreme, forming a hazy yellow sword intent, powerful and sharp, with a terrifying force like splitting mountains and rivers.

This was the signature sword technique of Xuan Yao Ascetic's lineage at the Purple Mansion Academy of Longzuo. Once mastered, it could split mountains and rivers, extremely domineering.

Though this woman's sword intent was only at a minor level, it was still formidable, hard for even a fifth-grade beast to withstand.

The Celestial Realm guard's pupils shrank, quickly drawing his treasured blade to block.

"Clang!"

The sound of metal clashing echoed, energy waves scattering in all directions.

The Celestial Realm guard spat blood, flying off the stage like a broken kite. Fortunately, other Lingtai Realm guards reacted quickly, catching him, or he would have been more severely injured.

As the dust settled, the crowd reacted, exclaiming.

Standing two feet in front of Liyao was the purple-dressed woman, the great prodigy Wang Liyao's follower—Mo Ruoqiu, the academy prodigy.

She held her sword, looking down at the crowd with a clear and calm voice: "My lady said, 'First challenge the capital's prodigies,' anyone under a hundred and fifty years old is welcome. Those unworthy don't deserve my lady's attention. To fight, you must first pass me, Mo Ruoqiu."

"Ugh!"

The Celestial Realm guard was furious, spitting blood again.

As a Celestial Realm, he had some status even in the talented fourth-grade Shangguan Clan. How could he be considered unworthy?

If not for being caught off guard and unable to dodge, he wouldn't have been so embarrassed.

Indeed, Celestial Realm prodigies, with their spiritual bodies, were stronger than ordinary Celestial Realm, but not to the point of losing in one move.

"I'll fight you." The Celestial Realm guard was about to attack when Shangguan Yunhong stopped him, "Uncle Zhong, that girl is a prodigy, you're not her match. Let me teach them a lesson."

After vomiting twice, Shangguan Yunhong finally overcame the nausea.

He walked onto the stage, glaring at Wang Liyao and her follower, sneering: "First challenge the capital's prodigies, then sweep the Holy Land's nine veins. Such arrogance! You must be a great prodigy."

"Great prodigies are formidable, but you're only sixty-nine years old, at most at the third level of the Celestial Realm. I, Shangguan Yunhong, a C-level devouring bloodline prodigy, am ninety years old and also at the third level of the Celestial Realm."

"Let's see the difference between us."

As he spoke, Shangguan Yunhong's aura changed.

A fierce aura of a wild beast enveloped him.

His muscles and bones began to wriggle, blood flowing rapidly. His already strong body swelled like a balloon.

In a few breaths, he no longer looked human, his limbs thick as an elephant's legs, his skin covered in a thick, armor-like layer.

"Clang, clang!"

His eyes cold and terrifying, he walked towards Wang Liyao. Each step made the stage rumble and tremble.

His wild beast-like aura spread across the stage, making him seem more like a terrifying beast from the outer regions than a Celestial Realm cultivator.

Seeing this, the crowd was amazed.

"The Shangguan Clan's [Dragon Elephant Infinite Art] is indeed powerful. It's said to be the top horizontal refining battle body technique, though not the best, its battle body is extremely domineering. Today, it lives up to its name."

"That's not all. The [Dragon Elephant Infinite Art] is highly compatible with Young Master Yunhong's devouring bloodline, greatly enhancing its power. In the same realm, a great prodigy with a spiritual body might not gain an advantage over Young Master Yunhong's infinite battle body. The [Dragon Elephant Infinite Art] greatly enhances both strength and defense."

"Alas, this fairy Liyao is impressive but too young. At sixty-nine, challenging the capital is too soon. At ninety, she might dominate her peers."

Many began to pity Wang Liyao.

Amidst the discussions.

Mo Ruoqiu's face changed, about to step forward when Wang Liyao stopped her: "Ruoqiu, this Dragon Elephant Infinite Battle Body is extraordinary. Shangguan Yunhong is qualified to challenge me. Step back."

"Yes, my lady."

Though reluctant, Mo Ruoqiu stepped off the stage.

Despite the support from her family and the Wang's Clan, her cultivation speed was fast, but she had just reached the Celestial Realm, still far from Shangguan Yunhong.

Fighting would only embarrass her.

With Mo Ruoqiu stepping back, Shangguan Yunhong grew more confident, sneering: "Great prodigy Wang Liyao, show me how you challenge the capital's prodigies."

As he spoke.

Shangguan Yunhong stomped on the stage, his speed increasing, charging at Wang Liyao.

If he was a slow-moving siege beast before, now he was a rampaging elephant, each step leaving a dent in the stage, cracks spreading around.

The only option for the petite Wang Liyao was to dodge.

But how much space was there to dodge on the stage built for the Big Eater contest and performances?

"This stage is unfair to the fairy."

Many who admired Wang Liyao's celestial presence began to worry.

Unexpectedly.

Facing the charging Shangguan Yunhong, Wang Liyao stood still, not dodging.

Until the last moment.

She raised her delicate arm, her slender fingers spreading, pressing forward lightly, like brushing dew off a flower.

Yet, this press was anything but ordinary.

"Boom!"

An explosive wave swept in all directions, lifting Wang Liyao's hair and skirt, making her look stunning.

However, Shangguan Yunhong's charge stopped as if he was hit by a pressure point, frozen in place.

The next moment.

"Boom!"

Shangguan Yunhong's thick legs sank three feet into the stage, suddenly shorter in front of Liyao.

The high-quality cloud stone under his feet turned to powder, exploding in a ring around him.

Dust filled the White Cloud Tower, affecting everyone's vision.

"What, what is happening?"

"How is this possible! Even a great prodigy shouldn't stop Young Master Yunhong's charge so easily!"

"Is she really a fairy descended from the heavens? How else could she be so powerful?"

The crowd was stunned.

Such a refined use of profound techniques was beyond ordinary spectators. Even the powerful onlookers were puzzled, their faces uncertain.

For a Purple Mansion Realm expert, blocking Shangguan Yunhong's move wasn't hard.

But to do it as effortlessly as Wang Liyao, with a light touch, was challenging. It required not just cultivation but deep understanding of laws and precise control.

"Wonderful, wonderful." The Commandery Prince of Heng understood immediately, clapping in praise, "Primordial Water True Intent, this is true Primordial Water True Intent. Primordial Water can be both hard and soft. Only by mastering both can one redirect Shangguan Yunhong's powerful charge into his feet."

An expert's touch reveals their skill.

As a great prodigy at the ninth level of the Purple Mansion Realm, the Commandery Prince of Heng's insight was unmatched.

His eyes were full of admiration.

He had seen many great prodigies, but few as young as Wang Liyao, with such deep understanding and skillful use of her Primordial Water Dao Body.

Many Purple Mansion Realm prodigies, though awakened to their Dao Body, couldn't use it as flexibly as Wang Liyao.

Before anyone could react.

Wang Liyao lifted her hand, pulling the heavy Shangguan Yunhong from the stage, throwing him off casually.

"Boom!"

Shangguan Yunhong lay on the ground for a while before standing up, still in disbelief that he had lost so quickly.

"You, you cheated, I don't accept this!" Shangguan Yunhong was furious, his strength hadn't been fully displayed, and he wasn't injured.

"Enough."

A steady male voice echoed from the top floor, like a divine sound, in everyone's ears.

It was the Commandery Prince of Heng.

The crowd looked up in awe.

The Commandery Prince's voice was calm: "Shangguan Yunhong, a loss is a loss, don't disgrace the capital's prodigies. Even with a hundred chances, you can't beat Wang Liyao."

The Commandery Prince had once been the top young expert in the capital and wouldn't let his title be tarnished.

Meanwhile, a hint of doubt and seriousness crossed his mind.

He remembered Gongyang Ce's sweeping of the capital's prodigies over a century ago. It had a clear purpose.

Now, during the crucial Imperial Heir Struggle, Wang Liyao has entered the world and is challenging the capital, mirroring Gongyang Ce's actions from back then.

Could it be...

The Commandery Prince of Heng's eyes showed a deep and meaningful glint.

This is going to be interesting.

……

Meanwhile, in another part of the White Cloud Tower.

Wang Shouzhe, who had been quietly observing the events unfold, couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and concern for his daughter, Wang Liyao. Her growth and prowess were beyond his expectations, but the path she had chosen was fraught with dangers and challenges.

"Shouzhe, your daughter is truly remarkable," commented Yunyang, who stood beside him. "To think she could handle Shangguan Yunhong so effortlessly. It seems the Wang's Clan is destined for greatness."

Wang Shouzhe smiled faintly, his eyes filled with a mix of pride and worry. "Liyao has always been determined. But the road ahead is long and perilous. I just hope she can navigate it safely."

Yunyang nodded, understanding the weight of Wang Shouzhe's words. "Indeed. The capital is a place where geniuses gather, and the competition is fierce. But with her talent and your guidance, I'm sure she will carve out a name for herself."

As they spoke, the atmosphere in the White Cloud Tower grew more charged. The appearance of a great prodigy like Wang Liyao had stirred the interest of many influential figures, and whispers of her potential spread like wildfire.

In the midst of the crowd, Mo Ruoqiu stood by Wang Liyao's side, her eyes filled with admiration and determination. "Miss, you were incredible," she said softly. "But we must remain vigilant. The capital is full of hidden dangers."

Wang Liyao nodded, her expression calm and resolute. "I understand, Ruoqiu. But we must press forward. The Wang's Clan has a destiny to fulfill, and I will not shy away from the challenges ahead."

As the dust settled and the excitement began to die down, the Commandery Prince of Heng stepped forward, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.

"Today, we have witnessed the emergence of a new star," he announced, his voice resonating through the hall. "Wang Liyao, the true inheritor of Tianhe Zhenren, has shown us the power and potential of the Wang's Clan. Let this be a reminder to all that the future is bright, and the path to greatness is open to those who dare to walk it."

The crowd erupted in applause, their admiration for Wang Liyao evident. But amidst the cheers and praises, Wang Shouzhe's heart remained heavy. He knew that this was just the beginning, and the true test of his daughter's strength and resolve was yet to come.

As the night wore on, the White Cloud Tower buzzed with excitement and speculation. The name Wang Liyao was on everyone's lips, and the impact of her appearance would be felt for years to come.

But for Wang Shouzhe, the journey was far from over. He knew that the road ahead was filled with challenges, and he would need to be there for his daughter every step of the way.

As he looked out over the bustling city of Guilong, Wang Shouzhe made a silent vow. No matter what the future held, he would protect his family and ensure that the Wang's Clan would rise to its rightful place among the great families of the Great Qian.

And with that resolve, he turned his gaze back to the White Cloud Tower, where his daughter stood tall and proud, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

……

In the depths of the White Cloud Tower, a shadowy figure watched the events unfold with keen interest. The emergence of Wang Liyao had not gone unnoticed, and plans were already being set in motion.

"The Wang's Clan... interesting," the figure murmured to himself. "It seems the game has just begun."

As the figure melted back into the shadows, the stage was set for a new chapter in the saga of the Wang's Clan. The trials and tribulations that lay ahead would test their strength, resolve, and unity.

But one thing was certain: the Wang's Clan was destined for greatness, and nothing would stand in their way.

The journey had only just begun.