Protect Our Patriarch

As the father and daughter conversed, the Purple Lightning Sword, trailing a long purple streak of electric light, whistled through the air and slammed into the Qiankun Ring with a thunderous crash.

A deafening boom erupted.

Intense energy fluctuations accompanied by blinding electric sparks exploded like fireworks, bursting forth in an instant.

Under the terrifying force of the impact, the Qiankun Ring was sent flying by the sword's strike.

Connected in spirit to the ring, Elder Shang felt a jolt through his body as a backlash of energy surged through his soul.

In an instant, his aged face turned pale, his body shook violently, and he nearly fell from the sky.

"Wang Long Yan?"

This name sounded eerily familiar. Amidst his shock, Elder Shang's mind flickered with suspicion.

But there was no time for further thought, as the purple sword light, after sending the Qiankun Ring flying, circled in the air and ferociously charged towards him again.

All the while, he continuously summoned the Yuanshui Treasure Blade to counter the attack.

To his utter astonishment, the woman named Wang Long Yan was incredibly fierce. Each move she made was imbued with immense power, and her fury was palpable, as if each strike sought to claim his life!

Unable to fully defend himself, Elder Shang was completely suppressed, fleeing and fighting in utter disarray.

Wang Shouzhe merely glanced at the battle before tenderly stroking his precious daughter Wang Liyao's head, saying with a mix of heartache and gentleness, "Alright, alright, if my Liyao says she won't join, then we won't. Let's not talk about this for now. That old man bullied you so, let Daddy take care of it first."

As Wang Shouzhe's words fell, a blood-red vine shot out from his sleeve, transforming into a faint blood-red afterimage as it lunged towards Elder Shang.

The vine grew rapidly in the wind, and in the blink of an eye, it became a "python" covered in blood-sucking barbs. A terrifying aura of blood spread, as if a ferocious beast lay in wait for its prey.

Compared to years ago at the Blood Nest base, its size and aura had changed beyond recognition. Although it had not yet transformed into a fifth-order being, it seemed to be on the verge of doing so.

This Bloodthirsty Vine had been with Wang Shouzhe for a long time, having devoured the flesh and blood of even Celestial Realm cultivators.

Although it had lain dormant for years without battle, how could Wang Shouzhe neglect it?

He had always fed it a variety of fierce beasts, and his plant-growth techniques also greatly benefited it, so its growth was within reason.

The Bloodthirsty Vine dashed like a fleeting shadow, quickly catching up to Elder Shang.

Taking advantage of Elder Shang being completely suppressed by Ancestor Long Yan, it seized the opportunity to entangle his legs, its blood barbs piercing into his veins and injecting a potent paralytic toxin.

This was the Bloodthirsty Vine's combat routine: first paralyze the prey with toxins to eliminate resistance, then savor the prey's essence blood.

"Ah!"

Elder Shang let out a shrill scream as his robust Yuanshui Mystique erupted, yet he failed to shake off the Bloodthirsty Vine.

Its blood barbs, embedded in his body, were tough and sharp, causing more pain the more the prey struggled.

The pits and hollows on the vine's surface were akin to the suction cups of an octopus, gripping the prey tightly to prevent escape once entwined.

In essence, the Bloodthirsty Vine was a vicious plant born for slaughter, even possessing many animalistic traits.

Of course, as formidable as the Bloodthirsty Vine was, it had its weaknesses, such as a difficulty in combating puppet-type combat units. To pit it against the guardian puppet "Wang Shouwei" was simply masochistic.

Additionally, it had a particular aversion to fire, performing poorly against fire-based cultivators.

But setting aside these disadvantages, the Bloodthirsty Vine was indeed ferocious. Coupled with Ancestor Long Yan's relentless assault, it quickly bound Elder Shang into a cocoon.

After a large dose of paralytic toxin, even the robust physique of a Celestial Realm cultivator began to weaken, soon losing the strength to resist.

All of this transpired in a mere moment.

Several Celestial Realm elders from the Yuanshui lineage, who had been watching the spectacle, hadn't even had time to consider whether to intervene when the battle was already over. Had Wang Shouzhe not commanded the Bloodthirsty Vine through his divine sense to refrain from devouring the target's essence blood, it might have already started feasting.

"Wang Long Yan?" An elder finally reacted, his expression growing grave as he said, "I've heard of her, she was once a core disciple of the Xuanbing Hall, but somehow she became an outcast disciple."

"Indeed from the Xuanbing Hall." Another elder's face showed embarrassment, "Although Elder Shang's actions were not exactly honorable, can we really allow a person from the Xuanbing Hall to run rampant in our Yuanshui Tian Lake?"

The younger disciples, however, were relieved that Wang Liyao had escaped her predicament.

Especially the Yuanshui Spirit Turtle Ninth Miss, who calmed down, curiously eyeing her master's "clansmen."

That female clansman was so fierce and formidable, and who was that male clansman? He dared to hold my Ninth Miss's dear master.

As a Yuanshui Spirit Turtle hatched from an egg, Ninth Miss had some concept of a mother, but a father... what was that?

At that moment.

Ancestor Long Yan was already hovering in the air not far from Elder Shang, with the Purple Lightning Sword floating spiritedly by her side, ready to strike at any moment.

Her veiled eyes were filled with a chilling intent, "Surname Shang, you dared to bully a junior of my clan. Today, if you don't pay a price, the hatred in my heart won't be quenched. You'll lie in bed for years to come and reflect on your actions."

With those words, the Purple Lightning Sword's radiance surged, and streaks of purple electricity coursed through the air, turning the entire sky a shade of blue-purple.

Elder Shang's expression turned to one of horror.

The other elders of the Yuanshui lineage also changed their expressions.

Suddenly!

In the high sky, an overwhelming aura of Yuanshui spread out, enveloping the heavens like a haze, as an authoritative voice thundered, "Xuanbing Hall junior, cease your actions immediately."

A pressure formed from the aura charged towards Wang Long Yan as if tangible.

However, just as the pressure began to take shape, another equally domineering and sharp aura came forth, scattering it.

Amidst the rumbling sounds.

The mysterious and profound aura of Xuanbing rose up, confronting the Yuanshui aura head-on.

At the same time, a cold and angry voice sounded, "Yuanshui, we respect you as the Acting Dean, but that's only out of regard for the old dean. You dare to lay a hand on my disciple?"

The indirect confrontation and standoff between the two seniors terrified many below, with many showing panic, unsure of what to do.

The appearance of the seniors meant that they had truly realized something was amiss. After lifting the isolation formation of the main hall, they found that Tian Lake Island had descended into chaos.

Yuanshui senior had not yet understood the cause and effect and naturally assumed it was a disciple from the Xuanbing Hall causing trouble.

But Ice Lan senior recognized her beloved disciple Wang Long Yan immediately and would not allow Yuanshui senior a chance to harm her.

As a master, she knew Long Yan's temperament best. She knew that although Long Yan had a bad temper, she was not one to cause trouble without reason. This matter,

"Yuanshui junior brother, Ice Lan junior sister, both of you calm down for a moment and let's clarify the situation first."

At this time, a voice of a kind old man sounded.

Simultaneously, a vibrant and unceasing aura of Yimu rose in the sky, forming a thick barrier separating the two.

The owner of this aura was naturally the oldest among the seniors, Changchun senior.

He recognized Wang Long Yan and Wang Shouzhe immediately and naturally wouldn't just stand by.

After stopping Yuanshui senior and Ice Lan senior, he turned to the shore, "Shouzhe, could you first release the elder from the Yuanshui lineage? If there is indeed a misunderstanding, your master will surely stand up for you."

Changchun senior also had some understanding of Wang Shouzhe's temperament. The external disciple he had taken in was not one to cause trouble without reason. Given that Shouzhe had taken action today, there must be a reason.

"Today, Shouzhe's actions here are most likely justified."

"Yes, Master." Wang Shouzhe had always been respectful, returning a foot of respect for an inch of kindness. Changchun senior had always helped him, so he would not refute his face.

Immediately, with a wave of his hand, the Bloodthirsty Vine reluctantly but obediently released Elder Shang from its grasp.

"Shouzhe? You are Wang Shouzhe..." Yuanshui senior's expression paused. Although he had never met Wang Shouzhe in person, they had exchanged many letters, all revolving around the discussion of his daughter Wang Liyao's prearranged apprenticeship.

"Shouzhe has seen Yuanshui senior." Wang Shouzhe bowed respectfully to Yuanshui, after all, that was a senior, and the necessary etiquette had to be observed.

Yuanshui senior's expression softened, speaking kindly, "I've exchanged many letters with Shouzhe in the past, but we've never actually met."

Pre-accepting a prodigy as a disciple was a matter of great importance to Yuanshui senior.

In the three hundred years he had been in charge of the Yuanshui lineage, he had only had two prodigy-level disciples, one of whom had died young.

Therefore, Yuanshui senior took this matter very seriously, often communicating with Wang Shouzhe and his wife about Wang Liyao's cultivation issues through letters. Originally, he was very much looking forward to Wang Liyao's visit... and even released news early that he would take on an additional personal disciple!

Wait, Yuanshui senior's thoughts turned, and he suddenly had an ominous premonition. If this was Wang Shouzhe, then the girl beside him with the aggrieved expression and pouting lips, couldn't be...

His heart suddenly trembled, and a sense of foreboding emerged, "Shouzhe, your daughter..."

"Liyao, won't you greet the senior?" Wang Shouzhe urged.

Despite feeling wronged, Wang Liyao still performed the proper courtesies and greeted, "Liyao has seen the senior."

Seeing this, Yuanshui senior's heart sank further, as the child's mood was so poor. Could it be that earlier...

He immediately turned stern, questioning Elder Shang sharply, "Jiping, what exactly happened?"

Elder Shang, a mid-stage Celestial Realm cultivator, recovered some spirit after being released by the Bloodthirsty Vine. He hurriedly bowed and said, "Reporting to Master, the situation is as follows."

He quickly recounted the events, but it was clear that he had omitted some of the preconditions and even packaged his intentions, making it seem as if he had been selflessly dedicated to the academy.

The more Yuanshui senior listened, the grimmer his face became. So, in just that short while, such a significant incident had occurred. No wonder Liyao looked so aggrieved.

Wait! Liyao's performance was so powerful, according to Jiping's words, could she already be a great prodigy? For a moment, Yuanshui senior's heart was torn between joy and worry.

The joy was that his prodigy disciple had become a great prodigy disciple, but the worry was that the disciple had been so offended before even being formally accepted.

No, this matter must be handled properly.

He immediately scolded, "Jiping, even if you had doubts about the child's technique origins, you should not have been so ruthless. Couldn't you have asked nicely?"

"Master, I was wrong." Jiping bowed his head in submission.

Then, Yuanshui senior turned to Wang Liyao with a kind expression, "Liyao, this was all a misunderstanding. Elder Shang here, your Master will definitely reprimand him severely. Tell me, how do you want him to compensate you? Your Master will decide for you."

Unexpectedly.

Wang Liyao pouted and turned her head away, not wanting to speak or explain anything to Yuanshui senior.

Yuanshui senior thought she was being childish. He, a senior, had apologized, and she was still being stubborn? A trace of displeasure crossed his heart. Still, he was prepared to persuade her further, as this was a great prodigy disciple, a super disciple he would never encounter in his lifetime.

Suddenly!

Lu Xianghui burst out from the crowd, kneeling before Yuanshui senior with fear in his heart but still spoke loudly, "Reporting to senior, the situation is not as Elder Shang described. Here's what happened..."

Then he recounted the events exactly as they had occurred, neither favoring Wang Liyao nor Elder Shang and Shang Lexian.

"Junior sister, no, Miss Liyao only acted to protect her fellow disciple from being bullied. Please discern the truth, senior." Lu Xianghui repeatedly kowtowed, "If senior does not believe me, there are many disciples present who can testify."

The expressions of Wang Shouzhe and Wang Long Yan also turned increasingly grim. That Elder Shang had truly gone too far! To protect his own clan, he relentlessly oppressed and pressured Liyao. Had it not been for Liyao's abilities, wouldn't she have succumbed before they arrived, ending in a bloodied mess?

Yuanshui senior's expression also grew increasingly ugly. If what the ordinary disciple said was true, wouldn't his Yuanshui lineage have become the great villain? Offending his future great prodigy treasure disciple!

He was about to speak when.

Wang Shouzhe beat him to it, bowing and saying, "Reporting to senior, in my opinion, let's just let this matter go. There's no need to investigate who's right or wrong anymore."

Yuanshui senior's expression eased slightly, "Thank you, Shouzhe, for your magnanimity. But rest assured. This matter, I will definitely give Liyao an explanation."

"No, what I mean is, the agreement for my daughter to take senior as her master, let's call it off." Wang Shouzhe bowed, "Previously, my daughter came to the Yuanshui lineage in advance, only to encounter such a vile incident, likely leaving her with psychological trauma. She has also stated that she no longer wishes to join the Yuanshui lineage. Therefore, whether this matter is pursued or not is meaningless."

"This..." Yuanshui senior suddenly became anxious, "Shouzhe nephew, how can a prearranged matter be changed so easily? Moreover, Liyao has already learned the techniques of our Yuanshui lineage! Let's discuss this matter further."

"Senior!"

Wang Shouzhe's expression was respectful, but his tone became firm, "Although there was an agreement, the atmosphere of the Yuanshui lineage is concerning. As the saying goes, one can judge the whole by a part. Similar incidents of oppressing disciples are not the first. Such a learning environment, how can I, as a father, push my child into a 'pit of fire'?"

A pit of fire?

Yuanshui senior nearly choked on his breath. He had lived for over six hundred years and could clearly hear the true meaning behind Wang Shouzhe's words. He said he didn't mind, but in fact, he minded a lot.

His underlying message was clear: if the outcome did not satisfy them...

No matter what, Elder Shang was also his former core disciple, who had shouldered many burdens for the Yuanshui lineage. For a moment, he found it hard to be ruthless.

Just as Yuanshui senior hesitated, Wang Shouzhe shook his head and sighed, "A little test, and it's clear that senior is a kind-hearted and soft-hearted person. The current atmosphere of the Yuanshui lineage is probably due to senior's good-natured, hands-off approach."

"Yuanshui senior, please forgive my bluntness. Although I am of low status, I am also the head of a clan, and I know that without rules, there is no square. The current atmosphere of the Yuanshui lineage is inseparable from senior's more gentle and laissez-faire character."

"My Liyao is probably really not suitable for your lineage's style." By this point, Wang Shouzhe was certain that the Yuanshui lineage was indeed not suitable for Liyao, nor did it match her personality, and he directly refused, "As for Liyao learning the techniques of the Yuanshui lineage, there's no way to make her forget. How about this, I'll take Liyao to visit the Lingyun Holy Land. After all, the Zifu Academy is a branch of the Holy Land's inheritance... It wouldn't be breaking the rules."

Yuanshui senior nearly choked, what? The great prodigy disciple he had been looking forward to for so many years was flying away? Even with his gentle and non-contentious nature, he now harbored a huge grudge against Elder Shang.

"Thank you, Daddy." Wang Liyao's eyes were moved, looking gratefully at her father. How lucky she was to have such a doting father. Even when she was willful and didn't want to enter the academy, he supported her unreservedly, unafraid of offending the senior.

"If you don't want to, Daddy naturally won't force you." Wang Shouzhe affectionately ruffled her head, "But we need to hurry and go to the Great Qian capital with Daddy, then to the Lingyun Holy Land to register. Daddy believes that with your talent, the Lingyun Holy Land will definitely accept you!"

Accept, of course, the Lingyun Holy Land would!

Yuanshui senior's heart was shattered. A great prodigy disciple had just flown away... He really wanted to strangle that boy Shang Jiping!

"Shouzhe, why go to the Lingyun Holy Land? It's unfamiliar territory there, aren't you afraid of scaring the child?" Ice Lan senior of the Xuanbing Hall said, "Why not let Liyao join my Xuanbing Hall lineage? I, Ice Lan, guarantee she will be well taken care of."

Shouzhe?

Wang Shouzhe was startled, hearing Ice Lan senior address him so "intimately and kindly" for the first time. Clearly, Ice Lan senior had also noticed Liyao's great prodigy bloodline talent and was seizing the opportunity to vie for her.

"I actually think that the Changchun lineage is quite suitable." Changchun senior also expressed his interest, "Our Changchun Valley may not have much else, but we do have wealth and elixirs that can help Liyao grow rapidly. As for the techniques, it's fine for her to continue practicing the Xuan Shui True Scripture; I can just create a cultivation formation for her."

Faced with a great prodigy disciple, even Changchun senior, an old man, couldn't resist the temptation.

"Changchun, you should give up on Liyao; she's too unsuitable for your Changchun Valley." Madame Huandie laughed charmingly, "Why not join my Wandie Valley? There are many sisters there to play with you."

Following that, even Xuan Yao senior attempted to woo her, knowing the chances were slim, but he had to try, right?

What if the great prodigy Miss happened to like swordsmanship? His founding sword intent was indeed unique...

As one senior after another jumped out, competing to woo and please Wang Liyao.

Yuanshui senior's face grew more and more embarrassed and grim, as his internally appointed disciple not only turned from a prodigy into a great prodigy but also slipped through his fingers...

He really wanted to strangle Shang Lexian and Shang Jiping. If he had another chance, he would have taken a firm stand on Liyao's side earlier and dealt with the related parties seriously!

A great prodigy disciple, ah, there's only one in the entire Zifu Academy...

Suddenly!

At that moment.

From the calm waters of Yuanshui Tian Lake, a surge of waves burst forth, and a turtle as majestic as a mountain slowly emerged.

"The Zifu Old Turtle?"

The seniors' expressions changed immediately, becoming extremely solemn and respectful.

On the back of the mountain-like seventh-order Yuanshui Spirit Turtle stood a thin, small figure. Even without emitting any aura, one could feel an awe-inspiring presence, like looking up at a towering peak.

"My Yuanshui lineage's great prodigy, no one else should even think about taking her away." The elder's voice reached them before he appeared.

"Dean!" The seniors quickly bowed respectfully.

"Master." Yuanshui senior was overjoyed, as the matter that had alarmed his master, who had been in seclusion, was settled!

Hahaha, Liyao is still my Yuanshui senior's disciple.

Liyao, rest assured, your master will teach you well and help you make a name for yourself in history.

"The entire scene earlier, this dean has seen from beginning to end," the dean's voice rang out clearly in the air, "Yuanshui, you have truly made a grave mistake." Instead, my disciple Liyao has done nothing wrong and has stood up for justice, refusing to compromise with evil forces, which makes me very proud."

"Master is right... Wait a minute!" Yuanshui senior had just agreed with half a sentence, but suddenly something felt wrong. What did master say? My disciple Liyao? Did master misspeak?

"Master, Liyao is my disciple." Yuanshui senior protested softly.

"No, Liyao is my disciple." The dean's voice was very serious and somewhat stern, "Yuanshui, don't mess up the seniority any longer, from now on you should call her Liyao junior sister!"

"Liyao junior sister?" Yuanshui senior staggered, nearly falling from the sky, his mind filled with a roaring noise. Could fate be so full of ups and downs? His proper disciple Liyao had unexpectedly become Liyao junior sister?

Shang Lexian, Shang Jiping! I, the senior, will not let you off!