Protect Our Patriarch

……

However, no matter how difficult it is, what must be faced still needs to be faced.

Wang Zong'an quickly composed himself and said loudly, "Your Highness, Commandery Prince, Zong'an is here. Please come over." His voice, though not loud, was clear and steady, accurately reaching the two flying carriages.

The sound was calm and clear in the ears of those in the flying carriages.

"So this is the young clan leader, Zong'an?" In one of the dragon eagle flying carriages, Wu Mingyuan sat with an air of grandeur. Upon hearing the voice, he showed a slight expression of appreciation. "His profound strength and calm demeanor suggest that this young clan leader is not simple." As one of the Quasi-Imperial Heirs, he had to maintain a certain level of composure when traveling. He couldn't be as impatient as the Prince of Longzuo.

Tianyan Fairy, one of the leaders of Tianque, often sent him information about the Wang's Clan. Although the young clan leader Zong'an had been mentioned several times, it was not in great detail.

Now it seemed that Tianyan Fairy had been somewhat shortsighted.

"Wu Mingyuan," Gongye Qingrui's almond-shaped eyes widened in anger. "Yiluo's disappearance is such a big matter, and yet you remain so calm and even have the leisure to appraise others. If anything happens to our daughter, I will fight you to the death!"

"Calm down, calm down," Wu Mingyuan comforted. "Both Longzuo Commandery City and Qingluo Garrison are places with clear governance. Yiluo is a smart child; nothing will happen to her."

Two flying carriages pulled by dragon eagles descended from the sky. One of them was the familiar flying carriage of the Commandery Prince of Longzuo. The other, though seemingly low-key in appearance, had markings that revealed its royal prestige.

Wang Zong'an carefully noticed a mark in the corner, indicating that it belonged to one of the Quasi-Imperial Heirs that the Wang's Clan had been paying attention to recently—the household of Commandery Prince An. Especially when Wang Zong'an observed the pale-faced little girl, Wu Yiluo, hiding at the back, he immediately understood.

Without waiting for the distinguished guests to disembark, he stepped forward according to etiquette and gracefully saluted, "Zong'an of Changning Wang's Clan, welcomes Your Highness, Commandery Prince of Longzuo."

As for recognizing the carriage of Commandery Prince An earlier, he had to feign ignorance to avoid revealing that the Wang's Clan had been paying attention to him. City Guard Zhao Dongyi followed half a step behind Wang Zong'an, also bowing in salute.

The people in the flying carriages disembarked.

Commandery Prince Wu Dianshan of Longzuo deliberately lagged behind Commandery Prince An, Wu Mingyuan, and patiently introduced Wang Zong'an, "Zong'an, no need for excessive courtesy. Let me introduce you. This is Commandery Prince An, Wu Mingyuan, and this is Princess Consort Gongye Qingrui." Despite his inner anxiety, he had to proceed step by step.

"Zong'an greets Commandery Prince An and Princess Consort," Wang Zong'an saluted with neither arrogance nor servility. "The fame of Commandery Prince An is well-known to me."

Commandery Prince An stepped forward and gestured for him to rise, "Young clan leader Zong'an, no need for such formalities. I am merely a leisurely commandery prince, unworthy of such praise."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries.

The somewhat impatient Gongye Qingrui said, "Young clan leader Zong'an, our youngest daughter Yiluo tricked the guards and ran away to Qingluo Garrison to play. Please help us seal off Qingluo Garrison and find her."

Even though she was a princess consort, and even Commandery Prince An himself, without the emperor's authorization, had no right to directly command local officials or families.

To get things done, they had to rely on the face of the commandery prince. Moreover, although Changning Wang's Clan was only a sixth-grade family, it was not an ordinary sixth-grade family without any foundation.

Generally, local officials and families, as long as there were no major conflicts of interest, would give face to the commandery prince.

"Zong'an, Commandery Prince An is not an ordinary commandery prince," Wu Dianshan reminded from the side. "You must do your utmost to ensure the safety of the little princess."

Wang Zong'an glanced back and saw Wang Anye and Wu Yiluo already hiding in opposite corners, glaring at each other from a distance with a look of mutual disdain.

His eyelid twitched, and he coughed, "Wang Anye, come here."

Wang Anye walked over with his head down, looking listless. He had always found life dull and boring, but now he finally felt a thrill in life.

"Oh, isn't this the famous Seventh Young Master of Changning Wang's Clan, Wang Anye? Why are you so listless today when you're usually so energetic?" Commandery Prince Wu Dianshan scanned Wang Anye up and down, his tone mocking, as if he had some past grudge with the young master.

"Anye greets Your Highness," Wang Anye saluted respectfully. "May I ask, Your Highness, how has your fishing been lately? Have you caught any Silver Moon Bream from Yutan Heavenly Lake?"

"You brat... stop bringing up sore subjects," Wu Dianshan huffed, "Fishing is about the mindset and the process, not the quantity or quality of the catch. Unlike some youngsters who don't understand the true essence of fishing and only rely on luck to show off. Enough, you wouldn't understand even if I explained it to you. Don't bring it up again."

"Alright, I'll change the topic. How is sister Qianrou's health lately? I heard she was sick a while ago, and I sent some spiritual medicine and food, but they were thrown out," Wang Anye blinked, showing concern. "I was planning to visit her, but the gatekeeper said that if I dared to step into the commandery prince's household, you'd break my legs..."

Wu Dianshan's face stiffened. This brat was too much, not just bringing up sore subjects but outright rubbing salt in the wound.

Qianrou's "illness" was caused by this brat, wasn't it?

But given their age and status difference, Wu Dianshan couldn't vent his anger on a ten-year-old. He turned to Wang Zong'an, "Young clan leader Zong'an, did you bring your grandson here just to annoy me?"

Wang Zong'an, though stifling his laughter, knew that the grudge between his grandson and the commandery prince was indeed perplexing. However, he had to maintain a serious demeanor, "Your Highness, let's discuss the main issue first."

The couple of Commandery Prince An, watching this scene, were slightly surprised. What had a dignified commandery prince gone through to hold a grudge against such a handsome young boy?

If they weren't anxious, they might have laughed at the situation. A commandery prince losing face like this was quite amusing.

"Yes, yes, the main issue," Gongye Qingrui said hastily. "Young clan leader Zong'an, what do you suggest we do next?"

"Princess Consort, no need to worry. The little princess is safe," Wang Zong'an turned and said loudly, "Little Princess Yiluo, your parents are here. Come out now."

Yiluo?

Here!

Commandery Prince An and his wife followed Wang Zong'an's gaze and indeed saw their precious daughter hiding in a corner.

"Wu Yiluo, get over here!" Gongye Qingrui, relieved, scolded angrily.

Wu Yiluo, like Wang Anye, walked out of the corner reluctantly, looking dejected. As she passed Wang Anye, she gave him a glare, as if blaming him for ruining her freedom.

"Wu Yiluo, explain yourself. What happened?" Gongye Qingrui grabbed Wu Yiluo, furious. "Tell me everything, or else..."

Wu Yiluo, trembling, rolled her eyes and decided to take a risk. She pouted, and tears instantly flowed as she threw herself into Gongye Qingrui's arms, "Mother, I'm so wronged. Wang Anye, that little rascal bullied me."

In this situation, diverting the blame was her only way out.

Then, the eyes of Commandery Prince An and his wife, as well as Commandery Prince Wu Dianshan, all focused on Wang Anye. A chilling atmosphere instantly enveloped the scene.

"Me?" Wang Anye's eyes widened. "When did I bully you?"

"You still want to deny it? You tricked me into the prison, used a sword move you comprehended in a stick of incense's time—Boundless Sea—to shred my clothes, and even hugged me, humiliating me."

Clothes... shredded? Hugged?

Commandery Prince An and his wife exchanged glances, as if struck by lightning. Did this mean their precious daughter was... was...

"You brat, how dare you..." Gongye Qingrui was so furious she almost fainted.

Commandery Prince An's face turned ashen. His precious daughter, whom he cherished dearly, had been...

Even Commandery Prince Wu Dianshan was shocked. Wang Anye, this kid, was something else. Half a year ago, he had almost made his great-great-granddaughter sick during a matchmaking event.

And now, he had provoked the little princess Yiluo? This kid was a troublemaker for commandery princes' daughters.

Wang Zong'an felt a headache coming on and quickly said, "Commandery Prince An, Princess Consort, please calm down. There must be more to this. Please give Anye a chance to explain."

Though he felt like scolding his grandson, he knew his character well enough to believe he wouldn't do something so disgraceful.

"That's true," Wu Dianshan also advised. "Changning Wang's Clan has strict family discipline. While Wang Anye can be infuriating at times, he wouldn't do something so disgraceful. Commandery Prince An, Princess Consort, give him a chance to explain."

"Of course," Commandery Prince An took a deep breath, regaining some composure, and held back his furious wife, Gongye Qingrui. "Our household believes in reason. We can't just listen to Yiluo's side. Even if we are to punish him, we need evidence and the law on our side." He knew that the current Changning Wang's Clan was not to be trifled with.

"Alright," Wang Anye remained calm, organizing his thoughts. "This matter started at the commandery city inn..."

He spoke clearly and methodically, recounting the entire incident. Wu Yiluo tried to interrupt several times, but Wang Anye's account was factual...

Moments later!

Everyone understood the whole story. Under Gongye Qingrui's low questioning, Wu Yiluo had to admit, "That's how it happened, but he still wronged me, hugged me, and shredded my clothes..."

Before she could finish, Gongye Qingrui covered her mouth. Such embarrassing details shouldn't be mentioned so casually.

"However, this kid..." Gongye Qingrui looked at Wang Anye, finding him quite pleasing. He was handsome, clean, and at such a young age, he could even make her little troublemaker suffer.

Hmm? Not bad at all.

"Ahem!" Commandery Prince Wu Dianshan, experienced and shrewd, coughed to remind them, "The little princess is tired. Let's all rest for a while and discuss this matter later."

"Young clan leader Zong'an, this matter is beyond your resolution. Quickly send someone to invite Master Wang Shouzhe to discuss how to resolve this."

"Thank you, Your Highness, for mediating. I will send someone to invite my father immediately." Wang Zong'an's mouth twitched. This matter was neither big nor small, but it was beyond his capability to resolve.

For now, he decided to treat Commandery Prince An and his wife well. Everything would have to wait for his father to handle.

……

At the same time.

In the southwestern part of Longzuo Commandery, at the Great Swamp.

Near the An River at the Gourd Mouth, the Wang's Clan construction team was busy at work. In a short time, the planned dam had already taken shape, and the water dragon array had started operating.

As the water flowed out, the water level in the swamp began to slowly drop, revealing the previously submerged mudflats.

On the dam, Wang Shouzhe, Liu Ruolan, and two Celestial ancestors of the Wang's Clan were sitting in a circle, drinking tea, eating snacks, and discussing the development plan for the swamp.

Ancestor Long Yan had already found a secluded place to meditate and was not with them. The Fire Fox Ancestor had shrunk into a small ball and was sleeping soundly in Wang Shouzhe's arms.

The scene looked leisurely and comfortable, with no tension at all. Anyone unaware might think they were having a tea party.

Meanwhile.

As the water level in the swamp gradually dropped, the situation for the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon worsened.

Its original water bubble could no longer conceal its form, forcing it to move from one bubble to another. Soon, it would have to move again.

This made it very embarrassed and frustrated.

As a dragon-blooded creature, the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon had inherently strong combat abilities. Its bloodline was relatively pure even among dragon-blooded creatures.

In rivers and seas, its combat power was unrivaled among its peers, with only a few rare bloodlines able to match it.

Since birth, it had never been so humiliated!

But, circumstances were against it.

The water in the swamp was too shallow, and its bloodline, before transforming into a true dragon, was highly dependent on water. Despite its strength, it couldn't fully utilize it in this shallow water. Moreover, its opponent was too strong, leaving it with no choice but to hide.

Unknowingly, the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon had hidden in the largest water bubble. If the water level dropped further, it wouldn't be able to hide.

Its massive tail swayed frequently, and its golden eyes kept looking towards the depths of the water, becoming increasingly restless.

In this stalemate.

Suddenly, a messenger crow swooped down from the sky, cawing as it headed towards Wang Shouzhe on the dam.

Wang Shouzhe raised an eyebrow and flicked his finger, sending a thin vine to wrap around the crow, binding it tightly.

"Caw, caw, caw~"

The crow, however, seemed unfazed and continued cawing excitedly at Wang Shouzhe, struggling to get closer to him.

Wang Shouzhe's mouth twitched, feeling helpless.

For some reason, the messenger crows raised by the Wang's Clan always got overly excited when they saw him, trying to get close to him.

They behaved normally around others, but not with him.

He grabbed the cawing crow, took the message tube from its ankle, and set it aside, turning to read the paper inside.

As he read, Wang Shouzhe's expression became serious, contemplative, and somewhat amused.

"Husband?" Liu Ruolan, sensing something was wrong, asked, "Is there a problem?"

"Uh... see for yourself," Wang Shouzhe chuckled, handing the paper to Liu Ruolan. "Call Shizhao over too. This matter might not be easily resolved."

Liu Ruolan read the paper, her eyes also turning strange. Though her precious great-grandson wasn't a troublemaker, he always seemed to get into various situations.

This time, however, the matter seemed quite significant.

Wang Shouzhe hadn't expected that his previous refusals to meet Commandery Prince An, despite Tianyan Fairy's matchmaking attempts, would lead to this. It wasn't that he looked down on Commandery Prince An, but the Imperial Heir Struggle was a serious matter, and he needed to consider it carefully. Ideally, he wanted to stay out of it.

But he knew that staying out of it was unlikely.

Unexpectedly, this time he couldn't avoid it.

The couple exchanged a glance, making a tacit decision. They handed over their tasks and immediately set off for Qingluo Garrison.

Underwater.

The restless Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon sensed two intimidating auras quickly leaving.

Its golden eyes brightened.

An opportunity!

Once those auras disappeared from its senses, it couldn't hold back any longer and burst out of the water bubble, heading straight for the dam.

If it could get past the dam, the An River was not far away. In the river, it would be invincible!

Then, it would devour all those who bullied and scared it!

However, just as the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon soared into the air, dreaming of a bright future, a crisp female voice came from the shore, "Ugly mud eel, with me here, you still want to run?"

As she spoke, the small red fox lying under the table yawned and raised its head.

Although Wang Shouzhe had left, he had left the Seven-Tailed Fire Fox behind.

Under the stunned gaze of the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon, the small fox's body rapidly expanded, transforming into a massive beast.

Seven fluffy, fiery red tails swayed behind it, and its overwhelming aura enveloped the entire swamp.

A seventh-rank beast?!

The Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon shuddered and instinctively turned to flee.

But it was too late.

As it turned, the Seven-Tailed Fire Fox's forehead glowed with intricate red patterns, and crimson foxfire ignited on its tails.

This was the Fire Fox clan's signature ability—Foxfire.

With a flick of its tail, a vast expanse of foxfire engulfed the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon.

With a loud crash, the massive Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon was knocked back into the swamp.

The intense heat of the foxfire caused its green scales to curl up.

Too much bullying!

The Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon writhed and roared in pain, its golden eyes filled with tears, frustration, and deeply hidden rage.

The Seven-Tailed Fire Fox rolled its eyes at it.

Serves you right! Don't you know this is human territory? A lone dragon-blooded beast daring to intrude on human settlements—it's no surprise you got caught.

It lazily lay down on the dam, yawning, "Brother Shouzhe said you can't leave, so you won't. Behave, and you might live. Otherwise, I'll roast and eat you."

"Roar~~!"

The Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon roared at the Seven-Tailed Fire Fox, slapping the water with its tail, questioning why a beast would help humans against another beast.

The Seven-Tailed Fire Fox ignored it, flicking its tail to send another wave of foxfire.

The Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon howled in pain again.

The two Celestial ancestors of the Wang's Clan watched, shrinking back and sipping tea to calm their nerves.

Too brutal~

Though they knew the small fox in Wang Shouzhe's arms was actually the Fire Fox Ancestor of the Yuwen's Clan, they hadn't expected such a cute and obedient fox to be so ferocious when it got angry.

However, they didn't feel any sympathy for the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon.

The Zhenze Wang's Clan had already lost two members to this dragon, and they hated it to the core. They didn't just lack sympathy; they wished they could go up and give it a good beating themselves.

After being beaten several times by the Fire Fox Ancestor, the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon realized it couldn't break through. It reluctantly gave up and dived into the depths of the water bubble.

In the soft mud at the bottom of the water bubble, a faint light was emanating, exuding a strong spiritual aura.

A group of spiritual fish swam around the light, trying to peck at it. However, before they could get close, the light disappeared.

After the fish dispersed, the light reappeared.

The fish were attracted again.

This cycle repeated itself.

The Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon swam to the source of the light and flicked its tail, clearing the surrounding mud and revealing the truth beneath.

It turned out that a giant river clam was hidden in the mud.

This clam had grown for countless years, its shell covered in scars and pits, giving it an ancient appearance.

The faint light came from the gap in the clam's shell.

Staring at the giant clam, the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon's golden eyes were filled with unwillingness.

It had been eyeing this clam for a long time.

It had followed the clam's trail from the outer regions to this swamp.

Although the clam itself was only fifth-rank, it contained a nearly sixth-rank Pearl Grass.

Pearl Grass was a rare parasitic aquatic spiritual herb. It didn't grow on spiritual veins but parasitized inside river clams, stealing the spiritual energy they absorbed.

If the host clam died or the Pearl Grass advanced in rank, it would hide in the water until it found another suitable clam.

Because it stayed inside the clam, covered in a thick layer of nacre, it looked like a strangely shaped pearl, hence the name "Pearl Grass."

Pearl Grass could grow up to sixth-rank. It was one of the most favored spiritual herbs for aquatic beasts and a main ingredient for the sixth-rank Tongling Baodan, which could stimulate bloodlines and assist in breaking through to the Purple Mansion Realm.

The Pearl Grass inside this clam would become sixth-rank in two years.

In two years, it could consume the Pearl Grass and use its power to complete the final transformation from Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon to Yuan Shui True Dragon.

Just two more years!

The Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon roared in frustration, "Awooo!"

Why did it have to encounter these human freaks now? Why?!

Why was its luck so bad?

……

Three days later.

In the rear garden of the Qingluo Garrison's city guard office.

After a few days of processing their emotions, Commandery Prince An and his wife were finally ready to face the Wang's Clan.

With Commandery Prince Wu Dianshan of Longzuo acting as a mediator.

Wang Shouzhe and his wife met with Commandery Prince An and his wife in an informal setting.

"I am Wang Shouzhe of Changning Wang's Clan. Greetings to Commandery Prince An and Princess Consort," Wang Shouzhe greeted with a smile.

"The fame of Master Wang Shouzhe has long been known to me," Commandery Prince An, Wu Mingyuan, stepped forward and warmly took Wang Shouzhe's arm. "No need for such formalities."

Wu Dianshan, considering himself a leisurely commandery prince, squinted his fox-like eyes. Although this incident was somewhat dramatic, it seemed likely to introduce a significant variable into the future Imperial Heir Struggle.

Others might not understand Wang Shouzhe, but Wu Dianshan had dealt with him enough to know that this man was indeed unfathomable!

One wrong move.

The heavens might change.

……