Protect Our Patriarch

……

Almost simultaneously.

Within the vast Blood Dawn Sanctuary, the Wang's construction team was busy with demolition work.

As the lair of a True Immortal, this relic was enormous, and it was unrealistic to completely dismantle it in a short time. The construction team had previously removed only the movable and relatively easy parts. The remaining structures, like walls, required careful handling due to the formations within, slowing down the process.

Even with Ji Wuchen, a formation master, assisting the Wang's construction team, such work would still take some time.

However, the clansmen and the construction team were excited.

After all, this was the legendary True Immortal relic, and every brick and stone removed was extraordinary.

According to the Spirit Artifact, Daxue'er, the ordinary bricks used in the Blood Dawn Sanctuary were called "Composite Spirit Crystal Bricks." They were made by mixing spiritual stone fragments, high-quality spiritual stone slag, spiritual clay, and several types of spiritual metal materials in proportion, then firing them in a high-temperature kiln.

Thus, even in the Shenwu Royal Dynasty, "Composite Spirit Crystal Bricks" were an extremely expensive building material, unaffordable for ordinary entities.

Each finished brick was about three feet long, over one foot wide, and about five inches thick, equivalent to 0.05 cubic meters, with twenty bricks making up roughly one cubic meter.

These "Composite Spirit Crystal Bricks" appeared smooth and delicate, akin to jade. They were not only exceptionally sturdy but also capable of blocking spiritual sense detection. Once built into walls, even Purple Mansion Realm cultivators couldn't easily break through. If formations were added, they would be even more formidable.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have withstood the aftermath of battles involving Divine Realm cultivators.

Of course, the Wang's Clan wasn't the first to discover a True Immortal relic. Composite Spirit Crystal Bricks were also available in small quantities on the markets of the Immortal Dynasty and the Great Qian, with a generally accepted price of about one Immortal crystal per brick.

They had a wide range of uses, suitable for constructing important high-end buildings like martial arts arenas, alchemy workshops, artifact refining rooms, and treasure pavilions.

Therefore, when dismantling the Blood Dawn Sanctuary, the Wang's Clan felt like they were mining Immortal crystals, as each section of wall removed added significant wealth to the clan.

Wang Anxin had been very busy lately.

As an important direct descendant of the clan, Wang Anxin always had heavy responsibilities on his shoulders.

He was busy finalizing cooperation details with the Yuan Shui Azure Dragon clan, coordinating the demolition and transport teams' activities in Dragon Marsh, and even finding time to chat with the Red Enchantress Demon Envoy.

Currently, the Red Enchantress Demon Envoy was still trapped in the Blood Sanctuary by a group of "high-end Blood Nest Warriors," unable to call for help.

Although the main body of the Blood Spirit Artifact had been moved to the Wang's Clan, it left a simple spirit in the sanctuary to assist the Wang's Clan and communicate with the Red Enchantress Demon Envoy in the Blood Sanctuary.

After a series of adjustments by the Blood Spirit Artifact, a communication channel with the outside world had been successfully established for the Blood Sanctuary. Wang Anxin could directly converse with the Red Enchantress Demon Envoy through the spirit.

At this moment, in a secluded room, Wang Anxin was having his daily conversation with the Red Enchantress Demon Envoy: "Fairy Jiang~ Fairy Jiang, are you there?"

"Get lost! Stop pretending!" The Red Enchantress Demon Envoy, having been locked up for so long, was already irritable and spoke bluntly, "I don't believe you still think I'm Fairy Jiang at this point."

"Alright, Senior Chimei... I won't pretend anymore, let's lay it all out." Wang Anxin calmly greeted the other side.

"What? You already know my identity? So quickly?" The Red Enchantress Demon Envoy's voice sounded shocked.

"Senior seems to underestimate your own identity. You are a Divine Realm cultivator, skilled in disguise and infiltration, with a ghostly movement technique, and you possess quite the aura." Wang Anxin smiled, "A person of your stature is quite renowned in the Demon Dynasty. With a little inquiry, we could gather some rough information. Moreover, your three disciples who came with you are now under our control at all times. If we hadn't discovered your identity, wouldn't that make us seem incompetent?"

"Hmph!" The Red Enchantress Demon Envoy snorted coldly, "Speak, what do you want this time?"

Wang Anxin calmly said, "Our Wang's Clan would like to hire you as a clan offering. What do you think, Senior?"

The Red Enchantress Demon Envoy was furious, "Get lost! I would rather die than betray my master and the True Demon Hall!"

"Senior's righteousness is admirable." Wang Anxin wasn't surprised and even praised, "It's just a pity that the path you've chosen is a dead end. In the eyes of the Blood Child Demon Lord, not to mention you, Senior Chimei, even your master, the Yin Snake Demon Concubine, is just a tool to be discarded at any time."

"Even if, by some miracle, you manage to accomplish something for the Blood Child Demon Lord and return to the Demon Dynasty alive, what use would it be? Your lineage of Enchantress Demons is merely a cauldron raised by the big shots of the True Demon Hall, a tool to assist breakthroughs, and a disposable one at that. Once used, you'll be thrown back to help cultivate the next generation of cauldrons."

"Hmph, mind your own business."

The Red Enchantress Demon Envoy gritted her teeth.

Though her tone was still angry, her voice had noticeably weakened, clearly hitting a sore spot.

"Senior, in the past, you had no choice." Wang Anxin said, "Now that you have a choice and the opportunity to start a new and free life, why stay in that pit? You've interacted with our Wang's Clan, and you know we are upright and respectful, offering generous treatment and ample room for development."

Wang Anxin persuaded for a while, but there was no response from the other side, not even the initial angry retorts.

He paused to sip some tea, moistening his throat, preparing to continue persuading when the Red Enchantress Demon Envoy's voice suddenly came through: "It's not impossible for me to betray, but I need to plan and secure my future. You must agree to one condition."

Wang Anxin was delighted: "Please, go ahead."

The Red Enchantress Demon Envoy's voice was deep and serious: "If your clan leader, Wang Shouzhe, is willing to take me as a concubine, ensuring my future safety and livelihood, I might consider helping you against the Blood Child Demon Lord."

Wang Anxin broke into a cold sweat.

He felt a chill down his neck, as if his great-grandmother's icy long sword was already at his throat.

Senior Chimei, isn't living a good life?

"Senior Chimei, you..." He stammered for a while before saying with difficulty, "You're putting us in a difficult position. My great-grandfather is a man of integrity, and his love with my great-grandmother is as solid as gold. He would never take a concubine."

"Then there's nothing to discuss." The Red Enchantress Demon Envoy said decisively.

"How about, Senior, you consider me? I, Wang Anxin, am also a direct descendant of the Wang's Clan."

"Get lost!"

……

Around the same time.

Xinping Town.

Wang's Chain Hotel, Xinping Branch.

At this moment, the sunset had completely disappeared below the horizon, and dusk enveloped the entire Xinping Town. However, in the town center, there were a few streets still brightly lit.

The street where the hotel was located was one of them.

After dusk, this place became the liveliest.

Due to its proximity to the port, many merchants traveling from north to south stayed nearby. As night fell, the nearby snack street gradually became bustling, with delicacies from all over the Great Qian and even the Immortal Dynasty, filling the air with rich aromas that, combined with the night, created a unique atmosphere that left a lasting impression on visitors.

And as the snack street came alive, the hotel's underground classroom was also starting its daily "night school."

Today was a rare large class, with the night school's teacher inviting a "senior teacher" from the Wang's Clan School to give a lecture on "Economy and Development."

At this moment, a graceful and elegant female teacher, dressed in a flowing cloud-patterned robe, stood confidently at the podium, teaching the dozens of night school students below.

This large class didn't delve too deeply into content, primarily using the Changning Wang's Clan as a model to explain the importance of the economy in the development of aristocratic families, serving as an introduction to economics.

She had taught such classes countless times before, and was naturally familiar with the content. During the lecture, she didn't even need to refer to the lesson plan on the desk, effortlessly using various examples and speaking in an engaging manner that made it easy for the students to understand.

In the classroom, all the students listened attentively, with many taking out charcoal pens and notebooks to jot down notes.

Qing Ji and Zi Ji were also among the students, and their notebooks were already filled with dense notes, making them some of the most diligent learners.

After the class, many students felt they had gained a lot.

Taking advantage of the teacher's break while she packed up her lesson plan, Qing Ji, Zi Ji, and a few other particularly studious students gathered around to ask several questions they hadn't understood.

"Teacher, I didn't quite understand when you said 'the economic base determines the superstructure'..."

After answering several questions, the students finally dispersed, and the female teacher left the classroom with her lesson plan.

By then, most of the people in the classroom had left, leaving only a few scattered individuals.

Qing Ji packed her things while looking at the full notes in her notebook, feeling satisfied and fulfilled.

In night school, such large classes were rare, often occurring only once a month or every half month. But after each class, she felt as if a new world had opened up to her.

The knowledge taught by the teacher in these large classes was something she had never even thought of before, yet it was incisive and sharp. After just a few classes, she felt her mind had become more agile, and many problems she couldn't figure out before seemed to have their mysterious veils lifted.

She had heard that the content taught in these large classes was what was taught in the Wang's Clan School.

The more classes she attended, the more curious Qing Ji became about the legendary Wang's Clan School. If it weren't for her identity and circumstances, she would have loved to attend classes there and see for herself.

At this moment.

Zi Ji's voice suddenly reached her ears: "Master Uncle has sent a message. Meet at the usual place later."

"Got it."

Qing Ji's expression remained unchanged as she casually replied, then continued packing her things.

Soon, she had packed her study tools into a small backpack. She casually picked up the backpack and left the classroom, blending into the bustling crowd outside, just as she always did.

Moments later, in the basement of a street-side shop near the snack street.

Two gray mists emerged from the shadows, quickly forming into two figures: Qing Ji and Zi Ji, who had just left the classroom.

Shortly after their arrival, the basement darkened, and another figure stepped out of the shadows, appearing before them.

It was a graceful and elegant figure, with a beautiful face and a well-proportioned body. Her eyes, especially, were captivating, like flowing light on water.

Even in the dimly lit basement, she seemed to carry a holy light, drawing all eyes to her.

"Master Uncle Yulian."

Upon seeing her, Qing Ji and Zi Ji were startled, quickly bowing in respect.

It turned out this woman was Yulian Demon Envoy, the second disciple sent by the Yin Snake Demon Concubine after the Red Enchantress Demon Envoy.

When Qing Ji looked up and saw Yulian Demon Envoy's attire, she was taken aback: "Master Uncle, you're the one about to be appointed as the lobby manager?"

Indeed, Yulian Demon Envoy was wearing the uniform of the hotel's lobby manager.

"That's right." Yulian Demon Envoy smirked, "I was lucky to compete with a few Lingtai Realm male cultivators and got selected."

"Master Uncle is indeed impressive." Qing Ji praised.

Zi Ji also showed a look of admiration.

It turned out that Yulian Demon Envoy had found Qing Ji and the others some time ago, and with Qing Ji's introduction, she joined Wang's Chain Hotel as a distant relative, fabricating a tragic background that quickly garnered sympathy from others in the hotel, allowing her to integrate smoothly.

However, as a "Lingtai Realm" cultivator, Yulian Demon Envoy attended a different night school from them, and they rarely had opportunities to meet openly. To facilitate information exchange, the three chose this secluded basement as their "meeting" spot.

If Yujie had a chance to sneak out of the Wang's Clan, she would also leave messages for them here.

"I've been busy with pre-job training these past few days and haven't had time to gather information. How about you two? Have you gathered any important intel?" Yulian Demon Envoy got straight to the point after some small talk.

"Yes, I do have some important information." Zi Ji immediately said, "A few days ago, Emperor Longchang and Holy Master Jiang Zhencang from Lingyun Holy Land appeared at New Shun Restaurant on Xitang Street. Many people were present, so the news should be accurate."

"This news has already spread throughout Xinping Town in the past few days, and many people know about it." Qing Ji, a step slower, was annoyed at being preempted by Zi Ji, but added, "The two were in disguise, traveling incognito, but caused a stir at the restaurant, where Wang's Clan leader, Wang Shouzhe, personally revealed their identities."

Yulian Demon Envoy frowned slightly upon hearing this: "This is important information. I will notify Master immediately. Anything else?"

There wasn't much other important information.

But Qing Ji wouldn't tell the truth.

She immediately shared some trivial information she had gathered, such as "Wang's Clan's young clan leader, Wang Zong'an, has been unloved since childhood, and people privately say he's actually the illegitimate child of Master Wang Shouzhe and Changchun Valley's great prodigy, Lu Wei," and so on.

Zi Ji, not to be outdone, also shared some information she had gathered.

As a result, the intel exchange unknowingly turned into a gossip session about Wang's Clan, mixed with their complaints. Then, they started discussing their work experiences, sharing learning insights and tips for promotion and salary increases.

Yulian Demon Envoy listened intently and unknowingly joined the discussion.

The three chatted for one or two hours until late at night before finally parting ways.

……

A few days later.

In a hidden barren mountain between the Southern Desolate Swamp and Tianfu Commandery.

The avatar of the infamous Blood Child Demon Lord in the Demon Dynasty was sitting cross-legged on a desolate rock, meditating.

Around him lay several large fierce beasts, their blood and spiritual flesh essence drained, leaving them as shriveled, terrifying husks.

Suddenly.

A gust of sinister wind descended from the sky, transforming into the alluring Yin Snake Demon Concubine before landing.

With a slightly solemn expression, she bowed to the Blood Child Demon Lord and said, "Demon Lord, I have received intel from my disciple Yulian. She has successfully infiltrated the Wang's Clan territory and reunited with Zi Ji and the others."

The Blood Child Demon Lord slowly opened his deep, unfathomable eyes and coldly asked, "What about your disciple, the Red Enchantress Demon Envoy?"

"According to the intel from Yujie, who infiltrated the Wang's Clan, Chimei is still mixed in with the Wang's Clan's exploration team, but there has been no news from her." Yin Snake Demon Concubine said, "However, Yujie, using her skills, has gathered some clues from key figures in the Wang's Clan. The exploration team where Chimei is located is heavily guarded, making it difficult for her to send messages back."

"Have Yujie find a way to contact Chimei. I need information on the Wang's Clan's exploration team." The Blood Child Demon Lord said coldly, "If this delays my plans, heh heh heh."

"Yes, Demon Lord." Yin Snake Demon Concubine hesitated slightly and said, "The news from Yulian isn't good."

The Blood Child Demon Lord said coldly, "Speak."

"Yes." Yin Snake Demon Concubine said, "The rulers of the Eastern Qian Kingdom, Longchang, and Holy Master Jiang Zhencang, two Lingxu Realm cultivators, have arrived on the Wang's Clan's territory, and they seem to have a good relationship with the Wang's Clan."

"What?" The Blood Child Demon Lord's expression changed, a hint of violence appearing on his childlike face, "How is it possible for two dignified Lingxu Realm cultivators to go to a remote countryside?"

"Demon Lord, could it be possible they went for the Blood Venerable's relic?" Yin Snake Demon Concubine said, "If so, the Blood Venerable's relic might be seized by them."

"Hmph! It's unlikely. Any family with the chance to discover a True Immortal relic would want to monopolize it." For a moment, the Blood Child Demon Lord's expression was uncertain, but after self-consoling, he said sternly, "But we can't ignore this possibility. The longer we delay, the more likely unexpected events will occur. I will immediately send a teleportation talisman to my true body, urging the armies of Qin and Jin to launch a full-scale attack. Compared to the importance of the Blood Venerable's relic, what's the loss of some lives?"

"Demon Lord is wise." Yin Snake Demon Concubine cautiously flattered.

……

At the same time.

In Shouzhe's Small Courtyard, the scenery was pleasant, with meticulously cultivated spiritual plants and flowers everywhere. Hornet spirit bees buzzed around, greedily collecting nectar from the spiritual flowers.

Unknowingly, the hornet spirit bees had moved their hive into Shouzhe's courtyard. Although they were only a first-order bee swarm, they could enjoy the nectar of third, fourth, and even fifth-order spiritual plants.

It was like a poor boy hooking up with a group of beautiful CEOs, living a carefree and leisurely life.

"Mahjong." Emperor Longchang exclaimed excitedly, "Everyone, get ready for a winning streak. Oh, so close, what a pity~~~ Five bamboos, anyone want it?"

After a pause of two breaths, as Jiang Zhencang reached for a tile, Wang Shouzhe's voice came from behind, where he was pruning flower branches, "Holy Master Jiang, don't draw another tile, you won with five bamboos."

"Huh? I've won already?" Jiang Zhencang pondered the tiles, then laughed heartily, "A five-bamboo meld, it seems I've won. Longchang, pay up."

"Holy Master Jiang, His Majesty's hand is called a gun from the meld, remember to add to the bet." Wang Shouzhe reminded.

"Add to the bet, add to the bet." Jiang Zhencang laughed with a relaxed brow, "Longchang, you ruined my chance for a winning streak."

"Hmph!" Emperor Longchang handed over a stack of Immortal crystal notes with a sullen face, then glared at Wang Shouzhe, "Shouzhe, can you clear out those hornet spirit bees from your courtyard? A bunch of mere first-order bees daring to collect high-order nectar, buzzing all day and affecting my game."

"Longchang, Shouzhe is just speaking the truth." Jiang Zhencang said with a smile, "You can't bully me just because I'm new to the game, right?" Looking at the small drawer in front of him, already filled with Immortal crystal notes, it was clear he was having a lucky day.

"Let's go again." Emperor Longchang shuffled the tiles while complaining to Liu Ruolan, "Ruolan, you need to be careful. I see Shouzhe, that kid, is now obsessed with cultivating spiritual flowers and exotic plants, and this garden is full of flowers he can't control."

"I think he's lovesick, unable to marry a concubine, so he's planning to cultivate a few himself. These spiritual plants are special, reaching the fifth order can use a transformation pill to take human form."

"Is my husband lovesick?" Liu Ruolan frowned slightly, "I must have been negligent. I heard that girl from the Tianfu Zhao's Clan, Yujin, is quite good. My husband recently arranged for her to study at the Wang's Clan School, a rare natural prodigy with promising potential for the future."

"Fine, I'll go to the Zhao's Clan and see if I can arrange for her to be a second wife for my husband and have more children."

Great!

Even that Zhao Yujin is known.

Wang Shouzhe rolled his eyes at Emperor Longchang helplessly, your skill at tattling is unmatched.

"My dear, don't speak nonsense. Yujin is only sixteen, and I only arranged for her to study at the Wang's Clan School because of Zhao's Clan's sincere cooperation and her potential, to cultivate talent for the Great Qian." Wang Shouzhe continued pruning the flower branches, "Besides, the Tianfu Zhao's Clan is a fifth-grade family, asking their direct descendant to be a concubine would be an insult."

"My dear, don't be modest. You are a Peerless Prodigy with limitless potential. Marrying a fifth-grade direct daughter as a concubine is not an insult."

Listening to the couple's back-and-forth, Emperor Longchang's mood improved significantly. Shouzhe, you brat, you like to tease me, and I love to tattle and make things difficult for you.

What can you do? You can't beat me, can you?

"My dear is quite right. I, Wang Shouzhe, am a Peerless Prodigy, with the celestial plant Xian'er protecting me, and a glimmer of hope to become a True Immortal in the future. At the very least, I will be a high-level Lingxu Realm cultivator with a long life." Wang Shouzhe laughed, "For a genius like me, marrying a fifth-grade family direct daughter as a concubine is inappropriate. If I were to marry, it should be..."

Emperor Longchang's heart skipped a beat, sensing trouble, and he interrupted angrily, "Wang Shouzhe, don't mess around. No matter who suggests it, I firmly oppose it."

"Your Majesty, don't worry." Wang Shouzhe laughed, "It's just that with the current war situation, I plan to visit Guilong City. You mentioned I was lovesick... I do feel like taking a concubine."

Emperor Longchang's hair stood on end. He knew Wang Shouzhe's methods well, and with his decent appearance, if he set his mind on wooing a princess, no princess could escape his grasp.

Although Longchang could firmly oppose it, how many stories are there of cooked rice becoming a done deal?

Emperor Longchang quickly put on a friendly smile, "Shouzhe, I was just joking with you. As the saying goes, it's better to resolve enmity than to create it. As ruler and minister, we should value harmony."

"Your Majesty, I was also joking with you." Wang Shouzhe laughed, "As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. Your Majesty should laugh more to live longer."

"Thank you for your kind words, Shouzhe. Haha, I'm very pleased." Emperor Longchang laughed heartily, but secretly began planning to write a guide to prevent wolves, to train the unmarried princesses at home.

But just then.

The fully recovered Wang Ningxi hurried into the courtyard to report, "Ancestor Grandfather, Father sent a message saying he can't handle the Red Enchantress Demon Envoy and needs you to intervene personally."

"Oh?" Wang Shouzhe frowned slightly, "I didn't expect the Red Enchantress Demon Envoy to be so stubborn, quite unexpected. Ningxi, what did your father say?"

"Well..." Wang Ningxi glanced around the courtyard cautiously, hesitating to speak.

"No worries, we're all family here." Wang Shouzhe said calmly, "Speak freely."

"Well... Father said the Red Enchantress Demon Envoy wants Ancestor Grandfather to take her as a concubine, only then will she surrender."

"...?" Wang Shouzhe.

A cold aura rose in the courtyard, as if an invisible hand gripped everyone's heart.

Even someone as strong as Jiang Zhencang felt a sudden chill, his heart filled with awe, looking at Liu Ruolan with uncertainty.

Ruolan, what's going on? How is this possible?

Emperor Longchang's expression changed immediately, sensing trouble, and he quickly grabbed Jiang Zhencang and Wang Luoyi, who was playing cards, and kicked Wang Ningxi out of the courtyard: "We've played enough cards today, we won't disturb your couple's conversation, farewell."

With that, Emperor Longchang hurriedly led the group out of Shouzhe's Small Courtyard.

"Shuiyue Pavilion, seven days!"

"Ruoling, there's a war going on... I need to keep a clear head and conserve energy."

"Ten days!"

"Liu Ruoling, don't push it, do you think I'm easy to bully?"

"Fine, to the sky."

"Let's go."

Then, from the clouds above, came the sound of intense energy clashes, with clouds bursting and space shaking, accompanied by continuous rain.

Soon, Wang Shouzhe's voice was heard.

"Xian'er, help." "Hey, Xian'er, don't stay silent." "Wang Lixian, you ungrateful little one."

Under a lush tree in Stay Immortal Residence, a little girl, as delicate as a carved jade, was struggling with math problems, seemingly oblivious to her dear father's plea for help.

Just kidding, she didn't want to get beaten by her mother along with her father.

……