Protect Our Patriarch-Chapter 59Book 5: : Wang’s Clan Inheritance Grounds

…

Amidst the gaze of countless onlookers, Wang Shouzhe carried Liu Ruolan back to their small courtyard.

In that instant, his image seemed to be shrouded in a holy light in everyone's eyes, appearing particularly majestic.

"This... this is too unscientific." Emperor Longchang's eyes widened like copper bells, "What kind of method did that kid Shouzhe use?"

In the Wang's Clan School, science was always emphasized, and naturally, Emperor Longchang was influenced by it.

Jiang Zhencang was even more regretful.

Had he known earlier, he would have bet everything to gamble with Longchang.

However, this feeling of regret quickly dissipated.

Even if he won the bet, so what? That old fellow Longchang is now too poor, even poorer than Jiang Zhencang himself. Even if he won, that old fellow probably wouldn't be able to pay up.

In another courtyard by the lake, Wang Ningxi and his uncle Wang Fugui were also wide-eyed, feeling as if their worldview had collapsed.

Soon, such eye-popping scenes spread rapidly among the onlookers and quickly throughout the entire Wang's Clan.

Meanwhile, Wang Shouzhe carried Liu Ruolan into his portable cave dwelling.

Their once private and cozy little house, the Shuiyue Pavilion, had almost become a tourist attraction. Only the small house in the portable cave dwelling allowed them to occasionally enjoy some private life.

"Wang Shouzhe, what kind of vile method did you use?" At this moment, "Liu Ruoling" was weak and limp, as if even her soul was paralyzed, but her watery eyes were burning with cold flames as she glared at Wang Shouzhe, "I feel like it's the 'Golden Toad Soul Soothing Powder'?"

The formula from the Golden Toad Manual—Golden Toad Soul Soothing Powder—was something they had privately studied before.

However, using the materials currently available to refine this powder, its effectiveness was just so-so, enough to bully cultivators below the fifth level of bloodline, but against peerless prodigies like Wang Shouzhe and Liu Ruolan in the Purple Mansion Realm, its effect was negligible.

After all, it was a simplified version, and a Great Saint Body with a seventh-level bloodline was no joke.

"Don't be angry, my dear." Wang Shouzhe gently placed her on the bed inside the room, chuckling, "Brother Long Wuji and Shihai brought back a special spiritual plant called 'Drunken Immortal Zhi' from the Tianji Continent a few days ago. This Zhi is one of the main ingredients for the complete version of the Golden Toad Soul Soothing Powder. So, I had Old Jiang help me prepare a dose for self-defense."

"Self-defense? I think you had ulterior motives?" Liu Ruoling sneered, "You carried it with you, planning to use it against that Lingxu Grand Worship Ji Yue'er?"

"No, I planned to use it against you, my dear." Wang Shouzhe hooked her chin with a smile, "Thinking about it, we've been married for a hundred and eighty years. I had some novel ideas but feared you'd be too embarrassed... Today is just the right opportunity."

"Wang Shouzhe, what are you planning?"

Liu Ruoling shrank back, her eyes seemingly evasive.

"Hahaha, naturally to do as I please." Wang Shouzhe moved closer like a big bad wolf, teasing, "My dear, let me detoxify you."

However, just as Wang Shouzhe leaned in close to her.

Suddenly!

A water-colored light burst forth.

Liu Ruoling flipped over as if nothing had happened, pinning Wang Shouzhe onto the bed.

Her slender wrists were white and smooth, like fine porcelain, yet they seemed to contain immense strength, suppressing Wang Shouzhe so he couldn't move.

"You... Ruoling, you weren't affected?" Wang Shouzhe was caught off guard by this turn of events, his expression turning to shock and disbelief, "Impossible! Old Jiang said the genuine Golden Toad Soul Soothing Powder isn't very effective against the Lingxu Realm, but it's a sure thing against the Divine Realm. A normal Divine Realm cultivator is only at the seventh-level bloodline, but you..."

"The effect is indeed there. Isn't that why I'm asking you to detoxify me?" She looked down at Wang Shouzhe, a faint sheen of sweat on her nose, her face still flushed, looking alluring.

But you didn't get paralyzed... Without that, how can I do as I please?

Wang Shouzhe looked utterly defeated.

A few moments later.

In accordance with laws and regulations, the scene shifted outside the small house in the portable space, with only Wang Shouzhe's voice faintly heard from the window.

"Ruoling, this time it was my mistake, let's call it even... What are you doing?"

"Didn't you say you wanted to do as you please this time?"

"Ruoling, I didn't mean for you to..."

"404, oh 404."

...

Ten days later.

In Wang Shouzhe's study.

Having just emerged from seclusion after ten days, Wang Shouzhe was happily sipping on a bowl of nourishing Immortal Spirit Rice porridge prepared by his wife, while reviewing the intelligence report on the Red Moon Demon Dynasty compiled by Wang Mei.

Wang Mei, in the guise of an ordinary beauty, sat quietly by his side, listening to the master's guidance.

Meanwhile, Liu Ruolan, her face glowing with health, was fussing over him.

At this moment, a family guard reported from outside: "Master, the clan's grand worship Ji Yue'er, worship Chen Conglian, worship Jiang Qingxue, as well as Yu Ji, Zi Ji, and Qing Ji have arrived as summoned."

"Let them in," Wang Shouzhe said.

"Yes, Master," the guard replied from outside.

"Your husband has business to attend to," Liu Ruolan said obediently, "I'll take my leave and go play mahjong with His Majesty at Stay Immortal Residence."

"Go ahead." Wang Shouzhe waved his hand, sipping his porridge.

With Liu Ruolan's departure, Wang Mei immediately perked up: "The Immortal Lord is mighty, subduing Madam Liu in just ten days."

"Ahem! Call me Master."

Wang Shouzhe almost choked on his porridge, his face turning red as he changed the subject, "Let's get down to business. Over the years, with your hard work and the clan's support, your bloodline level has reached great prodigy B-grade, and your cultivation has reached the peak of the Celestial Realm. While you haven't yet advanced to the Purple Mansion Realm, and your bloodline is still only at the mid-high fifth level, using a high-grade Marrying Blood Gu Essence should theoretically allow you to break through to the sixth bloodline level."

"All thanks to the Master's guidance." Wang Mei was thrilled.

"That's your own hard-earned contribution to the clan," Wang Shouzhe admonished, "After this matter is settled, find a way to arrange for Ancestor Long Yan to temporarily leave the Yinsha Sect and meet with me."

"Yes, Master." Wang Mei nodded, "I've already set up several channels and excuses, it shouldn't be difficult."

As they were talking.

Ji Yue'er and the others entered Wang Shouzhe's study.

Naturally, there was a round of pleasantries and introductions. Wang Mei took on the role of a maid, serving everyone a large pot of Immortal tea.

"Senior Ji, have you been comfortable staying with the Wang's Clan recently?" Wang Shouzhe inquired, "If there's any inconvenience, feel free to tell me, and I'll make arrangements."

"Thank you for your concern, Master." Ji Yue'er sipped the rare Immortal tea, feeling a myriad of emotions, "I was a bit unaccustomed at first, but my disciple Yulian, no, Chen Conglian, has been with the Wang's Clan for thirty years and is familiar with the environment. She's been helping me get acquainted with everything within the Wang's Clan's jurisdiction, including the night school."

"I never expected that the Changning Garrison, especially the area around Xinping Town, would be so prosperous and unique. Even in the Red Moon Demon Dynasty and Han Yue Immortal Dynasty, it's hard to find such a special place. Master Wang Shouzhe is truly remarkable."

"You're too kind, Senior Ji." Wang Shouzhe smiled, "Compared to the Immortal and Demon Dynasties, we haven't achieved universal Qi Refining Realm yet, we're still far behind."

"Master Wang Shouzhe is too modest. The universal Qi Refining Realm plan in the Changning Garrison has been underway for some time. In the past few decades, most of the younger generation have received secondary education and participated in the Enlightenment Plan loans. The cultivation rate among those under thirty has exceeded ninety percent."

"In less than a hundred years, universal Qi Refining should be achievable within the Wang's Clan's jurisdiction, if not the entire Changning Garrison."

The difference between the Qi Refining Realm and ordinary people is significant. Just in terms of physical fitness, there's a world of difference. Basalt cultivators in the Qi Refining Realm are not only stronger, but with profound energy protecting their bodies, they are also less prone to illness, and it's common for them to remain healthy into their seventies and eighties, with those living into their nineties not being rare.

In contrast, ordinary people who toil their whole lives are considered long-lived if they reach seventy.

Even a regular Qi Refining Realm cultivator's work efficiency far surpasses that of ordinary people. With profound energy, they can perform tasks that ordinary people cannot.

The development level of a race or civilization is not only determined by the strength of its top individuals but also by its foundation.

As the saying goes, the height of a pyramid is determined not by the size of the top brick but by the bottom one. The stronger the foundation, the higher the height.

"It's thanks to everyone's efforts that the Wang's Clan is where it is today." Wang Shouzhe shifted the topic, looking at Chen Conglian with a smile, "Over the years, Chen Conglian has contributed greatly to the development of the Wang's Clan and Xinping Town."

Chen Conglian's face turned pale, and she quickly said, "Master Wang Shouzhe, I..."

"There's no need to say more, I understand." Wang Shouzhe said gently, "Back then, you served the True Demon Hall, and it was only natural to work for them. However, times have changed. Since you've severed ties with the True Demon Hall and signed a contract with the Wang's Clan, just ensure your loyalty in the future."

"Thank you for your understanding, Master." Chen Conglian said gratefully, "I've learned a lot over the years and really enjoy life with the Wang's Clan. I have an unworthy request, hoping to continue serving at the Wang's Chain Hotel."

"Very well, the Wang's Chain Hotel's business model is now quite mature, and there are plans to expand nationwide and even to other countries." Wang Shouzhe pondered, "The hotel indeed needs an experienced Divine Realm cultivator to oversee it. Since you wish to stay, that's perfect. You may continue to develop there."

"Thank you, Master, for your approval." Chen Conglian was overjoyed.

After discussing this matter.

Wang Shouzhe then addressed Ji Yue'er, "Senior Ji, the reason I invited you here is to discuss a few matters with you."

"Master, please feel free to instruct me." Ji Yue'er sat upright, showing a willingness to listen.

During this time, through her disciple, she had learned a lot about the Wang's Clan and felt it was indeed a suitable place for her development.

"This is my family member, Wang Mei, who specializes in intelligence and infiltration work." Wang Shouzhe said, "The characteristics of your lineage, the Cha Nu Yin Demon, aside from the special effects of the cauldron, are very suitable for Wang Mei. Would it be possible for her to become your disciple? Rest assured, the Wang's Clan will provide resources as compensation."

"This..." Ji Yue'er hesitated slightly, "Master Wang Shouzhe, it's not that I am unwilling."

"It's just that our Cha Nu Yin Demon lineage is a marginalized small saint lineage under the True Demon Hall, currently with only one 'Divine Inheritance Ground,' which was evolved from the Cha Nu Yin Demon Codex."

"However, unlike the codex, once an inheritance ground is built, it's very difficult to move, and it cannot be carried around. Without an inheritance ground, even if I pass on the first half of the codex to Wang Mei, she will be limited to the Purple Mansion Realm in this lifetime, unable to break through to the Divine Realm."

Wang Shouzhe nodded slightly, indicating his understanding: "Senior Ji, you should have the codex with you, right?"

"That's correct." Ji Yue'er hesitated for a moment before admitting, "The codex is kept in the Purple Mansion, assisting with daily cultivation and providing an extra boost in battle."

With that, to show her trust in Wang Shouzhe, she voluntarily displayed her codex.

"Flap~"

A crimson codex flew out from Ji Yue'er's Purple Mansion.

It appeared like a book, with a crimson base and ornate golden patterns along the edges, exuding a mysterious aura that naturally drew attention.

Her voice was lazy and charming: "Cha Nu greets Master Wang Shouzhe."

As a codex under someone else's roof, she dared not be arrogant with Wang Shouzhe.

"Greetings, Senior Cha Nu." Wang Shouzhe responded politely, "To my knowledge, it should be possible to evolve a new Divine Inheritance Ground using the codex as a core, correct? Would Senior Cha Nu and Senior Ji Yue'er be interested in constructing another Divine Inheritance Ground? Rest assured, the Wang's Clan will not seize the inheritance ground and will provide appropriate compensation."

Ji Yue'er and the Cha Nu Codex exchanged a glance, and Ji Yue'er said, "Master Wang Shouzhe, since we've already pledged allegiance to the Wang's Clan, we naturally trust you. Moreover, to pass on our lineage, we do need an inheritance ground. However, constructing a new inheritance ground is a costly and time-consuming project."

"Conservatively, the total cost of an inheritance ground will reach fifty million Immortal crystals, and the construction period will not be less than a hundred years."

This was a significant expense.

This was also one of the reasons why the Lingyun Codex had not evolved an additional Divine Inheritance Ground.

After all, the Lingyun Codex was different from the Cha Nu Yin Demon Codex, with its high compatibility, allowing for the transition of various elements like gold, wood, water, fire, and earth.

Additionally, not constructing a Lingyun Codex Divine Inheritance was also for fairness.

Currently, the Holy Land had nine lineages, and during the competition for the Holy Son, each lineage relied on its own abilities to compete for the inheritance rights of the Lingyun Codex. If a separate Lingyun Divine Inheritance were extended, it would essentially pre-determine the next Holy Son.

This was not conducive to unity among the lineages.

When the Wu's Clan chose to cooperate with Lingyun Zhenjun to establish a nation, they naturally considered the highly compatible nature of the Lingyun Codex, making it very suitable for establishing a Holy Land.

As for the Wu's Clan's Azure Dragon Codex, its compatibility was not as strong, with high bloodline requirements for inheritors.

On a related note.

The Daqian Wang's Clan's Xuanyuan True Law Inheritance Ground—the Xuanyuan Tower.

That was an inheritance ground derived from the Xuanyuan Codex of the Han Yue Wang's Clan.

When the Daqian Wang's Clan split from the Han Yue Wang's Clan and followed the Wu's Clan to Daqian to establish a nation, they received a portion of the family assets, and the Xuanyuan Tower was built with the assistance of the Han Yue Wang's Clan.

Such family splits and pioneering were common in this world, not exceptions.

Perhaps one day, a descendant of the Changning Wang's Clan will want to venture out and establish a branch family. When that time comes, Wang Shouzhe will certainly not stop them and will provide assistance.

Returning to the main topic.

Wang Shouzhe nodded: "Fifty million Immortal crystals, equivalent to five billion Top Gold, is indeed a substantial expense. Based on the value of a Divine Inheritance Ground, which can be passed down every five hundred years, selling for five hundred million Top Gold each time, theoretically, it can break even in five thousand years. From a long-term perspective, it's worth investing in. If the two seniors have no objections, shall we proceed with this project?"

After a brief private discussion, Ji Yue'er and the Cha Nu Codex agreed that constructing a Divine Inheritance Ground was necessary and replied, "Since Master Wang Shouzhe is willing, we have no objections."

After a pause.

The Cha Nu Codex curiously asked, "What is the bloodline aptitude of this Wang Mei family member that makes the Master willing to build a Divine Inheritance Ground for her?"

"Wang Mei will have some fortuitous encounters soon, and her bloodline should reach the mid-level of the peerless prodigy D-grade." Wang Shouzhe said. freёweɓnovel.com

"What?"

The Cha Nu Codex and Ji Yue'er were both shocked.

"Master, you're not joking, are you? Peerless prodigy, Wang Mei can reach peerless prodigy? And this is without inheriting a codex?"

"That's right." Wang Shouzhe nodded affirmatively, "But I know the Cha Nu Codex is not yet due for the next inheritance. Rest assured, the Wang's Clan will not seize your codex."

"Woo woo~ It's a pity we met too late, too late." The Cha Nu Codex looked at Wang Mei with envy, "If the accumulated energy in my body were still there, she could reach the upper level of peerless C-grade just by inheriting me. With such bloodline aptitude, with proper cultivation, reaching the mid-Void Realm would likely be no problem, and with enough opportunities, even the later stages might be possible. Woo woo woo~ Why didn't I meet you sooner..."

"This..."

Ji Yue'er was speechless as she looked at the Cha Nu Codex.

From the tone, the Cha Nu seemed full of disdain for her. If not for missed opportunities, she might have defected.

Ji Yue'er felt somewhat embarrassed, recalling how she inherited the Cha Nu Codex as a great prodigy B-grade, and after accumulating thousands of years of energy, she barely reached peerless D-grade aptitude.

Unfortunately, Ji Yue'er was still relatively young.

The Cha Nu Codex was not due for another inheritance for nearly two thousand years.

And Wang Mei, even if she reached the Divine Realm, without a codex, would likely not live past two thousand years, probably not surviving until the next inheritance.

Missed opportunities were missed, and even a True Immortal could do nothing about it.

"No matter, let Wang Mei cultivate first, and find a suitable codex for her in the future." Wang Shouzhe felt immense pressure, given the abundance of peerless prodigies in the family, but the difficulty in acquiring codices.

"Master should hurry." The Cha Nu Codex reminded, "Inheriting a codex requires having opened the Purple Mansion, though it can also be inherited in the Divine Realm. However, if delayed until the Divine Realm, the bloodline will have advanced further, and the energy in the codex will have less effect, wasting it."

"I'll keep that in mind." Wang Shouzhe felt the pressure, as there was indeed a difference in effect between inheriting a codex in the Purple Mansion Realm and the Divine Realm.

For example, with his current seventh-level bloodline in the Purple Mansion Realm, considered a great prodigy B-grade, inheriting a codex in the Purple Mansion Realm, with the help of the accumulated energy, might elevate his bloodline to peerless A-grade.

However, if he waited until the Divine Realm to inherit a codex, at that time, with an eighth-level bloodline, still a great prodigy B-grade, the energy alone would not elevate him to peerless A-grade.

At the peerless level, advancing bloodlines was extremely difficult.

Even for someone like Wang Fugui, a peerless prodigy in the Qi Refining Realm, each step was challenging. Low-level items had little effect, and high-level treasures were too much for the Qi Refining Realm to handle, even with Wang Shouzhe's personal intervention.

As cultivation advanced, this pattern was hard to change, with treasures the body could withstand having very weak effects.

Fortunately, Long Wuji and Wang Shihai had already explored the Tianji Continent.

They were currently exploring the location of the Shenwu Army Officer Training Academy based on sea maps. That place was where the Wang's Clan might obtain multiple codices, provided they could achieve a breakthrough like with the new recruit training camp.

To prepare for the training academy's assessment methods, Wang Shouzhe had already sent people to the Lingyun Holy Land for training.

However, for efficiency, Wang Shouzhe thought it best to discuss with his daughter about borrowing those virtual pods for the Wang's Clan.

"Master Wang Shouzhe." Ji Yue'er asked again, "You mentioned there were other matters to discuss with me?"

"That's right."

Wang Shouzhe collected his thoughts, his expression slightly serious, "Senior Ji should know about the Little Demon Lord, right?"

"Little Demon Lord?"

Ji Yue'er's face turned cold, her eyes showing deep fear and dread, trembling as she asked, "Master, you mean to?"

"As the saying goes, know yourself and know your enemy, and you'll never be defeated." Wang Shouzhe sipped his Immortal tea calmly, "From what I understand, the Little Demon Lord has some connection with you, Senior Ji. I need detailed information about him to devise a plan to deal with him."

"What?" Ji Yue'er was shocked and incredulous, "Master, you intend to deal with the Little Demon Lord?"