Protect Our Patriarch-Chapter 70Book 5: : Strong Stuffing! Colorful Treasure Tree

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"Mengyu," the Northern Territory Wang's expression suddenly turned very serious, "I know you quite like Fugui, but you must understand that the position of the Mansion Master of the Princess Mansion in your future is of utmost importance, and it's a position prone to jealousy and danger."

"In the shadows, who knows how many eyes are watching this position. If someone without enough family background, strength, or wisdom becomes the Mansion Master, it won't be helping him, but harming him."

"But Ancestor Grandfather," Yun Mengyu pouted in defiance, "this strange incident in our Wang Mansion, even you and True Lord Yuling can't solve it, it's too difficult for Fugui."

"Difficult or not, he must face it," the Northern Territory Wang said sternly, "In the future, as the Mansion Master of the Princess Mansion, he will encounter all kinds of challenges, and not all of them will have a way out. If he shrinks back from this small issue now, what will he do in the future?"

Yun Mengyu opened her mouth, about to say something, when Wang Fugui held her back, "Mengyu, my Ancestor Grandfather also said that we shouldn't avoid challenges. So, no matter what, I'll give it a try first."

"Good lad, I'm starting to appreciate you," the Northern Territory Wang glanced at the other boys, "You little brats, don't just stand there, if you're going to try, do it together. Maybe a blind cat will catch a dead mouse."

"Northern Territory Wang Senior, if we participate, will there be Divine Spirit Artifact rewards?" Wang Baotian's eyes lit up.

Even though, with his status in the family, he would surely receive Divine Spirit Artifacts from the family in the future, who would mind having more?

Wu Zhiyu, Ying Ruyu, and Luo Xuanji also showed excitement, eagerly looking at the Northern Territory Wang.

"Heh," the Northern Territory Wang swept a glance at them, sneering, "You little brats, do you think I'm senile? Participate if you want. However, if anyone happens to win, the reward won't be small."

"Participate, participate," a group of young people nodded repeatedly.

There's no loss in participating, what if they win by luck?

"Listen carefully..." The Northern Territory Wang detailed the events that occurred in the mansion, "That's the entire situation. As for how to solve it, you'll have to figure it out yourselves."

"This..." Wu Zhiyu and the other youths were dumbfounded.

Such a bizarre thing exists in the world? Even the Northern Territory Wang and True Lord Yuling can't solve it, how can they?

Even Wang Fugui frowned, looking a bit troubled.

In fact, the Northern Territory Wang never expected this group of kids to solve the problem. He originally wanted to wait and see, and if it couldn't be resolved, he would ask the Immortal Emperor for help.

Now, he was just using this as an opportunity to pose a difficult problem, deliberately making things hard for Wang Fugui. Seeing this group of kids scratching their heads, the Northern Territory Wang inexplicably felt a sense of satisfaction.

It turns out bullying kids can be so fulfilling. Especially bullying a mature and steady kid like Wang Fugui, it feels even more rewarding.

True Lord Yuling also watched Wang Fugui with interest.

She didn't really believe Wang Fugui could solve the problem, but for some reason, she was eagerly anticipating his performance.

"Northern Territory Wang Senior, may I ask a few questions?" Wang Fugui cupped his hands.

"Ask away," the Northern Territory Wang waved his hand, bored.

"Logically, a Lingxu Realm cultivator like you should be able to tear through space and be sensitive to spatial fluctuations," Wang Fugui said with an experienced look, "Why can't you sense any spatial fluctuations? Is it because there are none, or is your understanding of space too low to keep up with others?"

What do you mean my understanding of the laws of space is too low?

The Northern Territory Wang rolled his eyes in frustration, "I'm not an expert in space, but I'm at the normal level for a Lingxu Realm cultivator. Besides, isn't True Lord Yuling here too? She can't sense it either, so it's not my problem."

"In that case, there are only two possibilities left. One, the opponent's ability in the space path is at least equivalent to the Immortal Emperor, too high a level, thus avoiding your detection. Two, the opponent isn't using spatial abilities," Wang Fugui calmly deduced, "Given the low value of the stolen items, I personally think the second possibility is greater."

"Oh? You're saying the thief isn't strong but has a special ability?" The Northern Territory Wang suddenly became interested.

"It's just a possibility," Wang Fugui continued, "Northern Territory Wang Senior, I need a detailed list of stolen items, their locations, owner information, and a detailed map of the mansion."

"What's the use? We've already investigated all suspects in the mansion thoroughly. Not only did we not find the thief, but we also uncovered more thefts," the Northern Territory Wang grumbled but still ordered someone to prepare detailed information for Wang Fugui.

However, he didn't favor anyone, giving each of the other young ones a copy as well.

In front of everyone, Wang Fugui began to organize and analyze the data, marking details on the map, and he questioned ten different victims meticulously.

"What's your name?"

"My name is Yun Gui, I'm the steward of the Western Kitchen."

"You lost thirty pieces of Han Yue Gold, why didn't you report it? Why wait until the mansion's thorough search to report it?"

"Young Master, that bag of Han Yue Gold was money I saved twenty years ago for important matters, so I buried it under the bed for safekeeping. Over time, I forgot about it. During the mansion's search, when they uncovered my bed, I saw the mark and remembered I had hidden that money."

"Forgot? When did you forget?"

"Young Master, it's been too long, I don't know when I forgot."

Wang Fugui turned to Yun Mengyu, "Your steward here is suspected of embezzlement, but it's unrelated to this case. Investigate him later."

"What? I'm innocent, Young Master, I'm innocent," Yun Gui's face changed dramatically, pleading his innocence.

Yun Mengyu didn't give him a chance to argue, waving her hand to have the house guards drag him away. Naturally, an experienced steward would handle his interrogation later.

"How did you know he was embezzling?" Yun Mengyu blinked her almond-shaped eyes, curious.

"Twenty years ago, he saved Han Yue Gold, burying it shows he valued it greatly, indicating he was poor then. Forgetting such a core memory is likely because he later had too much money. Also, although his outer clothing is ordinary, the inner garment's color and texture are extraordinary, likely seventh-grade Ice Crystal Heavenly Silkworm Silk."

"And his right-hand ring, though specially treated, can still be discerned as a type of Purple Seal Spirit Jade with special life-extending properties," Wang Fugui calmly analyzed, "Besides, the kitchen is a place prone to corruption, easily allowing for embezzlement."

"Fugui, you're amazing, I now believe you can find the thief," Yun Mengyu looked at Wang Fugui with admiration.

"Kid, I asked you to investigate the thief, not embezzlement," the Northern Territory Wang's face darkened, even a Western Kitchen steward could embezzle so much, doesn't this mean he, the Northern Territory Wang, can't even manage his own mansion?

He resolved to thoroughly overhaul the mansion's management after this matter was settled. If everyone embezzles a bit, how much money would be lost in a year?

"Yes, Northern Territory Wang Senior," Wang Fugui continued questioning each person, recording continuously.

"Everyone, through data analysis and questioning, I've found some clues," Wang Fugui organized the information, "Firstly, the identity of the victims is not fixed, from Shizi Xuan to a mere servant, indicating the thief has no specific target, seemingly acting randomly."

"Secondly, the thefts have been occurring continuously for five years, indicating the thief has been hiding in the mansion all along."

"The most crucial point is, every victim claims to have forgotten the stolen item, most realizing it during this thorough mansion search. This makes me suspect, is the key to the thefts related to forgetting?"

Wang Fugui analyzed point by point.

"How is that possible? Who would know what someone has forgotten and then steal it?" Wu Zhiyu questioned, "Could the thief not only read minds but also check everyone's brain daily for forgotten treasures? That's absurd."

"The conclusion is indeed absurd, but isn't it equally absurd that even Lingxu Realm cultivators can't detect spatial fluctuations?" Wang Fugui said calmly, "My Ancestor Grandfather taught me that in research and study, one must make bold assumptions and carefully verify them. Although this conclusion is unconventional, we can still verify it cautiously."

Saying this, he took out a newly designed puppet spider, introducing it, "This is my invention, the Exploration Puppet Spider, combined with the Heavenly Recording Disk, it can remotely control, explore, record, and more."

"Fugui, is this your new exploration spider? It looks more advanced than the one you gave me last time," Yun Mengyu pouted slightly, "I even gave you a Princess Token."

Several young ones nearby almost spat blood, realizing Wang Fugui exchanged a Princess Token for a mere puppet. Had they known, they could have gathered a hundred, no, a thousand puppets to trade.

"Mengyu, the spider puppet I gave you was the first puppet I ever made. If you're not satisfied, I'll exchange it for this new one," Wang Fugui said.

"No, no, the first one is fine, I'll keep it as a collection," Yun Mengyu was instead pleased, urging, "Hurry and catch the thief, I can't wait to see the result."

"I'll try," Wang Fugui tossed the exploration spider into a small room, then left, suggesting to himself, forget, forget, forget.

After a while, he re-entered to find the spider still in the room.

He frowned, pondering, "Even though I tried to forget, I didn't truly forget, instead remembering more clearly, what should I do?"

"Senior, is there a way for me to truly forget that little spider?" Wang Fugui asked.

"There is a rare pill called the Forget Worry Pill, taking one can make you forget everything. However, it's only effective on those below the Celestial Realm," the Northern Territory Wang, knowledgeable as always, suggested, eyeing Wang Fugui as if he really wanted to feed him one.

But he knew, feeding Wang Fugui alone wouldn't work, he'd have to feed the precious Mengyu too.

"No, this pill makes you forget everything," Jiang Qinglian, who had been silent, said, "If it's just forgetting small things, I know a minor soul-cleansing spell, it's ineffective against experts but should work on someone like the Young Master at the Qi Refining Realm, especially for newly formed memories."

Jiang Qinglian, from the demonic path and skilled in disguise and infiltration, was naturally proficient in hypnotic spells.

"Then I'll trouble Senior Jiang," Wang Fugui said politely.

"No, although this soul-cleansing spell isn't difficult, the Young Master is of noble status, what if something happens to him?" Jiang Qinglian refused, "Why not find a servant in the mansion to try?"

"Absolutely not, this is my matter, I can't shift the risk to innocent people," Wang Fugui shook his head, "Besides, this puppet spider can only be controlled by me, others interfering might disrupt the plan. Senior Jiang, please proceed, I'd like to experience being soul-cleansed, so I can guard against it in the future."

"If that's the case, be careful, Young Master," Jiang Qinglian finally agreed, her jade-like hand waving before Wang Fugui, her powerful divine sense enveloping him.

Initially, she was relaxed and in control, but gradually, sweat trickled down, showing her struggle. After a long while, she stepped back, wiping cold sweat, looking shaken, "The Young Master's soul is far stronger than ordinary people, even those who have opened the Lingtai are no match, I almost failed."

"Hmm?" Wang Fugui frowned, "What happened just now? Why am I suddenly here?"

Before anyone could answer, Jiang Qinglian opened the small room's door, shocked, "The puppet spider is indeed gone."

"How is that possible!?" The Northern Territory Wang and True Lord Yuling were equally astonished, unable to detect the puppet spider being stolen right under their noses.

"Puppet spider? What puppet spider?" Wang Fugui frowned, puzzled, looking at Yun Mengyu, "Mengyu, weren't we just having a meal?"

"Fugui, here's what happened," Yun Mengyu quickly explained the situation to Wang Fugui.

With his will and thought process, it took Wang Fugui over ten breaths to sort out the logic, sighing, "Senior Jiang's soul-cleansing spell is impressive, this is my first experience like this."

"The Young Master's soul is already very strong," Jiang Qinglian remarked, "Once you reach the Lingtai Realm, I won't be able to affect you at all, so rest assured."

Reassured, Wang Fugui began to ponder, "I can sense the puppet spider from dozens of miles away, but now I can't feel it at all, could it have traveled dozens of miles in an instant?"

"Northern Territory Wang Senior, please take me around the mansion, if we enter within about thirty miles, I can sense my puppet spider, then the thief will have nowhere to hide."

Though the Northern Territory Wang found Wang Fugui annoying, finding the internal thief was important. He grabbed Wang Fugui and began flying around the mansion.

Even flying slowly to accommodate Wang Fugui, they covered the mansion in a stick of incense's time.

Landing back at the starting point, Wang Fugui frowned, "I couldn't sense the puppet spider at all."

"Fugui, could it have left the mansion?" Yun Mengyu asked nervously.

"No, based on the distribution of all stolen items, the thief is undoubtedly still in the mansion," Wang Fugui said firmly, a light bulb going off, "Right, my connection with the puppet spider is a type of wave, if blocked by formations, I can't sense it. Are there spaces in the mansion isolated by formations?"

"Of course," Yun Mengyu quickly replied, "Like several forbidden areas, inheritance grounds, and... the underground treasury! Especially our family's underground treasury, it's very secure, with layers of defensive formations, my Ancestor Grandfather was afraid of thieves, so he added..."

"Mengyu, enough," the Northern Territory Wang's face darkened, "Every family's treasury is heavily guarded and protected, right?"

"Senior, the thief might be hiding in a forbidden area or similar place, please take me to sense them," Wang Fugui cupped his hands, "Through big data comparison and behavior analysis, I'm sure the thief never left the mansion."

"Alright!" the Northern Territory Wang gritted his teeth, "For the thief, I'll make an effort, but if we search the forbidden areas and treasury and still can't find the thief, you'll have to admit defeat and return the Princess Token."

"Of course," Wang Fugui said confidently.

Then, the Northern Territory Wang took Wang Fugui to fly through each forbidden area and inheritance ground. Truly worthy of being a mansion, there were seven or eight forbidden areas and over ten inheritance grounds.

Finally, the Northern Territory Wang took Wang Fugui into the treasury.

Passing through layers of protection and formations, they entered the treasury's interior. Suddenly, Wang Fugui's face lit up, "I sense it, it's here, about five or six miles away."

"That's in the deepest part of the treasury," the Northern Territory Wang used his profound energy, taking Wang Fugui directly to the deepest part.

There, treasures were piled high, even mid-grade and high-grade spiritual stones were stacked in boxes, the dazzling array of treasures showed the Northern Territory Wang Mansion's wealth.

Especially next to a pile of scattered treasures, stood a multicolored glazed tree, exuding an incredibly noble aura.

"Huh? Where did this treasure tree come from?" the Northern Territory Wang frowned, "I don't recall our treasury having such a beautiful glazed tree."

While he was puzzled, Wang Fugui walked over, patting the tree, "Hey, stop pretending, hand over the goods."

"Eeya?" the multicolored glazed tree muttered, continuing to act immobile.

"Hehe~" Wang Fugui rummaged through the scattered treasure pile, revealing various stolen items, including True Lord Yuling's scarf and Wang Fugui's puppet spider.

"Stop pretending, my puppet spider has recorded everything, this is called caught red-handed, or rather, tree-handed! You are the thief!"

"Eeya eeya!" the multicolored glazed tree stopped pretending, angrily arguing with Wang Fugui, as if saying it wasn't a thief, those were unclaimed items.

"Alright, let's talk outside," Wang Fugui grabbed its beautiful crystal-like branches.

"Eeya eeya," the multicolored glazed tree got angry, raising its branches to tussle with Wang Fugui.

"..." The Northern Territory Wang was speechless, never expecting the thief to be a tree, and that Wang Fugui would actually find it.

However, seeing the two fighting like amateurs, the Northern Territory Wang held back from helping, at least wanting to hear the kid ask for help first.

"Goodness, you're such an arrogant thief?" Wang Fugui shouted while wrestling with the multicolored glazed tree, "Watch my Dharma Aspect!"

In an instant!

A tender "Dharma Aspect" emerged behind Wang Fugui.

It was also a tree, vibrant and full of life energy.

"Yah? Eeya eeya?"

The multicolored glazed tree froze, then joyfully squealed, "Eeya eeya," as it stabbed Wang Fugui's palm with its sharp branch tip.

Blood flowed onto its branch, seeping into its body.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Wang Fugui suddenly felt a strange sensation, finding the "thief tree" familiar and life-linked.

"Is this a life-bound plant contract?" Wang Fugui was astonished, "Hey, stop messing around, I'm only at the Qi Refining Realm, it's said you need to be at the Celestial... alright, you win!"

Wang Fugui was powerless to resist, feeling the genuine life connection between him and the tree, having been forcefully life-bound.

"Hehe, you're at a loss..." the Northern Territory Wang was about to mock when he suddenly remembered something, "Wait, our ancestor once obtained a semi-celestial plant seed from the outer regions, called the 'Seven-Colored Glazed Treasure Tree,' could, could it be this one?"

No way, no way, he heard that semi-celestial spirit seed was already a bad seed, the Northern Territory Wang comforted himself. But looking at the tree hugging Wang Fugui, eeya eeya affectionately, it looked just like the legendary—Seven-Colored Glazed Treasure Tree!

Oh dear!

The Northern Territory Wang was almost in tears, this was a huge loss.

...