Protect Our Patriarch-Chapter 83Book 5: : Clouds and Rain Changing, Wang Fugui

……

True Lord of Enlightenment was known for his gentle nature, rarely showing anger. Even True Lord Yuling had never seen him so furious.

The commotion in the Enlightenment Tea Garden naturally alarmed several powerful figures who were in seclusion within the Immortal Palace.

In an instant, as if resonating with the Enlightenment Tea Tree, several terrifying auras rose from various parts of the Immortal Palace.

In the Enlightenment Tea Garden, several voices transmitted inquiries one after another.

If the situation was serious, they might tear through space to rush over.

Seeing the situation escalating, Wang Fugui clasped his hands and spoke, "Senior, please calm your anger. This is all Fugui's fault. I shouldn't have mentioned this matter in front of you."

"What fault do you have?" True Lord of Enlightenment suppressed his anger and said, "If it weren't for your inadvertent mention, I would still be kept in the dark. Wait here, while I go to the Wei Clan and leave them with nothing."

True Lord Yuling's eyes lit up, "Senior Enlightenment, going alone as a tree is too dangerous. Do you need a strong fighter? I'm very cheap. Ten pounds, no, eight pounds, no, five pounds of Enlightenment Tea will do."

"Absurd!"

Before True Lord of Enlightenment could respond, an angry voice suddenly echoed from the sky.

"The Jing'an Wei Clan is a family with a history of ten thousand years. Do you know how many of their ancestors have sacrificed for the human race? Even True Lord of Blazing Fire, Wei Dongyu, has made significant contributions to the human race. Even if they are at fault, how can we truly attack them?"

"Especially you, Jiang Yuling. Didn't I order you not to approach Senior Enlightenment? Yet you dare to incite him to fight? Do you want me to beat you again?"

As the voice fell, a phantom appeared out of thin air above the Enlightenment Garden.

He wore white robes, exuding an immortal aura, surrounded by radiant immortal light, his face obscured, yet his presence was majestic and sacred, inspiring reverence.

Immortal Sovereign?

No, to be precise, this was just a projection of the Immortal Sovereign.

"Old fellow, I, Jiang Yuling, am a reincarnated True Immortal. Even if you were here in person, you wouldn't dare to boss me around." Taking advantage of the Immortal Sovereign's seclusion, with only a projection present, Jiang Yuling was as arrogant as ever.

"Jiang Yuling, do you really think I don't dare to beat you?"

"Come on, just a mere projection dares to be so arrogant!"

Wang Fugui watched with cold sweat.

This True Lord Yuling was truly stubborn. Forget that you still have a long way to go to become a True Immortal, and it's uncertain if you can even make it. Even if you do, you probably can't beat an old True Immortal.

Seeing the two about to start fighting, almost forgetting the main issue, Wang Fugui sighed inwardly.

Ah~ None of these seniors are reliable; I'll have to rely on myself to turn things around.

He immediately clasped his hands towards the sky and spoke loudly, "Fugui greets the Immortal Sovereign."

"Oh?" The Immortal Sovereign finally noticed the tiny figure under the tea tree. After a closer look, he chuckled, "This child has good potential. At such a young age, you've already comprehended divine abilities. Not bad, not bad, you're the hope of the human race's future."

The Immortal Sovereign's projection shifted the topic, abandoning the argument with Jiang Yuling.

With just a True Immortal projection, he could suppress an early Lingxu Realm cultivator, but suppressing a prodigy like Jiang Yuling was a different story.

"Immortal Sovereign, you flatter me. This matter started because of Fugui, so please allow me to explain." Wang Fugui spoke calmly.

"Alright, tell me how you plan to handle this?" The Immortal Sovereign's projection looked at Wang Fugui with interest.

This child had extraordinary talent. As long as he followed the right path, he would undoubtedly become a great figure for the human race in the future.

The human race's leaders generally had a protective attitude towards outstanding juniors, as they were the hope for the future.

Therefore, the Immortal Sovereign was more patient with promising juniors.

"It's actually quite simple. Since the Wei Clan damaged the Tree of Fortune's original foundation, let them compensate." Wang Fugui suggested unhurriedly, "I've calculated that spending about fifty million immortal crystals on various resources can restore its original foundation. Adding compensation for physical pain and mental distress, a total of fifty million immortal crystals, a compensation of one hundred million immortal crystals is reasonable."

One hundred million immortal crystals?

True Lord Yuling's eyes instantly turned red.

That's one hundred million immortal crystals~

Although she knew Wang Fugui had a plan against the Wei Clan, she didn't expect him to be so ruthless, asking for such an exorbitant amount.

"One hundred million immortal crystals?" The Immortal Sovereign's projection was also somewhat doubtful, "Although the Wei Clan has deep foundations and considerable wealth, taking out one hundred million at once might not be easy, right?"

"Is it much? Not at all! I find it very reasonable." True Lord of Enlightenment didn't see any problem, blowing his beard and glaring, "Is our Tree of Fortune worthless? The Wei Clan has been drawing its original power for years, gathering their own fortune. How much have they benefited over the years? Now we're just asking them to return a portion. If they refuse to compensate, I'll fight them."

"Senior Enlightenment, don't be impulsive. Fighting won't solve the problem; it will only give them an excuse to accuse the Immortal Palace of bullying." Wang Fugui smiled and offered a suggestion to True Lord of Enlightenment, "We are the victims here! If they refuse to compensate, you can go to their top-grade spiritual farmlands and Gathering Spirit Arrays, settle in, and draw whatever spiritual veins and energy you need, don't hold back."

"Great idea!" True Lord of Enlightenment was enlightened by the suggestion, feeling it was brilliant, "I'll draw from their family for hundreds of years and see if they dare touch a single branch of mine."

The Immortal Sovereign's projection twitched.

How old is this kid? His idea is truly devious. If True Lord of Enlightenment really settles in their spiritual veins for a few hundred years, the Wei Clan's foundation would be nearly destroyed, wouldn't it?

However, the Wei Clan was indeed at fault in this matter.

What the Wei Clan did was truly despicable. If it weren't inconvenient for him to intervene, he would have wanted to punish them himself.

Immediately, he waved his hand, allowing them to handle the matter as they saw fit: "As long as you don't use the Immortal Palace's name to pressure them and don't violate the Immortal Dynasty's laws, you can decide for yourselves."

With that, the Immortal Sovereign's projection dissipated into strands of immortal spirit energy in the sky.

"Tch, old-fashioned." After the Immortal Sovereign's projection left, True Lord Yuling sneered, "When I take over the Immortal Palace, I'll ensure major reforms to the existing system."

As soon as she finished speaking, the Immortal Sovereign's voice came from the sky again with a cold laugh, "Don't even think about it."

"Hey, that old fellow is eavesdropping..." True Lord Yuling fumed, "Fugui, tell me, isn't that old fellow an old-fashioned stick? I'm a reincarnated True Immortal, the hope of the human race's future..."

"……"

Wang Fugui tightly shut his mouth, pretending he hadn't heard anything.

"Huh? Did anyone see where one of my branches went?" At this moment, True Lord of Enlightenment suddenly looked at a part of the tree trunk in confusion, "Why are there fewer leaves on this branch?"

Earlier, when True Lord of Enlightenment was enraged, he lost himself, and now that he had calmed down, he felt something was amiss.

……

The incident of True Lord of Enlightenment's fury quickly spread and fermented within the Immortal City, thanks to those with ulterior motives.

Spirit trees have always been a magical species. Not only do they possess various miraculous effects, but most importantly, they can live for a very long time.

Take True Lord of Enlightenment from the Immortal Palace, for example. He was brought back to the Immortal Palace by the first Immortal Sovereign and has lived for over thirty thousand years, having seen off several Immortal Sovereigns, yet he remains healthy and seems to have a long life ahead.

Because of this characteristic of spirit trees, any family with a long history often plants some spiritual plants as their family guardians. When the family faces difficult times, they can rely on these guardian spiritual plants to weather crises.

And spirit trees, with the family's support, can live more comfortably than in the wild, advancing more quickly and having a higher chance of breaking through barriers.

It's a mutually beneficial relationship.

Some families with long traditions even have powerful spiritual plants, reaching the tenth or eleventh tier.

These long-lived spiritual plants protect and "nurture" generations of family members, holding a high status within the family.

With True Lord of Enlightenment's anger, the spiritual plants naturally received the news and followed suit.

The Tree of Fortune is a quasi-celestial plant, akin to a princess or prince among all intelligent spiritual plants.

How dare a family abuse the legendary Tree of Fortune? This cannot be tolerated.

For a time, many families' spiritual plants expressed that if the Wei Clan didn't properly resolve this matter, they would collectively complain to the Immortal Emperor.

With the spiritual plants' anger, out of respect for their guardian spiritual plants, many families also issued statements condemning the Wei Clan.

In addition, Yuntai An from the Chaoyang King's residence somehow arrived in the Immortal City, visiting various royal residences and families, condemning Wei Qingyun's despicable actions to everyone he met.

For a time, the Wei Clan's reputation and standing plummeted.

A wave of invisible pressure continuously loomed over the Wei Clan.

……

Jing'an Wei Clan.

As an old and prestigious first-tier family, the Jing'an Wei Clan has been operating in Jing'an Prefecture for over ten thousand years. Their local connections are deeply rooted, and their influence is significant, extending throughout the entire Immortal Dynasty, making them a formidable force.

Such a family is no longer a conventional family but a colossal entity with attributes of a financial, military, and political power.

If such a family decides to target someone, the power they can wield is immense, far beyond what ordinary people can resist.

Wei Clan's main residence.

In the heart of a sprawling complex comparable to a city, there is a large residence named "True Flame Residence," occupying the best spiritual vein within the main residence. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

This "True Flame Residence" is the daily abode of the Wei Clan's first ancestor, True Lord of Blazing Fire, Wei Dongyu.

At this moment.

Wei Dongyu was half-lying in his inner chamber, drinking medicinal soup served by maids and servants.

The spear strike from the Chaoyang King had a significant impact on him. Although he had taken healing pills, a destructive force still lingered in his organs, preventing his injuries from fully healing.

Even now, his body remained weak, spending half the day lying down, slowly recovering as the force gradually dissipated.

"Ancestor, as per your instructions, I've settled Qingyun in the quietest room in the courtyard, with guards around to ensure no one disturbs his recovery."

Wei Mingyu stood by the soft couch, respectfully reporting on Wei Qingyun's condition.

As one of the great prodigies of this generation, Wei Mingyu was several decades older than Wei Qingyun and had slightly better qualifications.

Though he had reservations about Wei Dongyu's favoritism and protection of Wei Qingyun, he dared not show it, continuing to report respectfully, "Additionally, several elders from the clan came today, demanding you deal with Qingyun. I've blocked them as you instructed. However..."

He paused, hesitating, "I'm worried that if this continues, Qingyun will provoke public outrage."

The elders in the clan were very upset about Wei Qingyun losing the Tree of Fortune, and it was only after Wei Dongyu's outburst that the matter was temporarily suppressed.

But everyone knew that this issue wouldn't simply go away.

The Tree of Fortune was too important to the Wei Clan.

"Don't worry about these trivial matters." Wei Dongyu glanced at him dismissively, "Your main task now is to take good care of Qingyun. As for the rest, I will handle it. I will find a way to retrieve the Tree of Fortune."

Just then, a servant came to report, "Ancestor, the family head requests an audience."

Could it be that there's news about investigating Wang Anye?

"Let him in."

Wei Dongyu casually instructed.

Once they confirmed Wang Anye's identity and background, they could start preparing to deal with him.

The Tree of Fortune was the foundation of the Wei Clan's rapid rise and could not be compromised.

This time, no matter what, he had to find a way to reclaim the Tree of Fortune!

As he pondered, the Wei Clan's head, Wei Wentao, was ushered in by Wei Mingyu.

Wei Mingyu then withdrew, as the upcoming matters were beyond his involvement.

The head of the Jing'an Wei Clan, Wei Wentao, was a middle-aged man with a dignified appearance and a steady demeanor.

He wore a dark blue silk robe, his brows furrowed, his expression grim, and his demeanor exuding anxiety and unease.

"What's going on?" Wei Dongyu immediately sensed something was wrong from his expression, "Does that kid have some formidable background? Can't we touch him?"

"Reporting to Ancestor, that's not the case. The boy named Wang Anye is indeed from a small family in the Eastern Qian Kingdom. It's only because of their wealth that they could afford a Lingxu Realm protector. The tricky part isn't this." Wei Wentao respectfully saluted Wei Dongyu and said uneasily, "But today, I received urgent news that someone has brought the matter of the Tree of Fortune to True Lord of Enlightenment. Upon learning of it, True Lord of Enlightenment was furious and has publicly stated that he will support the Tree of Fortune and make us pay. This matter has already spread in the Immortal City, greatly affecting our Wei Clan's reputation."

"What did you say?" Wei Dongyu's expression froze, his face changing dramatically, "That old tea tree has been secluded in the Immortal Palace, rarely stepping out of the Enlightenment Tea Garden. Ordinary people can't even see him. Isn't that boy Wang Anye from a small family in the Eastern Qian Kingdom? How could he enter the Immortal Palace and meet the Enlightenment Tea Tree?"

"It's not him." Wei Wentao shook his head, "I've been keeping an eye on Wang Anye. He's still at the Ji Clan and hasn't left. Moreover, it's been less than two months since the Tree of Fortune was taken, and the speed of the matter's fermentation and spread is too fast. There must be someone manipulating this behind the scenes."

"And the person orchestrating all this must have significant connections and influence in the Immortal Dynasty. This isn't something a small family in the Eastern Qian Kingdom could achieve."

"Enough, stop talking about these useless things." Wei Dongyu impatiently waved his hand, then got up, pacing anxiously in the room, "That old tea tree is not only powerful but also well-connected, with significant influence in the Immortal Dynasty. If he's determined to oppose us, the consequences are unpredictable. Moreover, with him protecting it, retrieving the Tree of Fortune will be difficult."

"Indeed~"

Wei Wentao nodded helplessly.

He was also troubled by this, "Moreover, True Lord of Enlightenment has stated that we must compensate the Tree of Fortune with one hundred million immortal crystals to cover the losses, or else..."

"One hundred million immortal crystals?!" Wei Dongyu's eyes widened in disbelief, "Why doesn't he just rob us?! Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

Wei Wentao grimaced, "But True Lord of Enlightenment said that if we don't agree, he'll come to our home, absorb our spiritual veins, drink our spiritual springs, and stay for a thousand years..."

"…Damn!"

Wei Dongyu cursed in anger, his face alternating between dark and light.

With the Wei Clan's current financial situation, supporting two early Lingxu Realm cultivators was more than enough, and barely manageable with a third. But if a Lingxu Realm peak cultivator came, it would be disastrous.

If that old tea tree really took root in their spiritual veins, he might drain all the spiritual energy, leaving the rest of the family unable to cultivate.

If he stayed for a thousand years, the Wei Clan's losses would far exceed one hundred million immortal crystals!

The worst part was that the old tea tree was already at the twelfth-tier peak, and they couldn't defeat him, let alone drive him away!

It seemed this time they would have to swallow their pride and accept the loss. The Tree of Fortune was destined not to be reclaimed.

"Shameless! Despicable! Brazen!"

Wei Dongyu cursed in anger.

"Ancestor, in my opinion, if there's no other way, we should compensate. Spending money to avoid disaster is better than letting the situation escalate." Wei Wentao also had no choice, advising with a bitter face, "Didn't we stockpile a large batch of black iron ore? We just need to sell a portion..."

"No, that batch of black iron ore can't be touched lightly." Wei Dongyu's face changed slightly, his previously irritable demeanor suddenly calming down.

He paced the room for a few steps, then turned to instruct Wei Wentao, "Here's what we'll do. I'll first contact some old friends and ask them to speak to that old tea tree, trying to reduce the compensation amount to below fifty million. Meanwhile, you contact the Han Clan of Helan."

Wei Wentao was taken aback.

"Isn't the Black Armor Division in urgent need of black iron ore recently?" Wei Dongyu's eyes narrowed, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, "Work with the Han Clan to drive the price of black iron ore up, then sell it. You know how to handle this, right?"

"Yes, yes." The Wei Clan's head's eyes lit up, instantly understanding, "With the outer region battlefield in urgent need of supplies, the Black Armor Division is desperate for black iron ore to produce thirty thousand sets of black armor. Even if the price rises, they'll likely have to buy it. If we can drive the price up by even ten percent, the compensation will be covered."

"Ancestor, you're wise!"

Seeing the problem that had troubled him for half a day resolved in a few strokes by the ancestor, with a solution in sight, Wei Wentao visibly relaxed and immediately praised Wei Dongyu.

"Enough, stop with the flattery." Wei Dongyu waved impatiently, "Get to work. Do it well."

"Yes, Ancestor."

Wei Wentao immediately took his leave.

Soon, the room returned to silence, but Wei Dongyu's face no longer held the initial ease.

……

Immortal Court—[Immortal Armament Division]!

The "Immortal Armament Division" is an important department of the Immortal Court, overseeing all matters related to the production, storage, distribution, and recycling of equipment.

Under the Immortal Armament Division, there is a "Department" called [Black Armor Department], responsible for manufacturing and maintaining various grades of [Black Armor].

Within the Black Armor Department.

The head of the Black Armor Department, Zhao Xiqing, was being reprimanded by her superior, [King of the South], Yuntai An.

The King of the South was a relatively young and promising prince of the Immortal Dynasty's royal family, managing the Immortal Armament Division for several centuries, making him a powerful prince.

"Zhao Xiqing!" The King of the South looked sternly at the blue-clad woman before him, "You've been with the Immortal Armament Division for a long time. It was because of your outstanding abilities that I placed you in charge of the Black Armor Department despite opposition."

"Now, with the outer region battlefield becoming increasingly tense, constantly urging our Immortal Armament Division, tell me today, when will the thirty thousand sets of black armor be completed and delivered?"

As an "immortal drifter," Zhao Xiqing, even with some support from the Han Clan, had a challenging journey to her current position.

She bowed with a serious expression, "Your Highness, you know the situation. Over the centuries, as the war intensifies, the consumption of weapons and equipment has been increasing annually, and our warehouse resources are becoming increasingly scarce."

"As the saying goes, 'a clever woman cannot cook without rice.' With a significant shortage of black iron ingots, how can I produce thirty thousand sets of standard black armor out of thin air?"

The standard black armor of the Immortal Dynasty is the standard equipment for the army.

The Immortal Dynasty has long achieved universal cultivation, with even ordinary citizens possessing Qi Refining Realm cultivation, so the army's recruitment standards are much higher than those of the Great Qian.

Only Lingtai Realm cultivators are eligible to become true members of the army.

In essence, the Immortal Dynasty's Black Armor Army is the true Black Armor Army.

The Great Qian's Black Armor Army merely imitates the Immortal Dynasty's structure, and in terms of combat power, it falls far short of the Immortal Dynasty's Black Armor Army.

"Zhao Xiqing, are you still blaming me for being harsh?" The King of the South's face was rather displeased, "Or do you think it's my responsibility to procure black iron ingots?"

"Subordinate dares not." Zhao Xiqing respectfully bowed, "I've been trying to procure black iron ingots from various sources, but over the years, the outer region battlefield has consumed too many resources, and many of our royal family's mines are depleted, with insufficient production. The market's black iron ingot stock is also dwindling, and prices are soaring."

"I've investigated this matter, and I suspect that the Han Clan of Helan, the Wei Clan of Jing'an, and hundreds of other mining families are secretly colluding to hoard black iron ingots, attempting to manipulate prices. Otherwise, the price increase over the years wouldn't be so severe."

The King of the South's expression grew serious, "Do you have evidence?"

"I've already contacted the Han Clan and the Wei Clan, and they've expressed willingness to expedite mining, but due to the difficulty and low yield, the price of this batch of black iron ingots must increase."

"I've sent people to investigate, but the Han Clan and the Wei Clan are very cunning. They likely didn't hoard all at once but gradually accumulated over a century or more, creating a false shortage."

"Without evidence, how can it be substantiated?" The King of the South frowned, reprimanding, then said seriously, "Xiqing, if you don't have solid evidence, don't act recklessly."

"I understand." Zhao Xiqing sighed, "Their audacity is likely supported by someone influential. That person is currently highly favored, and even Your Highness would be wise not to provoke her."

"As long as you understand, the Jing'an Princess is not someone to be trifled with." The King of the South frowned, "Xiqing, how much are they asking for this time?"

"The black iron ingots for each set of black armor amount to eight thousand immortal crystals." Zhao Xiqing said helplessly, "The total quote is two hundred and forty million immortal crystals!"

"Are they insane?" The King of the South's face darkened, "Although black armor uses a lot of materials, it's ultimately just a standard spiritual tool. I remember two hundred years ago, the material cost was only two thousand immortal crystals, and in recent years it rose to three thousand five hundred!"

"Exactly, I'm suspecting they're taking advantage of the situation." Zhao Xiqing said helplessly, "Your Highness, if I agree to this procurement deal, my tenure as head of the department might end. However, to repay your kindness, I'm willing to be the scapegoat."

"We can afford to wait, but the frontline soldiers cannot." The King of the South angrily pounded the table, his eyes filled with helplessness, "Agree to their terms."

"Yes, Your Highness." Zhao Xiqing's eyes turned serious.

"Rest assured, Xiqing, my residence has considerable assets." The King of the South sighed, "By selling and mortgaging, and raising funds from various sources, I can cover the shortfall of over a hundred million immortal crystals in the short term. No matter what, I won't let you suffer, but you must expedite the process to ensure the frontline soldiers are well-equipped!"

"Your Highness is noble." Zhao Xiqing, moved and filled with admiration, bowed deeply, "I will do my utmost."

At this moment.

The gatekeeper of the Black Armor Department came to report, "Reporting to the head, someone is here with the Fourth Princess Token, claiming to have urgent matters to discuss with you."

The Fourth Princess?

Zhao Xiqing exchanged a glance with the King of the South, both puzzled. The Fourth Princess, though holding the title, was only about ten years old, wasn't she?

Regardless, since the Princess Token was presented, Zhao Xiqing had no choice but to meet.

"Let them in." Zhao Xiqing ordered, then said to the King of the South, "Your Highness, please excuse yourself for now."

"No problem, I'm curious to see what tricks young Mengyu has." The King of the South said calmly.

In no time.

Wang Fugui arrived with Luo Yuqing and their Divine Realm protector and escort, Jiang Qinglian.

Upon seeing Zhao Xiqing, Wang Fugui was the first to bow deeply, "Fugui greets Ancestor Xiqing."

"Fugui?" Zhao Xiqing was slightly surprised, looking him up and down, then seemed to recall something, a hint of joy flashing in her eyes, "Are you the child of Jingling, no, Jingyu?"

"Ahem~ Ancestor Xiqing, my mother's name is Zhao Jingling." Wang Fugui coughed twice, clarifying.

"Right, right, Jingling and Jingyu are the treasured twins of our Zhao Clan's direct line, married to the Wang Clan's brothers, Wang Ningyao and Wang Ningyi. It was agreed that whoever had a son first would be the Wang Clan's direct heir."

Although Zhao Xiqing didn't often return to the Great Qian, she was aware of some important family matters.

She said joyfully, "I only learned from the Zhao Clan's letter that Fugui, you are the child of our family's Jingyu."

"Ahem, my mother is Zhao Jingling." Wang Fugui awkwardly reminded again.

No choice, not only did his father and brother look alike, resembling twins despite not being so, but his mother and Aunt Jingyu were genuine twins, looking almost identical.

It's no wonder many people outside couldn't tell them apart, even Grandpa Wang Anye often confused the two daughters-in-law...