Protect Our Patriarch

...

Old Xin could hardly believe it. With his strength, someone had actually managed to infiltrate his perception range so easily.

Old Xin, whose full name was Wu Zhongxin, was one of the geniuses discovered by Prince Dexin from among his household guards, eventually reaching the Purple Mansion Realm.

Even for someone of royal descent, reaching the Purple Mansion Realm was no easy feat. A person's mindset, willpower, and the allocation of family resources were all tangible and intangible barriers. Even the royal family wouldn't recklessly squander precious resources.

For Wu Zhongxin to start as a mere household guard and step by step reach the Purple Mansion Realm, even advancing to the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion Realm, was no small feat.

With such talent, perseverance, and determination, if he were a direct descendant of Prince Dexin, he might have had the chance to become a great prodigy, another prince.

Unfortunately, in any world, the skill of choosing one's birth is crucial.

Yet, even so, Old Xin held a significant position within Prince Dexin's lineage. Even the various Commandery Princes had to address him as Old Xin when they saw him.

Out of affection and support for Commandery Prince Kang, Prince Dexin had Old Xin accompany him since he was young, growing up with him.

Thus, even Commandery Prince Kang trusted him greatly, even more than the Commandery Princess Zhao Yijing.

Such a person was naturally no ordinary individual.

In just a few breaths, Old Xin composed himself, sitting steadily in the flying carriage, calm and collected, he said, "May I ask who you are? And what is your relationship with the Wang's Clan? I advise you not to get involved with the Wang's Clan, lest you..."

However, before he could finish speaking.

"Boom!"

A powerful force struck, and the luxurious flying carriage was instantly blown to pieces.

The carriage, made of precious spiritual wood, shattered into countless fragments, with various valuable ornaments flying through the air. Even the two peak sixth-order dragon eagles pulling the carriage screeched and broke free, terrified out of their wits.

Old Xin's expression changed, and he immediately somersaulted in the air, using his protective energy to block the flying debris of the carriage.

After all, he was a mid-stage Purple Mansion Realm expert, and the attack was not aimed at him. Even in a hurry, he did not appear embarrassed, though his face was extremely grim.

This flying carriage was Commandery Prince Kang's favorite, with the entire cabin made of lightweight yet sturdy spiritual wood. It was not only expensive but also contained many costly treasures.

Its total value exceeded several million top gold!

This time, when coming to Changning Garrison, they had deliberately removed Commandery Prince Kang's insignia to avoid drawing attention. Yet, unexpectedly, it was destroyed in one strike.

In the clouds, under the hazy moonlight, a figure appeared in the sky.

The figure wore a simple long dress, her attire was simple, yet her aura was extraordinary, exuding a natural nobility. Spiritual energy surrounded her, accentuating her extraordinary presence, more regal than a peony, more pure than the bright moon.

More striking than her aura was her overwhelming presence, surging like a tide.

As she walked on the moonlight, her vast presence swept over, like a raging storm, causing the entire night sky to change and tremble.

At this moment, even the moonlight in the high sky seemed to become her backdrop.

There was no need to say it; this woman was naturally Liu Ruolan.

"You came to the Changning Wang's Clan to plunder me, without even investigating who I am?" Liu Ruolan spoke calmly, her expression serene, but her eyes radiated a cold, angry chill.

"You are...?" Old Xin's pupils shrank suddenly, showing disbelief, "You, you, you... you are Wang's Clan's main wife, Liu Ruolan? How is it possible, how can you be so powerful?!"

In his mind, Liu Ruolan should be less than a hundred years old. At that age, for someone from the Liu's Clan to barely enter the Celestial Realm was already benefiting from the Wang's Clan's wealth.

But what did he see? Clearly, this Liu's Clan member was only at the Celestial Realm, yet he felt a faint pressure from her.

What level had the Changning Wang's Clan hidden themselves to?

"Are you done being surprised?" Liu Ruolan said coldly, "If you're done, then come down and have a seat."

"Arrogant! Even if the Wang's Clan has hidden their strength, so what? Do you think you, a mere Celestial Realm, can take down me?" Wu Zhongxin's brow twitched, but he quickly calmed down.

With a flick of his right hand, a simple and ancient purple-gold spear appeared in his palm, exuding a powerful and domineering aura.

Although he couldn't use a Divine Spirit Artifact, he was still a top-tier veteran household guard, meant to accompany the young master on the battlefield. Therefore, his spear was considered a fine Purple Mansion Treasure, with considerable power.

As soon as the spear was in his hand, his whole body shook, and a powerful aura unique to a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator surged from him, with a massive wolf-shaped Dharma Aspect appearing behind him, his momentum suddenly skyrocketing!

At the same time, his gaze turned cold and sharp.

With a casual flick of the spear tip, the Gengjin profound energy gathered into a bundle, whistling as it stabbed toward Liu Ruolan.

Among weapons, the spear was known for its dominance.

Old Xin's combat power had been tempered by the fires of war, far beyond those family ancestors who spent their days guarding the family and rarely fought. As soon as he struck, it was with overwhelming force, even the profound energy vibrating from the spear seemed to carry the iron-blooded killing intent of the battlefield.

The spear intent soared, as if it could pierce the sky.

"If you don't know what's good for you, don't blame me for being impolite." Liu Ruolan snorted softly, showing no fear.

The next moment.

A blue Dao Spirit Pearl slowly floated behind her. As streams of spiritual light flowed, the concentration of water-element energy around her suddenly surged, becoming so dense it seemed about to drip.

Simultaneously with the Dao Spirit Pearl, a massive Dharma Aspect appeared.

It was a graceful figure, like a goddess.

Her figure was strikingly similar to Liu Ruolan, even her aura had three or four parts similarity, but it was more domineering, more majestic, more indifferent, like a high and mighty divine consort.

After her bloodline transformed into an innate spiritual body, Liu Ruolan's Dharma Aspect seemed to undergo some unimaginable change, becoming increasingly in harmony with the water-element laws of heaven and earth, exuding an even more terrifying aura, as if it was about to merge with them.

At this point, her original minor divine ability had already transformed into a true major divine ability.

And a true major divine ability was no longer just a simple technique, but something closer to the existence of the Dao, capable of endless transformations, mysterious and unpredictable, able to manifest all sorts of wonders, depending on how it was used.

Compared to Wang Long Yan and Wang Liyao, who had just completed their bloodline transformation, Liu Ruolan, who had unknowingly transformed into an innate spiritual body, naturally had a much deeper understanding and application of divine abilities.

With a gentle wave of Liu Ruolan's slender jade hand, the roar of the sea suddenly echoed in the void.

The sky darkened abruptly.

In an instant, it was as if a vast ocean poured down from the sky, with energy rolling in the air, suddenly filled with a suffocatingly terrifying pressure.

The spear intent filled with Gengjin profound energy seemed to stab into water, its speed suddenly slowing down.

Liu Ruolan seemed to have anticipated this situation, unhurriedly forming a sword seal.

"Clang!"

A sword cry rang out, and a long sword emitting blue light suddenly unsheathed.

This long sword, a Divine Spirit Artifact, was naturally the blank Spirit Artifact Divine Spirit Artifact long sword she obtained after passing the seventh level in the new recruit training camp.

After nearly a year of nurturing, this Divine Spirit Artifact long sword had already developed some spirituality. Although it still needed some time to fully form an artifact spirit, it was already somewhat like an extension of her will.

With the sword in hand, Liu Ruolan's aura soared once more, and she raised her hand to strike at Old Xin with a sword.

The sword intent soared, like a raging sea, evenly matched with Old Xin's spear intent.

As an innate spiritual body at the Celestial Realm, Liu Ruolan's greatest disadvantage compared to a Purple Mansion Realm Basalt cultivator was her realm, as well as the quality and quantity of profound energy within her.

The existence of the Dao Spirit Pearl compensated for her lack in the quality and quantity of profound energy, greatly narrowing the gap between her and a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator.

The Divine Spirit Artifact long sword in her hand was much more powerful than Old Xin's Purple Mansion Treasure spear.

With her full strength, her combat power at this moment was not inferior to Old Xin at the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion Realm, and in terms of momentum and attack power, she even had a slight edge.

Meanwhile, a massive fat-headed fish, Wang Zongkun, was already swimming in the space, providing assistance to Liu Ruolan.

Despite his enormous size, he was exceptionally agile when swimming through space.

"Woo woo woo woo~"

Wang Zongkun let out a long whistle like a ship's horn, excited to help his mother fight the bad guys, he was truly happy~~~

After suffering continuous setbacks, Old Xin's expression could no longer be described as shocked.

He felt as if his worldview had shattered, his entire being in a daze.

What was going on with this Liu's Clan member? How did she have a Divine Spirit Artifact? What was that extraordinary pearl behind her? And what was with her Dharma Aspect, how could it be humanoid...

All these questions were bombarding his understanding, leaving his mind in chaos.

However, his questions were destined to remain unanswered.

"Boom!"

The clouds in the sky were scattered, space trembled with a roaring explosion.

Terrifying energy rolled and surged between heaven and earth, causing the entire world to tremble, with layers of clouds and winds swirling, and the collision of laws causing the sky to be filled with a dazzling glow, even the moonlight dimmed.

A fierce battle was raging in the high sky.

Feeling the terrifying energy fluctuations above, the two peak sixth-order dragon eagles that had broken free were terrified, not daring to fly far, they flew lower and lower, eventually flapping their wings and landing in the fields below, covering their heads and trembling.

The peak sixth-order dragon eagles were of high rank and intelligence, but pulling a flying carriage required high obedience from the spiritual beasts, not combat power. Therefore, beast tamers focused more on obedience when training them, which was very different from training battle pets.

After generations of bloodline selection, the dragon eagles pulling the flying carriage became increasingly docile, faster, and grew quickly.

As for combat power, well, it was nothing to speak of.

At this moment.

A giant white fluffball came bouncing over, curiously eyeing the two large, majestic-looking, yet timid dragon eagles.

This rabbit was beautiful, with eyes like red gemstones and fur as pure as moonlight, it was the famous moon rabbit.

Since being "rescued" by Wang Lilong, it had stayed with the Wang's Clan to cultivate medicine, waiting to transform after reaching the seventh order and become the family head's concubine or something like that.

Because the moon rabbit was gentle and timid, not prone to harming others, no one specifically watched over it.

It didn't dare to go too far, and after completing its medicinal cultivation work, it wandered around the medicinal garden and the main residence of the Wang's Clan, relying on its beautiful white fur to beg for spiritual vegetables and spiritual beast pills from the Wang's Clan children, feeling quite content.

Over time, the entire rabbit had grown plumper.

The moon rabbit used its short front legs to poke at the two dragon eagles, who were huddled like giant quails, trembling, feeling extremely pleased. It had never seen a spiritual beast more timid than itself.

"Roar roar roar~"

The moon rabbit let out a "ferocious" roar.

You two dragon eagles better surrender obediently, or this great demon will eat you, roar roar~~

Faced with such a "ferocious beast," the two dragon eagles nearly fainted from fright. After exchanging a glance, they decided it was better to surrender.

Then, they obediently submitted to the moon rabbit's dominance, acknowledging it as their big sister, ready to follow its every command.

...

The Wang's Clan fought a lively battle.

Ancestor Long Yan had the Purple Mansion Realm puppet Wang Shouzong assist from the side, while she confidently faced off against the Wu brothers.

Additionally, Wang Zongkun supported from all sides, using his innate space abilities as an immortal Kun to continuously create spatial disturbances, preventing the Wu brothers from using their minor space divine abilities to escape.

On Wang Liyao's side, Senior Sister Lu Wei provided support.

Her Longevity Tree was more mature than Wang Zong'an's, providing Wang Liyao with a continuous supply of profound energy and healing, greatly enhancing her endurance.

Moreover, Senior Sister Lu Wei's natal spiritual plant, the "Deadly Rose," was a versatile and domineering spiritual plant. From its performance, its growth potential seemed even higher than the Longevity Tree.

With such a spiritual plant at her side, it was no wonder Senior Sister Lu Wei had not fulfilled the old Longevity Tree's trust by refining it into her natal spiritual plant.

Of course, Senior Sister Lu Wei didn't directly intervene, but supported from the side, assisting Wang Liyao when she made mistakes.

Even so, it was enough to thoroughly disgust the Wu brothers, who went berserk several times, yet were mercilessly suppressed.

The battle lasted a long time.

Ultimately, it was Ancestor Long Yan who claimed the first victory.

Her Ice Fiend Divine Ability was a path of slaughter, with greater explosive power than water-element divine abilities. Using her powerful holy body bloodline, she gradually wore down the Wu brother's confidence, driving him to despair, and then completely defeated him.

Ancestor Long Yan intentionally used this battle to temper herself.

As the first ancestor of the family, she naturally refused to fall behind, determined to uphold the family's honor.

Not long after, Wang Liyao also achieved victory.

As a direct disciple of a Divine Ability Master, she naturally had numerous combat techniques.

After their battles, they originally intended for Liu Ruolan to take the opportunity to temper herself, but she had no interest in doing so, directly calling them up, along with the puppet Wang Shouzong, to focus their attacks and take down Wu Zhongxin, who was at the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion Realm...

The battle was indeed fierce.

Fortunately, due to preparations to set up a spirit-gathering formation, the area around Zhuhui Lake had already entered a leisurely demolition phase, with most of the nearby civilians relocated to resettlement housing in Xin'an Town, awaiting farmland exchanges or new purchases.

As a result, there were no civilian casualties, only some damage to buildings, farmland, and medicinal fields, with overall losses being minimal.

The official explanation was that evil cultivators had infiltrated Ping'an Town, attempting to disrupt its prosperity. Coincidentally, the Dean of the Purple Mansion Academy, Tianhe Daoist, was "staying" with the Wang's Clan, and he personally dealt with the evil cultivators.

No one was left alive that night, as Liu Ruolan followed her husband's usual low-key style, not wanting the outside world to know how strong the Wang's Clan had become, even attributing the credit for defeating the evil cultivators to Tianhe Daoist.

Tianhe Daoist, unexpectedly receiving credit, was bewildered.

Additionally, the Wu brothers were wanted criminals by the Immortal Dynasty, and their heads could be exchanged for some immortal crystals and merits at the relevant institutions of the Immortal Court, serving as compensation for Tianhe Daoist taking the blame.

The Wang's Clan was now fully affluent and didn't lack those few immortal crystals, but Tianhe Daoist was quite happy with the unexpected windfall, chattering about saving up more to leave a larger inheritance for Liyao.

Tianhe Daoist naturally had a family background. However, that family was not very promising, having long declined over its long history, now barely a strong seventh-grade family. The current members of that family were already many generations removed from Tianhe Daoist.

He had supported his family as much as he could, secretly aiding them several times, but after repeated failures, his disappointment grew, and their relationship gradually faded.

In contrast, he placed great importance on his disciple Liyao, treating her more like a daughter than a student.

Liyao carried all of Tianhe Daoist's hopes.

Tianhe Daoist was extremely satisfied with Liyao, and it was already a foregone conclusion that she would surpass him. He simply hoped that Liyao could soar higher, at the very least becoming the master of a holy land.

Besides that, the Wang's Clan also gained many spoils from the battle.

The "Mandarin Duck Scissors" of the Wu brothers and Old Xin's spear were both Purple Mansion Treasures. Although not as valuable as Divine Spirit Artifacts, they enriched the family's treasury and would surely be useful in the future.

The most important outcome of this battle was actually the boost in confidence and honor within the Wang's Clan.

For a long time, the Wang's Clan had vast wealth but lacked high-end combat power, relying on stockpiling one-time trump cards or borrowing other forces to protect the clan, like Wang Shouzhe often relying on the Fire Fox Ancestor of the Yuwen's Clan.

Wang Shouzhe's repeated overestimations of the enemy were ultimately because the Wang's Clan wasn't strong enough.

Now, with the Wang's Clan relying on its own members and power to defeat the invaders, it truly marked the formation of the Wang's Clan's high-end combat power.

Compared to when they first entered the sixth grade, the Changning Wang's Clan was now many times stronger.

If they encountered a similar situation to the Zuoqiu's Clan of Qing'an Commandery, a fourth-grade family, they wouldn't need to negotiate or compromise, they could just fight back directly.

The incident of evil cultivators invading Ping'an Town was temporarily concluded.

The news would take some time to reach Shangjing City.

However, Shangjing City was now in turmoil, far more thrilling than the remote Changning Wang's Clan residence in Longzuo. Almost every day, various forces and individuals were taking action, with countless secret confrontations already taking place.

Outside Guilong City, there were the Thirty-Six Garrisons.

Beyond their sphere of influence lay endless suburban farms. It was summer, and the fields were lush with greenery, appearing like layers of green carpets from a high vantage point, more so than when standing on the ground, showcasing the vastness and orderliness of the farmland.

At this moment.

In the high sky, a massive Yun Yao flying boat was traversing the clouds.

Its enormous wings rose and fell, like a bird flapping its wings or a fish waving its fins, seemingly leisurely yet moving at incredible speed. The mighty energy layers roared past above and below the wings, leaving layers of energy vortices in its wake.

As the Yun Yao flew by, the clouds behind it shattered, leaving vast trails.

Those trails led directly toward the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty.

Inside the flying boat's cabin, it was filled with specialties from the Great Qian. Usually, the cargo hold was mostly filled with basic raw materials. This was unavoidable, as the Immortal Dynasty was more developed and uninterested in most of the Great Qian's goods, leaving only roughly processed raw materials to exchange for some immortal crystal reserves.

However, this time was different. The cargo hold was filled with many precious glass crafts, mirrors, magnifying glasses, exquisite tableware, and boxes of flat glass materials.

Additionally, the main hold of the Yun Yao flying boat was piled with a large quantity of high-quality grain seeds produced by the Wang's Clan. It wasn't that the Immortal Dynasty lacked quality grain seeds, but in terms of cost-effectiveness, the Wang's Clan's seeds had some market value.

The situation was clear.

Wang Shouzhe had established a relationship with Yao's Air Transport through the "debt" of five little wolf cubs, reaching a series of cooperative agreements in "pleasant discussions," attempting to open up the Immortal Dynasty market.

Compared to the Great Qian, the Immortal Dynasty was vast and populous, with much greater purchasing power. Even capturing a small portion of the market in the Immortal Dynasty would be enough for the Wang's Clan to earn a fortune.

In theory, cargo-carrying Yun Yao flying boats were not allowed to have hidden compartments. However, Yao's occasionally transported some unregistered goods, and given the face of a first-grade family, as long as it wasn't excessive, it was generally overlooked.

In the depths of the cargo hold, there was a very concealed hidden compartment, with space for only two or three people. This compartment was rarely used, usually filled to prevent inspection, only activated for special events to secretly transport items unknown to outsiders.

Additionally, in the bat-wing compartment of the Yun Yao flying boat, there was a hidden chamber, a private safe room built by Yao Chengchao, usually not subject to inspection.

In the hidden compartment.

Zhao Zhikun and his wife were clearly disguised, squeezed together in the cramped space.

"Wife, it's all my fault, causing you to suffer with me." In the dim light, Zhao Zhikun showed a bitter expression, "Once we get through this ordeal, I'll live a steady life with you, no more of those messy things, no more making you worry."

"Husband, what are you saying?" Jiang's Yuanxiang said, "Husband and wife are one, we should share both joy and hardship."

"The human heart, only in true adversity can you see it clearly." Zhao Zhikun sighed, "In the past, countless people flattered me, fawned over me. Wherever I went, I was the center of attention. Even Commandery Prince Kang acted extremely close, like a brother."

"Yuanxiang, I'm luckier than Wu Chengsi because I met you. I've decided, I don't want to strive for the Divine Realm anymore, I'll grow old with you in the Purple Mansion Realm."

"Husband, what nonsense are you saying? I..."

As the couple spoke their words of adversity, suddenly, the Yun Yao flying boat shook.

At the same time, a polite voice echoed throughout the Yun Yao flying boat: "I am Gongyang Ce from Lingyun Holy Land, here to capture the fugitive Zhao Zhikun, I ask Brother Yao to cooperate with me to avoid any misunderstanding."

"What!?"

Zhao Zhikun and his wife's faces changed dramatically, showing extreme fear.

Meanwhile.

In Yao Chengchao's understated yet luxurious private chamber, a handsome man wearing a Commandery Prince's jade crown showed a hint of surprise before sighing, "Shouzhe, as expected, Commandery Prince Kang is indeed a 'ruthless' and cold-hearted person. Even if Zhao Zhikun is guilty of heinous crimes, he was doing it for him."

Beside him, Wang Shouzhe leisurely sipped spiritual tea, "Once the throne falls into the hands of such a person, the future of the Great Qian is worrying. Therefore, Your Highness should understand, no matter what, the position of Crown Prince must be secured. Otherwise, both our clans will have no choice but to flee to the Immortal Dynasty for refuge. Compared to the current emperor's petty nature, Commandery Prince Kang is much more troublesome."

"Rest assured, Shouzhe, I will not disappoint you." Commandery Prince An promised solemnly, his eyes showing a heavy determination.

"You two, don't be so sentimental." Yao Chengchao smiled wryly, "Deal with the current situation properly, don't leave me any evidence. And Wang Shouzhe, from now on, don't mention the wolf cubs again."

Yao Chengchao was truly bitter, even being chased out by palace guards several times when he went to the imperial palace to see the emperor. It was the first time in his life he had encountered such a shameless emperor.

...

(Seeking monthly tickets, subscriptions, hoping for support to let Old Ao have a meal)