Protect Our Patriarch

Wang Shouzhe had never intended to go after the Blood Nest base's technology. After all, the Bridal Blood Gu, though valuable, would require a cruel and bloody process to cultivate and refine, which was something the Academy would never allow him to dabble in. Therefore, a blank Spirit Artifact was preferable, offering more room for manipulation.

As expected.

Fang You'an pondered for a moment and said, "A blank Spirit Artifact should be no problem. However, this item should be added to the list of spoils of war for everyone to bid on based on their contributions. Let's estimate its value at three hundred thousand Top Gold."

"Excluding the materials and information obtained by the Academy, various corpse materials, and the Corpse Concealing Coffins, the rest of the spoils of war are estimated to be three million six hundred and twenty thousand. The floating island's industrial development has a total of ten shares, each share priced at three hundred thousand Top Gold. The Purple Mansion Academy has priority in subscribing to five shares, and the remaining five shares are priced at one million five hundred thousand to be added to the spoils of war pool."

"According to the pre-agreed distribution plan for the spoils of war, as well as the contributions made by everyone in this cooperative mission, Wang Shouzhe gets 50 points for planning and leading the operation, 20 points for combat, Long Yan gets 20 points, Liu Ruolan gets 20 points."

"Xu Beichen gets 20 points, and Zhong Xiangyang gets points for family participation."

"As for Lü Wei and I, having obtained the Blood Nest base information, we can receive a considerable amount of academic credits as a reward from the Academy, so we will not participate in the distribution of the spoils of war. The total points are 160, with each point valued at thirty-two thousand Top Gold. Does anyone have any objections?"

A single point was worth over thirty thousand Top Gold.

Xu Beichen and Zhong Xiangyang were both very happy and expressed no objections.

Especially Xu Beichen, the Xu Clan of Changning had been extremely poor in recent years. His 20 points, if all converted into Top Gold, would amount to a whopping six hundred and forty thousand!

Indeed, working with Wang Shouzhe was always satisfying; there was little risk, but the rewards were substantial.

"Since no one has any objections, the floating island's share price is fixed at three hundred thousand (constant), the estimated value of the high-grade storage ring is two hundred and fifty thousand, two medium-grade storage rings plus one low-grade storage ring is one hundred and eighty thousand, two medium-grade Spirit Artifacts are one hundred and sixty thousand, five low-grade Spirit Artifacts are one hundred and forty thousand, the rubbings of the Extreme Yin Profound Death Technique are one hundred thousand, the Spirit Artifact is three hundred thousand, seven Bridal Blood Gus are one hundred thousand each, two Bridal Blood Gu Kings are three hundred thousand each, the medium-grade magical treasure Yin Sha Demon Blade is five hundred thousand, and the remaining various heavenly materials and earthly treasures are worth around five hundred thousand, with nineteen thousand in Top Gold and Qin gold combined."

The list of spoils of war was enough to make one's blood boil.

Wang Shouzhe turned to the two Celestial Ancestors and politely bowed, "The two Ancestors have worked hard this time, please choose your spoils of war first."

"Thank you for your consideration, Shouzhe." Xu Beichen returned the gesture and after some calculation said, "I'll exchange for one share of the floating island valued at three hundred thousand, and the rest I'll take in thirty-four thousand cash. If there isn't enough cash, I can exchange for the corresponding heavenly materials and earthly treasures to sell."

Xu Beichen indeed wanted two shares, but he was very clear that taking two out of the remaining five would be too greedy.

As for not taking those Spirit Artifacts, Xu Beichen wanted to save some cash to buy a suitable low-grade magical treasure. Now that he was a Celestial Ancestor, lacking a magical treasure would greatly reduce his combat effectiveness and make him an easy target for others.

As for the Bridal Blood Gu, they seemed attractive, each costing around one hundred thousand Top Gold, with effects far surpassing those of the Marrow Cleansing Pill. However, the downside was also very clear; once a clan member used it, they could potentially turn into a monster.

Although the stronger the talent, the less likely one is to be demonized, the loss would be too great if it happened. As for following Huangfu's Clan's example and using it to cultivate side branches or family warriors, and killing them off if they turned into demons...

Not to mention that it was a despicable act, even if one had the heart to do it, it would be troublesome if it were exposed.

Moreover, Zhong Xiangyang from the Hundred Islands was also very satisfied with the outcome. The spoils of war worth nine hundred and sixty thousand Top Gold would be of great help to his clan. And from beginning to end, he was just there to make up the numbers, having tea and discussing the Dao with others.

"I'll also take one share of the Ice Sha floating island, and with the remaining sixty-six thousand, I hope to get the Yin Sha Demon Blade, and with the remaining sixteen thousand, I'll take the corresponding heavenly materials and earthly treasures." Zhong Xiangyang, also with high emotional intelligence, did not dare to fight for more profitable shares of the floating island. However, the medium-grade magical treasure Yin Sha Demon Blade, priced at only five hundred thousand Top Gold, was clearly undervalued.

Zhong Xiangyang, whose main business was the black market, was extremely sensitive to the prices of Spirit Artifacts and magical treasures. Although the Zhong Clan rarely dealt with magical treasures, they had their own channels for handling them.

However, dealing with magical treasures from the demonic path was relatively troublesome. If handled properly, spending a few more years could earn an extra hundred thousand or eighty thousand.

Of course, if the remaining money were exchanged for two medium-grade Spirit Artifacts, with the Zhong Clan's channels, they could also make a few tens of thousands. But one should not be so greedy as to want the best of everything.Finally, it was Wang Shouzhe's turn. He naturally took all the remaining spoils of war in one go: "As such, Wang's Clan shall take one top-grade storage ring, two mid-grade storage rings, one low-grade storage ring, two mid-grade Spirit Artifacts, five low-grade Spirit Artifacts, a copy of the Extreme Yin Xuan Sha Jue, a Spirit Artifact, and the remaining heavenly materials and earthly treasures, seven Bridal Blood Gu, and two Bridal Blood Gu Kings."

Wang's Clan had a total of one hundred and ten points, so naturally, they took the lion's share of the spoils.

However, to be fair, despite Wang's Clan taking a lot, both Xu Beichen and Yunyang, the two Ancestors, were quite impressed. Firstly, Wang Shouzhe had been planning and scheming for many years, spending countless efforts and resources on his arrangements.

Secondly, the combat power of the three from Wang's Clan was quite formidable, each nearly equivalent to the weakest Celestial Realm cultivator. Moreover, they had all contributed significantly to this battle.

Most importantly, due to Wang Shouzhe's cautious nature, the entire process went very smoothly, and even when unexpected issues arose, they were ultimately resolved. Therefore, no matter what, Wang's Clan deserved the biggest share this time.

As for Fang You'an and Lv Wei, the two direct disciples from the academy, they made a fortune this time and contributed greatly to the academy.

"Additionally, Wang's Clan will subscribe to three shares of the floating island development." Wang Shouzhe calculated briefly, "However, Wang's Clan is currently short on funds, so we will need to mortgage some clan properties to raise the money upon my return."

In fact, Wang Shouzhe could have sold part of the spoils, but these hard-won treasures were perfect for expanding the clan's treasure vault and serving as the foundation of the clan's heritage.

After all, the number of cultivators in the clan reaching the Spirit Platform Realm would only increase, and the clan's foundation was still too weak. Moreover, the fact that no cultivation techniques or the like had burst forth from the storage rings of Huaye and the others was a bit disappointing to Wang Shouzhe.

But on second thought, those from Huangfu's Clan were out to clear dungeons; who would carry their clan's heritage techniques in their storage rings? It seemed that he would have to find a way to get his hands on Huangfu's Clan's cultivation techniques.

Wang's Clan was lacking in various weapons and equipment, as well as in cultivation techniques.

"Shouzhe and everyone else, there's no rush for the floating island development funds. You can subscribe now and pay gradually," Fang You'an stepped in to solve the problem, "The initial development doesn't require much money, and the academy will take the lead to get things started."

"If that's the case, then I thank Brother You'an for his help," Wang Shouzhe said with a bow.

This time, Fang You'an and Lv Wei gained a lot, with the academy taking a fifty percent share of the floating island. But Wang Shouzhe had no complaints, for without the academy's involvement, the development of the floating island would have been a huge problem.

Moreover, without the participation of Fang You'an and Lv Wei, the junior sister from the academy, how could Wang's Clan have managed on their own? Having avenged themselves and completely dealt with Huangfu's Clan as an enemy, Wang's Clan had already gained the greatest benefit.

After the distribution, everyone was very satisfied.

Only Xiao Yuanwu felt bitter in his heart, as standing on the wrong team had led to such a miserable outcome.

"Ancestor Yuanwu," Wang Shouzhe said with a bow, "although the An Yuan Xiao Clan didn't profit this time, if Ancestor Yuanwu doesn't mind, we could collaborate on some projects in the future."

Xiao Yuanwu's spirits lifted, and he hurriedly returned the gesture, "Thank you, young friend Shouzhe. Once this matter is settled, I will personally visit you with the Clan Leader."

Wang Shouzhe was truly a legendary figure, young yet capable of uniting various Ancestors, and he was also a business prodigy. In a short time, he had made Wang's Clan of Ping'an a force to be reckoned with.

Such a person now intended to befriend him, and Xiao Yuanwu would certainly not decline. He could feel that the momentum of Wang's Clan's rise in the southern part of Longzuo was unstoppable, and they were destined to become a dominant clan in the future.

With the matter settled, everyone returned to their respective places.

……

Meanwhile.

Xuanlu Mountain, Shaoyang Peak.

Halfway up the peak, in a delicately built courtyard, a handsome young man in a white robe with wide sleeves stood with his hands tied, bowing respectfully to the elder and child in front of him, who were enjoying their meal, and apologizing.

"Venerable Yunyang, Junior Sister Lici, it's not that I am unwilling to continue hosting you both, but my master has decided to enter seclusion, and Xuanlu Mountain will be closed for five years. I dare not delay your travels."

The elder and child sitting in front of him were none other than the Vice Dean of the Purple Mansion Academy—Venerable Yunyang—in a green Taoist robe, looking immortal and vigorous.

As for the other, it was naturally his beloved disciple, Wang Lici.

At that moment, several dishes were laid out in front of Wang Lici, all made from the meat of third or fourth-order ferocious beasts, delicacies that would cost at least two hundred Top Gold each if sold in a restaurant down the mountain.She was eagerly devouring a bowl of soup made from the leg of a fourth-order spiritual bird, the Spotted Green Finch, and the flesh of a fourth-order ferocious beast, the Jiao-Toothed Scale Fish.

Years had passed, and compared to when she first entered the academy, her stature had grown considerably, almost imperceptibly. Although she couldn't be described as "burly," she was far from slender, exuding a sense of strength.

Her aura had also grown much stronger than before, almost reaching the middle phase of the Spirit Platform Realm.

Her cultivation speed was even faster than Wang Shouzhe's, which suggested she must have been indulging in fine foods over the years.

Across from her, Yunyang was leisurely enjoying his meal with a plate of side dishes and a cup of wine.

The old and the young sat there, their relaxed postures mirroring each other, as if they were the true masters of this place.

Hearing the words of the white-robed youth, Yunyang waved his hand nonchalantly, "No worries~ Just tell Xuanlu to go into seclusion. I have nothing pressing to do. As long as I'm provided with three meals a day, living here for another three to five years wouldn't be a problem."

Three to five years?

The handsome white-robed youth's smile twitched, unable to maintain its facade any longer.

Moments later.

At the foot of Xuanlu Mountain.

"Hum~"

The massive protective formation slowly rose before the master and disciple.

Wisps of mist spread from the mountains, gradually enveloping Xuanlu Mountain in fog, hiding it from view outside the formation.

Yunyang and Wang Lici stood before the formation, silent for a long time.

The cold wind howled, and dead leaves fluttered, casting a lonely silhouette of the two figures.

After a while, Yunyang coughed, as if nothing had happened, and looked at Wang Lici seriously, "Xuanlu has not had it easy. Lici, you must remember your Uncle Xuanlu's kindness. He has provided us with food and shelter for nearly a year, which is no small feat."

Wang Lici, still gnawing on the leg of the Spotted Green Finch, nodded in agreement upon hearing this, "Don't worry, Master, Lici remembers."

Old Xuanlu was indeed a good man, treating them to delicious meals every day, not skimping on quantity or quality, and providing high-grade spiritual food. She had enjoyed her time on Xuanlu Mountain.

Unfortunately, just like the other seniors before him, Xuanlu had gone into seclusion after only a year.

Sigh~ She couldn't understand why they all enjoyed seclusion so much when eating and drinking every day was so delightful.

After cleaning the last bit of meat from the leg, she discarded the bone and reluctantly licked the remaining soup from her fingers, "Master, which Uncle shall we visit next?"

She had only eaten enough for a third of her appetite and was far from satisfied~

"No rush, let your master take a look."

Yunyang said, pulling out a small notebook from his storage ring and flipping through it.

The notebook listed a series of names, most of which were already checked off, indicating they had been "visited."

"Zixiao... no good. That fellow went into deep seclusion a hundred years ago, vowing not to emerge until achieving divine powers. Silan... no good either, he went into seclusion ten years ago, aiming for the middle phase of the Purple Mansion Realm..." Looking at the last two names, Yunyang couldn't help but shake his head and sigh, "There's not a single old friend left to visit in autumn. It seems my circle of friends is too narrow, with hardly anyone reliable when needed."

Hearing this, Wang Lici blinked, "Master, are we heading back home now?"

"That won't do." Yunyang shook his head and handed her a packet of candied fruit, "If you're hungry, eat this first. You're in the critical phase of building your foundation, and you possess an extremely rare devouring bloodline that can enhance itself by consuming spiritual food and items. I must ensure your bloodline reaches the fourth level of the spiritual body before you break through to the Celestial Realm."

"Is there such a rush?" Wang Lici took the candied fruit as usual and began to eat, "Aren't several senior brothers only becoming spiritual bodies in the Celestial Realm?"

"How can that be the same?"

Yunyang looked at her with a mix of frustration and disappointment.

Only by achieving a spiritual body in the Spirit Platform Realm would one have a greater chance of breaking through to the Divine Power Realm.

For her senior brothers, reaching the Purple Mansion Realm would be their limit, and breaking through to the Divine Power Realm would be incredibly difficult, with many striving their whole lives without success.

He wanted to explain the difference to Wang Lici, but upon seeing her simple and honest face, which seemed to care about nothing but food, the words he intended to say got stuck in his throat.

Never mind~ Expecting this girl to be self-motivated was probably too much to hope for. It was up to him, as her master, to worry more on her behalf~Yunyang let out a stifled sigh, and with a flick of his hand, he pulled out another small booklet from his storage ring, carefully picking through the list inside.

Wang Lici, with a piece of candied fruit in her mouth, curiously peered over, "Master, you have another booklet? Eh? Why are the names in this one red?"

"Hmph~ This booklet lists all of my old adversaries," Yunyang said with a cold laugh. "Paying debts is a matter of course. It's the perfect opportunity to settle the accounts."

As he spoke, his gaze swept across the string of names, finally settling on one with a particularly sinister smile.

"Hehehe~ This one it is."

Wang Lici's action of eating the candied fruit stiffened slightly.

Why did Master's smile look exactly like the one the fourth brother, the great demon king, had when he "rewarded" her with books? It always seemed like no good would come of it.

Forget it~ It's not her misfortune, so why bother? Enjoying the delicacies was more important.

With that thought, she justified her actions and continued to indulge in the candied fruit.

Soon, a large bag of candied fruit had all but disappeared into her stomach.

She smacked her lips, her face showing her longing for more, "This candied fruit is really delicious, but there's too little of it. It's all gone in just a moment."

Yunyang felt a pang in his heart upon hearing this.

This was candied fruit made from third-grade spiritual fruit, the Red Jade Fruit, a specialty of the Everlasting Valley, perfect for students in the Lingtai Realm to build their foundation.

The bag of candied fruit in Wang Lici's hands was painstakingly obtained by his third disciple, who had completed academy tasks to earn credits. The credits from one task were only enough to exchange for three bags.

For anyone else, a single bag could last at least a month, and eating too much would be indigestible. But this girl, in just a moment, had finished it all.

Indeed, worthy of a devouring bloodline, her absorption ability was exceptional. He truly couldn't afford to keep her fed.

Fortunately~

Fortunately, he had others to exploit.

With this thought, Yunyang closed the booklet with a snap, his smile warm as he turned to Wang Lici, "My good disciple, you haven't been to our Daqian's capital, Qianjing, have you? Come, your master will take you to see the world!"

"Really? Really? To see the world!" Wang Lici was overjoyed. The capital was such a wonderful place; there must be lots of delicious things to eat.

"Hahaha~ Let's go!!"

Yunyang laughed heartily, waving his hand as a crimson cloud rose beneath their feet, swiftly carrying him and Wang Lici towards the sky.

In an instant.

The horizon was filled with billowing clouds and splendid mists, as if a red fire connected the heavens, stretching far into the distant sky.

Majestic and awe-inspiring!