Protect Our Patriarch

……

Wang Zongping's legs went weak with fear, almost unable to stand. His father, who had long served in the military, had developed a fiery temper. Because he was often away from home, he rarely got angry with his children. But when he did...

"Sixth Brother, don't be hasty," Wang Shouzhe advised from the side. "Not all itinerant cultivators are bad. Let's first understand the situation."

"Fourth Brother, it's not about whether that girl is good or not," Wang Shoulian said angrily. "He's only sixteen, just out of the Clan School, and hasn't learned much yet. But he already knows how to flirt, bringing disgrace to our Wang Clan. Ninth Young Master, huh, do you even deserve that title? Fourth Brother, don't stop me. Let me teach him a lesson first."

With that, Wang Shoulian pinned Wang Zongping to the ground and gave him a severe beating, making him beg for mercy.

"Fourth Uncle, Father, I was wrong," Wang Zongping cried miserably. "I promise I'll never flirt with itinerant cultivators again."

Wang Shouzhe then expressed his opinion, "While most itinerant cultivators have various issues, we shouldn't generalize. If they truly love each other, Fourth Uncle can investigate her background."

Wang Zongping was stunned. Fourth Uncle, couldn't you have said this before I got beaten?

"Let's talk about Zongtai next," Wang Shouzhe said with a smile, looking at Wang Zongtai. "Come, let's continue with your studies. You're ten now, right? Can you recite 'Climbing the East Sea Sky Tower to View the Vast Ocean'? Even if you can, Fourth Uncle has a simple math problem for you..."

Wang Zongtai was dumbfounded. His attempt to change the subject had failed, and he collapsed to the ground in fear... I'm still a child.

"Sixth Brother... cough, cough!" Wang Shouzhe coughed twice.

Wang Shoulian immediately understood, grabbed his youngest son Wang Zongtai, and gave him a good beating, making the boy cry out for his parents.

Such incidents were common in the Wang Clan's territory. All the young children began to tighten their strings.

Meanwhile.

At Yuanshui Heavenly Lake in Longzuo Academy.

The lake water was as clear and blue as ever, with white clouds reflected on its mirror-like surface, creating an indescribable sense of purity.

In the sky, the water curtain of Tianhua shimmered faintly, appearing and disappearing.

On the lake's surface, water spirit turtles swam slowly, creating ripples.

On the sunning platform by the lakeside, a red spirit bird chick the size of a pot lid was chirping angrily at a water spirit turtle, flapping its wings and hopping around on its thin legs.

Meanwhile, in Yuanshui Pavilion on the lake's central island, two figures, a man and a woman, were busy handling academy affairs.

The man wore a water-colored long robe, exuding a gentle and refined aura, with eyes that held a deep and calm look, contrary to his appearance. Facing him felt like facing an endless expanse of water.

This man was naturally the master of Yuanshui Pavilion, Yuanshui Ascetic.

The woman, who looked young, wore a light blue gauze dress, her figure graceful and her features delicate, exuding an indescribable spiritual charm.

She was Wang Shouzhe's eldest daughter, Wang Liyao, who had now become a disciple of Tianhe Daoist.

Despite being over thirty years old, Wang Liyao still looked like a youthful girl, her temperament more outstanding, with no traces of time on her.

This was the benefit of early advancement to the Lingtai Realm.

Having advanced to the Lingtai Realm in her teens, her body remained in optimal condition. Even after decades, she would still look youthful and beautiful.

Of course, this was just a metaphor. In reality, she would have advanced to the Celestial Realm by then. Currently, she was already in the late stage of the Lingtai Realm, and in seven or eight years, she would be preparing to break through to the Celestial Realm.

For the past decade, at Tianhe Daoist's request, Wang Liyao had been involved in academy affairs during her spare time from cultivation.

Initially, the elders of the academy were skeptical, thinking that despite her talent, she lacked experience to manage the academy's vast affairs.

But over time, their attitudes changed.

Though not particularly skilled, Wang Liyao's clear thinking and decisive actions rarely led to mistakes on critical issues.

She possessed a calmness and composure far beyond her age, and her occasional remarks revealed a vision and foresight that even the experienced elders found enlightening.

Most importantly, she never considered herself exceptional, as if her capabilities were natural.

Yuanshui Ascetic often marveled in private conversations with the elders.

Such vision and foresight were unlikely for someone her age. The most plausible explanation was that she had been influenced by these qualities from a young age.

Yuanshui Ascetic had limited interactions with Wang Shouzhe, mostly learning about him through others.

Wang Shouzhe was often described with labels like "business genius," "gentle and courteous," "overly cautious," "wife-doting," and "model family head."

Though impressive, Yuanshui Ascetic considered him merely a notable talent worth recruiting but not overly significant.

However, from Wang Liyao's performance, it seemed everyone, including himself, had underestimated Wang Shouzhe.

If Wang Liyao, influenced by him, possessed such remarkable vision and foresight, what kind of person was he?

"Master."

Suddenly, Yuanshui Ascetic's core disciple, Fu Haobo, hurried in, interrupting his thoughts.

Yuanshui Ascetic glanced at him, signaling him to speak quickly.

Wang Liyao also looked up.

Fu Haobo bowed to Yuanshui Ascetic and Wang Liyao before explaining, "The dean has returned."

It turned out that patrolling disciples had seen Tianhe Daoist's flying light and reported it to Fu Haobo, who confirmed it and came to inform Yuanshui Ascetic and Wang Liyao.

"Returned?"

Yuanshui Ascetic and Wang Liyao's eyes lit up.

Tianhe Daoist had been away for years, with no news in between, leaving them anxious. His sudden return was a surprise.

As disciples, they naturally had to pay their respects.

They immediately left Yuanshui Pavilion.

"Swish~"

Yuanshui Ascetic waved his hand, and a water-blue light curtain enveloped them, instantly covering them in a blue glow. In the blink of an eye, they entered the lake.

The lake was serene and deep.

Under the blue glow, they quickly sank to the lake's bottom.

In the depths, a grand palace built of dark stones stood, majestic and imposing, named "Tianhe Palace."

This palace was not only Tianhe Daoist's residence but also the core of the Mountain Protection Array "Water Curtain Tianhua."

Usually, only Wang Liyao, Yuanshui Ascetic, and the old turtle could enter without permission.

As personal disciples, they could freely enter Tianhe Palace, and its restrictions wouldn't stop them.

As the palace's master and a Divine Realm expert, Tianhe Daoist naturally sensed their arrival.

When they entered the hall, Tianhe Daoist was already seated on a meditation cushion.

After years apart, Tianhe Daoist looked even thinner, with a few more lines of fatigue on his face, but his spirit was high, his face glowing with joy.

"Disciple Yuanshui/Liyao, greets Master."

Yuanshui Ascetic and Wang Liyao immediately stepped forward to pay their respects.

"You two came just in time," Tianhe Daoist nodded, gesturing for them to sit. "I recently went to Han Yue Immortal Dynasty and unexpectedly obtained a piece of ten-thousand-year-old purple ganoderma. It can help Liyao enhance her bloodline. Liyao, take it here, and I'll assist you in refining its power."

He carefully took out a spirit stone box from his storage ring, unlocked its layers of restrictions, and handed a small piece of purple ganoderma to Wang Liyao.

The fragment, only half a palm in size, was dark purple-red, emitting a strong medicinal fragrance.

Yuanshui Ascetic's breath caught at the sight of the fragment.

Tianhe Daoist glared at him, and he quickly composed himself, lowering his eyes as if nothing had happened.

However, despite their efforts to conceal it, Wang Liyao noticed the issue.

"The 'Ten Directions Herbal Manual' clearly states: 'Purple ganoderma, dark red in color, warm in nature, has the miraculous effect of activating blood and enhancing bloodline quality, and can only be used after a thousand years. Every thousand years, a purple stripe forms on the ganoderma. Those with ten stripes or more are called 'ten-thousand-year-old purple ganoderma.' After ten thousand years, the ganoderma's flesh turns deep purple-red, known as 'ten-thousand-spirit purple immortal ganoderma,' distinct from 'ten-thousand-spirit white immortal ganoderma.'"

She glanced at Yuanshui Ascetic and Tianhe Daoist, then at the fragment in the box, and said, "Although this fragment is incomplete, its color is clearly deeper than dark red, resembling the deep purple-red described in the manual. Judging by its appearance, it is likely a fragment of a seven-thousand-year-old purple ganoderma."

Tianhe Daoist's expression turned awkward.

He hadn't expected Wang Liyao to be so familiar with the 'Ten Directions Herbal Manual.'

The manual included only the top-tier herbs and elixirs, the most precious treasures in the world.

While ten-thousand-year-old purple ganoderma was famous, many similar-looking materials existed. Even experienced cultivators might not recognize it, let alone the 'ten-thousand-spirit purple immortal ganoderma.'

Who would bother memorizing the details of a treasure they might never see in their lifetime?

Wang Liyao glanced at him without speaking.

The 'Ten Directions Herbal Manual' was a mandatory text in the Wang Clan, and she had memorized it by heart at ten.

Her father had always said it was better to be prepared than to regret missing a treasure due to ignorance.

She had once thought her father's caution was excessive, never imagining she would actually need this knowledge.

"Cough, cough~ Junior Sister has sharp eyes," Yuanshui Ascetic coughed, trying to ease the tension. "I had my suspicions but wasn't sure. Thanks to Junior Sister for pointing it out."

"Cough, cough~ I was just testing your discernment," Tianhe Daoist coughed, shifting the blame. "Yuanshui, you need to learn from your Junior Sister's attention to detail."

Yuanshui Ascetic was stunned.

He had tried to help his master, only to be blamed.

Wang Liyao remained serious. "Master, please tell me honestly. Where did you get this ganoderma?"

She knew how rare a seven-thousand-year-old purple ganoderma was.

Even in Han Yue Immortal Dynasty, it would be an extremely precious treasure, sparking fierce competition. How could her master, alone, compete with the local powers?

She couldn't imagine the risks he had taken to obtain this fragment.

Tianhe Daoist, perceptive as ever, guessed her thoughts and reassured her. "You were lucky. I arrived at Han Yue Immortal Dynasty just as a large relic from the Shenwu Royal Dynasty was discovered. This ganoderma was found during the exploration. Though there were some challenges, it was ultimately safe."

In reality, the situation had been far more dangerous.

A seven-thousand-year-old ganoderma required a true spiritual land to grow, making its habitat extremely perilous.

When it was discovered, even Divine Realm experts coveted it. Tianhe Daoist had paid a great price, nearly exhausting his resources and favors, to obtain a third of it.

He wasn't lying about her luck.

Relics from the Shenwu Royal Dynasty were rare, and he had arrived just as one was discovered. He had been seeking a herb to enhance her bloodline, and the ganoderma appeared, a stroke of luck.

Moreover, the ganoderma was precisely seven thousand years old.

If it had been ten thousand years, it would have been a ninth-grade herb, beyond his ability to obtain or her ability to use.

Higher-grade herbs required higher cultivation levels to refine. Ninth-grade herbs needed at least Celestial Realm strength and a Lingxu Realm expert's assistance.

Seventh and eighth-grade herbs, however, only required Lingtai Realm strength and a Divine Realm expert's help to refine safely.

A seven-thousand-year-old ganoderma, though far more potent than a ten-thousand-year-old one, was still an eighth-grade herb, manageable for Tianhe Daoist to help refine.

"Junior Sister, this seven-thousand-year-old ganoderma appeared just when you needed it. It's your fortune," Yuanshui Ascetic said, supporting Tianhe Daoist. "It's meant for you. Take it quickly."

Wang Liyao looked at her master and Yuanshui Ascetic, deeply moved.

Early in her apprenticeship, Tianhe Daoist had given her a sixth-grade elixir, the Wuji Baodan, and spent nearly half his resources to obtain a rare seventh-grade elixir, raising her bloodline from low-grade to mid-grade.

Without this, her cultivation wouldn't have progressed so quickly.

Now, her master had gone to great lengths to obtain this precious ganoderma for her, filling her with gratitude.

"Master, perhaps you should give the ganoderma to Senior Brother..." she hesitated.

"Don't be foolish," Yuanshui Ascetic said. "I'm already a Dao Body. The ganoderma's effect on me would be minimal. Besides, I'm over five hundred years old and will likely remain in the Purple Mansion Realm. But you have limitless potential."

"Even among great prodigies, the difference in cultivation speed between top-grade and mid-grade talent is vast. You're only slightly better than the lowest grade. Any issues during cultivation, like severe injuries, could deplete your lifespan before you reach the Divine Realm."

Cultivation was a path against the heavens, fraught with potential dangers.

Not all great prodigies reached the Divine Realm. Many had perished before achieving it.

With Yuanshui Ascetic's words, Wang Liyao no longer hesitated. She bowed deeply to Tianhe Daoist, expressed her gratitude, and carefully swallowed the ganoderma fragment.

Soon, a surge of medicinal power spread from her abdomen, and her bloodline was instantly activated, boiling like hot water.

Her face turned pale, veins bulging, and cold sweat poured down.

Even her nose bled from the strain.

The powerful medicinal force and active bloodline were overwhelming, and a weaker constitution would have been injured.

Tianhe Daoist immediately placed his palm on her back, channeling his profound energy to help refine the ganoderma's power.

Wang Liyao's face improved, and her expression became less pained.

Seeing this, Yuanshui Ascetic retreated to the entrance, sitting down to guard them.

The master and disciple refined the ganoderma for a full month.

After a month, Tianhe Daoist finally exhaled and withdrew his hand.

At the same time, Wang Liyao opened her eyes.

Since the refinement began, she had focused entirely on her internal state, ignoring her surroundings. The dried blood on her upper lip was uncomfortable.

Upon awakening, she immediately summoned water spirit energy to cleanse herself.

"Junior Sister, how do you feel?" Yuanshui Ascetic asked, concerned.

Wang Liyao closed her eyes to sense her condition, then smiled. "I feel my bloodline has improved significantly, from mid-fourth level to high-fourth level."

Since becoming a great prodigy, each bloodline enhancement had been challenging, requiring increasingly advanced elixirs, with only small increments.

Unexpectedly, the small ganoderma fragment had boosted her bloodline by an entire sub-level.

"Excellent! Wonderful!" Tianhe Daoist was overjoyed. "High fourth level, that's top-grade talent. Even among great prodigies, you're now in the upper echelon. With diligent cultivation, you'll have a good chance in the 'Holy Son Struggle' in a century."

"Holy Son Struggle?" Yuanshui Ascetic's eyes lit up. "I almost forgot! After the 'Imperial Heir Struggle' comes the 'Holy Son Struggle.' Our Lingyun Holy Land needs a successor."

Wang Liyao, having never heard of this, was puzzled. "I understand the 'Imperial Heir Struggle' for the throne, but why does the Holy Land have a 'Holy Son Struggle'? Shouldn't the first to reach the Lingxu Realm inherit the Holy Land?"

"Silly child," Tianhe Daoist chuckled. "Do you think the 'Imperial Heir Struggle' is just for the throne?"

"Isn't it?"

Wang Liyao was genuinely confused. The reason for the struggle seemed obvious and sufficient.

"Of course not," Tianhe Daoist smiled mysteriously, then looked at Yuanshui Ascetic. "Yuanshui, explain to your Junior Sister."

Wang Liyao's curious gaze turned to Yuanshui Ascetic.

In such moments, she seemed her actual age.

Yuanshui Ascetic relished the chance to explain, clearing his throat. "The 'Imperial Heir Struggle' isn't just for succession but also for the opportunity to achieve the Lingxu Realm."

Lingxu Realm!

Wang Liyao was shocked.

She knew the Lingxu Realm was more powerful than the Divine Realm. The current emperor of the Great Qian, Emperor Longchang, was a Lingxu Realm expert, as was the master of Lingyun Holy Land.

Lingxu Realm experts, with nearly four thousand years of lifespan, possessed immense power, capable of reversing rivers and changing landscapes.

They were the dream of countless Basalt cultivators.

"The Great Qian has had two generations of emperors, both Lingxu Realm experts. This isn't a coincidence," Yuanshui Ascetic continued, enjoying Wang Liyao's astonishment. "Only the high-level members of Lingyun Holy Land and the Great Qian royal family know this, but it's not a big secret, so I can tell you."

"The Great Qian royal family holds a secret method from the Shenwu Royal Dynasty, enhancing the bloodline of Basalt cultivators with great prodigy talent, significantly increasing their chances of reaching the Lingxu Realm."

"However, this method is highly restrictive, usable only once every two thousand years. The process is also harsh, requiring the recipient to be in the Purple Mansion Realm with at least a sixth-level bloodline. The 'Holy Son Struggle' is for this opportunity."

Wang Liyao understood. "Does Lingyun Holy Land have a similar method?"

"Indeed," Yuanshui Ascetic praised her intelligence. "Lingyun Holy Land's high status in the Great Qian is due to a similar method, ensuring a continuous line of Lingxu Realm experts."

Great prodigies, though rare, had only a higher chance of reaching the Divine Realm. Achieving the Lingxu Realm required even higher qualifications, nearly impossible without special means.

"I see."

Wang Li Liyao nodded in understanding, her eyes lighting up with newfound determination.

If the "Holy Son Struggle" was about the opportunity to become a Lingxu Realm expert, its significance was entirely different.

If she could become a Lingxu Realm expert, not only would the entire Changning Wang's Clan rise to unprecedented heights, but they would also gain immense influence throughout the Great Qian. Her father's dream of strengthening the family would become much easier to achieve.

Moreover, if she could become the successor of Lingyun Holy Land, Longzuo Academy's status would also rise, potentially becoming the foremost academy under the Holy Land.

For the sake of her family and Longzuo Academy, she had to give it her all.

……

Meanwhile, in the depths of the lake, Tianhe Daoist and Yuanshui Ascetic were discussing Wang Liyao's future.

"Master, with Liyao's current progress, do you think she has a good chance in the 'Holy Son Struggle'?" Yuanshui Ascetic asked, his tone filled with hope.

Tianhe Daoist pondered for a moment before replying, "Liyao's talent and potential are indeed exceptional, especially with her recent bloodline enhancement. However, the 'Holy Son Struggle' is not just about talent. It involves numerous trials and challenges, both internal and external. She will need to be prepared for anything."

Yuanshui Ascetic nodded in agreement. "I understand, Master. We will do everything we can to support her. With the right guidance and resources, I believe she can succeed."

Tianhe Daoist smiled, his eyes filled with pride. "Liyao has always been a diligent and determined disciple. I have no doubt that she will rise to the occasion. But we must also ensure that she remains grounded and focused. The path to the Lingxu Realm is fraught with dangers and temptations."

"Yes, Master. I will make sure to remind her of that," Yuanshui Ascetic said earnestly.

As they continued their conversation, Wang Liyao, now fully aware of the stakes, felt a renewed sense of purpose. She knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but with her master's guidance and her family's support, she was determined to overcome any obstacle.

Back at the Wang Clan's territory, Wang Shouzhe was also making preparations. He had always believed in his daughter's potential and had been quietly laying the groundwork for her future. With the news of the "Holy Son Struggle," he knew that the time had come to put his plans into action.

"Shoulian, gather the elders. We need to discuss our strategy for supporting Liyao in the upcoming struggle," Wang Shouzhe instructed his brother.

"Understood, Fourth Brother. I'll notify everyone immediately," Wang Shoulian replied, his expression serious.

As the Wang Clan mobilized, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and determination. Everyone knew that this was a pivotal moment, not just for Wang Liyao, but for the entire clan.

In the days that followed, Wang Liyao immersed herself in intense training, honing her skills and refining her cultivation. She also spent time studying the history and intricacies of the "Holy Son Struggle," determined to be as prepared as possible.

With each passing day, her resolve grew stronger. She was no longer just a talented young cultivator; she was a beacon of hope for her family and her academy. The weight of their expectations rested on her shoulders, but she bore it with grace and determination.

As the date of the "Holy Son Struggle" approached, Wang Liyao stood at the edge of Yuanshui Heavenly Lake, gazing at her reflection in the water. She took a deep breath, feeling the profound energy coursing through her veins.

"I will not let you down, Father. I will not let any of you down," she whispered to herself, her eyes filled with unwavering resolve.

With that, she turned and walked back towards the academy, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The journey to the Lingxu Realm was long and arduous, but Wang Liyao was prepared to give it her all.

And so, the stage was set for a new chapter in the saga of the Changning Wang's Clan, a chapter that would be written with determination, courage, and the unyielding spirit of a young prodigy named Wang Liyao.