……

Just turned twenty-three, he had already reached the seventh level of Qi Refining!

His basic skills were all very solid, and the family’s unique skills, Liu’s Feather Body Technique and Xuan Yuan Sword Technique, had also been practiced to a small degree of success.

Most of the heirs of the ninth-rank families, who were carefully nurtured, were not as good as him.

This showed the effort and struggle of Wang Shouyong.

Unfortunately, there were too many monsters in the family. This made Wang Shouyong feel that the harder he tried, the bigger the gap he was left behind.

With a nervous heart, he walked into the courtyard of his fourth brother, Wang Shouzhe.

In the courtyard, flowers and plants were blooming everywhere, full of vitality, and various exotic flowers were competing for beauty.

Such a phenomenon in early spring was very rare.

A young man in his mid-twenties was lying in a sunbathing chair, looking relaxed and content, telling stories to the children.

Two children were surrounding him.

The older one was a girl, about six or seven years old, with a cute and delicate appearance.

The younger one was a boy about four years old.

He had moved a stool to sit next to them, his small body sitting upright, his eyes blinking, his mouth wide open, looking as if he was stunned by the story.

Seeing that his fourth brother was telling stories to the children, Wang Shouyong didn’t disturb them and stood aside.

“Daddy, this Zhu Bajie is too greedy, isn’t he? He can eat as much as big sister.” The pretty little girl lay in Wang Shouzhe’s arms and said with a giggle.

“You can’t talk about your sister Lici like that.” Wang Shouzhe tapped her forehead and said with a smile, “Otherwise, she won’t share her good food with you in the future.”

Speaking of which, Wang Lici was very fond of these two children. Whenever she had something delicious, she would happily share it with her niece and nephew.

This was very rare for Wang Lici, who considered food as heaven. Even Wang Shouzhe didn’t receive such treatment.

However, considering that Wang Lici had almost fed the children to death before, Wang Shouzhe ordered his children to let him or their mother check the food before they could eat it.

“I understand, Daddy. I still like Sister Lici very much.” The little girl apologized, then coquettishly said, “Daddy, I want to hear the story of Chang’e, I don’t like Zhu Bajie.”

Then, the little boy who was sitting upright on the bench also quickly stated, “Daddy, I don’t like Zhu Bajie either, I want to hear the story of Sun Wukong.”

Then, Wang Shouzhe lovingly stroked his daughter’s hair and said, “Okay, okay, Daddy will tell you the story of Sister Chang’e.”

The little boy was used to being ignored and thought helplessly that he would give the delicious food to his sister later, so that she and Daddy would say they like Sun Wukong, so that Daddy could tell more stories about Sun Wukong.

At this moment.

A woman in her twenties, beautiful and charming, but not lacking in the demeanor of a lady, walked out of the room and said to Wang Shouzhe with a sideways glance, “Wang Shouzhe, what kind of nonsense stories are you telling the children again?”

“They don’t do their homework all day, and they only think about these superstitious things. That’s enough, your fifth brother is waiting for you to talk.”

This beautiful woman with bright eyes and white teeth was naturally Liu Ruolan, the wife of the current Clan Leader of the Wang’s Clan.

“Alas, today’s happy time is over. Liyao, darling, you go back to the room with your mother and read and write. Daddy will talk to your fifth uncle for a while and then come back to accompany you.” Wang Shouzhe comforted his daughter with a smile.

Then, both the daughter and the son stood up obediently.

Then they respectfully greeted Wang Shouyong, “Liyao, Zong’an, greet Fifth Uncle.”

Wang Shouyong also greeted his niece and nephew with a smile, then took out some small toys and said, these are some interesting things that your fifth uncle bought for you in the town.

Wang Liyao and Wang Zong’an were both overjoyed and thanked their fifth uncle.

Then Wang Shouyong formally greeted Liu Ruolan, “Shouyong greets Fourth Sister-in-law.”

Liu Ruolan returned the greeting, “Greetings, Fifth Uncle. I have asked Qiao’er to make tea. I need to take the children to study, so I won’t disturb your conversation.”

“Sister-in-law, please.” Wang Shouyong bowed his hand.

Then Liu Ruolan gracefully bowed and led the two children away.

Wang Shouzhe entertained Wang Shouyong in the pavilion in the courtyard.

At this time, Liu Qiao’er had already brewed a pot of Ling tea according to the young lady’s instructions.

“This is the new Cloud Mist Ling tea that your sister-in-law brought back from her mother’s house not long ago. Shouyong, have a taste.” Wang Shouzhe sat down with a smile.

Cloud Mist Ling tea grows in the spiritual field inside Liu’s Cloud Mist Cave and is harvested in winter.

Every time Liu Ruolan went back to her mother’s house, she would bring back a lot for Wang Shouzhe.

“Thank you, Fourth Brother.”

The two sat down, drinking tea and chatting.

After a few words, Wang Shouyong blushed slightly and apologized, “Fourth Brother, I have a problem……”

Before he could finish, Wang Shouzhe waved his hand and said with a smile, “I already know about this.”

Wang Shouyong’s heart tightened slightly. He knew that his fourth brother had a secret intelligence department under his command. It was said that the reach of this intelligence organization had almost covered Ping’an Town.

He had originally thought it might be exaggerated, but now it seemed that the actual situation was probably even more exaggerated than the rumors. The incident that happened at Dingpu Ferry not long ago had already reached his fourth brother’s ears.

Wang Shouyong had even heard that this intelligence organization was still expanding outward. As for how powerful it was, Wang Shouyong naturally didn’t know.”Fourth Brother, I mishandled this matter. I was too careless and almost let that thief cause trouble. I feel guilty for failing your years of cultivation, please punish me as you see fit,” Wang Shouyong said remorsefully.

Wang Shouzhe didn’t respond directly, instead he said, “By the way, your engagement with the Chen’s Clan from Donggang is approaching, isn’t it?”

Wang Shouyong’s face turned slightly red as he replied, “Yes, the wedding is set for May.”

“Good, I will prepare a big gift for you then,” Wang Shouzhe said with a smile.

Wang Shouyong immediately thanked him, “Thank you, Fourth Brother.”

Then, Wang Shouzhe casually said, “Our Wang’s Clan has been implementing a merit system over the years. We always punish mistakes and reward achievements.”

“I have two pieces of intelligence here, about spies from some ill-intentioned clans who have infiltrated us. You handle them, and consider it as a chance to redeem your mistake.”

“Thank you, Fourth Brother.” Wang Shouyong gratefully took the intelligence. This was his fourth brother taking care of him, giving him the opportunity to redeem his mistake and further train him.

The spies that had been discovered, with Fourth Brother’s methods, there were plenty of ways to quietly deal with them.

“Shouyong, you must do well. You are the future pillar of our Wang’s Clan,” Wang Shouzhe encouraged.

Upon hearing the term ‘pillar’, Wang Shouyong sighed and said, “Fourth Brother, let’s not talk about the gap between you and me. Even compared to Sister Luoqiu and Sister Luoqing, I am far behind. They are the future pillars of our clan.” He lacked confidence when it came to this topic.

“Shouyong, don’t belittle yourself. I have seen the efforts you and Shoulian have made over the years,” Wang Shouzhe personally poured him a cup of tea and smiled, “As for Luoqiu and the others, they are indeed phoenixes among people. But do you think our Ping’an Town can raise a real phoenix?”

“Fourth Brother, are you saying…” Wang Shouyong looked serious.

“This world is too big, and our small Ping’an Town is just an insignificant corner,” Wang Shouzhe said indifferently, “Can we tie their wings with ropes and lock them in a cage? No matter where they fly in the future, we, as their brothers, will always be their support.”

Wang Shouyong took a deep breath, his expression serious, “Fourth Brother, I understand. I will work hard to help you protect our home.”

That’s right, if a clan has pioneers, it must also have conservators. Shouyong and Shoulian, with their good nature, must take on the responsibility of protecting the clan.

After talking for a while, Wang Shouyong left full of confidence. Now that he understood his position, he would no longer be confused.

……

After Shouyong left, Wang Shouzhe sat alone in the courtyard, slowly sipping his tea, his thoughts somewhat turbulent.

Eight years, in the blink of an eye, he had been in this world for eight years.

To bring a small, crisis-ridden clan step by step out of danger to where it is today was not easy.

But despite the hardships, the rewards were great.

Not only was the clan thriving, Ping’an Town was managed by him more and more like an iron bucket, almost becoming a private territory. He also gained a gentle and virtuous wife with great abilities, as well as a pair of precious children.

In addition to this, his greatest gain was the improvement of his cultivation strength. After awakening his bloodline once, his bloodline aptitude stepped up a level, not only making him stronger in battle, but also speeding up his cultivation.

The twenty-year cultivation plan set by the clan for him was completed in just eight years.

Now his cultivation has reached the peak of Qi Refining Realm, only a step away from the Spirit Platform Realm.

In just two or three more months, he should be able to perfect it.

But now, a huge problem lies before him.

That is, should he directly take the Heavenly Spirit Pill to advance to the Spirit Platform Realm, or should he further temper his bloodline before attacking the Spirit Platform Realm.

His bloodline has awakened once, and if he directly advances to the Spirit Platform Realm, he can awaken his bloodline for the second time.

This situation and result are similar to those of Ancestor Long Yan back then.

But this situation is quite different from Lici’s.

Wang Lici has already awakened twice, and once she advances to the Spirit Platform Realm, it will be the third bloodline awakening.

Her future is truly limitless.

For this, Wang Shouzhe is naturally envious.

Therefore, over the years, he has been accumulating wealth and constantly inquiring about where there are heavenly treasures that can allow him to awaken his bloodline again.

Unfortunately, over the years, he has taken many heavenly treasures and spirit pills that can improve his aptitude and bloodline.

It feels like there has been some improvement.

But the second awakening is still far off.

Could it be that he really can only enter the Spirit Platform Realm first, and then slowly find a way to awaken for the third time? But in this way, the difficulty will be even greater.

As the saying goes, one step behind, steps behind.

Just as he was slightly frowning, Liu Ruolan brought some snacks and said, “Husband, are you still undecided about the second awakening of your bloodline?”

“Just let it be, do your best and leave the rest to fate. If it’s not meant to be, there’s no point in forcing it,” Wang Shouzhe said casually, “Besides, even if I’m not strong enough in the future, I have you to protect me.”

Protection!

That’s right.

When he married Liu Ruolan, Wang Shouzhe always thought she was just an ordinary legitimate daughter.

He had always overlooked one thing, that he had never seen through her cultivation level, only vaguely felt that his delicate wife Liu Ruolan seemed to be wearing a small spirit treasure that concealed her breath.

Such neglect was only too normal.

Because Wang Shouzhe never thought that the Liu’s Clan would be willing to marry a legitimate daughter with a high degree of bloodline awakening to him, Wang Shouzhe.Forget about marrying him, even if a heavenly family came to propose, such a high-ranking bloodline direct daughter would never agree to marry.

“Ruolan, I’ve always been puzzled. With your bloodline talent, you should have gone to the academy to spread your wings and compete with all the other prodigies. Why would you sometimes agree to marry me? Could it be that you secretly fell in love with me and were determined to marry me?”

This was not the first time Wang Shouzhe had asked this question.

“Hehe, my husband, don’t overthink it. The engagement with you was Ancestor Xuanfu’s idea. Of course, it also has to do with my reluctance to go to the academy. Otherwise, if I didn’t want to marry, Ancestor Xuanfu wouldn’t have insisted.” Liu Ruolan replied, not for the first time either, then frowned, “Perhaps it was out of respect for Ancestor Long Yan. But this is quite good, the academy is quite annoying, with a lot of pressure and competition.”

Wang Shouzhe shook his head in denial, “That’s impossible, you’ve said it yourself. The innate Taoist spirit seed that Ancestor Xuanfu accidentally obtained back then was priceless, even she didn’t dare to publicize it. After returning, she used it on your mother, giving birth to you with extraordinary talent.”

Wang Shouzhe already knew about this. Ancestor Xuanfu was in the late stage of the Spirit Platform realm back then, and she had obtained the innate Taoist spirit seed by sheer luck when she followed her master to an ancient site in the outer realm.

“Ancestor Xuanfu must have had high expectations for you, how could she marry you off just for a little face?” Wang Shouzhe had pondered this for a long time, but couldn’t figure it out. Could there be some secret deal between Ancestor Long Yan and Ancestor Xuanfu?

He had asked Ancestor Long Yan, but the Ancestor said the time was not right.

“I don’t know about this either, but Ancestor Xuanfu said she would come over soon, you can ask her then.” Liu Ruolan said with a go-with-the-flow attitude.

“Ruolan, why did you hide it from me at first?”

Upon thinking of this, Wang Shouzhe couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotion.

After their happy honeymoon period following their marriage.

Wang Shouzhe had a bit of emotional friction with his wife over a certain “rare” “position” issue.

Under the explosion of his machismo, someone was slightly forceful.

And then tragedy struck.

Wang Shouzhe almost suffered a brutal domestic violence. It was only after Ancestor Long Yan was alerted that he was spared from the tragedy of his young wife becoming a widow.

Only then did he realize that his wife was a hidden big shot.

And he understood why Ruolan, Yuanrui, and those little brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law were so afraid of Liu Ruolan.

From then on.

Wang Shouzhe and Liu Ruolan lived a “respectful” and “harmonious” married life, never having another “argument”!

……