……

Receiving Gu Hanyu, naturally, could not be done in his own small courtyard.

The main residence of Wang’s Clan also had a proper hall for entertaining distinguished guests. According to the rules, Gu Hanyu had been invited into the main guest hall by the steward.

As soon as Wang Shouzhe stepped into the reception hall, he caught sight of the charming silhouette seated in the guest seat.

She was a tall woman, dressed quite simply, and while her appearance was not the most stunning, her demeanor was pure and transcendent, like a white kite reflecting on the water, radiant and difficult for anyone to harbor ill feelings towards.

“Immortal Gu gracing us with your presence truly brings glory to our Wang’s Clan,” he said, quickly stepping forward with a beaming smile and bowing in greeting, “I only regret that the Immortal did not send word ahead of time, so that I, Shouzhe, could have gone to Changning Guard to welcome you.”

“Master Wang Shouzhe is too kind,” the figure in the guest seat rose gracefully, returning his bow with a clear and moving voice, “Hanyu is but a humble itinerant cultivator, unworthy of such regard.”

“Not at all. Since the disaster struck Changning Guard, plagues have been rampant. If not for the Immortal’s tireless efforts in developing a cure at the fastest speed and coordinating with the academy and the city guard to control the epidemic in advance, how could Changning Guard enjoy today’s peace? Such a magnificent merit commands my utmost admiration,” Wang Shouzhe said with genuine respect.

In fact, it was precisely because of this that he came to know of Immortal Gu, the “Dual Excellence in Alchemy and Medicine.”

In a world where clans are the foundation, even though they can maintain unity under the organization of the court and the academy during natural disasters, everyone has their own selfish interests. Who would truly work tirelessly and give their all?

Gu Hanyu, an itinerant cultivator, showed such benevolence and achieved what many great clans could not, which was enough for Wang Shouzhe to hold her in high esteem.

After some pleasantries, they took their seats, sipping spiritual tea and chatting casually, also touching upon some anecdotes from the time of the flood.

Wang’s Clan had taken on the task of resettling forty thousand refugees in one fell swoop, a truly grand gesture that Gu Hanyu had heard of and greatly admired. Therefore, her attitude towards Wang Shouzhe was extremely courteous.

After three rounds of tea, the initial unfamiliarity between them had dissipated quite a bit.

Gu Hanyu then brought up the main purpose of her visit: “Master Wang Shouzhe, I have come here to ask for your assistance with two matters.”

“Please speak, Immortal Gu,” Wang Shouzhe indicated he was all ears, “With the grace you have shown Changning Guard, I will certainly give serious consideration to any request you make.”

As the saying goes, one does not visit a temple without a cause. Gu Hanyu must have a request, and he had already anticipated this.

He also wanted to take the opportunity to form a good relationship with Gu Hanyu, the “Dual Excellence in Alchemy and Medicine.”

Not only was she a rare talent in high-level alchemy, but her character also seemed quite commendable. If there was a chance to take her in as a guest elder, it would be all benefit and no harm to the current Wang’s Clan.

“I happened to hear from Ancestor Beichen of the Xu Clan that Master Wang Shouzhe inadvertently obtained a few of the legendary Bridal Blood Gu,” Gu Hanyu hesitated slightly, “I have learned a bit about the Bridal Blood Gu from ancient texts and, out of curiosity, naturally wanted to see them.”

Ancestor Beichen…

Wang Shouzhe was speechless.

The old man usually seemed reliable, so why did he spill everything when it came to a beautiful woman? Could it be that after recently advancing to the Celestial Realm and gaining an extra two hundred years of life, he became more lively and wanted to remarry?

“Please do not blame Ancestor Beichen,” Gu Hanyu apologized, “He inadvertently revealed some clues, which I seized upon and extracted bit by bit.”

“It’s just a trivial matter,” Wang Shouzhe shook his head, indicating it was not a concern, “However, the Bridal Blood Gu of our Wang’s Clan have already been allocated, I’m afraid I can’t spare one for the Immortal.”

With his disposition, he naturally wouldn’t fawn over someone just because they were attractive, let alone give away Bridal Blood Gu so easily. She was welcome to look, but that was as far as it would go.

Gu Hanyu nodded, “My main purpose is to witness them, with no intention of coveting Master Wang’s treasures.”

“In that case, I will arrange a courtyard for Immortal Gu to stay with Wang’s Clan for some time, and there will be an opportunity to see them,” Wang Shouzhe then changed the subject, “You mentioned there was another matter?”

“The other matter is that Huangfu Chengpeng of Changning Huangfu’s Clan has entrusted me to mediate on his behalf,” Gu Hanyu said with a slightly troubled expression, “I shouldn’t interfere in the disputes between two families. However, when I was just establishing myself in Changning Guard, Huangfu’s Clan provided me with much assistance, so I had no choice but to make this request.”

“Oh,” Wang Shouzhe sipped his tea noncommittally, “The case of Changning Huangfu’s Clan colluding with the Yinsha Sect is under the jurisdiction of the city guard and the academy. Our Wang’s Clan is just a local family with limited influence; why would Huangfu Chengpeng come to me?”

Gu Hanyu nodded, “From what I understand, the evidence of Huangfu’s Clan’s collusion with the Yinsha Sect is conclusive, and they are likely facing exile.”

She paused, then continued, “Currently, Huangfu’s Clan’s request is for Wang’s Clan to spare those remaining clan members who were not involved in the case.”

“Immortal Gu jests,” Wang Shouzhe smiled, “Although we have some grievances with Huangfu’s Clan, we will accept whatever judgment the city guard makes. It’s not up to us to discuss whether to spare them or not.”

Gu Hanyu looked deeply at Wang Shouzhe and sighed, “Master Wang Shouzhe, let’s not beat around the bush.”

“The changing landscape of Changning Guard is clear to all. Changning Xu’s Clan, as well as some of Wang’s Clan’s allied families, now look to Master Wang Shouzhe as their leader. Such prestige and influence, even the Celestial Lei’s Clan is slightly inferior.”

“If Master Wang Shouzhe does not nod in agreement, those exiled clansmen of the Huangfu Clan wouldn’t even have the courage to step out of Changning Guard, and even the city’s lord wouldn’t be able to protect them.”

Wang Shouzhe leisurely sipped his spiritual tea, pondered for a moment, and said, “Since Fairy Gu has spoken frankly, I will just make a few comments.”

“The Huangfu Clan once wronged our clan so grievously, and although the main culprits have been executed, the harm we, the Wang’s Clan, suffered has yet to be compensated.”

Gu Hanyu nodded and said, “What Master Wang says is very true. It is only right for the Huangfu Clan to offer compensation and reparations. Please, Master Wang, propose a suitable plan.”

“In that case…” Wang Shouzhe mused, “A compensation of one million Top Gold, and I will let bygones be bygones.”

“One million Top Gold?”

Gu Hanyu was visibly shocked. This was indeed a lion’s demand!

She hesitated, “Master Wang, isn’t that a bit too much?”

Even at the height of the Huangfu Clan’s prosperity, coming up with one million Top Gold in one go would require a lot of arrangements, not to mention that the Huangfu Clan has now fallen to such a state, with many of their assets already pawned.

After deducting the confiscated assets, the discounted price at the auction, and so on, the remaining clansmen of the Huangfu Clan, when exiled, could at most take tens of thousands of Top Gold with them.

“People must take responsibility for their mistakes,” Wang Shouzhe said with a chill in his eyes. “Has Fairy Gu ever considered the plight of our Wang’s Clan back then? How many people showed us sympathy? If they can’t produce that much Top Gold, doesn’t the Huangfu Clan still have their family’s martial arts techniques to offer as collateral? For example, the ‘Crimson Dragon True Scripture’ and some other mid to low-grade techniques.”

Gu Hanyu understood.

Nowadays, the Wang’s Clan’s business was thriving, and Top Gold was not of utmost importance to them. What they lacked was the foundation of a clan, such as the inheritance of high-grade martial arts techniques and a stockpile of mid to low-grade techniques.

Wang Shouzhe’s lion’s demand was clearly aimed at the martial arts techniques of the Huangfu Clan.

After a moment of thought, Gu Hanyu said, “I will convey this matter, but I cannot guarantee that Huangfu Chengpeng will agree. However, whether he agrees or not, I consider my debt of gratitude repaid. What path the Huangfu Clan chooses in the future is their own decision.”

“In that case, Fairy Gu may rest at the Wang’s Clan for a while and perhaps study the ‘Bridal Blood Gu’,” Wang Shouzhe said with a meaningful smile. “Huangfu Chengpeng is a smart man; I believe he will make a wise choice.”

“Then I have taken enough of your time,” Gu Hanyu said as she stood up and gracefully bowed.

She was acutely aware of the terror behind the phrase “desperation drives people.”

As the saying goes, “When the wall falls, everyone pushes.” The Huangfu Clan was now cornered, and by speaking on their behalf at such a critical moment, she had done all she could. The rest was beyond her control.

…

In the following days, rumors swirled throughout Changning Guard.

The talk was all about the Huangfu Clan’s collusion with the Yinsha Sect, plotting against other clans, and harming the interests of Daqian. Those implicated in the Huangfu Clan were naturally arrested or executed as appropriate.

The family assets of the Huangfu Clan were also to be auctioned, with most being confiscated by the city treasury and only a small portion left for the remaining clansmen of the Huangfu Clan.

Such an outcome was consistent with the previous fate of the Huangfu Clan.

However, due to the vast size of the Huangfu Clan and their numerous assets, coupled with many assets already pawned, the situation was much more complicated than before.

Moreover, when the Huangfu Clan pawned their assets, many were mortgaged to the noble families of other guard cities, such as the Xiao’s Clan of Anyuan Guard. The major families of Changning Guard, including the Wang’s Clan, were clearly reluctant to let other guard cities’ families insert their assets into Changning Guard, making the situation particularly complex and the resolution process extremely protracted.

After discussions, the major families of Changning Guard, including the Wang’s Clan, unanimously decided to redeem those assets in advance.

Seeing such unity within Changning Guard, the noble families from other guard cities that accepted the Huangfu Clan’s assets as collateral did not want to stir up trouble. Assets were just assets, but if they were squeezed by the local families of Changning Guard, those assets would become worthless.

With mutual consent, those pawned assets were quickly appraised and redeemed.

The only thing that gave Wang Shouzhe a headache was that, in order to deal with the Huangfu Clan and increase the odds of victory, not only had he invested all of the Wang’s Clan’s output from recent years, but he had also accumulated a debt of over one million Top Gold.

For the current Wang’s Clan, it was difficult to come up with a large sum of Top Gold unless they were willing to sell the high-grade spiritual weapons and flying feather spiritual treasures they had painstakingly acquired.

Therefore.

Wang Shouzhe could only turn his attention once again to the Qian’s Clan’s business.

Wang Shouzhe’s courtyard once again welcomed a new guest—Qian Xue’an.

Over the years, Qian Xue’an’s cultivation hadn’t improved much, but his figure had become much plumper, indicating that he had not been short of benefits.

Now that summer had arrived, even in the pavilion, the temperature was not low.

Qian Xue’an’s forehead was sweating profusely, constantly wiping it with a handkerchief, and lamenting with his chubby body, “Brother Wang, it’s true that our Qian’s Clan is large and wealthy, but with a big family comes big expenses. Besides, I, Old Qian, am just a minor overseer of the six guards in the southern part of Longzuo, not the head of the Qian’s Clan. You already owe our Qian’s Clan over one million Top Gold, and now you want to borrow another two million Top Gold in one breath; I really can’t make the accounts work.”

“Brother Qian, a mere two million Top Gold is not a loan for nothing to your Qian’s Clan. There will be collateral and interest in the future; it’s a surefire profitable deal,” Wang Shouzhe said with a smile as he poured tea and offered water. “Who knows, you might even be able to marry a few more legitimate daughters and concubines.””Little brother Shouzhe, don’t make fun of me; it was all a misunderstanding,” Qian Xue’an said with an embarrassed face. “Xiaocui’s family was originally an eighth-rank clan in Donghai Commandery. Alas, their family fortunes declined, and they couldn’t sustain their clan properties. I couldn’t bear to see it and just lent a hand. My love for Xiaocui is genuine, not an intention to marry a clan’s legitimate daughter as a concubine.”

Wang Shouzhe just smiled without saying a word, looking at him with a peculiar gaze.

He had known Qian Xue’an since he was eighteen and knew that he was born a concubine’s son, always carrying a deep sense of inferiority. Having the chance to marry a clan’s legitimate daughter as a concubine might well be a form of compensation.

“Little brother Shouzhe, I won’t hide it from you. Recently, the Qian Clan’s headquarters has been moving a large amount of funds, and I can only take out seven to eight hundred thousand Top Gold from the accounts,” Qian Xue’an said, feeling uncomfortable under Wang Shouzhe’s gaze, “From my personal reserves, I can also shift three hundred thousand Top Gold for little brother, and you won’t need to pay interest on this portion.”

Wang Shouzhe and Qian Xue’an had known each other since their humble beginnings, so there was no need for secrecy in their conversation.

But thinking about it, they had once gone through great lengths for just thirty thousand Top Gold, spending countless efforts. Now, they were casually talking about millions of Top Gold, which was truly sigh-inducing.

Both of them were no longer the insignificant figures they once were.

Qian Xue’an had risen through the ranks by relying on Wang Shouzhe, continuously contributing to his family, and now he had been promoted to a direct lineage elder, overseeing the commerce in the six southern commanderies of Longzuo Commandery.

And Wang Shouzhe, with the help of Qian Xue’an’s connections and the Qian Clan’s extensive commercial channels, had quickly expanded and strengthened his family.

Now, a single stomp from the Wang Clan could make the entire Changning Commandery tremble.

This was because the Wang Clan’s influence had spread throughout the entire Changning Commandery and was even starting to radiate outward.

“Alright, one hundred and twenty thousand it is,” Wang Shouzhe said with ease, “The rest of the Top Gold will be easy to gather.”

The Huangfu Clan had dominated Changning Commandery for five hundred years, and all their assets were of high quality. If they fell into Wang Shouzhe’s hands, the future potential of those assets would be immense.

This was a celestial clan that the Wang Clan had fought hard to establish, and Wang Shouzhe certainly wouldn’t stand by and watch it fall into the hands of the celestial Lei Clan or any other family.

Although it was a tough bite to swallow.

But given ten or eight years for the Wang Clan to digest, the overall power and wealth of the clan would step into a new tier.

Such an opportunity was not to be missed!

…

While the two were talking, Fang You’an and little sister Luwei happened to return from the academy, bringing the cleaned Spirit Artifact for Wang Shouzhe and also visiting her good friend Liu Ruolan.

The friendship between women comes quickly; just one instance of cooperation, and Liu Ruolan and little sister Luwei became inseparable best friends.

Even so, Liu Ruolan took the initiative to cover all of little sister Luwei’s skincare products, shampoos, and other daily necessities from the Wang Clan.

Such a spendthrift move made Wang Shouzhe sigh endlessly.

Little sister Luwei was a rare high-end customer. Whenever there were new high-end skincare products, she was always among the first to buy them, spending up to ten or twenty thousand Top Gold each year. And the cost for the Wang Clan was just over a thousand Top Gold.

It was clear that women’s money was easy to earn.

However, since Ruolan was happy, he let her be.

After all, he couldn’t win against her anyway.

Little sister Luwei was a direct disciple of the academy and also the closest to the Qian Clan’s Changchun Valley lineage. As soon as she arrived, Qian Xue’an, who was eager to return to accompany Xiaocui, immediately stopped mentioning leaving and started to flatter little sister Luwei incessantly, as if it cost him nothing.

“Little brother Shouzhe, I heard you’re short on money?” Little sister Luwei proactively approached Wang Shouzhe after learning of this, “You don’t need to go elsewhere to gather it; I have some on me, and I can lend it to you.”

“This…” Even though it was the second time little sister Luwei had overwhelmed Wang Shouzhe with money, he still felt quite uncomfortable, “Little sister, the amount I’m short is not small.”

He was still short one million Top Gold. Even for a seventh-rank clan at its peak, it would be a severe blow to come up with such a sum all at once. Although little sister Luwei was a direct disciple, just looking at Fang You’an and Yin Yuzhe would tell you that their entire fortunes weren’t much.

“Isn’t it said you’re short one million?” Little sister Luwei asked with innocent eyes, “Could it be you’re short by several million? If it’s more than that, I don’t have enough on me, but I could write a letter to ask my master for some.”

Wang Shouzhe was speechless. Was a million Top Gold really so trivial in little sister Luwei’s eyes?

His gaze unconsciously shifted to Fang You’an, who was sipping tea beside him.

Everyone was a direct disciple, so why was Fang You’an so poor?!

“Cough, cough, cough!”

Fang You’an nearly choked on his spiritual tea, his face turning awkward.

In terms of combat prowess within the Purple Mansion Academy of Longzuo Commandery, the Xuanbing Hall lineage was naturally the strongest, but when it came to making money, it was the Changchun Valley lineage.

In terms of earning money, the disciples of the Xuanbing Hall lineage were basically at the bottom among all the peaks and valleys, on par with Yunyang’s lineage.

The Xuanbing Hall lineage was too focused on combat, always thinking about how to fight, and often getting injured, with treatment alone being a significant expense.

As for Yunyang’s lineage, they were like carefree cranes, accustomed to freedom and not particular about material possessions.

However, what surprised Fang You’an was that in recent years, the disciples of Yunyang’s lineage seemed to have started actively competing for academy missions, causing conflicts with the Xuanbing Hall disciples over tasks several times.

He wondered what had gotten into the heads of those from Yunyang’s lineage?”Junior Brother Shouzhe, don’t expect Senior Brother You’an to lend you any money,” Green Weave, the junior sister, muttered, “All the credits he saved from the Blood Nest base mission were exchanged for heavenly materials and earthly treasures to enhance his bloodline aptitude. Disciples of the Xuanbing Hall lineage are already poor, and now they’re even poorer. I wonder what has gotten into him?”

What has gotten into him?

Wang Shouzhe and Fang You’an exchanged glances, obviously, it was her who had stimulated him.

However, Wang Shouzhe was fortunate because his current state was only at the third level of the Lingtai Realm bloodline, and although advancing further was difficult, there was still a chance for him. But for Fang You’an, who was at the fourth level of the Tianren Realm spirit body, awakening the fifth bloodline was as hard as ascending to the heavens.

Therefore, Fang You’an’s goal was probably just to reach the medium level of the fourth bloodline.

But let’s not dwell on idle chatter.

With the support of a wealthy junior sister like Green Weave, Wang Shouzhe felt that if he was to be bombarded with money, then so be it~

Soon enough.

With financial backing, Wang Shouzhe swept up the scattered assets of Huangfu’s Clan like autumn leaves, and the family’s business inflated rapidly like a balloon.

Several months passed.

After the calamity, the surviving members of Huangfu’s Clan, through the mediation of Gu Hanyu, entrusted the family’s superior fire-based main cultivation method “Red Dragon True Scripture,” along with two mid-grade methods, five mid-grade body techniques and martial skills, and dozens of low-grade methods, body techniques, and martial skills, all to the safekeeping of Wang’s Clan.

All these body techniques, martial skills, and methods were original copies, while the ones left by Huangfu’s Clan were merely imprinted versions.

This was one of the conditions Wang Shouzhe had set to prevent the people of Huangfu’s Clan from trying to deceive with altered imprints.

After enduring for so long, the people of Huangfu’s Clan, who had no place to stand in Changning Guard, finally could not bear it any longer and compromised with Wang’s Clan.

As Gu Hanyu had said, without Wang Shouzhe’s approval, it would have been difficult for the Huangfu’s Clan members with families to leave the sphere of influence of Changning Guard and safely reach their place of exile.

Having reaped the benefits, Wang Shouzhe naturally did not pursue the extermination of the remaining members of Huangfu’s Clan.

After this incident.

The prestige of Wang’s Clan in Peace rose significantly, and even without a Tianren Ancestor in the family, their prestige had already surpassed that of Changning Xu’s Clan and was on par with Changning Lei’s Clan.

Subsequently.

Changning Guard operated smoothly.

And the Wang’s Clan, having feasted too much previously, did not make any major moves, but quietly digested and absorbed the various benefits after swallowing up the Tianren Huangfu’s Clan.

In the blink of an eye, several more years passed.

By this time, it had been a full twenty years since Wang Shouzhe’s transmigration.

Daqian’s year 3165—June 3rd.

On this day.

It was the most important day since the establishment of Wang’s Clan in Peace.

Because on this day, after more than a year of seclusion, the rapidly advancing Ancestor Long Yan finally broke through her shackles and attracted heavenly thunder.

After enduring numerous thunder tribulations, Ancestor Long Yan successfully advanced to the Tianren Realm.

From this day forward, Wang’s Clan in Peace finally had their own Tianren Realm Ancestor.

From now on, Wang’s Clan in Peace could truly stand tall.

For a time, the entire Wang’s Clan was excited, and the atmosphere was as lively as the New Year.

At the same time, this news spread throughout the southern six guards of Longzuo Commandery like a gust of wind.

The preparations for the “Tianren Banquet” to honor the Ancestor began in earnest.

With the clan members and family generals spurring their horses on, invitations to the Tianren Banquet flew out like snowflakes, reaching various noble families.

……