……

However, as soon as Brother Jinshan spoke.

The disciples of Changchun Valley were instantly infatuated, their eyes filled with fervor.

Visiting other sects was something these disciples, who were in their thirties and forties, had always dreamed of.

Visiting the Xuanbing Hall was something they had never even thought of before today.

Faced with the eager anticipation of the crowd.

Wang Shouzhe didn’t want to dampen their spirits on the spot, so he quickly changed the subject: “Fellow senior brothers and sisters, I’m a bit tired from the battle just now.”

The implication, of course, was to forget about the Xuanbing Hall.

But Brother Jinshan misunderstood, and said seriously: “Brother Shouzhe is right. You should rest well before going to the Xuanbing Hall. Someone, clean up the rest room in the Hall of Enlightenment, and bring out all the good food that can restore vitality.”

“Yes!”

The junior brothers and sisters below cheered and immediately ran off to do their tasks with great enthusiasm.

As long as Brother Shouzhe could take them to the Xuanbing Hall, they were willing to do anything.

Half an hour later, in the partition of the Hall of Enlightenment, Wang Shouzhe, Liu Ruolan, Liu Ruolei, and others were looking at each other.

“Brother-in-law, you’re not really going to the Xuanbing Hall, are you?” Liu Ruolei asked worriedly, “The Xuanbing Hall is not like other places. Their disciples and seniors, even… sigh, they are all very strong and not easy to provoke.”

Ancestor Xuanfu also frowned slightly: “The number of core disciples in the Xuanbing Hall is not many, but if you go to the Xuanbing Hall, there is one person you need to be careful of.”

“His name is Ji Mingyu, a direct disciple of the Ji’s Clan from Longzuo. He was sent to the academy because he is the second son.”

“This young man is only in his forties, but he has already reached the third level of the Spirit Platform Realm. With his strong bloodline and solid foundation, he is even more formidable than Cousin Long Yan was back then. In recent years, he has been leading the new disciples around to gain experience. Although he is slightly inferior to the true geniuses, he is not far behind.”

Even when Ancestor Xuanfu spoke of this person, her face was serious, and there seemed to be a hint of envy.

“Oh~” Wang Shouzhe was noncommittal, in fact, he had no intention of going to the Xuanbing Hall at all.

He was not like Wang Luoqiu, who had a strong desire for the imperial path.

His greatest ambition in life was to manage his small family well, so that his family could live a good life, at least not have to worry about cultivation resources.

He had no interest in fighting at all.

“I think, my husband is mainly considering the face of Ancestor Long Yan.” Liu Ruolan explained with a smile, “If we go and provoke them, wouldn’t we be putting our ancestor in a difficult position?”

“Only my wife knows my heart.” Wang Shouzhe looked at Liu Ruolan affectionately, holding her jade hand, “Having a wife like Ruolan, my life is not in vain.”

“Marrying you, my husband, is the greatest fortune of my life.” Liu Ruolan’s pretty face turned slightly red, radiating happiness.

“Hiss!”

Here we go again!

Liu Ruolei shivered, every time she saw her sister and brother-in-law showing off their love, she felt life was full of malice towards her.

And this couple seemed to enjoy it, ready to show off their love at any time.

Ancestor Xuanfu’s eyes also began to wander, clearly she also had the urge to draw her sword.

While they were talking, a disciple of Changchun Valley respectfully said from outside the door: “Brother Shouzhe, how is your rest? If there is nothing wrong, the master invites you to talk.”

As expected!

Wang Shouzhe smiled.

The invitation from the master of Changchun was also within his expectations.

The reason he made a big show at the last moment was not only to save some face for Changchun Valley. It was also a way to repay the master’s previous teachings, but more importantly, he wanted to get on good terms with the master.

He didn’t dare to hope that he could immediately cling to the master’s thigh, but at least he wanted to have some status in the master’s eyes.

Not a negligible nobody, but a useful person.

The most frightening thing in life is not being used, but having no value to be used.

In this way, if he encounters any injustice in the future.

He won’t be at a dead end, at least he will have a place to appeal, a way to go.

“My wife, Ancestor Xuanfu, you rest for a while. I’ll be back soon.”

After instructing them, Wang Shouzhe followed the disciple out of the Hall of Enlightenment.

Changchun Valley is located on top of a top-notch spiritual vein, with spiritual fields all over the valley, planted with various spiritual plants glowing with spiritual light, interspersed with clusters of lush spiritual trees and tea plants. Looking around, it was full of vitality, even the air seemed to be filled with the fragrance of plants, making people feel refreshed.

The deeper into the valley, the higher the level of the spiritual fields.

Unconsciously, the surrounding spiritual fields had transitioned from low-grade to mid-grade, and then from mid-grade to high-grade. The level of the spiritual plants in the fields also increased.

Various spiritual species and treasures seemed to be everywhere, within reach.

Wang Shouzhe felt an invisible pressure, truly worthy of being a sacred place of the academy, many of the spiritual plants he had never even heard of, let alone seen.

Finally.

After bypassing a slippery mountain wall covered with spiritual moss, the leading disciple finally stopped in front of a simple thatched hut.

“Brother Shouzhe, the master is waiting for you inside. I can’t accompany you in.” The disciple from Changchun Valley bowed.

Not every disciple of Changchun Valley has the privilege to call the master of Changchun as their master.

Only those who reach the level of core disciples are considered true disciples of the master and have the privilege to call him master.

“Thank you, Brother.”

Wang Shouzhe expressed his thanks and presented some small trinkets before he began to carefully observe the thatched cottage in front of him.

Compared to the high-level spiritual plants around him that were flowing with spiritual light, this thatched cottage looked quite ordinary. However, Wang Shouzhe dared not underestimate it.

Because the owner of this thatched cottage was the renowned Elder Changchun.

He straightened his robe and then respectfully bowed towards the cottage, saying, “Wang Shouzhe, a student from the outside world, seeks an audience with Elder Changchun.”

“Creak~”

The simple wooden door opened slowly on its own.

A gentle voice came from inside the thatched cottage, “Come in.”

Wang Shouzhe entered the thatched cottage as instructed. The interior was very simply furnished. Apart from some simple wooden tables and chairs, there was only a meditation cushion.

Elder Changchun still wore the attire of a country farmer, but there was a vibrant aura about him, warm and profound, which made people feel an unconscious sense of closeness.

“Shouzhe pays his respects to Elder.”

Wang Shouzhe immediately stepped forward and paid his respects according to etiquette.

“Sit~”

Elder Changchun nodded at him, his attitude amiable.

Wang Shouzhe sat down as instructed.

“Why did you stand up for my Changchun Valley at the last moment? Don’t tell me you feel a sense of honor for Changchun Valley,” Elder Changchun said, “Or is it that Shouzhe wants to curry favor with me?”

After saying this, he looked at Wang Shouzhe with a smile that seemed to carry a deeper meaning.

This look naturally made Wang Shouzhe feel as if he was being seen through.

Ordinary people would probably be overwhelmed by this imposing manner, finding it difficult to even speak.

However, Wang Shouzhe was no ordinary person. He wouldn’t claim to calculate every step, nor would he say that every move he made carried a deeper meaning.

But at least this time, his actions were not as simple as they seemed on the surface.

He had also thought about this summons.

He calmly said, “Elder, when I stepped in at the last moment, it was firstly to repay the favor you had given me earlier, and secondly to get on good terms with you, so that my Wang’s Clan could have a backer in the academy.” He was telling the truth.

But this truth made Elder Changchun slightly taken aback. Should he call this boy cunning or straightforward?

“I’ve always disliked fighting and I won’t interfere in worldly affairs. The thing I dislike the most is people like Shouzhe who are good at scheming,” Elder Changchun’s face showed a hint of displeasure, “However, I also don’t like owing favors. So, take this ancient tree armor and two longevity leaves as your reward for this time.”

After saying this, he took out a piece of bark the size of a palm and two tender green leaves that were radiating life.

Wang Shouzhe had seen both of these items on Li Yuzhe before, so he naturally knew they were valuable.

Clearly, Elder Changchun was trying to draw a line between them.

Wang Shouzhe took the ancient tree armor and longevity leaves as instructed, then stood up and thanked Elder Changchun, “Shouzhe thanks Elder for the reward. If there’s nothing else, I will take my leave.”

“Eh?”

Elder Changchun raised his eyebrows slightly, “After what I’ve said, don’t you want to defend yourself?”

“Elder speaks the truth. Shouzhe is indeed a person who relies on his wits, so what is there to defend?” Wang Shouzhe smiled openly, “Elder, I will take my leave.”

With that, he started to walk out.

“Wait.”

Elder Changchun suddenly stopped him.

He looked at Wang Shouzhe with a complex gaze, feeling somewhat stifled in his heart.

Without a doubt, he still admired this young man very much.

His stern reprimand was just to make him realize his mistake and return to the right path.

As long as he was willing to express his remorse and change his ways, as an elder, wouldn’t he give him a chance to correct his mistakes?

And didn’t you want to cling to a powerful figure? Why not take this opportunity to become my disciple?

Who would have thought that this young man would simply say, ‘I am what I am’, and then prepare to leave?

How could his heart, as an elder, bear this?

“Elder, is there anything else?” Wang Shouzhe’s attitude was polite and respectful, but there was also a sense of keeping a respectful distance.

What do you mean ‘is there anything else’?

Did I call you all the way here because I had nothing better to do?

Can’t you just follow the script?

Although Elder Changchun was grumbling in his heart, he could only continue to put on a caring expression, “Shouzhe, you have a top-grade bloodline, right? And it looks like a Wood-type bloodline, but it’s not quite.”

“Elder,” Wang Shouzhe respectfully replied, “I have indeed awakened my bloodline talent three times, but as for what kind of talent it is, I don’t know.”

Nonsense.

I, as an elder, saw it long ago, and your bloodline is indeed extraordinary.

And if it wasn’t for the triple bloodline awakening, could you have defeated the core disciple of the Xiaoyao lineage?

Elder Changchun’s expression faltered slightly. Had he fallen into an awkward conversation again?

Can’t you just say you want to become my disciple?

Elder Changchun was filled with silent complaints. He had already been rejected once by a core disciple, so was he, a dignified elder, going to ask you to become his disciple for the third time?

However, this young man had achieved a triple bloodline awakening at the Spirit Platform realm, which was enough to be considered a Purple Mansion seed.

Such a Purple Mansion seed would undoubtedly reach the Heavenly Man realm in the future, and even have the qualifications to strive for the Purple Mansion realm.

If he was just a Purple Mansion seed, that would be fine. Elder Changchun had several under his name.

But this young man was truly a rare talent, far superior to his other direct disciples.

Forget it, forget it.

For the sake of not letting a pearl fall into the dust, I, as an elder, will swallow my pride once more.

After struggling internally, Elder Changchun spoke again, “If I take you as my direct disciple, would you be willing to officially join the academy?”

“Direct disciple…”

Wang Shouzhe sighed softly.

This was undoubtedly a huge temptation.Once becoming a direct disciple of the Purple Mansion Academy, one might not be able to strut around the entire Longzuo Commandery, but at least no one would dare to provoke them casually.

Unfortunately, despite the temptation, it was not the path he wanted to take.

Wang Shouzhe slowly shook his head: “I am deeply grateful for your kindness. However, as the head of a clan, I bear the expectations of my clan members and ancestors.”

He refused again.

Although the Elder Changchun had some suspicions, it was only after Wang Shouzhe’s actual refusal that he felt somewhat disappointed.

This young man was good at strategizing, calculating every move, but when faced with a readily available position and future, he firmly refused.

For a moment, he found Wang Shouzhe somewhat inscrutable.

After a brief contemplation, Elder Changchun finally sighed and said, “Well, everyone has their own ambitions, and some things can’t be forced. But considering our destined relationship, can you tell me what your real purpose is?”

“My real purpose…” Wang Shouzhe said seriously, “I came to the academy to find a few backers. I don’t seek to bully others with power, but only to prevent my clan from being bullied.”

“Is that all?”

Elder Changchun frowned.

“Of course that’s all.” Wang Shouzhe laughed, “You surely don’t think I came here to form alliances, bolster my clan’s power, and then go out and dominate the Longzuo Commandery, do you?”

Uh…

A hint of embarrassment flashed in Elder Changchun’s eyes.

Previously, he was somewhat worried that Wang Shouzhe would become obsessed with power struggles and use the academy as his pawn.

“What I seek,” Wang Shouzhe said solemnly, “is nothing more than the eight words: ‘If others do not offend me, I will not offend them.’ I just want to focus on farming with my clan, do some research and development, create some new varieties of crops and fruit trees, or manufacture some products that can make human life better. Based on this, I want to fight for some cultivation resources for my family.”

Elder Changchun suddenly became interested: “Like your Wang’s Clan No. 7, and those spirit seeds… Oh, and those skincare and beauty products you sold to Luwei.”

“Correct.” Wang Shouzhe smiled, “But these are just small businesses. Compared to the academy, they are just showing off in front of an expert.”

“Good.”

Elder Changchun breathed a sigh of relief: “Such a mindset is in line with my Dao heart. You’ve passed the test. The academy will not get involved in clan disputes, but if you focus on farming and someone tries to infringe on your achievements through unfair means, you can write to me, and I will stand up for you.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Shouzhe was secretly delighted.

Wasn’t this the result he had been painstakingly planning for?

He wasn’t afraid of inventing and creating, nor was he afraid of developing new varieties. What he feared most were those inscrutable clans or powers coveting his products, and even more, he feared that this would bring about a disaster.

After all, this was a world of martial arts!

If he had the academy as a backer, he could be bolder and take bigger steps.

Seeing Wang Shouzhe’s joy, Elder Changchun was also secretly pleased. He hadn’t misjudged the person. He immediately relaxed and said, “However, if you want me to back you up, you have to do something for me.”

“Please give your instructions, Elder.” Wang Shouzhe said with a bow.

“Do you know why the Xuanbing Hall didn’t come to my Changchun Valley this time?” Elder Changchun sighed, “I guess they think we’re too weak, and they’ve lost interest over time…”

“Uh…”

Wang Shouzhe gave him a sympathetic look. Being looked down upon every time was already a miserable thing. But what’s even more miserable was that they had lost interest in looking down on you.

“Since I took over Changchun Valley, our Changchun lineage has never been to Xuanbing Hall.” There was some resentment in Elder Changchun’s eyes, “If you can successfully take the new disciples to visit, I will be your strong supporter in the future. As long as you don’t get involved in clan disputes or provoke trouble, if there are irresistible enemies coveting your industry, I can mediate.”

“Not for anything else, just because Xuanbing Hall has not come to my Changchun Valley for two terms, they look down on us too much.”

Wang Shouzhe couldn’t help but laugh.

They say old children are old children, but our Elder Changchun also has a bit of a temper.

You’re upset when others come to visit, and you’re even more upset when they don’t.

However, Wang Shouzhe also understood.

Having been ridden on by others for hundreds of years, it was reasonable to not want to miss such an opportunity to turn the tables.

The only thing that made Wang Shouzhe a little worried was…

“Kid, are you worried that if you offend Xuanbing Hall, Elder Binglan will be displeased with your clan’s Long Yan and take it out on her? Don’t worry, Elder Binglan is not that kind of person.”

As the saying goes, old people are cunning. Elder Changchun had lived to an age that people couldn’t guess, and he saw Wang Shouzhe’s worry at a glance.

“In that case, there’s no problem.” Wang Shouzhe agreed with a bow, “This visit to Xuanbing Hall is on me.”

“Good, very good.” Elder Changchun stroked his beard happily, “But, you need to prepare. After the fight, you should leave the academy as soon as possible to avoid Elder Binglan causing you trouble.”

What!

Wang Shouzhe stared wide-eyed: “Didn’t you say that Elder Binglan is not that kind of person?”

“No.” Elder Changchun said calmly, “I just said that Binglan is not the kind of person who takes out her anger on others, not that she is the kind of person who doesn’t hold grudges. If you offend her, it’s normal for her to hold a grudge against you and retaliate like the Angry God.”

“Can I change my mind?”

“Shouzhe, I’m not a very forgiving person.”

“…” Wang Shouzhe.