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The world is vast.
Yet, no matter how vast, it has little to do with the Wang's Clan of Changning, who are still merely a seventh-rank noble family.
Such an opportunity is a godsend for the Wang's Clan, offering a chance to fill the gap in their artifact refining capabilities.
Beside the "Molten Lava Pond," within an already opened secret chamber, a pile of discarded artifact components is amassed, with a Spirit Artifact Refining Platform sitting at the center.
The Spirit Artifact Refining Platform is an essential tool for artifact refiners, similar to the cauldrons used by alchemists. It can channel earth fire through ley lines, making the smelting of materials and the forging of spirit artifact prototypes extremely convenient.
Next to the platform stands a metal puppet over a zhang tall, looking mighty. Its dark red hue suggests it has seen many battles, and its structure shows signs of damage in several places.
Behind the platform is the cultivation platform of Tianyezi, with key parts made of heat-resistant red metal. It can absorb fire spirit energy from the fire ley lines below, making it suitable for practicing the Basalt techniques.
Additionally, the materials left by Tianyezi include "Tianyezi's Artifact Refining Insights," "Tianyezi Teaches You How to Start Refining from Scratch," "Unnamed Miscellany (Tianyezi's Posthumous Manuscript)," "Yitian Jue" (including Qi Refining, Spirit Platform, and Divine Transformation chapters), "True Heavenly Fire Technique (Purple Mansion Chapter)," and "Complete Treasure Book" (comprising formulas and refining experiences for thirty-five spirit artifacts, five treasures, three puppets, two special spirit treasures, one divine treasure, and basic cultivation platforms for gold, fire, and water attributes).
It's worth mentioning that the "Complete Treasure Book" is a classic compilation of artifact creation by the Heavenly Fire Sect, with each item carefully selected for its distinct advantages and characteristics compared to similar creations.
Furthermore, Tianyezi left behind a "Heavenly Work Box."
This space treasure is akin to a storage ring, but its storage space far exceeds that of ordinary storage rings. Everything in this room could fit inside, with plenty of space to spare.
The only issue is that once the Heavenly Work Box is refined, it becomes difficult to move.
It's not that it can't be moved at all, but it's extremely challenging. Moving it carelessly could cause turbulence within its space, at best scattering the items inside, and at worst destroying the important materials stored within.
Moreover, it cannot be placed inside a storage ring and taken away, as that would cause a collision of folded spaces, triggering a shock that could destroy the storage ring as well.
In short, it's like a high-performance, large, private multifunctional storage cabinet—very convenient when needed, but extremely cumbersome to carry around.
As a result, most people don't bother moving the Heavenly Work Box once its folded space is expanded.
Additionally, Tianyezi left behind a superior storage ring, whose spiritual imprint had faded over time. Aside from the techniques it contained, it was empty.
All these items together constitute the entirety of Tianyezi's legacy.
Among them, "Yitian Jue," although only a mid-grade fire technique, is the prerequisite for inheriting all of Tianyezi's knowledge.
After all, Tianyezi's lifetime of artifact refining insights originated from "Yitian Jue." Only later, in an attempt to forcibly break through to the Purple Mansion realm, did he acquire the "True Heavenly Fire Technique (Purple Mansion Chapter)." Since the latter only contains the Purple Mansion chapter, it cannot be practiced alone.
Therefore, "Yitian Jue" was placed inside an artifact refining box, which has a slot for inserting an ordinary spirit stone. Once activated, it can be used to test the compatibility of Basalt cultivators with "Yitian Jue."
If one is incompatible, they naturally cannot inherit "Yitian Jue."
Wang Shouming, Wang Lilian, Wang Zongyao, and Wang Luqing, the four discoverers of the relic, were naturally the first to test for compatibility.
As expected, and as predicted by Ancestor Long Yan, although Wang Shouming practiced the "True Red Dragon Technique" and was a Basalt cultivator with fire attributes, his compatibility with "Yitian Jue" was mediocre, and he could not open the artifact refining box.
This left Wang Shouming slightly disappointed.
However, Wang Shouyong stepped forward to comfort him: "Eighth brother, the 'True Red Dragon Technique' you practice is already a superior technique with great potential. As long as you cultivate diligently, you will find your place to use your martial skills."
"Fifth brother, I understand," Wang Shouming nodded. "Everyone in the family has their duties, whether it's focusing on combat or eventually developing the wild lands beyond our domain for the family."
Afterward, Wang Lilian, Wang Luqing, and Wang Zongyao also took the test.
However, the results were unexpected; all three failed to match.
This left everyone in shock.
A mere mid-grade technique with such a high threshold?
After their initial surprise, everyone speculated and came to understand.
It wasn't that "Yitian Jue" itself had a high threshold, but rather that Tianyezi had set a high bar. Following this, a succession of Wang's Clan youths took turns testing but were all rejected.
Then, even Wang Shouyong tried and still couldn't meet Tianyezi's inheritance criteria.
Thus, they had no choice but to let the family's retainers try.
One after another failed…
Days later, just as everyone was about to give up hope, an eleven-year-old retainer named Wang Ping unexpectedly passed the test, opened Tianyezi's box, and obtained "Yitian Jue."
Everyone was baffled.
But in the end, it was a good thing, and they quickly stopped dwelling on it, instead focusing on the reasons. Soon, all of Wang Ping's information was laid out before Liu Ruolan and Ancestor Long Yan.
At eight years old, the child was tested at the Wang's Clan Spirit Testing Platform and was found to have lower-grade C-level talent, neither good nor bad among the retainers. His cultivation speed was neither fast nor slow, having just reached the mid-stage of the Qi Refining realm.
His academic performance in the clan school was also just average.
As for his appearance, he wasn't particularly handsome and even looked somewhat simple. Yet, it was this utterly unremarkable child who passed the test…
The only advantage this child had was that, starting from his great-grandfather, his family had always been tenant farmers for the Wang's Clan, with a clear and clean background.
In fact, this advantage wasn't really an advantage at all.
In the current system of cultivating retainers for the Wang's Clan, a clear background is the primary criterion.
Those who become retainers are usually from the Wang's Clan's collateral branches, household servants, tenant farmers, or commoners from the territories, with at least three generations traceable…
Wang Ping's inexplicable success left Wang Shouming and the others full of resentment.
Could this inconspicuous retainer be better than them? Moreover, the kid looked dark and simple, without a hint of the aura of an exceptional person.
The "poor" retainer seedling Wang Ping had no idea what was happening when he was brought over.
It was his first time meeting the "high and mighty" matriarch of the Wang's Clan, Liu Ruolan, and the legendary Ancestor Long Yan. He trembled nervously, his legs shaking uncontrollably, and he didn't dare to utter a word.
Moreover, the young masters and misses of the family looked at him with unfriendly eyes, seemingly quite dissatisfied with him.
"Wang Ping, don't be afraid," Liu Ruolan said gently. "Since you have entered the ranks of the Wang's Clan's retainers, you are one of us, not an outsider."
"Yes, madam."
Seeing Liu Ruolan's pleasant demeanor, Wang Ping relaxed a bit.
The retainers of the Wang's Clan are trained from a young age, not only in cultivation techniques but also in rigorous cultural education at the clan school. In this respect, they are treated the same as direct and even legitimate descendants, with fairly comprehensive abilities.
Although young, Wang Ping, once relaxed, conducted himself with propriety and completeness, already showing a bit of the bearing of his retainer elders.
"You were able to open that artifact refining jade box; there must be something unique about you. Think carefully, do you have anything different from others?" Liu Ruolan asked casually. "If you can't remember, it's okay, don't force it."
Wang Ping pondered for a while, but his expression remained clueless: "To report to the madam, the most glorious moment for me was passing the retainer test, which made the neighbors very envious. Other than that, there's nothing."
As soon as he finished speaking.
Suddenly.
A buzzing sword cry filled the air, and a sword light struck at him like lightning. Its speed was so fast that even a high-level Qi Refining cultivator would struggle to catch it.
But Wang Ping's eyes widened instinctively, and he stepped back half a step, his face turning pale in an instant.
The treasure emitting purple electric light flashed by half a chi in front of him and then flew back, re-entering the scabbard at Wang Luqing's waist.
All of this happened in the blink of an eye.
"Ancestor, what is this…" Wang Shouming was startled and hurriedly pleaded, "Although we are displeased with Wang Ping, he has done nothing wrong. Please, Ancestor, calm your anger."
The other juniors also quickly spoke up, pleading for mercy.
Although Wang Ping did seem a bit dull, making them feel indignant, it wasn't his fault. Raised with the Wang's Clan's family values, they had relatively upright views and didn't want to watch Wang Ping get into trouble…
"Don't be anxious, you few," Liu Ruolan smiled gently. "The Ancestor is not the kind of person who acts without discernment. Just now was a test. Now I see clearly, Wang Ping may seem ordinary, but his instinctive reaction is extremely quick, and he has already condensed a trace of spiritual consciousness. No wonder, despite being average in other aspects, he could pass the test set by the predecessor Tianyezi."
A trace of spiritual consciousness?
Wang Shouming and the others were astonished.
Wang Ping, just eleven years old and at the first layer of the Qi Refining realm… already has a trace of spiritual consciousness?
Spiritual consciousness, also known as soul consciousness, may have different names, but the meaning is the same.
Basalt cultivators in the Qi Refining realm focus on refining blood and tempering the body and meridians to strengthen themselves and generate more high-quality Xuan Qi.
During this process, although Basalt cultivators become physically stronger and gradually condense a trace of spiritual consciousness, the Qi Refining realm is not specifically for strengthening spiritual consciousness, so most Qi Refining cultivators have relatively weak spiritual consciousness.
Only when breaking through to the Spirit Platform realm and opening the Spirit Platform does spiritual consciousness surge.
At this time, Basalt cultivators can wield spirit artifacts in battle. Without spiritual consciousness to gradually integrate with the spirit artifact, even the sharpest spirit artifacts can only be used as slightly more powerful weapons.
Having a trace of spiritual consciousness at the first layer of the Qi Refining realm shows that Wang Ping has relatively high potential in this area. And in the art of artifact refining, a higher level of spiritual consciousness is often needed to sense temperature changes, control the shape of objects, and so on.
It's not that those with weak spiritual consciousness can't refine artifacts, but clearly, Tianyezi set a high threshold to seek a higher quality "successor of the next generation."
"In that case, Wang Ping, you should continue your studies, but you'll need to allocate some time from your cultivation and chores to learn 'Yitian Jue' and accept the artifact refining inheritance," Liu Ruolan declared. "Moreover, Zongyao, you practice the Wang's Clan 'Xuan Yuan Jue,' so it's fine for you to spend some time switching to 'Yitian Jue.' Tianyezi didn't specify that only one person could receive the inheritance. And since you are older and have a mature and steady personality, you can also accept the artifact refining inheritance. From now on, Wang Ping will learn with you~"
"As for strengthening spiritual consciousness, when you four return, I'll discuss it with him and see if we can find a solution."
Wang Zongyao was suddenly overwhelmed with surprise.
Still, he wasn't a child anymore and managed to contain his excitement, bowing in thanks: "Thank you, Fourth Aunt, for your support."
Ancestor Long Yan also nodded in approval.
She was always protective of her own and didn't want the inheritance of "Yitian Jue" to rely solely on a retainer seedling. Now it seemed that Tianyezi was just a bit eccentric, setting a series of conditions on the artifact refining box.
Purely in terms of potential, she believed Zongyao far surpassed Wang Ping.
Moreover, the family's artifact refining inheritance wasn't an overnight affair. Only after passing down through generations would the Wang's Clan's foundation in artifact refining become increasingly profound.
With that, the matter was temporarily settled.
Now that "Qinglian Fire Valley" had been incorporated into the Wang's Clan's territory, the subsequent development plan naturally came to the agenda. Carving paths through the mountains, constructing living areas, forging zones, setting up guard posts, arranging patrol and defense forces… and other specific tasks would gradually be arranged.
In a few decades, Qinglian Fire Valley would become a treasure land for the Wang's Clan.
***
Almost at the same time.
In Changning Guard, Qian's Clan's separate residence.
Just after dinner time, a wisp of the setting sun still hung in the sky. The sunset, red as blood, painted half the sky.
The sky had not yet completely darkened, but the main hall in the inner courtyard was already lit with glowing stone lamps. Light purple curtains made of spirit silkworm silk hung on both sides of the room, reflecting a layer of flowing light under the lamp, exuding nobility and elegance.
In the corner, an incense burner shaped like a Brave Troops made of red copper emitted curling smoke, creating a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere.
However.
The atmosphere in the main hall at this moment had nothing to do with "harmony."
A dozen middle-aged men in brocade clothes were either sitting or standing, whispering in groups of two or three. These men varied in height and build but all had a similar round face, appearing amiable. Yet, their brows were furrowed, and the atmosphere was tinged with an inexplicable tension.
Sitting at the head of these people was Qian Xue'an, the current head manager of the Qian's Clan's business in Changning Guard.
"Head manager, what's the situation?" A middle-aged man in black brocade stood beside Qian Xue'an, asking in a low voice, "I received an order to attend a meeting, but the seal on the envelope wasn't yours, it was the main family's. Why would the main family bypass you and order us directly? What is Qian Xuerui up to?"
He was one of Qian Xue'an's confidants, and he was also uneasy about being suddenly summoned to a meeting.
"Just be patient," Qian Xue'an waved his hand, soothing him, "For now, we can only wait and see. Whatever move he makes, we'll respond accordingly."
In truth, he was also uncertain.
These days, he had been trying to appease and win over people, binding his subordinates to his cause. At the same time, he had people keeping an eye on Qian Xuerui.
But after settling in, Qian Xuerui ate, drank, and wandered around as if he were on vacation, leaving Qian Xue'an puzzled and unsure of his intentions.
In the midst of their conversation.
A servant's voice suddenly announced from outside: "Young Master Rui has arrived."
At the sound, the room fell silent.
Generally, only the legitimate descendants of noble families above the Divine Transformation rank, and those with exceptional talents, are honored with the title "Young Master."
And in the Qian's Clan of the Divine Transformation rank, there was only one person who could be called "Young Master Rui."
The managers instinctively looked towards the entrance.
A figure was slowly approaching, escorted by family guards and servants, in the twilight.
It was a young man with a tall stature.
He had the characteristic round face of the Qian's Clan, thick eyebrows, and full lips, exuding an honest appearance. However, his slightly squinted eyes shone with an innate shrewdness, mostly concealed by his drooping eyelids, making it difficult for others to see through him.
The blood-red sunset cast a dim glow on him, even his dark blue brocade clothes seemed to be tinged with a hint of purple under this light.
The expressions of the managers in the hall unconsciously became more serious, and their eyes flickered, pretending to glance casually at Qian Xue'an.
"Young Master Rui."
Suppressing his emotions, Qian Xue'an calmly stepped forward to greet him, welcoming the group and vacating the seat of honor, ordering fresh tea to be served.
"Young Master Rui, please take the seat of honor."
As a descendant of a noble family, he had been taught strict etiquette from a young age. Before a complete fallout, no matter what he thought inside, his outward manners were impeccable, a perfect display of superficiality.
Unexpectedly, Qian Xuerui did not play along, but instead smiled and waved his hand: "The head manager is my elder brother, and before him, how could I dare to take the seat of honor? I'll just stand and talk."
Since Young Master Rui did not sit, the others naturally did not feel comfortable sitting either, so they stood and listened to him.
The atmosphere in the main hall instantly became delicate, and Qian Xue'an's expression also froze slightly.
He expected Qian Xuerui to be up to no good, but he didn't anticipate that he wouldn't even bother with the pretense. These polite words were actually a public slap in the face, clearly showing no intention of giving him face.
Qian Xue'an's face darkened slightly, realizing that Qian Xuerui was no longer beating around the bush and was ready to turn hostile.
Sure enough, Qian Xuerui's smile faded as he spoke again: "I've been in the Southern Sixth Guard for some time now. During this period, I've learned a bit about the situation here, and I'm very disappointed~"
Qian Xue'an replied coldly: "Young Master Rui, just speak plainly."
Qian Xuerui sneered: "The Qian's Clan and the Wang's Clan of Changning have been in a partnership for over twenty years. In terms of strength, connections, and channels, the Qian's Clan has always held an absolute advantage, yet the profits have mostly gone to the Wang's Clan and others, feeding them from a ninth-rank to a seventh-rank family. Brother, don't you have anything to explain Qian Xue'an suppressed the anger in his heart: "Young Master Rui is joking. The rise of the Wang's Clan of Changning to a seventh-rank family is not my doing. Moreover, this generation of the Wang's Clan is full of talented individuals who are highly regarded in the academies. In fact, our cooperation with the Wang's Clan has been to our advantage."
Qian Xuerui seemed to have anticipated his response and chuckled: "The Wang's Clan of Changning has a close relationship with the academies, but is our relationship with the academies any worse? The Qian's Clan has been collaborating with the academies for over a thousand years. In terms of close ties, can they surpass the Qian's Clan? As for who benefits, if not for our cooperation, could the mere Wang's Clan of Changning hope to sell their goods in every corner of Longzuo?"
"The rise of the Wang's Clan of Changning is entirely dependent on the protection of the Qian's Clan."
He paused, his expression became stern, and his voice colder: "Moreover, the family's fortunes are flourishing, and we are nurturing a second Divine Transformation elder. The demand for resources is greater than ever. Don't you know this? At such a time, instead of trying to gain more benefits for the family, you are protecting others. Do you still have a reason?!"
"You!"
Qian Xue'an was infuriated, his face turning ashen. This young man, ignorant of everything, dared to spout such nonsense.
He wanted to retort, but Qian Xuerui had escalated the issue to the level of the family. Even if he had a multitude of reasons, they couldn't outweigh a single "for the sake of the family."
He simply didn't bother to argue and, with a flick of his sleeve, said coldly: "Whether I am at fault is beside the point. I ask you, Young Master Rui, by what authority do you question me? Even if you are of the legitimate line, what right do you have to judge and interrogate me?"
Qian Xuerui seemed to have expected this reaction and promptly took out an item from his storage ring, showing it off: "Brother Xue'an, do you recognize this?"
Under the bright and soft light of the glowing stone lamps, the item in his hand was clearly visible. It was a token carved from thousand-year-old spiritual oak, with inscriptions around the edge and the character "Order" in the center.
"The Family Head's Order?!"
The people present were shocked, quickly bowing deeply toward the direction of the token.
Qian Xue'an's face turned even paler.
The "Family Head's Order" was the exclusive token of the head of the Qian's Clan of the Divine Transformation rank, granting the holder the authority to act on behalf of the family head.
In theory, with the Family Head's Order in hand, one could make decisions unilaterally. Unless there was a special reason, the Council of Elders would not refuse to give face to the family head.
Seeing everyone's reaction, Qian Xuerui was satisfied and nodded slightly: "Before coming here, the family head gave me this, instructing me to act as I see fit. Now, I am removing Qian Xue'an from his position as the head manager on the grounds of neglecting the family's interests. Does anyone object?"
The people present were just minor managers; who would dare to oppose the Family Head's Order?
They bowed and said in unison: "We abide by Young Master Rui's decision."
Seeing this, Qian Xue'an knew the situation was beyond salvage, and further struggle was futile.
"Young Master Rui even brought out the 'Family Head's Order'; how could I dare to object?" He glanced at Qian Xuerui with a forced smile, "Since I'm no longer the head manager, I won't stay to trouble Young Master Rui any further. I take my leave."
With that, he bowed to Qian Xuerui and left.
Before leaving, he felt a mix of sadness, anger, and regret. He had known Wang Shouzhe for many years and was aware that although his little brother valued righteousness and loyalty, he was not someone who would suffer losses quietly.
He couldn't fathom what had gotten into the usually sensible family head to let this young and inexperienced Qian Xuerui meddle and steal his fruits.
Truly a foolish move!
This would likely bring trouble to the Qian's Clan. Qian Xuerui, oh Qian Xuerui, you've probably really stirred up trouble this time.
But perhaps it's for the best. With the Qian's Clan riding on the coattails of the Wang's Clan, their net profits had soared. Sooner or later, someone would covet this piece of fat meat.
If not Qian Xuerui today, perhaps someone even more ruthless would come tomorrow.
Only when Wang Shouzhe, my little brother, makes you suffer will you realize who has truly benefited. Then you will understand the true capabilities of Qian Xue'an.
With this thought, Qian Xue'an found peace in his heart.
…