……

 

Over the years, with the growing friendship between the two clans, the Wang Clan of Longzuo Commandery has deepened its understanding of the Wang Clan of Changning. The miraculous deeds of Wang Shouzhe have gradually won the hearts of the people, as if with him around, there seemed to be no problem that couldn't be solved.

 

Especially the younger generation of the "Shou" and "Zong" generations, they worshipped Wang Shouzhe to no end, seeing him as an idol.

 

At this moment, seeing Wang Shouzhe approaching, everyone felt a sense of relief and immediately went up to greet him.

 

"Greetings to Ancestor Zhoubo, Clan Leader Xie Rui, and all the elders," Wang Shouzhe greeted everyone politely and respectfully, leaving the Zhang Clan members hanging to the side.

 

The Wang Clan of Changning didn't bring many people to support this time.

 

Apart from Wang Shouzhe and Ancestor Long Yan, there were only Wang Zong'an and his sister Wang Liyao. Wang Shouzhe brought the two of them along to broaden their horizons.

 

After Wang Shouzhe finished his greetings, he introduced Wang Zong'an and Wang Liyao to the elders. The atmosphere was lively and warm, like a grand family reunion.

 

This scene made the Zhang Clan members boil with anger, their expressions turning extremely unpleasant.

 

"Who do I think it is, speaking so arrogantly?" sneered a middle-aged man in brocade from the Zhang Clan, "So it's the newly risen Wang Clan of Changning. Hmph, you might dominate in the countryside, but now that you've just been promoted to the seventh rank, you think you're invincible? You even dare to meddle in the affairs of the Commandery City?"

 

The speaker was Zhang Daoyong, the current head of the Zhang Clan.

 

Although the Wang Clan of Changning was now famous in the Southern Six Guards, firstly, the Southern Six Guards were located in a remote area, and secondly, the Commandery City was the capital of Longzuo Commandery, where powerful clans were established. It could be said that the strongest clans of the entire Longzuo Commandery were here.

 

A seventh-rank clan was nothing special here, and a newly promoted seventh-rank clan from a remote area like the Wang Clan of Changning naturally wouldn't attract much attention from other clans.

 

Only a few related families or those who paid attention to the Wang Clan of Changning would have some knowledge of this news.

 

The Zhang Clan of Longzuo paid some attention to the Wang Clan of Changning because of some recent grievances with the Wang Clan of Longzuo, which led them to investigate the Wang Clan of Changning.

 

In the eyes of the Zhang Clan, the Wang Clan of Changning was just a newly promoted seventh-rank clan from the countryside. Although they posed a slight threat, they were not to be overly feared.

 

"The Zhang Clan?" Wang Shouzhe looked at Zhang Daoyong with a smile that was not quite a smile, "Our Wang Clan has always been kind to others, but we are not afraid of any provocation. Since your Zhang Clan disregards face and reason, let's speak with our fists instead."

 

"Fists speaking?" Zhang Daoyong glanced at the Wang Clan members, especially lingering on Ancestor Long Yan, his lips curling into a sneer, "Your clan's Long Yan may have some strength, but she has only just advanced to the Heavenly Man realm. If you want to compete with our Zhang Clan, you'd better hone your skills for another hundred years."

 

The Zhang Clan was prosperous, with two Heavenly Man ancestors, so they spoke with confidence.

 

But as soon as he finished speaking, an odd expression appeared on Wang Shouzhe's face. Wang Liyao and Wang Zong'an both twitched the corners of their mouths and turned their faces away.

 

"Such insolence from the younger generation, ignorant of life and death!"

 

Ancestor Long Yan sneered, her eyes sweeping across with a sudden burst of chilling intent.

 

In an instant, a terrifying aura rose from her, like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami pressing towards Zhang Daoyong.

 

The air around seemed to freeze at that moment.

 

Zhang Daoyong's face turned pale, and he was pushed back several steps by the terrifying aura.

 

Cold sweat poured down instantly; he was trying hard to hold on but still trembled all over, his knees almost giving way and nearly kneeling down.

 

How could this be? How could she be so strong?!

 

Zhang Daoyong's eyes widened in disbelief, and a wave of fear involuntarily surged in his heart.

 

He had a feeling that this woman, no, this ancestor, really wanted to kill him!

 

"Enough!"

 

Seeing this, Ancestor Hongqing's expression finally changed slightly.

 

He took a big step forward, blocking in front of Zhang Daoyong, and then flung his sleeve.

 

The overwhelming aura came crashing like a tsunami but scattered as it reached him, dissipated by the force he had unleashed.

 

His body surged with profound energy, like a copper wall and iron barrier, standing in front of Zhang Daoyong.

 

Zhang Daoyong, having a narrow escape, relaxed his tense spirit and almost stumbled and fell, barely standing steady with the help of those around him.

 

Even now, he was still in shock.

 

"Ancestor Long Yan, why bother with a junior?" Ancestor Hongqing looked coldly at Long Yan, anger swirling in his aged eyes.

 

"You're right. It's indeed meaningless to argue with a junior," Ancestor Long Yan glanced at him, her eyes flashing with cold light, "Then let me have a word with you."

 

Before her words fell, her hand was already on the hilt of her treasured sword at her waist.

 

With a "clang," the Purple Lightning Sword was unsheathed. The golden sunlight reflected on the blade, emitting a chilling cold light.

 

Ancestor Long Yan had always lived a secluded life, protecting the Wang Clan year after year, taking on the responsibilities of an ancestor with dedication and without complaint, and showing great affection for the younger generation.

 

In reality, she was born a pampered lady, and her temper was not necessarily good.

 

Back in her youth, when she was cultivating in the academy, she was the type to draw her sword at the slightest disagreement, and countless fellow disciples had been beaten by her. To this day, many of her brothers still change color at the mention of the name "Long Yan."

 

Such a temperament, if not for the continuation of the clan and the protection of the many younger members, why would she have endured so many years?

 

But now, the Wang Clan was no longer what it used to be, and naturally, she no longer needed to suppress herself.

 

If it was time to fight, then fight.

 

With the sword in hand, she struck with one swift move, the sharp edge pointing directly at Ancestor Hongqing!

 

The sword energy filled the sky.

 

A clear and piercing phoenix cry suddenly echoed through the heavens.

 

Behind her, a huge ice phoenix phantom suddenly spread its wings, its vast wings like clouds from the sky, enveloping Ancestor Long Yan's entire figure.

 

In an instant, the sky and earth changed color.

 

A strong aura of ice and death spread from Ancestor Long Yan as the center, and the ground around her instantly froze with a thick layer of frost.

 

Snowflakes fell from the sky.

 

The whole world seemed to turn into the depths of winter at that moment. Green grass was covered with snow, and the blooming spring flowers also had a layer of frost, the east wind rolled, but it could not bring any warmth, only leaving bone-chilling cold.

 

"A manifestation of the law!"

 

Ancestor Hongqing was shocked.

 

Although he had the strength of the mid-Heavenly Man realm, his bloodline had only awakened three layers, and even if he exerted all his strength to stimulate the manifestation of the law, it might not be very powerful.

 

But the manifestation of the law in front of Ancestor Long Yan was excessively strong.

 

This must be a spiritual body, right?!

 

Wasn't it said that Long Yan had just advanced to the Heavenly Man realm? How could she have such a powerful manifestation of the law? What is her background?!

 

Unfortunately, by the time he realized something was wrong, it was too late for regrets.

 

In the moment of his distraction, Ancestor Long Yan's sword had already approached within three meters of his body.

 

Her Purple Lightning Sword, a mid-grade treasure, was now infused with profound energy, and the entire blade was surrounded by blue-purple lightning.

 

The lightning was like chains, and the sword energy was like ice.

 

The terrifying aura was like the ice from the peak of a snow mountain or the thunder from the high heavens, carrying a destructive force that seemed to annihilate everything.

 

Before the sword light even approached, the terrible chill and the paralyzing effect of the thunder force had already made Ancestor Hongqing's skin tremble slightly.

 

His expression turned stern, and he raised his hand to bring out his own treasured saber.

 

It was a dark golden thick-backed saber, with runes circling on the surface, reflecting a cold light in the sunlight.

 

Although the Zhang Clan was a strong seventh-rank clan, they were reluctant to spend a huge sum of money to buy a mid-grade treasure, so the dark golden saber in his hand was a low-grade treasure.

 

However, even a low-grade treasure in the hands of a Heavenly Man realm Basalt cultivator was not to be underestimated.

 

The saber was held horizontally, and the profound energy surged into it. The runes on the surface of the dark golden treasured saber immediately glowed, and the thick blade seemed to be coated with a layer of gold, becoming dazzling.

 

Ancestor Hongqing, with his three-layer Gengjin bloodline and not weak combat experience, went all out at this moment. The broad and thick saber turned into a golden shield in the blink of an eye, blocking in front of him.

 

His series of actions were quick and steady, fully demonstrating Ancestor Hongqing's strength as a mid-Heavenly Man realm ancestor.

 

What about a spiritual body?

 

Ancestor Long Yan had just advanced, and she was still a whole minor realm behind him. Was he supposed to be afraid of her?!

 

The next moment.

 

The snowy sword light slammed hard onto the back of the saber.

 

The sword energy shattered, and the terrifying force exploded instantly.

 

Ancestor Hongqing's body shook, and he was shocked to find his blood boiling, taking a small step back to dissipate the force before barely standing firm.

 

How is this possible?

 

Ancestor Hongqing was shaken to the core.

 

He hadn't expected Ancestor Long Yan's strength to be even stronger than he imagined. She had just advanced, so how could she have such formidable strength?

 

Moreover, he felt a slight numbness in his wrist.

 

That was the lightning from the Purple Lightning Sword added to the sword energy, transmitted through the treasured saber to him, affecting him.

 

Although the impact of the lightning was not significant, in a battle between masters, a miss by an inch is as good as a mile, and any slight impact cannot be ignored.

 

Moreover, this undoubtedly proved one thing: the treasured long sword in Ancestor Long Yan's hand was definitely of higher quality than his treasured saber.

 

This discovery shocked Ancestor Hongqing even more.

 

The other members of the Zhang Clan were also completely unprepared for such a result, and for a moment, they all widened their eyes, unable to react.

 

"Hmph! A mid-Heavenly Man realm, nothing more."

 

Ancestor Long Yan had no intention of letting Ancestor Hongqing off, and with a cold snort, she struck with another sword.

 

In an instant, the aura of cold ice intensified, and even the frost on the grass leaves thickened.

 

Compared to before, this time, her Profound Ice Sword Qi contained an even more chilling murderous intent.

 

The dense murderous aura was like a black frost coat wrapped around the Profound Ice, losing some of its clarity and transcendence, but gaining a bit more ruthlessness and solemnity.

 

Her manifestation of the law behind her raised its head and spread its wings, bursting out with high-pitched phoenix cries.

 

Amidst the phoenix cries, Ancestor Long Yan stepped into the air, her hair flying, and her whole being was like a soaring ice phoenix, full of indescribable majesty and dominance.

 

Dense sword energy poured down like frost and snow, like ice and jade, accompanied by the sound of thunder, as if it could tear the sky apart.

 

"Bang!"

 

"Bang!"

 

"Bang bang bang!"

 

One sword, another sword, and yet another sword…

 

Ancestor Long Yan's sword light was forceful and dense, giving Ancestor Hongqing no chance to counterattack. Even when he finally found an opportunity to strike back, he was forced to defend by Ancestor Long Yan's dense sword Qi.

 

Ancestor Hongqing had no choice but to take the hits and was forced to retreat step by step under the terrible sword pressure.

 

After more than a dozen consecutive swords, his chest churned with blood, and he could no longer suppress it, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

 

Ancestor Long Yan snorted coldly and then sheathed her sword.

 

She was like a victorious general returning from battle, stepping lightly from the air and returning to her original position.

 

Goodness!

 

Both the Wang Clan of Longzuo and the Zhang Clan of Longzuo fell into silence.

 

They were all shocked. Neither side had expected such an outcome.

 

Only Wang Shouzhe was not surprised by the result of the battle.

 

Ancestor Long Yan had experienced life-and-death battles for the rise of the clan. Compared to Ancestor Hongqing of the Zhang Clan of Longzuo, Ancestor Long Yan's combat experience was even richer.

 

In addition, there was Ancestor Long Yan's awakened fifth layer of bloodline. Awakening the fourth layer in the Heavenly Man realm was already considered a prodigy, so her fifth layer was not to be taken lightly, right?

 

Otherwise, why would Yin Yuzhe of the Yinsha Sect take such risks for the Bridal Blood Gu Emperor?

 

Today was just a glimpse of her edge, but it already fully showcased Ancestor Long Yan's demeanor as a great prodigy."Ancestor Hongqing," Wang Shouzhe said with his hands clasped behind his back, "Your Longzuo Zhang Clan is also a family of repute. We both know the truth of this matter. If you truly wish to push things too far, our Changning Wang's Clan will certainly not stand by and watch our main lineage be bullied."

 

"If you are not convinced, our Ancestor Long Yan can always return to the ancestral lineage and acknowledge our roots. After all, our Changning Wang's Clan and Longzuo Wang's Clan share the same ancestor, so there is no shame in that. Just don't blame us if our Wang's Clan sets our sights on your Longzuo Zhang Clan."

 

Wang Shouzhe's words silenced the Zhang Clan like cicadas in winter.

 

It was common for a family to branch out, and just as common for a branch to return to the main lineage after many years.

 

Zhang Hongqing's face twitched a few times, as if he wanted to say something else.

 

Ancestor Long Yan sneered, "If you are not convinced, I don't mind continuing the fight until you are."

 

The words that Zhang Hongqing had on the tip of his tongue were abruptly swallowed back, leaving him extremely frustrated.

 

However, being old and cunning, he knew how to read the situation.

 

After taking a deep breath, he forced a smile and said, "Clan Leader Wang Shouzhe jests. Our dispute with Longzuo Wang's Clan is but a minor friction, not a life-and-death struggle. Upon reflection, I do recall our ancestors mentioning that we had leased a large tract of land from Longzuo Wang's Clan. Our ancestors had a good relationship back then. It's only in recent years that we've grown apart."

 

The Zhang Clan members were all silent and frustrated, but facing the formidable Changning Wang's Clan, they were helpless.

 

"Now that Ancestor Hongqing has remembered, perhaps you could proceed with the formalities to return our Longzuo Wang's Clan's land?" Ancestor Zhou Bo said coldly, "Additionally, the thirty years of overdue rent should also be paid in full."

 

"Of course, of course."

 

Having decided to concede, Zhang Hongqing naturally could not continue to dispute the matter.

 

He immediately instructed Clan Leader Zhang Daoyong to handle the matter and complete the handover procedures with Longzuo Wang's Clan.

 

With this, the people of Longzuo Wang's Clan were overjoyed.

 

How many years had it been? The foundation laid by the ancestors of Longzuo Wang's Clan had been continuously lost, and this was the first time they had reclaimed their ancestral heritage.

 

It was a good start.

 

As long as Longzuo Wang's Clan continued to develop, they would eventually restore the glory of their ancestors.

 

The Zhang Clan, on the other hand, was disheartened, their morale seemingly taking a hit.

 

However, the most embarrassed person present was the Chief Registrar Cui.

 

He had not expected the seemingly inconspicuous Changning Wang's Clan to be so domineering, nor the Zhang Clan to capitulate so quickly. Now, where would he go to claim the benefits that had been secretly agreed upon?

 

The more he thought about it, the more displeased he became, and he huffed, "Changning Wang's Clan is truly domineering. Mr. Cui has learned his lesson. When we meet again in the future, I shall take my leave."

 

With that, Chief Registrar Cui was about to take off with his hands behind his back.

 

Wang Shouzhe frowned.

 

The role that Chief Registrar Cui played in this affair was obvious to any fool. It had not been mentioned before simply because there was no desire to offend an official, nor any wish to bother with him.

 

But seeing his attitude now, it was clear that not only was this man greedy by nature, but after his schemes were thwarted, he seemed to harbor resentment, as if the wrongdoers were not him but the Changning Wang's Clan and Longzuo Wang's Clan.

 

With such a twisted worldview, it was hard to guarantee that he wouldn't secretly cause trouble and trip up the Wang's Clan.

 

With his mind made up, Wang Shouzhe immediately called out to him, "Wait! Chief Registrar Cui."

 

Chief Registrar Cui stopped and turned back, displeased, "What further advice does Clan Leader Wang Shouzhe have? Surely, you're not planning to have your ancestor beat me up, are you?"

 

As he spoke, a mocking smile appeared on his lips, as if he was certain that Wang Shouzhe would not dare to act rashly.

 

"Shouzhe," Clan Leader Wang Xiaorui whispered, tugging at Wang Shouzhe's sleeve, "This Chief Registrar Cui has a significant background. Do not offend him carelessly."

 

"Clan Leader Xiaorui," Wang Shouzhe said loudly without any hesitation, "We have already offended him today. Given his nature, he is unlikely to let it go easily. It doesn't matter. Since we have already offended him, we might as well do it thoroughly."

 

What kind of person was Wang Shouzhe? He was always extremely cautious.

 

Unlike the Zhang Clan, a large family with many mouths to feed and many considerations, people like Chief Registrar Cui, if truly malicious, could be impossible to guard against.

 

Since he had clearly shown hostility, Wang Shouzhe naturally would not let him off easily.

 

…