Chapter 1099: Widely Connected Wang Mingren

The Zhang family, despite having a shorter history than the Wang family, surprisingly produced a Spirit Physique holder. Such occurrences are inherently matters of probability. Similarly, the Tang family, to which Tang Yunshang belongs, has a lineage of less than three hundred years, yet it produced a Heavenly Spirit Root clan member.

A well-qualified clan member, once they mature, can drive the family's development, and Tang Yunshang is an excellent example of this.

The three most talented members of the Wang family are Wang Mingren, Wang Mengbin, and Wang Huaxi. Among them, Wang Mengbin is the most outstanding. After entering the Core Formation stage, Wang Mengbin's strength far surpassed other cultivators of the same rank. While he may not be as rarely challenged as Wang Qingshan at the same cultivation level, his abilities are still far beyond those of Wang Qiuming and others.

Wang Changsheng has always encouraged clan members to have more children, hoping that the family would produce well-qualified individuals. However, so far, the family has not produced any Heavenly Spirit Root cultivators, let alone Spirit Physique holders.

He only knew that a Spirit Physique holder had appeared in the Zhang family but did not know what type of Spirit Physique it was.

Zhang Wuchen looked at the accompanying clan members and instructed, "Hongwu, come quickly and pay your respects to Senior Wang."

A young woman in a green dress quickly stepped forward and respectfully said, "Junior Zhang Hongwu pays her respects to the three seniors."

The young woman in the green dress had skin as white as snow and delicate features; she was clearly a beauty. She had a cultivation base at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment.

Wang Changsheng scrutinized Zhang Hongwu, smiling as he said, "Excellent, Young Friend Zhang has a cultivation base at the seventh level of Foundation Establishment at such a young age. Madam Zhang, may I ask if she is betrothed? This child Huaxi has not yet married. How about our two families become closer through marriage?"

Wang Huaxi has a Wind Spirit Root, and Zhang Hongwu is a Spirit Physique holder; their descendants would certainly have superior aptitudes.

Of course, Wang Changsheng merely mentioned it casually. If he were in their shoes, he would not agree to this marriage either.

Given that Wang Huaxi has a good chance of reaching Core Formation and Zhang Hongwu has a good chance of reaching Nascent Soul formation, the Zhang family would never agree to marry off a future Nascent Soul cultivator.

Zhang Wuchen chuckled softly and tactfully refused, saying, "This child Hongwu is wholeheartedly devoted to cultivation; it would be difficult for me to force her."

"By the way, Fellow Daoist Wang, you must have also received an invitation for True Monarch Haoyue's nine hundredth birthday, right?"

Wang Ruyan smiled and asked, "Oh? Madam Zhang also received an invitation?"

"Precisely. We will be departing in a few days. The journey is long. The Ouyang family always holds a treasure-hunting competition during their major celebrations. Fellow Daoist Wang, it would be best to bring your outstanding clan members; there's no harm in it, only benefits."

Zhang Wuchen sincerely stated that major powers often organize small competitions for the younger generation to participate in during celebrations to showcase their status, strength, and the host's magnanimity. Naturally, they offer valuable rewards to the juniors, which is a common practice among various factions.

"Of course. How about we travel together then?"

Wang Changsheng suggested this, having already discussed it with Wang Ruyan. He would lead a group to the Ouyang family to offer birthday felicitations, while Wang Ruyan would remain on Qinglian Island. The market was nearing completion, and an auction would soon be held. With Wang Ruyan staying on Qinglian Island to oversee the auction and with both Wang Ruyan and Wang Guangren presiding, there was no fear of other forces daring to cause trouble.

"I couldn't wish for anything more. Let's travel together then!"

Zhang Wuchen readily agreed; she also wanted to use this opportunity to build a closer relationship with Wang Changsheng.

While Wang Changsheng and Zhang Wuchen chatted, several streaks of spiritual light flew out from the Mirage Demon Pagoda. Wang Mengfen conjured a cloud-shaped magical artifact and caught them.

The spiritual light dispersed, revealing the figures of Wang Jiyun, Wang Yingjie, and Wang Youwei.

Wang Yingjie's face was pale, and he looked somewhat fearful. Despite having the assistance of a beast spirit talisman, he failed to reach the ninth floor, stopping at the sixth.

Wang Jiyun reached the ninth floor and stayed for twenty breaths, while Wang Youwei also reached the ninth floor and stayed for fifteen breaths.

If nothing unexpected happened, Wang Huaxi, Wang Jiyun, and Wang Youwei would secure the top three spots.

Over a thousand cultivators participated in this clan competition, which could not be completed in a single day. Therefore, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan did not appear on the second day, leaving Wang Mengfen to preside.

Northern Border, Fire Crow Market.

Hanruo Teahouse is a tea shop. Its manager, Wang Yingying, is at the third level of Foundation Establishment and is a descendant of Wang Qingling.

Hanruo Teahouse was established by the Wang family, and all its staff, from the manager to the errand boys, are Wang family cultivators.

Wang Yingying has a Four-Spirit Root. She only managed to reach the Foundation Establishment stage through the merit points accumulated by two generations and her own diligent efforts. For this, Wang Qingling heavily rewarded her with cultivation resources. Because of this achievement, she became an example for other clan elders to use when educating the younger generation.

She cultivated fire-attribute techniques. As there was a shortage of personnel in the Northern Border, the family sent her there.

She was the manager, but she didn't handle much of the actual business, mostly focusing on cultivation. The specific tasks were handled by clan members at the Qi Refining stage.

In the backyard of Hanruo Teahouse, Wang Yingying was speaking with a simple-looking young man in red.

"Hualei, Ancestor Mingren is taking us to visit two seniors today. You must behave well and not be disrespectful."

Wang Yingying earnestly instructed him. After Wang Mingren and Ximen Feng were transferred to the Northern Border, they not only helped the family open several new shops but also planned to invite high-level cultivators to teach the younger generation of the Wang family.

Wang Hualei was Wang Yingying's nephew. He had been interested in the Dao of formations since childhood and was at the seventh level of Qi Refining.

"Yes, Aunt, your nephew will definitely do his best."

Wang Hualei repeatedly agreed, his expression somewhat excited. Wang Mingren, a clan member who had pledged allegiance to the Taiyi Immortal Sect, was willing to introduce a third-rank formation master to teach Wang Hualei the Dao of formations, so Wang Hualei naturally had to perform well.

A caw of crows sounded. Wang Yingying took out a palm-sized red jade plate, cast a spell, and Wang Mingren's voice suddenly rang out: "Yingying, come upstairs! Fellow Daoist Liu has arrived."

"Yes, Ancestor, we'll be right there."

Wang Yingying repeatedly agreed, put away the red jade plate, and walked out with Wang Hualei.

Soon after, they arrived outside a private room on the fifth floor. The entire fifth floor was not open to the public and was reserved for Wang Mingren to entertain guests.

"Ancestor, Senior Liu, we've arrived."

"Come in!"

Wang Yingying pushed open the door. Wang Mingren, Ximen Feng, and a spirited old man in a green robe were enjoying tea and chatting.

The two quickly walked up to Wang Mingren and bowed in greeting.

"Fellow Daoist Liu, allow me to introduce you. This is my junior; he is quite interested in the Dao of formations but has suffered from a lack of guidance from a renowned master."

Wang Mingren stood up, pointing to Wang Hualei as he introduced him.

The old man in the green robe scrutinized Wang Hualei, then nodded and said, "I can teach him the Dao of formations, but only for three years. How much he learns will depend on his comprehension. From now on, he can follow me."

Ximen Feng's face lit up with joy, and she instructed, "Hualei, hurry and perform the apprenticeship ceremony!"

Wang Hualei dared not delay. He quickly picked up a cup of hot tea and respectfully said, "Disciple Wang Hualei pays his respects to Master."

After drinking the apprenticeship tea, the old man in the green robe took out a green jade pendant, handed it to Wang Hualei, and said, "This is my welcoming gift as your master. I will only be your master for three years; how much you learn will depend on your comprehension."

Wang Mingren's face showed joy, and he said, "From now on, I'll trouble Fellow Daoist Liu. Hualei is your disciple; punish him as needed. Fellow Daoist Liu, please don't be polite with me."

The old man in the green robe was named Liu Changhe, originating from the Central Plains cultivation world. He was a third-rank formation master. Wang Mingren had saved his life, which was why Liu Changhe agreed to teach Wang Hualei the Dao of formations.

After chatting for over half an hour, Liu Changhe bade farewell and left, with Wang Hualei following him.

Wang Mingren and Ximen Feng personally saw Liu Changhe off, showing him great respect.