Chapter 1103: Gentlemen Are Broad-Minded and Openhearted

Given that Chen Xudong could conceal his aptitude, who's to say what other newcomers might be hiding?

"I don't want to hear such talk. What do you intend to do next?"

Wang Changsheng's expression was solemn. He already had a plan in mind, but wanted to see how Wang Mengfen would handle the situation.

Wang Mengfen had not been in the South Sea for long since migrating from the Eastern Desolate Lands. The situation in the South Sea was vastly different from the Eastern Desolate Lands, with various forces deeply entrenched and intricately interwoven, making it extremely complex.

It doesn't matter if you make mistakes; what matters is correcting them. It's never too late to mend a fault.

Wang Mengfen had not been the family head for long and lacked significant experience. In the Eastern Desolate Lands, he only managed a few hundred immortal cultivators, but now in the South Sea, he was in charge of several thousand cultivators, a considerable portion of whom were newcomers.

"Your grandson will conduct another review of the origins of all newcomers. The clansmen responsible for Chen Xudong's initial vetting will be dismissed, investigated, and fined half a year's stipend. As for Chen Xudong, for now, he will refine talismans in the Talisman Hall, with free movement. If he attempts to escape our family, he will be executed as a traitor. However, if he remains in the Talisman Hall, his future will depend on his performance. Your grandson will ensure he doesn't access any core departments and will have him monitored. Should he show any abnormal behavior, he will be immediately apprehended."

Wang Changsheng waved his hand. "There's no need to have him constantly watched; that would make us appear petty. Let him be idle for a while and observe his performance. If he truly serves us loyally, he can be entrusted with significant responsibilities. Fine him three years' stipend as punishment for concealing his aptitude. His future will depend on his actions."

Chen Xudong's aptitude was evident. As long as he remained loyal to the Wang family and served them diligently, Wang Changsheng would naturally not treat him unfairly. However, he could not be immediately given significant responsibility, lest he underestimate the Wang family. He would be left idle for a period—whether a few years, several decades, or even a lifetime—the exact duration depending entirely on his future conduct.

His concealment of his aptitude was a clear transgression, demanding severe punishment. Placing him in the Talisman Hall to craft talismans was intended to temper his spirit. Should he dare to leave the Wang family or exhibit any other abnormal behavior, the Wang family would undoubtedly eliminate him. He would either serve them or be destroyed by them.

"Yes, Grandfather, your grandson understands."

"Very well, there's nothing else. You may go attend to your duties. Ask Youwei to come see me."

Wang Mengfen assented and turned to leave.

"Haitang, has that Fourth-Tier Buddhist formation been repaired?"

Wang Changsheng had exchanged with Hai Dashan for an incomplete Fourth-Tier Buddhist formation, which he then entrusted to Ye Haitang for repairs.

"The formation wasn't severely damaged; I've already repaired it. Buddhist formations are indeed remarkable, but to confront a Nascent Soul stage ghost, it would be best to prepare additional measures to ensure absolute certainty."

Ye Haitang was quite cautious. A Nascent Soul stage ghost was certainly not easy to deal with.

Wang Ruyan nodded with satisfaction. "We are relieved that you're thinking so carefully. Tell Mengfen what array materials you need, and have several more sets of array flags and plates refined."

Formations could be set up directly on the terrain by inscribing patterns and placing materials. While this method was less expensive, such formations were easily damaged, required regular maintenance, and could not be moved. The mainstream practice in the cultivation world, however, involved setting up formations using array flags and plates. These could be easily transported and were more durable, though their cost was significantly higher.

Ye Haitang readily agreed. As she wasn't skilled in artifact refining, she would prepare the materials and have Wang Qingqing craft them into array flags and plates. Once those were ready, Ye Haitang would then inscribe the array patterns.

"Haitang, have you experienced any abnormalities while cultivating the 'Yellow Springs Treasure Tome'? If you feel any discomfort, you must inform your uncle."

Wang Changsheng cautioned her with concern, knowing that cultivating a Heaven-grade cultivation method like Ye Haitang was doing would certainly not be easy.

"I understand, Uncle. I will certainly tell you if anything unusual occurs. I'll go back to my cultivation now."

Ye Haitang assented, then rose and departed.

No sooner had she left than Wang Youwei entered.

"Your grandson greets Great-Grandfather and Great-Grandmother."

Wang Youwei bowed respectfully. He was greatly disheartened, as he had been certain of securing a Divine Fruit, only to have Chen Xudong unexpectedly emerge and push him to fourth place.

For a descendant of the Azure Lotus Immortal Couple to only achieve fourth place was indeed a humiliation.

"Youwei, what are your thoughts on Chen Xudong?"

Wang Changsheng wanted to gauge Wang Youwei's opinion of Chen Xudong. If he merely denigrated Chen Xudong, it would indicate excessive jealousy, and Wang Changsheng would be deeply disappointed.

Wang Youwei was unaware that Chen Xudong possessed dual spiritual roots. He also couldn't fathom how Chen Xudong, a mere third-level Foundation Establishment cultivator, had managed to reach the ninth floor.

"Great-Grandfather, your grandson believes there's an issue here. Chen Xudong, only at the third level of Foundation Establishment, managed to reach the ninth floor. Could he be a spy sent by another faction to infiltrate our family? Your grandson thinks Chen Xudong should be thoroughly investigated. If his background is clear and he truly earned second place, your grandson would be completely convinced; such talent certainly deserves significant responsibility. However, if he proves problematic, we must investigate how he managed to infiltrate our family, and whether there are other cultivators among the newcomers similar to Chen Xudong."

A hint of admiration appeared in Wang Ruyan's eyes as she asked, "What, aren't you upset that he pushed you out of the top rankings?"

"My skill was inferior; your grandson has nothing to say and no reason to be angry."

Wang Youwei had indeed been angry at the time, but after calming down, he resolved to cultivate even harder.

"Hmph, if it weren't for your arrogance, assuming you were guaranteed a spot in the top three, he might not have had the chance to break into it."

Wang Youwei's face flushed slightly. He admitted he had been somewhat arrogant and had indeed believed he would easily secure a spot in the top three, viewing the family competition as a mere formality.

"Consider this a valuable lesson. Go back and cultivate diligently. After some time, you will accompany this old man to the Ouyang family to celebrate a birthday."

"Yes, Great-Grandfather, your grandson will certainly perform well then."

"Now that Qiuhong is gone, and you were the grandson he valued most, you must cultivate diligently and not betray his expectations."

Wang Changsheng offered a few more words of advice, then sent Wang Youwei to continue his cultivation.

No sooner had Wang Youwei departed Qinglian Peak than he encountered Chen Xudong.

"Fellow Daoist Wang, I have something I'd like to discuss with you. Would you be available?"

Chen Xudong said courteously, looking at Wang Youwei with an expectant expression.

After making some inquiries, he learned that Wang Youwei was a descendant of the Azure Lotus Immortal Couple, a fact that made Chen Xudong inwardly groan.

Wang Youwei's brow furrowed slightly. After a moment of thought, he agreed.

A short while later, they were in a secluded courtyard.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Chen Xudong produced a green jade box and offered it to Wang Youwei.

"Fellow Daoist Wang, as I am new here, please bear with me if I have acted improperly. I hope you will accept this Divine Fruit."

Chen Xudong had no intention of keeping the Divine Fruit from the start; he merely wanted to make an impression.

It wasn't that he didn't desire it, or lacked the courage to claim it; rather, accepting the Divine Fruit would be detrimental to his future prospects.

Wang Youwei felt a flicker of temptation, but after a moment of hesitation, he shook his head. "Since you secured second place, the Divine Fruit rightfully belongs to you. Our Wang family always honors its word. If I were to take this Divine Fruit, what would others think? My skills were inferior, and I accept my defeat wholeheartedly. I, Wang Youwei, can afford to lose."

Chen Xudong was slightly taken aback. He repeatedly pressed the offer, but Wang Youwei steadfastly refused.

"Very well, the Divine Fruit is yours; you should enjoy it. Our Wang family will never mistreat those who render meritorious service, nor will we ever forgive traitors. In the next family competition, I will definitely secure a spot in the top three. Now, I must return to my cultivation."

Having said this, Wang Youwei bid farewell and departed.

Seven days later, Wang Changsheng and Zhang Wuchen, accompanied by their respective clansmen, departed Qinglian Island and journeyed to the Ouyang family to celebrate True Monarch Haoyue's birthday.