Chapter 1314: Upper-Level Sparring Session

This was why Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan traveled to the Northern Border in search of the culprit. However, based on the current situation, it appeared the Nine Nether Sect was not involved.

Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan exchanged a look, shaking their heads in unison.

"There are no clues, no real evidence to be found," Wang Ruyan said with a bitter sigh.

"Don't worry! We will get to the bottom of this and avenge them," Wang Changsheng reassured her. If the Nine Nether Sect wasn't responsible, then it could be a rival force of the Wang family, or even Huanglong Island.

Huanglong Island possessed the power to do it, but they lacked a motive. After all, the Wang family was a minor power at the time, and there were no serious conflicts of interest with Huanglong Island.

These were all mere speculations. With the Nine Nether Sect lead now a dead end, Wang Changsheng had no choice but to shift his focus to Huanglong Island.

Ye Haitang nodded, a hint of disappointment in her heart.

Wang Changsheng, Wang Ruyan, and Ye Haitang conversed throughout the night. They repeatedly cautioned Ye Haitang against easily releasing Zhao Meier.

Apart from anything else, she was the last sect master of the Myriad Ghost Sect. If she were recognized, it would cause significant trouble. Fortunately, over four millennia had passed, and it was unlikely many cultivators still knew what the Myriad Ghost Sect master looked like. Still, caution was paramount; Ye Haitang was advised not to release Zhao Meier unless it was absolutely unavoidable.

The following day, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan summoned all clan members. Wang Jiyu stood among them, bound in chains, his gaze vacant.

"If it hadn't been for Jiyu, so many clan members would not have perished. While his mistake was unintentional, the gravity of his error cannot be forgiven. A moment of carelessness could have led to our family's complete annihilation. I know many of you harbor a false sense of security, believing that our presence guarantees your safety. I must tell you, you are all mistaken—gravely mistaken. You must always remember to prepare for danger during times of peace. The path of cultivation is unpredictable, and no one knows what tomorrow may bring."

"As a key talent nurtured by our family, Jiyu inexplicably allowed outsiders in. Despite his unintentional error, he must be severely punished. Otherwise, how can we face the fallen clan members?"

Wang Jiyu raised his head and cried out, "Do not follow my example! Remain vigilant at all times, remember the words of our ancestors to be prepared for danger even in times of peace. I, Wang Jiyu, deserve this fate."

He knew his death was inevitable, but the proper settlement of his descendants was a comforting concession.

"Considering your unintentional actions and your meritorious service in refining Foundation Establishment Pills for the family, we will simply strip you of your cultivation!"

Wang Jiyu was already over a century old; stripping him of his cultivation would effectively be a death sentence, but a dignified one. Wang Qingqi's feelings needed to be taken into account; Wang Jiyu hadn't actively betrayed the family, his actions were merely unintentional. His execution was already a very harsh punishment. Only those who truly betrayed the Wang family would face severe torment.

Ye Zhongren and Chen Xudong stood amidst the crowd, their faces etched with shock. Wang Jiyu was the Wang family's most exceptional second-tier alchemist, yet the family had actually been willing to execute him.

Under the gaze of all present, Wang Jiyu was stripped of his cultivation. His face rapidly withered, his hair turned entirely white, and he quickly succumbed to old age.

Following Wang Jiyu's execution, Wang Mengfen enacted a series of new clan rules, specifically designed to instill a stronger sense of vigilance and preparedness among the family members.

Additionally, the Wang family established a small island near Green Lotus Island, where all future visitors to the family would be received.

Over the following month, the disciples of the Wang family's Law Enforcement Hall were extensively deployed. Wang family cultivators found guilty of corruption, abusing power, or severe dereliction of duty faced appropriate punishments. A small number of offenders who committed particularly grave errors were executed. Conversely, several clan members who demonstrated exceptional performance were granted important positions and rewards. Through these resolute measures, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan thoroughly reorganized the family.

White Crane Island, the Lu family.

In White Crane Tower, Lu Yongyi was speaking with a scholarly-looking middle-aged man, both wearing solemn expressions.

They had never anticipated that even five Nascent Soul cultivators would fail to destroy the Wang family. With Wang Qingshan having already formed his Nascent Soul, it became even more impossible for them to confront the Wang family.

From the outset, the Lu family had no intention of participating in this major conflict. Had the Wang family truly been annihilated, it would have been one thing, but failing to do so would only bring unnecessary trouble upon the Lu family.

The Lu family's hope was to use True Monarch Huanglong's power to severely cripple the Wang family, as having such a powerful neighbor was certainly not desirable.

To their astonishment, the Wang family remained largely unharmed, while True Monarch Huanglong and his companions were annihilated, and Wang Qingshan successfully formed his Nascent Soul. The Lu family's greatest fear now was the exposure of their involvement.

When Lu Yongyi harassed the market, she had not used her true appearance, and the Wang family's internal informant had no overt connection to the Lu family.

"Ancestor, the Green Lotus Immortal Couple has arrived, stating they wish to pay their respects to you," Lu Hengbin announced, entering with a noticeable hint of nervousness.

Lu Yongyi and the scholarly man's expressions immediately tightened. Their eyes flickered with suspicion and alarm. Was the Wang family here for retaliation? Were they planning to eradicate the Lu family?

"Only the Green Lotus Immortal Couple? Are there any others?" Lu Yongyi inquired calmly, her gaze fixed with solemnity.

The Green Lotus Immortal Couple arriving at this particular moment was certainly not a good omen.

"Just the two of them, no one else, Ancestor. Shall we let them in?"

The Lu family, burdened by their misdeeds, felt a deep sense of unease. If they allowed the Green Lotus Immortal Couple entry, they feared a massacre. White Crane Island housed a significant portion of the Lu family's elite. If, for instance, anything happened to their two Nascent Soul cultivators, the Lu family would suffer a devastating blow.

However, refusing entry to the Wang family would only serve as a clear admission of guilt.

"Let them in and escort them to White Crane Hall," Lu Yongyi calmly instructed. "Additionally, strengthen our defenses. If they genuinely intend to cause trouble, then they leave us no choice but to respond in kind."

"Yes, Ancestor," Lu Hengbin replied, bowing before departing.

"Come, Seventh Brother, let's go meet the Green Lotus Immortal Couple. I hope we are merely overthinking the situation."

Soon after, Lu Yongyi and the scholarly man encountered Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan in a vast white stone plaza.

Having consumed Jin Yu's Nascent Soul, Zhao Meier knew that the Lu family had also played a part in the incident, though their contribution to the destruction had been minimal.

The Lu family's strength was considerable. If the Wang family were to destroy them, regardless of whether they could even succeed, such an act would undoubtedly draw the attention of the Sun and Moon Palace, which was precisely what Wang Changsheng wished to avoid.

Still, they couldn't simply pretend nothing had happened. They were here today to demand an explanation.

"Fellow Daoist Wang, Madam Wang, I hear from my subordinates that you wish to see me?" Lu Yongyi said pleasantly, exuding an approachable demeanor.

"I have heard that True Monarch Yanshui's Daoist arts are profoundly insightful, and I have come specifically to seek enlightenment. Madam Lu, would you be willing to grant me your guidance?" Wang Changsheng asked, cupping his fists, his eyes crinkling in a smile.

"Fellow Daoist Wang, are you here for a sparring match? Will both of you engage, or shall we proceed one-on-one?" A flicker of apprehension crossed Lu Yongyi's eyes. The Green Lotus Immortal Couple, when fighting together, could even defeat nascent soul-stage demon beasts; she dared not be careless.