Chapter 1744: Returning to the South China Sea

"The Tianlan Sect still has many high-level cultivators operating outside. Internal strife at this time would be ill-advised. Moreover, Fellow Daoist Ye and the others would not agree. At best, we could divide some territory, but any area we take would remain exclusive."

Liu Ye said this with a meaningful tone.

With a powerful enemy currently facing them, destroying the Nine Underworld Sect would be unwise and would also draw the displeasure of other factions.

Wang Changsheng had envisioned Ye Haitang becoming the Sect Master of the Nine Underworld Sect. He didn't believe it was necessary to control all of their territory; securing even a portion would be satisfactory.

"I agree with your perspective, but it's not the right time to deal with the Nine Underworld Sect. With a formidable enemy before us, we should focus on repelling them first."

Both Ye Yan and True Monarch Seven Flames were injured. It would be inconvenient to travel to the Northern Territory now to discuss the Nine Underworld Sect's fate with them.

Wang Changsheng didn't intend to immediately travel to the Northern Territory to resolve the Nine Underworld Sect issue; he simply brought it up to give Liu Ye some advance notice.

With shared interests, the Wang family and the Taiyi Immortal Sect had greater potential for collaboration.

"Fellow Daoist Wang, do you plan to head to the South Sea or remain in the Eastern Wilderness? The high-level cultivators of the Tianlan Sect are causing chaos everywhere. If you choose to stay in the Eastern Wilderness, I can grant your family the territory of three kingdoms for your development."

Liu Ye's tone became notably warmer. With Wang Changsheng's advancement to the Deity Transformation stage, the Wang family's stature had vastly improved. If they were to settle in the Eastern Wilderness, it would undoubtedly bolster the strength of the human cultivators in that region.

"Thank you for your kindness, Fellow Daoist Liu; we truly appreciate it. However, we intend to return to the South Sea."

Wang Changsheng politely declined. The resources of the Eastern Wilderness were primarily controlled by the Six Great Immortal Sects. Even the territory of three kingdoms would be smaller than several hundred islands in the Outer Sea. If they remained in the Eastern Wilderness, the family's income would largely depend on cultivating spiritual herbs, as monster beast resources were scarce. Crucially, escaping during a major crisis would prove very difficult.

The Shen family, one of the ten prominent cultivating families of the South Sea, survived a disaster by relocating their main base to the seabed. The Zhenhai Sect did similarly. Even the Jinyang Sect in the Eastern Wilderness had achieved this, though doing so required a special formation material known as Sky Moon Divine Crystal.

If the family established itself in the South Sea, escape would be much easier. The vast distances between islands made complete annihilation rare, as evidenced by the Shen and Dongfang families, where even Deity Transformation cultivators struggled to eliminate all clan members.

Considering both the family's future development and potential refuge, Wang Changsheng still intended to relocate to the South Sea cultivation world. If he had remained in the Eastern Wilderness, advancing to the Deity Transformation stage would have been impossible, and even forming a Nascent Soul would have been extremely challenging. Both Li Haifeng and Guang Dongren only had the opportunity to reach the Nascent Soul stage after developing in the South Sea for some time. As for Huang Fugui, he achieved his Nascent Soul stage by constantly traveling and acquiring an immense amount of cultivation resources.

Liu Ye was somewhat disappointed but did not press the matter, understanding that a forced union yields no sweetness.

"Fellow Daoist Wang, do you intend to hold a grand ceremony for your Deity Transformation? If so, it might provoke retaliation from Tianlan Sect cultivators. True Monarch Haoyu of the Central Plains cultivation world, for instance, was gravely wounded by Long Xiaoyao and others; otherwise, he might have already reached the Deity Transformation stage."

Wang Changsheng nodded and replied, "I don't plan to hold a grand ceremony for now; my priority is to rebuild the family."

Once Wang Ruyan also reached the Deity Transformation stage, they would not fear Long Xiaoyao, even if he were to come to their doorstep to cause trouble.

After a brief chat, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan bid their farewells and departed with Shen Jiale.

"Martial Uncle Liu, do you believe Fairy Tianqin will ascend to the Deity Transformation stage?"

Zhang Zhanfeng asked with a hint of curiosity.

"It's hard to say. Fortune is difficult to quantify. If another realm war erupts, perhaps we should send Martial Nephew Han to participate. Opportunities like these are truly unpredictable."

Liu Ye sighed.

At Qinglian Villa, in a secluded small courtyard with green tiles.

Wang Qingshan was speaking with Wang Qiuming, both of them beaming with smiles.

Wang Qingshan was overjoyed to learn of Wang Changsheng's ascension to the Deity Transformation stage.

With a Deity Transformation cultivator among them, the family would enter a peak period of development. Whether they remained in the Eastern Wilderness or moved to the South Sea, they were destined to become one of the foremost cultivating families.

"That trip was truly perilous; it's a relief you all returned safely."

Wang Qingshan sighed softly and said with a smile.

As Wang Qiuming recounted their experiences in the Tianlan Realm, Wang Qingshan found himself breaking into cold sweats multiple times.

Wang Qiuming nodded with a smile, saying, "Indeed! Our greatest contribution on this journey was to safeguard Grandfather and assist him in ascending to the Deity Transformation stage."

He suddenly recalled something, letting out a long sigh. "It's a pity about Uncle Twelve," he murmured. "If only he were still alive."

The Wang family had suffered significant losses this time: Wang Qingjun was killed, Wang Tianwen's physical body was destroyed, and numerous other clan members perished. Fortunately, Wang Qingshan, Wang Qingling, Ye Haitang, and others returned unharmed.

"Life is unpredictable. If only I had been a bit stronger, Uncle Twelve might not have been killed."

Wang Qingshan spoke with a hint of regret.

"Don't blame yourself for this. With so many Nascent Soul cultivators attacking, it's impressive enough that you managed to repel them."

A familiar male voice spoke.

Wang Qingshan and Wang Qiuming's faces lit up with joy as they looked towards the open courtyard gate.

Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan came into Wang Qingshan and Wang Qiuming's view, with Wang Qingling following close behind.

"Ninth Uncle, Ninth Aunt, you've finally returned!"

Wang Qingshan rose to his feet, his expression filled with excitement.

Wang Qiuming also stood up, his eyes sparkling with delight.

"Qingshan, Qingling, you've worked diligently in our absence."

Wang Changsheng said kindly. While he and Wang Ruyan were the family's founders, Wang Qingshan served as its guardian. Wang Qingling, whose strength was far less than Wang Qingshan's, relied heavily on her spirit beasts.

It was precisely Wang Qingshan's presence that allowed Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan to travel far with peace of mind.

"Ninth Uncle, Ninth Aunt, this was simply our duty; you give us too much credit."

Wang Qingshan and Wang Qingling spoke in unison, their expressions respectful.

"It's not flattery; you truly deserve this praise. Qingshan, this spirit treasure is for you; you have too few. This one is Qingling's, and Qiuming also has one."

Wang Ruyan produced three spirit treasures and distributed them among Wang Qingshan and the other two.

Wang Qingshan received the Sea-Sweeping Sword, Wang Qingling the Vermillion Sparrow Lamp, and Wang Qiuming the Fire-Leaving Spirit-Stabilizing Mirror.

During their journey to the Tianlan Realm, Wang Changsheng acquired numerous spirit treasures and a considerable amount of refining materials. Sharing a few with his clan members was no issue, especially given the family's previous lack of resources.

Before their journey to the Tianlan Realm, they possessed only one spirit treasure, the Blazing Sun Divine Pagoda, which was primarily for trapping enemies.

"Thank you, Ninth Uncle and Ninth Aunt (Grandfather and Grandmother)."

The three were overjoyed and accepted the spirit treasures.

"Ninth Uncle, I seized this flying spirit treasure from an enemy; please take it for your use!"

Wang Qingshan produced the Qiankun Light Shadow Shuttle and offered it to Wang Changsheng.

Since Wang Changsheng had already reached the Deity Transformation stage, using a mere flying magic treasure for travel might appear somewhat humble.

Wang Changsheng nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile, "Qingshan, that's very thoughtful of you. We've already acquired a flying spirit treasure, so please keep this one for yourself. You don't need to give it to Qingjing; I will personally refine a protective magic treasure for her."

Upon hearing this, Wang Qingshan accepted the Qiankun Light Shadow Shuttle without further protest.

"Ninth Uncle, shall we remain in the Eastern Wilderness or return to the South Sea?"

Wang Qingling's face was filled with anticipation. She wished to return to the South Sea, as her Ice Wind Dragon had a massive appetite, and monster beasts were scarce in the Eastern Wilderness for it to feed on.

Moreover, the spiritual energy at Qinglian Villa was not particularly abundant, being far inferior to that of Qinglian Island.

"We are returning to the South Sea. The Eastern Wilderness has too few resources, which hinders the family's development. A portion of our members will remain here to guard Qinglian Villa, while the rest will accompany us back to Qinglian Island."

Wang Changsheng instructed, his gaze resolute.

"Yes, Ninth Uncle (Grandfather),"

The three of them agreed in unison, their faces beaming with confident smiles.

Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan were the family's core; as long as they were present, the clan members would gather and unite their efforts for the family's advancement.