Chapter 2702: Cultivating in Seclusion

Qinggang Market, a secluded manor.

Wang Lihe sat in the stone pavilion, and Wang Yimiao was reporting to him.

“So, the Xin family has agreed to this marriage?” Wang Lihe asked, surprised.

Many newly risen immortal cultivation families were willing to cooperate with the Wang family. These families were in a competitive relationship, not a monolithic bloc. Wang Chuanming indeed had his methods. He first sent people to investigate the Xin family's situation, including their ancestors, sources of income, enemies, and in-laws. After thoroughly understanding the situation, Wang Chuanming personally contacted several of the Xin family's competitors, interacting frequently with them, and then spread the news. Wang Chuanming deliberately ignored the Xin family. Over time, these competitors united to suppress the Xin family from all angles. The Xin family sent people to contact the Wang family cultivators, who casually brushed them off. The Xin family mistakenly believed they had offended the Wang family. Xin Kelong, the Xin family head, personally went to Wang Chuanming. Wang Chuanming claimed it was a misunderstanding and then suggested that Wang Chuanyun admired Xin Yuyuan. Xin Kelong understood the hint, went along with it, and agreed to the marriage. Throughout the entire process, Wang Chuanming did not utter a single harsh word, threaten the Xin family, or harm anyone. Wang Yimiao could attest to this.

Wang Yimiao nodded and said, “Chuanming only mentioned that Chuanyun admired Xin Yuyuan, and Xin Kelong immediately praised Chuanyun’s youth and promise, willing to bring them together and create a beautiful story.”

Even if enforcement disciples arrived, they wouldn’t find any fault.

“What if the Xin family simply didn’t agree? What would he do then?” Wang Lihe asked, perplexed.

“If external pressure couldn’t break the Xin family, he would start from within. He would send people to contact several elders of the Xin family, promising them great benefits to persuade Xin Kelong. The internal aspect is the best breakthrough point. He had already sent people to investigate the situation of the Xin family elders, and the success rate of bribing them is very high.” Wang Yimiao reported truthfully.

Wang Lihe showed a look of approval and said, “Knowing yourself and your enemy ensures victory in every battle. He is a talent worth cultivating. Assist him in organizing Chuanyun’s wedding! Tell Chuanyun to treat Xin Yuyuan well. The Xin family has three Void Refinement cultivators, so they should not be underestimated.”

“Yes, Ancestor Lihe,” Wang Yimiao agreed and departed to carry out the order.

Golden Jade Pavilion, fifth floor.

Wang Chuanming was talking to Wang Chuanyun, whose expression was agitated.

“That’s wonderful, Brother Chuanming, thank you very much.” Wang Chuanyun said gratefully, as Xin Yuyuan might have married another cultivator if not for Wang Chuanming’s help.

“We’re brothers, no need for formalities. Treat Fairy Xin well. I’ve had her background investigated, including all her close friends. Her conduct is virtuous, but she has high standards. After you get married, you must work hard so she doesn't look down on you.” Wang Chuanming cautioned. If Xin Yuyuan were promiscuous, Wang Chuanming wouldn’t have helped, no matter how much Wang Chuanyun liked her; it was a matter of principle.

“Understood, Brother Chuanming.” Wang Chuanyun grinned, patted his chest, and agreed.

After a brief chat, Wang Chuanming left the Golden Jade Pavilion.

Green Lotus Island, Green Lotus Peak.

In a secret chamber, Wang Changsheng sat cross-legged on a blue futon, surrounded by numerous refining materials. Not far away stood a blue refining furnace, taller than a person, with three legs and two ears.

A moment later, Wang Changsheng changed his incantation, and the furnace lid flew open. A golden light shot out, revealing a shimmering golden inner armor. The surface of the armor bore a monster pattern resembling a qilin. It was the Mid-grade Heaven-reaching Spirit Treasure, Golden Qilin Armor, refined primarily from the hide of a sixth-tier superior-grade Golden Qilin Beast.

Wang Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief, his gaze somewhat fervent. Having passed the Seven-Nine Thunder Tribulation, he no longer possessed any defensive mid-grade Heaven-reaching Spirit Treasures, nor did Wang Qingshan and others. With a defensive mid-grade Heaven-reaching Spirit Treasure, it would be easier for Wang Ruyan to survive the Seven-Nine Thunder Tribulation when she attempted to reach the Integration Stage.

Wang Changsheng took a deep breath, suppressing the greed in his heart. Immortal cultivators are meant to be pure of heart and desire, not devoid of emotion or ambition. Some can suppress their greed, while others cannot. He was not a saint free from desires. He had indeed considered killing the Seven-Gourd Rogue Cultivator to monopolize the treasure, but he still managed to suppress his greed. Once he mastered the Qilin Suppressing Immortal and Qilin Destroying Immortal Palms, he could hunt demonic beasts in other dangerous places. There was no need to cause mental unrest over a single mid-grade Heaven-reaching Spirit Treasure. For demonic cultivators, killing and plundering treasures was the right thing to do, so there was no mental unrest. For most cultivators, killing and plundering treasures was wrong. Some cultivators would console themselves, justifying their actions as 'acting on behalf of heaven,' thus achieving peace of mind. In secret realms or forbidden lands, when fighting for immortal cultivation resources, most cultivators would not consider it killing and plundering, so their minds would naturally be at peace. Wang Changsheng couldn't bring himself to do that. Of course, if it were a superior-grade Heaven-reaching Spirit Treasure for defense, that would be a different matter entirely.

Wang Changsheng took out his communication disk, cast an incantation into it, and instructed, “Bring the Seven-Gourd Rogue Cultivator to Green Lotus Peak. I have something to tell him.”

“Yes, Old Ancestor,” Wang Moshan replied.

Wang Changsheng put away the Golden Qilin Armor and walked out.

Not long after, Wang Moshan led the Seven-Gourd Rogue Cultivator inside. The Seven-Gourd Rogue Cultivator’s expression was anxious. He had stayed on Green Lotus Island for many years and finally received news, wondering if Wang Changsheng had successfully refined the treasure.

Wang Changsheng took out the Golden Qilin Armor, handed it to the Seven-Gourd Rogue Cultivator, and said, “The treasure has been refined. Take it!” Both Wang Moshan and the Seven-Gourd Rogue Cultivator looked at the Golden Qilin Armor with fervent eyes.

The Seven-Gourd Rogue Cultivator took a deep breath and said gratefully, “Thank you, Senior Wang.”

“If there are no issues, you may leave with the Golden Qilin Armor. Be very careful! If other Integration cultivators know you possess this treasure, it will cause you considerable trouble.” Wang Changsheng cautioned.

The Seven-Gourd Rogue Cultivator repeatedly affirmed, agreed, bowed, and withdrew.

“Old Ancestor, why didn’t you exchange it for a defensive low-grade Heaven-reaching Spirit Treasure with him, or at most, give him another Sky Thunder Spirit Transformation Talisman?” Wang Moshan suggested.

“It’s just a mid-grade Heaven-reaching Spirit Treasure; there will be more in the future. Doing so would be no different from killing him. Continue sending people to search for cultivation techniques. Don't disturb my cultivation unless it's something truly important.” Wang Changsheng explained. Wang Moshan’s reaction was within his expectations.

Wang Moshan agreed. Then, remembering something, he added, “Old Ancestor, Senior Song from Zhenhai Palace replied. Experts from the Lizard Clan did indeed use a secret technique to send a soul fragment down to the lower realms. This matter involves multiple realms, and the Lizard Clan's purpose is unknown; it doesn't seem to be for the Seven-Gourd Vine.”

“The Lizard Clan! Have the clansmen pay attention to this matter. You may go now and attend to your duties! Be sure to protect the Seven-Gourd Vine.” Wang Changsheng gave a few instructions and dismissed Wang Moshan.

Entering a secret chamber, Wang Changsheng sat cross-legged and began to meditate and regulate his breathing. After a full day of meditation, Wang Changsheng’s state returned to its peak, and he began cultivating the Qilin Destroying Immortal Palm. If he mastered both the Qilin Destroying Immortal Palm and the Golden Cicada Escapes Its Shell, he would have two more trump cards against his enemies.