Chapter 292: Wang Changhai Brings Back News

He spent a year refining a natal artifact for Wang Ruyan. Unfortunately, the refinement failed, and the materials were scrapped. After the failure, he shifted his focus to cultivation. The effect of Black Jade Cold Water was even better than Profound Dark Cold Water. He consumed over two hundred catties of Black Jade Cold Water and successfully advanced to Foundation Establishment Stage Six.

As soon as he emerged from seclusion, he learned that Bloodthirsty Locusts were besieging Wang Family Fort, and he immediately rushed towards the city wall.

"A third-tier Bloodthirsty Locust appeared within the borders of Chu State. This third-tier locust was slain by a Core Formation cultivator from Chu. The remaining Bloodthirsty Locusts scattered into multiple groups and fled. One of these groups happened to pass through Ningzhou, and two patrolling clansmen died at their hands."

Wang Mingjiang slowly explained.

Wang Changsheng had an epiphany, smiling as he said, "These demonic locusts aren't high-ranked; we'll simply work together to eradicate them."

He flicked his sleeve, and the Ice Flood Dragon Flag shot out. He cast several incantations upon it, whispering, "Transform into a flood dragon!"

The Ice Flood Dragon Flag spun rapidly, growing larger against the wind. Its surface glowed brightly, and in a blur, it transformed into a massive white flood dragon.

"Roar!"

The white flood dragon roared, baring its fangs and claws as it pounced on the Bloodthirsty Locusts.

Wang Changsheng flicked his sleeve again, and Profound Yin Sand shot forth. It spun rapidly, transforming into hundreds of black flying daggers that slashed towards the Bloodthirsty Locusts.

With Wang Changsheng's arrival, the pressure on Wang Changfeng and the others greatly reduced, and the Bloodthirsty Locusts began to fall, one by one.

The black flying daggers, formed from Profound Yin Sand, shredded the Bloodthirsty Locusts. The locusts released wind blades to attack the daggers, but the black daggers dissolved into a vast expanse of fine black sand. With another rapid spin, they reformed into dagger shapes.

The white flood dragon charged into the swarm of Bloodthirsty Locusts, rampaging through them. It either sprayed white cold mist, used its claws to snatch, bit with its mouth, or swept with its tail, causing heavy casualties among the locusts.

In less than a quarter of an hour, the number of Bloodthirsty Locusts had decreased by a fifth, and their ranks continued to rapidly dwindle.

Seeing the unfavorable situation, the Bloodthirsty Locusts split into several groups and fled in different directions. Wang Changsheng and the others pursued their victory, eradicating a large portion of the locusts, though a small number managed to escape.

After the Bloodthirsty Locusts had fled, Wang Changyue and the other two let out a long sigh of relief. Their legs gave out, and they collapsed onto the ground, their faces utterly pale.

"Changhao, are you alright?"

Wang Mingjiang asked with concern. This time, in defeating the Bloodthirsty Locusts, Wang Changyue and the other two had made significant contributions. If they hadn't desperately poured their magic power into the array disc to maintain the family protection array, had the locusts breached the array, even if they were eventually repelled, the Wang family would have suffered considerable losses.

"We're fine, just severely depleted of magic power. We'll recover with some rest."

"We don't know if more Bloodthirsty Locusts will appear, so someone must remain on guard on the city wall."

Wang Changyue and the other two did not return to rest, but instead meditated on the city wall to restore their magic power.

Wang Changsheng dispatched people to collect the remnants of the Bloodthirsty Locusts. They could fetch some spirit stones, and it was a waste not to collect them.

That evening, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan sat chatting in a stone pavilion.

"My dear wife, I had originally intended to refine a natal artifact for you, but the refinement failed. Fortunately, some third-tier silkworm silk remains. If I can acquire a piece of third-tier spiritual wood, I'm confident I can successfully refine your natal artifact."

Wang Changsheng said, brimming with confidence.

"Refining natal artifacts is inherently difficult, so failure is normal. Husband, you shouldn't worry too much about it."

Wang Ruyan comforted him, then seemed to recall something and continued, "A third-tier demonic locust appeared within Chu State. Nearly ten thousand of them, and that's just one group, infiltrated Wang Family Fort. If it weren't for the sufficient number of Foundation Establishment cultivators in our clan, coupled with the second-tier puppet beasts and the family protection array, our family would have suffered a severe blow this time."

What she said was unintentional, but it struck a chord with him.

Wang Changsheng's heart stirred. If nearly ten thousand Bloodthirsty Locusts had infiltrated Wang Family Fort, there must be a vast number of them within Chu State. The cultivation families in Chu State were likely severely weakened. Bloodthirsty Locusts devoured everything, especially things rich in spiritual energy.

"My dear wife, what do you think about us doing business in Chu State at this time? Selling spirit grains or puppet beasts should be profitable."

"That's a good idea, but no one can guarantee that more Bloodthirsty Locusts won't pass through Ningzhou again. Let's wait for a while before making a move. We can, however, send people to vigorously acquire spirit grains beforehand."

"You're right. I'll go speak with Uncle Twenty-One about it right away."

As he stood up, Wang Qingze quickly walked in.

"Uncle Nine, Aunt Nine, Uncle Twenty-One requests your presence in the meeting hall to discuss something. Uncle Five has returned."

"Alright, we'll head over now."

Upon arriving at the meeting hall, Wang Changsheng saw Wang Mingjiang conversing with a middle-aged man who had an honest, simple face.

Wang Changfeng and several others were also there, and Wang Qingshan had returned as well.

The middle-aged man was none other than Wang Changsheng's fifth elder brother, Wang Changhai.

Wang Changhai's aptitude was ordinary, and he was currently still at Qi Condensation Stage Seven.

Before the war broke out between Wei State and Chu State, Wang Changhai had led several clansmen to Chu State. They served as covert operatives, responsible for gathering intelligence.

After the conflict between the righteous and demonic factions, Wang Changhai remained in Chu State. With the family's support, he opened a spirit grain store.

Generally, Wang Changhai did not proactively contact the family; rather, the family would issue instructions to him.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Wang Changhai stated the purpose of his return.

Several months ago, a third-tier Bloodthirsty Locust appeared in Chu State. Initially, it lived deep within the mountain range. However, as the number of Bloodthirsty Locusts rapidly increased, they devoured all the demonic beasts and cultivation resources in the mountains. They then burst out of the mountains and began attacking humans.

Reportedly, over a hundred thousand Bloodthirsty Locusts burst forth from the mountains. Wherever they passed, no living creature remained. Several minor families were annihilated, and multiple cultivation families suffered severe losses. Now, prices within Chu State have skyrocketed, especially for spirit grains, which have more than quintupled in price. Although the four major sects of Chu State have injected a large amount of spirit grains into the market to lower prices, the cost of spirit grains in Chu State still remains higher than in other cultivation realms. Wang Changhai had specifically rushed back to persuade the family to transport cultivation resources to Chu State for sale.

"This is a good idea, but we've just repelled one group of Bloodthirsty Locusts. We don't know if more will infiltrate Ningzhou. At this time, the clan needs to retain sufficient defensive strength."

"Uncle Twenty-One, let me make this trip! I've recently encountered a bottleneck in my cultivation and was looking for a change of scenery. This way, I, Eighteenth Brother, and Qingshan can go. With you and Ninth Brother holding down the fort at the family, there won't be any issues."

Wang Changfeng proactively volunteered.

Wang Qingshan stood up and said seriously, "Uncle Twenty-One, I am willing to go with Eldest Uncle."

"I am also willing to go with Eldest Brother."

Wang Mingjiang was somewhat moved. He looked at Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan and asked, "Chang Sheng, Ru Yan, what are your thoughts?"

"We agree. With Eldest Brother and the two others traveling together, safety is assured. This is a rare opportunity to get rich."

"Alright, it's settled then. Changfeng, you three select some personnel, take the clan's spirit grains and a batch of first-tier puppet beasts, and transport them to Chu State for sale. I will send people to other market cities to acquire more spirit grains."

After discussing the details, they successively left the meeting hall.