Chapter 343: Selected Family Head

"Dad, you're back." Wang Qingzhi said, a joyful expression appearing on his face as he saw Wang Changsheng. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he stated earnestly, "That's right, I won't marry anyone but her. I just love her."

Wang Changsheng scrutinized his son for a moment, then nodded and looked towards Qi Shanshan. Qi Shanshan quickly stood up, bowed respectfully, and said, "This junior, Qi Shanshan, greets Senior Wang."

"Your mother tells me you've done very well cultivating spirit fish and spirit clams over the years. Keep up the good work. Qingzhi, come with your father; I have something to ask you."

After saying this, Wang Changsheng turned and walked out, with Wang Qingzhi hurrying to follow.

Fifteen minutes later, father and son were in a secluded courtyard.

Wang Changsheng observed Wang Qingzhi closely and said with a smile, "You've grown taller since I last saw you a few years ago."

Wang Qingzhi remained silent, his head lowered, a look of worry on his face.

"Do you truly love her? Don't let yourself be deceived and help someone count their money after being tricked. She's approaching you with an ulterior motive."

Wang Qingzhi looked up at Wang Changsheng and said earnestly, "Her family members died one after another in front of her. She constantly strives to avenge her kin; that is filial piety, and I can understand her. If she were to live contentedly without seeking revenge, I would actually look down on her. Most importantly, she also likes me, and she enjoys farming. Dad, I've decided on her. I won't marry anyone else in this lifetime."

Wang Changsheng sighed and said solemnly, "Your father can agree to this marriage, but I have three conditions. First, you can only marry after you reach the Foundation Establishment stage. Second, before you get married, you must not do anything inappropriate. Third, you must cultivate more spirit fish and spirit clams. As for her family's blood feud, if conditions permit, we can help her seek revenge, provided she creates sufficient benefits for our family."

"Thank you, Dad. I'll work hard on my cultivation. Qi Xianzi and I will also work hard to raise spirit fish and spirit clams. But what about Mother..."

Wang Changsheng glared at him and said testily, "I'm your father; I can make decisions on this matter. Go back and apologize to your mother. Do you know how upset she was? You're protecting her so fiercely, and you're not even married yet!"

"Understood, Dad."

Back at their residence, Wang Qingzhi sincerely apologized to Wang Ruyan.

Wang Ruyan sighed deeply and said, "Since your father has agreed, what else can I say? Go and cultivate diligently. You will get married when you both reach the Foundation Establishment stage."

"Yes, thank you, Mother. I'll take my leave now."

Wang Qingzhi beamed with joy and quickly departed.

"Husband, I still don't understand why you agreed to this. Even if Qingzhi likes her, he could take her as a concubine. The position of principal wife could be left open."

Wang Changsheng smiled faintly, took out three storage pearls, handed them to Wang Ruyan, and chuckled, "Wife, look what these are."

Wang Ruyan picked up one storage pearl, tried to infuse it with spiritual power, and exclaimed in surprise, "These are storage artifacts?"

"These are storage pearls. I heard they are a new invention from the South Sea. If you wear eight or ten of them, you can store many things. Storage pearls are refined from clam pearls. Qi Shanshan is skilled at cultivating spirit fish and spirit clams, so she might be useful in the future. If Qingzhi were willing to take her as a concubine, he wouldn't be arguing with you. Children have their own destinies. He insists on marrying this girl, so what can you do?"

Wang Changsheng's cultivation technique, the "True Scripture of Gui Shui," only consists of the upper half. This cultivation method originated from the South Sea. If he cultivates to the Core Formation stage, he will definitely need to make a trip to the South Sea. At that time, he could transport some clam pearls there for sale, and if he could obtain the method for refining storage pearls, they would become extremely wealthy.

Wang Ruyan knew that Wang Changsheng cultivated an Earth-grade technique and that it originated from the South Sea. Wang Changsheng had not hidden this from her, as she was his closest confidante.

Wang Ruyan suddenly understood. Remembering something, she said with some self-reproach, "Husband, it's all my fault. When I was looking after the family, Uncle Twelve and the others were killed."

Wang Changsheng waved his hand. "This isn't your fault. You handled it quite well. In a few days, you and I will go back to your family's home and discuss this matter thoroughly with your father. We can't rush this. Right now, there's a serious matter to attend to."

"Serious matter? What serious matter?"

Wang Ruyan paused, looking bewildered.

Wang Changsheng smiled faintly, embraced Wang Ruyan around her waist, and chuckled, "To give Qingqing and the others a younger brother or sister."

Hearing this, Wang Ruyan's face flushed with shyness, and she wrapped her arms around Wang Changsheng's neck.

The two had not seen each other for several years; a brief separation often strengthens affection like a new marriage. The joys of their reunion were beyond words.

The next day, Wang Changsheng summoned the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the clan and briefly recounted his experiences over the past few years.

"Uncle Nine, it's good that you're back. Uncle Twelve and the others cannot have died in vain. We must make the Qin family pay for their blood debt."

Wang Qingshan said in a deep voice, his eyes filled with killing intent.

"There's no rush for this matter. We've endured it for a year; enduring a bit longer won't hurt. I plan to go to the Wang Clan's stronghold and discuss this thoroughly with your father-in-law. Before that, I intend to decide on a new clan head. A clan cannot go a single day without a head. I propose that Uncle Twenty-Five be the clan head."

Wang Qingyuan's qualifications are still too low; forcing him into the position of clan head would certainly lead to dissent. Furthermore, Wang Qingyuan's character is quite steady, good at maintaining what already exists, but the Wang family is currently in a phase of development, so he's not suitable to be the clan head. Managing finances, however, would be good for him. Wang Yaolong is different. Wang Yaolong is currently the most senior member of the Wang family by generation. He has the most descendants, and in his younger years, he often managed the family's business outside. He is adaptable and diplomatic, never hesitant to seize an advantage when appropriate, and never putting on airs when a friendly demeanor is required. He is most suitable to be the clan head.

The others had no objections to Wang Changsheng's proposal. Wang Yaolong's seniority and qualifications were evident. Most importantly, with Wang Mingren having joined the Taiyi Immortal Sect, Wang Yaolong becoming the clan head was truly fitting.

Since no one else objected, Wang Changsheng asked Wang Qingze to invite Wang Yaolong over.

Wang Yaolong was over eighty years old, but his spirits were still excellent. Upon learning that everyone unanimously recommended him as clan head, Wang Yaolong did not decline.

"I never expected that at my age, I could still contribute to the family. I accept this duty. You all just focus on your cultivation; I'll watch over the family."

With the clan head decided, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan left Wang Family Fort and headed directly for the Wang Clan's stronghold.

Over half a month later, they arrived at the Wang Clan's stronghold.

The father-in-law and son-in-law showed no formality. After a brief exchange of greetings, they began discussing the serious matter.

The Wang Clan was willing to help partly because of Wang Ruyan, but primarily due to shared interests.

The Wang Clan excelled at cultivating spirit fish and spirit shrimp, and the methods for raising different spirit fish varied. The two families exchanged fish-farming experience and also sold goods to each other, forming a community of shared interests.

The Qin family was a subordinate force of the Yellow Saint Palace. It was important not to forget that the Wang Clan was also a subordinate force of the Yellow Saint Palace. Strictly speaking, the Wang Clan and the Qin family were competitors.