Chapter 350: Two Years

In addition to the Foundation Establishment Pills, there were seventy-five Yellow-grade cultivation techniques and eleven Black-grade cultivation techniques. Among these, one Black-grade technique, the 'Thick Earth Spirit Forging Art,' was a body-refining cultivation method.

Besides cultivation techniques, there were also ancient texts on formations and alchemy. A yellowed ancient book detailed the methods for crafting two types of third-tier talismans.

Both the Wang and Wang families each copied a set of the cultivation technique texts, and all the originals were burned. Until this incident completely faded from the memory of Wei Kingdom cultivators, the Wang family would not use anything obtained from the Qin family, especially refining materials and talisman crafting materials.

"Second Uncle, please don't worry," Wang Ruyan reassured him. "My husband and I have discussed this, and we will ensure such a thing does not happen again if at all possible."

Wang Ruyan repeatedly agreed, understanding the gravity of the situation. If the news leaked, it would bring immense trouble to both families.

Wang Changhao and Wang Qingshan also agreed, understanding the seriousness of the matter.

Wang Yaolong nodded, looking at Wang Changsheng, and spoke kindly: "Changsheng, you currently have the highest cultivation level in the clan. Focus on your cultivation; you don't need to worry about clan affairs. If you can reach the Core Formation stage, it will be a great boon for the entire family. The three of you, including Ruyan, should also cultivate diligently. We succeeded in plotting against the Qin family this time, but won't others plot against our Wang family? In the cultivation world, strength is paramount. Mingren has only recently joined the Taiyi Immortal Sect, and he cannot provide much help to the family in the short term. You are currently the most outstanding members of the clan, so you must cultivate diligently."

Hearing this, Wang Changsheng and the other three agreed in unison.

That evening, Wang Changsheng's family had dinner together. Looking at his parents, whose hair was growing increasingly white, Wang Changsheng felt a pang in his heart.

Wang Mingyuan and Liu Qing'er were already over ninety years old. Neither had reached the Foundation Establishment stage. Barring any accidents, they had only twenty to thirty years of lifespan left.

Given they were over sixty, attempting to reach the Foundation Establishment stage was very difficult. Without lifespan-extending pills or spiritual items, they would likely pass away within two or three decades.

Of course, Wang Changsheng wished for his parents to reach the Foundation Establishment stage. He had discussed it with Wang Mingyuan, but his father had directly refused.

Wang Mingyuan and Liu Qing'er both had poor aptitudes. Neither had reached the seventh level of Qi Refinement cultivation. Even if they took Foundation Establishment Pills, their chances of success would be very low. As for lifespan-extending pills or spiritual items, they were rare even for high-level cultivators, difficult to come by. Wang Changsheng didn't know where to find such items.

Wang Mingyuan noticed Wang Changsheng's gaze. He smiled and asked, "Changsheng, is something on your mind?"

Wang Changsheng looked troubled and hesitated for a moment before saying: "Father, I've acquired a Foundation Establishment Pill. Why don't you try to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage? I can also get some additional Foundation Establishment spiritual items."

Truthfully, watching one's closest relatives pass away was an incredibly painful experience.

Wang Mingyuan smiled with contentment and said: "It's enough that you have this intention. Your mother and I know our own circumstances. Acquiring a Foundation Establishment Pill isn't easy, so don't waste it on us. As long as all of you are well, your mother and I will be happy. Your mother and I have long come to terms with life and death. We are old now and have enjoyed what there is to enjoy."

"Your father wants to hold his great-grandchild, Changsheng," Liu Qing'er chimed in. "Why don't you let Qingzhi marry Qi Shanshan? They're going to get married eventually anyway."

Upon hearing this, Wang Qingzhi's heart fluttered with secret delight.

"Mother," Wang Changsheng interjected, "if he loses his virginity, it will be harder to achieve Foundation Establishment. Qingzhi's aptitude isn't good to begin with, and if he were to lose his virginity, he might not be able to establish his foundation even with the aid of a Foundation Establishment Pill. Qingzhi, you are now at the sixth level of Qi Refinement. You need to spend more time cultivating and strive to reach the ninth level of Qi Refinement soon. At the Spirit Fishery, just go through the motions. You'll still get credit for expanding the breeding scale."

Wang Mingyuan's lifespan was limited, and Wang Changsheng secretly hoped that Wang Qingzhi could establish his foundation before Wang Mingyuan passed away, allowing his father to see a great-grandchild and depart without regret.

"I understand, Father," Wang Qingzhi nodded, honestly agreeing.

After a hearty meal, Wang Changsheng's family gathered in the stone pavilion to chat. Liu Qing'er recounted amusing stories from Wang Changsheng's childhood, and Wang Qingzhi and Wang Qingjing listened with great interest.

For the next month, Wang Changsheng rarely cultivated. The family spent time together, drinking tea and chatting, and Wang Changsheng treasured this rare period of family harmony.

Wang Changsheng planned a long seclusion. He wouldn't emerge unless something significant happened within the family. The duration was uncertain, and he worried his parents might have passed away by the time he emerged. However, the length of a cultivator's seclusion was always unpredictable; sometimes, cultivating in seclusion for decades was perfectly normal.

In addition to spending time with his parents, Wang Changsheng spent time intimately with Wang Ruyan. They hoped to have another grandson for Wang Mingyuan.

"Changsheng, you should do what you need to do!" Wang Mingyuan said. "You don't need to spend all your time with your mother and me; we don't need constant company. Cultivation is important. Oh, and if, during your cultivation, you experience symptoms of your body being about to burst, absolutely do not force yourself to continue. Your Third Uncle back then ignored the warnings of his predecessors, forced his cultivation, and ended up exploding and dying."

Wang Mingyuan cautioned with a solemn expression, fearing Wang Changsheng would follow in his ancestor's footsteps.

"Father, please don't worry! I know my limits," Wang Changsheng promised.

Considering that this seclusion might be quite long, Wang Changsheng did not immediately enter seclusion. He decided it wouldn't be too late to enter seclusion after crafting a few second-tier high-grade puppet beasts for the family.

During the previous ambush on Qin Yunyao, he had used the Giant Ape Puppet Beast. This second-tier high-grade puppet beast could not be easily revealed. Fortunately, before his return, he had purchased a batch of materials for crafting puppet beasts, so creating second-tier high-grade puppet beasts was merely a matter of time.

Spring turned to autumn, and two years passed quickly.

Inside a certain secret chamber, a large amount of wood shavings lay scattered on the ground. A golden-armored guard, gleaming brightly, lay on the floor, its surface covered with rice-grain-sized spirit patterns, exuding a formidable spiritual aura.

Wang Changsheng sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, his face slightly pale. Several empty porcelain bottles were placed before him.

"Finally, success," Wang Changsheng exhaled softly, muttering to himself.

Over two years, he had crafted three second-tier high-grade puppet beasts, consuming a considerable amount of materials in the process.

He formed a hand seal, and with a whirring of mechanisms, the golden-armored guard transformed into a glistening golden metal sphere, flying into his hand.

With three second-tier high-grade puppet beasts, he could now enter seclusion with peace of mind.

Just then, a plump golden giant ant flew up from a corner, soaring towards him and landing in front of him.

The golden giant ant was about four feet long, its midsection as thick as an adult's arm. Its tail bore concentric golden spirit patterns, and it had a pair of thin golden wings on its back. It was precisely the Gold-devouring Ant Queen.