Chapter 396: Countermeasures

"Two heads are better than one," Wang Changsheng thought, as he wished to hear Wang Ruyan's perspective.

"Is Uncle Mingjiang mad? To do something like this... Husband, you must form your Core as quickly as possible. Otherwise, if people from the Taiyi Immortal Sect come looking for us one day, we'll be in big trouble." Wang Ruyan said, frowning, her eyes filled with worry.

Previously, when they dealt with the Qin family, even if something went wrong, they could vehemently deny it, and the Hundred Spirits Gate could offer some protection. But if this incident of robbing and killing a Taiyi Immortal Sect disciple were to be exposed, no one would stand up for the Wang family. Wang Changsheng needed to form his Core as quickly as possible; the sooner, the better. If the matter were exposed, they could still sacrifice the lesser to save the greater.

"I asked Qingkai; the clan's savings are 40,000 spirit stones. However, the salaries for Foundation Establishment cultivators have been overdue for many years. These 40,000 spirit stones aren't even enough to pay off the debts, let alone purchase spiritual items for Core Formation."

The Wang family had an increasing number of Foundation Establishment cultivators, making it impossible for them to afford to support them with enough spirit stones. Most of the Wang family's Foundation Establishment cultivators were below the third level of Foundation Establishment, receiving an annual salary of a thousand spirit stones. Taking Wang Qingyun as an example, she was a low-grade second-tier talisman master. Besides her annual salary, she would earn a sum of spirit stones for each second-tier talisman she produced. The family's annual profit was only three to four thousand spirit stones, and with over a dozen Foundation Establishment cultivators, they simply couldn't afford to support them. Fortunately, as they were all from the same clan, they paid some and deferred some. Over the years, the accumulated overdue spirit stones amounted to over a hundred thousand. If it were a cultivation sect, it would have collapsed long ago.

"Husband, why don't we go find Uncle Mingren? He's very knowledgeable and experienced; perhaps he has a solution?"

Wang Changsheng looked hesitant and said, "Uncle Mingjiang robbed and killed a disciple of the Taiyi Immortal Sect, and you still want us to go to the Taiyi Immortal Sect?"

"It's been five years since this happened. If it's going to be exposed, it's not a matter of sooner or later. We should tell Uncle Mingren about this to avoid implicating him. Besides, other than Uncle Mingren, who else can we ask for help? Senior Guang? Grandfather? Would they lend you spirit stones to bid for spiritual items to aid in Core Formation? It's simply impossible."

Wang Changsheng let out a bitter laugh. Wang Ruyan was right; at this point, outsiders couldn't be relied upon. Only their own kin could be trusted. Perhaps Wang Mingren might have a solution!

"What are you planning to do with Uncle Twenty-one? He must leave the family as soon as possible."

"I asked Qingkai. Qing Shan and others have been hunting demonic beasts in Tianquan Mountain in the State of Wu for years. The Tianquan Mountain Range is rich in demonic beast resources, so let Uncle Twenty-one go there to hide for a while! Firstly, the State of Wu is quite far from our family. Secondly, the Tianquan Mountain Range has abundant cultivation resources, so Uncle Mingjiang won't delay his cultivation by going there. Oh, and Qingyuan has been helping us look after Ping'an; he's worked hard. Which family has a suitable young woman? Preferably from a cultivation family."

"I've already thought about it. The Fang family. They sell us a large amount of spiritual beans every year. If our two families intermarry, we can strengthen our cooperation. Let's go to the Fang family ourselves to propose marriage! Firstly, it will save some time, allowing us to go to the Taiyi Immortal Sect sooner. Secondly, by personally arranging Qingyuan's marriage, he will take even more care of Ping'an in the future."

Wang Changsheng felt Wang Ruyan made a lot of sense and agreed, "No problem, we'll take Qingyuan to the Fang family tomorrow."

That evening, Wang Changsheng's family had dinner together. Having children and grandchildren filling the hall was originally a joyous occasion. However, as soon as Wang Changsheng thought about Wang Mingjiang robbing and killing a disciple of the Taiyi Immortal Sect, he couldn't bring himself to be happy.

The next day, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan took Wang Qingyuan and rushed to the Fang family to propose marriage. Fang Zixu had long wanted to form an alliance through marriage with the Wang family. Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan personally coming to propose marriage gave the Fang family a great deal of face. Wang Qingyuan was already over fifty years old and managed the Wang family's finances. He held a position of considerable power and influence, so the Fang family naturally wouldn't refuse. Fang Zixu married his niece, Fang Siqing, to Wang Qingyuan.

Fang Siqing was twenty years old this year, possessed a three-spirit root, and was quite attractive. She didn't understand any cultivation techniques, making her most suitable for an alliance through marriage. Three months later, Wang Qingyuan grandly welcomed Fang Siqing into the family, marking a very lively occasion.

After Wang Qingyuan got married, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan departed for the Taiyi Immortal Sect, while Wang Mingjiang went to the State of Wu to lie low.

***

Taiyi Immortal Sect, a quiet courtyard.

Wang Mingren and a fair-skinned woman in white, with delicate features, sat in a stone pavilion, sipping tea and chatting. Wang Mingren was still at the fourth level of Foundation Establishment, but his artifact refining skills had improved considerably.

"Grandfather, why did you ask me to come?" the woman in white smiled sweetly and asked.

Wang Mingren frowned slightly and said, "Didn't I tell you? This is the sect; you should call me Senior Brother Wang."

The woman in white was Su Bingbing, Wang Changxue's only daughter. She had already reached Foundation Establishment, specifically the first level. While her ice spirit root wasn't considered top-tier talent, it was still quite good. She had successfully become a disciple under a female Core Formation cultivator.

"There are no outsiders here anyway, what's there to be afraid of?" Su Bingbing chuckled and said dismissively.

"Regardless, it's better if you still call me Senior Brother Wang. You just need to know that I'm your grandfather." Wang Mingren reprimanded her with a stern face. He then took out a white brocade box, opened it, and revealed three white flying swords, each about two feet long. Exquisite patterns were carved on the hilts of the swords, and the characters "Qianbing" were engraved on their blades.

"A set of magical artifacts, the Qianbing Swords. With your cultivation at the first level of Foundation Establishment, wielding this set of flying swords shouldn't be a problem. This is a gift for you to congratulate you on reaching Foundation Establishment. You must cultivate diligently and never be complacent."

"Thank you, Grandfa... Senior Brother Wang." Su Bingbing's face lit up with joy. She smiled sweetly and expressed her gratitude.

Just then, a sound transmission talisman flew in. Wang Mingren crushed it, and a man's voice suddenly rang out: "Senior Brother Wang, I am Chen Ren from the Guest Reception Hall. Your relatives, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan, have come to visit. Please open the door."

"Changsheng and Ruyan are here? Come, Junior Sister Su, let's go meet your uncle and aunt." Wang Mingren strode out, with Su Bingbing close behind.

In a private room in the Guest Reception Hall, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan sat by a tea table. Neither of them was in the mood to drink tea, quietly waiting for Wang Mingren's arrival.

After a moment, a flurry of footsteps sounded, and the fair-featured woman in white entered. She smiled sweetly and said, "Uncle, Aunt, long time no see."

"Bingbing, you've reached Foundation Establishment? Good child, come here to your aunt." Wang Ruyan beckoned with a gentle smile.

Su Bingbing obediently walked to Wang Ruyan's side. Wang Changsheng laughed, "It's been over ten years, and Bingbing has become even more beautiful. I wonder which scoundrel will be lucky enough to marry her. Your mother would certainly be very happy if she knew you had reached Foundation Establishment."

Blushing slightly at Wang Changsheng's compliment, Su Bingbing smiled and said, "Uncle always knows how to flatter! If my mother saw me, she'd surely scold me. Speaking of which, I haven't seen my mother in a long time. Uncle, Aunt, how is my mother doing? And my father and Master Guang?"

"Your parents returned when your cousin got married; they're both doing well. As for Master, I'm not sure; I haven't seen him in a long time either," Wang Changsheng replied truthfully.

At that moment, Wang Mingren walked in, his face beaming with smiles.

"Changsheng, Ruyan, long time no see! Changsheng, you've already cultivated to the ninth level of Foundation Establishment. Congratulations!"

Wang Changsheng hadn't hidden his cultivation level, so Wang Mingren could discern it. Wang Changsheng forced a smile and said, "Uncle Mingren, it's been nearly thirty years since we last parted ways. Time truly flies."