Chapter 440: Lin Yuxin Forming the Core

At Qinglian Mountain Villa, in a certain courtyard.

Wang Changyue was teaching the art of formations to seven clan members. The Wang family only had one second-tier formation master, and for a family to develop, the inheritance of formation techniques was very important.

After Wang Changsheng formed his Core, Wang Changyue became highly sought after. Many immortal cultivation families proposed marriage, but none of them caught Wang Changyue's eye. Rather than settling for mediocrity, Wang Changyue preferred not to marry if she didn't find someone suitable, and Wang Changsheng would not force her.

As the clan's only second-tier formation master, Wang Changyue could not marry out; she would have to find a son-in-law to join the family. However, Wang Changyue rarely interacted with cultivators from other clans. She usually spent her time cultivating, researching formations, or teaching younger generations.

Formation techniques were tedious and offered no immediate returns, unlike other skills where a basic understanding could earn spirit stones. Consequently, not many clan members were willing to learn formations. Among the seven clan members, four were from the Qing generation, and three were from the Qiu generation, including Wang Qiushuang.

Wang Qiushuang originally learned how to raise spirit fish from Wang Qingzhi and his wife. However, in recent years, spirit fish had become increasingly difficult to sell, and farming or fish-rearing made it hard to obtain Foundation Establishment Pills. Thinking of his daughter's future, Wang Qingzhi had Wang Qiushuang learn formation techniques from Wang Changyue. Wang Qiushuang was introverted. She had tried learning artifact refining, talisman crafting, and alchemy, but couldn't get into them. Formation techniques, however, held some interest for her. It wasn't that she particularly liked formations, but rather that Wang Changyue's teaching method made it more interesting.

Wang Changyue held a circular red formation plate in her hand. Before her stood a red cauldron, about a zhang (approx. 3.3 meters) tall, resting on top of a formation. Countless red spirit runes were carved onto the formation, and a large expanse of crimson flames engulfed the red cauldron. An enticing aroma of cooked meat wafted from the cauldron, making Wang Qiushuang and the others salivate profusely.

"The Lesser Separation Fire Formation is a first-tier high-grade formation. You all know the materials needed to set it up. Using this formation for cooking is simply perfect. In less than fifteen minutes, the Snow Cloud Chicken is already cooked. We can add the vegetables now."

As Wang Changyue spoke, she poured some fresh vegetables into the red cauldron. Not only was she a second-tier formation master, but also a second-tier spirit chef, who enjoyed using formations for cooking.

Ten breaths later, Wang Changyue changed her incantation, striking the formation plate with a spell. The flames beneath the cauldron dispersed and vanished.

"All right, it's ready to eat."

Wang Changyue put away the formation plate, picked up a long spoon, and served herself some food. Wang Qiushuang and the others took spoons and served themselves.

"Grand-aunt, what formation will you explain tomorrow?" Wang Qiushuang asked sweetly, taking a sip of the hot soup.

"Tomorrow, we'll explain the Frigid Ice Formation and make chilled sour plum soup."

"Changyue, you're truly something! Anyone who didn't know would think you're teaching them how to cook delicious food!" A hearty male voice suddenly rang out.

Wang Changsheng walked in, a broad smile on his face. As soon as he returned to Qinglian Mountain Villa, he came to Wang Changyue's residence. Wang Changsheng only had this one younger sister. She was no longer young, and Wang Changsheng wanted to find a suitable marriage for her.

"Brother, you've emerged from seclusion? Would you like some food?" Wang Changyue put down her bowl and chopsticks and said with a smile.

Seeing Wang Changsheng, Wang Qiushuang and the others immediately put down their bowls and chopsticks and bowed respectfully.

"That concludes today's formation lesson. You may all return now! Remember to be on time tomorrow; we'll be making chilled sour plum soup."

"Yes, Aunt (Grand-aunt)." Wang Qiushuang and the others acknowledged, then quickly left.

"Changyue, you're not getting any younger. Have you met any suitable male cultivators? I'll arrange it for you," Wang Changsheng said with a smile.

"Brother, I've told you a thousand times already: I'd rather have nothing than settle for mediocrity. If I don't meet anyone I like, I'd rather stay single. I'm doing perfectly fine on my own; it's not like I *have* to get married." Wang Changyue shrugged, picked up a chicken leg, and began eating. In no time, the chicken leg was quickly devoured.

Wang Changsheng sighed and said, "Father and Mother are no longer with us, and I can't always be by your side. If there were someone who could be with you and take care of you, I would be relieved. If you find any suitable male cultivators, tell me, and I'll arrange it for you."

Cultivators were not devoid of emotions or desires. Except for a very small number, most cultivators sought dual cultivation partners, established families, and pursued their paths.

Wang Changyue nodded and said, "I know. If I find someone suitable, I'll definitely tell you. Qiuhong and Qiushuang are also getting on in years; you should arrange something for them. For now, you don't need to worry about my marriage. Oh, and while you were away, Yongyan gave birth to a son, Wang Qiufeng, so you have another grandson."

Wang Changsheng nodded, chatted with Wang Changyue for a while, then left.

Wang Ruyan was talking with Wang Qingzhi, Qi Shanshan, Wang Qingyang, and Song Yongyan. Two young children gathered around Wang Ruyan, and her face was full of smiles.

Wang Qingyang was already at the eighth level of Qi Refining and could take a Foundation Establishment Pill to attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

"What are you all talking about? You seem so happy." Wang Changsheng walked over and asked casually.

"Father," "Grandpa." Seeing Wang Changsheng, Wang Qingzhi and the others greeted him one after another.

Wang Changsheng's gaze fell upon a young boy beside Wang Ruyan. He picked up both the boy and the girl, kissed each of them, and said with a smile, "Tell Grandpa, what are your names? How old are you this year?"

"Grandpa, my name is Wang Qiulan, and I am eight years old this year."

"Grandpa, my name is Wang Qiufeng, and I am four years old this year."

Wang Changsheng nodded, looked at Wang Qingyang, and asked, "So, are you considering attempting Foundation Establishment next?"

"Your son was just discussing this with Mother! Mother has already given me a Foundation Establishment Pill, and I hope to successfully advance to the Foundation Establishment stage." Wang Qingyang felt a bit anxious. With his four-spirit-root aptitude, even taking a Foundation Establishment Pill didn't guarantee success. However, since his elder sister and second brother had already achieved Foundation Establishment while he was still at Qi Refining, he felt quite uncomfortable and decided to give it a try. Wang Qingyang was able to obtain the Foundation Establishment Pill mainly because Wang Ruyan transferred her accumulated merit points to him; otherwise, according to clan rules, Wang Qingyang would not have been eligible for one.

"Work hard; success depends on human effort. You all may leave first; Qingzhi and Shanshan, please stay. I have something to discuss with you."

Wang Qingyang and his wife left with their son and daughter, leaving Wang Qingzhi and Qi Shanshan behind.

"I hear Qiuhong is doing well at the Four Seas Restaurant. He's also not young anymore, so you two, as his parents, should find a suitable marriage for him. I won't interfere. Shanshan, I promised you that I would help you avenge your clan's destruction if the opportunity arose. However, the situation is different now. You are our Wang family's daughter-in-law, and many people know about this. Perhaps your enemies already know. If your enemy clan were to be annihilated, the immortal cultivation sects of Chu would easily suspect our Wang family. Therefore, annihilating an entire clan cannot be done. Eliminating a single Foundation Establishment cultivator, however, would not be an issue. What do you think?"

Qi Shanshan had been married to Wang Qingzhi for many years, raising children. To be honest, her desire for revenge had significantly faded. She also understood that if her enemy's entire clan were annihilated, the immortal cultivation sects of Chu would easily suspect the Wang family. Who knew if her enemies had informed Chu's immortal cultivation sects? She hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "Everything is up to Father. Father, the Zixiao Sect has gained another Core Formation cultivator. This person is from the Lin family of Hongye Ridge. Not long ago, the Lin family sent someone over, saying they wished to form a marriage alliance with our Wang family. Qiuhong is also getting on in years, what do you think?"

"The Lin family? Lin Yuxin?" Wang Changsheng slightly furrowed his brow. Strictly speaking, the Wang family had never had a direct conflict with the Lin family. After Wang Changsheng formed his Core, his perspective on issues changed; he now prioritized profit in all matters.