Chapter 471: Plans

Wang Qingshan smiled faintly and said, "Opportunity and danger coexist. Cultivators inherently defy the heavens, so what is there to fear? Even if Uncle Nine hadn't mentioned it, I still wanted to go to the South Sea with Brother Twelve. However, we have too few Foundation Establishment cultivators. With just the two of us, it would be difficult to protect everyone else if a conflict arose."

During his trip to the Grand Unity Immortal Sect, he inquired about the South Sea's situation from Wang Mingren. Wang Qingshan had long yearned for the South Sea, as it was the origin of the cultivation world. Any cultivator with a bit of strength wished to develop there.

Wang Qingkai chuckled foolishly and said, "If Uncle Nine commands, your nephew will certainly obey."

"I'm planning a trip to the South Sea to broaden your horizons. You should first join the rogue cultivator teams there, hunt demon beasts with them, and familiarize yourselves with the situation."

The Wang family currently had too few Foundation Establishment cultivators capable of fighting. Wang Changhao had lost an arm, significantly weakening his strength, making him no longer suitable for hunting demon beasts.

Wang Changsheng planned to cultivate several more Foundation Establishment cultivators to ensure smoother family development in the South Sea in the future. Additionally, another second-tier alchemist was needed, as the family's sole second-tier alchemist, Wang Qingqi, was simply not enough.

According to Wang Qingyuan's report, Wang Qingqi was extremely busy refining elixirs when spirit herbs matured, which interfered with his cultivation.

Formation masters and alchemists were the Wang family's weaknesses. To address this, Wang Changsheng needed to cultivate several more clan members in the Foundation Establishment stage.

Frankly, if he hadn't advanced to the Core Formation stage, most of the family's income would have been spent on him, and the family would have cultivated many more Foundation Establishment cultivators by now.

"That's no problem. We'll go back and pack, then we'll set off with Uncle Nine."

Wang Changsheng nodded with satisfaction. He asked about the cultivation progress of Wang Qingshan and Wang Qingjun, and they answered truthfully.

After chatting for a little less than half an hour, Wang Qingshan and Wang Qingjun departed.

Wang Changsheng visited Wang Changhao at his residence. Wang Changhao had lost an arm, which made his movements somewhat inconvenient.

"Eighteenth Brother, you shouldn't hunt demon beasts anymore. Settle down in the market city instead! Get married and have children. I'm already a great-grandfather, and you're still alone."

Wang Changsheng spoke earnestly and sincerely, genuinely considering Wang Changhao's well-being.

Wang Changsheng would not force Foundation Establishment cultivators within the clan to marry. This was also a way to encourage clan members to cultivate; the higher their cultivation, the more autonomy they had. If they couldn't reach Foundation Establishment, their parents would decide their marriages.

Wang Changhao nodded and sighed, "Ninth Brother, I understand. I thought a lot during the trip to the Golden Sun Sect ruins. Getting married and having children doesn't affect cultivation at all; perhaps it can even help. Ninth Sister-in-law is a prime example."

He had previously thought that a wife and children were burdens and that cultivators should have unwavering Dao hearts. However, during the Golden Sun Sect trip, he almost died. He had wondered if his lineage would end if he perished. After cultivating so painstakingly to his current realm, a single death would leave behind only a collection of relics.

Having an unwavering Dao heart doesn't prevent one from starting a family. Some high-level cultivators have numerous descendants, with their bloodlines extending for dozens of generations, and their cultivation doesn't seem to be affected.

"It's best if you think that way. Which girl have you taken a liking to? I'll send someone to propose on your behalf."

Wang Changhao smiled faintly and said, "Thank you, Ninth Brother. I haven't found a girl I like yet, but if I do, I'll definitely tell you."

"Good. When the time comes, I'll personally preside over your wedding. As your elder brother, it's my duty."

Over the years, Wang Changhao had hunted numerous demon beasts, generating substantial profits for the family. Among the clan members of the 'Chang' generation, Wang Changsheng was relatively close to Wang Changhao. Wang Changsheng rarely spoke to other 'Chang' generation members, and some had never even met him. This was unavoidable, as Wang Yaolong had too many descendants, and most of the 'Chang' generation within the clan were Wang Yaolong's grandsons.

A little less than half an hour later, Wang Changsheng returned to his residence.

Entering his secluded cultivation chamber, he immediately took out his spirit beast pouch and released the Soul-Devouring Golden Cicada.

The Soul-Devouring Golden Cicada was already a second-tier low-grade beast, but it was quite docile. According to Wang Qingling, she had never shown it to others, and the cicada had never devoured any souls or demon cores; Wang Qingling had always fed it herself.

The Soul-Devouring Golden Cicada let out a strange cry, flapped its four wings, and flew towards the chamber door.

Wang Changsheng bit his tongue, spitting out a mouthful of vital blood that hovered in mid-air.

His ten fingers continuously formed hand seals, sending several magical incantations into the vital blood.

"Condense."

As Wang Changsheng commanded, the vital blood churned and rolled, transforming into hundreds of mysterious crimson runes. With a swift turn, these runes became a palm-sized crimson lotus, which instantly vanished into the Soul-Devouring Golden Cicada's body.

Wang Changsheng felt a peculiar connection with the Soul-Devouring Golden Cicada, as if it were his own left or right arm.

With a thought, he issued a command to the Soul-Devouring Golden Cicada. The cicada resisted somewhat; having been raised by Wang Qingling since it was small, it was unaccustomed to suddenly obeying Wang Changsheng.

Wang Changsheng activated his incantation, and some crimson runes appeared on the Soul-Devouring Golden Cicada's body, vaguely forming a crimson lotus.

The Soul-Devouring Golden Cicada let out a painful wail, flapping its four wings incessantly.

It seemed to understand something and obediently flew towards Wang Changsheng; only then did the painful sensation subside.

Wang Changsheng dotingly stroked its head, then took out a foot-long black flower and fed it to the Soul-Devouring Golden Cicada.

With a stick and a sweet date, he believed he would soon gain the Soul-Devouring Golden Cicada's trust.

After eating the black flower, the Soul-Devouring Golden Cicada became much more amicable towards Wang Changsheng.

Wang Changsheng's expression shifted. With a flick of his right hand, a yellow light shot out from the spirit beast bead on his wrist—it was the Dual-Pupiled Rat.

It sniffed the scent of spirit medicine, quickly scurried into Wang Changsheng's arms, and wagged its tail, appearing very excited.

Wang Changsheng smiled faintly and said, "Only your nose is so keen, you glutton."

Wang Changsheng took out an oval-shaped green fruit and fed it to the Dual-Pupiled Rat.

The Dual-Pupiled Rat quickly devoured the green fruit and scurried around the chamber.

After playing for a while, Wang Changsheng retrieved them into his spirit beast bead and sat down cross-legged to meditate and recuperate.

The next day, Wang Changsheng summoned Zhao Zheng and chatted with him for a while.

Zhao Zheng appeared a bit nervous, but his demeanor was proper, and he didn't show any panic.

After their conversation, Wang Changsheng was quite satisfied with his prospective son-in-law.

"Young friend Zhao, you're not young anymore. Why haven't you found a companion?"

Wang Changsheng asked casually.

Zhao Zheng glanced at the blushing Wang Qingqing, understanding the situation. He stood up, bowed to Wang Changsheng, and stated earnestly, "Fairy Wang is understanding, gentle, and considerate. This junior admires her greatly. I ask for your approval, Senior."

Wang Changsheng smiled faintly and said, "I have only this one daughter, and I won't let her marry out. Are you willing to become a live-in son-in-law?"

"This junior is willing, but I hope one child can bear the Zhao surname, so I can account for it to my parents beneath the Nine Springs."

Wang Changsheng's expression hardened as he sternly said, "What if I don't agree? What would you do?"

"A forced melon isn't sweet. Although this junior is a rogue cultivator, I have my principles. If you don't agree, I will strive to make you agree. If you truly refuse, then it can only be said that this junior and Fairy Wang are destined to be apart."

Wang Qingqing showed displeasure; she disliked Zhao Zheng's answer.

Wang Changsheng smiled faintly and said, "It's good for young people to have integrity, but it depends on the situation."

"Of all virtues, filial piety comes first. If not for my parents, this junior would not be where I am today. To abandon my ancestors and clan for personal prospects is something this junior would never do."

Zhao Zheng said earnestly, his expression serious.

Wang Changsheng nodded and said, "Anyone who abandons their ancestors and clan can forget about being my son-in-law. I approve of this marriage. Qingqing's mother is in secluded cultivation; once she emerges, I will preside over your wedding. Young friend Zhao, how about you temporarily stay at Green Lotus Mountain Villa?"

Zhao Zheng shook his head and said earnestly, "Thank you for your kindness, Senior Wang, but that would be improper. This junior has not yet formed a dual cultivation partnership with Fairy Wang. Living at Green Lotus Mountain Villa indefinitely under the guise of friendship would harm her reputation, and I am not that kind of person. What if Fairy Wang's mother remains in secluded cultivation for over a decade? Am I to stay at Green Lotus Mountain Villa for that long? This junior has hands and feet and can support himself."

Hearing this, Wang Changsheng showed a look of approval. This son-in-law was excellent; Wang Changsheng felt relieved entrusting his daughter to Zhao Zheng.

"Since that's the case, then you may leave Green Lotus Mountain Villa. Recently, evil cultivators have been active, so be careful and try not to wander around too much."

"This junior understands. Thank you for the warning, Senior Wang. Fairy Wang, I'll take my leave now."

Wang Qingqing nodded and said with concern, "Zhao Lang, be careful on your journey."

Zhao Zheng assented, bowed to Wang Changsheng, and turned to leave.