Chapter 571: Wang Ping'an's Passing

Wang Changsheng nodded and said, "Qingyuan, don't worry! As long as Qiuzheng doesn't violate family rules, cultivates diligently, and contributes to the family, he can definitely establish his foundation."

Wang Qingyuan breathed a sigh of relief. With Wang Changsheng's and Wang Qingkai's assurance, the heavy burden in his heart was lifted.

"Ninth Uncle, please go see Ping'an quickly! He is a mortal, and even with the Nourishing Essence Pill, he won't last much longer. Before he passes, he surely wants to see you and Ninth Aunt."

Wang Changsheng sighed and instructed Wang Qingkai, "Take good care of Qingyuan. I'll be right back."

"Wait, Ninth Uncle, there's something I need to tell you."

Wang Qingkai stopped Wang Changsheng, a difficult expression on his face.

"What is it? Tell me quickly."

"Qiu Yin embezzled three thousand spirit stones from the family. Many family members who were closely associated with him also became corrupt, causing a terrible influence. I sent people to apprehend him, and he was publicly beheaded as a warning. Other corrupt individuals were dismissed and investigated to set an example. Tianle has been bullying men and women, damaging our family's reputation. I have already sent people to apprehend him and confined him for a period."

"Qiu Yin? Tianle? Who are they?"

Wang Changsheng was slightly taken aback, completely bewildered.

"Qiu Yin is Uncle Mingren's grand-nephew. Tianle is your great-grandson; he has repeatedly harassed female cultivators from smaller families and taken many wives and concubines, which harms our family's reputation."

A strange glint flashed in Wang Changsheng's eyes. He hadn't expected Wang Qingkai to be so decisive in his actions, confirming that making him the family head was the right decision.

"You've done very well, but your handling of Tianle is insufficient. If his crimes are confirmed, he should be imprisoned for life; do not release him. Furthermore, send more people to investigate thoroughly. Anyone who dares to do anything that harms the family's interests or reputation, no matter who they are—even if they are my own sons or daughters—must be severely punished without leniency."

As the saying goes, "If the upper beam is not straight, the lower beam will be crooked." Just as the family was showing signs of prosperity, a few bad apples appeared. Wang Changsheng knew he had to lead by example.

Hearing this, Wang Qingkai breathed a long sigh of relief. Honestly, he wasn't worried about dealing with Wang Mingren's grand-nephew; after all, Wang Mingren hadn't yet formed his core, and he had so many siblings that he might not even know about this particular grand-nephew, Wang Qiuyin. However, Wang Changsheng had fewer direct descendants, and he was the highest-ranking cultivator in the family, so Wang Qingkai hadn't dared to be too extreme.

With Wang Changsheng's words, Wang Qingkai could now act without reservations.

In the mortal world, within a magnificent courtyard, was an exquisite pavilion.

Wang Ping'an lay on the bed, his face covered in wrinkles. A group of his children and grandchildren stood inside the room, each with a different expression.

Wang Ping'an was the wealthiest landlord in the mortal world, with numerous wives and concubines and a vast progeny. They all hoped to receive a larger share of his wealth.

"Tai'er, still no one has come?"

Wang Ping'an asked, his voice weak.

"Father, no. The main family hasn't sent anyone."

A middle-aged man replied. The "main family" he referred to was Qinglian Villa, and everyone present knew that Wang Ping'an originated from there.

Wang Ping'an's expression darkened. He murmured to himself, "Still no one? Is this my fate?"

"It's not your fate, but the difference between immortals and mortals. Father didn't want this either." A man's voice suddenly echoed.

No sooner had the words faded than a blue streak of light flew in, landing beside Wang Ping'an's bed. It was Wang Changsheng.

Wang Changsheng glanced at Wang Ping'an on the bed and the people in the room, then let out a long sigh.

Seeing Wang Changsheng, Wang Ping'an became extremely agitated and struggled to sit up.

Wang Changsheng stopped him and instructed the middle-aged man, "All of you, leave! No one is to approach this place."

"Go on, all of you, leave."

Wang Ping'an waved his hand, giving the order.

Hearing this, the others left one by one, leaving only Wang Changsheng and Wang Ping'an in the room.

Wang Ping'an's old tears streamed down his face, his expression extremely emotional. He choked out, "Undutiful son Wang Ping'an greets Father. Your child has been unable to fulfill his filial duties at your bedside all these years. Your child is unfilial."

Wang Changsheng gently patted Wang Ping'an's shoulder and said kindly, "You are not unfilial. Your mother and I know of your filial piety. Your mother is in secluded cultivation and couldn't make it. Don't blame her."

This son had no spiritual roots and was sent to the mortal world at the age of five. He never returned to Qinglian Villa and never saw Wang Changsheng or Wang Ruyan again.

Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan had always worried about Wang Ping'an, but due to the distinction between immortals and mortals, they did not bring him to live with them, intending to lead by example. Mortals reproduce too quickly.

Wang Ping'an cried uncontrollably, years of grievances pouring out. He had thought his parents had forgotten him, but unexpectedly, Wang Changsheng had come to visit him before his death.

"Your child doesn't blame Mother. When I married and had children, Mother sent gifts. Your child has always remembered Mother's kindness. Father, how is Tianqi?"

Wang Ping'an wiped his tears and asked with a smile.

In his lifetime, he had forty-five sons and twenty-six daughters. His grandsons and granddaughters numbered over a hundred, great-grandchildren several hundred, and great-great-grandchildren over a thousand. Out of such a vast lineage, only Wang Tianqi possessed spiritual roots.

"She's very well; she's already established her foundation. Do you have any unfulfilled wishes? Father will help you achieve them."

Wang Ping'an hesitated for a moment, then said with a hopeful expression, "Father, after your child dies, can my body be cremated and my ashes scattered at Qinglian Villa? I really long to return to Qinglian Villa."

By the end of his words, his eyes reddened, and tears flowed uncontrollably. After all these years, he still yearned to return to Qinglian Villa. His parents, brothers, and sisters were there. In the mortal world, he never lacked food or clothing, and everyone respected and protected him, yet he always felt like an outsider. In his eyes, Qinglian Villa was his true home.

If he couldn't return in life, returning in death would be good too.

Wang Changsheng sighed softly and nodded, saying, "Alright, Father promises you. Your ashes will definitely be scattered at Qinglian Villa."

Hearing this, Wang Ping'an's face broke into a contented smile. He looked out the open window at the slowly setting sun and murmured, "Father, if there's a next life, your child hopes to be born again in Qinglian Villa, with spiritual roots, to stay by your side. How wonderful it would be if our family could eat, cultivate, and chat together."

"It will happen. It definitely will."

Wang Changsheng comforted him, his eyes somewhat red-rimmed.

He felt a mix of emotions. He could tell that Wang Ping'an deeply desired to cultivate immortality and longed to live with his parents and siblings. However, without spiritual roots, there was no hope for him in this life, so he could only place his hopes on the next.

Wang Ping'an gazed at the slowly setting sun. His vision blurred, and in the sunset, he saw the figures of Wang Changsheng, Wang Ruyan, Wang Qingqing, Wang Qingzhi, and Wang Qingyang, waving to him.

"Ping'an, come quickly to Mother! Mother has delicious food here."

"Little brother, let me teach you how to refine puppet beasts! Puppet beasts are so much fun."

"Third brother, come on, let's go play in the spirit field with your big brother. I'll take you to catch spirit shrimp."

Wang Ping'an lifted his hand, using his last remaining strength, and reached towards the setting sun, saying, "I really want to go back to Qinglian Villa. I really want to go back."

After saying this, a wave of drowsiness washed over him. His heavy eyelids slowly closed, and his breath ceased.

Wang Changsheng was overcome with grief and couldn't help but weep loudly. He watched helplessly as his son died in his arms, unable to do anything. He was truly heartbroken.