"This year's income was good. We need to work even harder next year. Everyone, get to work!"
"Yes, family head."
After everyone had left, a resolute-looking man in a green robe entered.
"Family head, there's something I must report to you."
Wang Qingkai nodded and said with a smile, "Qingfeng, speak your mind freely!"
Wang Qingfeng was the head of the Enforcement Hall. He was responsible for handling all family members' transgressions, and Wang Tianle's case was one he managed.
"Has Aunt Changyue gotten married? She seems to be pregnant, but I haven't heard any news of her marriage."
Illicit romantic relationships were subject to family punishment, but a proper marriage was perfectly acceptable.
As the number of cultivators in the Wang family grew, some members took many wives and concubines, often staying away for extended periods. This left their wives and concubines alone, and it was hard to guarantee that no illicit relationships would occur. Wang Qingfeng had previously handled a case where a family member seduced his uncle's concubine. That adulterous pair was publicly beheaded to set an example.
"Aunt Changyue's situation is special. Do not pursue this matter further. Ensure that those who know remain silent. No one is to gossip about Aunt Changyue. Violators will be severely punished."
Wang Qingkai's expression was solemn, and his tone was grave.
Wang Changsheng had spoken with Wang Qingjun. He only knew that Wang Changyue had found a cultivation partner, but he wasn't clear about the identity of the person.
Before leaving Azure Lotus Villa, Wang Changsheng had specifically instructed that no one was to discuss Wang Changyue.
"Yes, family head."
Wang Qingfeng quickly agreed, a sigh of relief escaping him. Wang Changyue was Wang Changsheng's sister, so he dared not investigate further.
South Sea, Coral Sea Territory.
At a secluded courtyard within Wooden Dragon Pavilion, Chen Yilong was enjoying tea and conversation with Fairy Ziyue.
"Fellow Daoist Chen, have you received any news about Fellow Daoist Wang?"
After several rounds of tea, Fairy Ziyue inquired.
"Indeed, I haven't. Fairy Ziyue, is there something urgent you need with Fellow Daoist Wang?"
Chen Yilong's expression was peculiar. He had introduced Fairy Ziyue to Wang Changsheng, and ever since, every six months or so, Fairy Ziyue would inquire about Wang Changsheng's whereabouts. If it were an enmity, that seemed unlikely, as they shouldn't have met before. Could they have become enemies at their first meeting? It was highly improbable.
As far as he knew, Fairy Ziyue had numerous admirers and was known as the most beautiful woman in the Coral Sea Territory.
If it were an enmity, there would be no need for Fairy Ziyue to come to him to ask about Wang Changsheng's whereabouts. She could simply signal her admirers, and many would surely be willing to help her.
Since it wasn't an enmity, it was very likely that the two knew each other, perhaps even as lovers.
Chen Yilong had a bold conjecture: Wang Changsheng and Fairy Ziyue were old acquaintances, perhaps even lovers, who had separated for various reasons. Upon meeting again, Wang Changsheng was already married, and out of fear of his wife, he had to leave the Coral Sea Territory to establish himself elsewhere.
Fairy Ziyue showed a disappointed expression, shaking her head as she said, "It's nothing urgent. I just wanted to discuss artifact refining techniques with him. Fellow Daoist Chen, if you have any news of Fellow Daoist Wang, please send someone to Purple Bamboo Island to inform me."
"Alright, I will."
"Very well then, I have other matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave now."
Chen Yilong readily agreed and personally escorted Fairy Ziyue out.
Just as Fairy Ziyue flew out of Wooden Dragon Pavilion, a blue streak of light appeared in the sky, rapidly approaching the pavilion.
Fairy Ziyue paused and looked towards the blue light.
In less than three breaths, the blue light stopped, revealing a blue flying boat. Its spiritual aura shimmered erratically, indicating it was clearly an embryonic magic treasure.
Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan stood on the boat. Both were somewhat surprised to see Fairy Ziyue.
Upon seeing Wang Changsheng, a look of delight appeared on Fairy Ziyue's exquisite face.
Witnessing this, Chen Yilong and Sun Hongyu secretly nodded, realizing their suspicions were correct: Wang Changsheng and Fairy Ziyue had a private affair.
Fairy Ziyue smiled charmingly and said to Wang Changsheng, "Fellow Daoist Wang, what a coincidence!"
"Fairy Ziyue, long time no see."
Wang Changsheng offered a polite smile.
The Sun-Moon Palace had offered a hefty reward for the capture of a Zhenhai Sect Elder. He couldn't be certain whether Fairy Ziyue was friend or foe. What if she was bait thrown out by the Sun-Moon Palace to lure Zhenhai Sect disciples into revealing their true identities? That would be disastrous.
"Fellow Daoist Chen, Madam Chen, long time no see."
Wang Ruyan smiled sweetly and greeted Chen Yilong and Sun Hongyu.
"Long time no see, Fellow Daoist Wang, Madam Wang. Please come in."
Chen Yilong vaguely guessed the couple's purpose. If Wang Changsheng also leased an island from the Cold Flame Sect, Wooden Dragon Pavilion would gain another ally in the future.
Introducing two Core Formation cultivators to the Cold Flame Sect would also earn them a reward, as, to some extent, tenants were considered affiliated forces of the Cold Flame Sect.
"Fellow Daoist Wang, if you have time, why not come to Purple Bamboo Island? We could exchange insights on artifact refining."
Fairy Ziyue extended a warm invitation, her tone sincere.
She could tell that Wang Changsheng had something to discuss with Chen Yilong, and her presence might make their conversation awkward.
"If we have time, my wife and I will certainly pay a visit."
Wang Changsheng agreed with a smile. Until he understood whether Fairy Ziyue was friend or foe, he would not get too close to her.
Unsolicited kindness often concealed ulterior motives.
"It's a promise, then. Fellow Daoist Chen, I must take my leave. If you and Fellow Daoist Wang have time, you are welcome to visit Purple Bamboo Island anytime."
After speaking, Fairy Ziyue summoned a purple flying shuttle, stepped onto it, and transformed into a streak of purple light, soaring away.
Wang Ruyan watched Fairy Ziyue's departing silhouette, her beautiful eyes constantly moving, lost in thought.
Chen Yilong and his wife warmly invited Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan to the island for tea and conversation.
After several rounds of tea, Wang Changsheng got straight to the point: "Fellow Daoist Chen, judging by the time, the Cold Flame Sect should be open for island leases now, right?"
To be honest, Wang Changsheng was not particularly keen on leasing an island, as being bound by others was inconvenient. He had once considered finding a secluded island with a second-tier spiritual vein and upgrading it using formations.
After Wang Ruyan achieved Core Formation, Azure Lotus Villa could no longer sustain both Wang Changsheng and her cultivation. Since he planned to develop in the South Sea, owning an island was the optimal choice.
The Coral Sea Territory had tens of thousands of islands, but those with abundant spiritual energy were already occupied. There might be some overlooked deserted islands that cultivators could seize. The three major powers might turn a blind eye until you managed to upgrade the spiritual vein to the third tier. At that point, someone would certainly come to collect rent. Could you refuse to pay? Of course, you could, but without a Nascent Soul cultivator, they would kill you without hesitation. That was simply how tyrannical they were.
There was once a cultivation family that occupied an unnamed deserted island and thrived for over a century. Just as they finally managed to upgrade their spiritual vein to the third tier, an enforcer from the Cold Flame Sect arrived. They were given three options: pay a hefty fine, undertake a mission for the Cold Flame Sect, or face annihilation.
If they were to reside on an island long-term, family members coming and going would inevitably be discovered by other cultivators. Therefore, it was better to simply lease an island.
[14 seconds ago] Chapter 1072: Washing Vegetables
[1 minute ago] Chapter 1098: Differences in Aptitude
[2 minutes ago] Chapter 1103: Face to Face
[3 minutes ago] Chapter 2212: Illusion Realm
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