Chapter 684: Wang Tianwen Travels Abroad

The cultivators present exchanged glances, their expressions varied. Wang Qingjing stood up and politely asked, “Junior Wang Qingjing, I would like to ask Senior Li: regarding development in the South Sea, how will the profits be distributed, and how many people will need to be contributed?”

The Wang family had previously attempted to expand into the Coral Sea region. However, their strength proved insufficient, and they were inadvertently caught in a conflict between two major powers, suffering heavy losses. They were forced to retreat to the East Barrens. Now, with Li Haifeng inviting various forces to develop in the South Sea, the Wang family saw an opportunity to return to the Coral Sea.

“At least one Core Formation cultivator must be dispatched,” Li Haifeng explained. “The amount of profit you receive will depend on the number of Core Formation cultivators you contribute and the extent of your efforts. I have allied with two Nascent Soul cultivators to pursue this development in the South Sea. We have already settled on a name: the Three Immortals Alliance. With three Nascent Soul cultivators as our foundation, our expansion is sure to proceed smoothly. Furthermore, forces that join the Three Immortals Alliance will also have their territories in the East Barrens protected by us, and mutual attacks among members will be forbidden. The detailed distribution plan will be elaborated upon once you decide to join us.”

Li Haifeng was not the only one interested in developing the South Sea. In recent years, many forces from the East Barrens had attempted to expand there, but all were too weak and returned defeated. The Wang family was just one such example. However, with three Nascent Soul cultivators leading and forming a loose cultivator alliance, this venture would undoubtedly be far more promising than any single force trying to make it alone.

“Very well, junior will certainly report back truthfully,” Wang Qingjing replied. “Once discussions are complete, I will give Senior Li our reply.” She then resumed her seat.

Other forces also indicated that they would truthfully report back to their sect elders before conveying their decision to Li Haifeng.

Two hours later, the banquet concluded, and the guests gradually departed.

Wang Qingjing and a team of clansmen mounted their Azure-Scaled Horses and ascended into the sky at great speed.

Joining the Three Immortals Alliance required the presence of a Core Formation cultivator. However, Wang Ruyan was in secluded cultivation, and Wang Changsheng’s whereabouts were unknown. Wang Qingjing was greatly troubled. She knew they couldn’t simply gain benefits through words alone; they would undoubtedly need to contribute resources and effort, and there was even a possibility of casualties.

The Wang family currently possessed over a hundred Azure-Scaled Horses. Among these, over thirty were second-tier, known for their rapid flight.

More than a month later, they returned to Azure Lotus Mountain Villa.

Wang Qingjing recounted her trip to the Yellow Sacred Palace to Wang Qingkai.

“The Three Immortals Alliance? And it requires Core Formation cultivators to join? Ninth Uncle isn’t here, so it would be pointless for us to agree,” Wang Qingkai said, his expression showing his dilemma. Wang Ruyan was in secluded cultivation, and Wang Changsheng had not yet returned. Without a Core Formation cultivator to represent them, they couldn't possibly join. Most importantly, he was unaware of Wang Changsheng's stance on the matter.

The Wang family had suffered heavy losses attempting to develop in the South Sea previously. Wang Changsheng had even withdrawn most of their personnel, and figures like Wang Qingqi never returned. Could there be a hidden reason behind this?

“Why don’t we agree for now,” Wang Qingjing suggested, “explaining that Father and Mother are in secluded cultivation, and secure a spot? If they don't agree, we can always withdraw later. I don't believe Father will object. The South Sea's cultivation resources are so abundant, and with three Nascent Soul cultivators leading the way, there’s no reason not to go.”

Wang Qingjing made the suggestion, as she had always wished to return to the South Sea to avenge Zhao Zheng. Moreover, having experienced the prosperity of the South Sea cultivation world, she was reluctant to remain in the East Barrens indefinitely.

“That’s a good suggestion, Eighth Sister,” Wang Qingkai said. “I'll entrust this matter to you. You will have full responsibility.”

As Wang Changsheng’s daughter, Wang Qingjing was indeed the most suitable person to handle this.

To be honest, Wang Qingkai also hoped for the family to expand into the South Sea. Before the Wang family retreated to the East Barrens, every few years, a large quantity of demon beast materials would be shipped back. These could be sold or refined into magic tools, earning a substantial amount of spirit stones. The profits were even higher than the resources transported back from Peach Mountain.

“Alright, I’ll handle this. I’ll head back now,” Wang Qingjing said, readily agreeing and confident in her ability to manage the affair.

No sooner had Wang Qingjing departed than a middle-aged man in his early thirties entered.

The man wore a blue scholar’s robe, his face fair and scholarly, giving him the appearance of a refined young master.

Wang Tianwen, a fourth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator, was Wang Changhuan’s great-grandson. He cultivated the Confucian sect’s technique, the *Haoran Jue*. The *Haoran Jue* was a Profound-grade cultivation method; however, the Wang family only possessed an incomplete fragment, allowing cultivation only up to the sixth level of Foundation Establishment. As Confucian and Taoist sects were prevalent in the Central Plains, he planned to seek out the complete technique there. If that failed, he would have to switch to another cultivation method.

In addition to seeking the complete technique, he was also stuck at a bottleneck. He intended to use this journey as an opportunity to clear his mind, hoping it would help him break through his current bottleneck.

“Tianwen, is there something you need?” Wang Qingkai asked with a smile. Wang Tianwen was currently a key cultivation prospect for the family; he was sincere, refined, courteous, and diligently cultivated.

“Patriarch, I’ve hit a bottleneck,” Wang Tianwen explained. “I plan to travel to the Central Plains to try and resolve it. If possible, I’d also like to search for the later parts of the *Haoran Jue* cultivation method. If that proves impossible, I’ll have no choice but to switch my cultivation method. As the Central Plains are the birthplace of the Confucian sect, I intend to visit there.”

“To the Central Plains? And by yourself?”

Wang Tianwen nodded and said, “The cultivation method I practice is somewhat unique; its bottlenecks cannot be resolved through mere combat. Furthermore, due to the nature of the technique itself, I have long yearned to visit the cultivation world of the Central Plains. It would be an ideal opportunity to finally see it. The journey is long, and I've already asked others; none of them are willing to go to the Central Plains. They prefer to go to the South Sea.”

Wang Qingkai frowned and asked, “What? Is it absolutely necessary for you to go?”

“Not necessarily,” Wang Tianwen replied. “If the family needs me to do something, I can certainly postpone it. However, I will have to go eventually. Confucian cultivation methods are quite rare in the East Barrens. As the Central Plains are the birthplace of the Confucian sect, the chances of finding what I need should be much higher.”

“The family has no pressing tasks for you at the moment,” Wang Qingkai said earnestly. “However, I am not entirely at ease with you traveling alone. Take a few more second-tier puppet beasts with you. Be cautious on your journey, and always exercise extra vigilance when you’re away from home. No one from our family has ever journeyed to the Central Plains before, so you must be especially careful traveling by yourself. Go to the treasury and draw five years’ worth of stipend. If things don’t work out, return early. The family’s doors will always be open for you.”

Wang Qingkai spoke earnestly. Wang Tianwen was a junior he held in high regard, and he wished him well.

“Thank you, Patriarch. Your grandson bids farewell,” Wang Tianwen said, expressing his gratitude as he turned to leave.

About a cup of tea’s time later, an Azure-Scaled Horse flew out of Azure Lotus Mountain Villa. Wang Tianwen sat on its back, a faint smile gracing his face.

Soon after, Wang Tianwen disappeared into the horizon.

South Sea, Red Moon Sea Region.

Azure Carp Market, Hundred Weapons Pavilion.

Wang Qiuli, who had already reached Foundation Establishment, was the manager of the Hundred Weapons Pavilion.

The Hundred Weapons Pavilion sold magic tools and puppet beasts, and also purchased demon beast materials.

Wang Qiuli was currently attending to customers; a man and a woman sat opposite her.

The man was tall with resolute features, while the woman had fair skin and a captivating figure. Both were at the eighth level of Foundation Establishment.

The man’s name was Cheng Zhenyu, and the woman’s was Zheng Nan. They were a dual cultivation couple and also the leaders of a demon hunting team.

The couple were long-time customers of the Hundred Weapons Pavilion, and Wang Qiuli held them in high regard.

“Fellow Daoist Cheng, this batch of goods is excellent. Our Hundred Weapons Pavilion will purchase all of it. Here are five thousand spirit stones,” Wang Qiuli said, producing a storage bead and handing it to Cheng Zhenyu.

Cheng Zhenyu took the storage bead, scanned it with his divine sense, and nodded with satisfaction.

“Manager Wang, your Hundred Weapons Pavilion is truly generous. Your prices are higher than other shops, so it’s no wonder your business is thriving.”

Wang Qiuli smiled sweetly. “Fellow Daoist Cheng, you jest,” she said. “The Hundred Weapons Pavilion’s success is entirely thanks to the support of fellow daoists like yourselves. Should you acquire any valuable items, please consider our Hundred Weapons Pavilion first. As for the price, we absolutely guarantee not to disappoint Fellow Daoist Cheng.”

“We are old friends, so naturally,” Cheng Zhenyu replied. “Manager Wang, we have other matters to attend to, so we’ll take our leave for now. Farewell.” Cheng Zhenyu stood up to bid farewell and departed with Zheng Nan.

Wang Qiuli rose to see them off, personally escorting them out.