Chapter 820: Closing the Door to Beat the Dog

Wang Changsheng sighed deeply. Wang Qingjing had first lost her husband, then her son, both at the hands of enemies. This had been a devastating blow to her. She was currently staying in Qingbiefang City and rarely made an appearance.

"By the way, how are the arrangements for that matter?" Wang Changsheng suddenly remembered something and asked.

The "matter" Wang Changsheng referred to was placing operatives within the Cloud Sea Sect. Having spent so long in the South Sea immortal cultivation world, he had come to understand its rules of survival.

The weak are preyed upon. Just because you don't bully others doesn't mean they won't bully you. When the Wang family first arrived in the South Sea, they adopted a strategy of peaceful coexistence, avoiding conflict with other forces. Yet, hostile powers still sought to undermine them.

Wang Changsheng had previously eliminated two Core Formation cultivators from the Cloud Sea Sect. Afterward, the Cloud Sea Sect hadn't retaliated, seemingly having forgotten the incident. However, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan had not. They believed it was unacceptable to allow enemies to sleep soundly so close to their home. Since enmity had already been established and they were neighbors, the Wang family would constantly be vulnerable to Cloud Sea Sect attacks unless the sect was destroyed.

"Currently, we've recruited two operatives," he said. "We've placed restrictions on them and given them a substantial sum of money. One is stationed in the Deacon Hall, and the other in the Artifact Forging Hall."

Wang Changsheng intended to use these operatives to get close to the Cloud Sea Sect's Core Formation cultivators and eliminate them, thereby eradicating future threats.

"Also, Grandfather, two Foundation Establishment cultivators have been behaving unusually," he added. "Tianqi suspects they've been bribed."

After the family's three strongholds were attacked, security on Silver Serpent Island was tightened internally while appearing relaxed externally. It was under these heightened security measures that the unusual behavior of two clan members was noticed.

"Who are they? Explain in detail."

"Li Zhongping and Wang Youbin. Li Zhongping is an external cultivator who joined a monster hunting team. He was covertly asking about the number of Core Formation cultivators in our clan and their cultivation methods. As for Wang Youbin, he was originally a guard for the family's caravan. He previously showed no interest in formations, but a few years ago, he started frequenting our clan's formation masters, inquiring about the clan's protective formation. He even volunteered to be transferred to patrol the sea."

Patrolling cultivators were not well-compensated, and the duty was time-consuming. Typically, the Wang family's patrols operated on a rotation system, with few clan members volunteering for sea patrols.

Wang Changsheng was plotting against the Cloud Sea Sect, and the Cloud Sea Sect, in turn, was plotting against the Wang family.

"I can understand why an external cultivator might betray us, but for someone with the Wang surname to betray the family is unforgivable," Wang Ruyan said, her expression turning cold and her voice chilling.

"Some people are ungrateful no matter how you treat them. You haven't alerted them, have you?" Wang Qiuhong shook his head. "No, their positions aren't high. Tianqi plans to play the long game and see if there are more traitors."

"By the way, how is Haitang? How has she been recently?" Wang Changsheng asked with concern. With Ye Yutong gone, Wang Changsheng naturally felt he had to look after Ye Haitang.

"After the family incident, Aunt Haitang seemed to transform," she replied. "She became quiet and reserved, spending most of her time in secluded cultivation. However, she's been diligently teaching Tian Mi, who can now set up high-grade second-tier formations."

Wang Ruyan sighed softly. "It's tough for Haitang," she said. "She used to be so cheerful. We should try to comfort her..."

Before she could finish, a sharp, urgent whistling sound emanated from Wang Qiuhong.

Wang Qiuhong frowned, glanced at Wang Changsheng for his stance, and upon receiving a nod, took out a communication disc. He struck it with a magic formula, and soon, a somewhat eager male voice spoke: "Clan Leader, it's Youbin. I've met a few rogue cultivators who claim to have acquired a great treasure they wish to present to the Elder Ancestor. However, the guards won't let them in. What are your thoughts?"

"How many are there, and what do they do?" Wang Qiuhong asked calmly.

"There are four of them," the voice replied. "They make a living hunting demonic beasts and stumbled upon a treasure they wish to offer to the Elder Ancestor in exchange for Core Formation spiritual items."

"A great treasure?" Wang Changsheng interjected, his expression cold. "Qiuhong, send someone to bring them here."

He had originally planned to personally eliminate the Cloud Sea Sect, but unexpectedly, they had come to him. This was even better; it saved him a long journey.

Ye Lin had established three sets of third-tier formations at Wang Changsheng's residence, which Wang Changsheng himself controlled, making the place virtually impregnable.

"Yes, Grandfather," Wang Qiuhong replied. "Youbin, please wait a moment; I'll instruct the guards." He then cut the communication and looked at Wang Changsheng.

"Immediately send someone to notify Qingling to see if she's emerged from seclusion," Wang Changsheng commanded in a low voice. "And Haitang as well. Tell them it's an enemy attack. Once the battle begins, evacuate the clan members. Leave the rest to us." This was a perfect opportunity to test the power of his secret techniques against the Cloud Sea Sect's Core Formation cultivators.

Wang Changsheng's residence was a sprawling manor. Immortal Master Ziyue had been living there, a fact unknown to Wang Qiuhong.

With four combatants and the benefit of formations, they should be able to completely annihilate the approaching enemies.

"Understood, Grandfather," Wang Qiuhong affirmed, then quickly departed.

Wang Changsheng took out his communication disc and contacted Immortal Master Ziyue.

"Immortal Master Ziyue, have you emerged from seclusion?" A voice from the communication disc responded, "I just emerged a few days ago, what's the matter?"

Wang Changsheng briefly explained the situation and asked Immortal Master Ziyue to come assist.

"Having troubled you for so long, it's about time I made myself useful," Immortal Master Ziyue readily agreed. "I'll be right over."

Shortly after, Immortal Master Ziyue arrived at Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan's residence. She had already reached the eighth layer of Core Formation, making her stronger than both Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan. It appeared she might even advance to the Nascent Soul stage before Wang Changsheng.

"Immortal Master Ziyue, these are the control discs for three sets of formations," Wang Changsheng said, handing her three differently colored discs. "Later, you simply need to manipulate them to trap the enemies. My wife and I will handle the rest."

Formations personally set up by Ye Lin were bound to be immensely powerful.

With Immortal Master Ziyue, an eighth-layer Core Formation cultivator, controlling the formations, success was virtually guaranteed. If Wang Qingling emerged from seclusion, she could also operate the island's protective formation to attack the enemies.

A peculiar glint flashed in Immortal Master Ziyue's eyes, but she said nothing, merely agreeing and putting away the formation discs.

A sound transmission talisman flew in and stopped before Wang Changsheng. Wang Ruyan crushed it, and a male voice abruptly spoke: "Elder Ancestor, your grandson has arrived at your residence."

"Bring them in!" Wang Changsheng's voice echoed far and wide.

Outside the manor, upon hearing Wang Changsheng's words, Wang Youbin's face lit up with joy. He nodded to Lu Gang and the other three, then strode forward, with the four following closely behind.

The manor was beautifully constructed, featuring pavilions, palaces, and rock gardens.

Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan were leisurely drinking tea and chatting in a stone pavilion, both appearing relaxed.

"Your grandson greets the Elder Ancestor," Wang Youbin said, quickly bowing. Lu Gang and the other four followed suit, all five displaying respectful expressions that seemed genuine.