Chapter 828: Wang Qingjun's Plan

“Wang Shizhi, what did you do at Sword Peak? You must tell me honestly.”

Zhang Zhanfeng’s gaze was stern, and his tone was grave.

Wang Qingshan thought carefully, realizing he hadn’t done anything unusual. After a moment’s hesitation, he truthfully recounted how the giant white sword had appeared.

After hearing Wang Qingshan’s account, Zhang Zhanfeng’s expression showed contemplation. With his discernment, he could naturally tell that Wang Qingshan was not lying.

This was the first time the Taiyi Sword had actively appeared since being buried in Sword Peak, and it hadn’t slain Wang Qingshan. This indicated that the Taiyi Sword acknowledged Wang Qingshan. The fact that Wang Qingshan’s sword intent could awaken the Taiyi Sword was highly unusual.

“Wang Shizhi, do you understand what your sword intent is?” Zhang Zhanfeng asked in a deep voice.

Wang Qingshan pondered for a moment, then replied earnestly, “I cultivate the sword to protect my clan. My sword intent is ‘home’.”

Zhang Zhanfeng suddenly understood why Wang Qingshan could awaken the Taiyi Sword.

The previous master of the Taiyi Sword had comprehended the sword intent of ‘guardianship’, and the Taiyi Sword protected the Taiyi Immortal Sect; it was not a sword of slaughter. Wang Qingshan’s sword intent was ‘home’, protecting his clan members. Both had similarities; the difference was that the Taiyi Sword protected the sect, while Wang Qingshan protected his family.

Zhang Zhanfeng’s face turned serious as he admonished, “Wang Shizhi, you are not to reveal a single word of your experience at Sword Peak. This is top secret, do you understand?”

“This disciple understands.” Wang Qingshan earnestly agreed. He could tell that the giant white sword was no ordinary magical artifact. From Zhang Zhanfeng’s demeanor, it was likely the Taiyi Immortal Sect’s most treasured possession. In any case, the Taiyi Immortal Sect had treated him well, and he was not one to forget kindness, so he naturally wouldn’t speak carelessly.

“By the way, I forgot to tell you something. Three of your clan’s strongholds were attacked: Qinglian Mountain Villa, Peach Mountain in the Beast-Taming Kingdom, and Sea Cucumber Island. Most of your clan members were killed or injured, and all their wealth was plundered. The culprits might be targeting you, so you must be careful from now on.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Qingshan’s eyes widened, and an expression of disbelief appeared on his face.

After a moment of silence, he calmly asked, “Who did this?”

In his youth, the Wang clan encountered a formidable enemy. That night, Wang Qingshan personally witnessed clan members falling in pools of blood. From that moment, he resolved to protect his clan. Now, during his secluded cultivation, three family strongholds were attacked. He was both shocked and enraged. After ten years of tempering himself at Sword Peak, his temperament had matured significantly.

“We don’t know, but that force clearly doesn’t fear our Taiyi Immortal Sect. A little inquiry will reveal them. You are Senior Brother Ye’s nominal disciple, and the attack on your family’s three strongholds shows utter disregard for our Taiyi Immortal Sect. Your clan has over ten members in Taiyuan Market, led by the Foundation Establishment cultivator Wang Youfen. You are an Elder of our Taiyi Immortal Sect. I can arrange a territory for your Wang clan to develop, but it’s best if you don’t show your face, otherwise your clan might be attacked again. We can offer your clan some conveniences.”

Zhang Zhanfeng’s tone was full of temptation. After understanding Wang Qingshan’s sword intent, Zhang Zhanfeng knew his weakness. Wang Qingshan’s sword intent was ‘home’, so as long as the Wang clan was tied to the Taiyi Immortal Sect’s chariot, Wang Qingshan would not betray the sect.

Wang Qingshan hailed from a cultivation clan, and judging by his attitude towards his family, his character was commendable; he wasn’t ungrateful but knew how to repay kindness. Zhang Zhanfeng was pleased to treat the Wang clan well, using this to win over Wang Qingshan. With Wang Qingshan’s talent in the sword path and the Taiyi Immortal Sect’s help, his advancement to the Nascent Soul stage wouldn’t be an issue.

Wang Qingshan remained silent. Truth be told, Zhang Zhanfeng’s words were highly tempting, and Wang Qingshan found them difficult to refuse. With the support of the Taiyi Immortal Sect, the Wang clan’s development would be smoother. Not to mention, the Wang clan members dared not return to Qinglian Mountain Villa.

“Sect Master Uncle, what do you need me to do? You’re not helping our Wang clan for nothing, are you?”

Zhang Zhanfeng smiled faintly, flicked his sleeve, and said, “It’s not what I need you to do, but what the sect needs you to do. I hope you understand that you are Senior Brother Ye’s nominal disciple, and your Wang clan, strictly speaking, is a vassal of our Taiyi Immortal Sect. You are an Elder of our Taiyi Immortal Sect. It is only right that we help you when you do things for us.”

Wang Qingshan possessed good talent in the sword path, but his sense of belonging to his clan was too strong. Such an individual was not suited to join a sect, as the Wang clan would grow stronger with Wang Qingshan’s power, potentially impacting the Taiyi Immortal Sect’s governance.

Immortal cultivation sects were vast collective interests, composed of numerous cultivation families and some rogue cultivators. If someone with an overly strong sense of clan belonging gained power, they could easily usurp authority. Such situations were not uncommon in the cultivation world.

“Sect Master Uncle, this matter is of great importance. Please allow me some time to consider it carefully.”

Zhang Zhanfeng nodded, saying, “No problem. Take your time to think it over. Your clan members are staying at Yuntai Tower in Taiyuan Market.”

Wang Qingshan expressed his gratitude and departed, transforming into a streak of green light.

“The Taiyi has manifested, and winds and clouds are stirring. Is the world about to descend into chaos?” Zhang Zhanfeng sighed softly, speaking to himself.

South Sea, Crimson Moon Sea Region.

On Silver Serpent Island, in a tranquil manor, Wang Changsheng, Wang Ruyan, Wang Qingjun, and Wang Qingqi were conversing. Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan’s expressions were somewhat somber.

Ye Bin was very cooperative with the Wang clan. The Cloud Sea Sect was now entirely under the Wang clan’s control. Currently, Fairy Ziyue and a group of Wang clan cultivators were stationed at the Cloud Sea Sect, with the Wang clan’s Foundation Establishment cultivators providing close protection for Ye Bin, also to prevent him from doing anything foolish.

The two Spirit Eye Trees had been relocated to Silver Serpent Island. The thousand-year-old Spirit Eye Tree was transplanted to Wang Changsheng’s residence, and the seven-hundred-year-old one was moved to the spiritual ground. With a Spirit Eye Tree, Ye Haitang had opened twenty more stone chambers in addition to the original ones. Wang clan cultivators could now use contribution points to enter the spiritual ground for cultivation, accelerating their progress.

The Illusionary Demon Pagoda was also in use, allowing Wang clan cultivators to enter for training and improve their combat experience.

Wang Qingqi failed to form his core, but his meridians were not damaged. In contrast, Wang Qingjun’s meridians were injured. Fortunately, Wang Changsheng had obtained a bottle of third-tier medicinal pills, Jade Ginseng Nourishing Meridian Pills, from the Cloud Sea Sect’s treasury, which could repair Wang Qingjun’s meridians.

Their lifespans were dwindling. Logically, they wouldn't have another chance to attempt Core Formation. It was a common understanding in the cultivation world that attempting Core Formation again within twenty years after a previous failure carried a very high failure rate. Unless they acquired lifespan-extending spiritual items or pills, they would have no further opportunity to attempt Core Formation.

Lifespan-extending spiritual items or pills were exceedingly rare, coveted even by Nascent Soul cultivators. For Wang Changsheng, who was merely at the Core Formation stage, acquiring such items or pills would be extremely difficult.

“Qingjun, are you truly returning to the Eastern Barrens?” Wang Changsheng sighed, saying with a hint of regret.

“Ninth Uncle, I understand my situation. I have little more than ten years of lifespan left. The clan members in the Eastern Barrens need someone to lead them. It’s good that they are developing by dispersing, but they are too scattered. I can lead them. For the remainder of my life, I want to do more for the clan.”

Wang Qingjun stated earnestly. Most of his descendants had been killed, but two great-grandchildren had escaped. Wang Qingjun was at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment, possessed rich combat experience, and held a sufficiently high seniority.

The surviving clan members in the Eastern Barrens were mostly from the ‘You’ and ‘Meng’ generations. Wang Qingjun was qualified to lead them, both in terms of strength and seniority.

The Eastern Barrens urgently needed substantial funds and administrative talent. Silver Serpent Island could provide both.

If there was no one to lead them, within fifty years, the scattered clan members would become alienated from the family. Wang Qingjun’s return to the Eastern Barrens could unite these individuals, binding them together.