Protect Our Clan Leader

The feeling when facing Old Ancestor Longyan was entirely different from when he saw Old Ancestor Mingsheng. Although Old Ancestor Mingsheng appeared somewhat old, she exuded an aura of a man in his prime.

Old Ancestor Longyan, on the other hand, was not only thin but also seemed to carry a hint of melancholy. No wonder, considering her deteriorating condition in recent years, she had significantly reduced her consumption of Spirit Food in order to save for the younger generation in her family.

As a cultivator in the Spirit Platform Realm, her physical strength was far superior to those in the Vital Energy Refining Realm. However, according to the Law of Conservation of Cosmic Energy, energy cannot be created out of nothing and the more robust the body, the greater the energy consumption.

Ordinary food was simply too inefficient in terms of energy transformation for someone in the Spirit Platform Realm. Hence, such a cultivator usually needed to sustain themselves on Spirit Food to maintain their physical strength, or even to enhance themselves.

But ever since the sixth Grand Elder, Wang Xiaohan’s failed attempt to reach the Spirit Platform Realm, resources within the family became even scarcer. Consequently, Old Ancestor Longyan gradually reduced her Spirit Food intake. Today, she only consumes 80 catties of Spirit Rice, too jin of Spirit Fish and Spirit Meat, and 2 Level Two Solid Yuan Pills each year.

The total cost of the Spirit Food amounted to just 36 Qian Gold, while the two Solid Yuan Pills were merely another 60 Qian Gold.

A venerable Spirit Platform Realm cultivator who consumed less than 100 Qian Gold resources a year was probably just enough to maintain her quiet cultivation state…

In fact, she wasn’t the only one doing so.

The other old members of the family also only took in sufficient Spirit Food and resources to maintain their bodies. Their cultivation levels had been stagnant for many years. They gave all their opportunities to the younger and more promising generation.

” Shouzhe, are you sad?” Old Ancestor Longyan did not turn around. Her voice was somewhat vague and ethereal, devoid of the raspy tone typically heard in older women.

“I just feel a little bad for Old Ancestor,” Wang Shouzhe replied honestly.

In truth, Old Ancestor Longyan was only 115 years old, just a few years older than Lu Clan’s Old Ancestor Mingsheng, still far from her life expectancy in the Spirit Platform Realm.

When she was thirty years old, she had advanced to the Spirit Platform Realm. At sixty, she reached the mid-stage of the Spirit Platform Realm. Since then, she had maintained her wealth of youth and beauty at their peak.

Back then, how proud and ambitious she was, aiming to reach the Heavenly Human Realm, a higher level of cultivation!

Alas.

The beast catastrophe in the year 3095 of the Changlong Calendar had ruthily dragged the Ping’an Wang Family down from the clouds and into the mud, simultaneously clipping the wings of Old Ancestor Longyan.

“Tides rise and fall, flowers bloom and wither, these are just ordinary occurrences in the world,” Old Ancestor Longyan said calmly, slowly turned around, “I heard about your recent exploits from Hui’er. You’ve done well.”

Although her figure was slightly thin, coupled with common cotton clothes and cloth shoes, it gave her an ethereal aura a common feature of Celestial beings. Her star-like eyes were deep as a hundred-foot pool, completely impervious.

The only regret for Wang Shouzhe was that Old Ancestor Longyan wore a veil over her face, obscuring her features.

However, Old Ancestor had been wearing the veil since as long as Wang Shouzhe could remember. He had never seen her true face.

“Thank you for your praise, Old Ancestor,” Wang Shouzhe responded with a salute, “As long as Old Ancestor doesn’t find me reckless.” He paused before curiously asking, “Did Old Ancestor ask me to come over because you have instructions for me?”

He was somewhat nervous, fearing that Old Ancestor Longyan might not agree with his implementation of the rank competition mechanism. The older generation in the family valued unity and harmony among family members. They might worry that competition for ranks might lead to internal strife and conflicts.

“Shouzhe, you are the Family Head,” Old Ancestor Longyan said calmly, “I won’t meddle in your affairs.”

“Then Old Ancestor, this time…” Wang Shouzhe was a bit puzzled, Old Ancestor Longyan wasn’t the type to call him over for a casual chat and give compliments.

“I need you to make arrangements and accompany me on a trip to the Hundred Islands Guard,” Old Ancestor Longyan said.

Hundred Islands Guard?

Wang Shouzhe was stunned. Only after quite a while did he remember that it was a guard city near the Eastern Sea. It was understandable for his delayed reaction since he never left Guard City Changning since he was born, how could he think of a place that far?

Moreover, ever since that disaster, Old Ancestor Longyan had never stepped outside Guard City Changning.

Suppressing his curiosity, Wang Shouzhe saluted and said, “I understand, please wait for two days, Old Ancestor, I’ll make arrangements now.” Regardless of Old Ancestor Longyan’s intention, Wang Shouzhe could not refuse her request.

After receiving the order from Old Ancestor Longyan, Wang Shouzhe returned to his courtyard, taking out the provincial map to inspect and to calculate the itinerary.

Sectrecy was the first concern when Old Ancestor Longyan decided to travel.

Even though it was the peak period of the insect catastrophe, and both the Liu Clan and Zhao Clan were frazzled, they could still not let down their guard.

Additionally, they must consider Old Ancestor Longyan’s physical condition, saving her from any unnecessary bumps during the journey, which also brought with the need for someone to serve her along the way. The choice of the person to serve her would also require careful consideration.

In just a short while, he had drafted the itinerary and plan for this trip.

“Wang Gui,” Wang Shouzhe called in the servant boy, “Go invite my Fourth Aunt Xu, and Wang Licui over.”

Wang Gui was confused: “Fourth Aunt Xu? Which Xu?”

“You boy, of course, it’s from my Fourth Uncle’s family. Can’t you remember the few dozen people in our family, from the elderly to the young, and their families?” Wang Shouzhe frowned, almost kicking him.

“Could it be that the Family Head wishes to meet Madam Rou.” Wang Gui quickly nodded and ran out, “I’ll go right away.”

However, it was not surprising that Wang Gui was confused. Firstly, there was more than one Xu in the family. Secondly, Wang Shouzhe’s Fourth Aunt Xu Zhirou had always kept a low profile, and had become even more secluded after Fourth Uncle Wang Dingbang died five years ago.

Nonetheless, Wang Shouzhe had a profound impression of Fourth Aunt Xu Zhirou. She was from the direct lineage of the Xu Clan of Jingsha, and after Wang Shouzhe’ s biological mother passed away when he was young, it was Xu Zhirou who took care of him.

Even after his stepmother, Gongsun Hui, married into the family, Xu Zhirou was there to lend a hand for a good while. After all, Gongsun Hui was then a young and pampered lady, and Xu Zhirou had to guide her step by step.

In his memory, Xu Zhirou was gentle and meticulous, yet remarkably talented. She was good at cooking and skilled at creating little trinkets to please him.

His confused and heartbroken younger self was cared for by his Fourth Aunt, helping him through the most difficult times. Unfortunately, after Fourth Aunt became pregnant with his Fifth Sister, Wang Luo Jing, she returned to her maternal home for her confinement half a year later.

Since then, Wang Shouzhe had been living with his stepmother Gongsun Hui until he moved into his current courtyard when he was fourteen, to live on his own as the Young Clan Leader.

Choosing Fourth Aunt Xu was because Wang Shouzhe highly regarded her gentleness and meticulous nature. During the Ancestor’s journey, it was necessary to have an experienced and mature woman by his side. After much thought, Fourth Aunt seemed the most suitable.

Setting aside his random thoughts for now, Wang Shouzhe continued to refine his travel plan.

Not much later, Fourth Aunt Xu Zhirou and Wang Licui were led into his side hall by Wang Gui.

Wang Shouzhe had last seen his Fourth Aunt during his father’s funeral. As a female member of the family, she naturally busied herself with various tasks. Unfortunately, at the time, Wang Shouzhe was in a haze and didn’t talk much with her.

Now, taking a closer look, he saw Xu Zhirou dressed in a plain cotton dress with subtle patterns, without any extra jewellery, neat and clean. The only difference from his memory was that she now had signs of aging common to middle-aged women.

It was not surprising, she had given birth to three children and her husband, Fourth Uncle, had passed away five years ago. Taking care of the children was already a handful for her.

“Xu pays her respects to the Family Head,” Xu Zhirou gently curtsied.

Hastily bowing her head at the Family Head’s side, Wang Licui hurried to show her respect: “Licui pays her respects to Fourth Uncle.”

“Fourth Aunt, there’s no need for formalities. As before, you may call me Shouzhe.” Wang Shouzhe quickly returned Xu Zhirou’s bow, “Come, come, sit and let’s chat.” Then he turned to Wang Licui with a smile, “Sit down as well, young lady.”

After expressing their gratitude, they sat down.

Wang Gui busied himself with serving tea and fruits before leaving.

Wang Shouzhe first caught up with Xu Zhirou for a bit, then turned his attention to Wang Licui, upon seeing her chewing on a piece of candied fruit, he couldn’t help but laugh, “What have you been so busy with recently, little girl?”

Wang Licui quickly swallowed the half-chewed candied fruit and answered anxiously, “Fourth Uncle, I haven’t been up to much, just reading and practicing cultivation daily.”

This girl was the daughter of his eldest brother, Wang Shouxin. She was sixteen years old this year, the eldest among the girls of the family’s eighth generation. Consequently, people in Shouzhe’s generation affectionately called her “the big girl”.

“Well, sounds like you’ve been hardworking. Good, very good.” Wang Shouzhe was reassured, at least one of the girls in the family knew the importance of studying hard. Immediately, he said with a smile, “In that case, Fourth Uncle will test your knowledge. If you pass, there will certainly be a reward.”

“What?”

With that, Wang Licui’s pretty, slightly chubby face turned deathly pale, and her little legs began to shake. To her, Fourth Uncle was ten times scarier than her father, Wang Shouxin. Her eldest brother, Wang Zongwei’s miserable situation was proof of Fourth Uncle’s ruthlessness.

Regret filled her heart and moistened her eyes. If she had known that she would be tested by Fourth Uncle today, she would have crammed and worked harder these past few days.

But who could have known that this would happen?

It was a buzzing chaos in her head…

Truly.

A disaster from the sky!