Protect Our Clan Leader

However, this boy truly is a rare talent. Compared to his other direct disciples, he is far more formidable.

Oh well.

The Master decided he would go the extra mile to avoid letting a pearl fall into the sea.

After a moment of internal struggle, Master Changchun asked again. “If I take you as my direct disciple, would you be willing to officially join the Academic Palace?”

“Direct disciple…”

Wang Shouzhe sighed softly.

This was undoubtedly a huge temptation.

Once he became a direct disciple of the Purple Abode Academic Palace, not to say that he could act as he pleased in Longzuo County, but at least no one would dare to provoke him recklessly.

Regrettably, as tempting as it was, this path was not the one he intended to walk.

Wang Shouzhe shook his head slowly. “I deeply appreciate your kind intentions, Master. However, as the head of my clan, I bear the expectations of my people and my ancestors.”

He rejected him again.

Although Master Changchun had slightly suspected it, it was only when Wang Shouzhe formally refused that he felt a touch of disappointment.

This boy, meticulous and calculating in all matters, firmly turned down a future that was within his grasp.

For a moment, Master Changchun found Wang Shouzhe hard to fathom.

After pondering for a moment, Master Changchun sighed and said, “It is what it is, everyone has their own ambitions, and some things can’t be forced. But considering our shared connection, tell me, what is your real purpose?”

“My real purpose…” said Wang Shouzhe seriously, “I came to the Academic Palace to find some backers. I am not seeking to bully others with my position, but to prevent my family from being bullied.”

“That’s it?” Master Changchun furrowed his brows.

“Indeed, that’s it.” Wang Shouzhe couldn’t help but laugh. “You surely don’t think that I came here to build alliances, boost my family’s prestige, and then go on to dominate Longzuo County, do you?”

Um…

Guilt flickered in Master Changchun’s eyes.

Previously, he was somewhat worried that Wang Shouzhe would get lost in the struggles for power and use the Academic Palace as his pawn.

“What I seek,” Wang Shouzhe declared earnestly, “can be summarized in eight words. ‘If I am not provoked, I won’t provoke.’ I simply wish to guide my family into peacefully farming, to do some research and development when free, to create some new types of grain and fruit trees, or to make products that can better the lives of humans. On this foundation, I strive to secure some cultivation resources for my family.”

Master Changchun suddenly became interested, “Like your Wang’s Number Seven, as well as those spirit seeds… Right, there are also those skin nourishment products you sold to Green Fern.”

“Precisely,” Wang Shouzhe smiled, “although these are mere small industries. Compared to the Academic Palace, it’s like showing off my sword skills in front of an expert.”

“Good.”

Master Changchun breathed a sigh of relief. “Such mentality aligns with my Dao. I suppose you pass. The Academic Palace won’t get involved in family struggles, but if someone attempts to illegally infringe upon your achievements while you’re farming peacefully, you can send me a letter, and I will speak up for you.”

Hearing this, Wang Shouzhe secretly rejoiced.

Were all his hard work and planning not for this result?

He did not fear inventing or researching new varieties. What he feared was the covetousness of those mysterious powerful families or forces for his products. He was even more afraid that this could lead to his death.

After all, this was the High Martial World!

If the Academic Palace was backing him, it meant he could be bolder and take bigger steps.

Seeing Wang Shouzhe’s jubilant face, Master Changchun felt a sense of satisfaction. It seemed that he had not misjudged the man. Immediately, he relaxed and said, “However, if you want my support, you need to do something for me.”

“Master, please give your instruction,” Wang Shouzhe responded respectfully.

“Do you know why the Mysterious Ice Palace didn’t come to my Changchun Valley this time for a friendly match?” Master Changchun complained. “They probably think we’re too weak. Over time, they lost interest…”

“Umm…”

Wang Shouzhe gave him a sympathetic look. It was already quite miserable to be constantly challenged by others. But it was even more miserable when they no longer had any interest in challenging you.

“Ever since I took charge of Changchun Valley, our Changchun school has never walked into the Mysterious Ice Palace for a friendly match,” Master Changchun’s eyes displayed a hint of resentment. “If you can successfully lead the new disciples to the Mysterious Ice Palace for a friendly match, I will be your strong backing from now on. As long as you don’t get involved in family struggles or provoke trouble yourself, and deal with irresistible enemies coveting your industry, I can mediate.”

“Nothing else, but the fact that the Mysterious Ice Palace has not come to my Changchun Valley for two consecutive sessions, that Binglan has looked down on us too much.”

Wang Shouzhe laughed to himself internally.

People always say that old children are rebellious, but it turned out that Master Changchun also harbored a small temper.

You were dissatisfied when others came for friendly matches, and even more dissatisfied now that they no longer come.

However, Wang Shouzhe also understood.

After being dominated for hundreds of years, it made sense not to want to miss such an opportunity to vent and regain dignity.

The only thing that worried Wang Shouzhe a little was…

“Kid, are you worried that if you offend the Mysterious Ice Palace, Binglan will take it out on your family member Wang Longyan? Rest assured, Master Binglan is not that kind of person.”

As the saying goes, old schemers are sharp. Master Changchun was so elderly that no one could guess his age. He saw through Wang Shouzhe’s worry instantly.

“In that case, there’s no problem,” Wang Shouzhe responded respectfully. “This friendly match at the Mysterious Ice Palace, I will be responsible for.”

“Good, very good,” Master Changchun chuckled, stroking his beard happily. “However, you have to be ready to leave the Academic Palace as soon as possible after the match, so as not to let Master Binglan bother you.”

What?!

Wang Shouzhe’s eyes widened. “But Master, didn’t you say Master Binglan is not that kind of person?”

“No,” Master Changchun calmly replied. “I only said that Binglan is not the kind of person who would vent her anger on others. I didn’t say she’s the type to let grudges go easily. If you offend her, and she holds a grudge against you, it would be quite normal for her to retaliate.”

“Well… Master, can I change my mind?”

“Shouzhe, this Master isn’t actually that broad-minded.”

“…” Wang Shouzhe.

…