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Lingyun Holy Land.

Xuanmiao Peak.

This is a not-so-tall peak with an unremarkable appearance, but inside, it gathers several top-grade gold attribute spirit veins.

The higher up the peak, the denser the golden spiritual energy in the air becomes. Near the summit, the golden spiritual energy in the air is so thick that it appears like mist, visible to the naked eye.

Suddenly.

A giant Thunder Eagle swooped down from the sky, landing on the martial arts field halfway up the mountain.

A figure floated down from the back of the Thunder Eagle—it was Cao Youqing.

"Senior Sister Youqing."

The disciples guarding the martial arts field saw her and immediately stepped forward to greet her.

Cao Youqing casually returned the greeting and then walked up the mountain.

Out of respect for the peak\'s master, she did not fly directly to the summit but ascended step by step.

Along the way, the sharp golden spiritual energy pierced her bones, making her feel as if she had thorns on her back.

Even though she had been here countless times, she couldn\'t help but marvel at the sensation each time.

With her strength in the early stages of the later Celestial Realm, she still found it extremely uncomfortable in such an environment. Living here long-term would be impossible without a firm will and extraordinary perseverance.

However, given her strength, even walking, she was very fast.

Before long, she reached the summit.

Unlike the heavily guarded scene below, the summit had no disciples guarding or patrolling, only a solitary palace standing there.

The palace was entirely made of metal, towering and majestic, exuding an aura that seemed capable of tearing the sky apart.

A plaque hung at the entrance of the palace, inscribed with the words "Xuanmiao Palace."

Cao Youqing couldn\'t help but take a deep breath, feeling a bit nervous.

"Greetings, Celestial Maiden Youqing." At this moment, a woman in palace attire walked out from a side hall, greeted Cao Youqing respectfully, and said, "Knowing that Celestial Maiden Youqing was coming, Xiaoyue came to welcome you."

The woman wore a simple lotus-colored narrow-sleeved long dress, her hair tied in a neat high bun, looking both dignified and efficient.

Although her appearance was not as striking as Cao Youqing\'s, she exuded a gentle and serene aura that made people naturally feel good about her.

Cao Youqing\'s eyes lit up, and she immediately returned the greeting, asking, "Sister Xiaoyue, do you know why the master summoned me?"

"I don\'t know," Xiaoyue replied calmly, then glanced at her and lowered her voice to remind her, "Celestial Maiden Yuqing came by earlier, so be careful."

"That damn girl Luo Yuqing again!" Cao Youqing was secretly annoyed. "Whenever I run into her, nothing good ever happens!"

"Thank you, Sister Xiaoyue, for the information."

She thanked Xiaoyue and then followed her into Xuanmiao Palace.

Xuanmiao Palace had an inner and outer hall. The outer hall was used for receiving guests, larger and more luxuriously decorated, while the inner hall was smaller and more modest, accessible only to insiders.

After passing through the corridor around the outer hall and entering the inner hall, Xiaoyue quietly retreated.

Cao Youqing took a deep breath, adjusted her mindset, and then stepped inside.

Compared to her arrogant and cold demeanor outside the Holy Land, she was now humble and cautious, almost like a different person.

Upon entering the hall, she immediately saw a figure standing with his back to her, hands behind his back.

It was a man\'s figure, dressed in a simple white robe, standing straight. Even from behind, he exuded an imposing presence that commanded respect.

At this moment, he was intently looking at a painting hanging in the middle of the hall, "The Sword Art of Pure Yang."

Cao Youqing instinctively stopped, not daring to disturb him.

She didn\'t know how much time had passed.

Suddenly.

The figure seemed to have an epiphany. His robe fluttered slightly, and an invisible sword intent emanated from him, slicing through the air.

Instantly, the entire palace trembled.

The spirit lamps on the ceiling shattered, and the hall dimmed.

The white-robed figure was also engulfed in shadow.

Cao Youqing\'s heart trembled, and she instinctively lowered her head.

Even Basalt cultivators specializing in swordsmanship needed a sword to manifest sword intent. To do so without any external object meant stepping into the realm of "Sword Dao."

Only Purple Mansion Realm cultivators specializing in swordsmanship could reach this level.

And invisible sword intent was a sign of minor achievement in Sword Dao.

She felt a mix of admiration and envy.

Only a great prodigy like her master could achieve such a level of Sword Dao at such a young age.

Although she had also trained diligently, she had only comprehended two or three levels of the Purple Sky Thunder Sword Intent. She didn\'t know how many more years it would take to reach such a level.

"You\'re here?"

A deep, magnetic male voice came from the shadows.

Cao Youqing hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, "Congratulations on your great progress in Sword Dao, Master. I believe that within a hundred years, you will have the opportunity to break through the threshold and take that crucial step."

"It\'s not that easy."

The figure turned and walked out of the shadows.

He was a young-looking cultivator with a jade-like face and a composed demeanor, exuding an air of elegance. Just by looking at him, no one would guess that he was a decisive sword cultivator.

At this moment, without deliberately releasing his aura, he looked like an ordinary young man. But in front of him, Cao Youqing still felt immense respect and didn\'t dare to be the slightest bit disrespectful.

Thinking of Luo Yuqing\'s visit earlier, Cao Youqing bit her lip and suddenly knelt down, pleading, "I failed in my mission to take down the Qian Clan of Longzuo Commandery and the southern six guards of Longzuo. Please punish me, Master."

"Let\'s put that matter aside for now."

The white-robed youth seemed to have anticipated her actions, his expression calm and unsurprised.

He sat down on a chair in the inner hall, took a sip of tea, and said lightly, "I want to ask you, was it you who caused Zuoqiu Qingyun\'s death in Monan Commandery some time ago?"

Cao Youqing was stunned.

She had thought her master had summoned her to hold her accountable, but it turned out to be about this matter.

After a moment, she quickly replied, "Master, it was not my doing."

"Not your doing, huh?"

The white-robed youth\'s expression remained unchanged, but he suddenly placed the tea cup back on the table with a crisp sound.

His tone turned cold, "If it were indeed your doing, although reckless, it wouldn\'t be entirely without merit. But if it wasn\'t your doing and someone pinned it on you, then that\'s foolish!"

Cao Youqing\'s heart skipped a beat, and she trembled slightly, quickly pleading, "I know my mistake! Please calm your anger, Master!"

"Mistake? Do you even know what your mistake is?" The white-robed youth glanced at her coldly.

"This..."

Cao Youqing was at a loss for words.

"Hmph~!"

The white-robed youth snorted coldly, "Lack of ability and experience can be compensated for, but not knowing your own mistakes is hopeless. From today, go to the Land of Thunder Punishment for seclusion and reflection. Come out when you figure it out."

The Land of Thunder Punishment was a place in the Holy Land specifically for punishing disciples who made mistakes. It was filled with violent thunderstorm winds. Inside, one couldn\'t cultivate or do anything else, only endure endless physical and mental torment.

With her current strength, even if she didn\'t die, she\'d shed a layer of skin.

"Master, I..."

Cao Youqing wanted to argue, but when she met the white-robed youth\'s gaze, she shivered and quickly changed her tune, "Yes, Master."

"Go."

The white-robed youth waved his hand.

Cao Youqing reluctantly retreated to the Land of Thunder Punishment for seclusion.

Xiaoyue entered with freshly brewed tea and happened to see Cao Youqing\'s departing figure.

She glanced at Cao Youqing\'s dejected back and then at the white-robed youth, cautiously saying, "Master, although Celestial Maiden Youqing is a bit reckless, she is loyal to you. Moreover, this matter doesn\'t affect the overall situation. Why be so angry?"

"I\'m not angry."

Seeing Xiaoyue, the coldness on the white-robed youth\'s face disappeared, and his voice returned to calm.

He took the new tea from Xiaoyue and casually explained, "It\'s just that with her temperament, if she doesn\'t change, she\'ll be sold and still help count the money. But my words won\'t help, nor will yours. She has to figure it out herself."

"Also, with the incident in Monan, there will inevitably be friction between the Zuoqiu Clan and the Cao Clan from Longyuan Commandery. In the coming years, there will be a tug-of-war between the two clans. With her temperament, she might get caught up in it, so it\'s better to let her temper herself in the Land of Thunder Punishment. If she figures it out, great. If not, she can focus on her cultivation."

"I see. Master, your intentions are all for Celestial Maiden Youqing\'s sake. I was overthinking it." Xiaoyue bowed respectfully and then asked, "What about the Zuoqiu Clan? Should I..."

Before she could finish, the white-robed youth waved his hand to interrupt her.

"Let them fight for a few years. If handled properly, their conflict could be used to our advantage." He leisurely sipped his tea, "As for Longzuo Commandery, there\'s no rush. The Imperial Heir Struggle is not a one-day affair. When the time comes, they won\'t be able to escape."

His tone was casual, as if discussing a trivial matter.

Xiaoyue\'s heart trembled, and she respectfully replied, "Yes, Xiaoyue understands."

In this world, the words of those in power could determine the fate of countless people.

The weak could only be manipulated.

Only the strong could stir the winds and clouds, making the world tremble.

Shouzhe\'s Small Courtyard.

On a scorching summer morning, the sun was shining, and a gentle breeze was blowing.

In the courtyard, the stone pavilion was already covered with climbing plants, their green leaves overlapping, with colorful flowers interspersed, providing both shade and a touch of life.

Dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves, falling on the faces and bodies of the two people in the pavilion, adding a bit of artistic charm.

These two were naturally Wang Shouzhe and his nephew Wang Zongchang.

In this world, it\'s not all about fighting and killing; there is also the leisure of "watching flowers bloom and fall, and clouds roll and unfold."

At this moment, the two were sitting on either side of a stone table, leisurely sipping a pot of Yunwu Spirit Tea.

This tea was slightly cold in nature, quenching thirst and reducing dryness, nourishing the spirit, and was greatly favored by Wang Shouzhe.

However, it was only produced in small quantities in the Yunwu Cave of the Shanyin Liu Clan. Therefore, every time the new tea was harvested, Liu Ruolan would visit her family and then forcibly take away more than half of the production, carefully storing it to please her husband\'s taste.

As a result, over the years, the young clan leader of the Liu Clan, Liu Yuanhui, had often complained privately. Unfortunately, his complaints were useless, as he couldn\'t beat his sister. If he annoyed Liu Ruolan too much, he would just get another beating.

While drinking tea, Wang Zongchang was recounting his findings from his recent exploration outside the domain.

Usually.

The Wang Clan conducted autumn and winter hunts every year, gradually expanding the hunting range, which was a form of exploration of the surrounding domain.

However, opening up new territory outside the domain was different from hunting. It involved detailed geographical surveys, environmental analysis, marking and eliminating potential dangers, and even future development and planning.

"Fourth Uncle, look at this area. It\'s larger than our Ping\'an Town, with flat terrain, numerous lakes, fertile land, and abundant water resources. With significant effort, it could provide our Wang Clan with tens of thousands of acres of good farmland." Wang Zongchang enthusiastically explained to Wang Shouzhe, holding a somewhat rough hand-drawn map, "As for those lakes, we could dig canals to connect them, serving both irrigation and navigation purposes. Moreover, with these lakes, our Wang Clan\'s decades of fishery development could be put to good use."

His handsome face was filled with excitement, as if envisioning the great development of the Wang Clan.

"The only problem is that to include this area in our development plan, we need to extend the construction of \'Shouzhe Pass\' by thirty miles and build a pass at another gorge, extending the original ten-mile pass to twenty miles."

Upon hearing this.

Wang Shouzhe frowned. The location of a pass was not decided casually; it required consideration of cost, defense, and the convenience of long-term garrisoning.

Most passes were built at the narrowest and most dangerous points of a gorge.

Zongchang\'s plan could indeed provide the Wang Clan with a rich granary and fishery, but it also increased the risk and difficulty of development.

Moreover, extending the pass would significantly increase the pressure on defense.

"Zongchang\'s idea is excellent." Wang Shouzhe first expressed his appreciation for Zongchang, then changed his tone, "But we need to take things one step at a time. Our Wang Clan\'s development time is too short, and we have too few people. We can\'t handle such a big task. It\'s better to be cautious and stable. The survival of our clan members is more important than development."

Wang Zongchang broke into a cold sweat and quickly bowed, "Fourth Uncle, I was too hasty."

"It\'s okay, everyone can have different opinions. Your Fourth Uncle isn\'t always right." Wang Shouzhe poured him some tea and smiled, "While you\'re resting at home, spend more time with Feifei. While you\'re still young, try to have more children. Our Wang Clan has too few people."

Wang Zongchang blushed and stammered, "I, I\'ll listen to Fourth Uncle. But, but Feifei... isn\'t very interested."

"That\'s not good! How will our Wang Clan develop?"

Wang Shouzhe\'s expression became serious.

After thinking for a while, he took out a book from his storage ring and handed it to him like a treasure, "This is a secret manual I came across, called \'The Forty-Two Styles.\' Study it well and try to contribute more to the clan."

Wang Zongchang took it, flipped through it casually, and felt as if he had been struck by lightning.

Oh my god~~ This, this, this is a whole new world~~

He quickly put the "Forty-Two Styles" manual into his pocket, his heart still pounding. He drank several cups of spirit tea to calm down.

"Fourth Uncle, during this exploration, we encountered a rather tricky problem." He calmed down and said seriously, "Look at this gorge. It\'s densely vegetated and rugged, with many hidden caves. Ancestor Xiaohan and I investigated it and found a large colony of blood bats living inside. We didn\'t dare stay long and retreated after a brief exploration."

"Blood bats are nocturnal, aggressive, and often hunt large creatures in groups, posing a significant threat to humans. Therefore, before developing the area, we must eliminate the blood bat colony."

"Blood bats?"

Wang Shouzhe\'s expression became serious upon hearing the name.

After joining the clan school, one of the most important basic courses for Wang Clan members was memorizing books like "Beast Atlas," "Plant Encyclopedia," and "Mineral Identification." They had to memorize them thoroughly.

Wang Shouzhe had, of course, memorized them too.

And "blood bats" were one of the more disgusting beasts in the "Beast Atlas."

They were aggressive, highly offensive, and skilled in group attacks. They often attacked livestock and even humans in groups, making them one of the most feared beasts among the common people.

Their habitats were usually deep in caves, making them extremely difficult to eradicate. If not thoroughly eliminated, they could pose a significant threat to the migrating population.

Ping\'an Town had once been plagued by a blood bat colony, causing trouble for the Wang Clan for decades.

During that time, Ping\'an Town lost many people and livestock each year. Ancestor Zhouxuan had spent enormous resources to gradually eliminate the blood bats.

This was detailed in the "Wang Clan Heritage Records." Wang Shouzhe, who had read the records thoroughly, had a deep impression of this event.

After some thought, he said, "Since there\'s a blood bat colony, we must prioritize eliminating it. In two or three months, it will be time for the autumn and winter hunt. Ancestor Long Yan and I will personally lead the team to thoroughly clean up the dangerous spots, including the blood bats."

Wang Zongchang was delighted, "With Fourth Uncle and Ancestor Long Yan personally taking action, those blood bats are doomed."

"Don\'t be careless. I\'ll also write a letter asking Luo Jing to come back and help. She\'s skilled in controlling spirit insects, which might be useful in dealing with the blood bats." Wang Shouzhe said seriously.

"With Fifth Aunt\'s help, it will be very secure." Wang Zongchang nodded, "In some dangerous places, spirit insects are more suitable for exploration."

As the uncle and nephew discussed family matters.

Suddenly!

An eagle\'s cry echoed in the sky.

A small but agile eagle swooped down from above the courtyard.

Wang Zongchang laughed, "It\'s that rascal Zongcai. His first-rank spirit eagle, a gift from his uncle, is usually kept close. During the exploration, his spirit eagle made significant contributions. He\'s probably here to claim credit from Fourth Uncle."

Sure enough.

Outside Wang Shouzhe\'s courtyard, Wang Zongcai\'s voice came, "Fourth Uncle, Zongcai requests an audience."

Wang Shouzhe smiled, "Come in, stop dawdling at my door."

In no time, a tall, handsome young man entered the courtyard like a gust of wind.

He wore a sharp Basalt uniform, a sword at his waist, and an eagle perched on his shoulder, making him a spirited and valiant young man.

He was the son of Wang Shounuo, the third of the "Shou" generation, and only sixteen years old. Since his birth, the Wang Clan\'s conditions had improved, so he had never suffered much.

Growing up, he had never been short of resources.

With a solid foundation from a young age, his energy was abundant, and his cultivation had reached the seventh level of the Qi Refining Realm, surpassing Wang Shouzhe at sixteen.

Upon entering, Wang Zongcai greeted Wang Shouzhe and Wang Zongchang with a smile, "Zongcai greets Fourth Uncle and Second Brother. Second Brother, you came earlier than me. Shouldn\'t you be spending more time with your wife after being apart for so long?"

"Enough with the teasing, you rascal," Wang Zongchang laughed and scolded. "Are you afraid I\'ll take credit for your contributions in the exploration?"

"Of course not," Wang Zongcai grinned cheekily. "My little achievements are nothing compared to yours, Second Brother. With your wealth, you wouldn\'t care about my small gains."

As he spoke, he affectionately petted the spirit eagle on his shoulder, his eyes filled with love as if looking at a cherished companion.

"Stop with the nonsense and sit down for some tea," Wang Shouzhe chided with a smile. "Judging by your excitement, you must have gained quite a bit during the exploration. Let\'s hear your story. If it\'s good, there will be a reward. If not, I\'ll deduct your family contribution points."

Wang Zongcai\'s face fell, and he reluctantly sat down, saying, "Fourth Uncle, I\'m not exaggerating."

Then, he began to excitedly recount his adventures.

He praised his "Ling\'er" to the skies, making it sound like an ordinary first-rank spirit eagle was a divine creature. Anyone who didn\'t know better might think it was a legendary beast.

"So, what\'s your point?" Wang Shouzhe interrupted after listening for a while, unable to take any more.

"Fourth Uncle, although I earned quite a few contribution points this time, I need to use them for my own cultivation and to raise Ling\'er. It\'s really tough to make ends meet. At this rate, who knows when Ling\'er will reach the third rank," Wang Zongcai said pitifully.

Before Wang Shouzhe could respond, Liu Ruolan entered with a tray of fresh fruits. Hearing this, she smiled and said, "It sounds like raising Ling\'er is quite a challenge."

"Fourth Aunt," Wang Zongcai quickly stood up and greeted her.

He knew that while his Fourth Uncle was approachable, his Fourth Aunt was the most formidable figure in the family. There was a saying: better to provoke Fourth Uncle ten times than Fourth Aunt once.

However, Liu Ruolan was also known for her generosity towards the younger generation, often providing rewards and subsidies.

Wang Zongcai himself had received many such benefits.

"Don\'t be so formal, sit down," Liu Ruolan said kindly, "I have a suggestion for you. Our Zongcai is young and handsome, and I\'ve heard many girls are interested in you. Why not find a good match and get married? The family offers rewards for marriage, and having more children will boost your family contribution points."

"With more descendants, our Wang Clan will prosper."

Wang Zongcai broke into a cold sweat, thanking her for the suggestion but shaking his head vigorously, "No, no, I\'m still young, only sixteen. Ling\'er is enough for me. I don\'t want to get married so soon like Second Brother and Fourth Uncle."

Before he could finish, he felt a cold gaze on him.

Wang Shouzhe and Wang Zongchang exchanged a look, both admiring Wang Zongcai\'s courage. Truly, ignorance is bliss.

Wang Zongcai felt a chill run down his spine, as if he had fallen into an ice cave.

"Hehe~" Liu Ruolan covered her mouth and laughed softly. "Husband, it seems we need to improve our education on family responsibilities."

"What do you suggest?" Wang Shouzhe asked.

"It\'s not just my idea," Liu Ruolan said seriously. "The continuation of our family depends on having many descendants. It\'s an honorable duty for every clan member. I suggest we hold regular social gatherings for the young people in our family. And for those like Zongcai who prefer raising birds over getting married, we need to enforce some penalties to encourage them."

"Fourth Aunt, I was wrong," Wang Zongcai almost cried, looking at Wang Shouzhe for help. "Fourth Uncle, you can\'t be so easily swayed."

Easily swayed?

Wang Shouzhe\'s expression became serious. "Zongcai, it\'s every clan member\'s duty to have children. If you don\'t, and I don\'t, how will our family prosper? The social gatherings will be organized by your Fourth Aunt."

"Husband, I will handle it well," Liu Ruolan said.

"It\'s over," Wang Zongcai looked devastated, feeling like he had walked into a trap. He had just come to ask for some resources for Ling\'er, and now he was being pushed into marriage.