Ziwei Immortal Path

Chapter 67 Starting anew
Xu Boyang felt that something was wrong with Zhang Guanzhi's tone, and he became puzzled. He frowned and asked:
"Brother Zhang, I can tell from your tone that you're not too familiar with the Three Thousand Academy, but I see you brought two Lingxi children with you. Could it be that you don't plan to send these two children to the Three Thousand Academy?"

Zhang Guanzhi didn't expect Xu Boyang to be so quick-witted that he immediately discovered the trick. His heart sank, and he glanced at Su Yanlu, but he saw that he was intimidating without being angry, his eyes were as sharp as a knife, and his expression was meaningful, even revealing murderous intent. He was unconsciously panicked and said softly:
"Brother Xu, you may not know that my family has built an island peak here, but we have our own family members here to manage it, so we don't have to spend spirit stones and live under someone else's roof."

When these words came out, the sound was not loud, but it was like a huge rock hitting the water, immediately causing an uproar.

Xu Boyang's eyes showed surprise. He glanced at Su Yanlu and found that his eyes were also full of surprise. It was obvious that he didn't know about this before.

"what?"

Su Zilu, wearing a veil, was obviously quite surprised. She asked, "Are you saying that besides Qingshen, your family has another stove outside?"

Zhang Guanzhi had always been timid and had no scheming. After being pressed by Xu Boyang and Su Yanlu, he immediately confessed his true identity. However, he had other plans in mind:
"It seems that the two families haven't expanded their territory here? But in this Zhufen wilderness, there are more than just our Qihuanggu family. There are many other families. If everyone is doing the same, what should we be afraid of?"

He immediately made up his mind, nodded, and admitted frankly:
"Miss Su is right! In fact, there are many Qingshen families rooted in this Zhufen Wilderness. Not only my family, but as far as I know, there are at least forty or fifty families. As long as there are foundation-building cultivators in the family, as long as there is some extra wealth and a bit of sophistication in their hearts, most of them come here to share a piece of the pie!"

"This matter is nothing new. There are pros and cons to it. In fact, every family that comes here knows it, but it's just tacitly understood. To put it bluntly, in Qingshen, firstly, the oppression of the immortal sect is too strong, and everyone has to live cautiously and humblely. Secondly, the rules are strict, and there is no room for upward mobility."

"Unlike here, where the strong prey on the weak, as long as you are strong enough, you can burn, kill, and plunder, and no one will interfere with you. You don't need to worry about being involved in the various relationships of the immortal sect. As long as you can withstand the revenge of others, your family can develop as you wish, but it depends on your strength."

"You're such a smooth-talking kid from the Zhang family!"

The more Su Yanlu listened, the angrier she became. She sat there in a daze, her hands on her knees, laughing angrily, and said coldly,

"The Nanhuai Taiping Dao Sect has supported your family for generations, and has treated them well. It's one thing for your family not to be grateful, but you're actually being two-faced and running away from Qingshen to develop your career, and you even say it so high-soundingly. Zhang Guanzhi, as a disciple of the Immortal Sect, do you still have any shame?"

Zhang Guanzhi saw that his eyes were filled with murderous intent, and he was frightened and panicked. He hurriedly said in defense:

"Mr. Su, you can't say that. There are many families in Qingshen that have territories outside the country. For example, your Cangwu Pei family has several islands. Brother Xu's Yuchuan Ling family and Xun family, which family doesn't have it?"

"It's just that each family has its own family name and doesn't dare to use it openly!"

As soon as these words came out, Xu Boyang and the Su brothers and sisters were shocked again.

"You said the Ling family, the Xun family, and... the Pei family all have overseas territories?"

Su Zilu took a deep breath, still unable to believe the truth of this statement. She couldn't help but ask again and turned to look at her brother.

Su Yanlu said slowly:
"Master Zhang, this is wrong. We sent Lingxizi out only to avoid the rules of the Immortal Sect. This is a delaying tactic. Eventually, everyone will return to Qingshen and unite to rule the Daoist world. But what you have done is tantamount to rebellion. You say that the Pei, Ling, and Xun families of Qingshen are among those included. How can we believe you?"

"Humph! Master Su, why would I lie to you? It's up to you three to believe me or not!"

Zhang Guanzhi was forced into this tavern room by three people for no reason today. Facing the cold questioning, he was a little scared, but after all, he was a disciple of Taiping Dao Sect and a descendant of Qihuanggu Family. For a moment, he was proud and snorted coldly. He stood up and said loudly,
"The Cangwu Pei family, using the name of the Changyang Town Li family, has occupied over ten islands of varying sizes in the Thousand Stars and Ten Thousand Islands Lake. They're not far from my home, so how could I possibly make such a claim?"

"As for the Yuchuan Ling family and the Xun family, one is wearing the skin of the Wuwei Town Wan family, and the other is wearing the clothes of the Luolin Town Kong family. They use the islands to gain power and establish their own territory. Humph, if you don't want others to know, then don't do it yourself. These are not secrets!"

"If you three don't believe me, you can go to Thousand Stars and Ten Thousand Islands Lake and verify it yourself!"

"My Qihuang Valley is loyal to the Taiping Dao Sect and is proud to be in Qingshen! All we seek is a few leftovers! If it weren't for the leading families of these immortal sects, how could our small families follow suit?"

"The three of you originally smuggled yourself out here to settle your own Lingxi children. You're all the same kind of people, so why are you pretending to be so? My Zhang family may not be as good as the Sun and Hua families in Nanhuai, but we are not the kind of people who can be ordered around!"

"Hahahaha!"

Su Yanlu laughed loudly, slapped her thigh, stood up, put her arm around Zhang Guanzhi's shoulders, smiled, and said loudly,
"Brother Zhang is indeed a quick-witted person! I, Su, don't know the whole story and speak nonsense after drinking. Please don't blame me!"

After that, he pulled Zhang Guanzhi to sit down, picked up the wine glass and poured wine for him.

"Come on, come on! Drink, drink! I'll treat you tonight. I apologize to Brother Zhang for my rude words just now!"

Zhang Guanzhi was not a domineering person. His fierce words just now were just a way for him to save face. Seeing Su Yanlu's calmness and apology, he naturally took the opportunity to back down, sat down, raised his glass, and said:
"Brother Su, Brother Xu, Miss Su, ignorance is not to be blamed. We are all old guests in this Zhufen wilderness. I, Zhang Guanzhi, will tell you everything I know from the bottom of my heart. This matter is not related to my family and does not rise to the level of endangering Qingshen. At most, my family will profit from it. You can talk about this matter outside, but you must not bring it back to Qingshen. I hope the three of you understand the difficulties and forgive me!"

"Don't worry, Brother Zhang, this is natural!"

Xu Boyang had been listening silently at the side, but his heart was moved and he was secretly surprised. He immediately picked up the wine glass and started chatting and laughing with the two of them.

The children were originally frightened by the four adults' frequent quarrels and dared not move. But when they saw the adults make up, they smiled and the room became lively again.

Afterwards, the four of them did not talk about the matter anymore. Instead, they each had their own thoughts, toasting each other and pretending to be nice. They drank until the moon was high in the sky, and then they dispersed and went back to their rooms to rest.

Xu Boyang put Bourne and Boxiao to bed, but he was still very excited and thought to himself:

"According to what Zhang Guanzhi said, the Zhufen Plain is dotted with islands and shoals. There are also numerous islands on the Thousand Stars and Ten Thousand Islands Lake, including many sacred mountains and peaks. If your family has the strength, why not occupy an island peak as a base and develop slowly like the Zhang family?"

"This way, you don't have to spend a lot of spirit stones to live under someone else's roof and depend on them for your livelihood. You can be self-reliant. Whether it's a blessing or a curse depends entirely on your ability!"

However, as his thoughts unfolded, he realized that this matter was too vague and illusory, and his face darkened.
"It's a pity that this is too difficult to achieve. Right now, I'm the only one in my family who has reached the sixth level of Condensation Yuan. Bo'en and Bo Xiao haven't even started practicing yet. The rest are all mortals. With such a weak population, it's simply a fantasy to want to gain a foothold in the Zhufen Wilderness."

"Unless... there's some external help, there might be a slight chance."

As Xu Boyang thought about it, he couldn't help but think of the Su brothers and sisters. Out of trust in Zi Yi, Xu Boyang naturally regarded Su Yanlu as a friend. It's just that this person always seems to be secretive and not as straightforward as Zi Yi. I just don't know how strong his family is, whether he has such thoughts, and whether he is willing to come here to develop.

"Brother." Pei Zisu was shocked when he told his brother what he was thinking. He asked,

"You said you wanted to start a new business in Zhufen Wilderness?"

"Since someone has done it before, there's already a precedent! Why can't my family do it?"

Pei Yansu's eyes were heavy, he was playing with a small celadon teacup in his hand, and he said slowly:

"Hmph! Sister, you don't know. Over the years, we, the Zhuhai lineage, have worked so hard for Cangyu, but have we ever received even a shred of reward? We've done nothing wrong, but we're still suppressed by our uncle's and uncle's lines, unable to move!"

"No wonder his uncle's and aunt's families have become increasingly prosperous in recent years, producing numerous talented people. The influence of his disciples in the Immortal Sect has become increasingly powerful. It turns out that they have help from outside. I'm afraid that without the constraints of the Immortal Sect, they are doing very well and have gained a lot of benefits!"

"This kid named Zhang, I've seen today that he's a cowardly leader. If such a person can take root in the wilds of Zhufen, why can't my family do the same?"

"Brother...when you say my family, do you mean our Jimai Zhuhai family or just our small family?"

Pei Zisu became concerned and asked the questions that were worrying her.

"Sister, the morale of our Zhuhai lineage has long since dispersed. Aside from the direct lineage in the Golden Core Valley, what kind of family is left? Aren't they all managing their own relationships? Do you think you can use the reputation of the Golden Core Valley ancestor, the Feathered Master, to climb the ladder?"

"It's a pity that my Zhuhai clan is simple-minded. We have spent our entire lives pursuing the perfection of the Golden Elixir Technique, but we don't have the desire to compete for superiority or personal gain."

Pei Yansu sighed softly, then slowly told his plan.
"Sister, you don't know that the three ancestors of our Pei family are now old and their time is coming to an end. Before the Sishui War broke out, they had already been in seclusion for many years, seeking the chance to become an immortal in the Purple Mansion. It's a pity that the dangers involved are so rare that you don't know!"

"Once the three ancestors of my Pei family pass away, without any constraints, the Bo family will dominate. My Zhuhai family is so few in number that I'm afraid we'll be scattered like monkeys when the tree falls, and be completely separated and divided by the Bo family and the Shu family. At that time, you and I will have to live under other people's roofs and be looked down upon!"

"These people are making a fuss, but in the end, it's all because of their own family. But you also know that the current Cangyu is not the immortal sect of the three feathered masters of my Pei family. For example, Chen Yuanbai of the Chen family in Wuyin Town is a rising star. He has now achieved the Yellow Court Dao and has considerable power in the immortal sect. There are also the Li family in Changyang Town, the Ji family in Baishui Town, and the Huang and Zhou families in Cangwu City. Which family is not coming in with great momentum?"

"Today, by chance, you and I have learned the secret of Zhufen Wilderness. This way, we can plan ahead and leave a way out. In the future, whether it's for the Pei family, the master of the sea, or our own family, we won't always lag behind those people of Bomai and Shumai."

"To put it bluntly, as long as there's a branch of my Pei family left, no one else can stir up any trouble in Cangyu!"

Su Zilu thought it made sense after hearing this, and secretly admired it, saying:
"Brother cares deeply about the family, has a long-term perspective, and has considered everything thoroughly. However, this matter is not trivial. I think it would be best for you to go back and consult father and let him make the decision!"

"That's totally unnecessary. Father is weak and doesn't fight. You know his character. He knows how to be cautious, which is actually not good."

Pei Yansu shook his head slightly and said in a deep voice,

"That's fine. I'll take care of the matter. Let's follow Zhang Guanzhi to the Thousand Stars and Ten Thousand Islands Lake first. If it's really as he says, then we can start planning this matter."

"With my current level of cultivation, it shouldn't be a problem to capture one or two islands. You'll guard them when the time comes, and I'll go home and call Xiao Keqing and You Lao over. Anyway, there's nothing important going on at home right now. I've supported them for so many years, so it's time for them to help out."

"Well, Zisu will follow your brother's arrangements."

Pei Zisu nodded. She felt very comfortable when she thought that her family would have territory outside the country and would not have to hand over resources to the Immortal Sect. That meant she would not have to face the ugly faces of the sect leaders Bomai and Shumai all day long.

Thinking that he was about to establish his foundation and he also had the Kanshui Shenyuan Pill, everything was ready except for the east wind. If he could find a quiet place to practice until he established his foundation, that would be perfect.

"besides."

Pei Yansu thought for a moment and asked,

"What do you think of Xu Boyang?"

Pei Zisu was stunned for a moment, not knowing what her brother meant by this. Her face suddenly turned red, but fortunately, the veil covered it so that it could not be seen. She whispered:
"Brother... Zi Su doesn't quite understand. What do you mean by that?"

Pei Yansu stared at the teacup in his hand, his mind full of thoughts, not paying any attention to his sister's little daughter's mentality, and just said in a deep voice:

"This person has good intentions and knows how to repay kindness. He is thoughtful, but not cunning. His cultivation is just so-so for his age. Most importantly, he has a simple background and a pure family background. I see that he trusts you very much and hardly tells a lie. It's a pity that the Yuchuan Ding family got there first, so he can't be used by my family."

"If we can win him over and use the Xu family's cover to develop secretly, this would be a better option. After all, Xiao Keqing is dull and you Lao is old. Both of them have only the ninth level of Condensation. I'm afraid they will never be able to build a foundation."

"Using the two of them to support this storefront is probably inappropriate. Besides, although they are my guests, many people know them. I can only find a way to expel them from the house to avoid future worries."

Pei Zisu was delighted to see that her brother actually wanted to win over Xu Boyang, and said:

"Brother, I've known him for many years. I think he's... not bad. Besides, his family has Lingxizi, and I don't think anyone would want to hand over their own child to someone else. His family probably had no choice but to go to this Three Thousand Academy, so they resorted to this desperate measure."

"Why don't I go ask him? If he happens to have the same idea, wouldn't that be better?"

"If you want to ask, you can."

Pei Yansu's eyes wandered, he put down his teacup and said in a deep voice,

"But if he doesn't have that intention, then just stop there and don't force it."

(End of this chapter)