Starting with a daily divination to build an immortal clan

Chapter 182 Daoist Jade Carving
The Shen family of Heishuitan.

Shen Yuan lay quietly on the recliner, gazing at the sky.

He already knew when his son Shen Wenyan died at Hundred Beasts Mountain.

These past few days, he has been hiding alone in the Blackwater Pavilion, silently enduring it all.

Previously, he had used up thirty years of his lifespan to deduce the fate of Shen Wenyan's family of three. Afterwards, he used a life talisman to change the fate of Shen Li, which consumed another two years of his lifespan, leaving his body extremely weak.

Now, the pain of losing a child is like a sharp knife stabbing into my heart.

The feeling of a parent outliving their child is something that only those who have experienced it can truly understand.

But now he doesn't even dare to tell his wife, Hu Yufen, for fear that she might be too heartbroken and something bad might happen to her.

"grandfather……"

Shen Chongxuan slowly approached and sat down on the steps, looking somewhat dazed.

Shen Yuan snapped out of his daze, wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, and struggled to sit up straight, asking, "How is your mother now?"

Shen Chongxuan shook his head slightly: "It's still the same as before."

"Grandpa... I've been feeling inexplicably anxious these past few days, I don't know why..."

Seeing the worry on his face, Shen Yuan felt a slight pang in his heart, but could only manage a forced smile to comfort him, saying, "Don't think too much about it."

"Your master said you've already grasped the essence of righteousness?"

He also knew that Shen Wenyan's death couldn't be kept secret for long.

But for now, let's keep it a secret for as long as possible, at least to delay this devastating blow from coming.

"Ah."

When the topic of righteousness was brought up, Shen Chongxuan's attention was successfully diverted.

"My master said that his grandson is smarter than his father and may be able to carry forward the literary tradition in the future."

Shen Yuan smiled and nodded.

Back then, Lu Zhiyuan and Shen Wenyan embarked on the path of literature and pioneered the method of literary cultivation.

The two have overcome numerous obstacles and cultivated diligently to this day, but in the vastness of the Great Dao, they have only taken the first step.

Without special opportunities, it is unknown how many more people would need to make tireless efforts to promote and develop literature and art.

With a heavy sigh, Shen Yuan stood up shakily.

"Let's go, accompany Grandpa to see your maternal grandfather."

"We're all getting old; every time we meet, it's one less time we'll see each other."

Upon hearing this, a trace of sorrow reappeared on Shen Chongxuan's face.

His mother fell ill, his maternal grandfather Zhao Shuan was also bedridden, and there was no news of his father, causing him to bear too much at such a young age.

"Grandpa, please slow down."

Upon arriving at Shen Yuan's side, Shen Chongxuan helped him walk out of the courtyard.

Behind them, the big black dog tilted its head and looked at the grandfather and grandson, then got up and followed them out of the backyard.

At Zhao Shuan's home in Jinliu Village.

When the grandfather and grandson arrived, Zhao Jinhu was directing some villagers to build a coffin outside the courtyard gate.

Upon seeing Shen Yuan, many villagers stopped what they were doing and bowed respectfully.

In recent years, Shen Yuan has rarely appeared in front of the villagers.

Many villagers still remember the former head of the Shen family as the man in his thirties.

The villagers were quite surprised to see Shen Yuan looking so old.

Do immortals... also grow old?

Hearing the commotion, Zhao Jinhu hurriedly came out of the courtyard and was stunned when he saw Shen Yuan.

He remembered that the last time he saw Shen Yuan, he didn't look like this.

How did you age so much in such a short time?
"Uncle," Shen Chongxuan quickly greeted him with a cupped-hand salute.

Zhao Jinhu snapped out of his daze, suppressed his doubts, and bowed respectfully.

"Uncle Yuan."

Shen Yuan nodded, glanced at the half-finished coffin and said with some displeasure, "Why are you in such a hurry to make this unlucky thing?"

Zhao Jinhu's expression darkened, and he cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, saying, "It was my father's order..."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuan sternly snorted, "Old man, are you in such a hurry?"

"Take me to see it."

Zhao Jinhu reached out and led the grandfather and grandson into the room.

On the bed, Zhao Shuan had a full head of white hair and a wrinkled face, looking like he was on his deathbed.

Shen Yuan approached and quietly sensed the aura of death emanating from the creature. He estimated that the creature only had one or two days left to live, so he sighed and sat down in front of it.

"Brother Shuan."

Hearing the call, Zhao Shuan, whose eyes were slightly closed, slowly opened them, turned his head with difficulty, and looked him over. His cloudy eyes finally showed some light.

"Is it...A-Yuan?"

Shen Yuan grasped his withered hand and nodded slightly.

"Hahaha……"

Zhao Shuan suddenly chuckled twice and said, "I thought you wouldn't get old."

"Look... he's getting gray hairs too?"

Shen Chongxuan knelt slowly in front of the bed and called out, "Grandpa."

Zhao Tuan looked at him, a smile appearing on his face.

"Chongxuan, why hasn't your mother come back lately?"

Zhao Xuan's depression did not reach Zhao Shuan.

Shen Chongxuan smiled slightly and said, "My aunt and the others have been busy with their cultivation lately, so they still need my mother's help with household matters."

“Once you come out of seclusion in the next few days, I will come to see you when I have time.”

Zhao Shuan nodded slightly and said, "It's good to be busy, it's good to be busy."

He patted Shen Chongxuan's hand, then looked at Shen Yuan and said, "Yuan, it seems our brotherhood is coming to an end."

"My brother can't hold on any longer, he has to go first."

"If Da Hu and his brothers and their children are not up to the task, let them stay in the village to farm. Don't worry about personal feelings and ruin things."

Shen Yuan nodded and said, "Don't worry, I'm keeping an eye on everything for you."

Zhao Shuan grinned, revealing his few remaining large, yellow teeth.

He patted Shen Yuan's hand and sighed.

"Ugh……"

"My life has been worthwhile."

"I've met immortals, and I was even brothers with one..."

Zhao Shuan's voice grew softer and softer, but just as he finished speaking the last word, Shen Yuan suddenly realized that the life force in his body was slowly dissipating.

His heart skipped a beat for no reason.

Shen Chongxuan, who was standing to the side, seemed to realize something as well and called out softly.

"Grandpa?"

Zhao Shuan did not respond.

"Grandpa!"

Shen Chongxuan shouted again, and Zhao Jinhu, who was outside the door, rushed in upon hearing the noise.

Shen Yuan gripped Zhao Shuan's hand tightly, then stood up, tears welling in his eyes, and said, "Your father is gone..."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jinhu's expression froze instantly. He then bowed sadly to Shen Yuan, wiping away his tears as he knelt before Zhao Shuan's bedside.

Zhao Shuan's funeral was very grand, but Shen Yuan did not attend.

In the backyard of the manor, Zhao Xuan sat in the courtyard with a pale face. She saw a maid sweeping the yard and called her over.

Has anything major happened in your family recently?

The maid's eyes darted around, then she shook her head: "Reporting to the Second Young Mistress, nothing serious."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xuan didn't think much of it and then said, "Where have Chongxuan and Chongxu gone? They haven't been seen since early this morning."

The maid bowed and said, "Young Master Chongxuan must have gone to see the old master."

"Young Master Chongxu is cultivating in the front yard."

Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on Zhao Xuan's face, and she waved for the maid to leave.

When Shen Wen'an and the others returned, it was three days after Zhao Shuan's funeral.

A group of four appeared outside the Shen family's manor. Hu Meier was wearing a white cloak that covered her head and face.

Shen Li, nestled in his arms, curiously observed everything before her, babbling and stretching out her little hands.

"Sister Mei'er, we're home."

Wei Qiuling spoke.

Hu Meier slowly raised her head and looked at the manor in front of her.

"Let's go in," Shen Wen'an said, leading the mother and daughter through the gate of the Shen family home.

Shen Yuan and Shen Wenxing had already received the news in advance, and they led the group into the side room.

"These are my father and my eldest brother."

After Wei Qiuling's introduction, Hu Meier nervously bowed to Shen Yuan and Shen Wenxing.

"father."

"Big brother."

Shen Yuan smiled and nodded, saying, "Please sit down."

After everyone sat down, Shen Li, who was in Hu Meier's arms, looked at Shen Yuan curiously, and then struggled to open her little hands.

Upon seeing this, Shen Yuan quickly got up and came over, taking the little Shen Li from Hu Meier's arms.

Shen Wenxing, who was standing to the side, looked at Shen Wen'an with a puzzled expression and asked, "Didn't your second brother come back with you?"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the people in the room instantly froze, and none of them uttered a word.

Shen Wen'an and Wei Qiuling first looked at Shen Yuan and saw that he was sad and silent, so they realized that he might have already foreseen the ending.

Hu Meier lowered her head, tears silently streaming down her face.

Seeing the expressions on their faces, Shen Wenxing immediately sensed something was amiss, stood up, and looked at Shen Wen'an, saying:

"What happened?"

Shen Wen'an clenched his fist slightly, but ultimately decided to tell the story of Shen Wenyan's death in the Hundred Beasts Mountain.

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenxing's tiger-like eyes filled with tears, and he instantly slumped into the chair behind him.

Although Shen Yuan was teasing Shen Li, tears were already welling up in his eyes.

"Father...you already knew?"

Shen Wenxing looked at his father, his voice choked with emotion.

He had felt that something was wrong with his father these days, and now it seemed that he must have foreseen his brother's death.

She just silently endured it all without saying a word.

Shen Yuan didn't answer, but looked at Shen Li in his arms and Hu Meier who was secretly shedding tears in front of him, and said in a deep voice: "How is the courtyard I asked you to prepare?"

The manor's courtyards were not enough, so when Shen Wen'an and Wei Qiuling set off for Danzhou, he had Shen Wenxing build another courtyard in the back, planning to let Shen Wenyan and his family of three move to that larger courtyard when they returned safely.

However, no one expected that this son would ultimately not be able to escape the fate of "family ruin".

"Father, Sister Mei'er, she..."

Wei Qiuling glanced at Hu Meier, hesitating whether or not to reveal her identity as a fox demon.

At this moment, Hu Meier slowly raised her head and removed the cloak that covered her face, revealing two fox ears covered with white fur.

Her eyes were filled with tears, but with a hint of determination, she looked at Shen Yuan and said:

"Mei'er is a demon!"

“But Shen Li is my child with my husband, and she is the bloodline of the Shen family.”

"Mei'er's intention this time is to hand her over to the Shen family and then leave."

"I hope Father will take good care of her, considering that she has the blood of the Shen family flowing through her veins."

As Hu Meier spoke, she suddenly stood up and knelt down in front of Shen Yuan.

When Shen Wenyan was around, he kept assuring her that her parents were reasonable people and wouldn't mind her identity as a demon.

At that time, Hu Meier genuinely wanted to integrate into human life.

But now that Shen Wenyan is gone, her heart is completely dead.

Having safely delivered Shen Li to the Shen family, he prepared to rush back to Danzhou to follow in Shen Wenyan's footsteps.

Seeing this, Shen Yuan handed Shen Li to Shen Wen'an, who was standing to the side, and personally reached out to pull him up.

"Li'er is a member of the Shen family, and the Shen family will take good care of her."

“You are also a daughter-in-law of the Shen family, and the mother of Li’er. This is your home.”

“Since you call me ‘father,’ that means you still acknowledge this identity.”

"Stay."

Hu Meier hesitated.

If it weren't for Shen Li, she would never have returned to Danzhou.

She had planned to return to Danzhou after seeing her daughter safe with her own eyes, but now, looking at the lovely daughter in Shen Wen'an's arms, a trace of reluctance arose in her heart, which had died with Shen Wenyan.

Seeing this, Wei Qiuling spoke up at the right moment: "Sister Mei'er, isn't everything Second Brother has done so that you and Li'er can live well?"

"Li'er is your and your second brother's child. Don't you want to watch her grow up?"

"Yeah..."

At this moment, Shen Li, who was in Shen Wen'an's arms, struggled and opened her little hands towards her with a "ee-yah" sound.

Upon seeing this, tears welled up in Hu Meier's eyes.

She slowly took Shen Li, hugged her tightly, and burst into tears.

Upon seeing this, Shen Yuan felt even more grief.

"Qiu Ling, take Mei'er and her child to the backyard first, and arrange for a few people to take care of their daily needs."

"You must keep your mouth shut and not say anything carelessly."

They could accept Hu Meier's identity as a demon, but if word got out, it would definitely cause some gossip.

More importantly, since the mother and daughter are related to the woman Yuan Huizhu, keeping their whereabouts and identities hidden is the best way to protect them.

Wei Qiuling nodded and led Hu Meier away.

Suppressing his grief, Shen Wenxing pondered for a long time before saying, "Father, about Anu..."

He now finally understood why his father, who already knew about his brother's death, chose to bear it all alone and not tell anyone.

This incident was an unbearable blow to both the mother and Zhao Xuan and her son.

Especially Zhao Xuan.

Already physically weak, the accumulated stress led to illness.

A few days ago, Zhao Shuan passed away. Zhao Jinhu repeatedly instructed Shen Wenxing not to tell her, saying that if his sister found out and blamed him in the future, he would be the only one to blame.

Now that Shen Wenyan is gone, there's no way to tell her this news.

"I'll talk to your mother."

"As for Zhao Xuan, let's keep it from her for now. We'll find an opportunity to tell her slowly after she's feeling better."

"During this time, let Lingxiu take good care of Mei'er and her daughter."

Shen Wenxing bowed and left.

Shen Yuan looked at Shen Wen'an beside him and asked, "Regarding your second brother, has there been any other reaction from Danzhou?"

Although the pain of losing his son was suffocating him, there were other members of the Shen family and others. Right now, he had to find out the attitude of the cultivation community in Danzhou towards this matter as soon as possible.

The involvement of the female Yuan Huizhu is too great. If things go wrong, the Shen family could very well be wiped out by those terrifyingly powerful individuals.

Shen Wen'an cupped his hands and said, "Second Brother detonated the power of the Female Yuan Wisdom Pearl at Hundred Beast Mountain. Many Qishan cultivators witnessed the Female Yuan Wisdom Pearl dissipate at that time."

"This move should be able to make some cultivators give up their obsession with the Female Essence Wisdom Pearl."

"Senior Sister also took the opportunity to spread the news, and the remaining cultivators who were still interested in the Female Yuan Hui Pearl were now only focused on Hundred Beast Mountain."

“I went to Qingluo Sword Pavilion in Danzhou. The Sword Immortal Lingshan bestowed upon me a Green Bamboo Sword and instructed me to activate the sword intent within it at the barrier connecting Danzhou to Yangnao Land.”

"Right now, if any Golden Core cultivator tries to pass through the barrier, Sword Immortal Ling Shan will rush over to stop them immediately, so there's no need to worry too much."

Shen Yuan nodded.

"Where is that old ape?"

Shen Wen'an shook his head slightly: "When my second brother attacked Hundred Beast Mountain, I was at the Green Vine Sword Pavilion and did not witness the old ape's fate."

"But my senior sister said that the old ape's body was shattered by my second brother. Although he wasn't killed on the spot, even if he had rare and precious treasures to prolong his life, his cultivation level would definitely have dropped drastically."

As he said this, a hint of resentment flashed in Shen Wen'an's eyes.

If the two brothers had attacked Hundred Beasts Mountain together that day, not to mention flattening Hundred Beasts Mountain, with his help to stop those Nascent Soul Realm experts of Hundred Beasts Mountain, the second brother would definitely have had enough time to kill that old ape completely!

Shen Yuan nodded, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes.

"Take these next few days to rest and recharge."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an seemed to understand his father's plan. A glint flashed in his eyes, and after bowing slightly, he walked towards the Blackwater Pavilion.

As night fell, Shen Yuan returned to the courtyard.

Hu Yufen hurriedly came forward and said, "I heard that the third brother and the other two have returned?"

"Well, any news about Anu?"

Shen Yuan walked into the room by himself, then bolted the door and set up a soundproof barrier.

Hu Yufen was very puzzled by this.

Shen Yuan looked at her and pulled her to sit down in front of the bed.

"Dad, what's wrong with you?"

Hu Yufen felt a little flustered.

Having shared decades of life's joys and sorrows, she could vaguely sense that something serious must have happened to Shen Yuan.

Shen Yuan sighed and said, "Anu... he won't be coming back."

Upon hearing this, Hu Yufen's face turned pale instantly, but she still asked in disbelief, "What...does it mean that you can't come back?" Shen Yuan gently held her hand and told her what Shen Wenyan had done in Danzhou.

When she heard that he had died in battle at Hundred Beasts Mountain, Hu Yufen could no longer hold back and burst into tears.

Shen Yuan held his wife tightly, letting her cry her heart out.

“Wen’an and Qiuling brought back the concubine and child he had taken in Danzhou.”

"The child's name is Shen Li, and she's a lovely little girl."

Seeing that his wife's crying had subsided a little, Shen Yuan thought of trying to distract her.

Hu Yufen looked stunned and did not speak.

For the remainder of the year, the entire Shen family was plunged into a long period of grief.

However, everyone tacitly kept this news from Zhao Xuan.

After several days of heartbreak, Hu Yufen calmed down a bit and entered the courtyard where Hu Meier and Shen Li lived for the first time, meeting her granddaughter Shen Li for the first time.

When the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law met and Shen Wenyan was mentioned, they hugged each other and cried again.

Having vented her grief, Hu Yufen remembered Shen Yuan's instructions and, suppressing her sorrow, began to care about the lives of the mother and daughter in the Shen family.

This genuine and heartfelt concern was slowly nourishing his heart, which was on the verge of complete death.

In the second month after arriving at the Shen family, Hu Meier found Shen Wenxing and brought out all of Shen Wenyan's belongings, as well as the gifts that the couple had prepared for everyone during their adventure in Qishan.

"These rare and precious materials were all obtained by Mei'er and her husband in the mountains. It was because of these things that her husband..."

Looking at the rare and precious materials before her, Hu Meier felt a pang of sadness, but then suppressed her grief and said, "Brother, you can make arrangements later."

Shen Wenxing pondered for a moment, glanced at her fox ears, and recalled what Wei Qiuling had said earlier.

Hu Meier possessed the strength of the late stage of fetal breathing, and had already taken human form after being enlightened by Bai Ze.

The reason she revealed the characteristics of a demon beast this time was because she was injured in Qishan, and Shen Wenyan's death had a great impact on her.

This is what causes a regression in one's level of understanding.

If she cannot recover quickly, her degeneration will become more and more serious before long, and she may eventually be unable to maintain her human form.

Thinking of this, Shen Wenxing said, "Sister-in-law is injured, but the Shen family's resources are insufficient, and we cannot find a high-quality elixir for the time being."

"Keep these rare and precious herbs for yourself first, at least to stabilize your injuries first."

Upon hearing this, Hu Meier gently shook her head: "Meier's injury lies in her Dao Heart, and nothing external can help."

“These things were originally prepared for our parents and everyone else, so please take them, elder brother.”

As she spoke, she took out two more jade slips and carefully handed them to Shen Wenxing.

“This is my husband’s insight into literature and art, and it is what he cherishes most.”

"My husband said that I would trouble my elder brother to give it to Master Lu."

Shen Wenxing picked up the two jade slips, gently rubbed them, and nodded, saying, "Chongxuan has already embarked on the path of literature. If he can inherit these things left by Anu, then he will have a legacy to carry on."

Hu Meier nodded, then thought for a moment and asked, "How is Sister Xuan now?"

As Shen Wenyan's concubine, she had been in the Shen family for over a month, but had not yet paid her respects to the principal wife, Zhao Xuan.

Because I heard that Zhao Xuan's health is not good, I dare not let her know any news related to Shen Wenyan.

Shen Wenxing said, "Qiu Ling brought some medicine to help him recover after returning from Luoxia Mountain. He has improved a lot recently."

"After some time, I will find an opportunity to tell her about it. I can't keep it from her forever."

Hu Meier nodded, then looked at Shen Li, who was taking her first steps not far away.

"It seems that Li'er has the power of bloodline within her. I will have to trouble you, elder brother, to prepare some medicinal meals to strengthen her foundation. We cannot let her talent go to waste."

Shen Wenxing also turned to look at Shen Li.

A few days ago, his father, Shen Yuan, told him that Shen Li had excellent physical attributes, but neither Wei Qiuling nor Shen Yuan himself could determine her specific physique and spiritual roots.

Wei Qiuling has now sent a telepathic message to Luoxia Mountain, asking a knowledgeable elder from the sect to personally come to Yangnao Land to determine Shen Li's constitution.

Judging by the time, it should be about time for them to arrive.

"Don't worry about Li'er, sister-in-law. Just focus on recovering and don't let your injuries worsen."

Shen Wenxing gave some instructions and then left with the rare and precious materials and jade slips.

Although Hu Meier insisted on not keeping those rare and precious materials, Shen Wenxing had not yet distributed them to anyone else and had put them all on the third floor of the Blackwater Pavilion.

It can be used if Hu Meier's injury worsens in the future.

After leaving Blackwater Pavilion, he hurriedly went to the clan's main courtyard.

At this moment, Lu Zhiyuan was instructing two rogue cultivators from the Western Wilderness who had initially sought refuge with him.

These two individuals came from the Muhe tribe in the Western Wilderness. They were already at the peak of the Innate Realm when they became disciples of the Shen family.

After making a solemn vow and receiving the true teachings, Shen Yuan arranged for him to work in the clan's main courtyard to assist Lu Zhiyuan in handling matters concerning the various affiliated clans.

The two of them certainly did not disappoint Shen Yuan's expectations.

Although he was already in his seventies, he only began practicing the orthodox Taoist method, "The Moon-Illuminating Pine Mountain Manual".

Possessing high-quality earth-attribute spiritual roots, the two of them had already reached the peak of the eighth level of Qi Refining in just three years, and were about to break through to the ninth level of Qi Refining before Shen Yuan.

"Master of the house."

Upon seeing Shen Wenxing arrive, Mu Yan and Mu Chang hurriedly bowed and greeted him.

Having followed Master Lu for many years, the two had changed their Western Wilderness barbarian habits, changed their clothes, and learned etiquette, making them look much more comfortable.

Shen Wenxing nodded, and then said, "I have important matters to discuss with the Master. You two should go and cultivate for now."

The two men respectfully bowed and left.

Shen Wenxing cupped his hands in greeting to Lu Zhiyuan, then took out the two jade slips.

Lu Zhiyuan asked curiously, "What is this?"

“Left by Anu.”

Just as Lu Zhiyuan was about to use his literary energy to transform into a hand to take it, he suddenly realized what Shen Wenxing had just said.

What did Anu "leave" behind?
He paused for a moment, then looked up at Shen Wenxing and said, "Anu, he..."

Shen Wenxing sighed and recounted what Shen Wenyan had done in Danzhou.

A trace of sadness flashed in Lu Zhiyuan's eyes, followed by a solemn sigh: "When will this lament come..."

Shen Wenxing didn't want him to continue wallowing in sadness, so he changed the subject, saying, "Anu used this to break through Hundred Beast Mountain and beat up that pseudo-core-realm old ape, which shows that she has comprehended a lot about the Dao of Literature."

"He left these to the Master, hoping that the Master would pass on the literary tradition."

Lu Zhiyuan nodded, then used his literary energy to transform into a palm, lifted the jade slip, and placed it between his eyebrows to study it carefully.

Seeing that he was engrossed in his work, Shen Wenxing did not wait for him. He summoned two disciples from the clan's main academy to stand guard beside him and then left.

September.

It's the season for the ripening of the sacred rice again.

In the side room of the courtyard, Shen Wen'an and Wei Qiuling sat together, looking at Shen Wenxing in front of them.

“I have had people inquire about this several times during this period, and my master has also sent news from Danzhou.”

"The disciples of Hundred Beasts Mountain are now frequently hunted down by other immortal sects and some old monsters."

"I heard that those people are secretly using disciples of Hundred Beasts Mountain to refine human pills, hoping to obtain a trace of the power of the Female Primordial Wisdom Pearl from their bodies."

Wei Qiuling spoke with a strange expression.

After Shen Wenyan died in battle at Hundred Beasts Mountain, it was she who had the news spread, her original intention being only to make people from other immortal sects keep an eye on Hundred Beasts Mountain.

However, they still underestimated the allure of the Female Yuan Huizhu to the cultivators of Danzhou.

This even led many cultivators from various immortal sects to use methods of refining pills with human bodies.

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenxing frowned deeply.

"I had anticipated the cruelty of the cultivation world, the survival of the fittest, but I never imagined that living people could be used to refine pills."

"What difference is there between such behavior and cannibalism?"

Wei Qiuling smiled bitterly and sighed after hearing this.

"This is the cultivation world. Not to mention using low-level cultivators to refine human pills, some powerful evil cultivators, in order to improve their cultivation, often use the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in a city as materials to suck blood and extract souls."

"There are also some self-proclaimed righteous immortal sects that secretly search for talented immortals among the common people under their rule who possess special physiques or spiritual roots, either by possessing their bodies or by using secret methods to seize their foundations."

"Brother, never underestimate how persistent those old monsters from the immortal sects are in their pursuit of immortality."

Shen Wenxing nodded, then changed the subject, saying, "So, Hundred Beasts Mountain is already overwhelmed with its own problems?"

Wei Qiuling smiled and nodded.

"During this period of time, I have had the disciples of Luoxia Mountain investigate almost all of He County's defensive capabilities."

"There are still more than fifty disciples of Hundred Beasts Mountain in the entire Crane County. Yang Xun of Hundred Beasts Mountain broke through to the Nascent Soul stage some time ago. In addition, Lord He and his battle beast secretly arrived more than a month ago. Hundred Beasts Mountain should have three Nascent Soul stage warriors in Yangnao Land."

"The remaining disciples at the Qi Refining stage are not a concern."

"Brother, we need to act quickly. If Qiyun Valley reacts, we need to seize Hejun first."

"It's not advisable for the Shen family and Luoxia Mountain to directly attack Qiyun Valley."

Upon hearing this, a hint of suspicion flashed in Shen Wenxing's eyes.

"Has Lord He of Hundred Beasts Mountain descended upon Yangnao Land?"

Wei Qiuling nodded and said, "Then Lord He's strength has reached the late stage of the Fetal Breathing Realm, and with his battle beast Golden Flame Mountain Lord, he is comparable to a typical Fetal Breathing Perfection Realm expert."

"The Hundred Beasts Mountain sent them here probably to intimidate any forces that have designs on Crane County."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenxing frowned, pondered for a long time, and then shook his head slightly.

"To be honest, ever since the Immortal Sect descended, I have had a doubt in my heart."

"Mount Hundred Beasts arrived in Yangnao long before your various immortal sects descended upon it."

"If all they wanted back then was the dragon in the mountain, why didn't they seize other, better places after the dragon transcended its tribulation and left?"

"Not to mention the heartland of places like Yunzhong and Yingchuan, even the neighboring counties of Baima and Fengxian are more prosperous than He County."

Upon hearing his words, Wei Qiuling suddenly realized something was amiss.

At first, she thought that Hundred Beasts Mountain had settled in Crane County to plot against the dragon. After the dragon passed away, Hundred Beasts Mountain chose Crane County because they had been preparing for over a hundred years and did not want to abandon it.

Moreover, Crane County connects to the Western Wilderness, and Hundred Beasts Mountain occupies both Crane County and the Western Wilderness, making it arguably the largest immortal sect in the entire Yangnao Land.

"Does Brother think that Crane County has other things that Hundred Beasts Mountain values?"

Shen Wenxing shook his head slightly: "I can't be sure about that."

"I just feel that the gate of Hundred Beasts Mountain is already in grave danger. Logically speaking, they should be conserving their strength and doing everything they can to protect the gate."

"Why send a powerful figure like Lord Heshan to Yangnao at this time?"

Inside the room, the three pondered for a long time but still couldn't come up with a solution.

Wei Qiuling suddenly laughed and said, "Instead of racking your brains here, it would be more convenient to take over He County first and then search for it later."

Shen Wenxing nodded.

If there's anything in Crane County that Beast Mountain would covet, they could just seize it and inspect it; there's no need to rack their brains over this.

"Then let's make the move, consider it collecting some interest first."

"While the spirit rice has just been harvested, let's drive Hundred Beast Mountain out of Yangnao Land in one fell swoop!"

Wei Qiuling nodded and pondered for a moment before saying, "There's something I need to tell my elder brother in advance."

"After taking He County, I plan to give Anyang, Xingyang, Hejian and Chungui to the Shen family, and the land in He County will not be given to the Shen family."

Shen Wenxing smiled and nodded after hearing this.

"Won't doing this cause your sister-in-law to be criticized within the sect?"

The four cities of Anyang are located in the heart of Yunzhong, and more importantly, all four cities are adjacent to Yinlong Mountain.

As one of the major ley lines in Yangnao Land, Hidden Dragon Mountain is rich in spiritual mines and rare treasures. The spiritual energy concentration in the four cities of Anyang is much higher than that in other cities, and the number of spiritual fields is naturally much greater.

Wei Qiuling's decision was tantamount to giving away the most prosperous cities in Yunzhong County to the Shen family.

Another point.

With the four cities of Anyang surrounded by the forces of Luoxia Mountain, Wei Qiuling's arrangement seemed to be aimed at protecting the Shen family in the center.

As the daughter-in-law of the Shen family, Wei Qiuling's actions were understandable.

However, as the chief disciple of Luoxia Mountain, Shen Wenxing was still worried that some discerning people within the sect would see through her and criticize her behind her back for abusing her power for personal gain, thus affecting her status as a candidate for the sect.

Wei Qiuling smiled slightly and said, "Brother, there is no need to worry. Unlike Qiyun Valley, Luoxia Mountain has seen the hope of rising to prominence. Naturally, they will not fuss over trivial matters."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenxing nodded and said, "Then let's do as you wish."

"Our Shen family can only send Wen An to help this time; we will have to rely on Luoxia Mountain for the rest."

Upon hearing this, Wei Qiuling turned to look at Shen Wen'an and smiled gently: "He alone is enough."

"Big brother, we're leaving now."

After the couple finished speaking, they stood up and bowed.

Shen Wenxing escorted them to the door and watched them leave.

……

Crane County.

Yang Xun, the chief disciple of Hundred Beasts Mountain, looked at the dwarf old man in front of him with a solemn expression.

"Uncle He, it seems we don't have much time left."

"Luoxia Mountain and the Shen family are wolves in sheep's clothing and will certainly not let go of this excellent opportunity."

Upon hearing this, the dwarf old man, Lord He, sighed heavily, his eyes filled with a sinister look.

As the former overlord of the many immortal sects in Qishan, with a pseudo-core realm ancestor in charge, how could Hundred Beasts Mountain have ever suffered such humiliation?
But ever since arriving in Yangnao, they have encountered setbacks at every turn.

First, a great deal of manpower and resources were wasted. The dragon that had been plotting for a hundred years, which was at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm, escaped during its tribulation by some twist of fate. Everything was lost, and several elders at the Fetal Breath realm were also lost as a result.

Later, a weak Qi Refining family managed to unite several powerful immortal sects, including the Vajra Sect, Luoxia Mountain, and Tianfu Sect, to fight against Hundred Beast Mountain.

After the appearance of the female Yuan Huizhu, the sect's patriarch went to Qishan to try his luck, but he did not gain any benefits and was seriously injured.

Some time ago, that madman from the Shen family even stormed their mountain gate, forcibly broke through the protective formation, killed and injured hundreds of disciples, and even nearly destroyed the patriarch's physical body. Even if he didn't perish, his cultivation level would inevitably plummet.

He chose to come to Yangnao at this time because he wanted to protect the hard work he had put into it for over a hundred years and give Hundred Beasts Mountain a chance to come back to life.

"Have those two pieces of Daoist jade carving not been completely removed yet?"

Lord He frowned and looked at Yang Xun.

The Daoist jade carvings he mentioned are another discovery made by Hundred Beasts Mountain in Yangnao Land.

In fact, Li Heshan almost discovered that jade inscription back then.

At that time, Li Heshan came to He County to investigate the plans of Hundred Beast Mountain. Unexpectedly, he encountered a Kui Water Thunder Fiend Formation that could only be set up by a Golden Core Realm expert in Songyan City, which is located between Baima County and He County.

Later, when the dragon passed away after its tribulation, Li Heshan only thought that the Kui Water Thunder Fiend Formation was related to the dragon and did not think much of it.

Little did they know that the Sunflower Water Thunder Formation also concealed another great secret.

For over a hundred years since Hundred Beasts Mountain descended upon Yangnao Land, besides plotting against the dragon at the Purple Mansion Perfection Realm, they have also been secretly uncovering the secrets beneath the Sunflower Water Thunder Fiend Formation.

Yang Xun shook his head helplessly and said, "Those two Daoist jade carvings only appear for half a month at two specific times each year, and then they disappear after that time."

"It will probably take another two years to completely separate them."

Upon hearing this, Lord He sighed helplessly.

"The Daoist inscription on the jade contains the secret of Nascent Soul, which is the key to the revival of our Hundred Beasts Mountain. We cannot afford any mistakes. You should have people make preparations to guard against other immortal sects."

"Once the Daoist inscription appears in a few days, I will personally go and think of a solution."

Upon hearing this, Yang Xun was about to cup his hands in greeting when a disciple from Hundred Beasts Mountain hurriedly arrived.

"Senior Uncle He, Senior Brother, something terrible has happened!"

"The people from Luoxia Mountain have invaded He County!"

Upon hearing this, the two of them suddenly stood up!

"How many people have come to Luoxia Mountain!?"

Lord He asked in a deep voice.

The disciple's voice trembled as he stammered, "Very... a lot!"

"There must be several hundred cultivators at the Qi Refining stage, and I even saw a Nascent Soul stage expert from Luoxia Mountain!"

“Hundreds of Qi Refining cultivators, and even those at the Nascent Soul stage…” Yang Xun said angrily, yet with a hint of helplessness, “They’re planning to drive my Hundred Beasts Mountain directly out of Yangnao Land.”

Lord He Shan remained silent, his over four-foot-tall body radiating a menacing killing intent, his expression shifting between light and shadow.

After a long silence, a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes as he said, "Go and meet the enemy first!"

"If we are truly outmatched, we must find a way to completely destroy that jade inscription!"

Destroy it!

Upon hearing this, Yang Xun's heart trembled, and he said with some reluctance, "Uncle-Master He, isn't it too...too much of a pity to destroy these things?"

"If my Hundred Beasts Mountain is truly defeated, then we will spread the news of that jade inscription. It involves the secret of the Nascent Soul Realm, and those high-grade immortal sects in Danzhou will probably not be able to sit still."

"At that time, in order to keep the secret, those top-tier immortal sects will certainly not let Luoxia Mountain off easily!"

A ruthless glint flashed in Yang Xun's eyes, thinking that this move might allow him to use the power of those immortal sects to completely wipe out Luoxia Mountain.

Upon hearing this, Lord He glanced at him and asked, "What do you think of Hundred Beasts Mountain compared to Sunset Glow Mountain?"

Yang Xun was slightly taken aback, seemingly not understanding why he suddenly asked that question.

Lord He sighed inwardly and said, "If those high-grade immortal sects knew that my Hundred Beasts Mountain has occupied Crane County for over a hundred years, do you think they would believe that Hundred Beasts Mountain has truly gained nothing in these past hundred years?"

Yang Xun's expression froze, and his face turned somewhat ugly.

He was only thinking about using someone else to do the dirty work, and he overlooked this other aspect.

Yes!

In the eyes of those powerful high-grade immortal sects, Hundred Beast Mountain and Sunset Mountain are not much different.

To keep their secret, if they could eliminate Sunset Mountain, they would definitely target Hundred Beast Mountain as well.

Moreover, no one would believe that a cave containing Daoist inscriptions and jade carvings contains no other treasures besides these inscriptions and jade carvings.

Once the news leaks out, Hundred Beasts Mountain may be wiped out by those powerful immortal sects even before Sunset Mountain.

Upon realizing this, Yang Xun broke out in a cold sweat.

"Alright, stop thinking about anything else and get to the enemy first."

"I'd like to see how much progress Luoxia Mountain has made in recent years, that it dares to provoke my Hundred Beasts Mountain like this."

"Today I will make them pay a price."

Lord He spoke with murderous intent, and in a flash, he rushed out of the room!
The next moment, a three-zhang-long tiger with piercing eyes let out a roar and soared into the sky.

Tigers are called "big cats" when they are young, "striped" when they are teenagers, "big insects" when they are adults, and "white-browed" when they are middle-aged.

Lord He's war beast is called "Mountain Lord," which is a name given to a tiger-like ferocious beast that has cultivated itself to a high level and reached old age.

Once he is able to break through to the Golden Core Dao, he can be called "Mysterious Altar".

Upon seeing that Lord He had already set out, Yang Xun immediately stopped thinking about anything else, summoned his white giant wolf, and led a group of Hundred Beasts Mountain disciples and Western Wilderness cultivators to follow Lord He's footsteps and attack!
(End of this chapter)