Starting with a daily divination to build an immortal clan

Chapter 198 Skilled Household Manager
The bronze ship slowly came to a stop above the Blackwater Pool.

Just as Shen Wen'an was about to make a hand seal to activate the protective array for the Shen family, Fu Yang at the bow of the ship stopped him.

Fu Yang stood at the bow of the ship, looking at the slowly rotating array below. His brows suddenly furrowed, and he murmured, "This array formation... seems to be the same as that kid's."

Fu Yang scrutinized him carefully for a moment, and a relieved smile suddenly appeared on his face, like a kind old father who had suddenly seen his son, who had been away from home for many years, return in glory.

Seeing this, Shen Wen'an asked with some doubt, "Senior knows my master?"

The grand formation at the Shen Family Manor was personally set up by Pei Zhao, the master of the family, when he came to the Shen family to prevent a sneak attack from the Hundred Beasts Mountain.

Fu Yang recognized the person who set up the formation at a glance, and the implication in his words was that he was quite familiar with Pei Zhao.

"Your master?"

Upon hearing this, Fu Yang was stunned.

Since Ling Shan, the Sword Immortal, said that Shen Wen'an was her junior brother, Fu Yang always believed that Shen Wen'an was a disciple of Qingluo Sword Pavilion.

"Young friend, aren't you a disciple of the Azure Sword Pavilion?"

Meeting Fu Yang's astonished gaze, Shen Wen'an shook his head slightly and said, "To be honest, senior, I was once a disciple of the Hidden Cloud Academy in Qiyun Valley. My master was Pei Zhao, the former headmaster of the Hidden Cloud Academy."

Upon hearing this, Fu Yang looked quite surprised.

He scrutinized Shen Wen'an for a moment, then asked with a puzzled look, "Young friend, now..."

Shen Wen'an sighed: "Senior, this is not the place to talk. Let's go to your residence and chat slowly."

He waved his hand to open the great formation in front of him, and landed in the manor with Fu Yang.

"Third Master."

The two Shen family cultivators guarding the door bowed respectfully when they saw who it was.

Shen Wen'an nodded and said, "Go and invite the head of the family to the side room."

One of the Shen family cultivators hurriedly bowed and left.

"Senior, please come this way."

Shen Wen'an reached out and led Fu Yang to the side room, where tea and spiritual fruits were served.

After the two sat down, Shen Wenxing rushed over.

"Big brother."

Shen Wen'an stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and introduced, "This is Senior Fu Yang."

"Senior Fu, this is my elder brother, who is also the current head of our Shen family."

Shen Wenxing glanced at Fu Yang, then respectfully bowed and said, "Greetings, Senior Fu."

Fu Yang returned the greeting with a cupped hand, then glanced at Shen Wenxing with some surprise: "Patriarch Shen is a body cultivator?"

Shen Wenxing smiled and nodded, saying, "Since I have no spiritual roots, I can only find another way and have chosen the path of body cultivation."

Fu Yang waved his hand after hearing this: "Patriarch Shen, do not underestimate yourself. Body cultivation is also a righteous path. The great body cultivators of ancient times were even more admirable than immortal cultivators when they grew up."

"Judging from your appearance, Patriarch Shen's blood and qi are now overflowing. You've probably been stuck at the second stage of body cultivation for many years. Why haven't you tried to break through to the third stage?"

Shen Wenxing sighed softly, without revealing the real reason, only saying that he was filled with fear, afraid that he would die during the breakthrough process.

"Senior, please have some tea."

Not wanting to discuss body cultivation further with Fu Yang, Shen Wenxing quickly changed the subject.

Fu Yang smiled and nodded, picked up the teacup in front of him, took a sip, and looked at Shen Wen'an, saying, "Young friend Shen, could you tell me about your affairs with Qiyun Valley?"

After a moment's thought, Shen Wen'an said, "There's not much to say."

"When I was a child, I was fortunate enough to be noticed by Senior Brother Li Heshan, the chief of Qiyun Valley, and was taken to Danzhou by him."

"After entering Qiyun Valley, he was favored by his master and taken in by Yinyun Academy."

"Unfortunately, I was young and impetuous, single-mindedly devoted to the way of the sword, and ignorant of human relationships..."

With a look of nostalgia in his eyes, Shen Wen'an slowly recounted what had happened back then.

In fact, given his usual personality, he would never bother to go into the details.

But now that the Shen family needs Fu Yang's help, and they want to hear his opinion, he naturally has to speak up.

Moreover, since Fu Yang in front of him was very likely to know his master Pei Zhao, Shen Wen'an didn't have much resistance.

As Shen Wen'an continued his narration, Fu Yang's expression grew increasingly grim.

"Stubborn fools, a bunch of hopeless mummies!"

When Shen Wen'an mentioned that he had been expelled from the sect by order of the sect leader Yun Zhongzi for certain reasons, Fu Yang's face turned ashen, and he cursed fiercely.

Seeing this, Shen Wenxing became somewhat curious.

"Senior Fu and Qiyun Valley..."

Fu Yang sighed heavily, rubbed his palms, and said in a deep voice, "This old man... was once a disciple of Qiyun Valley."

He turned to look at Shen Wen'an, his expression somewhat complicated, and said, "Your master, Pei Zhao, is my junior brother."

This!
Shen Wen'an looked at him with some surprise!
"Senior was once a disciple of Qiyun Valley, then you..."

Fu Yang gave a bitter smile: "Like you, I was also expelled from my sect."

"However, I was once hunted down by the Qiyun Valley Law Enforcement Hall and was forced to hide under an assumed name."

Upon hearing this, the two brothers exchanged a glance and remained silent.

"That scoundrel Liang Yun must have had other reasons for expelling you from the sect, right?"

Fu Yang pondered for a moment and then slowly spoke.

Shen Wen'an hesitated slightly before nodding: "There are other reasons, but I promised my master that I would not reveal this matter, senior..."

"Hmph..." Fu Yang snorted coldly, a hint of disdain appearing on his face: "It's all for that laughable face and the dignity of the sect."

"The reason why Qiyun Valley has fallen to this state is entirely due to those stubborn old fogies!"

Having said that, Fu Yang sighed deeply again and said helplessly, "It must be tough on Xiao Pei. That kid is straightforward and stubborn, and I'm afraid he won't have an easy time these years."

Seeing the sadness in his expression, Shen Wenxing pondered for a moment and then cupped his hands slightly: "Senior Pei has been removed from his position as the head of Yinyun Academy and is now cultivating alone in the back mountain."

"Some time ago, I intended to ask him to help build this protective array, but I heard that Senior Pei is currently in seclusion, preparing to break through to the perfect state of fetal breathing."

Upon hearing this, Fu Yang's expression softened slightly, and he nodded, saying, "That kid has good talent. If it weren't for the sect's trivial matters, he should have been able to break through long ago."

"Forget it, let's not dwell on the past."

Fu Yang waved his hand, seemingly unwilling to mention Qiyun Valley again, and then looked at Shen Wenxing: "I have already roughly examined this city when I was in the clouds just now, and the foundation is indeed well done."

"Later, I will go and examine the earth's veins. If the veins allow, there are a few good formations that can be set up."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenxing's expression brightened, and he quickly stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Thank you, senior!"

Fu Yang waved his hand and said, "However, the matter of setting up the formation is extremely complicated and tedious, and I still need a calm and meticulous person to help me."

A calm and meticulous person...

Shen Wenxing frowned in thought, and just as he was about to speak, he heard footsteps coming from the door of the side room.

Immediately afterwards, the door to the side room was pushed open, and Shen Yuan appeared at the doorway.

"father."

Shen Wen'an and Shen Wenxing stood up and clasped their hands in greeting.

Shen Yuan nodded and looked at Fu Yang.

"Father, this is Senior Fu Yang, a master of array formations whom Wen An invited from Danzhou."

"Senior Fu, this is my father."

Shen Wenxing explained.

After the two exchanged greetings, Shen Yuan smiled and said, "Just now outside, I heard that Fellow Daoist Fu needed someone to help him."

“I happen to have nothing to do these days, and I am quite familiar with this Yunshui City.”

He looked at Fu Yang and cupped his hands, saying, "Fellow Daoist Fu, how about I assist you in the days to come?"

Fu Yang smiled and nodded.

When Shen Yuan entered, he had already discerned his cultivation level.

At the late stage of the ninth level of Qi Refining, his true essence and spiritual power are extremely abundant, more than enough to help with exploration and array setting.

Shen Wenxing was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Then I'll have to trouble Father and Senior with the matter of the great formation."

……

The wedding date between Shen Chonghong and Xiao Hongxiu is drawing ever closer.

During this time, Shen Wenxing has been busy with this matter, while Shen Chongming has been in charge of the rest of the household affairs.

Yue County City.

Shen Chongming sat opposite Jin Sheng, the chief of the Vajra Sect.

"I heard that the Shen family is going to form a marriage alliance with Hundred Refinement Valley. You must have many things to attend to at your residence. What brings you to Yue County today, my dear nephew?"

Jin Sheng smiled and spoke.

Shen Chongming cupped his hands and said, "My father is handling the marriage arrangements. I have come today not only to deliver the invitation to Uncle Jin on my father's orders, but also to discuss something with Uncle Jin."

A flash of light appeared in his hand, and he produced a gold-embossed invitation and several exquisite gift boxes.

Shen Chongming pushed the invitation and gift box in front of Jin Sheng and bowed, saying:

“My third uncle killed several demon generals from the southern border in the mountains a few days ago and obtained a few demon essence pills. My father asked me to take one to Uncle Jin.”

"In addition, there are some freshly picked spiritual tea and spiritual fruit. Please have a taste, Uncle."

Upon hearing this, Jin Sheng's face broke into a broad smile.

"Haha...you little rascal..."

Although he appears carefree and very generous.

But as the head of the sect, how could he not see that Shen Chongming had something to ask of him?

"Tell me what it is first."

"Given the relationship between our two families, your uncle will do his best to help if he can."

Shen Chongming sighed slightly and said in a deep voice, "Since the arrival of the Immortal Sect, Yangnao Land has been divided into factions. Mortals have neglected education and etiquette, and are only interested in cultivation, but they do not know that the opportunity to become an immortal is hard to come by."

"At this time of moral decay and social disorder, my cousin Chongxuan inherited his father's will and wanted to carry out the path of education to enlighten the common people of the world."

“Now that the four cities under the jurisdiction of my Shen family have begun to show results, I have come here today to ask Uncle Jin for permission to allow Chongxuan to open a school in Yue County.”

Upon hearing this, Jin Sheng frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.

He had visited the Shen family many times, and the people under the Shen family's rule that he encountered were indeed quite polite, and the atmosphere was harmonious and joyful.

The state of peace and prosperity was indeed vastly different from that of ordinary people under the rule of other immortal sects and aristocratic families.

Yue County itself is located in a remote area of ​​Yu State. Before the arrival of the Immortal Sect, the people there were fierce and uncivilized.

The law of the jungle prevails, and acts of violence and brute force occur frequently.

The Vajra Sect is too lazy to care about this, so it wouldn't be bad if the Shen family could send someone to teach them a lesson.

only……

Jin Sheng stroked the teacup in his hand, still somewhat worried that the Shen family might have other intentions.

The two families have a good relationship now, but human nature is the most vulnerable to test. Those who are not good at deceit and treachery are already long gone.

"Uncle Jin, rest assured, my cousin is only here to teach and educate, and will never interfere in any matters of Yue County."

Seeing Jin Sheng hesitate, Shen Chongming added a sentence.

"Ha ha……"

Upon hearing this, Jin Sheng smiled.

“I trust your Shen family. Since you have asked, I will grant your request.”

"Later, we will have someone build an academy for you in the county town. Once the academy is completed, it can be opened for teaching at any time."

Shen Chongming quickly clasped his hands in thanks.

He also understood that Jin Sheng had specifically emphasized that he agreed to this matter because of the Shen family's reputation. If he were to use the opening of the school as an excuse to do something else behind the scenes, it would damage the Shen family's reputation.

However, he never intended to do anything improper to Yue County; his purpose was purely to spread the word and enhance the cultural atmosphere of the world.

Shen Chongxuan said that as long as the literary atmosphere in the world improves, the literary cultivators of the Shen family will be able to unleash even greater strength.

If the Way of Literature can truly enlighten the world, the combat power of cultivators of the Way of Literature would reach a terrifying level.

"In that case, I shall take my leave."

"This time, we will also visit several other major immortal sects."

Shen Chongming stood up and clasped his hands in greeting.

Jin Sheng also stood up and escorted him outside the courtyard.

Watching him leave, Jin Sheng's eyes were deep, and he suddenly let out a sneer.

"This kid has more guts than his father..."

"The fate of the family is unpredictable. The Shen family has produced a continuous stream of outstanding talents, which is truly enviable."

……

The sixth day of the ninth lunar month.

As Shen Chonghong's wedding date approached, Shen Chongming finally visited all the immortal sects except for the Suihuo Sect.

Without exception, the major immortal sects either avoided the issue out of face or simply did not believe that the Shen family's act of opening a school to educate the common people was a conspiracy.

After Shen Chongming's polite visit, they all agreed to the matter.

Night falls at Blackwater Pool Manor.

When Shen Chongming walked in from outside the courtyard, he saw Shen Wenxing standing in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, as if he was waiting for him.

"Father."

Shen Chongming approached and bowed respectfully.

Shen Wenxing turned around, looked at him with a scrutinizing gaze for a moment, and said, "What have you been busy with these past few days? You're never home."

Shen Chongming smiled and replied, "I visited the major immortal sects and delivered invitations along the way."

"Besides that?" Shen Wenxing asked again.

Even though he hadn't paid special attention, he still managed to get some news about such a big event as opening a school.

Before Shen Chongming returned, he had already spoken with Shen Chongxuan.

"Father knows?"

Shen Chongming glanced at his father and spoke.

"Ugh……"

Shen Wenxing sighed with his hands behind his back, and after thinking for a long time, he said, "I know you have your own ideas."

"However, there are some things that should not be rushed."

"Your grandfather and I have been walking on thin ice all these years simply because the Shen family's foundation is too weak."

"If we are not careful, a heavy blow could wipe out decades of hard work by the Shen family."

"I know exactly what you're planning by arranging a marriage between Chonghong and Bailian Valley."

"However, if this matter of opening a school is not handled properly, it will bring great trouble to the Shen family..."

He didn't want to say these things.

After all, Shen Chongming is no longer a child. He has always had his own opinions on managing the household and doing things, and he is courageous and resourceful.

But the thought that the Shen family might become the enemy of the major immortal sects because of this incident made it difficult for him to calm down.

“Father’s worries are unnecessary.”

Shen Chongming smiled faintly and said, "Let's not even talk about how the rise of literature and art will not show results in a short time."

"By then, Third Uncle may have already achieved perfect embryonic breathing, or even become a sword immortal."

"My son will certainly not be at his current level."

Shen Chongming exudes a strong sense of confidence.

He possesses a mutated lightning-attribute spiritual root, a complete and compatible true technique, and a wisp of high-grade innate spiritual energy.

Leaving aside the Golden Core stage, at least before he achieved perfect embryonic breathing, his cultivation path was smooth sailing.

"Besides, what my son and Chongxuan are aiming for is only to enhance the literary and cultural atmosphere of this Yangnao land. They have no intention of taking action against the major immortal sects. What can they say?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Wenxing frowned slightly: "You..."

"father."

"Things cannot be viewed from only one perspective."

Just as Shen Wenxing was about to speak, he was interrupted by him, saying, "Back then, Second Uncle's battle at Hundred Beast Mountain was witnessed by all the major immortal sects of Qishan."

"When the literary path rises, and the major immortal sects learn that this literary path is the legacy left by Second Uncle, what do you think they will do?"

What will happen?
Shen Wenxing looked thoughtful.

The Way of Literature is different from the Way of Body Cultivation and the Way of Immortal Cultivation.

Although body cultivation also does not require spiritual roots, it requires a large amount of resources to build them up, and each breakthrough is a matter of life and death, which may make the initial investment go to waste.

Even the Vajra Sect, known for its physical cultivation, is extremely cautious when selecting disciples.

Needless to say, immortal cultivators are even more so.

Immortal seedlings with spiritual roots are already one in a thousand. If you also take into account the quality of the spiritual roots, the disciple's temperament, cultivation resources, and so on.

Training a disciple also requires a great deal of effort.

Compared to physical cultivation and immortal cultivation, the requirements for literary cultivation are not low either, but at least there is one.

Scholars do not need to consume too much cultivation resources.

This alone is enough to move the major immortal sects and aristocratic families.

With a little more time and without consuming too many resources, it is possible to cultivate cultivators who can fight for the sect and family.

With such a good deal, how could they possibly refuse?

In the cultivation world, there are not many cultivators like Qiyun Valley who are complacent and immersed in the glory of their ancestors.

After thinking it over, Shen Wenxing suddenly realized that he really didn't have the same foresight as his son in this matter.

"Alright, now that you have your own ideas, I won't say anything more."

As Shen Wenxing spoke, he suddenly smiled faintly and shook his head: "No wonder when your grandfather handed the Shen family over to me, he didn't allow me to report everything to him."

"Looking back now, each generation has different childhood experiences, and their ways of dealing with things and their temperament should also be different."

"If each generation of leaders in the family follows the old ways, the Shen family will probably become another Qiyun Valley."

Once he understood this, he suddenly felt a sense of relief.

Looking at his son, who was tall and imposing, Shen Wenxing pondered for a moment and said, "After Chonghong's wedding, I will prepare to go into seclusion to try to break through the third realm."

"Then all the affairs of this household will be entrusted to you."

"As your father, I don't want to interfere too much with how you manage the family. I just hope you remember that when making any decision, you must first consider it from the perspective of the family."

"Don't let your decision cost the lives of the Shen family."

Upon hearing this, Shen Chongming's expression turned somewhat solemn.

"father……"

He was well aware of the dangers of breaking through in body cultivation.

Especially when breaking through to a higher realm, one careless move can lead to death and the annihilation of one's cultivation.

The reason why my father has remained at the second level of body cultivation all these years without trying is simply because he is worried that he will not be able to control the Shen family.

Seeing his worried expression, Shen Wenxing smiled slightly and said, "There's no need to worry. I've accumulated over ten years of experience, and your third uncle brought two Winter Sheep Deer Demon Essence Pills from the Green Vine Sword Pavilion."

"This breakthrough is not a certain death situation."

After offering some words of comfort, he continued, "In matters of the family, Chongxuan is calm and composed, with an upright character; he is capable of maintaining the status quo."

“Chonghong is brave and fierce, but his temper has become more restrained over the years. With a little training, he can lead the clan’s troops in external affairs.”

“Chongxu… has a volatile temper. Because of the deaths of your second uncle and aunt, he has a great mental defect. You need to keep a close eye on him and not let him cause any trouble.”

“Your cousin and your cousin Chongyi lack experience. After the annual festival, we can arrange for them to go to the front line in the mountains.” “You don’t need to worry about Li’er’s matter. With your grandfather watching over her, nothing will happen.”

As if making his final arrangements, Shen Wenxing meticulously explained all the matters, big and small, concerning his family.

Shen Chongming felt very uncomfortable hearing this.

"Father, I understand."

"Don't overthink things when you break through; Grandpa and Third Uncle are here to help."

Shen Wenxing nodded and said, "Father knows."

"But you'll need to put in more effort to help your mother and persuade her to cultivate diligently."

"So many years have passed, and I am only at the fourth level of Qi Refining now."

"Also, now that you don't need to worry too much about purification and meditation, you should consider having a few more children."

"For a family to grow, a large population is the foundation."

Shen Wenxing patiently gave his instructions.

Throughout the entire process, Shen Chongming listened quietly without interrupting.

"Alright, let's go home and check on things first."

"I'll go and tell your grandfather."

Patting his son on the shoulder, Shen Wenxing walked straight out of the courtyard.

……

The night is deep, and the bright moon hangs high in the sky.

On the banks of the deep, dark pool, unknown insects chirped merrily among the bushes.

On a smooth boulder, a figure sat cross-legged, with a fishing rod made of black bamboo stuck in front of him.

Xu Xiu gazed quietly at the starry sky and the bright moon above. His once aged and cloudy eyes now became deep and bright, like a bottomless pool.

Dark pupils reflected the starry sky.

The stars spun slowly in his eyes, which was quite eerie.

On the surface of the pool, the float on the fishing line trembled rapidly, but Xu Xiu paid no attention to it.

Until the fish that had taken the bait suddenly pulled hard, dragging the bamboo fishing rod in front of it away.

"Wow!"

The sound of the fishing rod hitting the water startled Xu Xiu awake.

The strange phenomenon in his eyes disappeared, and he saw that the fishing rod had been dragged away by the fish. Xu Xiu's expression remained calm.

He slowly raised his palm, gazing silently at the night sky for a long time, when suddenly a ball of fiery red spiritual energy emerged from his palm.

The fiery red spiritual energy condensed into a ball, changing shape three inches above his palm.

Then, another surge of spiritual energy appeared!
Beside the fire-attribute spiritual energy cluster, another yellowish-brown earth-attribute spiritual energy cluster appeared.

Two orbs of spiritual energy floated quietly in his palm.

Xu Xiu's expression was solemn. He stared quietly for a long time, a resolute glint flashing in his eyes, and his spiritual energy suddenly surged within him.

In an instant, three more orbs of spiritual energy appeared in his palm!
"The five elements combine to form a wheel..."

"Can the symbiosis of Yin and Yang form the foundation for an immortal embryo?"

Xu Xiu's voice was somewhat solemn.

With a thought, five orbs of spiritual energy began to slowly rotate three inches above his palm.

The five elements are mutually generating and mutually restraining.

As the five elements spiritual power in Xu Xiu's palm spun faster and faster, it began to subtly influence the spiritual energy of the surrounding world.

A gentle breeze, formed from spiritual energy, softly caressed the surrounding bushes and the water in front of them.

The spiritual energy gust grew stronger, and Xu Xiu's expression became increasingly solemn.

In just a moment, fine beads of sweat appeared on his wrinkled forehead, and his body began to tremble.

The rapidly spinning Five Elements spiritual power in his palm was showing signs of getting out of control, emanating a faint aura of destruction.

Xu Xiu narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixed on the rapidly spinning Five Elements spiritual energy.

"It still doesn't work..."

Seeing that the vortex formed by the five elements of spiritual power was about to collapse, Xu Xiu murmured, "After hundreds of deductions, this method should be feasible."

"This body doesn't have much time left to live..."

After muttering to himself, he seemed to have made up his mind, and a strange aura suddenly emanated from him!

After this aura appeared, a strange rune slowly lit up between his eyebrows, followed by a burst of golden light!
This golden light carried a supreme aura of immortality, instantly engulfing his body!
As the golden light flowed, a thin mist slowly rose from the calm black pool in front of it.

Within the thin mist, strands of incredibly pure energy were slowly drawn from the bottom of the pool and entered his body.

The mist on the water grew thicker and thicker, eventually completely obscuring the Blackwater Pavilion in the distance.

After a long time, the golden light on Xu Xiu's body slowly dissipated, and everything around him returned to calm.

Xu Xiu closed his eyes tightly, and the perfect aura that originally belonged to the Qi Refining Perfection Realm suddenly disappeared from his body, replaced by the aura of a Celestial Embryo.

He slowly opened his eyes, concealed the aura of the Immortal Embryo Realm within him, and shook his head with a deep expression.

"This method still has flaws."

"Besides myself, I'm afraid no one else can break through the embryonic breathing realm using this method."

"The justice system is unjust..."

He looked up at the night sky above and sighed softly:
"There's nothing left to linger here, and my cultivation has broken through the embryonic breathing stage, so it's no longer suitable for me to stay..."

……

The first floor of Blackwater Pavilion.

Shen Yuan was diligently digesting the basic formation techniques he had learned from Fu Yang during this period.

Suddenly, it was as if they sensed something.

He slowly opened his eyes, got up and went to the window, looking out.

However, the lake surface around the Blackwater Pavilion was shrouded in mist, and the distance that could be seen was only a few meters.

Upstairs, Shen Wen'an seemed to have noticed something as well, and slowly walked downstairs.

"Did Father sense it too?"

Shen Yuan, his gaze deep as he looked at the hazy mist, nodded and said, "Just now, it seemed as if a strange power was emanating from this black pool..."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an's mind stirred slightly, and he fully unleashed his divine sense.

Then, as if he had discovered something, his figure suddenly flashed and disappeared into the Blackwater Pavilion.

When he reappeared, he was carrying a bamboo fishing rod.

"Is this the old man's fishing rod?"

He had never liked Xu Xiu, and naturally, he didn't show any respect in how he addressed him.

Shen Yuan took the fishing rod, glanced at it, and nodded.

This fishing rod was given to him by Xu Xiu when he left, who said it was made from ink bamboo obtained from the Dragon Tamer's residence.

Xu Xiu had returned this time intending to settle down here, so Shen Yuan returned the fishing rod to him.

Holding the fishing rod, he turned to look at Shen Wen'an.

Shen Wen'an shook his head slightly: "The fishing rod was dragged to a spot not far from Blackwater Pavilion by a large bluefish, but no one was seen."

“Father, that old man is definitely suspicious.”

Shen Wen'an pondered for a moment before speaking.

Several times when he met Xu Xiu, he could sense that the other man's intentions were impure, but Jianxin could not detect the other man's malice. In addition, his father always said that the other man had done a favor for the Shen family.

He couldn't very well kick the person out.

Shen Yuan nodded and said, "I will go see him tomorrow."

……

The next morning, while Shen Yuan was still cultivating, the door on the first floor of the Blackwater Pavilion was suddenly kicked open.

Immediately afterwards, a golden toad and a silver centipede rushed in.

Shen Li, who was almost seven years old, was dressed in a pink dress and had her hair tied up in a bun when she hurriedly came to Shen Yuan.

"Grandpa, something's happened."

Shen Yuan looked at her and asked, "What happened?"

Shen Li said somewhat anxiously, "Li'er was just about to ask Grandpa Xu some questions, but... but I found that he was missing."

"Li'er, Xiao Jin, and Xiao Yin searched the entire pond, but they couldn't find any trace of him."

As soon as she finished speaking, the golden toad scratched its head with its front paw and said, "That old man must have been eaten by the alligator dragon..."

Upon hearing this, Shen Li kicked it to the ground and glared angrily, saying, "Pah! If you keep talking nonsense, I'll throw you out to feed the alligator dragon!"

The golden toad kicked its four legs wildly, and it took a lot of effort to turn itself over. It didn't dare to say anything more.

Shen Yuan slowly stood up, glancing at the bamboo fishing rod leaning against the wall, his brows furrowed.

He was planning to take some time today to see Xu Xiu and see what he was up to, but unexpectedly, Xu Xiu disappeared.

"grandfather……"

Shen Li spoke somewhat anxiously.

For the past two years, Xu Xiu has been guiding her through the cultivation of the ancient book on animal hides.

The two had a teacher-student relationship as well as friendship.

Now that Xu Xiu has suddenly disappeared, she is naturally very worried.

"Don't worry, let's take Grandpa to see a doctor."

Shen Yuan pondered for a moment before speaking.

The grandfather and grandson immediately left the Blackwater Pavilion, followed by a golden toad and a centipede.

They soon arrived at the small courtyard where Xu Xiu lived.

Inside the bedroom, Shen Yuan looked around and found that everything was as usual, and his personal clothes and books were still there.

After some thought, he led Shen Li to the cultivator who had been on duty the previous night.

"Did anyone activate the formation and leave last night?"

The cultivator shook his head slightly and said, "Reporting to the old patriarch, this subordinate...this subordinate did not notice."

If the great formation covering the Blackwater Pool is opened from the inside using the correct method, it will basically not cause any fluctuations.

Although Xu Xiu often went out for walks before, he would never leave quietly at night.

Shen Yuan turned to Shen Li beside him and said with a faint smile, "Senior may have gone out on urgent business. Don't worry, let's wait and talk later."

Shen Li nodded obediently and then returned to the Blackwater Pavilion with the golden toad and the silver-threaded centipede to continue her cultivation.

……

On the morning of the eighth day of the ninth lunar month, the entire city of Yunshui was filled with a joyous atmosphere.

Along the wide streets, red silk ribbons were hung on the doorposts of each shop, and red "囍" characters were pasted on the doors.

Red ribbons were also wrapped around the trees along the roadside.

The common people changed into their finest clothes and stepped out of their homes, their faces beaming with joy as they craned their necks to look toward the distant Blackwater Pool.

At the entrance of Blackwater Pool Manor, Shen Chonghong, dressed in a gold-embroidered wedding robe, with his handsome and dashing appearance, was a sight to behold.

Huang Lingxiu came up to him and carefully straightened his clothes, instructing him: "According to the rules, you must go outside the city to fetch the bride. Don't forget the proper etiquette."

Shen Chonghong nodded and smiled, "Mother, don't worry, I remember everything."

The servants had already brought over a tall horse with red flowers tied to its head, and the rest of the people were also carried onto the bridal sedan chair, followed by a group of clansmen holding suonas and sheng flutes.

These regulations only apply when a man marries a principal wife.

When Mu Lingxun married Shen Chongming as a concubine, the Mu family personally delivered her to their residence, and Shen Chongming was not allowed to welcome her.

Shen Chonghong mounted his horse, bowed slightly to his family at the gate, and then led everyone toward the east gate of Yunshui City.

The news spread as soon as the wedding procession left Blackwater Pool.

A group of children ran excitedly towards the end of the street, and when they arrived at the wedding procession, they offered all sorts of congratulations and well wishes.

Before Shen Chonghong's tall horse, his servants had already prepared wedding money and sweets.

After the children offered their congratulations, they all gathered around, laughing and joking, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

The adults on both sides of the road, of course, did not do that; their eyes were all on Shen Chonghong.

After the Shen family became a family of immortals, the direct descendants of the family gradually faded from the sight of ordinary mortals.

Originally, most of the common people in Jinliu Village, except for some elderly people who could still see the Shen family members in their early years and remember the general appearance of Shen Yuan and his sons, only knew their names and that there were immortals living on the mountain shrouded by the great formation, who were the heavens of the four cities of Anyang.

After that, as time went by, the elderly people in the village gradually grew old.

The younger generation rarely has the opportunity to meet the direct descendants of the Shen family.

They only knew that their current peaceful life was thanks to the protection of the Shen family. Compared with the common people under the rule of other immortal sects and aristocratic families, the common people of the four cities of Anyang were very satisfied.

Among the crowd, the young women who were not yet married looked at Shen Chonghong, who was at the head of the group, with eyes full of admiration and envy.

However, they all understood that worldly beauties could never match the divine grace of immortals.

People are gathered here now simply to see the demeanor of the immortals and to see what kind of stunning beauty the fairy maiden who could be matched with them must possess.

The wedding procession moved slowly forward and soon exited the east gate of Yunshui City.

“Young master, according to the rules, the farther we go to greet the woman, the more respect we show her.”

"Look..."

Beside him, an old servant respectfully bowed and offered a reminder.

Shen Chonghong pondered for a moment and said, "Then let's go another ten miles to the grove outside the city to wait for him."

Having received his order, the wedding procession continued on its way, arriving at a small grove ten miles outside Yunshui City, where they waited quietly for the arrival of the Hundred Refinement Valley's wedding party.

……

Meanwhile, a hundred miles away from Yunshui City, a wedding procession, also adorned with red decorations and filled with joy, marched along the official road in a grand and imposing manner.

"stop!"

"Stop, stop, stop!"

Amidst the harmonious sounds of zithers, lutes, and suonas, a slightly shrill voice suddenly rang out.

Upon receiving the order, the wedding procession slowly came to a stop.

The bridal sedan chair landed, and Xiao Hongxiu, dressed in her wedding gown, frowned slightly. She gently lifted the curtain and looked at the accompanying girl, whispering, "What happened?"

The girl bowed slightly and replied, "Reporting to Senior Sister, it was Senior Brother Ruan who gave the order."

Xiao Hongxiu nodded, and was about to send the girl to inquire when she saw the figure riding a fine horse arrive in front of the sedan chair.

"Junior sister, I heard that there is a custom in this Yangnao land: when a couple marries, the woman's family sends off the bride, and the man's family welcomes her."

"The farther the man goes out to greet the woman, the more respect he shows her."

The young man on horseback said arrogantly, "This place is only a hundred miles away from the Shen family's Yunshui City. We can just wait here for them to come and meet us."

Xiao Hongxiu frowned slightly upon hearing this.

She had heard about this rule.

But based on her understanding of Shen Chonghong and the current power balance between Hundred Refinement Valley and the Shen family, there was no way they would come out a hundred miles to greet her.

"Senior brother, a hundred miles is still too far. Let's walk a little further."

"Don't delay too long and miss the auspicious time."

Upon hearing this, the young man on horseback suddenly frowned and said, "Junior sister, why do you belittle yourself?"

“My Hundred Refinement Valley is a celestial sect after all. My junior sister marrying into the Shen family is a marriage of descent. We must let them know the difference in status.”

Marry down?

Xiao Hongxiu looked stunned for a moment, then chuckled softly.

She never felt that marrying Shen Chonghong was a "marriage down." If Bailian Valley really had the strength, it would never have formed an alliance with the Shen family in this way.

"Senior brother just came from Danzhou and is unaware of the Shen family's strength."

"Before I came here, my father told me not to be impolite."

"Let's keep walking forward a bit more."

Before the young man surnamed Ruan on horseback could say anything, Xiao Hongxiu said in a deep voice, "Start the journey in the sedan chair."

Upon hearing this, the sedan bearers immediately lifted the sedan chair and moved forward, while the suona horns behind them sounded again.

The young man surnamed Ruan was quickly left behind.

As he watched the sedan chair disappear into the distance, a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

"If your father is a good-for-nothing, then your daughter is a slut!"

"She keeps saying she's sacrificing for the sect, making sacrifices for the sect, but now she's so eager to marry into it."

"The father and daughter certainly put on a good show..."

After muttering a few angry words, the young man surnamed Ruan reluctantly spurred his horse and chased after them.

The Hundred Refinement Valley was founded by seven weapon refiners from the Immortal Dynasty. Their descendants gradually evolved into seven families, who jointly managed all matters of the sect.

After countless years of development, only four of the original seven families remain: Xiao, Ruan, Kong, and Sun. The other three families have completely declined.

Xiao Hongxiu's father, Xiao Yin, was selected as the chief disciple when he broke through to the ninth level of Qi Refining in his early years.

But later, for some unknown reason, he suddenly left the sect without saying goodbye.

After the Hundred Refinement Valley's search proved fruitless, they intended to re-select the chief disciple, but unfortunately, none of the disciples of the same generation had reached the ninth level of Qi Refining.

If a prestigious immortal sect were to choose a disciple who hasn't even reached the ninth level of Qi Refining as its chief disciple, Hundred Refinement Valley would likely lose all its remaining face.

Fifteen years ago, Xiao Yin, who had disappeared for many years, suddenly returned to Hundred Refinement Valley with Xiao Hongxiu, who was only three years old.

Moreover, his cultivation level was almost the same as when he left, barely reaching the mid-stage of the ninth level of Qi Refining.

After his return, he intended to resign from his position as chief disciple and stay in the sect to raise Xiao Hongxiu to adulthood.

However, the current sect leader of Hundred Refinement Valley felt that all the immortal sects that descended upon Yangnao Land had chief disciples in charge of affairs, but Hundred Refinement Valley alone sent an elder for this purpose, which made them a laughing stock.

In order to save face, Xiao Yin was sent to Yangnao Land as the chief disciple of Hundred Refinement Valley.

Before he came to Yangnao, everything here was managed by the grandfather of this young man surnamed Ruan, who was the elder of Hundred Refinement Valley who was in the early stage of the Fetal Breathing stage.

Although the Xiang County occupied by Bailian Valley is very barren, it still has some resources.

When the Ruan family was in charge of affairs in Yangnao, they were still able to reap some benefits.

After Xiao Yin arrived, the opportunity to reap benefits naturally disappeared.

The young man surnamed Ruan had already reached the peak of the eighth level of Qi Refining. He came to Yangnao Land hoping to make a contribution. After breaking through to the ninth level of Qi Refining, he planned to have his family join forces with other families to impeach Xiao Yin and have him succeed as the chief.

"This time, I want to see what it is about the Shen family that makes you so shameless as to fawn over them..."

"You're using my Hundred Refinement Valley's name to arrange a marriage, so I certainly won't let you, a lowly woman, tarnish the reputation of my Hundred Refinement Valley."

The young man surnamed Ruan caught up, and after thinking to himself, he said coldly, "Junior sister, don't forget that you represent the face of my Hundred Refinement Valley in this marriage alliance."

"This is an alliance and marriage, not a submission of my Hundred Refinement Valley to the Shen family."

"Fifty miles is the bottom line. If Junior Sister insists, I will definitely report to the sect truthfully after we return."

Hearing this, Xiao Hongxiu, who was in the sedan chair, sighed helplessly and thought to herself.

"If it weren't for the demons in the Southern Frontier making their move, your father would never have allowed you, you fool, to come and escort the bride!"

"On this joyous occasion, there are likely to be many unexpected changes."

"I wonder how that guy will handle it..."

Xiao Hongxiu slightly lifted the sedan curtain and looked into the distance.

(End of this chapter)