Book 5: Chapter 71: Traces of the Tree of Fortune |
……
Wait a minute!
A sudden sense of foreboding arose in the Northern Territory Wang's heart, as if the misfortune was not yet over.
Something was wrong, there was still something amiss.
"Wu~" Wang Fugui's face gradually turned as pale as a sheet, as if his vitality and spirit had been forcibly overdrawn, leaving him collapsed on the ground.
"Eeya eeya." The Seven-Colored Glazed Treasure Tree was also extremely anxious, its branches wrapped around Wang Fugui, trying to save him but to no avail.
"Slap!"
The Northern Territory Wang slapped his forehead, suddenly recalling what was wrong.
This was clearly the result of insufficient cultivation, yet forcibly contracting a life-bound spiritual tree, and the Seven-Colored Glazed Treasure Tree was no ordinary spiritual tree; it was a quasi-immortal tree seed.
But now, Wang Fugui's life was overdrawn due to the forced contract, and if not rescued, he would likely die on the spot. The life-bound Seven-Colored Treasure Tree would also perish with him.
The Northern Territory Wang was in a terrible state.
If Wang Fugui died in the Northern Territory Wang Mansion, the Eastern Qian Kingdom would definitely not let it go, leading to an unmanageable uproar. Moreover, his precious Yun Mengyu would never accept such an outcome.
Besides, the Northern Territory Wang could see that Wang Fugui was indeed smart and full of potential, and once he grew, he could become a pillar of the human race.
"Ah, you brat, you're going to be the death of me." The Northern Territory Wang hurriedly rushed forward, channeling a vast amount of profound energy to protect Wang Fugui, picking him up and flying out of the treasure vault while muttering, "Are you here to collect a debt? What did I owe you in my past life?"
The Seven-Colored Glazed Treasure Tree, meanwhile, desperately ran after them with its roots.
Soon.
The Northern Territory Wang burst out of the treasure vault: "Yuling, come quickly to help."
True Lord Yuling gracefully descended, and upon seeing Wang Fugui's condition, was also shocked: "Northern Territory Wang, what happened here?"
"Young Master?" Jiang Qinglian also rushed over, equally frightened. If something happened to Fugui, it would indeed be a huge disaster.
Although the Wang's Clan appeared to be just a fifth-grade family on the surface, they were not to be trifled with.
"He's overdrawn his life force, no time for talking." The Northern Territory Wang hurriedly said, "Yuling, take over protecting Wang Fugui, I'll use an eighth-grade Fortune Immortal Pill to save him."
"Alright!" True Lord Yuling, knowing the gravity of the situation, dared not be careless, quickly calming his mind and channeling profound energy to protect Wang Fugui.
With his hands free, the Northern Territory Wang took out a luxurious jade bottle from his storage ring, extracting an eighth-grade Fortune Immortal Pill. At that moment, his heart bled.
Such an immortal pill had the power to regenerate flesh and reverse life and death. Even if a Lingxu Realm cultivator was severely injured, consuming one would rapidly heal and restore them to peak condition, and it could also extend lifespan, enhance physique, and refine spiritual thoughts.
Moreover, any pill reaching the eighth-grade level was priceless, and selling an ordinary Purple Mansion Clan wouldn't be enough to afford it.
But saving a life was urgent, so the Northern Territory Wang immediately dissolved the Fortune Immortal Pill and fed it to Wang Fugui.
An hour later.
The now-recovered Wang Fugui bowed to the Northern Territory Wang: "Fugui thanks the Northern Territory Wang for saving my life."
"Eeya eeya." The Seven-Colored Glazed Treasure Tree snuggled around Wang Fugui, rubbing against him happily.
"……" The Northern Territory Wang's mouth twitched twice, nodding with difficulty in response.
"Fugui, I'm glad you're alright." Yun Mengyu was also overjoyed, then turned to say, "Ancestor Grandfather, Fugui finally found the thief, shouldn't you fulfill your promise? That's a Divine Spirit Artifact, you know."
Instantly, the Northern Territory Wang's eyes glistened with moisture, wondering what sin he had committed.
The Princess Token, the Seven-Colored Glazed Treasure Tree, the Divine Spirit Artifact, and he even used an eighth-grade Fortune Immortal Pill.
"This... Northern Territory Wang senior, perhaps we can forgo the Divine Spirit Artifact, after all, you used a Fortune Immortal Pill to save me." Wang Fugui said politely.
"Hmph, I am the dignified Northern Territory Wang." The Northern Territory Wang replied, "How can I go back on my word? It's just a Divine Spirit Artifact, I can afford it, consider it as supporting outstanding juniors of the human race."
"Thank you, Northern Territory Wang senior, for your generosity." Wang Fugui thanked him again, "If senior minds the matter of the Princess Token, then I shall return it to Mengyu."
"No way!" Before Yun Mengyu could object, the Northern Territory Wang firmly refused, "With your talent, you're more than qualified to be the Mansion Master of Mengyu's future Princess Mansion, no need to return it."
In his heart, he lamented, this brat has taken so much from the Wang Mansion, if he returns to the Princess Mansion, wouldn't he just walk away? Then all the treasures of my Wang Mansion would be wasted.
Previously, the Northern Territory Wang had been intent on breaking up Wang Fugui and Yun Mengyu, but now, with the sunk cost being too high, he couldn't bear to.
"You'll stay at the Wang Mansion for a while, and I'll guide you in your cultivation when I have time." The Northern Territory Wang said sternly, "Don't be lazy, focus on your cultivation, and strive to become a pillar of the human race in the future."
"Fugui will remember the teachings of the Northern Territory Wang senior."
……
At the same time.
In Chaoyang Prefecture.
Geographically, Chaoyang Prefecture is located at the easternmost part of the entire Han Yue Immortal Dynasty, and the name "Chaoyang" comes from this.
Influenced by the warm currents of the Northern Chaotic Soul Ocean, the climate in Chaoyang Prefecture is relatively better than in the west, with less severe cold and more warmth, especially in the southern Chaoyang Plain, which is humid, rainy, and rich in spiritual energy, naturally suitable for the growth of most spiritual plants.
Therefore, the Chaoyang Plain is home to numerous spiritual plant gardens and spiritual medicine gardens, whose products, including spiritual medicines, spiritual rice, and spirit vegetables, are renowned throughout the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty. There are countless families, big and small, engaged in this industry.
The Ji's Clan of Chaoyang is located on the Chaoyang Plain.
In the early morning.
A luxurious flying carriage broke through the morning mist, appearing in the sky above the Chaoyang Plain.
In the morning light, the spacious spiritual wood carriage looked like a moving aerial villa, radiating a brilliant treasure light. Even the guards surrounding the carriage were enveloped in a halo, losing some of their sharpness and gaining a touch of mystery.
The sixth-grade Qingyu Flying Luan pulling the carriage spread its wings, with azure feathers flowing, and even while pulling such a large carriage, it remained as light as a breeze, graceful, agile, and incredibly fast.
Under the pull of the Qingyu Flying Luan, the flying carriage flew over one spiritual medicine garden after another, speeding towards a certain direction.
Inside the flying carriage.
Curtains made of Heavenly Silkworm silk hung down, with intricate patterns embroidered in gold thread, emitting strands of golden light that flowed like water as the curtains swayed, looking extraordinarily luxurious.
These curtains, embroidered with runic gold thread, were each a separate spiritual treasure, resistant to dust, water, and fire, warm in winter and cool in summer.
Even in the Immortal Dynasty, such curtains were considered luxury items, rarely used to decorate homes by families without deep pockets, let alone to adorn flying carriages.
On the tea table under the curtains, a porcelain pot as white as jade was bubbling with steam, and the rich aroma of tea filled the entire carriage.
"Truly worthy of being called Immortal Tea, its aroma is rich and ethereal, full of spiritual charm. Just smelling it feels like my soul is being cleansed." A white-clad young man standing by the tea table took a deep breath, then looked ingratiatingly at the purple-clad young man at the head, "I've heard that the annual production of this Immortal Tea is very limited, and it's not something ordinary people can get. Only young talents like Young Master Qingyun, with deep foundations and favored by elders, can get a share. Today, Yanxiu is fortunate to enjoy it thanks to you."
Hearing this, the purple-clad young man glanced at him and chuckled lightly, "You do have a way with words. Alright, since you provided important information, I'll reward you with a cup. Sit down~"
With that, he gestured, and a servant immediately stepped forward to pour a small cup of tea for the white-clad young man.
The white-clad young man, who called himself "Yanxiu," immediately sat down at the end of the tea table, eagerly holding the teacup and sipping it with delight.
Seeing this, the purple-clad young man also picked up a cup of tea, inviting the others around the tea table, "Everyone, don't stand on ceremony with me, drink up. The spiritual energy in this tea will dissipate soon."
"Thank you, Young Master Qingyun."
Everyone thanked him, then picked up their teacups to savor the tea.
The purple-clad young man, addressed as "Young Master Qingyun," had a striking face, with slightly upturned peach blossom eyes that added a touch of charm, yet his features were so well-defined that he appeared neither frivolous nor imposing.
His purple attire outlined his broad shoulders and narrow waist, exuding an air of grandeur, enhancing his complexion and giving him a natural aura of nobility.
However, the most eye-catching thing about him wasn't his face, but the ancient sword strapped to his back.
It was an exceptionally ornate sword, with a blade slightly wider than usual, and the scabbard was engraved with intricate and mysterious patterns, adorned with gemstones. The sword guard was inlaid with a five-colored gem that shimmered with light. Even after enduring the passage of time, with some wear on the hilt, it still exuded a sharp and majestic aura.
This purple-clad young man was a direct descendant of the first-grade Jing'an Wei Clan, named "Wei Qingyun," and was one of the most valued members of the direct line. At just over two hundred years old, he was already at the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion Realm, with limitless potential for the future.
Sitting beside him, apart from two armored guards, was an elderly man with a low profile. All three treated him with respect, clearly indicating they were his entourage.
Especially the elderly man, who, though he spoke little, exuded an aura of unfathomable depth, commanding respect and awe.
In contrast, the white-robed young man was completely overshadowed, not only in presence but also in demeanor, speaking cautiously and sitting carefully.
This white-robed young man, named "Ji Yanxiu," was a direct descendant of the third-grade Ji's Clan of Chaoyang.
He was there to escort Wei Qingyun back to the Ji's Clan of Chaoyang to attempt to inherit a manual sealed within the clan's forbidden grounds.
After finishing his tea, Wei Qingyun looked at the white-robed young man and spoke again, "Yanxiu, can you tell me now? What's the situation in the forbidden grounds, and what challenges must be overcome to inherit that manual?"
Ji Yanxiu sighed, "The requirements for inheriting that manual are extremely stringent, not only demanding high aptitude but also exceptional understanding in swordsmanship and formations, even requiring proficiency in calculations. To be honest, I only managed to pass the first challenge with all my effort and was eliminated in the second. Let me tell you about the first and second challenges..."
With that, he meticulously explained what he knew.
Although Wei Qingyun was confident, he listened intently, asking for clarification on any unclear details.
Finally, Ji Yanxiu sighed again, "Young Master, my dealings with you were private, and the clan is unaware. When we return, my elders will certainly not be easy to persuade and may speak harshly. For the sake of the manual, please don't hold it against them."
He had no choice but to sell the manual, as the clan was struggling to survive. However, if it led to casualties within the clan, it would be counterproductive.
"Rest assured, even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have tried to restrain my guards to avoid causing too much conflict." Wei Qingyun smiled, glancing at the sky, "After all, the laws of our Immortal Dynasty are not just for show. If things get out of hand, not to mention others, even the Lord of Chaoyang Prefecture wouldn't let me off."
That person was a Lingxu Realm powerhouse, and even if his own ancestor came, they might not give face.
"Thank you, Young Master Qingyun." Ji Yanxiu breathed a sigh of relief.
"Honestly, your elders aren't as wise as you. The manual is indeed valuable, but is it so easy to inherit? Your clan has guarded it for thousands of years, yet no one has succeeded in inheriting it." Wei Qingyun laughed, patting Ji Yanxiu's shoulder, "You're wise to realize that instead of holding onto a golden bowl while starving, it's better to sell it for resources that can be used now, investing in the future. Rest assured, once I successfully inherit the manual, I'll give you all the promised resources."
"In the future, your Ji Clan's strength will surely rise to a new level."
"Young Master Qingyun is indeed generous." Ji Yanxiu was overjoyed, immediately flattering, "I believe that with your talents and strength, once you inherit the manual, you'll surely win the favor of the Jing'an Princess, standing out among all competitors. The position of Mansion Master of the Jing'an Princess Mansion is yours."
"Hahaha~ Your words are indeed pleasing." Wei Qingyun laughed heartily, "Come, let's toast with tea and celebrate my future as Mansion Master."
"Yanxiu congratulates the Young Master."
"This old servant joins in the celebration, congratulating the Young Master on becoming the Mansion Master of the Jing'an Princess Mansion."
Everyone chimed in, creating a lively atmosphere in the carriage.
Wei Qingyun looked at everyone, smiling, while his hand resting on the table subconsciously caressed a jade pendant hanging at his waist.
The jade pendant was a rich green, perfectly round, with a large tree carved on its surface, a rare spiritual treasure known as the "Breath Soil Pendant."
Inside this Breath Soil Pendant was a small sapling.
It was a quasi-immortal tree secretly cultivated by the Wei Clan—a Tree of Fortune.
Cultivating a quasi-immortal tree was difficult, and even sprouting was a challenge. The Wei Clan had invested considerable effort and resources to successfully sprout it into a sapling.
With this family-gifted Tree of Fortune seedling, he was the so-called "Child of Fortune," turning misfortune into fortune, overcoming adversity. Naturally, obtaining that manual would be no problem.
This Tree of Fortune was his confidence.
Wei Qingyun's smile was confident and determined, as if he could already see himself successfully inheriting the manual, becoming the Mansion Master of the Jing'an Princess Mansion, marrying the Jing'an Princess, and then assisting her in winning the title of Imperial Princess, becoming the Immortal Emperor, and himself being titled "Imperial Consort," reaching the pinnacle of life.
……
As this shadow loomed over the Ji's Clan of Chaoyang.
On a massive Yun Yao flying boat heading towards Chaoyang Prefecture, in the VIP lounge of the observation deck, the gentlemanly Wang Anye was enjoying the specialty cuisine and rose-colored wine aboard the flying boat.
Through the large transparent glazed windows, the majestic mountains and rivers were visible in their entirety.
The glazed windows and high-end glazed tableware used on this flying boat were custom-made by the Yao Clan for the Wang's Clan, expensive and luxurious. The costly spiritual grape wine was produced in the Great Qian's "Dara Oasis."
Thus, it was evident.
The products of the Great Qian were gradually infiltrating the Immortal Dynasty in all aspects.
"Are we almost at Chaoyang Prefecture?" In Wang Anye's mind, the voice of "Grandpa" Ji Wuchen appeared, "As the saying goes, the closer you are to home, the more apprehensive you become. It's been so many years since I last returned home, I wonder how things are there."
"Master, our Wang's Clan previously sent someone to gather intelligence on the Ji's Clan." Wang Anye honestly said, "The situation isn't great, but they can still barely maintain the family."
"Hmph, what a bunch of useless people." Ji Wuchen said with slight dissatisfaction, "When I left home to seek revenge on the Demon Dynasty, the Ji's Clan was still a second-grade family."
"Rest assured, Master, after this reunion, I'll find a way to support the Ji's Clan." Wang Anye comforted his master, "Once they get through this difficult time, the Ji's Clan will surely rise again. The only small issue now is whether the Ji's Clan will obstruct the inheritance of the Sword and Formation Master manual."
"Hmph, would they dare!?" Ji Wuchen snorted coldly, "Our Sword and Formation Master lineage is a 'master-disciple inheritance' rather than a family inheritance. If the family has an exceptionally talented individual, they can be prioritized as a disciple. However, I still maintain a connection with the manual, indicating that over the years, no one in the Ji's Clan has been qualified to inherit it."
"Rest assured, Anye, you are the best candidate for inheriting the Sword and Formation Master, and you might even elevate it to an Immortal Scripture in the future. I'm proud to have taken you as a disciple, living up to my master's teachings and the Sword Formation Manual."
Wang Anye quickly said, "Rest assured, Master, I understand that the Sword and Formation Master is a master-disciple inheritance manual. If in the future, no descendant of the Wang's Clan is qualified to inherit it, I will seek other disciples for the inheritance."
"Haha, Master was just saying. With the enduring fortune of the Wang's Clan, you might be able to pass it down for several generations." Ji Wuchen also relaxed, fearing that Anye might try to keep the manual in the Wang's Clan in the future.
As the master and disciple conversed in their minds.
A beautiful and spirited fairy, with a sword on her back, blushingly approached to strike up a conversation: "Greetings, young master. I am Ji Qianqian, a disciple of the Immortal Palace. May I ask for your esteemed name?"
……