Protect Our Patriarch-Chapter 39Book 6: : Saintess Wang Lici! Meeting the Dao Master

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Tianrui Holy Dynasty.

Main Residence of the Immortal Clan Jiang.

In the main hall of the residence, Jiang Jianmu, the head of the Immortal Clan Jiang, was surrounded by a large group of well-dressed people. They were all talking at once, making the entire hall noisy and chaotic.

"Head Jianmu, our Hao Clan is really in urgent need of money now. You, the Jiang Clan, are an Immortal Clan. Surely you can spare an Immortal Spirit Stone as liquid capital? Otherwise, could you at least repay the money you owe us?"

"Head Jianmu, you mortgaged three high-quality mining areas to our Sima Clan to borrow five Immortal Spirit Stones. The repayment date is near. If you can't repay, don't blame us if you can't get the mining areas back."

"Head Jianmu..."

"Head Jianmu..."

"Head Jianmu..."

These voices were like a demonic chant drilling into Jiang Jianmu's ears, making his head ache and his temper rise. But for the sake of the clan, he had to suppress his anger and keep a smiling face while dealing with them.

After who knows how long, Jiang Jianmu finally managed to deal with this group of creditors and retreated, exhausted, to the inner hall of the residence.

In the inner hall, all the clan elders, including Immortal Lord Haoran, had already gathered.

Seeing Jiang Jianmu return, a young elder thoughtfully brought him a cup of tea to soothe his throat and asked with concern, "Head, how did it go?"

Jiang Jianmu waved his hand and first drank the tea. He was so parched from dealing with those creditors that he didn't want to say a word. After several sips, he felt his throat was more comfortable and sighed, "Don't mention it. It's the same few lines over and over, just urging us to repay. These opportunistic guys, when our family was at its peak, they all came to curry favor. They wouldn't even mention repayment, and they were eager to throw money at us. Now that they see things are not right, they pounce on us, eager to tear a piece of flesh from us."

"It's only because our Ancestor is still holding the fort that they restrain themselves and don't go too far. Otherwise, who knows what they would do."

Hearing this, the other elders looked grim, and the entire inner hall was filled with a gloomy atmosphere.

In truth, although the current situation of the Immortal Clan Jiang is not great, it hasn't reached a dead end. After all, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. The Jiang Clan is an Immortal Clan with deep roots, and most of its industries are still intact. As long as they can endure this crisis, they can slowly recover.

The fear is that they might not even have the chance to endure this crisis peacefully.

The competition for resources and interests has always been the most brutal. When the Jiang Clan was strong, even if others were envious of their market share, they would be cautious and not act recklessly.

But now that the Jiang Clan is in decline, those families and organizations that have long been eyeing the Jiang Clan's assets won't miss this opportunity to kick them while they're down.

This wave of debt collection might just be a test.

If the Jiang Clan can handle this well, making those lurking in the shadows realize that targeting the Jiang Clan is risky, they might not press so hard. Otherwise, it will only get tougher in the future.

Although no one said it out loud, the elders present, having weathered many storms, naturally understood this. However, overcoming the current crisis beautifully is extremely difficult.

After sighing for a while, the elders began to seriously discuss countermeasures.

However, several proposed solutions were rejected due to various issues, such as high risks, too many hidden dangers, or being not worth the effort. Some even posed the risk of causing more severe consequences if not handled carefully...

Finally, an elder couldn't help but suggest, "If all else fails, should we ask Young Master Shouzhe for help again?"

The other elders sighed, not holding much hope: "Young Master Shouzhe is extraordinary. He doesn't even care about Immortal Scriptures. How can we expect him to help us?"

The only connection between the Jiang Clan and Young Master Shouzhe was the Yunhai Whale Boat. After maintaining and delivering the boat, they signed a future maintenance contract.

Moreover, the contract price was generous, which was already Young Master Shouzhe's way of showing some favor to the Jiang Clan.

For a moment, the elders' faces were filled with gloom.

Indeed, why would Young Master Shouzhe help them? He owes the Jiang Clan nothing...

"I have a suggestion." At this time, another elder of the Jiang Clan had a sudden idea and proposed, "Young Master Shouzhe is young and charming. Besides the True Immortal lady by his side, even those responsible for the Yunhai Whale Boat's operation are beauties. I also heard that Yao Yumei from the Yao Clan, who joined the Divine Treasure Hall system, is close to Young Master Shouzhe."

Hearing this, everyone's attention was drawn, and they all looked thoughtful.

"Ahem~ It's normal for a young man to be romantic," the elder said. "It seems that if our Jiang Clan wants to curry favor with Young Master Shouzhe, we'll have to rely on a beauty scheme."

Jiang Jianmu's eyes lit up, agreeing, "Elder Yuanhao, please elaborate."

"I remember the young girl Muxian, who is already in the Purple Mansion Realm at a young age, right?" Elder Yuanhao stroked his beard, reminding everyone, "Moreover, she recently inherited the family tome and became a Void Seed."

"Elder Yuanhao!" Jiang Jianmu's face darkened upon hearing this, and he angrily said, "Muxian is the direct descendant of our Jiang Clan, and you want her to sell her charms?"

Jiang Muxian was quite famous among the younger generation in Tianrui Holy City, known for her celestial beauty and exceptional temperament. Her future as a Void Realm cultivator was assured, and many young masters from various families admired her.

Among the girls in Jiang Jianmu's descendants, Jiang Muxian was the one he cherished the most.

"Head Jianmu, do you think anyone else in our Jiang Clan's younger generation, besides Muxian, can catch Young Master Shouzhe's eye?" Elder Yuanhao, unfazed by the reprimand, calmly explained his reasoning, "To be blunt, given Young Master Shouzhe's status, it's uncertain if he would even be interested in Muxian."

This was indeed true.

Even Jiang Jianmu, who cherished Jiang Muxian the most, had to admit that while Muxian was a treasure of the Jiang Clan, Young Master Shouzhe's status and vision were extraordinary, and the women around him were no less than Muxian.

Even if they were willing to let Muxian go, it was uncertain if she would be noticed.

Ultimately, everyone turned their gaze to the clan's Ancestor, Immortal Lord Haoran.

After some consideration, Immortal Lord Haoran sighed, "Time is running out for our Jiang Clan. Without protection, once I pass, the foundation left by our Ancestor may be hard to preserve. I will take Muxian to meet Young Master Shouzhe and let her learn from him and broaden her horizons."

Some elders thought to themselves, as expected of the Ancestor, his words were indeed profound.

Although Jiang Jianmu was heartbroken for Muxian, he also felt this was the only chance to save the Jiang Clan, so he reluctantly agreed, "Although Immortal Lord Tiange is a maidservant to the Young Master, she is actually a bodyguard. The Young Master indeed lacks someone to care for his daily needs. I will personally talk to Muxian about this. She should agree. If she can truly stay by Young Master Shouzhe's side, she might find other opportunities."

After some discussion, the decision was made.

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Meanwhile.

Primordial Dao Palace.

The Primordial Dao Palace is filled with countless immortal islands, and among these islands, one stands above all, named Lingxiao Immortal Island.

The island is lush with greenery and filled with immortal energy, surrounded by countless immortal flowers and exotic plants. The spiritual energy is so dense that it forms a faint spiritual mist in the air, making it look like a fairyland from afar.

At the center of the island lies a sprawling complex of ancient buildings.

At the forefront of this complex is a grand and solemn palace, with white and gold as its base colors, named the Dao Xiao Treasure Hall.

The Dao Xiao Treasure Hall is the official meeting hall of the Dao Palace, where the Dao Master convenes meetings for extremely important matters, gathering the many Holy Sovereigns of the Dao Palace.

Behind the Dao Xiao Treasure Hall is another larger, older, and more imposing palace, named the Hongzhen Palace.

This is where the current master of the Primordial Dao Palace, Dao Master Hongzhen, practices in seclusion and resides daily.

However, Dao Master Hongzhen is usually reclusive, and unless there are major issues, he remains in a state of secluded cultivation.

On this day.

Dao Master Hongzhen was in seclusion as usual in the Hongzhen Palace.

Sitting cross-legged on a white lotus-shaped cloud platform engraved with a powerful Gathering Spirit Array, he exuded an aura of authority. Countless strands of immortal spirit energy swirled around him, and his white robe fluttered without wind, resembling the immortals of ancient legends.

Dao Master Hongzhen had lived for over a hundred thousand years, and even for a Dao Master with a long lifespan, he was considered to have entered his twilight years.

Over the long years, his body had inevitably begun to show signs of aging. His skin had become somewhat loose, wrinkles had formed at the corners of his eyes, and even his once dark beard had turned gray. However, his aura and demeanor, instead of diminishing with time, had become more imposing and awe-inspiring.

Suddenly.

A guardian approached to report, "Master, Yunhai Holy Sovereign has returned to the Dao Palace to report and requests an audience with the Dao Master."

Dao Master Hongzhen slowly opened his eyes, revealing a pair of deep eyes that seemed to have witnessed endless years, "That Yunhai boy is back again? It's only been a few hundred years, hasn't it?"

"Uh... about five hundred years, I think," the guardian replied, holding back a laugh. "I remember the last time he came to the Dao Palace was to celebrate his thirty thousandth birthday."

Not celebrating in his own Cloud Sea Cave Heaven but coming to the Dao Palace to host a birthday banquet was something only Yunhai Holy Sovereign would do.

"Yes, I remember he 'collected' a lot of gifts that time," Dao Master Hongzhen reminisced. "Even I was forced to give him a big red envelope, and then he claimed there was a major issue in the cave heaven that needed urgent attention. So, he left with a cloud boat full of gifts..."

However, before leaving, Yunhai Holy Sovereign did "cordially invite" everyone to visit Cloud Sea Cave Heaven, promising to host a banquet to make up for it.

Upon hearing this, the faces of the Holy Sovereigns who had given gifts turned green.

Are you kidding? Who would spend ten years traveling back and forth just to attend a banquet in Cloud Sea Cave Heaven?

Thus, that time, Yunhai Holy Sovereign "collected gifts without hosting a banquet," making a substantial gain.

"The time before that, I remember it was when his disciple Qingyuan inherited the Holy Diagram..." Dao Master Hongzhen continued to reminisce, "He took a cloud boat full of gifts home that time too, right? And the time before that..."

After recounting Yunhai Holy Sovereign's antics for an hour, Dao Master Hongzhen finally remembered the main issue and asked, "So, what new trick has Yunhai come up with this time?"

"Master," the guardian reported, "Yunhai Holy Sovereign says he has taken on a new disciple and wishes to present them to the Dao Master..."

"A new disciple? Using that as an excuse to collect gifts again? That boy is really regressing, can't even come up with a better idea," Dao Master Hongzhen waved his hand dismissively, "Tell Yunhai that I'm in deep seclusion and have no time for his report."

"Master," the guardian continued with some hesitation, "Yunhai Holy Sovereign says this new disciple is quite extraordinary."

Dao Master Hongzhen: "How so?"

"Yunhai Holy Sovereign claims that after inheriting the Immortal Scripture, his new disciple, at the Divine Realm, has already reached the tenth level of bloodline, and it's a rare devouring battle physique!" the guardian reported truthfully.

"......"

Dao Master Hongzhen was silent.

The guardian couldn't help but feel that, for a moment, the Dao Master's expression was somewhat peculiar.

After a moment, Dao Master Hongzhen finally spoke, "Bring them to see me."

"Yes, Master."

The guardian immediately went to carry out the order.

Soon, Yunhai Holy Sovereign received the notification and, with his treasured disciple Wang Lici, boarded the Dao Palace's public transportation—Yun Nian—and flew towards Hongzhen Palace to meet the Dao Master.

Since it was a meeting with the Dao Master, Sima Wuchou and Lan Wan'er did not accompany them.

The Yun Nian, made of special materials, floated in the air like a soft cloud, giving the sensation of riding on clouds.

Wang Lici curiously observed the Yun Nian and then focused on the surrounding floating immortal islands.

From a distance, these islands seemed filled with spiritual energy. As the Yun Nian passed by each floating island, the details of the islands were revealed to her.

Almost every island was adorned with towering immortal palaces, each majestic and ancient, showcasing the deep heritage of the immortals.

Wang Lici was awed by the grandeur of the ancient architecture: "Master, Master, that pillar is carved from a whole piece of Extreme Ice Cold Jade. If we take it back, it could sell for several Immortal Spirit Stones, right?"

"Master, Master, the steps we're on seem to be made of Yin-Yang Magnetic Jade. So many steps... if we dismantle a few layers, would anyone notice?"

"Master, Master... that cloud crane flying overhead is so big, its flight so graceful and elegant, its muscles must be very chewy."

The passing cloud crane, overhearing this, was so startled that its wings trembled, nearly causing it to fall. It quickly abandoned its usual concern for graceful flight and flapped its wings desperately to escape the malicious girl.

Wang Lici, however, paid no attention to this.

Throughout the journey, she was filled with wonder.

When she mentioned wanting to take down and pack the two "Everlasting Immortal Lamps" hanging in the sky of Hongzhen Palace, Dao Master Hongzhen, who had been secretly observing with his divine sense, finally couldn't sit still. His voice boomed in Yunhai Holy Sovereign's ear, "Yunhai, bring your disciple over quickly, don't dawdle on the Yun Nian."

The Dao Master's orders were to be heeded.

Yunhai Holy Sovereign quickly enveloped his beloved disciple with profound energy and teleported directly to the inner hall of Hongzhen Palace.

At this moment, Dao Master Hongzhen was sitting upright on a high platform, surrounded by clouds and mist, his face obscured.

Though not as formal as the Dao Xiao Treasure Hall, the atmosphere here was quite solemn.

"Yunhai, with my beloved disciple Wang Lici, greets the Master, wishing you eternal life," Yunhai Holy Sovereign, seeing the scene, adopted a serious demeanor and respectfully saluted according to protocol.

His appearance of immortal grace and dignity made it hard to imagine he could engage in the act of collecting gifts without hosting a banquet.

"Alright, rise."

Dao Master Hongzhen, not particularly fond of Yunhai Holy Sovereign, casually acknowledged him and then focused on Wang Lici.

As the pinnacle of human power, the Dao Master's divine sense was far superior to that of Immortal Lords and Holy Sovereigns. With a slight probe, he had already assessed Wang Lici's bloodline and potential.

He kindly praised, "Child, your bloodline and potential are quite remarkable. For the human race to have a junior like you is indeed a blessing. How old are you this year?"

"Four hundred and one. My four-hundredth birthday was this year," Wang Lici calculated on her fingers before answering naively.

"Still so young," Dao Master Hongzhen said with goodwill towards the young Wang Lici. "During this time, don't rush into cultivation. Enjoy yourself in the Dao Palace. If there's anything you want to eat or play with, just tell me. You can even change your master if you wish, and I'll make the decision for you..."

These words almost made Wang Lici drool.

On the way here, she had seen many immortal beasts and birds...

Clearly, Dao Master Hongzhen believed that Wang Lici's tendency to want to take everything home was due to Yunhai's "teaching by example."

"Master!" Yunhai Holy Sovereign quickly interjected, "My bond with Lici is deep, please don't separate us."

Recalling one of the purposes of this visit, he quickly changed the subject, winking at Wang Lici, "Lici, didn't you have a treasure you wanted the Holy Sovereign to appraise?"

"Oh, right." Wang Lici slapped her forehead and took out a stone slab she had obtained from the Return to Spirit Cave Ruins, "Dao Master Grandpa, could you take a look at this?"

Dao Master Grandpa?

Dao Master Hongzhen couldn't help but smile.

With a casual gesture, he took the stone slab and examined it briefly, "This is a fragment of an ancient Holy Diagram. If you gather all the fragments, you might find a path to becoming a Holy Sovereign."

As he spoke, Dao Master Hongzhen returned the stone slab to Wang Lici.

"Dao Master Grandpa, my master said there's a similar fragment in the Dao Palace's treasury," Wang Lici said, blinking at her master's hint, "If it's a matching fragment, could I have it?"

"Yunhai!" Dao Master Hongzhen glared at Yunhai Holy Sovereign, "You remember the Dao Palace's treasury so clearly?"

"Ahem," Yunhai Holy Sovereign coughed awkwardly, explaining, "I just happened to glimpse it and remembered it unintentionally."

"......"

Dao Master Hongzhen was speechless.

The treasury held countless treasures, and even he didn't fully remember what was there. Remembering from a glimpse? Who was he kidding?

However, given the situation, he was too lazy to argue with Yunhai and immediately sent someone with the Dao Master's token to the treasury. After some searching, they indeed found a fragment that matched Lici's.

"Since it's so fated, this piece is yours, completing half of the Holy Diagram," Dao Master Hongzhen explained, "These ancient Holy Diagrams were often created by sages mimicking the cultivation, hunting, and combat of fierce beasts. Unlike modern Holy Diagrams, they are simpler but very powerful, complementing Lici's bloodline well. You should study the slab during your cultivation and understand the will of the human sages who established the Holy Path."

"In addition, I will have someone search the historical records to find the whereabouts of the remaining two pieces."

"Thank you, Dao Master Grandpa," Wang Lici happily bowed. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"Go ahead, stay in the Dao Palace for a while. If you have any questions about cultivation, feel free to ask me," Dao Master Hongzhen, pleased with the emergence of such an outstanding child among humans, felt that Yunhai was indeed lucky to have found a treasure.

A child like her was barely qualified to compete for the position of Dao Child. Even if she didn't become a Dao Master, she could go far on the path of a Holy Sovereign, surpassing ordinary Holy Sovereigns.

"Wait!" Yunhai Holy Sovereign suddenly called out, "Master, our Lici is at least a top-tier genius of the 'Innate Holy Body' level. At our first meeting, are you just going to let her go without a token of appreciation?"

The so-called "Innate Holy Body" refers to a level of aptitude, equivalent to the bloodline potential of a Holy Son or Holy Daughter.

For example, Wang Lici, now in the Divine Realm with her bloodline awakened to the tenth level, is of Holy Daughter potential. In reverse, it means her bloodline was already at the sixth level Holy Body during the Qi Refining Realm, hence the term "Innate Holy Body."

Those with a seventh-level bloodline in the Lingtai Realm, eighth-level in the Celestial Realm, ninth-level in the Purple Mansion Realm, tenth-level in the Divine Realm, and eleventh-level in the Void Realm are all collectively referred to as "Innate Holy Body."

Of course, a true Innate Holy Body at birth is extremely rare. Most Holy Sons and Holy Daughters enhance their potential postnatally.

But if a true Innate Holy Body were to be born, their six-level bloodline power would resonate with the laws of heaven and earth, causing phenomena like the trembling of heaven and earth and the resonance of the universe.

Throughout history, such instances have been exceedingly rare.

Unless a Dao Master experiences a sudden misfortune and reincarnates, natural birth of such a being is almost impossible.

Dao Master Hongzhen, hearing this, glared at Yunhai Holy Sovereign, "Didn't I just give a quarter of the Holy Diagram as a gift?"

"Master, without Lici discovering the Holy Diagram fragment, the piece in the Dao Palace would just be collecting dust for who knows how many years," Yunhai Holy Sovereign argued, "Besides, that's the Dao Palace's asset. You can't just use it as a personal gift to a junior, can you?"

Dao Master Hongzhen nearly slapped Yunhai away.

In his hundred thousand years of life, he had rarely encountered someone as shameless as Yunhai. If Yunhai visited the Dao Palace more often, even with his good temperament, he might not be able to resist teaching him a lesson.

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