Protect Our Patriarch-Chapter 63Book 6: : Fragrant Yao Consort VS Wang Shouzhe

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Tianrui Holy Dynasty Divine Treasure Branch.

The guest hall, specifically used for entertaining distinguished guests, was bustling with activity.

Luxurious glass lamps shone brightly as a group of young and beautiful maidservants entered one after another, carrying either tea sets for brewing tea or trays of fruits and pastries, placing them one by one on the tables in the guest hall.

At the table, a young man dressed in white sat leisurely in a chair, enjoying the pastries.

The maidservants approached him one by one, serving him with the utmost respect and care.

"Young Master, your Immortal Tea, please enjoy."

"Young Master, these are the new pastries from the Drunken Immortal Pavilion this month, please enjoy."

This young man in white was Wang Shouzhe.

Wang Shouzhe had become a "regular customer" of the Divine Treasure Hall.

Since he arrived in the Holy Domain, over the decades, he had risen to become the top spender on the [Centennial] consumption list of the Tianrui branch of the Divine Treasure Hall, far surpassing the combined spending of the second-ranked [Lüqiu Clan] and third-ranked [Sima Clan].

"Young Master Shouzhe is here."

Before long, the branch master Dongfang Zhenyuan, who had received the news, also hurried over, warmly greeting Wang Shouzhe.

The Divine Treasure Hall, which collected rare treasures from all over the world, aimed primarily to generate wealth and gather resources. A big spender like Wang Shouzhe was naturally beloved by all.

Dongfang Zhenyuan treated him with the utmost courtesy.

"Master Dongfang."

Wang Shouzhe returned the greeting and, after a brief exchange of pleasantries, got straight to the point: "How is the acquisition of the spiritual veins I entrusted to you progressing?"

The Divine Treasure Hall, a long-established and vast commercial organization, had branches in various "Dao" of the Holy Dynasty and surrounding Immortal Dynasties, far beyond just the Tianrui Holy Dynasty. Its wide range of information sources and unparalleled ability to acquire various treasures were unmatched by other forces.

"Young Master Shouzhe," Dongfang Zhenyuan said with a smile, "acquiring spiritual veins is a long-term plan, not something that can be rushed. Generally speaking, unless a family is in decline or under special circumstances, aristocratic families rarely sell their spiritual veins. We must proceed gradually and seize opportunities as they arise."

Spiritual veins are the foundation of a family and are rarely sold. Even if they are, the prices are exorbitant. In the Holy Domain, the sale-to-production ratio for third-grade or lower spiritual veins often reaches a thousand to one.

In other words, a spiritual vein capable of cultivating a hundred acres of spiritual farmland is often priced at a thousand times the annual profit of those hundred acres.

This concept is vastly different from that on Earth.

The main reason is that spiritual veins and spiritual farmland can be passed down through generations, and aristocratic families have a long history. For families that have existed for thousands or even tens of thousands of years, a thousand-year return on investment is not unacceptable.

As for spiritual veins above the third grade, the higher the grade, the higher the sale-to-production ratio. The prices of sixth and seventh-grade spiritual veins are astronomical, and eighth-grade spiritual veins are extremely rare, each priced at tens of Chaos Spirit Stones.

Wang Shouzhe, however, was interested in acquiring a large number of low-grade spiritual veins.

Over the years, as he continuously improved low-grade spiritual rice, both the annual yield and quality of low-grade spiritual rice have steadily increased, and farming techniques have also improved. The current production efficiency far exceeds that of the Holy Domain. Under the same conditions, while it takes a thousand years to break even in the Holy Domain, it takes only a few hundred years in the Shenwu World.

A few hundred years may seem long, but Wang Shouzhe, having lived for over four hundred years, sees it as just a blink of an eye in the long run.

"In that case, I'll have to trouble you, Master Dongfang, to continue the long-term acquisition." Wang Shouzhe said with a smile, "I've come this time to bid farewell to you. In the future, clan members will come to handle the specifics of this transaction on my behalf."

"You're leaving?" Dongfang Zhenyuan was taken aback but soon understood, "Indeed, someone of your status can't stay in one place for too long. Rest assured, no matter who comes to negotiate, our Divine Treasure Hall will do our utmost to assist."

After so many years, a shrewd businessman like Dongfang Zhenyuan could naturally guess that Wang Shouzhe must have a promising grain production base.

Although he didn't know how Young Master Shouzhe managed it, with such a grain production base in hand, it was reasonable to acquire spiritual veins to expand production capacity.

In the cultivation of spiritual rice and spiritual herbs, the focus is on long-term planning rather than immediate gains.

Wang Shouzhe expressed his gratitude once again and then took out a can of Immortal Tea as a parting gift: "I'm not leaving for good. Over the years, I've established some foundations here in Tianrui, and I'll occasionally return to visit. Muxian will also stay here on my behalf."

Dongfang Zhenyuan accepted the gift familiarly and teased Wang Shouzhe with a smile: "Fairy Jiang is such a rare beauty, aren't you taking her with you on your travels? Hehe, are you afraid of trouble from your betrothed's main wife?"

Dongfang Zhenyuan knew that someone of Wang Shouzhe's status couldn't escape the word "betrothal," especially for a top-tier young master like him, who would likely engage in "strong alliances" rather than "marrying up or down."

According to normal assumptions, someone of Young Master Shouzhe's status would at least have a noble-born Saintess as his main wife, destined to become a Holy Sovereign-level main wife in the future.

"……"

Wang Shouzhe gave Dongfang Zhenyuan a subtle look.

He had to admit that while Dongfang Zhenyuan was talking nonsense, he had somehow eerily hit the mark. If he brought Jiang Muxian, the maid, back to the Wang Clan, it would likely lead to daily marital battles.

Dongfang Zhenyuan, seeing Wang Shouzhe's expression, knew he had "guessed about seventy to eighty percent" correctly, and his mind couldn't help but wander.

Young Master Shouzhe was already impressive enough, but which divine being was the noblewoman betrothed to him?

However, such matters were not for him to inquire about.

The earlier teasing was already the limit. He was merely a "small" True Immortal, and gossiping about the affairs of ancient noble families could lead to disaster if he delved too deeply.

"By the way, I heard that a junior from your family was accepted as a personal disciple by Yunpeng Holy Sovereign?" Dongfang Zhenyuan, not daring to continue the topic, quickly changed the subject.

"That brat got lucky. He was a mischievous troublemaker at home, better to let him cause trouble at the Primordial Dao Palace." Wang Shouzhe said with a modest smile, "However, whether he can ultimately obtain the Heavenly Peng Holy Diagram depends on his own abilities."

Dongfang Zhenyuan was speechless.

So the rumors were true; the bloodline in Young Master Shouzhe's family was terrifying, with even a junior having the potential of a Da Luo Holy Sovereign.

He didn't believe in the talk of relying on the junior's abilities... In a family like Young Master Shouzhe's, could they lack Immortal Scriptures? If they were willing to let a junior apprentice under a Holy Sovereign, it was undoubtedly for the Holy Diagram, and they would surely provide support in secret.

It seemed that the successor of the Heavenly Peng Sacred Island was essentially predetermined.

One had to admit, noble families were indeed noble, and their heritage was truly terrifying. If it weren't for Young Master Shouzhe's low-key travels, Dongfang Zhenyuan might never have had the chance to engage in such pleasant conversations with such a noble young master in his lifetime.

Afterward, the two chatted about some gossip, mentioning that Yunpeng Holy Sovereign had returned to the Dao Palace a few days ago, taking his newly accepted personal disciple with him.

Yunpeng Holy Sovereign's departure was no secret. Such lofty figures rarely left the Dao Palace, and his visit to the remote countryside of the Tianrui Holy Dynasty was merely to mediate a war. He should have returned over a decade ago.

Now, rumors were circulating that Yunpeng Holy Sovereign had stayed longer because he found a disciple he favored. It was about time for him to return.

After chatting for a while and finalizing some cooperation matters, Wang Shouzhe also left the Divine Treasure Hall, preparing to return to the Shenwu World.

******

At the same time.

Night.

Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

Cuiwei Residence.

The night was hazy.

The small hill where Cuiwei Residence was located was shrouded in night, and the surrounding bamboo forest seemed to be coated with a layer of silver under the moonlight, exuding a sense of coldness and solitude.

Perhaps due to its high altitude, the night wind here was particularly chilly. As the cool breeze swept through, the bamboo leaves rustled, adding to the sense of desolation.

At this moment, all the isolation formations within Cuiwei Residence had been activated, shielding it from any prying eyes.

Inside Cuiwei Residence, Prince Wenyu sat cross-legged, drinking alone.

He had been feeling stifled lately.

Although the food crisis had been resolved, it hadn't given the restless Tianxing Holy Dynasty any opportunity. However, after several incidents, his evaluation in the eyes of the Holy Emperor Ancestor had plummeted.

What chilled him the most was that the Holy Emperor Ancestor hadn't scolded or reprimanded him afterward.

What did this represent?

It represented that the ancestor might have already considered giving up on him.

As the saying goes, "The deeper the love, the harsher the criticism." If the Holy Emperor Ancestor still intended to groom him as a successor, he would have used this opportunity to teach him a lesson, scolding him and then offering guidance. This was the Holy Emperor Ancestor's usual approach.

But now, it had been quietly brushed aside, which made him uneasy.

What should he do?

How could he make the Holy Emperor Ancestor change his mind?

For a moment, Prince Wenyu was in turmoil.

Suddenly.

A wisp of white mist silently drifted through the bamboo forest and into Cuiwei Residence.

This wisp of white mist, as light as smoke, swiftly passed over the tables and chairs in Cuiwei Residence and landed opposite Prince Wenyu.

In the next moment.

The white mist dissipated, revealing an exotic woman with bright eyes and golden hair in front of Prince Wenyu.

Her face was veiled with a thin layer of gauze, revealing only a pair of sparkling blue eyes. Her golden hair was intricately styled into a high bun, and under the light, it seemed to shimmer with a golden glow. Her entire demeanor was both holy and dignified, as if she carried a divine aura.

However, in contrast to her holy aura, her figure was enchanting and alluring, with a slender waist as flexible as a willow branch. Each graceful step seemed to exude endless charm, captivating the heart and soul.

"You've arrived."

Upon seeing her, Prince Wenyu hurriedly put away his drink, his expression becoming serious, with a hint of fear flashing in his eyes.

The woman gracefully approached, her gaze lightly sweeping over the scattered wine bottles on the floor before looking at the dejected Prince Wenyu: "Look at you, so pathetic."

Her steps were graceful, her arms like lotus flowers, and every movement seemed to exude endless allure. Yet, her exotic eyes carried a sense of solemnity, making one hesitate to show disrespect.

As she moved, a captivating fragrance filled the room, lingering in the air and evoking a sense of longing.

This woman was none other than the renowned [Fragrant Yao Consort].

Clearly, her arrival was not unexpected by Prince Wenyu; it was evidently prearranged.

"What can I do?" Hearing the disdain in Fragrant Yao Consort's words, Prince Wenyu's emotions flared up, and he retorted unwillingly, "Wang Shouzhe's move was too ruthless. I feel like the ancestor is about to give up on me."

"And then? Are you just going to give up like this?" Fragrant Yao Consort said coldly.

"I..." Prince Wenyu's words caught in his throat, and he hesitated, "Please, Consort, guide me."

"Poof~~"

Fragrant Yao Consort suddenly laughed, her laughter filled with allure, as if capable of enchanting the world.

Her voice became gentle, her tone lingering: "This Wang Shouzhe is exceptionally talented, capable of turning clouds into rain, and I'm very interested in him. You, help me draw him out."

Prince Wenyu's expression froze, and his eyes filled with jealousy and resentment: "Consort, do you mean...?"

"Indeed. This person is deeply rooted in wisdom and is destined to be a follower of my Buddha." Fragrant Yao Consort's blue eyes shimmered, and her face took on a sacred and unusual hue, "First entice him with desire, then lead him to enlightenment. I want to convert him to Buddhism."

Prince Wenyu's breathing quickened, and his hands clenched tightly, his tone filled with apprehension: "You must be careful, Wang Shouzhe's origins are extremely mysterious. Be cautious not to play with fire."

"Junxi, don't forget, if you don't fight with all your might, you'll never have a chance at the Holy Emperor's position." Fragrant Yao Consort looked at him with pity, "A mere True Immortal, with a lifespan of less than ten thousand years, is that the outcome you desire?"

"But as long as Wang Shouzhe attains enlightenment, he will be a comrade in our journey. With his assistance, you can make up for your irreparable losses."

Her voice seemed ordinary, but each word seemed to carry a magical power, weaving into Prince Wenyu's heart.

Prince Wenyu's breathing grew more rapid, and his gaze became sharp and determined: "Consort, what do you want me to do?"

"The old man's true body is aged, and to extend his lifespan, he remains in seclusion, with only a projection at his disposal. Leaving the palace is easy for me and won't alert anyone." Fragrant Yao Consort's eyes were calm, "And Yunpeng Holy Sovereign has returned to the Primordial Dao Palace. As long as we lure away the hidden Holy Sovereign protecting Wang Shouzhe, it will be easy for me to convert him to Buddhism."

"The hidden Holy Sovereign is extremely mysterious." Prince Wenyu looked troubled, "He is clearly Wang Shouzhe's guardian Holy Sovereign and won't easily leave his side. How can we lure him away?"

"I heard Wang Shouzhe is seeking spiritual veins to expand his grain production base. I suspect that the base is located in a nearby exotic large space." Fragrant Yao Consort's voice was calm and composed, "He values that foundation highly, likely to accumulate personal strength for future Daozi competitions."

"In that case, offer him your privately held medium-sized seventh-grade spiritual vein as compensation, hoping he will help you restore the ancestor's trust."

Seventh-grade spiritual vein!

Prince Wenyu's heart sank, and his expression turned uncertain.

The medium-sized seventh-grade spiritual vein he had hidden was substantial, with abundant spiritual energy, and was one of his hard-earned trump cards. If sold, it could fetch eight or nine Chaos Spirit Stones.

Even the Holy Emperor Ancestor was unaware of this hidden spiritual vein.

"You are too petty." Fragrant Yao Consort glanced at him coldly, "Compared to the Holy Emperor's position and the benefits of converting Wang Shouzhe to Buddhism, what is a mere medium-sized seventh-grade spiritual vein?"

"Moreover, ordinary spiritual veins can't entice a Holy Sovereign. Only a spiritual vein of this grade, though a True Immortal can extract it, the process is slow and may take years. Now that Wang Shouzhe is eager to leave, obtaining this spiritual vein quickly requires sending a Holy Sovereign to extract it."

"Once the Holy Sovereign leaves, invite Wang Shouzhe to Cuiwei Residence to discuss reinstatement. Regardless of his bloodline, he is merely a Divine Realm cultivator. With a single glance, I can make him kneel before my Prajna skirt."

"Gulp~"

Prince Wenyu swallowed hard, seemingly making a firm decision as he nodded resolutely: "Since the Consort is so confident, let's go all out this time."

Fragrant Yao Consort smiled with satisfaction: "That's more like the Junxi I know."

"Now, let me show you the wonders of my [Divine Maiden Aspect]."

With that, her smile faded, and a bright red cinnabar mark appeared on her forehead.

Simultaneously, a radiant treasure light emanated from her body, making her appear slightly translucent, like a divine maiden descending from the heavens, exuding solemnity and holiness, yet radiating endless allure.

Fragrant Yao Consort cultivated the Holy Diagram known as [Divine Maiden Nirvana Diagram].

This was an extremely powerful Buddhist cultivation technique. After cultivating the Divine Maiden Nirvana Diagram, she could manifest the [Divine Maiden Aspect] or the [Nirvana Aspect]. The former had the effect of enchanting the world and converting demons to Buddhism, while the latter could cleanse all beings and bring about destruction and rebirth.

Under the radiant treasure light.

In just an instant.

Prince Wenyu's heart swayed, his gaze fixated on Fragrant Yao Consort, and he unconsciously moved toward her.

"Buzz!"

Fragrant Yao Consort raised her delicate hand, and a lotus-shaped artifact spun into the air.

This lotus was golden, exquisitely mysterious. Each petal was a different beauty, some dignified, some holy, some seductive, some enchanting... They transformed into ethereal figures, dancing around Prince Wenyu with various halos.

For a moment, Buddhist chants echoed, lingering in the air.

Prince Wenyu's mind seemed to be immersed in an indescribable state, his breathing rapid, his face flushed.

……

Several days later.

Returning to Origin Courtyard's waterfront platform.

Wang Shouzhe looked at the visiting Yao Xingshu with a slightly complex expression, a faint smile on his face: "Brother Xingshu, are you saying that Prince Wenyu sent me a medium-sized seventh-grade spiritual vein? What have I done to deserve such a generous gift?"

"Ahem!"

Yao Xingshu cleared his throat awkwardly and explained honestly: "I dare not deceive Young Master Shouzhe. Of course, this spiritual vein is not a free gift. Due to previous offenses, the prince's current position is precarious. He hopes that after you receive the spiritual vein, you will consider its value and reconcile with him, and perhaps find a way to help him in his quest for the crown prince position."

"Now that you put it that way, it makes sense~" Wang Shouzhe raised an eyebrow, "This spiritual vein is worth at least eight or nine Chaos Spirit Stones. It's enough for reconciliation, but helping him plan... hehe~~ where would I find the time?"

"The prince's intention is for you to simply show friendliness and intimacy towards him." Yao Xingshu quickly said, "Young Master Shouzhe, I also personally plead with you. After this lesson, the prince understands the gravity of the situation and will no longer trouble you. If you have any requests, he will do his utmost. Why make the relationship so strained?"

"Very well, considering the spiritual vein, it would be unreasonable for me to dwell on past grievances." Wang Shouzhe smiled, "Where is the spiritual vein? How can I obtain it?"

"The location of the spiritual vein has been disclosed to me by the prince." Yao Xingshu said seriously, "I came with the prince's token and can take you to retrieve it now. However, it's a medium-sized seventh-grade spiritual vein, and extracting it is not easy. It's best not to make too much noise... This spiritual vein is the prince's private stash, and attracting the attention of His Majesty the Holy Emperor would be unwise."

The Tianrui Holy Dynasty has always had strict control over high-grade spiritual veins, especially seventh and eighth-grade veins, which are considered strategic resources. Once discovered, they must be immediately reported to the Holy Dynasty and registered for future tax purposes. After all, seventh-grade spiritual veins yield seventh-grade spiritual farmland, and the taxes alone are substantial.

Privately hiding a seventh-grade spiritual vein could violate numerous laws.

Moreover, a prince hiding a seventh-grade spiritual vein could lead to wild speculation. If discovered, Prince Wenyu would be in serious trouble, and the Holy Emperor's impression of him would worsen.

Therefore, Yao Xingshu was extremely cautious.

"Very well, I'll have an elder accompany you. Once the spiritual vein is in my possession, I will reconcile with Prince Wenyu and 'joyfully become brothers'." Wang Shouzhe said with a smile.

"That would be excellent. To avoid any delays, the prince has already prepared the fastest flying carriage." Yao Xingshu offered, "I'll drive it myself."

"Prince Wenyu has indeed thought of everything." Wang Shouzhe's expression remained cheerful, "In that case, I'll trouble you, Xingshu."

"No trouble at all."

Amidst the pleasantries, the prepared flying carriage was brought over.

Yao Xingshu leaped onto the flying carriage, taking his seat at the front.

Just as he settled in, there was a spatial fluctuation inside the carriage, and a powerful aura entered the cabin.

An elder's authoritative voice followed from within the carriage: "Go, take me to extract the seventh-grade spiritual vein."

Yao Xingshu didn't dare delay and quickly drove the flying carriage into the sky.

Several days later.

Wang Shouzhe received another invitation from Prince Wenyu, hoping he would visit Cuiwei Residence, where the prince would personally apologize.

Unfortunately.

Wang Shouzhe paid no attention to the invitation.

It wasn't until more than ten days later.

Wang Shouzhe received confirmation from Cai Youdao that the medium-sized seventh-grade spiritual vein indeed existed and didn't belong to any faction. It seemed Prince Wenyu hadn't played any tricks.

With this assurance.

Wang Shouzhe decided to accept Prince Wenyu's invitation.

That night.

In the misty Cuiwei Residence.

Prince Wenyu, who had made all the preparations, sat anxiously in a chair, waiting for Wang Shouzhe to arrive. His mood was tense, and despite drinking cup after cup of tea, he couldn't quell his anxiety and unease.

In the adjacent room, a group of veiled, exotically dressed dancers awaited their summons.

Fragrant Yao Consort was among them.

At this moment, she was dressed like the other dancers, her aura completely restrained, leaving no trace, except for the shimmering light in her blue eyes, unable to contain her excitement.

She never expected her luck to be so good, to have the opportunity to convert a future Daozi of the Dongxia Divine Continent.

A Daozi~

If she could bring him under her influence, his backing and resources would naturally be at her disposal, offering countless benefits. With him, her future path would undoubtedly change dramatically.

As for the plan failing?

How could that be possible?

A mere Divine Realm cultivator wasn't even worth her attention.

At this moment.

The commander of Wenyu's personal guards, Pei Chang'an, suddenly rushed into Cuiwei Residence, his face extremely grim as he shouted: "Your Highness, something has happened, something big!"

"What has you so flustered?" Prince Wenyu scolded, "Chang'an, aren't you supposed to be patrolling nearby?"

Pei Chang'an seemed not to hear him, hurriedly handing over a beautifully printed magazine, his face filled with panic: "It's, it's happened."

On the cover of the magazine was a stunning and enchanting photo occupying the entire page.

The photo depicted his secret meeting with Fragrant Yao Consort.

Beside it, in eye-catching colors, was a shocking headline: "Scandal! Lüqiu Clan's Astonishing Scandal, Prince Wenyu's Three Hundred Year Affair with the Consort!"

"This..." Prince Wenyu was terrified, "This is slander! The photo is fake! Fake!"

Indeed, the photo was fake.

It was a composite created using several photos from different angles, cleverly pieced together using a special technique. This technique was so sophisticated that it hadn't appeared in the Holy Domain, almost indistinguishable from reality.

But, does it matter if it's fake?

The photo's authenticity wasn't important; the secret meetings and conspiracies were real.

This photo was like a rough hand, exposing the secret Prince Wenyu feared most, laying it bare for all to see.

Prince Wenyu's face turned ashen, his body trembling, his mind blank, unsure of what to do.

At that moment.

Suddenly.

A voice boomed from the sky: "Everyone, surround Cuiwei Residence, don't let anyone escape!"

As the voice fell, powerful auras rose from all directions, tightly sealing off Cuiwei Residence.

"Holy Emperor's Imperial Guards!"

"Imperial Guard Commander Lan Wanghai!"

Terrified cries echoed within Cuiwei Residence.

Meanwhile.

In another elegant room of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion not far away, Wang Shouzhe, along with the "returned" Yunpeng Holy Sovereign and Wang Baoguang, watched the scene unfold from afar.

Taking a sip of his own Immortal Tea, Wang Shouzhe sighed deeply: "Truly, the tree desires calm, but the wind won't cease. I intended to leave some face for the Holy Emperor, but alas, Prince Wenyu's obsession runs too deep."

Hearing this, Wang Baoguang glanced at his Ancestor Grandfather with a face full of disbelief.

Did he really not know? Prince Wenyu's every move had clearly fallen into Ancestor Grandfather's calculations, and today's outcome was long anticipated.

Even now, he claimed to want to save face for others, who would believe that?

"Human nature, human heart." Wang Shouzhe sighed again.

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