CHAPTER 612: CHAPTER 597: THE OLD ZHOU FAMILY HAS A DESCENDANT NOW!

"Junior Brother Ren, do you have anything to say now? Considering our brotherhood, I, Wang, will give you a chance to settle your affairs!"

In a dark mountain gorge, Wang Yanzhang stood holding a blood-stained long spear, looking at the man lying in a pool of blood with a complex expression, his tone uneasy.

He naturally couldn’t remain calm.

If it hadn’t happened, he would never have thought that Ren Fei, who entered the sect at the same time and always maintained a good relationship with him, would set a trap to harm him!

Half an hour earlier, he had been tricked by Ren Fei into this mountain gorge to eliminate a demon and seize treasure, but unexpectedly, when he used his trump card to slay the demon beast, Ren Fei suddenly attacked him with a Tier Four Spirit Talisman bestowed by Master Zhouyang.

Fortunately, due to a major loss he suffered early on, he had always been cautious of ambushes when battling demon beasts.

Facing Ren Fei’s ambush, though he hadn’t had time to activate the Tier Four Defense Spirit Talisman on him, he managed to use the defense divine technique from his cultivation technique to avoid falling on the spot.

Afterward, he relied on the life-saving object, the Rejuvenating Immortal Dew, gifted by his Dao Companion Ye Yunshan, to quickly heal his injuries. After a fierce battle, he successfully defeated Ren Fei and pierced Ren Fei’s Dantian with a thrust of his spear.

Reflecting on the previous danger, Wang Yanzhang felt truly fortunate. If it hadn’t been for that life-saving Rejuvenating Immortal Dew, he would have been the one lying in a pool of blood.

"Cough, cough, cough, Wang Yanzhang, there’s no need for pretense. I, Ren, didn’t lose to you; I lost to fate. The heavens do not assist me, the heavens do not assist me!"

In the pool of blood, Ren Fei, his face covered in blood, stared wide-eyed at Wang Yanzhang, his face twitching and trembling with resentment and hatred.

His plan was initially very successful. Though Wang Yanzhang survived the ambush, he was gravely injured and had lost the strength to resist. He then intended to deliver one final sword stroke.

But how could he have foreseen that Xiao Ying would grant a precious drop of Rejuvenating Immortal Dew to her beloved disciple Ye Yunshan, who in turn handed this life-saving spiritual object to her Dao Companion Wang Yanzhang.

It was this unexpected factor that completely thwarted his perfect plan and ultimately cost him his life.

At this point, nothing more could be said. Besides, even if his cultivation were intact, just the crime of attempting to murder a fellow disciple would inevitably mean a death sentence.

Thus, he quickly closed his eyes and said resentfully, "Enough with the nonsense, do it. I, Ren, concede defeat, and there are no regrets in death!"

Wang Yanzhang shook his head at this, sighed softly, and then nodded slightly, saying, "Have a safe journey, Junior Brother Ren!"

With those words, the long spear in his hand transformed into a streak of golden light, instantly piercing through Ren Fei’s heart.

After killing Ren Fei, Wang Yanzhang buried his body in this unnamed mountain gorge and then returned directly to Chongxuan Mountain with Ren Fei’s belongings to confess to Zhouyang.

At that time, Zhouyang had just finished dealing with Zhou Guangxiang’s affairs and was about to enter seclusion again, never expecting that his two registered disciples would kill each other.

He certainly did not believe Wang Yanzhang’s one-sided story, but after employing the Heart Inquiry Skill on him and obtaining his testimony, it was confirmed that Wang Yanzhang had not lied.

"Do you know why he wanted to harm you?"

In the cave dwelling, Zhouyang looked at Wang Yanzhang, who was kneeling on the ground, with a slightly displeased expression.

Such an incident, regardless of who was right or wrong, was a disgrace for him as a master. It was no wonder his face was sour.

Fortunately, Wang Yanzhang and Ren Fei were only registered disciples. If they had been official disciples, Zhouyang’s reaction would have been far more severe.

"Disciple does not know!"

Wang Yanzhang kept his head lowered, not daring to meet Zhouyang’s eyes, his voice somewhat trembling.

Hearing this, Zhouyang sneered coldly and said in a frosty tone, "Hmph, is it true ignorance, or are you too afraid to speak?"

Wang Yanzhang’s body trembled instantly, and he immediately bowed his head to the ground, pleading, "Master, forgive me. Junior Brother Ren did not reveal his reasons for the ambush, and this disciple dares not speculate!"

"Fine, since you refuse to speak, let’s put an end to this matter. As for the truth of Ren Fei’s demise, keep it locked within your heart and tell no one, understood?"

Zhouyang waved his hand, not pressing further, but his expression was heavy as he conveyed his decision.

Hearing this, Wang Yanzhang felt a weight lift from his heart, quickly bowing in thanks, saying, "Disciple understands, thank you for sparing me, Master!"

Zhouyang’s expression softened at his words, and he continued, "Very well. Since you do not wish to speak, we shall leave it at that. Concerning Ren Fei’s death, once you advance to the Ninth-Layer Foundation Establishment, I will formally take you as my disciple and grant you the Purple Heart Jade Marrow to establish your Purple Mansion."

In fact, now that Wang Yanzhang was the only remaining candidate, he could have accepted him as a disciple right away. But Zhouyang didn’t want Wang Yanzhang to enter the sect so easily; doing so would almost affirm that Ren Fei, the rebellious disciple, was the only obstacle to his entrance, and a delayed entry might serve as a punishment to instill some respect in him.

Hearing Zhouyang’s words, Wang Yanzhang looked a bit disappointed.

He was only at the Seventh-Layer Foundation Establishment, and it would take at least two or three more decades to advance to the Ninth Layer. He had hoped that with Ren Fei gone, Zhouyang would take him as a formal disciple sooner.

However, he still responded with gratitude, "Thank you for your great kindness, Master. I will work hard in cultivation, striving for an early entry into the sect."

"You may leave."

Zhou Ren waved his hand, dismissing him.

After Wang Yanzhang left, Zhouyang began to reflect.

The reason Ren Fei ambushed Wang Yanzhang was not difficult to guess. Wang Yanzhang had survived the ambush but was gravely injured, leaving him with no strength to resist. The only thing Ren Fei couldn’t anticipate was that Xiao Ying would grant a precious drop of Rejuvenating Immortal Dew to Ye Yunshan, who then gave it to her Dao Companion Wang Yanzhang.

This was something that Zhouyang should have anticipated and prevented when he had the two competing in the first place.

Reflecting on this, Zhouyang decided to put aside his original plan to continue his retreat and chose to devote some time to interact with his registered disciples more.

Over the years, Zhou Ronghua and the others had recruited two new batches of registered disciples in his name and dismissed those who were too old, over eighty years, and had not reached the Foundation Establishment Stage, preventing further disorder on the mountain.

Including Wang Yanzhang, the total number of registered disciples on the mountain was now seventy-three, of which twenty-one were Foundation Establishment Cultivators, while the rest were Qi Cultivation Stage Cultivators.

Several of the Zhou Family Cultivators who had been relocated became Dao Companions and produced descendants with the registered disciples on the mountain.

Master Cyan Yang willingly teaching and guiding the registered disciples personally was most relieving not to the disciples, but to Lu Xuewei, the eldest disciple in charge of mentoring.

Originally, both Zhouyang and Xiao Ying had been in long periods of retreat, leaving the mountain’s affairs handled by her, which was quite overwhelming for someone not adept in such things.

Fortunately, with Master Cyan Yang stepping in, it was like she had seized an opportunity. She quickly approached Master Cyan Yang and said, "Master, I am not at ease with Sister Lan venturing out alone after her injury caused by failing to form the core, even though she is now ready to travel again to gather resources. I have already arranged for her to be assisted in handling these matters, ensuring that the situation on the mountain does not lose control."

With Wang Yanzhang still included, the total number of registered disciples on the Chongxuan Mountain amounted to seventy-three, out of which twenty-one were Foundation Establishment Cultivators, and the rest were Qi Cultivation Stage Cultivators.

The Zhou Family Cultivators who had been relocated formed Dao Companionship with some of the registered disciples on the mountain, and some even found their ideal Dao Companions outside and had offspring.

Now, the small mountain city outside Chongxuan Mountain was almost fully inhabited by mortals, and those Zhou Family Cultivators who had moved there had settled down for their retirement in their hometowns, especially those who had not reached the Foundation Establishment Stage by the age of eighty and had been dismissed.

Lu Xuewei, who was responsible for teaching the disciples, was the happiest about Master Cyan Yang personally teaching the registered disciples.

Originally, both Master Cyan Yang and Xiao Ying were in long-term seclusion, and Lu Xuewei was left to handle the affairs on the mountain, something she was not particularly skilled at and which left her quite stressed.

However, with Master Cyan Yang now personally getting involved, it was like she had an enormous burden lifted off her shoulders. She quickly approached Master Cyan Yang to explain, "Master, I must report that Sister Lan’s injuries from failing to form her core have healed. She is now preparing to travel to gather resources for another attempt at core formation. I’m not at ease with her going by herself, so I’ve already arranged everything."

In recent years, even though Lan Cailian has saved a fair amount, when she previously asked Zhouyang to purchase those supporting Core Formation Spiritual Objects for her, it was almost completely depleted. Now, if she wants to attempt breaking through to the Golden Core Stage again, she can only continue earning Spirit Stones to repurchase those supporting Core Formation Spiritual Objects.

For her, a Loose Cultivator who hasn’t mastered any profound Hundred Skills of Cultivation, the fastest and most direct way to earn large sums of Spirit Stones is to hunt high-tier Demon Beasts or take on some bounty tasks issued by major sects.

Therefore, when Zhouyang heard Lu Xuewei’s words at this time, he only pondered slightly before nodding and earnestly admonishing her, "Traveling is a good thing, but you know what happened to Guangxiang. Being outside is different from being at home. Always be cautious and never speak completely openly to strangers; be careful in all things. Protecting yourself should be your primary concern!"

He had actually said these kinds of words to Lu Xuewei more than once, yet at this time, Lu Xuewei did not show any sign of impatience. Instead, she respectfully replied, "Disciple will certainly remember the master’s teachings."

Her attitude made Zhouyang very satisfied. Immediately, he waved his hand to take out a Jade Box and handed it to her: "Keep these talisman treasures well. Use them whenever you need to; don’t risk your life over these external possessions."

The talisman treasures handed to Lu Xuewei were mostly made from the Lifebound Spiritual Artifact Origins left by others that he collected. Some were spoils obtained from defeating enemies, all of which were treasures among talisman treasures.

For Golden Core Stage Cultivators, these talisman treasures were quite mediocre, typically only used by newly formed Golden Core Stage Cultivators who haven’t yet refined their Lifebound Spiritual Artifacts and don’t have a few Tier Five Artifacts at hand.

But for Purple Mansion Stage Cultivators, as long as they weren’t fighting against Golden Core Stage Cultivators or Tier Five Demon Beasts, a premium talisman treasure could be more than sufficient as a trump card in battle.

"Master shows such kindness, disciple, disciple..."

Lu Xuewei looked at Zhouyang, her eyes slightly red and her voice choked, unable to continue speaking.

Seeing this, Zhouyang couldn’t help but smile and patted her shoulder, saying, "Cultivate well, and don’t disappoint my expectations of you; that would be the greatest repayment you can give me!"

The next day, Lu Xuewei left Chongxuan Mountain with her sworn sister Lan Cailian to train in the Wilderness Jungle.

Zhouyang did not tell her about the Jade Liquid Golden Pill he had prepared for her, as he didn’t want her to feel complacent and think everything would be smooth sailing from now on, thus ceasing to strive.

Thereafter, Zhouyang personally began explaining the path of cultivation to the registered disciples on Chongxuan Mountain and, through daily Q&A and some observations, assessed these disciples’ character and temperament to prevent incidents like the tragedy between Wang Yanzhang and Ren Fei from happening again.

After six months of such days, an unexpected piece of good news broke his plan to enter seclusion once more.

"I’m pregnant, it’s a boy!"

On this day, his Dao Companion Xiao Ying suddenly found Zhouyang and delivered this statement.

He was dumbfounded.

Counting carefully, it’s nearly been a century since he and Xiao Ying had been formally double-cultivating together, and they’ve done so hundreds, if not thousands, of times over this long period. Because Xiao Ying hadn’t conceived over so many years, Zhouyang had almost despaired over the possibility.

He had nearly come to terms with the idea that because he bore the Qianyang Treasure Body or due to cultivating the Qianyang Immortal Scripture, he had lost the ability to father children!

Now that Xiao Ying suddenly said she was expecting his child, how could he not be stupefied by such a revelation?

After a moment of shock, his heart was filled with pure joy and excitement.

He gazed at his Dao Companions’ belly with great delight. Though it showed no sign of pregnancy, it seemed much larger than before to his eyes.

"When did this happen? How long has it been?"

He pursed his lips, trying to maintain calm, yet found it impossible to quell the excitement in his words.

Xiao Ying understood his feelings at this moment because she’d experienced the same emotions. Hearing him, she smiled slightly and said, "Not too long, just over a month, I suppose. Initially, I wasn’t sure either; it wasn’t until now, after discovering the fetus’s form, that I dared to confirm I was indeed pregnant."

She also had no prior experience; otherwise, she’d have probably determined it around half a month into the pregnancy and wouldn’t have had to wait this long.

After all, the ability for cultivators to introspect their bodies is a basic one, especially for a Golden Core Stage Cultivator like her.

However, at this moment, Zhouyang obviously didn’t care about such trivial details. Upon hearing her words, he excitedly picked her up, spinning around and around in the room, chuckling endlessly.

After quite some time, he finally set his Dao Companion down, a look of anticipation on his face as he asked, "Can I check on him now?"

"It should be fine, during my introspection, there was no reaction from him,"

Xiao Ying blinked, somewhat uncertainly replying to him.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing her words, Zhouyang immediately dismissed his earlier idea, shaking his head and saying, "Better not risk it—if I disturbed the little one and let out Primordial Qi, that would be disastrous!"

The fetus is in an Innate state within the womb and is extremely sensitive. He feared his Divine Sense scan might disturb the child.

Yet just after he said this, in the next moment, he changed his mind and immediately said, "However, if I use my Pupil Technique Divine Techniques to look, it should be fine. Ying’er, I’ll trouble you to first withdraw your Magical Power."

His rapid change of mind clearly illustrated how active and emotional his mental state was.

After many years together, even Xiao Ying was witnessing for the first time such pronounced emotional fluctuations from the usually steady Zhouyang.

She couldn’t help but smile and said, "I understand, husband, go ahead and look."

"I can see him, I can see him; it truly is a boy!"

The golden-red Spiritual Light shone in Zhouyang’s eyes, and he couldn’t stop shouting excitedly, as joyous as a child.

Xiao Ying blinked and remarked, "Husband, keep your voice down, don’t scare him."

Hearing this, Zhouyang promptly nodded repeatedly, saying, "Yes, yes, Ying’er, you’re right, we mustn’t frighten my son, or else I would be a sinner of the Zhou Family."

"Pfft!"

Xiao Ying couldn’t hold back her laughter anymore.

With a face full of amusement, she watched Zhouyang, laughing until she almost fell over, "Husband, look at you now, can’t even notice such a simple jest from me. They say pregnant women become silly, yet husband, you’ve quickened being sillier than I am!"

"Ah, Ying’er, you tease me; how dare you play a trick on your husband! See how I’ll punish you!"

A flash of embarrassment crossed Zhouyang’s face, followed by a mock outrage; he picked up his Dao Companion and tossed her onto the big bed, tickling those spots on her body that were most sensitive to tickling and laughter.

For a while, the couple’s joyous laughter echoed throughout the dwelling.

Since Xiao Ying was now pregnant, Zhouyang naturally dared not enter seclusion anymore. If he wasn’t present at his son’s birth, wouldn’t that leave a regret for himself?

Moreover, thinking about the future path of the child in Xiao Ying’s womb, he directly took Xiao Ying and went to the Profound Sun Immortal Sect, planning to ask Master Cyan Yang to perform a secret technique to enhance his son’s cultivation talent.

Why do the direct descendants of Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators always have Spiritual Roots, and quite fine ones at that?

The accurate answer is naturally because Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators with their immense cultivation have become "Half-Immortal Body," passing on their bloodline legacy to descendants.

However, on the other hand, it is also related to Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators using a secret technique to strengthen the child’s origin before birth.

Spiritual Roots are predetermined but not unchangeable.

For instance, Zhouyang’s Spirit Root Talent, after undergoing refinement through the "Great Sun Embrace" Golden Core Phenomenon, reached the Top-grade Spiritual Root standard.

And a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator expending their own Nascent Soul Essence to strengthen the unborn baby’s origin can achieve a similar result, though not as exemplary as a heaven-granted opportunity like the "Great Sun Embrace."

Yet such an act of strengthening the origin for a baby is quite a loss for a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator. Generally, unless it’s their own child, few Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators are willing to do this kind of self-sacrificing act.

Before Zhouyang set out, he was already prepared to pay the price.