...

At the same time.

Tianji Continent.

As an independent continent, Tianji Continent isn't particularly large, but it's about the size of three Demon Zhao Kingdoms, capable of accommodating thirty to forty commanderies.

Surrounded by the sea on all sides, its overall shape resembles a "concave" character.

Geographically, it is located southeast of the Frontier Continent where the Great Qian is situated, and southwest of the Muzhen Continent where Northern Zhou is located. However, in reality, a vast expanse of the Great Wilderness Ocean separates Tianji Continent from them, making the actual distance quite far.

Moreover, due to the ocean currents, traveling from the Frontier Continent where the Great Qian is located to the Tianji Continent is quite difficult. As a result, for many years, there has been a lack of communication between the Great Qian and Tianji Continent, with no stable maritime routes.

It wasn't until the Wang's Clan developed ironclad ships that the maritime route from the Great Qian to Tianji Continent gradually opened, leading to increasing commercial exchanges between the two.

At this moment.

Tianji Continent.

On a coastal island.

Wang Shihai, a direct descendant of the Wang's Clan, was sitting leisurely on a rock by the sea, wearing plain clothes and a straw hat, with a twig in his mouth, fishing.

Years of living at sea had darkened his skin and made it slightly rough, making him look nothing like a young master from a prestigious family, but he didn't mind at all.

Being able to roam the seas at will, feeling the sea breeze and listening to the cries of seabirds, he felt completely at ease and carefree, unconcerned with trivial matters.

Compared to staying at the Wang's Clan's main residence, bound by various rules and restrictions, the sea was his true home, the dream he wanted to conquer.

This was the life he wanted.

Moreover, to be honest, life at sea was quite a test of one's mettle. After nearly a hundred years at sea, his strength had reached the ninth level of the Celestial Realm, and in a few more years, he could start preparing to break through to the Purple Mansion Realm.

He didn't have high demands for himself; even if he remained an ordinary Divine Realm cultivator for the rest of his life, he would consider it worthwhile to live freely at sea for a thousand years.

The island he was currently on was called "Zuan Island," which they had purchased. It now served as a base for the Wang's Clan on Tianji Continent.

Not far from the rock where he was fishing was a deep-water port. At this moment, two ironclad giant ships were docked there, their massive forms resembling sea monsters, a magnificent sight from afar.

After the Wang's Clan's ocean fleet arrived at Tianji Continent, they docked at this deep-water port and then took small boats from the island to Tianji Continent.

Trade goods purchased from Tianji Continent were first transported to this island. Even the intelligence gathered was first compiled here before being taken back to the Wang's Clan on the next return voyage.

This place served as a transit station, a hub for the exchange of information and goods.

After years of development, this once-desolate island now had a considerable population and had even developed a unique business model, showing signs of prosperity.

Although Wang Shihai was stationed here, over the years, he had trained many clan members and family guards who could handle things independently, leaving him with little to personally oversee. He was content with this leisurely life, fishing, enjoying the sea breeze, sunbathing, and occasionally diving when the mood struck him.

Suddenly.

A crew member from the Wang's Clan leaped onto the rock with an excited expression on his face, "Captain! Captain! Good news!"

"I've told you many times, call me 'Captain'!" Wang Shihai glared at him in dissatisfaction before casually asking, "So, what good thing have you found this time?"

He assumed the crew member had stumbled upon some profitable trinket, as remnants related to trial equipment makers were occasionally discovered on Tianji Continent. Although these relics were usually of low value to powerful individuals, they sometimes contained interesting items that could be lucrative if the technology could be deciphered.

To his surprise, the crew member grabbed Wang Shihai's arm, stammering with excitement, "Cap- Captain, I found the 'Changxing Monument'!"

"What?!"

Wang Shihai was so shocked that the twig fell from his mouth.

The "Changxing Monument" was a memorial erected during the Shenwu Royal Dynasty to commemorate soldiers who had died in a certain battle. The monument itself wasn't particularly special, just an ordinary memorial.

However, this monument was located near the spatial entrance of the Shenwu Army Officer Training Academy!

According to ancient maps from the recruit training camp, the straight-line distance between the two was no more than ten miles.

In other words, by finding this monument and searching within a ten-mile radius, they could definitely locate the spatial entrance to the Shenwu Army Officer Training Academy!

After being stunned for a full two seconds, he suddenly snapped back to reality, grabbing the crew member's arm tightly, "Where? How did you find it?"

The crew member winced from the grip but didn't mind, excitedly explaining, "It was recently discovered at a small ruin. Besides the battle information recorded on the monument having some research value, nothing particularly valuable was unearthed, so it didn't attract much attention. Fortunately, our people have been monitoring related information, so we didn't miss it."

"Great! Fantastic! After searching for so long, we finally have a lead!" Wang Shihai leaped up in excitement, pulling the crew member along as they flew off the rock, "Quick, quick, quick! Take me there!"

"Oh, and send someone back immediately to inform Grandpa of this great news!"

No wonder Wang Shihai was so excited; the Shenwu Army Officer Training Academy had been incredibly elusive. After searching for so many years, they finally had some news—how could he not be excited?

When he first got the map, he naively thought that finding the place would be easy with it. But once the search began, he realized how difficult it was.

The Shenwu Royal Dynasty had been extinct for a hundred thousand years. In that time, the landscape had changed countless times, erasing any original traces. Moreover, the great battle back then was the "culprit" for altering the terrain.

Although comparing ancient and modern maps had roughly confirmed the location of the officer training camp on Tianji Continent, how vast was Tianji Continent? Finding a spatial node on such a large continent was no easy task.

They could only rely on a few landmark buildings on the map as reference points.

Whether these landmark buildings still existed was uncertain. Even if they did, they had long since become ruins.

Therefore, after filtering through unearthed ruins and finding none of the locations they sought, they had been keeping an eye on newly discovered ruins over the years. Every time a new ruin appeared, they would send someone to investigate.

After so many years, their perseverance finally paid off, and they found a clue!

Wang Shihai moved like the wind, so excited he felt like he was floating.

He had already decided that once the information was confirmed accurate, he would immediately find the owner of that piece of land and buy it all.

By then, no matter where the spatial entrance was, it wouldn't escape his grasp!

The Shenwu Army Officer Training Academy—haha—Grandpa would definitely be thrilled, sob, sob~

Wang Shihai felt a surge of emotion, almost bringing him to tears.

For so many years, he had been considered by the family as someone who didn't do proper work, jokingly referred to as the man who wanted to become the "Pirate King" of the family. Now, he had finally achieved a great accomplishment.

...

Changning County, Xinping Port.

Since the Wang's Clan became prosperous and "privatized" Xinping Town, the port town's development had been astonishingly fast, changing day by day. Over the years, it had become the de facto "Great Qian's First Port."

The observation deck at Xinping Port, offering the best view of the port, gradually became a famous attraction. Every day, many tourists from afar would come specifically to stand on the observation deck and admire the port's bustling scene.

This was also a testament to Xinping Port's strength in external promotion.

On this day.

The observation deck welcomed a distinguished guest.

Surrounded by the port's security personnel, an elderly man with white hair and a hunched figure, supported by a group of extraordinary young people, stepped onto the observation deck, followed by a large entourage.

The old man's face was lined with loose skin and age spots, appearing frail and near the end of his life. Yet, his deep eyes remained clear, filled with the weight of years and stories.

He surveyed the bustling scene of spiritual stone-powered trial equipment cranes loading and unloading goods, then slowly gazed at the relentless flow of the An River, his eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions, as if he were reminiscing about something through the present scene.

Tourists watched from a distance, whispering to each other, wondering who this old man was.

"Brother, you must be from out of town," a local tourist explained proudly, "This elder is a legendary figure from our Xinping Town, named Dongfang Cangqiong. Ancestor Cangqiong was originally a rogue cultivator, but he rose against the odds and founded a strong seventh-grade Basalt clan."

Upon hearing this, the surrounding crowd immediately showed respect.

In the current Changning County, seventh-grade families were not uncommon, but most had accumulated their strength over generations. It was rare for someone of rogue cultivator origins to establish a strong seventh-grade family from scratch.

Gazing at the An River, Dongfang Cangqiong's eyes seemed to pierce through the rushing waters, as if seeing scenes from the past.

He recounted tales to his descendants, his voice old and hoarse, filled with nostalgia, "The An River—back when I was just a down-and-out rogue cultivator, I witnessed the then-dominant Long Wuji leading his fleet down the river, intending to suppress the Wang's Clan at Dingpu Ferry. Long Wuji was truly imposing back then."

"In that moment of crisis, the young Miss Liyao emerged, stepping on the mighty waves of the An River, her move 'Tianhe Hanging Upside Down' intimidating Long Wuji. Meanwhile, Master Wang Shouzhe cut off the An River's flow with the Dragon-Slaying Gate, preparing to flood Long Wuji's army."

"Father and daughter, working together, subdued Long Wuji without losing a single soldier. Recalling that scene, it was truly exhilarating, filling me with fervor. From then on, I began trading with the Wang's Clan, using the resources I earned to continuously improve my cultivation, eventually reaching the Lingtai Realm. By then, I had become a well-known ship owner."

Dongfang Cangqiong reminisced about the past, "It was during that time that I made many friends, helping each other. One of the most unforgettable moments was when I patted the Emperor on the shoulder... and gave him a good scolding."

At the mention of this, a look of pride appeared on Dongfang Cangqiong's aged face.

There was no one else in the entire Great Qian with such an experience.

These stories had been told countless times to his descendants, who could almost recite them by heart and were quite tired of hearing them. Yet today, none of them showed impatience; instead, they were filled with sadness.

Because today marked the end of Dongfang Cangqiong's life.

"Wentian," Dongfang Cangqiong called out.

"Great-grandfather."

Hearing this, a middle-aged man with a steady demeanor and a sorrowful expression stepped forward.

He was the current head of the Xinping Dongfang Clan, Dongfang Wentian.

Born into a family with a solid economic foundation, he had enjoyed excellent education and cultivation conditions from a young age, possessing the talent of a minor prodigy.

With the family's meticulous nurturing and abundant cultivation resources, he successfully advanced to the Celestial Realm four years ago at the age of 145.

It was his advancement that elevated the Xinping Dongfang Clan to a seventh-grade family.

"Why so sad?" Seeing his sorrowful expression, Dongfang Cangqiong scolded with a stern face, "I, Dongfang Cangqiong, have lived for a full 213 years, witnessed the rise of the Wang's Clan, scolded the Emperor, and established the Xinping Dongfang Clan. What regrets do I have in this life?"

The lifespan limit for Lingtai cultivators was 200 years, and it was generally difficult to exceed. He had used various methods to maintain his health and extend his life.

"Hanhai is now leading the clan members to join the army in response to Miss Liyao's call. As the head of the family, you must remain steady and always follow the lead of the Changning Wang's Clan," Dongfang Cangqiong instructed, "Also, provide more support to the Wang's Clan. We must not forget our roots."

"Yes, great-grandfather," Dongfang Wentian nodded sadly, "Recently, I gathered a sum of spiritual crystals and sent them to Lingyun Holy Land. At the same time, I'm intensifying the training of young clan members, so if Miss Liyao recruits again, we'll have people ready to step up."

Dongfang Cangqiong nodded in satisfaction, his gaze falling on a young man with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, beckoning him over, "Zhaixing, come here."

"Ancestor."

Dongfang Zhaixing approached and saluted.

"Do you know why I didn't let you enroll in the Purple Mansion Academy but had you join the newly established 'Changning Academy'?" Dongfang Cangqiong smiled, "I know you must be wondering, with your minor prodigy B-grade talent, you could have been a core disciple at the academy."

"Changning Academy" was the newly established county school in Changning County, under the jurisdiction of Lingyun Holy Land, with the Purple Mansion Academy of Longzuo Commandery as its superior.

"But you must understand, the acting dean of the newly established 'Changning Academy' is Lu Xianghui. He's over twenty years younger than me, yet he's already at the sixth level of the Celestial Realm, looking younger than your ancestor Wentian. Such a person is bound to become a Purple Mansion Master."

"Everyone says Lu Xianghui has a bright future, but how many know that he was originally from a minor ninth-grade family in Longzuo Commandery? It was by diligently assisting Miss Liyao with various tasks in the academy that he rose to prominence when she soared."

"Ancestor, you mean..." Dongfang Zhaixing's eyes lit up, instantly understanding, "You want me to apprentice under Senior Lu and indirectly connect with Miss Liyao?"

"Nonsense!" Dongfang Cangqiong angrily flicked his forehead, "I can call her Miss Liyao because I once entered the Wang's Clan's main residence and paid respects to Master Wang Shouzhe, and I'm slightly older than her. You mustn't be so disrespectful; you should address her as 'Little Holy Master Liyao,' understand?"

"Also, don't talk about currying favor. We owe the Wang's Clan a debt of gratitude and must always think of repaying them. By working under Dean Lu, you'll naturally be considered part of Miss Liyao's lineage. Moreover, with the Wang's Clan backing 'Changning Academy,' its future is immeasurable. The sooner you get involved, the better."

"I understand," Dongfang Zhaixing beamed with joy, "Ancestor, your foresight is truly remarkable, and your vision is grand. I've learned a lot."

Afterward, Dongfang Cangqiong, supported by his descendants, toured the area, finally arriving at Dingpu Ferry. There, he murmured to himself, reminiscing about the scene when Miss Liyao spanned the Tianhe, before slowly closing his eyes, never to open them again.

Dongfang Cangqiong's funeral was grand, attended by many friends and family from distant commanderies, creating a significant and solemn atmosphere.

Even the direct descendants of the Tianhe Dongfang Clan came to pay their respects.

The Tianhe Dongfang Clan was a long-established family, while the Xinping Dongfang Clan originated from rogue cultivators. However, because both shared the Dongfang surname, they eventually discovered some ancestral connections, bringing the two families closer together.

The highlight of the funeral was when Wang Fugui, the direct descendant of the Changning Wang's Clan, sent by Master Wang Shouzhe, personally came to offer condolences and present a plaque.

Although Young Master Fugui came and went quickly, barely stopping before leaving, it greatly enhanced the prestige of the Xinping Dongfang Clan, sparking widespread discussion and leaving people in awe.

...

Setting sail from Xinping Town's port in Changning County, after traveling a mere hundred miles into the open sea, one could see two islands on the vast ocean.

These two islands were the sacred islands that the Wang's Clan had spent enormous resources to tow back: "Green Immortal Island" and the earlier "Xuandan Island."

Separated by only a few dozen miles, both islands were anchored on underwater reefs, reinforced by the Wang's Clan construction team using various methods such as reclamation and piling, securing them firmly to the seabed.

While construction continued, the islands were infused with various spiritual veins and equipped with spirit-gathering formations.

Clearly, the Wang's Clan intended to create a holy land here, one with a large seaport.

At this moment.

On the vast ocean, an ironclad sea ship was sailing swiftly toward Xuandan Island.

On the ship's deck.

Dongfang Yuxi from the Tianhe Dongfang Clan, along with two of the family's young "stars of hope," Dongfang Mingxu and Dongfang Lingrou, were gazing at the mist-shrouded Xuandan Island.

They had just attended the funeral of Ancestor Cangqiong from the Xinping Dongfang Clan and were now tasked with heading to Xuandan Island.

At this moment, the ship was already close to Xuandan Island. From the bow, the massive Xuandan Island looked like a giant Basalt turtle lying in the sea, a magnificent sight.

"So grand," Dongfang Lingrou stood at the bow, looking at Xuandan Island with awe, "I've heard that Xuandan Island was a relic discovered by Young Master Shouye in Northern Zhou, and the Wang's Clan actually towed it back from Northern Zhou. It's truly a vast and magnificent project, almost unimaginable without seeing it firsthand."

Years had passed, and the once little girl Dongfang Lingrou had grown into a vibrant young woman in her twenties.

Today, she wore a light yellow gauze dress, her bright eyes and white teeth, and delicate features exuding youthful vitality, drawing attention.

"Call him Senior Dan King," Dongfang Yuxi, though appearing old, had regained some vitality and scolded her, "Young Master Shouye almost became your ancestor's senior brother."

As he spoke, a hint of pride appeared in his eyes.

Clearly, since joining the Wang's Clan's Alchemy Department, Dongfang Yuxi had gradually overcome the family's difficulties. With the Tianhe Dongfang Clan recovering, his spirits had improved significantly.

"But Ancestor, Senior Dan King looks so young, not even thirty," Dongfang Lingrou blinked her bright eyes, feeling a bit wronged, "I've heard that in the Immortal Dynasty, young talents like Young Master Shouye, around two hundred years old, are considered young lads, most of whom aren't even married."

"No matter how young, it's none of your business," Dongfang Yuxi scolded in embarrassment, "This time, bringing you to Changning County is to let you learn various methods of processing fresh spiritual herbs and earn some money. Secondly, it's to build connections and get you into 'Changning Academy' for study. Although Changning Academy is a level below the Purple Mansion Academy of Longzuo Commandery, with the Wang's Clan backing it and offering specialized alchemy classes, you'll learn more comprehensive and detailed knowledge there, laying a solid foundation. Don't disgrace the Tianhe Dongfang Clan."

Once young and arrogant, Dongfang Yuxi had become a mature and conservative elder after life's trials and the passage of time.

As Dongfang Yuxi spoke, the sea ship slowly docked at the port of Xuandan Island.

Xuandan Island had arrived.

The port was always manned by staff from the Wang's Clan's Alchemy Department, who, upon seeing Dongfang Yuxi and the others arrive, immediately came over to lead them to the island's dormitory area.

As they passed a medicinal garden.

They heard a commotion coming from within.

"Chatter! You old woman from the Immortal Dynasty are too bad," a seven-tailed fire fox with fiery red fur was perched on the shoulder of a young woman with a gentle demeanor, angrily huffing with its paws on its hips, "These spiritual herbs on Xuandan Island belong to the Wang's Clan, why should they be transplanted to the Immortal Dynasty's Hundred Herb Garden?"

Facing this "person" and fox was a middle-aged woman dressed fashionably, with an aura like an orchid in an empty valley.

Her beautiful eyes widened slightly, her tone somewhat displeased, "This king is negotiating with the Wang's Clan about transplanting, what does it have to do with you, little fox from the Yuwen Clan of Longzuo?"

"What did you say?!" The seven-tailed fire fox bristled, its fiery red fur flaring like flames, "I'm going to be brother Shouzhe's second wife, how is it none of my business?!"

"Fire Fox Ancestor, please calm down," the young woman gently soothed the fox, "You haven't married in yet, so let's not shout."

As she spoke, she suddenly noticed Dongfang Yuxi and quickly changed the subject, calling out, "Brother Yuxi, over here, over here."

Yuwen Nianjing!

Dongfang Yuxi forced a wry smile and awkwardly approached.

Back when both he and Yuwen Nianjing failed to pass the entrance exam, he, in his youthful pride, refused to lower his head, while Yuwen Nianjing shamelessly begged the master to take her as a named disciple.

Now, time had passed, and Yuwen Nianjing remained the young and beautiful "young talent," while he had become old and frail.

The gap between them was like heaven and earth.

Many nights, Dongfang Yuxi regretted his youthful recklessness and impulsiveness.

If only he hadn't been so pretentious back then, shamelessly begging to be taken as a named disciple, would the Tianhe Dongfang Clan be in such dire straits today?

Like the Xinping Dongfang Clan, originally rogue cultivators, they had clung tightly to the Wang's Clan's coattails, and now they were several times stronger than the Tianhe Dongfang Clan.

The past was irreparable, but the future was still full of possibilities.

Dongfang Yuxi had made up his mind; from now on, he would cling tightly to the Wang's Clan's coattails.

...