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The spiritual energy in Tianrui Holy City is so dense that it often condenses into clouds and mist, and occasionally, spiritual rain falls across the city. When the rain descends, the land it touches sparkles with spiritual light, creating an ethereal and enchanting scene reminiscent of a fairyland.

As a result, this spiritual rain has become a unique sight in the Holy City, and those who witness it are often considered to be blessed with good fortune.

In the central area of the Holy City lies the Guanhu Tian Pavilion, a top-tier restaurant situated within the sixth-grade water spiritual vein known as the "Hidden Immortal Lake."

The lake is shrouded in mist, and spiritual rain falls periodically. When it rains, the gentle and lingering rain creates countless ripples on the lake's surface, filling the air with moisture and spiritual energy, cleansing the heart and soul.

The Rain Viewing Terrace in the pavilion offers the best view in the entire Guanhu Tian Pavilion. Sitting here, one can take in the entire beauty of the pavilion. When the spiritual rain falls, it feels as if one is truly in a fairyland.

For this reason, the Rain Viewing Terrace is the most expensive and sought-after spot in the entire pavilion. Without some status, securing this spot is not easy.

At this moment, Wang Shouzhe, dressed in white and resembling an immortal gentleman, is seated at a table with Yun Tiange and Yao Yumei, enjoying the scenery and dining together.

Wang Shouzhe and Yun Tiange were invited here, with Yao Yumei as the host.

Although Yao Yumei modestly claims to be offering humble hospitality, the feast consists of luxurious spiritual wines and immortal dishes, all of great value. The unique culinary skills and exquisite presentation make the dishes a delight, and many of them cannot be found elsewhere. It is the first time Wang Shouzhe and Yun Tiange have experienced such craftsmanship, and they savor the meal with great enjoyment, both host and guests thoroughly pleased.

However, if Wang Lici were here, she would likely complain endlessly. It's not that the food isn't delicious, but the portions are too small, and the entire table of dishes wouldn't be enough for a few bites for her.

"Thank you, Pavilion Master Yumei, for your generosity." After tasting the five flavors, Wang Shouzhe raised his glass and said, "Allow me to offer this toast to you."

Yao Yumei took a small sip, her cheeks blushing like a shy maiden, and she lowered her head bashfully, "If you don't mind, you can just call me Yumei."

"Then thank you, Yumei, for your hospitality and efforts on my behalf." Wang Shouzhe smiled gracefully, going along with her suggestion.

Yun Tiange rolled her eyes inwardly. From calling her Pavilion Master Yao, to Pavilion Master Yumei, and now Yumei, what's next? Mei'er? Mei'er sister?

This Yao Yumei is truly shameless. Despite being from a direct line of an immortal clan, can't she show some restraint?

Fortunately, Yun Tiange accompanied them to the Holy Domain to "supervise" on behalf of Ruolan's sister. Otherwise, Wang Shouzhe might get lost in the beauty of the Holy Domain's women.

However, speaking of the Tianrui Immortal Clan Yao, although they cannot compare to the Tianrui Holy Clan Sima or the Tianrui Holy Emperor's line, they are still one of the most prominent immortal clans in the Tianrui Holy Dynasty.

The clan boasts four True Immortal Ancestors, and it's said that an even more powerful ancestor has joined the neutral faction, Shuiyue Cave Heaven.

Yao Yumei, due to her good aptitude from a young age, was placed in the Divine Treasure Hall system by her family. With her young age and experience as a pavilion master in the New Luo Immortal Dynasty, her future goal is likely to become the head of the Tianrui branch of the Divine Treasure Hall.

Given time, the Tianrui Immortal Clan Yao is likely to become the third most powerful family in the Tianrui Holy Dynasty.

Yun Tiange understands that such a formidable immortal clan, with its power and foundation, is likely even above the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty. If Wang Shouzhe truly captivates her, it could greatly benefit Shenwu World.

Therefore, even though Yun Tiange feels a bit jealous, she can only let Wang Shouzhe freely exude his irresistible charm.

After the meal, except for Yun Tiange, both Wang Shouzhe and Yao Yumei were very satisfied.

Afterward, Yao Yumei didn't linger, escorting Wang Shouzhe and Yun Tiange to the luxurious suite in Guanhu Tian Pavilion that had been reserved for them, before leaving to attend to her affairs.

After a few days of peace, Yao Yumei sought out Wang Shouzhe again, informing him that she had communicated with the Immortal Clan Jiang and that they could visit today to discuss the purchase of the Yunhai Whale Boat.

Wang Shouzhe and Yun Tiange then set off for the Immortal Clan Jiang.

The Tianrui Holy City is vast beyond measure. Although Guanhu Tian Pavilion and the Jiang Clan's main residence are both in the Holy City, the distance between them is akin to that from Longzuo Commandery to Guilong City. Even with the luxurious flying carriage provided by Yao Yumei, pulled by a tenth-grade spiritual bird, it still took half a day to reach their destination.

The main residence of the Immortal Clan Jiang is located in a domain of the Tianrui Holy Dynasty, occupying an entire large sixth-grade spiritual vein. It boasts countless spiritual farmlands and lakes of various grades, with numerous tenant farmers and fishermen working for them, supporting the entire Immortal Clan Jiang.

The main part of the residence is built on a floating immortal mountain, with a grand and majestic style, exuding a sense of historical depth, worthy of an immortal family's grandeur.

The main gate is a towering and magnificent giant gatehouse.

The gatehouse is entirely carved from white jade, with intricate and beautiful patterns, exuding an imposing and majestic aura, resembling the legendary heavenly gate, guarding the entrance to the immortal family.

In front of the gatehouse stand two Purple Mansion Realm family guards, clad in armor, exuding an impressive and dignified presence, showcasing the grandeur of the immortal clan.

Behind them stands a Divine Realm main guard, also clad in armor, exuding a formidable aura.

Having a Divine Realm as the main guard and Purple Mansion Realm as the rotating gate guards is the standard configuration for an immortal clan. Even though the once-glorious Jiang Clan is now in decline, they still maintain their dignity and nobility. From the gatehouse and the configuration of the guards, one cannot see any signs of decline, as if the Jiang Clan is still in its prime.

As the guards were diligently on duty, a high-pitched cry echoed from the clouds, followed by a luxurious flying carriage descending from the sky, landing in the square in front of the gatehouse.

In the sunlight, the flying carriage gleamed with a mysterious aura, and the tenth-grade dragon eagle pulling it was majestic, exuding a powerful presence, indicating that the visitors were either wealthy or noble.

The family guards hurriedly went to greet them and paid their respects.

Yao Yumei presented her visiting card according to protocol.

The Purple Mansion Realm guard quickly reported back, while the Divine Realm main guard stayed to exchange pleasantries with Yao Yumei, Wang Shouzhe, and the others, maintaining a courteous attitude, fearing to neglect the distinguished guests.

In less than half an incense stick's time, the current head of the Tianrui Jiang Clan, "Jiang Jianmu," led a group of elders and young talents to "hastily" come out to greet them, warmly smiling and introducing themselves, "Jiang Jianmu of the Tianrui Jiang Clan, welcomes Young Master Shouzhe, Immortal Lord Tiange, and Pavilion Master Yumei."

The Jiang Clan members were all dressed in formal and grand robes, with the elders exuding an immortal aura, and the young men and women looking handsome and beautiful. The "Head Jianmu," as a Void Realm expert, still appeared as a middle-aged man, exuding a calm and dignified demeanor, befitting a head of the family.

It was evident that they had been well-prepared, just waiting for Wang Shouzhe and his party. They could maintain their composure, but they dared not truly offend the distinguished Young Master Shouzhe.

After some pleasantries devoid of substance, the Tianrui Jiang Clan hosted a grand reception.

The reception was elaborate, with no shortage of immortal wines and dishes, and even included performances by dancers to liven up the atmosphere.

The lead dancer was a Divine Realm dancer, with a graceful figure and an ethereal presence, enchanting yet not vulgar, evidently a top-tier dancer specializing in divine dance arts.

This was the standard of hospitality for an immortal clan entertaining distinguished guests. If it were a Holy Clan hosting esteemed guests, the lead dancer would likely be a Void Realm dancer, though such treatment was not commonly bestowed.

Wang Shouzhe observed all this, inwardly sneering.

Yao Yumei had already disclosed the details of the Immortal Clan Jiang to him. For a family that had fallen to the point of selling ancestral property, to still maintain such lavish displays, it was evident they were putting on a show for appearances.

Even without Yao Yumei's information, Wang Shouzhe could sense the underlying decline beneath the Jiang Clan's seemingly glamorous exterior.

There were several reasons for this.

The first was the state of the main residence.

The condition of the main residence is often the best reflection of a family's actual situation. If a family is thriving and expanding, the main residence would naturally be gradually expanded and well-maintained to accommodate more family members and their needs.

However, the Jiang Clan's main residence exuded a sense of decay, like an old man nearing the end of his life.

As they walked through, the important buildings along the central axis were well-maintained, but those further away were noticeably neglected. The exposed eaves and walls, upon closer inspection, revealed signs of wear and decay.

This was a direct indication of the Jiang Clan's poor economic situation.

Maintaining and repairing the main residence is a long-term and significant expense. Families on the decline often struggle to keep up with financial demands, leading to cost-cutting measures in maintenance and repairs, extending the intervals between renovations from ten years to twenty, thirty, or even fifty years. During repairs, they cannot afford to invest as much as they did during their peak, and some critical components are only replaced when absolutely necessary. Over time, the main residence inevitably shows signs of age.

Additionally, the young men and women seated below, though dressed in fine clothes and exuding charm, seemed to lack confidence, with some occasionally glancing at the immortal dishes and spiritual wines enjoyed by Wang Shouzhe and the others, secretly swallowing their saliva. This was not the demeanor of descendants from a thriving immortal clan.

Moreover, the elders' vitality was not particularly strong, hinting at a sense of decline.

In some families, this situation is common, and Wang Shouzhe has vivid memories of it. Ancestor Long Yan, for instance, often maintained minimal consumption to save resources for the younger generation, resulting in a perpetual lack of vitality.

They assumed Wang Shouzhe, born into "nobility," lived in the clouds and couldn't understand these hardships, yet they continued to flaunt their "immortal clan's grandeur" before him, which was somewhat absurd and laughable.

After the reception, the Jiang Clan's ancestor, "Immortal Lord Haoran," finally made a belated appearance to greet Wang Shouzhe and the others, "I was in seclusion, and only learned of the esteemed guests' arrival thanks to the younger generation's summons. I apologize for not welcoming you sooner."

Immortal Lord Haoran was quite advanced in age, appearing skeletal, though his spirit remained relatively robust, suggesting he still had some years left.

Such an appearance was likely the result of "excessive frugality." After all, the daily consumption of a True Immortal is enormous, and saving even a little can feed many juniors.

Yun Tiange remained silently contemplative.

She was also quite advanced in age, but fortunately, the Han Yue Immortal Scripture had rejuvenating effects, and she regularly used various treasures to nourish her blood and body, maintaining a youthful appearance.

Especially after obtaining six strands of Chaos Origin from Ruolan, her true spirit regained its original strength and vitality. If she had previously appeared as a mature beauty, she now resembled a charming young woman.

If she ever ended up like Immortal Lord Haoran, she thought she might as well die in battle early and reincarnate.

Facing an Immortal Lord, Wang Shouzhe showed due respect, bowing as a junior, "Shouzhe greets Immortal Lord."

He understood that Immortal Lord Haoran had used the excuse of seclusion to avoid hosting a similarly lavish meal.

After some pleasantries, Immortal Lord Haoran, still maintaining appearances, offered some "immortal tea" as hospitality. The tea was indeed of immortal grade, but it had a slightly stale taste, indicating it had been stored for quite some time.

At this point, Wang Shouzhe felt a bit guilty and presented the prepared gifts, discreetly adding a bit more.

For the sixteen young members of the Jiang Clan who came to greet them, he gave each a top-grade spiritual stone, allowing them to buy whatever they wished.

The young members were overjoyed and repeatedly thanked Wang Shouzhe.

Among the nine Void Realm elders present, Wang Shouzhe was equally generous, gifting each a thousand catties of selected "Ancient Battle Elephant" meat, totaling ten thousand catties.

This meat, priced at three thousand immortal crystals per catty, amounted to thirty million immortal crystals, equivalent to about thirty top-grade spiritual stones.

This was the meat of an eleventh-grade fierce beast, purchased in the Tianrui Holy City over the past few days.

Additionally, Wang Shouzhe provided thirty thousand catties of sixth-grade spiritual rice. The cost price was relatively low, at five hundred immortal crystals per catty, totaling fifteen million immortal crystals. However, this was only the cost price; selling it to the New Luo Immortal Dynasty would fetch sixty million immortal crystals.

As for Immortal Lord Haoran, Wang Shouzhe directly gave him a tael of Di Xiu's "Tranquil Heart Immortal Tea."

This tea is a specialty of Shenwu World, extremely difficult to acquire, and even if one had the means, it would cost dozens of top-grade spiritual stones.

Don't assume immortal tea is easily produced; under normal circumstances, Di Xiu might not produce a catty in a hundred years, and it requires Wang Shouzhe's assistance to increase the yield.

Typically, immortal tea is not sold but used for personal consumption or to make a show of hospitality.

Wang Shouzhe's generosity left the Jiang Clan astonished.

The gifts he casually presented amounted to over a hundred top-grade spiritual stones, ten times the cost of their hospitality!

Truly, he was a young master from a noble family, wealthy and domineering! Even the heirs of ordinary Holy Clans couldn't compare to such grandeur.

For a moment, everyone looked at Wang Shouzhe with awe, especially Immortal Lord Haoran, whose hands trembled with excitement.

Heaven knows how long it had been since he last tasted such fresh and genuine immortal tea.

Having impressed the Jiang Clan, negotiations proceeded smoothly.

Wang Shouzhe signaled to Yao Yumei to quickly initiate the transaction.

"Ahem!" Immortal Lord Haoran said somewhat awkwardly, "I heard from the Yao Clan that Young Master Shouzhe wishes to purchase a Yunhai Whale Boat. To be honest, our Jiang Clan does have an ancestral Yunhai Whale Boat for sale. However, I must be upfront; this whale boat is quite old and requires maintenance costing two to three immortal spirit stones. We have some expertise in maintenance and can handle it."

If this wasn't clarified, it could lead to dissatisfaction from Young Master Shouzhe, which would be counterproductive.

"In that case, let's discuss the price."

Wang Shouzhe nodded slightly, indicating his agreement.

He wasn't concerned about whether it was second-hand or not, as it was intended for transporting grain. He had already learned from Yao Yumei that Yunhai Whale Boats were challenging to manufacture, and few families owned them, let alone were willing to sell.

For instance, the Immortal Clan Yao owned two, but they were for personal use and not for sale.

"The price, excluding maintenance, is thirteen immortal spirit stones. If you want our Jiang Clan to handle maintenance, it will require an additional two immortal spirit stones," Immortal Lord Haoran stated a relatively fair price.

Wang Shouzhe exchanged a glance with Yao Yumei, who nodded slightly, indicating that this was a very reasonable price.

"Then it's settled," Wang Shouzhe agreed, "I'll pay fifteen immortal spirit stones and entrust the Jiang Clan to handle the maintenance."

"It will take six months, as we need to procure some materials for maintenance," Immortal Lord Haoran promised.

After finalizing this transaction, Immortal Lord Haoran hesitated for a moment before saying, "Young Master Shouzhe is straightforward, and we have another matter to discuss with you. Pavilion Master Yumei, if you could..."

Yao Yumei, being astute, immediately excused herself, leaving the space for Wang Shouzhe and Immortal Lord Haoran.

The other Jiang Clan members also left one after another.

Soon, only Wang Shouzhe, Immortal Lord Haoran, and Yun Tiange remained.

"Please speak, Immortal Lord," Wang Shouzhe knew that Immortal Lord Haoran had a request and said directly, "But I cannot guarantee that I will agree."

"In fact, this matter could be beneficial to you," Immortal Lord Haoran sighed, his expression turning sorrowful, "Our Jiang Clan's decline has not escaped your discerning eyes. To be honest, we are facing a great calamity."

Immortal Lord Haoran then recounted the situation to Wang Shouzhe.

It turned out that although the Immortal Clan Jiang was on a downward trajectory, they could still barely maintain themselves, and with the clan's full effort, they could manage the transition of True Immortals, albeit with some hardship.

A hundred years ago, their True Immortal Seed had reached the seventh level of the Void Realm and was expected to become a True Immortal within a millennium.

Everyone hoped that the young and vigorous new True Immortal could rejuvenate the family, or at least ensure the continuation of the clan's legacy. However, a hundred years ago, the Jiang Clan's True Immortal Seed encountered a catastrophe overseas.

He barely escaped back but was severely injured, his true spirit dissipated, and he soon passed away.

"It was the Immortal Clan Wu of the Tianxing Holy Dynasty. Their True Immortal Seed and our Hao'er were exploring the outer seas together when they discovered an ancient Small World inheritance site. Their member took advantage of Hao'er's unpreparedness to launch a sneak attack. Fortunately, Hao'er had an ancestral life-saving talisman, allowing him to barely escape," Immortal Lord Haoran recounted the events with deep sorrow.

Wang Shouzhe's expression gradually turned serious, "Is the Immortal Lord asking me to avenge your family?"

"No..." Immortal Lord Haoran shook his head, "After Hao'er's death, the Immortal Scripture left his body, but it hadn't absorbed enough immortal spirit energy to cleanse and refine a successor. Based on the time, economy, and other factors, we could only choose a candidate with a Peerless C-grade aptitude at the Divine Realm. Later, we tried various methods to improve his aptitude, barely elevating it to Peerless B-grade, still far from the Heavenly Son bloodline."

In fact, most immortal clans with only one Immortal Scripture fear this situation. If the True Immortal Seed inheriting the Immortal Scripture dies prematurely, and the successor lacks the cleansing and refining effect of the Immortal Scripture to enhance their aptitude, raising their aptitude to the Heavenly Son or Heavenly Daughter level is extremely challenging.

"As you know, inheriting the Immortal Scripture without the Heavenly Son bloodline makes it difficult to become a True Immortal before one's lifespan is exhausted. Therefore, we have set our sights on the eleventh-grade bloodline pill, the 'Manifestation Pill.'"

"The materials for the eleventh-grade Manifestation Pill are extremely precious and scarce, with a price of at least twenty to thirty immortal spirit stones. Moreover, it's generally used to enhance the bloodline of Void Realm cultivators. For a Divine Realm cultivator, the impact could be..." Wang Shouzhe pondered and shook his head.

Sima Wuyou, imprisoned in the Shenwu Immortal Palace dungeon, was a treasure trove of knowledge, providing Wang Shouzhe with valuable insights.

Of course, no matter how useful he was, Wang Shouzhe couldn't release him to cause trouble now.

At the very least, it would have to wait until Shenwu World had the ability to protect itself before Sima Wuyou could see the light of day again.

"Indeed, the Manifestation Pill is too overwhelming for a Divine Realm cultivator. However, our Jiang Clan ancestors rendered meritorious service to the Holy Dynasty, and we still have a favor owed by the Holy Emperor's line. If we spend more money to ask His Majesty the Holy Emperor for protection, there's about a thirty percent chance of success," Immortal Lord Haoran sighed, "We hope this time it will succeed, giving our Jiang Clan a chance to survive."

Wang Shouzhe remained silent.

He certainly had the ability to protect them, with a success rate of ten percent, but he would never get involved in such matters in the Holy Domain.

Moreover, it's said that the cost of protection at the Holy Emperor level is enormous, often outweighing the benefits, and the Holy Emperor would not casually intervene.

"Young Master, when Hao'er escaped, he managed to bring back the only key to the ancient Small World inheritance site. Our Jiang Clan is willing to offer this key to you," Immortal Lord Haoran said, looking at Wang Shouzhe with a hint of flattery, "I am already eight thousand six hundred years old and cannot wait for the successor to become a True Immortal and complete the transition. I only ask that you protect the Jiang Clan to the best of your ability."

"......"

Wang Shouzhe frowned deeply.

He hadn't expected the Jiang Clan to go to such lengths to invite him for this purpose.

After a moment of contemplation, he said, "The Immortal Clan Wu of the Tianxing Holy Dynasty has two True Immortals, correct? They are unlikely to overlook the Small World inheritance site and must be keeping a close watch on it."

"That's true, but if you can summon your clan members, two True Immortals are not a problem, right?" Immortal Lord Haoran said with hope, "Such an unopened Small World inheritance site likely contains Immortal Scripture inheritance and other treasures."

While the Immortal Scripture inheritance is undoubtedly valuable, the fear is that the other side has already set up a trap, waiting for someone to fall into it.

Wang Shouzhe considered for a moment and ultimately shook his head, "I'm afraid I must disappoint Immortal Lord Haoran. You should entrust this matter to someone else."

"What!?" Immortal Lord Haoran was utterly shocked, "You don't care about the Immortal Scripture or Immortal Artifacts?"

Of course, he cared.

Wang Shouzhe sighed inwardly.

He also wanted to secure the Small World inheritance site to obtain more Immortal Scriptures and resources for his family, but the current situation of the Wang Clan and Shenwu World couldn't be changed by one or two Immortal Scriptures.

What Shenwu World currently lacks is not Immortal Scriptures but resources and time.

With ample resources and time, Shenwu World can gradually develop and become stronger.

Therefore, at this stage, stability is paramount.

If he were truly a noble young master, it wouldn't matter if he brought a Holy Venerable to play a dungeon and pick up some things; no one would dare to provoke him.

But Wang Shouzhe was not only an impostor but also highly cautious.

Joking aside, what kind of identity does Wang Shouzhe have? He can't afford to die!

Coming to the Holy Domain for business was already a risky move for someone like him. Why would he risk his life for an Immortal Scripture, potentially getting caught in a whirlpool?

As the saying goes, a gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall.

Moreover, if he promised this, he would have to take responsibility for the Jiang Clan, which would involve various entanglements. Once the Jiang Clan lacked True Immortal protection, countless individuals or families and forces would target them. Could Wang Shouzhe handle all of that?

It would be better to focus on farming and developing steadily.

Of course, while he thought this way, he couldn't say it aloud.

"Our family doesn't lack Immortal Scriptures or Immortal Artifacts; having one more or one less doesn't make much difference," Wang Shouzhe said, as if he truly didn't care, and calmly took his leave, "In six months, my people will come to take over the Yunhai Whale Boat."

With that, he and Yun Tiange left gracefully.

Immortal Lord Haoran was left standing there, staring at their departing figures in disbelief, his long-held beliefs shaken to the core.

Not lacking Immortal Scriptures, having one more or one less doesn't make much difference!

It was as if his eight thousand six hundred years had been lived in vain!

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