BOOK 6: CHAPTER 36: SHOU ZHE AND THE SAINTESS OF THE FIVE POISONS

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"Please, come in quickly."

Qingyuan Holy Son turned around and waved his hand to give the order.

He had been curious for a while and genuinely wanted to see what kind of person this "Fourth Uncle" was, someone who could command both respect and fear from his junior sister Lici, and whom she held in such high esteem.

Half an hour later.

Wang Shouzhe and Yun Tiange were politely invited to the reception room in the rear courtyard of the Xuanqing Immortal Pavilion.

Unlike the front courtyard's reception room, this one was located deep within the Xuanqing Immortal Pavilion and was generally reserved for close acquaintances. Qingyuan Holy Son's choice to meet Wang Shouzhe here clearly indicated that he did not consider him an outsider.

This time, Wang Shouzhe did not bring Yao Yumei along to Cloud Sea Cave Heaven, only Yun Tiange accompanied him. This was naturally to protect Lici and prevent her identity from being inadvertently exposed.

Inside the reception room, Qingyuan Holy Son was already waiting.

When Wang Shouzhe entered, Qingyuan Holy Son was momentarily stunned.

As the Holy Son of Cloud Sea Cave Heaven, he had seen countless men and women of extraordinary temperament in his life, and should have been used to it. However, upon seeing Wang Shouzhe for the first time, he was still taken aback.

How to put it~ In terms of facial features, Wang Shouzhe might not be the most outstanding, but he possessed a unique aura, like the first gentle breeze of spring, full of vitality, able to dispel gloom and clear away the murkiness, making one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze, utterly comfortable.

Even though it was their first meeting, Qingyuan Holy Son couldn't help but feel a sense of closeness to this "Fourth Uncle."

Qingyuan Holy Son immediately stepped forward and began to exchange pleasantries with Wang Shouzhe.

After some small talk, they each took their seats.

Two graceful and extraordinary maidservants at the Divine Realm level served various rare fruits and immortal tea produced in the cave heaven, then withdrew from the reception room after bowing.

"Young Master Shouzhe, Immortal Lord Tiange, please enjoy the tea," Qingyuan Holy Son invited with a warm smile, his demeanor as gentle as a breeze.

"Thank you, Holy Son." Wang Shouzhe took a sip of the immortal tea as instructed, immediately feeling a refreshing sensation washing over his internal organs and entire body, akin to taking a cool shower on a sweltering summer day, leaving him invigorated.

He praised, "I've heard that Cloud Sea Cave Heaven has a thirteenth-grade Cloud Mist Immortal Tea with miraculous effects of cleansing the mind and concentrating the spirit. Today, Shouzhe is fortunate to fulfill this long-held wish."

"If Young Master Shouzhe likes it, I have an additional two ounces in stock." Qingyuan Holy Son took out two jade jars and handed them to Wang Shouzhe with a smile, "Don't refuse. Firstly, although the Cloud Mist Immortal Tea is effective, it works better for cultivators below the True Immortal Realm, and its effects diminish with long-term use, so it doesn't benefit me much anymore. Secondly, this jar of tea was originally obtained from Immortal Lord Yunwu specifically for Lici, but she doesn't like tea and only loves meat, so it's been sitting in my storage ring."

Not liking tea and only loving meat… that description of Lici is indeed quite accurate.

"In that case, I'll help Lici digest it." Wang Shouzhe accepted the Cloud Mist Immortal Tea with a smile, not standing on ceremony.

Of course, he didn't take advantage of Qingyuan Holy Son and reciprocated by gifting two ounces of tea leaves, one jar of Di Xiu's Tranquil Heart Immortal Tea and one jar of Enlightenment Immortal Tea. 𝙧𝘢ꞐȫꞖÊș

He sincerely said, "Holy Son, please don't refuse."

"Since it's a gift from Young Master Shouzhe, Qingyuan won't be pretentious." Qingyuan Holy Son smiled, opened the tea jar, and sniffed it, immediately surprised, "It's authentic Tranquil Heart and Enlightenment Immortal Tea, excellent tea, excellent tea!"

[Tranquil Heart Immortal Tea] is a rare type of immortal tea, not only helping to calm the mind and improve focus but also subtly influencing cultivation speed and significantly reducing the risk of going astray, benefiting most Basalt cultivators.

Moreover, due to its extremely mild effects, even True Immortal Realm cultivators can drink it daily without much reduction in efficacy, retaining most of its original effects.

As for Enlightenment Immortal Tea, it enhances the ability to perceive and comprehend the Heavenly Dao skill, accelerating the mastery of Daoist arts and divine abilities.

Even for Qingyuan Holy Son, it is quite beneficial.

The two exchanged gifts and chatted casually, gradually growing closer.

It was Wang Shouzhe's first time interacting with a Holy Son other than himself, and he found Qingyuan Holy Son to be extraordinary and elegant, truly worthy of being the heir to the cave heaven.

On the surface, Qingyuan Holy Son remained calm, but internally he was full of surprise and astonishment.

He initially thought that Lici's "childhood" departure from home and her reverence for her Fourth Uncle was due to her limited experience or preconceived notions, instinctively idealizing her memories of him. After all, the "Fourth Uncle" described by Lici seemed almost unbelievably impressive.

But he never expected that Lici's Fourth Uncle would exceed his imagination.

Despite being only at the late Divine Realm in cultivation, he was neither arrogant nor humble in front of him, a Holy Son of the True Immortal Realm, composed and unhurried, as if accustomed to grand occasions.

Moreover, Qingyuan Holy Son keenly sensed that Wang Shouzhe's bloodline was exceptionally strong, likely reaching the tenth level of the Sage Body, and seemingly surpassing Lici by half a level.

Another prodigy who reached the Holy Son level without inheriting the Holy Diagram.

At this point, Qingyuan Holy Son couldn't help but wonder about the true origins of Lici and Wang Shouzhe.

If a family produced just one prodigy, it might be an extremely rare bloodline mutation or extraordinary luck.

But if a family produced two prodigies in the same time period, it couldn't be explained by luck alone.

This could only mean one thing: this family's foundation is extremely mysterious and powerful, possibly even surpassing the two Holy Clans of the Tianrui Holy Dynasty, likely originating from the central lands of the Divine Continent…

Moreover, the maidservant and bodyguard beside Young Master Shouzhe were at the mid-True Immortal Realm in their prime!

What kind of young master could have a True Immortal Realm willingly serve as a maidservant? Qingyuan Holy Son certainly didn't have that privilege…

With this thought, Qingyuan Holy Son's mind wandered, involuntarily imagining a series of stories.

The noble and naive young lady Lici, due to some incident, ran away from home and got lost, accidentally ending up in the remote Tianrui Holy Dynasty, suffering hardships before finally being taken in by Cloud Sea Cave Heaven.

Meanwhile, her doting Fourth Uncle anxiously searched for her everywhere, spending nearly two hundred years following clues to finally track her down to Cloud Sea Cave Heaven.

As Qingyuan Holy Son indulged in his imagination, Wang Shouzhe interrupted with a smile, "Your Highness the Holy Son, may I ask if Lici is in seclusion? Why haven't I seen her…"

"In front of Young Master Shouzhe, how can Qingyuan be called 'Your Highness'? If you don't mind, just call me 'Brother Qingyuan'." Qingyuan Holy Son unconsciously lowered his posture further, his tone becoming even more polite, "As for Junior Sister Lici, you are indeed unfortunate, as she recently went to the Primordial Dao Palace with my master."

"Primordial Dao Palace? Brother Qingyuan, do you know when she'll return?" Wang Shouzhe was surprised, feeling somewhat speechless.

His grandniece was truly capable, already making her way to the Primordial Dao Palace? He had worried in vain for nearly two hundred years.

"Well… my master didn't say when they'd return, but rest assured, Young Master Shouzhe, my master is very fond of Junior Sister Lici, and with him protecting her, there will be no danger." Qingyuan Holy Son smiled, "Besides, Junior Sister Lici is someone with great fortune, and she might even obtain the Holy Diagram if she's lucky."

"Brother Qingyuan is right, my grandniece has always had good luck, always encountering benefactors wherever she goes." Wang Shouzhe nodded, agreeing with Qingyuan Holy Son's assessment.

He had to admit that Lici's luck in meeting people was indeed remarkable, always finding those willing to genuinely protect her. Moreover, although she appeared naive, she was quite cunning at heart, rarely suffering losses.

Although he hadn't seen her, Wang Shouzhe felt relieved.

He then turned his attention to Qingyuan Holy Son, casually chatting with him.

Qingyuan Holy Son, as the Holy Son of Cloud Sea Cave Heaven, was destined to become the Da Luo Holy Sovereign and inherit Cloud Sea Cave Heaven. Naturally, he was well-versed and exceptionally capable, especially in cultivation, having progressed further than Wang Shouzhe, with abundant insights and understanding.

Wang Shouzhe, on the other hand, had lived two lives and shouldered the great family enterprise from a young age. Having weathered many storms, his maturity and foresight in long-term planning were rare, and his words and actions were always insightful and profound.

Unknowingly, the two found themselves increasingly in sync, feeling as if they had met too late.

Seeing this, Yun Tiange timely interjected, "Your Highness the Holy Son, we heard in the Tianrui Holy Dynasty that Cloud Sea Cave Heaven excels at manufacturing a giant cargo transport called the [Yunhai Whale Boat]?"

"Yunhai Whale Boat?" Qingyuan Holy Son was slightly surprised, "Excelling might be an overstatement, but we can indeed produce Yunhai Whale Boats. Is Young Master Shouzhe interested in this?"

Cultivation relies on resources, and doing business is naturally a way to obtain resources. Cloud Sea Cave Heaven, being vast, couldn't rely solely on self-sufficiency and naturally had its own business ventures. Manufacturing Yunhai Whale Boats was one of Cloud Sea Cave Heaven's businesses.

"To be honest, during my travels in the Tianrui Holy Dynasty, I discovered a small business opportunity," Wang Shouzhe said, "but it requires some giant Yunhai Whale Boats to transport goods for me."

Some…

Qingyuan Holy Son was inwardly sweating.

As the manufacturer of Yunhai Whale Boats, he was well aware of their astonishing cargo capacity, and Young Master Shouzhe casually mentioned needing "some"…

How big must this so-called "small" business opportunity be?

However, since it was a business opportunity, Qingyuan Holy Son wouldn't casually probe.

He skipped over that point and seriously explained, "Young Master Shouzhe, the production cycle for giant Yunhai Whale Boats is long, consuming a lot of materials and being extremely costly. We don't have any in stock in Cloud Sea Cave Heaven. The giant Yunhai Whale Boats currently in use all have important purposes and can't be spared. However, there is one giant whale boat ordered by the Tianrui royal family, which is in the late production stage and will be ready in about ten years."

"How about this, I'll personally communicate with the Tianrui royal family to let you have this one first for emergency use."

Ten years, in the time concept of Qingyuan Holy Son, a True Immortal Realm cultivator, was already very short, comparable to a month in a mortal's experience.

"In that case, would it be inconvenient?" Wang Shouzhe hesitated slightly, "If it causes inconvenience, I can place an order now and start production from scratch."

"The construction period for a giant Yunhai Whale Boat is about a century, and I fear it might delay your business," Qingyuan Holy Son said with a smile, "It's not too inconvenient, as the Tianrui royal family doesn't urgently need it. Besides, I can arrange for a batch of medium and small whale boats to help you out."

The giant Yunhai Whale Boats were limited in number and couldn't be easily spared, but there were no such concerns for the medium and small whale boats. There were some in stock, and they could gather ten or twenty more by reallocating from the transport fleet.

Clearly, Qingyuan Holy Son also wanted to befriend Wang Shouzhe, not just for Lici's sake but because he valued Wang Shouzhe as a person.

In the adult world, face is important, but interests are even more so.

He knew that by befriending Young Master Shouzhe, he would not disappoint his goodwill.

With the conversation reaching this point, Wang Shouzhe naturally accepted the favor, "In that case, I'll trouble Brother Qingyuan."

The Yunhai Whale Boats were crucial for Wang's Clan's trade at present. The increase in grain production in the Shenwu World was just beginning and far from saturation. Future trade with the Holy Domain would continue to grow and expand.

Besides the Shenwu World itself, the Demon Realm had even more vast lands, and the Zhenmo Protectorate was an excellent starting point and demonstration.

Because of this, the struggle with the Demon Realm was no longer limited to resisting invasion but was gradually evolving into a battle for interests and resources.

In the future, with the development of the Demon Domain, the grain production in the Shenwu World might experience another surge.

The more Yunhai Whale Boats as transport tools, the better.

After reaching an agreement, their relationship deepened significantly.

As they chatted and laughed, a message came from the East Gate of Cloud Sea Cave Heaven, saying that the Saintess of Shuiyue had come to see the Holy Son.

"Shuiyue is here?" Qingyuan Holy Son's expression changed immediately, and he stood up, replying, "Send word that I'm not here, let her come another day…"

However, before he could finish speaking, the East Gate's guard sent another message, saying that the Saintess of Shuiyue had already broken through the East Gate and was heading straight for the Xuanqing Immortal Pavilion.

"The audacity, daring to force her way into Cloud Sea Cave Heaven!" Qingyuan Holy Son slammed the table in anger, his brows furrowing deeply.

"…"

Wang Shouzhe glanced at Qingyuan Holy Son's expression, his eyes slightly surprised.

That Saintess of Shuiyue was quite bold, wasn't she?

However, Qingyuan Holy Son's reaction was also a bit strange, as there was a hint of avoidance in his anger. Could it be that he owed the Saintess of Shuiyue a large sum of money?

While he was pondering, the space above the Xuanqing Immortal Pavilion suddenly twisted and fluctuated.

Then.

A wild and unrestrained stunning beauty stepped out of the space rift.

Above the clouds, she wore a red battle dress, with a fiery red cloak billowing behind her, her aura like a blazing fire, truly overwhelming and imposing.

As soon as she appeared, her voice boomed like thunder over the Xuanqing Immortal Pavilion, "Qingyuan, we didn't settle things at the Grand Gathering of Myriad Laws last time. I've made some progress in my cultivation. Come on, let's fight again, I'll make you cry for your parents."

"Shuiyue, what's wrong with your brain?" Qingyuan Holy Son was furious, "It's only been a short while, and you've made progress? Who are you trying to fool!?"

Usually, Qingyuan Holy Son was gentle and elegant, but whenever he encountered the unreasonable Saintess of Shuiyue, he couldn't control his anger.

"Don't believe me? Try me!" The Saintess of Shuiyue looked down at Qingyuan Holy Son, raising her chin provocatively.

"I'm too busy to tangle with you." Qingyuan Holy Son suppressed his anger, "I have esteemed guests to entertain, go back to where you came from."

"If you don't want to fight, fine, lend me twenty Immortal Spirit Stones, and I'll leave immediately." The Saintess of Shuiyue revealed her true intentions.

"Twenty Immortal Spirit Stones? Haha, can you even repay them?" Qingyuan Holy Son sneered, "Don't even think about using your half-step sacred artifact as collateral, it's an asset of Shuiyue Cave Heaven, I can't afford it."

"Alright, alright." The Saintess of Shuiyue looked defeated, "I'll be honest with you, I have reliable information that a batch of raw spirit stone ore from the Arctic Divine Continent has arrived at the Divine Treasure Hall branch of the Tianxing Holy Dynasty, and I have the priority to select! This is a sure-win deal. How about this, you lend me the money, and I'll repay you with an additional thirty percent if I win."

"What makes you think it's a sure win?" Qingyuan Holy Son's face twitched, "Do you even know how much you've lost over the years?"

"With Lici~" The Saintess of Shuiyue chuckled mischievously, "As long as I take Lici, I'll make a fortune this time."

Qingyuan Holy Son finally understood what kind of scheme this "five-poison saintess" with all the vices was plotting.

Once he figured it out, he became calm and composed, crossing his arms and snorting coldly, refusing, "Not to mention that Junior Sister Lici has gone to the Primordial Dao Palace with my master, even if she hadn't, I wouldn't allow it."

"Lici isn't here?" The Saintess of Shuiyue's face darkened, "Then why did I waste my time talking to you?"

She was about to leave, but as she turned, she inadvertently caught sight of Wang Shouzhe, who was watching the commotion.

Her figure paused, and she turned to unabashedly size up Wang Shouzhe, muttering to herself, "What a handsome young man, his cultivation isn't high, but his aura is like a mountain and sea, probably due to his high bloodline level and mastery of deep Heavenly Dao skills. This outfit, tsk tsk, isn't it made of the famous ice-blue immortal silk? Uh… and an immortal artifact-level storage ring…"

Her gaze shifted, and she noticed Yun Tiange, who was standing protectively behind Wang Shouzhe, watching her with wary eyes. She immediately understood.

This was her lucky day, encountering a wealthy… no, a noble sheep, no, a distinguished guest!

Qingyuan Holy Son's friend exuded an aura from head to toe that screamed, "I'm a wealthy person."

Almost instantly, the Saintess of Shuiyue's demeanor transformed, from the "five-poison saintess" to a "graceful and bright," "gentle and holy" noblewoman.

She curtsied to Wang Shouzhe and softly said, "I didn't notice there was a distinguished guest present earlier and was joking around with Qingyuan. I hope the esteemed guest won't mind."

Wang Shouzhe gracefully returned the gesture, "Shouzhe greets Her Highness the Saintess of Shuiyue."

Shouzhe?

The Saintess of Shuiyue frowned slightly, feeling that the name sounded familiar, but she couldn't recall it at the moment.

Oh well~ if she couldn't remember, it didn't matter.

The Saintess of Shuiyue didn't dwell on it, smiling charmingly, "Meeting is fate. I hope Young Master Shouzhe will find time to visit my Shuiyue Cave Heaven, so I can extend some modest hospitality."

"Shuiyue, you mustn't target Young Master Shouzhe!" Qingyuan Holy Son hurriedly intervened, "He's Lici's Fourth Uncle, don't act recklessly."

"Lici's Fourth Uncle? Ah, I remember now, Lici often talks about her Fourth Uncle, Wang Shouzhe." The Saintess of Shuiyue's excitement grew, "Lici is my good sister. Her Fourth Uncle is my Fourth Uncle~~ Fourth Uncle, why don't you lend me some money?"

Qingyuan Holy Son was stunned.

His face turned as black as coal, filled with overwhelming embarrassment.

Everyone compared Qingyuan Holy Son and the Saintess of Shuiyue, saying they were equally matched in reputation, strength, and status.

Yet, the Saintess of Shuiyue, who was on par with him, called someone Fourth Uncle and asked to borrow money… it was as if she was dragging his reputation down with her.

Wang Shouzhe didn't mind, smiling as he cupped his hands, "I don't deserve the title of Fourth Uncle, but since Her Highness the Saintess and Lici are good sisters, lending money is no problem. How much does Her Highness need?"

The Saintess of Shuiyue became excited, rubbing her fingers together eagerly, "Tw… twenty Immortal Spirit Stones."

Wang Shouzhe rummaged through his storage ring and handed twenty Immortal Spirit Stones to the Saintess of Shuiyue.

The Saintess of Shuiyue was stunned.

It was the first time in her life that borrowing money felt so exhilarating.

Immediately, she took the Immortal Spirit Stones with excitement, "Thank you, Fourth Uncle. You're the Fourth Uncle I've always wanted."

This wasn't a Fourth Uncle; it was more like a real father~

"Well, I must seize this rare opportunity to make a fortune. I have a feeling that even without Lici, I'll make a big profit this time. Lici said that when it comes to stone gambling, just go with your gut."

As she spoke, the Saintess of Shuiyue couldn't wait to tear open the space and leave Cloud Sea Cave Heaven.

Through the yet-to-close space rift, her voice echoed from afar, "Fourth Uncle, don't leave the Holy Dynasty yet, I'll come back to repay the money."

With those words, her figure disappeared into the space rift.

"Oh dear, Young Master Shouzhe, how could you lend her money?" Qingyuan Holy Son was filled with regret.

Young Master Shouzhe had handed over the money so smoothly that he hadn't even reacted in time to stop it. If he hadn't seen with his own eyes that Young Master Shouzhe took out Immortal Spirit Stones, with that swift gesture, he might have thought it was Immortal Crystals.

"What? A Saintess of a cave heaven wouldn't default on a debt, right?" Wang Shouzhe smiled calmly.

"Well… although the Saintess of Shuiyue has all the vices, she doesn't have the habit of defaulting on debts and is quite reputable." Qingyuan Holy Son spoke truthfully, "The main concern is that she might not be able to repay it. She just can't have Immortal Spirit Stones in her pocket; once she has them, they're gone… if she can't repay, what can you do, kill her?"

"As long as she doesn't default, it's fine. Since she's Lici's sister, I should help her." Wang Shouxin smiled indifferently, secretly thinking.

If she can't repay, isn't that even better? If she can't repay, she can work it off~

He was just worried about not having enough manpower~

Yun Tiange knew Wang Shouzhe quite well.

Seeing that smile on his face, she could roughly guess what Wang Shouzhe was planning, and couldn't help but light a candle in her heart for the Saintess who was about to fall into his clutches.

Alas~ these people from the Holy Domain were too naive, deceived by Wang Shouzhe's radiant face, unaware of the "dangers" of the human heart.

Someone like the Saintess of Shuiyue would probably still be grateful to Wang Shouzhe even after being "schemed" by him~

……