Protect Our Patriarch

…

Yinsha Sect.

Time had unknowingly passed for quite a while.

The disciples guarding the front of the sacred hall had already rotated several times, yet there was still no news of the rumored big figure from the True Demon Hall who was supposed to arrive.

Gradually, the originally vigilant guard disciples began to slacken. If not for the strict rules within the Yinsha Sect, some disciples might have already started using spiritual sense to chat.

Elder You Fuchen, stationed at the hall entrance in the Purple Mansion Realm, was about to reprimand them when he saw a woman in white, ethereal and graceful, walk out of the sacred hall.

You Fuchen was slightly taken aback, quickly bowing in respect, "Miss Ruobing."

Though he had only seen this woman once, she left a deep impression. She was the newly accepted personal disciple of the sect master and was said to be a potential future sect master of the Yinsha Sect. Although her cultivation was similar to his in the Purple Mansion Realm, their status and future potential were worlds apart.

"Any news from the northern border?" Wang Long Yan glanced at him and asked casually.

"Miss, not yet," You Fuchen replied respectfully, "However, with the True Demon Hall's big figures traveling, those disciples with insufficient cultivation might not be able to detect them."

"I see."

Wang Long Yan nodded, asking no further.

For cultivators almost at the pinnacle of the world in the Lingxu Realm, concealing their tracks was not difficult.

Her main purpose for leaving the hall was not to inquire about this but to ponder how to find an opportunity to send the news back.

The arrival of the True Demon Hall's powerhouses at the Yinsha Sect was a matter that could potentially impact the nation on many levels, and she had to quickly find a way to send this information back to her clan.

The Changning Wang's Clan was now deeply tied with the Great Qian royal family, sharing both glory and loss.

Now, with the emperors of the Western Jin and Southern Qin suddenly arriving at the Yinsha Sect to welcome the True Demon Hall's emissaries, although she didn't know the exact reason, she instinctively felt something was amiss.

Unfortunately, analyzing intelligence wasn't her strength. If Shouzhe were here, he might be able to deduce something more.

After pondering for a moment, Wang Long Yan casually called over a disciple and instructed, "Our guests have come from afar, and our Yinsha Sect should extend our hospitality. Go inform the kitchen to prepare some dishes according to the tastes of the Demon Dynasty people, along with some of our local specialties and some of our special spirit wines. Later, have someone deliver them to the guests."

She remembered Shouzhe mentioning that they had their own people in the kitchen. Saying this should suffice.

"Yes, Miss Ruobing."

The disciple, hearing this, immediately took the order and left.

Although Wang Long Yan had not been a personal disciple of Qi Hongzhao for long and her authority had not yet been established, the task she assigned was a minor one and was naturally easy to accomplish.

Watching the disciple walk away, Wang Long Yan was about to turn back when she suddenly sensed something amiss and looked up sharply at the sky.

In the sky, at some point, thick dark clouds had gathered, and more were converging in this direction.

Amidst the swirling clouds.

Suddenly.

A massive ship, pulled by Netherworld Demon Dragons, broke through the clouds, appearing directly above the sacred hall.

The luxurious ship, like a moving palace, with its dazzling lights, left everyone in the Yinsha Sect in awe.

The Yinsha Sect's Mountain Protection Array reacted almost instantly, a shadowy Yinsha barrier appearing in the sky.

The bottom of the luxurious dragon ship was less than three meters away from the Yinsha Array, almost touching it.

A sharp light flashed in Wang Long Yan's eyes as she instantly deduced the origin of this flying carriage.

The sacred hall was the power center of the Yinsha Sect, and to appear so brazenly above it, it could only be the legendary big figure from the True Demon Hall.

"Hahaha~ It's truly an honor for the esteemed guests of the True Demon Hall to grace our Yinsha Sect with their presence. I am Qi Hongzhao, the current Yinsha Demon Lord, and I apologize for not welcoming you from afar."

As Wang Long Yan reacted, the Yinsha Demon Lord Qi Hongzhao and the two emperors, Emperor Yuan You and Emperor Yan Qing, also noticed the unusual energy fluctuations outside.

With this loud voice, Qi Hongzhao's figure appeared at the entrance of the sacred hall, followed by Emperor Yuan You and Emperor Yan Qing.

The three of them bowed towards the dragon ship in the sky, adopting a welcoming posture, seemingly unbothered by the other's tardiness.

The relationship between the Yinsha Sect and the True Demon Hall was quite complex.

The Lingyun Holy Land had a close relationship with the Immortal Palace, as Lingyun Zhenjun was originally an important member of the Immortal Palace. Following the Wu Clan's ancestors to pioneer the wilderness was also part of the Immortal Palace's external defense strategy, indirectly curbing the Demon Dynasty's expansion.

Even though the Lingyun Holy Land had split from the Immortal Palace over seven thousand years ago, they still maintained close ties.

This was evident as the successors of the Lingyun Holy Land, once chosen, would traditionally go to the Immortal Palace for training for a period. During this time, they could interact and spar with the peerless prodigies of the Immortal Palace, forming good friendships.

Additionally, disciples from both sides would occasionally engage in exchanges to maintain a stable connection.

But the Yinsha Sect was different.

Although nominally a subordinate organization of the True Demon Hall, the first sect master of the Yinsha Sect was actually expelled from the True Demon Hall.

It was said that the Yinsha Sect originally belonged to the Lingxu lineage of the True Demon Hall.

What exactly happened back then was now rarely known, but it was certain that after being expelled from the True Demon Hall, the first Yinsha Demon Lord founded the Yinsha Sect in the extreme west without the support of the True Demon Hall.

As a result, the Yinsha Sect initially faced pressure from the Western Jin and Southern Qin. It wasn't until they faced suppression from the Great Qian and the Lingyun Holy Land that the two countries were forced to agree to joint development with the Yinsha Sect to resist the Great Qian.

Thus, the Yinsha Sect gradually grew stronger, and after gaining a foothold, re-established contact with the True Demon Hall.

However, everyone knew this connection was quite tenuous, and the relationship between the Yinsha Sect and the True Demon Hall was very delicate, with mutual exploitation.

Nevertheless, despite the delicate relationship, as the leader of a major power, the formalities had to be observed.

According to the Yinsha Sect's rules, successive sect masters would inherit the title of "Yinsha Demon Lord."

As the current "Yinsha Demon Lord," Qi Hongzhao was very enthusiastic. Those unaware might think he genuinely welcomed these guests from the True Demon Hall.

"Hehehe~ The Yinsha Demon Lord truly deserves his reputation as a hero ruling the extreme west for many years. Your words are indeed pleasant to hear." A seductive voice emanated from the dragon ship, "In the True Demon Hall, I often hear of the Yinsha Demon Lord's illustrious name~"

As she spoke, a slender figure stepped out of the dragon ship like a ghost, her waist soft and boneless, exuding an enchanting allure.

Beside her was a silent giant with muscles like steel, exuding a fierce and domineering aura akin to an ancient fierce beast.

"So it's the Yin Snake Demon Concubine and the Gu Xiang Demon Lord." Qi Hongzhao's eyes flashed as he quickly bowed again, showing courtesy, but inwardly he breathed a sigh of relief.

Though both the Yin Snake Demon Concubine and the Gu Xiang Demon Lord were powerhouses of the True Demon Hall, their cultivation was only at the early Lingxu Realm. The Gu Xiang Demon Lord, though strong in combat, was straightforward and easy to deal with. The Yin Snake Demon Concubine was cunning but had only advanced to the Lingxu Realm a century or two ago, and her strength couldn't compare to veteran Lingxu powerhouses.

If it were just these two, even if they joined forces, they wouldn't pose a threat. Regardless of their intentions, there was room for negotiation.

However, before Qi Hongzhao could fully relax, he saw the Yin Snake Demon Concubine and the Gu Xiang Demon Lord turn around, welcoming a white-eyed, silver-haired child in a blood-red robe from the ship.

The child, with hands behind his back, his blood robe fluttering in the wind, exuded an oppressive and terrifying aura just by hovering there.

Blood Child Demon Lord?! Why is this old fellow here?!

Qi Hongzhao's pupils contracted, and his heart skipped a beat.

This old demon wasn't like the newly advanced Yin Snake Demon Concubine but was a long-established monster. Even in the True Demon Hall, with its many powerhouses, there were few old demons of his caliber.

With this old demon's presence, it seemed the matter at hand was far more complex and significant than initially thought.

Qi Hongzhao's mind raced, but outwardly he remained exceptionally respectful, stepping forward with the equally surprised Emperor Yuan You and Emperor Yan Qing to pay their respects.

At the same time, he quickly shelved any minor schemes he had.

In the presence of such an old demon, playing tricks was pointless and might even bring disaster to the Yinsha Sect.

"No need for formalities." The Blood Child Demon Lord waved his hand dismissively, his tone slightly impatient, "I have limited time. Let's find a place to discuss business."

"Yes, Lord Blood Child." Qi Hongzhao immediately complied, leading the Blood Child Demon Lord and his entourage into the Yinsha Sacred Hall.

This was where the Yinsha Sect received distinguished guests or held important internal meetings, solemn and dignified.

The Blood Child Demon Lord naturally took the main seat. Despite his childlike stature, sitting on the Yinsha Throne originally belonging to Qi Hongzhao, the size contrast was somewhat comical.

Yet, none of those present dared to show any unusual expressions, all maintaining a solemn demeanor.

The Blood Child Demon Lord had been renowned for years, and everyone knew his stature was a taboo. Anyone daring to show even a hint of abnormality now would surely provoke his wrath.

Even a Lingxu Realm powerhouse would find it difficult to escape unscathed from his grasp.

Under Qi Hongzhao's personal arrangement, the Yin Snake Demon Concubine, Gu Xiang Demon Lord, Emperor Yan Qing, and Emperor Yuan You each took seats on the left and right sides.

Now, the entire Yinsha Sacred Hall had only six people.

But these six were all Lingxu Realm powerhouses.

With six Lingxu Realm powerhouses gathered, even the Divine Realm elders of various Yinsha Sect branches were unqualified to participate, indicating the extraordinary nature of the discussion.

Each harbored different thoughts, and the atmosphere became tense.

The Blood Child Demon Lord's gaze swept across the room, finally settling on the Yin Snake Demon Concubine.

She immediately understood, swaying her snake-like waist as she rose.

Without any visible movement, her figure appeared like a phantom in the center of the sacred hall.

The entire process was smooth and natural, like breathing, showcasing her mastery of spatial teleportation.

The emperors and sect masters present immediately dispelled any underestimation.

As the saying goes, the layman watches the excitement, the expert watches the skill. The Yin Snake Demon Concubine's seemingly unremarkable move was akin to a high dive's splash, requiring immense control.

This newly advanced Lingxu demoness was not as naive as imagined.

"Esteemed Demon Lords and Emperors," the Yin Snake Demon Concubine's voice was seductive and soft, "We have come by the order of the True Demon Hall's master to retrieve an item."

The master's order? Retrieve an item?

Qi Hongzhao's heart tightened again, but as the host, he had to play along, "May I ask what the master seeks? I will offer it with both hands, without question."

"Hehehe~ The Yinsha Demon Lord is indeed sensible," the Yin Snake Demon Concubine laughed charmingly, "However, the item is not in the Yinsha Sect, nor in the Western Jin or Southern Qin."

"Based on our long-term intelligence collection and analysis, we have deduced the item's approximate location. It is likely within the Eastern Qian Kingdom."

With that, she waved her delicate white hand, and a large map unfurled, suspended in mid-air.

The map was a complete map of the Great Qian.

However, it did not include the Southern Border's Sacred Gu Clan, nor the newly developed Dala Great Desert, or the Qingluo Garrison and Wang Clan territories in Longzuo Commandery.

Clearly, this map was at least a century old.

Yet, even so, it demonstrated the True Demon Hall's formidable intelligence. After all, a mere century was but a blink for the True Demon Hall.

"Everyone, you must have heard of the 'Blood Venerable.' The Yinsha Sect and the Western Jin and Southern Qin have also discovered several blood nest sub-base ruins." The Yin Snake Demon Concubine spoke concisely, "We now have seventy to eighty percent certainty that within the Eastern Qian Kingdom lies a lair of the Blood Venerable, likely his final trump card."

Qi Hongzhao and the other two's expressions changed, a flash of greed flickering in their eyes. The Blood Venerable was one of the top ten wanted criminals during the Shenwu Royal Dynasty, with unfathomable strength and resources.

Finding his treasure might even lead to a path for further advancement.

As the powerhouses began to harbor ulterior motives, a chilling, bloody aura enveloped them, causing a shiver down their spines.

"Kehehe~"

The Blood Child Demon Lord let out a villainous laugh, "This Demon Lord understands the allure of treasure, but you are all rulers with families and businesses. It's best to curb any inappropriate thoughts for harmony's sake. It'll save this Demon Lord some trouble."

Qi Hongzhao and the other two's hearts trembled.

Especially Qi Hongzhao, who wore a sincere smile, "Lord Blood Child jests. This is something the True Demon Hall desires. How could we harbor ulterior motives?"

Indeed, they were all prominent figures with roots. If they meddled with things they shouldn't, given the Blood Child Demon Lord's nature, it would be...

"That's good." The Blood Child Demon Lord half-closed his eyes, speaking calmly, "This matter requires the cooperation of your three factions. If successful, you'll naturally receive your due benefits."

"Thank you, Lord Blood Child," the three said in unison.

"The Eastern Qian Kingdom is strong overall, backed by our old rival, the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty." The Yin Snake Demon Concubine interjected, "If we enter Eastern Qian rashly and are discovered, we will face encirclement. If trapped deep in enemy territory, we might lose our lives."

"Therefore, we need the Western Jin, Southern Qin, and Yinsha Sect to join forces, attacking Eastern Qian from two directions, drawing their main forces and attention to the western and southern fronts."

"Meanwhile, I will personally lead a team to infiltrate Eastern Qian, search for and open the Blood Venerable's lair, and take everything we can. Even if our identities are exposed, the two-front distraction will allow us to handle it calmly."

The plan was straightforward and seemed feasible.

However, it involved military action.

Emperor Yan Qing and Emperor Yuan You's expressions turned serious.

The Great Qian wasn't easy to deal with, especially now that they had chosen an heir, and Emperor Longchang was nearing the end of his lifespan, making it a volatile time. They had no intention of provoking him.

If they pushed the Great Qian too far, Emperor Longchang might risk his dying body to take them down with him.

Moreover, military action meant enormous financial expenditure and personnel loss. Without gains, it would weaken their national strength.

As emperors, they naturally had their considerations.

Regardless of whether this was truly the True Demon Hall's order, without sufficient compensation, who would bear the losses?

Emperor Yuan You, being younger and less patient, said, "Lord Blood Child, military action is a serious matter, not something a promise of benefits can cover afterward."

The implication was clear: don't try to fool this emperor with empty promises.

"Emperor Yuan You." The Yin Snake Demon Concubine laughed, "We haven't retrieved the item yet, how can we offer benefits? Once we obtain the Blood Venerable's legacy, we can mass-produce Celestial Realm-level blood nest puppets. We can promise to deploy blood nest puppets to aid in battle. Then, wiping out Eastern Qian for you will be a breeze."

"Look at the bigger picture, don't focus on immediate gains and losses."

"Hehe~" Emperor Yuan You sneered, "Sounds good, but what if you don't get it? Will you just walk away, leaving us to complain to the True Demon Hall?"

"Insolent!"

The Blood Child Demon Lord's white eyes opened.

A terrifying blood-colored energy surged, transforming into a dreadful pressure that bore down on Emperor Yuan You.

Emperor Yuan You trembled, feeling as if he were in a hell of blood rivers, overwhelmed by endless malevolence, silencing him.

"Kehe~ Such audacity, daring to bargain with the True Demon Hall's orders." The Blood Child Demon Lord laughed maniacally, exuding a violent and cruel aura, "Do you think this Demon Lord is negotiating with you? Or do you think this Demon Lord doesn't dare to kill you, an emperor?"

Emperor Yuan You's face turned pale, his body trembling uncontrollably.

Since advancing to the Lingxu Realm, this was the first time he truly felt a mortal threat.

He was used to clashing with the Yinsha Demon Lord Qi Hongzhao, and although he knew the Blood Child Demon Lord was strong, he had no clear concept. Only now did he realize that even though they were both Lingxu Realm, the Blood Child Demon Lord could easily crush or even kill him.

"Lord Blood Child, please calm your anger." Emperor Yan Qing and Qi Hongzhao rose together, bowing in supplication, "Yuan You is young and impetuous, unaware of your renown. We are willing to act according to your will."

"Hmph!"

The Blood Child Demon Lord finally retracted his overwhelming blood-colored demonic aura.

"Cough, cough~"

Emperor Yuan You staggered back, his face pale, no longer daring to meet the Blood Child Demon Lord's gaze. He had never encountered such a terrifying presence.

At this point, the Blood Child Demon Lord's gaze softened slightly, "Hongzhao, Yan Qing, this Demon Lord is not unreasonable. If this succeeds, the benefits will be plentiful, enough to strengthen your two nations. If it fails, this Demon Lord will compensate for your losses."

"Thank you, Demon Lord." The three bowed in unison, "We will do our utmost to assist the Demon Lord in completing the True Demon Hall's task."

"Hahaha~ Good!" The Blood Child Demon Lord laughed heartily, "Once I take that step, you will all be credited, and the territories of Eastern Qian and the Lingyun Holy Land will be yours."

His wild laughter echoed in the Yinsha Sacred Hall for a long time.

…

Meanwhile.

In the Lingyun Holy Land, Green Emperor Valley, Eternal Spring Garden.

In a garden filled with vibrant spring colors and abundant spiritual energy, there was a hollowed-out pavilion.

Inside the pavilion were some tables, chairs, and writing materials.

Wang Ningxi, the so-called "waste material," was diligently organizing some books and teaching materials, preparing lessons. Following the Ancestor's orders, he was ready to tutor these underachievers.

At the desks below sat a group of peculiar students.

Among them were Wang Ningxi's future wife, Shangguan Lingbo, his runaway and recently returned great-aunt Wang Lici, Wang Lici's best friend Lan Wan'er, a sapling clone of his great-aunt Lixian, a mutated little green snake, and Yao Chengchao from Yao's Air Transport.

Yao Chengchao's demeanor was the least student-like. After all, he was a seasoned veteran of society, lacking any trace of a genuine student's aura.

As for Shangguan Lingbo, she was there to support her future husband's career.

She watched Wang Ningxi intently, her eyes slightly glowing. Indeed, a serious man was the most attractive.

"I protest, protest." Wang Lixian's clone waved its branches, its voice childish as it loudly protested, "My other clone is attending school at the Clan School, why do I have to learn twice?"

As she grew, the babbling consonants in her speech had lessened, indicating her mental maturity had increased, slightly surpassing that of a seven or eight-year-old girl just starting school.

"Great-aunt," Wang Ningxi frowned slightly, "You've been attending the Clan School for fifty or sixty years, sending off batch after batch of classmates... yet you still can't pass basic math. It's really inexcusable. The Ancestor said that learning with both clones might help you grow faster."

As for Lan Wan'er, she was dragged along by Lici to accompany her in studying. They were life-and-death sisters, sharing both joys and hardships.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I've compiled some test papers overnight, especially in math, one of the foundational subjects." Wang Ningxi held a stack of papers, "These papers range from easy to difficult, just right to test your abilities so I can tailor my teaching."

"Kid, I'm already over two hundred and sixty years old," Yao Chengchao chuckled, looking at Wang Ningxi, not believing this young boy could teach him anything, "I'm only here out of respect for your Master Wang Shouzhe, reluctantly learning a bit. I'll listen to the moral and legal lessons."

"As for math? Isn't it just like the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art? I'm not impressed. You should find out how I got the nickname 'Quick Blade Yao.'"

"Don't look at me like I'm illiterate. My Yao Clan has a Clan School too. I did well in it back then, cultured, and good at business, don't underestimate me."

"Oh." Wang Ningxi noncommittally pulled out a test paper, "Since Yao Gongzi is cultured, why not try a math test? Full marks are one hundred, and over sixty means you're cultured. Then you won't have to attend math class~"

"Kid, let me show you my Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art skills... let you understand why I'm called 'Quick Blade Yao.'" Yao Chengchao proudly picked up the test paper, glancing at it dismissively.

Then, his expression turned serious.

Then, sweat trickled down his forehead.

Then, his face turned pale, his body twitching.

After half a stick of incense.

"Bang!"

Yao Chengchao slammed the test paper on the table, shouting in frustration, "So what if I'm illiterate? Boohoo~ I still managed to do business until now. Boohoohoo~~"

Poor Yao Chengchao, such a grown man, was reduced to tears of grievance.