Protect Our Patriarch

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...

Yao Chengchao cried harder and harder.

What kind of messed-up exam paper was this? He recognized every single character, but when put together, he couldn't solve a single problem.

Was this really the content taught at the Wang's Clan School? How could it be so abnormal...

Never before had he felt so acutely that he truly lacked education.

"Don't cry, don't cry." Wang Lixian extended a slender branch, gently stroking Yao Chengchao's head in comfort, "Ningxi is so bad, he gave you an exam paper meant for the elite of the Clan School. Scoring sixty would already make you a top student. For us academic failures, just seeing the questions makes our heads spin."

As a fellow academic failure, Wang Lixian deeply understood the fragile psyche of one. As the queen of academic failures, she felt it was her duty to comfort others like her.

What did she mean by academic failures like us? When had he, Yao Chengchao, ever been an academic failure in his life? And now he was being comforted by a tree... Wait, what kind of tree was this?

In his breakdown, Yao Chengchao was still somewhat shocked. Was this a high-level spiritual tree?

"Ningxi, how much can you score on this elite exam paper?" Shangguan Lingbo asked curiously.

Everyone else, including the little mutated green snake hidden in Lici's sleeve, raised their heads and stared intently at Wang Ningxi.

Could this guy be so confident that he could score over eighty?

Probably not, right? Didn't they see that Yao Chengchao couldn't even solve a single problem?

"Well..." Wang Ningxi shook his head and said, "These are just the basic questions for the ordinary elite threshold of the Clan School test. We have a group of people who don't take these tests but follow the Clan School teachers for further research."

"Please, everyone, don't ask more." Wang Lixian covered her "face" with a branch, looking as if she couldn't bear to watch, "Ningxi is one of the few academic gods in this year's Clan School. It's impossible for him to get these elite exam questions wrong."

Having sent off generation after generation of academic gods, Wang Lixian understood the gap between people the most.

"......"

Everyone was filled with respect.

"Alright, alright, let's all take the basic test." Wang Ningxi began distributing the real test papers to everyone, thoughtfully tying a pen to the claw of the little mutated green snake, "Little snake, do your best. Our ancestor granny Liling used to write like this. She was a dragon and already graduated from the Clan School, though her graduation exam scores... Sigh~ Anyway, do your best~"

Then, a group of people, plus a tree and a "snake," all started the test with a flurry.

Even Yao Chengchao began to behave.

However, this time, he found some confidence. The questions at the beginning were very basic, and he quickly finished them. But the further he went, the more he felt something was wrong, as the difficulty of the questions increased linearly.

He found it increasingly difficult, until later, when his head felt like it was about to explode, and he couldn't think of any solution. Helplessly, he had to give up.

However, he had already persisted longer than most.

Before him, Wang Lici, Lan Wan'er, and the little green "snake" had already given up early, their eyes spinning.

Wang Ningxi collected all the test papers, and his brows immediately furrowed.

Wang Lici scored eighteen, Lan Wan'er nineteen, Shangguan Lingbo thirty-three, Wang Lixian forty-two, the little green snake eight, and Yao Chengchao twenty-seven!

Shocking!

It was actually ancestor granny Lixian who scored the highest, even higher than Lingbo...

"I scored the highest?"

Wang Lixian was stunned on the spot.

This was the first time in her long Clan School career that she had ever scored first in a ranking exam. She could hardly believe it. Could it be that there were so many academic failures in the world?

At this moment, Wang Lixian felt a sense of pride, as if she were standing at the top of a mountain, looking down on all the others.

Crystal tears dripped from her tender branches.

It wasn't easy~ So I, Wang Lixian, could also be number one, sob sob~ I also have the potential to be an academic god.

The little mutated green snake was also shocked.

He, a reincarnated ancestor dragon, only scored eight points! How was this possible? Could it be that during reincarnation, his head was damaged by the eggshell?

"The basics are too weak." Wang Ningxi rubbed his forehead, feeling the heavy burden on his shoulders.

The task given by grandpa ancestor was a long and arduous one~

Forget it~ Let them go through ten sets of beginner test papers to warm up. Improve their state, and then start the lessons~

Sigh~~

...

While Yao Chengchao, Wang Lici, Lan Wan'er, and others wore painful expressions, miserably going through the questions, a young tiger cub was swiftly moving through the lush vegetation of Green Emperor Valley, not far from Eternal Spring Garden.

This was a half-grown tiger cub, not yet as tall as a table, with thick black pads and a pair of round tiger ears with white spots. Its black and white striped fur shimmered in the sunlight.

Its movements were agile and graceful, with muscles rippling under its skin as it ran, exuding a powerful presence.

Above its head flew a fire elemental spirit butterfly, its entire body ablaze.

The spirit butterfly was almost half the size of the tiger, and its speed was not much slower. As it flew, the fiery wings left a long trail of flames behind, as if it would melt into the sunlight.

This tiger and butterfly had clearly concealed their auras, moving with such skill that they made almost no sound.

Thanks to the exceptionally lush vegetation of Green Emperor Valley and the abundant spiritual energy flowing freely, the tiger and butterfly moved swiftly without disturbing the spiritual plant cultivators busy in the herb fields.

In a leap, the young tiger suddenly spoke, with a charmingly naive female voice: "Brother Zhen, why aren't we visiting openly?"

Upon hearing this voice, the fire elemental spirit butterfly showed no reaction, but the flames on its wings suddenly flared, and a misty humanoid silhouette appeared within the flames.

At the same time, a clear male voice came from the flames: "Junior Sister Nianyun, you don't understand, do you? Most cultivators in this world wear masks in public, only revealing their true selves in private. If we visit openly, we'll only see the surface. To know her true state, we must observe in secret."

"Wang Lici is, after all, the personal disciple of Yunyang Daoist. When I become the Holy Land's master, she'll be under my command. I'm just assessing her in advance to prepare for the future~"

His voice was full of confidence, as if the position of Holy Son was already in his grasp.

This tiger and butterfly were, of course, not truly a tiger and butterfly.

The half-grown white tiger cub was transformed by Yu Nianyun, a great prodigy of the Heavenly Demon lineage of Lingyun Holy Land.

The Heavenly Demon Tower lineage's techniques were somewhat unique. Once mastered, they could merge the Dharma Aspect with the body, transforming the physical form into a demon form through bloodline power, making them formidable in battle.

Yu Nianyun, as a great prodigy of the Heavenly Demon lineage, possessed the White Tiger bloodline and had already reached the Purple Mansion Realm. Temporarily transforming into a white tiger using her bloodline power was not difficult for her.

As for the male voice, it belonged to Zhen Shicong, a great prodigy of the Leaving Fire lineage of Lingyun Holy Land.

The fire elemental spirit butterfly was his spiritual pet, and he used his supernatural powers to hide himself within the flames on the butterfly.

This technique was very covert, and if he intended to hide, it would be difficult for a cultivator of the same level in the Purple Mansion Realm to discover him.

"But I heard that Wang Lici's aptitude is a great prodigy of B rank, seemingly higher than yours, Senior Brother. Moreover, Gongyang Ce and Wang Liyao also have B rank great prodigy aptitudes." Yu Nianyun twitched her ears, glancing at Zhen Shicong above her, "Are you so sure you can secure the position of Holy Son?"

"I've already inquired about it. The Holy Son Struggle tests comprehensive qualities. Innate aptitude is important, but not the only thing. Command and coordination abilities, personal opportunities, and so on are equally important."

Zhen Shicong was clearly prepared, confidently explaining, "I've looked into people like Gongyang Ce and Wang Liyao. Though their aptitudes are higher than mine, they're rigid and lack flexibility. In a real contest, they're definitely not my match. It's just this Wang Lici who suddenly appeared, and I don't know her background yet. Once I figure her out today, I'll have a good grasp of the situation."

After speaking, he didn't forget to add confidently, "Rest assured, Junior Sister Nianyun, once I become the Holy Land's master, you'll be my top lieutenant. I'll make sure you live a good life."

"......"

Yu Nianyun glanced at him, as if wanting to say something, but held back.

By this time, the tiger and butterfly had reached the outskirts of Eternal Spring Garden.

Yu Nianyun leaped, her sturdy tiger paws lightly stepping on the tree trunk, easily climbing a tree over ten meters tall, her movements fluid and without causing any profound energy fluctuations.

The fire elemental spirit butterfly followed closely.

The tiger and butterfly hid among the branches, looking down at Eternal Spring Garden below.

What was going on?

It seemed like a group of people, plus a tree and a snake, were doing practice questions?

Zhen Shicong immediately felt he had come to the right place. They must have received insider information, knowing one of the questions for the Holy Son Struggle, and were practicing in advance.

Zhen Shicong focused intently, trying to see what was written on the test papers below.

...

Meanwhile.

Wang Shouzhe, a guest at Eternal Spring Garden, received an invitation and arrived at a cluster of buildings in the center of Green Emperor Valley.

The Green Emperor Valley lineage was generally prosperous, with a considerable permanent population. After all, they were responsible for the spiritual plants, spiritual herbs, and even the attribute spiritual plants in the spiritual veins across hundreds of miles. A small number of people simply couldn't handle it.

It was like a larger version of the Longzuo Academy's Changchun Valley.

The total population exceeded seven hundred.

Don't underestimate these seven hundred people. Those qualified to enter Lingyun Holy Land were at least small prodigies with decent aptitude. Some were specially recruited from outside families, others were talents sent up from various academies below, and some were small prodigies cultivated by the Holy Land itself.

As the saying goes, once you enter the Holy Land, you will surely become a Celestial.

Small prodigies, as long as their aptitudes meet the standard, can at least reach mid-grade C level or higher. With the Holy Land's abundant spiritual energy, generous resource subsidies, a wide selection of suitable techniques, guidance from seniors, and so on...

Generally speaking, reaching the Celestial Realm is not a problem.

At that point, they can become a small manager, leading a group of young disciples in their work.

Typically, the Holy Land produces many Celestial Realm small prodigies. They may stay in the valley, go out to handle affairs, or even take on various positions on the outer region battlefield, forming the backbone of the Holy Land, supporting the vast organizational structure of Lingyun Holy Land.

However, those from Green Emperor Valley who reach the Celestial Realm mostly take on logistical roles, with only a few going to the front lines.

After working for the Holy Land for a certain number of years and repaying their contributions, they can choose to retire and enjoy their later years, or continue to contribute, accumulating wealth and connections for their family, striving to improve the development of their original family.

It is precisely because of the Holy Land's generous resources that many small and medium-sized families are eager to join, trying every possible way to get in.

In the center of the Green Emperor Valley building complex, there was a tall building made entirely of wood.

It was constructed from a pale yellow spiritual wood, with a complex and precise structure, combining an aesthetic of order with artistic beauty, exuding a pure sense of natural harmony, its mixed temperament refreshing.

The building's body, with spiritual light flowing, was inscribed with intricate runes, emitting a mysterious aura. Clearly, this building itself was a treasure.

This tall building was the core hub of Green Emperor Valley—Green Emperor Tower.

At this moment.

Inside Green Emperor Tower.

A mature man, appearing only in his thirties, was casually reclining in a comfortable wooden armchair. He wore loose, comfortable linen clothes, his long hair freely draped, giving him a somewhat unrestrained appearance.

This man was the Valley Master of the Green Emperor Valley lineage—Qingsong Daoist.

Despite his youthful appearance, he was actually over twelve hundred years old.

The wood lineage had its distinctive features, notably weaker combat power but the ability to contract a life-bound spiritual plant. Different types of life-bound spiritual plants could grant their masters different abilities.

Qingsong Daoist's life-bound spiritual plant was a mutated green pine.

It granted Qingsong Daoist powerful vitality and a youthful physique. As for combat power, it wasn't worth mentioning, as even combined, he and the tree couldn't match Langya Daoist.

Beside him, Wang Shouzhe was also seated in a similarly comfortable reclining chair, with Senior Sister Lu Wei and Changchun Immortal sitting opposite, along with a rugged-looking middle-aged man.

Notably, Changchun Immortal, despite his age, had somehow rejuvenated, transforming from a simple "old farmer" with white beard to looking much younger, as if only in his fifties or sixties.

Such "reverse aging" could only mean one thing.

His life-bound spiritual plant—the Longevity Tree—had advanced from the eighth peak to the ninth rank, returning some of the life force gained from the upgrade to its master.

Even Wang Shouzhe had to admit, Changchun Immortal's luck was truly remarkable.

In terms of age, Changchun Immortal had long surpassed the lifespan limit of the Purple Mansion Realm, showing signs of decline in recent years. Wang Shouzhe had tried to find ways to extend his life, but the all-encompassing deterioration after the lifespan limit was reached couldn't be alleviated, even with Lixian's life force.

If not for the timely advancement of the Longevity Tree, replenishing his lifespan with the power of heaven and earth, Changchun Immortal's lifespan would have been exhausted in a few years.

"Master, this is the situation." Changchun Immortal reported to Qingsong Daoist, "Not long ago, the Longevity Tree transformed into the ninth rank. My lifespan is expected to increase by several hundred years."

Qingsong Daoist looked at him with an unusual expression, teasingly remarking, "Changchun, among the many Purple Mansion Realm cultivators in this world, in terms of combat power, you can't even come close to others."

"But in terms of lifespan, I haven't seen a single Purple Mansion Realm cultivator who can compare to you."

"Luck, it's really luck." Changchun Immortal gratefully looked at the rugged middle-aged man beside him, the Longevity Tree—Wang Changsheng.

Yes, the rugged and strong-looking middle-aged man was the recently advanced Longevity Tree.

After transforming, he had even given himself a name—Wang Changsheng.

Wang Changsheng looked at Changchun Immortal with a deep gaze, feeling stifled.

He had tried hard to suppress his advancement, hoping to wait for Changchun Immortal to pass away, so he could quickly join Wang Shouzhe. Even if he couldn't become a life-bound spiritual plant, being an ordinary spiritual plant was good enough.

Unexpectedly, in the end, he couldn't suppress the advancement rhythm and advanced amidst pain and regret.

This was fate~~ Sigh~ Was it so hard to join Wang Shouzhe?

"Changsheng, first of all, congratulations on advancing to the ninth rank." Qingsong Daoist said with curiosity, "But I'm a bit puzzled, why did you take the surname Wang?"

"What's so strange about that?" Wang Changsheng replied matter-of-factly, "My daughter, Wang Yinglu, is now a granddaughter of the Wang Clan, currently building the Great Desert with Young Clan Leader Zong'an. What an honor and achievement! Since my daughter is surnamed Wang, what else should I be surnamed?"

If there was a chance to join Wang Shouzhe, he would even be willing to take the "Zong" generation.

That made a lot of sense.

Qingsong Daoist found himself unable to refute.

Forget it~~ Whether he wants to be surnamed "Wang" or "Liu," in the end, he's still a ninth-rank spiritual plant of the Holy Land, no fundamental difference.

"Master Wang Shouzhe, I have just advanced and am still somewhat confused about the outside world. I heard that your Wang Clan School has excellent educational quality and a good living environment." Wang Changsheng looked eagerly at Wang Shouzhe, "I wonder if I have the honor?"

"Well..." Wang Shouzhe quickly stood up and cupped his hands, "If Senior Changsheng wants to visit the Wang Clan, Shouzhe would be more than happy to welcome you."

The Longevity Tree had shown great care for the Wang Clan, a significant kindness that Shouzhe couldn't refuse. However, to voluntarily request to attend the Clan School, Senior Changsheng was asking for a challenge.

"That's great, it's settled then." Wang Changsheng finally smiled broadly.

At this moment, he had no idea about the "dangers" of the Wang Clan School. It wasn't until much later, after truly experiencing the "tempering" of the Clan School, that he regretted it deeply, wishing he could go back and scold his "naive" self.

"Shouzhe, after this Holy Son Struggle is over, I also want to stay at the Wang Clan for a while." Changchun Immortal quickly added.

Right in front of him, Wang Changsheng and Shouzhe were already making plans. If left unchecked, the Longevity Tree might stay at the Wang Clan and never return.

"Master, you can stay at the Wang Clan as long as you like." Wang Shouzhe said respectfully.

Though Changchun Immortal's strength had gradually fallen behind the Wang Clan's first tier, he had played an indispensable role in the development of the Wang Clan, a debt of gratitude Wang Shouzhe always remembered.

"Good, good, Shouzhe's filial piety is commendable." Changchun Immortal said with satisfaction, "The best decision I made in my life was to take you as my named personal disciple."

Now it was Qingsong Daoist's turn to twitch his eyelids.

There had been rumors that Great Prodigy Lu Wei was secretly Wang Shouzhe's little wife, occasionally staying at the Wang Clan, with even Young Clan Leader Zong'an suspected to be her child.

Now it seemed that the Longzuo Academy's Changchun Valley was about to be taken over by the Wang Clan.

Forget it.

Let's talk about Lu Wei's participation in this Holy Son Struggle.

Qingsong Daoist changed the subject, speaking gently to Senior Sister Lu Wei, "Lu Wei, I know you prefer peace and focus on research. But during your growth, our Green Emperor Valley has always fully supported you. Our Green Emperor Valley has been in decline for a long time, and you should at least help us gain some prestige in this Holy Son Struggle. Of course, if you can secure the position of Saintess, that would be even better."

Senior Sister Lu Wei lazily replied, "It's not that I'm unwilling to contribute, but Yaoyao is too formidable. You have no idea of her depth and fearsome nature. Although my bloodline aptitude has been growing for some reason over the years, it's only at the A rank of great prodigy, still a distance from peerless. Forcing participation would be embarrassing."

"Don't worry about that." Qingsong Daoist suddenly became energetic, "Among the nine veins of the Holy Land, our Green Emperor Valley's combat power may rank second to last. But in terms of wealth, hehe~ even if the other eight veins were tied together, they wouldn't be enough."

In Qingsong Daoist's view, only the South Ming Leaving Fire lineage and the Heaven and Earth Profound Pill lineage could make and save money, while the other lineages were a bunch of spendthrifts who didn't care about selling off their ancestors' land.

Especially the lineage of Holy Master Jiang—Taiyi Golden Sun lineage, a group of people who only know how to spend money without understanding how to earn it, always thinking they have the world in their hands.

"Over the years, our Green Emperor Valley hasn't had many other expenses, so we've saved quite a bit." Qingsong Daoist said with high spirits, "If you're willing to give it a shot, we'll fully support you, giving our Green Emperor Valley a chance to become the Holy Land's main vein."

"If that's the case." Senior Sister Lu Wei reluctantly said, "I can give it a try, but I can't guarantee a win, as the opponents this time are not simple."

"No worries, just show the might of our Green Emperor lineage." Qingsong Daoist laughed, "Moreover, our investment this time won't be in vain. With your peerless prodigy aptitude, inheriting the Green Emperor Valley lineage, you'll surely gain the recognition of [Great Chun]. Then, you might find a new path to walk the Void."

Hearing this, Wang Shouzhe couldn't help but take a deep breath.

The threshold for this Holy Son Struggle was indeed getting higher and higher. It seemed that without being a peerless prodigy, there was hardly any point in participating.

Senior Sister Lu Wei was no simple character, her latent madness even made Wang Shouzhe feel afraid.

This time, both Lixian and Yingxuan would face greater challenges.

The Holy Son Struggle would become even more unpredictable.

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