Chapter 176: Chapter 65: Spring Festival Gathering

In the blink of an eye, it was the Spring Festival again.

Wang Ping’s Dao Field gradually grew lively. Liu Shuang, Hu Qianqian, Wang Li, and Su Hai all brought their respective disciples and grand-disciples to visit him, and his second senior brother, Liu Zixiu, and Guangxuan also arrived at his Dao Field on the morning of the third day of the new year.

However, as his once-harmonious disciples grew older, they had clearly split into factions. Liu Ling and Zhao Yu’er were no longer on speaking terms, and a rivalry was faintly brewing between Wang Li and Su Hai. Or rather, the family powers they represented had begun to compete with one another.

Wang Ping’s attitude toward this was one of impartiality.

"Ling’Er has recovered from her slump, and her mental state has reached a new level. She should be able to achieve Foundation Establishment before her lifespan runs out. If she’s fortunate in the future, she might even break through to the Entering Realm."

Liu Shuang had been doing an excellent job cultivating her temperament lately; she was on the verge of entering a state of serene detachment.

"This is a testament to your dedicated teaching. Without the solid Taoist foundation you gave her, she couldn’t have recovered so quickly." Wang Ping offered a timely compliment, knowing that praise was exactly what Liu Shuang needed right now.

Liu Shuang shook her head. "But Yu’Er has grown restless again. As soon as she finishes the tasks assigned by the Daoist Scripture Hall, she does nothing but amuse herself."

Yu Lian answered on Wang Ping’s behalf, assuaging Liu Shuang’s concerns. "She has reached the end of her path, so why can’t she enjoy herself? You have to understand, not everyone is as fortunate as you!"

The words were blunt, and Liu Shuang fell silent. She looked at her master sipping his tea, then at Liu Zixiu and Guangxuan playing chess in the distance, and finally at her two clearly estranged disciples.

’That’s right. I’m already fortunate to have a chance at the Entering Realm, yet I’m still hesitating.’

"Thank you, Senior!"

After her silence, Liu Shuang gave Yu Lian a deep bow.

A hint of confusion appeared in Yu Lian’s vertical pupils. After Liu Shuang left, she asked Wang Ping, "What was she thanking me for?"

"I don’t know either."

Wang Ping chuckled.

After Liu Shuang left, Su Hai came over, bowed respectfully, and said, "Master, I intend to fuse with a Demon Soldier."

"Tell me more."

"It is a Horse-Cutting Saber venerated within the army. Last year, under the influence of a Military Array, it transformed into a Demon Soldier. I’ve already had it brought under control. Based on my experiments, the basic requirement to wield it is to perform an initial fusion, and it also demands service in the army. Therefore, I intend to follow in my father’s footsteps."

"Very well. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to come and find me at Qianmu Temple."

Wang Ping gave his word. He hadn’t expected Su Hai to have such an opportunity. Whenever he saw Su Hai’s face, he couldn’t help but be reminded of Su Dun.

After Su Hai left, it was Wang Li’s turn. He entered, paid his respects, and said, "Grand-uncle, I’ve decided to walk the path of an Artifact Cultivator."

Hearing this, Wang Ping couldn’t help but study his kinsman. ’Only those with immense willpower can pursue the path of an Artifact Cultivator.’

Yu Lian also sized him up, then said to Wang Ping through his Spirit Sea, "His soul seems more condensed than that of an ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivator. It’s also full of Evil Qi, giving off a feeling that is somehow balanced, yet chaotic."

After hearing Yu Lian’s reminder, Wang Ping probed Wang Li with his Wood Spirit Qi before asking, "Have you made up your mind?"

"I have."

"Do you need my help with the materials?"

"The family has already prepared most of them. I just need someone to act as a Guardian during my breakthrough."

"I’ll act as your Guardian." Yu Lian stared at Wang Li with curiosity. "Have someone notify me when you’re ready for your breakthrough."

"Thank you, Grandma Yu Lian!"

"..."

Yu Lian didn’t seem pleased with the title, but she didn’t correct him.

After Wang Li left, Yu Lian asked, "Which of them do you think will succeed?"

"Fusing with the Demon Soldier has a relatively high success rate, but it’s very likely to alter one’s disposition. If he can’t maintain his Daoist cultivation, he’ll go mad within twenty years. As for being an Artifact Cultivator, as long as the preparations are adequate and the foundation is solid, achieving the First Realm is actually quite simple. Given the family’s current wealth, Wang Li won’t lack for the resources he needs to advance."

"These are the benefits of a world at peace."

Yu Lian said pensively, "The number of Entering Cultivators in Zhongzhou has surged in recent years, creating many sources of instability across the land. This is especially true for two rival families. Once one side produces an Entering Cultivator, the other will do everything in its power to cultivate one of their own. When conflict erupts at that point..."

Yu Lian left the rest unsaid. She paused, then looked at Wang Ping. "The very thought is terrifying. If the world truly descends into chaos, and Entering Cultivators are no longer bound by the restraints of the Daoist Scripture Hall, what kind of mayhem would they unleash?"

Wang Ping remained silent. His mind couldn’t help but picture the Xiao Shan Lord, lounging leisurely in his armchair. And there were dozens of people just like the Xiao Shan Lord in this world.

"What are you thinking about?"

"I’m quieting my mind." Wang Ping raised his teacup and took a sip of the light tea.

Just then, Guangxuan walked over. He smiled and sat down across from Wang Ping, while the Spirit Bird that followed him chattered away at Yu Lian. "Liu Chang has sent a reply," Guangxuan said. "His parents have agreed to let him build his Dao Field in Sanhe Prefecture."

"That’s good news..." Wang Ping nodded lightly. "We must prepare for the worst. If things truly become untenable here, we’ll pack our belongings and seek refuge overseas."

Guangxuan nodded silently. He, too, felt the pressure.

After the Spring Festival ended, Wang Ping made a special trip to the Inner Courtyard to observe the disciples accepted that year. Not a single one possessed what could be considered above-average innate talent.

Wang Ping wasn’t particularly disappointed, however.

Back at his Dao Field, he sent Yu Lian to find Hu Qianqian and also had her make a trip to Yunque Mountain to discuss the trade of the Outer Realm Demon.

Not long after Yu Lian left, an acolyte came to report that Wenhai was at the foot of the mountain, requesting an audience.

Wang Ping considered for a moment and guessed the reason for Wenhai’s visit. ’He’s here to report on the investigation into the attack on me from before the year’s end. It must have been resolved perfectly; otherwise, he certainly wouldn’t dare to come here in person.’

When the acolyte led Wenhai in, his expression and movements were exceptionally cautious. Upon entering the courtyard, he stopped at the entrance and bowed. "Greetings, Daoist Changqing."

"Come, have a seat."

"There’s no need. I can give my report while standing."

Wang Ping, busy preparing tea, glanced up at Wenhai’s reply and studied him for a moment. "Is there a resolution to that earlier case?"

"Yes, I was just about to report to you, Daoist. I interrogated several of that Qi Cultivator’s friends, and they revealed a small organization that met every six months. Through this organization, I tracked down a Taiyin Evil Cultivator and successfully destroyed their stronghold. From there, I captured all personnel connected to the stronghold. They have all been imprisoned in the dungeons beneath the Daoist Scripture Hall."

As he spoke, Wenhai carefully produced a case file. "This is the file, Daoist. You may look it over."

Wang Ping extended his hand. A wisp of Wood Spirit Qi wrapped around the file, simultaneously checking it for danger as it flew into his grasp. He didn’t read it, however. He simply placed it on the Stone Table and asked, "Are they all cultivators under the Wulang Taoist?"

"Yes, and one of them is an Entering Cultivator!"

"You’ve handled this beautifully. Come, have some tea." Wang Ping produced another cup and filled it for Wenhai before the man could react.

"Thank you, Daoist." Wenhai walked over, looking somewhat apprehensive. Just as he raised the cup to drink, he heard Wang Ping say, "My small courtyard at the Daoist Scripture Hall has been unattended lately. Why don’t you look after it for me?"

"Yes! Thank you, Daoist..."