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Especially some Spirit Platform Realm ancestors who know how to maintain health can live to nearly two hundred years. In such cases, they can often witness the birth of their eighth or even ninth generation descendants.
If one can further progress to the Celestial Human Realm, the lifespan can reach up to four hundred years. The entire family would rise along with this, and it could even be described as a situation where everything prospers together.
Thus, Ancestor Mingsheng, in a cheerful mood, pulled out an ancient beast-skin book and tossed it to Wang Shouzhe: "This is the 'Beekeeping Manual.' Consider it a congratulatory gift for your Wang Family for producing a Spirit Insect Master. It is a note from a loose cultivator of the Spirit Platform Realm, who specialized in controlling Spirit Bee Types, from hundreds of years ago. It records some techniques and key points for nurturing various Spirit Bees. But this is only a copied version, and there are inevitable omissions, so use it as a reference."
Wang Shouzhe was momentarily stunned, then overjoyed and said, "Thank you, Ancestor, for the timely help."
Currently, Luojing has the talent of a Spirit Insect Master, but relying only on the family's 'Insect Scripture' is obviously insufficient.
This 'Beekeeping Manual' undoubtedly focuses on the Spirit Bee section, which would greatly benefit Luojing, who possesses the Purple Crystal Spirit Bee Hive.
"Now that you've taken the gift, hurry and get out of here, don't be a nuisance to this old man," Ancestor Mingsheng impatiently drove him away.
"I bid farewell, farewell." Having gained so much, Wang Shouzhe quickly tucked the 'Beekeeping Manual' into his arms and left the pavilion of [Yingxiu Rises with the Bright Moon] respectfully.
Ancestor Mingsheng watched Wang Shouzhe's distant figure with both joy and a hint of loss. The joy was that this descendant, who carries his bloodline, is quite outstanding and has great potential. The loss was that, among the two generations of young men in the Lua Family, none could compare to Shouzhe.
Luckily, there is still Xiaoxiao.
Ancestor Mingsheng lovingly stroked the head of Lua Xiaoxiao, who had already fallen asleep: "This child has awakened the Li Fire Separation Body of our Lua Family's ancestors. Although a bit diluted, it's still extraordinary, truly a blessing for our Yingxiu Lua Family."
Every inheritance of the Black Tortoise Clan is not simple. Every ancestor who opened up territories and established a clan was a peerless genius.
...
Having received many benefits and bade farewell to Ancestor Mingsheng, Wang Shouzhe was led by a maid to the guest room—Elegant Guest Residence. This is where the Lua Family hosts distinguished guests. The entire lakeside courtyard is his lodging, with several surrounding side rooms for the accompanying household generals.
The household generals from the Wang Family and Wang Luojing went to help with disaster relief. Wang Shouzhe, finding the rare peace, instructed a Lua Family maid to prepare a bath, soaking comfortably to wash away the fatigue of recent days.
He then ordered not to be disturbed and entered cultivation mode. Both the Shanyang Gongsun Family and the Yingxiu Lua Family served the best spiritual food to entertain Wang Shouzhe and his party, which he had not yet had time to thoroughly digest.
Moreover, he had just consulted Ancestor Mingsheng on many cultivation issues today, which truly enlightened him and brought sudden realization. After entering meditation, he quickly reached a state of cultivation.
He cultivated all the way until the next morning. His inner meridians and acupoints became fatigued, and much of his abundant energy and blood were consumed, but his eyes were filled with brilliance, showing considerable progress, taking a firm step forward toward the Seventh Layer of the Qi Refining Realm.
This delighted Wang Shouzhe greatly. Combining some modern Earth thinking with Ancestor Mingsheng's guidance, he gained a much clearer understanding of the path of the Qi Refining Realm.
Upon exiting the room, Wang Zhong was already waiting outside, cupping his hands in respect: "Patriarch, your uncle is visiting and, upon hearing you were in closed-door cultivation, did not dare disturb you and is waiting in the lounge."
Wang Shouzhe had Wang Zhong lead the way to the lounge, casually asking, "How was the disaster relief yesterday?"
"Everything went smoothly. The Lua Family prepared a lot upon receiving our letter in advance." Wang Zhong marveled, "Miss Luojing is truly remarkable; in a short time, she managed to control several Nine-Star Insect Kings, suppressing the signs of the insect disaster outbreak."
When Wang Zhong mentioned Luojing's name, it was clear that his tone carried genuine respect, indicating that Luojing's performance had earned the deep admiration of the household generals.
Luojing indeed seems to have a natural talent for the path of the Spirit Insect Master, showing progress in a short amount of time.
Thinking this over, Wang Shouzhe entered the lounge of the Elegant Guest Residence, cupping his hands to Lu Zhengjie, "Shouzhe came late, please forgive me, Uncle."
"No worries, no worries." Lu Zhengjie stood up with a cheerful smile, "Shouzhe, our Lua Family greatly benefited from your support this time; the insect disaster was curtailed just as it began to unfold."
If food production plummeted, it would not only be an economic loss but would also trigger a series of chain reactions.
Daqian is based on the Black Tortoise Clan, which enjoys various privileges but must also shoulder the responsibility of protecting the land and the people. The balance of rights and responsibilities obviously exceeds that of rural gentries in ancient Earth.
"Uncle, you are too kind. It is only natural for the Wang and Lua Families to support and assist each other as we share a bloodline." Wang Shouzhe replied modestly with a smile.
After a brief exchange, Lu Zhengjie continued, "The case of the exterminated wealthy merchant family also has a result. That loose cultivator was not much of a hard case; after just two hours of interrogation, he confessed, and all the hidden loot was found. He will be publicly executed soon to serve as a warning to others."
"The wandering of loose cultivators always poses a hidden risk." Wang Shouzhe frowned, "If we can't control the loose cultivators entering the territory, similar cases will eventually happen."
"This matter is extremely difficult; most loose cultivators wander back and forth under the guise of traveling merchants. Daqian Law does not prohibit loose cultivators from wandering about." Lu Zhengjie frowned, then changed the subject, "By the way, your achievements in this quickly solved case mean the Guardian's Mansion has decided to award you fifty Qian Gold. Although it isn't a huge amount, it's the largest we could obtain."
"Thank you, Uncle, for your mediation." Wang Shouzhe was quite satisfied with the outcome. Fifty Qian Gold is no small sum; some loose cultivators would risk their lives just for that.
After receiving the reward, Wang Shouzhe proposed to leave first.
He left behind two household generals to assist Wang Luojing and entrusted uncle to help protect her in combating the disaster. The insect disaster plaguing the Lua, Gongsun, and Wang Families had only been initially contained; the taming of those wild Insect Kings was insufficient and required further reinforcement. Over the next ten days or so, she would need to travel back and forth between the Lua, Gongsun, and Wang Families.
Concluding his thoughts, Wang Shouzhe entered the lounge at Elegant Guest Residence and bowed to Lua Zhengjie, "Sorry for being late, Uncle."
"No need to apologize, Shouzhe," Lu Zhengjie said with a wide smile, standing up. "It's thanks to your assistance that our Lua Family was so effectively aided when the insect disaster occurred."
If the food production were to drastically decrease, it would mean much more than just an economic loss.
The power and responsibility of noble families in Daqian are much greater than those of rural gentry, with an obligation to protect the land and the people.
"Maintaining mutual support between the Wang and Lua Families is only right and proper," Wang Shouzhe replied modestly.
After some brief courtesies, Lu Zhengjie added, "It was entirely thanks to your efforts that the case of the exterminated merchant family was swiftly resolved. The Guardian's Mansion has decided to reward you with fifty Qian Gold for your meritorious service. Although it may not be much, it is the largest reward we have."
Wang Shouzhe was quite satisfied with the result. "Thank you, Uncle, for facilitating this."
After some pleasantries, Wang Shouzhe took his leave of Ancestor Mingsheng and handed over the Beekeeping Manual to Wang Luojing.
With Little Xiaoxiao and the Household Generals who came with him, Wang Shouzhe rode on a magnificent black horse and returned to the Changning Guard. Travel was quick without the burden of goods, and the group reached Changning Guard in just a few hours.
Upon his arrival at Wang's Villa, Steward Qian had already arrived and was complaining bitterly as soon as he saw Wang Shouzhe, even before the refreshments were served in the lounge.
"Junior Brother Wang," Steward Qian bemoaned without caring about the burning tea, "this time you've put us in a tough spot, cleaning out our Insecticide Powder inventory. Was that really necessary?"
"Brother Qian, let's not play coy and speak frankly," Wang Shouzhe smiled. "You know I'm doing Qiaan's Trading Company a favor by helping clear out your Insecticide Powder stockpile. Surely you don't think there's anything wrong with that?"
"Information advantage, information advantage." Steward Qian mumbled a couple of times, then sighed helplessly, "Junior Brother, I admit, it's a valid point. But you didn't put out a single coin and you're about to make a huge profit out of it."
"Don't worry, Brother Qian, I have mentioned before that I would give you a great credit, right? I assure you, it's an opportunity that won't just redeem your reputation but might even help you advance further," Wang Shouzhe said, completely unfazed.
"Really?" Steward Qian looked at him in disbelief.
...