Protect Our Patriarch

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In an instant, the curiosity of all the masters was ignited, and they quickly began to imagine various scenarios.

Wasn't Master Zixiao always in long-term seclusion? Perhaps he was secretly handling this matter. Under the guise of seclusion, he might have sneaked off to Qing'an Academy to reunite with Yaoguang Master and his family.

This move was truly a stroke of genius.

Why hadn't anyone thought of this before?

However, the higher the cultivation realm, the higher the life level, and the harder it is to successfully conceive offspring. For a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator to have children, they either need extraordinary luck or must persistently try over a long period.

It's just unclear whether Zixiao and Yaoguang were lucky or if it was the result of long-term efforts.

"What are those ridiculous looks on your faces?" Master Zixiao, an experienced Divine Realm expert, immediately understood their expressions.

"Truly shameful to be associated with you all."

He waved his hand angrily and, with a huff, took his seat at the head of the table with his disciple.

"I never expected that when these big shots get together, they would be so... improper," Xu Chuchu, standing behind Wang Shouzhe, whispered with a flushed face.

Wang Shouzhe couldn't help but smile.

You haven't seen the more improper and shameless big shots yet~

Perhaps the longer one lives and the more experiences they have, the thicker their skin naturally becomes. Wang Shouzhe had never seen a big shot with thin skin.

Moreover, Basalt cultivators are also human, and humans have emotions and flaws. After all, there's no such thing as a perfect person in this world.

When one's cultivation is low, there's always someone above to keep them in check, so they naturally know how to restrain themselves. But once their cultivation is high and there's no one to control them, their willful side gradually emerges. Over time, who knows what they might become.

Isn't there a saying about "old children"?

"Ahem, alright, alright." Jiang Zhencang coughed twice, "Today marks the start of the Holy Son Struggle. Many juniors are present, so let's be mindful of our influence."

Wang Yingxuan, standing behind him, curled her lips and rolled up her sleeves: "It's just about having children, what's there to be mindful of? Master, everyone is here, please speed things up. I'm eager to dominate and inherit the position of Holy Master."

Jiang Zhencang's expression froze, and he coughed twice more, saying, "You can only inherit the position of Saintess for now. Your master still has many years left."

He sighed inwardly, thinking that his disciple was excellent in every way—talented, perceptive, and strong in combat—but lacked the grace of a noble goddess, always eager for a fight.

Back when Jiang Zhencang was young and studying at the Immortal Palace, the senior sisters there were truly ethereal, like untouchable goddesses, making him look up to them in admiration.

He had hoped to cultivate Yingxuan in that direction, but alas...

Forget it, thinking too much only brings tears.

Jiang Zhencang quickly composed himself and stood up solemnly, announcing, "The Holy Son Struggle is one of the core strategies of our Lingyun Holy Land. It aims to select a successor who can lead the Holy Land to greater heights. All great prodigies of our Holy Land are eligible to participate. The selection process will adhere to the principles of fairness, justice, and openness."

"The specific rules will be announced by the Lingyun Codex. Let's welcome the Lingyun Codex!"

With that, he took a step forward and formed a hand seal.

In the next moment.

His aura surged uncontrollably, and the pressure belonging to a Void Realm expert spread wave after wave, sweeping across the entire trial hall in an instant.

The faces of the Divine Realm masters present turned serious, and the core disciples at the Celestial Realm level turned pale, barely able to stand. In fact, if not for the big shots in front of them bearing most of the pressure, they might not have been able to remain standing at all.

At the same time, a golden imprint slowly emerged from Jiang Zhencang's forehead.

As golden light radiated, a clear and ethereal aura surged from the imprint, like the wind whistling through the forest from the high heavens.

Under everyone's gaze, a pristine jade scroll slowly emerged from the imprint, floating to the center of the trial hall.

The jade scroll was flawless, with a faint golden light flowing on its surface, exuding a mysterious aura. It was clearly the sacred artifact of Lingyun Holy Land—the Lingyun Codex.

On the jade scroll, there was a petite girl with black hair and a red dress, exuding a lazy charm. She was yawning and stretching as if she had just woken up.

The girl was only half an arm tall, her form ethereal and slightly translucent, clearly the spirit artifact of the Lingyun Codex.

Everyone was captivated by this scene.

After all, among the strong present, apart from the two spiritual plants, Great Chun and Hongyu, no one had seen the Codex before.

"Is this the Lingyun Codex?" Wang Shouzhe's eyes were filled with anticipation.

He had only seen fragments of the Golden Toad Manual, but those fragments were nothing compared to a complete codex with inheritance functions.

A complete codex inheritance is extremely rare in this world. Once qualified to inherit a codex, there's a high probability of cultivating to the Void Realm.

And the Void Realm is also known as the "Holy Realm," ranking in the second tier among the many big shots in the current world.

Apart from the few True Immortals and True Demons, the Void Realm experts hold the highest status.

If developed well, with family support, a Void Realm expert could establish a nation. Even if not, a family with a Void Realm cultivator is considered a first-class clan.

Whether it's the Imperial Heir Struggle or the Holy Son Struggle, regardless of the form, it's ultimately about competing for the inheritance rights of the codex!

When Emperor Longchang secretly passed the codex to Prince An, Wang Shouzhe didn't see it. This was the first time he had seen a codex with his own eyes.

"Time flies so fast, is it time for the new Holy Son Struggle already?"

By this time, the spirit artifact girl of the Lingyun Codex had fully awakened and was now sitting cross-legged instead of reclining.

She lazily scanned the crowd with a disdainful look and said, "I hope this generation's inheritor is decent and can be my ideal successor, unlike the last generation, where I had to pick the tallest among the short ones, and even reaching the mid-stage of the Void Realm was a struggle."

"..." Jiang Zhencang's face turned slightly awkward, and he quickly changed the subject, "Miss Lingyun, among the candidates this time, there's one with excellent qualifications, sure to satisfy you."

"Oh?" The spirit artifact Lingyun said noncommittally, "I'll be watching."

"Alright, let's cut the chatter. Youngsters from each vein who wish to participate in the Holy Son Struggle, step forward." Jiang Zhencang waved his hand, "Our Holy Land doesn't have as many formalities as the royal family; everything depends on your own abilities."

Apart from the royal family's opinion, which has some influence on the Lingyun Codex's inheritance, even Jiang Zhencang couldn't sway Lingyun's opinion.

The royal family's opinion is effective because the royal family and Lingyun Holy Land need to cooperate long-term. It's better for the current Holy Master and the current Emperor to be in sync. Otherwise, if they end up on the battlefield and start tripping each other up, it would be a disaster.

However, this time, the Holy Son Struggle is special, as Prince An didn't even show up, so naturally, he won't be giving any opinions.

"This time, the Holy Son Struggle will be mine," Zhen Shicong from the South Ming Leaving Fire vein was the first to step forward.

He held a [South Ming Leaving Fire Fan] in his hand, exuding a graceful demeanor, quite extraordinary.

Perhaps it's because he's been reading a lot lately, and his cultural knowledge has increased.

"What about your bloodline qualifications?" Lingyun, accustomed to seeing various great prodigies, didn't even lift her eyelids as she casually reminded, "When you enter the cocoon chamber later, your bloodline qualifications will be automatically scanned, so lying about them now is pointless."

"Great Prodigy A-grade," Zhen Shicong said proudly.

"What?" Yu Nianyun from the Heavenly Demon Illusion Body vein, who followed closely, exclaimed in surprise, "Brother Zhen, weren't you a C-grade?"

"Junior Sister Nianyun, let me teach you a lesson," Zhen Shicong said with a smile, "In life, you always need to keep some cards hidden. Declaring a C-grade to the outside world is to lull competitors into ignoring and underestimating me. When I reveal my A-grade qualifications, won't it shock everyone?"

Yu Nianyun looked resigned: "How annoying, you were deceiving me all along."

"Junior Sister Nianyun, don't be mad. My previous promise still stands. Once I become the Holy Land's master, I'll take you to enjoy the best of everything," Zhen Shicong reassured her.

On the podium, Heavenly Fire Master laughed heartily: "This time, our South Ming Leaving Fire vein is all in. It's time for us to take the position of the Holy Land's master."

They had tried every possible way to enhance Zhen Shicong's bloodline qualifications.

"A-grade?" The spirit artifact Lingyun showed some interest, scrutinizing Zhen Shicong, "Though it's just the initial A-grade, it's much better than the last generation. Once you accept the inheritance, you might barely reach the mid-stage of the Peerless D-grade. With sufficient resources at the start, you still have a chance to reach the mid-stage of the Void Realm."

"As the spirit artifact of the codex, of course, I prefer inheritors with good bloodline qualifications. Do your best, as long as you don't fall short in other aspects, you'll likely be this generation's Holy Son." Lingyun's attitude towards him became much friendlier.

"Thank you, Sister Lingyun." Zhen Shicong felt lighter, climbing up the ladder.

"Little girl, what's your bloodline level?" Lingyun asked Yu Nianyun.

Starting with an A-grade, it's already better than the last generation, making Lingyun feel better, no longer as lazy and listless.

"Sister Lingyun, I have the White Tiger Battle Body bloodline, also initial A-grade..." Yu Nianyun sighed.

"What? Junior Sister Nianyun, you deceived me too!" Zhen Shicong exclaimed in shock.

To think that Junior Sister Nianyun, who seemed so naive, could also deceive!

"Brother Zhen, we're in the same boat. Though our Heavenly Demon Illusion Body vein can transform into fierce beasts, it doesn't mean we're brainless. I also wanted to lower my profile," Yu Nianyun sighed, "I just didn't expect you to be A-grade too."

Clearly, they both had the same idea.

"Hmph, let's rely on our abilities then, Junior Sister Nianyun!"

"Yes, Brother Zhen!"

The two exchanged a glance, their eyes sparking with competition.

On the podium, Heavenly Fire Master and Nine Lives Master from the Heavenly Demon vein also regarded each other as rivals, staring each other down with tension in the air.

"Very good, very good." The spirit artifact Lingyun was even happier, "With another A-grade, we can choose the better one."

As she spoke.

Gongyang Ce, Du Gu Feihong, Bao Butong, Wang Luo Qiu, and the great prodigy of the most low-key vein, the [Kun Yuan Heavy Earth vein]—Shi Maotian—also took the stage.

Shi Maotian was a very thin and small girl, looking like a bean sprout, quite unnoticeable, usually very low-key, the type easily overlooked.

"I'm A-grade mid-stage," Gongyang Ce said coldly.

"I'm also A-grade mid-stage," Du Gu Feihong said coldly.

"I'm also A-grade mid-stage," Wang Luo Qiu sighed.

What?!

Three consecutive great prodigies at A-grade mid-stage, like three heavy hammers striking in succession, instantly silenced Zhen Shicong and Yu Nianyun, who had been so confident~

"Heavenly Fire, Nine Lives, who doesn't know to keep some cards hidden these days?" Mingcheng Zhenren laughed, "I suppose each vein has been accumulating resources for many years for this Holy Son Struggle?"

He felt regretful, not expecting Gongyang Ce and Du Gu Feihong to both be A-grade mid-stage.

Oh well, let them rely on their abilities; Luo Qiu is still very strong.

Everyone sighed, realizing that each vein was holding back resources to secure a place in the Holy Son Struggle, leading to extreme internal competition this time.

After all, Jiang Zhencang from the last generation hadn't even reached Great Prodigy B-grade...

"Hahaha, I, Bao Butong, knew you were all poor~~" The chubby Bao Butong shook with laughter after hearing their words, "When it comes to resources, you have to look at our Xuandan Pavilion vein. I, Bao Butong, am a Great Prodigy A-grade upper-stage."

"I, I, Shi Maotian from Kun Yuan Mountain, am also A-grade upper-stage." Shi Maotian raised her hand softly.

What?

Everyone's faces turned green.

After all, it's understandable for Xuandan Pavilion to have an A-grade upper-stage, given their wealth. Even if Bao Butong has A-grade upper-stage qualifications, the threat isn't that high, considering Xuandan Pavilion's combat power...

Forget it~ let's leave them some face.

But Shi Maotian is different.

The Kun Yuan Heavy Earth vein is known as "second in defense" and "invincible in land battles" among the nine veins. Although Shi Maotian appears frail and almost invisible in presence, no one dares to underestimate her combat power.

On the battlefield, she's a war god charging through!

"Hahaha, didn't expect this, did you?"

Kun Yuan Mountain's current "Mountain Lord," Xuantan Zhenren, usually as inconspicuous as a real person, now revealed his "sharpness," laughing loudly: "In the last two Holy Son Struggles, our Kun Yuan Mountain vein wasn't fully prepared. But this time, we aim to seize the main vein position."

The Holy Master coming from a particular vein naturally favors that vein in many ways. This vein is usually called the "main vein."

At least during the tenure of this Holy Master, it can hold a significant resource advantage.

For example, the current Taiyi Golden Sun vein is the "main vein," with not only two Divine Ability Masters but also two great prodigies. If Wang Yingxuan is included, there are three great prodigies.

"Xuantan, don't get too cocky; Jiang Holy Master's beloved disciple hasn't appeared yet." Heavenly Fire Master's face was already very unpleasant.

He thought he had hidden his cards deep enough, but these people were even more outrageous, hiding even deeper.

Who knows how long they've been secretly accumulating resources for this moment, even affecting other disciples' quotas.

"Heavenly Fire, our Kun Yuan Mountain has been preparing for this for hundreds of years!" Xuantan Zhenren sneered, "If you didn't plan far enough, who can you blame? As for Jiang Holy Master's beloved disciple Wang Yingxuan, who has always claimed to be a Great Prodigy B-grade, she must have some hidden cards too."

"However, at most, she's an A-grade upper-stage. Moreover, her young age is her weakness. Of course, if Jiang Holy Master is willing to spend all his savings to buy a Ninth Grade Dao Pill, we'll concede."

"Sigh~ has everyone gone mad this time?" Suddenly, Qingsong Daoist from Green Emperor Valley spoke, his expression mixed with regret and sighs, "Everyone's betting on hidden cards, naturally competing on who is more ruthless. Although Jiang Holy Master has some savings, whether he can gather enough for a Dao Pill is uncertain. However..."

At this point, he suddenly smiled and slowly stood up, like the final winner, continuing with his hands behind his back: "Our Green Emperor Valley has emptied its coffers for this wave~~~ In short, our Green Emperor Valley vein thanks all veins for providing many excellent auxiliary talents for our Lu Wei. I believe that under Lu Wei Holy Master's leadership, our Holy Land will rise rapidly, sweeping away the Yinsha Sect!"

Peerless?!

The entire trial hall fell silent.

Many masters couldn't help but gaze at Qingsong Daoist with complex expressions.

Did they really have to go this far?

The internal competition this time even brought out a Peerless?

Honestly, who doesn't know the value of a Peerless Prodigy? Who doesn't want to cultivate one? But you need the resources!

Green Emperor Valley's combat power has always been lacking, although they have three Divine Ability Master-level spiritual plants, each lazier than the last, often not appearing for hundreds of years. Yet, they're famous for making money. Frankly, half of the Holy Land is supported by Green Emperor Valley.

But even with Green Emperor Valley's wealth, cultivating a Peerless Prodigy isn't easy, right?

"Peerless?" The spirit artifact Lingyun's eyes lit up, "Little sister Lu Wei, come over and let me take a look. Wow, you're so beautiful. We'll be family soon; in the future, I'll take you flying, no, you'll take me flying..."

Even in the Immortal Palace, the probability of receiving a Peerless Prodigy-level inheritor is low. If nurtured well, they can definitely reach the mid-stage of the Void Realm and aim for the late stage.

Reaching the late stage of the Void Realm is a completely different concept from the early stage.

It's not just about combat power but the understanding of laws.

Reaching the late stage of the Void Realm qualifies one to explore the path beyond, although success is difficult, it can positively contribute to the further perfection of the codex.

Void codices typically have spirit artifacts, and the codex itself has its own pursuits.

Who doesn't want a more powerful inheritor? Who doesn't want to evolve step by step, eventually becoming a glorious and great "Immortal Scripture"?

If every inheritor is only at the early stage of the Void Realm, it's just living off the past, when will it evolve into an Immortal Scripture?

"Wait!"

The masters of each vein, hearing the spirit artifact's words going in the wrong direction, panicked: "Miss Lingyun, many competitions haven't been held yet, how can you privately decide the Saintess?"

"That's right, the codex inheritance has rules, it can't rely solely on bloodline, it also requires leadership, martial prowess, charisma, intelligence, and opportunity. Finally, there's the heart test," the masters protested in unison, "These are the inheritance rules set by the first-generation Lingyun Holy Master."

Lingyun was infuriated, her face flushed as she retorted: "You little brats! Although bloodline isn't the only criterion, it's the most weighted. Unless Lu Wei is weak in other aspects and the other candidates excel in those areas, their chances of winning are too low. Competing further is a waste of time."

"But we have to compete~"

Everyone united, firmly resisting the spirit artifact Lingyun: "Even if we lose, we want to lose convincingly. Right, Jiang Holy Master?"

Everyone had invested heavily in this Holy Son Struggle, and even with low odds, who would give up easily?

Saying this, they couldn't help but look at Jiang Zhencang, hoping he would stand up for justice.

Under everyone's gaze, Jiang Zhencang slowly stood up: "Of course, we must compete."

The masters were overjoyed.

However, before they could celebrate, Jiang Zhencang continued proudly: "After all, in this Holy Son Struggle, Lu Wei isn't the only Peerless. With equal bloodline conditions, how can we determine the winner without a proper competition?"

Saying this, he beckoned to Wang Yingxuan behind him.

"Yingxuan, go greet your sister Lingyun."

Though shocked by Lu Wei's sudden Peerless status, Jiang Zhencang, having weathered many storms, wasn't easily shaken.

Lu Wei's bloodline is indeed excellent, but she's ultimately a research talent, while Yingxuan has been meticulously trained and prepared by him.

Even among Peerless, Jiang Zhencang believes Wang Yingxuan can win.

"Yingxuan greets Sister Lingyun." Wang Yingxuan confidently flew forward and bowed.

"You, you, you, Yingxuan, you're also Peerless?" Lingyun was overjoyed, feeling like she was hit by two delicious pies of different flavors, fully experiencing the joy of a dilemma.

She wanted to choose both, but unfortunately, a codex can only have one inheritor at a time.

"Sister Lingyun, no need to worry, the competition will reveal who is more suitable for the inheritance." Wang Yingxuan confidently said, "Once I become the Holy Master, I'll ride into battle with Sister Lingyun, sweeping the outer regions, ensuring the demon clan never dares to invade us again."

However, before she finished speaking, a light laugh came from the side: "Xuan'er, you're quite confident."

Wang Lici, dressed in a light purple dress, had arrived unnoticed.

With her hands behind her back, she exuded a commanding presence, her gaze imperious, like a natural leader: "Peerless isn't just you and Aunt Lu Wei."

"What? Aunt/ Lici, you're also Peerless?"

Wang Yingxuan and Lu Wei looked at Wang Lici in shock.

Especially Lu Wei, so shocked she ignored Lici's "Aunt" address.

"Indeed." Wang Lici raised her head, sighing, "I didn't expect it to come down to a family competition among us Wangs, sigh, truly, time and fate."

Three Peerless?

Lingyun was dumbfounded...

This is Peerless, once hard to find, and she hadn't experienced a Peerless inheritor before. Now, suddenly, there are three, all for her to choose from.

As a Void Realm inheritance codex, she's never had such a glorious moment!

At this time.

Below, Tianhe Daoist looked at Wang Liyao, his old eyes filled with excitement: "Yao'er, it's your turn."

"Yes, Master."

Wang Liyao nodded slightly.

In the next instant, her profound energy moved slightly, and she gracefully rose, silently gliding to the front.

Ignoring the surprised gazes, she calmly bowed to Lingyun: "Sister Lingyun, I am Wang Liyao of the Heavenly Water vein, with the Primordial Water bloodline, Peerless Prodigy D-grade mid-stage, cultivation at the mid-stage of the Purple Mansion Realm."

Peerless Prodigy?

Wang Liyao is also a Peerless Prodigy? And at D-grade mid-stage? This surpasses the other three Peerless by a small margin.

Now, the masters of each vein were on the verge of collapse, wanting to cry but having no tears.

Damn "Great Prodigy B-grade"!

Alright~ before revealing their cards, they all claimed to be "Great Prodigy B-grade." But in reality? They're all Peerless Prodigies!

What's left to compete?

If there was only one Peerless, she might lack in other dimensions, making her unsuitable for the Holy Master position, giving others a chance.

But with four Peerless in the Holy Son Struggle, you can't say they're all unfit for the Holy Master position, right?

Now, even a fool can see that the future Holy Master will be one of these four Peerless, leaving others with virtually no chance.

Zhen Shicong, Yu Nianyun, Du Gu Feihong, Gongyang Ce, Shi Maotian, Bao Butong, and other great prodigies who were confident moments ago now looked at each other, their expressions as if they'd seen a ghost.

"I, I, I, you, you..."

The spirit artifact Lingyun wanted to cry too.

Why did four Peerless appear in the same generation? Wouldn't it be better to spread them over four generations? That way, every Lingyun Codex inheritor would be Peerless, how glorious would that be?

Other codices would tremble and call her "Big Sister."

But now, what is this?

In the midst of this strange atmosphere, only Wang Luo Qiu remained calm, even rolling her eyes in a resigned sigh.

She knew it would turn out like this.

……