Protect Our Patriarch

...

"Prince An, Master Wang Shouzhe, this way please."

An esteemed Gu elder, Qi, greeted Prince An and his entourage with respect as one of the representatives.

Elder Qi was a sincere and open-minded Gu elder, and also a loyal supporter of Saintess Dai. Over thirty years ago, he had visited Longzuo Commandery and the Wang's Clan as a guardian of the "Gu Master Working Team" and stayed there for some time.

He had interacted and communicated with Wang Shouzhe, and they shared similar ideals, providing significant support in Wang's Clan's expansion into the Southern Border.

"Thank you, Elder Qi."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Prince An and his group were guided to the center of the viewing platform, taking their seats in the guest of honor section.

Prince An's personal guards spread out behind him, ready and vigilant.

Although his personal guard numbered only a few dozen, none were ordinary. Among them were five outstanding and young members from Prince Deshun's lineage, all prodigies with Celestial Realm strength, none older than one hundred and eighty.

These individuals were key figures for cultivation within Prince Deshun's lineage, destined to become Prince An's right-hand men in the future.

Others were young prodigies from families supporting Prince An, such as the Gongye Clan, Wang's Clan, Chen's Clan, Shangguan's Clan, and other families, including young prodigies like Chen Muying, Wang An'nan, and Shangguan Yunhong.

The rest were young prodigies from other royal branches and military families, all prominent figures in the younger generation of military families, with renowned reputations.

Thus, although the total number of personal guards was only a few dozen, each was an outstanding young prodigy. Many of the older ones had already reached the later stages of the Celestial Realm, with limitless potential ahead.

Moreover, several renowned young prodigies from Guilong City were present, including Shangguan Yunque from the Guilong Shangguan's Clan, Wu Zhixing from the Wu's Clan, and Gongye Zhengping from the Gongye Clan.

Gongye Zhengping, the oldest, was nearly one hundred and eighty and had already broken through to the Purple Mansion Realm.

Wu Zhixing, although adopted as the heir under Prince Fu of the Dexin lineage, spent most of his time at home cultivating, rarely involving himself in trivial matters, and was not familiar with Commandery Prince Kang. Prince An found his character and strength commendable and kept him close for careful nurturing.

Though Prince An had not yet ascended the throne, those who could accompany him on expeditions as personal guards had vast prospects ahead. Every family wished to send their outstanding children to Prince An.

Thus, this personal guard team was formidable, with impressive overall combat strength, comparable to an elite force even during the Shenwu Royal Dynasty.

However, the most formidable members of the personal guard were two Basalt cultivators completely encased in armor, the core figures of the guard. They were imposing and solemn, clearly not to be trifled with, and never interacted with other guards, even lodging separately.

All the prodigy guards speculated in secret that these were likely two Divine Realm guardians.

One was likely Prince Deshun himself, disguised to protect Prince An during his campaign, a reasonable precaution.

The identity of the other was unclear, possibly a top expert secretly cultivated by the Emperor, placed beside Prince An as a guardian.

After all, Prince An's status was too noble, crucial to the Great Qian, and could not afford any mishaps. Venturing into enemy territory required comprehensive security measures.

Yet, no one knew, nor could they guess, that this mysterious expert was Emperor Longchang himself.

Moreover, he was filled with resentment, staring at the back of Wang Shouzhe's head, grumbling internally.

Being a guardian was truly stifling, with Wang Shouzhe sitting nonchalantly before him. As the Emperor, he had to sit straight, pretending to be a statue behind him.

Hmph, wait until we return home, I'll find a way to make him pay for this imbalance.

The arrival of Prince An's group naturally aroused suspicion and uncertainty among the Southern Barbarian Gu Clan, with feelings of hostility or curiosity.

Amidst the turmoil in their hearts, a loud announcement suddenly rang out.

"Saintess Dai has arrived, Prospective Saintess Jing has arrived."

Everyone focused their attention, seeing Saintess Dai gracefully approaching from the direction of the bamboo building, surrounded by a group of youthful and beautiful girls.

She wore a black Gu Master dress embroidered with mysterious symbols, adorned with luxurious gold ornaments on her head. Intricate tattoos could be seen on her exposed neck and forearms.

Despite her somewhat weary expression, her dignity remained intact, exuding a noble and mysterious aura, with the composure of someone long accustomed to authority.

Behind her was another woman in a black Gu Master dress.

Compared to Saintess Dai, her attire was more subdued, without mysterious tattoos or luxurious gold ornaments, yet her demeanor was equally composed and calm, commanding respect.

This woman was naturally the successor to the next Saintess of the Southern Barbarian Gu Clan, and the protagonist of this sacrificial ceremony—Wang Luojing.

Upon seeing the two, the noisy crowd fell silent.

The elders of the Southern Barbarian Gu Clan immediately rose to greet them.

Though they bickered privately, they maintained a respectful attitude before Saintess Dai, not daring to act rashly.

Prince An and Wang Shouzhe also rose to exchange greetings with Saintess Dai, engaging in brief pleasantries.

Saintess Dai took the opportunity to reassure everyone, stating that they were her invited guests.

In truth, this was their first meeting, but they had long been acquainted in spirit, having reached mutual understanding and consensus on many matters.

At this moment, Saintess Dai's expression remained composed, yet her heart was tumultuous, far from the calm exterior.

Though she had long known Wang Shouzhe's plan, seeing the two powerful figures behind Prince An, whose presence made even her Heavenly Silkworm within her wary, she couldn't help but feel secretly alarmed.

Even if her inheritance was not half-failed, and she ascended to become a Gu Saint, it would only be equivalent to the Divine Realm in the Great Qian. Yet, Prince An traveled with two Divine Realm experts as bodyguards.

Even with some special reasons, it was enough to prove the strength of the Great Qian. Compared to them, the Sacred Gu Clan was too weak, too weak~~

The Sacred Gu Clan had almost no chance of contending with the Great Qian unless they could find the true inheritance secret tome or a method to safely evolve the Heavenly Silkworm into an Eleventh-Order Heavenly Emperor Butterfly...

Forget it~ Why think about such things? If it were that easy, the Gu Saints of past generations would have found a way long ago. Besides, by now, she had no other choice, thinking about it would only add to her troubles.

With a silent sigh, Saintess Dai's gaze once again swept over Wang Shouzhe's face, unable to help but marvel.

These people from the Great Qian were indeed all outstanding in appearance, especially Wang Shouzhe, who was truly handsome~ No wonder he captivated those young girls. In comparison, the boys in her village were too disappointing.

As she pondered, the auspicious time arrived.

Saintess Dai waved her hand, and the sound of drums and music resumed, as young men and women began dancing to please the ancestors. The atmosphere in the entire village became lively once more.

Amidst this joyful atmosphere, Saintess Dai led Wang Luojing onto the sacrificial platform.

Wang Shouzhe and the others watched from the side, finding it quite novel.

Contrary to their prior imagination, the Southern Barbarian Gu Clan's ancestral worship ceremony was unexpectedly simple, without lengthy eulogies or tedious praises. Saintess Dai merely performed a respectful worship and then announced her intention to pass the position of Saintess to Wang Luojing.

Her expression was solemn and serious, yet her tone was relaxed, as if reporting a joyous event to the ancestors, telling them that the Sacred Gu Clan had successors.

Even the offerings on the sacrificial platform were merely fresh fruits and freshly hunted, still bloody, fierce beast carcasses.

Seeing Wang Shouzhe and the others curious, a Gu elder who had visited the Wang's Clan explained to them through voice transmission: "In our Sacred Gu Clan's ancient legends, it is believed that after death, ancestors do not completely dissipate but transform into countless Gu spirits that merge into the world. Our ability to control Gu insects relies on the legacy of our ancestors."

"These fresh fruits and fierce beast carcasses used for the sacrifice will later be placed in the wild, allowing wild insects and our domesticated Gu insects to devour them."

As they spoke, Saintess Dai had already concluded the sacrificial ceremony.

From this moment on, Wang Luojing was recognized by the ancestors, officially becoming "Saintess Jing" from "Prospective Saintess Jing."

Of course, this was not the end of the Saintess inheritance ceremony.

Next, there was a more crucial step, which was to hand over the complete "Gu Saint True Method" and have the Sacred Gu "Heavenly Silkworm" recognize Wang Luojing as its master.

Only after completing this step would Wang Luojing truly become the Saintess of the Southern Barbarian Gu Clan.

From then on, her position would be unshakable.

At that moment, Saintess Dai instructed Granny Aya to bring the prepared jar.

It was a pottery jar, its surface polished to a dark sheen from years of use, appearing very ancient.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, former Saintess Dai first summoned the plump white Heavenly Silkworm, then extended her slender fingers, using a specially made thick needle to prick the tips of her five fingers.

Five drops of dark red blood immediately dripped into the pottery jar.

As soon as the blood left her body, former Saintess Dai's complexion turned extremely pale, and her body swayed, clearly exhausted. Granny Aya quickly stepped forward to support her, her heart aching.

Former Saintess Dai took a breath and began chanting an incantation in the ancient language of the Sacred Gu Clan.

As the incantation began, the previously languid Heavenly Silkworm suddenly perked up as if it had smelled something enticing. It quickly crawled into the pottery jar, licking the five drops of blood clean.

Moments later, it began spinning silk and forming a cocoon, soon transforming into a pale golden cocoon of light.

Former Saintess Dai was chanting a spell to dissolve the contract.

As the cocoon of light formed, her contract with the Heavenly Silkworm gradually weakened until it was completely severed. Former Saintess Dai's complexion worsened, and she appeared much older, as if her essence had been drained.

In the pottery jar, the Heavenly Silkworm, after consuming the five drops of former Saintess Dai's blood, transformed into a cocoon of light, emitting a powerful aura.

As the Sacred Gu Clan's legacy Gu, this Heavenly Silkworm had been nurtured by several generations of Gu Saints, making it significantly stronger than ordinary ninth-order Gu insects.

Now, as it cocooned, its power was unleashed, enveloping the entire sacrificial platform with a formidable and ancient aura.

The members of the Sacred Gu Clan below the platform instinctively displayed expressions of reverence.

"Jing, come here."

Former Saintess Dai, exhausted, beckoned Wang Luojing.

"Yes."

Wang Luojing calmly approached.

"Do as I taught you before, drip blood, chant the incantation, and complete the contract," former Saintess Dai instructed, "Be careful, you have at most two chances to contract. The incantation must not be wrong, not even a single tone."

She wasn't worried about the Heavenly Silkworm rejecting Wang Luojing, only concerned that Wang Luojing, unfamiliar with the ancient language of the Sacred Gu Clan, might mispronounce the incantation.

"Rest assured."

Wang Luojing, with a serious expression, took the thick needle from former Saintess Dai and prepared to contract the Heavenly Silkworm.

Seeing this, Wang Luojing's supporters showed expressions of joy.

Jing was finally becoming the Saintess~~ With her, the future of the Sacred Gu Clan would surely improve, no longer fearing war with the Great Qian.

Even Emperor Longchang, who had been grumbling internally, couldn't help but sigh.

Wang Shouzhe indeed had some skill. Who would have thought that he quietly conquered the Southern Border without bloodshed?

Hmm~~ This was thanks to my careful guidance, teaching him to look beyond immediate gains and plan for the long term.

Indeed, Shouzhe learned quickly.

A promising young man, I am deeply gratified.

But just then.

A loud voice interrupted from below the platform: "Wait! I oppose passing the Sacred Gu to Wang Luojing!"

Everyone was startled, seeing that the speaker was Elder Ga, his face dark and eyes cold.

Seeing everyone looking at him, Ga stood with his hands behind his back, unmoving like a mountain, clearly prepared for this moment.

"Ga, have you gone mad?" Elder Chan shouted angrily, "Prospective Saintess Jing's succession as Saintess was a unanimous decision by all our Sacred Gu Clan elders, and it has already been reported to the ancestors. What right do you have to oppose?"

"This is all a conspiracy by Wang Luojing and the Great Qian. They pretend to help our Sacred Gu Clan but harbor malicious intent," Elder Ga said, his eyes sharp as he looked around, his voice clear, "They use money and luxurious living to erode the will of our young people, using deceitful words to destroy our Sacred Gu Clan's grain production."

"Their goal is to completely enslave us, making us slaves in work and dogs of war."

"People, open your eyes and see! The Great Qian's army is watching us from just a few hundred miles outside the Gu God Village. Prince An has already infiltrated our Sacred Gu Clan, manipulating the succession of the Saintess."

"Don't you feel this is a disgrace?"

"Do you want our people to become slaves for generations?"

Elder Ga's series of inflammatory words caused many of those in power to fall into contemplation, and some young people outside the viewing platform, incited by those with ulterior motives, felt their blood boil, agreeing that Elder Ga was right, and that this was all a conspiracy by the Great Qian, and that Jing was unqualified to be the Saintess.

Emotions gradually grew agitated.

Under the instigation of some with ulterior motives, slogans soon rang out below the platform: "Saintess Dai, why are you selling the Sacred Gu Clan to the Great Qian, come out and explain!"

"Drive out Prince An! Drive out Prince An!"

Elder Chan and other elders supporting Jing looked embarrassed. Saintess Dai had just dissolved her contract with the Sacred Gu Heavenly Silkworm, greatly weakened, unable to control the situation by force.

Elder Ga's opposition at this moment clearly took advantage of this.

Saintess Dai's already pale face turned even more unsightly.

Seeing the situation suddenly turn, Prince An's guards quickly moved to protect Prince An and Wang Shouzhe.

"Heh, Shouzhe, you've capsized this time, haven't you?" Emperor Longchang's voice sounded in Wang Shouzhe's ear, "Let me teach you a lesson, no country's people can ever be completely united. There will always be those who, for power, will do things beyond your expectations."

However, despite his words, Emperor Longchang was not worried about failing to subdue the Southern Barbarian Gu Clan. After all, the Great Qian's hundred thousand elite troops were stationed nearby, and they could simply use force if necessary.

The young people of the Southern Barbarian Gu Clan had very weak fighting spirit now, and they had no grain to support resistance against the army.

Shouzhe's move was still executed beautifully.

"Your Majesty, promise me one thing, no matter what happens, don't get too emotional," Wang Shouzhe's voice transmission reached Emperor Longchang's ear.

"What? Why would I get emotional?" Emperor Longchang scoffed, "You underestimate me. This little scene won't even make my heart skip a beat."

He considered the current situation a minor issue, confident that with his strength as the Lingxu Emperor, he could ensure everyone's safety.

As the commotion grew.

"Silence!"

Wang Luojing's authoritative voice rang out, not loud, but sweeping across the venue like a wave.

Over the decades, Prospective Saintess Jing's reputation had grown throughout the Sacred Gu Clan, now praised by countless commoners, naturally possessing great authority.

In an instant, the scene fell silent, even those with ulterior motives temporarily ceased, fearing exposure.

"Since the Great Qian and the Wang's Clan began helping our Sacred Gu Clan, it has been less than forty years," Wang Luojing's demeanor was dignified, her voice reaching all directions, "The lives of our Sacred Gu Clan people have undergone earth-shaking changes. Our total population has grown from less than ten million to eighteen million, with the majority of the increase being young people and children."

"Now, which family's elders still need to 'bury with insects' to save grain? Which family is still hungry and cold? Conflicts between villages have also decreased. Everyone, reflect on how much life has changed compared to the past."

"Some say the Great Qian is a foreign race, harboring ill intentions toward the Sacred Gu Clan. But the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty's investigations and research have long proven that all countries and tribes on earth today, whether advanced or backward, are descendants of the Shenwu remnants, with no other races."

"We, the Sacred Gu Clan, and the people of the Great Qian, even the Southern Qin, Western Jin, or the Immortal Dynasty, have no difference in physical structure. Our blood flows with the same lineage—that of the Shenwu Royal Dynasty."

Wang Luojing's words resonated with many, especially the young people among the onlookers. Having grown accustomed to their current lives, they were unwilling to return to the past.

Moreover, having witnessed the prosperity and strength of the Great Qian, they were unwilling to go to war with it.

"Saintess Jing, Saintess Jing!"

Wang Luojing's supporters began chanting slogans, supporting her succession as Saintess.

Elder Chan stepped forward again: "Isn't it good for everyone to prosper together, develop together, and move toward a better future? If anyone harbors ill intentions, seeking to destroy the Sacred Gu Clan's fortune, they are my enemy!"

"And mine too," Elder Qi declared.

One by one, the Gu elders stood to express their stance.

The two factions seemed to be at an impasse, leaving many neutrals unsure of how to choose.

...

Almost simultaneously.

In a dense forest dozens of miles outside the Gu God Village.

A three-hundred-strong team was hidden within the forest. Their auras were restrained and long, blending with the forest. Though their armor and weapons were standard equipment, they were all mid-grade magical treasures.

Flags fluttered in the wind, emitting invisible energy, filling the forest with mist, isolating it from divine senses and other probing methods.

They were the renowned Grand Marshal's Guard Camp.

This guard camp had high standards, with the minimum requirement for joining being the early stages of the Celestial Realm, and it included three Purple Mansion Realm cultivators, with many core members in the mid to late stages of the Celestial Realm.

Thus, even with only three hundred members, it was a formidable force.

They were tasked not only with protecting the Grand Marshal from enemy decapitation tactics but also with taking on critical assault roles when necessary.

Unlike ordinary Basalt cultivators, they came from a military background, with reliable loyalty, strict discipline, and proficiency in military formations. Their collective combat ability was far superior to cultivators from ordinary families.

On the outer region battlefield, the reputation of the Great Qian's Grand Marshal's Guard Camp was well-known, having successfully trapped and killed several Divine Realm demons as an assault force, earning great fame.

At the forefront of this team.

Grand Marshal Xiao Limei stood with hands behind his back, his silhouette carrying a hint of melancholy in the cold wind.

In the distance.

Prince Dexin and Luo Yuqing were negotiating with a Southern Barbarian Gu Clan member covered in tattoos.

"Wa Bake, you failed to ambush the Wang's Clan and fled, then volunteered to return to the Southern Barbarian Gu Clan to accumulate strength, preparing to cooperate with me from within. That is correct. But why did you not report the drastic changes in the Southern Barbarian Gu Clan to me?" Prince Dexin's expression was slightly displeased, "Have you betrayed me?"

"Your Highness, all my actions in the Sacred Gu Clan were cautious, focused on hiding and secretly accumulating strength, so I couldn't act rashly," Wa Bake was also annoyed, "I didn't expect Your Highness to be unable to grasp such obvious intelligence."

"I'm now questioning whether Your Highness can control the situation, don't let my hard-won allies be wasted. Back then, it was your poor intelligence and severe underestimation of the Wang's Clan's strength that led to my failed ambush, nearly getting me killed by the Wang's Clan!"

Facing Wa Bake's questioning and anger, Prince Dexin couldn't help but feel embarrassed, glaring at Luo Yuqing beside him. Dawn and Luo Yuqing were becoming increasingly unreliable.

"Your Highness," Luo Yuqing also expressed dissatisfaction, "I am from the Immortal Dynasty, and I gave up everything to assist Commandery Prince Kang. Frankly, Dawn bears little responsibility for the failed imperial struggle."

"Now, we're living like rats, making intelligence gathering extremely difficult. If you think Yuqing is inadequate, why not remove me, and I'll return to the Immortal Dynasty."

She had a tone of "if you think I'm not good enough, do it yourself."

Prince Dexin felt a surge of annoyance.

Truly "a dragon trapped in shallow waters is teased by shrimp." Back in the day, who dared not listen to him? Now even Wa Bake and Luo Yuqing dared to speak to him like this. However, at this moment, how much power could he actually wield?

Reluctantly, he had to placate Wa Bake and Luo Yuqing, his tone softening, "I understand the current situation is difficult, but after this, we can turn the tide. I only ask you, Wa Bake, can you and your accumulated forces control the gates of the Gu God Village and stabilize the internal situation?"

"Yes. After all, my influence from back then remains, and some old brothers disapprove of Saintess Dai's ways," Wa Bake said solemnly, "Especially Elder Ga, he's been waiting for my return."

"Good, as long as you can control the gates and the situation, we can win this time," Prince Dexin said excitedly, "Prince An's side only has two Divine Realm guardians and a group of young boys, they can't match our military strength."

"Wa Bake, Yuqing, don't worry. Once successful, you'll get what you want."

Prince Dexin spoke with conviction, but internally, he noted their behavior for future reference.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Wa Bake and Luo Yuqing both saluted.

For a moment, Prince Dexin's eyes burned with fervor.

The time had come, a single move would decide victory or defeat, everyone!

...