Protect Our Patriarch
Book 5: Chapter 123: Wang Lixian's strength is disappointing

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The western coastal shores of Muzhen Continent are renowned for their grandeur, danger, and uniqueness. The winding and lengthy coastline resembles a natural protective barrier.

One of the main reasons for this coastline is that the terrain of Muzhen Continent is narrow and long from north to south, lacking the east-west flowing giant rivers that bring in large amounts of silt to form alluvial plains.

Over time, the coastline has been eroded by tides and hurricanes, forming rugged and bizarre cliffs. Of course, there are also many pristine and beautiful white sandy beaches scattered along the coast.

Unfortunately, in the Basalt world, these beaches are worthless, and no one has the leisure to wear a bikini and sunbathe on them.

However, humans are known for their adaptability.

Even in such harsh environments, there are still human settlements and clans stationed and surviving. They risk their lives to collect treasures like the Jade Claw Snail and Black Jade Spirit Abalone from the sea cliffs, or hunt the Spirit Swordfish with harpoons during the fishing season, to exchange for necessary resources for survival or cultivation.

These precious ingredients are purchased by specialized merchant caravans and transported to commandery cities or capitals for the wealthy to enjoy.

Currently, it is the ocean current season, and the villages and clans that rely on the sea for survival are busy.

The number of fishing boats on the vast sea has noticeably increased, and the frequency of fishermen going out to sea has also risen. From afar, one can see the white sails billowing in the wind on the sea's surface.

For a ninth-grade clan, capturing a third-tier Spirit Swordfish is considered a great harvest, enough to cover the entire clan's expenses for a year with surplus.

However, the third-tier Spirit Swordfish is very fierce, and hunting it is risky. Therefore, some allied clans choose to join forces for the hunt and distribute the harvest based on their contributions afterward.

Compared to previous years, these clans are particularly excited this year.

In the past six months, the prices of delicacies like Jade Claw Snail, Black Jade Spirit Abalone, and even Red Shell have soared, with purchase prices doubling from previous years.

The merchant caravans have openly announced that they provide cold crystal boxes, and as soon as the Spirit Swordfish is caught, it is immediately bled and cut, then placed in the cold crystal box, with prices at least double those of previous years!

Upon confirming the news, the clans in these remote areas were thrilled.

This is a great opportunity to make a fortune. With some effort, a year's harvest could equal two years' worth, allowing them to save more "Zhou Gold" to buy more Cultivation Pills for their children with good bloodline aptitude.

People were puzzled and discussed why the prices of these delicacies had risen so much.

After communicating with the merchant caravans, they learned that the Northern Zhou had opened trade routes with a country called "Eastern Qian," exchanging goods with each other.

These products sell exceptionally well in Eastern Qian, often selling out as soon as they arrive.

Upon hearing this, people were shocked.

Are the people of Eastern Qian really that wealthy?

However, in recent days, there have indeed been significant changes in prices. While the prices of specialty seafood products have risen, the prices of many daily necessities have plummeted. For example, iron pots, which used to cost three to four Zhou Gold, have now dropped to less than two Zhou Gold.

Other items like bowls, ladles, hoes, sickles, knives, and ceramics have also seen significant price drops, and the price of spirit rice has fallen repeatedly.

Even more astonishingly, some basic pills have become cheaper.

The price of the Cultivation Pill has dropped to below seven Zhou Gold, and even the fourth-grade spirit pill, Tianling Dan, coveted by every low-grade clan, has fallen to twenty-three thousand Zhou Gold.

For low-grade clans or commoners, this is a tremendous boon!

With skyrocketing income and plummeting expenses, this is a dream come true. Their lives have become much more comfortable, as if the pressures that once suffocated them have suddenly vanished.

Of course, the subsequent impact of the Northern Zhou's trade with Eastern Qian is just the tip of the iceberg, but the changes it brings are tangible.

These days, the expressions on the faces of people from low-grade clans have relaxed, and there are more smiles. Occasionally, they even indulge in better meals.

While the fishermen were busy, high above the sea, a Yun Yao flying boat gracefully flew over the coastline, heading straight for the capital, Muxian City.

Under the sunlight, its light blue surface shimmered with a flowing brilliance, making it particularly eye-catching.

The massive wings of the flying boat sliced through the clouds like a blade through fabric, instantly tearing the clouds into countless fragments, stirring the sky into a myriad of scenes.

Just this fleeting glimpse left the local clans and commoners in awe, unable to forget it for a long time.

Ordinary people didn't even know what it was, but those knowledgeable Lingtai Realm ancestors had heard of the legendary Yun Yao flying boat.

However, these ancestors of remote clans had spent their entire lives in one place. Forget about riding a Yun Yao flying boat; many had never even seen it.

Some families that had developed well, with outstanding young members of lower-grade A-level, had already started planning.

The family should seize the opportunity of improved income in recent years, work harder, and invest more resources in their children. If they are fortunate enough to nurture a young prodigy, they can send them to the commandery city to broaden their horizons and seek development opportunities.

Many times, the wishes of low-grade clans are just that simple.

Meanwhile, on the Yun Yao flying boat that sparked countless imaginations, a different scene unfolded.

Inside the spacious cabin, large wooden crates filled with high-value products from the Changning Wang's Clan, such as high-end glassware, skincare products, crafting products, spirit paper, various spirit rice seeds, spirit tea, coffee, and even pills produced by the Wang's Alchemy Division.

Only light, small, high-profit products are worth transporting by Yun Yao flying boat, as the cost of a round trip is not low.

As for mass-produced items like iron pots and other low-value, high-volume daily necessities, they can only be transported by cargo ships.

Moreover, they cannot be transported directly across the ocean but must take a detour from the Northern Frozen Ocean for safety and to have supply stations along the way.

Overall, the speed is much slower than the Yun Yao flying boat.

Of course, the cargo capacity is much larger.

In addition to the cargo hold, the Yun Yao flying boat also has many passenger cabins, and the prices are naturally very expensive, especially the VIP cabins, which are luxuriously designed by the Wang's Restaurant designers.

Just one VIP ticket costs more than what an entire ninth-grade clan could save in several years without eating or drinking.

In short, it's exorbitant!

No wonder the Han Yue Yao Clan has been thriving in recent years, becoming incredibly wealthy.

Especially the young talent Yao Chengchao from the Yao Clan, who, after associating with the Wang's Clan, has risen to become the second most prominent figure among the younger generation of his family.

Not long ago, he successfully inherited the Lingxu Codex from Yao Yuangang of the Chaoyang King's residence, with a bright future ahead.

In such a situation, his mood can be described as "riding high on the spring breeze."

"Senior, are you satisfied with the meal prepared by our head chef?" In the 180-degree panoramic restaurant, Yao Chengchao was all smiles, bowing and serving a stunningly beautiful woman.

She wore a fashionable fiery red slit dress that accentuated her already alluring aura, making her even more captivating. Her charm was natural, and every word and gesture exuded an enchanting allure.

Especially her seductive peach blossom eyes, which seemed to have hooks that could captivate one's soul.

Upon hearing Yao Chengchao's words, she glanced at him with a half-smile, "Young man, if you keep bothering the customers, don't blame me for not giving Old Yao face and devouring you whole."

"Ahem!" Yao Chengchao felt a chill in his heart, hurriedly laughed dryly, and explained, "Senior Nine Tails, please don't misunderstand. I'm just doing my job, routinely checking our high-end customers' flight experience."

Clearly, this mature and beautiful woman was none other than the Nine-Tailed Demon Emperor, one of the three great demon emperors of the Myriad Demon Nation.

"Nonsense. I see you're drooling like a creepy uncle."

The little girl sitting on the sofa opposite the mature woman rolled her eyes and mercilessly mocked Yao Chengchao.

This little girl was as delicate as a porcelain doll, cute and spirited, yet her words were merciless, "It's really embarrassing. I don't know how Grandpa Yao chose you as the heir."

"Exactly! My mom is already of a certain age, how can you have such poor taste?" The little girl was accompanied by a beautiful and petite seven-tailed fire fox, who also spoke human words, mocking, "I'm so pretty, and you don't even spare a glance. Of course, even if you pursued me, I wouldn't agree. I've long been Brother Shouzhe's fox."

This delicate little girl was naturally Wang Lixian.

However, it wasn't her true form but one of Wang Lixian's avatars.

Since advancing to the ninth tier, Wang Lixian could split into three avatars. One was sent to the Immortal Dynasty to join Wang Fugui and Wang Anye, one stayed home to study with her true form, and the last one was here.

And the fox was the Fire Fox Ancestor of the Yuwen Clan, Yuwen Chi Wei.

She had no memory of her mother since childhood, and although she had reunited with her mother, the Nine-Tailed Demon Emperor, the relationship was naturally not very strong.

"Young ladies, please spare me." Yao Chengchao felt extremely embarrassed, fearing he might become collateral damage, and quickly found an excuse to leave, "I'll go check with the head chef to prepare some delicious food for you."

With that, he left in a hurry.

After Yao Chengchao left, the Nine-Tailed Demon Emperor glared at Chi Wei, "You little fox, you haven't even transformed yet, and you're always going on about Brother Shouzhe. Aren't you embarrassed?"

"This is none of your business. Brother Shouzhe and I have been engaged for a long time. He promised to marry me as a concubine once I transform." Yuwen Chi Wei retorted, "In the future, you're not allowed to be alone with Brother Shouzhe, and definitely not allowed to use your fox charms on him. Don't think I don't know you've tried several times, but he ignores you because he thinks you're too old and have had children."

The Nine-Tailed Demon Emperor was almost infuriated to death.

What do you mean by "too old and have had children"? Didn't I give birth to you?

"You should be more cautious. Wang Shouzhe is a man of deep scheming." The Nine-Tailed Demon Emperor rolled her eyes and tapped her forehead with a slender finger, "With your naive and silly demeanor, even if he sells you one day, you'd happily count the money for him."

"As long as Brother Shouzhe needs it, I'd be willing to be sold by him." Yuwen Chi Wei tilted her head, pouting, and gave her a white-eyed look.

"You ungrateful little thing~" The Nine-Tailed Demon Emperor was so angry her eyebrows stood on end, "I'm working for Wang Shouzhe at my age, just to earn some money to replenish your lost vitality over the years. Bringing you to the Northern Zhou is also to broaden your horizons~ Are you trying to anger your mother to death?"

She was on the Yun Yao flying boat because she had accepted Wang Shouzhe's employment to handle matters in the Northern Zhou.

With her status as the Nine-Tailed Demon Emperor, how could she bend for five bushels of rice? Naturally, she refused.

But the price Wang Shouzhe offered was too high for her to refuse.

After all, Chi Wei had not grown up by her side, had suffered countless hardships, and had not been nurtured according to the secret methods of their Nine-Tailed Fox clan. She was inherently lacking, resulting in her cultivation being only at the seventh tier at her current age.

According to Wang Shouzhe, she almost failed to transcend the seventh-tier thunder tribulation.

Feeling deeply guilty, the Nine-Tailed Demon Emperor naturally wanted to gather top-notch treasures to make up for her deficiencies over the years and restore her foundation as much as possible.

"Sister Chi Wei, Aunt Nine Tails, please stop arguing." Wang Lixian advised, "We're all family, and we should live in harmony and love each other. I like both of you, so why not marry my father as concubines..."

"..." The Nine-Tailed Demon Emperor was stunned, pinching Wang Lixian's ear, "You little girl, tell me honestly, did your father teach you to say this? Wang Shouzhe, you greedy man, always wanting more!"

"Hehe, that's a good idea. I'll ask Liu Ruolan's opinion later. If she's okay with it, we mother and daughter have no problem!"

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At the same time.

Far away at the old residence, Wang Shouzhe, who was enjoying a leisurely life under the shade of a tree, suddenly sneezed twice, feeling a slight chill in his heart.

This made him frown.

Why would he suddenly have a bad premonition?

Could it be that some part of the grand plan had gone wrong?

He calmed down and began to carefully review the plan. However, no matter how he thought about it, he couldn't find any issues. Every aspect seemed carefully considered, and there shouldn't be any problems.

Poor Wang Shouzhe couldn't have guessed that his precious daughter had inadvertently planted a seed of trouble for him.

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In the capital of the Northern Zhou, Muxian City.

Inside the Princess Luojia's Mansion.

In the luxurious and grand study, a graceful figure sat behind the desk, frowning and listening seriously to the complaints of a group of royal elders.

This figure was naturally Princess Luojia.

She had been quite troubled lately.

Since signing the trade agreement with Eastern Qian, both sides had sent merchant caravans to each other's countries.

This had both positive and negative aspects.

The positive side was that many of Eastern Qian's products were of high quality and affordable, selling well. They conducted business meticulously, paid taxes according to regulations, and never delayed customs duties, significantly boosting the national treasury.

In the future, as trade intensifies, the previously dwindling treasury will surely be replenished.

Many projects that were previously unaffordable can now be launched, indirectly enhancing the power and prestige of the royal family and the court.

Additionally, the reduction in the prices of daily necessities is beneficial to low-grade clans and commoners. This has given them more disposable income to pursue other endeavors.

However, for those clans controlling industries or independent artisans, the benefits of trade were nonexistent, and they were deeply affected.

A single Cultivation Pill, after long-distance transportation and substantial customs duties, sold for just over six Zhou Gold... only sixty percent of the price in the Northern Zhou.

This left many clans' alchemy workshops struggling to survive.

Moreover, industries like clothing, crafting, and spirit seeds were also heavily impacted, facing comprehensive competition from Eastern Qian in terms of cost, quality, and after-sales service.

These related products couldn't even compete with Eastern Qian in their own backyard, let alone export to them.

The Northern Zhou could only export resource-based commodities like various metal ingots, spiritual wood materials, specialty ingredients, and future labor to Eastern Qian...

As the two countries began exchanging and trading, many people learned about the treatment for the same jobs in Eastern Qian and immediately felt dissatisfied. Many were already preparing to travel thousands of miles to work in Eastern Qian, and organizations specializing in labor brokerage had emerged.

The only consolation for Princess Luojia was that the clan most affected wasn't just any clan but the King of Wei's Mansion.

The King of Wei's Mansion had been thriving in recent years, monopolizing or dominating various industries, making substantial profits and living comfortably. But with Eastern Qian's products entering the market, they were the first to bear the brunt.

Furthermore, the royal family's foundational industries, such as agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and forestry, were all in turmoil, except for forestry, which remained relatively unaffected.

There was no way around it; Eastern Qian's ordinary grains and spirit rice were too cheap.

And in livestock and fisheries, the Northern Zhou couldn't compete with Eastern Qian.

After finally appeasing and sending off the royal relatives who came to complain, Princess Luojia rubbed her temples and asked the maid, "Where is Young Master Shouye? Didn't I ask you to invite him?"

The maid hurriedly replied in fear, "I went to invite him, but Young Master Shouye's guard said he was in the final stages of refining a batch of Soul Molding Sacred Dan and couldn't be disturbed. He will come over once he's done."

Soul Molding Sacred Dan!

Upon hearing this, Princess Luojia felt a mix of daze and relief.

This is a seventh-grade Holy Pill, and there isn't a single alchemist in the entire Northern Zhou capable of independently refining a seventh-grade pill. Yet, Young Master Shouye can do it alone, truly a genius of the ages.

However, this genius is indeed quite peculiar...

She had invited Shouye to help with alchemy under the pretense of hiring him, and he gladly accepted, moving into the Princess Luojia's Mansion.

But after entering the mansion, he had buried himself in the alchemy workshop, and in an entire year, they had barely seen each other.

He was either refining pills or refining pills...

Whether it was the royal family, clans, or sacred lands seeking his alchemical services, he accepted all requests, following the rules for commissions, and if a batch failed, it was left to fate.

His alchemy speed was fast, the quality was good, and the success rate was high, naturally attracting countless clients!

Throughout the year, he was busy without rest, yet Wang Shouye was happy and fulfilled. Without the family having to invest in expensive raw materials, he had numerous opportunities to practice, leaving him content.

Moreover, guided by the Mysterious Pill Treasure Tome, his alchemical skills were improving rapidly, advancing by leaps and bounds.

He had even begun attempting to refine seventh-grade Holy Pills.

But this obsession with alchemy couldn't continue like this, or their future life together would lack any romance, Princess Luojia thought, filled with fragmented thoughts.

At that moment.

A family retainer reported that Yao Chengchao from Yao's Air Transport had come to see the princess, claiming to have brought Young Master Shouye's family to visit him.

Yao Chengchao?

He was one of the most prominent figures among the younger generation in the Immortal Dynasty.

As for Young Master Shouye's family... Princess Luojia naturally intended to meet them personally.

A stick of incense later.

In the reception hall of the Princess's Mansion.

Princess Luojia had changed clothes, carefully dressed, and made thorough preparations. She had set out the best tea and snacks from the mansion, ready to meet Shouye's family and leave a good impression.

However, she never expected that the person led into the reception hall by the maid was a stunning woman holding a fox in one hand and leading a delicate little girl in the other.

Seeing this scene, Princess Luojia was momentarily stunned.

Then her pupils suddenly contracted, and an involuntary thought arose in her mind.

Could this woman, with her unparalleled beauty, have traveled thousands of miles to find Shouye, be Young Master Shouye's wife?

In an instant, Princess Luojia instinctively felt a tinge of tension and hostility.

It felt as if she had seduced someone's husband, and the original wife had come with children to settle the score.

The Nine-Tailed Demon Emperor was incredibly perceptive.

She, too, immediately sensed Princess Luojia's unusual reaction, and suspicion arose in her heart.

Could it be that Wang Shouzhe sent her to the Northern Zhou to assist Shouye because of this woman?

Could this be Wang Shouzhe's beauty confidante outside?

As their eyes met, sparks seemed to fly in the air.

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