Protect Our Clan Leader

In the Instructing Dao Palace of Changchun Valley.

Wang Shouzhe had just expressed his farewell to Master Changchun and was turning towards the palace gate, preparing to leave.

Suddenly,

The vast, stacked layers of clouds in the sky began to churn violently.

A hearty laughter echoed across the heavens, reaching from far within the endless sky.

“Elder Changchun, I am Xuanyao. Following the traditions of the Academic Palace, today, I will personally accompany the new disciples to call on you. I wonder if you will welcome us?”

His words were modest, but his tone held an inescapable excitement, as if he could hardly contain his anticipation for the upcoming happenings.

Upon hearing this, Master Changchun’s usually serene face turned slightly.

Xuanyao has come personally? Why would he…?

Noticing Master Changchun’s reaction, Wang Shouzhe halted his footsteps and asked, “Master Changchun, what’s happening exactly?”

Confusion filled his mind. Could there be a feud between Master Xuanyao and Master Changchun?

Master Changchun sighed, “Ah, it’s an unfortunate tradition within the Academic Palace.”

Then he quickly and concisely explained the situation.

Er…

Wang Shouzhe now understood the turn of events.

So this was what happened after the Academical Palace received its core disciples. It seems quite normal now that I think about it. After all, after taking in new disciples, it’s fair to show them off a bit. It seems there is indeed competition among the masters.

Appearing helpless, Master Changchun spoke, “My Changchun lineage has always preferred not to quarrel with others. Each time, disciples from all other lineages would take turns to visit and pay their respects. Master Xuanyao’s personal visits invariably mean he had selected a highly satisfactory disciple.”

“Oh, well. This does occur every three years.”

Normally, Master Changchun could avoid these situations and out of sight is out of mind.

However, this time, with Master Xuanyao personally calling, as per the etiquette, Master Changchun wasn’t able to dodge.

Seeing Master Changchun’s gloomy expression, Wang Shouzhe pitched in, “Indeed, this tradition is not beneficial. It does not promote stable growth.”

Upon hearing this, Master Changchun looked at Wang Shouzhe with a peculiar expression and said pensively, “The noble Wang Longyan was the most passionate about this tradition. Back in the days, every three years, Wang Longyan as the core disciple of Mysterious Ice lineage, would come with his new disciples to visit my Changchun Valley.”

“Er…”

Wang Shouzhe was speechless and couldn’t help feeling a bit awkward.

He now understood why Master Changchun’s face changed whenever he spoke of Longyan, the old ancestor.

He also recalled why Longyan, the old ancestor, hesitated so much whenever talking about the Changchun lineage. Only mentioning that Master Changchun lived a long life. And that a senior brother from Changchun lineage could tolerate a lot.

Beyond that, there wasn’t much praise.

So that’s how it was!

Wang Shouzhe felt quite absurd within.

It seems that my ancestor Longyan wasn’t very pleasant in his youth.

While they were talking, Master Changchun had already reached the palace gate and spoke aloud, facing the sky with his hands behind his back.

“Since it is a traditional celebration, Changchun Valley welcomes it. Feel free to bring your disciples.”

Without any noticeable effort, his deep voice pierced through the clouds, reverb-rating across the vast sky, travelling far and wide.

His voice sounded calm, unbearably free and easy. But Wang Shouzhe could distinguish a touch of absolute despair and emptiness.

If Master Changchun had truly been indifferent, he wouldn’t have reacted so sensitively when mentioning Longyan, the old ancestor.

Wang Shouzhe, who had earlier decided to leave, suddenly decided to reconsider, at least until he could understand the situation better.

If none of Master Changchun’s disciples could stand up for him, he would step in and do his best to save face, considering it as a return of the favor he’d received earlier.

Master Xuanyao’s laughter just now was the equivalent of sending an invitation.

Now, numerous people started to gather at the lush and festive open square outside the Instructing Dao Palace of Changchun Valley. These were all disciples of the Changchun lineage who had received the news and had rushed here from all corners.

In a short while, the entire Changchun Valley became laden with an atmosphere as if indicating the calm before a storm.

Soon, the large square was filled with people.

“Eh? Junior Brother, you’re here too.” The one speaking was the same senior sister who had given Wang Shouzhe directions earlier.

“I have yet to know the name of my Senior Sister,” Wang Shouzhe greeted with a bow.

“My name is Liu Yuqin, a direct descendant of the Liu Clan of Chu Yun.” Liu Yuqin flushed quickly, “I am twenty-eight years old, at the middle segment of Level Eight in the Vital Energy Refining Realm and I am still unmarried.”

Wang Shouzhe couldn’t help but be stunned, feeling speechless and amazed.

This senior sister, I just asked for your name, why would you even disclose your family background and marital status? Isn’t it a rule in the Academic Palace to not discuss such matters?

However, it’s her level of capability that shines through.

In fact, most of the disciples in the Purple Abode Academic Palace were of the same level. Those who could reach Spirit Platform Realm before the age of thirty-five are considered excellent disciples and have a chance to challenge for the status of core disciple.

Suddenly, Liu Yuqin’s face changed as if she had realized something, and she quickly whispered, “The Academic Palace discourages mentioning which prominent family one hails from. Please don’t disclose it after hearing, junior brother.”

“You can rest assured, Senior Sister, I will keep this confidential.” Wang Shouzhe responded seriously.

While speaking, he suddenly remembered something, “Speaking of the Liu Clan of Chu Yun, it seems there is someone called Liu Yunlong. What’s your relationship with him?”

“Eh, you know my clansman Yunlong?” Liu Yuqin seemed surprised, “My brother Yunlong is a good man, it’s just a pity that his talent is somewhat lacking.”

His talent isn’t lacking now, though.

Wang Shouzhe thought to himself.

It seems their family hasn’t had a chance to inform her yet.

But even if they did, it wouldn’t make much difference. Liu Yuqin was merely a regular disciple, not yet at a level where she could influence others.