Chapter 1238 - 9: Shouzhe Gains [True Skill]! Lici Returns to the Homeland

Time passed quickly.

Unknowingly, Wang Shouzhe had already been staying in Yoongchun Garden within the Cyan Emperor Valley for nearly three months.

With Wang Lingzhu as his guide, he had visited all the worthwhile and accessible attractions within Lingyun Sacred Land during this time. He also met his fifth younger sister, Wang Luqiu, during this period.

However, Luqiu had always been strong-willed, and after briefly accompanying Wang Shouzhe and Ning Xi, she once again dedicated herself to intense cultivation.

It was very evident that her childhood dream of becoming an Empress had never waned, and she was determined to make it a reality no matter what.

For Wang Shou during these three short months, it was an eye-opening experience, as he hadn’t anticipated that array techniques could have so many variations. This gave him a lot of inspiration.

He had already decided that upon his return, he would make some adjustments to his family’s Spirit Gathering Array to uncover new functionalities, such as a specialized prenatal room, birthing room, and nursery that slightly increased newborns’ innate talents using high concentration spiritual qi... and other supporting facilities.

Having spent so much money building the Spirit Gathering Array, it was necessary to make full use of it.

In the leisurely ease.

On this day.

The day finally arrived for Saint Master Jiang Zhencang to summon Wang Shouzhe after seclusion.

However, Jiang Zhencang did not arrange the meeting in the more formal Lingyun Saint Hall, but rather in the side hall of his own residence, even sending his designated successor, Wang Yingxuan, to greet them, which was a great honor to Wang Shouzhe and his companions.

Contrary to the status of the Master of the Saint Land, Jiang Zhencang’s residence was not luxurious at all; it was a rather unimpressive courtyard with blue tiles, providing a stark contrast to the magnificent Lingyun Saint Hall.

Nonetheless, the courtyard was meticulously arranged, with small bridges over flowing water, green trees, and red flowers, demonstrating a very elaborate layout that indicated the owner’s meticulous care and was filled with the atmosphere of life.

Led by Wang Yingxuan, Wang Shouzhe and his party passed through the moon gate and walked along the winding corridor, quickly arriving at a side hall.

The side hall was located by a pool, with blue stone slabs laid by the poolside and a peach tree in full bloom at the entrance.

The decoration of the side hall was also extremely simple, resembling the courtyards of most southern small noble families, so ordinary that it seemed abnormal.

"Grandfather, this courtyard was built by Master in imitation of the one he lived in before entering the Saint Land. It’s meant to remind himself not to forget his original aspiration," Wang Yingxuan explained when she noticed Wang Shouzhe’s curiosity, "Master is inside, let’s go in."

With that, she led Wang Shouzhe and the others inside.

As soon as Wang Shouzhe entered, he immediately noticed a figure.

It was a tall figure, standing and observing a map of the Outer Domain Battlefield.

The person wore a deep cyan robe and had a jade crown on his head. Though his hair was already graying, his posture was still as straight as an arrow.

Like an old pine tree on a cliff, enduring the harsh winters and torrid summers, battered by violent winds and storms, yet never swayed, persistently extending its branches skyward.

Wang Shouzhe adopted a solemn expression, immediately stepping forward and giving a deep bow: "Shouzhe and his great-grandson Ning Xi, and great-grandson-in-law Lingbo, pay respects to Saint Master Jiang."

From the bottom of his heart, he truly admired Jiang Zhencang.

During the nearly three thousand years he served as the Saint Master of Lingyun Sacred Land, he bore the responsibility of educating the Daqian and shouldered the heavy burden of defending the main forces of the Outer Domain Battlefield.

Generation after generation, disciples from the Saint Land and the various Academies ventured to the Outer Domain Battlefield, fearlessly fighting on the front lines against life and death, using their weapons and flesh and blood to resist the invasion of Outer Domain Demons, making sacrifices and contributions to the prosperity and stability within Daqian.

Even Jiang Zhencang, the Saint Master, often needed to take turns guarding the Outer Domain Battlefield. Over these three thousand years, the Outer Domain demons that died directly or indirectly at his hands were already innumerable.

One could say, without these people holding the front lines, the current stable life would not be possible.

"Shouzhe has arrived," Jiang Zhencang turned and looked Wang Shouzhe up and down, smiling warmly, "It’s said that Shouzhe is handsome like a jade tree in the wind, with the demeanor of an immortal, and seeing you today proves it true."

"Saint Master overpraises," Wang Shouzhe replied modestly, "Compared to Saint Master’s sublime bearing, akin to an ancient immortal descended to the mortal world, Shouzhe still has much to improve."

After some mutual flattery.

Jiang Zhencang briefly greeted the two juniors as well, instructing Wang Yingxuan to entertain them and show them around, and then warmly took Wang Shouzhe aside, saying: "It’s rare to meet Shouzhe, let’s set other matters aside for now and play a game of chess."

Then, he eagerly set up the chessboard.

"..."

Wang Shouzhe remained silent.

An hour later, Jiang Zhencang laughed heartily: "Shouzhe’s chess skills are indeed as delightful as rumored."

Two hours later, Jiang Zhencang’s laughter became even more amiable: "I truly regret not having met Shouzhe sooner."

Three hours later, Jiang Zhencang reluctantly said: "Enough, enough, one must exercise restraint regarding indulgence, let’s end here for today."

You are in the Lingxu Realm, it’s up to you.

Wang Shouzhe placed down his chess piece, ending this "game" of chess.

At this time, across from him, Jiang Zhencang had already brought a set of tea utensils and placed them on the table between them.

"Shouzhe, have a taste, this is Immortal Tea produced from the Tier Twelve Peak Enlightenment Tea Tree of the Immortal Palace, it must be brewed with top-tier Immortal Spring water to reveal its magical flavor."