Protect Our Patriarch-Chapter 92Book 5: : Prosperity and wealth! Promotion of the treasure tree

...

The inheritance grounds of the Xuanhuang True Technique, when you get down to it, are just an ordinary earth-element bloodline inheritance, nothing particularly rare.

If it were truly a powerful true technique, the Wei Clan would have kept it hidden rather than selling it.

For such a Divine Realm inheritance, fifty million immortal crystals is about the ceiling; bidding higher might not be worthwhile.

For a moment, the representatives from various clans who were interested in acquiring the Xuanhuang True Technique hesitated.

Amidst their hesitation, a hearty laugh came from the box where the Northern Territory King was seated: "Thank you all for giving face to me, the Northern Territory King."

The Northern Territory King, who initially resisted the idea, now treasures Fugui like a gem and naturally wants to help him out.

"Northern Territory King," the auctioneer, True Lord of Three Treasures, glanced at the box with a slightly displeased look on his refined and elegant face, "Please do not disrupt the rules of my auction, or don't blame me for expelling you."

"Haha, True Lord, you overstate it. It won't happen again, it won't happen again," the Northern Territory King replied with a chuckle.

With the Northern Territory King's intervention, many clan representatives who were hesitating decisively gave up on raising their bids. Firstly, the cost-effectiveness of a forced bid was too low, and secondly, offending the Northern Territory King over a true technique wasn't worth it.

Naturally, Wang Fugui successfully acquired the inheritance grounds of the Xuanhuang True Technique.

Following this, the second inheritance grounds entered the auction.

This was an inheritance grounds for the Xuanyuan True Technique, resembling a pagoda in appearance, similar to the Wang Clan's Nine-layer Xuanyuan Tower, as seen in the images provided by the Treasure Pavilion.

Its starting bid was forty million immortal crystals.

This time, Wang Fugui secured it again with a high bid of fifty-two million immortal crystals.

Wang Fugui was even more satisfied with this Xuanyuan True Technique inheritance grounds.

The Wang Clan primarily cultivates Xuanyuan-type profound arts, and although this technique is average in all aspects without any particularly outstanding features, it excels in compatibility and has no obvious flaws. Moreover, the more one cultivates it, the purer and more robust the profound energy becomes.

"The Xuanyuan True Technique is a universal technique from the Shenwu period, specifically devised by His Majesty the Holy Emperor to promote cultivation methods, reportedly perfected over thousands of years," the King of the South patiently explained to Wang Fugui. "At that time, there were many cultivators practicing the Xuanyuan technique both among civilians and in the military. When we descendants explore ruins, it's relatively easy to find Xuanyuan True Technique inheritance grounds or even the Xuanyuan Manual. Take the Jing'an Wei Clan, for example; they have two Xuanyuan True Technique inheritance grounds, and this is why they put one up for auction."

"Your main branch, the Han Yue Wang's Clan, only has one manual, the Xuanyuan Manual, and there are a total of four Xuanyuan Manuals being passed down in the entire Han Yue Immortal Dynasty, with one within our Yun Clan."

After Wang Fugui secured the second inheritance grounds, the third, the Red Fire Heavenly Pool, also entered the auction process.

This was another ordinary fire-element Divine Realm inheritance, without any significant uniqueness.

However, precisely because of its ordinary nature, its universality made it more marketable. Unlike some more niche inheritance grounds, which, although potentially offering stronger post-cultivation power, have rather stringent inheritance conditions, making them less marketable.

Wang Fugui calmly bid all the way to fifty-three million immortal crystals, securing the Red Fire Heavenly Pool once again.

With this, Wang Fugui had acquired a total of twelve Divine Spirit Artifacts and three Divine Realm inheritance grounds, spending a total of two hundred and fifty million immortal crystals.

Of this, one hundred and fifty million was "blown in by the wind," while the remaining fifty-five million immortal crystals were temporarily covered by the Black Armor Department of the Immortal Armament Division, to be deducted from future payments for the new battle armor.

As a result, this impromptu auction held by the Treasure Pavilion almost turned into a one-man show for Wang Fugui.

To save face, True Lord of Three Treasures had to bring out some good items from the Treasure Pavilion for auction, lest the various bigwigs leave empty-handed and harbor resentment afterward.

For these subsequent auction items, Wang Fugui refrained from bidding.

Firstly, he had already spent all his money, and secondly, if he continued bidding, True Lord of Three Treasures might come over to beat him up. Better to leave some face for the elder~

Meanwhile, the Jing'an Wei Clan, despite recouping some funds through this auction, still found it far from enough to repay their debts. Consequently, they would continue to sell off some fixed assets, such as properties, estates, and low-profit industries, to gradually cover their debts.

Fortunately, the Wei Clan was a millennia-old family with deep roots, barely able to withstand this wave, but not without suffering significant damage. It would take them hundreds, if not thousands, of years to recover.

Of course, this had nothing to do with Wang Fugui. The Wei Clan had already learned their lesson this time and would surely keep a low profile for a while.

After the auction.

Wang Fugui returned to the Spirit Bamboo Garden of the Northern Territory Wang Mansion.

Yun Mengyu now practically worshiped Wang Fugui, following him around all day like a little fan girl. If not for the Northern Territory King assigning maids to keep an eye on her, she might have moved into the Spirit Bamboo Garden.

"Mengyu, this Divine Spirit Artifact, 'Butterfly Dance,' follows a light and agile path. You can have it to play with," Wang Fugui said, sorting through the twelve Divine Spirit Artifacts he had acquired and selecting a beautiful one to give to Yun Mengyu.

It was a beautiful willow-leaf saber, with a hollow handle that looked very light, and the blade had gorgeous patterns resembling butterfly wings, making it very attractive.

"Thank you, Fugui," Yun Mengyu said happily, storing the gift in her storage ring.

Given her status, she certainly wouldn't lack Divine Spirit Artifacts, and when she grew up, she could even own a Dao Artifact. But this 'Butterfly Dance' was a gift from Fugui, making it uniquely significant.

Jiang Qinglian, who was responsible for Wang Fugui's personal protection, looked on enviously. Although she was a Divine Realm cultivator, not every Divine Realm cultivator could afford a Divine Spirit Artifact.

The reason the Wei Clan could bring out so many Divine Spirit Artifacts for cash, and still have plenty left, was due to their long family history and gradual accumulation over the years, resulting in a substantial inventory.

However, Jiang Qinglian, now a retainer of the Wang Clan, could enjoy an additional annual stipend of tens of thousands of immortal crystals, and with some saving, she could afford one in a century or so.

"Jiang Retainer," Wang Fugui said, pulling out a short blade as black as ink from the Divine Spirit Artifacts.

Its appearance was unassuming, yet it was extremely sharp, piercing through black iron ingots as if they were tofu, and it seemed to carry a certain malevolent aura that would invade the enemy's body upon injury, making it extremely dangerous.

"This Black Fiend Blade is for you to use," Wang Fugui said, handing the short blade over.

"This... Thank you, Young Master Fugui," Jiang Qinglian said, both surprised and delighted, as she accepted the Black Fiend Blade, feeling as if she had been hit by a giant pie falling from the sky.

If not for her status, she might have wanted to give the young master a kiss on his slightly chubby cheek.

When two Divine Realm cultivators of similar strength face off, the one with a Divine Spirit Artifact undoubtedly has a significant advantage. Moreover, Jiang Qinglian was skilled in illusions and control, making this kind of lethal sneak attack Divine Spirit Artifact perfect for her.

"After you return, register it with the family system. Jiang Retainer, you have the right to use this Black Fiend Blade but not to own it," Wang Fugui said. "Unless one day, you accumulate enough family contribution points to exchange for it."

"Of course," Jiang Qinglian replied, quickly and respectfully. "I understand the family's rules. I would never dare to embezzle this treasure."

As for the other Divine Spirit Artifacts, Wang Fugui planned to entrust Yao's Air Transport to send them back home, where they would be added to the clan's treasury.

The clan's treasury represents the family's foundation, and treasures of this caliber are naturally the more, the better.

After distributing the Divine Spirit Artifacts, Wang Fugui released the Seven-Colored Glazed Treasure Tree from the Breath Soil Jade Pendant to let it breathe and handed over the acquired treasures for it to play with.

"Eeya eeya~"

In the time since they last met, the Treasure Tree had grown significantly, no longer appearing as fragile and tender as before. The glazed colors on its trunk had become more intense, as if a misty spiritual light was swirling around it.

Upon seeing Wang Fugui, it affectionately wrapped around him, rubbing against him repeatedly.

"Just as I thought, Enlightenment Senior didn't deceive me," Wang Fugui said happily. "Bao Cai seems to have grown a lot, and the treasure aura on it is so dense it's almost overflowing."

"Truly amazing," Yun Mengyu said, clicking her tongue in wonder. "Bao Cai can even share treasure aura with you after forming a bloodline bond. Who would have thought there exists a spiritual plant in this world that grows by gathering treasure aura?"

According to the True Lord of Enlightenment, the Seven-Colored Glazed Treasure Tree is a very peculiar spiritual plant that grows not by absorbing nutrients and spiritual energy but by gathering treasure aura.

It can rely on its own abilities to gather treasures, but when it is still weak, the effect is very limited, and growth is slow.

However, it can choose to become the life-bound spiritual plant of another being, relying on its owner to gather treasure aura.

Treasure aura is a mysterious force of the heavenly way, and wealth, immortal crystals, valuable materials, treasures, etc., all contain treasure aura.

Under the rules of the heavenly way, the more actual treasures you possess, the more treasure aura you can generate.

For example.

If Fugui has ten thousand immortal crystals, he possesses the treasure aura equivalent to ten thousand immortal crystals. If Fugui uses these ten thousand immortal crystals to exchange for a top-grade spiritual tool of equivalent value, his treasure aura will neither increase nor decrease.

However, if Fugui skillfully uses the ten thousand immortal crystals to buy low and sell high, ultimately exchanging them for goods worth fifty thousand immortal crystals, he will gain an additional forty thousand treasure aura.

Another example.

If Fugui steals or robs ten thousand immortal crystals, because those ten thousand immortal crystals belong to someone else, Fugui will not gain any treasure aura, as the heavenly way does not recognize this.

But if Fugui discovers a ruin and finds ten thousand ownerless immortal crystals inside, he will naturally gain ten thousand treasure aura. However, if he then spends those ten thousand immortal crystals, his treasure aura will not decrease.

In short, Fugui must possess resources that are substantively his own or earn additional resources through his own means, with ownership belonging to him, to increase treasure aura, which serves as the growth nourishment for Wang Bao Cai.

Of course, some might try to exploit loopholes, such as increasing treasure aura through "gifts" and then returning the gifted items through other means.

However, the laws of the heavenly way are strict, and true loopholes are hard to exploit.

Moreover, even if one successfully exploits a loophole, it is easy to incur the backlash of the heavenly way, with a sudden tribulation cloud potentially deleting your account, which would be a big problem.

To quickly gather treasure aura, it's still safest to earn money honestly.

This is why Wang Bao Cai previously relied on his talent to pick up things completely forgotten by others to gather treasure aura, while ignoring the wealth in the treasure vault, as it was of no help to the growth of the Seven-Colored Glazed Treasure Tree.

But Wang Fugui's recent earnings were so substantial that the amount of treasure aura gathered was terrifyingly large. Even though Wang Bao Cai was diligently absorbing it, he had only absorbed a small portion so far, with a large amount still stored within him, yet to be digested.

It seems that his treasure aura will suffice for a long time to come.

With abundant treasure aura, the innate bloodline ability of the Seven-Colored Glazed Treasure Tree—"Gathering Treasures"—was also greatly enhanced.

Wang Bao Cai shook his trunk, and one by one, fruits with a glazed sheen formed among his branches and leaves, swelling visibly until they matured and burst with a "pop."

From the exploded fruits, a pile of shiny items rolled out, including a small heap of spiritual stones, a crumpled immortal crystal note, and a spiritual tool buried in the ground for who knows how long, already damaged.

Clearly, these were "treasures" attracted and gathered by the power of the source.

The most peculiar among them was a [Earth Vein Ginseng], a treasure that grows deep within the earth veins, adept at camouflage and difficult to excavate.

This Earth Vein Ginseng was as thick as a child's arm, likely having matured for a thousand years, and was a material for various sixth-grade pills, valued at tens of thousands of immortal crystals.

For Wang Fugui, tens of thousands of immortal crystals were insignificant.

But for a small clan, finding such a treasure could be a chance for overnight wealth.

The "treasures" emerging from the Treasure Fruits all shared a common trait: they were all "ownerless."

Wang Bao Cai gathered the various items and presented them to Fugui, looking to please his master.

"This is a bit like opening blind boxes, mostly junk, but occasionally a rare gem," Wang Fugui said, finding it quite amusing.

According to Enlightenment Senior, the stronger the Seven-Colored Glazed Treasure Tree becomes, the larger the range and quantity of treasures it can gather. At the peak of the twelfth tier, it might even cover an entire commandery.

At that point, simply residing in a commandery for a while would bring a continuous flow of wealth, and finding an ownerless Dao Artifact would mean true fortune.

Wang Bao Cai, indeed, was aptly named.

Afterward, with nothing else to do.

Half a month later.

Jing'an Prefecture.

Jing'an Princess Mansion.

Though this princess mansion in the prefectural capital of Jing'an Prefecture has only a history of over a hundred years, it is built grandly and magnificently.

The entire structure is made of lapis lazuli bricks, an extremely expensive building material, with each brick requiring dozens of processes to produce, some of which must be completed by trial equipment makers.

Such intricate processes and high costs naturally bring powerful functions.

Lapis lazuli bricks possess considerable defensive power, making it difficult for cultivators at the Lingtai Realm and below, even with spiritual tools, to damage them. Even Celestial Realm cultivators would need to exert effort to harm them.

The construction materials alone for this princess mansion cost a fortune, not to mention the various other expenses. Given the current age and resources of the Jing'an Princess, she could never afford such a mansion.

In fact, this princess mansion was not built by the Jing'an Princess herself. It was constructed by the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty's royal family, the Yun Clan, as a benefit for her when she advanced to the Purple Mansion Realm and was officially titled "Jing'an Princess," qualifying her to establish her own residence.

The foundation of the Immortal Dynasty's royal family is evident from this.

Within the Jing'an Princess Mansion, there is a palace complex named "Cuiwei Courtyard," which is the largest and tallest in the inner courtyard.

This "Cuiwei Courtyard" serves as the main residence of the Jing'an Princess Mansion.

Jing'an Princess Yun Shaoguang typically eats, sleeps, cultivates, and enters seclusion here.

Since the mansion's completion, Cuiwei Courtyard has undergone several renovations, differing significantly from its original style. It has lost some of its grand and imposing formality but gained more of a feminine delicacy and luxury, with an increasingly rich domestic atmosphere.

This afternoon.

The door to the secluded chamber slowly opened, and the Jing'an Princess, who had been in seclusion for several months, finally emerged.

Since she was at home and in seclusion, Yun Shaoguang did not dress elaborately, merely tying her hair in a simple bun. Her slightly bluish hair lay smoothly on her shoulders, giving her a tranquil and gentle appearance.

Provided one overlooked the arrogance and coldness in her eyes.

"Your Highness."

"Your Highness."

There were always maids stationed outside. Upon seeing the Jing'an Princess emerge, they all greeted her respectfully, and one hurried off to inform the relevant individuals.

Soon, a middle-aged woman with a high bun and exquisite makeup hurried over, bowing to greet Yun Shaoguang.

"Congratulations, Your Highness. Your cultivation has advanced significantly during this seclusion."

This middle-aged woman was the chief steward of the Jing'an Princess Mansion, surnamed Gou, named Qiudie, and a Divine Realm expert.

She was originally one of the housekeepers at the Dongchang King's residence and had been responsible for caring for Yun Shaoguang since her childhood. When Yun Shaoguang established her own residence, she followed her, becoming Yun Shaoguang's true confidante.

"Has anything happened in the mansion over the past few months?" the Jing'an Princess asked, waving her hand to indicate that formalities were unnecessary, and inquiring familiarly.

"To report to Your Highness, everything in the mansion has been as usual," Steward Gou replied respectfully, bowing her head. "However, the 'Young Master Qingyun' from the Wei Clan has visited several times, claiming to have urgent matters to discuss, but I declined on the grounds that you were in seclusion."

As the saying goes, "Speak of the devil, and he shall appear." As they spoke, a maid reported that Wei Qingyun had come again, claiming to have urgent matters to discuss.

Steward Gou respectfully inquired, "Would you like to see him?"

"What urgent matters could he have? If not for the Wei Clan, then he's here to deliver gifts," the Jing'an Princess said coldly, showing no interest in the matter. "He's all talk when boasting, but when it comes to crucial moments, he couldn't even secure the Sword and Formation Manual. Let him wait."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The maid immediately took her leave.

After a brief pause, the Jing'an Princess instructed, "Aunt Gou, have someone prepare; I need to visit the Chaoyang King's residence."

Steward Gou's eyes lit up, "Your Highness is ready to inherit the manual? I'll make the preparations."

With that, she bowed and retreated.

Visiting the Chaoyang King naturally required gifts, and preparations for the flying carriage, accompanying guards, and the princess's entourage were necessary, involving considerable work.

The journey from Jing'an Prefecture to Chaoyang Prefecture was not short.

Even with the Jing'an Princess's swift carriage, it took over a month to reach the prefectural capital of Chaoyang Prefecture.

That morning.

Shortly after sunrise, a luxurious flying carriage slowly descended on the guest landing area outside the Chaoyang King's residence.

This flying carriage was predominantly purple and gold, larger than typical flying carriages, with not just one but two seventh-tier polar flying horses pulling it, their coats uniformly snow-white without a trace of other colors, exuding nobility and luxury.

A conspicuous position on the carriage bore a specially painted ice-blue crescent emblem representing the Han Yue royal family, clearly indicating its royal origin.

The Immortal Dynasty has clear regulations regarding the size of flying carriages, with specific standards for length and width. Apart from large public flying carriages, all private ones must adhere to these standards.

Throughout the Immortal Dynasty, only the Immortal Emperor and a few top-tier experts, along with princesses, are entitled to such specifications for their flying carriages.

The gatekeepers of the Chaoyang King's residence, experienced and knowledgeable, immediately recognized it as the carriage of the Third Princess, the Jing'an Princess.

They hurriedly approached to greet her, "Humble servant welcomes Her Highness, the Third Princess."

"No need for such courtesy, General."

Two Purple Mansion Realm personal maids descended from the carriage, exchanging polite greetings with the gatekeeper and courteously negotiating, "Brother Gatekeeper, our princess heard that His Highness's old injury has slightly relapsed and specifically brought some healing and detoxifying treasures. We hope you can help convey this."

The personal maids of the Jing'an Princess were carefully selected elites, each holding the title of lady-in-waiting, and possessing high status outside. However, at the gates of the Chaoyang King's residence, they maintained utmost respect and decorum.

The high status of the Chaoyang King was evident from this.

"Certainly, certainly," the gatekeeper replied. "You may not know, but our Highness recently left the residence, saying he was going to East Qian to visit old friends. However, several young masters are at home, and I can notify the steward and young masters on your behalf."

"His Highness is not here?" the maid was a bit taken aback.

The Chaoyang King, due to his health, rarely left the residence, making the gatekeeper's response unexpected.

They heard the Jing'an Princess's voice in their minds: "Ziqiu, Baidong, find out why the Chaoyang King went to East Qian."

"Brothers, do you know why His Highness suddenly went to East Qian? Wasn't he slightly unwell?" Maid Ziqiu sweetly inquired.

"It's actually a good thing," the gatekeeper said. "You see, our Highness's health has been poor, with old injuries that wouldn't heal. But who would have thought that after meeting a young master from East Qian recently, his injuries were partially healed."

The gatekeeper roughly recounted the rumors.

"What is the name of that young master? Our princess must thank him," Ziqiu said "excitedly."

"I think his name is Wang, yes, Young Master Wang Anye. Yes, I heard his family's Ancestor is skilled in healing, so our Highness decided to give it a try."

Meanwhile, inside the carriage.

The Jing'an Princess's previously calm expression gradually turned icy.

Wang Anye? Isn't he the one who competed with Wei Qingyun for the Sword and Formation Manual and won?

The Wei Clan was targeted, the Chaoyang King's injuries were healed, Wei Qingyun's manual was taken... all these incidents seemed to be heading in an unfavorable direction.

It was as if an invisible net was closing in on her, Yun Shaoguang.

A shadow gradually loomed over the Jing'an Princess's heart.

The Wei Clan was targeted, seemingly with the Northern Territory Wang Mansion's involvement. And speaking of the Northern Territory Wang Mansion, Yun Mengyu naturally came to mind.

Could it be that Yun Mengyu, that little girl, was acting against her behind the scenes? Such a young girl, yet so ambitious.

No, that's not right!

The Jing'an Princess's eyes sharpened, and her heart skipped a beat.

If Yun Mengyu were truly behind this, the actions would be too obvious, as if she wanted everyone to know she was involved. If she truly wanted to deal with her, she wouldn't act so overtly.

Moreover, given that girl's age, even if she wanted to compete for the Immortal Scripture, she likely wouldn't have enough time. Confronting her now wouldn't benefit her. No matter how she thought about it, there was no reason for her to act this way.

Could it be that someone else was pushing her forward, intending to make her a scapegoat?

Who was the mastermind behind this? The eldest, or the second?

Or were they secretly working together?

It seems this matter needs thorough investigation. If it isn't resolved, Jing'an Princess Yun Shaoguang will find no peace!