The next day, the group returned to the family estate.

Outside the Shen Family mansion, a welcoming formation was already arrayed.

Dozens of stewards and managers, clad in dark-colored magic robes, stood in two rows along the sides of the main path paved with green jade. Several family elders stood atop the nine-level celestial staircase, their bodies radiating spiritual light, their auras surging and extraordinary.

Such a display was almost fitting for welcoming the family head himself.

The spirit boat slowly descended.

“We respectfully welcome the return of the Third Young Master, blessed by our ancestors!”

Dozens of stewards and managers bowed simultaneously, their voices echoing like thunder amidst the mountain ranges.

The elders on the steps, though they did not speak, also gave slight nods of acknowledgment.

Such courtesy, however, felt particularly ironic to Shen Xian.

Just a few days ago, these very people were gossiping behind his back, calling him a “useless legitimate son.” Now, they practically wished they could bend their waists to the ground.

He stepped slowly off the spirit boat. The green jade of the welcoming path beneath his feet shimmered with waves of spiritual light.

The stewards on both sides simultaneously dropped to one knee, their postures respectful.

Upon the celestial staircase, seven Nascent Soul elders unanimously withdrew their protective spiritual lights and stepped forward to greet him.

Shen Xian’s gaze swept over them. He noticed several stewards who had once mocked him coldly were now prostrate on the ground, their foreheads pressed tightly against the jade, lacking even the courage to look up.

Most intriguing were the Shen Family branch disciples standing at the very back of the crowd.

Many among them had followed Shen Li in ridiculing Shen Xian back at the Ancestral Land. Now, however, they were all dressed in their most formal ceremonial attire, holding carefully prepared congratulatory gifts in their hands, their faces filled with flattery and trepidation.

Family Head Shen Xiong approached slowly, clad in purple-gold python robes.

“Xian’er.” A rare hint of a smile appeared on his majestic face. “You have done well this time.”

News of the blessing from the founding family head had already reached the family. Naturally, news of Shen Li’s death had also returned.

Yet this family head showed no trace of so-called grief or anger.

For these great immortal cultivation clans, the death of one person was not important. Even if that person was a legitimate son of the family, it was of little consequence.

After all, once dead, a person loses all meaning.

In great clans, human sentiment is just this cold. The massive convoy of a great family moves forward steadily; it will not stop for anyone’s death.

“Thanks to Father’s blessings,” Shen Xian said respectfully.

At this moment, other elders also stepped forward one after another to offer praise and congratulations.

The Grand Elder was the first. His snow-white long beard fluttered gently in the wind, his face brimming with a kindly smile. “The Third Young Master’s talents are extraordinary. To have gained our ancestor’s favor is truly a blessing for our Shen Family!”

The Second Elder nodded with a smile. “The Third Young Master’s fortune this time is truly an unprecedented grand event for our Shen Family in a century!”

He drew from his sleeve a jade ruyi scepter that glowed with flowing light and brilliant colors. “This object was obtained by this old man in my youth. It can aid in concentrating the spirit and calming the mind during cultivation. Today, I specially present it to the Third Young Master.”

This Second Elder, who had previously been making all sorts of veiled sarcastic remarks, now clearly wore a different face, his expression full of respect.

Even though Shen Xian was currently only a Qi Refining Realm cultivator.

“This old man saw long ago that the Third Young Master’s talents were extraordinary. Now that he has proven our ancestor’s discerning eye, it is truly Heaven blessing our Shen Family!” The Fifth Elder nearby, not wanting to be outdone, hurriedly stepped forward and declared loudly.

Having witnessed Shen Li’s death, he now completely lacked his previous loyalty toward him and past targeting of Shen Xian. His attitude had done a complete one-hundred-eighty-degree turn.

It wasn’t just him; many present were the same.

Because everyone knew that the future family head would inevitably be Shen Xian, who now possessed a second-grade spiritual root.

For the sake of family interests and their own personal gain, these people could only draw closer to him. Even if they had previously expressed disrespect toward him openly or covertly, they now had to swallow their pride and show goodwill.

Such is the nature of a great family!

Shen Xian couldn’t be bothered with empty pleasantries. After saying a few simple words, he followed his father and left alone.

Shen Xiong stood with his hands clasped behind his back. He led Shen Xian through layers of halls and pavilions until they arrived at the Tianshu Pavilion at the very core of the Shen Family estate.

This was an important place where successive family heads handled clan affairs. Ordinary disciples didn’t even have the right to approach it.

Pushing open the heavy black iron door, the scent of sinking incense washed over them.

Shen Xiong casually set up a soundproofing barrier before turning to look at Shen Xian.

His eyes, sharp as those of an eagle or hawk, now held a rare touch of gentleness.

“Sit.” Shen Xiong pointed to a rosewood chair opposite the desk table.

Shen Xian respectfully took his seat. He saw Shen Xiong take out a jade box from his sleeve and push it toward him. “This is the complete version of the Void Divine Art. Historically, only family heads have been permitted to practice it.”

Nine golden restrictive seals coiled around the jade box; each one emanated an awe-inspiring pressure that made one’s heart palpitate.

Shen Xian knew this wasn’t just a cultivation technique; it represented the status of heir to the family headship itself.

“Father, this…”

“Your Second Brother’s matter need not be mentioned again.” Shen Xiong interrupted him; his tone was calm as if discussing an insignificant trifle. “The path of immortal cultivation is inherently about contending with Heaven for life. His skill was inferior; he can blame no one else.”

“After receiving the blessing from our founding family head… I presume you have also learned about our clan’s history?” He looked up at him then.

Shen Xian gave a slight nod.

“Good. Then you should understand even more clearly what responsibilities you must shoulder now. You absolutely must not be as indolent as before,” Shen Xiong said gravely.

Although his cultivation realm was still low… with a second-grade spiritual root plus focused nurturing from the family… there was no telling how far he might go in the future.

However… deep down… Shen Xian wasn’t exactly thrilled.

Because he actually wasn’t interested in this position as family head… It had all just been about throwing grit into Shen Li’s eyes…

As for focusing wholeheartedly on cultivation…

What a joke! Even though Ye Qingxian had left… she just couldn’t send gifts anymore… but her improvements would still elevate him. So where was there any need for him to cultivate?

Nevertheless… outwardly… Shen Xian remained utterly respectful. “I understand… Father.”

“Go now… rest well and adjust yourself,” Shen Xiong finally said.

After Shen Xian left, Shen Xing then entered the room.

“Father.” Shen Xing bowed in greeting.

Shen Xiong looked upon this eldest son with eyes full of joy; his tone grew even softer. “What is it?”

“Father… given Third Brother’s temperament… he still needs further tempering,” Shen Xing said mildly.

Shen Xiong raised an eyebrow slightly. “Oh?”

“Although he has received our ancestor’s blessing… deep down he remains that lazy character.” Shen Xing’s tone was placid yet carried an undeniable certainty. “Remaining within the family will only lead to him being ruined by flattery from these sycophants.”

Shen Xiong nodded slightly; he felt there was some truth to what he said. So he asked, “What do you suggest?”

“Let him accompany me to the Divine Wood Sect.” Shen Xing looked directly into his father’s eyes. “The sect has teachers and elders for guidance… as well as competition among fellow disciples. I believe he will feel some pressure there… which will spur greater effort and progress. Moreover… I will personally look after him.”

To sever emotions, one must first have emotions. Since Shen Xing needed to return to his sect soon anyway, he wanted to bring Shen Xian along so they could gradually foster brotherly affection between them.

Shen Xiong pondered for a moment before saying, “You decide how best to handle it then.”

Although his son’s current cultivation realm might not match his own yet, his future potential was destined to surpass him eventually—this family would rely on him going forward, too.

Therefore… regarding whatever words came from this son… he basically listened obediently without question.

“In that case… your son takes his leave now.” With cupped fists, Shen Xing bowed again before withdrawing.