Rise of the Wang Clan: Starting with a Portable Farm

Chapter 236: Dealing with He Qing

“Ancestor, have no fear. Look at the stalactite—it is still plump and moist. It has not dried up,” Wang Hao said, pointing to the ceiling. “The Water Spirit Essence Milk will continue to condense, though the rate will be significantly slower than before.”

Wang Guang’an observed it closely for a moment before relaxing. “Indeed. The ancestors are watching over us.”

In his excitement, he had momentarily lost his composure. A Golden Core cultivator’s eyes were sharp; he would have noticed the flow wasn’t dead if he hadn’t panicked.

His smile returned. “Hao’er, I have been away for years. Who among the clan is suitable for this opportunity?”

Wang Hao pondered. “Among the ‘Long’ generation grand-uncles, most have poor Spirit Roots and have already retired to enjoy their old age. The exception is Uncle Wang Longji. He has Three Spirit Roots and is currently 90 years old. When Uncle Longxing advanced, he was envious for months.”

“Mn. Longji is suitable. Count him in,” Wang Guang’an agreed, recalling the man’s diligent service.

“The ‘Wen’ and ‘Wu’ generations are still young,” Wang Hao continued. “My three older brothers lack aptitude, except for Third Brother Wang Wenkai. That leaves the ‘Yan’ generation uncles: Fourth Uncle Wang Yanxing, Sixth Uncle Wang Yanchong, and… Eldest Uncle Wang Yanzhong.”

“They are all under 100 years old. With the Essence Milk restoring their vitality, they have the highest chance of success.”

Wang Guang’an looked at Wang Hao with surprise. “You do not hate your Eldest Uncle? We found this treasure together. You could easily exclude him.”

Wang Hao shrugged. “To say I have no resentment would be a lie. My mother’s death was largely his fault. But that was years ago. Since I reached Foundation Establishment, he has been sidelined and mocked by the clan. He has suffered enough punishment.”

“For the sake of the family’s strength, personal grievances must be set aside.”

Wang Guang’an looked at him with new respect. “No wonder your Dao path is so smooth. Your mindset surpasses even mine.”

Wang Hao smiled faintly. “The past is dust. Let us collect the milk and return. If we can add 5 Foundation Establishment cultivators before the Grand Ceremony, the world will see the true strength of the Wang family.”

“Good!” Wang Guang’an laughed.

They carefully bottled the Water Spirit Essence Milk into jade vials. A quick inspection of the Spirit Vein revealed that the damage was reversible; given time and the nourishment of the earth, it would heal. If the family ever became rich enough to burn 300,000 Low Grade Spirit Stones on a Gathering Spirit Formation, they could even force it back to the Third Rank.

For now, they sealed the area.

They re-activated the formations on Song Churan’s dwelling, blocked the tunnel to the inner lake with a boulder, and set up a Mirage Formation to hide the entrance. Along the underground river, Wang Guang’an laid multiple traps. Finally, at the mouth of the outer mine, he deployed a Second Rank Middle Grade defensive formation.

There were still resources left in the mine—herbs to pick, low-level Demon Beasts to clear—but those were tasks for the future garrison.

Before returning home, they had one loose end to tie up: He Qing.

Using their superior speed and Divine Sense, they intercepted He Qing long before he could reach Wang Family Ridge.

Wang Hao didn’t waste time. “He Qing. You are a smart man. You know that some secrets are dangerous.”

He Qing’s pupils dilated in terror. He fell to his knees, weeping. “Seniors! I swear I told no one! My family only knows I found a treasure to offer you, not where it came from! Please, for the sake of our childhood friendship, spare me!”

“When did I say I would kill you?” Wang Hao said calmly. “Does the Wang family kill its benefactors? I keep my promises. But you need to understand your position.”

“I understand! I will take this secret to my grave!”

Wang Hao smiled coldly. “That is not enough. Send a message to your family immediately. Summon them all to Wang Family Ridge. You will be staying with us for the foreseeable future.”

“Senior, spare me!” He Qing kowtowed so hard his forehead bled. He thought Wang Hao intended to gather his entire bloodline for a mass execution. “Kill me if you must, but please spare my wife and child!”

“Hmph. This is not a negotiation,” Wang Guang’an snorted, releasing a sliver of Golden Core Pressure. He Qing nearly fainted as his eardrums ruptured.

“We will not shortchange you. The Wang family does not engage in Killing to Seize Treasure. But you must be sensible.”

Hearing the Golden Core patriarch’s promise, He Qing realized he had no choice. Trembling, he wrote a transmission talisman summoning his family and handed it to Wang Hao.

Wang Guang’an grabbed He Qing, and the trio flew back to the ridge at full speed.

Upon arrival, Wang Hao unceremoniously dumped He Qing into a secluded cave dwelling at the foot of the mountain.

“Do not contact anyone. Do not step out of the courtyard. You know the consequences.”

He tossed a few bottles of Inedia Pills to the rogue cultivator, then activated the isolation wards. He Qing was now a bird in a gilded cage—safe, fed, but utterly silenced until the Wang family deemed it safe to release him overseas.

Wang Family Council Hall.

Wang Guang’an wasted no time. He summoned the 5 candidates: Wang Yanzhong, Wang Longji, Wang Wenkai, Wang Yanxing, and Wang Yanchong.

When he announced his intention to help them attempt Foundation Establishment, the room went silent.

“Ancestor, are you joking?” Wang Wenkai, Wang Guang’an’s direct great-grandson, was the only one brave enough to speak. “We are all over 60. Granduncle Longji is 90! Our Qi and Blood have declined. Trying to break through now is suicide.”

The others nodded grimly. At their age, the violence of the breakthrough process would likely kill them before they could condense their liquid Spiritual Energy. They had long since accepted their fate as Qi Refining elders.

“Do you think I would trifle with your lives?” Wang Guang’an scolded. “Hao’er and I found a supreme treasure. Combined with Foundation Establishment Pills, your success rate will be over 70%.”

He scanned their faces, his eyes burning with ambition.

“This is your second chance at the Dao. Do you dare to take it?”