However, when he took a moment to survey the scene of today’s breakthrough celebration, he did not see the figure of the Third Elder, Zheng Yi, which made him furrow his brow involuntarily, a hint of ominous foreboding rising in his heart.
He thought to himself.
Could it be that the news of the breakthrough did not reach Zheng Yi, or did the Wang Family not send anyone to inform him?
If it’s the former, that’s understandable;
If it’s the latter, considering Zheng Yi’s disposition, everyone in the Wang Family knows.
He has always been indifferent to fame and wealth.
He doesn’t participate in matters of power struggle, which is why the Wang Family has always maintained a friendly relationship with him.
Just as he was in doubt, a figure suddenly appeared at the banquet in the ancestral hall.
This person was none other than Qin Liang, the Foundation Establishment Steward from the Mortal World Quarter, a long-term partner of the Wang Family.
Although Qin Liang had changed into plain clothes and had none of the aura of a Demon Artifact, Wang Shan recognized him instantly after years of association.
"Congratulations to the Wang Family Ancestor on this breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Perfection Realm."
Qin Liang stepped forward, his expression filled with joy.
He himself was not far from the Foundation Establishment Perfection Realm, and it was likely that he would soon make the breakthrough as well.
At this moment, Qin Liang appeared relaxed.
Facing the Wang Family Ancestor, he showed no pressure, only excitement in his eyes.
From Qin Liang’s perspective.
The Wang Family Ancestor’s achievements today were largely due to the efforts of the second-grade alchemist behind Zheng Yi.
Now, that second-grade alchemist was on his side, meaning that in the future, it would be him, Qin Liang, who would enjoy the benefits of rapid cultivation, rather than the Wang Family Ancestor.
Thinking of this, Qin Liang’s heart was free of shadows, unprecedentedly happy.
"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Qin Liang."
Wang Shan nodded in acknowledgment.
In this Celestial South Market.
He did not wish to expose his cooperative relationship with Qin Liang.
It was not until sunset that the banquet concluded, and people began to depart, including Qin Liang.
This visit to Celestial South Market had purposes beyond just congratulating the Wang Family Ancestor.
Before long.
He brought his disciple Xue Ran to Zheng Yi’s alchemy shop.
At that moment, Zheng Yi had already packed up and was planning to move some of his people to the Dragon Blood Mine and establish a family foundation before contacting the Wang Family members one by one.
He believed that with Qin Liang, the Foundation Establishment Steward from the Mortal World Quarter, and Shen Yumo from the Celestial Profound Sword Sect as his backing, from the Wang Family Ancestor to the ordinary clan members, no one would refuse his arrangements.
"Fellow Daoist Zheng Yi, long time no see, how have you been?"
Qin Liang smiled and spoke slowly.
Zheng Yi, hearing this, also showed a gentle smile.
After exchanging a glance, the two boarded a Spirit Ship together, transformed into a stream of light, and left the Celestial South Market, heading for the Dragon Blood Mine.
Three hours later, the Spirit Ship reached its destination.
The nearby slave miners were not directly taken away by Qin Liang but left mostly in place, allowing Zheng Yi to handle them as he saw fit. If Zheng Yi did not like them, he could disperse them himself.
He gave Zheng Yi the decision-making authority, demonstrating his sincerity.
"This contract is now yours, Fellow Daoist Zheng Yi."
Qin Liang handed over the contract, his eyes flickering.
Zheng Yi smiled faintly, waving his right hand.
Two Seven Illusions Cyan Spirit Pills landed in Qin Liang’s hand.
"Regarding the Crystal Pill, when Fellow Daoist Qin reaches the Foundation Establishment Perfection Realm and intends to break through to the Crystal Stage, let me know so I can contact my master to refine that Crystal Pill."
Zheng Yi remarked, without revealing all his cards from the start.
The human heart is unpredictable, desires endless.
He did not dare to trust Qin Liang completely.
"Good, good, good. With these two Seven Illusions Cyan Spirit Pills, the demonic symptoms I’m currently experiencing can be completely relieved.
Though it only treats the symptoms and not the root cause.
It poses no obstacle to my breakthrough to the Crystal Stage."
Zheng Yi looked again at Qin Liang’s disciple, Xue Ran, bringing out an item and saying, "This item is a gift for the young one.
It is not a Seven Illusions Cyan Spirit Pill.
However, it is some top-grade Purifying Spirit Pills, which will be beneficial to you."
Upon hearing this, Xue Ran did not immediately act but looked expectantly toward his master, Qin Liang.
"Accept what Fellow Daoist Zheng Yi bestows upon you,"
Qin Liang instructed.
He glanced at the Seven Illusions Cyan Spirit Pills in his hands, feeling tempted by the top-grade Purifying Spirit Pills as well, yet, in front of Zheng Yi, having obtained the superior Seven Illusions Cyan Spirit Pills.
He showed restraint.
"Thank you, Senior Zheng Yi, thank you, Master."
Xue Ran beamed happily, quickly securing the white jade bottle containing the Purifying Spirit Pills.
With these Purifying Spirit Pills.
In the future, when he breaks through to the Foundation Establishment Realm, he likely will not encounter many obstacles, undoubtedly a great event for him.
"I won’t disturb you further, Fellow Daoist Zheng Yi."
Qin Liang spoke once more.
He was well aware of Wen Qing’s close relationship with Zheng Yi.
Therefore, he did not intend to linger longer, planning to return quickly and use one of the Seven Illusions Cyan Spirit Pills immediately, keeping the other one for when breaking through the Crystal Stage.
During the mind and cultivation technique’s void period while breaking through.
Without the interference of demonic energy, the possibility of successfully breaking through to the Crystal Stage might be greater.
"Then I won’t see you off."
Zheng Yi nodded slightly.
Until the figures of Qin Liang and his disciple vanished.
Zheng Yi grasped a yellow Command Banner, soaring into the air.
He divided the Command Banner into four.
Placing them at the east, west, south, and north directions of the Dragon Blood Mine.
Then, with a slight motion of the spell in his hand, a series of spiritual lights flashed, completely transferring ownership of the array here to Zheng Yi.
The array’s strength wasn’t high, but it was enough to defend against most Foundation Establishment cultivators, even withstanding the Foundation Establishment Perfection Realm for some time.
To the current Zheng Family, it was quite adequate.
After completing all this, Zheng Yi returned to the line of interconnected wooden houses, his gaze falling on Wenn Qing.
At the moment, Wenn Qing was gathering the miners together.
She was explaining the new rules of the Dragon Blood Mine: "From now on, you are free people, no longer slaves of the Mortal World Quarter, but unofficial members of the Zheng Family household.
If anyone wishes to leave, they may go; if anyone wants to stay.
In the future, you will not only have opportunities for cultivation but will also regularly receive some cultivation resources."
Wenn Qing spoke softly, changing these people’s destinies in a few words.
At this moment, she was immersed in the feeling of having great authority at her disposal; although this power wasn’t entirely hers, her relationship with Zheng Yi.
She effectively owned this power, unlike before.
Her authority was entirely derived from her master, Qin Liang.
One word from her master could delegate power, as surely as it could be withdrawn at any moment.
Wenn Qing hopped to Zheng Yi, shaking her little head with a look of seeking praise: "Husband, did your wife do well?"
She asked.
Zheng Yi lightly touched her delicate cheek, praising gently: "Indeed, very well.
From now on, the matters of the Dragon Blood Mine will be entirely entrusted to you.
Regarding internal matters of the Zheng Family, they will continue to follow the previously established rules, alright?"
"Mmhmm."
Wenn Qing nodded obediently and understandingly.
Zheng Yi did not linger long at the Dragon Blood Mine.
Taking account of the time, it was about time to return to Piaomiao Mountain and bring over his people.
Meanwhile, back at Celestial South Market.
With Qin Liang’s departure, as night fell, the wind howled outside, emitting gusts of eerie sounds.
Sitting in the front hall, illuminated by candlelight.
Wang Family Ancestor Wang Shan had no mind for cultivation, his thick eyebrows knitted, his expression constantly shifting, portraying indecision.
"Send the Third Elder over."
Wang Shan suddenly spoke.
The Great Elder agreed respectfully, hands lowered.
After saluting, he quickly dashed out.
But when he arrived at the alchemy shop, he found only one or two alchemy apprentices and the sole steward inside, a stark contrast to the lively scene when Zheng Yi was present.
It was like heaven and earth had turned upside down.
Seeing this, the Great Elder’s expression changed dramatically, realizing what had happened.
He hurried back to the new ancestral hall, finding the ancestor, and said urgently: "Ancestor, bad news, the Third Elder has likely left."
"Piaomiao Mountain?"
Hearing this, Wang Shan seemed to have suspected as much, standing up suddenly, urgently asking for details.