Crafting an Immortal Race with Daily Hexagrams

Clang!

The Dragon-Slaying Magical Sword in hand swung, and the towering stone pillar nearby was directly cut in half.

After the pillar fell, it coincidentally covered the green Little Pine Tree.

The moonlight was blocked, and the Little Pine Tree could no longer absorb the Moonlight Power, causing the strange glow it emitted to gradually disappear, returning to the appearance of an ordinary pine tree.

Shen Wen'an returned from the cliff top and sat cross-legged by the corpse of the Pan Mountain Python, waiting for Zhao Shuan to bring people over.

At dawn, a large group of villagers from the foot of the mountain arrived one after another, carrying ropes, sticks, and pulling carts.

"Wen'an."

Zhao Shuan came before Shen Wen'an, suspiciously glanced around, and asked, "Where's Fang Chao?"

Shen Wen'an did not speak, glancing at the dried black blood and dark skeleton nearby.

Following his gaze, Zhao Shuan felt a chill in his heart.

However, he only thought that this Fang Chao accidentally got poisoned and didn't think much of it.

"I'll take people to transport this big guy's corpse back first."

"Is there anything peculiar in this area, should we have someone guard it?"

Shen Wen'an shook his head.

He had already checked this place last night, and besides that Little Pine Tree, there was nothing unusual.

He planned to find a way to bring that Little Pine Tree back to the Black Water Pool, so there was no need to have someone guard it.

"I'm fine staying here."

Zhao Shuan nodded and didn't ask more, turning to the side to command the crowd to handle the giant python's corpse.

The body of the Pan Mountain Python was too large, and everyone struggled for a long time, unsure of how to transport it back.

When asked if Shen Wen'an could have it cut into sections for easier transport, he shook his head, indicating that the essence blood inside the python was of great use.

If it were cut into sections, the essence blood would surely dry up on the way.

While they were at a loss, Zhao Jinhua, who accompanied them, suddenly thought of a way.

The icy and snowy path was slippery, so people could tie ropes around the python's head and use the snow-covered rocks to drag the body down laboriously.

After considering the idea, Zhao Shuan found it feasible and immediately set people to work.

As night fell again, the crowd worked all day and finally managed to transport the Pan Mountain Python's corpse back to the Black Water Pool.

When Shen Wen'an returned, Shen Yuan was carefully collecting the python's blood.

"Ah Die."

After calling out, he walked toward the Black Water Pavilion.

Knowing something important might be up, Shen Yuan asked his wife to keep watch and followed him to the Black Water Pavilion.

"You're saying that the Pan Mountain Python was guarding a Little Pine Tree capable of actively absorbing Moonlight Power?"

On the first floor of the Black Water Pavilion, Shen Yuan asked in a deep voice.

Shen Wen'an nodded. "I initially wanted to bring that Little Pine Tree back to the Black Water Pool, but upon careful inspection, I found it grew on an earth vein."

"Moving it abruptly might destroy the earth vein and affect the Little Pine Tree."

Shen Yuan nodded.

According to the Alchemy Master's Manual, the more precious the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects are, the more demanding their growth environment is.

Sometimes, it's not just about transplantation; merely feeling a strange presence could cause them to wither or decay.

The strange Little Pine Tree being able to grow there was likely due to the earth vein.

"If it can't be transplanted, we must find a way to protect it from being discovered by others."

Shen Yuan said thoughtfully after a moment.

"I plan to visit Qiyun Valley."

Shen Wen'an contemplated briefly and suddenly spoke.

Shen Yuan was considering how to protect that strange Little Pine Tree when he heard this and frowned instantly.

"That area is too large, simply having people guard it is not safe."

"I plan to ask my master for an Array Plate."

Shen Wen'an explained, "It's been a few years since I last visited him."

It had been five or six years since he returned to the Black Water Pool after killing a Cliff Mountain Courtyard disciple before the Mountain Gate.

During this period, Pei Zhao would often have Li Heshan or Pei Yuwan bring some training provisions.

They never ran out of Spirit Crystals and Elixirs.

He might ignore what happened to Qiyun Valley, but he couldn't deny Pei Zhao as his master.

Shen Yuan pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Is there still some Spiritual Liquid in the Copper Pot?"

"Three drops."

"Should I take them to Master?"

Shen Wen'an asked.

Shen Yuan nodded. "Over the years, your master has sent many things; after thinking it over, the only thing we can present is the Spiritual Liquid."

"Take those three drops with you, and say they were obtained by chance."

"Remember, after returning, not to cause trouble for your master again."

Shen Wen'an nodded.

...

On the eve of the ancestral ritual, Huang Lingxiu successfully gave birth to a daughter, named Shen You.

With this, the Shen Family's three generations now counted five people.

In March, as spring flowers bloomed,

the Shen Family's ancestral hall was finally completed after months of rushing construction.

After thoroughly preparing various matters, Shen Wenxing also delivered the list of selected Affiliated Clans to Shen Yuan.

On the first floor of the Black Water Pavilion.

Shen Yuan looked at the list in his hand, frowning slightly.

The list had three large clans and three small clans; apart from the Liu Family of Liu Jinquan, which he knew, the other affiliated clans were only heard of.

"What was the basis for choosing these on the list?" Shen Yuan put down the list, somewhat puzzled.

Shen Wenxing replied, "Among the various clans in Yunshui Town, many are gentry aristocrats, and I had no clue at first."

"It was later that my father-in-law reminded me to choose families with a Martial Artist among the many clans."

"Currently, Yunshui Town has eighty-three Postnatal Martial Artists."

"These six affiliated clans were picked from those eighty-three martial artists."

"I secretly investigated their families' reputations and characters locally, ultimately confirming these choices."

Shen Yuan suddenly understood.

```

Shen Wenxing added, "I have another plan."

Facing his father's gaze, he smiled faintly, "Survival of the fittest."

"Small clans can be promoted to large clans, and if a large clan doesn't perform well, it can be demoted to a small clan, or even kicked out of the affiliated clans."

"In this way, these six affiliated clans can also be considered temporary."

"Let's select them first; in the future, there will certainly be many that can be replaced."

Shen Yuan nodded, this seemed feasible.

The framework could first be set up; choosing suitable affiliated clans in one go was indeed unrealistic.

It would be better to fix the number of spots and pick some fairly appropriate clans to try out.

If suitable, they would be retained; if not, they would be eliminated. After all, who ultimately gets to have a seat at the table is up to the Shen Family to decide.

"Yunshui Town comprises ten villages and one town. With Uncle Zhao in Jinliu Village, there's no need for the affiliated clans to intervene."

"For the other nine villages, each large clan can manage two, and each small clan can manage one. As for Yunshui Town, I plan to have Big Sister and Zishi oversee it."

Shen Wenxing laid out his plan.

Last year during the annual festival, he visited the He Family and met He Zishi's grandfather, He Yan, and mentioned the matter of He Zishi and his sister Shen Wenping to the old man.

The old man was very pleased upon hearing it and expressed that the He Family was currently at war with the Zhang Family of Yingchuan, and it would be best for He Zishi not to return.

Thus, both sides tacitly acknowledged the relationship between the two; they would wait a couple of years until He Zishi came of age, and then they could marry.

This He Zishi was raised with strict family discipline and was himself clever and strategic; combined with Shen Wenping's meticulous management, governing a small Yunshui Town shouldn't be a problem.

"Alright, let's do as you say."

A smile appeared on Shen Yuan's face.

Over the years, he had been intentionally training Shen Wenxing to take over the family's affairs, big and small.

Now facing various matters, Shen Wenxing was already able to consider things so comprehensively. Feeling gratified, he also decided to decentralize most affairs, allowing him to make his own decisions.

"You should also keep up with your cultivation."

"How effective was the Pan Mountain Python's flesh and blood?"

As the future head of the Shen Family, Shen Yuan still felt he should be able to hold down the fort.

As for the youngest, unless it was absolutely necessary, it was best not to let him take action.

"Don't worry, Father, my cultivation has improved significantly now."

The Pan Mountain Python was a demon beast at the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer, and its blood and flesh essence, as well as the Demon Essence Pill, were all great supplements for Shen Wenxing.

If a Body Refining cultivator had sufficient resources in the early stages, and could endure the pain of tempering flesh and blood, progress would be rapid.

Shen Wenxing's strong suit was his endurance.

"That's good."

Gently stroking the wooden armrest of the chair, Shen Yuan pondered for a moment and said, "Hasn't Wen'an been gone for two months?"

"I wonder if things are going smoothly for him after returning to Qiyun Valley…"

Shen Wenxing was silent; he was actually also worried whether his brother would encounter any mishaps upon returning to Danzhou.

…

Danzhou, Qiyun Valley.

In the pavilion of the Hidden Cloud Courtyard, the master and disciple sat opposite each other.

A disciple from the Hidden Cloud Courtyard hurriedly came forward and cupped his hands, "Master, Master Yao is here, just outside the door."

Upon hearing this, Pei Zhao furrowed his brow.

"Why has she come?"

Since the two of them became deans, Hidden Cloud Courtyard and Cliff Mountain Courtyard had always been at odds.

After Shen Wen'an slew Liu Hong, a disciple of Cliff Mountain Courtyard, the conflict between the two courtyards had been thoroughly intensified.

Now that his own disciple had just returned, Yao Lin personally visiting seemed undoubtedly aimed at Shen Wen'an.

"Wen'an, you should avoid her for now, while I see what Cliff Mountain Courtyard wants."

Pei Zhao spoke to Shen Wen'an in front of him.

He wasn't worried that Yao Lin would go mad and try to attack Shen Wen'an.

He was only afraid that there might be a verbal conflict between the two, and with Shen Wen'an's temper, it might stir up more trouble.

"Why should I avoid her?"

Shen Wen'an's expression was indifferent.

He still remembered the time when Cliff Mountain Courtyard's Chief Disciple Zhang Yuan led four junior disciples to attack the Shen Family.

Pei Zhao was slightly taken aback, then smiled faintly.

"That's true; this is Hidden Cloud Courtyard, with me here, let's see what she dares to do to you."

He could sense that since returning this time, Shen Wen'an's previous aloofness had notably diminished; his character seemed to have matured significantly and he likely wouldn't act rashly anymore.

"Let her in."

With Pei Zhao's words, the disciple cupped his hands and withdrew.

"Make sure to control yourself later, don't be impulsive."

"No matter what, she is your master uncle."

For safety's sake, Pei Zhao still casually reminded.

Shen Wen'an nodded slightly, "Rest assured, Master, I understand."

As Yao Lin's figure approached from the courtyard entrance, a hint of coldness flashed in her narrow eyes upon seeing Shen Wen'an.

Pei Zhao stood up and cupped his hands, "Senior Sister."

No matter how much animosity lay between them, they were still from the same sect, so formalities had to be maintained on the surface.

Yao Lin slightly cupped her hands, her gaze briefly fell on Shen Wen'an, who stood with his sword, unmoved, causing her to snort coldly, "Junior Brother Pei has certainly taught a good disciple, he doesn't understand a bit of courtesy."

As soon as she said this, Shen Wen'an turned his head slightly to look at her.

Pei Zhao also frowned and said, "As the dean, why is Senior Sister squabbling with a junior?"

"Wen'an's nature is like this; he doesn't like to talk."

Yao Lin sneered, "Even though he's a junior and dislikes talking, does he not understand basic courtesies?"

"If he goes out like this, wouldn't our fellow cultivators from other Immortal Sects mistakenly think Hidden Cloud Courtyard only produces ill-mannered people?"

Hearing this, Pei Zhao's expression suddenly changed.

He could see that Yao Lin had come this time just to provoke trouble.

"Let's not talk about whether Hidden Cloud Courtyard's disciples are ill-mannered; the disciples taught by your Cliff Mountain Courtyard aren't much better…"

But before he could get angry, Shen Wen'an directly retorted.

To Shen Wen'an, Master Pei Zhao was the closest person to him besides his family.

Seeing Yao Lin humiliating him like this, he was naturally unwilling to back down.