Protect Our Clan Leader

Chapter 476: Chapter 8 Commandery Prince! Wu Dianshan_1

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In Longzuo County Town.

It has always been a motley exhibition, with a mix of low-strength Independent Cultivators coming to try their luck, and the high-and-mighty prominent families with thousands of years of heritage.

However, amongst the countless living beings, the one who is most revered is the Hereditary Lord Zhenzuo of Longzuo County – Wu Dianshan.

As far as the name implies, the line of Lord Zhenzuo is a duke, replacing the king to guard Longzuo County. However, since the establishment of the Da Qian, the true implementation has been a prefectural system.

The Prefecture Mansion is the actual institution regulating all matters of a county under control from the National Capital.

The line of Lord Zhenzuo has always been nominal dukes, without much real authority. The current Lord Zhenzuo, Wu Dianshan, never showed much of talent or promise from a young age. His preferences leaned more towards various amusements and pastimes, at most associating himself with skilled independent cultivators, limiting his connections to casual acquaintanceships.

If a prominent family encountered difficulties and approached the Commandery Prince’s Residence for help, they would often lend it. Therefore, the reputation of the Commandery Prince’s lineage was fairly good overall.

The Commandery Prince’s Residence is not far from Longzuo Wang Clan, it’s located in the core of the county town. This shows how powerful the Longzuo Wang Clan was during its prime era.

However, the Commandery Prince’s Residence is much grander, with the main residence alone being several times the size of the Longzuo Wang family.

Wang Shouzhe and Ancestor Longyan had the courtesy to follow the formula by sending a name card. The stated identities included those from Changning Wang clan, and the registered direct disciples of Master Changchun and Master Binglan, also attached with the identity token of Master Changchun.

They were immediately received with utmost reverence by the door-managing steward and were invited into the side hall. Attendants served delicious pastries, fruits, and spiritual tea, all made from spiritual objects.

As expected of the Commandery Prince’s Residence, their foundation is truly extraordinary.

Even the maids and attendants are young cultivators who have achieved some success in the realm of Qi Refinement, and they all possess fairly decent appearances. The door-managing steward is a cultivator of the Spirit Platform Realm.

Wang Shouzhe and Ancestor Longyan looked calm as they sipped on the spiritual tea. After all, the income of the Changning Wang Clan is much greater than that of the average celestial being’s house, they are used to such high society.

In a short while.

A great steward in a brocade robe stepped into the side hall, laughed heartily and said, “Today, the Spirit Sparrows in the residence’s Sparrow Garden are chirping happily, a sign of distinguished guests. Unexpectedly, it’s the Changning Wang Clan that has recently gained fame. I am Wu Zhong, the Great Steward of the Prince’s Residence. Nice to meet Master Shouzhe and Ancestor Longyan.”

A wave of enthusiasm and hearty energy filled the room, which made Wang Shouzhe feel his warmth. And he did not mention the two masters at all, as if it were genuinely out of consideration for the Changning Wang Clan that he was so enthusiastic.

However, Wang Shouzhe knew that in a short span of time, this Great Steward Wu Zhong had apparently read up on the Changning Wang Clan’s information and responded swiftly.

As the topmost prominent family in Longzuo County – the Commandery Prince’s Residence, it was reasonable for them to gather and summarize information on every clan in the city. The Changning Wang Clan of current times was not the same small Rank 8 or 9 prominent family of yore.

“Shouzhe salutes Great Steward Wu.” Wang Shouzhe stood up and responded with a courteous salute, showing perfect manners, and took many gifts from his storage ring, “A little token of good will.”

Great Steward Wu Zhong was quite a worldly man, he didn’t even look at the list of gifts but just glanced over them and approximated the value of the gifts to be no less than 30,000 Qian Gold.

While Wu Zhong was secretly shocked, he was quick to resist, “Master Shouzhe, there was no need for such lavish gifts just for a visit. Please take them back, please.”

“It’s just a ceremonial gift, Great Steward shouldn’t take it to heart.” Wang Shouzhe said with a smile, “I do have a favor to ask of the Commandery Prince. I hope he can introduce us to Master Danding, for the sake of Master Changchun.”

Wu Zhong understood the situation immediately and chuckled, “So, Master Shouzhe, you’re here about the matter of Master Danding taking on disciples. To be honest, many families have previously asked the Commandery Prince to mediate an introduction with Master Danding. However, the Commandery Prince has refused all such requests.”

Without waiting for Wang Shouzhe to speak, Wu Zhong continued, “But if it’s for the sake of Master Changchun, the Commandery Prince would be happy to see it.”

Just as expected.

Having Master Changchun’s token changed the situation.

This was how social interactions worked in the Profound Martial World. The Commandery Prince agreed to this matter mainly for the favor from Master Changchun, in case he needed help from Master Changchun in future, it would then be time to return the favor.

“However, the final decision still rests with the Commandery Prince himself.” After bowing, Great Steward Wu Zhong said, “The two of you can rest for a while, I will go and report to the Prince.”

After the brief exchange.

Wu Zhong quickly departed. In less than an hour, he returned to the side hall, “Congratulations Master Shouzhe, Ancestor Longyan. The Commandery Prince happens to be free today and has decided to personally host a meal for both of you. Please follow me.”

Soon afterwards.

Under the arrangement of Wu Zhong, Wang Shouzhe and Ancestor Longyan met Lord Zhenzuo, Wu Dianshan, in an elegant courtyard.

This courtyard is filled with a plethora of unusual and exotic flowers and plants, vying to outdo the other in splendor. The crisscrossed pavilions and terraces within the courtyard evoke a sense of charm and whimsy. Within the courtyard, there’s a lake of several acres in size, which houses a number of Spirit Fish.

A middle-aged man, dressed in a royal python-patterned robe with a purple-gold crown, is intently engaged in fishing with a purple bamboo rod. He does not possess an intimidating demeanor, rather, he exudes a sense of leisure and contentment.

Upon seeing Wang Shouzhe, the man greeted jovially, not needing Wu Zhong to make the introduction. “These two young talents must be the proud disciples of Master Changchun and Master Binglan — Wang Shouzhe and Wang Longyan, am I right? Come, sit down and have some tea,” he said.

Key details about Wang Shouzhe and Wang Longyan had clearly been gathered preliminarily in a short span.

While sky prides of the Purple Abode Academic Palace are revered and flattered wherever they go, the treatment is not the same within the Commandery Prince’s Residence.

Lord Zhenzuo, after all, is a revered Purple Abode Realm Cultivator – a Duke of Da Qian and a figure of great prestige. The lineal disciples of the Academic Palace, although exceptional, do not quite match up to him.

The reason the Commandery Prince extends such honors is likely due to the extraordinary personalities of Shouzhe and Longyan, and also out of respect to the two Masters. Especially since Wang Shouzhe had arrived with Master Changchun’s token, implying that Changchun had requested a favor.

However, even when the Commandery Prince exhibited a down-to-earth demeanor, Wang Shouzhe, and Longyan maintained an attitude of respect, reverently greeting the Commandery Prince.

While Commandery Prince Wu Dianshan may appear a middle-aged man, his actual age is well over five hundred years. His cultivation base is unfathomably profound – a figure that demands respect.

After observing the formalities.

The Commandery Prince then arranged a modest banquet by the lakeside of the courtyard.

The feast wasn’t extravagant; it merely consisted of some ordinary material spirit delicacies. The culinary craftsmanship, however, was so exquisite that it tantalized the enticing taste buds.

Wu Dianshan had meant to show respect to Master Changchun, however, upon conversing with Wang Shouzhe, he discovered a remarkably quick-witted, knowledgeable mind. Shouzhe’s unique perspectives often left Wu Dianshan inspired.

“Intriguing! Young friend, your perspectives on worldly matters are truly sharp and insightful.” Commandery Prince Wu Dianshan broke into hearty laughter.

As the banquet progressed, Wu Dianshan’s admiration for Wang Shouzhe deepened. No wonder the reports noted that the Wang Clan ascended from the 9th rank to 7th rank within a short span of twenty years.

“Your Highness, do you enjoy fishing?” Wang Shouzhe noticed that the Commandery Prince Wu Dianshan seemed fond of fishing, as it had been referenced many times in his conversations.

“It’s merely a recreational hobby. You’re too young to understand, Shouzhe. When one lives over five hundred years, they tend to lose interest in most things,” said Commandery Prince Wu Dianshan, “I have to ration my enjoyment, fearing that once I grow bored, I may struggle to find amusement. Do you also enjoy fishing, Shouzhe?”

Wang Shouzhe was fond of fishing in his previous life, but he hadn’t indulged in it much in this life.

“It’s not so much that I enjoy it. Our Wang Clan resides by the Peace River, and we have an annual fish harvest,” Wang Shouzhe produced an unusual seven-foot-long fishing rod from his storage ring, “This rod is my creation during my leisure time. I would be honored if you could give it a try, Your Highness.”

“Such a short rod, and those strangely meticulous iron loops; what’s the purpose of the reel at the bottom?” An excited Wu Dianshan curiously examined the rod, marveling at the unique design, “I’ve lived all these years and have never seen such an unusual fishing rod. Shouzhe, what’s the story here?”

“This rod is called Luya,” explained Wang Shouzhe truthfully, “It’s specifically designed to catch aggressive, predatory Spirit Fish. The rod is made from 5,000-year-old purple sandalwood bamboo, and the line is spun from strings of silk from a level six spiritual insect – the Nine Nether Ice Spirit Silkworm. It’s strong enough to withstand any Spirit Fish up to Level Four. You see, the bait for a Luya rod is different from regular fishing rods…”

“It’s a false bait…”

“Correct. The essence of bait-fishing is different. While traditional bait fishing is passive, Luya fishing requires a direct…”

This left Wu Dianshan in wonder, praising the innovation, and eagerly attempting to give it a try.

In another corner, Longyan felt speechless. It seemed Shouzhe could charm just about anyone.

…

Time swiftly passed, and several days later.

Since Master Danding was as carefree as a wild cloud, he didn’t have a residence in the County Town. Thus, his disciple recruitment ceremony was held in the largest alchemy workshop in the area, the Tian Yuan Workshop.

On the day of selection, endless hopefuls enrolled, each rushing to seize the opportunity presented.

The participants included children from prominent families, children from lowly ninth-rank clans, and countless cultivators from insignificant families or independent cultivators. It seemed as if everyone was convinced that being taken as a disciple by Master Danding would catapult them right to the top.

Outside Tian Yuan Workshop, it was a sea of people.

Seventh son of the Wang family, Wang Shouye, along with a beautiful woman, jostled in the crowd. After much struggle, they finally registered and received a number for the test – number 396. With so many competitors, it seemed unlikely that they would even make it past the preliminary round.

…