...
"Mr. Bear, Mr. Bear?" Princess Huari waved her hand in front of him a few times, asking with concern, "Are you alright? Do you need me to call a doctor for you?"
"Awuuu~" Mr. Bear shivered, shaking his head like a rattle drum, and quickly wrote on a sign, "You, you, you, don't come over!"
He was now fully awake; Huari... was back again.
"Hehe, Mr. Bear, why are you so nervous?" Huari comforted with a smile, "I won't eat a bear. Besides, I've already graduated from the elementary clan school and am about to enter the intermediate clan school."
Graduated from elementary clan school?
Mr. Bear widened his bear eyes, looking at Huari with shock and doubt, as if to say, "How did you manage that? Could it be that the teachers couldn't handle it anymore and found a way to send you off?"
"Let's not talk about that." Huari laughed awkwardly, "I'm here today to ask you for a favor. This is my sister, Princess Zhaoyu, and she'll be in your class from now on."
Mr. Bear didn't know who Princess Zhaoyu was, but as long as it wasn't Huari coming back to his class, everything was fine.
"Awuuu!" To quickly send Huari away, Mr. Bear howled for an assistant to help Princess Zhaoyu with her enrollment procedures.Princess Zhaoyu, unaware of what she would face in the future, was coaxed into completing the procedures and was officially assigned to Mr. Bear's class.
Mr. Bear held up a sign to introduce the children in the clan school to Zhaoyu.
"This is Wang Zongshi, although he's a tree, he's very clever and obedient."
"These are Wang Fuquan, Wang Bao'er, Wang Youhong, Wang Youdao, Wang Jishu, Wang Guiying, Wang Jinhui."
"This is Wang Yinle, the eldest of the Yin generation in the Wang Clan."
The children introduced all greeted Zhaoyu warmly, making her very happy to meet so many peers at once, her little face full of joy.
Huari wasn't lying; this place is fun~
Outside the classroom, Princess Huari, hiding by the window, watched the scene and couldn't help but laugh to herself.
Zhaoyu, Zhaoyu, just wait for the tears~ for pestering my brother all day!
The little green dragon coiled around Huari's wrist also lifted its head, looking at Princess Zhaoyu with a sympathetic gaze.
Alas, poor girl~
Laugh while you can, laugh more now while you don't know anything, because once you truly experience the horrors of the clan school, you won't be able to laugh anymore~
Ah~ what a pity, about to fall into a den of demons.
...
Great Gan.
Between the Lingyun Holy Land and Guilong City lies a vast plateau canyon known as the "Boundary Rift Canyon." This is where the Great Gan Boundary Rift is located.
Since the launch of the [Spring Thunder Operation], led by the Lingyun Holy Land, a series of transformations have been carried out in the Boundary Rift Canyon.
Over the years, the place has undergone earth-shattering changes.
Outside the original fortress, a massive modern "terminal building" has risen from the ground.
This terminal was designed by Wang Shouzhe, inspired by the train stations of previous generations. The entire "terminal" is divided into two levels, constructed entirely of reinforced concrete, with numerous glass panels embedded on the surface, making it bright and spacious.
In the sunlight, the glass panels reflect a rainbow-like halo from certain angles, giving it a futuristic feel.
The internal structure of the "terminal" is also quite complex, with dedicated cargo loading and transport channels, a waiting hall, and personnel stationed at the entrance and outside the Domain-Crossing Flying Boats for "ticket inspection."
Both cargo and personnel must undergo strict screening, with no unidentified personnel or goods allowed on the Domain-Crossing Flying Boats.
Inside the waiting hall, a large black crystal screen displays red and green text corresponding to schedules and departure times, and ticket inspection times.
To keep passengers entertained while waiting, the edges of the waiting hall are lined with shops offering food, drinks, and entertainment.
Though it was still early, and the terminal staff had just started working, a long line had already formed outside the terminal.
With the first batch of people who ventured into the outer regions having made their first fortunes and returned with good news, the number of people willing to sign agreements has noticeably increased, creating a trend.
Recently, the number of people lining up outside the terminal has surged, so much so that the staff inside can barely keep up, forcing them to urgently recruit additional personnel from various departments of the clan to help.
The work at the terminal is actually quite simple, assisting those preparing to venture into the outer regions to board the Domain-Crossing Flying Boats in an orderly manner according to the plan.
Everyone who signed an agreement with the Wang Clan to become pioneers receives a boarding pass.
The boarding pass has special anti-counterfeit designs, recording the basic identity information of the corresponding personnel, along with a special imprint of their spiritual consciousness to confirm identity.
All personnel, except staff, must present their boarding pass to enter the terminal.
Once inside, staff guide them to the waiting hall and assist them in collecting tickets with schedule and seat numbers according to their order of entry.
When it's their turn, the screen and staff remind them to proceed to the boarding gate for ticket inspection. After inspection, they can enter the docking area and board the Domain-Crossing Flying Boat.
Though the process sounds complex, it's not difficult, and with staff guidance, even first-timers can manage easily.
Wenren Boye was one of the many people there.
After a long journey to the Boundary Rift Canyon, he checked his boarding pass again to ensure it was safely in his pocket, tightened his backpack, and quickly joined the long line at the terminal entrance.
He carried a massive backpack, so large that it towered over him, making him invisible from behind, with only a pair of legs visible beneath the pack.
The pack contained all his belongings, and through the gaps, one could faintly see pots and pans.
Only a Basalt cultivator with a strong physique could carry such a large pack with ease; before the era of universal Qi Refining, it would have taken several people to lift it.
"Brother, what are you doing with such a big pack?" The middle-aged cultivator behind him stared at his backpack in disbelief.
Wenren Boye scratched his head and explained sheepishly, "It's inconvenient to buy things in the outer regions, and even if you can, they might be expensive, so I brought everything I could think of."
"You have a point." The middle-aged cultivator nodded, then asked, "But if you have so much luggage, why not buy a storage ring? The Domain-Crossing Flying Boats have limited space, and there's a regulation on luggage size. You might not be able to board with all that."
"Huh?"
Wenren Boye was shocked, having no idea there was such a rule, and became anxious and helpless: "But this is most of my belongings. Storage rings are too expensive; I can't afford one."
"Don't worry, brother." The middle-aged cultivator was helpful, suggesting, "Those who signed agreements to pioneer the outer regions can apply for an interest-free loan from the Wang Clan. Have you applied?"
"Huh?" Wenren Boye looked confused.
"You... you didn't even read the agreement carefully before signing, did you?" The middle-aged cultivator was speechless.
The interest-free loan for pioneers was one of the most attractive terms of the outer region pioneering.
He himself decided to venture into the outer regions for that loan, as his daughter had a promising talent for puppetry, but he couldn't afford to support her training. He signed the agreement to buy her equipment and study materials with the loan, planning to earn money in the outer regions to repay the loan and pay for her education.
But this brother didn't even read the agreement carefully.
"Well... I..." Wenren Boye realized he might have made a rookie mistake and chuckled awkwardly, "I didn't want to stop at the Qi Refining Realm, so I decided to take a chance. I heard pioneering in the outer regions could make a lot of money, so I signed up."
He came from a small clan in Changle Guard, Haian County, Western Sea Commandery.
It was a very small clan, with the strongest ancestor only at the eighth level of the Qi Refining Realm, not even qualifying for a ninth-grade title, just an insignificant cultivation clan.
Yet, his generation produced a genius with a lower-grade B aptitude. At just over thirty, he had reached the eighth level of the Qi Refining Realm.
If he could continue at this pace, he had hope of breaking through to the Lingtai Realm by fifty.
Unfortunately, his clan lacked the resources to support his rapid cultivation, and they couldn't afford the Tianling Dan needed for a breakthrough.
The Ancestor Grandfather was worried sick, feeling he had let him down.
Wenren Boye understood the clan's situation but was unwilling to give up. When he heard pioneering in the outer regions could make money, he impulsively signed up.
"It's not easy for you either, all for resources. I understand." The middle-aged cultivator patted Wenren Boye's shoulder sympathetically, "Forget it, let's not talk about it. Since you haven't applied for the loan, it's easy. A storage ring costs thirty to fifty thousand Gan gold, well within the loan limit. With a storage ring, you can pack all your luggage and not worry about passing security."
"The waiting hall has places to apply for loans and buy storage rings. Once inside, I'll take you there."
As they spoke, the line moved forward, and they both had their identities verified and were allowed inside.
The middle-aged cultivator immediately led Wenren Boye to the waiting hall to apply for a loan and buy a storage ring.
Inside the terminal, there were many like them. Every day, countless people entered the terminal, boarding Domain-Crossing Flying Boats to the outer regions in pursuit of a better future.
However, as the frequency of the Domain-Crossing Flying Boats traversing the Boundary Rift increased, the already worn-out boats began to show signs of strain.
Fortunately, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch led his elite disciples in constant repairs, assisted by the Jade Talisman Immortal and her team, along with the Wang Clan elite team led by Wang Liyue and Wang Ningxi, barely managing to keep the boats operational under such high loads.
At the maintenance meeting.
Exhausted from long hours of repairs, the Hundred Refinements True Monarch slammed the table: "Liyue, we can't keep this up. Our Domain-Crossing Flying Boat is already in poor condition, and continuing at this load will cause it to fall apart, no matter how much we repair it."
Wang Liyue frowned, "The second phase of the Spring Thunder Plan has already started, and the entire nation is mobilized. How can we just stop?"
"A short pause would allow for better maintenance." Wang Ningxi, his eyes bloodshot, suggested, "If necessary, we can stop for three days, and our maintenance staff can work overtime."
"This isn't a long-term solution." The Jade Talisman Immortal said gravely, "The second phase of the Spring Thunder Plan in Eastern Gan is progressing too smoothly, and the workload on the Domain-Crossing Flying Boats will only increase. A single small boat won't suffice."
"What can we do? We've already applied to the Immortal Dynasty to lease Domain-Crossing Flying Boats, but they don't have enough either." Wang Ningxi sighed, "Our technology is improving, but replicating a Domain-Crossing Flying Boat is still far off."
Domain-Crossing Flying Boats, officially known as "Domain-Crossing Shuttles," were high-tech even during the Shenwu Royal Dynasty, involving complex technologies in materials, propulsion, coatings, and spatial technology.
With today's severe technological gaps, they hadn't even fully grasped the principles, making replication nearly impossible.
"Ah, I remember something." The Hundred Refinements True Monarch's eyes lit up, "Over two thousand years ago, the Immortal Emperor found a broken medium-sized Domain-Crossing Flying Boat. It was too damaged to repair easily and required many resources."
"Since there was no immediate need for a Domain-Crossing Flying Boat, it was set aside."
The Jade Talisman Immortal seemed to recall, "I think I remember that. But it's been so long, only the Immortal Emperor might know its whereabouts."
"Difficulty and resource consumption don't matter." Wang Liyue's eyes brightened, "Our Wang Clan can buy that medium-sized Domain-Crossing Flying Boat."
Wang Ningxi opened his mouth to speak, but Wang Liyue patted his shoulder, saying, "By the way, your Ancestor Shouzhe wants you to go to the Immortal Dynasty, right? You should visit the Immortal Emperor and buy that boat."
"Uh..." Wang Ningxi held his forehead, almost in tears.
He had heard the Immortal Emperor ordered him banned for a thousand years, threatening to break his legs if he set foot in the Immortal Dynasty. How could he go now?
But his Aunt Liyue was even scarier than Ancestor Shouzhe, and no matter how many guts he had, he wouldn't dare defy her orders.
Pressure or not, he had to go.
He needed a plan... Oh, he had one.
Wang Ningxi's eyes brightened, and he had an idea.
...
Time passed quickly.
On this day.
A cloud ray flying boat glided through the sky, landing at the airport outside the Immortal City.
Wang Fugui and Princess Yun Mengyu of Chuanan, accompanied by an entourage, disembarked from the flying boat. Princess Zhaoyu remained at the Wang's Clan School.
This time, Wang Fugui returned to the Immortal Dynasty to escort Yun Mengyu back and to address the "assassination incident" at the Treasure Pavilion.
Though Wang Fugui had set a trap, the incident exposed significant internal management flaws at the Treasure Pavilion, involving spies and assassins across the Immortal and Demon Dynasties. Even the long-slumbering Elder Tianji had to be awakened to personally explain to the Immortal Emperor.
Additionally, Wang Ningxi, on a special mission, accompanied Wang Fugui, but to respect the Immortal Emperor's dignity, he didn't "set foot on the Immortal Dynasty's land."
As soon as he reached the cloud ray flying boat's hatch, he summoned a giant puppet spider.
The puppet spider, made entirely of metal, had a blue and white exterior resembling a spider, with six agile legs and an additional pair of short arms for grasping, looking extremely cool.
A comfortable seating system was installed on the puppet spider's back, clearly designed for this purpose.
Wang Ningxi flickered onto it, lying on the seat without touching the ground, indirectly respecting the Immortal Emperor's decree.
"Fugui, it's been a long time since we last met."
The True Lord of Three Treasures from the Treasure Pavilion was also in the welcoming party. Seeing Wang Fugui, his chubby face beamed with a friendly smile.
"Oh, True Lord of Three Treasures." Wang Fugui hurriedly greeted, "You're too kind, senior."
"There's no need for such formality." The True Lord of Three Treasures smiled, linking arms with Wang Fugui, "We get along so well, why bother with such formalities? Look, our faces are both round, doesn't that show our connection?"
"…"
Wang Fugui's face stiffened.
I'm just slightly round, you're a complete sphere, how is that the same?
However, Wang Fugui knew the True Lord of Three Treasures' intentions, and his usually gentle face showed a troubled expression: "True Lord, it's not that I'm being difficult~ This matter involves spies, assassins, and internal management flaws across the Immortal and Demon Dynasties' Treasure Pavilion. Only the Immortal Emperor and Elder Tianji can sort it out."
"Of course, it's not something to be taken lightly." The True Lord of Three Treasures smiled, "But Fugui, you have influence with the Immortal Emperor, please speak well of me. It was truly an oversight on my part, not intentional."
As he spoke, the True Lord of Three Treasures discreetly handed a small pouch to Fugui.
The pouch contained a single spirit stone, but it was rich in spiritual resonance, containing extremely pure immortal spirit energy.
An Immortal Spirit Stone!
This was a generous offer; just a few good words, and Wang Fugui could have this Immortal Spirit Stone.
The surrounding welcoming party, sent by the Immortal Emperor, looked on with envy. The True Lord of Three Treasures was really going all out.
Unexpectedly, Fugui's expression turned serious: "True Lord, what do you mean by this?"
"Fugui, this... noble son." The True Lord of Three Treasures awkwardly cupped his hands, "I know you don't care for small profits, but I truly have nothing better to offer."
"True Lord~" Wang Fugui shook his head, "You've helped me before, and even helped my grandfather, the Wang Clan owes you a debt of gratitude. I trust your character, you wouldn't do anything illegal. Don't worry, I'll explain to the Immortal Emperor, but there's no need for the Immortal Spirit Stone."
With that, Wang Fugui returned the Immortal Spirit Stone to the True Lord of Three Treasures.
"Noble son, you truly are the greatest noble son of our Immortal Dynasty, no, of humanity." The True Lord of Three Treasures sighed, "Your future is truly limitless."
The others also regarded Wang Fugui with respect.
Everyone knew the True Lord of Three Treasures' predicament, he was essentially taking the blame. He had spent a lot of money seeking help, but no one could assist him.
Wang Fugui, for a past favor, took on the responsibility and even refused the Immortal Spirit Stone, showing great magnanimity.
As they spoke, they boarded the flying chariot sent by the Immortal Emperor, heading to the celestial court above the Immortal City.
It was daytime, without the moonlight's shroud, the celestial court lacked some of its ethereal aura, but it was still shrouded in mist, full of immortal charm, like a paradise.
Since it wasn't a formal court meeting, the Immortal Emperor didn't have them brought to the main hall but summoned them to the Shuyue Pavilion.
As the Immortal Emperor's most frequently used study, Shuyue Pavilion wasn't as solemn and majestic as the main hall, but had a refined and elegant charm, though it was still spacious and luxuriously decorated.
The table held gold and silver enamel vases, the walls emitted a cool aura from spirit pearls, and a luxurious crystal chandelier hung overhead... everything exuded royal grandeur and elegance.
The crystal chandelier was a product of the Wang Clan.
This complex and intricate chandelier was not suitable for mass production, so it was custom-made, the only one in the world.
As the group entered, led by the palace maid, the Immortal Emperor looked up.
The first thing she saw was Wang Ningxi, and she was immediately furious, snorting coldly: "Wang Ningxi, you have some nerve! Do you think I won't punish you? You dare to ride that ugly puppet spider to see me?"
"Your Majesty, Ningxi is innocent." Wang Ningxi looked aggrieved, "You said if I set foot in the Immortal Dynasty, you'd break my legs."
As he spoke, he lifted his feet, smiling awkwardly: "Look, Your Majesty, for the sake of my legs, I didn't even set foot in the Immortal Dynasty."
"…" The Immortal Emperor's eyes widened, her mouth twitching, "You scoundrel, how dare you play tricks with me!"
With that, she couldn't hold back and slapped him.
"Boom!"
Wang Ningxi was sent flying out of the Immortal Palace.
The puppet spider hesitated for a moment, then looked around before dashing off, fleeing in panic.
...