On the second floor of Fortune Source Residence, a room was permanently reserved for high-ranking members of the Wang Clan.
It was here that Yulou met the patriarch of the Wang Clan, Wang Xianmao, for the second time.
Wang Xianmao, one of the three Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Xian generation, was the patriarch of the Wang Clan.
The last time Yulou saw him was five years ago, and even then, he had only caught a distant glimpse of the patriarch's back.
Now, meeting the patriarch face-to-face, Yulou felt an uncontrollable wave of shock.
Wang Xianmao had a burly stature, but his complexion was a deep, sickly green, and his lips were tinged pale.
He clearly possessed the foundation of a handsome man, yet he was pitifully emaciated.
Still, the powerful spiritual aura of a Foundation Establishment cultivator was so prominent that one couldn't help but be drawn to him.
This combination made him look both haggard and imposing.
'Is this a Foundation Establishment cultivator?''Could it be that reaching a high level in this world's cultivation methods causes a backlash?'
Yulou couldn't figure it out.
He obediently led Yu'an forward to greet the patriarch and Elder Rongwen, then stood in place with his gaze lowered.
Seeing that his son's condition remained much the same as when he had left home, Wang Rongwen's anxious heart settled slightly.
But with Yulou and Yu'an standing side by side, the difference between them was stark.
It wasn't a difference akin to a brilliant moon next to mud, or a bright pearl next to a fish eye—the boys' innate talents were practically identical. Rather, it was a matter of temperament.
Any elder would understand: some children naturally appeared flighty and mischievous, while others were exceptionally well-behaved, effortlessly drawing people's affection.
That was precisely the difference here.
Yu'an couldn't help but look around restlessly, while Yulou stood in obedient silence, waiting for the elders to speak.
Though the difference seemed small, to Wang Rongwen, it felt quite significant.
He felt a twinge of shame, a sentiment akin to comparing goods and wanting to throw the inferior one away.
"What are you looking at? Stand straight!" Wang Rongwen scolded.
Wang Xianmao waved his hand and asked in a warm voice, "Haha, it's fine. Yu'an, how have you been finding your time at Clear Stream Market?"
'This Foundation Establishment ancestor looks like he's suffering from a severe illness, yet his voice sounds completely normal,' Yulou thought.
"Everything is fine. It's just that I haven't been able to see the patriarch and my father, so I missed you both."
Having spent so much time around Yulou, Yu'an thought he had mastered the essence of flattery, boldly offering a compliment that completely missed the mark.
Unfortunately, young Yu'an didn't understand certain realities.
For instance, whenever you choose to be bold, life often responds with a swift slap to the face.
"The immortal path is vast and distant. Disciples of the Wang Clan must possess a stable Dao heart and stand on their own feet. You are already thirteen years old, so why do you still act like a child?"
As expected of Yu'an's biological father, Wang Rongwen truly wished his son would show more promise.
Patriarch Wang Xianmao didn't comment. Instead, he observed Yulou and nodded inwardly.
'Just as Rongyuan had written in his letter, this child could indeed become a pillar of the clan!'
"Yulou, what have you both learned from Householder Redbrow?" Wang Xianmao rolled a spiritual wooden bead in his hand, looking at Yulou.
"Uncle Rongyuan gave instructions back then... along with the process of refining metals and breaking stones. Yu'an is progressing incredibly fast in this regard; I am far inferior to him."
Yulou explained the process of their apprenticeship over the past few days in meticulous detail, making sure to put in a good word for Yu'an at the end.
The patriarch nodded slightly. "It seems that placing you at Clear Stream Market was the right move. Redbrow truly possesses a true inheritance. However, from what you describe, it seems his inheritance does not align with the methods of Hidden Dragon Abbey."
"Hidden Dragon Abbey?" Neither Yulou nor Yu'an understood the patriarch's words.
They were naturally aware of Hidden Dragon Abbey. Like the Red Lantern Illumination Sect, it was counted among the Ten Sects of Wunan.
But why had Wang Xianmao suddenly brought it up?
"A Foundation Establishment cultivator from Hidden Dragon Abbey passed away within the territory of the Red Lantern Illumination Sect. To be precise, near Clear Stream Market," Wang Rongwen spoke up from the side, explaining in a low voice to the two youths. "Redbrow's fire methods are profound, and Hidden Dragon Abbey cultivates both fire and earth elemental methods. We initially suspected he had some connection to them."
Since Yulou and Yu'an were both members of the Wang Clan, there was no harm in letting them know about these minor matters.
The two youths exchanged glances. The patriarch raised a hand and pointed at Wang Rongwen.
"It's not often you father and son get to meet. Go on and have a good chat."
Elder Rongwen was naturally tactful. Grabbing Wang Yu'an by the collar, he dragged him out.
"Yulou, this is the first time I have met you. The clan has never mentioned the matter of your parents to you. Do you blame us?"
"I would not dare, nor would I ever. The Wang Clan has treated me generously, and Uncle Rongyuan looks upon me as his own son."
"If a clan wishes to prosper—or even just maintain its current status—someone must step forward to shoulder the responsibilities. Your parents are the pride of the Wang Clan. Cultivate well. We avenged them long ago, so you don't need to worry about such things."
This was precisely the difference between having a backing and being on one's own. Yulou felt extremely fortunate to have transmigrated into a powerful clan.
He didn't have to be like the transmigrators in the stories he used to read, burdened by family feuds and national hatred, where defeating a young opponent inevitably summoned an old monster seeking revenge.
If the sky fell, the ancestors would hold it up!
Wang Xianmao had successfully established his foundation and possessed profound cultivation. With at least a hundred years of lifespan remaining, Yulou didn't need to worry about the clan declining anytime soon due to the patriarch's passing.
"I understand. I will certainly study the auxiliary arts diligently, reach Qi Refining as soon as possible, and return to serve the clan!"
"Haha, good child. Have you faced any difficulties while studying at Clear Stream Market?"
Yulou hesitated. Wang Xianmao noticed it, and his expression turned serious.
Did someone actually dare to bully a disciple of the Wang Clan?
"With Uncle Nianqiu looking after us, there are no difficulties. It's just that, Patriarch, my master does indeed have some oddities."
Yulou originally hadn't wanted to speak of Householder Redbrow's oddities; after all, Redbrow was his master.
However, the Wang Clan's teachings reminded him of just how cruel the cultivation world could be.
Knowing a person's face didn't mean knowing their heart, and trusting someone too easily was rarely a good thing.
If there was a potential issue with Redbrow, reporting it to the patriarch immediately was the correct course of action.
"Speak!"
"First, his daughter is responsible for teaching us fire artificing methods. She once inadvertently mentioned that the fire methods my master cultivates aren't solely for artificing. First, one controls flames with spiritual energy, originating from within oneself. Next, one manipulates external flames, which corresponds to Qi Refining. Finally, one draws the fire into the body, using it to forge the Dao Foundation. Using fire to forge the Dao Foundation... is this a method for Foundation Establishment?"
Wang Xianmao nodded. "Yes. He might have obtained a Foundation Establishment inheritance from somewhere, but it's clearly flawed. Any method that relies on external forces to forge the Dao Foundation is a crooked path. Tell me the rest."
"Second, Redbrow's daughter is only at the fifth layer of Qi Induction, yet she can practice the external fire manipulation methods of the Qi Refining stage. When she practices this method, she wears a special artifact to avoid being harmed by the flames. That artifact is definitely extraordinary. It functions without requiring her active manipulation, and even though it's made of cloth, it completely repels fire. I don't understand much about the artificing path. Patriarch, what do you think?"
Wang Xianmao pondered for a long time before speaking with a sigh. "If there are no surprises, Redbrow should already be preparing for Foundation Establishment. Taking you two as disciples was partly to save on rent and accumulate resources for his breakthrough attempt. On the other hand, the Dao inheritance he obtained isn't ideal, so perhaps he hopes to use our Wang Clan to give him a final push. By the way, how old is his daughter?"
As he asked this, Wang Xianmao sized up Yulou, his mind suddenly calculating the possibility of a marriage alliance.
A marriage alliance would be excellent.
Redbrow was dropping subtle hints, treating the Wang Clan as a backup plan.
Naturally, the Wang Clan should seize the opportunity to see if they could make it official and absorb Redbrow into the clan as a guest elder.
"Fifteen," Yulou replied.
He naturally understood what Wang Xianmao was thinking, so he thoughtfully added, "Yu'an likes his senior martial sister very much."
The patriarch was amused by Yulou's adult-like demeanor.
'Child, you truly are clever.'
"Haha, alright. The observations you shared today are very important. Here, this is your reward."
"Spirit wine?"
"Rank-eight Monkey Spirit Wine. Given your cultivation, you should only drink a quarter of a cup at a time. This cup is also yours. Later on, you can have your master modify it and refine it into a bell."
Having lived through two lifetimes, this was the first time Yulou had experienced the privileges of a great clan's scion.
A rank-eight spirit wine, given away just like that.
A low-grade artifact-tier gold cup, handed over directly.
'Is this a Foundation Establishment immortal clan?'
'This is too extravagant!'
"I will certainly cultivate diligently and live up to the clan's high regard and encouragement!"
Hearing this, Wang Xianmao nodded in satisfaction.
Only when a family continuously produced fine talents could it remain prosperous. In Yulou, he saw steadiness and meticulousness, depth and wisdom, and most importantly, brotherly affection.
Thinking of this, he spurred him on. "You must cultivate well. Right now, I am the patriarch of the Wang Clan, but in the future, the Wang Clan will ultimately fall into your hands. Without sufficient cultivation and strength, you won't be able to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the family. Hmm... let's do this. The day after tomorrow, I will take you out to broaden your horizons. Oh, and Yu'an too. When the time comes, just follow Rongwen."
"I will respectfully obey the patriarch's teachings. I will never forget them!"
Wang Xianmao beamed, but his expression schooled itself back just as quickly. The speed at which a Foundation Establishment cultivator could change expressions was entirely imperceptible to Yulou.
"Alright, alright. I also have some of the clan's secret-recipe braised donkey meat here. Take it and eat."
"This..."
'Patriarch, you really are treating me like a child...'
"And these spiritual fruits were given to me by Nianqiu. Don't let him see when you eat them."