Protect Our Patriarch

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"Fire Fox, you didn't tell me about this, did you?"

Wang Shouzhe looked at the Fire Fox Ancestor, dumbfounded.

The Yuan Shui Azure Dragon's childish voice had hit him hard. Thinking back to everything they had done to the Yuan Shui Azure Flood Dragon, he felt a pang of guilt for mistreating a minor.

This, this, this is just too...

"Brother Shouzhe, you didn't ask." The Fire Fox Ancestor blinked innocently, her beautiful eyes darting around. "Oh no, Brother Shouzhe, you must stay true to your heart. Remember your promise to me: before I take human form, you must not dual cultivate with any other spiritual beasts, especially not..."

"I won't! Don't worry."

Before the Fire Fox Ancestor could finish, Wang Shouzhe hurriedly cut her off, cold sweat dripping down his forehead. What a joke, who would dual cultivate with a spiritual beast... let alone a young dragon...

"Hehe~ Brother Shouzhe, you're the best." The Fire Fox Ancestor snuggled into his arms, smiling sweetly and happily.

Seeing her like this, Wang Shouzhe could only sigh helplessly. Fine, fine~ Just consider it raising a talking, clingy battle pet.

As they chatted, the Yuan Shui Azure Dragon had already begun to excitedly dive into the water and soar into the sky.

Her massive body twisted through the lake, weaving through the clouds, stepping on the mist, and breathing out clouds and mist with a roar like thunder. She truly had the aura of an ancient divine beast.

Before transforming into a dragon, her roar was more like a beast's growl. But now, as she raised her head, it was a high-pitched dragon's roar, long and resonant, echoing through the heavens and earth, carrying an ancient nobility and majesty.

Her flying ability had also significantly improved.

Previously, although her flying speed was fast, it lacked the agility she had in the water, like a novice driver who could get on the road but was no match for a seasoned driver.

But now, as she twisted and turned in the air, she had a bit of the ease and freedom she had in the water, as if the sky had become her domain.

She could stir up the seas, summon clouds and rain, and do anything.

The majestic dragon's might spread across the entire Deep Tai Lake, causing the spiritual fish living there to panic and scatter. Some even jumped out of the water, trying to escape, while others burrowed deep into the mud, thinking they could hide from the Azure Dragon.

In short, the entire Deep Tai Lake was in chaos and disorder.

"Little Azure Flood Dragon, no, Little Azure Dragon, come here." The Fire Fox Ancestor, after cuddling with Wang Shouzhe for a while, called out to the Yuan Shui Azure Dragon with authority.

The Yuan Shui Azure Dragon flicked her tail in the water, creating a huge wave, then transformed into a half-zhang long mini Azure Dragon and lazily flew over to them.

The cultivation methods of fierce beasts were generally similar to those of humans, but they relied more on their bloodlines. Most of their combat techniques and divine abilities were inherited through their bloodlines.

Therefore, the purer a fierce beast's bloodline, the greater its potential.

This Yuan Shui Azure Dragon had a very pure bloodline. After just crossing the tribulation and transforming into a dragon, she had awakened many innate divine abilities, including the ability to change her size.

Generally, fierce beasts could only change their size after reaching the seventh rank. This had many benefits, the biggest being the ability to greatly reduce the consumption caused by their large bodies.

However, this cute little Azure Dragon seemed to have become a bit arrogant due to her increased strength.

She even patted Wang Shouzhe's shoulder with her tail and said, "From now on, the Wang's Clan will rely on me. As long as you provide me with good food and drink, I will protect you for two hundred years. As for after two hundred years... well, that depends on your performance. If you treat me well, I might consider being the Wang's Clan's guardian spiritual beast for the long term."

Her voice was still that delicate, tender tone, but her words were lofty and condescending, with a bandit-like arrogance.

At these words, the Fire Fox Ancestor's fur bristled, and her red fur stood on end as her aura surged. "Little Azure Dragon, are you planning to rebel with that kind of talk?"

The mini Azure Dragon shuddered, as if recalling something terrifying. But then she quickly remembered that she had already broken through to the seventh rank. Why should she fear this stinky fox?

Immediately, she puffed up, baring her fangs and claws, not backing down. "Stinky fox, according to the spirit contract, I am the Wang's Clan's guardian spiritual beast. You are an outsider. What right do you have to interfere in the Wang's Clan's affairs?"

"I am Brother Shouzhe's fiancée. You are just a contracted working spiritual beast. In terms of status, you should call me Mistress." The Fire Fox Ancestor was so angry that flames erupted around her, and her claws extended from her paw pads. "It seems the lesson I gave you wasn't deep enough."

"You said 'fiancée,' not 'wife.' As for fighting... hehe, bring it on, who's afraid of whom?" The mini Azure Dragon's body surged with water-blue energy vortices, her dragon whiskers fluttering, looking majestic. "Stinky fox, you bullied me mercilessly before I transformed into a dragon. Now that we're on the same level, do you think I'm still afraid of you?"

"Enough, both of you."

Wang Shouzhe rubbed his temples, feeling a headache from their bickering.

One loli-spirited fox was already hard enough to handle, and now there was a proud, violent little Azure Dragon. This life was just too exciting.

"Hmph~ I'll listen to Brother Shouzhe. I'm the most obedient." The Fire Fox Ancestor glanced at Wang Shouzhe's expression, obediently retracting her flames and jumping back into his arms.

"Hmph~ For the sake of our Wang's Clan's head, I'll let you off this time." The mini Azure Dragon waved her mini dragon claw arrogantly.

Fortunately, she took the spirit contract sworn in the name of the Ancestral Dragon seriously, and deep down, she had already accepted herself as the Wang's Clan's guardian spiritual beast. The contract also stipulated that she must respect the Wang's Clan's head and follow his orders while enjoying the clan's offerings. So, Wang Shouzhe's words still held some weight.

However, while she accepted it, her attitude was another matter.

"Yuan Shui Azure Dragon, first of all, congratulations on successfully transforming into a dragon." Seeing that the two spiritual beasts had stopped arguing, the veins on Wang Shouzhe's forehead finally subsided. He adjusted his expression and smiled at the mini Azure Dragon. "Do you remember eating a fruit when you signed the spirit contract?"

The mini Azure Dragon was stunned, her expression confused as she nodded. "I remember. That fruit was crispy and sweet. If you have more, give me a few baskets. I'll keep them to eat slowly."

"That fruit is called the [Nine Nether Bloodthirsty Demon Seed]. It took me a long time to cultivate it. If you like it, I can grow a few more for you to enjoy." Wang Shouzhe's expression was serious, but there was a meaningful smile on his lips.

"That, that name doesn't sound like a proper fruit..." The mini Azure Dragon blinked her golden eyes, a sense of foreboding rising in her heart. "Is it poisonous?"

"Poisonous? Of course not." Wang Shouzhe shook his head, but before the mini Azure Dragon could breathe a sigh of relief, he patiently explained, "Its value lies in the 'demon seed core' within the fruit. Once ingested, the demon seed will parasitize in your stomach."

"And, and then..." The mini Azure Dragon's pupils dilated, swallowing nervously.

"Then, with just a thought, the demon seed core will take root and sprout in your stomach, its barbed roots piercing into your flesh." Wang Shouzhe's expression was vivid, like telling a story to children, "They will absorb your blood and grow slowly. The more blood you consume, the faster it will grow. The roots will spread into your blood vessels... your body will be filled with the roots of the demon seed core."

"Stop, stop, don't say any more." The mini Azure Dragon's eyes were filled with terror, her body trembling as if she would fall into Deep Tai Lake.

"As the roots grow, you will become more and more hungry. The intense hunger will drive you to eat madly, but no matter how much you eat, it won't help."

"Because all the food will become nourishment for the Nine Nether Bloodthirsty Demon Seed. Eventually, it will burst out of your body, devouring your flesh, dragon tendons, bones, skin, and those beautiful scales."

"Finally, it will grow into a majestic demon tree on your corpse. I think if I cut it down and made it into a chair, it would be very sturdy."

Wang Shouzhe's voice was like a devil's whisper, painting one horrifying scene after another.

"No! I don't want to be eaten by the demon seed core~~ Waaa~ So scary~ I don't want to become a chair!" The mini Azure Dragon cried hysterically, "You're a big bad guy! I don't believe you! You must be lying to the dragon!"

"Don't believe me? Then let's try it."

Wang Shouzhe snapped his fingers, his voice low, as if summoning something, "Nine Nether Bloodthirsty Demon Seed core, do you hear my call? The time has come, start taking root and sprouting."

Suddenly!

The mini Azure Dragon's eyes widened, her body stiffening as if she had been struck.

She could clearly feel something in her stomach coming to life, wriggling and scratching at her insides, as if taking root.

The sensation wasn't very painful, but it was like a switch, triggering her to recall the terrifying scenes Wang Shouzhe had described, causing her to break down on the spot.

Her dragon face crumpled, her dragon whiskers drooping, tears streaming down her face.

Her dragon life had just begun, waa~ Was it going to end so tragically? Waaa~ She didn't want to die, waa~~

The more she thought, the more she cried, and the more she cried, the worse it got. The water vapor in the sky gathered, the rolling clouds over Deep Tai Lake thickened, and soon it started to pour rain.

Wang Shouzhe and the Fire Fox Ancestor watched her cry and vent silently, their eyes full of sympathy.

Even in the adult world, a breakdown could happen in an instant. Let alone, the mini Azure Dragon was still young, a newly transformed baby dragon, unable to accept the harsh realities of the world.

Cry, cry, you'll get used to and accept it eventually.

She cried for a full half-hour, and the rain poured for just as long. Fortunately, Deep Tai Lake was vast and deep, otherwise the water level would have risen significantly.

The Yuan Shui Azure Dragon's divine ability, if sent to Anbei Garrison to help Commandery Prince An with afforestation, would be quite effective.

However, the main problem in Anbei Garrison was the lack of water vapor in the air. Even if the mini Azure Dragon went there to summon rain, it wouldn't have the same effect.

Otherwise, with Commandery Prince An's status, borrowing a dragon that could summon rain wouldn't be impossible.

The top families that had tried to develop the Great Desert must have attempted this method, only to fail.

Moreover, after observing, Wang Shouzhe found that her rain-summoning divine ability was just that, summoning rain, unlike Liyao's "Suspended Water Divine Ability," which had offensive power.

"Suspended Water Divine Ability" was a proper combat divine ability, while the Yuan Shui Azure Dragon's rain-summoning ability was more about creating a favorable environment.

But that didn't mean the ability wasn't powerful; it depended on how it was used. In a place like Qing'an Commandery, rich in water vapor, gathering several Yuan Shui Azure Dragons to summon rain could potentially flood the commandery's capital.

"Human... Wang... Clan..." After crying for over half an hour, the mini Azure Dragon finally stopped, her golden dragon eyes looking pitifully at Wang Shouzhe. "Is there any cure for my condition?"

She wanted to call Wang Shouzhe "human," but feared it would offend him. Calling him Wang Shouzhe felt too distant, and calling him Clan Head felt too intimate, so she hesitated and skipped the title.

"As long as you behave, I'll remove it in two hundred years." Wang Shouzhe patted her dragon head, smiling kindly. "Little Azure Dragon, you still have a wild nature, so I have to give you a bit of a 'tightening spell.'"

With her weakness in his grasp, the mini Azure Dragon became obedient. She rubbed her dragon horns against Wang Shouzhe and asked, "What's a tightening spell?"

"It's a story. I'll tell you later. Don't worry, as long as you don't act up, I won't bully you." Wang Shouzhe had raised many children and was skilled at handling all kinds of troublemakers. After disciplining them, he was also good at comforting them, a true master.

"That's great. I love stories. Our dragon ancestor in the Great Swamp loved telling us stories." The mini Azure Dragon's eyes were still teary, but her sorrow vanished, and she said happily, "From now on, I'll call you 'Brother Shouzhe' like the stinky fox."

"No way!" The Fire Fox Ancestor screamed angrily, clinging to Wang Shouzhe with all four paws. "'Brother Shouzhe' is my exclusive title. You have to come up with a different one."

Seeing her furious expression, if the mini Azure Dragon didn't agree, she might just explode.

"What should I do then?" The mini Azure Dragon was troubled.

Although she wasn't afraid of the fox now, she had just transformed into an Azure Dragon and hadn't mastered many bloodline divine abilities. If they really fought, she probably wouldn't win.

"How about you call him 'Father'?" The Fire Fox Ancestor's eyes twinkled with an idea. "After all, you're still young, and I heard your kind hatches from eggs and often doesn't know their parents. It's quite pitiful."

Can you just call someone father?

Wang Shouzhe rolled his eyes at the Fire Fox Ancestor's random suggestion.

As if you know who your parents are.

Fierce beasts before the Lingtai Realm had vague consciousness and acted mostly on instinct. Only after reaching the Celestial Realm did their thinking ability gradually reach a level similar to humans, and memories before that were usually blurry. Not knowing their parents was normal.

"Good idea, good idea~~"

The mini Azure Dragon didn't find anything wrong with the Fire Fox Ancestor's words, instead thinking it made sense.

She carefully examined Wang Shouzhe, even sniffing him, her golden eyes growing brighter. "I can smell the ancient aura and the scent of totems in your bloodline. Not bad, not bad~ I declare, from now on, you are my father."

Her joyful expression seemed genuine, likely from the heart.

"Alright then." Wang Shouzhe hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly patted her dragon head. "It's been a while since Ruolan and I had a child. Having another one isn't bad. From now on, you'll be called 'Wang Lilong,' my adopted daughter."

Although the mini Azure Dragon was proud and had a bad temper, often resorting to violence, she was still very simple-minded. After all, in the wild, strength was everything. She had spent her years eating, drinking, sleeping, and fighting, without experiencing the complexities of human interactions.

Adopting a pure-blooded Yuan Shui Azure Dragon as a daughter wouldn't disgrace the Wang's Clan and would provide reliable protection for future generations.

After all, with equal cultivation, spiritual beasts generally lived longer than humans. Once she reached the ninth rank and took human form, she could protect the Wang's Clan for thousands of years.

"Wang Lilong?" The mini Azure Dragon, Wang Lilong, was overjoyed, mimicking the Fire Fox Ancestor and snuggling into Wang Shouzhe's arms. "This name sounds nice. From now on, I'll be called 'Wang Lilong.' Father~ Father~"

Hearing her call him "Father," Wang Shouzhe felt a bit emotional.

However, their bond was still in its early stages and not very strong. Lilong still had a wild nature, thinking more like a beast in many matters. Wang Shouzhe definitely wouldn't remove the "Nine Nether Bloodthirsty Demon Seed core" from her stomach at this stage.

It was both a "tightening spell" and a tool to encourage her to grow faster.

Seeing Wang Shouzhe and Wang Lilong's affectionate interaction, the Fire Fox Ancestor was instantly jealous.

She immediately squeezed Wang Lilong aside, snuggling up to Wang Shouzhe and whining, "Brother Shouzhe, I want a name too. I don't want to be called 'Fire Fox Ancestor' anymore. It makes me sound old."

"How about the Luo generation?" Wang Shouzhe tentatively suggested.

"That won't do~ If I'm in the Luo generation, I'll really be your sister."

The Fire Fox Ancestor had mingled in human society for hundreds of years and was more knowledgeable than the mini Azure Dragon, Wang Lilong, not falling for the trick.

She immediately rejected Wang Shouzhe's suggestion, then her eyes twinkled with an idea. "Since I have a spirit contract with the Yuwen's Clan, why not take the surname 'Yuwen'? Brother Shouzhe, you can help me choose a good name, and later, the Yuwen's Clan can add my name to their direct descendant registry. That way, when I take human form, it will be more legitimate for me to marry into the Wang's Clan."

"Uh..."

Wang Shouzhe wiped his sweat, thinking, Fire Fox, your plans are really long-term and thorough.

But who knows when you'll reach the ninth rank and take human form. And when did I agree to marry you?

He skillfully avoided the sensitive topic and seriously considered a name for her. "The Yuwen's Clan doesn't follow a generational naming system for girls. Your fur is red as fire, and your fox tail is like a canopy. How about 'Mao Hua'?"

"Yuwen Mao Hua? That's awful." The Fire Fox Ancestor protested, "Chi Wei, I'll be called Yuwen Chi Wei, a direct descendant of the Yuwen's Clan, destined to marry into the Wang's Clan."

"Chi Wei it is, though 'Mao Hua' sounds better. But I'll respect your choice." Wang Shouzhe sighed. Ah~ such a good name wasted.

Today's events, though tumultuous, ended smoothly.

Now, the Wang's Clan finally had a Purple Mansion Realm combat power of their own.

Combined with the deep and vast foundation the Wang's Clan had accumulated over the years, ordinary fifth-grade families were no match for them.

This This made Wang Shouzhe feel a sense of nostalgia.

It hadn't been easy~~ The Wang's Clan had once been on the verge of collapse, almost falling out of the ninth grade to become an insignificant family. Yet, they had managed to turn the tide, step by step, reaching their current status. Thinking back, it was a miracle that an ordinary family could hardly replicate.

Suddenly having a daughter, Wang Shouzhe naturally had to report back to Liu Ruolan.

Although it was rare, recognizing a guardian spiritual beast as a son or daughter had precedents in the Great Qian. Liu Ruolan, understanding the situation, did not object.

The Yuan Shui Azure Dragon and Liu Ruolan shared the Yuan Shui bloodline, making it easy for them to bond. After spending some time together, Liu Ruolan found Wang Lilong quite adorable, and having another daughter wasn't bad.

Moreover, both she and Wang Shouzhe were great prodigies. With their high level of bloodline awakening, having another child wasn't easy.

Thus, the three of them lived harmoniously for a few days.

But soon, Liu Ruolan's traditional views on child-rearing resurfaced. During her free time, she took a few Clan School test papers for Wang Lilong to try.

When Wang Lilong was placed at the table, she was still confused, staring blankly at the test papers.

Seeing this, Liu Ruolan realized that Lilong was completely illiterate.

This wouldn't do.

How could Liu Ruolan's daughter be illiterate?

With a wave of her hand, Liu Ruolan immediately arranged for Wang Lilong to attend the Clan School. As a child of the Wang's Clan, how could she not go to school? Even if she was a dragon, she had to go to school and not idle around at home. She had to strive to be a cultured dragon.

And so, before Wang Lilong even realized what was happening, she was already registered for school.

When Wang Shouzhe heard about this, he was shocked.

Sending a dragon to the Clan School—wouldn't that put too much pressure on the teachers?

But he couldn't argue with his wife's dedication to their children's education and growth. In the end, he relented.

He had to educate Wang Lilong, making her swear not to fight, bully classmates, or reveal her true form in school. If she misbehaved, she would be punished.

Finally, Wang Shouzhe added an extra layer of security by having his great-grandson, Wang Anye, accompany Wang Lilong to school. Although Anye was only ten, he was mature and reliable, ensuring no major issues would arise.

Thus, the following scene unfolded.

Morning.

At the dock in the backyard of the Wang's Clan's main residence.

Dressed as a young noble, Wang Anye carried his small school bag, calmly leading a half-zhang long, cloud-riding mini Azure Dragon, Wang Lilong, to the dock.

Although she was a dragon, Liu Ruolan had personally sewn her a beautiful new dress and a pink crossbody school bag filled with various spiritual foods.

In Liu Ruolan's view, the first day of school was mainly about adapting. Bringing plenty of spiritual food would help Wang Lilong bond with her classmates and quickly integrate into the group.

Sensing Wang Anye's presence, the Yuan Shui Spirit Turtle, now larger than a carriage, slowly surfaced, happily nuzzling Wang Anye's chest.

Over the years, it had carried many young masters and ladies to school, but Wang Anye was its favorite.

The reason was simple: the Seventh Young Master was very wealthy. His casual tips often exceeded its monthly allowance. Who wouldn't like a rich, handsome young master?

Wang Lilong also liked him.

Seeing the plump Yuan Shui Spirit Turtle, Wang Lilong's golden eyes lit up, and she started drooling.

She shyly said, "Brother Anye, for our first day of school together, you've prepared such a lavish breakfast for me. Lilong feels so happy, so happy~"

"I'm not your brother. Lilong, you can just call me Anye." Wang Anye had lost count of how many times he had corrected Wang Lilong's way of addressing him. Suddenly, he realized something was off. "Wait, breakfast?"

He was confused. When had he prepared a lavish breakfast for Wang Lilong?

The poor Yuan Shui Spirit Turtle, now paralyzed with fear, didn't dare move an inch. Dragon, dragon, dragon...

My old turtle life is over.

……