rts of several generations of Miao Kings. Although it is a wooden structure built on a mountain, there are many "zaimen" (fortresses) built using the terrain.The number of gates in a Miao village symb..."What savior... we can't afford these two words, it's Brother Long who came to save people." I walked over to help Old Mrs. Shen.

"Though I haven't come into contact with that black blood, my injuries are severe and I've been tainted by the stench of death. Your body looks weak; you shouldn't enter this mountain gate any further," Old Madam Shen said, stepping back and shaking her head.

The sharp, domineering aura around her had vanished. I knew why she was so composed - no matter how I looked at it, I felt that Old Mrs. Shen was declining step by step.

I don't want such a divine consciousness.

I don't yet have that level of profound and serene composure to watch the flames of life dwindle away indifferently.

Her vital energy was waning, she was barely hanging on,

"How many people were splashed with the zombie's poison blood here" I asked in a low voice, bringing the topic back to business and preventing the sadness from spreading.

"There were forty people in total... This is the main battleground. The Corpse Demon's blood splattered everywhere. Not a single member of the Shen family who presided over the formation survived; they were all covered in it. Even the Daoist friends from Qingyu Guan... I have already instructed them to temporarily reside in the back mountain guest rooms and not go out, so as to avoid being mistaken for an enemy by the soldiers under martial law." Old Madam Shen turned around and, with the support of two Kun Dao disciples, walked towards the back mountain.

"Auntie, why are you willing to make such a huge sacrifice You presided over the sealing array before, and now you still obey the arrangement and stay here to restrain these innocent victims... Don't you feel it's unfair" I frowned at her.

A knowing smile appeared on Old Mrs. Shen's wrinkled face.

"Girl, what is fairness The Shen family serves the divine and receives divine protection—that's one kind of fairness. Similarly, if the Shen family wants to survive in this society, they must be loyal to power, or they won't have a place to stand... Haven't you seen those creatures who can only survive by hiding within their sects The Shen family doesn't want to be like them..."

She shook her head: "Taoism emphasizes detachment from the world, yet also transcendence to benefit the world and strive for governance. All things in the world are part of the Tao... Balancing various relationships is also a form of cultivation."

"Then are you saying that for the sake of the country, you received orders from your superiors and had to sacrifice your own family" I couldn't help but ask.

She suddenly stopped and whispered, "The 'state' can refer to a country, but it can also refer to a certain kind of person! These people can influence the balance of the three realms... Xiaoqiao, you are kind-hearted and gentle, with not much greed or vanity, so you have to be especially careful when encountering such people... Especially the one from the Lin family—"

That one from the Lin family

I sneaked a glance at Ms. Lin who was following my brother from not too far behind. This definitely wasn't her, she was so dedicated to my brother, she wouldn't do anything to harm him.

Then, is Old Madam Shen referring to Lin Yanhuan

"He has the air of a ruler, someone who can make great decisions. Be careful around him... People like that are often ruthless when it comes to achieving their goals!" Old Madam Shen whispered.

I nodded, Lin Yanhuan was fairly amiable towards me. However, his thoughts are too hard to read.

The XuanHui, he half way into becoming the behind-the-scenes backer, controlling the passionate young mages of each sect, and even monitoring Old Man Situ. Now that the Situ family is crumbling, has he achieved his goal

A new emperor brings a new set of ministers. Is he paving the way for the Lin family

In a few years, his father will take office. At that time, the special advisor cannot remain from the Si family anymore.

"Aunt, are you trying so hard to replace the Situ family's status with the Shen family's" I asked, frowning.

Old Mrs. Shen nodded: "Lin Yanhuan is a remarkable person. If the Shen family could cultivate a good relationship with him, even if the position of special advisor in the future didn't fall to our Shen family, at least it would let the Lin family know that the Shen family could help balance this circle...The Shen family's business cannot decline under my watch..."

Alas... Being the head of the household is indeed not easy, there are just too many things to worry about.

"Xiao Qiao... where is the Purple Cloud Ruyi" she asked.

I patted my lower back. That day, the Zi Xiao Ruyi almost ended up in the Corpse Swamp. I just threw it aside when I was pulling the Greed Wolf up, and didn't realize it was at the foot of my bed until the Corpse Swamp disappeared. It was a close call.

“This Ruyi recognizes people. You can use this Ruyi to summon Lei Zu, which means you have been recognized by the immortals… If I die, would you be willing to take care of the Shen family for me” She looked at me eagerly.

Of course I don't want to.

When Old Mrs. Shen saw me shaking my head, she hurriedly grabbed my hand and said, "Why are you unwilling If you can become the head of the Shen family, then Lin Yanhuan will definitely invite the Shen family to serve as a special advisor. If the Shen family can serve as a special advisor, then for a very long period in the future, the status of the Shen family—"

I sighed and wryly smiled, "Auntie, do you think I'm cut out for this"

"Xiao Qiao, you will grow up, and you will understand how important the word 'power' is in this world! These two characters can protect yourself and also protect your family... This is not just about fame and fortune, ah..." She sighed deeply.

I have some confusion. Didn't she already choose Shen Qingrui as her successor a long time ago Why is she now so eagerly asking me if I'm willing to manage the Shen family estate

It's called "acting as a manager," but in reality, isn't that the true head of the household

However, this was said so vaguely just to avoid the issue of whether it was surname Mu or surname Shen.

>

I can't even control the child's own father... After two or three days of not seeing him, my heart is starting to feel empty and I'm going crazy.

"Elder Madam Shen, do you know how to communicate with the underworld Jiang Qiyun hasn't contacted me, and I'm very worried."

Mrs. Shen closed her eyes slightly, raised her hand and bowed to the void, softly chanting "Fosheng Wuliang Tianzun."

"The word 'Tao' cannot be spoken about... Yin-Yang, fortune and misfortune, cause and effect are all within one 'circle'. Becoming an immortal or a demon is just a hair's breadth apart. Demons are simply tribulations, karmic hindrances, and evil thoughts..."

"When your body breaks through the demon, your cultivation will soar, and when your heart breaks through the demon, your realm will instantly ascend... There are things that a Venerable God needs to do. You don't need to worry too much about it."

I shook my head. “I’m going crazy. I get anxious and can’t sleep if he’s not with me for a night, let alone three days…”

"Sometimes, I feel like he's around me... but it's also like my wishful fantasies are creating illusions... How can I break free from this spell"

A wry smile.

I'm really going crazy, even if I try to hide my emotions, a wild desire is raging in my heart. His breath, his touch, his embrace…

All of him, his voice, his words, his touch, his breath... I'm going insane thinking about it all.

Grandma Shen squinted and said in a low voice: "There is a large hall at the back of the mountain. Ordinary incense-bearers cannot enter. It enshrines the most respected deities in Taoism. If you find your demons hard to suppress, you might as well go there to meditate and pray. Perhaps you can reach heaven's ears..."

The back mountain hall

I hurried toward the back mountain alone and sure enough, I saw a grand hall with flying eaves and verdant arches. However, it was now neglected and looked desolate.

Pushing open the tall wooden door slightly ajar, light and dust danced in the air. A majestic statue, solemn and dignified, looked down upon me with compassionate eyes... national treasures, owning them privately would get you sentenced!""When someone with bad intentions catches onto this, they'll say that the Lin family is colluding with us or harboring us. What will...