Wang Zhengwu's nephew, in the end, had indeed learned a few of his uncle's skills.

After three rounds of examinations, he was calm, quick-thinking, neither arrogant nor impatient.

Xiaosuo said, "What a pity. If it weren't for this life-and-death struggle, you and I could have been good friends."

With that, he pulled out a package from his chest. It was four Spirit Stones wrapped in several sheets of Spirit Manifesting Paper.

The reason for using Spirit Manifesting Paper was that it could isolate spiritual energy, preventing cultivators from detecting it. Though unsure of its effectiveness, it was a precautionary measure.

Moreover, adhering to the principle of not putting all eggs in one basket, he wrapped the last Spirit Stone in a few more sheets of Spirit Manifesting Paper.

"Immortal Master Zhuang, there are exactly four Spirit Stones inside, given to me by a cultivator who favored me."

Zhuang Yun opened the Spirit Manifesting Paper, and sure enough, there were four Spirit Stones inside. He didn't question why they were wrapped in Spirit Manifesting Paper, assuming it was to prevent others from discovering them.

Xiaosuo cupped his hands towards Wang Zhengwu's nephew, whose eyes were wide open, "Brother, leave your last words."

Still unwilling to give up, he asked, "Immortal Master Zhuang, is the Reflection Pill really only three Spirit Stones?"

"Yesterday, on my way here, I saw a stall selling them, three Spirit Stones for one, ten Spirit Stones for three."

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhengwu's nephew instantly lost his spirit and slowly said, "Take care of my uncle..."

With that, he fell straight down, his face gray and resigned.

Xiaosuo looked at the corpses around him, sighing deeply. The brief meeting with his brothers had turned into a separation of life and death.

Zhuang Yun said, "Let's verify your bloodline first. Although I've already checked it and confirmed it, we still need to follow the procedure."

He took out a small jade dish with a blob of blood in the middle. "Place your finger on it."

Xiaosuo placed his finger on the jade dish, and the blob of blood quickly moved towards his finger, turning into a red light that merged into his finger. Then, a new blob of blood emerged from his finger.

"Alright, your identity is verified, and I've also collected your essence blood. This way, even after your death, your descendants' identities can be verified."

"Thank you, Immortal Master, for your efforts."

"This is not much effort. The real work starts now."

With that, a black pill appeared in his palm. "According to Sect Rules Article 24, the recipient of the Vein Opening Pill must consume it on the spot, assisted by the cultivators present to enter the Immortal Sect. Sit and meditate, then take it."

"Yes."

Xiaosuo took the pill and swallowed it, feeling a burning sensation in his abdomen.

Zhuang Yun pressed a finger on Xiaosuo's crown, "If it hurts, just scream."

Xiaosuo immediately felt a pain like a thousand needles piercing his head.

"Ah—"

He screamed in pain.

"Bear with it a little longer."

"Ah—pain, pain, pain!"

"It's almost over."

"Ah—"

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"Alright, stop howling."

Xiaosuo indeed felt the pain vanish, replaced by a sense of comfort throughout his body. He felt full of strength.

"Is this what it feels like to open the Ren and Du meridians?"

He babbled excitedly.

Zhuang Yun said, "What Ren and Du meridians? Never heard of it. You've just opened the Purple Vein."

"Purple Vein?"

"Too lazy to explain. Here's a 'Cultivator's Beginner Guide,' read it yourself."

With that, he tossed Xiaosuo a book thicker than the Kangxi Dictionary.

"From now on, you have three years to handle these matters. After three years, someone will come for you."

"What for?"

"It's in the 'Cultivator's Beginner Guide.'"

"Oh, yes!"

"According to Sect Rules Article 24, I also need to provide you with three years' worth of cultivation resources for a First Layer Rebirth Stage cultivator. One Spirit Stone per quarter, totaling twelve Spirit Stones."

With that, he returned Xiaosuo's four Spirit Stones, and eight more Spirit Stones flew out from Zhuang Yun's sleeve, landing in Xiaosuo's arms.

"This cultivation technique will teach you how to circulate spiritual energy within your body. Practice well."

He tossed Xiaosuo another book, "Spirit-Nurturing Technique."

"Thank you, Immortal Master Zhuang."

"Alright, I'm just doing my job. Besides, there are a few basic spells to help you defend yourself. Practice them well."

Four more spell books appeared in Xiaosuo's arms: "Sound Transmission Talisman," "Wind-Chasing Steps," "Artifact Control Technique," and "Crumbling Stone Force."

"That's it. I'll accompany you outside to testify that you're Zhu Fulu's heir. I'll stay here for three months to help you get started with spell practice, then I'll leave."

"Thank you, Immortal Master Zhuang! May I ask, after you leave, if I encounter difficulties in my practice, how should I seek help?"

"That's your problem, not mine."

"Yes, Immortal Master."

"Don't waste my time, let's go."

Xiaosuo followed Zhuang Yun back to the front of the Spirit Hall. Seeing Xiaosuo emerge, the crowd had mixed expressions.

Zhu Sangao jumped three feet high. Shen Ma couldn't hide his smile. Wang Zhengwu sighed but wasn't too upset. Others were more or less disappointed.

"From today, he is Zhu Fulu's heir, the next Zhu Clan cultivator. Everyone here witnesses that our Immortal Sect has not violated the rules, allowing the Zhu Clan bloodline to inherit the path of cultivation."

"Immortal Master Zhuang, where is my son?" The First Madam, not seeing her son, was panicked.

"They're all dead."

"What?!"

The First Madam immediately collapsed, and the Second Madam fainted.

Zhuang Yun glanced around and said to Xiaosuo, "Although I wanted the Zhu Clan to be wiped out, I can't break the Sect Rules. If you die, I, as the one who delivered the Vein Opening Pill, would also be implicated. There are quite a few killing intents around; I'll help you deal with them to prevent you from being killed by small fry."

With that, Zhuang Yun pointed a few times. As his fingers moved, seven or eight people immediately fell to the ground, just like his brothers.

Among them was Zhu Wulun, the Zhu Clan's chief instructor, who was most feared. The man even Shen Ma couldn't handle died silently.

The difference between immortals and mortals.

Zhuang Yun announced, "These people harbored ill intentions, foolishly thinking they could kill a cultivator with their ant-like strength. They deserve death."

The remaining people nodded in agreement.

"Indeed!"

"You handle the rest. I'm going to cultivate and will secretly protect you."

With that, Zhuang Yun didn't wait for Xiaosuo's thanks and disappeared into the corridor.

As soon as Zhuang Yun disappeared, some people became restless. With the lid lifted, the boiling water below became lively again.

Noticing the subtle changes in the crowd's expressions, Xiaosuo loudly declared, "Thank you, Immortal Master, for protecting me! Xiaosuo is grateful!"

He bowed respectfully towards where Zhuang Yun had disappeared, then coldly scanned the crowd.

Zhuang Yun was still around, so anyone thinking of making a move should reconsider.

He then ordered, "Is Zhu Sangao here?"

"Yes, I am!" Zhu Sangao immediately knelt excitedly before Xiaosuo.

"Arrange the personnel and process. My father must be buried on time at the hour of Chen!"

"I will ensure everything is arranged properly!"

Indeed, such a significant event as the clan head's burial couldn't be handled by someone of the third generation alone.

Xiaosuo didn't instruct Zhu Sangao on how to manage the senior members of the fifth and sixth generations.

With Xiaosuo as the new clan head backing him, if Zhu Sangao couldn't complete the task, it would only mean he wasn't capable enough.

Morning rooster, evening dog, each performing their duties.

These days, Xiaosuo had been thinking about how to obtain the Vein Opening Pill.

Zhu Sangao's only contribution to the Vein Opening Pill issue was the news of the Zhu Clan's spiritual material theft.

Although the subsequent examination wasn't as simple as Zhu Sangao initially thought, he did everything he could.

The remaining matters were beyond his control.

So, during these days, he needed to prepare for quickly establishing himself as the new Chief Steward of the Zhu Clan once Xiaosuo succeeded.

Zhu Sangao had been pondering how to help clean up the aftermath after Xiaosuo's success.

The primary task was naturally Zhu Fulu's burial arrangements.

The Zhu Clan was a new cultivator clan with no precedent for a clan head's burial.

There were some intricacies involved in how it should be done.

Based on Zhu Sangao's understanding of Xiaosuo, it was likely this task would fall to him.

Firstly, the burial was a matter of face, not substance. Xiaosuo, having just opened his veins, would have many personal matters to attend to and wouldn't have the energy for this.

Secondly, this task was extremely important. Being named to oversee it was also an opportunity for him to demonstrate his abilities and establish authority.

If this task wasn't handled well, Zhu Sangao would at most rise to Zhu Liugao through his contributions.

The Zhu Clan's seventh generation Chief Steward wasn't a position for nepotism.

If Zhu Sangao couldn't do it, then Wang Zhengwu would need to be elevated.

The dust settled.

Although the bloodlines they invested in were dead, no one wanted to offend the new clan head, so most people showed flattery.

Even County Magistrate Qin Ruyu was all smiles, not intending to leave.

They had helped Xiaosuo's competitors come to the Zhu Clan.

Who knew if Xiaosuo, the new clan head, would settle scores later?

Xiaosuo said, "I'm young and won't pretend to be mature. I'll speak frankly, and I hope you seniors will forgive me."

He cupped his hands and bowed.

The crowd quickly responded, "Not at all, Clan Head, you're too kind!"

"Then I'll say it. People strive for higher places. In life, it's about seeking enjoyment for oneself and benefits for one's descendants. Encountering my father's demise and wanting to take a gamble is understandable."

He paused, looked at the crowd, and continued, "Besides, you have no personal grudges against me, only helped some brothers whose luck wasn't as good as mine. This matter is over. On behalf of the Zhu Clan, I thank you all for coming to pay respects to my father."

Xiaosuo knew the crowd wouldn't trust his words alone, so he added, "Rest assured, I can guarantee this matter."

He called Zhu Yixiu, who was waiting in the front hall for instructions, and whispered a few words to him.

"Yes!"

Zhu Yixiu immediately left.

While Zhu Yixiu completed his task, Xiaosuo first approached Shen Ma.

"Thank you, Constable Shen."

"Clan Head, my condolences."

Although Shen Ma offered condolences, he knew Xiaosuo was probably overjoyed.

He was also worried that Xiaosuo would turn his back on him or brush him off with minor benefits.

After all, they were now on different paths, immortal and mortal.

Now it was time for Xiaosuo to fulfill his promise.

How much he would fulfill depended on Xiaosuo's conscience.

Xiaosuo said, "Thank you, Constable Shen, for arranging everything and helping me recognize my roots. It's just inconvenient now. After my father is laid to rest, I'll visit to express my gratitude."

"Clan Head, the burial of the old clan head is paramount. My small matter is insignificant."

Xiaosuo publicly acknowledged the life-saving grace, giving Shen Ma peace of mind.

County Magistrate Qin Ruyu was also somewhat surprised to see Shen Ma.

He had thought it was the other three major families who had invested in Xiaosuo.

Unexpectedly, the one supporting Xiaosuo was his subordinate's subordinate.

And he had no idea!

Thinking of this, he turned to look at the County Constable on his left, intending to question him later about how he managed his subordinates.

But the County Constable seemed lost, not noticing the magistrate's anger.

Instead, he repeatedly tried to speak with Shen Ma, only to be politely refused.

Xiaosuo noticed this and understood that Shen Ma and the County Constable didn't get along well.

Then Xiaosuo approached Wang Zhengwu.

"Master Wang, please accept my condolences."

Wang Zhengwu's eyes were red, and he sighed.

"Thank you, Clan Head, for your concern."

"Zhu Sangao might be busy. Would you be willing to help him?"

Wang Zhengwu glanced at the two Madams, not immediately responding.

Xiaosuo knew Wang Zhengwu couldn't let go of his vendetta.

But killing the two Madams for Wang Zhengwu was beyond his plan.

Xiaosuo whispered, "I want to keep one of the Madams for filial piety; otherwise, it would look bad."

"What do you mean, Clan Head?"

"You decide who stays. Just leave me a mother. Do it cleanly. If you agree, go help Zhu Sangao with the arrangements; he's short on manpower."

Wang Zhengwu knew Xiaosuo had made some concessions for him and was very grateful.

"I pledge my loyalty to the Clan Head! I will repay your great kindness with my life!"

"Stand up. You've saved my life on this journey. For now, resume the name Zhu Wude. After my father is laid to rest, we'll make further arrangements."

"Yes! I, Zhu Wude, will not disappoint the Clan Head!"

With that, Zhu Wude glanced at the First Madam and the newly awakened Second Madam.

The two Madams didn't recognize the disguised Zhu Wude.

But hearing the name and Xiaosuo's mention of Zhu Wude's life-saving grace, they understood.

They were in grave danger.

At this moment, a voice came from the backyard:

"There's a fire, come quickly to put it out!"