Free Web NovelChapter 662: Chapter 252: Purple Mansion (Part 3)
Pei Zhao shook his head and insisted, "Considering Master Wen’an’s status, I have no qualms about addressing Patriarch Shen by his given name."
"But from the perspective of Qiyun Valley, it would be inappropriate for me to directly address Patriarch Shen by name."
Shen Chongming’s expression subtly shifted, already guessing what he had in mind.
Pei Zhao pondered for a moment, finally seemingly making a decision.
"As I just mentioned, Qiyun Valley can no longer tread the old path, and now we owe much to Shen Family’s care."
"If Patriarch Shen is willing, Qiyun Valley is prepared to become a subordinate."
The decision for Qiyun Valley to become a subordinate of the Shen Family was one Pei Zhao and Pei Yuwan had deliberated over for a long time before reaching a consensus.
The reason Qiyun Valley had gradually declined before was fundamentally because those old folks put on airs too much, failing to recognize reality.
Even in the end, they still believed Qiyun Valley was the once Golden Core Immortal Sect, looking down on those Small Immortal Sects of Qishan, disdainful of associating with them.
If not for this, when the Golden Core Ancestor of Qiyun Valley passed away, and if Qiyun Valley had been able to lower themselves to form connections with surrounding forces, relying on these networks to rapidly accumulate foundation, it wouldn’t be impossible for new Golden Core Cultivators to emerge.
Ultimately, they wouldn’t have fallen to such a state.
Since we are to abandon everything from before, this so-called face must be completely discarded too.
If we desire face, we must start anew, earning it through our own strength.
Furthermore, Pei Zhao was also clear that the reason Shen Family was helping Qiyun Valley so tirelessly was entirely because of the teacher-student bond between him and Shen Wen’an.
Yet, this bond has its limits, and his kindness to Shen Wen’an in the past wasn’t for today’s payback.
If Qiyun Valley couldn’t bring benefits to Shen Family and instead became a parasite feeding off them, this bond would inevitably be exhausted.
When that time comes, what position would Qiyun Valley find themselves in?
After much contemplation, the father and daughter finally decided to let Qiyun Valley become a subordinate of Shen Family.
Thus, with Shen Family growing strong, Qiyun Valley could also rise with the tide.
Just like those subordinate families under Shen Family’s governance now, within a short century, some strong ones have already matched the once Qishan Immortal Sect.
In less than a hundred years, some noble families might even surpass the former Qiyun Valley and Luoxia Mountain, becoming among the stronger Lower Grade Immortal Sects.
With Shen Family’s support, it’s not impossible for Qiyun Valley to reclaim its past peak.
"Have you truly made up your mind, Senior?"
Shen Chongming didn’t pretend excessively, merely asking lightly.
Pei Zhao making this choice was indeed for the best.
Grandfather Shen Yuan had taught him in the past, that during low times, one must lower themselves, associate with the likes of mud, fish, and shrimp, and not feel inferior, waiting for the day to rise with the winds and transform into a dragon.
In times of prosperity, one must also learn to be humble and restrained, to further advance from already high achievements.
Pei Zhao smiled slightly, cupping his hands, "I have, indeed, thought it through, just worried if Shen Family finds Qiyun Valley, now alone, unworthy of their attention..."
Shen Chongming quickly smiled and waved his hand, "What are you saying, Senior?"
"Setting aside your status, you yourself have achieved Great Perfection of Fetal Breathing and are proficient in Pill Array Dao, any power would consider you an honored guest."
"How could the Shen Family not appreciate that?"
Hearing this, Pei Zhao breathed a long sigh of relief, "I only hope to build Qiyun Valley into a thriving place, to live up to Heshan’s expectations, to the sacrifice of Elder Ji Yan, and to the legacy of our past sages of Qiyun Valley."
Shen Chongming nodded, "Certainly."
"You, Senior, are not like those previous leaders of Qiyun Valley."
After some comforting words, he discussed some house rules of Shen Family with him.
Regarding Qiyun Valley, he didn’t intend to interfere too much.
On one hand, considering Pei Zhao was, after all, Master Wen’an of his third uncle, the Shen Family couldn’t see him as a subordinate.
On the other hand, making Qiyun Valley a subordinate of Shen Family was merely a title to quell other noble family concerns under their governance, demonstrating fairness.
As for the actual governance and development, it was up to Pei Zhao and his daughter to decide.
After some discussion, Shen Chongming stood up and said, "If that is so, I will later send someone from the Clan Court to Xiwu City, the details will be explained to you by them, Senior."
"Now, as the year festival approaches, and by next spring, for the Spirit Field farming in Xiwu City, juniors will send cultivators to assist."
The cultivation of Spirit Rice in the fields required meticulous care from cultivators, arranging clouds, making rain, and warding off pests.
These tasks could hardly be managed by Pei Zhao and his daughter alone; even if Qiyun Valley started recruiting disciples now, it wouldn’t be in time.
"Thank you very much, Patriarch."
Pei Zhao cupped his hands.
But Shen Chongming hurriedly helped him up.
"As I said, you are an elder, if within the presence of other subordinate families, this courtesy is fine, but privately, if my third uncle knew about it, I might find it hard to explain."
Pei Zhao chuckled and nodded, seeing him off from Xiwu City.
...
Yunshui City.
As Shen Chongming arrived at the courtyard entrance, he heard the innocent laughter of children echoing from within.
Upon stepping across the threshold, he saw his grandfather Shen Yuan reclining in the courtyard chair, a rare sight.
Beside him, Wu Jiu stood respectfully to one side, speaking to him with a smile.
Not far from the two of them, a little girl dressed in a pink short jacket, wearing a tiger-head felt hat, was tugging at the tail of a big black dog, giggling.
Upon seeing Shen Chongming’s arrival, Wu Jiu quickly turned and cupped his hands in greeting.
Shen Chongming nodded, and approaching Shen Yuan, he respectfully said, "Grandfather, the matter of Qiyun Valley is settled, everything went as you predicted."
Shen Yuan slightly nodded, "Wu Jiu has something to discuss with you, go talk."
