Even if there’s no flash flood, the mountainous terrain is winding, and the dirt paths are muddy. Once it rains too much, even the roads become difficult to walk. And summer is too hot; neither wild beasts nor fierce beasts like to move much. Humans traveling and hunting in such temperatures and environments is also very unsuitable. As for winter, not only is food scarce, with prey hiding for the season, but phenomena like heavy snow sealing the mountains are more likely to occur. After autumn, the climate is dry, and vine plants wither. Some wild gourds and seeds of plants have already borne fruit. The abundance of mature food attracts many animals to eat, store fat, and even stockpile food for entering winter mode. And some wild beasts and fierce beasts also become active in hunting, storing energy to last through the winter. Therefore, only this season is most suitable for entering the Outer Domain for hunting. They wobbled along the road without stopping. The journey was bumpy, difficult, and even dull. Occasionally, someone’s horse might get its hoof stuck and needed to be replaced with a spare horse. Luckily, Wang Shouzhe quietly treated the hoof, preventing a situation where there would be no horse available later. They traveled for several hours, and the road became increasingly difficult. There was even a scene where they had to work together to pry away a seven or eight-ton boulder blocking the road. Wang Luqiu and Wang Luojing, who were originally eager to deal with fierce beasts, began to lose their energy. It sounds so enticing when the fourth brother tells it, Luqiu, Luojing, the fourth brother took you to the Outer Domain to hunt fierce beasts and have some meat. After walking half a day, they didn’t see a single beast. Only some small animals and birds that ran away at the sight of people faster than Wang Luqiu, escaping at lightning speed. "Luqiu, the road to becoming an Empress starts with every step," Wang Shouzhe consoled, "Maybe as we keep walking, a Fifth-Tier Fierce Beast might blindly crash to death at the foot of the mountain?" "Fourth brother, you can save those words for coaxing Luomiao when we return," Wang Luqiu rolled her eyes and shouted at Wang Lici, "Little niece, aren’t you especially good at finding tasty food? Why haven’t you said a word all day?" "Wang Luqiu, I am the big sister! You need to be patient!" Wang Lici’s strength was rapidly increasing, and with Ancestor Longyan’s assistance, she was quickly moving towards the Fourth Layer of Qi Refining Realm. However, Wang Luqiu also wasn’t to be underestimated. She was keen on all tasks that could increase Merit Points and performed them well. With resources supporting her, her cultivation soared, climbing from the Initial Tier of Qi Refining Realm’s Second Layer to nearly high-tier in less than half a year. Just as the two girls, full of energy but nowhere to vent, were about to have a scrap first, Wang Shouzhe flicked his fingers and gave them each a thump in the air: "Quiet, or else Contribution Points will be deducted, and even food rations will be cut." Once threatened, the two instantly became extremely obedient. Everyone has their weaknesses, and Wang Shouzhe easily controlled them. After that, the journey remained calm. The team arrived at the planned hillside base in early afternoon. It was a very simple base, with rows of large wooden stakes forming a basic fence. However, the base was well-situated, with no obstructions around, offering a wide view, and a clear stream nearby for water replenishment. Some of the older clan members, Wang Shouxin, Wang Shouyi, and even elder Wang Dinghai and Wang Ding Race, started expertly clearing the camp with the Household Generals. Wang Shouzhe, Wang Shounuo, Wang Zongwei, Shouyong, Shoulian and other young members also joined the labor, learning how to set up camp alongside their elders and brothers. Even Wang Luotong joined the construction team, and several young girls began participating, learning camp-building knowledge. Weeds were cleared, the ground swept and leveled, nearby firewood gathered, broken fences reinforced, tents pitched and strengthened, water collected; each task proceeded methodically. Even the tent placement and who stayed where were quite rule-oriented. These works and teachings were passed down through generations; even Wang Shouzhe learned alongside. In the Outer Domain, survival techniques for such environments were essential. As dusk fell, a large bonfire and several small ones were lit, leading to the start of cooking, bringing a cheerful atmosphere. Followed by night-time rotations for keeping watch. The night passed in silence until dawn. At this time, the camp was disassembled, tents packed up, and all living supplies bundled for departure. Only once the sky brightened at early daybreak, was the camp tidied and tasks completed. Then they continued, steadily and according to their plan and map, moving towards their next base. In such a manner, after three full days. The group finally reached the real edge of the Outer Domain, where fierce beasts began to gradually appear. In previous years, the Wang Family mostly stopped here and didn’t venture deeper into the Outer Domain. Instead, they settled at the base, sweeping and hunting nearby large beasts or several ferocious beasts before heading home. They had no choice; if they ventured deeper without an ancestor to protect them, encountering formidable beasts could likely result in casualties. In a seemingly inconspicuous tent, a group of people dressed as coachmen gathered. Yet among them, anyone thrown out could terrify others to death. Wang Shouzhe leisurely sat amongst them. A slim man, wrapped in a tattered sheepskin coat and wearing a felt hat, curled up like a down-and-out old man, gently complained: "Shouzhe, could your intel be wrong? I see the Liu and Zhao clans have long been scared to death by you; how dare they make a move?" Wang Shouzhe confidently smiled and cupped his hands towards him, saying, "Ancestor Ming Sheng, be at ease. Though I’m not ten percent certain, I’m nine-percent sure. I’ve been at home for a long while, already stirring their fire to the extreme. Now that I’ve finally found an opportunity, they will inevitably strike." "Shouzhe is right; their action is inevitable. Missing this chance means the Liu and Zhao Clans will never regain power," said another sturdy man driving a carriage, "If they don’t appear, isn’t it better? In this way, Ancestor Ming Sheng, you just stroll around, and a thousand Qian Gold goes into the account, isn’t it wonderful?" "Gongsun Mang, I’m helping my great-grandson not for money. He is the legitimate blood kin of my Lua Family’s legitimate daughter Lua Mengxue," Ancestor Ming Sheng retorted. The phrase ’legitimate blood kin’ he emphasized heavily, seeming to underscore something. Gongsun Mang chuckled, "That may be so, but now Shouzhe is the legitimate son of my granddaughter Gongsun Hui, also my direct great-grandson." There truly wasn’t any conflict between Lua and Gongsun Families, but regarding Wang Shouzhe, both Ancestors had shown emotional stake and seemed to be at odds. Recently when discussed, neither was willing to concede. The most update n0vels are published on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹✦𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✦𝓷𝓮𝓽 Blame Wang Shouzhe for being too outstanding, causing both Ancestors to vie over the title of great-grandfather. Wang Shouzhe broke into a cold sweat; he miscalculated. He shouldn’t have put Ancestor Mang and Ancestor Ming Sheng together; however, who could’ve thought they’d be competitive over him? "Lua Mingsheng, Gongsun Mang, please be quiet," another elder dressed even more "professionally" said, "Don’t disturb my meditative rest." At this remark, both became sincere. There was no choice; this Ruhong Ancestor was at the pinnacle of Mid-stage Spirit Platform Realm, so naturally, they complied. At this moment, another elder timidly suggested, "Younger brother Shouzhe, my body technique is not bad. Why not let me scout for intel?" This was certainly elder Zhong Xingwang. After selling Elixirs, he scampered back, having heard the Wang Family would hunt in autumn and winter; he refused to leave, staying until today. Wang Shouzhe was about to reply. Ruhong Ancestor opened his eyes and calmly said, "They’re here, Shouzhe, you go confront them. All outside support is covered by us." Almost simultaneously. Not far from the camp, came the sound of a somewhat maniacal laugh: "Wang Shouzhe, you are surrounded, come out to meet your end!" It was Liu Shengye’s voice; how could he not be furious? The substantial prospects and bright future of the Liu and Zhao clans were all ruined by Wang Shouzhe. "Uh... All esteemed Ancestors, rest a while." Wang Shouzhe lightly chuckled, "Shouzhe will go out to meet his end first."
