Protect Our Clan Leader

Chapter 2419: Chapter 33: Shou Zhe! Diligently Cultivating Fields, Developing in Secrecy (Part 2)

Behind them stood a Divine Mastery Realm Level head of household, equally clad in armor, exuding awe-inspiring power and a commanding presence.

The standard configuration for the Immortal Clan is to have a head of household from the Divine Mastery Realm, with a door guard from the Purple Abode Realm. Even though the once-glorious Jiang’s family is now in decline, they still maintain their dignity and prestige. From the arrangement and appearance of the gate tower and door guards, there is no hint of their waning days, as if Jiang’s is still in its heyday.

As the door guards were diligently performing their duty, a piercing call echoed in the clouds. Immediately, a luxurious flying carriage pierced through the clouds and descended onto the square in front of the gate tower.

Under the sunlight, the litter of the flying carriage glistened with an enigmatic aura. The Level Ten Dragon Hawk pulling it was mighty and valiant, radiating an immense presence, clearly indicating that the visitors were noble and wealthy.

The family head’s retinue hurriedly stepped forward, saluting to meet them.

As per protocol, Yao Yumei presented a letter of introduction.

The Purple Abode Realm head of household quickly went to report, while the Divine Mastery Realm head of household stayed back to chat with Yao Yumei and Wang Shouzhe, maintaining a respectful demeanor, afraid of slighting their honorable guest.

In less than half a stick of incense’s time, the current Family Head of Tianrui Jiang, “Jiang Jian Mu,” led a group of elderly and young elites from the clan out to greet them “hastily,” enthusiastically smiling and cupping his hands in greeting towards the three, introducing himself: “Tianrui Jiang’s Jianmu, warmly welcomes Young Master Shouzhe, Immortal Monarch Tiange, and Pavilion Master Yumei.”

The group from Jiang’s family all wore somewhat formal and ceremonious long robes. The elders had a celestial demeanor, and the young men were martial and handsome while the young women were pretty. As the Void Realm stronghold, “Master Jianmu” appeared as a middle-aged man with a poised and dignified bearing, embodying the qualities of one in charge.

Clearly, they had prepared well in advance, just waiting for Wang Shouzhe and his entourage. They could show restraint, but did not dare truly offend the extraordinary Young Master Shouzhe.

After some meaningless small talk,

came the pompous reception from Tianrui Jiang’s to welcome them.

This reception was full of ceremonial rituals, not lacking in Immortal Wine and delicacies, with performances including dancing girls to liven the atmosphere.

The leading dancer was a Divine Mastery Realm Level dancer, with a graceful figure and ethereal demeanor, alluring yet not vulgar, bewitching yet not cloying, clearly a top dancer specializing in the Dao of divine dance.

This was the standard pomp of the Immortal Clan’s reception of distinguished guests. Were it the Sacred Race hosting a noble guest, the lead dancer might likely have to be a dancer from the Transcendent Void Realm, though such treatment is not commonly given.

Wang Shouzhe observed all of this but inwardly sneered.

Yao Yumei had already divulged the details of the Immortal Clan Jiang’s to him. For a family in decline, even selling their ancestral assets, to throw such a lavish spectacle revealed their futile attempts to preserve face.

Even without Yao Yumei’s insights, Wang Shouzhe could feel the faint persistent sense of decline beneath the seemingly glamorous surface of the Tianrui Jiang family.

There are numerous reasons for this.

The first being the renovation of the Main Residence.

The condition of the Main Residence most effectively reflects the true state of a prominent family. A thriving family, to meet the needs of more family members for living and cultivation, naturally expands and maintains the Main Residence continuously.

However, Jiang’s Main Residence feels old and decrepit, like an ancient elderly figure.

Along the way, the main buildings on the central axis were well-maintained and repaired, yet buildings further away were noticeably neglected. For instance, examining the corner eaves and rooftops reveals some erosion and decay upon close observation.

This is direct evidence of Jiang’s poor economic condition.

One should note that maintaining and renovating the Main Residence is a large, prolonged expense. A family on the decline often struggles across their financial facets, and conserving funds on the Main Residence’s upkeep shifts from repairs every decade to once every two, three decades, or even half a century, often sparing expense even during necessary replacements. Over time, signs of aging naturally appear throughout the Main Residence.

Additionally, those young, handsome men and beautiful women sitting with them below, though dressed impeccably and seemingly poised, exuded an underlying lack of confidence. A few even occasionally glanced hungrily at the Immortal dishes and Spirit brews enjoyed by Wang Shouzhe and his group, secretly swallowing their saliva. This is not the demeanor of the Immortal Clan offspring in their prime.

Furthermore, the elders did not have particularly vigorous vitality, subtly revealing a twilight essence.

Such conditions are common in certain prominent families, and Wang Shouzhe holds a deep, unforgettable memory of this. Once, the Old Ancestor Longyan also maintained minimal consumption long-term, conserving resources to support the juniors, resulting in their own vitality being often insufficiently fulfilled.

They believed that Wang Shouzhe was of “noble origin,” constantly above the clouds, unable to grasp these hardships, and continued to flaunt the “Immortal Clan pomp” before him, which was truly somewhat pedantic and laughable.

After a series of receptions.

The Old Ancestor of Jiang’s, “Immortal Monarch Haoran,” belatedly appeared to welcome Wang Shouzhe and others: “This old man was in seclusion, luckily alerted by the younger generation of the family to today’s esteemed guests. My delay in welcoming you personally was inexcusable, please forgive me.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by novlove.com