Wu Chang Jie

8

Ever since the ancestors established the sect a long time ago, they had been famous all over the world for their Guiyuan heart technique and Zongxuan sword. The Zong Clan had ruled over Jiuzhou for three hundred years. Even if it did violate the common knowledge of "when the great Dao prevailed, the whole world was one community" in the immortal cultivation world, they still ascended the throne and proclaimed themselves as emperor. All the immortals in the world dared not to comment and could only acknowledge their inferiority. They delimited the land and accepted Emperor Zong as the rightful ruler of Jiuzhou.

It's just that there was there is Chang in Wuchang*. Extreme prosperity would not last forever and there was bound to decline. Change was inevitable. The power of the Zong Clan was steadily declining until the generation of Emperor Ninghua, Zong Ming He. There were many talented people coming forth in large numbers into the immortal cultivation world. Within these few centuries, dissatisfaction with the Zong Clan accumulated. The water seemed calm on the surface, but underneath the surface, it was turbulent.

In fact, the decline of the Zong Clan had a lot to do with the failure of producing a good ruler in the past three generations.

When it came to seeking enlightenment of the Dao and pursuing immortality, acquiring diligence and comprehension were surely important, but innate talent often determined a person's potential from birth.  In the immortal cultivation world, a person who had attained Dao in the nine degrees of kinship* could ascend to heaven. A leader who couldn't reach such heights, even by relying on a large number of people, would find it difficult to convince the people.

Zong Ming He had nine sons and three daughters. The eldest son and the youngest son had great roots and had the potential to step onto the path of immortality. Unfortunately, the confrontation between the immortals and the clan members, the decline of his family, and the precarious situation could not be reversed by the two young children.

Daming Mansion - Wuji Palace

There was a burst of laughter in the back garden. A teenager rolled up his pants and sleeves and was leading a group of children who were playing Cuju*. It was as if the round sheepskin ball had grown on his feet, unable to escape his control. Children of different heights were buzzing around him, all trying to snatch the ball from his feet. That scene was like a big dog leading a group of puppies.

That young man had a handsome look, and his eyes were as bright as the starry sky. He had a demeanor like a blazing sun, and a smiling face that looked even better than fine jade. He really was an attractive and elegant young man.

"Big brother...Ah!" A child tripped and landed on the ground with a thud. He immediately started sobbing.

Zong Zi Heng put down the ball and pushed the crowd aside. He smiled, picked the child up from the ground, and teased while pinching his nose: "Oh my Xiao Jiu, are you going to cry just because of this?"

Zong Zi Xiao had no tears in his eyes, but he still wanted to act like he was crying. He wiped his eyes with his dirty hands: "I fell on my leg and you're still laughing at me."

"Let me see." Zong Zi Heng lifted his trouser leg and saw blood on his knees, "Big brother will bring you to apply some ointment, okay?

"Mm."

Zong Zi Heng picked up Zong Zi Xiao with one arm and several children tugged on Zong Zi Heng's clothes: "Will big brother come back and play with us?"

Zong Zi Heng rubbed their heads one by one: "The sun is too strong. You all should go and get some rest. Big brother will play with you guys next time."

Zong Zi Xiao hugged Zong Zi Heng's neck tightly and secretly revealed a smug smile.

"Big brother, it's so hot." He pressed his face onto Zong Zi Heng's neck and whispered his complaint.