Reincarnated as a Divine Tree

"Shi Clan's Shi Chengyi pays his respects to Clan Leader Fang Yong."

Inside the side hall, Shi Chengyi bowed formally.

“Oh? You know me?”

"Clan Leader Fang's reputation spreads far and wide. My Shi Clan has long admired you.”

"Hehehe."

Fang Yong smiled faintly, his eyes filled with subtle meaning.

Below, Shi Chengyi maintained an expression of utmost respect tinged with flattery.

The Fang Clan of Xiangshui City might be slightly weaker than the Zhou Clan of Yunmeng City, but they were far stronger than the Shi Clan. Xiangshui City itself was vast—its territory alone was greater than two Yong'an Cities combined—and within it, the Fang Clan reigned supreme.

With such power, even a clan elder like me has no choice but to lower my dignity, even bowing and scraping.

"Attendants. Serve tea.”

Hearing this command, Shi Chengyi felt confident about the purpose of his visit.

After Shi Chengyi took his seat, Fang Yong slowly spoke.

"I've heard that your clan's Shi Nuan Pavilion business spans several cities. Even here in Xiangshui City, you have a shop. It seems your clan has developed quite impressively.”

“Clan Leader Fang jests. Our family’s ventures are trifling affairs at best. We only own a small plot of land in Yong’an City. How could we possibly compare to the renown of the Fang Clan?”

Though he spoke humbly, a faint trace of pride lingered on Shi Chengyi’s face.

The clan might not be very strong, but its business is indeed flourishing.

“Oh? Yong’an City, is it? I recall that place. If memory serves, our clan still has some old acquaintances there. I believe they reside in Yong’an City. Elder Shi, have you perhaps seen them?”

Shi Chengyi’s expression froze. Old acquaintances of the Fang Clan in Yong’an City?

He has been in Yong’an City for so long. How has he never heard of a clan connected to the Fang family?

But when Shi Chengyi noticed the subtle expression on Clan Leader Fang’s face, he quickly realized something. He hurriedly laughed and said,

"Our Shi Clan does hold some influence around Yong'an City. If they are acquaintances of your noble clan, we would certainly recognize them.”

Fang Yong gave a slight nod.

"The departed need not be remembered by the clan. It was merely a passing thought that came to mind."

"By the way, Elder Shi, you traveled countless miles to reach Xiangshui City and requested a meeting with me, the leader of the Fang Clan. Surely you did not come here simply for leisure?"

After a few casual exchanges, Shi Chengyi asked faintly.

The Fang Clan had already investigated the Shi Clan’s strength. A family without a single martial artist in the Qi Manipulation Realm was hardly worth his personal attention. However, considering the matter of the Liu Clan’s surviving members, Fang Yong made an exception.

Fang Yong was curious. Why had the Shi Clan traveled thousands of miles to visit his family?

Upon hearing his inquiry, Shi Chengyi’s expression grew more serious. However, when he noticed the other people in the side hall, a slightly awkward smile appeared on his face.

"These are all members of my Fang Clan. Speak freely.”

Fang Yong’s words were calm and even.

"This time, my clan has sent me here with a request. In addition, we have prepared a modest gift. Clan Leader Fang must accept it.”

Seeing that Fang Yong did not respond but waited for him to continue, Shi Chengyi spoke again.

"Near Yong'an City, there is a petty, insignificant clan that often opposes us. They are truly detestable. Therefore, our family wishes to ask your noble clan to take action against them once.”

When he heard Shi Chengyi’s request, Fang Yong narrowed his eyes slightly and let out a faint smile.

"It's not that simple, is it?"

Shi Chengyi gave an awkward laugh.

“Clan Leader Fang sees through everything. That insignificant little clan is hardly worth fearing. But behind them is another family. That is why our clan hopes to ask for your assistance.”

Fang Yong paused in thought. The surviving martial artists of the Liu Clan and the Shi Clan, who have some resources to offer, came to mind. His face softened into a smile.

"It is but a minor clan. Hardly worth mentioning. Which family is it, Elder Shi? Speak plainly.”

"Yunmeng City—the Zhou Clan."

Fang Yong, who had been dismissive, suddenly changed his expression. His smile vanished instantly. He rose swiftly to his feet and waved his hand.

"See the guest out!"

Upon hearing Fang Yong's words, two Fang Clan members immediately stepped forward to drive him out.

Seeing that Fang Yong was about to leave, Shi Chengyi cried out,

“Clan Leader Fang, wait! As long as you agree, my Shi Clan will surely present you with a generous gift. We will also resolve the matter of the Liu Clan. Clan Leader Fang?”

But Fang Yong gave no response.

Growing desperate, Shi Chengyi blurted out,

"Clan Leader Fang, could it be that, even with your noble clan's strength, you fear the Zhou Clan of Yunmeng City?"

The moment those words left his mouth, Fang Yong halted in his tracks. Just as Shi Chengyi thought his goading had worked, a cold voice pierced his ears:

"Throw him out!"

Cast out of the Fang Clan, Shi Chengyi’s heart seethed with resentment. But he dared not show it. After all, this was still the Fang Clan’s territory. One careless move could cost him his life.

Failing to gain the Fang Clan’s support was one thing; Shi Chengyi still wanted to live a few more years.

However, he was puzzled by the Fang Clan’s reaction upon hearing the Zhou Clan’s name. According to his family’s investigations, the Fang Clan had two martial artists in the Qi Manipulation Realm. In terms of strength, the two clans were not vastly different; they were only slightly inferior.

Moreover, Clan Leader Fang had previously shown willingness to cooperate.

Shi Chengyi could not understand.

“Has that man left?”

“Reporting to Clan Leader, he has already left.”

"Mm."

Fang Yong replied faintly and said no more.

Yet, beside him, one of the clan members could not suppress his doubts and spoke up.

"Clan Leader, I noticed you seemed inclined to cooperate with the Shi Clan just now. Since they are only a minor family, surely the Zhou Clan would give our Fang Clan some face. Why not use the Shi to completely eradicate the remaining Liu Clan survivors?”

Fang Yong's expression grew more solemn as he explained,

"If this were a few months ago, our clan's move would not have been problematic. Though we are not quite as strong as the Zhou Clan, we are not far behind. The Zhou Clan would have been obliged to give us some face.

"But now, the Zhou Clan is caught in the midst of a vortex. Our clan must not become involved with them—no matter the form, it cannot be allowed!”

Fang Yong's words were firm and unyielding, leaving the nearby clansmen visibly shocked. One of them whispered in disbelief,

“Clan Leader, could it be that even with the Zhou Clan’s strength, they…”

"Enough. This matter need not be mentioned again.”

…

“Were any clansmen lost?”

Upon hearing news of the collapsed ruins, Chen Xingzhen hurriedly asked within the ancestral hall.

When he learned that no one had been harmed, he slowly nodded.

As long as no clansmen were harmed, everything else was a minor issue.

Upon hearing about the harvest from this expedition, Chen Xingzhen revealed a hint of delight.

The stone wall and the Guanyin Soil were of little consequence—merely auxiliary items that did not directly contribute to the clan’s current strength. However, those strange white bones could greatly enhance the clan’s power.

The only drawback was that the clan had no weapon-based martial techniques. The sole technique, the Seven Emotions, Six Absolutes Sword, had a far too high threshold. Currently, only Chen Qingyu had mastered it. This meant that when the clansmen wielded the bones in battle, they could not gain much of an advantage.

Still, these bones, no inferior to the finest iron weapons, were of great use to the clan. After all, not every clansman had cultivated their martial techniques to perfection.