After eliminating the four cultivators, Chen Yang spread his immense consciousness across both northern and southern banks.

Every common folk under Yang Family’s rule suddenly felt their hearts tremble violently.

“Master, calm your wrath…”

“Master, calm your wrath…”

People stumbled from their homes in panic, chanting these words while kowtowing toward Song Mountain. The four light beams crossing the sky and their lingering dread told them something had angered the mountain Master.

Chen Yang swept his phantom hands over every soul from south to north. Those four had revealed themselves – but others might still lurk. Though he’d worried about frightening foot-of-the-mountain mortals before, clearly regular checks were needed to protect Yang Family from schemers.

The sweep revealed a hidden late-stage cultivator in southern bank. This eighth-level practitioner had masked his strength as a mortal. While such tricks fooled observation, they couldn’t evade tactile consciousness.

“Trouble! An expert’s found me!”

As Chen Yang’s awareness brushed him, the man tried activating cultivation methods – then collapsed unconscious. Chen Yang’s mental strike prevented suicide. Through Thought Transmission, Yang Lingqing ordered Zhao Qi to retrieve the man.

Still uneasy, Chen Yang scanned everyone again before relaxing. “They cluster in southern bank, fearing northern bank’s Protective Family Array. Only Zhou’s boy infiltrated successfully,” he mused.

Counting Zhou Qing, six eighth-level Gathering Qi cultivators had invaded. Such force could crush most Gathering Qi families in Wangyue. Without Chen Yang’s presence and Yang Lingqing upgrading their array to Perfected Gathering Qi, these invaders might’ve breached Yang Family’s core.

Though disaster was averted, this warned Yang Family and Chen Yang. Entangled in greater conflicts yet still weak, they became easy targets. Tightening control over ruled territories became urgent.

Back in the interrupted Qualification Assessment at Yang Family’s back yard…

When Zhao Qi delivered the unconscious Eighth Level cultivator, Zhou Qing pinned by formation power had transformed from a boy to white-haired elder within moments. Only Yang Lingqing’s spiritual power injections kept him alive. The cost of becoming eighth-level cultivator? His entire lifespan.

Through Thought Transmission, Chen Yang ordered family soldiers to imprison Zhou Qing while resuming the assessment.

After the large array was activated, Liu Zihao descended the mountain and appeared behind Yang Lingqing, personally holding the formation’s main command token.

With him controlling the formation and Chen Yang maintaining full vigilance, peace returned to the Yang Family’s territory.

Having received the Immortal Master’s decree, Yang Lingqing calmly ordered Zhou Qing’s removal before announcing, “Don’t panic. The traitor’s been dealt with – let the testing continue.”

The crowd snapped out of their daze, hurriedly returning to their positions.

Southern bank children trembled at the unprecedented scene. When Yang Feiyun called names, they clung to each other fearfully, refusing to approach the platform.

Yang Feiyun briskly continued the roll call, bypassing hesitant candidates.

“Number ninety-nine: Dai Wei of the Dai family.”

A bright-eyed youth pushed through the crowd. “Master, I’ll ascend.”

“Proceed.”

Dai Wei stepped toward the glowing platform, steadying himself with deep breaths before climbing the steps.

Chen Yang observed approvingly. Having scanned every commoner under Yang Family rule, he knew this boy possessed complete Qi meridians. Had Dai Wei faltered like others, Chen Yang would’ve later alerted Yang Lingqing – but now unnecessary.

The youth bowed formally before Yang Lingqing. “Dai Wei pays respects to the Master, three Immortal Masters, and young master.”

“Your hand.”

Yang Lingqing’s brief touch to his forearm brought a satisfied nod. “Good. Stand behind Zhao Qi.”

Dai Wei’s calm mask barely contained his joy as southern bank children watched enviously. His family would now join the northern bank clan. Should he master the immortal path, their status would soar – proving how one’s success elevates an entire household.

This realization dissolved remaining fears, sparking eagerness among other children. Yet none possessed complete meridians.

“Testing concludes. Commence council.”

With children escorted out, family leaders assembled beneath the high tower in the back yard.

Yang Lingqing decreed: “From today, name all northern/southern bank villages. Mark clear borders with river and boundary walls. Newcomers must register at Baishi for dynastic records. Merchants require official permits. Monthly mountain worship ceremonies will unite both banks.”

“Understood?”

“We obey the Master’s decree!”

After returning uphill with two children, Zhao Qi activated a spiritual concealment talisman to secretly investigate Sanglu Valley branch.

The branch, one-third the main family’s size, housed only allied families behind protective formations – untouched during recent troubles. Invaders likely avoided its defensible terrain.

Old Yu accompanied Zhao Qi to Baishi Town after learning of main family events. By next noon, they arrived with Gao Hui at Yang Family’s dungeon – where Zhou Qing’s lifeless body lay.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep