Chapter 654: Shang Hongchen Arrives

Baihu Cheng, Shang Clan.

Shang Yingnian rarely gets to return home to rest; these past days have kept him swamped, with far too many matters in Baihu Cheng to handle, and the Shang Clan's disciples are insufficient. Compared with the Chen Clan, the Shang Clan has far fewer disciples, and only a handful are usable.

He does not wish to recruit outsiders, as they can never be trusted, and moreover the Shang Clan has no real branches; anyone useful is sent out, even he as the Family Head must go work, never pausing for a moment.

Within the entire Shang Clan, only the daughter‑in‑law enjoys a relatively easy life, staying to oversee the clan while everyone else is off to toil.

After Baihe Town withdrew a portion of people, the Shang Clan became even thinner, but fortunately everything fell into order; if no further incidents arise, he will have nothing to attend to and can rest for a while, or even cultivate.

"I'm exhausted; these past days have truly worn me out."

Jiang Luolan brought over a cup of spirit tea to warm her husband.

"Have a sip of tea, and the rest will be easy."

These days have been tiring, but worthwhile; the Shang Clan is on the rise, and its vast enterprise needs their management. Once stability returns, the resources the Shang Clan can obtain will exceed tenfold the previous amount, meaning each Shang Clan disciple will receive multiplied resources, and cultivation speed will surge.

No one in the Shang Clan complains of fatigue; they know the effort is worthwhile, especially the young disciples who now have tasks, brimming with enthusiasm, and reap rewards. They received a batch of pills from the Shang Clan, and the clan's overall strength has risen rapidly.

Shang Yingnian's cultivation has also loosened, and he will soon be able to Advancement to the Void Pill Second Heaven.

Jiang Luolan recently succeeded in passing the Thunder Tribulation, becoming the Shang Clan's second Condensing Pill Strong One.

His progress was so rapid it startled Shang Yingnian; with Shang Yingnian's help, he barely passed the Thunder Tribulation.

Coincidentally, Chen Chuyang was also present then, letting him keep watch, and it was a narrow escape.

The news was sealed off, known to only a few, and Shang Yingnian was delighted about it for several days; although it doesn't compare to the Chen Clan, it still gave him hope for the Shang Clan's rise.

Living with the son‑in‑law, three days bring nine meals.

Cough cough cough, nine doses of pills.

"Indeed, the rest will be easy; Shang Yue has grown a lot, and the Shang Clan now has successors."

That is what makes Shang Yingnian happiest: his once‑fat son, after slimming down, spent some time on Longshe Shan, growing considerably; through this training he has become steadier and now bears the bearing of a future Family Head of the Shang Clan.

Shang Yingnian looks upon his son with increasing satisfaction, no longer the irritation he once felt.

"Of course, and it's obvious whose son he is."

Jiang Luolan proudly lifted her head; her Baby son could not be any less.

All three children are each outstanding.

They are all the inheritance of her fine bloodline, as well as her teaching.

"Without me, where would you be today?"

"Yes, yes, yes, madam, you're the best!"

Shang Yingnian reached out, pulling his wife onto his lap.

Jiang Luolan, taking the opportunity, sat down, hugging his neck, and shyly asked, "Aren't you afraid of being seen?"

"Hahaha, we're an old husband and wife; what's there to fear?"

Shang Yingnian was not at all afraid: "At this hour, no one is home."

Jiang Luolan gave her husband a dismissive glance; how could she not understand his little scheming?

"You, better not act recklessly."

"Hehe."

Jiang Luolan stood up, not wanting to lose face.

Shang Yingnian held her, refusing to let her rise.

After several attempts, Jiang Luolan would not get up.

"Your Baby daughter hasn't returned for a long time; has she forgotten us?"

"Hongxue doesn't want to come back now; she's staying on Longshe Shan and it's wonderful, she doesn't even remember us."

Having a husband who forgets his parents, this second daughter is unacceptable.

No longer the little cozy one of before, Shang Yingnian feels sour.

His words carry a faint grievance.

The eldest daughter went to the Heavenly Heart Sect and no news has come; the second daughter settled on Longshe Shan, hardly ever descending, staying there with Chen Chuyang, living a blissful two‑person world, unaware of how happy she is, and she has no thought of her two parents.

The youngest son, meanwhile, is single‑minded about his work and rarely returns home.

This household has become less lively.

"Isn't this exactly what you wanted?"

Jiang Luolan gave her husband a glance; you find the children at home annoying.

Now it's fine; each of them is away from home.

"Wife, how about us?"

"No."

Jiang Luolan quickly refused: "Those three already give me a headache; another one would be deadly."

"Your son is already that grown, aren't you ashamed?"

Shang Yingnian felt no shame at all, grinning: "I'm just that awesome; they're too jealous to even react."

Saying that, he lifted his wife, preparing to head toward the room.

After only two steps, outside the doorway stood a woman.

Stunned by the scene before him, Shang Hongchen's pupils widened in disbelief as he stared at his father and mother.

Blink.

Blink.

Blink.

The three of them blinked together, their astonishment frozen in place.

Fortunately, Jiang Luolan reacted swiftly, immediately breaking free of her husband's embrace, hurriedly stepping down and straightening her clothes.

"Hongchen is back? When did you return? Why didn't you say so in advance?"

While speaking, Jiang Luolan's hand squeezed Shang Yingnian's waist and twisted it three hundred and sixty‑five degrees.

The pain made Shang Yingnian grit their teeth and grimace, but they could not show it and forced themselves to endure.

Shang Hongchen glanced at her father, then looked at her mother.

That look carried a faint sense of teasing.

Shang Yingnian coughed, "Hongchen, aren't you cultivating at the Heavenly Heart Sect? Why have you returned?"

Shang Hongchen looked at her two parents; they were not very welcoming.

"How about this: father and mother, you continue, and the daughter leaves?"

Shang Yingnian let out a laugh, "Go ahead."

Jiang Luolan crossed arms, showing no intention of detaining them.

Shang Hongchen turned around, truly about to leave.

Jiang Luolan turned her head, glanced at her own husband, and gave him a harsh stare.

Shang Yingnian hurried forward, took the daughter's hand, and apologized, "Father was just teasing you, Hongchen girl, don't be angry."

"Come, come, sit down, have tea."

"This is the spirit tea your mother painstakingly brewed; you can't buy it elsewhere."

Shang Hongchen looked at the tea leaves before her, a head‑rushing aroma, a great tonic.

"Father, perhaps you should keep it for yourself to drink."

This stuff—if she drinks it, she can't bear it.

The mother deliberately gave the good thing to the father; as a daughter, she could not act recklessly.

Mother's gaze kept fixed on her, making it uncomfortable; Shang Hongchen was self‑aware, dared not act rashly, otherwise mother would quickly teach her a lesson about conduct.

"This is a good thing; are you really not drinking it?"

"The daughter doesn't like to drink it."

"What a pity."

Shang Yingnian swallowed it in one gulp, let out a satisfied belch, "Delicious."

"Your wife's tea‑brewing skill becomes ever more exquisite."

Jiang Luolan's smile was broad; this compliment was greatly appreciated.