Chapter 114: Rebuilding Wang Family Manor
In the opulent confines of Wang Li’s chamber within the Xia Family Manor, a scene unfolded that was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing outside.
Wang Li and Wang Xiangyi, his exquisitely beautiful cousin, reclined on a plush silk sofa, their bodies pressed intimately together. The air crackled with a different kind of heat, one fueled by their shared victory and their passionate encounter.
Xiangyi, with her red dress spilling around her curves, broke the silence while leaning against her cousin. “Li,” she purred, her voice laced with a hint of satisfaction, “you’ve done it. Ye Fan’s reputation is in tatters. His name is synonymous with villainy. This is even better than I imagined!”
Wang Li, his face handsome and serious, let out a low chuckle. He reached out, his touch lingering on Xiangyi’s smooth cheek as he gently stroked it. “Indeed,” he agreed in a voice that vibrated with satisfaction. “The public now sees him for what he truly is – a monster, a demon.”
A flicker of frustration crossed Xiangyi’s face. “But why did he have to escape the Azure Peak Sect?” she lamented, a pout forming on her full lips. “It would have been perfect if they’d captured him, paraded him through the streets for everyone to see his downfall.”
Wang Li chuckled again, a soft sound that held a hint of amusement. “My dear Xiangyi,” he soothed, gently running his fingers through her silver hair, “it wasn’t ideal, but it wasn’t a complete failure either. Think about it – his escape only reinforces the notion that he’s a dangerous demon, a threat that needs to be eliminated. The righteous sects, especially the Azure Peak Sect, will chase and hunt him down relentlessly.”
Xiangyi leaned into his touch, her frustration momentarily abated. “You’re right, Li,” she conceded, a hint of admiration coloring her voice. “You always see the bigger picture.”
A sly smile played on Wang Li’s lips. “Now,” he continued, his voice low and seductive, “we focus on our next task. The stain on the Wang Family’s name, on our names, needs to be erased. We will rebuild the Wang Family, stronger and more powerful than ever before.”
Xiangyi’s eyes lit up with excitement. The prospect of reclaiming their family’s former glory, of rising from the ashes of humiliation, sent a thrill through her.
“Rebuild?” she echoed, her voice husky with anticipation. “Li, do you mean…”
“Precisely,” Wang Li confirmed, the hint of a smile evident in his handsome face “We will use the public’s current sentiment to our advantage. We will paint ourselves as victims of Ye Fan’s cruelty, his wicked lies. With the help of the Xia Family, the Song Family and the Jade Lotus Palace, we will clear our names and reestablish the Wang Family and reclaim our rightful place among the esteemed cultivation families.”
Xiangyi’s eyes gleamed with a mixture of ambition and gratitude. “Li,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion, “you’re a genius! I never thought of that.”
Wang Li leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear. “There’s much more I haven’t told you, Xiangyi,” he murmured, his voice sending shivers down her spine. “But for now, let’s savor this moment. We’ve dealt a severe blow to our enemy, and the future is ours for the taking.”
Xiangyi’s heart pounded in her chest, a mix of excitement and anticipation coursing through her veins.
Wang Li was more than just a dear cousin to Xiangyi. He was her confidant, her partner in vengeance, and now, the architect of their family’s triumphant return from the brink of oblivion.
As their lips met in a passionate kiss, a kaleidoscope of plans for their future swirled in their minds, a tapestry woven with threads of ambition, vengeance, and a simmering desire that threatened to erupt.
~~
Three days passed, and a ripple of change began to spread through the cultivation world.
Xia Qingwu, leveraging her dual positions as the Acting Matriarch of the Xia Family and a Core Disciple of the esteemed Jade Lotus Palace, made a bold statement. With unwavering conviction, she declared Wang Li and Wang Xiangyi innocent of all demonic accusations.
The shockwaves from this declaration were significant.
The Jade Lotus Palace, renowned for their unwavering adherence to justice and their fierce advocacy for righteous cultivators, had spoken.
Following suit, Song Jingyan, the Matriarch of the Song Family, surprisingly echoed Xia Qingwu’s declaration.
This unexpected alliance silenced many lingering doubts within the public. With two of the most influential families vouching for them, the tide of public opinion began to shift towards Wang Li and Wang Xiangyi.
It was in this atmosphere of cautious optimism that Wang Li and Wang Xiangyi chose to make their next move. They arrived in Zhenwu City, a bustling hub for cultivators and mortals alike. The city, a sprawling labyrinth of markets, training grounds, and towering structures, buzzed with a constant hum of activity.
Their arrival, however, went largely unnoticed. They were not yet the renowned figures they aspired to be. Yet, within a secluded teahouse, Wang Li, his eyes glinting with ambition, addressed Xiangyi.
“The time has come, Xiangyi,” he declared, his voice firm. “We rebuild the Wang Family.”
Xiangyi, the fire of determination burning bright in her eyes, nodded eagerly. “And how do we do that, Li?”
A sly smile played on Wang Li’s lips. “We appeal to the most basic human desires,” he replied. “Security, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.”
The next morning, a commotion stirred in the bustling marketplace of Zhenwu City. Crimson banners, emblazoned with the Wang Family crest, were unfurled high above a makeshift platform. Wang Li, adorned in robes that exuded an air of authority, stood at the forefront, flanked by the ever-elegant Xiangyi.
Clearing his throat, Wang Li addressed the throng of curious onlookers. His voice, powerful and confident, echoed through the marketplace.
“People of Zhenwu City,” he declared, “I stand before you today as Wang Li, the rightful heir of the Wang Family. Our family, as many of you know, was unjustly demonized. But through the grace of the righteous sects, our names have been cleared!”
A murmur of assent rippled through the crowd. Some faces held skepticism, others a flicker of hope.
“Yet,” Wang Li continued, his voice dropping to a dramatic tone, “the Wang Family lies in ruins. Our lands are ravaged, our resources depleted. But we refuse to remain broken.”
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. Then, with a flourish, he unveiled a scroll etched with intricate symbols. “This,” he announced, “is more than just a proclamation. It’s an invitation!”
He unfurled the scroll, revealing a list of benefits. “Those who join the Wang Family will be offered a stable income in the form of spirit stones, a crucial resource for cultivation advancement. We will provide free medical treatment to all our members, ensuring their health and well-being.”
Xiangyi stepped forward, her voice adding a softer touch. “We will provide comfortable quarters, fostering a sense of community within our family. Moreover, training opportunities and access to weapons and armor will be available, tailored to your specific skills and strengths.”
The crowd listened intently, their faces etched with various expressions – curiosity, doubt, and a glimmer of interest.
“Joining the Wang Family,” Wang Li concluded, his voice ringing with conviction, “means becoming part of something bigger. It means building a future, not just for yourselves, but for a legacy that will rise from the ashes!”
The declaration was met with a moment of stunned silence. Then, a lone voice broke the spell. “What guarantee do we have that these promises will be fulfilled?”
Wang Li met the challenge with a firm smile. “My reputation, and the backing of the Xia Family and Song Family, are your guarantees,” he declared. “We are rebuilding, and we will do so with honesty and integrity.”
A slow murmur of discussion arose within the crowd. The promise of security, growth, and a chance to be part of something new resonated with some. Others remained cautious, wary of the recent past.
Yet, a seed had been sown. The Wang Family, once thought lost, had returned. And with their return, the cultivation world held its breath, unsure of what the future held.
The dust of destruction slowly settled over the former site of the Wang Family manor. What was once a testament to their power and prosperity now lay in ruins, a grim reminder of their devastating fall. But a new chapter was about to unfold, one marked by unwavering ambition and a phoenix-like rise from the ashes.
Under the watchful eyes of Wang Li and Xiangyi, a team of experts arrived courtesy of the Xia Family and the Song Family. Led by esteemed architects and skilled builders, they began the arduous task of reconstructing the Wang Family manor. This unexpected assistance was a testament to the growing influence of Wang Li. Xia Qingwu, the Acting Matriarch of the Xia Family and his dear lover, saw this as an opportunity to solidify their bond and pave the way for a more open future.
Song Jingyan, the shrewd Matriarch of the Song Family, understood the complexities of the situation. Her secret affair with Wang Li meant her fate was intricately intertwined with his. While she couldn’t openly display her affections, she could extend political support. So, under the guise of strengthening alliances among righteous sects, she too pledged her family’s resources to the rebuilding effort.
Meanwhile, Wang Li had another project brewing. He instructed Liu Xue, the Core Disciple of the Jade Lotus Palace, to bring forth all the female members of the Wang Family who had found refuge within the sect.
Three days later, Liu Xue arrived, leading a contingent of nearly forty women. These women, from seasoned cultivators to young maidens, embodied the scattered remains of the once-vibrant Wang Family. Tears welled up in their eyes as they stood before Wang Li and Xiangyi. Despite belonging to a previous generation, they readily acknowledged their leadership and kneeled, addressing them as “Patriarch Wang Li” and “Lady Xiangyi.”
Wang Li, ever the charming leader, found this display of respect slightly awkward. “Please, rise, esteemed elders,” he urged, a hint of exasperation in his voice. “There’s no need for such formalities. We are all members of the Wang Family, standing together.”
The women, deeply touched by his humility, persisted in their obeisance. To them, Wang Li and Xiangyi weren’t just family; they were heroes who had cleared the Wang name and reignited the flame of hope. Their journey had been fraught with danger and humiliation, but they had emerged victorious, paving the way for a new beginning.
For the next week, Wang Li, Xiangyi, and the reunited female members of the Wang Family resided in nearby inns, anxiously awaiting the completion of their new home. The construction crews worked tirelessly, fueled by a sense of urgency and renewed optimism. Finally, after a week of relentless work, the day arrived – the Wang Family manor stood tall once more.
The rebuilt manor resembled its predecessor in its grandeur, yet subtle modifications hinted at a more modern and defensive approach. Spacious courtyards, ideal for training, bordered the main building. Fortified walls and watchtowers, strategically placed, provided a sense of security. Within, luxurious yet functional living quarters awaited, echoing the promise of a comfortable and prosperous future.
As Wang Li walked through the grand entrance, a wave of emotions washed over him – pride, determination, and a fierce possessiveness.
