Chapter 101 Self-reliance

 

“So this is the spirit field your Yun Clan has cultivated?”

Under Yun Yunyang’s guidance, Li Qing arrived at the Yun Clan’s spirit fields in the back mountain.

Looking at the thriving spirit rice growing in the fields, he couldn’t help but quietly admire the development of the Yun Cang Yun Clan over the years. They had far surpassed many other cultivation families within Yue Kingdom.

“Indeed,” Yun Yunyang replied with a smile.

“Self-reliance to provide your spirit-root cultivators with more cultivation resources—admirable, truly admirable,” Li Qing said with an approving nod.

“Yantian, come over and greet Master Li,” Yun Yunyang called out with a glance toward Yun Yantian, who was busy working in the spirit fields.

Nearby, other Yun clansmen were diligently weeding the fields.

“Yantian greets Master Li,” Yun Yantian said respectfully, walking over.

“It’s been years, and your cultivation has advanced significantly!”

Looking at Yun Yantian, Li Qing noted that his cultivation had reached the sixth level of the Breath Embryo stage. Such rapid progress outpaced many spirit-root cultivators from the Three Families and Seven Sects—a truly remarkable achievement.

Even Li Qing himself hadn’t progressed as quickly in his youth. If Yun Yantian had a capable mentor to guide him, he had a good chance of reaching Foundation Establishment, possibly even the Golden Core stage.

Once he reached Foundation Establishment, the Yun Cang Yun Clan could solidify its place among the Three Families and Seven Sects within Yue Kingdom and might even surpass them in the future.

Recalling the enigmatic yet powerful blind elder Daoist, Li Qing felt it was only natural for Yun Yantian to achieve great heights under his guidance.

“Master Li, you flatter me,” Yun Yantian said humbly, bowing slightly.

“And these two children…”

Li Qing’s gaze shifted to two little girls standing beside Yun Yantian. They looked around four or five years old, as delicate as porcelain dolls.

“They are the beloved granddaughters of my cousin Yunlin—Yun Wenyu and Yun Wenrun. Both have fourth-grade spirit roots,” Yun Yunyang explained.

“Haha! Wonderful! Wonderful!”

Li Qing squatted down, gently stroking the girls’ heads with a doting smile. “Their aptitude may be average, but with the elder Daoist’s guidance, they too have a chance at Foundation Establishment.”

“Thank you, Master Li! My sister and I will work hard!”

Yun Wenyu responded sweetly in her childish voice, smiling brightly.

Though young, she was intelligent and well-mannered, unlike the more mischievous children in the clan.

“I’ll be waiting for the day you and your sister achieve greatness,” Li Qing said with a smile.

“Brother Yunyang, I’ve said all I needed to. It’s time I returned to make my report,” Li Qing said, preparing to leave.

“Master Li, I have one more matter to discuss,” Yun Yunyang interjected.

“Oh? What is it?”

“For years, my clan has been selling spirit rice and tools through intermediaries, specifically the Wang family of Yulin. However, their demands have grown increasingly unreasonable, and I was hoping you might…”

Yun Yunyang explained the situation candidly, hoping Li Qing, as a court retainer, could leverage his influence to mediate with the Wang family.

“You want me to speak on your behalf and ask the Wang family to be less excessive?”

Yun Yunyang nodded slightly, choosing not to say more.

“Sigh…”

Li Qing sighed heavily.

“It’s not that I don’t want to help, but I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“The court has rules. Matters between cultivation families within Yue Kingdom are not to be interfered with by court officials, especially when they involve financial interests.

You may not realize this, but the Three Families and Seven Sects wield immense influence in Yue Kingdom. Even the court has difficulty controlling them.

Years ago, when one of your spirit-root cultivators killed a rogue cultivator employed by the Wang family, I was able to mediate and resolve the animosity.

But when it comes to matters of profit between two families, even my intervention wouldn’t carry weight with the Wang family,” Li Qing explained.

Yun Yunyang listened intently, his expression growing heavier.

He hadn’t realized the extent of the power held by the Three Families and Seven Sects, even beyond the court’s reach.

“I apologize for troubling you, Master Li,” Yun Yunyang said sincerely.

“No need to apologize. If anything, I feel guilty for not being able to assist,” Li Qing replied with a wry smile.

“Master Li, please don’t feel that way. If you cannot help, then it’s up to me to find another solution,” Yun Yunyang said resolutely.

“Remember, for now, it’s best not to confront the Wang family directly. They are among the strongest of the Seven Sects, second only to the Three Families.

The Wang family patriarch is rumored to be at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refinement, on the verge of Foundation Establishment.

Three years ago, the patriarchs of the Three Families all achieved Foundation Establishment.

If the Wang family patriarch succeeds, Yue Kingdom will no longer have Three Families and Seven Sects—it will be Four Families and Six Sects,” Li Qing warned.

“I’ll keep your words in mind, Master Li,” Yun Yunyang said sincerely.

“Good. Brother Yunyang, I’ll take my leave now.”

Li Qing cupped his hands, gave a faint smile, and with a swift leap, turned into a streak of light, vanishing into the distant sky.

Yulin County, Cultivation Market

“Why have you suddenly decided to visit the cultivation market, Brother Liyuan?”

Two finely dressed young men strolled down the bustling street, their conversation light and amiable.

One of them wore a robe adorned with cloud patterns, a jade token engraved with a dragon and phoenix hung from his waist, and a fine Qingfeng sword was slung across his back.

With sword-like brows, bright eyes, and a strikingly handsome face, his demeanor exuded the spirit of youth.

This youth, named Wang Lijiao, was seventeen years old and a collateral descendant of the Yulin Wang family’s main branch. With a cultivation level at the sixth stage of the Breath Embryo realm, he specialized in swordsmanship.

Typically, he was stationed at the cultivation market to oversee and manage the family’s various shops and enterprises. Upon learning that his cousin, Wang Liyuan, was arriving, he had personally gone to the dock to welcome him.

The other youth walking beside him also wore a robe with cloud patterns and a pair of black-and-gold boots. He carried himself with a calm and restrained demeanor, reminiscent of a sheathed treasure sword.

This was Wang Liyuan, a direct descendant of the Yulin Wang family. At just sixteen years old, he was the most gifted of his generation, with his cultivation already at the peak of the seventh stage of the Breath Embryo realm.

His esteemed status within the family meant that even Wang Lijiao, known for his pride, had to lower his posture in front of him.

“I’ve encountered a bottleneck in my cultivation. Since the family doesn’t currently have the elixirs I need to break through, I decided to come to the cultivation market to see if I can find something useful—and to take a little breather,” Wang Liyuan replied.

“How have the family’s businesses in the cultivation market been doing lately?”

“Quite well, naturally,” Wang Lijiao answered with a smile.

“If you’re looking for an elixir to aid your breakthrough, I heard that the Chuan Yin Lu family is hosting an auction today. If you’re interested, I can arrange for a private booth,” he offered.

“I’ll leave it to you, Brother Lijiao,” Wang Liyuan responded courteously.

“We’re family; no need for such formality,” Wang Lijiao said, waving his hand with a grin.

“By the way, I heard the patriarch has gone into a life-or-death seclusion?”

“Yes, it started three months ago,” Wang Liyuan confirmed.

“I’m afraid the Canglan Ye family, the Wangyue Lin family, and the Chuanyin Lu family might try to interfere,” Wang Lijiao said quietly, a trace of cold light flickering in his eyes, mixed with concern.

Three years ago, the patriarchs of these three families had successfully broken through the Qi Refinement stage and entered the Foundation Establishment stage. Their newfound strength had dramatically elevated their status within Yue Kingdom, making life difficult for other cultivation families.

As the leading family among the Seven Sects, the Yulin Wang family frequently found itself targeted by these three families.

For example, this cultivation market, which should have belonged to the Yulin Wang family, was now under the control of the three families. The profits were divided among them, leaving the Wang family forced to pay hefty rent and taxes to secure a few shops to sell their spirit rice, spirit plants, and refined elixirs.

If their patriarch could successfully break through during this seclusion and achieve Foundation Establishment, the Wang family would no longer have to endure such humiliation and suppression.

However, the three families wouldn’t stand idly by. They would undoubtedly attempt to disrupt the patriarch’s breakthrough, sabotaging his efforts to reach Foundation Establishment.

If he failed, not only would the Wang family lose the chance to rise above the oppression, but they might also fall from their position as the leading family among the Seven Sects.

“The family has already made thorough preparations to protect the patriarch. No disturbance will go unnoticed by our cultivators,” Wang Liyuan said firmly.

“We’ve also summoned some of the family’s rogue cultivator retainers to enforce strict security around the estate and prevent any interference from the three families.”

“Good. As long as the Foundation Establishment patriarchs of the three families don’t intervene, no one can break through the defense formed by our elders and retainers,” Wang Lijiao said confidently.

 

Chapter 102: Must Marry

 

“Uncle Yunxun, it seems there aren’t any alchemy furnaces for sale in this cultivation market,” Yun Yanshuang said as she accompanied Yun Yunxun through the bustling streets of the market.

They had spent quite some time browsing but found no suitable alchemy furnaces. Most of those available were of poor quality, with surfaces corroded by rust or marred by cracks due to their age.

Purchasing such a furnace would severely impact the success rate and quality of refined pills.

“Let’s keep looking. If we still can’t find one, we’ll have to think of another solution,” Yun Yunxun replied, his brows furrowed in frustration.

“Actually, I could forge an alchemy furnace myself. But the clan doesn’t have the necessary spirit ore for crafting one. Earlier, I checked some of the spirit ores being sold in the market, and none of them met the requirements for forging an alchemy furnace,” Yun Yanshuang explained.

“Sigh! Let’s see what we can find. If all else fails, we’ll return to the clan and consult your eldest uncle. Perhaps he can find the spirit ore you need,” Yun Yunxun said with a sigh, visibly disheartened.

Having the method to refine Breath Embryo Pills but lacking a suitable furnace was a source of deep frustration for him.

As they spoke, the pair entered another shop.

“Liyuan, look over there,” Wang Lijiao whispered to his cousin as they browsed the shop.

Curious, Wang Liyuan followed his cousin’s gaze toward the entrance and saw a young woman in a flowing blue immortal dress. She walked beside an older man as they were guided upstairs by the shop assistant.

The girl’s delicate features, slender figure, and ethereal aura—enhanced by her status as a cultivator—captivated him.

Wang Liyuan considered himself well-acquainted with beauty; the women in his family, whether sisters or cousins, were all elegant and refined.

Yet compared to this girl, they seemed ordinary.

As she ascended the stairs, her graceful silhouette lingered in his mind, leaving him momentarily entranced.

“Liyuan, you don’t have a fiancée yet, do you?” Wang Lijiao asked with a teasing smile, noticing his cousin’s fixation on the girl.

“No, I don’t,” Wang Liyuan replied, snapping out of his daze and shaking his head with a self-deprecating chuckle.

“That girl is quite remarkable—stunningly beautiful and clearly a skilled cultivator. If she were to marry into our family, she would undoubtedly produce a prodigious heir for the Yulin Wang family,” Wang Lijiao said thoughtfully.

“Come, let’s head upstairs and meet her,” he added with a grin, leading Wang Liyuan to the second floor.

“These are the three alchemy furnaces we have for sale. All are of excellent quality,” the shop assistant said enthusiastically as he guided Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yunxun to a dusty row of shelves on the second floor.

Yun Yanshuang picked up one of the furnaces and carefully examined it. She quickly noticed a crack near the base, though it had been skillfully repaired to disguise the damage.

Her years of refining tools for the family had honed her sharp eyes, making it nearly impossible for such flaws to escape her notice.

“This furnace has a crack at the base, and judging by the repair marks, it seems to have been patched up quite recently,” Yun Yanshuang said, looking at the shop assistant.

“Uh…” The shop assistant’s face turned awkward. He hadn’t expected the young woman to spot the flaw so quickly.

“Would you like to check the other two furnaces?” he asked hastily, eager to salvage the sale.

Yun Yanshuang examined the other two furnaces one by one and discovered that they, too, had similar cracks that had been recently repaired. She placed them back on the shelf with a faint frown.

“All three furnaces have cracks. Buying them would be too risky for alchemy,” she said calmly.

“Please, name your price! We can negotiate. I promise the cost won’t be an issue,” the shop assistant said desperately, unwilling to let such a large sale slip away.

Before Yun Yanshuang or Yun Yunxun could respond, a cheerful voice interrupted, “Cracked alchemy furnaces shouldn’t be sold at all. If someone uses one and it explodes during refining, who will take responsibility?”

Turning toward the source of the voice, they saw a tall, handsome youth with a Qingfeng sword slung across his back. Beside him stood another similarly dressed young man.

Yun Yanshuang noticed that the youth before her possessed a cultivation level higher than her own.

Hearing Wang Lijiao’s comment, the shop assistant was infuriated and wanted to retort. However, upon recognizing Wang Lijiao, his demeanor instantly turned ingratiating. “Ah, it’s Young Master Lijiao! What brings you here today?”

Having worked in the shop for years, the shop assistant lived and breathed the cultivation market. Naturally, he knew of Wang Lijiao’s background. As a talented cultivator from the Yulin Wang family and the overseer of their businesses in the market, Wang Lijiao commanded immense respect.

Even members of the three prominent families stationed at the market treated him with courtesy.

“That’s enough. Step aside. And stop selling such dubious goods. These three alchemy furnaces have been collecting dust for who knows how long—yet you dare put them on display,” Wang Lijiao said impatiently, waving the shop assistant away.

“Yes, yes! I won’t disturb you further, Young Master Lijiao!”

The shop assistant bowed respectfully and hurried away.

“I am Wang Lijiao of the Yulin Wang family, and this is my younger brother, Wang Liyuan. May I know where you hail from?”

After dismissing the shop assistant, Wang Lijiao turned to Yun Yunxun and Yun Yanshuang, bowing politely with a smile.

“Yun Yunxun of the Yun Cang Yun Clan, and this is my niece, Yun Yanshuang,” Yun Yunxun replied, bowing in return.

The Yulin Wang family disciples were not to be offended lightly.

“Ah, the Yun Cang Yun Clan. I’ve heard much about you,” Wang Lijiao said with a nod of acknowledgment.

His gaze then shifted to Yun Yanshuang. “Miss Yanshuang, your reputation precedes you. As the most talented spirit-root cultivator of the Yun Cang Yun Clan, your cultivation level already surpasses mine. Your remarkable talent commands great respect.”

“You flatter me, Young Master Lijiao,” Yun Yanshuang replied humbly.

“Elder Yunxun, I assume you and Miss Yanshuang are here in search of an alchemy furnace?” Wang Liyuan stepped forward, bowing slightly as he spoke.

“Indeed,” Yun Yunxun said with a sigh. “But after searching the market for quite some time, we haven’t found anything suitable.”

“It’s fortuitous, then. The Chuanyin Lu family is hosting an auction today. I believe you might find an alchemy furnace to your liking there,” Wang Liyuan suggested with a slight smile.

“An auction?”

Yun Yunxun was taken aback. He hadn’t heard of this.

“Yes, the three prominent families organize it once a year. This year, it’s the Chuanyin Lu family’s turn to host,” Wang Liyuan explained.

“But we don’t have an invitation to enter,” Yun Yunxun said hesitantly.

While the lack of an invitation was a concern, his greater worry was his limited supply of spirit stones. He feared they would attend only to leave empty-handed.

“No need to worry. My elder brother already has an invitation and has reserved a private booth. If you don’t mind, you’re welcome to join us,” Wang Liyuan offered warmly.

“Thank you for your kindness, Young Master Liyuan, but my uncle and I will refrain from attending,” Yun Yanshuang said sweetly, her smile causing Wang Liyuan to momentarily lose his composure.

“This… what a pity,” Wang Liyuan muttered after regaining his composure, sighing in disappointment.

He had hoped to use the auction as an opportunity to get closer to Yun Yanshuang and her uncle.

“Apologies,” Yun Yunxun said with an awkward smile, bowing in farewell before leaving with Yun Yanshuang.

“What do you think of her?”

As Wang Liyuan stood silently, watching Yun Yanshuang’s departing figure, Wang Lijiao chuckled and asked, “Liyuan?”

“She’s stunning, as beautiful as a celestial maiden. Her talent is extraordinary. I must marry her!” Wang Liyuan replied with a faint smile, his tone resolute.

“Well, the Yun Cang Yun Clan has ties with our Yulin Wang family. Perhaps we can ask the elders to negotiate an arrangement with the Yun Clan for you and Miss Yanshuang,” Wang Lijiao suggested.

“Come on, let’s head to the auction. If we’re late, we won’t get in.”

“Earlier, that disciple from the Yulin Wang family seemed interested in you,” Yun Yunxun remarked as they walked through the street.

“Uncle, you noticed?” Yun Yanshuang replied with a small smile.

“So, you noticed too?”

“From the moment we entered the shop, Wang Liyuan couldn’t take his eyes off me.”

“What do you think of him? Is he suitable?”

“Uncle, I have no interest in romantic matters. My only desire is to dedicate my life to protecting our family,” Yun Yanshuang replied firmly.

 

Chapter 103: Reciprocity

 

After hearing Yanshuang’s firm response, Yun Yunxun shook his head with a smile and said no more.

His niece was exceptionally talented, the most gifted spirit-root cultivator in the clan, and skilled in artifact refinement. In the future, she would also learn the art of alchemy.

How could she marry into the Yulin Wang family to bear children and strengthen their lineage?

Not only would he oppose it, but so would his brother Yunshan, his cousin Yunyang, and the entire Yun clan.

To Yun Yunxun, Wang Liyuan—even as the most talented scion of the Yulin Wang family—was no match for his niece.

As they prepared to head to the docks to board their boat, Yun Yanshuang’s gaze was drawn to a roadside stall.

Among the various items on display, a fist-sized, vibrant green spirit ore caught her eye.

She approached the stall and crouched down, picking up the ore to inspect it. “Fellow cultivator, how much for this spirit ore?”

“Young lady, you have a keen eye. This is ‘Greenwater Essence,’ a second-grade Yellow-tier spirit ore, an excellent material for artifact refinement.

If you’re interested, I can sell it to you for 300 lower-grade spirit stones. What do you think?”

The stall owner, a middle-aged man with graying temples who appeared to be in his fifties, smiled ingratiatingly. Judging by Yun Yanshuang’s demeanor, he assumed she came from a cultivation family.

“300 spirit stones for a second-grade Yellow-tier spirit ore? That’s a bit steep,” Yun Yanshuang replied softly.

Her clan’s obsidian ore, when sold at the cultivation market, fetched only 200 lower-grade spirit stones per piece.

“What price do you have in mind, then?” the stall owner asked.

“200,” she replied.

“That’s too low,” the man said hesitantly.

“To be honest, my clan also sells second-grade Yellow-tier spirit ores at that price. If you’re willing, I’ll buy this ore right now,” Yun Yanshuang said with a faint smile.

Hearing this, the stall owner fell silent, deep in thought.

“230 spirit stones. Young lady, this ore is something I risked my life to retrieve from a secret realm. I spent countless spirit talismans and pills to obtain it. 230 is my absolute minimum,” the man said earnestly.

“210 is the highest I’m willing to pay,” Yun Yanshuang replied firmly.

Having spent years alongside her elder brother and uncle handling external affairs, Yun Yanshuang was no longer the naïve child she once was.

She wasn’t swayed by the stall owner’s story, recognizing it as a tactic to justify a higher price.

“You’re a tough negotiator, young lady,” the stall owner said with a wry smile.

“Not at all. I believe my offer is more than fair compared to the market price.

At 230, no one in the market would buy it unless it caught the eye of someone from the Three Families or Seven Sects. But considering their standards, it’s unlikely they’d be interested in this ore.

Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been gathering dust on your stall for so long,” she countered calmly.

“Sigh… you win. 210 it is,” the man said with a resigned sigh.

Indeed, as Yun Yanshuang had guessed, the ‘Greenwater Essence’ had been sitting unsold on his stall for nearly half a year.

Occasionally, someone would inquire about it, but they’d walk away as soon as they heard the price.

If he didn’t sell it soon, this ore—which wasn’t particularly useful to him—might as well become a permanent fixture on his stall.

Now that someone was willing to pay more than the standard market price, he decided to accept.

“You’re straightforward, fellow cultivator,” Yun Yanshuang said with a sweet smile, turning to her uncle. “Uncle Yunxun, pay the man, please.”

Yun Yunxun chuckled and handed a pouch of spirit stones to the stall owner. “Count them yourself, fellow cultivator.”

“No need. You’re from a cultivation family; I trust you wouldn’t cheat a lone rogue cultivator like me,” the man said with a smile as he weighed the pouch in his hand.

Despite his words, he discreetly used his spiritual sense to verify the contents—210 lower-grade spirit stones, not a single one missing.

“Yanshuang, why did you want to buy this ‘Greenwater Essence?’” Yun Yunxun asked curiously.

After leaving the stall, Yun Yunxun glanced curiously at his niece.

“Uncle Yunxun, you might not know, but this ‘Greenwater Essence’ can be paired with the family’s obsidian to craft an alchemy furnace.

If successfully made, such a furnace could sell for as much as 500 lower-grade spirit stones in the market.

Now that I’ve acquired this ‘Greenwater Essence,’ crafting an alchemy furnace myself will save us a significant amount of spirit stones,” Yun Yanshuang explained cheerfully, holding the ore in her hands.

“I see,” Yun Yunxun said with an enlightened nod.

“Let’s head back to Yulin County. My elder brother and uncle should be returning to the inn soon from their visit to the Yulin Wang family,” he suggested.

Yulin Wang Family Estate

Yun Yanshui sat atop a carriage, managing the transport of goods.

Inside the carriage he drove were 300 weapons crafted by the family’s armory—blades, spears, swords, halberds, and even armor.

To ensure productive negotiations with the Yulin Wang family, his uncle had even retrieved three first-grade Yellow-tier spirit tools from the family’s treasure vault to present as gifts.

In addition, the other carriages carried tea leaves, gold, silver, jewelry, textiles, and 30 pounds of spirit rice.

“Uncle Yunlin, does my uncle always bring so many gifts whenever he visits the Yulin Wang family?” Yun Yanshui asked, bored as he sat on the carriage, glancing at Yun Yunlin beside him.

“Yes,” Yun Yunlin replied with a nod.

“But the Yulin Wang family has never reciprocated. Don’t they understand the concept of courtesy?”

Yun Yanshui couldn’t hide his frustration.

The spirit tools were painstakingly crafted by his sister, the spirit rice cultivated through his elder brother Yantian’s hard work alongside their clansmen, and the jewelry, textiles, and weapons were the fruits of the Yun family’s collective labor.

The thought of offering their hard-earned goods as tribute to the Wang family, who gave nothing in return, left Yun Yanshui deeply dissatisfied.

“This is the price of needing their favor,” Yun Yunlin said with a sigh.

He too found it difficult to stomach, but sacrifices had to be made for the family’s future.

“If only our clan could surpass the Yulin Wang family, we wouldn’t need to bow to them,” Yun Yunlin lamented.

Sitting quietly beside him, Yun Yanshui said nothing, lost in thought.

“We’ve been waiting here for quite a while. Why hasn’t the Wang family sent someone to greet us?” Yun Yanshui finally asked, his patience wearing thin as he glanced at the grand gates of the Wang estate.

“That’s typical of the Yulin Wang family. They do this to emphasize their status and superiority,” Yun Yunlin explained.

He had accompanied Yun Yunyang on visits to the Wang family several times before, and each time, they were left waiting outside for over half an hour before someone from the Wang family arrived to greet them.

“Uncle seems to have incredible patience,” Yun Yanshui muttered, glancing at Yun Yunyang sitting calmly under the shade of a tree.

“Brother Yunyang is used to this,” Yun Yunlin said with a wry smile.

As the uncle and nephew spoke, a group of figures emerged slowly from the Wang family estate.

Leading the group was none other than Wang Zhongtian, the patriarch of the Yulin Wang family.

“Brother Yunyang, my apologies for keeping you waiting. Clan affairs have kept me quite busy,” Wang Zhongtian said with a smile.

“No harm done,” Yun Yunyang replied courteously, rising to return the greeting.

“Please, come inside. I’ve had tea and refreshments prepared,” Wang Zhongtian said warmly, leading Yun Yunyang, Yun Yanshui, and the others into the estate.

“Brother Wang, I’ve come today to discuss a matter,” Yun Yunyang began after they were seated.

“Brother Yunyang, feel free to speak openly,” Wang Zhongtian replied with a hearty laugh.

“I wanted to inquire if there are any vacant shops available for rent in the cultivation market by Yulin Lake.

Our Yun family hopes to rent a shop, and I was wondering if you could assist us in this matter.”

“Well…” Wang Zhongtian’s expression shifted into one of feigned difficulty.

“To be honest, shops in the cultivation market are always in high demand and are entirely occupied by members of the Three Families and Seven Sects. There are no vacant shops available for rent.

However, since we are close friends, my Wang family would be willing to offer one of our shops to you, Brother Yunyang.”

“That would be most generous of you, Brother Wang. What would the rent be?” Yun Yunyang asked.

“I won’t take advantage of you. Just 30 mid-grade spirit stones per month,” Wang Zhongtian replied with a smile.

 

Chapter 104: Arabian Nights

 

“Brother Wang, could you lower the price a bit more? Thirty mid-grade spirit stones is still a little high,” Yun Yunyang said, trying to negotiate.

Thirty mid-grade spirit stones were equivalent to three thousand lower-grade spirit stones.

Although the Yun clan had grown steadily in recent years and accumulated some resources, this price was exorbitant.

The income from the obsidian mined by his second brother, the spirit tools refined by Yanshuang, and the spirit rice and spirit plants cultivated by the clan barely totaled three thousand lower-grade spirit stones a month.

Renting a shop from the Yulin Wang family at thirty mid-grade spirit stones a month would effectively mean working for the Wang family for free. It was clear they were trying to take advantage of the Yun clan.

“Brother Yunyang, this is already the lowest price we can offer,” Wang Zhongtian replied.

“I’m only offering this out of respect for the good relationship between our two families. If it were any other family seeking to rent a shop, it wouldn’t be as simple as thirty mid-grade spirit stones,” he said, leaving no room for negotiation.

Wang Zhongtian knew full well why Yun Yunyang had come.

The Yun Cang Yun clan wanted to develop their business, selling spirit rice, spirit tools, and obsidian, while bypassing the Yulin Wang family and keeping them out of the profits.

Fine, if they wanted to exclude the Wang family, he would ensure they paid in another way.

In the end, he was determined to have a hold on the Yun clan. If they could manage without him, let them try elsewhere—though he knew the Yun clan, still on shaky footing, had no better options.

“Brother Wang, may I take some time to discuss this matter thoroughly with my family? I’ll return to you with a decision,” Yun Yunyang said after a moment of contemplation, tactfully postponing his answer.

“Of course. I’ll await your response,” Wang Zhongtian replied, rising with a polite smile and cupping his hands in farewell.

“Farewell, Brother Wang.”

“Family matters demand my attention; I regret I cannot see you off,” Wang Zhongtian said.

“There’s no need, Brother Wang,” Yun Yunyang replied with a warm smile, leading Yun Yanshui, Yun Yunlin, and the others away from the Wang estate.

“Humph! So the Yun Cang Yun clan wants to bypass us and grow independently? Do they really think they can pull that off?”

“They’ve forgotten how much support we’ve given them in the shadows over the years!”

“They want to rise on their own? Over my dead body!”

After Yun Yunyang and his group had departed, several Wang family elders began mocking and ridiculing the Yun clan.

“Enough! Quiet down. Aren’t things troublesome enough already?” Wang Zhongtian said, waving his hand to silence the room.

“How is the patriarch’s situation?” he asked, turning his attention to the pressing matter at hand.

“All is well,” one elder replied.

“Last night, an intruder tried to sneak into the mountain but was discovered by our clan’s cultivators.”

“Did you catch them?”

“No. The intruder was a Qi Refinement cultivator. After a brief skirmish, they managed to escape.”

“Humph! It must have been someone sent by the Three Families, trying to disrupt the patriarch’s seclusion and ruin our plans!” Wang Zhongtian snorted coldly.

“Pass down the order: the clan is to remain on high alert during this period. No suspicious individuals are to be allowed near the estate.”

“As long as the patriarch successfully breaks through to the Foundation Establishment stage, our Wang family will no longer have to endure oppression from the Three Families!”

“Yes, Patriarch!”

“Clan leader, Young Master Liyuan has returned,” a Wang clansman announced, kneeling respectfully as he entered the hall.

“Has he?” Wang Zhongtian said, delighted. He quickly got up and led his people outside to greet him.

Wang Liyuan was his son and the most talented cultivator in the family. Wang Zhongtian’s position as the patriarch of the Yulin Wang family was largely thanks to his son’s exceptional abilities.

“Yuanyer!”

As soon as Wang Zhongtian stepped out of the council hall, he spotted his son waiting outside.

“Father,” Wang Liyuan greeted with a smile.

“How have you been?”

“Thank you for your concern, Father. Everything is well.”

“I heard that soon you’ll be heading out with the clan’s spirit-root cultivators to explore that immortal abode secret realm?”

“Yes,” Wang Liyuan confirmed.

“You must be cautious. I’ve heard that every major family is sending their spirit-root cultivators to explore that secret realm—including the Three Families,” Wang Zhongtian warned.

“Don’t worry, Father. I will be careful,” Wang Liyuan reassured him.

“To be on the safe side, I went to the cultivation market today. Under Cousin Lijiao’s guidance, I attended an auction hosted by the Chuanyin Lu family and purchased an elixir to aid me in breaking through.”

“You’re ready to break through?” Wang Zhongtian asked, his face lighting up with joy.

The Wang family elders nearby were equally elated, gazing at Wang Liyuan with deep admiration.

They all knew Wang Liyuan’s extraordinary talent. At just sixteen, he had already reached the peak of the seventh level of the Embryo Breath realm, surpassing many of his peers.

Even the clan’s patriarch had once predicted that Wang Liyuan had the potential not only to achieve Foundation Establishment but also to aim for the Golden Core stage.

“I’m on the verge of breaking through. With the help of this elixir, I should succeed within ten days,” Wang Liyuan said with a confident smile.

“Hahaha! Excellent! You’ve truly brought honor to our family, my son!” Wang Zhongtian exclaimed, laughing heartily as he patted his son on the shoulder.

“Father, when I arrived earlier, I saw a group of people leaving,” Wang Liyuan remarked.

“Pay them no mind. They’re from the Yun Cang Yun clan,” Wang Zhongtian said dismissively.

“I see,” Wang Liyuan replied with a nod.

“Father, speaking of the Yun Cang Yun clan, I met a young lady today at the cultivation market. I find her most agreeable,” he added.

“Oh? Who is she?” Wang Zhongtian asked, intrigued. His son rarely showed interest in anyone.

“Yun Yanshuang,” Wang Liyuan replied.

“I’ve heard of her. She’s said to be the most talented spirit-root cultivator in the Yun Cang Yun clan, currently at the peak of the sixth level of the Embryo Breath realm.

She’s also behind the spirit tools the Yun clan has been selling in recent years,” Wang Zhongtian noted.

“If my son is interested in her, it’s her family’s good fortune.

If you two were to marry, you could undoubtedly produce offspring with outstanding talent, which would be a great boon for our Wang family,” he continued.

“Go and focus on your cultivation. Prepare for your breakthrough. I’ll send someone to the Yun Cang Yun clan with gifts to propose this marriage,” Wang Zhongtian said, smiling as he reassured his son.

“Thank you, Father,” Wang Liyuan said with a bow before disappearing into the distance.

“Chongyue,” Wang Zhongtian called.

“Yes, Elder Brother. What are your instructions?”

“Prepare an appropriate betrothal gift. In a few days, you will personally visit the Yun Cang Yun clan to secure this marriage for Yuanyer.

Make sure Yun Yanshuang marries into our Wang family,” Wang Zhongtian ordered.

“Elder Brother, Yun Yanshuang is skilled in artifact refinement and the most talented spirit-root cultivator of the Yun Cang Yun clan. I’m afraid they won’t agree to this easily,” Wang Chongyue said cautiously.

“Humph! They don’t have a choice. If my son wants her, then she will belong to our Wang family,” Wang Zhongtian said coldly, dismissing his brother’s concerns.

“I understand. I’ll personally lead a delegation to negotiate with the Yun Cang Yun clan,” Wang Chongyue replied.

Yulin County, Inn

“The Wang family is outrageous! Wang Zhongtian is clearly trying to exploit our Yun clan,” Yun Yunlin fumed as he gulped down a cup of cold tea.

He had been present during the meeting with Wang Zhongtian and was fully aware of his manipulative intentions.

“Enough. Say no more. Walls have ears, and we can’t afford for this to reach the Wang family,” Yun Yunyang warned sternly.

“Brother Yunyang, since we couldn’t reach an agreement, it seems our Yun clan will remain under the Wang family’s thumb for the foreseeable future.

It will be difficult for our clan to grow and secure more cultivation resources. Do you have any strategies?” Yun Yunlin asked, his earlier frustration somewhat eased.

“None. We’ll just have to take things one step at a time,” Yun Yunyang sighed.

“If it comes to it, I may have to send Yanshuang and Yantian to the immortal abode secret realm. Perhaps they can secure some fortuitous opportunities there.”

“With the Three Families, Seven Sects, and even cultivators from Wu Kingdom participating, it will be extremely difficult for them to gain anything significant,” Yun Yunlin said with concern.

“Let’s not discuss this further for now. Have Shui’er and Shuang’er prepare to return to the clan,” Yun Yunyang said with a heavy sigh.

Deep down, he hoped that the Wang patriarch’s seclusion would fail.

If it did, the Wang family would likely crumble under pressure from the Three Families, giving the Yun clan a chance to breathe and escape the Wang family’s control.

But if the Wang family grew stronger, life for the Yun clan would only become more difficult.

 

Chapter 105: Forced Engagement

 

A few days later.

“News from Brother Yunyue: the amount of obsidian that can be mined from the vein is now very limited.

According to estimates, the remaining mining period is less than a year,” Yun Yunrui reported to Yun Yunyang, providing an update on the obsidian vein in Chuyun Mountain.

“Shui’er, in the coming period, I want you to take the Golden-Eyed Beast and some clansmen to search for a new vein. See if you can locate another mine,” Yun Yunyang said, his gaze falling on Yun Yanshui, who was seated below.

At almost fifteen years old, Yun Yanshui had recently been included in family council meetings to prepare him for future responsibilities. Eventually, when Yun Yunyang and the older generation stepped down, Yanshui, Yantian, Yansong, Yanbo, and others would inherit the family’s affairs.

“Yes, Uncle,” Yun Yanshui replied respectfully, accepting the task.

“How much longer until the spirit rice in the back mountain’s fields can be harvested?” Yun Yunyang asked, turning to Yun Yantian.

“About two months, Uncle. Once it matures, I’ll lead the clansmen to harvest the rice,” Yantian responded.

“And the spirit plants?”

“They’ll also be ready for harvesting in about two months. At that time, part of the herbs will be handed over to Uncle Yunxun for safekeeping, and the rest will be sold to earn spirit stones for the family,” Yantian explained.

Hearing this, Yun Yunyang nodded in satisfaction.

As his gaze swept around the room, he noticed the absence of Yun Yanshuang. Curious, he asked, “Shui’er, where is your sister?”

“She’s at the armory, preparing to refine an alchemy furnace for future use in making Embryo Breath Pills,” Yanshui replied honestly.

“She’s been working hard,” Yun Yunyang said, smiling warmly.

Just then, a Yun clansman rushed into the hall.

“Brother Yunyang, someone from the Wang family has arrived!” the man announced urgently.

“Oh?” Yun Yunyang frowned, momentarily taken aback. He couldn’t imagine why the Wang family would send someone at this time.

“Let’s go greet them,” he said, rising from his seat. He led Yanshui, Yantian, and the other Yun elders outside to meet the visitors.

Wang Chongyue stood calmly with several dozen disciplined Wang family guards.

Behind them were several carriages laden with goods—gold, silver, jewelry, textiles, spirit tools, elixirs, and obsidian. The carts carried an impressive array of treasures.

“Brother Chongyue, my apologies for the delay in greeting you!” Yun Yunyang said with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting as he approached.

His eyes couldn’t help but linger on the heavily loaded carriages, his curiosity piqued.

“Brother Yunyang, it’s been a while,” Wang Chongyue replied, returning the gesture with a warm smile.

“Please, come inside. I’ve already ordered tea and refreshments to be prepared,” Yun Yunyang said, extending an invitation.

“There’s no need to trouble yourself.

I’ve come today under the orders of my elder brother to deliver a betrothal gift.

Our families hope to establish a marital alliance,” Wang Chongyue said plainly, eager to conclude the matter and return to report his success.

“A marriage proposal?” Yun Yunyang said, startled. The other Yun elders looked equally shocked.

“To be honest, my nephew Wang Liyuan recently saw Yanshuang at the cultivation market. He was so captivated by her that he developed feelings for her.

Today, I’ve come with this generous gift to propose a marriage between my nephew and your esteemed Yanshuang,” Wang Chongyue explained.

“This…” Yun Yunyang hesitated, visibly uncomfortable.

“You seem hesitant, Brother Yunyang?” Wang Chongyue asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Brother Chongyue, Yanshuang has yet to turn fifteen. Discussing marriage at this time seems a bit premature,” Yun Yunyang replied tactfully, clearly unwilling to agree.

“A formal betrothal can be arranged now, and when Yanshuang turns fifteen, our Wang family will send a grand procession to bring her into our family with full honors.

Come, bring the betrothal gifts!”

Wang Chongyue gestured, and the guards began unloading the carriages.

“Brother Yunyang, this marriage would be beneficial for both our families.

If we become in-laws, your Yun family will gain many advantages.

For example, my elder brother has promised to grant your Yun family a shop in the cultivation market rent-free once the marriage is finalized,” he added, smiling.

“Brother Yunyang, let’s not delay this matter further. Consider this proposal settled. I must return to report to my elder brother and cannot stay any longer.”

“Brother Yunyang, farewell. We’ll speak again another day,” Wang Chongyue said decisively.

Without giving Yun Yunyang any room for polite refusal, Wang Chongyue ordered his men to unload the carriages and departed with the Wang family guards.

As his elder brother Wang Zhongtian had declared, this marriage was non-negotiable. The Yunshang Yun family would either comply willingly or face the consequences.

“Yulin Wang Clan is so domineering. This is clearly a forced marriage!”

Watching Wang Chongyue and his entourage leave, Yun Yunlin’s face was filled with anger.

“These so-called betrothal gifts—they’re just what our Yun clan gave them over the years during our visits to the Wang family.

Now they shamelessly bring them back as a bride price? And they have the gall to talk about a grand marriage for Shuang’er? Nonsense!”

“Brother Yunyang, Shuang’er cannot marry into the Wang family. The so-called free shop they’ve promised us is just empty words. It’s not reliable!”

The other Yun clansmen echoed their discontent, their faces brimming with indignation.

Yun Yanshuang was the Yun family’s strongest spirit-root cultivator, skilled in artifact refining and soon to learn alchemy.

Her future potential was immense. How could they easily give her away to the Wang family, only for her to bear their children and strengthen their lineage?

Marrying her off so carelessly would be unfair to Shuang’er and bring no real benefit to the Yun clan.

“I understand your concerns…”

“But this time, the Wang family is clearly set on forcing this marriage.

If we refuse, do you understand the consequences we may face?” Yun Yunyang said with a sigh, his expression heavy with worry.

Hearing this, the room fell into silence.

“The Wang family… is pushing us too far!”

“Shui’er,” Yun Yunyang said after a moment.

“Yes, Uncle?”

“What do you think about this matter?”

“If my sister wants to marry, she’ll marry. If she doesn’t, no one can force her,” Yun Yanshui replied firmly.

“Discuss this with your father when you return. Let’s see what he and your sister think about it.”

“I understand,” Yun Yanshui said, nodding before leaving for home.

“Brother Yunyang, what about those carriages and their so-called gifts?” Yun Yunlin asked.

“Destroy them!” Yun Yunyang said coldly.

A forced betrothal? They wanted no part of it!

“Old Daoist Master,” Yun Yunyang said respectfully, bowing under the shade of a willow tree after dismissing the others.

“Out of options already?” the blind Daoist replied with a faint smile, having observed the entire situation from a distance.

“The Yulin Wang clan is powerful—far beyond our Yun clan’s capabilities to contend with.

Especially with their patriarch currently in seclusion, preparing for a breakthrough. If he succeeds and steps into the Foundation Establishment stage, their influence will skyrocket.

At that point, Shuang’er…” Yun Yunyang trailed off, his voice filled with frustration. His clenched fists and tight jaw betrayed his anger and helplessness.

“How can we let my niece be married off to the Wang family so easily?” he continued.

“These years, we’ve been fortunate for your guidance in Shuang’er’s and Tian’er’s cultivation.

We have never dared to ask too much of you, but this time…”

“I understand your pain. For now, don’t rush. Let’s first hear what Shuang’er has to say.

After all, the ultimate decision must still be hers,” the old Daoist said calmly, a faint smile on his lips.

“I understand, Master,” Yun Yunyang said, nodding.

“I won’t marry!”

Freshly returned from the armory, Yun Yanshuang’s face turned icy upon hearing about Wang Chongyue’s visit and the Wang family’s attempts to force her into marriage.

Yun Yunshan, her father, looked equally grave.

He, too, opposed the marriage. But the Wang family’s power, coupled with their patriarch’s impending breakthrough into Foundation Establishment, left the Yun clan in a precarious position.

If they rejected the proposal, they would undoubtedly face relentless suppression from the Wang family, making their already difficult circumstances even worse.

“Marrying into the Wang family benefits no one—it wrongs Shuang’er and harms our clan.

But refusing them risks angering the Wang family and worsening our situation,” Yun Yunshan said, his voice heavy.

“So, Father, what do you suggest?” Yun Yanshuang asked, her face etched with concern.

“My daughter, Yun Yunshan’s child, will not be casually married off to the Wang family!” Yun Yunshan said firmly, stroking her head gently.

“Don’t worry too much. I’ll think of a solution. Your uncle and the others will also work out a plan.”

“Understood, Father. If worst comes to worst, I’ll ask the Master for help. He would never sit idly by,” Yun Yanshuang said confidently.

“The old Daoist Master? Indeed, he might be our only hope in this matter,” Yun Yunshan agreed with a sigh.

 

Chapter 106 Word Spirit Bone Fire

The blind Daoist had always given Yun Yunshan a sense of mystery.

He couldn’t be sure just how powerful the old Daoist truly was, or whether he could contend with the likes of the Wang family’s patriarch—a nearly Foundation Establishment-level cultivator.

Yet deep down, there was a voice that kept reminding him: The Daoist can handle this. Only he can resolve the current crisis facing the family.

“Brother, what are you doing?”

Yun Yanshuang turned to see her elder brother, Yun Yanshui, packing his things as if preparing to head out.

“Hunting!” Yun Yanshui replied with a mischievous grin.

“The sun is nearly setting, and you’re going hunting now?”

“That’s exactly when the prey is easier to catch,” Yun Yanshui said with a chuckle. He adjusted his dark-green war bow, made sure the Golden-Eyed Beast was secure at home, donned a cloak, and left the Yun estate without further explanation.

“Father, aren’t you going to stop him? It’s so late—what kind of hunting could he possibly be doing?”

“Let him go,” Yun Yunshan replied with a faint smile, sipping his tea leisurely.

He understood his son’s intentions well. Undoubtedly, the visit from Wang Chongyue earlier that day, with the heavy-handed betrothal proposal, had infuriated him.

If his son was going out to deliver a subtle warning to the Yulin Wang clan, then so be it. Letting off a little steam wasn’t a bad thing.

After all, the Wang family would never trace it back to the Yun Cang Yun family.

The night blanketed the land, and the moon hung high.

Its silvery glow illuminated the official road stretching between Yuncang and Yulin counties.

In a clearing beside the road, Wang Chongyue and his entourage sat around a blazing campfire, feasting and drinking with abandon.

“Ha! That old fool Yun Yunyang—his face must’ve turned green with anger today!”

“And that bunch of wimps in the Yun Cang Yun Clan—they were so angry but didn’t dare to utter a single word of protest.

Knowing full well that our Wang family is forcing this marriage, they still didn’t dare say a thing. How satisfying! Absolutely satisfying!”

The Wang family guards roared with laughter as they ate and drank, recalling the day’s events when they delivered the betrothal proposal.

“Once Young Master Liyuan marries their spirit-root daughter, the Yun Cang Yun Clan will surely suffer a blow to their vitality.

By then, they’ll be nothing more than a breeding ground for our Wang family’s next prodigy!”

“Exactly! You have to admit, Young Master Liyuan has a sharp eye.”

“I noticed Yun Yunyang didn’t seem too pleased about it today.”

“So what? He can only swallow his grievances. Provoking our Wang family is nothing short of courting death!”

“Young Master Liyuan taking a liking to their daughter and marrying the Yun family’s direct descendant is like their ancestral tomb emitting green smoke—a blessing from heaven!

Other families would be falling over themselves to marry off their daughters to our Wang family in hopes of forging an alliance.”

“By the way, Brother Chongyue, is it true that the family will give a free shop to the Yun clan after the marriage?” one of the guards asked, glancing at Wang Chongyue, who was quietly poking the fire with a stick.

“Empty words, nothing more! Why take it seriously?” Wang Chongyue sneered.

“Once their daughter is safely married into our Wang family, everything that follows will be at our family’s discretion.”

“Ha! Brilliant, truly brilliant!”

“Today’s betrothal gifts are just the offerings the Yun Cang Yun Clan brought to our family in the past.

And as for the shop, it’s nothing but a verbal promise.

In essence, our Wang family is gaining their most prized spirit-root descendant without spending a single coin.

No one can even accuse us of being dishonorable—after all, we did deliver a proper betrothal gift. It can’t be called coercion.”

“Brother Zhongtian’s plan is truly shrewd!” one of the guards said admiringly, giving a thumbs-up to their clan leader’s cunning.

“Enough about that,” Wang Chongyue said with a smile.

“Rest well tonight. Tomorrow, we have a long journey back to the clan to report.”

“You too, Brother Chongyue. Take it easy. Today must’ve been exhausting with all the negotiating over the marriage,” one of the guards said with a smile.

Wang Chongyue nodded and began to rise, intending to return to his carriage for the night.

Suddenly, the stillness of the night was broken by the sharp whistling of arrows cutting through the air.

Streams of glowing projectiles streaked through the darkness like a rain of death.

In an instant, the arrows flew past Wang Chongyue with deadly precision, piercing the heads of the Wang family guards gathered around the campfire.

Thwack! Thwack!

Dozens of Wang family soldiers fell into pools of their own blood under the onslaught of the glowing arrows. Their lifeless eyes stared wide in terror and confusion, as though unable to comprehend what had just happened.

“A cultivator…?”

Wang Chongyue snapped out of his shock, fear surging through him as he looked at the fallen bodies of his soldiers. The swift and ruthless attack left no doubt in his mind—it was the work of a cultivator.

As his thoughts scrambled to guess whether the assailant might be from one of the Three Great Clans, a figure cloaked in black suddenly materialized from the shadows, appearing right before him like a ghost.

Before Wang Chongyue could react, the figure’s hand shot out and clamped around his neck, lifting him off the ground as effortlessly as if he were a chicken.

A crushing sense of suffocation overwhelmed him, and his face turned a deep purple. He thrashed desperately, but the iron grip on his throat was unyielding—far beyond the strength of any mortal man.

“Who… who are you? Do you not fear my Wang family’s retribution for this?” Wang Chongyue croaked, gasping for air, his voice hoarse with both pain and defiance.

“The Wang family… So formidable, are they?”

Yun Yanshui slowly removed the hood of his cloak, allowing the moonlight to illuminate his face.

“You’re…!”

Staring at the familiar yet unfamiliar face, Wang Chongyue struggled to place where he had seen him before.

“Today, your Wang family strutted into my Yun estate, shamelessly attempting to force my sister into marriage.

Behind our backs, you ridiculed my uncle, insulted my family, and spat on the honor of my Yun clan.”

Yun Yanshui’s icy gaze locked onto Wang Chongyue’s panic-stricken face as his grip tightened further. His voice was as cold and biting as the chill of midwinter, cutting through to the bone.

“You’re… a member of the Yun family? No… no, that can’t be! The Yun clan only has two known spirit-root cultivators, Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian.

The remaining three, the Wen siblings, are just children under six years old.

You—there’s no way you’re one of their disciples!”

Wang Chongyue’s eyes widened in disbelief.

The Wang family had thoroughly investigated the Yun clan’s capabilities, confirming they had only five spirit-root cultivators. The young man standing before him wasn’t among them—this had to be some kind of ruse!

As the realization dawned, Wang Chongyue’s thoughts drifted to the events of the previous day. He recalled a quiet young man standing silently among the Yun family’s elders during the betrothal discussions.

Slowly, the image of that young man merged with the face of the person strangling him.

Terror surged through Wang Chongyue like a tidal wave. “Yun Yanshui… Yun Yanshuang’s elder brother! You’re not a mortal? You’re a cultivator?

So that’s how it is. The Yun family has been hiding their strength all along—they have six spirit-root cultivators, and you’ve been kept a secret!”

Wang Chongyue’s words were met with indifference.

Yun Yanshui didn’t bother to explain. Instead, a flicker of dark blue flame ignited in his palm and engulfed Wang Chongyue’s body in an instant.

It was the Infernal Soulfire, a unique ability of the Golden-Eyed Beast.

“Ahhh!”

Wang Chongyue let out a blood-curdling scream as the searing flames consumed him. His body disintegrated into ash within moments, and even his soul was obliterated by the soulfire.

With a flick of his wrist, Yun Yanshui released more of the blue flames, casting them onto the corpses of the fallen Wang family soldiers. The bodies were incinerated, leaving behind only smoldering embers and charred earth.

Once his task was complete, Yun Yanshui vanished silently into the shadows of the night.

The Next Morning.

“Master.”

Yun Yanshuang arrived early beneath the willow tree, bowing respectfully to the blind Daoist.

“You’ve heard about the Wang family’s betrothal proposal?” the Daoist asked with a faint smile.

“Yes.”

Yun Yanshuang nodded, her face clouded with frustration. She had barely slept the previous night, troubled by the news.

“Do you wish to marry?”

The Daoist dropped his usual playful demeanor, his unseeing eyes turning toward her with a seriousness she had never seen before.

“No, I don’t. But if I refuse, the Wang family will surely…”

“Enough.”

The Daoist raised a hand, cutting her off.

“If my disciple does not wish to marry, then she shall not marry. On this matter, I will make the decision for you.”

 

Chapter Centosette 107: Ineffective

“Wen Xuan, where is the Three Character Classic you were copying?”

In the quiet classroom of the private school, Mr. Yu glanced at Yun Wenxuan, who was daydreaming during the lesson, and asked with a gentle smile.

Snapping out of his trance, Yun Wenxuan hurriedly pulled his gaze away from the window and hastily retrieved the Three Character Classic he had been diligently copying over the past few days. He scrambled to his feet and rushed to Mr. Yu’s desk. “Mr. Yu, here it is!”

“You’ve done well—your handwriting is becoming more refined. However, there are still a few mistakes.”

Mr. Yu glanced over the sheet of rice paper Wenxuan handed him and nodded approvingly, though his tone remained lighthearted.

“Oh, I’ll make sure to correct them!” Wenxuan lowered his head, his voice muffled with determination.

“I noticed you seemed distracted today. Is there something troubling you?” Mr. Yu asked kindly.

“Mr. Yu, my Aunt Shuang is getting married!”

“Well, isn’t that good news?”

“But…” Wenxuan hesitated, his tone turning somber. “Grandfather said it’s a forced marriage arranged by the Yulin Wang clan. He’s upset about it. So are my parents, and many of the uncles in the family.”

“So, you’re upset too?”

“Yes! I… I hate the Wang family. But Grandfather said their clan is powerful—they are the head of the Seven Clans, and their elder is about to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. If Aunt Shuang refuses to marry into their family, the Wangs will definitely…” Wenxuan’s voice faltered. His small hands clenched into fists, and a glimmer of frustration burned in his large, dark eyes. “If only I could grow up faster—become stronger and more powerful. Then, the Wangs wouldn’t dare bully Aunt Shuang, or anyone in my family!”

“So that’s what’s been bothering you?”

Mr. Yu nodded knowingly, the pieces falling into place. He had been spending most of his time in the school lately and hadn’t paid much attention to the happenings in the village. As a result, he was unaware of the Yulin Wang clan’s forced proposal.

“Mr. Yu, we’re upset too!”

The voices of other children chimed in. A group of children from the Yun family village stood up one after another.

The speaker was a petite girl with delicate features like a porcelain doll—Yun Wenyu.

“If we were all stronger, the Wang clan wouldn’t dare bully our family!” Yun Wenrun declared, his small fists clenched tightly.

Seeing the righteous anger in the eyes of these young children, all united for the sake of their family and their honor, Mr. Yu couldn’t help but smile softly. His heart swelled with pride and joy at the sight of such a close-knit and determined younger generation.

“Enough. You don’t need to worry about these matters for now. When the boat reaches the bridge, it will naturally straighten. Who knows? Perhaps the Yulin Wang clan will come to their senses, apologize, and cancel the marriage themselves.”

Mr. Yu ruffled Wenxuan’s hair affectionately, his voice full of reassurance.

“Really, Mr. Yu?”

“Anything is possible.”

“Well, class is dismissed for today. Go home and take some time to relax.”

“Thank you, Mr. Yu!”

The children’s faces lit up with joy at the unexpected holiday. Like a flock of birds released from their cage, they bolted out of the school, their laughter echoing through the air.

Watching the children disappear into the distance, Mr. Yu couldn’t help but chuckle and shake his head. Rising from his seat, he clasped his hands behind his back and moved to the window, his gaze falling on the vast sky beyond, where clouds drifted lazily.

“Shuang’er has taken that old Daoist master as her teacher. Surely, the old master won’t sit idly by.

If that’s the case, then I shall offer a gift to the Yun family myself.

The Yulin Wang clan… With two Qi Refinement practitioners, and their elder Wang Qingshan about to break through to Foundation Establishment, I’ll leave him to the Daoist master. As for the other one, Wang Qinglin… let’s see how he fares after losing his cultivation.”

Wang Clan Ancestral Hall, Yulin County.

“Why hasn’t Zhongyue returned yet with his men from the Yun clan proposal?”

Wang Zhongtian sat at the head of the hall, his brows furrowed with a growing sense of unease.

“Perhaps they were delayed along the way,” someone offered.

“Don’t worry, Brother Zhongtian. I’ve already sent men to look for them. We should hear something soon,” another elder assured him.

“They had better not have run into trouble,” Zhongtian said gravely.

“Who would dare provoke the Yulin Wang clan within the Yue Kingdom’s borders? It would be a death sentence. Rest easy, Brother Zhongtian.”

Just as Zhongtian began to relax, a clan soldier burst into the hall, his face pale with panic. He knelt on the ground and cried out, “Clan leader, something terrible has happened!”

“What is it?” Zhongtian’s heart skipped a beat. Could it be… had the elder failed to break through?

“Zhongyue… and his entire party… they’re all dead! We found them today. Their bodies were burned to ash, leaving only a few horses and carriages behind.”

Boom.

The hall fell into stunned silence.

The words struck like a bolt of lightning out of a clear sky, leaving Wang Zhongtian and the others utterly stunned. Their minds reeled, unable to comprehend what they had just heard.

“Who dares? Who would have the audacity to strike against the Yulin Wang Clan?”

One of the Wang clan’s elders growled, his eyes bloodshot with fury.

“Could it be the Yun family from Yun Cang acting in secret?” another voice asked coldly.

“Impossible! The Yun family wouldn’t have the guts to do such a thing. If they dared to harm our clan members, they’d be courting annihilation!”

“Then it must be one of the three great families,” someone else ventured.

The room fell into a tense silence. Despite their unwillingness to admit it, the gathered elders had to agree with the assessment. In the Yue Kingdom, only the three great families—the Canglan Ye Clan, the Wangyue Lin Clan, and the Chuanyin Lu Clan—had the strength and courage to challenge the Yulin Wang Clan.

“But why would the three great families target mere mortals like Zhongyue and his group? What benefit would they gain from such a move?” Zhongtian questioned coldly from his seat at the head of the hall.

“Then… who killed Zhongyue and his men?”

“Who can say? Perhaps it was the Yun family acting in secret. But you are right—the Yun family lacks both the courage and recklessness to take such a risk. Yun Yunyang isn’t the type to make such a foolish gamble. Still, we must investigate the Yun family thoroughly, particularly their two Spirit Root cultivators. See if they made any moves during this time.”

Wang Zhongtian’s tone was calm and analytical as he issued his orders. The kneeling clan soldier immediately withdrew, bowing respectfully as he left to begin the investigation into Zhongyue’s death.

“Daring to kill a member of my Wang clan… whoever you are, once I, Wang Zhongtian, find you, I will ensure you wish for death but find none!” Zhongtian’s voice was dark and venomous, his clenched fist slamming heavily onto the tea table beside him.

The gathered elders shared his anger, their faces twisted with fury as they swore to uncover the perpetrator and exact their vengeance.

The sun dipped lower into the horizon, casting the Yulin Mountains and the Wang family estate in the golden hues of twilight. The blood-red glow of the setting sun painted the scene with an ominous air.

Along the wide road leading to the Wang family estate, a disheveled, blind old Daoist approached. His tattered robes fluttered in the breeze, and his unkempt hair framed his dirt-streaked face. Leaning on a bamboo staff, he walked slowly, yet with each step, he traversed hundreds of meters, as though performing a divine technique that shrank the earth beneath his feet.

He moved like a phantom, slipping past the Wang clan guards stationed at the entrance without drawing so much as a glance. To them, he might as well have been invisible.

Even the cultivators patrolling the Yulin Mountains and guarding the Wang family estate failed to notice the blind Daoist’s presence. Like a ghost, he wandered aimlessly through the estate, his movements unseen and unnoticed despite the bustling activity around him.

“So… it’s on that mountain, is it?”

The blind Daoist lifted his face toward the towering Yulin Mountain, his sightless gaze somehow taking in the grand palaces atop the peak. Shrouded in a haze of purple mist, the palaces resembled an ethereal celestial court.

Around the palaces, layers of glowing runes flickered and flowed—a protective formation laid by the Wang clan cultivators to guard their ancestor as he prepared to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

The Daoist tapped his bamboo staff lightly on the ground. His figure dissolved into mist, drifting effortlessly toward the mountain peak. The formidable barrier that could repel even Qi Refinement cultivators was as insubstantial as air before him. He passed through it without resistance, leaving no trace of his presence. The guardians stationed around the mountain remained oblivious.

Wang Clan Ancestral Grounds – Tranquil Heart Lake.

On the surface of the serene lake stood a small pavilion. Inside, Wang Qingshan sat cross-legged on a prayer mat, his palms turned upward as he meditated. His breathing was deep and steady, and his cultivation technique, Thousand Lakes Condensation Heart Sutra, was in full operation, greedily absorbing the mystical essence of the lake water.

After nearly a century of cultivation, he had finally reached the peak of Qi Refining’s ninth layer. Now, the gates of the Foundation Establishment realm stood tantalizingly close.

Within his dantian, an azure platform shimmered with radiant light, faintly echoing the sound of rushing waters. As the spiritual essence of the lake poured into it, the platform solidified with each passing moment.

The Foundation Establishment path lay just ahead.

“This place isn’t bad,” came a hoarse voice, cutting through the tranquility like a knife. “The spiritual energy is rich, and this ‘lake water’ is of excellent quality.”

 

Chapter 108 Easy as pie

Pfft!

Sitting cross-legged on his prayer mat, Wang Qingshan had been steadily absorbing the mystical “lake water” from Tranquil Heart Lake to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. But the sudden voice startled him so badly that he spat out a mouthful of blood.

In an instant, the nearly formed celestial platform in his dantian shattered into fragments.

Feeling the collapse of what should have been the culmination of his painstaking seclusion, Wang Qingshan was overwhelmed by fury. His eyes turned bloodshot as he roared, “Who dares disturb my seclusion?!”

“Why so hot-tempered, young one?”

The light chuckle drifted into Wang Qingshan’s ears like an unwelcome breeze.

Only then did Wang Qingshan realize that, at some point, a disheveled blind old Daoist had appeared on a nearby prayer mat. The man sat there nonchalantly, as though he had been there all along.

This discovery sent a chill through Wang Qingshan’s heart.

For someone to appear at his side without triggering the Wang clan’s protective wards, without alerting the clan’s cultivators, and without him sensing anything—such abilities were terrifying.

“Are you a senior sent by one of the three great families?”

Despite the fury simmering in his heart over his ruined breakthrough, Wang Qingshan clenched his teeth and forced himself to remain calm. The presence of this blind Daoist, who could bypass every layer of his family’s defenses and appear undetected, made it clear that this was no ordinary person.

Even the patriarchs of the three great families, who had long since reached the Foundation Establishment stage, likely did not possess such capabilities.

“I don’t have any dealings with the three great families,” the Daoist said with a toothy grin.

“Then, senior, what is the purpose of your visit? Surely it wasn’t simply to disrupt my path to Foundation Establishment?” Wang Qingshan gritted his teeth, struggling to suppress his rage.

His failure to break through today meant that attempting again in the future would be uncertain—years or even decades might pass before another opportunity arose. At best, he could only hope to maintain his current cultivation level.

Yet, despite his anger, Wang Qingshan dared not act rashly. He understood all too well that if he provoked this old Daoist, his ruined breakthrough would be the least of his concerns. Death would come swiftly and mercilessly.

“Young one, I had no intention of interfering with your cultivation. It’s not my fault your heart is so unstable. All I did was sigh, and you lost focus. Your lack of composure is the real problem,” the Daoist replied, clicking his tongue dismissively.

He showed no remorse for having disrupted Wang Qingshan’s painstaking efforts, clearly believing that the fault lay entirely with him.

“Then, senior, what is the reason for your sudden visit?” Wang Qingshan suppressed his fury, forcing his voice to remain calm.

“Your Wang family descendants have been acting a bit too brazenly, so I thought I’d pay you, their esteemed elder, a little visit,” the blind Daoist said. He pulled a gourd from his belt, popped the stopper, and took a deep swig before offering it to Wang Qingshan with a grin. “Care for some?”

“I do not drink,” Wang Qingshan replied, bowing respectfully.

“That’s a shame—you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest pleasures.”

“Senior, please, speak plainly. Has one of my Wang family descendants offended you in some way? If so, I will see to it that they are properly punished,” Wang Qingshan said earnestly, a hint of unease creeping into his voice.

He needed to understand what had happened. If one of his descendants had indeed provoked this terrifying figure, the entire Wang family could face annihilation. No matter the cost, he had to resolve this situation peacefully, even if it meant swallowing his pride and enduring the humiliation of this Daoist’s interference.

“One of your descendants—Wang Liyuan, was it? He took a fancy to my disciple. My disciple has no interest in matters of romance, yet your family insists on forcing the issue. Now tell me—how should this matter be resolved?”

The Daoist took another drink, his sightless gaze seeming to pierce straight through Wang Qingshan.

The oppressive aura emanating from the old Daoist descended upon Wang Qingshan like a mountain, pinning him in place. His breathing grew labored as an overwhelming sense of dread washed over him.

“Senior, please, calm your anger. If my Wang family descendants have offended your esteemed disciple, I will see to it personally that they are punished. You have my word,” Wang Qingshan said, his voice trembling slightly under the immense pressure.

“Haha! You’re quick on the uptake—I like that,” the Daoist said, laughing heartily. He patted Wang Qingshan’s shoulder, his hand surprisingly light.

At that moment, the lake water in Tranquil Heart Lake surged violently. Streams of mystical water poured into Wang Qingshan’s dantian, and before his astonished eyes, his shattered celestial platform began to reform.

The azure light grew brighter and brighter, accompanied by the endless sound of roaring waves.

The path to Foundation Establishment, once thought lost, now lay open once more.

Feeling the changes within his body, Wang Qingshan was stunned. His gaze landed on the blind old Daoist beside him, filled with deep reverence.

“Consider this compensation for inadvertently disturbing your cultivation earlier,” the Daoist said casually. “Luckily, your celestial platform hadn’t completely disintegrated—it was salvageable.”

“Senior’s immense kindness—Qingshan will never forget it!” Wang Qingshan bowed deeply, his gratitude spilling over.

“Haha! Let’s just keep today’s events between us, shall we?”

“Of course. I swear upon this celestial platform that I will never speak of it to anyone,” Wang Qingshan vowed solemnly.

“Very well. That settles it. I should be on my way,” the blind Daoist said with a yawn. His figure vanished from the prayer mat as quietly as he had appeared, leaving Wang Qingshan in awe. The man truly was like a dragon—glimpsed in fleeting moments, but never fully revealed.

“Celestial platform… it’s finally complete!”

As the Daoist disappeared, Wang Qingshan marveled at the celestial platform within his dantian and the surging power that now coursed through his entire being. His heart swelled with excitement and exhilaration.

“Congratulations, Ancestor! You’ve reached Foundation Establishment!”

“Congratulations, Ancestor! You’ve reached Foundation Establishment!”

Around Tranquil Heart Lake, Wang clan cultivators who had been covertly guarding him now emerged, bowing low in unison to offer their heartfelt congratulations.

“Deliver my command—summon Zhongtian and Liyuan to see me immediately. I have questions for them,” Wang Qingshan ordered grimly, his expression dark.

He dared not ignore the blind Daoist’s warning. Thankfully, the senior had come without malice and with a tone of negotiation. Otherwise, not only would his breakthrough have failed, but his life would have been forfeit as well.

“Understood.”

A Wang clan disciple quickly bowed and vanished, moving swiftly to carry out the order.

“Ancestor, bad news!”

A figure landed hurriedly in front of Wang Qingshan, his face pale with anxiety.

“What happened?” Wang Qingshan’s expression tightened.

“Ancestor Qinglin… he…”

“What about my second brother?”

“Ancestor Qinglin was attacked! He suffered severe injuries and… his cultivation has regressed.”

“Who did this?!” Wang Qingshan’s face darkened immediately.

Was it that senior just now?

No, impossible. If it had been him, Wang Qingshan himself wouldn’t have walked away unscathed. It had to be someone else—likely someone from one of the three great families.

“We don’t know,” the disciple replied nervously.

“Take me to see him immediately,” Wang Qingshan ordered, his voice sharp.

The moonlight spilled like liquid silver over the official road between Yulin County and Yuncang County. The blind old Daoist walked along the path, his bamboo staff tapping lightly against the ground. The soft glow of the moon bathed him, lending an almost ethereal quality to his disheveled figure.

Reaching a large tree, the Daoist leaned against its trunk, sitting down with a sigh. He retrieved the wine gourd from his waist and some venison jerky prepared by Yun Yunshan, eating and drinking with relish.

“You’ve followed me all this way, young friend. Isn’t it time you showed yourself?” the Daoist asked, his voice casual.

Under the moonlight, a man in a simple white robe stepped forward. His refined demeanor exuded a scholarly elegance. He bowed respectfully before the Daoist.

“Junior Yu Chunqiu greets Senior.”

“You didn’t hold back, did you? Severely injuring one of the Wang clan’s ancestors and causing his cultivation to regress,” the Daoist said with a faint smile.

The Daoist clearly recognized Yu Chunqiu. Both had been quietly residing in Yun Village, aware of each other’s presence despite not having formally met until now. This was, in fact, their first encounter.

“Senior’s actions surprised me as well. I thought you would force Wang Qingshan’s cultivation to regress completely, barring him from ever stepping into Foundation Establishment,” Yu Chunqiu replied with a gentle smile.

“Care for a drink?”

“With pleasure.”

Yu Chunqiu sat gracefully beside the Daoist, accepting the wine gourd and taking a hearty swig.

“I bear no grudge against Wang Qingshan. The oppression of the Yun family and the attempted forced marriage of Shuang’er weren’t his doing. To casually destroy his cultivation would go against my principles,” the Daoist explained.

“Oh? Junior would love to hear more.”

“The Dao Ancestor once said: Heaven and Earth are merciless, treating all things as straw dogs. Tyrants are merciless, treating the people as straw dogs.

This statement led many to believe that the Dao Ancestor cultivated the Path of Emotionless Dao. But they misunderstood. The Dao Ancestor cultivated the Way of Heaven.”

“His words do not advocate the emotionless detachment people think. Rather, they reflect his perspective as someone who viewed the world from the vantage of Heaven. Toward friends, he was neither excessively affectionate nor indifferent. Toward enemies, he was neither tyrannical nor cruel. His approach was one of fairness, grounded in the principle of no desire, no contention.”

“Fascinating.”

“And yet, Senior, today you involved yourself in the matter between the Yun and Wang clans.”

“Which is why I’m just a blind old Daoist, far removed from the Dao Ancestor’s ideals,” the Daoist said with a self-deprecating chuckle. “No contention? Tell me, in this world, who doesn’t contend?”

Yu Chunqiu laughed softly. “Indeed. Junior also acted for Shuang’er, though my methods differ from yours. Forcing Wang Qinglin’s regression was my way of ensuring the Wang clan would suffer.”

“You young rascal…”

The Daoist couldn’t help but shake his head and laugh at Yu Chunqiu’s straightforwardness and his clear penchant for swift retribution.

“Senior, let’s return together,” Yu Chunqiu suggested.

“Alright, let’s go. It’s time for a good night’s sleep,” the Daoist replied, rising to his feet.

 

Chapter 109 You Can’t Marry Me

“Second Brother, who did this to you?”

Accompanied by several Wang clan cultivators, Wang Qingshan arrived at his younger brother Wang Qinglin’s residence. Seeing Qinglin lying pale and fragile on the bed, his face ashen like gold leaf, Qingshan’s brow furrowed deeply.

“I… I didn’t get a clear look,” Qinglin replied weakly, his voice carrying the weight of exhaustion and age.

“Was it someone from one of the three great families?”

“No… the methods of the one who attacked me were bizarre and insidious, impossible to guard against. It didn’t seem like the work of a cultivator from the three great families. Rather… it felt like something from the Gu Master Cult.”

Lying in his bed, Qinglin recounted the harrowing events of the night. He had been overseeing part of the ancestral grounds when the sudden attack occurred, and he relayed the details to Wang Qingshan with as much clarity as his shaken memory could provide.

“The Gu Master Cult…!” Wang Qingshan’s face darkened, his teeth grinding with fury. “For years, the imperial court and the major cultivation families of Yue Country have worked together to suppress the Gu Master Cult, capturing many of their heretical followers. I thought those wretches would lay low for a while, but to think they’d dare to provoke the Wang family tonight!”

His voice dripped with venom, and his hatred for the cult that had long plagued Yue Country was evident.

“Thankfully, I was within the ancestral grounds, protected by the barrier. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have merely suffered severe injuries and regressed in cultivation—I’d have been dead,” Qinglin said with a mix of fear and relief.

He shuddered at the memory. The one who attacked him was no ordinary cultist; their strength and techniques far surpassed anything he had encountered before. Even the elders of the Gu Master Cult paled in comparison. Without the ancestral protective formation passed down through generations, he was certain disaster would have struck.

“I won’t forget this debt,” Qingshan growled, his voice laced with determination. “The Gu Master Cult will pay for what they’ve done, one way or another.”

“Big Brother, did you succeed in breaking through?”

“Yes, I did.”

“That’s a cause for celebration, at least. With Big Brother’s breakthrough, our Wang family no longer needs to endure the oppression of the three great families.”

A weak but heartfelt smile appeared on Qinglin’s face. Despite his injuries and the loss of his cultivation level, the success of his elder brother’s breakthrough was a monumental triumph for the Wang family—a cause for hope amidst the night’s turmoil.

“In a few days, I will host a grand ceremony. I will invite the imperial court’s immortal masters and all the cultivation families within Yue Country. Let the three great families understand my presence and the Wang family’s strength,” Qingshan said decisively.

“Ancestor, Clan Leader Zhongtian and Young Master Liyuan are waiting outside,” a Wang clan disciple reported respectfully as he entered the room.

“I see. Tell them to wait in the side room. I’ll meet them shortly.”

“Understood.”

The disciple bowed and quickly retreated.

“Second Brother, rest well. I’ll come to see you again in a few days,” Qingshan said, turning to leave.

“Alright,” Qinglin replied softly, watching his elder brother’s departing figure.

In the side room.

Wang Zhongtian and his son, Wang Liyuan, sat quietly, their expressions tinged with curiosity and unease. They had no idea why the ancestor had summoned them so late at night.

“Father, why do you think the ancestor called for us?” Wang Liyuan asked, breaking the silence.

“I’m not sure,” Zhongtian replied. “Perhaps it’s about the breakthrough. He may want me to prepare for the ceremony and gatherings to follow.”

“Is that all?” Wang Liyuan frowned slightly, sensing there might be more to it. If the matter were simply about hosting a ceremony, why summon him as well? Surely, the ancestor could have just summoned his father.

The thought lingered, but there was no way to confirm his suspicions until the ancestor arrived.

“Ancestor is here!”

The voice of a gatekeeper disciple echoed from outside, interrupting Liyuan’s thoughts. He and Zhongtian immediately composed themselves and rose to their feet.

“Zhongtian greets the Ancestor.”

“Liyuan greets the Ancestor.”

The two bowed deeply as Wang Qingshan entered the side room, his hands clasped behind his back. His presence radiated an air of authority and power, commanding respect and awe.

“No need for formalities,” Qingshan said with a dismissive wave as he made his way to the main seat.

Once seated, a disciple approached with a cup of Jade Dew Tea, which Qingshan sipped lightly before directing his gaze at the pair before him.

“I’ve heard that Liyuan has taken an interest in a certain young lady. Tell me, who might she be?”

“Ancestor, the young lady in question is Yun Yanshuang, the eldest daughter of the Yun Cang Yun family. She is exceptionally gifted—barely fifteen years old, and already at the peak of the sixth layer of the Embryo Breathing Realm. She also possesses considerable skill in artifact refining. Liyuan was smitten at first sight, which is why I sent someone to propose the match,” Wang Zhongtian explained, bowing respectfully and smiling as he spoke.

“The Yun Cang Yun family, you say?” Wang Qingshan’s expression shifted as memories of the night’s events came rushing back to him.

It all made sense now. The Yun family’s meteoric rise in recent years, and Yun Yanshuang’s astonishing cultivation progress—far outpacing many of the Wang family’s disciples—could only be attributed to one thing. She was the disciple of that senior.

The Yun Cang Yun family had truly been blessed with extraordinary fortune. With such a figure standing behind them, their future as Yue Country’s foremost cultivation family was all but assured.

“I’ve heard that this Yanshuang girl has no interest in marriage and doesn’t wish to marry into the Wang family. Is that true?” Qingshan asked, bringing his thoughts back to the present.

“Ancestor, surely you jest! No such thing has been mentioned. The Yun family has already agreed to this marriage alliance with our Wang family,” Zhongtian replied, his face still lit with an oblivious smile, entirely unaware of the storm brewing on Qingshan’s face.

“Hmph! A fine display of filial disobedience—daring to deceive even me!”

With a loud slap of his hand against the tea table, Qingshan’s aura erupted, crashing down on Zhongtian like a mountain. The overwhelming pressure forced him to his knees, leaving him gasping for air.

“The Yun family has no intention of forming an alliance with us! You, on the other hand, sent people to forcibly deliver a bridal gift in an attempt to take their daughter by force. Do you realize that your foolish actions nearly cost me everything?!”

Qingshan’s voice thundered as his fury surged unchecked. Memories of the blind Taoist’s presence earlier in the night, nearly ruining his celestial platform and his chance at Foundation Establishment, were fresh and sharp. All of it, caused by Zhongtian’s reckless behavior.

“Did my warnings to you fall on deaf ears? Have you forgotten that the Yun Cang Yun family is not to be trifled with?!”

“Ancestor, please calm your anger! I was wrong! I was wrong!” Zhongtian’s voice quivered as he pressed his head to the ground, trembling with fear and repeatedly kowtowing for mercy.

“Ancestor, please spare my father!” Wang Liyuan pleaded earnestly, joining his father on the ground.

“Liyuan, let me be clear,” Qingshan said, his tone softening but his gaze sharp as he turned to the younger man. “The Yun family’s daughter is beyond the reach of our Wang family. From this day forward, you are to abandon any thoughts of her. Should I learn that you still harbor intentions toward Yanshuang, I will punish you most severely.”

“Grandson understands and will heed the Ancestor’s teachings,” Liyuan replied respectfully, though his mind churned with questions. Why was the Yun family suddenly untouchable? Why was the Ancestor so resolute in severing this connection?

Though the reasons remained unclear, Liyuan dared not pursue the matter further, knowing it could ignite his Ancestor’s wrath.

“Tomorrow, prepare a generous gift. I will personally visit the Yun Cang Yun family to offer our apologies,” Qingshan declared, retracting his oppressive aura and allowing Zhongtian to breathe freely again.

“Ancestor… why go to such lengths?” Zhongtian asked, his face a mix of disbelief and confusion.

Why would their mighty Ancestor lower himself to apologize to a family that had only recently risen to prominence? What was the Yun family hiding that made them command such respect from someone like Qingshan?

“Enough talk! Do as I say, and don’t keep me waiting. If you delay or neglect this task, don’t blame me for what comes next!” Qingshan snapped, his glare silencing any further objections.

“Understood,” Zhongtian replied reluctantly, bowing low as he accepted the command, his heart heavy with unanswered questions.

“That’s all for now. You two may leave and get some rest,” Qingshan said, dismissing them with a wave.

“Grandson takes his leave.”

Father and son bowed deeply before retreating from the room.

Once outside the side room, Zhongtian’s mind raced with the earlier conversation. “Why would the Ancestor act this way? What’s going on?”

“Father, we should follow the Ancestor’s instructions without question,” Liyuan said calmly. “The Yun family must be hiding something significant—something that even the Ancestor fears. Otherwise, he would never treat a recently established family with such caution.”

“But what could the Yun family possibly be hiding?”

“Since the Ancestor isn’t willing to share more, it’s best not to pry. Otherwise, if we provoke his anger again, your position as clan leader may no longer be secure,” Liyuan warned.

“Fine… I understand,” Zhongtian said with a heavy sigh, resigned to following the Ancestor’s orders.

 

Chapter 110 Condescension

“Brother Yunyang, someone from the Wang family has arrived!”

In the ancestral hall of the Yun family, Yun Yunyang was deep in discussion with his clan’s key members about how to handle the Yulin Wang clan’s attempt to force Yanshuang into marriage. A Yun clan member suddenly rushed in, his expression frantic.

“The Wang family is that impatient?”

“They’re truly bullying us!”

“Yanshuang hasn’t even turned fifteen yet!”

Seated around the hall, several of the Yun clan’s elders frowned deeply at the news, their faces darkening with anger.

“Let’s go and see,” Yun Yunyang said as he rose, leading the clan’s members toward the entrance of the village.

Though he was furious at the Wang family’s actions, he knew now was not the time to openly clash with them. For the sake of the family, he had to exercise caution.

Outside Yun Village.

Wang Zhongtian and Wang Liyuan stood respectfully behind Wang Qingshan, their demeanor humble. The Wang family guards accompanying them also kept their heads lowered, none daring to make a sound.

“Ancestor, I have secretly investigated the deaths of Zhongyue and the others,” Wang Zhongtian said nervously, stepping forward with his head bowed.

“What did you find?” Qingshan asked, his tone steady but his gaze sharp.

“Our investigation indicates that the Yun family had no involvement. According to our spies, during the time of Zhongyue’s death, both Spirit Root cultivators of the Yun family were present in their clan and did not leave,” Zhongtian replied truthfully.

“Then it seems someone else was behind their deaths.”

“Yes, but we’ve been unable to uncover any more leads. There’s too little evidence to go on,” Zhongtian admitted.

“Then stop the investigation,” Qingshan said, his expression indifferent.

The deaths of Zhongyue and the others no longer mattered to him. Whether the Yun family was responsible or not, Qingshan knew better than to act rashly under the watchful eyes of that senior. Doing so would be courting disaster.

As thoughts of the blind Daoist crossed his mind, Qingshan’s gaze swept over the outskirts of Yun Village. Suddenly, his eyes landed on a figure—a disheveled blind Daoist lying on a long stone bench beneath a willow tree, snoring softly as he slept.

Qingshan’s heart skipped a beat, and he immediately strode toward the Daoist.

Behind him, Zhongtian and Liyuan exchanged curious glances before following closely.

“Junior Wang Qingshan greets the esteemed senior!”

Reaching the willow tree, Qingshan bowed deeply to the blind Daoist, who continued to sleep soundly.

Zhongtian and Liyuan were stunned.

Who was this blind Daoist? Did their ancestor know him? And why was their ancestor, a powerful Foundation Establishment cultivator, lowering himself so humbly, even addressing this man as “senior”?

Recalling Qingshan’s earlier warnings and reprimands about the Yun family, Zhongtian began to piece things together. Perhaps the “secret” behind the Yun family’s rise was this blind Daoist. But what was his identity, and why was he so fearsome?

On the stone bench, the blind Daoist yawned and rolled over, continuing to sleep without acknowledging Qingshan’s presence.

Understanding that he shouldn’t disturb the Daoist further, Qingshan quickly stepped back, bowing again before leaving.

“Ancestor, who is that senior…?” Zhongtian asked cautiously.

“Do not ask questions you shouldn’t ask. Do not speak of things you shouldn’t speak of,” Qingshan snapped coldly.

“Brother Wang,” Yun Yunyang called out, stepping forward with a group of clan members to greet the visitors. When he saw Wang Zhongtian, he cupped his hands respectfully in greeting.

“Brother Yunyang, please don’t—there’s no need for such courtesy!”

Knowing the “secret” behind the Yun family’s rise, Wang Zhongtian no longer dared to show even a hint of arrogance. Instead, he hurried forward, reaching out to stop Yunyang from bowing.

“We’ve come today specifically to offer our apologies,” Zhongtian said directly, without any pretense.

“Apologies?” Yunyang was taken aback, unsure of what game the Wang family was playing now.

The Yun clan elders were equally stunned.

They had expected the Wang family to push for the marriage again, insisting on taking Yanshuang into their family. Yet here they were, claiming to have come to apologize? What was this about?

“Yes, we are here to apologize. A few days ago, my cousin acted rashly. Upon hearing that my son Liyuan was interested in Miss Yanshuang, he took it upon himself to lead a group to propose the marriage, even attempting to pressure your clan into accepting.

“Our ancestor, upon learning of this, was furious and gave me a thorough reprimand.”

“I came to know of this matter recently and hurried here with gifts to apologize. Brother Yunyang, I hope you won’t hold a grudge. Please don’t let my cousin’s impulsiveness damage the relationship between our two families,” Wang Zhongtian said earnestly, gripping Yun Yunyang’s hands with a face full of remorse.

“So that’s how it is. Brother Wang, there’s no need to dwell on it,” Yun Yunyang replied with a polite smile, though he didn’t take Wang Zhongtian’s words entirely at face value.

“Haha! Brother Yunyang, you are truly broad-minded,” Wang Zhongtian said with a hearty laugh, clearly relieved by Yunyang’s response. He turned to his men and ordered them to deliver the carts loaded with gold, silver, and jewels into the Yun family compound.

“By the way, Brother Yunyang, let me introduce someone to you. This is our clan’s ancestor,” Zhongtian said after some polite conversation, leading Yunyang toward Wang Qingshan.

Hearing that the elderly man before him was none other than the legendary ancestor of the Yulin Wang clan, Yun Yunyang’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly bowed deeply. “Junior Yun Yunyang greets the esteemed senior.”

“No need for such formalities,” Wang Qingshan said gently, raising a hand to help Yunyang stand.

“It was wrong of my Wang family to act as we did before. I hope you won’t hold it against us,” Qingshan said.

“Senior, your words are too kind,” Yunyang replied, deeply surprised by the Foundation Establishment cultivator’s calm and respectful demeanor toward someone as ordinary as himself. He knew this wasn’t out of respect for him personally, but it still left him feeling both flattered and cautious.

“Liyuan, step forward and greet your Uncle Yunyang,” Qingshan instructed.

“Liyuan greets Uncle Yunyang,” Wang Liyuan said, bowing respectfully.

“A young hero, poised and extraordinary—a true prodigy of the Yulin Wang clan,” Yunyang said politely, offering a token compliment.

“Uncle Yunyang flatters me,” Liyuan replied modestly.

“Senior, Brother Wang, and Young Master Liyuan, would you care to join us inside for some tea?” Yunyang offered.

“I won’t impose further. My second brother has been gravely injured by Gu God Cult heretics, and I must return to tend to him,” Qingshan said.

“Injured by the Gu God Cult? Are their heretics truly so rampant?” Yunyang asked in shock.

“Hmph! Rampant doesn’t even begin to describe it. Once I find out who dared harm my brother, I will make them wish for death,” Qingshan said coldly, his expression darkening as he recalled the attack. The thought of his brother, Wang Qinglin, being severely wounded and losing his cultivation filled him with unrelenting hatred and killing intent toward the mysterious assailants.

“Please send my regards to your brother,” Yunyang said sincerely.

“You’re thoughtful—thank you,” Qingshan replied with a faint smile, his tone softening.

“Oh, and in a few days, I plan to host a grand ceremony and invite cultivators and disciples from the various families of Yue Country. You’re welcome to bring your people and join us,” Qingshan said.

“Junior will certainly bring people to pay our respects,” Yunyang replied with a bow, not daring to refuse the invitation.

“Then we’ll take our leave,” Qingshan said with a smile. His gaze briefly fell on the blind Daoist sleeping under the willow tree, filled with respect and wariness. Without a word, he transformed into a streak of light and disappeared into the horizon.

“Brother Yunyang, until next time.”

“Brother Wang, safe travels,” Yunyang replied, bowing with a smile.

“Ah! I nearly forgot something,” Wang Zhongtian exclaimed suddenly, slapping his forehead as he turned back. Reaching into his robes, he pulled out a document.

“Brother Wang, what’s this?” Yunyang asked, puzzled.

“It’s the deed to a shop in the cultivation market under my Wang family’s control. Didn’t you want to rent a storefront? I had it cleared out and prepared for you. Consider it a gift and an apology for my cousin Zhongyue’s earlier offense.”

“Brother Wang, I couldn’t possibly—”

“Nonsense! You must accept it, or I won’t feel right about this,” Zhongtian insisted.

“In that case, thank you, Brother Wang,” Yunyang said, accepting the deed with gratitude.

“Haha! Until next time!” Zhongtian laughed, bidding farewell.

As Wang Zhongtian and his son led their group of soldiers away, Yun Yunyang finally withdrew his gaze and walked slowly to the blind Daoist under the willow tree. Bowing deeply, he said, “This time, my Yun family escaped calamity entirely thanks to you, Master Daoist. On behalf of the entire family, I offer our eternal gratitude for your great kindness and unparalleled virtue.”

Yun Yunyang was perceptive. Earlier, when Wang Qingshan had taken his leave, his gaze had lingered on the blind Daoist with an expression of awe and deference. That single glance had revealed the truth behind the Wang family’s dramatic change in attitude. There was no doubt that it was all thanks to this seemingly unassuming Daoist.