Chapter 141 Meeting at the Inn

“Brother, here’s a spirit pill for you,” Yun Yanshuang said, extending her hand. Resting in her palm was a perfectly round pill that glowed with a faint red light.

“This isn’t an Embryo Breath Pill, is it?” Yun Yanshui asked, glancing at the pill with curiosity.

“No, this is an Appearance-Altering Pill that I managed to refine a few days ago,” she replied with a smile.

“Appearance-Altering Pill?”

“Yes. Consuming this pill will temporarily change your appearance and aura. Its effect is strong enough that even cultivators above the Qi Refinement stage might struggle to discern your true identity.

“Since you’ll be protecting us from the shadows during our trip to the Dan Ding Sect ruins, this pill should come in handy to keep others from recognizing you,” Yun Yanshuang explained.

“Thanks! This will be really useful. I was wondering how to disguise myself, but this solves the problem,” Yun Yanshui said with a grin, carefully pocketing the pill.

He stood up, stretching. “I should head back to the clan. The family’s weapon forge has a lot of work waiting for me.”

“Be careful on the road,” Yun Yanshuang said, watching him leave.

Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian bid their family farewell and set off in a carriage toward the Dan Ding Sect ruins.

The ruins were located near the border between Yue Kingdom and Wu Kingdom, in a remote area overseen by a frontier town called Yuhuang County. The journey from Yunxiang County to Yuhuang County was a long one, requiring at least five days of travel.

Compared to Yunxiang County, Yuhuang County was a desolate and impoverished place.

The region consisted mostly of barren desert, with its residents eking out a living by venturing into the treacherous Canglong Ridge, a wilderness filled with poisonous mists and ferocious beasts.

The residents gathered wild fruits, vegetables, or hunted game to survive. However, the ridge was perilous, and over a thousand people from Yuhuang County lost their lives there annually.

Over time, many of the county’s young adults left in search of better opportunities, leaving behind only elderly residents clinging to memories of their hometown.

The town’s remaining vitality came from two sources: the thousands of elite soldiers stationed there by the imperial court and the rogue cultivators drawn by the allure of the Dan Ding Sect ruins.

The ruins, located deep within Canglong Ridge, had become a magnet for rogue cultivators hoping to find fortune or enlightenment despite the immense risks.

“To think that Yuhuang County, one of our kingdom’s vital frontier towns, is so desolate compared to Yunxiang County,” Yun Yanshuang said, lifting the curtain of the carriage to observe the desolate streets.

It was broad daylight, yet the streets were almost empty save for a few elderly residents wandering about. The sight of the abandoned and worn-down town left her deeply moved.

“This county is too barren. In the past, the younger generation could venture into Canglong Ridge to gather wild fruits and hunt to sustain their families.

“But ever since the Tongshan Xia family revealed that the Dan Ding Sect ruins are within the ridge, the young people here have been forbidden from entering the area.

“With no other means of survival, they had no choice but to leave their hometowns.

“Over time, this county naturally fell into decline, leaving behind only the imperial troops and the rogue cultivators drawn by the ruins,” Yun Yantian explained.

“So, there are many rogue cultivators living here?” Yun Yanshuang asked.

“Yes. The proximity to the ruins makes it an ideal gathering spot for them. Some hope to find fortune and establish a foothold, transforming Yuhuang County into a sanctuary for rogue cultivators.

“Some may even seize the opportunity to start a family lineage or establish a cultivation clan,” Yun Yantian said with a small smile.

“And the imperial court allows this?”

“Of course. In fact, the court encourages it.

“With so many rogue cultivators gathered here, Wu Kingdom wouldn’t dare launch an invasion. Yuhuang County has effectively become a buffer zone protecting Yue Kingdom’s border,” Yun Yantian explained.

“That makes sense,” Yun Yanshuang agreed, nodding in understanding.

Arriving at a modest inn named Yuhuang Inn, Yun Yantian parked the carriage.

“Tomorrow, the ruins will open. Let’s rest here tonight to recuperate and adjust ourselves,” he suggested.

An elderly innkeeper, noticing their arrival, hurriedly approached with a warm smile. Taking the reins from Yun Yantian, he led the horses to the stables while the siblings entered the inn to settle in for the night.

“Esteemed guests, are you here to lodge for the night?”

The innkeeper’s assistant greeted them with an ingratiating smile.

Yuhuang County had seen an influx of outsiders recently, and though the assistant was just an ordinary man, he was sharp-eyed and adept at gathering rumors. From what he’d learned, these visitors were mountain cultivators from Yue Kingdom, individuals with extraordinary abilities.

Both Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang dressed impeccably and carried themselves with an air of nobility, clearly marking them as members of a prestigious family. The assistant dared not neglect them, knowing that offending cultivators could bring disaster.

“Yes, we’ll be staying,” Yun Yantian said with a light smile. He reached into his sleeve, retrieved a bar of silver, and placed it into the assistant’s hand. “We’ll take two of your finest rooms. Keep the change as a tip.”

“Thank you, kind sir!”

The assistant beamed with joy. Such generosity! This silver bar was worth a small fortune to him, enough to significantly improve his family’s life.

He dreamed of catering to more visiting cultivators and noble heirs, thinking this could be his ticket to leaving Yuhuang County behind and settling somewhere prosperous.

Snapping out of his daydreams, he eagerly led Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang inside, stopping by the front desk to pay for the rooms and collect the keys. He then guided them to their second-floor accommodations.

Yun Yanshuang glanced around her room. The decor was plain, even bordering on spartan, but the space was clean and orderly.

She was relieved to find that Yun Yantian’s room was right next door. If anything happened during the night, they could quickly come to each other’s aid.

With that reassurance, she dismissed any lingering dissatisfaction about the simplicity of the accommodations.

“Esteemed guests, I hope you won’t mind the modesty of these quarters,” the assistant said nervously.

“Yuhuang County has always been poor, and these are the best rooms our inn has to offer.

“You may not be aware, but recently, many outsiders from across Yue Kingdom have come to our county. Most of the inns are fully booked. Ours is one of the few that still has rooms available,” he added quickly, afraid they might take offense.

“It’s clean enough. You can go now,” Yun Yantian said, waving dismissively. He wasn’t bothered by the simplicity of the rooms—having a decent place to rest was sufficient.

“Of course, of course! Should you need anything, just call for me.

“While Yuhuang County is poor, we can still provide basic meals and hot water,” the assistant assured them.

“Good. We’ll let you know if we need anything,” Yun Yantian said with a smile.

As Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang prepared to retreat to their rooms, a familiar voice rang out.

“Oh? Brother Yantian, Lady Yanshuang, you’re staying at this inn too? What a coincidence!”

Turning toward the voice, they saw Wang Liyuan approaching.

Trailing behind him were two other Wang family members.

One was a woman in her early twenties—Wang Lizhu, who had been defeated by Ye Xiaolin during the Wang family’s gathering.

The other was a young man whose features bore a striking resemblance to Wang Lijiao.

Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian exchanged a quick glance, silently concluding that the boy must be Wang Lijiao’s younger brother.

 

Chapter 142 Canglong Ruins

“I didn’t expect to meet Young Master Li Yuan here!”
Spotting Wang Li Yuan with two other Wang family heirs at the same inn, Yun Yan Tian couldn’t help but be surprised.

“What a coincidence! Have you eaten yet? My companions and I just arrived and haven’t had dinner.
If Young Master Yan Tian and Miss Yan Shuang don’t mind, would you care to join us for a meal downstairs?” Wang Li Yuan asked warmly, a smile gracing his lips.

“An honor,” Yun Yan Tian replied. The cordial invitation left him little room to refuse, and, besides, this was an opportunity to glean more information about the Dan Ding Sect Ruins.

After all, Wang Li Yuan had entered the ruins the previous year and returned with a fateful treasure. Whatever he had found, however, was a secret closely guarded by the Wang family, known to no outsiders.

“Ha! Excellent! Young Master Yan Tian, Miss Yan Shuang, this way, please,” Wang Li Yuan said cheerfully, personally leading them to the dining hall.

As they settled at a table, Yun Yan Tian couldn’t resist his curiosity. “Last year, you ventured into the Dan Ding Sect Ruins, didn’t you, Young Master Li Yuan?”

“That’s correct,” Li Yuan replied, nodding casually. “It’s a shame that you and Miss Yan Shuang weren’t there. With your skills, I have no doubt that both of you would have reaped bountiful fortunes.”

The Wangs were well aware that news of Li Yuan’s foray into the ruins and his subsequent gains was no secret within the circles of noble families. The event had long since been the talk of the cultivation world. There was no point in hiding it—at least, not entirely.

“I see. And how dangerous were the ruins?”

“Dangerous?” Li Yuan sipped his tea thoughtfully. “I wouldn’t call it overwhelming danger, but there were plenty of demonic fiends and other foul beings lurking inside. One has to tread carefully.

“Some of these creatures were formidable enough to rival Qi Refinement cultivators. I’ve heard of rogue cultivators being wiped out entirely by such threats.” He paused, leaning forward slightly. “But the more significant danger wasn’t the creatures—it was the other cultivators.

“Especially the ones from Wu Kingdom. Many of our fellow countrymen met their ends at the hands of Wu cultivators last year.”

The faint glint in Li Yuan’s eyes as he spoke hinted that there was more to the story, secrets he wouldn’t reveal to just anyone.

“Thank you for the insight, Young Master Li Yuan,” Yun Yan Tian said, raising his cup slightly in acknowledgment.

“Think nothing of it. Just common courtesy,” Li Yuan replied with a faint smile before leaning back in his chair. “If you’re worried about safety, however, might I propose an alliance?

“If we work together, we can better fend off potential threats. And as for any treasures we uncover, we can split them evenly—fifty-fifty.”

Yun Yan Tian’s brows furrowed slightly. “Is that how the other families handle things?”

“For the most part, yes,” Li Yuan confirmed. “Some prefer to operate alone, but most form temporary alliances. Strength in numbers, as they say. After all, danger often comes from those walking beside you.”

“Indeed,” Yun Yan Tian said, his voice steady, though a flicker of distrust passed through his eyes. The Wang family was no stranger to scheming, and Yun Yan Tian was well aware of their history of covertly targeting the Yun family.

“Perhaps you don’t trust me?” Li Yuan asked, feigning hurt.

“Not at all,” Yun Yan Tian replied, his tone light. “I was merely reflecting on the dynamics of such partnerships. So much could go wrong when dividing spoils, don’t you agree?”

Li Yuan’s lips quirked into a knowing smile. “Then, what do you propose, Young Master Yan Tian?”

“I only plan to explore the outer regions of the ruins with my sister. We aim to test our luck—nothing more. Venturing deeper into the ruins is far too risky, and survival is our foremost concern.”

“That’s… a wise approach,” Li Yuan admitted. “The outer regions are certainly safer, though they’ll also be more crowded with rogues and rival cultivators. Competition will be fierce.”

“Even so, it’s better than risking life and limb for uncertain gains.”

“Fair enough.” Li Yuan raised his cup. “I respect your caution, and I hope both our parties find fortune within the ruins.”

“To fortune,” Yun Yan Tian agreed, raising his own cup before downing its contents.

As the conversation drifted to lighter topics, Yun Yan Tian discreetly gathered what information he could. He learned that the top three noble families—Yue Clan, Lin Clan, and Lu Clan—had sent their most talented heirs. Familiar names resurfaced: Lin Tian Sheng, the sword prodigy; Ye Xiao Lin, the fiery strategist; and Lu Shang Lin, a formidable but often overlooked contender.

But what caught his attention most was the news that the Xia family, which had abstained the previous year to observe, had now sent four heirs, each boasting considerable strength.

The stakes were high, and the players formidable.

After the meal, Yun Yan Tian and Yun Yan Shuang excused themselves, retreating to their quarters to prepare for what lay ahead.

“I didn’t expect to see you here, Young Master Li Yuan!”
Yun Yan Tian’s voice carried a trace of surprise as he spotted Wang Li Yuan and the two Wang family heirs entering the same inn.

“What a coincidence! Have you two eaten yet? My companions and I only just arrived and haven’t had the chance to sit down for dinner.
If you don’t mind, perhaps we could share a meal together?” Wang Li Yuan said, his tone as warm and inviting as ever.

“An honor,” Yun Yan Tian replied, masking any hesitation behind a polite smile. Rejecting such an invitation would not only appear discourteous but might also squander a valuable opportunity. After all, Li Yuan had ventured into the Dan Ding Sect Ruins last year, emerging with untold secrets and treasures. This dinner might offer a chance to learn more.

“Excellent! Please, follow me,” Li Yuan gestured with a grin, leading them downstairs.

Seated at a modest wooden table, the air filled with the faint scent of roasted meat and spiced wine, the conversation quickly turned to matters of intrigue.

“You ventured into the Dan Ding Sect Ruins last year, didn’t you, Young Master Li Yuan?” Yun Yan Tian began casually, his tone laced with curiosity.

Li Yuan nodded, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Indeed, I did. It’s a pity we weren’t traveling together back then. With your skills, I’m certain you and Miss Yan Shuang would have reaped great rewards.”

There was no need to deny it. The Wang family’s gains from the ruins had already become common knowledge among the cultivation families. Concealing it would serve no purpose.

“What dangers did you encounter within the ruins?” Yun Yan Tian asked, his voice lowering slightly as though the shadows themselves might overhear.

“Dangers?” Li Yuan repeated, sipping from his cup thoughtfully. “The ruins are home to countless fiends and spectral entities, many of which are stronger than the average cultivator might expect. I’ve heard tales of rogue cultivators being annihilated by a single demon capable of rivaling Qi Refinement experts.

“That said, the greatest threat isn’t the creatures.” He paused, his gaze hardening. “It’s the other cultivators. Especially those from Wu Kingdom. Last year, many of our own countrymen fell to their treachery.”

Yun Yan Tian’s expression remained neutral, but his mind worked furiously, piecing together the fragments of information.

“Thank you for sharing this insight, Young Master Li Yuan,” he said with a respectful nod.

“It’s nothing,” Li Yuan replied with a dismissive wave. Then, as if an idea had just occurred to him, he leaned forward slightly. “If you’re worried about safety, perhaps we could form an alliance? Working together, we can watch each other’s backs. Any treasures we find can be split evenly—fifty-fifty.”

“And is that how most alliances within the ruins are formed?”

“For the most part, yes,” Li Yuan admitted. “Some prefer to operate solo, but the risks are far greater that way. Strength in numbers, as they say.”

Yun Yan Tian chuckled softly. “Of course. But isn’t there a danger in dividing spoils? Disputes over shares can lead to conflict, can they not?”

Li Yuan’s smile thinned, his eyes narrowing imperceptibly. “Perhaps you don’t trust me, Young Master Yan Tian?”

“Not at all,” Yun Yan Tian replied smoothly. “I was merely reflecting on the challenges such arrangements might present.”

“Then what is your decision?”

“I appreciate the offer, but my sister and I do not plan to venture deep into the ruins. We aim to remain on the periphery, test our luck, and return safely. This journey is as much about survival as it is about opportunity.”

“Ah, a wise choice,” Li Yuan remarked, raising his cup in acknowledgment. “The outer regions are indeed safer, though you may find the competition there… intense.”

“Better intense competition than reckless risk,” Yun Yan Tian countered with a polite smile.

“Well said,” Li Yuan conceded. “Then I wish you both good fortune.”

“To fortune,” Yun Yan Tian echoed, draining his cup.

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Yun Yan Tian quietly gathered more intel. He learned that the Three Noble Clans were sending their most promising heirs: Ye Xiao Lin from the Canglan Ye Clan, Lin Tian Sheng from the Wangyue Lin Clan, and Lu Shang Lin from the Chuanyin Lu Clan—each a formidable rival.

Even more intriguing was the Xia Clan’s newfound interest. Having abstained the previous year, they now sought to make up for lost time by dispatching four heirs, their cultivation levels ranging from the fifth to the seventh tier of the Embryo Breath realm.

Once dinner concluded, Yun Yan Tian and Yun Yan Shuang excused themselves, retreating to their quarters to prepare for the days ahead.

 

“I didn’t expect to meet Young Master Li Yuan here!”
Spotting Wang Li Yuan with two other Wang family heirs at the same inn, Yun Yan Tian couldn’t help but be surprised.

“What a coincidence! Have you eaten yet? My companions and I just arrived and haven’t had dinner.
If Young Master Yan Tian and Miss Yan Shuang don’t mind, would you care to join us for a meal downstairs?” Wang Li Yuan asked warmly, a smile gracing his lips.

“An honor,” Yun Yan Tian replied. The cordial invitation left him little room to refuse, and, besides, this was an opportunity to glean more information about the Dan Ding Sect Ruins.

After all, Wang Li Yuan had entered the ruins the previous year and returned with a fateful treasure. Whatever he had found, however, was a secret closely guarded by the Wang family, known to no outsiders.

“Ha! Excellent! Young Master Yan Tian, Miss Yan Shuang, this way, please,” Wang Li Yuan said cheerfully, personally leading them to the dining hall.

As they settled at a table, Yun Yan Tian couldn’t resist his curiosity. “Last year, you ventured into the Dan Ding Sect Ruins, didn’t you, Young Master Li Yuan?”

“That’s correct,” Li Yuan replied, nodding casually. “It’s a shame that you and Miss Yan Shuang weren’t there. With your skills, I have no doubt that both of you would have reaped bountiful fortunes.”

The Wangs were well aware that news of Li Yuan’s foray into the ruins and his subsequent gains was no secret within the circles of noble families. The event had long since been the talk of the cultivation world. There was no point in hiding it—at least, not entirely.

“I see. And how dangerous were the ruins?”

“Dangerous?” Li Yuan sipped his tea thoughtfully. “I wouldn’t call it overwhelming danger, but there were plenty of demonic fiends and other foul beings lurking inside. One has to tread carefully.

“Some of these creatures were formidable enough to rival Qi Refinement cultivators. I’ve heard of rogue cultivators being wiped out entirely by such threats.” He paused, leaning forward slightly. “But the more significant danger wasn’t the creatures—it was the other cultivators.

“Especially the ones from Wu Kingdom. Many of our fellow countrymen met their ends at the hands of Wu cultivators last year.”

The faint glint in Li Yuan’s eyes as he spoke hinted that there was more to the story, secrets he wouldn’t reveal to just anyone.

“Thank you for the insight, Young Master Li Yuan,” Yun Yan Tian said, raising his cup slightly in acknowledgment.

“Think nothing of it. Just common courtesy,” Li Yuan replied with a faint smile before leaning back in his chair. “If you’re worried about safety, however, might I propose an alliance?

“If we work together, we can better fend off potential threats. And as for any treasures we uncover, we can split them evenly—fifty-fifty.”

Yun Yan Tian’s brows furrowed slightly. “Is that how the other families handle things?”

“For the most part, yes,” Li Yuan confirmed. “Some prefer to operate alone, but most form temporary alliances. Strength in numbers, as they say. After all, danger often comes from those walking beside you.”

“Indeed,” Yun Yan Tian said, his voice steady, though a flicker of distrust passed through his eyes. The Wang family was no stranger to scheming, and Yun Yan Tian was well aware of their history of covertly targeting the Yun family.

“Perhaps you don’t trust me?” Li Yuan asked, feigning hurt.

“Not at all,” Yun Yan Tian replied, his tone light. “I was merely reflecting on the dynamics of such partnerships. So much could go wrong when dividing spoils, don’t you agree?”

Li Yuan’s lips quirked into a knowing smile. “Then, what do you propose, Young Master Yan Tian?”

“I only plan to explore the outer regions of the ruins with my sister. We aim to test our luck—nothing more. Venturing deeper into the ruins is far too risky, and survival is our foremost concern.”

“That’s… a wise approach,” Li Yuan admitted. “The outer regions are certainly safer, though they’ll also be more crowded with rogues and rival cultivators. Competition will be fierce.”

“Even so, it’s better than risking life and limb for uncertain gains.”

“Fair enough.” Li Yuan raised his cup. “I respect your caution, and I hope both our parties find fortune within the ruins.”

“To fortune,” Yun Yan Tian agreed, raising his own cup before downing its contents.

As the conversation drifted to lighter topics, Yun Yan Tian discreetly gathered what information he could. He learned that the top three noble families—Yue Clan, Lin Clan, and Lu Clan—had sent their most talented heirs. Familiar names resurfaced: Lin Tian Sheng, the sword prodigy; Ye Xiao Lin, the fiery strategist; and Lu Shang Lin, a formidable but often overlooked contender.

But what caught his attention most was the news that the Xia family, which had abstained the previous year to observe, had now sent four heirs, each boasting considerable strength.

The stakes were high, and the players formidable.

After the meal, Yun Yan Tian and Yun Yan Shuang excused themselves, retreating to their quarters to prepare for what lay ahead.

“I didn’t expect to see you here, Young Master Li Yuan!”
Yun Yan Tian’s voice carried a trace of surprise as he spotted Wang Li Yuan and the two Wang family heirs entering the same inn.

“What a coincidence! Have you two eaten yet? My companions and I only just arrived and haven’t had the chance to sit down for dinner.
If you don’t mind, perhaps we could share a meal together?” Wang Li Yuan said, his tone as warm and inviting as ever.

“An honor,” Yun Yan Tian replied, masking any hesitation behind a polite smile. Rejecting such an invitation would not only appear discourteous but might also squander a valuable opportunity. After all, Li Yuan had ventured into the Dan Ding Sect Ruins last year, emerging with untold secrets and treasures. This dinner might offer a chance to learn more.

“Excellent! Please, follow me,” Li Yuan gestured with a grin, leading them downstairs.

Seated at a modest wooden table, the air filled with the faint scent of roasted meat and spiced wine, the conversation quickly turned to matters of intrigue.

“You ventured into the Dan Ding Sect Ruins last year, didn’t you, Young Master Li Yuan?” Yun Yan Tian began casually, his tone laced with curiosity.

Li Yuan nodded, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Indeed, I did. It’s a pity we weren’t traveling together back then. With your skills, I’m certain you and Miss Yan Shuang would have reaped great rewards.”

There was no need to deny it. The Wang family’s gains from the ruins had already become common knowledge among the cultivation families. Concealing it would serve no purpose.

“What dangers did you encounter within the ruins?” Yun Yan Tian asked, his voice lowering slightly as though the shadows themselves might overhear.

“Dangers?” Li Yuan repeated, sipping from his cup thoughtfully. “The ruins are home to countless fiends and spectral entities, many of which are stronger than the average cultivator might expect. I’ve heard tales of rogue cultivators being annihilated by a single demon capable of rivaling Qi Refinement experts.

“That said, the greatest threat isn’t the creatures.” He paused, his gaze hardening. “It’s the other cultivators. Especially those from Wu Kingdom. Last year, many of our own countrymen fell to their treachery.”

Yun Yan Tian’s expression remained neutral, but his mind worked furiously, piecing together the fragments of information.

“Thank you for sharing this insight, Young Master Li Yuan,” he said with a respectful nod.

“It’s nothing,” Li Yuan replied with a dismissive wave. Then, as if an idea had just occurred to him, he leaned forward slightly. “If you’re worried about safety, perhaps we could form an alliance? Working together, we can watch each other’s backs. Any treasures we find can be split evenly—fifty-fifty.”

“And is that how most alliances within the ruins are formed?”

“For the most part, yes,” Li Yuan admitted. “Some prefer to operate solo, but the risks are far greater that way. Strength in numbers, as they say.”

Yun Yan Tian chuckled softly. “Of course. But isn’t there a danger in dividing spoils? Disputes over shares can lead to conflict, can they not?”

Li Yuan’s smile thinned, his eyes narrowing imperceptibly. “Perhaps you don’t trust me, Young Master Yan Tian?”

“Not at all,” Yun Yan Tian replied smoothly. “I was merely reflecting on the challenges such arrangements might present.”

“Then what is your decision?”

“I appreciate the offer, but my sister and I do not plan to venture deep into the ruins. We aim to remain on the periphery, test our luck, and return safely. This journey is as much about survival as it is about opportunity.”

“Ah, a wise choice,” Li Yuan remarked, raising his cup in acknowledgment. “The outer regions are indeed safer, though you may find the competition there… intense.”

“Better intense competition than reckless risk,” Yun Yan Tian countered with a polite smile.

“Well said,” Li Yuan conceded. “Then I wish you both good fortune.”

“To fortune,” Yun Yan Tian echoed, draining his cup.

As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Yun Yan Tian quietly gathered more intel. He learned that the Three Noble Clans were sending their most promising heirs: Ye Xiao Lin from the Canglan Ye Clan, Lin Tian Sheng from the Wangyue Lin Clan, and Lu Shang Lin from the Chuanyin Lu Clan—each a formidable rival.

Even more intriguing was the Xia Clan’s newfound interest. Having abstained the previous year, they now sought to make up for lost time by dispatching four heirs, their cultivation levels ranging from the fifth to the seventh tier of the Embryo Breath realm.

Once dinner concluded, Yun Yan Tian and Yun Yan Shuang excused themselves, retreating to their quarters to prepare for the days ahead.

 

Chapter 143: The Tree Stands Out in the Forest

“This is the Dan Ding Sect Ruins?”
Standing beside Wang Li Yuan, Yun Yan Tian gazed at the jagged peaks piercing the heavens like swords. Curiosity glimmered in his eyes.

“Indeed,” Wang Li Yuan replied with a faint smile.

“Why do all these rogue cultivators and noble heirs linger outside?”
Sweeping his gaze around, Yun Yan Tian noticed figures scattered across the surrounding hills—among them were scions of the Three Great Clans, heirs of the Six Noble Families, and countless rogue cultivators from across Yue Kingdom.

“Ah, Brother Yan Tian, you may not know,” Wang Li Yuan began, his tone calm and measured. “The outer region of the ruins is still protected by an ancient formation left behind by the Dan Ding Sect.
For people like us, breaching the formation before it dissipates naturally is impossible. We have to wait until the morning sun fully illuminates the peaks, dispersing the mountain mist. Only then will the formation deactivate.”

“I see…” Yun Yan Tian murmured, nodding in understanding.

“Long ago, someone tried to force their way in. They perished in an instant, their very existence obliterated beneath the formation’s might.”

A sharp breath escaped Yun Yan Tian’s lips as a chill ran down his spine. The thought of an ancient formation, still retaining such destructive power after the sect’s fall countless years ago, was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

“Brother Xiao Lin, look—it’s Wang Li Yuan.”
On a distant peak, a disciple of the Ye Clan pointed toward Wang Li Yuan’s group, his expression cold and calculating.

“Last year, Wang Li Yuan managed to secure a fragment of fortune within the ruins, though its specifics remain unknown.
If he ventures deeper into the ruins this time and secures another opportunity, his natural talent could propel him to the Qi Refinement realm in no time.”

Another Ye Clan disciple spoke, his tone heavy with concern. The Ye family had been monitoring Wang Li Yuan’s rise, and his current cultivation level—Embryo Breath Stage Eight, peak tier—was already a pressing threat.

“With the resources of the Yu Lin Wang Clan backing him, and the boon from the ruins, it’s possible he could break through within two years. That would make him a formidable enemy for our clan,” the disciple added.

“Last year, at the Wang Clan’s grand gathering, I assessed Wang Li Yuan’s cultivation to be on par with Lu Shang Lin’s—both at Embryo Breath Stage Six, peak tier.
To think that in less than a year, he has already reached Stage Eight…”

Ye Xiao Lin’s eyes narrowed, his divine sense brushing past Wang Li Yuan, confirming that their cultivation levels now matched. His lips tightened. The rate at which Wang Li Yuan was progressing was nothing short of alarming.

“It’s said that Wang Li Yuan’s rapid advancement is directly linked to the fortune he gained in the ruins,” another Ye disciple commented.

“That explains much,” Ye Xiao Lin murmured, turning his gaze toward the peaks that pierced the clouds. “The Dan Ding Sect… a once-glorious immortal sect. Even the founding patriarch of the Tongshan Xia Clan was but a lowly servant within their halls.
One can only imagine how much celestial fortune remains buried within these ruins. No wonder cultivators flock here year after year, hoping to claim a piece of its legacy.”

“Wang Li Yuan was fortunate to acquire his opportunity last year, advancing two stages in such a short time. But I, Ye Xiao Lin, am no less talented.
This time, I will ensure that the fortune I claim outshines his!”

A voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Brother Xiao Lin.”

Turning, Ye Xiao Lin saw Lu Shang Lin approaching, accompanied by two other Lu Clan heirs.

“Congratulations, Brother Shang Lin,” Ye Xiao Lin greeted him with a polite nod. “It seems your cultivation has advanced as well. You’ve reached Embryo Breath Stage Seven! With such strength, I’m sure you’ll secure a remarkable opportunity within the ruins.”

“You flatter me,” Lu Shang Lin replied with a wry smile. “Last year, my cousin barely escaped with his life, securing a fortune by the slimmest of margins.
Compared to him, my cultivation is still lacking. Whether I can gain anything from the ruins remains to be seen.”

Despite his modest words, Lu Shang Lin’s determination was evident. With two talented clan members by his side, he was clearly prepared to gamble on the hope of uncovering a legacy within the ruins.

“So this is the Dan Ding Sect Ruins?” Yun Yan Tian muttered, gazing at the jagged, sword-like peaks that pierced the sky.

Wang Li Yuan offered a faint smile. “Indeed.”

“Why are all these rogue cultivators and clan heirs just waiting outside?” Yun Yan Tian scanned the surroundings, noting scattered figures—representatives of the Three Great Clans, the Six Noble Families, and numerous rogue cultivators.

“Ah, Brother Yan Tian, you may not know,” Wang Li Yuan replied smoothly. “The ruins’ outer perimeter is protected by an ancient formation left by the Dan Ding Sect.
Without the formation dissipating naturally, no one—regardless of their strength—can enter safely. Once the sun is high and its rays dispel the mountain mist, the formation will fade away.”

“So that’s how it is,” Yun Yan Tian nodded thoughtfully.

“Indeed. In the past, some tried to force their way in and perished instantly, erased without a trace beneath the formation’s might.”

A chill swept through Yun Yan Tian as he imagined the terrifying power of the centuries-old array.

“Brother Xiao Lin, look—it’s Wang Li Yuan.”
Across a distant peak, a Ye clan disciple pointed toward Wang Li Yuan’s group, his expression solemn.

“Last year, Wang Li Yuan ventured into the ruins and obtained some fortune, though its nature remains unclear.
If he goes deeper this time and secures another opportunity, his natural talent could allow him to step into the Qi Refinement realm in no time,” another Ye disciple said gravely.

“Indeed. The Wang clan already has a Foundation Establishment ancestor; the emergence of a Qi Refinement heir would tip the balance further in their favor,” another muttered.

“Last year at the Wang clan’s gathering, I gauged Wang Li Yuan’s cultivation to be similar to Lu Shang Lin’s—both at Embryo Breath Stage Six.
Now he’s at Stage Eight… his progress is alarming,” Ye Xiao Lin said, his tone heavy with concern.

“Wang Li Yuan’s rapid advancement must be tied to the fortune he acquired within the ruins,” another added.

“That makes sense,” Ye Xiao Lin murmured, his eyes drifting toward the towering peaks shrouded in mist. “The Dan Ding Sect… a once-glorious immortal sect. Even the founding patriarch of the Tongshan Xia Clan was but a servant within their halls.
Who knows how many celestial treasures remain hidden within these ruins? It’s no wonder cultivators flock here year after year to test their luck.”

“Wang Li Yuan was fortunate to secure an opportunity last year. But I, Ye Xiao Lin, am no less capable. This time, I will ensure that the fortune I claim surpasses his!”

“Brother Xiao Lin.”

The familiar voice pulled Ye Xiao Lin from his thoughts. He turned to see Lu Shang Lin approaching with two other Lu clan heirs.

“Congratulations, Brother Shang Lin,” Ye Xiao Lin greeted him with a nod. “You’ve reached Embryo Breath Stage Seven, I see. With such strength, you’re bound to uncover great fortune within the ruins.”

“You flatter me,” Lu Shang Lin said with a wry smile. “My cousin barely escaped the ruins last year, securing a single opportunity by the narrowest margin.
Compared to him, my cultivation is far from sufficient. Whether I’ll gain anything this time remains uncertain.”

Despite his modest words, determination glinted in Lu Shang Lin’s eyes. This time, he wasn’t alone—he had brought two skilled clan members to bolster his chances.

“If possible,” Lu Shang Lin said quietly, “I’d prefer not to venture too deep into the ruins. The risks grow exponentially there.
Instead, remaining in the outer regions and seizing opportunities from others seems the safest route.”

Ye Xiao Lin chuckled. “Brother Shang Lin, don’t underestimate yourself. You strike me as someone destined for good fortune.”

“If your words come true, I’ll owe you my thanks, Brother Xiao Lin,” Lu Shang Lin replied, grinning.

“By the way, what about Lin Tian Sheng? Has he arrived?”

“Yes,” Lu Shang Lin nodded. “Brother Tian Sheng is resting nearby, awaiting the array’s dissolution.”

“It’s been some time since I last spoke with him,” Ye Xiao Lin mused. “But tell me, Brother Shang Lin, what brings you to me today?”

“Brother Xiao Lin,” Lu Shang Lin began cautiously, “you’ve noticed how much Wang Li Yuan has grown, haven’t you?”

Ye Xiao Lin’s gaze hardened. “I have.”

“I won’t hide it—I plan to act against him within the ruins. But Wang Li Yuan’s current strength surpasses mine.
He has mastered sword intent, and with just the three of us, defeating him would be impossible.”

Memories of being humiliated by Wang Li Yuan at the Wang clan gathering still haunted Lu Shang Lin. That bitter defeat had left a scar he was determined to erase.

“This is why I’ve come to you, Brother Xiao Lin. If you and Brother Tian Sheng join forces with us, we’ll have the strength to eliminate Wang Li Yuan.”

Ye Xiao Lin frowned, considering the implications. The prospect of Wang Li Yuan continuing to grow unsettled him.

The Lu clan heir’s proposal was not without merit—Wang Li Yuan’s advancement threatened the stability of their alliances. Allowing him to survive and prosper would only strengthen the Wang clan’s position.

“All three families share a common enemy,” Ye Xiao Lin said at last. “Wang Li Yuan’s rise must be stopped before it’s too late.”

“Excellent! With Brother Xiao Lin’s assistance and Brother Tian Sheng’s strength, we can eliminate him for good!”

A cold smile spread across Lu Shang Lin’s face. His gaze shifted to the distant mountain where Wang Li Yuan stood. Ice-cold killing intent flickered in his eyes.

“The other six clans might interfere,” Ye Xiao Lin cautioned. “Their alliances grow stronger every year. If they discover us targeting Wang Li Yuan, they may act to protect him.”

“Brother Xiao Lin, rest assured,” Lu Shang Lin replied confidently. “I’ve hired a number of rogue cultivators to deal with the six clans.
And besides, their unity is more of a facade. Many resent Wang Li Yuan for monopolizing fortune in the ruins last year.”

Hearing this, Ye Xiao Lin’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. “Very well. Wang Li Yuan has drawn too much attention with his rapid rise.
When the formation opens, we will act.”

As the sun climbed higher, the golden mist cloaking the mountains began to dissolve. The ancient formation shimmered briefly before fading into nothingness.

“The formation is down!”

“Go! Into the ruins! Seek fortune!”

 

Chapter 144 Fierce Fight

As the radiant noon sun blazed overhead, its light pierced through the veil of mist shrouding the jagged, sword-like peaks. Gradually, the protective formation surrounding the Dan Ding Sect ruins began to dissipate, revealing a clear and inviting path into the ancient grounds. The sight ignited a frenzy among the gathered rogue cultivators and clan heirs, all of whom surged forward, eager to claim their share of fortune within the ruins.

“Everyone’s heading into the ruins,” Yun Yan Tian remarked, his gaze scanning the crowd.
“Yan Tian, would you and your sister like to join us?” Wang Li Yuan asked with a courteous smile.

“We’ll wait and observe the situation from the outside for now. No need to rush,” Yun Yan Tian replied, a polite but firm smile gracing his lips.

“Well then, I’ll take my cousin and younger brother inside to seek our fortunes first.”

Understanding Yun Yan Tian’s hesitance, Wang Li Yuan chose not to press further. After all, he had already made arrangements. The moment the siblings entered the ruins, his hired rogue cultivators would ensure their demise. To Wang Li Yuan, the Dan Ding Sect ruins were little more than a burial ground for the Yun siblings.

As Wang Li Yuan and his companions vanished into the ruins, Yun Yan Shuang’s expression darkened. “Yan Tian, Wang Li Yuan is plotting to kill us.”

“I know. That’s why I refused to join him or cooperate,” Yun Yan Tian said calmly.

“How did you figure it out?” Yun Yan Shuang asked, her bright eyes filled with curiosity.

“It’s because of Wang Li Long,” he replied simply.

“Oh?”

“Wang Li Yuan and Wang Li Zhu are adept at concealing their true intentions, but Wang Li Long lacks their finesse. Though he tried to hide it, I noticed the deep hatred and murderous intent buried in his eyes when we first met.”

Before stepping into the path of cultivation, Yun Yan Tian had spent years assisting his father in running a martial arts school in Yuncang County. His experience dealing with all kinds of people had sharpened his ability to read others, far surpassing Yun Yan Shuang’s. It was during their initial meeting at the inn that Yun Yan Tian discerned Wang Li Long’s hostility, which raised his suspicions and made him wary of Wang Li Yuan’s overtures of cooperation.

“That makes sense,” Yun Yan Shuang murmured, nodding in realization.

Unbeknownst to her, Yun Yan Tian’s insights had been corroborated by her elder brother, Yun Yan Shui. Disguised as a nameless rogue cultivator, Yun Yan Shui had secretly followed the siblings into the inn. While Yun Yan Shuang and Yun Yan Tian shared a meal with Wang Li Yuan’s group, Yun Yan Shui had been quietly observing from the common room, blending in with the other travelers.

Later that evening, after the siblings had retired to their rooms, Yun Yan Shui overheard a revealing conversation between Wang Li Yuan and his companions. It was then that Yun Yan Shui warned Yun Yan Shuang of the impending danger.

However, it seemed Yun Yan Tian had already pieced things together on his own.

“That said, we don’t need to worry too much about Wang Li Yuan and his companions targeting us,” Yun Yan Tian reassured her.

“Oh? Why is that?”

“Wang Li Yuan may find himself in greater peril than us. Earlier, I noticed Lu Shang Lin speaking in hushed tones with Ye Xiao Lin on a distant peak. They occasionally glanced toward Wang Li Yuan. It seems the Three Great Clans are conspiring against him.

“If Wang Li Yuan’s group crosses paths with the heirs of the Three Great Clans, they’ll be too preoccupied with survival to bother with us.”

“So that’s why you refused to enter the ruins with Wang Li Yuan?” Yun Yan Shuang’s eyes lit up with understanding.

“Exactly. If we had joined him, we’d risk being caught in the crossfire when the Three Great Clans made their move. We’d face attacks from both sides—Wang Li Yuan’s treachery on one hand and the clans’ wrath on the other. It’s best to steer clear of unnecessary danger.”

His calm analysis eased Yun Yan Shuang’s worries. She gazed at her brother with renewed admiration, marveling at his composure and foresight. For now, their best course of action was patience and vigilance, watching as the web of rivalries and conspiracies unfolded around them.

The protective formation of the Dan Ding Sect ruins dissipated fully, and all around, the chaotic energy of opportunistic greed surged. As Yun Yan Tian and Yun Yan Shuang cautiously observed from their vantage point, they saw countless cultivators scrambling into the ruins, driven by a frenzy to seize the elusive fortunes hidden within.

“We’ll enter now,” Yun Yan Tian said with a firm resolve. “But only on the outskirts. Our goal is survival, not reckless ambition.”

“Understood, Yan Tian,” Yun Yan Shuang replied, following him with determined steps as they descended into the ruins’ periphery.

In the ruins’ outer grounds, a middle-aged rogue cultivator jubilantly unearthed a crumbling but intact alchemical recipe.

“I’ve struck gold!” he exclaimed, marveling at the ancient material that had miraculously withstood the ravages of time.

Yet his joy was fleeting. A cold flash of steel streaked through the air, and in an instant, his headless body crumpled to the ground. A shadowy figure snatched the recipe from his lifeless grasp before vanishing as quickly as they had appeared.

Elsewhere, conflicts erupted like wildfire. Groups of cultivators vied for relics—a fractured cauldron here, an aged jade slip there. Blood was shed without hesitation, trust dissolved amidst treachery, and greed reigned supreme. The so-called “mountain immortals” displayed the ugliest facets of humanity.

Watching it all unfold, Yun Yan Shui—disguised as a nondescript rogue cultivator and going by the alias “Wu Daoyou”—stood amidst the carnage. His sharp spiritual sense captured every betrayal, every ambush, and every drop of blood spilled for a fleeting taste of power.

“How pathetic,” he muttered, his black robes fluttering lightly in the bitter wind. The ugliness of those who called themselves cultivators couldn’t have been more transparent.

“Wu Daoyou, any luck in your search?”

The voice came from Xue Yan, a middle-aged man clad in dark robes, accompanied by four other cultivators. These were companions Yun Yan Shui had met at the inn the day prior, their alliance formed out of mutual necessity.

“Yes,” Yun Yan Shui replied with a faint smile, holding up a newly acquired alchemical recipe. “This, from one unfortunate soul who couldn’t hold on to it.”

The sight of the recipe made Xue Yan’s group collectively inhale sharply. The gleam of desire shone in their eyes, but so too did caution. Wu Daoyou’s profound cultivation aura warned them against trying anything foolish.

Xue Yan chuckled nervously. “Impressive, Daoyou. But of course, this is your spoils—yours to hold. Once we’ve secured more treasures together, we can distribute everything fairly.”

Yun Yan Shui nodded coolly, well aware of the unspoken tension. This fragile alliance was held together by necessity, but it wouldn’t take much to break it apart.

“Very well. Let’s continue. The outskirts still hold opportunities for those with sharp senses and quick hands.”

As the group pressed deeper into the ruins’ perimeter, Yun YanShui’s sharp gaze remained vigilant, his mind calculating each step. For now, he would play along—but he knew, in a place where survival was a constant struggle, trust was a luxury he couldn’t afford.

 

Chapter 145 The Fisherman Benefits

“Xu Daoyou, your plan has a critical flaw.”

Yun Yanshui, disguised as a rogue cultivator under the alias “Wu Daoyou,” spoke with deliberate confidence, his voice calm yet cutting.

“Oh? Wu Daoyou, what insight do you have to offer?”

Xu Yan, though visibly displeased at having his plan challenged, chose to swallow his pride. The enigmatic Wu Daoyou carried an aura of power, and offending him seemed unwise.

“Why engage in bloody struggles yourself when you can profit as a bystander?”

“Bystander? And how exactly do you propose we achieve that?”

Xu Yan furrowed his brow, skepticism evident in his tone.

Yun Yanshui’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Before I explain, tell me—do you have the courage to take on something big?”

Xu Yan exchanged uncertain glances with his companions before nodding. “We rogue cultivators entered the Dan Ding Sect ruins knowing full well that danger looms. If we lacked the courage, none of us would be here. Speak freely, Wu Daoyou. If your plan holds merit, we will follow.”

Satisfied with the response, Yun Yanshui’s smile deepened.

“Then let’s not waste time with small fry like other rogue cultivators. Instead, let’s aim for the real prize: the elite of the Seven Families and Three Clans. For example, King Ren of the Yu Lin Wang Clan, Wang Liyuan.”

The air grew tense as Yun Yanshui’s words landed like a thunderclap. Xu Yan and his companions looked visibly shaken.

“Impossible, Wu Daoyou!” Xu Yan exclaimed, his voice laden with alarm. “The Seven Families and Three Clans are far too powerful. If we dare lay a finger on their disciples and they find out, we’ll be hunted to the ends of the earth!”

“Who said we’d dirty our hands ourselves?” Yun Yanshui’s calm demeanor never wavered.

Xu Yan blinked, confused. “Not ourselves? Then how?”

“By making others do it for us, of course.”

The simplicity of Yun Yanshui’s suggestion sent ripples of intrigue through the group. However, Xu Yan hesitated, his voice heavy with doubt. “Even if we wanted to, convincing others to go against Wang Liyuan would be nearly impossible. Everyone knows of his power, his sword mastery, and his clan’s influence. No one would dare.”

“But what if,” Yun Yanshui countered, leaning forward with a glint in his eye, “word spread that Wang Liyuan has stumbled upon a grand fortune within these ruins—perhaps a treasure capable of elevating someone to the Foundation Establishment stage, or even beyond?”

Xu Yan’s eyes widened, realization dawning upon him. His initial hesitation dissolved into admiration as the brilliance of Yun Yanshui’s ploy became clear.

“An ingenious plan!” Xu Yan burst into laughter.

Indeed, spreading such a rumor would ignite greed in the hearts of many. Whether they were lone rogue cultivators or rival clans, all would be tempted to make a move against Wang Liyuan. After all, his reputation as someone who had already reaped rewards from the ruins only lent credibility to the lie.

“If the rumor takes hold,” Yun Yanshui continued, his voice calm and measured, “Wang Liyuan will be swarmed by countless enemies, leaving him no room to plot against us. And when the dust settles, we’ll clean up the leftovers—no risk, no effort, all reward.”

Xu Yan clapped his hands, invigorated by the strategy. “Brilliant, Wu Daoyou! Truly brilliant! With this plan, we won’t even need to risk our necks. We’ll simply let others exhaust themselves and reap the benefits!”

“So,” Yun Yanshui said, his tone sharp, “do you know what to do now?”

“Of course,” Xu Yan replied with a sly grin. “My companions and I will spread this rumor far and wide. Soon, Wang Liyuan will find himself in the crosshairs of every ambitious cultivator in these ruins. And when the vultures descend, we’ll be waiting in the shadows to claim what’s left.”

“Good,” Yun Yanshui said, standing and adjusting his robes. “Let the hunt begin.”

As thoughts of Wang Liyuan being besieged by rogue cultivators and noble disciples swirled in his mind, Xu Yan couldn’t help but grin. When the fighting began, bodies would pile up, treasures would be left behind, and he and his group would quietly swoop in to reap the spoils.

The plan guaranteed minimal risk while maximizing gains. With Wang Liyuan as the center of attention, the chaos would clear out competitors and leave Xu Yan’s group to claim the riches of the dead.

“Then I shall await your good news, Xu Daoyou,” Yun Yanshui said with a knowing smile, giving a slight bow.

He watched as Xu Yan and his companions disappeared into the distance, ready to spread the fabricated rumor about Wang Liyuan’s supposed newfound treasure. Soon, Wang Liyuan would become the lightning rod for every ambitious soul in the Dan Ding Sect ruins.

“Did you hear? Wang Liyuan and his companions from the Yu Lin Wang Clan have found another remarkable treasure in the ruins!”

At one of the ruin’s edges, a group of three rogue cultivators huddled together, speaking in hushed yet excited tones. The speaker, a wiry man with the appearance of a malnourished monkey, looked as though he’d discovered a gold mine.

“Wang Liyuan? Again? Didn’t he find something incredible here just last year? His luck is monstrous!” said another, his face drawn with envy.

“Luck or no luck, it’s outrageous to let him hog all the treasures of the Dan Ding Sect ruins,” said the third, his tone growing darker. “If he’s found another treasure, he must have some kind of artifact that leads him straight to these fortunes.”

“Precisely,” the wiry man interjected, his eyes gleaming. “I’ll bet my soul that whatever tool or treasure he’s using, it’s the same thing he found during his last expedition here.”

The three exchanged glances, the atmosphere thick with greed.

“So? What do you say? Shall we strike?”

“Against Wang Liyuan? Are you mad?” one of them hesitated, visibly uneasy.

“Think about it. If we kill him, we take everything—his treasures, his tools, and his secrets. With what we’ll gain, we could live like kings!”

“But what about the Wang Clan? If they find out…”

“Bah! They can only throw their weight around in Yue Country,” the wiry man snapped. “Once we take the treasure, we leave Yue and go into hiding in one of the neighboring countries. The Wang Clan can’t pursue us everywhere.”

After a moment of silence, the others nodded. “Alright, let’s do it.”

The fabricated rumor spread like wildfire across the ruins. From rogue cultivators to disciples of the Seven Families and Three Clans, everyone heard the tale of Wang Liyuan’s newfound fortune.

And like all rumors, it grew more exaggerated with each retelling.

Some claimed he had already broken into the Qi Refinement stage, his newfound power cementing his position as a prodigious genius. Others whispered of him discovering the Dan Ding Sect’s sect master’s personal inheritance, which included a sacred alchemical furnace, complete with manuals detailing centuries of lost techniques.

“Have you heard?”

In another part of the ruins, Yun Yanshuang was rifling through the possessions of a slain rogue cultivator. She found a storage pouch containing a partial alchemical recipe and a bottle of nearly-expired Tier Three spirit pills.

Glancing at her elder brother, who was cleaning his blood-stained spear, she asked, “They’re saying Wang Liyuan’s luck is so strong that he’s already found another treasure. Could it be true?”

Yun Yantian chuckled as he finished polishing his weapon. “That’s just someone spreading false rumors.”

“Do you think it’s the Three Clans?” Yun Yanshuang asked, her brows furrowed.

“The Three Clans wouldn’t resort to something so petty. Most likely, someone with a personal vendetta against Wang Liyuan concocted the story.”

“Who could that be?”

“No idea. But whoever they are, they’ve made Wang Liyuan the target of everyone’s greed. For now, that works in our favor.”

Yun Yantian’s gaze swept the landscape before them. “With everyone chasing after Wang Liyuan, we’re free to explore the outskirts without as much competition.”

“True,” Yun Yanshuang agreed, a small smile spreading across her lips. She crouched down, rummaging through the corpses around them. A few spirit stones, low-grade talismans, and some inferior herbs were added to her growing collection.

“Not much,” she remarked, “but it’s better than nothing.”

“Come on,” Yun Yantian said, his tone serious. “Let’s check the next mountain. Stay sharp—this place is still full of dangers.”

As they moved, Yun Yantian extended his spiritual sense, carefully scanning their surroundings for hidden threats. Every shadow seemed to carry the possibility of betrayal, but for now, the siblings were a step ahead of the chaos brewing deeper within the ruins.

 

Chapter 146 The Target of Public Criticism

“Word is spreading that Wang Liyuan has once again gained a celestial fortune within the ruins. Now, he’s become a target for everyone.”

Around a crackling campfire within the ruins of the Dan Ding Sect, Lu Shanglin sat alongside Ye Xiaolin and Lin Tiansheng, recounting the latest intel brought by their scattered cultivators.

“Isn’t this just perfect? Our three families have long sought to eliminate Wang Liyuan in secret. Let the rogue cultivators and heirs from other families take the lead, draining him of his resources and spiritual power. Once he’s weakened, we can seize the opportunity to strike and claim the celestial fortune he’s obtained.”

Ye Xiaolin toyed with a wooden stick, prodding the flames while the mountain winds tousled his hair. A faint smile tugged at his lips.

“What intrigues me is whether Wang Liyuan really obtained another celestial fortune. How credible is this news?”

Lu Shanglin frowned deeply.

If Wang Liyuan had truly acquired yet another celestial fortune, even a combined assault by rogue cultivators and heirs from rival families might not weaken him enough for their ambush to succeed.

“Does it even matter whether it’s true or not?” Lin Tiansheng, cradling a long sword in his arms, broke his silence.

“Tiansheng is right,” Ye Xiaolin agreed, nodding with a grin. “Whether Wang Liyuan obtained another celestial fortune or not is irrelevant. There are plenty of jealous individuals who will test him for us. Let them probe the truth on our behalf.”

Lu Shanglin clenched his teeth, his eyes cold and venomous. “If that bastard truly has another celestial fortune, I’ll never accept it!”

“Have we stationed someone to keep tabs on Wang Liyuan’s movements?”

“Our scattered cultivators are monitoring him closely. Wang Liyuan’s whereabouts remain firmly within our grasp,” Lu Shanglin assured him.

“Good. Then let’s wait and watch for the right moment before we act.”

Deep within the ruins of the Dan Ding Sect, concealed within a shadowy cave:

“This is infuriating! Who spread these rumors, painting us as public enemies?”

“Brother Yuan, could it be those despicable fools from the three great families?”

In the dimness, Wang Lilong’s voice seethed with rage as his eyes darted to Wang Liyuan, who sat silently on a stone, methodically wiping blood from his sword.

“Not impossible,” Wang Liyuan replied calmly.

“I doubt the three families would stoop so low as to employ such underhanded, contemptible methods. The culprit spreading these rumors is likely someone else,” Wang Lizhu interjected from the side, her delicate brows furrowed as she pondered the situation, a bandage wrapped over a shoulder wound.

“We’ll find out soon enough by investigating quietly,” Wang Liyuan said as he finished cleaning his blade and sheathed it with a practiced motion. His cold gaze swept across the cave, lingering on the lifeless bodies of rogue cultivators strewn across the floor.

“Brother Yuan, I’m certain the rumors were spread by the three families to tarnish us deliberately,” Wang Lilong argued. “If they want to use underhanded methods, let’s return the favor. We could spread word that the heirs of the three families have acquired fragments of celestial fortune within the ruins, shifting the rogues’ attention away from us.”

“This plan won’t work,” Wang Liyuan countered.

“Why not?”

“If we circulate such rumors now, everyone will suspect it’s a ploy—our attempt to divert attention. It would be as good as admitting that I, Wang Liyuan, truly did obtain another celestial fortune. Not only would it fail to distract the rogues and other heirs, but it would also attract even more greed. Our situation would worsen, leaving us in greater peril.”

“So what do we do, then? Just accept this and wait for the rogue cultivators and heirs to harass us endlessly?” Wang Lilong’s voice rose with frustration. “Today alone, we’ve been ambushed countless times. If this continues, those heirs from the three great families lying in wait will surely strike when we’re at our weakest.”

“Have we heard back from the heirs of the Six Clans?” Wang Liyuan asked quietly, his tone as cold as the shadows enveloping the cave.

Wang Liyuan didn’t immediately respond to Wang Lilong’s words. Instead, his gaze turned thoughtful as he inquired about the situation with the heirs of the Six Clans.

To escape their current predicament and guard against the relentless pursuit of Ye Xiaolin, Lin Tiansheng, Lu Shanglin, and the other heirs of the three great families, the only feasible solution was to ally with the heirs of the Six Clans.

“Not yet,” Wang Lilong replied after a pause. “I’ll send someone to press them for an answer.”

“That won’t be necessary. From here on, we might have to rely on ourselves alone,” Wang Liyuan said decisively, his tone leaving no room for debate.

“Why?” Wang Lilong’s face twisted in confusion.

“The heirs of the Six Clans haven’t responded, which likely means they’ve fallen for the slanderous rumors as well. At this point, they’re probably plotting just like the heirs of the three great families, waiting to see us falter and seize the so-called ‘celestial fortune’ from me,” Wang Lizhu explained patiently from the side.

“Damn it!” Wang Lilong’s expression paled at her words, and he couldn’t help but curse under his breath. If that were true, the situation for their small group had just worsened significantly.

“Quiet. Someone’s coming!” Wang Liyuan’s sharp spiritual sense suddenly detected faint footsteps approaching from outside the cave. His expression darkened as he conveyed a silent warning to his companions.

Wang Lizhu, despite her injuries, gripped her spiritual weapon tightly. Wang Lilong’s eyes turned cold, and his gaze fixed on the cave’s entrance, where the approaching footsteps grew clearer with each passing moment.

“Master Liyuan, please don’t act. It’s me,” a voice called out urgently just as Wang Liyuan was about to leap into action. The speaker, sensing the suffocating killing intent aimed at him, quickly revealed his identity.

“Elder Li?” Wang Liyuan and his companions relaxed slightly at the sight of the visitor.

The man was none other than Li Wuchang, one of the Wang family’s rogue cultivator retainers.

“Sit,” Wang Liyuan commanded curtly.

“Thank you, Master Liyuan.” Li Wuchang cupped his hands respectfully before finding a spot to sit in the cave. His body was covered in blood, with numerous wounds visible—some so deep that bone was exposed, and flesh hung in ragged strips.

“Elder Li, weren’t you leading a team against the two heirs of the Yun Cang Yun family? How did you end up in such a state? Are the two heirs of the Yun Cang Yun family truly that formidable?” Wang Lilong frowned as he questioned the heavily injured retainer.

Li Wuchang, at the ninth stage of the Embryo Breath realm, should have easily overwhelmed the two heirs, even if Yun Yanshuang was the strongest among them and had comprehended sword intent. This kind of defeat seemed implausible.

“I wasn’t injured by the heirs of the Yun Cang Yun family.”

“Then who did this?” Wang Lilong pressed further.

“Other rogue cultivators and heirs from various families,” Li Wuchang said bitterly, a wry smile appearing on his pale face.

Before entering the ruins, Li Wuchang had received orders from Wang Liyuan to ambush and eliminate the heirs of the Yun Cang Yun family the moment they entered. However, after the rumors began to spread—claiming that Wang Liyuan had obtained another celestial fortune—not only did Wang Liyuan and his companions become targets of relentless pursuit, but even Li Wuchang and the team of rogue cultivators he led were hunted without respite.

The entire day had been a grueling struggle for survival. The endless assaults from rogue cultivators and heirs left him no chance to even encounter the Yun Cang Yun heirs. Only through sheer strength and a desperate effort did he manage to break through the encirclement and reach Wang Liyuan alive.

His subordinates, however, were not so fortunate.

“What about the other rogue cultivators under your command?” Wang Liyuan asked grimly.

“They’re all dead,” Li Wuchang replied with a heavy sigh.

“You’ve suffered enough. Take this healing pill and rest. From here on, we’ll have to take things one step at a time,” Wang Liyuan said, tossing a healing pill to the injured man. His voice was icy and laced with fury. “But mark my words—if I find out who spread those vile rumors and caused our family to be targeted like this, I’ll see them torn limb from limb.”

Wang Liyuan’s expression was grim as his fingers clenched tightly. Whoever had orchestrated this slander had thrown the Wang family into chaos, painting them as enemies to all. This grudge would not go unanswered. He would find the culprit, no matter the cost.

 

Chapter 147 Parting Ways

“It’s not my fault! It’s not my fault! I only heard the rumors from someone else!”

At the foot of a mountain within the ruins, a rogue cultivator, covered in wounds, trembled with fear. His face was pale as he stared at Wang Liyuan and his three companions, whose icy gazes seemed to pierce straight through him. His heart pounded in terror.

“Who said it?”

Wang Liyuan looked down at the quaking rogue cultivator, his tone calm and detached, yet it carried a weight that crushed all resistance.

“It… it was Xu Yan. Xu Yan and his group were the ones spreading the rumors!”

“Please, I beg you, don’t kill me! Don’t kill me! I have no grudge against the Wang family! I just heard what Xu Yan and the others were saying and carelessly mentioned it to someone else. Who would’ve thought the rumors would spread so widely, causing you three to be relentlessly hunted by rogue cultivators and family heirs?”

The rogue cultivator spilled the truth, trembling under Wang Liyuan’s oppressive aura. He pleaded for his life, hoping that his cooperation would earn him mercy.

“Draw portraits of Xu Yan and his group.”

Wang Liyuan’s voice was cold, devoid of sympathy.

“Yes! Yes! I studied painting before I entered the path of cultivation. I’ll draw them right away!”

With shaking hands, the rogue cultivator pulled out ink and paper, carefully sketching the faces of Xu Yan and the four others under the watchful gazes of Wang Liyuan’s group.

“Immortal, here… here are the portraits.”

Hands trembling, the rogue cultivator handed the completed sketches to Wang Liyuan.

Wang Liyuan took the portraits and studied them closely. Without hesitation, his sword flashed, severing the rogue cultivator’s throat in one clean motion.

“Let’s go. We’ll deal with these five first and find out who instructed them. Once this matter is resolved, we’ll hunt down the two heirs of the Yun Cang Yun family.”

Wang Liyuan turned and disappeared in a blur, his companions following close behind.

Within a hidden cave, bursts of laughter echoed off the stone walls.

“We’ve made quite the haul these past few days!”

“It’s all thanks to Daoist Wu’s brilliant plan. Without it, we could never have gained these cultivation resources so easily!”

“Indeed, indeed. Daoist Wu is a benefactor to us all!”

“From now on, if Daoist Wu needs anything, I’d gladly risk life and limb to help!”

Xu Yan and his four companions were beaming with joy as they marveled at their spoils—treasures looted from the bodies of dead rogue cultivators and family heirs.

Spirit stones, elixirs, talismans, techniques, Daoist arts, spiritual tools, and rare seeds—their haul was a treasure trove beyond anything they had ever seen since stepping onto the path of cultivation.

They believed that once they left the ruins of the Dan Ding Sect, these resources would allow them to establish their own family or faction within the Yue Kingdom. No longer would they have to live as rogues, constantly on edge, surviving by the edge of their blades.

Seated on a large stone, Yun Yanshui watched them with a faint smile but said nothing.

“Daoist Wu, what’s our next move?” Xu Yan asked, his mood turning uneasy after securing his share of the loot. “I’ve heard that Wang Liyuan isn’t dead. He’s probably already planning to come after us for revenge.”

His words plunged the jubilant atmosphere into an eerie silence. The other four glanced nervously at Yun Yanshui, hoping for a solution to avoid the inevitable vengeance of Wang Liyuan.

“You’re right. If Wang Liyuan finds us, we’ll be in trouble,” Yun Yanshui said, nodding in agreement.

As he spoke, he flicked his wrist, sending a spiritual short blade slicing through the air. It pierced one of the rogue cultivators’ heads with lethal precision, splattering blood and brain matter across the cave walls.

The sudden violence froze Xu Yan and the others in place, their expressions twisting in shock and terror.

“Daoist Wu, what are you doing?!” Xu Yan stammered, his voice trembling as he stared at the corpse of his fallen companion.

“Didn’t you all say you’d risk life and limb for me? Now, I’m simply asking you to die,” Yun Yanshui said with a serene smile.

Without waiting for a reply, he lunged forward, the short blade flashing like a hungry predator. One by one, heads rolled as the cold light of his blade ended their lives.

Thud. Thud.

The bodies of Xu Yan and his companions collapsed into pools of blood. Their fingers twitched briefly before growing still.

Squatting down, Yun Yanshui calmly gathered the cultivation resources Xu Yan’s group had looted over the past few days, stuffing them into a storage pouch.

Yun Yanshui dusted himself off and left the cave without looking back.

It wasn’t cruelty for cruelty’s sake; it was simply the brutal reality of the cultivation world.

Big fish eat small fish, and small fish eat shrimp.
The law of the jungle—only the strong survive.

If Yun Yanshui himself were to fall to a stronger foe one day, he wouldn’t harbor resentment. He would only blame his lack of skill.

Besides, Xu Yan and his group had outlived their usefulness.

If left alive, they would undoubtedly reveal his existence to Wang Liyuan when confronted. Dealing with Wang Liyuan’s pursuit, while not impossible, would still be a nuisance.

Though Yun Yanshui had no fear of Wang Liyuan given his current cultivation level, he wasn’t one to take unnecessary risks. Wang Liyuan was no ordinary cultivator—he was a Wang family prodigy who had comprehended sword intent. Moreover, the celestial fortune Wang Liyuan obtained last year in the ruins remained a mystery. What power did it hold?

Yun Yanshui wasn’t entirely sure, and that uncertainty warranted caution.

Eliminating witnesses and hiding in the shadows was the best way to maintain an advantage.

Additionally, with the three great families’ heirs, the six clans’ heirs, and countless rogue cultivators all coveting Wang Liyuan, why should Yun Yanshui dirty his hands?

Half an hour after Yun Yanshui left the cave, Wang Liyuan and his companions tracked the clues to Xu Yan and his group’s hiding place.

“Brother Yuan, the information checks out. Xu Yan and his group were indeed hiding here. But…”

Wang Lilong emerged from the cave after a quick reconnaissance, his expression grave.

“What is it?” Wang Liyuan asked.

“They’re all dead.”

Wang Lilong reported the grim discovery, his voice heavy.

“The one behind this is a meticulous schemer,” Wang Liyuan muttered. “They predicted I would come, anticipated that I would trace my revenge back to Xu Yan and his group, and eliminated them preemptively.”

Seeing the freshly killed bodies of Xu Yan’s group still warm, Wang Liyuan’s eyes flickered. He couldn’t help but admire the cunning of the person pulling the strings.

But who was it?

“Brother Yuan, should we keep investigating?” Wang Lilong asked cautiously.

“They’re dead. The trail ends here. How do we investigate further?”

“This person is thorough and wouldn’t leave any clues for us to trace back to them.”

“So… are we giving up?”

“We have no choice. This time, I, Wang Liyuan, must admit defeat,” he said reluctantly, a hint of bitterness in his voice.

With a flick of his wrist, Wang Liyuan’s sword shot out like a streak of light, slicing through the shadows of the forest.

Thud!

The head of a rogue cultivator lurking nearby was severed cleanly, rolling to the ground.

Startled by the sudden execution, other hidden rogue cultivators revealed themselves from the shadows. They formed a loose encirclement around Wang Liyuan and his companions, their wary gazes fixed on the four figures.

“If we can’t find that person, our only option now is to endure. We need to survive long enough to escape the Dan Ding Sect ruins,” Wang Liyuan declared coldly, his sword gleaming ominously in his hand.

His icy demeanor and sharp gaze sent a chill through the gathered rogue cultivators. They had trailed Wang Liyuan, waiting for an opportunity to strike, but his deadly precision had forced them into the open.

Without hesitation, Wang Liyuan charged toward the rogue cultivators, sword flashing.

Their pursuit of celestial fortune had turned into a bloody obstacle. With these relentless foes—and the heirs of various families—standing in the way, the Wang family’s chances of claiming any treasure seemed slim.

At this point, Wang Liyuan’s only goal was to endure until the protective formations at the ruins’ outskirts reactivated, allowing him to escape with his siblings safely.

As for avenging himself against Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang, that had become a distant priority. Survival was all that mattered now.

On a distant mountain peak, Lu Shanglin stood watching the battle below.

“Interesting. Truly fascinating!” he said, a sinister smile spreading across his face.

“For days, Wang Liyuan and his companions have been on the run, barely finding any time to recover. Yet he still has the skill to hold his own against so many enemies,” he remarked, his tone laced with amusement.

“And this time, the rogue cultivators besieging them seem much stronger than the earlier waves, don’t they?”

“Look closely,” Ye Xiaolin interjected, his eyes gleaming. “Among those fighting Wang Liyuan now, you’ll notice many rogue cultivators tied to the Six Clans.”

A knowing smile spread across Ye Xiaolin’s face.

“Ha! Brilliant! Simply brilliant! It seems even the Six Clans covet Wang Liyuan’s celestial fortune. Especially the Tongshan Xia family!”

 

Chapter 148 Myriad Pill Furnace

“The founding ancestor of the Tongshan Xia family was merely a servant in the Dan Ding Sect’s ruins, and Wang Liyuan possesses the Myriad Pill Furnace. How could the Xia family not be tempted?”

Ye Xiaolin spoke with a faint smile, his gaze lingering on the chaotic battlefield below.

Wang Liyuan and his companions were clearly starting to falter. If not for Wang Liyuan’s formidable strength and his mastery of sword intent, they would have collapsed long ago.

“Wang Liyuan! Hand over the Myriad Pill Furnace, and we’ll spare your life!”

In the thick of battle, a burly, middle-aged rogue cultivator with tiger-like eyes and a beard like bristling thorns wielded an iron mace glowing with spiritual energy.

The mace came crashing down on Li Wuchang’s back, the force sending him hurtling forward as he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

The surrounding rogue cultivators wasted no time, unleashing a flurry of Daoist techniques that filled the air with flashes of light and energy. The relentless onslaught left Li Wuchang no room to defend himself.

Under the combined assault, his body was torn apart mid-air, his lower half reduced to a mangled mess of flesh and blood that rained down like a macabre shower.

His upper body, battered and broken, fell to the ground with a lifeless thud.

“Master Liyuan… run… run!”

Clinging to the last threads of life, Li Wuchang called out, his voice trembling with urgency. His eyes, filled with desperation, remained fixed on Wang Liyuan, who was locked in combat with the remaining rogue cultivators.

Wang Liyuan’s gaze flickered toward Li Wuchang’s shattered form before sweeping to his sister and brother, both barely holding their ground.

His expression darkened.

With a single swing of his sword, he unleashed a fearsome arc of energy imbued with sword intent, slicing through several rogue cultivators and severing them cleanly at the waist.

“Sister Lizhu! Lilong! Retreat!” he shouted.

“Running won’t save you!” the burly, bearded cultivator growled, narrowing his eyes. “If you don’t hand over the Myriad Pill Furnace today, don’t even think about leaving here alive!”

At his command, several rogue cultivators accompanying him activated their spiritual talismans in unison.

Dozens of Shield Light Talismans flew into the air, igniting and releasing streams of golden light that coalesced into a massive, glowing barrier. The shimmering dome descended like an enormous golden bowl, sealing Wang Liyuan and his companions within.

“So, the Tongshan Xia family dares to corner the Yulin Wang family like this? Aren’t you afraid of retaliation from my ancestor?” Wang Liyuan’s voice was cold as he glared at the burly man.

He had already deduced that this group belonged to the Tongshan Xia family.

No ordinary rogue cultivators could wield such a large number of Shield Light Talismans.

“Retaliation? You and your companions will die here today. The news won’t even reach your family. Who would dare report it?”

The burly man sneered, his tone brimming with disdain.

He hadn’t originally planned to kill Wang Liyuan. His goal was to seize the Myriad Pill Furnace and leave without further conflict, maintaining the friendly ties between the Tongshan Xia and Yulin Wang families, who even shared marriage alliances.

But now, he had changed his mind.

The Myriad Pill Furnace would be his, and Wang Liyuan and his companions would not leave alive.

“You think you can kill the three of us? Do you really believe Wang Liyuan is so easily defeated?”

Wang Liyuan scoffed coldly, his hand flipping over to reveal a radiant green furnace.

The Myriad Pill Furnace gleamed like jade, its surface adorned with intricate carvings of birds, beasts, fish, and insects, exuding an aura of divine brilliance.

“The Myriad Pill Furnace!”

“The rumors were true! Wang Liyuan really has it!”

“So, this brat lied to us all along, claiming he didn’t obtain a celestial fortune! What a fraud!”

“Attack! Kill him and seize the furnace!”

The sight of the artifact sent a wave of greed through the rogue cultivators.

The Myriad Pill Furnace, once the pride of the Dan Ding Sect, was a legendary treasure capable of refining countless spiritual elixirs.

But it was more than just a tool for alchemy—it was also a potent weapon.

According to the records left by the Tongshan Xia family’s founding ancestor, the Dan Ding Sect’s greatest internal strife had been over this very furnace.

Whoever controlled the furnace held the authority to command the sect’s factions, standing as the undisputed leader of the Dan Ding Sect.

Back then, the fate of the Myriad Pill Furnace had been a mystery. The infighting among the Dan Ding Sect factions raged on, leaving countless dead and injured, yet no one could secure the furnace.

Who would have thought that this legendary treasure of the Dan Ding Sect would one day fall into Wang Liyuan’s hands?

The rogue cultivators stared at the Myriad Pill Furnace Wang Liyuan had summoned, their expressions a mix of shock and unrestrained greed. Their eyes gleamed with a fervor that bordered on madness.

As if possessed, they charged at Wang Liyuan and his companions, their weapons and techniques aiming to claim the treasure at any cost.

“Brother Yuan, you must leave! Sister Lizhu and I will hold them back. The family cannot afford to lose you. If you die here, it would be a devastating blow to the Wang family!”

Gritting his teeth against the pain of his injuries, Wang Lilong swung his spiritual weapon, cutting down a rogue cultivator who had completely lost his senses. He turned, urgency in his voice as he glanced at Wang Liyuan, still clutching the Myriad Pill Furnace.

“We are all heirs of the Wang family—none of us is more important than the other!” Wang Liyuan’s voice was cold, his tone brooking no argument. “If we leave, we leave together. If we die, we die together! If I can’t ensure your safety, how can I face our uncles and elders upon returning to the clan?”

Standing firm, Wang Liyuan poured his spiritual energy into the Myriad Pill Furnace in his hands. The furnace had already recognized him as its master through a blood pact, though he could not yet fully unleash its power.

Ever since he had acquired it in the ruins last year, he had been studying its secrets. Only recently had he begun to grasp some of its mysteries.

“Rise!”

With a roar, Wang Liyuan channeled a surge of spiritual energy into the furnace.

The jade-green artifact shone brilliantly, radiating beams of divine light.

The golden shield barrier formed by the Shield Light Talismans was no match for the furnace’s power. The beams of light tore through it with ease, scattering the talismans like leaves in the wind.

But the light did not stop there. Where it passed, not a blade of grass was left standing.

The rogue cultivators who charged at Wang Liyuan were engulfed in the furnace’s divine radiance. Their bodies dissolved as if snow under the noonday sun, disappearing in an instant.

The air was filled with screams, rising and falling in a chilling symphony of despair.

By the time the terrifying light subsided, the battlefield had been reduced to ash.

Wang Liyuan and his companions had vanished without a trace.

The burly, bearded rogue cultivator had survived only by cowering behind another rogue cultivator at the last moment.

As he surveyed the charred remains and recalled the scene of Wang Liyuan activating the furnace, a cold sweat broke out on his back. His fear mixed with a burning hatred.

The Myriad Pill Furnace truly lived up to its reputation as the treasure of the Dan Ding Sect.

Even in the hands of a cultivator at the Embryo Breath stage, it could unleash such terrifying destructive power. It was enough to make anyone’s blood run cold.

On a distant mountaintop, Ye Xiaolin, Lin Tiansheng, and Lu Shanglin shielded their eyes with their sleeves to avoid the blinding radiance of the furnace’s divine light.

When the light faded, they looked down at the battlefield below. The rogue cultivators who had surrounded Wang Liyuan were now nothing but ash, save for the lone survivor at the peak of the Embryo Breath stage.

“It seems the rumors were true. The Myriad Pill Furnace is indeed in Wang Liyuan’s possession,” Lu Shanglin muttered, narrowing his eyes and clenching his fists.

For weeks, he had doubted the credibility of the rumors. But after seeing the furnace with his own eyes, he could no longer deny the truth.

“Wang Liyuan is truly blessed by fortune,” Ye Xiaolin remarked, his tone tinged with envy. “To think he could acquire the treasure of the Dan Ding Sect…”

The memory of the furnace’s terrifying power lingered in Ye Xiaolin’s mind, and his heart burned with desire.

If the Myriad Pill Furnace could be claimed, the Canglan Ye family’s influence in Yue Kingdom would rise to unparalleled heights. Their position would become unshakable, and their ancestor would no longer have to fear the imperial court’s powerful enforcer.

With such a treasure, the Ye family could overthrow the kingdom itself, becoming the supreme rulers of Yue.

“It’s time to get rid of Wang Liyuan,” Lin Tiansheng said calmly. “He used the furnace’s power recklessly just now—he must be at his weakest. He won’t be able to fight back for a while.”

With a swift motion, Lin Tiansheng disappeared from sight.

In the shadows, disguised as a middle-aged rogue cultivator, Yun Yanshui had also witnessed Wang Liyuan’s desperate use of the furnace.

“So, Xu Yan and his group weren’t entirely lying,” Yun Yanshui murmured to himself. “They actually managed to spread a rumor that turned out to be true.”

He had assumed the fabricated rumor was simply a ploy to draw all attention to Wang Liyuan, turning him into a target. But Wang Liyuan’s incredible fortune had proven the rumor correct—he truly possessed the Dan Ding Sect’s greatest treasure.

“It’s said that the pills refined by the Myriad Pill Furnace are unparalleled. If I could obtain it and give it to Shuang’er, the family would be able to produce elixirs of exceptional quality.”

Yun Yanshui’s eyes glinted with ambition, though his caution tempered his greed.

“But no one can know if the furnace falls into the hands of the Yun family. Otherwise, we’ll become the enemies of the entire Yue Kingdom. That kind of trouble isn’t worth it.”

 

Chapter 149: No crime

Pfft!

Blood spurted from Wang Liyuan’s mouth as he stumbled upon a secluded spot to rest. His face turned ashen, drained of color.

The jade-green Myriad Pill Furnace slipped from his grasp, rolling on the ground with a hollow thud, its surface now splattered with his blood.

“Brother Yuan!”
“Brother Yuan!”

Wang Lilong and Wang Lizhu rushed to his side, their faces stricken with worry as they helped steady him.

“It’s nothing. Just the backlash from forcibly activating the Myriad Pill Furnace to fight our way out,” Wang Liyuan reassured them with a faint wave of his hand.

His gaze fell on the blood-streaked furnace, its radiant surface marred. Despite its significance as a celestial fortune, he knew it was also a calamity waiting to unfold.

Noticing his expression, Wang Lilong sighed. “So the rumors were true after all. The legendary treasure of the Dan Ding Sect… really…”

“This furnace was something I stumbled upon in the ruins last year. I thought no one knew of it, so I kept it hidden, not even informing the ancestors. I didn’t want word to get out.

Who could have known that this time, while seeking more fortune in the Dan Ding Sect ruins, someone would spread the news of the Myriad Pill Furnace being in my possession? It brought every rogue cultivator and family heir upon us, and it even cost Elder Li his life at the hands of the Tongshan Xia family’s men.

It’s truly hateful!”

Wang Liyuan clenched his bloodstained lips, his eyes glinting with cold fury.

He yearned to find and kill the one who had manipulated Xu Yan’s group into spreading the rumors. But the shadowy figure behind it all remained elusive.

“So that’s why you led us to Xu Yan’s group first, Brother Yuan? To uncover who was behind the rumors?”

Wang Lilong’s realization dawned as his eyes moved to the bloodied furnace.

“Exactly. As long as someone knows I possess the Myriad Pill Furnace, I’ll never have peace,” Wang Liyuan said coldly.

“But now, to ensure our escape, I had no choice but to use the furnace openly. The secret I worked so hard to keep has finally been exposed.

I fear this will bring endless trouble to our Wang family in the future.”

At this thought, his fist tightened with renewed bitterness.

“Don’t let it weigh on you, Brother Yuan,” Wang Lizhu said gently. “Keep the Myriad Pill Furnace with you. Let’s focus on surviving and leaving this place. Once we return to the clan and inform the ancestors, I’m sure they’ll have a solution to this crisis.”

Wang Liyuan nodded solemnly. “How long until the formation protecting the Dan Ding Sect ruins reactivates?”

“Tomorrow,” Wang Lilong replied.

“Good. Tomorrow, we leave this cursed place immediately. We cannot afford to linger,” Wang Liyuan said firmly.

He had initially planned to eliminate the two heirs of the Yun Cang Yun family, but with their current predicament, his priority was now survival. That mission would have to be abandoned.

In another cave, Yun Yanshuang’s bright eyes sparkled as she turned to her elder brother. “Brother Yantian, have you heard? The Myriad Pill Furnace, the legendary treasure of the Dan Ding Sect, is truly in Wang Liyuan’s possession!”

Her tone was tinged with disbelief.

Though she and Yun Yantian had spent their time in the ruins’ outskirts gathering spiritual items, they had managed to keep an ear to the ground and pick up bits of news.

“I heard,” Yun Yantian said with a wry smile. “I never expected the rumors to be true.”

“I can only imagine the trouble Wang Liyuan must be facing now,” Yun Yanshuang said. “But I suppose it’s for the best—it keeps him too occupied to come after us.”

“Exactly,” Yun Yantian replied with a light laugh.

“Still, it’s a shame the furnace didn’t fall into our hands. If I had it, I could refine better-quality elixirs for the family to sell,” Yun Yanshuang said wistfully.

“Possessing such a treasure is as much a curse as it is a blessing,” Yun Yantian said with a shake of his head. “For now, the Yun family isn’t strong enough to bear the consequences of owning the Myriad Pill Furnace. Perhaps not obtaining it is a blessing in disguise.”

Yun Yanshuang fell silent, her thoughts drifting to the ancient bronze mirror hidden in their family’s cellar.

The karma surrounding that mirror was no less dangerous than the Myriad Pill Furnace. For years, her father, mother, and brother had worked tirelessly to conceal its existence and protect their family from catastrophe.

Perhaps, as her brother said, not obtaining the Myriad Pill Furnace was indeed a fortunate outcome.

“Rest well. The formation reactivates tomorrow. When it does, we’ll leave this place immediately. We can’t risk losing the fortune we’ve painstakingly gathered,” Yun Yantian said as he settled into meditation, preparing himself.

At dawn the next day, Wang Liyuan awoke from his meditative state. With the help of healing elixirs, his injuries had stabilized, and his spiritual energy had recovered by nearly seventy to eighty percent.

“Brother Yuan, how are you feeling?”

Wang Lilong, who had been waiting nearby, noticed Wang Liyuan awaken and hurried over, his face filled with concern.

“Brother Yuan, how are you feeling?”

“My injuries and spiritual energy have recovered about seventy to eighty percent. As long as we don’t encounter the heirs of the Three Great Families or the Six Clans, we should be able to escape the ruins without issue,” Wang Liyuan replied with a faint smile.

“The formation will activate soon. Shall we leave now?” Wang Lizhu asked, her eyes fixed on her younger brother.

“Let’s move!” Wang Liyuan nodded, rising to his feet. He gestured for Wang Lizhu and Wang Lilong to follow as they prepared to depart.

“Ah, so this is where the three of you have been hiding! You’ve made me search high and low!”

The sudden voice startled them, cutting through the quiet.

Immediately, the trio tensed, their gazes sharpening as they prepared for battle.

Wang Lizhu and Wang Lilong quickly summoned their spiritual weapons, circulating their energy in preparation for an attack.

Their eyes followed the direction of the voice to see a middle-aged rogue cultivator dressed in a black robe.

Unbeknownst to them, this man was Yun Yanshui in disguise.

“Who are you?” Wang Liyuan asked cautiously, refraining from making the first move.

He could sense that the aura emanating from this rogue cultivator was anything but ordinary. The man’s cultivation surpassed his own and seemed to hover on the brink of breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

“Just a nameless rogue cultivator,” Yun Yanshui replied indifferently.

“Are you here for the Myriad Pill Furnace as well?” Wang Liyuan asked, his tone cold.

“Indeed. So, are you willing to hand it over willingly?” Yun Yanshui asked with a faint smile.

“Dream on! If you think you can take my brother’s furnace, you’re mistaken!” Wang Lilong roared, raising his spear and charging at Yun Yanshui in a burst of fury.

But before he could close the distance, Yun Yanshui merely released a sliver of his oppressive aura.

The sheer force of it slammed Wang Lilong to the ground, pinning him in place. His body trembled uncontrollably, unable to move.

Wang Liyuan and Wang Lizhu’s expressions darkened as they felt the overwhelming power emanating from this rogue cultivator.

This was not an opponent they could defeat.

If Wang Liyuan were at his peak, he might have been able to hold his own, relying on his sword intent and the power of the Myriad Pill Furnace to create an opening for his siblings to escape.

But now, his injuries were far from healed, and his spiritual energy was only partially recovered. Escaping from this man’s grasp was nothing short of impossible.

“So, what will it be? Hand it over, or face the consequences?” Yun Yanshui’s tone was calm, but his words carried an unrelenting edge.

“Do you realize we are heirs of the Yulin Wang family? If you target us, aren’t you afraid of our family’s retaliation?” Wang Lizhu stepped forward, her eyes blazing with defiance as she glared at Yun Yanshui.

Despite her anger, the suffocating pressure radiating from Yun Yanshui kept her from making a move. The gap between their strength was too great.

“If you want to call it bullying, so be it. I’m here to bully the Wang family,” Yun Yanshui said nonchalantly, his gaze fixed on Wang Liyuan, who had yet to speak.

“You have two choices: hand over the Myriad Pill Furnace, and I’ll let you live. Or refuse, and I’ll kill you and take it anyway.”

His tone left no room for negotiation, the threat hanging in the air like a blade poised to strike.

Wang Liyuan’s fists clenched in frustration, but the harsh reality of the situation forced him to swallow his pride. His life, and the lives of his siblings, were more important than the furnace.

“If I give you the furnace, what guarantee do I have that you won’t kill us anyway?”

“Guarantee? You think you’re in any position to negotiate?” Yun Yanshui’s voice grew colder, and his aura pressed down even harder.

Beneath the weight of the pressure, Wang Lilong’s bones creaked, and blood spilled from his mouth in great heaves.

“Please, spare him! I’ll hand it over!” Wang Liyuan shouted, his voice tinged with desperation as he saw his brother on the verge of collapse.

He flipped his hand, summoning the Myriad Pill Furnace.

He had considered using the furnace to attack, but in his current state, activating it was out of the question.

“Take it, and show mercy!”

With a heavy heart, Wang Liyuan tossed the Myriad Pill Furnace to Yun Yanshui, his expression filled with unwillingness.

“Wise choice. I’ll let you live this time.”

Yun Yanshui caught the furnace effortlessly, his figure vanishing into the shadows like a specter.

As he disappeared, Yun Yanshui’s mind was already calculating his next move.

He had no intention of killing the Wang siblings. Letting them live would serve as the perfect cover. If they died, the Three Great Families and the Six Clans would suspect someone else had taken the furnace and might eventually trace it back to him.

But as long as Wang Liyuan and his companions remained alive, the Wang family would remain the primary target of their enemies.

For Yun Yanshui, this arrangement couldn’t be more perfect.

 

Chapter 150 Don’t be impulsive

“Brother Yuan, the Myriad Pill Furnace was something you obtained with great difficulty. We endured relentless pursuit because of it, and even Elder Li died for it. How could you just hand it over so easily?”

Leaning against a rock, his face pale from his injuries, Wang Lilong looked at Wang Liyuan with a mix of frustration and confusion. Deep down, he knew his earlier recklessness had burdened his elder brother.

“Enough of that. Giving up the furnace might actually be a good thing,” Wang Liyuan replied calmly.

He handed Wang Lilong a healing pill, helping to stabilize his injuries. Then, leading his siblings, he hurriedly made his way toward the outskirts of the ruins.

This time, they had failed to gain any fortune and had even lost the Myriad Pill Furnace. But at the very least, he was determined to ensure that all three of the Wang family’s heirs survived. Otherwise, it would truly be a disaster with no consolation.

At the ruins’ outskirts, Lu Shanglin frowned as he glanced at Ye Xiaolin. “Brother Xiaolin, are we really going to wait here? Shouldn’t we be hunting down Wang Liyuan?”

“Relax. The ruins’ formation is about to activate. Wang Liyuan will have to leave through this exit,” Ye Xiaolin replied with a confident smile.

“But what if he chooses another way out?” Lu Shanglin pressed.

“There’s only one exit. Where else could he go? Can’t you see the heirs of the Six Clans are stationed here as well?” Ye Xiaolin chuckled softly.

“They’re here!”

Lin Tiansheng, who was holding his sword, narrowed his eyes as he spotted three figures emerging from the ruins. It was none other than Wang Liyuan and his siblings.

At the sight of them, Ye Xiaolin and Lu Shanglin’s expressions turned grim.

The heirs of the Six Clans and their accompanying rogue cultivators, who were also stationed around the exit, watched the trio with cold, unyielding gazes.

“Brother Liyuan, it’s been a while,” said Xia Changqing of the Tongshan Xia family, stepping forward and cupping his hands in greeting.

“Does your Tongshan Xia family still intend to attack us?” Wang Liyuan’s voice was icy as his gaze locked onto Xia Changqing.

His eyes then shifted to the tiger-eyed, bearded middle-aged rogue cultivator standing beside Xia Changqing, brimming with hatred and a thirst for vengeance. This was the man who had killed Elder Li in cold blood.

“I have no desire to continue this conflict, Brother Liyuan. If you hand over the Myriad Pill Furnace, the Tongshan Xia family will cease all hostility,” Xia Changqing said with a faint smile.

“Then I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. The Myriad Pill Furnace is no longer in my possession,” Wang Liyuan replied coldly.

“Brother Liyuan, do you think the heirs of the Six Clans are gullible children who’d believe such a lie?” Xia Changqing retorted with a sneer, his tone dripping with disbelief.

“My brother speaks the truth!” Wang Lilong stepped forward, his voice filled with frustration. “The Myriad Pill Furnace was taken by a rogue cultivator whose origins are unknown!”

“If it was taken by force, how are the three of you still alive?” Xia Changqing asked, his face darkening.

Wang Lilong was momentarily at a loss for words.

Wang Liyuan and Wang Lizhu felt their hearts sink.

Damn it! That mysterious rogue cultivator had been too cunning!

Now it was clear why he hadn’t killed them after taking the furnace. He had deliberately left them alive so the Wang family would remain a target and bear the blame for the furnace’s disappearance.

“Brother Liyuan, let’s not play these games anymore,” Xia Changqing said, his tone turning colder. “Hand over the Myriad Pill Furnace, and the heirs of the Six Clans will stand by your side, ensuring your safe departure from these ruins.

But without our help, you won’t be able to handle the heirs of the Three Great Families, led by Ye Xiaolin.”

Wang Liyuan’s eyes flashed with a bitter glint as Xia Changqing added, “The Myriad Pill Furnace can only belong to one clan. The only question is, which of the Six Clans will it go to?”

Wang Liyuan knew there was no point in arguing. Xia Changqing and the others would never believe that the Myriad Pill Furnace was no longer in his possession.
If that was the case, the only option left was to find another way to escape safely.

“Of course, the Myriad Pill Furnace should belong to the Qi Mountain Wen family!”

A young man in a crimson robe, sharp and resolute in appearance, spoke in a firm voice. This was Wen Ruli, one of the heirs of the Qi Mountain Wen family.

“Brother Ruli, don’t fall for his tricks. Wang Liyuan is clearly trying to sow discord among us,” Xia Changqing said, shooting Wen Ruli a cold glance. Inwardly, he cursed the man for his stupidity. How could someone so easily provoked be chosen as an heir of the Wen family?

“Xia Changqing, spare me your words. Everyone knows the kind of underhanded tactics the Tongshan Xia family employs,” Wen Ruli replied icily, brushing off Xia Changqing’s remark.

Turning his gaze back to Wang Liyuan, Wen Ruli continued, “Wang Liyuan, if you hand over the Myriad Pill Furnace willingly, the Qi Mountain Wen family will guarantee your safety.”

“Hmph! The Qi Mountain Wen family dares to make such bold claims? What, do you think you can ignore the Rizhao Lou family?”

“The Ehu Wu family also has its eyes on the Myriad Pill Furnace!”

“And let’s not forget the Tonglin Zhao family. Whoever gets the furnace earns it by strength!”

“Since everyone’s determined to vie for the Myriad Pill Furnace, the Kunshan Xu family won’t sit idly by either!”

Figures appeared one after another, the heirs of the other clans stepping forward, their intent to claim the Myriad Pill Furnace unmistakable.

Wang Liyuan’s eyes gleamed coldly. He removed a storage pouch from his waist and gripped it tightly in his hand.

“The Myriad Pill Furnace is inside this storage pouch. However, I’ll only hand it over if you ensure my siblings and I leave the ruins safely. Otherwise, I’ll destroy the pouch and the furnace along with it, leaving you all with nothing!”

His words struck like thunder. Seeing the tension brewing among the Six Clans, Wang Liyuan smirked inwardly. His ploy to ignite conflict among them was working perfectly.

“Wang Liyuan, are you insane?!”

Xia Changqing’s face darkened at the thought of the Myriad Pill Furnace being destroyed. It was the legendary treasure of the Dan Ding Sect, coveted by countless individuals.

Centuries ago, the Dan Ding Sect’s internal factions had fought bloody battles over it, and now Wang Liyuan was threatening to obliterate it in front of everyone?

“This furnace has brought nothing but calamity, turning you all against me and leaving my siblings and me in this dire state. If it’s a curse rather than a blessing, why should I keep it?”

Wang Liyuan’s gaze turned frosty, his eyes flashing with determination. He raised the storage pouch, as if ready to destroy it and the treasure within.

“Wang Liyuan, don’t be rash!” Wen Ruli called out, his brows furrowed tightly. He could tell Wang Liyuan wasn’t bluffing. If the furnace were destroyed, it would be an irreparable loss.

“Brother Liyuan, let’s not be hasty. We can discuss this,” the other heirs chimed in, their tones softening as they tried to pacify him. None of them wanted to push Wang Liyuan to the point of no return.

“What will it be? Will you ensure our safe passage, or shall I destroy the furnace myself?” Wang Liyuan’s icy gaze swept over Xia Changqing, Wen Ruli, and the other heirs, his voice devoid of emotion.

The heirs of the Six Clans exchanged glances, silently weighing their options before finally nodding in agreement.

“We’ll guarantee your safety and make sure the heirs of the Three Great Families don’t harm you. But after that, the Myriad Pill Furnace must be handed over to us. If you dare deceive us, you’ll face the consequences,” Xia Changqing said gravely.

“Agreed,” Wang Liyuan replied curtly.

“Brother Liyuan, this way, please,” Wen Ruli gestured, as the heirs of the Six Clans descended, surrounding Wang Liyuan and his siblings to escort them toward the exit.

From the outskirts of the ruins, Ye Xiaolin watched with narrowed eyes as Wang Liyuan emerged, now flanked by the heirs of the Six Clans.

“Well, well. When did the Six Clans decide to protect Wang Liyuan?” he sneered.

“None of your business,” Wen Ruli replied coldly.

“That’s right! The unity of our Seven Clans is beyond your comprehension,” another heir retorted.

“Hmph! Seven insects banding together are still just insects. Do you really think you can challenge the Three Great Families?” Lu Shanglin growled, his gaze burning with killing intent as it locked onto Wang Liyuan.

“Insects? Lu Shanglin, didn’t you lose to Brother Liyuan in a duel before? Since when does a defeated man like you get to talk so big?” Xia Changqing taunted, his tone dripping with mockery.

“You’re courting death, Xia Changqing!”

Lu Shanglin’s rage erupted, and he summoned his spiritual weapon, ready to strike Xia Changqing down.

“Don’t act rashly,” Ye Xiaolin said, holding Lu Shanglin back. Even the Three Great Families had to tread carefully when dealing with the combined forces of the Seven Clans. Starting a fight now would yield no benefits.

“If the Three Great Families wish to fight, we’ll gladly oblige,” Wen Ruli said calmly. “But if you don’t dare, step aside and let us escort Brother Liyuan to safety.”