Chapter 41 Don’t Let Me Down

 

YunYanshui had confined himself to the cellar for several days.

 

During this time, he meticulously transcribed Hundred Essentials of Artifact Crafting and Compendium of All Spiritual Mines into new volumes, carefully storing the copies for his own reference. Meanwhile, his father took the original texts to the newly constructed family library, a symbol of the clan’s budding legacy.

 

For days, Yanshui immersed himself in the knowledge contained within those pages, committing the details to memory. It was a discipline and focus that would have been unthinkable for his past self, who could never sit still for so long, let alone spend days studying.

 

Perhaps it was the transformation brought about by his cultivation. His mindset had changed, becoming calmer and more resolute. Not even the playful invitations from YunYandong and the other children—urging him to join them for fishing trips to the Li Zhai Gorge—could tempt him to leave the cellar.

 

Of note was the state of his dantian. The spiritual energy within had once again reached its peak, brimming to the point of overflow, signaling an impending breakthrough to the fourth layer of the Breath Embryo Realm. Through his spiritual imprint, Yanshui sensed his younger sister’s cultivation progressing rapidly, while his cousin Yantian had recently stabilized at the third layer.

 

“You’ve been down here all this time?” YunYunshan asked, stepping into the cellar. His eyes softened as he saw his son hunched over a book, completely engrossed.

 

He couldn’t remember ever seeing Yanshui so calm and focused before.

 

“Yes, Father,” Yanshui replied, looking up briefly. “I’m reviewing the intricate steps of artifact crafting. There’s no room for error—any mistake, no matter how small, could lead to failure.

 

“And if that happens, the eight lower-grade spirit stones I’ve set aside will be wasted. I can’t afford any missteps,” he said seriously.

 

“I see,” Yunshan said with a nod. “First, eat something. Your mother sent some fruit for you too.”

 

“She’s the best!” Yanshui grinned, immediately digging into the food. His mother had prepared all his favorites—braised chicken with mushrooms, spirit rice and shrimp porridge, and fragrant twice-cooked pork. The aroma alone was enough to make his mouth water.

 

“Slow down, or you’ll choke,” Yunshan said, shaking his head with a wry smile.

 

“How’s the weapons workshop coming along, Father?” Yanshui asked between bites, his curiosity piqued.

 

“It’s nearly finished,” Yunshan replied. “The private crafting chamber I had built for you is also complete, stocked with various ironworking tools. I’m just not sure if they’ll be sturdy enough to handle spirit-infused iron.”

 

“As long as it’s ready, that’s all that matters. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the workshop and begin my first attempt at crafting,” Yanshui declared.

 

“So soon?” Yunshan asked, surprised.

 

“I’ve already memorized the key steps from Hundred Essentials of Artifact Crafting,” Yanshui explained. “Crafting takes a lot of time. It will take at least two months to create a spiritual bow and arrows. My goal is to finish before the clan’s New Year festival.”

 

“Then I’ll make the necessary preparations to ensure no one discovers your work—or your identity as a cultivator,” Yunshan said with a nod. Once Yanshui had finished his meal, Yunshan took the empty dishes and left the cellar.

 

At the base of Yuncang Mountain, YunYanling stood atop a small hill, her white dress flowing gently in the breeze as she gazed down at the Yunfamily estate.

 

Thanks to the tireless efforts of her father, YunYunyang, and the clan’s core members, the estate had undergone a remarkable transformation. What was once a dilapidated village of thatched roofs and crumbling homes had been rebuilt into a stately compound befitting a noble lineage.

 

The newly constructed library towered over the estate, a repository for the clan’s growing collection of knowledge. Nearby, the treasure house stood ready to store the family’s cultivation resources—though it currently lay empty, awaiting the fruits of the clan’s future prosperity.

 

Looking down at the estate, nearly unrecognizable from its humble beginnings, Yanling’s lips curled into a smile. “I never thought our family would come this far.”

 

“It’s only the beginning,” came a calm voice from beside her.

 

A young man stepped forward, a faint smile on his lips as he gently wrapped an arm around her waist. His features were sharp and elegant, his eyes brimming with quiet confidence. Though only fifteen, he carried himself with a poise and maturity beyond his years.

 

This was Qin Zhan, son of Qin Yang, the wealthiest merchant in Yuncang County. From a young age, Qin Zhan had shown extraordinary intelligence, learning the intricacies of business from his father and becoming skilled in social diplomacy. He was well-connected, familiar with the children of nearly every prominent family in the county.

 

Yet, despite his affluent background, Qin Zhan was neither arrogant nor domineering. His humility and kindness set him apart, making him the pride of his family.

 

Unlike many heirs of wealthy families, Qin Zhan was known for his humility and kindness. He treated others with respect, honored his elders, and conducted himself with a maturity that set him apart. Among Qin Yang’s three sons, he was undoubtedly the most admired and cherished.

 

During YunYunyang’s early days as a small-scale cloth merchant, he had crossed paths with Qin Yang on numerous occasions. Despite the disparity in their wealth, Qin Yang had always treated Yunyang as an equal, even fostering a warm friendship. Naturally, Qin Zhan had followed his father’s example, always addressing YunYunyang respectfully as “Uncle Yunyang.”

 

As a child, YunYanling had encountered Qin Zhan during one of her father’s trips to Yuncang County. Back then, Qin Zhan was a figure of admiration, surrounded by adoring crowds. Many of the county’s wealthiest young women sought his favor, and Yanling couldn’t help but be drawn to him as well.

 

However, her feelings remained hidden. At the time, her family’s humble status left her feeling unworthy of his attention. She buried her admiration deep within her heart, never daring to express it.

 

She had resigned herself to the idea that their paths would never cross again. Yet, to her surprise, her father had noticed her feelings for Qin Zhan years ago. When the Yunfamily ascended to the status of a cultivation clan, Yunyang began making quiet arrangements to bring Qin Zhan into their family as a son-in-law.

 

“Are you truly willing to marry into my family?” Yanling asked softly, resting her head on Qin Zhan’s shoulder. The entire situation still felt like a dream.

 

Two days ago, her parents had met with Qin Yang and his wife to finalize the marriage arrangement. To her astonishment, Qin Zhan had not only agreed but had shown genuine eagerness to formalize their union.

 

She had always known Qin Zhan held feelings for her. Yet, her insecurities had kept her from accepting his affections, fearing her family’s status at the time would never win the approval of his parents.

 

Now, with the families officially joined, she could hardly believe it was real.

 

“My dowry has already been delivered. What do you think?” Qin Zhan teased, his playful smile lighting up his face. “I only ask that you don’t let me down.”

 

“If you treat me well, how could I ever let you down?” Yanling replied with a warm smile of her own.

 

“In a few days, we’ll be married. Let me take you to meet my uncles and the rest of the clan,” he said.

 

“You should have done that long ago!” Yanling said with mock indignation. “All this time, you’ve kept me to yourself, showing me the countryside but never introducing me to anyone.”

 

Qin Zhan chuckled, taking her hand in his. Together, they walked down the hill, their shadows stretching long under the golden rays of the setting sun, merging into one on the ground.

 

“I heard Sister Ling’er got engaged?” YunYanshuang asked curiously during dinner, her gaze fixed on her father.

 

“Yes, to Qin Zhan, the son of the wealthiest merchant in Yuncang County,” Yunshan replied with a smile. “Two days ago, your uncle met with Qin Yang. As it turns out, Ling’er and Qin Zhan knew each other as children and already had mutual feelings for one another. The arrangement was made swiftly.”

 

“The son of a wealthy merchant?” Yanshui chimed in skeptically, setting down his chopsticks. “Father, are we sure this Qin Zhan isn’t just another spoiled rich kid? The wealthier they are, the more trouble they seem to stir. I’ve heard plenty of stories from the uncles—about rich young masters frequenting brothels under the guise of listening to music. Who knows what they’re really doing?”

 

“Watch your mouth, you brat!” Yunshan scolded with a laugh. “You don’t trust Ling’er’s judgment? Or your uncle’s?”

 

“Fair point,” Yanshui admitted sheepishly. “Uncle’s been around long enough to spot a good man. If he approved of Qin Zhan, the guy’s probably decent.”

 

“Even if he weren’t,” Yunshan added, his tone firm, “our family is not what it used to be. Compared to the Yunfamily, Qin Zhan’s background is nothing. If he dares mistreat Ling’er, your uncle, your second uncle, and I won’t let him get away with it.”

 

Yanshui grinned, his earlier worries melting away. “I guess I was just overthinking things!”

 

Indeed, the thought of Qin Zhan acting out against Ling’er seemed laughable now. The Yunfamily’s newfound prestige was leagues beyond what it had been, leaving no room for someone like Qin Zhan to take them lightly.

 

Chapter 42 Snow Murder

 

“Fourth Uncle!”

 

A soft voice called from outside the courtyard. Turning toward the sound, Yun Yunshan saw Yun Yanling standing at the gate, accompanied by Qin Zhan.

 

“Ling’er? Come in, have a seat,” Yunshan said warmly, a wide smile spreading across his face as his niece and her future husband arrived for a visit.

 

“Ling’er!” Yun Yanshui and his younger sister, Yun Yanshuang, greeted their cousin with cheerful grins. Their eyes quickly shifted to Qin Zhan. “And this must be our future brother-in-law?” Yanshui teased.

 

“Haha, hello there,” Qin Zhan said, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.

 

Despite being the son of Yuncang County’s wealthiest merchant and accustomed to grand social settings, Qin Zhan couldn’t help but feel nervous. He was, after all, visiting his fiancée’s family for the first time—a significant moment that called for careful manners and a sincere effort to make a good impression.

 

“Future brother-in-law, you’re quite the looker! Ling’er has excellent taste,” Yanshui joked, causing Qin Zhan to chuckle bashfully, his face slightly flushed.

 

Yanling’s cheeks reddened too, and she shot Yanshui a playful glare. “You little rascal! You used to wet the bed as a kid, and now you have the nerve to tease your big sister?”

 

“Ling’er, can we please not bring up ancient history?” Yanshui’s head drooped in embarrassment, drawing hearty laughter from everyone present.

 

“Fourth Uncle, Fourth Aunt,” Yanling said after the laughter died down, her voice softening. “This is Qin Zhan, the son of Qin Yang, Yuncang County’s wealthiest merchant. We’ve known each other since childhood, and he’s now my fiancé. Today, we’ve come to formally meet you.”

 

“Fourth Uncle, Fourth Aunt, it’s an honor to meet you,” Qin Zhan said politely, cupping his fists in a respectful greeting.

 

Yunshan studied Qin Zhan for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Then he broke into a broad smile. “Handsome and polite—indeed a fine match for our Ling’er. The two of you truly are a golden couple. After you’re married, I expect you to help our family grow and prosper!”

 

“I… I’ll do my best,” Qin Zhan stammered, his face turning red. Yanling’s cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of crimson, and she lowered her gaze in embarrassment.

 

“Come, sit and have a simple meal with us,” Yunshan said, gesturing to the table. Yanling’s aunt hurried into the kitchen to fetch additional plates and utensils.

 

“Fourth Uncle, Fourth Aunt, and siblings,” Qin Zhan began hesitantly, placing a small wooden box on the table. “This is my first visit, and I didn’t come empty-handed. Please accept this small gift as a token of my respect.”

 

When Yunshan opened the box, he found fifty gleaming silver ingots neatly arranged inside. He couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration for Qin Zhan’s generosity.

 

As expected of the son of the wealthiest merchant in the region, his gift was both thoughtful and substantial.

 

“You’re about to marry into our family and become one of us, so there’s no need for formalities. These silver ingots… I can’t accept them,” Yunshan said with a shake of his head. “All I ask is that after you marry Ling’er, you treat her well and never let her down. Otherwise, I won’t go easy on you.”

 

Qin Zhan froze for a moment, clearly flustered. “Fourth Uncle, I would never do anything to let Ling’er down. But these silver ingots are a small token of my sincerity. Please… reconsider.”

 

Seeing Qin Zhan’s awkward expression, Yanling stepped in with a gentle smile. “Fourth Uncle, I know the family doesn’t lack for silver, but this is Qin Zhan’s way of showing his respect. Please accept it.”

 

“Well, if you insist,” Yunshan relented with a sigh. He motioned for his wife to take the box of silver ingots inside.

 

“Ling’er, when are you and Brother Qin getting married?” Yanshuang asked, her curiosity evident.

 

“Father has chosen a date three days from now,” Yanling replied with a soft smile. “It’s an auspicious day, and many of Yuncang County’s notable figures will be attending to celebrate.”

 

“That sounds like it will be a grand occasion,” Yanshuang said, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

 

“Make sure, Ling’er, to give him ten or so children. I’ll take them all out for some fun—teach them how to fish and raid bird nests!”

 

Yun Yanshui’s mischievous grin earned him a round of laughter from the group.

 

Yun Yanling’s face flushed red once more. Shaking her head, she sighed, a smile tugging at her lips as she looked at her younger brother.

 

The family gathered in the courtyard, enjoying a simple but warm meal. They talked and laughed, sharing anecdotes and teasing one another. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of harmony and joy. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the courtyard, Yanling and Qin Zhan finally bid their goodbyes.

 

The next day, Yun Yanshui accompanied his father to the newly completed weapons workshop.

 

The massive facility had just been finished, and already, large quantities of iron ore had been delivered from Yuncang County. The ore was neatly stacked in the storerooms, ready to be refined and forged into tools or weapons.

 

The clanging of hammers and the roar of furnaces filled the air as workers toiled tirelessly to smelt iron and shape it into form.

 

“Brother Yunshan!”

 

Several Yun clan members greeted him warmly as soon as he stepped into the workshop. Noticing Yanshui beside him, they also asked after his well-being.

 

Although the workshop was spacious, only a handful of clan members were present, mostly overseeing operations. The actual smelting and forging were carried out by hired laborers brought in from Yuncang County.

 

“Go on, Shui’er,” Yunshan said, leading his son to a secluded chamber deep within the workshop.

 

The chamber was outfitted with a blazing furnace and a variety of smithing tools, all neatly arranged and ready for use.

 

“This room is yours now,” Yunshan said, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I’ve ensured that no one will disturb you here. You can focus entirely on your craft. If there’s anything you need, come to me directly.”

 

“Thank you, Father. I’ll do my best,” Yanshui replied, his voice steady with determination.

 

In the days that followed, Yanshui divided his time between hunting in the mountains to offer tributes to the bronze mirror and experimenting with forging in the secluded chamber. His goal was to create a functional spiritual bow and arrow—a weapon that would not only channel his abilities but also withstand the strain of his spiritual energy.

 

Meanwhile, preparations for Yanling and Qin Zhan’s wedding progressed smoothly. The event, as expected, turned into a grand celebration.

 

Dignitaries and wealthy merchants from Yuncang County arrived in droves, bearing lavish gifts. The Yun clan’s newly elevated status as a prominent cultivation family was evident in the opulence of the festivities and the distinguished guest list.

 

For many of the visiting merchants, the news of Qin Zhan marrying into the Yun family was both shocking and enviable. Some could only grit their teeth in jealousy, their resentment hidden behind forced smiles.

 

With Yanling now married, their attention shifted to other young members of the Yun family. If aligning themselves with the Yun clan meant securing a prosperous future, they were determined to build those connections by any means necessary.

 

As autumn turned to winter, a heavy snow blanketed Yuncang County.

 

Snowflakes as large as feathers covered the rooftops and streets, turning the entire town into a white wonderland. Pedestrians bundled themselves tightly against the cold, their breath visible in the frosty air.

 

In a quiet alley, amidst the silence of the snowfall, Chief Ban and his deputies huddled together, blowing warm air into their hands as they tried to fend off the biting chill.

 

“This weather is cursed! Who would’ve thought Yuncang County could see such heavy snow?” Chief Ban grumbled, stamping his feet for warmth.

 

“Old Wu, can’t you hurry up? What did you find?” he snapped at the elderly coroner, who was crouched over a corpse, his hands moving deftly as he examined the body.

 

The coroner frowned, his face creased with thought. “Chief, this is… strange,” he muttered.

 

“What’s strange about it? Wasn’t he just frozen to death?” Ban asked impatiently, eyeing the naked corpse sprawled in the snow.

 

The victim, a middle-aged man, had been discovered earlier that morning, lying lifeless in the alley without a stitch of clothing on him.

 

“No signs of external injury,” the coroner began hesitantly. “But…”

 

“But what?” Ban pressed, his frustration mounting.

 

“But it doesn’t look like he froze to death. It’s almost as if he was… frightened to death.”

 

“Frightened?” Ban’s brows furrowed in confusion.

 

“Yes,” the coroner replied, pointing to the corpse’s face. “Look at the eyes—pupils dilated, the expression frozen in terror. It’s as though he saw something so horrifying that it scared him to death.”

 

Ban leaned closer to examine the body. Indeed, the man’s face was twisted in fear, his wide-open eyes staring blankly at the sky.

 

“What in the world could scare someone to death?” Ban muttered, his voice tinged with unease.

 

The coroner shook his head. “That, I can’t say.”

 

“Well, you’d better figure something out!” Ban snapped. “I can’t go back to the county office with this nonsense. What am I supposed to write in the report? ‘Scared to death by unknown forces’? They’ll laugh me out of the office!”

 

Chapter 43 Demonic Fox

 

Trailing behind him were Captain Ban and a group of county constables, their expressions a mixture of grim determination and unease.

 

Yun Yunyang clasped his hands together in a polite greeting to Lu Zizai. As his eyes swept past the official, they fell on the group of constables carrying several stretchers covered with white cloth.

 

“Lord Lu,” Yunyang began, his voice steady but laced with curiosity, “what are those?”

 

Lu Zizai exhaled heavily, the lines of worry etched deeply into his face. “These are the bodies of individuals who have died under mysterious circumstances recently in the county.”

 

Yunyang frowned. “Mysterious deaths? If it concerns the county, surely it falls under your jurisdiction, Lord Lu. Why bring this matter to my family?”

 

“If it were a common murder,” Lu Zizai replied, his voice grave, “I would never dare disturb your household, let alone bring this to your attention. But this…” He motioned for Yunyang to follow him toward the stretchers. “Yun brother, you should see for yourself the state of these bodies.”

 

With a nod from Lu Zizai, one of the constables stepped forward and pulled back the white cloth covering the first stretcher.

 

A sickening wave of decay hit the air, the putrid smell spreading rapidly through the courtyard. Several members of the Yun clan, unable to withstand the stench, gagged and retreated.

 

The sight that awaited them was no less horrifying than the stench. Ten stark-naked bodies, frozen stiff, lay on the stretchers. Each face was contorted in sheer terror, their eyes wide open as if they had stared death itself in the face. Even the seasoned Yun Yunyang, who had seen his share of life’s darker moments, felt his stomach churn. He clenched his fists and forced himself to remain calm.

 

“From what you’ve told me, Lord Lu,” Yunyang began, his tone sharp, “these deaths clearly weren’t caused by ordinary means.”

 

“Exactly.” Lu Zizai nodded grimly. “The coroner’s examination revealed that every single one of these men died from fright. What’s more troubling is that the victims are all adult males. This has led me to suspect that their deaths may be connected to… something unnatural.”

 

Yunyang’s gaze darkened as he studied the lifeless faces frozen in fear. “I understand,” he said at last, straightening his posture.

 

The imperial court had entrusted the Yun family with overseeing Yuncang County, bestowing annual tributes of spiritual grains and resources in return for their protection. It was their duty to intervene in matters beyond the reach of ordinary officials.

 

Yet Yunyang hesitated. Among the Yun family, only Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian had begun cultivating the spiritual path, guided by the blind Daoist for less than a year. Would they be strong enough to confront whatever was behind these deaths?

 

If this truly was the work of a malevolent force, sending Yanshuang and Yantian into such danger could be tantamount to sending them to their deaths.

 

“Lord Lu, if you’d follow me outside for a moment.”

 

Yun Yunyang’s voice was calm but carried a weight of urgency. He motioned for Lu Zizai and his entourage to bring the stretchers along. His destination? The shaded grove where the blind Daoist often resided—perhaps the only one in the family capable of providing insight into the grim situation.

 

“Very well,” Lu Zizai agreed with a nod, instructing his men to carry the stretchers behind them.

 

The group made their way out of the Yun family estate. The snow, which had blanketed the entire Yuncang County, seemed to sap the life from the surroundings. Trees stood bare, their skeletal branches reaching skyward, and the once-vibrant land was now a canvas of cold, unbroken white. Yet, the peculiar grove where the blind Daoist meditated was untouched by winter’s icy hand.

 

The ancient willow trees stood tall, their branches cascading like waterfalls, heavy with verdant leaves that defied the frost. The sight was nothing short of miraculous, and even seasoned members of the Yun clan often found themselves marveling at it.

 

“Yunyang greets the venerable Daoist,” Yun Yunyang said, bowing respectfully as they arrived under the grove’s canopy.

 

“Brother Yunyang, what brings you here today?” The blind Daoist’s voice was calm and knowing, as if he had already divined the purpose of their visit.

 

“I seek your guidance,” Yunyang replied directly, his tone grave. “Several citizens of Yuncang County have died under mysterious circumstances. Their deaths… they are unlike anything we have encountered.”

 

Lu Zizai signaled his men, and the constables carefully laid the stretchers beneath the shade of the trees, pulling back the white cloths to reveal the bodies.

 

“Fox demon.”

 

The Daoist spoke the words almost as soon as the corpses were uncovered, his expression unchanging.

 

“Fox demon?” Yunyang repeated, furrowing his brow.

 

“Yes,” the Daoist replied with certainty. “These ten men were drained of their essence—an unmistakable mark of a fox demon. Yet, the situation is more complicated. I also detect traces of ghostly energy.”

 

“Ghostly energy?” Yunyang echoed, his unease deepening.

 

“Indeed. It appears someone has been using forbidden techniques to capture foxes, extracting their spirits to create a ghost-fox—a creature of both demonic and spectral origin,” the Daoist explained. His voice, though measured, carried a weight that silenced the group.

 

“What is its strength?” Yunyang pressed, his tone sharp. If they were to confront this creature, they needed to know the risks.

 

“The ghost-fox itself is at the first layer of the Breath Embryo Realm,” the Daoist replied evenly. “However, whoever created it is likely far more powerful.”

 

Yunyang’s expression hardened, weighing the danger. Could he afford to send his niece and nephew—Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang—to face such a threat? They had been training for months but had yet to experience a true battle. This could be an opportunity—or a fatal mistake.

 

“Do not worry,” the Daoist continued, as if reading Yunyang’s thoughts. “The ghost-fox is within their capabilities. Moreover, they lack the bloodied edge of true experience. If they are to walk the immortal path, they must face trials like this. Shielding them forever would only weaken them.”

 

Yunyang considered the Daoist’s words carefully. “Very well,” he said at last. “I will send Yantian and Yanshuang to handle this matter.”

 

He turned to Lu Zizai. “Lord Lu, return to the county. Tomorrow, my family’s two cultivators will join you to deal with this menace.”

 

“Many thanks, Yun brother! We shall await their arrival,” Lu Zizai said, relief washing over him. With a deep bow, he led his men and the stretchers back toward Yuncang County.

 

“Daoist, this will be their first time facing a demon,” Yunyang said once the group had departed, his voice betraying a hint of concern.

 

“Fear not,” the Daoist reassured him. “They will emerge stronger from this trial. The immortal path is not for the timid. It is a realm of struggle and conflict, where strength is the only currency. If they do not learn to fight and kill now, how will they survive in the future?”

 

Yunyang nodded, the Daoist’s wisdom giving him some measure of comfort.

 

Meanwhile, in the newly completed armory of the Yun clan, Yun Yanshui stood alone in the forging chamber. Before him lay a dark green war bow, its polished surface gleaming faintly under the firelight. His lips curled into a satisfied smile.

 

“Two months of effort… it’s finally complete,” he muttered to himself. The bow was a masterpiece, crafted meticulously using eight lower-grade spirit stones. “Good thing it didn’t fail. Losing those spirit stones would’ve been a painful waste.”

 

Carefully, he wrapped the bow in a layer of leather to protect it. “I’ll give it a proper test when I go hunting next,” he said, his voice filled with anticipation.

 

With his creation safely bundled, Yanshui left the forging chamber and made his way home. As he entered the courtyard, he heard his sister’s voice from inside.

 

“Father, I’ll head to Yuncang County with Yantian tomorrow to deal with the fox demon,” Yanshuang said, her tone resolute.

 

Chapter 44: Escape

 

“Demon hunting?”

 

Hearing the conversation between his father and sister, Yun Yanshui entered the courtyard and took a seat.

 

“Mm-hmm! Master has instructed Yantian and me to head to Yuncang County tomorrow to investigate. It’ll serve as a trial for us,” Yun Yanshuang replied with a nod.

 

“What kind of demon is it?” Yanshui asked, his tone edged with concern. He feared the creature might be too powerful, putting his sister at risk.

 

“Master said it’s a ghost fox, a demon that feeds on the yang energy of adult men.”

 

“Is it strong?”

 

“Only at the first level of the Breath Embryo Realm,” Yanshuang answered calmly.

 

“That’s a relief,” Yanshui sighed, visibly relaxing.

 

Though he had spent most of his recent time forging weapons and had little interaction with Yanshuang or Yantian, he was well aware of their current strength. Yanshuang was at the peak of the third level of the Breath Embryo Realm, and Yantian wasn’t far behind, his foundation solidly in the same realm.

 

As for himself, thanks to the spiritual feedback from his siblings’ progress, Yanshui had quietly reached the peak of the fourth level of the Breath Embryo Realm and was on the verge of breaking through.

 

“However,” Yanshuang added suddenly, “Master suspects there’s a cultivator behind the ghost fox, controlling it.”

 

Her words sent a ripple of unease through both Yanshui and their father.

 

“Shuang’er, when you and Yantian go to Yuncang County tomorrow, be extremely cautious and do not act recklessly,” Yun Yunshan warned, his tone grave.

 

Though his daughter’s cultivation level had advanced significantly, and she had been training in martial arts and swordsmanship with her second uncle, a direct confrontation with a cultivator was another matter entirely. The blind Daoist had often spoken of the cruelty of the cultivation world, where arrogance could lead to death, even at the hands of weaker opponents.

 

“Don’t worry, Father. We’ll be careful,” Yanshuang reassured him, her expression firm.

 

“Alright, then. Let’s eat. After dinner, pack your things and get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day,” Yunshan said with a gentle smile.

 

The family of four sat together in the courtyard, enjoying a hearty meal filled with laughter and conversation. Once Yanshuang retired for the night, Yunshan led Yanshui to the underground cellar. His eyes landed on a long, leather-wrapped object resting in the corner.

 

“Is the spirit bow complete?” Yunshan asked with a knowing smile.

 

“Yep!” Yanshui replied, beaming with pride. He unwrapped the leather to reveal the newly reforged dark green war bow.

 

Previously, the bow was plain, its dark green hue its only distinguishing feature. But now, infused with eight lower-grade spirit stones, it glimmered faintly with ethereal light. Intricate runes flowed along its surface, emanating an aura of mystique and power.

 

“Impressive work, boy!” Yunshan exclaimed, genuinely impressed by the craftsmanship.

 

“But… it’s just a bow without arrows,” he remarked after a moment.

 

“Father, the bow is enough,” Yanshui replied with a grin.

 

Yunshan paused, then nodded in understanding. As a cultivator, his son could likely condense arrows from spiritual energy, rendering physical arrows unnecessary.

 

“Tomorrow, I plan to head into the mountains to test this bow’s power,” Yanshui said, his fingers brushing over the bowstring with a mix of pride and excitement.

 

“Yanshui, I have something to discuss with you,” Yunshan said, his tone shifting to one of seriousness.

 

“What is it, Father?”

 

“No one in the family knows you’re a cultivator, but I do. And I know your current level is far ahead of Yanshuang and Yantian. Since you plan to test the bow tomorrow, I want you to discreetly make your way to Yuncang County. Watch over your sister and Yantian from the shadows.”

 

“So you’re worried about Shuang’er and Yantian,” Yanshui observed, his smile fading.

 

“Your sister mentioned that the ghost fox is controlled by a cultivator. Someone capable of creating and commanding such a creature is no novice. While Shuang’er and Yantian are strong, this will be their first encounter with such a threat.”

 

“I understand, Father. I’ll set out for Yuncang County first thing tomorrow.”

 

“Be sure no one discovers you. Your identity as a cultivator is far too sensitive, and you understand the dangers better than I do,” Yunshan said, gripping Yanshui’s shoulders firmly.

 

“Don’t worry, Father. I’ll be careful,” Yanshui assured him with a playful grin.

 

“That’s good to hear. Now, make your offering to the ancient bronze mirror and rest early,” Yunshan instructed.

 

“Got it!” Yanshui replied.

 

Yuncang County

 

Old Li was a man nearing sixty, his face lined with years of hardship. His wife had been bedridden for as long as he could remember, her frail body a constant source of worry and expense. To care for her, Old Li had sold off his small inn, using every bit of their savings to buy her medicine.

 

Now, their home was barren, and their lives teetered on the edge of poverty. Their only son, approaching thirty, remained unmarried, much to Old Li’s growing frustration.

 

Considering asking the nearby neighbors to arrange a marriage for his son, Old Li was met only with helpless shakes of the head. None were willing or able to help, given his family’s dire situation.

 

“Dear, come on now. Sit up and take your medicine,” the frail and hunched Old Li said as he carefully carried a steaming bowl of herbal medicine into the room.

 

He shuffled to the bedside, gently propping up his wife against the headboard. Then, with a soft breath to cool the hot liquid, he began feeding her spoonfuls of the bitter remedy.

 

“We’re out of savings now. Every coin I earned running the inn, I spent buying medicine for you. This… this is the last of it,” he murmured, his voice cracking under the weight of his despair.

 

His wife, Li Yu-shi, had been bedridden for years. Unable to speak, she could only let silent tears roll down her pale, sunken cheeks. She longed to comfort him, to tell him it wasn’t his fault, but illness had robbed her of even that.

 

Her existence, she knew, was a heavy burden. She couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, and could only rely on her husband for everything—from feeding her to cleaning up after her. Watching him age visibly each year and seeing their only son, Li Yu, reach his thirties without a wife or child, filled her with unbearable guilt.

 

She had often considered ending her life to free them both from her burden, but even that was beyond her feeble body’s capability.

 

“Yu’s nearly thirty now, yet he still has no wife or children,” Old Li said, his voice trembling as tears began streaming down his face. “Dear, I’ve failed you both. I just don’t know how much longer I can go on.”

 

“Father! Mother! Look who I’ve brought home!”

 

The excited voice of their son broke through the somber atmosphere. Standing in the doorway, Li Yu, dressed in a threadbare coat, was grinning from ear to ear. Beside him stood a young woman with a dirt-smudged face and tattered clothes.

 

“Who is this?” Old Li asked, a flicker of curiosity replacing his sorrow.

 

“This is Xiaolian,” Li Yu explained, motioning to the girl. “She’s from another region and fled here to escape hardship. I found her alone in the snowy streets and brought her home. She’s willing to marry me, Father. She only asks that we treat her kindly.”

 

Old Li turned to study the young woman. Despite her disheveled appearance, her delicate features hinted at remarkable beauty, a beauty that could easily rival that of noble daughters if she were properly dressed and groomed.

 

“Ha-ha-ha! This is truly a blessing from the heavens!” Old Li exclaimed, his spirits soaring.

 

For years, he had been unable to afford a wife for his son, but now, fortune seemed to smile upon them. His son, who worked as a waiter in the town tavern, had brought home a bride—a bride who had essentially fallen into their lap. It felt like a divine intervention, a reward for all the hardships they had endured.

 

“Xiaolian greets Father and Mother,” the young woman said timidly, bowing respectfully.

 

“Child, no need to be so nervous. You’re part of our family now. Though we have little, we’ll never mistreat you,” Old Li reassured her warmly. “Yu is a hardworking, kind hearted, and filial man. He’ll do his best to give you a good life.”

 

“Thank you, Father. Xiaolian will work hard alongside Yu to improve our lives,” the girl replied, her voice trembling with sincerity.

 

“Good, good! That’s wonderful!” Old Li laughed heartily, his joy evident.

 

Despite their poverty, the family didn’t worry about formalities or extravagant traditions. There were no matchmakers, no betrothal gifts, no bridal dowry, and no invitations sent to the neighbors.

 

That very night, under the flickering light of a single candle, Li Yu and Xiaolian bowed to the heavens, to the earth, and finally to Old Li and his wife, becoming husband and wife in the simplest yet most heartfelt of ceremonies.

 

Chapter 45 Immortal Master Save Me

 

“Up ahead is Li Family Village,” said Constable Ban as he trudged through the deep snow.

 

It was late at night, with snow falling heavily. A group of constables from the county office, led by Ban, made their way from Yuncang County to a small village just beyond its borders.

 

Accompanying them were two young figures. One was a girl dressed in a plain long dress with a fox-fur cloak, a talisman coin tied to her waist, and a peachwood sword hanging by her side. She was none other than Yun Yan Shuang. Beside her was her elder brother, Yun Yan Tian, clad in a black robe. A short spear wrapped in black cloth was strapped to his back.

 

“Young masters of the immortal path, are you certain this… ghost fox is hiding in Li Family Village?” Ban asked, glancing at the siblings with a mix of respect and curiosity.

 

“Yes. The talisman coin my master gave me can sense and repel evil. Earlier, it began to react, guiding us here. The fox must be nearby,” Yan Shuang explained confidently.

 

Earlier that morning, Yan Shuang and her brother had left their village and traveled to Yuncang County’s government office, where they met with Magistrate Lu. After gathering information, they had joined Ban and his men in searching for the ghost fox suspected of preying on the townsfolk.

 

It wasn’t until dusk that the talisman coin began to tremble, its faint pull leading them out of the county and toward Li Family Village.

 

“I trust in the abilities of both of you,” Ban said solemnly, nodding to the young cultivators. He wasn’t about to let their youthful appearances diminish his respect.

 

“Men, prepare yourselves! Stay alert as we enter the village!” Ban ordered his team.

 

The constables immediately drew their weapons—some gripping long knives at their waists, others tightening their hold on dark wooden crossbows.

 

“This is it,” Yan Shuang said, leading the group to a rundown thatched house at the edge of the village.

 

Li Family Village was modest and impoverished, with only about twenty households. It got its name from the fact that most residents shared the surname Li. The house in question had a crumbling courtyard wall, its top blanketed in thick snow. The gate, weathered and warped, hung shut but looked as though it could be forced open with a single push.

 

Instead of barging in, Ban chose to knock on the gate.

 

“Who is it?” called an elderly voice from within.

 

Old Li was in high spirits tonight. His son had just gotten married, bringing home a beautiful and kind bride. He’d celebrated with a few extra cups of the cheap liquor he usually rationed carefully.

 

Still tipsy, he had just lain down to rest when the sound of knocking reached him over the howling wind. Pulling on his threadbare coat, he shuffled to the gate, muttering as he went. When he opened it, he was greeted by a group of constables led by Ban, who held up his official badge.

 

“We’re from the county office. We’re here to catch a demon,” Ban said seriously.

 

“A demon?!” Old Li was stunned, unable to comprehend what was being said.

 

Without waiting for further explanation, Ban and his men pushed past him, flooding into the courtyard. The Yun siblings followed closely behind.

 

“Sir, there must be some mistake! How could there be a demon in my home? If there were, how would we still be alive?” Old Li stammered, scrambling to explain as he hurried after the constables.

 

“Enough. We’ll determine the truth ourselves. If no demon is found, we’ll leave at once,” Ban replied curtly, dismissing Old Li’s protests with a wave of his hand.

 

Ban then turned to Yan Shuang. “Young master, can you sense where the ghost fox is hiding?”

 

Without answering, Yan Shuang allowed the talisman coin to guide her gaze toward a woodshed in the corner of the courtyard.

 

“There,” she said, her tone cold and certain.

 

Ban immediately barked an order. “Check the woodshed!”

 

Two constables approached the shed cautiously, gripping their knives tightly. The rest of the team readied their crossbows, cold steel arrows aimed steadily at the shed’s entrance.

 

“Wait, wait! Please don’t do anything rash!” Old Li pleaded, rushing forward to block their path. “That woodshed… that’s where my son and his bride are staying tonight. They just got married today!”

 

“Step aside!” Ban snapped impatiently, shoving Old Li aside with enough force to send the frail old man stumbling backward. He lost his footing and fell into the snow, his thin frame shaking as he struggled to rise.

 

Chapter 46 Don’t Be Arrogant

 

“Yan Tian, be careful,” Yun Yan Shuang said, stepping forward. She had clearly heard the ghostly fox, pinned to the ground by her brother’s spear, crying out toward the distant mountains, “Master, save me!”

 

Her heart immediately tensed with vigilance. She released her spiritual sense, scanning their surroundings for any sign of the cultivator who might be controlling the ghost fox, wary of a potential ambush.

 

“Got it,” Yun Yan Tian responded with a nod, his grip tightening on his short spear. He was just about to strike, to obliterate this malevolent spirit once and for all.

 

But before he could act, a calm yet aged voice echoed from deep within the mountain.

 

“Can you two young friends spare this ghost fox for my sake?”

 

The siblings froze in place, their gazes locking onto the source of the voice. A moment later, their spiritual senses detected movement from a dilapidated temple nestled within the distant woods.

 

From the shadows of the temple emerged an elderly man, draped in a dark purple robe. His hair was ashen gray, and his long eyebrows hung low over sharp eyes. He held a horsetail whisk in one hand, exuding an air of otherworldly detachment and mysticism.

 

What truly startled the siblings, however, was the old man’s speed. In the blink of an eye, he covered the vast distance from the temple to the foot of the mountain, appearing before them with almost supernatural ease.

 

Both Yan Tian and Yan Shuang instantly heightened their guard. They recognized that this gray-haired elder was no ordinary cultivator—his cultivation level clearly surpassed their own. Judging by his aura, he had likely reached Breath Embryo Realm Stage Four, a level of strength far greater than their own third-stage abilities.

 

Engaging such an opponent recklessly could end poorly, potentially even resulting in their deaths.

 

“This ghost fox has been wreaking havoc in Yuncang County,” Yan Tian said coldly, his sharp gaze fixed on the elder. “It has preyed upon over ten men, draining their life essence. And now you ask us to let it go?”

 

“Just a few mortals,” the elder replied with a slight smile. “Surely that’s no reason for such hostility?”

 

The casual tone of the elder’s words struck a nerve. To him, mortals were clearly insignificant—nothing more than disposable ants. And yet, as his gaze lingered on the siblings, there was an unmistakable wariness in his demeanor.

 

Young as they were, these two carried extraordinary potential. The girl, holding a peachwood sword, was clearly at the peak of Breath Embryo Realm Stage Three, a level of cultivation that would make her a prodigy in any prestigious sect or noble family. The elder suspected they hailed from one such lineage. If so, killing them could provoke severe repercussions, far outweighing any personal gain.

 

A solitary wanderer like him, having spent decades cultivating scraps of immortality arts and painstakingly building his strength, could not afford to make enemies of a powerful family.

 

“To you, human lives may be nothing,” Yan Tian retorted, his tone sharp, “but not to us.”

 

The elder’s expression flickered with confusion at the young man’s words.

 

“Young friend, you must understand—mortals and immortals are not the same. To us cultivators, mortals are mere ants, their lives as fleeting as morning dew. Why risk opposing me over such trivialities?”

 

The elder stroked his whisk thoughtfully before continuing. “Perhaps I can offer you something in exchange for the ghost fox’s life? I have a small reserve of spirit stones. Consider it a gesture of goodwill to build a friendly rapport.”

 

Despite his smile, Yan Tian detected a hint of calculation behind the elder’s offer. The ghost fox was clearly of great value to him. Its strength at Breath Embryo Realm Stage One and the sinister aura surrounding it suggested years of meticulous cultivation.

 

“No need,” Yan Tian said icily. “The lands of Yuncang County fall under the protection of the Yun Cang Yun Clan. This ghost fox dared to encroach upon our territory, murdering innocents. That’s a challenge to our family’s authority.”

 

His spear flared with concentrated spiritual energy, the air around it crackling with power.

 

“If you think you can protect it, then try.”

 

Bang!

 

Yan Tian thrust the spear downward. The force of the spiritual energy erupted like a thunderclap, shattering the ghost fox’s smoky form. In mere moments, it disintegrated into thin wisps of vapor, fading into nothingness.

 

“Young man, you truly… have no respect,” the elder said, his voice chillingly calm.

 

The amiable smile vanished from his face, replaced by a cold, indifferent expression. His murky eyes now gleamed with a murderous light.

 

That ghost fox was no ordinary creature. For over a decade, the elder had painstakingly hunted foxes, refining their spirits using secret techniques until he had crafted this entity. Raising it to Breath Embryo Realm Stage One had cost him years of effort, not to mention numerous sacrifices of innocent lives.

 

As a rogue cultivator, with no sect or family to rely on, the ghost fox had been one of his most valuable tools. It had been his instrument for secretly harvesting the life energy of mortals, a shortcut to advancing his own cultivation.

 

Now, in an instant, it was gone. His years of labor—his key to surviving in a ruthless world of cultivators—had been obliterated before his very eyes.

 

All because of these two brash children.

 

The elder’s heart seethed with anger, but his survival instincts warred with his rage. Killing these two might invite the wrath of their clan, yet the loss of his ghost fox left him with little left to lose.

 

For now, his hand hovered on the precipice of action.

 

“Yan Tian, be careful!”

 

Yun Yan Shuang sensed the overwhelming killing intent radiating from the gray-haired elder. Tightening her grip on the peachwood sword, she stepped to her brother’s side, her expression vigilant.

 

“Don’t worry,” Yun Yan Tian said in a steady voice. “If we work together, we might have a chance.”

 

His spiritual sense remained locked onto the elder, prepared to strike at the first sign of aggression.

 

Whoosh!

 

With a flick of his horsetail whisk, the elder sent a gust of icy wind barreling toward Yun Yan Tian.

 

The wind howled like blades, each current infused with sharp spiritual energy. Yan Tian swiftly parried, his short spear slicing through the icy gusts, scattering the spiritual energy.

 

Fortunately, the elder appeared to be a rogue cultivator. The incomplete techniques he practiced lacked the potency of orthodox methods. While he was indeed at Breath Embryo Realm Stage Four, his spiritual power was far less concentrated and refined compared to Yan Tian’s. This disparity allowed Yan Tian to neutralize the elder’s initial strike with relative ease.

 

“Today, you two destroyed decades of my efforts,” the elder snarled, his face twisted with rage. “For that, I’ll kill you both, strip you of your treasures, and appease my fury!”

 

With a sudden burst of speed, the elder closed the distance, his whisk now radiating a cutting spiritual energy akin to a blade. He slashed downward with ferocious intent.

 

Clang!

 

The whisk collided with Yan Tian’s short spear, producing a deafening metallic ring and a shower of sparks.

 

Though Yan Tian managed to block the attack, the immense force behind it rattled his grip. His hands trembled, the impact numbing his fingers, and he staggered backward. For a moment, it seemed the spear might slip from his grasp.

 

“Hmph! I thought you’d be some skilled scion of a powerful family,” the elder mocked, a cruel smirk playing on his lips. “But you’re just a fledgling. Pathetic!”

 

As he jeered, Yan Shuang seized the opportunity. Her peachwood sword glimmered with spiritual energy as she lunged at the elder from the side.

 

The elder, however, anticipated her move. With a slight shift of his body, he evaded her thrust. At the same time, his skeletal hand darted out, clamping around her wrist.

 

With a ruthless flick of his arm, he hurled Yan Shuang through the air. She landed hard in the snow, the impact knocking the wind out of her.

 

Before she could recover, the elder shook his sleeve, releasing five iron rings. The rings zipped through the air and clamped around her body, binding her tightly to the ground.

 

“Once I finish off your brother, I’ll deal with you next,” the elder sneered. His lecherous eyes gleamed as he added, “Lucky for me, I’ve dabbled in certain techniques. Once I’ve absorbed your essence, I’ll enjoy your power and beauty both.”

 

Yan Tian, seeing his sister bound and helpless, roared in fury. “Old bastard! If you dare harm her, I’ll kill you!”

 

With a surge of adrenaline, he charged, spear flashing in a blur of motion as he unleashed a relentless barrage of strikes.

 

Yet, the elder was unfazed. His years of experience allowed him to predict Yan Tian’s every move. Dodging the spear’s shadowy arcs with ease, he countered with a devastating palm strike to Yan Tian’s chest.

 

The elder’s blow sent a shockwave of spiritual energy surging through Yan Tian’s body, rattling his organs. Blood sprayed from his mouth as he was flung backward, crumpling into the snow like a broken doll.

 

“Pitiful,” the elder scoffed, looming over Yan Tian’s motionless form. “Yun Cang Yun Clan? I’ve never heard of such a name. A minor family dares defy me? Let your death serve as a lesson—arrogance will only bring ruin!”

 

With a flash of movement, he closed the distance to Yan Tian, raising his whisk for the killing blow. But just as the whisk began to descend—

 

Whoosh!

 

From the distance, a single arrow streaked through the air, imbued with immense spiritual energy. It tore through the wind with an unstoppable force, radiating an oppressive aura.

 

The elder’s eyes widened in terror. He had no time to evade.

 

Thwack!

 

The arrow pierced clean through his forehead, its sheer power shattering his skull. Blood and brain matter splattered across the snow as his lifeless body collapsed to the ground.

 

Chapter 47: Night Parade of One Hundred Demons

 

“Mess with my sister? You’re courting death.”

 

Hidden amidst the snow-laden forest, Yun Yan Shui stood tall, his piercing gaze fixed on the distant snowfield where the gray-haired elder now lay. An arrow protruded from the man’s forehead, his lifeless body sprawled on the icy ground, blood pooling in dark, stark contrast to the pristine white.

 

Calmly, Yun Yan Shui lowered his bow. The gleaming weapon, freshly crafted and deadly precise, disappeared beneath a shroud of black cloth as he meticulously rewrapped it.

 

From the break of dawn, Yun Yan Shui had trailed the group silently, departing from the Yun family village to reach Yuncang County. He had remained a shadow, concealed, his presence undetected even by his sister Yan Shuang or cousin Yan Tian. His father’s words rang clear in his mind — protect them from the shadows, let this journey be their trial.

 

This was their battle, a test of resolve and strength, and he had honored that. Silent as a wraith, he observed the clash between his siblings and the gray-haired cultivator. He let them struggle, saw them falter, but remained patient, even as his heart clenched with each passing blow they endured.

 

But when his sister was pinned to the ground by chains of spiritual steel, her strength waning, and when his cousin was struck down, blood staining the snow around him — that was when Yun Yan Shui acted.

 

He didn’t need a second arrow.

 

Channeling his Qi, Yun Yan Shui had drawn upon his finely honed control, manifesting a single arrow of pure spiritual energy. The trajectory was calculated, every inch of his strike guided by his unyielding focus. From his vantage point, his senses expanded, his target locked. The moment came, and with unerring precision, the arrow was loosed.

 

The result spoke for itself.

 

The elder, so confident moments prior, now lay lifeless, his body testament to the fatal flaw of underestimating the unseen threat. His eyes, still wide with terror, stared into nothingness, as if seeking an answer to the silent force that had undone him.

 

The remnants of his aura faded with the wind.

 

From his hidden perch, Yun Yan Shui exhaled slowly, his breath condensing into mist against the cold air. His task was done. His siblings were safe.

 

“Time to head back.”

 

Without a sound, his figure melded into the shadows, vanishing into the wintery landscape as though he had never been there. What remained were the echoes of his lethal precision, the guardian unseen.

 

In the clearing below, the lifeless elder’s once-mighty presence dissipated completely. The spiritual rings that had bound Yan Shuang shimmered faintly before disintegrating, freeing her in an instant.

 

Pulling herself up from the ground, Yan Shuang wasted no time. She scrambled to her cousin’s side, worry etched deeply across her face. “Yan Tian, are you all right?”

 

A weak cough answered her. Yun Yan Tian forced himself upright, his face pale and his breath labored, but the defiance in his eyes still burned. “I’ll be fine. The old man’s strike… just shook me up a little. Nothing that won’t heal.”

 

Relief washed over Yan Shuang’s expression, though the tension in her posture remained. She turned her gaze to the fallen elder, her eyes narrowing. “He’s dead,” she said firmly.

 

Yan Tian blinked, confused. “You… you killed him?”

 

“Yes.” Yan Shuang’s voice was steady, but inside, she felt the weight of her unspoken lie. It had not been her blade that struck the elder down. She knew, without doubt, who had intervened. Her brother, Yan Shui, had been watching, guarding them in secret.

 

But she wouldn’t reveal him, not now.

 

Instead, she met her cousin’s gaze and nodded. “I waited for the right moment,” she explained, voice unwavering. “When he lowered his guard to attack you, I struck. It was enough.”

 

Yan Tian managed a faint grin. “That’s the Yan Shuang I know… quick, decisive, and sharp.”

 

A faint blush crept into her cheeks, but she quickly hid it, shifting the topic. “Rest here. I’ll search his belongings. He was a rogue cultivator — he’s bound to have something useful.”

 

She approached the elder’s body cautiously. Years of training had honed her instincts, but even now, after his death, a part of her treaded lightly. From his corpse, she retrieved a dull, gray storage pouch — a spatial artifact.

 

Yan Shuang opened it with practiced ease, her eyes scanning its contents. Within, she found six low-grade spirit stones, two rejuvenating elixirs, and a single rare herb gleaming faintly with vitality. But what caught her attention most were two ancient tomes, their covers worn and weathered.

 

She flipped through them briefly, her brow furrowing as she read their titles: The Art of Spirit Dominion and Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts.

 

“A fragmented cultivation manual and a collection of forbidden techniques,” she murmured.

 

Her heart quickened slightly as she closed the storage pouch and turned back to Yan Tian, determination gleaming in her eyes.

 

“This… could be invaluable for the family.”

 

As for Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts, it detailed an arcane method to cultivate and command a legion of spectral entities.

 

Flipping through its yellowed pages, Yun Yan Shuang couldn’t help but piece together the grim puzzle. The so-called “ghost fox” that had terrorized Yuncang County was no natural creature—it was a product of this very technique, painstakingly crafted by the gray-haired elder.

 

The tome explained that through the nourishment of spirit stones, one could raise spectral entities to higher levels of power. Given enough time and resources, these spirits could ascend to the status of “Ghost Immortals,” wielding abilities capable of reshaping rivers and splitting mountains.

 

But for the elder, a solitary rogue cultivator with scarce resources, his path had been far less orthodox. Without the spirit stones to sustain his creation, he had unleashed the ghost fox upon unsuspecting mortals, siphoning their life force to strengthen its malevolence.

 

“Yan Tian-ge, look at this!” Yan Shuang’s voice broke the silence as she approached her cousin, holding up the weathered storage bag.

 

“What did you find?” Yan Tian asked with a weary smile, his complexion pale but improving after a brief meditation.

 

“Six low-grade spirit stones, two Breath Embryo Pills, and an herb I don’t recognize. We should bring it back for Uncle Yun Rui to examine.

 

“There’s also a partial cultivation manual, Art of Spirit Dominion. It’s incomplete, but it might have some value.

 

“And lastly, a forbidden manual—Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts. It describes techniques for nurturing spectral entities to immense power. But mastering such methods requires immense dedication, time, and wealth.”

 

“That’s quite the haul,” Yan Tian remarked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

 

“There’s more,” Yan Shuang added. “Those five iron rings that bound me earlier—they’re spiritual tools, undoubtedly. And his whisk—it, too, must be an artifact of some power.”

 

Yan Tian nodded thoughtfully, recalling the elder’s whisk. “That thing took direct hits from my short spear without so much as a scratch. Definitely a spiritual weapon.”

 

“Heh,” Yan Tian chuckled dryly. “No wonder Master always said the cultivation world is cruel—filled with theft, plunder, and betrayal. Even this rogue cultivator, who seemed unremarkable, carried all these treasures. Imagine what the more powerful ones must hoard.”

 

Yan Shuang’s expression grew somber. “The Yun family has only just ascended to become a family of cultivators, but the struggles of the cultivation world will surely find their way to us soon enough.”

 

“That’s why we have to grow stronger,” Yan Tian replied, his tone resolute. “And not just us—the whole family. Today’s journey wasn’t just a task; it was a lesson. These trials will forge the foundation for the battles ahead.”

 

Yan Shuang’s lips curled into a smile. “For the family, for my brother, and for our kin, I’ll do my part to grow stronger, Yan Tian-ge.”

 

“Come on,” Yan Tian said, a hint of warmth in his voice. “Let’s head home and report to the family. They’ll need to know everything we’ve uncovered.”

 

Meanwhile, at Li Zhai Valley.

 

Yun Yan Shui braced himself against the biting wind and relentless snowfall, his heavy cloak doing little to stave off the chill. His steps were steady, unhurried, as he made his way back to the Yun family village.

 

As he entered the village, a few clansmen shoveling snow from their doorsteps looked up curiously.

 

“Yan Shui, where’ve you been in this weather?” one elder asked, pausing mid-swipe.

 

“Heh, went hunting in the mountains,” Yan Shui replied with a grin.

 

“Hunting? In this snowstorm? What’s even left to hunt in the mountains now?”

 

“Oh, there’s plenty if you know where to look,” Yan Shui quipped, patting the sack at his waist. “Shot down a wild boar earlier. Couldn’t carry the whole thing back, so I brought some legs home instead.”

 

“Wild boar, in this snow?” The elder raised a skeptical brow but peered at the contents of Yan Shui’s sack. Sure enough, fresh cuts of boar meat rested inside.

 

“Impressive. Didn’t think anything was stirring in this storm.”

 

“Uncle, want some? I’ve got plenty,” Yan Shui offered, smiling.

 

The elder waved him off. “Nah, lad, you keep it. You earned it.”

 

“Alright then,” Yan Shui said, pulling his sack back over his shoulder. “I’m heading home before I freeze solid. This cold’s biting through my cloak.”

 

“You’re lucky nothing happened to you out there,” the elder chided. “Don’t be so reckless. Your parents would never forgive you if something went wrong.”

 

Yan Shui laughed sheepishly. “You’re right, Uncle. Next time, I’ll wait for spring.”

 

“Smart lad. Now, off you go. Don’t catch your death out here.”

 

“Will do. See you around, Uncle!” Yan Shui waved goodbye, heading home in a hurry.

 

Once inside, he shrugged off his snow-dusted cloak and unwrapped the bundled spirit bow he had concealed earlier. He placed it aside carefully before settling near the roaring hearth to warm his chilled hands.

 

“Back already?” Yun Yun Shan’s voice came from the side.

 

“Hey, Dad,” Yan Shui greeted casually, his grin widening. “Mission accomplished. Everything’s fine.”

 

“You sure?” Yun Shan’s gaze held steady, searching for any sign of doubt.

 

Yan Shui nodded firmly. “I handled it.”

 

“And the boar?” His mother’s voice chimed in as she entered, a curious smile on her face.

 

“Ah, yes!” Yan Shui perked up. “Brought back some prime cuts. Roast it up, will you? I’m starving!”

 

Chapter 48: The Market

 

“The livestock for the ancestral worship ceremony—are the preparations complete?”

 

Yun Yunyang, seated at the head of the hall, looked toward Yun Yunrui, who sat below him, and asked in a calm yet commanding tone.

 

With the year-end approaching, it was nearly time for the Yun clan’s grand ancestral ceremony. In the past, when the family’s circumstances were less favorable, such ceremonies had been modest and understated. But things were different now. The Yun clan had ascended to become the fifty-second cultivation family recognized within Yue Kingdom. Such a milestone demanded a grand and proper ceremony befitting their newfound status.

 

“All preparations are complete. Tomorrow, Yunyang Zuxiong, you may lead the clan to partake in the ancestral worship,” Yun Yunrui replied with confidence.

 

“Good. The preparations for this grand event must have been exhausting for everyone. Your hard work is greatly appreciated,” Yunyang said with a nod of approval.

 

“Now, regarding the neighboring cultivation families—has the clan sent people to investigate and gather information on their current status?”

 

When the court officially recognized the Yun clan as a cultivation family, they had been gifted a valuable tome, The Register of Eminence, by Li Qing, an imperial emissary. Through this register, Yun Yunyang had gained a preliminary understanding of other cultivation families within Yue Kingdom.

 

He learned that the most powerful cultivation families in the kingdom were the Ye Clan of Canglan, the Lin Clan of Wangyue, and the Lu Clan of Chuanyin.

 

But while the tome offered detailed accounts, nothing compared to firsthand observations. Three months prior, Yunyang had instructed the clan’s leadership to send envoys to the territories of these families to gather accurate, real-world intelligence.

 

The purpose was twofold: to broaden the Yun clan’s understanding of the cultivation world and to prepare for potential interactions or alliances with these influential families.

 

After all, isolating oneself was never a viable strategy for long-term growth. To thrive, the Yun clan needed to foster trade, build relationships, and gain insights into how more established cultivation families operated.

 

“The investigations are complete,” Yunrui reported with a respectful bow.

 

He continued, “The Ye Clan of Canglan, the Lin Clan of Wangyue, and the Lu Clan of Chuanyin are indeed the three dominant cultivation families in Yue Kingdom. Most other cultivation families defer to them.

 

“Over the years, these three families have collaborated to establish a marketplace on Yulin Lake—a market exclusively for cultivators.”

 

“A market?” Yunyang’s brow arched with interest.

 

“Indeed. It’s a marketplace that only cultivators can access. The clan members we sent are mortals without spiritual cultivation, so they were not allowed entry.

 

“However, locals near Yulin Lake informed us that the market exists on an island within the lake and serves as a hub for cultivators.

 

“Many cultivators from across Yue Kingdom come to trade there, selling their goods or purchasing cultivation resources. The market facilitates communication and commerce between Yue Kingdom’s various cultivation families.

 

“In addition to locals, many rogue cultivators and even foreign cultivators are drawn to this market’s reputation, adding to its vibrancy and importance.”

 

“Interesting. It seems we must send Yan Tian and Shuang’er to visit Yulin Lake soon,” Yunyang murmured, deep in thought.

 

A market exclusively for cultivators, fostering trade and dialogue among Yue Kingdom’s elite—it was an enticing prospect. Unfortunately, as a mortal, Yunyang himself was not qualified to enter.

 

“Yunyang Zuxiong, Shuang’er and Yan Tian have returned!”

 

A Yun clansman entered the ancestral hall and bowed respectfully.

 

“Ah! Let them in!” Yunyang’s smile widened, his tone warm and welcoming.

 

All eyes turned toward the doorway as Yun Yan Shuang and Yun Yan Tian walked in with measured steps.

 

“Uncle,” they greeted in unison, bowing respectfully.

 

“Your mission to exorcise the demon in Yuncang County—it went smoothly, I trust?” Yunyang inquired.

 

“Overall, yes,” Yan Tian replied with a nod.

 

“But…”

 

“But what?” Yunyang’s gaze sharpened slightly, sensing there was more to the story.

 

“Shuang’er and Yan Tian ran into a cultivator,” Yun Yan Shuang explained calmly. “Yan Tian-ge was injured during the fight.”

 

At this revelation, Yun Yunyang’s face darkened, and the entire room was filled with a tense silence. He quickly turned his attention to Yan Tian, whose face was still pale.

 

“Yan Tian, how is your condition?”

 

“A minor injury, Uncle. With some rest, I’ll be fully recovered. Thank you for your concern, and the concern of all my elders.” Yan Tian gave a slight bow, forcing a faint smile to reassure them.

 

Hearing this, Yun Yunyang and the other elders finally breathed a collective sigh of relief.

 

“By the way, Uncle,” Yan Shuang interjected, her tone lightening, “Yan Tian-ge and I managed to take a few things from the cultivator.”

 

Reaching into her satchel, she pulled out a dusty storage pouch and carefully began unpacking its contents:

 

“Here we have six lower-grade spirit stones, two Breath Embryo Pills, a spirit herb I couldn’t identify, and two manuals. One’s a fragmented cultivation method, and the other is a ghost-rearing technique.

 

“As for weapons, we found five iron rings and a whisk staff.”

 

Yunyang surveyed the items carefully.

 

“You two are cultivators and will need these resources for your training,” he said, gesturing toward the spirit stones and pills. “Distribute them between yourselves as you see fit.

 

“As for the spirit herb, your Uncle Yunxun has been seeking advanced alchemical techniques from mountain cultivators. Let’s temporarily leave this herb with him for study.”

 

He then paused, picking up the two manuals.

 

“The fragmented cultivation method and the ghost-rearing technique will go to the clan’s library. Should you or others have a need for them in the future, they’ll be available for study.”

 

Finally, Yunyang’s gaze fell on the two weapons. The five iron rings appeared ordinary, and the whisk staff was visibly aged.

 

“These two spirit tools,” he began, “may have some value. But their exact grade and utility are unclear. Have you assessed them?”

 

“Uncle, we consulted our master before returning,” Yan Shuang explained. “The iron rings are Yellow Rank, Grade Two, and quite effective—they can restrain cultivators as high as the fifth or sixth Breath Embryo stage.

 

“As for the whisk, it’s a Yellow Rank, Grade One tool. However, it’s so old that much of its spiritual essence has eroded, rendering it nearly unusable.”

 

“I see,” Yunyang said, nodding thoughtfully.

 

“Yan Tian-ge and I discussed it on the way back,” Yan Shuang continued. “We decided to keep the iron rings for now. As for the whisk, we thought it best to sell it and exchange it for spirit stones. But neither of us knows the proper way to handle such a sale, so we’ve come to you for advice.”

 

“Haha!” Yunyang chuckled heartily. “How fortunate! Just three months ago, your Uncle Yunrui dispatched members of the clan to explore various cultivation families in Yue Kingdom.

 

“They discovered that at Yulin Lake in Yulin County, the three great cultivation families of Yue jointly established a marketplace. It’s a hub where cultivators from across the land trade and sell treasures.

 

“If you wish to sell the whisk, that would be the ideal place. Additionally, it’s an excellent opportunity to scout the marketplace and gather valuable insights for the clan’s future development.”

 

“Uncle, you always think ten steps ahead!” Yan Shuang’s eyes lit up with excitement at the mention of the cultivators’ marketplace.

 

“Haha! Planning for the future is essential for the clan’s growth,” Yunyang said with a satisfied smile.

 

“Very well,” Yan Tian added, his tone steady. “Once I’ve recovered, I’ll take Shuang’er to Yulin County.”

 

“Good. Conveniently, the ancestral worship ceremony will conclude in a few days. Afterward, I’ll have your father arrange for some clan soldiers to accompany you on the journey. While you two may not need their protection, it’ll ensure your needs are attended to.”

 

“Understood, Uncle.”

 

“Good! Rest well for now.” Yunyang dismissed them with a wave of his hand, watching with pride as the siblings departed.

 

Later that day, Yan Shuang returned home, her mood visibly lifted.

 

“Phew, I’m home!” she called as she pushed open the courtyard gate.

 

Under the eaves, Yan Shui sat cross-legged, slurping a bowl of pork knuckle noodles.

 

“Hey, you’re back! Took you long enough. Exorcising demons must’ve been exhausting, huh?” he teased, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips.

 

Shuang’er grinned in return. “We had to report everything to Magistrate Lu, and then Yan Tian-ge and I visited Uncle Yunyang. That held us up a bit.”

 

As she spoke, she wandered into the kitchen, her voice rising over the clinking of pots and pans. “Mom, can I have a bowl of pork knuckle noodles too?”

 

“Of course, dear,” Yun Qinshi replied warmly. “You must be famished after such a long day. Rest for now—I’ll bring it out shortly.”

 

“Thanks, Mom!” Shuang’er chirped, fetching a small stool and settling beside Yan Shui under the eaves.

 

“This time,” she began, her voice soft with gratitude, “we really owe it to you, Ge. If not for your help, Yan Tian-ge and I would’ve been in serious danger.”

 

Yan Shui smirked but waved her off. “Don’t thank me—it was Father’s idea.”

 

“Ah, that explains it!” Shuang’er said with mock realization. “I was wondering how you managed to come up with such a brilliant plan on your own. Turns out it was Dad pulling the strings!”

 

“Watch it, you little imp!” Yan Shui snapped playfully. “Keep it up, and I might just eat your pork knuckle noodles too!”

 

Chapter 49: Ancestor Ceremony 

 

“Humph! You can’t stop me; Mom’s already cooking for me!”

 

Yun Yan Shuang huffed, sticking her tongue out mischievously at her brother.

 

“You little rascal,” Yun Yan Shui muttered with a half-annoyed smile.

 

Just then, their mother’s voice called out from the kitchen. “Shuang’er, the noodles are ready!”

 

“Coming!”

 

With a gleeful skip, Yan Shuang darted into the kitchen, returning moments later with a steaming bowl of pork knuckle noodles. She plopped down beside her brother under the eaves.

 

“Here, Ge. You can have the pork knuckle,” she offered, sliding the bowl toward him.

 

“I’m stuffed,” Yan Shui waved her off. “You need it more after running yourself ragged fighting off demons.”

 

“By the way,” Yan Shuang said between slurps of noodles, “Uncle said earlier today that after the ancestral ceremony, Second Uncle will take some people and escort Yan Tian-ge and me to Yulin County.”

 

“Yulin County? What for all of a sudden?”

 

“We picked up some things from that dead cultivator, including a whisk spirit weapon. We’re planning to sell it for spirit stones and, while we’re there, check out the cultivators’ market at Yulin Lake.”

 

“Wait… a cultivators’ market?”

 

“Yep! Uncle Yun Rui sent people out three months ago to scout other cultivation families in Yue Kingdom. That’s how we learned about the market. It’s a gathering place for cultivators to trade resources and treasures.

 

“Apparently, it’s quite a bustling hub, with cultivators from all over the kingdom—and even some from other countries—flocking there to trade and mingle.”

 

“Huh,” Yan Shui mused, leaning back. “Sounds like an interesting place.”

 

“Want to come with us?” Yan Shuang asked, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement.

 

“And do what?”

 

“Just come for the experience! See the world outside our little clan.”

 

Yan Shui paused, a hint of hesitation in his expression. “That market’s probably only open to cultivators, right?”

 

“Well… yeah.”

 

“Even though I have the strength of a cultivator, to everyone else, I’m just an ordinary mortal. How am I supposed to get in?”

 

“Uh…” Yan Shuang faltered, biting her lip.

 

“How about this,” she said after a moment. “You come with us to Yulin County, and if you can’t get into the market, you can still hang out with Second Uncle and explore the county! You’ve spent your whole life in the clan—either climbing trees for bird nests, fishing, or hunting in the mountains.

 

“It’s time you saw a bit more of the world, Ge.”

 

“Hah! Let’s see what Father thinks when he gets back from the forge,” Yan Shui muttered, resting his chin on his hand.

 

The idea of leaving the clan didn’t thrill him much. He was content here—spending his days fishing with Yan Dong and the other kids, carefree and relaxed.

 

Going out meant dealing with people, riding on bumpy carriages, and—ugh—being exhausted by the end of it.

 

“Fair enough,” Yan Shuang relented. She glanced over. “By the way, how’s Father’s forge doing?”

 

“Great. With the county magistrate backing us and the local merchants eager to curry favor, how could it not be?”

 

“Someday,” Yan Shuang sighed wistfully, “I want to see our clan become truly powerful.”

 

“It’ll happen,” Yan Shui said, his voice soft yet certain.

 

With that, he got up and began gathering snow into piles, sculpting small snowmen. Every so often, when his sister was too focused on her noodles, he’d lob a snowball her way, laughing uproariously when it splattered across her face.

 

“Ge! You’re dead!”

 

Fuming, Yan Shuang charged into the courtyard, scooped up a handful of snow, and hurled it at her brother.

 

Yan Shui dodged nimbly, sticking out his tongue. “You missed! Try harder!”

 

Snow piled high on the rooftops as the quiet courtyard filled with laughter.

 

Soon, Yan Dong and a few other clan kids joined the fray, turning the courtyard into a chaotic battleground of snowballs and giggles.

 

Under the moonlight, the muffled sounds of joy carried into the crisp night air.

 

“Humph! What can you do about it? Mom’s already making mine!”

 

Yun Yan Shuang huffed playfully, sticking her tongue out at her brother before turning and skipping off to the kitchen.

 

“You cheeky brat,” Yun Yan Shui muttered, chuckling softly as he watched her go.

 

A few moments later, Yan Shuang emerged with a steaming bowl of pork knuckle noodles, her face lit with joy. She plopped down beside her brother, still grinning.

 

“Ge, here’s the pork knuckle for you,” she said, pushing the bowl toward him.

 

“I’m stuffed,” Yan Shui replied, leaning back with a satisfied sigh. “Besides, you’ve earned it. Fighting demons and all must’ve taken a lot out of you.”

 

Between eager bites of noodles, Yan Shuang added, “By the way, after the ancestral ceremony, Second Uncle will be taking Yan Tian-ge and me to Yulin County.”

 

“Yulin County? What for?”

 

“We picked up a few items from the dead cultivator, including a whisk spirit weapon. We’re planning to sell it for spirit stones and check out the cultivators’ market at Yulin Lake while we’re there.”

 

“A cultivators’ market?”

 

“Exactly! It’s a special marketplace set up by the three great cultivation families of Yue Kingdom. They say cultivators from all over gather there to trade resources and treasures. It’s a hub for cultivators, and even those from other kingdoms come to visit!”

 

Yun Yan Shui rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Sounds like quite a place.”

 

“Ge, why don’t you come with us?” Yan Shuang asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

 

“And do what?”

 

“Come see the world! You’ve spent your whole life here—climbing trees, fishing, hunting. Don’t you think it’s time to explore beyond the clan?”

 

Yan Shui hesitated for a moment, then sighed. “That market’s probably only open to cultivators, right?”

 

“Well… yes.”

 

“So what’s the point? Even though I’m technically a cultivator, to everyone else, I’m just an ordinary mortal. I doubt they’ll let me in.”

 

“Hmm…” Yan Shuang pouted, biting her lip.

 

“How about this: come along anyway. If you can’t enter the market, you can explore Yulin County with Second Uncle. It’ll be fun! Besides, you deserve a change of scenery.”

 

Yan Shui considered her suggestion, then said, “Alright, let’s see what Father thinks first.”

 

That evening, Yun Yun Shan returned from the weapons forge. Upon hearing about the trip from his children, he nodded in approval.

 

“Shuang’er is right, Shui’er. It’s time you saw more of the world. Broaden your horizons and learn from new experiences. That way, when the time comes, I’ll feel confident passing responsibilities onto you.”

 

“Hah! With both of you insisting, what choice do I have?” Yan Shui muttered with a wry smile.

 

Yun Yun Shan chuckled. “It’s settled, then.”

 

“By the way, Father,” Yan Shui added, “can I bring Yan Dong along? He’s been through a lot—losing his father and caring for his sick mother. I think a trip like this could do him some good, open his eyes to the world. Who knows? Maybe he’ll grow into a pillar of our family someday.”

 

“Ha! You two are as close as brothers. Of course, you can bring him. Let it be a chance for both of you to unwind and explore.”

 

“Great! I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”

 

Five days later, as the new year approached, the long-anticipated ancestral ceremony began.

 

At the heart of the village, a grand altar stood adorned with ancestral tablets, offerings of livestock, fruits, and delicate pastries carefully arranged.

 

In solemn ranks, the Yun family gathered below the altar, each member holding a stick of incense with reverence.

 

At the forefront stood the first generation: Yun Li Di, Yun Li Xuan, and Yun Li Huang. Behind them were the second-generation elders, including Yun Yun Yang, Yun Yun Shan, and others. The third row comprised the younger generation—Yan Tian, Yan Shuang, and Yan Shui among them.

 

Yun Yun Yang stepped forward, his voice firm and respectful.

 

“To our honored ancestors, I, Yun Yun Yang, alongside 316 members of the Yun family, offer this incense. We humbly ask for your blessings—protection for our clan, prosperity for our endeavors, and safety for all our kin.”

 

He bowed thrice before placing his incense into the altar’s towering censer.

 

One by one, each family member followed suit.

 

When the ceremony concluded, the solemn air gave way to celebration. Families gathered around feasts, sharing food and laughter.

 

Meanwhile, Yan Shui and a group of boisterous children, including Yan Dong, dashed outside to set off firecrackers and fireworks. Laughter and the crackle of sparks echoed through the snowy village.

 

Later, Yun Yun Yang, dressed in a fresh set of robes, led his brothers to visit the blind elder beneath the ancient willow.

 

“Elder Daoist,” Yun Yang greeted with a bow.

 

“Ah, Yun Yun Yang!” The elder smiled, his voice warm. “Your clan grows more prosperous by the day. A fine sight to behold.”

 

“Elder, why not join us inside for a toast?”

 

“Haha, no need. I’m perfectly comfortable here.”

 

“In that case, allow us to bring the celebration to you,” Yun Yang declared, taking a seat at the stone table with his brothers.

 

“Daoist Elder,” Yun Feng began, raising his cup, “please forgive my past offenses. My words were harsh, but my heart was blind.”

 

The elder laughed heartily, raising his own cup in return. “Think nothing of it! Your brother already spoke on your behalf. Besides, it seems your character has changed for the better. Perhaps that public thrashing from your elder brother did you some good!”

 

The mention of his past folly made Yun Yun Feng flush with embarrassment, drawing hearty laughter from everyone present.

 

Chapter 50: Encounter in Yulin

 

“Indeed, I do! Your elder brother, Yun Yunyang, and I once met during a trade in the capital,” the middle-aged man in the green robe replied, his tone both warm and respectful. “I am Lin Cheng, a humble servant of the Wangyue Lin family. I have long admired the rise of the Yunyang-led Yun Cang Yun family.”

 

Hearing this, Yun Yunyue dismounted, clasping his fists in a respectful salute. “It is an honor to meet someone from the esteemed Wangyue Lin family. To cross paths here in Yulin County must be fate.”

 

Lin Cheng returned the gesture with a smile. “I couldn’t agree more. I’ve heard whispers of your family’s ascension to a cultivation clan. Such progress in so short a time is nothing short of miraculous.”

 

“You flatter us,” Yun Yue replied humbly, though a glimmer of pride shone in his eyes. “Our Yun family still has much to learn from your noble house.”

 

Lin Cheng’s gaze turned to the younger members exiting the carriage. His sharp eyes fell upon Yun Yan Shui, Yun Yan Shuang, and Yun Yan Tian. A glint of recognition flickered when he saw Yan Tian’s composed demeanor and Yan Shuang’s bright, spirited presence.

 

“These must be the younger generation of the Yun family,” Lin Cheng said with a slight bow. “Each one of them radiates exceptional talent.”

 

Yan Shui scratched the back of his head awkwardly, while Yan Shuang beamed and stepped forward. “Thank you for the kind words, sir. We’re simply doing our best to uphold the family name.”

 

“Ah, such humility in youth is rare,” Lin Cheng said with a chuckle. “Young miss, your elder brother speaks highly of you.”

 

Yun Yue interjected, steering the conversation back on track. “Master Lin, what brings a representative of Wangyue Lin to Yulin County?”

 

“Business, of course,” Lin Cheng said with a casual wave. “The Yulin Lake marketplace has become a nexus of commerce for cultivators across the Yue Kingdom. My master has sent me to oversee some trades and establish further connections.”

 

Yun Yue nodded. “We, too, are here to explore the Yulin Lake market. Perhaps our paths will cross within the marketplace.”

 

“Indeed, I look forward to it,” Lin Cheng replied. “If I may, allow me to extend an invitation. Should you or your family members have need during your stay in Yulin County, please do not hesitate to visit the Lin family estate.”

 

“You honor us greatly,” Yun Yue said with a deep bow.

 

After exchanging further pleasantries, the two groups parted ways. Yun Yue led his family’s entourage through the city gates, their spirits lifted by the unexpected connection.

 

As the carriages rolled into the bustling streets of Yulin County, the vibrant sights and sounds captivated Yan Shui and Yan Dong, their earlier discomfort from the journey forgotten. Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from exotic fruits to rare trinkets, while the aroma of freshly cooked delicacies filled the air.

 

“This place is incredible,” Yan Dong exclaimed, his eyes wide. “It’s like a festival every day!”

 

Yan Shui, however, remained more reserved. “It’s lively, sure, but let’s not get too distracted. Remember why we’re here.”

 

As they made their way to a nearby inn, Yan Shuang leaned closer to Yan Tian. “Brother, what do you think of Master Lin Cheng? He seemed friendly enough, but… something about him felt calculating.”

 

Yan Tian’s eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced back toward the departing Lin family caravan. “He is polite, certainly, but beneath that warmth lies a shrewd mind. We should tread carefully in dealing with him.”

 

Shuang nodded, her playful demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness.

 

At the inn, Yun Yue arranged for rooms and a hearty meal. The group settled in, preparing to rest before their excursion to the fabled Yulin Lake marketplace the next day.

 

As night fell over Yulin County, the Yun family members sat around a table, sharing stories and laughter, their hearts light with anticipation for the journey ahead. For Yan Shui and Yan Shuang, this was the first glimpse into a wider world, a taste of the challenges and wonders that lay beyond the borders of their home.

 

“You’re too generous, Yan Shui-ge!” Yan Dong whispered, his eyes wide with mischief, as the two young boys giggled quietly at their own antics.

 

The opulence of Chunfeng Tower was unlike anything they had seen before. From the intricately carved wooden panels to the silk-draped lanterns casting a warm golden glow, the place radiated wealth and refinement. The soft murmur of conversations, clinking of fine porcelain, and the occasional bursts of laughter from the upper floors added to the charm of the bustling establishment.

 

“Yan Shui, Yan Dong, behave yourselves,” Yan Shuang called out with a half-chiding, half-amused tone, noticing their wandering eyes and animated whispers.

 

“Yes, Sister!” the two chimed in unison, though the mischief in their expressions remained undimmed.

 

As they settled into a private room on the second floor, the view of Yulin County from the wide windows took their breath away. The bustling streets below were dotted with colorful vendor stalls, and in the distance, the faint shimmer of Yulin Lake could be seen under the afternoon sun.

 

“Yan Tian, Yan Shuang, and all of you young ones, enjoy this meal,” Yun Yue said, raising his cup of tea as he sat beside Sun Tianming. “A taste of the world beyond our borders will serve you well in the future.”

 

“Indeed,” Sun Tianming added with a nod, gesturing to the table now laden with delicacies. “Consider this a prelude to what lies ahead at the Yulin Lake market. There, the true essence of the cultivation world awaits.”

 

As the dishes were served, the younger members marveled at the spread. Plates of aromatic white ling fish steamed to perfection, bowls of fragrant mushroom and bamboo soup, and platters of spiced roasted meats made their mouths water.

 

Yan Dong, who had regained his appetite after the arduous journey, leaned toward Yan Shui and whispered, “This is so much better than the dried rations we had on the road!”

 

“Of course, silly,” Yan Shui replied with a grin, already digging into a plate of roasted duck. “We’re in Chunfeng Tower, not stuck in a creaky wagon!”

 

The atmosphere at the table was lively as Yun Yue and Sun Tianming exchanged stories about their respective families and territories. Meanwhile, Yan Tian and Sun Fenglin discussed cultivation techniques, sharing insights and learning from each other.

 

Yan Shuang, ever curious, leaned closer to Sun Fengxuan, the younger of the Sun brothers. “I’ve heard that the market at Yulin Lake is unlike any other. Is it true that rare artifacts and ancient texts are traded there?”

 

Sun Fengxuan nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely! My father says it’s one of the best places in Yue Kingdom to find unique treasures. But it’s also a place where strength and reputation matter. Those without backing or sufficient power are easily taken advantage of.”

 

Yan Shuang frowned slightly, her curiosity now tinged with caution. “Then we’ll need to stay vigilant.”

 

“Don’t worry,” Yan Tian reassured her, his tone calm but firm. “We’ll be careful. This is as much a learning experience as it is a chance to explore.”

 

As the meal continued, the two families grew more at ease in each other’s company, their camaraderie growing stronger. By the time dessert arrived — sweet pastries filled with lotus paste and golden syrup — even the usually reserved Yan Tian allowed himself a small smile.

 

With their bellies full and spirits high, the group retired to their rooms, ready to rest and prepare for the journey to Yulin Lake the next morning.

 

Unbeknownst to them, however, the bustling streets of Yulin County were filled with whispers of unrest. Shadows moved under the cover of night, and the faint echo of hurried footsteps hinted at secrets hidden within the walls of this vibrant city.