Chapter 71: Midnight Intrusions

 

Late at night, in the underground cellar, Yun Yanshui sat at his desk, meticulously transcribing the techniques for Thousandfold Sword Shadows, Silver Dragon Spear Technique, and Footsteps on Snow, Without a Trace. His brow furrowed in concentration as his pen danced across the pages.

 

Beside him sat the black wooden box.

 

Unbeknownst to him, the box’s lid had been pushed open by the tiny Golden-Eyed Beast. The cub was now clawing at the edge, its stubby little legs kicking as it struggled to climb out, driven by the alluring scent of a celestial fruit lingering in the air.

 

“Shui’er, what are you working on?”

 

The voice startled him. Yun Yunshan stepped into the dimly lit cellar, having returned from overseeing tasks at the forge. He couldn’t help but be curious about what his son was so engrossed in.

 

“I’m writing down the training methods for Thousandfold Sword Shadows, Silver Dragon Spear Technique, and Footsteps on Snow,” Yanshui replied with a grin, not looking up from his work.

 

“You’ve taken on quite the task,” Yunshan remarked, a hint of pride in his voice.

 

“Eh, I’m used to it. Mr. Yu always had me copying books as punishment,” Yanshui quipped, chuckling.

 

Yunshan shook his head with a smile. “Alright, I won’t disturb you. Finish up and get some rest soon.”

 

“Got it, Father!”

 

But just as Yunshan turned to leave, Yanshui froze. A sudden surge of awareness washed over him—a soul imprint had appeared in his mind.

 

It was the Golden-Eyed Beast.

 

“That little rascal!” Yanshui exclaimed, his gaze snapping toward the corner where the box lay.

 

“What’s wrong?” Yunshan asked, alarmed by his son’s outburst.

 

“Father, this little beast ate the celestial fruits from the bronze mirror!”

 

In a flash, Yanshui snatched up the culprit, who was now happily gnawing on the remnants of a celestial fruit from a nearby bag. His frustration boiled over.

 

For months, he had painstakingly hunted in the mountains to offer tributes to the bronze mirror. Finally, he’d managed to collect a full nineteen celestial fruits. But now, eighteen of them were gone, devoured by the insatiable cub, leaving only one behind.

 

“You little glutton! I ought to strangle you!” Yanshui growled, holding the satisfied Golden-Eyed Beast aloft. The cub let out a soft burp, its tiny belly bulging with its feast.

 

But recalling his uncle’s instructions, Yanshui’s anger dissipated into a weary sigh. He placed the cub back into the wooden box, firmly closed the lid, and stacked several books on top to prevent any more escapades.

 

“This thing’s sense of smell is too sharp,” Yunshan commented, observing the scene with a calm demeanor.

 

“Too sharp,” Yanshui muttered, his frustration evident. “All those fruits, and now I’ve only got one left.”

 

Yunshan gave him a thoughtful look. “Did you notice any changes after it ate the fruits?”

 

“Changes?” Yanshui frowned. “I got a soul imprint from the beast in my mind, but that’s it.”

 

“It seems the celestial fruits produced by the bronze mirror aren’t just for cultivators with spiritual roots. They can also benefit spirit beasts.

 

If the beast ate them, it might have strengthened your connection, and you may see some abilities manifest as a result,” Yunshan mused.

 

“We’ll see,” Yanshui said with a sigh.

 

“Good. This divine bond is yours, and you’ll understand its effects better than I can. Rest when you’re done,” Yunshan said, patting his son’s shoulder before leaving the cellar.

 

Meanwhile, in Lan Lin Mountain, at the Sun family estate, a meeting was underway.

 

“The Yun family has withdrawn completely?”

 

Sitting at the head of the hall, Sun Tianming frowned as he listened to the report from his scout.

 

“Yes. Yesterday, Yun Yun Yue led dozens of Yun clan soldiers and withdrew from the outskirts of Yuncang Mountain,” the scout confirmed.

 

“What are they planning? Could they have already discovered the obsidian vein?” Sun Tianming muttered, his expression darkening.

 

“Clan leader, it’s possible they realized the obsidian vein is too difficult to locate and decided to give up,” another elder suggested.

 

“Exactly! The Yun Cang Yun clan is a newly ascended cultivation family. Without the means to locate spiritual veins, they wouldn’t have an easy time finding the obsidian deposit. Perhaps they’ve acknowledged their limitations and chosen to retreat,” another chimed in.

 

But Sun Tianming remained silent, deep in thought. After a long pause, he spoke.

 

“The Yun Cang Yun family isn’t the type to abandon the possibility of an obsidian vein so easily. Like us, they’re in a critical stage of growth.

 

If there’s even a chance that the obsidian vein exists, they wouldn’t just walk away from it.”

 

“Then why did they withdraw so suddenly?”

 

“I don’t know,” Tianming admitted, shaking his head. “But there’s more to this than we can see.”

 

“Should we withdraw as well, Father?” Sun Fenglin, his son, asked cautiously.

 

“No,” Tianming replied firmly. “The search must continue. Keep sending people into the mountains. We must find that obsidian vein.”

 

“As for why the Yun Cang Yun family suddenly withdrew, we’ll pay them a visit to find out for ourselves,” Sun Tianming said, his voice calm but firm, as he revealed his plan.

 

“I’ll go prepare the carriage,” Sun Fenglin replied immediately, rising to leave the hall.

 

At the Yun Family’s Ancestral Hall, Yun Yun Yue had just returned to the estate. He strode in with a puzzled expression, seeking answers.

 

“Big Brother, why did you suddenly order me to withdraw our people?” he asked, unable to hide his confusion.

 

Yun Yue had been leading a team of Yun soldiers in the Yuncang Mountains, searching tirelessly for the obsidian vein. When Yun Rui’s message reached him, it simply instructed him to pull back without offering any explanation.

 

“Haha! It seems Yun Rui didn’t explain the reason to you yet,” Yun Yang said with a hearty laugh, clearly pleased with Yun Rui’s discretion.

 

Yun Rui had taken great care to ensure the news about the Golden-Eyed Beast remained tightly guarded. Even the messenger had been instructed to say nothing beyond the withdrawal order, ensuring that no whispers could reach the Sun family in Lan Lin.

 

“He was so secretive about it, not a word more than necessary,” Yun Yue said with a wry smile. “If I’d known the reason, I wouldn’t have had to come here personally to ask.”

 

Yun Yang nodded, acknowledging his brother’s frustration but also appreciating Yun Rui’s meticulous nature.

 

“Have some tea first. I’ll explain everything,” Yun Yang said, pouring a cup for Yun Yue.

 

Once they were settled, Yun Yang recounted the events leading to the withdrawal, including the discovery of the Golden-Eyed Beast cub.

 

“A Golden-Eyed Beast cub?!” Yun Yue exclaimed, astonished. The idea that his nephew, Yanshui, had stumbled upon such a treasure during a hunting trip left him speechless.

 

“Indeed. Do you see now why I called you back?” Yun Yang said with a smile.

 

“The obsidian vein is no easy find—not for the Sun family, nor for us.

 

Rather than having you and your men endure the hardships of searching the mountains aimlessly, I decided it was better to reassign you to other duties within the family,” Yun Yang explained.

 

“I see,” Yun Yue said, finally understanding.

 

“This cub is invaluable,” he added gravely. “The news must be kept strictly confidential.”

 

“Of course. Only a select few know about it. I’ve already instructed the clan elders to keep their mouths shut. Anyone who leaks this information will face severe punishment under the clan laws,” Yun Yang said, sipping his tea with a satisfied expression.

 

“Your caution is admirable, Big Brother, and with Yun Rui assisting you, I’m confident the matter is secure,” Yun Yue said with a nod.

 

“Haha! Now that you’re back from the mountains, take some time to rest. The family will need you for many tasks in the future!”

 

“Understood. I’ll take my leave for now,” Yun Yue said, bowing as he rose. He left the hall, eager to wash up and enjoy a well-earned sleep.

 

No sooner had Yun Yue departed than Yun Yun Rui rushed into the courtyard.

 

“Brother Yun Yang, the Sun family’s patriarch, Sun Tianming, has arrived with his entourage,” Yun Rui announced.

 

“Oh?” Yun Yang leaned back in his chair, a playful smile tugging at his lips. “As expected of Brother Tianming. His mind is as sharp as ever.”

 

“Do you think they’ve caught wind of the Golden-Eyed Beast cub?” Yun Rui asked, his tone cautious.

 

“Highly unlikely,” Yun Yang replied confidently. “Only a handful of people know about the cub, and we’ve taken every precaution to ensure their silence. None of our clan members would leak this information so easily.”

 

“Then why has Sun Tianming come?” Yun Rui pressed.

 

“I suspect he’s curious about why we withdrew Yun Yue and his team,” Yun Yang mused. “He’s probably here to test the waters and see if we’ve uncovered the obsidian vein.”

 

Yun Rui nodded thoughtfully, his expression serious.

 

“Let’s go meet him, shall we?” Yun Yang said, rising from his seat, his demeanor calm but calculating.

 

Chapter 72: Diplomatic Games

 

“Brother Tianming!”

 

Yun Yunyang, accompanied by Yun Yunrui and several other key members of the clan, personally stepped outside the estate to greet the visitors.

 

Sun Tianming had arrived with his son, Sun Fenglin, and a few prominent members of the Sun family.

 

“Brother Yunyang, it’s been a while,” Sun Tianming greeted with a warm smile.

 

“Please, come inside, Brother Tianming,” Yunyang replied, gesturing toward the family’s ancestral hall as they exchanged pleasantries along the way.

 

Once seated, Sun Tianming wasted no time. “Brother Yunyang, I’ve come with great news to share with you.”

 

“Oh? And what might that be?” Yunyang asked, his expression calm and unhurried as he sipped his tea.

 

“It concerns Yuncang Mountain. Surely you’ve heard some rumors about it by now?”

 

Yunyang said nothing, merely raising his cup for another sip.

 

“My scouts report that there may be an obsidian vein hidden deep in the mountains. We’ve already begun a search for it.

 

Given that the Yuncang Yun family and the Lan Lin Sun family are neighbors, I thought it only right to inform you of this opportunity.

 

After all, wealth is best shared. Together, we can advance, endure hardships, and thrive.

 

So, I’ve come today to discuss this with you and see how the Yun family plans to proceed,” Sun Tianming said, a polite smile on his lips.

 

“Obsidian? A Yellow Grade, second-tier spiritual ore, I hear,” Yunyang remarked, his tone nonchalant.

 

“Exactly. So, what do you think, Brother Yunyang? Are you interested?”

 

Yunyang sighed, setting his teacup down. “Brother Tianming, you’re well aware of my family’s situation.

 

We’re a fledgling clan with limited manpower, still in the midst of developing our territory.

 

To address this, I even sought the help of Lord Lu from Yuncang County to recruit five thousand laborers to support our efforts.

 

As for the obsidian vein, I’ve heard it’s buried deep within the mountains, hidden and elusive. Without special methods, finding it would require a tremendous amount of manpower and time—resources my family simply cannot spare at the moment,” he explained, a look of genuine difficulty crossing his face.

 

Sun Tianming nodded thoughtfully. On the way to the Yun estate, he had noticed the newly constructed housing outside the estate, bustling with many able-bodied commoners. Coupled with Yunyang’s words, it seemed plausible that the Yun family truly lacked the capacity for such an undertaking.

 

“Truthfully, my family also lacks the specialized means to locate the vein with certainty. But this vein is of great importance to the Sun family. If we can find it, it will bring immense wealth to our clan.

 

Thus, I cannot bring myself to abandon the search,” Tianming admitted earnestly.

 

“I came here hoping to propose a collaboration. If our two families combine our efforts and resources, we stand a much greater chance of success.

 

If we find the vein, we can mine it together and split the profits fifty-fifty. What do you think, Brother Yunyang?”

 

Yunyang’s face remained pensive as he listened. After a brief pause, he shook his head with a sigh.

 

“Brother Tianming, my second brother and his team have already ventured into the mountains to search.

 

But the forest is vast, dense, and treacherous. Even with the combined efforts of our two families, finding the obsidian vein is no small task.

 

The manpower, energy, and time required would be immense—a cost my family simply cannot bear,” Yunyang said regretfully, declining the offer once more.

 

In truth, had the Golden-Eyed Beast not been discovered, Yunyang might have seriously considered Tianming’s proposal. A partnership with the Sun family to share the costs and risks of the search would have been logical.

 

But with the Golden-Eyed Beast in their possession, the calculus had changed. The Yun family now had a far more efficient means of locating the vein without expending excessive resources or sharing the profits.

 

Why bear the burden of a costly collaboration when they could achieve the same goal with far less effort?

 

“Are you sure you won’t reconsider, Brother Yunyang? Finding the vein would benefit both our families immensely,” Tianming pressed, his tone sincere but persistent.

 

Sun Tianming couldn’t shake a sense of unease.

 

He felt certain Yun Yunyang was hiding something, yet nothing in Yunyang’s words could be faulted.

 

“Brother Tianming, your kind invitation is much appreciated, but I truly cannot burden my family with the costs of searching for the obsidian vein.

 

If we had the means, I wouldn’t have recalled my second brother and his team from Yuncang Mountain recently,” Yunyang said with a weary smile.

 

“Ah, well, if that’s the case, I won’t press the matter further,” Tianming sighed, shaking his head with a wry laugh.

 

“However, should you reconsider, please don’t hesitate to send someone to my family. I still hope we can collaborate someday,” Tianming added.

 

“Your words are noted, Brother Tianming. When my family is strong enough and has the resources, I will gladly seek your cooperation,” Yunyang replied, his tone courteous but firm.

 

“Haha! Then I look forward to that day,” Tianming said with a hearty laugh. He clasped his hands in farewell and left with his son and retinue.

 

As they rode away in the carriage, Sun Fenglin turned to his father.

 

“Father, it seems the Yun family truly has no intention of expending the resources to search for the obsidian vein,” he said.

 

“Do you believe that?” Tianming replied with a wry smile.

 

“But Yun Yunyang’s words were flawless. There wasn’t a single inconsistency,” Fenglin said, frowning in thought.

 

“That’s exactly what makes Yun Yunyang so dangerous,” Tianming said, his expression darkening.

 

“An obsidian vein is a treasure that neither our Sun family nor the Yun Cang Yun family can ignore. For my family, it’s worth any price. Do you truly think the Yun family would remain indifferent?”

 

“Then why did they withdraw their people from Yuncang Mountain?” Fenglin asked, confused.

 

“That is the part I cannot fathom,” Tianming admitted, furrowing his brows.

 

He had come to the Yun estate hoping to glean some clue from Yunyang, but Yunyang’s impeccable words and actions had revealed nothing. His statements, laced with half-truths, were impossible to dissect.

 

“What if I send someone to infiltrate the Yun family and investigate?” Fenglin suggested cautiously.

 

“Don’t act rashly!” Tianming said sharply.

 

“The Yun family has two spiritual root cultivators and is backed by a mysterious figure in the cultivation world. If you send spies into their estate and they’re caught, it would destroy the relationship between our families.

 

Until our Sun family is strong enough, we cannot afford any conflict with the Yun family,” he warned.

 

“I understand, Father,” Fenglin replied, lowering his gaze.

 

“Even without their cooperation, we must continue the search. This obsidian vein is our family’s only hope to rise above our current status.

 

You, Fenglin, and your brother Fengxuan need cultivation resources to advance your training. Finding this vein will provide the spirit stones necessary for your growth,” Tianming said earnestly, placing a firm hand on his son’s shoulder.

 

“Someday, the Sun family will be yours to lead. Don’t let me down.”

 

“Rest assured, Father. Fengxuan and I will do everything in our power for the future of our family,” Fenglin said, his voice resolute.

 

From the doorway of the Yun ancestral hall, Yun Yunrui watched the Sun family’s departing entourage, his brows furrowed in thought.

 

“Sun Tianming is a suspicious man. I suspect he may have pieced together something from our conversation,” Yunrui said, his tone cautious.

 

“What could he discern from a simple conversation?” Yunyang replied with a chuckle. “I merely repeated what he already suspected and what his scouts had reported, leaving no room for doubt or contradiction.”

 

“Haha! Brother Yunyang, your skillful diplomacy is unmatched. Your words, blending truth and falsehood, left Sun Tianming with nothing to grasp.

 

If I didn’t already know the truth, I wouldn’t have seen through your intentions either,” Yunrui said with a laugh.

 

“Alright, enough flattery. Go help Brother Yunfeng select some capable people. Once Brother Yunshan has crafted the necessary tools and materials, we’ll need to organize the five thousand laborers to begin channeling the water,” Yunyang instructed.

 

“Understood. I’ll see to it immediately,” Yunrui said, bowing as he departed.

 

At the Forge’s Private Workshop

 

“Remember, channel your spiritual energy into the furnace to ignite spiritual flames.

 

Maintain the flame at a stable temperature to refine the spiritual ore properly,” Yun Yanshui said, watching the roaring furnace as he held the Golden-Eyed Beast cub in his arms.

 

He spoke to his sister, Yun Yanshuang, who stood beside him, carefully practicing the infusion of her spiritual energy into the furnace.

 

“If the flames burn too hot, they’ll destroy the spiritual essence of the ore.

 

If the flames are too low, the impurities in the ore won’t be removed, making it impossible to proceed to the next step of forging,” Yanshui explained, his tone serious.

 

“Got it, Brother. I’ll control the output carefully,” Yanshuang replied, her expression focused as she worked to stabilize the furnace flames under her brother’s guidance.

 

Chapter 73: The Art of Forging

 

“Brother, is this good enough?”

 

Yun Yanshuang carefully enveloped a refined piece of spiritual ore in her energy and handed it to her brother for inspection.

 

“It’s passable. But for your first attempt, this is already quite decent,” Yun Yanshui replied, nodding approvingly.

 

“Alright, now go ahead and refine the remaining four pieces of ore in the same manner. Make sure to remove all the impurities,” he instructed.

 

Yanshuang nodded resolutely and returned to her task, channeling all her focus into the refining process. She dared not be careless for even a moment.

 

Meanwhile, Yanshui leaned against the wall, yawning as he held the drowsy Golden-Eyed Beast cub. The cub mimicked him, letting out a small yawn of its own.

 

Time passed, and Yanshuang finally completed refining all four remaining pieces of ore.

 

“According to The Hundred Essentials of Artifact Forging, the next step is to merge the five refined spiritual ore liquids together.

 

Remember, you must proceed with utmost caution. Use your spiritual sense to control the merging process and maintain a delicate balance.

 

If you rush or lose control, the mixture could explode,” Yanshui warned.

 

“Explode?!” Yanshuang exclaimed, her eyes widening in alarm.

 

“Of course! Did you think forging was simple?” Yanshui teased, though his tone turned gentler. “But don’t worry. You’ve done a fine job refining the ores so far, which shows your control is steady.

 

As long as you stay calm, you’ll be able to merge the liquids without any trouble.”

 

“I… I’ll try my best,” Yanshuang replied nervously, her face tightening with determination.

 

Taking a deep breath, she channeled her spiritual sense into the five liquid ores, carefully guiding them to merge at a controlled pace.

 

The room grew silent except for the faint hum of energy as Yanshuang worked meticulously, her small face taut with concentration. She knew that failure would mean wasting the precious spiritual ores her family had worked so hard to obtain.

 

“Relax, Shuang’er. The more tense you are, the more likely you are to make a mistake,” Yanshui reminded her gently.

 

“Okay, I’ll try,” Yanshuang said, though her nerves were still evident.

 

Thankfully, luck was on her side. Slowly but surely, under her careful guidance, the five liquids began to merge, their energies harmonizing into a balanced state.

 

“Brother, I did it!”

 

Yanshuang exhaled a long breath, her shoulders relaxing as a sweet smile spread across her face.

 

“Haha! Not bad at all! Looks like you’ve got a knack for forging. Succeeding on your first try is no small feat,” Yanshui said, clapping his hands in approval.

 

“Now you can shape the liquid into whatever form you want—a sword, spear, dagger, you name it.”

 

“I want to make a sword,” Yanshuang said confidently.

 

“Your choice,” Yanshui said, gesturing toward the tools in the room.

 

“The mold slots are in the corner. Pour the liquid in, and it will cool and solidify.

 

Remember, once you’ve shaped the sword embryo, there’s still a long process of carving and polishing before it’s truly finished,” he reminded her.

 

“Got it!”

 

With a bright smile, Yanshuang carried the glowing liquid to the corner, carefully pouring it into a sword mold.

 

“Let’s head back. It needs time to cool. You can return later to start the fine-tuning,” Yanshui suggested.

 

“Alright!” Yanshuang said cheerfully, following her brother out of the workshop.

 

As the siblings passed through the forge, several Yun clan members greeted them warmly. Yanshui and Yanshuang responded with respectful smiles and polite nods.

 

“How did the forging go?”

 

Stepping outside, they ran into Yun Yunshan.

 

“Father, Shuang’er did great!” Yanshui exclaimed. “She successfully refined the five ores and merged them into a liquid.

 

She’s already poured it into a mold for a sword. Once it’s cooled, she’ll carve and polish it into a proper blade.”

 

“Is that so? Shuang’er, you’ve made your father proud,” Yunshan said, his face beaming with pride.

 

“Thank you, Father,” Yanshuang said, her cheeks flushing with happiness.

 

“If the finished sword turns out well, I plan to sell my peachwood sword at the Yulin Market to trade for spirit stones to support our family,” she added thoughtfully.

 

“Haha! Excellent idea,” Yunshan said, laughing heartily.

 

“By the way, I have some wonderful news to share,” Yunshan continued.

 

“Father, what is it?” the siblings asked eagerly.

 

“Your cousin Linger has successfully given birth to a son.

 

Your uncle tested the child with the spiritual root stone, and he’s a spiritual root cultivator just like you two—a third-grade spiritual root,” Yunshan announced, unable to contain his excitement.

 

“Really?!”

 

Yun Yanshui and Yun Yanshuang were overjoyed.

 

“Father, how could you joke about something like this?” Yanshui asked, his grin stretching from ear to ear.

 

“Father, can we go see our little nephew?” Yanshuang chimed in eagerly.

 

“Of course, go ahead. I still have work to do at the forge,” Yunshan replied, his tone indulgent.

 

“Alright!”

 

The siblings nodded with excitement and dashed off toward the family estate.

 

In the courtyard, Yun Yunyang cradled the newborn baby in his arms, his face glowing with pride and joy.

 

“Hahaha! What a wonderful day! My precious grandson is a spiritual root cultivator—he hasn’t let me down!” Yunyang exclaimed, beaming.

 

Around him, the Yun clan elders—Yun Yue, Yun Feng, Yun Rui, Yun Xun, and others—had gathered to celebrate. The air was electric with excitement and congratulations.

 

“F-Father-in-law, p-please be careful not to drop him,” Qin Zhan stammered nervously, torn between his joy and his concern for his newborn son.

 

“Hahaha! Silly boy, do you think I’d drop my precious grandson?” Yunyang retorted with a playful scold.

 

“Hehe, you’re right, Father-in-law,” Qin Zhan replied awkwardly, scratching the back of his head with an embarrassed grin.

 

“And your parents? Have you notified them?” Yunyang asked.

 

“Yes, I’ve informed them. They’re on their way, bringing some supplements for Ling’er. Giving birth wasn’t easy for her,” Qin Zhan replied.

 

“Good. Now go check on Ling’er. I’ll take care of your son,” Yunyang said, waving him off.

 

“Yes, sir!” Qin Zhan answered obediently and hurried inside to see his wife, Yun Yanling.

 

“Uncle!”

 

Yanshui and Yanshuang burst into the courtyard like a whirlwind, drawing the attention of everyone present.

 

“Hahaha! Shui’er, Shuang’er, you’re here! Come, meet your little nephew,” Yunyang called out warmly.

 

“Uncle, let me hold him!” Yanshui exclaimed, passing the Golden-Eyed Beast cub into his sister’s arms without a second thought and stretching his hands toward his uncle.

 

“Alright, but be careful. He’s just a newborn—his bones are still soft,” Yunyang warned, smiling indulgently.

 

“Don’t worry!” Yanshui said with a grin as he carefully took the baby into his arms, gently rocking him.

 

“He looks so much like Sister Ling’er!” Yanshui remarked, marveling at the baby’s tiny features.

 

“He’s so small and smells like milk!” Yanshuang said with a delighted giggle, leaning in to sniff her nephew’s sweet baby scent. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and affection.

 

“And that little mouth—just like Brother-in-law’s,” added Yansong, stepping closer to take a look.

 

“His eyes and brows resemble Sister Ling’er’s. He’s going to grow up to be a dashing young gentleman, sure to capture the hearts of many rich young ladies,” Yansong joked, his laughter infectious.

 

“Uncle, have you thought of a name for him yet?” Yantian asked, glancing up at Yunyang with a smile.

 

“Ah, my memory! I’ve been so caught up in the joy of his birth that I completely forgot!” Yunyang said with a laugh, tapping his forehead as if to jog his memory.

 

“Brother Yunyang, according to the family’s naming tradition, this child belongs to the ‘Wen’ generation,” Yunrui reminded him.

 

“The ‘Wen’ generation, is it?” Yunyang murmured, falling into thoughtful silence.

 

After a moment, his face lit up. “We’ll name him Wen Xuan. The name ‘Xuan’ conveys an air of elegance and grandeur—may he grow up to embody those qualities!”

 

Chapter 74: Celebrations and Aspirations

 

“Ling’er!”

 

Yun Yanshui and the group entered the room with baby Yun Wenxuan in his arms, their faces glowing with excitement.

 

Inside, they found Qin Zhan attentively tending to Yun Yanling, who was resting after the exhausting childbirth.

 

“Ling’er, look! Here’s your son. Uncle just named him Wenxuan!” Yanshui exclaimed as he sat down at the bedside, holding the newborn carefully.

 

“Wenxuan… It’s a good name,” Yanling said weakly, leaning against the headboard. Her face was pale, her body frail, but her eyes shone with maternal love as they rested on her baby.

 

She reached out with difficulty, her hands trembling as she gently caressed her son’s tiny head.

 

“Not only that, Wenxuan is a spiritual root cultivator, just like Shuang’er and Yantian—he has a third-grade spiritual root!” Yanshui added excitedly.

 

“Really?” Yanling smiled, her expression softening.

 

She felt a wave of relief and pride, knowing she had fulfilled her father’s expectations by giving birth to a child with spiritual potential.

 

“Don’t worry, Ling’er. Once Wenxuan is older, Uncle Yunrui and Mr. Yu will teach him to read and write. And I’ll guide him in cultivation myself!” Yanshui declared confidently.

 

“Yantian will help too! We’ll make sure he grows strong,” Yanshuang chimed in with a gentle smile.

 

“Thank you both. I’ll count on you to teach Wenxuan well,” Yanling said, patting Yanshuang’s head fondly.

 

“Hehe! Brother-in-law, you’ve done well this time! Not only a son but a spiritual root cultivator too,” Yanshui teased, his grin aimed at Qin Zhan.

 

“Not my doing—it’s all thanks to Ling’er’s strength!” Qin Zhan replied sheepishly, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment.

 

“Keep it up, Brother-in-law! Try for a daughter next time—then you’ll have the perfect pair! And if she’s also a spiritual root cultivator, our Yun family will be unstoppable!” Yun Yanbai chimed in with a sly grin, nudging Qin Zhan’s chest playfully.

 

“Haha! Exactly! You and Ling’er should focus on expanding the family tree,” Yanshui added, his voice full of mischief.

 

“Enough already! Ling’er nearly lost her life giving birth to our son—I’m content with one child,” Qin Zhan said with a helpless shake of his head.

 

“Alright, everyone out!” he added, shooing the teasing siblings away. “Ling’er needs rest—she’s still weak and needs proper recovery.”

 

That night, the Yun family estate was filled with joyous commotion.

 

In celebration of Yun Yanling’s safe delivery of a spiritual root cultivator, Yun Yunyang hosted a grand feast. Guests and family members gathered to drink, laugh, and share in the happiness of the occasion.

 

The revelry continued late into the night, and only then did the guests begin to depart, each one in high spirits.

 

“Now your uncle has a spiritual root grandson, and your second and fourth uncles both have spiritual root children. Only our branch is left without one!” Yun Yunfeng sighed as he walked with his two sons, his voice tinged with envy.

 

“Father, when my brother and I grow older, we’ll marry proper wives and ensure our branch also produces spiritual root descendants,” Yanbai said with earnest determination.

 

“That’s right! If one wife doesn’t work, we’ll marry more until we succeed,” Yanbai added with a cheeky grin.

 

“Hahaha! Alright, I’ll hold you both to it. When the time comes, I’ll ask your uncle to arrange matches with noble young ladies for you two,” Yunfeng said, his spirits lifting.

 

“I want someone gentle,” Yansong declared firmly.

 

“I want someone beautiful with a good figure,” Yanbai countered, smirking.

 

“You two rascals!” Yunfeng laughed, giving each of them a playful smack on the head. “You don’t even have the faintest plans yet, and you’re already being picky!”

 

Seasons changed swiftly, and before long, summer arrived.

 

In the two or three months that followed, Yun Yunshan had successfully overseen the production of enough tools and materials for the grand task ahead.

 

Yun Yunfeng, appointed by his elder brother, now led the clan’s efforts to supervise the five thousand deaf-mute laborers. Their mission: to channel the sacred spring deep within Yuncang Mountain to the Yun family’s lands.

 

Everything was progressing smoothly.

 

In the past two or three months, Yun Yanshuang had been diligently focused on her cultivation while also spending time in the forging chamber, meticulously carving and polishing the sword embryo under her brother’s guidance.

 

Meanwhile, Yun Yanshui continued his usual routine: heading into the mountains with his black war bow to hunt, offering tributes to the ancient bronze mirror, and otherwise lounging at home caring for the Golden-Eyed Beast cub. Occasionally, he’d join his friends, like Yun Yandong, for some carefree fun—bathing in streams or catching fish in the Lijai Valley.

 

Life seemed leisurely, but progress was steady.

 

Yanshui’s cultivation had advanced to the peak of the fifth stage of the Breath Embryo realm, with a breakthrough just within reach.

 

His younger sister, Yanshuang, had reached the peak of the fourth stage, and Yantian had similarly stabilized at the fourth stage. Compared to other young cultivators in Yue Country, their progress was exceptionally fast.

 

However, the further they advanced, the more time it took for Yanshuang and Yantian to make breakthroughs.

 

For Yanshui, though, progress was steady, thanks to the growing Golden-Eyed Beast. The cub, now covered in fine grayish-white fur and the size of a clenched fist, had a voracious appetite for spirit stones and occasionally for the celestial fruits produced by the bronze mirror.

 

As the beast grew, so did its strength, and the cultivation feedback it provided to Yanshui became increasingly significant.

 

“Eat, eat, eat! That’s all you know how to do!” Yanshui groaned, glaring at the Golden-Eyed Beast as it stared up at him with wide, innocent eyes, mouth open and ready for food.

 

“You’ve eaten all the spirit stones! The ones Father and Uncle Yunrui gave me are gone! I can’t afford to keep feeding you!”

 

The cub, now demanding more food than ever, let out a plaintive whimper, its large eyes brimming with a pitiful clarity that only deepened Yanshui’s frustration.

 

“I’ve only managed to save six celestial fruits so far, and I can’t waste them on you!” he grumbled.

 

In truth, those fruits had other uses, and he couldn’t bear to let the beast devour them. But with no spirit stones left, the family was struggling to support this ever-hungry creature.

 

“Brother, what are you yelling about this time?”

 

Yanshuang’s cheerful voice interrupted his lament as she returned from the forge, stepping into the courtyard with a smile.

 

“What else? This greedy thing keeps growing, and its appetite grows with it. Father and Uncle Yunrui’s thirty-seven spirit stones are all gone! I’m at my wit’s end!”

 

Yanshui gestured helplessly at the Golden-Eyed Beast, now staring plaintively at him.

 

Yanshuang laughed as she walked over to the table, gently stroking the cub’s soft fur.

 

“Why not take it with you when you go hunting? Its keen sense of smell might help it find its own food—and who knows, maybe it’ll lead to something valuable for the family,” she suggested, her voice calm and practical.

 

“Good idea,” Yanshui said after a moment of thought, nodding in agreement.

 

“Like Mr. Yu says: ‘Train soldiers for a thousand days, use them in one.’ It’s time this creature earned its keep!”

 

Yanshuang chuckled. “I’m sure it’ll do well. It might even bring some surprises back for the family.”

 

She reached into her storage pouch and pulled out a spirit stone, placing it gently in the beast’s mouth.

 

The Golden-Eyed Beast crunched the stone with gusto, its eyes glinting with satisfaction as it finally stopped whining.

 

“By the way, how’s your sword coming along?” Yanshui asked, curiosity sparking in his eyes.

 

“It’s done! Look,” Yanshuang said, pulling a short sword from her storage pouch and placing it on the table.

 

The blade was three feet long and three fingers wide, its surface a rich, dark green hue that shimmered with an ethereal glow.

 

Intricate, dazzling patterns of divine runes adorned the blade, giving it an otherworldly beauty that left Yanshui speechless.

 

“This… this is impressive! A proper spiritual weapon—it’s leagues better than your old peachwood sword!”

 

“Isn’t it amazing? What do you think?” Yanshuang said, her face beaming with pride.

 

“Absolutely incredible! My little sister is a genius!”

 

“Ahhh! Stop that, you little beast! You can’t eat the sword!” Yanshui shouted suddenly, as the Golden-Eyed Beast leapt toward the table, its mouth open and ready to chomp on the glowing weapon.

Chapter 75: Plans and Challenges

 

“The irrigation project for the spirit spring has already begun,” Yun Yunrui reported to Yun Yunyang, his tone measured.

 

“Everything is under Yunfeng’s supervision. He’s leading a team of clan members to oversee the progress. According to our plan, it will take at least two to three years to complete the project.”

 

Yun Yunyang, seated comfortably with his precious grandson cradled in his arms, smiled warmly as he played with the baby.

 

“After the spirit spring irrigates the fields behind the mountain, turning them into spiritual farmlands capable of cultivating spirit rice and spirit plants will also take some time, won’t it?” Yunyang asked, glancing at Yunrui.

 

“Yes,” Yunrui nodded. “By our estimates, even after the irrigation project is completed and the spirit spring reaches the barren fields, it will take another year or two to transform the land into spiritual farmland.”

 

“In that case, we’re looking at a minimum of five years before the family’s spiritual farmland plan is fully realized,” Yunyang remarked, his expression becoming serious.

 

“Indeed,” Yunrui agreed.

 

“Let’s hope everything goes smoothly,” Yunyang said with a laugh. “Once the spiritual farmland is established, our Yun family will finally be able to cultivate our own spirit rice and plants. This will not only provide resources for the family but also support Shuang’er, Tian’er, and Xuan’er in their cultivation.”

 

Yunrui smiled at his optimism but quickly raised another concern. “However, Yunyang, there’s another issue we may face.”

 

“What is it?” Yunyang asked, his brows furrowing slightly.

 

“The family doesn’t have a spiritual botanist,” Yunrui explained.

 

Yunyang’s expression grew even more serious.

 

A spiritual botanist—someone skilled in cultivating spirit plants—was essential for the success of their farming plans. Growing spirit rice and plants wasn’t as simple as farming ordinary crops; it required specialized knowledge and techniques. Without such expertise, even if the farmland was prepared, they’d struggle to yield a bountiful harvest.

 

“You’ve made a good point,” Yunyang said after a moment of thought.

 

“I’ve already instructed our family members who manage our external industries to see if they can find any methods or techniques related to cultivating and managing spirit plants,” Yunrui offered.

 

“I doubt they’ll have much luck,” Yunyang replied with a sigh.

 

“Why do you say that?” Yunrui asked, concerned.

 

“Crafts like alchemy, formation setting, artifact forging, talisman making, and spirit planting are all part of the Hundred Arts of Immortality. These are the lifeblood of major sects and noble families.

 

“Our external managers are mere mortals. How could they have the means to access such closely guarded secrets?” Yunyang explained.

 

“Then… what should we do?” Yunrui asked, his tone tinged with worry. “If we can’t obtain the knowledge needed to cultivate spirit plants, even if we successfully prepare the farmland, it will be useless.”

 

“Let’s take it one step at a time,” Yunyang said with a heavy sigh.

 

His mind turned to the Yulin Wang family. With their resources and heritage, they likely had access to the knowledge of spirit plant cultivation. However, seeking their help would come with a steep price, and even then, they might only provide incomplete methods.

 

Despite the daunting challenges, Yunyang soon shifted the conversation to brighter prospects.

 

“Actually, we don’t need to rush this,” Yunyang said, his tone lightening.

 

“Shuang’er is progressing well with her artifact forging studies. I’ve heard she’s even crafted a first-grade spiritual sword. With her talent, she could one day provide the family with resources through her craft.”

 

“Meanwhile, Shui’er is raising the Golden-Eyed Beast. Once it matures, it will help the family locate spiritual veins and valuable minerals—a treasure in its own right.”

 

“And don’t forget, the old Daoist plans to teach Tian’er the art of talisman making. In the future, this could become another livelihood for our family.”

 

“With these three potential sources of income, we don’t need to be overly anxious about finding methods for cultivating spirit plants right now.”

 

Yunrui couldn’t help but laugh at his elder cousin’s reasoning. “Well said, Yunyang. I was too caught up in my worries to see the bigger picture.”

 

He relaxed, his earlier anxiety melting away.

 

Indeed, with three promising avenues for earning cultivation resources, why rush into a solution for a problem that could be tackled later?

 

“All we can do is let things take their natural course,” Yun Yunyang said after a moment of contemplation, gently dismissing Yun Yunrui with a wave of his hand.

 

“Understood, cousin. I’ll take my leave,” Yunrui replied, bowing respectfully before turning to depart.

 

Left alone with his precious grandson, Yun Yunyang lifted the baby high above his head, his face brimming with affection.

 

“Xuan’er, my dear grandson, grow strong for your grandpa! One day, you’ll be the pillar of our Yun family!”

 

The three-month-old Yun Wenxuan, sensing the joy in his grandfather’s voice, broke into a toothless grin.

 

But his excitement got the better of him—before anyone could react, he let loose a stream of urine straight onto Yunyang’s face.

 

“You little rascal…!” Yunyang exclaimed, half-laughing, half-crying, as the baby giggled innocently in his arms.

 

At the break of dawn, Chuyun Mountain lay shrouded in a thick veil of mist. The air was cold and biting, akin to the depths of winter, even though the season had long since changed.

 

“Achoo!”

 

Sun Tianli sneezed loudly, pulling his thin jacket tighter around himself. His group of a dozen Sun clan members trudged through the dense forest, their breaths visible in the frosty air.

 

“Who’s badmouthing me behind my back?” Tianli grumbled, rubbing his itchy nose.

 

“Tianli, we’ve been searching this mountain for months now. Are you sure the black obsidian vein even exists?” one of the men behind him asked, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

 

For months, they’d been combing through the rugged terrain under orders from the clan, their lives reduced to an endless cycle of early mornings and grueling searches. Yet despite the Sun clan deploying hundreds of people, they had found no trace of the rumored vein.

 

“Of course, it exists! My brother said it does, so it must be there!” Tianli snapped, his tone brooking no argument.

 

“But the family has sent so many people, spent months combing the area, and still found nothing…”

 

“Months mean nothing!” Tianli barked. “If we don’t find it this year, we’ll search next year. If we don’t find it in two years, we’ll search for three. Even if we have to turn this entire mountain upside down, we will find that vein.”

 

“The Sun clan is at a critical juncture. The Yun family of Yuncang is growing stronger by the day. If we don’t secure a source of cultivation resources soon, it’s only a matter of time before they surpass us!”

 

“Do you all want to see the Yun family ride over us one day?”

 

“Of course not,” another clan member muttered, though his tone was tinged with frustration.

 

“But blindly searching like this isn’t going to get us anywhere. Chuyun Mountain is vast—our current numbers wouldn’t be able to search the whole thing even in a decade.”

 

“I know that,” Tianli admitted, his voice softer. “But the family has no better options right now. This is the only plan we have.”

 

“Alright, enough complaining,” Tianli continued, his tone brightening. “Today’s search will end soon. Once we’re back in the village, I’ll take you all to the county to enjoy some wine and… other pleasures.”

 

“Really?”

 

The group’s mood shifted instantly, fatigue melting away as smiles lit up their faces.

 

“Of course! Have I ever lied to you?” Tianli grinned, leading them deeper into the forest.

 

“Stop.”

 

Tianli suddenly raised his hand, his sharp ears catching an unusual noise ahead.

 

The group froze, their breaths held as they strained to listen.

 

From beyond the dense thicket came the low growl of a beast, punctuated by the distinct sound of something being chewed.

 

Tianli’s hand instinctively went to the blade at his waist, drawing it silently as his eyes narrowed. The others followed suit, their steps light and cautious as they prepared to skirt around the source of the sound.

 

But something about the noise unsettled Tianli.

 

“This chewing… it doesn’t sound like an animal,” he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.

 

“It sounds like… a person eating. And those growls… they almost sound human, too. What in the world could it be?”

 

The group exchanged uneasy glances, their curiosity and caution warning as they edged closer to the sound.

 

Chapter 76 Mysterious Girl

 

Sun Tianli, a seasoned hunter with years of experience in the mountains, was intimately familiar with the sounds of various wild beasts.

 

As he listened to the low growls and chewing sounds emanating from the nearby thicket, he immediately realized these were not the sounds of any ordinary animal.

 

Instead, the noises bore an uncanny resemblance to the sound of a human chewing.

 

Curiosity gnawed at him. Alone, he crouched low and crept toward the thicket. Reaching out, he gently parted the dense foliage. Through the gaps, Sun Tianli clearly saw a figure crouched over a corpse, ferociously devouring it.

 

The corpse’s abdomen had been gnawed into a massive, gory cavity, its internal organs consumed to the very last shred.

 

Even in death, the victim’s face remained etched with terror and utter despair.

 

“This… this…”

 

Sun Tianli stood frozen, utterly petrified by the grisly scene before him.

 

He knew at once—this was no ordinary beast. He had encountered something far more sinister.

 

For a moment, he did not dare to breathe, not even a whisper escaping his lips.

 

Fighting the overwhelming urge to bolt, he cautiously retreated, step by step, vanishing into the safety of the surrounding underbrush.

 

“Tianli-ge, what did you see? Why does your face look so pale?”

 

One of Sun Tianli’s clan members spotted him as he returned. His face was ashen, drained of all color, his eyes wide with a terror that ran bone-deep. Unable to hold back their curiosity, they quietly asked.

 

“Run! Run now! Get out of here!” Sun Tianli snapped back to reality and hastily urged them.

 

The group of clan members exchanged puzzled glances, their confusion growing. They looked at one another, unsure of what Sun Tianli had seen to make him react like this.

 

“Tianli-ge, what is it? What did you see?”

 

“Stop asking! Just run!” Sun Tianli barked, his voice trembling with urgency.

 

But his outburst caught the attention of the creature lurking behind the thicket—the one feasting on the corpse.

 

A guttural growl echoed through the air.

 

Emerging from the thicket was a horrific figure, its eyes clouded with a sickly green hue. Its face was a grotesque mask of decay, its skin riddled with festering sores and crawling with maggots.

 

It had caught the scent of living flesh.

 

With a roar, the creature darted forward with the agility of a predator, leaping out of the thicket in an instant. Its jaws latched onto the neck of one of Sun Tianli’s clan members with a sickening crunch.

 

Blood sprayed into the air.

 

The unfortunate clan member’s eyes widened in horror. He turned toward the others, his mouth opening to cry for help, but blood gushed into his throat, silencing him forever.

 

“Lao Wu!”

 

Another clan member screamed in anguish as he saw his younger brother collapse beneath the creature’s ravenous fangs. Gripping his blade, he rushed forward in a fury, only to be held back by Sun Tianli.

 

“Do you want to die? Run!” Sun Tianli shouted.

 

Reluctantly, the grieving man bit down on his rage and followed the group, fleeing in terror down the mountain path toward the safety of their ancestral land.

 

Behind them, the monstrous figure let out another furious roar.

 

Realizing its prey was escaping, it sprang forward with unnatural speed, closing the gap in mere moments. Its clawed hand, as sharp as a blade, pierced through the back of another clan member with ease.

 

“Tian… Tianli-ge!”

 

Sun Tianli, leading the desperate escape, glanced back only to see yet another clansman fall victim to the creature’s claws, his chest pierced clean through. The fear etched on Sun Tianli’s face deepened, and he pushed himself to run even faster.

 

The others, too, were consumed by terror.

 

But no matter how fast they ran, it was futile. The creature was relentless.

 

One after another, the clan members fell to its claws and fangs, their blood staining the forest floor.

 

Before long, Sun Tianli was the only one left alive.

 

He felt the creature’s gaze burning into his back, the icy tendrils of fear clawing up his spine. His entire body was drenched in cold sweat, his mind paralyzed with panic.

 

In his desperation, he stumbled over a root jutting from the ground. His body tumbled uncontrollably down the mountain’s steep slope, rolling like a broken doll into the endless expanse of forest below.

 

The creature reached the edge of the slope, but by then, Sun Tianli’s scent had vanished into the depths of the jungle.

 

The creature let out an unwilling growl, then turned back to the other Sun clan corpses, resuming its frenzied feast.

 

“Xiao Huang! Xiao Huang!”

 

In the depths of the forest, a delicate young girl dressed in a blue skirt with silver ornaments adorning her head was calling out repeatedly.

 

The girl, about fifteen years old, was slender and graceful, her skin as pale as snow. Her features were exquisitely beautiful, like those of a porcelain doll.

 

What stood out most were her eyes—not the usual black or brown of ordinary people, but a pair of crimson pupils that glimmered faintly with a strange light. In the shadows of the forest, her blood-red eyes became even more striking, like deep crimson gemstones.

 

“Xiao Huang! Xiao Huang! Where did you run off to this time?”

 

Hands on her hips, she stomped her feet in frustration, puffing her cheeks in an adorably exasperated manner.

 

Just as she was fuming, a faint chewing sound drifted through the forest.

 

Her expression brightened, and she hurried in the direction of the sound.

 

“Hmph! So here you are!”

 

When she arrived, she saw the horrifying figure of the corpse-eating creature crouched over the mangled remains of the Sun clan members. With her hands still on her hips, she huffed indignantly.

 

Strangely enough, the creature, which had been attacking any living human it sensed, remained unbothered by the girl’s presence. It simply continued devouring the corpses, its face and mouth drenched in fresh blood, looking like a demon straight out of the underworld.

 

“Did you kill all these people?”

 

The girl glanced at the blood-soaked remains strewn about, her voice calm and unaffected.

 

She was long accustomed to such grisly sights, utterly unfazed by the carnage.

 

The creature paused in its feast, letting out a low growl in response.

 

“You’re not to sneak out like this again, do you hear me? The immortal cultivators in Yue Country are hunting us everywhere.

 

If they find you, you’re done for!”

 

The girl scolded the monstrous figure as if it were a misbehaving child, her tone unusually serious.

 

“Now hurry up, get out of that body already!”

 

She reached out and patted the creature’s blood-soaked head, urging it firmly.

 

With a guttural growl, the creature stopped chewing and squatted down, lowering its head slowly.

 

Its bloodied mouth, filled with shredded flesh, opened wide, releasing a stench so foul and nauseating it could have made anyone else retch.

 

The girl, however, remained unperturbed. She calmly extended her delicate, jade-like hand beneath the creature’s open mouth.

 

From within, a golden, thumb-sized gu worm with crimson markings crawled out, landing lightly in her palm.

 

“Hmph! You little thing, always sneaking out to play!”

 

She gently stroked the golden gu worm in her hand, letting out a playful huff. Then she placed it carefully into a storage pouch tied at her waist.

 

Having dealt with the matter, she lightly tapped the ground with the tip of her foot and vanished into the dense forest like a phantom.

 

“These past months, our clan has devoted immense manpower, resources, and time, yet we’ve still found no trace of the obsidian vein.”

 

“Tianming, perhaps it’s time to recall our people? Continuing this aimless search is pointless—it’s just wasting time and energy.”

 

Inside the ancestral hall, several key members of the Sun clan turned to Sun Tianming, seated at the head, voicing their concerns.

 

At first, they had all supported Tianming’s decision to send large numbers of people into the Chuyun Mountains to locate the obsidian vein. Beating the Yun Clan would secure a tremendous advantage.

 

But after months of relentless effort, not a single clue had surfaced.

 

Gradually, doubts began to grow among the clan’s leadership. Was supporting Tianming’s decision the right choice?

 

What’s more, discontent was bubbling among the rank-and-file clan members. Those who ventured into the mountains daily were starting to grumble in private.

 

“We’ve come this far; how can we give up so easily?”

 

“If we quit halfway, all the effort we’ve put in over the past months will have been for nothing!”

 

Tianming’s expression was stern.

 

“But continuing like this isn’t a solution either!”

 

“Lately, many clan members have begun voicing their dissatisfaction. If this drags on, it could lead to unrest within the clan!”

 

At this, Sun Tianming fell silent, his brows furrowing deeply.

 

He was well aware of the growing unease within the clan. Yet, having invested so much manpower, time, and effort, the thought of giving up now was unbearable.

 

Just then, a young man burst into the hall, panic-stricken.

 

“Father! It’s terrible—Third Uncle, he…”

 

Chapter 77: Compulsive Corpse

 

“Dead! They’re all dead! Every single one of them!”

 

“Lao Wu is dead, Lao Ba is dead too! Everyone is gone!”

 

Inside the room, Sun Tianli sat on the bed, his hair disheveled and his voice trembling with despair as he muttered incessantly. His face was still etched with terror.

 

Every time he recalled the horrific scene in the Chuyun Mountains, where his brothers and cousins were slaughtered and devoured by that monstrous corpse-eater, his entire body trembled uncontrollably.

 

The memory lingered like a relentless nightmare, vivid and inescapable, replaying over and over in his mind.

 

“Third Brother!”

 

Sun Tianming entered the room with several core members of the Sun clan, his expression full of worry. He found Sun Tianli huddled in the corner of the bed, his eyes filled with panic.

 

“Don’t come near me! Stay away! Don’t kill me! Please, don’t kill me!”

 

As Sun Tianming approached, Sun Tianli flailed his arms wildly, trying to push him away, his voice desperate and frightened.

 

Seeing this, Sun Tianming paused, unwilling to agitate his brother further. He turned his gaze to another clan member, one of the family’s healers.

 

“What’s wrong with Tianli? Why is he acting like this?”

 

“Tianli is suffering from severe fright. The shock has unsettled his mind, causing him to lose his sanity.”

 

“And the injuries on his body?”

 

“According to the clan members who found him, he was lying in a thicket at the bottom of a slope. His injuries likely came from tumbling down and being scratched by thorns, branches, and stones along the way.

 

I’ve already treated the wounds—they’re not serious.

 

But as for his mind… I’m afraid…”

 

“You mean it can’t be healed?”

 

“Conventional medicine won’t help him. Whether he recovers depends entirely on himself.”

 

Hearing this, Sun Tianming’s face darkened. Watching his brother slip into madness over an unknown horror was like a dagger to his heart.

 

“What about the others who went into the mountains with Tianli?”

 

After a long silence, Sun Tianming asked.

 

“No one knows,” Sun Fenglin stepped forward and reported. “According to the others who returned from the mountains, they only found Third Uncle. None of the others were seen.”

 

“Your Third Uncle must have encountered something terrifying to end up like this.

 

Fenglin, take a group into the mountains and investigate the situation. Report back immediately if you find anything.”

 

“Yes, Father. I’ll leave at once.”

 

Sun Fenglin bowed and quickly departed.

 

The sun dipped low in the sky, painting the Chuyun Mountains in the golden hues of dusk.

 

Following Sun Tianming’s orders, Sun Fenglin led a group of clan members into the mountains to search for the missing relatives. As they approached the slope where Sun Tianli had fallen, the air grew thick with the stench of blood.

 

Whoosh!

 

Sun Fenglin darted nimbly across the slope, stepping lightly on the branches of nearby trees as he moved toward the source of the foul scent.

 

Below, several Sun clan members prepared their iron hooks, throwing them into the gaps between sturdy branches on the slope above. Once they were sure the hooks were secure, they gripped the ropes tightly and began the arduous climb.

 

When they reached the top of the slope, the overwhelming stench of blood hit them like a physical force.

 

Then, they saw it.

 

Their missing brothers and cousins lay scattered across the ground, their corpses torn apart and mutilated beyond recognition. The flesh had been gnawed to shreds, their internal organs devoured completely, leaving nothing but grotesque remnants of what had once been human.

 

“What… what kind of monster could have done this?”

 

One of the clan members stared at the grisly scene, his eyes red with fury, veins bulging across his forehead as anger coursed through him.

 

The others were equally enraged.

 

They refused to believe that this massacre was the work of ordinary mountain beasts. After all, the victims were seasoned hunters, skilled in survival and combat. No common predator could have taken them all down.

 

Sun Fenglin clenched his fists tightly, suppressing the rage and grief swelling in his chest. His eyes burned red as he looked at the mangled remains of his uncles and brothers, men who had treated him kindly when he was young.

 

As a child, whenever he wanted treats or toys, these men had always indulged him.

 

Now they were gone. All of them.

 

Each had died a gruesome death, their bodies desecrated and torn apart until not a single complete corpse remained.

 

Sun Fenglin stepped through the blood-soaked ground, his every step heavy with grief and rage.

 

In the distance, he saw a figure kneeling on the ground.

 

It was a rotting corpse, its head bowed, its face festering with pus. Maggots writhed in and out of the decayed flesh, an endless, nauseating dance of decay.

 

The corpse remained motionless, its head drooping low. Its face and lips were smeared with blood, and its slightly open mouth revealed jagged fangs, still holding scraps of flesh and gristle.

 

Seeing this, Sun Fenglin silently channeled the spiritual energy within his body, taking cautious steps toward the kneeling corpse.

 

Only after confirming that the rotting figure was immobile did he exhale in relief, allowing his tense nerves to relax slightly.

 

“Fenglin, is this…?”

 

The Sun clan members following closely behind furrowed their brows as they saw the kneeling corpse before them.

 

“It seems this was what Third Uncle and the others encountered!”

 

“But why has this corpse lost its ability to move?”

 

Sun Fenglin’s gaze remained fixed on the kneeling figure, his brow tightly furrowed.

 

“This bastard… I’ll burn it right here and now to avenge our fallen family!”

 

“Uncle, don’t be rash. We should take this corpse back for Father to examine. I suspect the real cause behind our uncles’ deaths isn’t as simple as this corpse alone,” Sun Fenglin quickly interjected.

 

“Fine. We’ll do as you say.”

 

The air was filled with the sound of heart-wrenching cries.

 

The remains of over a dozen clan members, killed in the mountains, had been carried back by Sun Fenglin and his group.

 

As soon as their families learned the tragic news, they rushed to the stone plaza, embracing the lifeless bodies of their loved ones and wailing in grief.

 

Separated by death were their beloved wives, their cherished children, their respected siblings, and their aging parents.

 

All around, other members of the Sun clan gathered to witness the scene. Their faces were somber, and many eyes glistened with unshed tears.

 

The atmosphere in Sun Clan Village was heavier than it had ever been.

 

“Father, I suspect that there is someone behind the deaths of our uncles and brothers!”

 

Sun Fenglin recounted everything he had encountered in the mountains to his father, Sun Tianming, in meticulous detail. He also had the corpse brought forward for inspection.

 

To ensure the corpse did not suddenly go berserk, Sun Fenglin had taken precautions, binding it tightly so that even if it awakened, it would be completely immobilized.

 

“A walking corpse,” Sun Tianming muttered as he inspected it.

 

“Father, you recognize it?”

 

Sun Fenglin and the other senior members of the clan were visibly taken aback.

 

“Your Second Uncle, who serves as an official in the court, has told me many things. He once mentioned a cult within Yue Country known as the ‘Gu Master Cult.’

 

“The members of this cult are skilled in raising worms, employing a vast array of bizarre and unpredictable methods.

 

“Some raise gu worms to control poisons. Others use them to manipulate minds. And some refine corpses using these worms.

 

“The gu worms they cultivate come in countless varieties, each with its own unique purpose, making them nearly impossible to guard against.”

 

Sun Tianming gestured toward the corpse. “This appears to be a ‘walking corpse,’ but the gu worm controlling it is missing. That’s likely why it’s fallen dormant and lost the ability to move.”

 

“Then… does this mean that the Chuyun Mountains are harboring members of the Gu Master Cult?”

 

“It’s highly likely.”

 

“Father, I will go to Lanlin County immediately to report this to the authorities and request that the court send immortal masters to handle the situation.”

 

“That would be wise,” Sun Tianming agreed with a nod.

 

The members of the Gu Master Cult were known for their ruthless nature and sinister, unorthodox methods. For the Sun clan, which had only three cultivators with spiritual roots, attempting to confront these cultists directly would be extremely dangerous—and likely fatal.

 

Reporting the matter to the authorities and requesting that the court dispatch immortal masters, either from other cultivating families or from their own ranks, was the safest course of action.

 

“Brother Tianming, we can’t send any more people into the mountains to search for the obsidian vein!”

 

At this moment, one of the senior clan members stepped forward to voice his concern.

 

“I understand.”

 

Sun Tianming glanced toward the stone plaza, where grieving families still clung to the bodies of their loved ones, their wails echoing through the village. He let out a heavy sigh.

 

After this tragedy, his clan would be filled with fear of the Chuyun Mountains. Convincing anyone to venture back in to search for the obsidian vein would be nearly impossible.

 

Moreover, after months of fruitless searching, discontent had already begun to fester among the clan members.

 

And now, more than a dozen had lost their lives in the pursuit of this endeavor.

 

If Sun Tianming continued to insist on sending people into the mountains, he would surely face the scorn and resentment of the entire clan.

 

For now, all he could do was wait—wait for the court to send immortal masters to deal with the Gu Master Cultists hidden in the Chuyun Mountains. Only then could they reassess their plans.

 

Chapter 78: The Lips Are Dead and the Teeth Are Cold

 

“Something happened to the Sun family?”

 

Yun Yunyang’s expression shifted as he listened to Lu Zizai, who had come to visit and was recounting the recent events involving the Lanlin Sun family.

 

“Yes, it seems they encountered some evil followers of the Gu Master Cult. Over a dozen of their clan members were killed in one fell swoop, and even Sun Tianming’s third brother was so terrified he lost his sanity and is now unable to take care of himself,” Lu Zizai sighed.

 

This news had only reached him yesterday.

 

“The Gu Master Cult?” Yun Yunyang asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

 

“They are a heretical cult operating within Yue Country, causing chaos for many years,” Lu Zizai said, his tone grave. He then explained the Gu Master Cult in detail to Yun Yunyang and the other Yun clan members present.

 

“So that’s how it is,” Yun Yunyang said, nodding thoughtfully after hearing Lu Zizai’s explanation.

 

“In that case, the court will surely send immortal masters to deal with the Gu Master Cult followers causing trouble in the Chuyun Mountains, won’t they?”

 

“The Sun family did report it, but the court doesn’t have any spare manpower,” Lu Zizai replied.

 

“Why not?” Yun Yunyang asked, his expression darkening.

 

“The Gu Master Cult has been growing increasingly active throughout Yue Country recently. The court has already dispatched nearly all of its immortal masters to various regions.

 

The Three Great Clans, Seven Noble Families, and other cultivating families across the country are all assisting in containing the cult’s activities. Even with the Sun family’s report, the court can’t provide much help.”

 

“Then, Lord Lu, why have you come here today?” Yun Yunyang asked, narrowing his eyes.

 

“Brother Yun, your Yuncang Yun family and the Lanlin Sun family are neighbors. With the Sun family in trouble and the Gu Master Cult followers operating near the border of your territories, the court has ordered me to relay a message. They hope your family will join forces with the Sun family to capture the cultists hiding in the Chuyun Mountains,” Lu Zizai explained, making his purpose clear.

 

Yun Yunyang fell silent, deliberating over the matter without giving an immediate response.

 

According to Lu Zizai’s account, the Gu Master Cult was a fearsome organization capable of rivaling Yue Country’s royal family.

 

The Yun family had only begun developing less than a year ago. While they had three cultivators with spiritual roots, only Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian were capable of representing the family in such a joint effort.

 

Compared to the deep foundations of the Gu Master Cult, the Yun family was sorely lacking. Yun Yunyang was deeply reluctant to put his niece and nephew at risk.

 

Even with the help of the Sun family’s three spiritual-root cultivators, there was no guarantee they could contend with the Gu Master Cultists lurking in the Chuyun Mountains.

 

The cult’s methods were bizarre and unpredictable, specializing in the use of gu worms to kill silently and invisibly. They were notoriously difficult to defend against.

 

However, Yun Yunyang also understood that if they failed to cooperate with the Sun family in dealing with the cultists, his family’s future ventures into the Chuyun Mountains to search for the obsidian vein would likely face significant obstacles.

 

Caught between the safety of his family and the future prosperity of the Yun clan, Yun Yunyang found himself in a difficult dilemma.

 

“Lord Lu, please return to the county office for now. Allow me some time to discuss this matter with my clan members before making a decision,” Yun Yunyang finally said, exhaling heavily as he turned to Lu Zizai.

 

“I’ll await your reply, Brother Yun,” Lu Zizai said, standing up. “The court has also ordered that Yuncang County will dispatch one thousand elite soldiers to assist in capturing the Gu Master Cult followers.”

 

Before departing, Lu Zizai deliberately mentioned the deployment of soldiers, hoping to ease Yun Yunyang’s concerns about sending his cultivators into such a dangerous situation.

 

“I understand,” Yun Yunyang nodded.

 

“Then I’ll take my leave. There are still many matters to attend to at the county office,” Lu Zizai said, bowing politely before leading his entourage away.

 

Yun Yunyang personally escorted him to the village gates.

 

“Brother Yunyang, the Gu Master Cult is incredibly dangerous, and our Yun family has only been developing for a year.

 

If we join this operation to capture the cultists and end up incurring the cult’s wrath, our family will be in grave danger,” Yun Yunrui said as soon as Lu Zizai was out of sight.

 

“He’s right! Yunrui makes a good point. We must find a way to decline this request,” another clan elder chimed in.

 

“I agree with Yunrui’s suggestion as well,” echoed a third voice.

 

Yun Yunyang remained silent, his gaze sweeping across the gathered clan members. Finally, he turned to his two younger brothers, Yun Yunshan and Yun Yunyu.

 

“Second Brother, Fourth Brother, what are your thoughts?”

 

Yun Yunyang valued their opinions greatly. Both had served in the military in their youth, and their insights into major matters were often sharper than his own.

 

“Yunrui’s concerns are not without merit,” Yun Yunyu said after a moment of contemplation. “But I’m not entirely in agreement with his stance.”

 

Yun Yunyu pondered for a moment before slowly voicing his thoughts.

 

As his words fell, all eyes turned toward him—Yun Yunyang, Yun Yunrui, and the other senior members of the Yun clan waited in silence to hear what he had to say next.

 

“Lord Lu mentioned earlier that the Gu Master Cult is utterly ruthless, their deeds too heinous to recount.

 

“Now that the cult’s followers are active in the Chuyun Mountains and the Sun family has already suffered greatly, failing to deal with these hidden threats will leave us all in danger.

 

“This is not just an instability for the Lanlin Sun family, but also for us. The danger posed by these cultists could spread to our Yun family at any moment.

 

“As the saying goes, ‘when the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold.’ If the Sun family falls to the Gu Master Cult, we will surely be their next target.”

 

Yun Yunyu spoke with measured calm, his gaze steady as he addressed the gathered elders.

 

“I share the same thoughts as Second Brother,” Yun Yunshan chimed in. “Though there are risks involved in capturing the Gu Master Cult followers, it could also be an excellent trial for Shuang’er and Tian’er.

 

“As for Yunrui’s concerns about possible retaliation from the cult afterward…

 

“We shouldn’t worry too much. The court, the Three Great Clans, the Seven Noble Families, and many other cultivating families are already moving against the Gu Master Cult.

 

“For the time being, the cult will be too preoccupied to retaliate against us.”

 

Hearing the perspectives of his second and fourth brothers, Yun Yunyang nodded silently, their reasoning resonating with him.

 

“Yunrui, do you have any additional thoughts?”

 

“Perhaps Yunyu and Yunshan’s views are more comprehensive,” Yun Yunrui admitted, bowing his head slightly. “I had only considered the immediate safety of our family and failed to account for the broader factors.”

 

His tone was sincere, and his expression showed respect. He realized his understanding of the bigger picture was lacking compared to his brothers and resolved to learn from them in the future.

 

“Does anyone else have an opinion?” Yun Yunyang asked, his gaze sweeping the room.

 

“If Yunyu and Yunshan’s analysis is so thorough, we should proceed as they suggest,” one elder said.

 

“Yes, let’s cooperate with the Lanlin Sun family and deal with the Gu Master Cult followers in the Chuyun Mountains first. As for any future challenges, we’ll handle them when they come.”

 

“Since no one has significant objections, I’ll make the final decision,” Yun Yunyang said with a faint smile. “Second Brother, Fourth Brother, prepare Shuang’er and Tian’er for the task.”

 

“Understood,” they replied in unison.

 

“Yunrui,” Yun Yunyang continued, “send word to Lord Lu. Tell him that the Yun Cang Yun family agrees to dispatch two spiritual-root cultivators to join the Lanlin Sun family in capturing the Gu Master Cult followers.”

 

“I’ll see to it immediately.”

 

“Sixth Brother,” Yun Yunyang said, turning to another elder, “prepare a carriage and some gifts. I’ll visit the Sun family personally to offer our condolences and show our support.”

 

“Right away,” the elder replied, hurrying off to make arrangements.

 

“As for the rest of you,” Yun Yunyang addressed the gathering, “there is much work to be done within the family. Return to your duties.”

 

With that, the meeting dispersed. Yun Yunyang boarded the carriage, accompanied by a dozen family guards, and departed for the Lanlin Sun family.

 

“Capturing Gu Master Cult followers?”

 

Under the fading light of the setting sun, Yun Yanshui sat with her sister at a stone table in the shade of a tree. Hearing her father’s explanation, her eyes widened in surprise.

 

“Yes, the family has made its decision.”

 

“Tomorrow, Shuang’er and Tian’er will set out for Yuncang County to meet with Lord Lu. From there, they will follow his instructions.”

 

“I understand,” Yun Yanshuang said, nodding firmly.

 

“Although your cultivation has progressed recently, remember that the Gu Master Cult is a significant threat within Yue Country. Even the court, the Three Great Clans, and the Seven Noble Families struggle to deal with them.

 

“You and Tian’er must be extremely cautious on this journey,” their father warned.

 

“Yes, Father,” Yun Yanshuang replied, her expression serious.

 

“And as for you, Shui’er, I trust I don’t need to say more. You know what to do.”

 

Chapter 79 Cooperation

 

Nightfall.

 

Under the escort of several clan guards, Yun Yunyang traveled by carriage to the gates of the Sun family village.

 

From a distance, he noticed the somber atmosphere that permeated the entire settlement. Every household had white mourning decorations hanging at their doors.

 

In the stone plaza, many Sun clan members, dressed in mourning attire, knelt before rows of coffins, their cries of grief echoing across the village.

 

Nearby, several Taoist priests were performing rituals to guide the spirits of the deceased toward reincarnation, offering them peace and release from suffering.

 

Chants of the Rebirth Sutra filled the air, mingling with the crackling sound of burning joss paper. Around the plaza were wreaths, elegiac couplets, and paper effigies, completing the scene of mourning.

 

“Father, someone from the Yun Cang Yun family is here!”

 

Sun Tianming, who had been silently watching the priests perform their rituals, was momentarily taken aback when his son, Sun Fenglin, delivered the news.

 

He quickly collected himself, gathering several senior members of the Sun clan before heading out to greet their guests.

 

“Brother Yunyang!”

 

Clad in mourning robes, Sun Tianming approached Yun Yunyang and his party. Bowing deeply, he clasped his hands in respect.

 

“Brother Tianming, my deepest condolences,” Yun Yunyang replied, returning the gesture. He then instructed his men to present the gifts they had brought to the Sun clan members.

 

“If only I had listened to you earlier, Brother Yunyang. Had I not insisted on searching for the obsidian vein, this tragedy might have been avoided,” Sun Tianming sighed, his voice heavy with guilt.

 

“Life is unpredictable, and no one can foresee such events. Your decisions were made with the best interests of your family in mind. You need not burden yourself with blame,” Yun Yunyang said, offering words of comfort.

 

“What’s done is done. Regret changes nothing,” Sun Tianming said with a deep sigh, steadying himself. “Come, Brother Yunyang, and you all as well. Let us talk further inside.”

 

He led Yun Yunyang and the others into the Sun family estate, instructing servants to prepare tea and refreshments as a gesture of hospitality.

 

After taking a sip of tea, Yun Yunyang broke the silence. “I heard the ones responsible for the deaths of over a dozen of your clan members were followers of the Gu Master Cult?”

 

Sun Tianming nodded solemnly. “That’s correct.”

 

“Do you know how many cultists are hiding in the Chuyun Mountains?” Yun Yunyang asked, his expression serious.

 

The question carried great weight. Since his niece and nephew would soon join the mission to capture these cultists, it was vital to understand the scale of the threat they faced.

 

“We don’t know,” Sun Tianming admitted with a bitter smile.

 

Yun Yunyang’s brow furrowed, and he fell into a pensive silence.

 

“All we know,” Sun Tianming continued, “is that the cultist hiding in the Chuyun Mountains seems to be a practitioner skilled in controlling corpse gu.”

 

“Corpse gu?”

 

“Yes, a type of specialized gu worm. When implanted into the dead, it transforms them into feral, man-eating monsters.

 

“My family lost over a dozen members to these corpse-controlled creatures.”

 

“I see,” Yun Yunyang said, mentally filing away the information. He resolved to warn Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian about this so they could prepare accordingly.

 

“By the way, Brother Yunyang, has your family received any orders regarding this matter?” Sun Tianming asked, glancing at Yun Yunyang.

 

“Lord Lu has informed us of the situation.”

 

“And your family’s stance?”

 

“As the saying goes, ‘when the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold.’ The Gu Master Cult is a heretical force, committing countless atrocities. If the cultists in the Chuyun Mountains aren’t dealt with now, your family won’t be the only ones to suffer. Mine will be next.”

 

“True. Then let us work together to eliminate these evil cultists and avenge my fallen family members,” Sun Tianming said, his relief evident.

 

Since learning that the court couldn’t spare additional resources to assist the Sun family, Sun Tianming had been consumed with worry.

 

The Gu Master Cult’s methods were as sinister as they were unpredictable, and with no clear understanding of how many cultists were hiding in the Chuyun Mountains, sending his three cultivators into the mountains without support was a perilous gamble.

 

Now, with the Yun Cang Yun family agreeing to help, the burden on the Sun family was significantly eased.

 

“Will the Lanlin County office send reinforcements?”

 

“I’ve already sent word to them. They will deploy one thousand soldiers to assist us.”

 

“I see. And Yuncang County?”

 

“They’ll also send a thousand troops.”

 

“Excellent. Between our two families, we’ll have a total of five spiritual-root cultivators. Your Yun Cang Yun family’s two cultivators are especially skilled.

 

“With the addition of the two thousand elite soldiers dispatched from the counties, I’m confident we’ll succeed in capturing the Gu Master Cultists this time,” Sun Tianming said.

 

“Let’s hope so,” Yun Yunyang replied, his tone heavy with concern.

 

“Brother Tianming, there are still many matters to attend to within my family, so I won’t impose further. I’ll take my leave.”

 

Having finalized their discussion, Yun Yunyang rose, clasped his hands respectfully, and bid farewell.

 

Sun Tianming did not insist on him staying longer. Instead, he personally escorted Yun Yunyang and his entourage to the village gates.

 

Yun Family Village.

 

“Corpse gu?”

 

Yun Yanshuang, who had been preparing to sleep, was startled awake by her father.

 

“Yes,” Yun Yunshan said, his expression serious. “Your uncle visited Lanlin County and spoke with Sun Tianming. He learned that the cultist hiding in the Chuyun Mountains is a cultivator adept in using corpse gu.

 

“This type of gu worm can control the dead, turning them into feral, man-eating monsters. It’s extremely dangerous.”

 

“I understand,” Yun Yanshuang replied, her face solemn.

 

“Additionally,” Yun Yunshan continued, “your uncle tried to ascertain how many Gu Master Cultists might be hiding in the Chuyun Mountains, but the Sun family doesn’t know the specifics either.

 

“Tomorrow, when you and Yantian set out to join the mission, remember to be extremely cautious. If you find yourselves outnumbered or unable to win, do not engage recklessly. Your safety is the most important thing—do you understand?”

 

As a father, Yun Yunshan was deeply concerned for his daughter’s safety.

 

In his eyes, the lives of his children outweighed all else—be it the family’s interests or the court’s orders. Nothing mattered more than their survival.

 

“Yes, Father, I understand!” Yun Yanshuang said, nodding firmly.

 

“Shui’er,” Yun Yunshan turned to Yun Yanshui, his tone grave. “You must also be vigilant. Stay hidden and observe everything carefully.

 

“Your priority is to protect your sister and Yantian. The lives of others are not your concern.”

 

“Don’t worry, Father,” Yun Yanshui replied with a harmless grin, flashing his white teeth.

 

“Rest early. The days ahead will be difficult for you siblings,” Yun Yunshan said, his voice softening.

 

“Father, what about the Golden-eyed Beast?” Yun Yanshui suddenly asked.

 

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it,” Yun Yunshan assured him.

 

“Great! If possible, take it into the Yuncang Mountains. It can find its own spiritual food there. These past few days, it’s been hunting its meals on its own. It even brought back some useful spirit fruits for the family!” Yun Yanshui said with a cheeky grin.

 

“Haha! I’ll see to it,” Yun Yunshan chuckled.

 

Yun Family Village, Private School.

 

The study room was brightly lit, the scent of ink faint in the air.

 

“Mr. Yu, may I come in?”

 

Yun Yunrui knocked on the door and called softly.

 

“Come in,” a gentle, middle-aged voice replied from within.

 

Creak.

 

Pushing the door open, Yun Yunrui stepped into the room and sat down. Before him was a scholarly middle-aged man in a deep blue robe, sitting upright at a desk, meticulously reviewing the essays and scriptures copied by the village children.

 

“Still working so late, Mr. Yu? These children must really keep you busy,” Yun Yunrui said with a smile.

 

He placed a basket of fruit and snacks on the desk. “Here, try some of these. My mother made them.”

 

“Thank you, please extend my gratitude to your mother,” Mr. Yu said warmly.

 

“Don’t mention it. You’ve been a pillar of our village, helping the children read and write. We owe you so much,” Yun Yunrui said.

 

“It’s not just my effort; you’ve contributed as well,” Mr. Yu replied modestly.

 

“By the way,” Yun Yunrui asked, “how was your recent trip? I hope it was enjoyable?”

 

“It was,” Mr. Yu replied with a smile. “Very refreshing.”

 

“That’s good to hear. I noticed you seemed unsettled before, but I hesitated to ask if something was on your mind,” Yun Yunrui said.

 

“Haha! No, nothing like that. Just these kids—some of their mistakes are quite frustrating,” Mr. Yu chuckled before glancing down at the essays on his desk. They were riddled with errors, and he pressed his fingers to his temple with a sigh.

 

“I’m sorry to trouble you, Mr. Yu. I’ve been busy with family matters and haven’t been able to help with the school,” Yun Yunrui said apologetically.

 

“It’s no trouble. Family affairs are more important,” Mr. Yu replied.

 

“Well, it’s getting late. I’ll leave you to your work. Please don’t overexert yourself, and enjoy the snacks before resting,” Yun Yunrui said as he stood to leave.

 

“Thank you, I will,” Mr. Yu replied with a nod.

 

Chapter 80 Don’t commit suicide

 

“Who would have thought that the esteemed leader of the Gu God Cult would willingly hide away in a small village, teaching children and guiding their studies like an ordinary schoolteacher?”

 

Just as Yun Yunrui had left Mr. Yu’s study, a graceful yet ghostly figure appeared silently in the room.

 

The figure was a young girl, around fifteen years old, dressed in a flowing blue skirt adorned with silver ornaments. Her delicate features were as flawless as a porcelain doll.

 

What stood out most were her mesmerizing crimson eyes, gleaming like a pair of exquisite rubies.

 

“What are you doing here?” Mr. Yu asked calmly, his voice steady as he continued reviewing the scripture essays written by children like Yun Yandong.

 

“The elders sent me to bring you back to take charge,” the girl in the blue skirt said with a playful smile, taking a seat in front of him.

 

“I am no longer the leader of the Gu God Cult. Go back,” Mr. Yu replied, his tone indifferent.

 

“That won’t do. If I fail to bring you back, the elders will punish me,” the girl said, her tone turning more serious.

 

“The royal family of Yue Country, along with the major cultivating families, are all moving against our Gu God Cult.

 

“Our situation is dire. We need you to return and lead us.”

 

The girl took a candied fruit from her waist pouch, popped it into her mouth, and chewed thoughtfully as she stared at Mr. Yu, her expression now firm.

 

“And what if I refuse?” he asked, his tone unchanged.

 

“Then I’ll have no choice but to act against you.”

 

Her crimson eyes locked onto Mr. Yu, her delicate face adorned with a playful smile. But beneath that smile was a chilling sharpness.

 

“And do you think you’re capable of defeating me?” he asked, his voice as calm as still water.

 

“How would I know unless I try? The elders say my gu-cultivation skills are quite advanced,” the girl replied, a faint chuckle escaping her lips.

 

Whoosh!

 

A sudden gust of wind slammed open the study’s windows.

 

Shadowy figures silently slipped into the room—ghastly corpse puppets with greenish faces, sharp fangs, and a foul stench of rot that was nauseating.

 

These creatures growled lowly, their eyes brimming with malice as they glared at Mr. Yu, ready to tear him apart at a moment’s notice.

 

But before they could act, something unexpected happened.

 

One by one, the corpse puppets fell to their knees, heads bowed, their mouths opening wide.

 

Golden gu worms, glistening and writhing, crawled out from their mouths and swarmed toward Mr. Yu. Without hesitation, the worms scurried into his sleeves and disappeared from sight.

 

The sight stunned the girl in the blue skirt. Her crimson eyes widened in disbelief.

 

“It seems the elders haven’t told you who invented these corpse gu,” Mr. Yu said, finishing the last of the essays on his desk. He methodically organized them and placed them on a nearby bookshelf before turning back to the girl.

 

She continued to stare at him, her stunning features now tinged with a coldness that matched her icy demeanor.

 

She had heard stories about the former leader’s immense power, but this was the first time she had witnessed it. She had thought to test his abilities, but his effortless command over the corpse gu had far exceeded her expectations.

 

“Go back and tell the elders that I, Yu Chunqiu, have severed all ties with the Gu God Cult.

 

“I want no part in anything concerning the cult.

 

“All I seek is a quiet life here, teaching and sharing knowledge.”

 

Mr. Yu turned to face her, his expression calm yet resolute.

 

“And that’s your reason for refusing to return?” she asked, her voice laced with icy sarcasm. “If that’s the case, I’ll simply kill everyone in this village right now.”

 

“I’d advise against that,” Mr. Yu replied.

 

“Oh? What’s this? The great former leader of the Gu God Cult, developing feelings for the people in this village?” she taunted, her crimson eyes gleaming with mockery.

 

“No. It’s just a friendly warning: don’t court death.”

 

“And why not?”

 

“There’s an old Daoist outside the village with an unfathomable cultivation level. If you act recklessly here, he’ll end your life in an instant,” Mr. Yu said casually.

 

“Of course, if you dare to cause trouble within this village, you won’t even need to worry about him. I’ll kill you myself.”

 

The weight of his words hung in the air, each syllable calm yet carrying a terrifying authority.

 

The girl’s confidence wavered as she recalled the uneasy feeling she’d had when approaching the village. There had been a faint yet oppressive presence outside the village, chilling her to the core.

 

Now, hearing Mr. Yu’s warning, she finally understood the source of her unease.

 

“I never expected you to go to such lengths for this village,” she said softly, her crimson eyes narrowing as she studied him intently.

 

“There are many of my students here, as well as friends,” Mr. Yu replied calmly, retrieving a copy of the Jade Zhai Heart Sutra from the bookshelf. He returned to his desk and began flipping through the pages by candlelight.

 

“To think our Gu God Cult once had such a useless leader. It’s a disgrace!”

 

Frustrated by her inability to compel him, the girl in the blue skirt rose abruptly, her expression indignant. She turned to leave but halted mid-step. Spinning back, she glared at Mr. Yu.

 

“Give me back those corpse gu!” she demanded coldly.

 

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” he replied without looking up.

 

“You…”

 

“Fine. I’ll remember this. One day, I’ll settle this score with you personally,” she snapped, her voice trembling with anger.

 

Defeated, the girl stormed out of the study in a flash, her frustration plain.

 

As for the corpse puppets that had been kneeling in the study, they dissolved into gray ash with a wave of Yu Chunqiu’s sleeve. The ash floated out through the open windows, disappearing into the night.

 

The Next Day.

 

Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian set out for Yuncang County on their mission to join forces with the Lanlin Sun family and capture the Gu God Cult followers lurking in the Chuyun Mountains.

 

At the gates of the Yuncang County office, Lu Zizai stood waiting with County Captain Chang Yuan and a group of officials. Spotting the approaching siblings, Lu Zizai quickly stepped forward with his entourage to greet them.

 

“Honored young masters, I am Lu Zizai. It’s an honor to meet you!”

 

“Lord Lu,” Yun Yantian replied, clasping his hands in greeting.

 

“We are counting on the two of you to lead the effort in capturing the Gu God Cult followers in the Chuyun Mountains,” Lu Zizai said with a fawning smile.

 

He was well aware of their capabilities. Just last year, they had dealt with a troublesome ghost fox that had been wreaking havoc in the county, resolving a significant issue for Yuncang County.

 

Now, with the Gu God Cult stirring trouble, he was confident that these two would succeed in their mission.

 

“By the order of our family, we will do our utmost,” Yun Yantian assured him.

 

“That’s most reassuring.”

 

“Additionally, this is Chang Yuan, the county captain. He will lead a thousand soldiers to escort you to the Chuyun Mountains, where you’ll join forces with the Lanlin County troops.

 

“From there, the two of you may direct the operations as you see fit,” Lu Zizai explained, introducing Chang Yuan.

 

“Chang Yuan greets the honored young masters,” the captain said, bowing respectfully.

 

“You’re too kind, Captain,” Yun Yantian replied courteously.

 

“Honored young masters, shall we depart immediately?” Chang Yuan asked, gauging their readiness.

 

“Let’s set out now,” Yun Yantian said. “The sooner we complete this task, the sooner we can report back to our family.”

 

“Please, step inside the carriage,” Chang Yuan said, gesturing toward the waiting vehicle.

 

With that, Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian boarded the carriage, while Chang Yuan mounted his horse and took the lead. The thousand-strong force departed Yuncang County in an impressive procession, heading toward the Chuyun Mountains.

 

At the foot of the Chuyun Mountains, an encampment had already been set up, housing a thousand soldiers from Lanlin County. The soldiers patrolled the camp diligently, maintaining a constant state of alertness.

 

Inside one of the tents, Sun Fenglin and his brother sat with another youth. The third figure was slightly burly, his muscular frame complemented by thick eyebrows and tanned skin.

 

This was Sun Fengli, another spiritual-root cultivator from the Lanlin Sun family. His cultivation had reached the peak of the first stage of the Embryonic Breath Realm, just a step away from breaking through to the second stage.

 

However, due to the family’s limited resources, he had been unable to make the breakthrough, forcing him to quietly build up spiritual energy as he waited for the right opportunity.

 

“I heard two spiritual-root cultivators from Yun Cang Yun family are coming?” Sun Fengli asked.

 

“Yes,” Sun Fenglin confirmed.

 

“Fenglin-ge, you’ve met them before, haven’t you? What are they like? Are they strong?” Sun Fengli asked with a grin, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

 

“Their cultivation is far beyond mine,” Sun Fenglin replied solemnly.

 

“Really? That powerful?” Sun Fengli gasped, drawing in a sharp breath.

 

Sun Fenglin was the strongest cultivator in their family, having reached the peak of the second stage of the Embryonic Breath Realm and nearing a breakthrough to the third stage.

 

That the Yun family—barely established for a year—had two cultivators stronger than Sun Fenglin was almost beyond belief.

 

“Yes. This is the gap between our family and the Yun family. We must work harder to grow stronger.

 

“Also, curb your attitude. When you meet the Yun family’s cultivators, do not offend them in any way,” Sun Fenglin warned sternly.