The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

In the ancestral hall, Yun Yunrui, Yun Yunlin, and all the other Yun clan elders congratulated Yun Yunxun on his success after years of research.

"Although I've managed to develop the method for refining Breath Embryo Pills, it's not enough on its own," Yun Yunxun explained.

"To successfully refine the pills, we'll need a cultivator to assist and a proper alchemy furnace.

I've already consulted the elder Daoist outside the village about this. He mentioned that the success rate and quality of pills refined by an alchemist not only depend on their skill but also heavily rely on the quality of the alchemy furnace.

A good alchemy furnace can greatly enhance both the success rate and the quality of the pills."

"For years, Shuang'er has been studying artifact refinement. Her fire control skills are likely unmatched within the clan. Having her lead the refinement process with you assisting might just work.

As for the alchemy furnace, leave that to me," Yun Yunyang said decisively.

"Brother Yunyang, may I handle the matter of the alchemy furnace myself?" Yun Yunxun asked hesitantly.

"Oh?"

"I'd like to take Shuang'er to the cultivation market in Yulin County to see if we can find a good alchemy furnace for purchase."

"That's a good idea. You've been cooped up in the clan for years. This would be a great opportunity to get out and relax.

Coincidentally, I'm also planning to visit the Wang family in Yulin. Let's go together," Yun Yunyang said with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Brother Yunyang," Yun Yunxun said gratefully, clasping his hands in respect.

"Don't be so formal. You've dedicated many years to the clan, and your success in developing the Breath Embryo Pill is something we should all be thanking you for," Yun Yunyang replied with a smile, patting Yun Yunxun on the shoulder and urging him to rest and prepare for the trip.

"Brother Yunyang, the imperial court's attendant, Master Li the Immortal, has arrived!"

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A Yun clansman rushed in with excitement on his face.

"Is that so? Why wasn't he welcomed in immediately?"

"Master Li is currently sitting under the willow tree outside the village, discussing the Dao with the elder Daoist."

"Let's go meet him," Yun Yunyang ordered, quickly heading out with Yun Yunrui, Yun Yunlin, and the others.

Under the willow tree, Li Qing bowed respectfully to the blind elder Daoist.

"Elder Daoist, greetings."

"Ah, no need to be so formal. Sit down," the elder replied casually.

"Senior, I have a question," Li Qing began earnestly.

"What is it?"

"Ever since your guidance last time, my cultivation has progressed significantly. I am now at the peak of the third level of the Qi Refinement stage, close to breaking through to the fourth level.

However, I've been stuck at this stage and cannot seem to advance further. I came to seek your advice."

Li Qing explained his predicament with a humble demeanor.

"From Breath Embryo to Qi Refinement, what kind of Qi have you been absorbing?" the elder Daoist asked.

For cultivators in the Qi Refinement stage, it was essential to draw energy from the heavens and earth, often freeing them from the need for mortal sustenance.

This spiritual energy could come in various forms:

From lakes, it was known as "Lake Water Qi."From forests, it was "Autumn Forest Qi."From the sun, it was "Sun Essence Qi."From moonlight, it was "Moonlight Ascension Qi."

Each type of Qi had unique properties, offering cultivators distinct benefits in their cultivation and combat abilities.

However, the type of Qi a cultivator absorbed depended on the specific techniques they practiced. Consuming the wrong Qi could obstruct progress and even lead to irreparable damage to one's cultivation potential.

"The technique I practice is the Great Lake Imperial Heart Sutra, so the Qi I should absorb is 'Lake Water Qi.'"

Li Qing answered truthfully.

"But the Qi within you is not 'Lake Water Qi.'" The elder Daoist shook his head with a wry smile.

"This is because, years ago, I was impatient to advance and lacked guidance. I absorbed mixed Qi indiscriminately," Li Qing admitted bitterly.

"Absorbing mixed Qi may allow for quick breakthroughs, but it contradicts your cultivation technique. Naturally, this will make future progress increasingly difficult," the elder explained.

"I see now that my impatience back then has led to my current troubles. Is there any way to resolve this, Senior?"

"You must disperse the mixed Qi you've accumulated over the years and start anew by absorbing 'Lake Water Qi.'

However, you understand the consequences of this, don't you?"

"Yes, Senior, I do," Li Qing replied with a bitter nod, his expression growing even more somber.

Dispersing years of accumulated Qi would mean his cultivation level would drop significantly.

Even if he survived the process, his cultivation would likely fall back to the peak of the ninth level of the Breath Embryo stage. It would then take him decades of effort to gather enough 'Lake Water Qi' to break through again

For a great cultivator in the Golden Core or Purple Mansion stage, a span of several decades was nothing more than a fleeting moment.

But for a small cultivator in the Qi Refinement stage like Li Qing, several decades was far too long.

What's more, Li Qing was already over a hundred years old.

If he couldn't successfully gather "Lake Water Qi" to break through and advance, what awaited him was the end of his lifespan and a return to dust.

Should he disperse the mixed Qi within his body or not?

For Li Qing, this decision was agonizing.

If he dispersed it and started over, the risk would be immense.

If he didn't, his current level would stabilize, but progressing further would become nearly impossible.

He might never even reach the threshold of the Foundation Establishment stage before his life ended.

"Thank you, Senior, for your guidance. If the opportunity arises, I will try the method you've taught me," Li Qing said, bowing respectfully after composing himself.

"Master Li," Yun Yunyang called out as he approached several Yun clan elders.

First, they paid their respects to the blind elder Daoist before warmly greeting Li Qing.

"Haha! Brother Yunyang, it's been years!"@@novelbin@@

"Yes, nearly six years now, isn't it?"

"Time flies. Your Yun Clan has grown remarkably during these years—it's truly admirable."

Li Qing laughed heartily as he glanced back at the Yun family estate. The once modest village had been transformed.

The population had increased significantly, with adults diligently working and children playing happily. The entire scene was peaceful and thriving.

"It's all thanks to your support, Master Li," Yun Yunyang said humbly.

"I haven't done much," Li Qing replied modestly.

"Master Li, please come inside. We've prepared tea and refreshments to host you," Yun Yunyang offered.

"Very well. I also have something important to discuss," Li Qing said with a smile, walking into the Yun family estate with Yun Yunyang and the others.

"A secret immortal estate?" Yun Yunyang was stunned.

"That's correct," Li Qing confirmed.

"This secret immortal estate was discovered three years ago, located at the border between our Yue Kingdom and the Wu Kingdom.

The court plans to send people to explore it in hopes of finding some immortal opportunities."

"I imagine it's not just the court sending people?"

"Haha! You're absolutely right. Representatives from the Three Families and Seven Sects will also participate."

"What about the other cultivation families within the Yue Kingdom?"

"The court has already sent people to notify them."

"This exploration sounds extremely dangerous," Yun Yunyang said, frowning.

The Yun Clan had a few capable cultivators, such as Shuang'er and Yantian, but compared to the court's immortal masters and the elite forces of the Three Families and Seven Sects, their strength was far from sufficient.

What's more, the secret immortal estate was situated in a border region.

Yue Kingdom and Wu Kingdom were mortal enemies, having fought countless bloody battles in the past. Although the wars had subsided in recent years, covert conflicts between the two nations never truly ceased.

If Yue Kingdom's cultivators ventured into the secret estate, Wu Kingdom's cultivators would undoubtedly intervene, likely resulting in a deadly clash.

"That's correct. Cultivators from Wu Kingdom will also join the exploration, making this venture incredibly perilous," Li Qing said gravely.

"However, the court has not mandated that your Yunzhang Yun Clan participate. Whether to send someone is entirely up to you, Brother Yunyang."

"Thank you, Master Li, for informing us. I'll take this into consideration," Yun Yunyang said, bowing slightly.

"There's no need to be so formal," Li Qing replied, waving his hand dismissively.

"Oh, here's the court's annual tribute for your clan," he added, retrieving a pouch of spirit stones and another of spirit rice.

"I've also heard that your Yun Clan has produced an artifact refiner recently?"

"By chance," Yun Yunyang replied modestly.

"This is no mere chance—it's talent and strength. I've always believed in your potential. In the future, the Yunzhang Yun Clan will undoubtedly claim a place among the Three Families and Seven Sects within Yue Kingdom."

"Master Li, we will not disappoint your expectations. I will lead my clansmen to strive for greatness," Yun Yunyang vowed.