The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

"Brother Yunyang, someone from the Wang family has arrived!"

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

"The Wang family is that impatient?"

"They're truly bullying us!"

"Yanshuang hasn't even turned fifteen yet!"

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

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

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

Outside Yun Village.

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

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

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

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

"Then it seems someone else was behind their deaths."

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

"Then stop the investigation," Qingshan said, his expression indifferent.

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

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

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

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

"Junior Wang Qingshan greets the esteemed senior!"

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

Zhongtian and Liyuan were stunned.

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

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

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

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

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

"Do not ask questions you shouldn't ask. Do not speak of things you shouldn't speak of," Qingshan snapped coldly.

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

"Brother Yunyang, please don't—there's no need for such courtesy!"

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

"We've come today specifically to offer our apologies," Zhongtian said directly, without any pretense.

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

The Yun clan elders were equally stunned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Liyuan greets Uncle Yunyang," Wang Liyuan said, bowing respectfully.

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

"Uncle Yunyang flatters me," Liyuan replied modestly.@@novelbin@@

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

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

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

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

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

"You're thoughtful—thank you," Qingshan replied with a faint smile, his tone softening.

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

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

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

"Brother Yunyang, until next time."

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

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

"Brother Wang, what's this?" Yunyang asked, puzzled.

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

"Brother Wang, I couldn't possibly—"

"Nonsense! You must accept it, or I won't feel right about this," Zhongtian insisted.

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

"Haha! Until next time!" Zhongtian laughed, bidding farewell.

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

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