The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

Rear Courtyard, Banquet

Yun Yunyang and his two nephews sat with Li Qing in a designated area, awaiting the arrival of the six other clans and representatives from other cultivation families across Yue Country.

One by one, members of various sects and families were escorted to the banquet by Wang family disciples. Among them was Sun Tianming, accompanied by Sun Fenglin, Sun Fengxuan, and Sun Fengli.

"Brother Yunyang," Sun Tianming greeted, bowing to Li Qing first before taking a seat beside Yun Yunyang.

Sun Fenglin, with his brothers, smiled as he greeted Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang. It had been over five years since they had last met, during the collaborative capture of the Gu God Cult members in Yunzhang Mountain.

Now in their early twenties, Fenglin and his brothers had matured significantly. Even Sun Fengli, once proud and impulsive, seemed to have undergone considerable growth over the years.

"Congratulations to Brother Fenglin and Brother Fengxuan for further advancing your cultivation," Yun Yantian said, noting their progress. Fenglin had solidified his position in the third level of the Embryo Breathing Realm, while Fengxuan was on the cusp of breaking through from the second-level peak.

"It's been five years, Brother Yantian. I'm sure your and Miss Yanshuang's cultivation levels are far beyond ours," Fenglin responded with a smile.

"I've made some progress," Yantian replied modestly. "This banquet will be a great opportunity to witness the talents of the Three Great Families and Seven Clans."

"You're absolutely right," Fenglin agreed. "By the way, have you heard about the Immortal Mansion Secret Realm?"

"We've heard of it," Yantian said.

"Will you be going?" Fenglin asked.

"Perhaps," Yantian replied ambiguously. His uncle had yet to decide whether he and his sister should venture into the secret realm, preferring to gather more information before making a decision.

"If you do, I hope we can journey together. It would be safer for us to watch each other's backs," Fenglin suggested.

"If our family decides to send us, I'll be sure to let you know," Yantian said.

"I'll look forward to your decision," Fenglin replied with a nod.

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As Yantian and Fenglin spoke, representatives from various cultivation families across Yue Country began arriving at the banquet. The once-quiet atmosphere grew lively as groups greeted one another and exchanged pleasantries.

"Rizhao Lou Clan congratulates Senior Wang Qingshan on achieving Foundation Establishment. May the path of immortality shine eternal!"

The voice of a Wang family attendant announced the arrival of a delegation. All eyes turned to see an elderly man with white hair and a kindly face entering the banquet hall, accompanied by two talented young cultivators from the Lou clan.

The elder wore a robe embroidered with cloud patterns, and his back displayed the Lou family's emblem: a rising sun breaking through the clouds, symbolizing vitality and prosperity.

"Eguhu Wu Clan congratulates Senior Wang Qingshan on achieving Foundation Establishment. May the path of immortality shine eternal!"

A middle-aged man in a dark blue robe, bearing the emblem of a great lake, entered with two Spirit Root cultivators from the Wu family.

"Tonglin Zhao Clan congratulates Senior Wang Qingshan on achieving Foundation Establishment. May the path of immortality shine eternal!"

"Kunshan Xu Clan congratulates Senior Wang Qingshan on achieving Foundation Establishment. May the path of immortality shine eternal!"

"Qishan Wen Clan congratulates Senior Wang Qingshan on achieving Foundation Establishment. May the path of immortality shine eternal!"

"Tongshan Xia Clan congratulates Senior Wang Qingshan on achieving Foundation Establishment. May the path of immortality shine eternal!"

One by one, representatives of the six other clans entered the banquet hall, presenting their lavish gifts in celebration of Wang Qingshan's breakthrough.

Despite their rivalry with the Wang family, the six clans showed public respect to Wang Qingshan and his clan, making it clear that their allegiance lay with the Wang-led alliance.

Around the banquet, experienced representatives from other sects and families observed the situation closely. It was evident that the Wang-led Seven Clans were preparing to openly challenge the Three Great Families.

The imperial court representatives, meanwhile, maintained a neutral stance, waiting to see the outcome of this power struggle before declaring their support.

"Many thanks, many thanks!" Wang Qingshan said warmly, rising to bow in gratitude. He personally escorted the representatives of the six clans to seats of honor at the banquet's head table.

"This time, with my breakthrough into Foundation Establishment, I've hosted this banquet. I am deeply honored by the presence of so many esteemed peers," Wang Qingshan said, raising his wine cup as he stood before the crowd. "This toast is to everyone here—may your paths in immortality be eternal, and may you all achieve breakthroughs with ease!"

With that, he tilted his head back and drained his cup of spiritual wine in one gulp.

The gathered guests raised their cups in return, following his lead and finishing their wine.

"This wine..." Yun Yantian murmured, feeling a warm flow spread through his body. To his surprise, it subtly increased the spiritual energy in his dantian.

"Red Mulberry Spiritual Wine," Li Qing said with a smile. "It's a specialty of the Yulin Wang family. The Wang family cultivates spiritual mulberry trees, whose fruits are imbued with unique spiritual energy. Using red mulberries as the main ingredient, combined with various spiritual plants and traditional brewing techniques, they produce this Red Mulberry Spiritual Wine.

"This wine nourishes the body and enhances the spiritual energy in a cultivator's dantian. One cup alone is worth thirty low-grade spirit stones."@@novelbin@@

Hearing this, Yun Yunyang and his nephews were inwardly startled, marveling at the depth of the Wang family's resources. It was no wonder they were the strongest of the seven clans and poised to challenge the Three Great Families for the position of Yue Country's fourth major family.

"Not only the wine," Li Qing continued, "but the spiritual fruits on your tables are also products of the Wang family's years of careful cultivation. Each is a spiritual treasure beneficial to cultivators. Even for ordinary people, consuming them would greatly improve physical health and longevity.

"For this banquet, Senior Wang has spared no expense. His goal is clear: to demonstrate that the Wang family's current strength and heritage are more than sufficient to claim the title of Yue Country's fourth family."

As he spoke, Li Qing picked up a spiritual fruit and took a bite, smiling as he chewed.

Yun Yunyang nodded subtly. He had realized that even the spiritual fruits and delicacies served at this banquet were part of the Wang family's strategy to make an impression.

"Though the Wang family has invested heavily in hosting this event, if they gain recognition from the gathered cultivation families and the imperial court, securing the position of Yue Country's fourth major family, their future benefits will far outweigh the costs of this banquet," Yunyang remarked.

"Exactly," Li Qing said with a laugh, impressed by Yunyang's keen insight. Though Yunyang was a mere mortal, his understanding of human nature, alliances, and interests was exceptional.

"That said," Yunyang added, "the Wang family cannot afford to lose this confrontation. It remains to be seen how they will contend with the Three Great Families during this event."

"It's a contest of heritage and strength," Li Qing explained. "Not only the elder generations but also the younger ones will need to prove their talents and abilities. The future and prosperity of a family depend heavily on the capabilities of its Spirit Root descendants."

Yunyang nodded thoughtfully. It was evident that the coming clash between the Yulin Wang family and the Three Great Families would involve their most talented young cultivators.

"I've heard much about the Wang family's famed Red Mulberry Spiritual Wine, but after tasting it today, I must say it pales in comparison to my Lu family's Cloud Peach Spiritual Wine," Lu Zhengqiang said, setting his cup down with a deliberate air of disdain.

The remark drew the attention of the entire hall. Though no one openly responded, the tension was palpable. It was clear that a confrontation was brewing.

Unsurprisingly, Wang Lijiao, one of the Wang family's star prodigies, rose from his seat. "Clan Leader Lu, what do you mean by such remarks?"

"Oh, nothing in particular," Lu Zhengqiang replied with a smirk. "I'm simply pointing out that your Yulin Wang family isn't yet qualified to claim the title of Yue Country's fourth major family.

"Your heritage is lacking—far too lacking to stand on equal footing with the Three Great Families."

Lu's tone was brazen and condescending, leaving no doubt about his intentions. The purpose of this banquet was clear to everyone present: it was a showdown between the Three Great Families and the Wang-led Seven Clans. Lu Zhengqiang saw no need to mince words. If they were going to suppress the Wang family, they would do so decisively and publicly.

"Master Li," Lu Zhengqiang said, turning toward the court's representative. "Do you see anything wrong with my statement?

"Today, you are here as the court's representative. Why not share the court's stance with everyone present?"