The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

"This is the Dan Ding Sect Ruins?"

Standing beside Wang Li Yuan, Yun Yan Tian gazed at the jagged peaks piercing the heavens like swords. Curiosity glimmered in his eyes.

"Indeed," Wang Li Yuan replied with a faint smile.

"Why do all these rogue cultivators and noble heirs linger outside?"

Sweeping his gaze around, Yun Yan Tian noticed figures scattered across the surrounding hills—among them were scions of the Three Great Clans, heirs of the Six Noble Families, and countless rogue cultivators from across Yue Kingdom.

"Ah, Brother Yan Tian, you may not know," Wang Li Yuan began, his tone calm and measured. "The outer region of the ruins is still protected by an ancient formation left behind by the Dan Ding Sect.

For people like us, breaching the formation before it dissipates naturally is impossible. We have to wait until the morning sun fully illuminates the peaks, dispersing the mountain mist. Only then will the formation deactivate."

"I see…" Yun Yan Tian murmured, nodding in understanding.

"Long ago, someone tried to force their way in. They perished in an instant, their very existence obliterated beneath the formation's might."

A sharp breath escaped Yun Yan Tian's lips as a chill ran down his spine. The thought of an ancient formation, still retaining such destructive power after the sect's fall countless years ago, was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

"Brother Xiao Lin, look—it's Wang Li Yuan."

On a distant peak, a disciple of the Ye Clan pointed toward Wang Li Yuan's group, his expression cold and calculating.

"Last year, Wang Li Yuan managed to secure a fragment of fortune within the ruins, though its specifics remain unknown.

If he ventures deeper into the ruins this time and secures another opportunity, his natural talent could propel him to the Qi Refinement realm in no time."

Another Ye Clan disciple spoke, his tone heavy with concern. The Ye family had been monitoring Wang Li Yuan's rise, and his current cultivation level—Embryo Breath Stage Eight, peak tier—was already a pressing threat.

"With the resources of the Yu Lin Wang Clan backing him, and the boon from the ruins, it's possible he could break through within two years. That would make him a formidable enemy for our clan," the disciple added.

"Last year, at the Wang Clan's grand gathering, I assessed Wang Li Yuan's cultivation to be on par with Lu Shang Lin's—both at Embryo Breath Stage Six, peak tier.

To think that in less than a year, he has already reached Stage Eight…"

Ye Xiao Lin's eyes narrowed, his divine sense brushing past Wang Li Yuan, confirming that their cultivation levels now matched. His lips tightened. The rate at which Wang Li Yuan was progressing was nothing short of alarming.

"It's said that Wang Li Yuan's rapid advancement is directly linked to the fortune he gained in the ruins," another Ye disciple commented.

"That explains much," Ye Xiao Lin murmured, turning his gaze toward the peaks that pierced the clouds. "The Dan Ding Sect… a once-glorious immortal sect. Even the founding patriarch of the Tongshan Xia Clan was but a lowly servant within their halls.

One can only imagine how much celestial fortune remains buried within these ruins. No wonder cultivators flock here year after year, hoping to claim a piece of its legacy."

"Wang Li Yuan was fortunate to acquire his opportunity last year, advancing two stages in such a short time. But I, Ye Xiao Lin, am no less talented. Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire

This time, I will ensure that the fortune I claim outshines his!"

A voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Brother Xiao Lin."

Turning, Ye Xiao Lin saw Lu Shang Lin approaching, accompanied by two other Lu Clan heirs.

"Congratulations, Brother Shang Lin," Ye Xiao Lin greeted him with a polite nod. "It seems your cultivation has advanced as well. You've reached Embryo Breath Stage Seven! With such strength, I'm sure you'll secure a remarkable opportunity within the ruins."

"You flatter me," Lu Shang Lin replied with a wry smile. "Last year, my cousin barely escaped with his life, securing a fortune by the slimmest of margins.

Compared to him, my cultivation is still lacking. Whether I can gain anything from the ruins remains to be seen."

Despite his modest words, Lu Shang Lin's determination was evident. With two talented clan members by his side, he was clearly prepared to gamble on the hope of uncovering a legacy within the ruins.

"So this is the Dan Ding Sect Ruins?" Yun Yan Tian muttered, gazing at the jagged, sword-like peaks that pierced the sky.

Wang Li Yuan offered a faint smile. "Indeed."

"Why are all these rogue cultivators and clan heirs just waiting outside?" Yun Yan Tian scanned the surroundings, noting scattered figures—representatives of the Three Great Clans, the Six Noble Families, and numerous rogue cultivators.

"Ah, Brother Yan Tian, you may not know," Wang Li Yuan replied smoothly. "The ruins' outer perimeter is protected by an ancient formation left by the Dan Ding Sect.

Without the formation dissipating naturally, no one—regardless of their strength—can enter safely. Once the sun is high and its rays dispel the mountain mist, the formation will fade away."

"So that's how it is," Yun Yan Tian nodded thoughtfully.

"Indeed. In the past, some tried to force their way in and perished instantly, erased without a trace beneath the formation's might."

A chill swept through Yun Yan Tian as he imagined the terrifying power of the centuries-old array.

"Brother Xiao Lin, look—it's Wang Li Yuan."

Across a distant peak, a Ye clan disciple pointed toward Wang Li Yuan's group, his expression solemn.

"Last year, Wang Li Yuan ventured into the ruins and obtained some fortune, though its nature remains unclear.

If he goes deeper this time and secures another opportunity, his natural talent could allow him to step into the Qi Refinement realm in no time," another Ye disciple said gravely.

"Indeed. The Wang clan already has a Foundation Establishment ancestor; the emergence of a Qi Refinement heir would tip the balance further in their favor," another muttered.

"Last year at the Wang clan's gathering, I gauged Wang Li Yuan's cultivation to be similar to Lu Shang Lin's—both at Embryo Breath Stage Six.

Now he's at Stage Eight… his progress is alarming," Ye Xiao Lin said, his tone heavy with concern.

"Wang Li Yuan's rapid advancement must be tied to the fortune he acquired within the ruins," another added.

"That makes sense," Ye Xiao Lin murmured, his eyes drifting toward the towering peaks shrouded in mist. "The Dan Ding Sect… a once-glorious immortal sect. Even the founding patriarch of the Tongshan Xia Clan was but a servant within their halls.

Who knows how many celestial treasures remain hidden within these ruins? It's no wonder cultivators flock here year after year to test their luck."

"Wang Li Yuan was fortunate to secure an opportunity last year. But I, Ye Xiao Lin, am no less capable. This time, I will ensure that the fortune I claim surpasses his!"

"Brother Xiao Lin."

The familiar voice pulled Ye Xiao Lin from his thoughts. He turned to see Lu Shang Lin approaching with two other Lu clan heirs.

"Congratulations, Brother Shang Lin," Ye Xiao Lin greeted him with a nod. "You've reached Embryo Breath Stage Seven, I see. With such strength, you're bound to uncover great fortune within the ruins."

"You flatter me," Lu Shang Lin said with a wry smile. "My cousin barely escaped the ruins last year, securing a single opportunity by the narrowest margin.

Compared to him, my cultivation is far from sufficient. Whether I'll gain anything this time remains uncertain."

Despite his modest words, determination glinted in Lu Shang Lin's eyes. This time, he wasn't alone—he had brought two skilled clan members to bolster his chances.

"If possible," Lu Shang Lin said quietly, "I'd prefer not to venture too deep into the ruins. The risks grow exponentially there.

Instead, remaining in the outer regions and seizing opportunities from others seems the safest route."

Ye Xiao Lin chuckled. "Brother Shang Lin, don't underestimate yourself. You strike me as someone destined for good fortune."

"If your words come true, I'll owe you my thanks, Brother Xiao Lin," Lu Shang Lin replied, grinning.

"By the way, what about Lin Tian Sheng? Has he arrived?"

"Yes," Lu Shang Lin nodded. "Brother Tian Sheng is resting nearby, awaiting the array's dissolution."

"It's been some time since I last spoke with him," Ye Xiao Lin mused. "But tell me, Brother Shang Lin, what brings you to me today?"

"Brother Xiao Lin," Lu Shang Lin began cautiously, "you've noticed how much Wang Li Yuan has grown, haven't you?"

Ye Xiao Lin's gaze hardened. "I have."

"I won't hide it—I plan to act against him within the ruins. But Wang Li Yuan's current strength surpasses mine.

He has mastered sword intent, and with just the three of us, defeating him would be impossible."

Memories of being humiliated by Wang Li Yuan at the Wang clan gathering still haunted Lu Shang Lin. That bitter defeat had left a scar he was determined to erase.

"This is why I've come to you, Brother Xiao Lin. If you and Brother Tian Sheng join forces with us, we'll have the strength to eliminate Wang Li Yuan."

Ye Xiao Lin frowned, considering the implications. The prospect of Wang Li Yuan continuing to grow unsettled him.

The Lu clan heir's proposal was not without merit—Wang Li Yuan's advancement threatened the stability of their alliances. Allowing him to survive and prosper would only strengthen the Wang clan's position.

"All three families share a common enemy," Ye Xiao Lin said at last. "Wang Li Yuan's rise must be stopped before it's too late."

"Excellent! With Brother Xiao Lin's assistance and Brother Tian Sheng's strength, we can eliminate him for good!"

A cold smile spread across Lu Shang Lin's face. His gaze shifted to the distant mountain where Wang Li Yuan stood. Ice-cold killing intent flickered in his eyes.

"The other six clans might interfere," Ye Xiao Lin cautioned. "Their alliances grow stronger every year. If they discover us targeting Wang Li Yuan, they may act to protect him."

"Brother Xiao Lin, rest assured," Lu Shang Lin replied confidently. "I've hired a number of rogue cultivators to deal with the six clans.

And besides, their unity is more of a facade. Many resent Wang Li Yuan for monopolizing fortune in the ruins last year."

Hearing this, Ye Xiao Lin's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Very well. Wang Li Yuan has drawn too much attention with his rapid rise.

When the formation opens, we will act."

As the sun climbed higher, the golden mist cloaking the mountains began to dissolve. The ancient formation shimmered briefly before fading into nothingness.

"The formation is down!"

"Go! Into the ruins! Seek fortune!"