The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

"Is this the Yun Cang Yun Clan?"

Disguised as an elderly man, Bai Li Xi slowly stepped down from the carriage, his daughter Bai Li Mo Xue following closely behind.

Standing outside the Yun family estate, they observed the peaceful scene within. Groups of Yun clansmen gathered in threes and fives, chatting and sharing drinks. Some played chess under the shade of the trees, while children ran about, laughing and playing games with crickets.

The entire place exuded an air of harmony and prosperity.

"Indeed."

"To govern a country is akin to governing a household. The ease and simplicity with which the Yun Cang Yun Clan lives, with its children growing carefree and innocent, speaks volumes about the unity within the clan and the wisdom of its leadership."

Bai Li Xi couldn't help but marvel. He found himself developing a certain fondness for the Yun Clan.

Compared to the endless infighting of the Three Great Families and the Seven Clans, where many disciples were notorious for idle indulgences and debauchery, the thriving harmony of the Yun Cang Yun Clan was unexpectedly comforting.

Perhaps Li Qing's recommendation was correct.

This clan was worth the support of the royal family. They could even become a dependable ally for the throne.

"Who would have thought you would hold the Yun Cang Yun Clan in such high regard, my lord?"

Li Qing was surprised. He knew his sovereign to have a discerning eye and rarely spoke favorably of any cultivation family within the Yue Kingdom.

After all, in Bai Li Xi's view, any family of cultivators within the realm could pose a threat to the stability of the royal rule.

"Nothing more than a passing thought, reminded of my own Bai Li family in its prime. A touch of sentiment, that's all."

"Sadly, the internal state of my Bai Li clan now fares no better than other cultivation families."

"One can only wonder if the Yun Cang Yun Clan will continue to thrive and maintain such unity within its ranks as they grow stronger."

Bai Li Xi spoke slowly, his gaze shifting to a large willow tree at the edge of the estate. Beneath its vast shade, an old blind Daoist lay lazily, snoring softly. Occasionally, he let out a yawn.

"My lord, that is the reclusive master I mentioned before," Li Qing said with a smile, noticing Bai Li Xi's gaze.

He then led Bai Li Xi and Bai Li Mo Xue toward the old Daoist under the tree.

"Junior Li Qing greets the venerable Daoist."

Under the tree, Li Qing cupped his hands in a respectful bow, his tone full of reverence.

"Heh! Little Li, you've come again?"

The blind Daoist had already sensed their approach. A faint smile spread across his weathered and dirty face.

"I've brought a friend to visit the Yun Clan," Li Qing replied humbly.

"Ah, so that's the case. Go on, then. Pay me no mind."

"Once my business is done, I will return to speak with you, revered elder," Li Qing promised with a bow before leading Bai Li Xi and Bai Li Mo Xue into the Yun Clan estate.

"Ah! Master Li!"

"Greetings, Master Li!"

"Master Li, care to join us for a drink?"

Inside the estate, several Yun clansmen, lounging and chatting over wine or playing chess, greeted Li Qing warmly upon seeing him enter with the Bai Li father and daughter.

This was not the first time Li Qing had visited the Yun Clan, and many clansmen recognized him.

They knew Li Qing as a benefactor of the family, someone whose assistance had been instrumental in their present prosperity.

Thus, their respect for him ran deep.

"Haha! The pleasure is mine!"

"Yes, I've brought friends to meet Brother Yun Yang and to greet everyone."

"Another time, perhaps. Once I've finished my business, I will gladly join you all for a drink."

Li Qing returned each greeting with polite warmth, his demeanor approachable despite his status as a court-appointed Immortal Master.

It was this humility that endeared him to Yun Yun Yang and many others in the clan.

"Master Li, let me take you to meet Brother Yun Yang."

Yun Yun Lin, on his way to the ancestral shrine, noticed Li Qing's arrival and quickly stepped forward with a smile.

"Haha! I leave it to you then, Brother Yun Lin."

Li Qing clasped his hands in thanks.

"Master Li, you are too kind."

"This way, please."

Yun Yun Lin laughed heartily and gestured for them to follow as he led the way.

"Who would have thought you'd become so familiar with the Yun Cang Yun Clan?" Bai Li Xi remarked with a chuckle, glancing at Li Qing.

"My lord, you jest. The Yun Clan is warm and hospitable. They know I have aided them over the years, and so they treat me kindly."

"How you treat others determines how they treat you. Over the years, you've quietly helped the Yun Clan, earning the admiration of its people.

Perhaps this is why our ancestors entrusted you with bringing me here personally to assess the Yun Clan's situation," Bai Li Xi said with a faint smile.

Li Qing's character and way of handling matters were precisely why Bai Li Xi trusted him and was willing to assign him important responsibilities.

Among the many royal advisors in court, none could compare to Li Qing's talents.

"My lord, if you continue to praise me like this, I truly won't know how to bear it!" Li Qing replied with a humble chuckle.

"Father, why don't you and Master Li visit the Yun Clan's elders? I'd like to take a walk and explore the estate myself," Bai Li Mo Xue interjected from the side.

"Very well. Just don't cause any trouble."

"Of course, Father," Bai Li Mo Xue replied with a gentle smile before strolling off toward another part of the Yun Clan estate.

She wanted to see for herself what made this Yun Cang Yun Clan so extraordinary—extraordinary enough to draw her father, the Emperor, out of the palace incognito just to pay them a visit.

As she wandered aimlessly, Bai Li Mo Xue found herself outside the courtyard of Yun Yan Bai. From a distance, she could hear bursts of laughter coming from within.

"Haha! Wen Yuan, this little nephew of mine, looks just like his mother, Qin Yue!"

"Indeed, indeed! Lucky he didn't take after Yan Bai's looks. This kid is bound to grow up stunningly handsome, breaking the hearts of noble ladies everywhere."

"Yan Shui, Shuang'er, could you two stop teasing me?"

"Yan Dong, aren't you supposed to be on duty at the yamen?"

"Ah, I'm on leave to take care of my wife! My father-in-law personally approved it so I could return to the clan."

"And how much longer now?"

"By my calculations, it should be around the winter solstice."

"Then we'll have to celebrate properly and have a drink when the time comes."

"Of course, of course."

"Hey, big brother, careful with the baby! Don't drop him!"

"Pfft! I wasn't this nervous when I was holding my Wen Long and Wen Feng. What are you so worried about?"

Yun Yan Song's voice rang out, followed by a chorus of hearty laughter.

Standing at the partially open gate, Bai Li Mo Xue caught a glimpse of the scene within. The younger generation of the Yun Clan had gathered to celebrate the arrival of a newborn, their faces bright with smiles and camaraderie. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire

For a moment, she was reminded of her own royal siblings—every one of them calculating and scheming, each with a mind full of hidden agendas.

Even during family banquets hosted by her father, the atmosphere was tense, the siblings engaging in veiled verbal duels, making the entire affair exhausting.

Now, watching the Yun Clan's younger generation laughing and chatting together without a hint of animosity or pretense, Bai Li Mo Xue felt a pang of envy.

"Gentle miss, may I ask who you are?"

Yun Yan Tian, returning from tending to the spiritual fields in the back mountain, approached with his two nieces, Yun Wen Yu and Yun Wen Run, intending to visit his newborn nephew.

Noticing Bai Li Mo Xue standing silently at the gate, lost in thought as she observed the lively scene within, he couldn't help but be curious.

"Oh, I'm here with Master Li," Bai Li Mo Xue replied, snapping out of her reverie. She quickly offered a polite bow to Yun Yan Tian and explained her presence.

"Ah, I see. And where is Master Li now?"

"He went with my father to meet your clan elders."

"So, you're here alone?"

"Yes. I felt a bit stifled and decided to take a walk. I happened upon this courtyard and was drawn in by the sight of your younger generation gathered together, welcoming new life. It was so warm and lively that I couldn't help but stop and watch," Bai Li Mo Xue replied with a soft smile, her radiance momentarily rivaling that of a blooming flower.

"Haha! If the young miss doesn't mind, why not join us? Since you're a guest of Master Li, you're a friend of the Yun Clan, and we must treat you with proper hospitality," Yun Yan Tian said with a hearty laugh, inviting her to join the gathering.

"Well..."

Bai Li Mo Xue hesitated, feeling shy at the thought of mingling with so many unfamiliar faces.

"Don't worry. My younger siblings are all easygoing," Yun Yan Tian reassured her, noticing her unease.

"Big sister, come join us!"

Yun Wen Yu and Yun Wen Run, the two girls at Yun Yan Tian's side, exchanged a glance before running up to Bai Li Mo Xue, each taking one of her hands.

In their hearts, they silently admired the beautiful young woman before them, noting her graceful demeanor and the powerful cultivation aura she exuded. They even began to wonder if she might make a perfect match for their capable Uncle Yan Tian.