The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

"This…"

Wang Qinglin frowned deeply, his brows knit in thought. Until now, he had assumed Wen Ruli's claims were nothing more than falsehoods—mere excuses crafted to deflect blame. Yet, the truth was undeniable: the one who had slain Wang Liyuan truly came from within their own ranks.

"To think that my Wang Clan raised him for so many years… only to nurture a wolf in our midst, one who dares to bite the hand that feeds him!"

His expression darkened further as he immediately instructed Wang Zhongtian to summon Huang, the rogue cultivator in question, for questioning.

"Ancestor, I fear there's no need to summon Huang anymore," Wang Zhongtian interjected.

"Oh? And why not?"

"Truthfully, Huang has vanished without a trace. None of our men have seen him. It's likely he has fled in fear of retribution."

"Fled out of guilt, has he? I refuse to believe he would abandon his family entirely! Dispatch men immediately to apprehend his kin. At the same time, investigate who Huang has been close to over the years and uncover why he conspired with the Upper Three Clans and the Qishan Wen Clan to harm Yuan'er!"

Wang Qinglin's orders were swift and decisive.

"I will see it done!"

"Furthermore, the matter of Yuan'er's death and miraculous resurrection is to remain known only to the three of us. Under no circumstances should this information be leaked. If word spreads, disaster will surely follow!

From this day forward, Yuan'er is to remain within the family grounds, focusing solely on cultivation. Should the time come when the family has need of you, I will summon you personally."

The thought of Wang Liyuan's return to life made Wang Qinglin's heart sink with unease. Such an event, if discovered, would draw countless opportunists seeking the mystical artifact that resurrected him. The Wang Clan would inevitably face calamity.

Thus, secrecy was paramount.

"As the ancestor commands!"

Both Wang Liyuan and Wang Zhongtian responded with utmost deference.

"Ancestor, the patriarch of the Qishan Wen Clan, Wen Tianchong, has arrived outside, leading a delegation requesting an audience," came the voice of a Wang Clan disciple from beyond the hall.

"Have Wen Tianchong and his group wait in the side hall. I'll see them when I feel like it!" Wang Qinglin ordered coldly.

"As you wish!"

"Ancestor," Wang Liyuan asked curiously, "why has the Qishan Wen Clan come here today?"

"Do you know who orchestrated the ploy to lure me away, leading to your death?"

"I do not."

"It was Wen Ruli of the Wen Clan!"

Now, with Wen Tianchong visiting their home, it was all but certain that he had come to offer apologies and plead for mercy, hoping to prevent the Wang Clan's wrath from descending upon the Wen Clan in the future.

"What does the ancestor plan to do next?"

"If you had not returned to life, I would have ensured that none of Wen Tianchong's party left this hall alive. Their corpses would have been displayed outside our gates for three days and nights as a warning to the entire Qishan Wen Clan, showing them that the Wang Clan of Yulin is not to be trifled with!"

"But now that you have returned, I must reconsider my course of action. The family is in a precarious position. Above us, the royal court under the Sacred Emperor watches closely. Below us, the Upper Three Clans and other factions eye us hungrily. And then there's the ever-expanding Yuncang Yun Clan."

"Hardening our stance against the Qishan Wen Clan would only bring unnecessary trouble. The family needs time—time to grow, to cultivate our younger generation, and to rebuild the foundation of our strength.

From now on, your elder brother's cultivation grounds will be yours. All your daily needs will be attended to by dedicated servants. Your only focus should be on refining your skills and ascending in power. The future of this family depends on you and the younger generation!"

Having laid bare his thoughts, Wang Qinglin placed a reassuring hand on Wang Liyuan's shoulder, speaking with deliberate care.

"Now then, it is time for me to meet Wen Tianchong."

With a flick of his sleeve, Wang Qinglin turned and strode out of the main hall, his hands clasped behind his back as he made his way toward the side hall.

In the side hall of the Wang Clan estate, Wen Tianchong sat with several members of the Wen Clan. Their unease was palpable, each person fidgeting as though sitting on needles.

On a nearby table rested a black wooden box. Within it lay the severed, bloodied head of Wen Ruli, her lifeless eyes frozen in a haunting stare.

"Brother Qinglin!"

Just as Wen Tianchong deliberated over how best to appease the Wang Clan's fury, a figure entered the hall with measured steps.

Wen Tianchong immediately rose, leading his clan members in a respectful bow.

Wang Qinglin ignored the gesture, moving directly to the head seat. Taking his time, he poured himself tea, sipping leisurely while leaving the Wen Clan in an awkward silence.

After an excruciatingly long pause, he finally spoke:

"What brings the Wen Clan to my Wang Clan?"

"Brother Qinglin, it is regarding the reckless actions of a member of my clan, Wen Ruli, which led to the unfortunate death of your talented young master, Wang Liyuan…" Wen Tianchong began cautiously, his tone laden with regret.

"Brother Qinglin, I have already exacted punishment upon him. I hope this will help ease your anger!"

"Remember, the Seven Clans… no, the Six Clans now, must stand united. Otherwise, neither the court nor the Upper Three Clans will be easy to contend with.

It would be a great loss if the mistakes of a junior were to sow discord between our two families."

As Wang Qinglin had predicted, Wen Tianchong had come to apologize and make amends.

While speaking, he presented the black wooden box containing Wen Ruli's severed head, placing it before Wang Qinglin.

"Well, Brother Tianchong, I must say you act with remarkable decisiveness."

Casting a cold glance at the box and the gruesome contents within, Wang Qinglin smirked faintly, his expression unreadable.

"Ah, what else could I do? It was the recklessness of a disciple who brought disaster upon us all. I had no choice but to resort to this."

"So, tell me, Brother Qinglin, has your anger subsided?" Wen Tianchong asked with a strained smile.

"With you taking such measures, what else is there for me to say?"

"Haha! Brother Qinglin, your understanding is truly admirable."

Hearing Wang Qinglin's response, Wen Tianchong exhaled in relief. The heavy stone weighing on his heart finally lifted.

"Brother Qinglin, there are still many matters in my clan that require my attention. When time permits, let us sit down and reminisce in private."

"Zhongtian, see our guests out."

"Brother Qinglin, there's no need to be so formal!" Wen Tianchong quickly interjected, waving his hand.

"Well then, Brother Tianchong and your companions, take care."

"Brother Qinglin, we bid you farewell!"

Yunzhang County

In a small courtyard shaded by willows, Yun Yantian lay leisurely beneath the trees, toying with a jade pendant in his hands. The pendant had been taken from Wang Liyuan's storage pouch, though its true nature remained a mystery.

The jade felt warm and smooth to the touch, faintly exuding spiritual energy. When worn, it seemed to invigorate the mind, improve clarity of vision, and subtly nourish the body.

"Brother."

Yun Yanshuang entered the courtyard and spotted her elder brother reclining on a chair, absently fiddling with the pendant. She greeted him with a playful smile.

"Why are you back so late?"

Yun Yantian rose, pouring a cup of hot tea for his sister.

"I got held up on the way back—I heard some interesting news."

As she took a seat and sipped the tea, Yun Yanshuang's eyes sparkled mischievously.

"What news?"

"Wang Liyuan is dead."

"Hah! That's what you call news?"

Yun Yantian's interest visibly waned as he lazily reclined back into his chair.

"I know you killed him. But do you know what happened in Tongshan County after you killed Wang Liyuan?"

Her tone carried a mysterious edge as she looked at her brother.

"What happened? Don't tell me Wang Liyuan isn't dead after all."

Yun Yantian dismissed her words with an indifferent wave.

"Not quite. After Wang Liyuan's death, Wang Qinglin, the Wang Clan's patriarch, went on a rampage. He unleashed chaos throughout Tongshan County, slaughtering rogue cultivators left and right. Many perished in the bloodbath.

Even among the Upper Three Clans and the other six families, several gifted cultivators with spiritual roots lost their lives.

I've heard that Ye Xiaomo and Wen Ruli were among the dead as well.

This incident has further deepened the animosity between the Three Clans and the Six Families. Their ongoing feuds will likely persist, giving our Yun Clan plenty of opportunities to grow amidst their turmoil."

"Hah! Now that's unexpected."

"Wasn't this all part of your plan, Brother?"

"What plan? I simply wanted to kill Wang Liyuan because his luck was too strong. He would have become a serious obstacle to our clan's growth and development in the future.

As for what happened after his death, I hadn't thought much about it."

"But I must admit, Wang Qinglin is far more ruthless and decisive than Wang Qingshan ever was. To recklessly slaughter so many rogue cultivators and even kill the spiritual-rooted disciples of the Three Clans… he's made quite the enemy for himself!"

"Indeed."

"So, did the Upper Three Clans retaliate against Wang Qinglin?"

"They didn't. I've heard that Master Li and others intervened to mediate, temporarily defusing the conflict.

But it's only a temporary truce.

Right now, neither the Three Clans nor the Seven Families are as strong as they once were. Neither side wants to continue the fight and risk further depleting their luck and foundations.

For now, they'll quietly bide their time, building their strength. When the day comes, they'll settle accounts with each other once and for all."