The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

"Yun Yang greets Immortal Master Li."

In the ancestral hall, where clan matters were being discussed, Yun Yun Yang and the others noticed Yun Yun Lin entering with Li Qing and an elderly man in tow. They quickly rose to their feet, stepped forward, and cupped their hands in greeting.

"Brother Yun Yang and everyone else, there's no need for such formality!"

Li Qing hurriedly helped Yun Yun Yang to his feet and gestured for the other Yun clan members to do the same.

"Brother Yun Yang, allow me to introduce my lord—Bai Li Yu."

"Yun Yun Yang greets Senior Bai Li," Yun Yang said, bowing deeply.

As he observed the elderly man before him, with his demeanor resembling that of a wealthy but mundane elder, Yun Yun Yang's mind stirred with speculation. Li Qing's words had hinted at the truth—this man was likely none other than the one spoken of in courtly whispers.

After all, for Li Qing, an Imperial Immortal Master, to address someone as "my lord" spoke volumes about their status.

Still, since this elder had chosen not to reveal his true identity, Yun Yun Yang decided to feign ignorance and play along.

"As I entered your estate earlier, I was struck by the prosperity and harmony of your clan. Seeing how your people live peacefully, with a sense of purpose and contentment, fills this old man with admiration.

You and your kin are truly capable leaders. Under your guidance, the Yun Clan has flourished admirably.

Immortal Master Li has often spoken of your clan to me, and though I had long intended to visit, time never permitted it. Now that I've seen it with my own eyes, I must say it exceeds even the high praise I've heard!"

Bai Li Xi's gaze swept across Yun Yun Yang and the other clan leaders, his words brimming with genuine admiration.

"Senior Bai Li, you flatter us. My siblings and I have only done what we could. The growth of our clan owes much to the collective efforts of every family member," Yun Yun Yang replied humbly.

"Haha! That is true indeed. Without unity, without mutual support and shared responsibility, it would be impossible to build a thriving family like yours," Bai Li Xi said, nodding in agreement.

As he spoke, a faint shadow passed over his expression. Thoughts of his own royal court emerged—his sons and the harem, rife with intrigue and betrayal. It was a nest of vipers, a constant source of frustration and weariness.

If only his princes could work together as harmoniously as the Yun Clan. How different his empire might be...

"Immortal Master Li, Senior Bai Li, please, take the honored seats."

After exchanging pleasantries, Yun Yun Yang personally escorted Li Qing and Bai Li Xi to the seats of honor. At the same time, he instructed the younger members of the clan to bring spirit tea and fruits as a gesture of hospitality.

"This visit serves two purposes," Li Qing began after taking a sip of the spirit tea. He could feel its faint trace of spiritual energy coursing through him, a testament to the Yun Clan's recent progress.

Reflecting on his first meeting with the Yun Cang Yun Clan five years prior, Li Qing recalled a family struggling to scrape together even low-grade spirit stones and spirit rice. Now, they were hosting guests with spirit tea and fruits—a transformation that spoke volumes about their resilience and determination.

"First, I wished to bring my lord here to see the Yun Clan's current state, to meet with you all, and to forge a bond of goodwill.

Second, there is a matter I must discuss with you, Brother Yun Yang," Li Qing said, his tone turning more serious.

"What matter, Immortal Master Li?" Yun Yun Yang asked.

"A month and a half from now, the royal court will host the Hundred Clans Assembly."

"The Hundred Clans Assembly?" Yun Yun Yang and the others exchanged puzzled looks. It was the first they had heard of such an event.

"The Hundred Clans Assembly will bring together all cultivation families within the Yue Kingdom. Representatives from every clan are expected to attend—it is a grand event held once every decade.

At the assembly, His Majesty will preside personally, accompanied by the court ministers.

Furthermore, there will be trials for the spiritual root descendants of each family. The victors will receive generous cultivation resources and treasures personally bestowed by the Emperor."

"The court has already sent word to other cultivation families in the kingdom. I wished to inform you in person to ensure you could prepare," Li Qing explained.

"Thank you, Immortal Master Li, for notifying us. I will discuss the matter with Shuang'er and Tian'er to see if they are willing to participate in the assembly," Yun Yun Yang said with a small smile.

"Good. I hope your clan's spiritual root descendants will shine brightly at the assembly, so the world of cultivators will know the name of Yun Cang Yun !"

Li Qing laughed heartily. In his heart, he harbored high expectations for the Yun Clan's two spiritual root descendants.

After all, they had been personally trained by that reclusive master. With such a teacher, how could they not excel?

Moreover, Yun Yan Shuang had comprehended sword intent, and her cultivation level was exceptionally high.

Among the younger generation of cultivators in Yue Kingdom's various families, few could rival such a remarkable prodigy.

"Our Yun Clan will give it our all and ensure we do not disappoint Immortal Master Li," Yun Yun Yang responded with a solemn expression.

"Brother Yun Yang, would you mind showing this old man around your estate? I'd like to see more of it," Bai Li Xi interjected with a faint smile.

"If Senior Bai Li wishes to explore, it would be my honor to guide you and show you around our humble estate," Yun Yun Yang replied warmly, accepting without hesitation.

"Then I'll trouble you," Bai Li Xi said politely.

"Senior Bai Li, you're far too kind," Yun Yun Yang said with a laugh.

He rose, gathering the Yun Clan's core members, and led Bai Li Xi and Li Qing on a tour of the estate. Before departing, he gave instructions for a banquet to be prepared in advance.
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"Back then, your estate was much smaller, with far fewer clansmen. Most of the buildings were simple thatched cottages.

I never expected that in just five years, the roads would be paved with blue bricks, and the walls adorned with green tiles and red eaves. The transformation is truly remarkable," Li Qing remarked casually as they walked.

Yun Yun Yang, walking alongside him, smiled humbly, attributing the changes to the collective efforts of the clansmen.

"Come on, Yan Bai, congratulations on becoming a father! You must drink a few extra cups today!"

"And Yan Tian, make sure to take good care of Sister Bai Li. She's an esteemed guest brought by Immortal Master Li himself. If you neglect her, don't be surprised if the Immortal Master smacks you!"

"Wen Yu, Wen Run, come here and give your Uncle Yan Shui a shoulder massage. I've been working at the weaponry shop all day and am utterly exhausted."

"Don't listen to him, Wen Yu, Wen Run. Leave your cheeky uncle alone and come to Aunt Shuang for a hug."

"By the way, isn't Sister Ling'er and Brother-in-law Qin Zhan coming back?"

"They're busy managing the family shop in the market. Business has been so good recently that they can't get away. They've already sent their congratulations ahead of time, though."

"And that chatterbox Wen Xuan didn't show up either, did he?"

"Don't bring him up! That rascal fell asleep during class and got punished by Teacher Yu to copy scriptures! He'll be tied up for the next few days, no doubt!"

"Serves him right, honestly. He's a funny one, though.

I bet Uncle found out and gave him a good thrashing, didn't he?"

"Exactly. I heard Uncle smacked him so hard that his backside is still swollen!"

The courtyard erupted in laughter.

Standing outside, Bai Li Xi watched as the younger generation of the Yun Clan gathered, chatting and laughing heartily. The lively and joyful atmosphere starkly contrasted with the stifling family banquets in the royal palace.

Those events, filled with scheming and veiled barbs among his children and concubines, were exhausting and disheartening.

As he looked closer, Bai Li Xi noticed his own daughter, Bai Li Mo Xue, among the Yun Clan youths. She held two little girls in her arms, her expression relaxed and a genuine smile lighting her face.

A glimmer of relief and comfort flickered in his eyes.

"Senior Bai Li, I hope this doesn't seem too unseemly to you," Yun Yun Yang said awkwardly, noticing Bai Li Xi's thoughtful gaze.

"Not at all, not at all. Gatherings like this, with such lively and joyful camaraderie, are exactly how the young should interact. This old man envies it greatly," Bai Li Xi replied warmly.

"Senior Bai Li, this way, please. I'll take you and Immortal Master Li to see the spiritual fields in the back mountains," Yun Yun Yang said, gesturing respectfully.

"Very well, lead the way," Bai Li Xi said, his mood noticeably lifted.

As he thought of his daughter mingling naturally with the Yun Clan's younger generation, her genuine smile unburdened by palace intrigue, his steps grew lighter, and his pace quickened.

The Yun Cang Yun Clan truly possessed a special charm—an allure that inspired heartfelt admiration.

"Did I just see Uncle and the others pass by?"

In the courtyard, Yun Yan Shui downed a cup of wine and caught a glimpse of figures walking along the stone path outside.

"Probably. Uncle is likely taking Immortal Master Li to tour the family estate and unwind," Yun Yan Tian replied with a laugh.

"Looks like we'll have good wine and meat tonight again. What if we can't eat anymore after all this food?"

"No problem, Yan Shui. If you can't eat it, I'll help!"

Yun Yan Dong, munching on a pork leg, replied with a muffled voice.

"Eat, eat, eat! You're already round as a ball. Watch out—your wife might kick you off the bed tonight!"

The courtyard erupted into another round of hearty laughter.