The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

The skies were overcast, and torrential rain poured relentlessly.

"Father," Yun Yanshui called softly as he entered the house, his clothing damp from his journey back from Mount Yunzhang.

"Where are your sister and Yantian?" Yun Yunshan asked, his expression calm yet tinged with concern.

"They successfully completed their task. They're on their way back to the family now," Yun Yanshui replied.

"Come, we're going to your second great-uncle's house," Yun Yunshan said, standing up with a somber tone.

"Father, what's wrong?" Yun Yanshui asked, noticing the gravity in his father's demeanor.

"Your second great-uncle is not going to make it," Yun Yunshan replied with a heavy sigh, his brow furrowed with sorrow.

"…I see," Yanshui murmured, his spirits dampening at the news.

"Everyone has gathered at his house. Your second great-uncle is holding on, waiting for all the juniors to assemble and bid him farewell.

He has no children of his own, and he has always treated us nephews and nieces as his own blood," Yun Yunshan continued, his voice tinged with sadness.

As they spoke, Yun Qinshi arrived with three oiled paper umbrellas. Together, the family stepped out into the rain, disappearing into the downpour.

The Ancestral Hall

Inside the main hall, Yun Lidi sat on a grand chair, his frame clad in a black robe, a felt hat covering his thinning white hair.

His frail body and deeply wrinkled face told the story of his ninety-five years of life. His once-sharp eyes were now clouded, barely able to see the figures around him.

By his side sat his younger brothers, Yun Lixuan and Yun Lihuang, offering their quiet companionship in his final hours.

The hall was filled with family, all standing in solemn silence: Yun Yunyang, Yun Yunyu, Yun Yunrui, Yun Yunsun, Yun Yanling, Yun Yanrong, Yun Yanbai, Qin Zhan, and others.

Even Yun Yunfeng, who had been overseeing construction on Mount Yunzhang, had rushed back through the storm. His hair and clothing were still wet, his raincoat dripping water onto the floor.

All eyes were on Yun Lidi, whose breathing was shallow and labored. The room was heavy with the quiet acceptance of what was to come.

"Brother," Yun Yunshan greeted as he entered the hall with his family, carefully setting their umbrellas aside.

"Pay your respects to your second great-uncle," Yun Yunyang instructed.

With a solemn nod, Yun Yunshan led his wife and son to kneel before Yun Lidi, bowing deeply three times.

"Is that Yunfeng? Or Yunshan?" Yun Lidi asked weakly, sensing their presence even though his vision failed him.

"It's Yunshan, Second Uncle," Yun Yunshan answered, stepping closer to whisper into his elder's ear. "I've brought my son, Shui'er, and my wife to see you."

"Hahaha, good, good… Shui'er, come let your second great-uncle hold you," Yun Lidi said with a faint smile, lifting a trembling hand toward the air.

"Second Great-Uncle," Yanshui responded softly, stepping forward.

"Grow up well, child, and do your part for the family," Yun Lidi advised, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I will, Second Great-Uncle," Yanshui promised.

"And your sister? She hasn't come?"

"Second Uncle, Shuang'er and Yantian are on their way back," Yun Yunshan reassured him.

"Good, good… I'll wait for them," Yun Lidi murmured, nodding weakly.

The solemn atmosphere was interrupted by the sudden cries of a baby.

"Waaa! Waaa!" Yun Wenxuan, nestled in Yun Yanling's arms, wailed loudly, his small face scrunched in distress.

Startled, Yun Yanling gently rocked him. "There, there, Wenxuan. Don't cry, don't cry."

"Perhaps he's hungry?" Yun Yunyang suggested.

"I just fed him," Yun Yanling replied, her voice tinged with worry.

"Ling'er, bring Wenxuan to me," Yun Lidi requested with a faint smile, lifting his trembling arms toward the sound.

"Yes, Second Great-Uncle," Yun Yanling replied, carefully placing the crying infant in his arms.

Despite her concerns for Yun Lidi's frail health, she stayed close, ready to intervene if needed.

"Little Wenxuan, don't cry, don't cry. Your great-great-uncle is here," Yun Lidi crooned, his voice soft but full of affection.

To everyone's surprise, the baby stopped crying, his curious dark eyes wide as he gazed at the elderly man holding him.

He gurgled happily, letting out a string of soft giggles.

The sight of the ailing elder cradling the laughing infant brought a wave of warmth and relief to everyone in the room.

It was a poignant reminder of life's cycles—a fading life met by a blossoming one, ensuring the family's legacy lived on.

"Second Great-Uncle!"

A voice echoed from outside the house, followed by two figures darting inside with ghost-like speed—it was none other than Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian.

Upon returning to the family compound, they had heard from their uncles about their second great-uncle's critical condition. Worried, they used their swift movement techniques to rush to his house, determined to see him one last time.

"Haha! Is that Shuang'er and Tian'er?"

Hearing their voices, Yun Lidi's face lit up with a kind smile.

"Shuang'er, Tian'er, bow to your second great-uncle!"

Both siblings knelt respectfully before Yun Lidi, solemnly bowing three times.

"Don't cry, don't cry. There's nothing to be sad about," Yun Lidi said gently, hearing Yanshuang's muffled sobs. "I'm passing peacefully at the end of a long life—it's a celebration, not a tragedy."

With a trembling hand, he gestured for Yanshuang to come closer. When she did, he carefully wiped the tears from her cheeks.

"You and Tian'er are the pride of our Yun family," he said warmly. "You're also my pride."

"Promise me you'll both continue to cultivate diligently. Help our family rise to greater heights. When I'm gone, I'll watch over you from the other side."

Turning his attention to the eldest present, Yun Yunyang, he continued, "Yunyang, as the eldest, the family depends on you for leadership. You've guided us well these past years, and our family has flourished under your care.

Even your father would be proud of your achievements if he were here."

He looked at Yun Yunyu, his younger brother, and said, "Yunyu, you've raised a good son who's brought honor to the family. Training the clan soldiers and protecting the family is no small feat—thank you for your dedication.

From now on, work closely with your brothers. United, you will make the family stronger. If there's division among you, the family will fall apart."

Turning to the other siblings, Yun Yunfeng, Yun Yunshan, Yun Yunrui, and Yun Yunsun, he added, "You all must remember this—unity is the key to our strength. Work together, always."

"Second Uncle, we understand," they replied in unison, their voices heavy with emotion.

Then, he addressed Yun Yanling, who held her infant son in her arms. "Ling'er, take good care of Wenxuan. Let him grow up happy and strong."

Looking at Qin Zhan, Ling'er's husband, he warned, "Zhan'er, don't fail my Ling'er. If you do, I'll come back from the afterlife to hold you accountable!"

Finally, he turned his fading gaze toward the younger generation—Yun Yanrong, Yun Yanbai, Yun Yantian, Yun Yanshui, and Yun Yanshuang.

"I've yet to see you all get married and have children," he said with a bittersweet smile. "But my body can't hold on any longer. I hope each of you will find someone you love and bring more life to our Yun family."

He chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Look at me, so close to death yet still rambling on."

Despite his self-deprecating words, the atmosphere in the room grew heavier.

"Second Brother, enough talking. Don't tire yourself out. The younger generation won't have the patience for an old man's nagging," Yun Lixuan, his younger brother, said gently, clutching his frail hand tightly.

Though his words carried a teasing tone, his red-rimmed eyes betrayed his sorrow.

Yun Lihuang, the youngest brother, stood silently in a corner, overwhelmed by memories of their childhood. He recalled days spent fishing and playing in the streams of Li Zhai Valley, growing up together, and eventually starting families.

Now, those carefree days were long gone.

Their eldest brother, Yun Litian, had died years ago, sacrificing himself to protect their village from bandits. And now, the second brother was slipping away, leaving them behind to face life without him.

The pain of losing another sibling was unbearable.

Unable to contain his grief, Yun Lihuang retreated to a quiet corner, his shoulders trembling as he wept.

His son, Yun Yunrui, followed to comfort him, though his own heart felt heavy.

"Haha! Let them call me nagging all they want. A few extra words won't hurt them," Yun Lidi said with a chuckle, though his complexion had grown noticeably paler.

"I miss Big Brother so much," he murmured, his voice growing faint. "I miss those days when the four of us fished and played together in Li Zhai Valley.
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I miss Father and Mother. I miss being young."

He closed his eyes briefly, his breath growing shallower.

"I don't want to leave you all behind, but… the world grows darker, and the chill sets in. It's time… it's time for me to go."