The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

"Father, do you think that bronze mirror, which can produce unique celestial fruits, could possibly grant ordinary people the ability to cultivate?"

Yun Yan Shui, after hearing his father's caution, understood the immense weight of his situation. The fact that he could cultivate without possessing a spiritual root was undeniably miraculous, almost defying the natural order.

If this secret were to spread, it would undoubtedly bring catastrophic consequences to their family lineage.

He knew he had to remain low-key and keep his abilities concealed, revealing them only when he became strong enough to face any threat.

To achieve this, he realized the bronze mirror might be his key to growing stronger. He began to wonder if the celestial fruits produced by the mirror might work for ordinary people as well.

If they did, and the tree produced more fruits in the future, he could consider distributing them selectively to others. Perhaps this would grant him further benefits and help him quickly enhance his cultivation.

"I'm not sure," Yun Yun Shan replied, his brows furrowed. "When I first saw the celestial fruit, I also wondered about this possibility.

However, even if these fruits can transform mortals, allowing them to cultivate without spiritual roots, you must never distribute them carelessly!"

Yun Yun Shan's demeanor was stern, his words filled with caution. His prudence and deep foresight had always defined him.

If children from the Yun family consumed such fruits and gained cultivation abilities, the news would surely attract dangerous attention.

The blind Daoist had explained that mortals cultivating without spiritual roots was a mere myth in the world of cultivation.

If it became known that the Yun family possessed celestial fruits capable of granting such a gift, disaster would inevitably follow.

"I understand, Father," Yun Yan Shui replied, his young mind reeling from the gravity of the situation.

He realized that his initial thoughts had been too naive, and his father's explanation left him shaken.

The secret of the bronze mirror was too heavy a burden. It could not be revealed lightly.

"However," Yun Yun Shan continued, "these celestial fruits could be given to members of the family who already possess spiritual roots.

For example, your cousin Yan Tian.

Since he has spiritual roots and is already cultivating, the fruit would enhance his physique and greatly aid his cultivation.

This way, the fruit wouldn't raise suspicion either, as it would naturally align with his existing abilities."

"That's a good point, Father. But how would we explain the source of the fruit?"

"The Daoist mentioned that our Yun family village sits atop a spiritual vein, and the nearby forests are rich in spiritual plants.

If your uncles inquire about the fruit's origin, simply say you found it while hunting in the mountains."

"That makes sense. We'll proceed as you've planned," Yun Yan Shui nodded.

He decided to wait for the bronze mirror to produce a second fruit. Once it did, he planned to gift it to his cousin Yan Tian and observe whether this act would yield additional cultivation benefits for himself.

"Come on, let's go. Tonight, your uncle has invited us to gather at the ancestral hall. It's been a long time since I've reunited with your uncles," Yun Yun Shan instructed as he led his children out of the cellar.

In the courtyard, Yun Yun Feng was lying on a chair with a sour expression. His thoughts were consumed by the blind Daoist's declaration that his sons lacked spiritual roots and were unfit for cultivation.

The realization burned in his heart, filling him with anger and frustration.

What stung even more was hearing others in the village praise his second brother's son, Yun Yan Tian, who had been found to possess spiritual roots and was now allowed to cultivate under the Daoist's guidance.

Jealousy twisted his face as he fumed in silence.

"Father, Uncle has sent Sister Yan Ling to invite us to the ancestral hall for a gathering," Yun Yan Song announced cautiously, knowing his father's volatile temper.

"Go? What for? So I can watch Yun Yun Yue and Yun Yun Shan show off in front of me?" Yun Yun Feng snapped, his anger flaring again.

"Are we not going then?" Yun Yan Song asked hesitantly, his fear of his father evident.

"We're not going!" Yun Yun Feng bellowed, his voice filled with frustration.

"Sister Ling'er, don't underestimate me."

Yun Yan Shui rubbed his forehead, pretending to be offended. "I know plenty about love and relationships!"

The siblings burst into laughter, the joyful sound filling the ancestral hall. Even Yan Tian, typically reserved, couldn't help but smile.

"Yan Shui, stop teasing your sister," Yan Tian said, shaking his head. "She's already under enough pressure with Uncle's plans."

"It's fine, Yan Tian," Yan Ling replied, her tone light but carrying a hint of melancholy. "As the eldest daughter of my lineage, I bear this responsibility. Cultivating a future generation with spiritual roots is the least I can do for our family."

"Still, Ling'er," Yan Shui added, his voice softening, "if it's too much, you can always talk to Uncle. He'll listen."

Yan Ling gave a faint smile, grateful for her cousin's concern but firm in her resolve. "Thank you, Yan Shui, but I've already accepted my role. Let's not dwell on it tonight. We're here to celebrate."

The atmosphere lightened as the cousins shifted their conversation to more cheerful topics.

Outside the ancestral hall, the elder Yun brothers continued their reunion.

"Third Brother hasn't arrived yet?" Yun Yun Yue asked, his tone half-curious, half-irritated.

"Knowing him, he's probably sulking about something," Yun Yun Shan replied with a chuckle. "He was never one for gatherings."

"Speak of the devil," Yun Yun Yue said, glancing toward the path leading to the hall.

Yun Yun Feng approached, his expression a mixture of reluctance and annoyance. His two sons, Yun Yan Song and Yun Yan Bai, trailed behind him, each carrying a dish for the feast.

"Third Brother, you finally made it," Yun Yun Yue greeted, his voice laced with subtle mockery.

"Wouldn't miss it," Yun Feng replied tersely, forcing a smile.

The tension between the brothers was palpable, but Yun Shan quickly stepped in to smooth things over.

"We're all here now, so let's not waste time bickering. Tonight is a time for celebration," Yun Shan said, his tone calm but firm.

Reluctantly, Yun Feng nodded, muttering under his breath.

Inside the hall, the Yun family gathered around long wooden tables laden with food and drink. The elders sat at the head of the room, discussing family matters, while the younger generation mingled freely.

"Yan Shui," Yan Tian said, pulling his cousin aside, "I heard about the bronze mirror your father's been safeguarding. What's so special about it?"

Yan Shui hesitated, glancing around to ensure no one else was listening. "It's just a relic we found in the mountains," he said casually, trying to downplay its significance.

"Come on, you can tell me," Yan Tian insisted, his curiosity evident.

"It's nothing important," Yan Shui replied, forcing a smile. "Just a family heirloom, really."

Yan Tian frowned but decided not to press further.

"Alright, but if you ever need help with anything, just let me know," Yan Tian said, clapping Yan Shui on the shoulder.

"Thanks, Yan Tian," Yan Shui replied, genuinely appreciative of his cousin's support.

The evening wore on, filled with laughter, stories, and the clinking of cups. Despite the underlying tensions and unspoken rivalries, the Yun family managed to enjoy a rare moment of unity.

As the gathering began to wind down, Yun Yun Shan pulled his eldest brother aside.

"Big Brother, there's something we need to discuss," Yun Shan said, his tone serious.

"What is it?" Yun Yue asked, his expression shifting to match Yun Shan's seriousness.

"It's about the Daoist and the spiritual vein beneath our village," Yun Shan began, his voice low. "I believe there's more to his presence here than we initially thought..."