The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

The Yun Ancestral Shrine

Yun Lidi and his two brothers stood solemnly before the ancestral tablets of the Yun clan, their expressions grave and reverent.

Behind them were the three sons of their eldest brother: Yun Yunyang, Yun Yunyue, and Yun Yunshan.

"With the blessings of our ancestors, I, Yun Lidi, bring our descendants here today to report on the state of our clan," Yun Lidi began, his voice steady and full of respect.

"The Yun clan has grown over the years, and now, two of our own have been revealed to possess spiritual roots.

"In the future, our family may finally step onto the path of immortality.

"I beseech our ancestors to bless and guide Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang, ensuring their journey on this path is smooth and successful. May they lead our clan to new heights of glory."

Yun Lidi's words were precise and deliberate, filled with solemnity. When he finished, he led his two brothers and three nephews in offering incense and bowing before the ancestral tablets.

Once the rites were complete, the burning incense was placed in the censer before the ancestral tablets, filling the room with a strong, vibrant fragrance.

"Today, I've called the three of you here for an important discussion," Yun Lidi said as he moved to the side room of the ancestral shrine, aided by his two brothers. Taking his seat, he fixed his gaze on the three nephews and spoke with a serious tone.

"Second Uncle, what is it?" Yun Yunyang asked curiously.

"Now that the clan has produced Yantian and Yanshuang as cultivators, it marks the beginning of a rise in our family's fortunes.

"With this change, our clan must evolve. Your uncles and I have grown old; our remaining years are few.

"The three of us have discussed this matter privately and decided to pass on certain responsibilities within the clan to you three brothers. It will be your task to manage the family and find a way to bring prosperity to the Yun clan."

Yun Lidi's tone carried the weight of responsibility.

Hearing this, Yun Yunyang, Yun Yunyue, and Yun Yunshan remained silent but did not object.

They knew it to be true. With two spirit-rooted heirs among them, the Yun family's circumstances were bound to change, and adjustments to the family's structure were inevitable.

Their uncles were advanced in years and lacked the energy to manage such transformations, so the responsibility naturally fell to them.

"Yunshan," Yun Lidi began, turning to the third brother. "You are steady and respected in the village. Having served in the military, many in the village hold you in high regard.

"I entrust you with maintaining order in the Yun family and mediating disputes among the clansmen."

"Understood, Uncle." Yun Yunshan stood and bowed deeply.

"Yunyue," Yun Lidi continued, shifting his gaze. "You, too, served in the military and even ran a martial arts school in town after returning.

"Your third uncle and I have agreed that the task of training the clansmen in archery and martial arts will be yours. Do not let us down."

"Understood," Yun Yunyue replied, bowing with equal respect.

"Yunyang," Yun Lidi addressed the eldest. "As the eldest brother, you bear the heaviest responsibility.

"You are experienced in commerce and have connections with the local officials in town.

"Your fourth uncle and I have decided to entrust you with managing the family's finances. This includes everything from our taxes to investments. Ensure our resources grow and our debts do not."

"I understand, Second Uncle," Yun Yunyang said, standing to bow as well.

"As for Yunfeng..." Yun Lidi sighed deeply at the mention of the fourth brother, his face reflecting disappointment.

"Yunfeng is lazy and irresponsible. I have not assigned him any duties, but I fear he will feel resentment because of this.

"I urge you three, as his brothers, to look after him. Especially you, Yunyang. Yunfeng fears you the most, and only you can keep him in line.

"Do not let him cause trouble or disgrace the family. He must not sow the seeds of disaster for the Yun clan."

"Understood," Yun Yunyang replied solemnly.

"Very well. You may all go. We elders have said all that needs to be said."

Just as Yun Lidi and his brothers prepared to conclude their meeting, a young voice rang out.

"Grandson Yanshui greets Second, Third, and Fourth Grandfathers!"

Carrying a quiver and the black war bow, Yun Yanshui dashed into the side room and offered a respectful bow to the elders seated at the head of the room.

"Yanshui, what are you doing here?" Yun Yunshan asked in surprise.

"Father, Uncle Yunxun and his group ran into some trouble in the mountains. They've returned safely but wish to report the situation to you," said Yun Yanshui as he stood before the elders.

"Trouble? What kind of trouble?"

The three elder brothers, Yun Lidi, Yun Liguan, and Yun Lihuang, immediately tensed.

"Second Uncle, Father, Fourth Uncle!"

Covered in bruises and blood, Yun Yunxun staggered into the room. His disheveled appearance shocked the elders.

Especially Yun Liguan.

A former soldier and a man of formidable presence, Yun Liguan had always doted on his only son. Seeing Yunxun in such a state, he rushed forward in anger.

"Who did this to you?" he demanded, his voice sharp with rage.

"Father, don't be upset. The ones who attacked me are already dead," Yun Yunxun replied with a calm smile.

"Hahaha! Good, good! That's my son—this is how it should be handled!"

"Cousin Yunxun, who dared to harm you so viciously?" Yun Yunyang stepped forward, his brows furrowed with concern.

"It was Zhou Kuang and his men," Yunxun explained, recounting everything that had happened in Yunzhang Mountain. He spoke in detail, particularly emphasizing the bravery and skill of Yun Yanshui.

"Cousin Yunshan, you have an exceptional son," Yunxun said with genuine admiration.

"You flatter me, Cousin," Yun Yunshan responded modestly. "Let's not praise the boy too much, or his head might swell."

"Hahaha! Boys should be praised! How else will they realize their potential?" Yunxun chuckled heartily.

"But," Yun Lidi interjected, his expression heavy with concern, "you killed Zhou Kuang and his men. If the Zhou clan reports this to the authorities..."

"Second Uncle, there's no need to worry," Yun Yunyang stepped in confidently. "Leave the matter to me. I have contacts within the local government.

"Moreover, the Yun clan is no longer the same. With two spirit-rooted heirs among us, if the authorities learn of this, they won't punish us. On the contrary, they'll likely report it to the royal court, seeking to exempt us from taxes."

Yun Yunyang's words were calm but filled with assurance. As a businessman, he had established connections with officials and nobles alike, gaining valuable insights into the workings of the Yue Kingdom.

The royal family of Yue held a special policy: any family within its borders that produced spirit-rooted children would be granted the title of 'Holy Immortal Family' and permanently exempted from taxes. Additionally, such families would enjoy privileges and partial immunity from the law.

Killing ordinary people? That would be trivial.

Understanding this, Yun Yunyang had already been planning to leverage his new responsibilities over the family's finances. He intended to inform his contacts in the local government about the Yun family's cultivation heirs and ensure the matter was reported to the royal court.

This incident with Zhou Kuang and his men provided the perfect opportunity to push for additional recognition while eliminating the troublesome Zhou clan once and for all.

"But I've heard the Zhou clan has relatives serving as officials in the royal court," Yun Lidi pointed out, his tone cautious.

"Does that really matter? At best, their relationship is likely distant. The Zhou clan merely flaunts their connection as a banner to intimidate others.

"If that official truly cared about the Zhou clan, would they still be stuck living near Yunzhang Mountain after all these years? They would've long since moved to the capital!"

Pausing for a moment, Yun Yunyang added, "Second Uncle, what you may never understand is the difference between mortals and immortals, nor the royal court's reverence for the immortal path.

"A mere official without backing from a cultivator family is nothing more than an ant in the grand scheme of things."

Yun Yunyang's words were measured but carried an undeniable conviction.

Years of experience in trade and dealings with officials had taught him the true workings of power. Unlike his more straightforward kin, Yun Yunyang's vision had expanded beyond the mundane, fixed firmly on the lofty realm of immortality.

This was why, upon learning of the family's newfound connection to the immortal path, he had unhesitatingly sold off his businesses and returned home to be part of this transformation.