The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

"Second Brother, there's no need to worry. Yunyang has been out in the world for years. If this matter is entrusted to him, it will be handled well," Yun Lihuang said, stepping forward to reassure him.

"Fine, let it be Yunyang, then. We're all getting old. It's time for the younger generation to take the reins of this family," Yun Lidi said with a sigh. Looking at his eldest nephew, Yun Yunyang, his wrinkled face softened into a smile of relief. "You've truly grown up, so much like your father. Yunyue, Yunshan, you've both done me proud as well."

"Second Uncle, rest assured. With the family entrusted to us three brothers, we won't let it falter," Yun Yunyang said, speaking on behalf of his brothers as they bowed solemnly, their expressions resolute.

"Alright, alright. That's enough. Off with you all. Yunxun, you should hurry and see a proper doctor about your injuries—don't let them worsen into something serious," Yun Lidi said, waving his hand as his clouded gaze turned to Yun Yunxun.

"Second Uncle, I'm the only doctor in the village. I'll handle my own wounds," Yun Yunxun replied with a faint smile.

"Fine, fine. Once just a bunch of kids running around in split pants, causing trouble everywhere, and now you've all grown into dependable men," Yun Lidi chuckled warmly, before leaving with his brothers.

The three nephews, Yun Yunyang, Yun Yunyue, and Yun Yunshan, bowed and also took their leave.

As they left the ancestral shrine, Yun Yunshan glanced around to ensure they were alone before asking in a low voice, "During the hunt in Yunzhang Mountain, when you saved your Uncle Yunxun, did you reveal your cultivation?"

"No," Yun Yanshui replied. "Uncle Yunxun was curious about how I managed to wield the black war bow and perform such archery. I just told him it was because I've been training with you since I was little."

"A suitable excuse, and one that won't arouse suspicion," Yun Yunshan said approvingly. He was pleased with his son's prudence.

He had no intention of letting the news of Yanshui's cultivation spread, not even among close relatives like his brothers. Such information, if leaked, could bring disaster not only to Yanshui but also to the entire family.

"By the way, Father, I caught quite a bit of game during the hunt. It should be enough to sustain the 'divinity' for a while. Look, they're still fresh!"

"Haha! Well done. Once we're home, have your mother prepare the hares and pheasants, and then take them to the cellar as offerings."

"Alright. Oh, and Father, may I keep one hare and one pheasant? I'd like to invite Yandong and Auntie over for dinner. I visited Auntie earlier, and her complexion has worsened. I'm worried that one day…" Yanshui trailed off, concern shadowing his young face. "When that day comes, Yandong will be left an orphan."

"Sigh… Your aunt and Yandong have had hard lives. Since you're so thoughtful, have your mother prepare a spicy braised rabbit and some pheasant soup to nourish her," Yun Yunshan said, smiling warmly as he ruffled his son's hair affectionately.

On the other side, as Yun Yunyang was on his way home, he heard someone calling him.

"Cousin Yunyang."

He turned to see Yun Yunxun approaching, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Yunxun, what can I do for you?"

"This time, while gathering herbs in the mountains, I found something extraordinary on a cliffside," Yunxun said as he removed a small plant from his pouch.

The herb was about two fingers tall, its stem no thicker than a pinky. It bore twelve purplish-red leaves veined with intricate golden patterns. Beneath the leaves were tiny emerald-green fruits, glistening like translucent jade beads.

Under the sunlight, the herb emitted a faint radiance and a refreshing medicinal aroma.

"What is this?" Yun Yunyang asked, his voice tinged with amazement.

"A spirit herb, meant for immortals," Yunxun replied. "When I was studying medicine under my master, he told me about these herbs and gave me a book called The Herbal Index. It's a compilation of the medicinal plants he encountered during his travels and the folklore surrounding them.

"This herb, growing on the cliffs of Yunzhang Mountain, is recorded in that book as a spirit herb called Purple Cloud Leaf. It's used in alchemy, primarily for healing and detoxification."

"This single herb," Yunxun continued, "is worth enough to cover five or six years of our family's taxes.

"But today, after hearing what you said in the ancestral shrine, I've decided it's unnecessary to sell this herb for taxes anymore."

Yun Yunxun spoke calmly, explaining his thoughts in detail.

"What do you plan to do with this spirit herb, Cousin?" Yun Yunyang asked.

"My master once said that spirit herbs like this are used by immortals to refine elixirs, and the effects of the elixirs vary depending on the type of herb used.

"Unfortunately, my master never had the chance to meet an immortal or learn the art of alchemy, so he lacked the knowledge to delve deeper into this field.

"I've decided to study it myself and see if I can achieve something even my master couldn't. If I succeed, I'll record the method and pass it on to you, Cousin, to be stored in the ancestral shrine for future generations of the Yun family to study and learn from.

"After all, Yantian and Yanshuang have already started cultivating. Once the imperial rewards are granted, our Yun family will officially become an immortal-cultivating clan.

"As such, we need to prepare for that future, ensuring the family has a solid foundation in place."

Yun Yunxun's vision and plans were clear, and he expressed them with conviction.

"Good. You've always been meticulous and curious, always tinkering with new ideas. Since you're determined to surpass your master, then give it your best effort.

"If you run into difficulties—whether it's money or manpower—don't hesitate to send someone to let me know," Yun Yunyang said approvingly, his tone encouraging. He agreed with Yunxun's sentiment that the family, now at the beginning of its rise, needed to lay the groundwork for its future prosperity.

"If I truly run out of funds, I'll come knocking on your door, Cousin. Don't refuse me then," Yunxun joked with a smile.

"Haha! You rascal, do I seem like a miser to you?" Yun Yunyang retorted, laughing.

"Well, that's all for now. I'll head back and rest—these injuries need some time to heal," Yunxun said, waving goodbye.

"Take care of yourself on the way," Yun Yunyang replied, watching as Yunxun left with a carefree stride.

"Master says that the immortal world is vast, with countless skills and crafts—such as talisman creation, beast taming, alchemy, array formation, and artifact refining.

"Each immortal sect or family has its own inherited craft, most commonly in talisman-making, alchemy, or artifact refining.

"These crafts generate immense wealth for the sects, allowing them to gather resources needed for cultivation and ensure their disciples can continue their training," Yun Yanshuang explained, sitting under the willow tree in their courtyard. She spoke carefully, recounting what the blind Daoist had taught her that day.

Yun Yanshui, meanwhile, was sprawled over a stone table, diligently copying down her words with ink and brush. As he wrote, he couldn't help but grumble to himself: I stopped going to the private school, but now I'm stuck at home copying notes instead. How unlucky!

"Is that all he taught you today?" Yun Yunshan asked, turning to his daughter after listening to her account.

"Yes. Master taught me how to channel spiritual energy, and then spent the rest of the time explaining these basics about the immortal world to Yantian and me.

"Tomorrow, when I return to Master, I'll see what new teachings he has for us," Yanshuang replied.

"That's good. Just as one must learn to read and write step by step, cultivating the immortal path also requires patience," Yun Yunshan said with a nod, though his heart felt heavy. He was constantly thinking about leaving something of value behind for his lineage and the Yun family before his time ran out, something that would free them from their mundane ties.

"Yanshuang, the blind Daoist is from the Sanqing Temple. Did you ask Master about any inherited crafts from there?"

Yanshui, rubbing his sore wrist from all the writing, suddenly looked up at his sister.

"I didn't ask, but I can inquire tomorrow and let you know," Yanshuang replied thoughtfully.

"Good. If your Master possesses techniques inherited from the Sanqing Temple, make sure to study them diligently. Such skills will undoubtedly prove useful in the future," Yun Yunshan advised earnestly.

"Don't worry, Father. I'll remember," Yanshuang promised.

"Enough talking, everyone! Come to the kitchen and help bring out the food—it's time to eat!"

"Coming!" Yanshui called, springing to his feet and dashing to the kitchen. He eagerly carried out the dishes prepared by his mother—a braised rabbit and a steaming pot of pheasant soup.

The aroma filled the courtyard, making Yanshui's mouth water as he set the dishes on the table.

Just then, Yun Yandong arrived with his mother, who had been invited over. They brought with them a few fresh carp, a humble yet thoughtful contribution to the meal.