The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

"This year's Hundred Clans Assembly has truly been an eye-opener for me," Bai Li Xi declared, his voice carrying across the assembly.

"Especially the Yun Cang Yun clan. The performances of their two spiritual roots have left me in awe.

Of course, the other clans' spiritual roots have also done admirably, and I am deeply gratified by what I've seen today.

I firmly believe that the future belongs to you young people. The stability of Yue Kingdom will one day rest on your shoulders," he continued.

As the Hundred Clans Assembly drew to a close, Bai Li Xi delivered his remarks, singling out the Yun Cang Yun clan for particular praise while also acknowledging the contributions of all the participants.

"Now, I invite the members of the Yun Cang Yun clan to accompany me to Wanlong Hall. There, I will bestow the rewards for this year's winners.

As for the rest of you, please remain here. I have arranged for an abundance of spiritual fruits and wine to show my hospitality," Bai Li Xi announced.

"Let's go, to Wanlong Hall to meet His Majesty," Yun Yunyang said, rising and leading his three nieces and nephews toward the grand hall.

He was eager to discover what rewards His Majesty had prepared for the victors.

Back in the Rear Mountain of Wanlong

"Who would have thought the Yun Cang Yun clan would emerge as a dark horse this year?" Bai Li Qingsun remarked, his face filled with both surprise and satisfaction as the assembly concluded with the Yun clan's victory.

"It was indeed unexpected," the Ye clan patriarch agreed.

"In the future, it seems we'll have another rival among us," said the Xia clan elder, gripping her dragon-headed cane. Her words were deliberate, a veiled suggestion to the other clans and families to take heed of the Yun Cang Yun clan's rise.

She implied that it might be prudent for them to unite temporarily to suppress the Yun clan before it became too powerful, sparing her Tongshan Xia clan the trouble of acting alone.

However, her words were met with silence.

The experienced elders from the other families were not so easily swayed. They understood the Xia clan elder's intent clearly. To act rashly against the Yun clan at her urging would be foolish, especially when each of their own clans had unresolved issues to manage.

"Brother Wang, the Yun Cang Yun clan's territory isn't far from your Yulin Wang clan. Aren't you concerned that one day their growth might threaten your position?"

Unable to rouse the others, the Xia clan elder turned her attention to Wang Qingshan, who sat calmly beside her. Her tone was light, but her words carried a sharp edge.

"My Wang clan doesn't have the capacity to worry about such things for now, especially since we have no major conflicts or grievances with the Yun clan," Wang Qingshan replied, his tone measured.

"No conflicts? I've heard that ever since your Wang clan's marketplace was destroyed, the Yun Cang Yun clan established their own cultivation marketplace right under your noses.

That marketplace is thriving, drawing in countless rogue cultivators who might otherwise have gone to your market.

Can you truly tolerate this?

And don't forget, His Majesty seems intent on marrying Xue'er into the Yun clan. Surely you understand the implications of such a union?

If the Yun Cang Yun clan flourishes under your watch, will you be able to remain as composed as you are now?"

The Xia clan elder pressed further, her words attempting to ignite Wang Qingshan's ire and spur him to act against the Yun clan.

"There's no need to persuade me further, old sister. You're well aware of the Yulin Wang clan's current predicament. We've been busy dealing with pressure from the three major families and defending against the covetous eyes of other clans.

We simply don't have the resources to confront a minor family like the Yun Cang Yun clan," Wang Qingshan replied with a sigh, his tone carrying a trace of bitterness.

Hearing this, the Xia clan elder recalled the difficulties the Wang clan had faced in recent years, being suppressed by the three major families.

She assumed Wang Qingshan's reluctance to act against the Yun clan stemmed from being preoccupied with more pressing concerns.

What she didn't realize was that Wang Qingshan wasn't unwilling—he simply didn't dare.

"Very well. If Brother Wang has his reasons, then my Tongshan Xia clan will handle the matter.

Once the Yun Cang Yun clan is dealt with, we can form a marriage alliance between our two clans," she proposed.

"That sounds ideal. If your Xia clan is willing to take the lead, my Wang clan will be deeply grateful," Wang Qingshan replied with a smile.

In truth, he was hoping the Xia clan would recklessly move against the Yun Cang Yun clan.

If they succeeded in weakening the Yun clan, it would save the Wang clan future trouble.

And if they failed and provoked the Yun clan's mysterious backer into action, the Wang clan would simply sit back and enjoy the show.

"As long as you remember this favor, Brother Wang. I hope our clans can grow closer and stand united against others," the Xia clan elder said.

"Certainly! Certainly!" Wang Qingshan replied earnestly.

"Senior Bai Li, now that the assembly has concluded, I will take my leave. There are many matters awaiting my attention back at the clan," the Ye clan patriarch said, rising and bowing politely to Bai Li Qingsun in the pavilion.

Initially, the Ye clan patriarch had believed that Bai Li Qingsun's invitation carried hidden intentions to harm them.

For days, he had been on edge, constantly vigilant for any schemes from Bai Li Qingsun that might target him or the others.

Now, with the Hundred Clans Assembly concluding smoothly and Bai Li Qingsun making no overt moves, the Ye clan patriarch couldn't help but feel a flicker of doubt.

Could he have been overthinking things? Was Bai Li Qingsun's invitation simply to observe the assembly and reminisce with old acquaintances?

"Senior, we too must take our leave. Once we are free, we'll be sure to visit again and catch up," said the patriarchs of the Lin clan, Lu clan, and other clans, rising and bowing politely to Bai Li Qingsun in turn.

Wang Qingshan and the Xia clan elder also prepared to leave.

Wang Qingshan, eager to avoid any potential traps, sought to depart quickly.

The Xia clan elder, on the other hand, was eager to return and mobilize her family's cultivators to deal with the Yun Cang Yun clan—especially Yun Yantian, who she believed must die.

"Old friends, it is rare for us to meet every ten years. Won't you stay a while longer and chat with this old man?"

Bai Li Qingsun sipped his tea calmly, his gaze settling on the patriarchs of the three major families and seven clans. A faint, warm smile adorned his lips.

"Senior, our clans are burdened with many matters. Let's reconvene another day, shall we?"

"I'm afraid you won't be leaving today," Bai Li Qingsun said, his voice steady, yet carrying an undeniable weight.

"Senior Bai Li, what do you mean by this?"

The Lou clan patriarch frowned deeply, a sense of unease rising within him.

"A barrier!"

The Ye clan patriarch, Lin clan patriarch, Lu clan patriarch, and Wang Qingshan—each a Foundation Establishment cultivator with keen senses—suddenly realized they were trapped within a powerful formation.

"Bai Li Qingsun, so you truly harbored malicious intent in inviting us here!"

The Lu clan patriarch's face darkened as he glared at Bai Li Qingsun, his eyes gleaming with icy killing intent.

"Stay here with me. At least then I'll have company on the road to the afterlife. With old friends by my side, the journey won't be lonely," Bai Li Qingsun said with a light chuckle.

"Do you think this barrier alone can trap us?"

The Lu clan patriarch's voice was cold as his spiritual core activated. Vast spiritual energy erupted from his body, surging toward the barrier etched with intricate, mysterious runes.

This strike, unleashed with all his might, was so powerful that even the other clan patriarchs felt a twinge of fear. It was a vivid reminder of the terrifying strength of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

However, when the devastating attack struck the barrier, it vanished like a stone sinking into the sea, dissipating without a trace.

"Bai Li Qingsun, release us immediately!"

The Ye clan patriarch demanded, his expression grim as he locked eyes with Bai Li Qingsun.

"Do you truly believe you can hold off the ten of us alone?"

The Lin clan patriarch's aura surged as he joined the confrontation, his tone icy.

The other clan patriarchs wore similarly dark expressions, their hostility evident.

From the moment Bai Li Qingsun had summoned them, they had suspected his motives. They hadn't intended to come at first but ultimately decided to gather, fearing that refusing the invitation might prompt Bai Li Qingsun to target them individually.

By uniting, they believed they could counter anything Bai Li Qingsun might attempt.

"Senior Bai Li, we anticipated your intentions and came prepared. The ten of us are united and ready. You cannot hold us here.

If you release us now, we pledge to continue supporting the royal family after your passing.

However, if all ten of us perish here today, the three major families and seven clans we command will immediately rebel against the royal family.

I'm certain you wouldn't want His Majesty's empire to face such a catastrophic backlash, would you?"

Unlike the other patriarchs, who responded with anger, Wang Qingshan maintained his composure.

Stepping forward, he bowed deeply to Bai Li Qingsun, his tone calm yet firm as he attempted to reason with him.

"After all, any such action would be futile."