The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

"They were killed?!"

Wang Qinglin frowned deeply as he listened to the report from one of his disciples.

"Yes. Word from the Su family indicates that the two rogue cultivators our clan secretly stationed with them were killed by an unknown rogue cultivator. This individual is exceptionally powerful. The Su family dares not confront him directly and has requested our intervention."

"I see. You may leave."

"Disciple takes his leave."

The decision to support the Su family and counterbalance the Yun family had been made long ago by Wang Qinglin's elder brother, Wang Qingshan. Wang Qinglin had been well aware of this arrangement.

"Chongtian," he called.

"Ancestor, I am here," Wang Chongtian replied immediately, stepping forward and bowing respectfully.

"Dispatch someone to investigate the situation. Find out who this rogue cultivator is and where he came from.

Additionally, send four more rogue cultivators to take over the stationing at the Su family."

After a brief pause, Wang Qinglin gave his instructions.

"Your disciple obeys."

"And what of Huang Immortal? Have you uncovered anything regarding his situation?"

"No, ancestor. We have investigated thoroughly, but Huang Immortal has had no contact with the Upper Three Clans."

Wang Chongtian's voice carried a tinge of frustration as he answered.

"What of his movements?"

"No leads at all," Wang Chongtian admitted.

Wang Qinglin's frown deepened. "If that's the case, why did Huang Immortal kill Liyuan?"

"This matter is truly perplexing," Wang Chongtian replied with a shake of his head. "Moreover, Huang Immortal isn't even known to use a bow."

"Doesn't use a bow?" Wang Qinglin asked, surprised.

"Yes. The one who killed Liyuan was a bow-wielding cultivator. I suspect someone disguised themselves as Huang Immortal to commit the act."

Wang Chongtian shared his deduction.

"Very well. I understand."

"Ancestor, should we continue investigating this matter?"

Wang Qinglin sighed. "If they went so far as to impersonate Huang Immortal to kill Liyuan, they must have covered their tracks thoroughly. Continuing the investigation might prove fruitless."

The cultivator who had killed Wang Liyuan was shrewd and meticulous—a difficult opponent to pursue.

Though he acknowledged the logic in his ancestor's words, Wang Chongtian felt a pang of frustration. His son had been slain, and yet the Wang family couldn't uncover even the faintest lead. The thought was unbearable.

"Enough. Don't just stand there. Handle the Su family's situation," Wang Qinglin ordered, dismissing him with a wave.

"Understood," Wang Chongtian replied, bowing once more before leaving to carry out his orders.

Yunzhang County, Yun Family Manor.

"The two rogue cultivators stationed at the Su family were killed?"

Yun Yunyang was enjoying wine with his clan brothers under the shade of a willow tree outside the estate when the news was relayed by a Yun family member.

"Yes."

"When did this happen?"

"Apparently, just yesterday."

"And who killed them?" Yun Yunyang asked, his tone calm yet curious.

"It was reportedly an unknown rogue cultivator. The individual is said to be a Qi Refinement cultivator and exceptionally powerful."

"Haha! It seems Brother Tian's spirit is watching over Fenglin and Fengxuan from the afterlife!"

Hearing this, Yun Yunyang burst into hearty laughter.

"Yunyang, with the Su family losing their two stationed rogue cultivators, this presents us with the perfect opportunity to make our move," Yun Yunrui suggested with a sly grin.

"Indeed," Yun Yunyang nodded in agreement. He turned to another clan member nearby. "Head to the family's marketplace and deliver this news to Fenglin and Fengxuan. Once they hear of it, they'll know exactly what to do."

"I'll leave at once."

The Yun family member smiled, mounted a steed, and rode off toward the family's marketplace in Yunzhang County.

"The Su family must have run out of luck to provoke a Qi Refinement cultivator of all people," Yun Yunlin remarked with a grin, taking a swig of strong liquor.

"Sometimes, the twists and turns of fate are beyond what we can anticipate," Yun Yunyang mused, his gaze thoughtful as he swirled his cup of wine.

"I thought it would take some time to help the Fenglin brothers deal with the Su family and restore the Blue Scale Sun Clan. But now, with the two rogue cultivators stationed at the Su family killed, our plans have accelerated significantly," Yun Yunyang remarked with a smile.

"The Wang family will surely not sit idly by once they hear of this," another clan member cautioned.

"The Su family has the Wang family behind them, but the Fenglin brothers have the Yun family," Yun Yunyang said confidently.

"If the Wang family sends people to support the Su family, it will give us a reason to openly support the Fenglin brothers." He took a sip of wine, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"They were killed?"

Sun Fenglin's face showed shock as he listened to the Yun family member's report.

"Yes. I came to inform you and your brother of this. What you choose to do next is entirely up to you," the Yun clan member said with a smile before leaving.

"Brother, should we act?" Sun Fengxuan asked, turning to his elder brother.

"This is an incredible opportunity. How could we not?" Sun Fenglin's voice was cold, a glint of determination in his eyes.

"With Shengyun on our side and the Su family's two stationed rogue cultivators dead, their remaining three spiritual-rooted descendants won't pose much of a threat. Our chance to revive the Sun clan is here."

He stood, his expression resolute.

"Fetch Shengyun," Sun Fenglin ordered.

"Understood." Sun Fengxuan nodded and left quickly.

Moments later, Su Shengyun entered the room and bowed respectfully. "Uncle Fenglin, what's the matter?"

"The two rogue cultivators stationed at the Su family were killed!"

"What?! When did this happen?" Su Shengyun's face was filled with shock.

"Yesterday.

Now, your Uncle Fengxuan and I plan to go to Blue Scale County, free our imprisoned clan members, and eliminate the Su family.

But first, I need to know where your heart truly lies. Do you stand with the Sun family or with the Su family?"

Sun Fenglin's gaze was intense, waiting for Su Shengyun's answer. He needed absolute clarity—if Su Shengyun still aligned himself with the Su family, he wouldn't hesitate to act against him.

After a long silence, Su Shengyun finally spoke, his voice steady. "Uncle Fenglin, you were right all along. The Sun family's blood runs through my veins. The Su family will never truly accept me as one of their own."

"Haha! That's what I wanted to hear!"

"Then there's no time to waste. Let's move out now!"

Yun Family, Backfield

"Be good, Wenxin. Let Uncle Yanshui hold you for a little while," Yun Yanshui cooed as he sat by the edge of the field, his pants rolled up, cradling Yun Wendong's infant daughter, Yun Wenxin.

The baby giggled, her tiny mouth opening in delight as Yanshui teased her.

Nearby, Yun Wendong and his wife, Lu Qingrong, watched the scene with warm smiles.

"Not working at the courthouse anymore?" Yun Yanshui asked, glancing at Yun Wendong.

"No, I've temporarily returned to the clan to help out and take care of Qingrong and Wenxin. Once the child is older, I might return to the courthouse," Yun Wendong replied with a smile.

"Good. That means we brothers can spend more time together!"

"Exactly! Being here with family is far more relaxing than the courthouse grind," Yun Wendong laughed.

"Yanshui, Wendong, you two chat. I'll go prepare lunch," Lu Qingrong said, gently taking Wenxin from Yun Yanshui's arms.

"We'll have spirit lotus soup. It just arrived from Yantian!" she added with a smile.

"Thanks, Sister-in-law!" Yun Yanshui said cheerfully.

"No need for thanks, Yanshui!" Qingrong replied, leaving with Wenxin in her arms.

The brothers continued chatting, helping to clear the field.

"Brother!"

A shadow appeared as Yun Yanshuang suddenly materialized like a phantom.

"What's the matter?" Yun Yanshui asked.

"Father is looking for you," she replied.

"Alright, I'll head over now." Yun Yanshui handed his hoe to Yun Wendong and followed his sister back toward the main estate.

"Dealing with the Su family?"

"Correct. The Fenglin brothers have already left for Blue Scale County. However, with the Wang family backing the Su family, they'll likely face interference.

That's why I need you to support them in secret and prevent the Wang family from intervening," Yun Yunyang instructed.

"Understood. Leave it to me," Yun Yanshui replied with a nod.