The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

"Brother Yunyang, allow me to introduce this esteemed guest. This is Li Qing, an Immortal Master in service to the court," Lu Zizai said, gesturing to the young cultivator by his side after a round of pleasantries.

"I have accompanied Immortal Master Li Qing here today under his Majesty's orders to verify the reports that your family has produced two children with spiritual roots."

"A humble man like myself, Yun Yunyang, pays respect to the Immortal Master!"

As a royal court cultivator, Li Qing was not someone to be taken lightly. Yun Yunyang immediately led his second uncle and other clan members in a respectful bow to Li Qing.

"No need to be so formal, Brother Yun," Li Qing said with a gentle smile.

Yet his gaze drifted toward the blind Daoist resting beneath the shade of the willow trees. "That Daoist isn't an ordinary mortal, is he?"

"As expected, an Immortal Master's insight sees through all!" Yun Yunyang chuckled, trying to mask his nerves.

"That Daoist's depth is beyond even my comprehension. His cultivation must far surpass mine.

For your Yun family to have such an extraordinary figure watching over you is a stroke of fortune that would make anyone envious," Li Qing remarked with admiration.

"You flatter us, Immortal Master," Yun Yunyang said humbly.

"Brother Yun, would you mind introducing me? I would very much like to meet this Daoist," Li Qing requested.

"Of course. Immortal Master, this way, please," Yun Yunyang replied with a nod, leading Li Qing and the others toward the willow trees.

"Master, someone has come to visit," Yun Yunyang said, bowing before the blind Daoist.

"A visitor?" the Daoist asked with a faint smile.

"An Immortal Master from the royal court, Li Qing, wishes to meet you. He's come with officials to verify the reports about our family…"

Yun Yunyang hesitated, uncertain whether the Daoist would agree to meet Li Qing.

"Let him come. He's already tried to probe me with his spiritual sense earlier," the Daoist said nonchalantly, fully aware of the situation.

He also knew this meeting could be an opportunity for the Yun family to ascend to greater heights.

"Immortal Master Li, the Daoist invites you over," Yun Yunyang said, turning to Li Qing.

"Junior Li Qing greets the senior," Li Qing said respectfully, bowing deeply as he approached.

"You've reached the second stage of Qi Refinement at a mere century old—not bad," the Daoist said with a calm glance.

Li Qing froze in surprise, marveling at the Daoist's ability to instantly gauge his cultivation level. It was a testament to how extraordinary this figure was.

"Senior's divine insight is truly beyond my reach," Li Qing said, his tone filled with genuine admiration.

"You've come to verify the Yun family's spiritual root bearers, haven't you?"

"Exactly, Senior."

"Then proceed," the Daoist said simply.

"That won't be necessary. I presume these two children are your disciples?" Li Qing replied, his gaze shifting to Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian, who were seated nearby.

Their cultivation levels, both at the second stage of the Embryonic Breath Realm, were remarkable for their age—a sign of great potential.

"Shuang'er, Tian'er, come greet Immortal Master Li," the Daoist said with a smile.

"Junior Yun Yanshuang."

"Junior Yun Yantian."

The siblings stood and bowed respectfully to Li Qing, their manners impeccable.

"No need for such formality. To have reached the second stage of the Embryonic Breath Realm at such a young age is truly impressive. Your futures are boundless," Li Qing said, offering sincere praise.

Inwardly, he resolved to establish a good relationship with the Yun family. With a figure like the blind Daoist as their guardian, their potential influence was immense.

"Senior, I won't take up more of your time. I'll discuss the matter of rewards with Brother Yun and return later to exchange insights," Li Qing said, bowing once more.

"Go on," the Daoist said with a wave, turning back to continue his lecture for Yanshuang and Yantian.

"Immortal Master, this way, please. I've had some refreshments prepared," Yun Yunyang said, gesturing invitingly. He was eager to seize this chance to discuss the Yun family's status and future prospects with Li Qing.

"You're too kind," Li Qing replied with a polite smile, accompanying Yun Yunyang and Lu Zizai into the estate for further discussions.

"Father, who is that young man with Lord Lu? Why does Lord Lu treat him with such reverence?"

Hiding in the shadows, Zhou Ao whispered to his father as they observed the meeting from a distance. Though they could see the interactions, they were too far away to hear the details.

"I'm not sure. He must be some important figure from the capital," Zhou Zhe-sheng replied, never suspecting that Li Qing was a royal court cultivator.

"Look at how friendly Yun Yunyang seems with him," Zhou Ao remarked, a hint of unease creeping into his voice.

"Could it be that Yun Yunyang has connections with high-ranking figures in the capital?" Zhou Ao asked in shock.

Hearing this, Zhou Zhe-sheng's expression darkened instantly. It wasn't outside the realm of possibility, but it was baffling. Yun Yunyang had always been a simple merchant operating in Yunzhang County—how could he suddenly be acquainted with someone of such status from the capital?

"Let's go back!" Zhou Zhe-sheng said firmly, snapping out of his thoughts.

"Father, shouldn't we gather more information?" Zhou Ao asked, reluctant to leave without uncovering more.

"What's the point if we can't hear anything from this distance? Besides, I suspect that Yun Yunyang must have connections with someone powerful in the capital—otherwise, Lu Zizai wouldn't be so dismissive of us.

Hmph! If Yun Yunyang thinks his capital connections will give him the upper hand, he's mistaken. Does he think the Zhou family lacks such ties?"

"Father, what are you planning?" Zhou Ao asked cautiously.

"I'll return to the clan and write to your second uncle, requesting his help."

"But didn't you say Second Uncle doesn't concern himself with trivial matters like this?"

"Whether he helps or not, it's worth a try. If we let the Yun family continue to rise unchecked, the Zhou family will lose all face!" Zhou Zhe-sheng spat bitterly, his anger and resentment burning brightly.

"I understand, Father!" Zhou Ao nodded, following his father as they left for the Zhou family estate.

At the Yun Family Ancestral Shrine.

"As of now, the Yue Kingdom has 51 cultivation families. With the addition of your Yun family, there will be 52," Li Qing said, seated at the head of the gathering.

"In accordance with His Majesty's decree, your Yun family, having produced two children with spiritual roots, will be permanently exempt from taxes.

Additionally, the court will provide further rewards. Since your estate is situated near Yunzhang Mountain, the surrounding area will be granted to your family. From now on, your family shall be known as the 'Lius of Yunzhang.'

Furthermore, the court will annually supply your family with 20 low-grade spirit stones and 30 catties of spirit rice," Li Qing continued with a smile, taking a sip of tea as he spoke.

"Thank you for His Majesty's grace!" Yun Yunyang said, bowing deeply. His demeanor was one of genuine respect and gratitude.

The allocation of Yunzhang Mountain and its surrounding areas to the Yun family meant they would now control all resources within the territory.

Moreover, the annual supply of spirit stones alleviated a major concern—resources to support Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian's cultivation.

"There's no need for such formality. These rewards are well deserved for the Lius of Yunzhang," Li Qing replied warmly.

"Immortal Master, may I ask a question?" Yun Yunyang inquired.

"Of course, ask away," Li Qing said with a nod.

"What exactly is spirit rice?"

"Haha! Spirit rice is akin to the grains consumed by mortals, but it differs in that it contains spiritual energy. It is a food source for cultivators and can effectively aid in their cultivation," Li Qing explained patiently.

"I see," Yun Yunyang said with a nod, marveling at the unique resources available to cultivators.

When the court's rewards arrive, the spirit stones and rice will all be dedicated to Shuang'er and Tian'er's cultivation, he resolved inwardly.

"By the way, there's another matter I must inform you about," Li Qing said, setting his cup down.

"Immortal Master, please speak freely," Yun Yunyang replied.

"His Majesty's decision to bestow these rewards and privileges upon your family is not without purpose."

"Oh?"

"Where there are immortals, there are also demons and malevolent entities that wreak havoc. Our Yue Kingdom is not exempt from such threats.

Now that the Yun family is responsible for the area around Yunzhang Mountain, it falls upon you to ensure the safety and peace of Yunzhang County.

Should any demonic disturbances arise, Lord Lu and Constable Chang will assist you. If the threat proves too great, you may seek aid from other cultivation families."

"Naturally. However, my Yun family is new to this path and has no connections with the surrounding cultivation families. If trouble arises, how should we proceed?" Yun Yunyang asked, voicing his concerns.

"I anticipated this issue," Li Qing said with a slight smile. He flipped his hand, and with a flash of light from his storage ring, a thick book appeared in his palm.

"This is the Reputation Register. It contains detailed information about all 51 other cultivation families in the Yue Kingdom, including the territories they manage.

I checked, and the nearest family to the Lius of Yunzhang is the Blue Scaled Sun Family. They've been established for some time and have produced three cultivators, all at the Embryonic Breath Realm.

If you have the opportunity, it would be wise to establish ties with them," Li Qing said, handing the book to Yun Yunyang.

"This register now belongs to your family."

"Thank you, Immortal Master!" Yun Yunyang said, bowing deeply again.