NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 30 Death is imminent
"Additionally, here are 20 low-grade spirit stones and 30 catties of spirit rice," Li Qing said, producing two bags—one filled with shimmering spirit stones and the other with spirit rice—from his storage ring.
"When I return to the capital, I will report this matter to His Majesty. The court will then officially proclaim the Yun family's ascension as the 'Lius of Yunzhang' across the Yue Kingdom," Li Qing added.
"Many thanks for your efforts!" Yun Yunyang said, cupping his hands respectfully.
"With that, I've concluded my duties here. It's time for me to depart for the capital," Li Qing said, rising from his seat. "Brother Yun, I look forward to visiting again in the future."
"The Yun family is always ready to welcome Immortal Master Li," Yun Yunyang replied with a warm smile.
Building connections had always been one of Yun Yunyang's strengths. During his years as a merchant, he had cultivated relationships with peers and influential figures in Yunzhang County. Now, as the head of a newly recognized cultivation family, he saw immense value in fostering ties with someone like Li Qing. Conversations with him would also provide insights into the wider world of cultivators.
"Haha! Farewell, Brother Liu!" Li Qing laughed heartily, bowing as he took his leave, accompanied by Lu Zizai, Chang Yuan, and the other officials.
"Lord Lu, I have a matter that requires your assistance," Yun Yunyang called out just as Lu Zizai was about to leave.
"Brother Yun, feel free to speak," Lu Zizai replied, his face lighting up with a smile.
"Now that the Yunzhang Mountain region is officially under my family's jurisdiction, I believe there's no room for two tigers on one mountain," Yun Yunyang said cryptically.
Years of navigating political waters had sharpened Lu Zizai's instincts. He immediately grasped Yun Yunyang's unspoken implication.
"Rest assured, Brother Liu. I will personally handle the Zhou family," Lu Zizai said confidently.
"Thank you, Lord Lu. I'll be sure to send you a few fine barrels of wine another day," Yun Yunyang said with a polite smile.
"Brother Yun, you're too kind! Until next time," Lu Zizai replied, deeply pleased. For him, securing an alliance with the newly minted cultivation family of Yunzhang was far more gratifying than his current role as county magistrate. His words were careful and deferential, addressing himself as "this humble official" to emphasize Yun Yunyang's elevated status.
"Brother Yunrui," Yun Yunyang called out after seeing off Li Qing and the others.
"Brother Yunyang, what is it?" Yun Yunrui responded promptly.
"Store this Reputation Register in the family's library and have its contents transcribed for Shuang'er and Tian'er to study. You and Master Yu are the ones teaching in the village, so you're the perfect person to pass this knowledge along," Yun Yunyang said with a smile, handing over the thick book.
"I'll see to it," Yun Yunrui replied, taking the book and heading straight to the family's library—a modest private study room in the back of the school he and Master Yu had established.
"As for the rest, we'll wait for Shuang'er and Tian'er to return from their cultivation sessions. These spirit stones and spirit rice should help them make great strides in their training," Yun Yunyang said to himself.
Meanwhile, under the shade of the willow trees, Li Qing approached the blind Daoist to seek guidance on his cultivation.
For over a decade, Li Qing had been stuck at the second stage of Qi Refinement, unable to find a breakthrough. Now, encountering such a -reclusive master was a rare opportunity he couldn't pass up.
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The Daoist, understanding the importance of fostering goodwill with Li Qing for the Yun family's future, generously shared his insights. With just a few simple words, he illuminated the path forward for Li Qing.
"So that's the key! Haha! I understand now!" Li Qing exclaimed, his face alight with excitement. Years of frustration melted away in an instant.
"Senior, I, Li Qing, will never forget the guidance you've given me today. Your kindness is a debt I can never repay," he said, bowing deeply in gratitude.
"There's no need for thanks. Just remember this favor. If the Yun family faces trouble in the future, I hope Immortal Master Li will lend them a hand in secret," the Daoist replied, waving dismissively as he smiled.
"Of course, Senior. I will remember your words," Li Qing said earnestly.
"Now, I must return to the capital to report. When I have time, I will visit again to learn more," Li Qing added.
"Go on," the Daoist said, nodding as he returned to teaching Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian.
With another deep bow, Li Qing departed, accompanied by Lu Zizai and Chang Yuan.
At the Zhou Family Estate, Yunzhang Mountain.
Zhou Zhe-sheng and his son Zhou Ao stormed back into the estate. Without wasting a moment, he ordered paper and ink to be prepared. He intended to write a letter to his brother in the capital, pleading for assistance.
"Clan Leader, you're back!"
"Prepare pen and paper for me. I need to write a letter to my second brother in the capital!" Zhou Zhe-sheng commanded sternly.
"Clan Leader, there's no need for that. A message has already arrived from the Second Master in the capital!"
"Oh?" Zhou Zhe-sheng's expression shifted to one of surprise. "Where is it?"
"Here!" A Zhou clansman reached into his robe and pulled out a letter, handing it to Zhou Zhe-sheng.
Snatching the letter eagerly, Zhou Zhe-sheng tore it open and read it carefully. However, the contents were shockingly brief:
"Do not oppose the Yun family. Withdraw immediately!"
"Father, what did Second Uncle say? Is he coming to help us deal with the Yun family?" Zhou Ao asked repeatedly, eager to know.
But when he looked at his father, Zhou Zhe-sheng's face twisted in fury. With a snarl, he crumpled the letter and threw it to the ground.
"Why? Why?! What kind of connections does the Yun family have? Even my brother, an official in the capital, warns me not to provoke them!
He clearly knows what's happened here, yet he refuses to intervene. Instead, he urges me to retreat? Why should I comply?!"
Zhou Zhe-sheng's outburst filled the room with tension. Zhou Ao fell silent, unwilling to speak further. The other Zhou clansmen also remained quiet, each lost in their thoughts.
It was becoming evident that the Yun family had a powerful backer—someone even Zhou Zhe-sheng's influential brother dared not offend.
"The Yun family killed my son and harmed my people! I will not let this grudge go unanswered!
If your Second Uncle fears the Yun family's supporters, then I do not!"
"Ao'er!"
"Yes, Father?"
"Have the men prepare. Tonight, we'll raid the Yun family under cover of darkness!"
"Father, this is a crime punishable by law!" Zhou Ao said, alarmed.
"If we leave no traces, what can the authorities do to the Zhou family?" Zhou Zhe-sheng snapped, his judgment clouded by days of frustration and humiliation.
His only thought now was revenge—an unquenchable thirst for retribution.
Suddenly, a Zhou clansman came running into the hall in a panic.
"Clan Leader! Clan Leader! Soldiers! There are soldiers outside—many of them! Armed with blades and shields, wearing full armor. It's terrifying!"
"What business do Yunzhang County's soldiers have at our estate?" Zhou Zhe-sheng growled, his brow furrowing deeply.
"Father, let's go see what's happening," Zhou Ao suggested cautiously.
"Gather the clan. We'll confront them together," Zhou Zhe-sheng ordered decisively.
A large group of Zhou clansmen followed Zhou Zhe-sheng as he marched to the estate's entrance, where they were met with a formidable sight: Constable Chang Yuan leading 1,000 armed Yunzhang County soldiers.
"Constable Chang! To what do we owe this visit?" Zhou Zhe-sheng asked, his heart sinking. Still, he forced a respectful tone as he bowed toward Chang Yuan, who sat atop his warhorse.
"By the order of Lord Lu, we're here to apprehend members of the Zhou family," Chang Yuan announced coldly.
At his command, the soldiers surged forward, swiftly subduing and binding the Zhou clansmen, young and old alike.
"Constable Chang, why are you arresting us? What crime have we committed?" Zhou Zhe-sheng demanded, his voice tinged with desperation as he watched his people being restrained.
"Why?" Chang Yuan sneered. "You brought this upon yourself. It's your own fault for provoking the Yun family.
Men, take Zhou Zhe-sheng!"
Chang Yuan's command rang out, and two soldiers stepped forward, grabbing Zhou Zhe-sheng and binding his arms behind him.
"Yun family! Again, the Yun family! Chang Yuan, Lu Zizai—you're both scoundrels!" Zhou Zhe-sheng roared, his frustration boiling over.
"You two were once my brother's protégés! How could you betray the Zhou family like this?
What could the Yun family possibly offer to make you side with them against us?"
Realizing he had nothing to lose, Zhou Zhe-sheng let his fury spill out.
"Hmph! You're an old fool, still clueless even now," Chang Yuan said with a mocking laugh.
"Very well, I'll be merciful and let you understand why your Zhou family is doomed."