The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

"I heard your fourth uncle's daughter has spiritual roots. Now, besides attending the village school, she goes to the blind Daoist under the willow tree every day to learn the ways of cultivation," a middle-aged man dressed in coarse linen said, waving a woven fan as he lounged on a chair beneath a willow tree in his small fenced courtyard.

This man, Yun Yun Feng, was one of the four brothers of Yun Yun Shan and a direct descendant of the Yun clan.

Unlike his diligent brother, Yun Yun Feng was known for being lazy, indulgent, and prone to petty thievery. His reputation in the village was further tarnished by his habit of taking advantage of others, leaving many clan members disgruntled with him.

He had two sons: Yun Yan Song, aged ten, and Yun Yan Bai, aged nine.

The two brothers were notorious bullies, often tormenting the children of non-Yun families who had moved into the village. Even the Yun clan's children weren't spared from their pranks.

Whenever his sons caused trouble, Yun Yun Feng would immediately defend them, brushing off criticism, even from the clan elders. Over time, his family's reputation in the village plummeted, and many openly disliked them.

Yet none of this diminished Yun Yun Feng's pride in his sons, whom he believed were destined for greatness. In his eyes, they would one day lead their branch of the Yun family to prominence and prosperity.

So when he heard the recent news that the blind Daoist, who had appeared in the village over a year ago, was a skilled mountain cultivator and had accepted Yun Yan Shuang as a disciple after discovering her third-grade spiritual roots, he was deeply unhappy.

He couldn't understand why such a fortunate opportunity had fallen to his niece instead of his sons, whom he considered far superior.

"A girl? Cultivating? Ridiculous!" Yun Yun Feng scoffed. "She should be learning embroidery at home, preparing to be a good wife. What nonsense is this about her learning the ways of immortals?"

"Yes, Father, I've heard about it too," Yun Yan Song chimed in.

"Couldn't it all just be rumors? I've seen that blind Daoist. He doesn't seem capable of anything extraordinary. All he does is tell stories about cultivation—he's no different from the usual raggedy Daoists or beggars," Yun Yan Bai added, frowning skeptically.

He had visited the willow tree outside the village before to hear the Daoist's tales of mountain cultivators. While he initially found the stories intriguing, the novelty wore off quickly, especially when he couldn't stand the Daoist's unwashed, sour smell. He had since avoided the area altogether.

"What do you know?" Yun Yun Feng snapped.

"Your fourth uncle, Yun Yun Shan, isn't an ordinary man. He served in the Yue Kingdom's army, fought in battles, and has even met cultivators before.

With his experience, he wouldn't mistake the Daoist for a fraud. If Yan Shuang really became his disciple, it's likely she has indeed gained a connection to the immortals!"

He waved his fan with frustration.

"And I'm not the only one who knows about it. Many others in the village have started bringing their children to the willow tree, hoping the Daoist will accept them as disciples.

Even your eldest and second uncles have gone with their children!"

"Now, you two brats, get ready. We're going to visit the Daoist ourselves!"

Yun Yun Feng hastily stood, grabbed a jar of jade-yellow wine and half a pound of beef from inside the house, and dragged his two sons toward the willow tree outside the village.

At the willow tree, the blind Daoist was patiently teaching Yun Yan Shuang.

He was explaining the principles of cultivation—how to use her spiritual roots to sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and how to channel that energy into her body's dantian using a specific cultivation technique.

Suddenly, he was interrupted by a middle-aged man dressed in a fine robe, accompanied by a beautiful young girl in a simple long dress.

The man stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "I am Yun Yun Yang. Greetings, Daoist."

Yun Yun Yang, the eldest son of the Yun clan, had made his fortune in business. Owning several fabric and clothing shops in a nearby town, he was the wealthiest man in Yun Family Village.

Years ago, he had moved his family to a grand estate in the town, living in luxury with a dozen servants. He rarely returned to the village.

It was only recently, upon hearing rumors of a mountain cultivator in Yun Family Village, that he decided to come back.

His niece, Yun Yan Shuang, had already become the Daoist's disciple and begun learning the ways of cultivation.

Upon hearing this, Yun Yun Yang had immediately brought his daughter, Yun Yan Ling, back from their estate in town. Traveling by carriage, they rushed to Yun Family Village to meet the blind Daoist, carrying high hopes for her future.

Before coming, Yun Yun Yang had made inquiries and learned of the Daoist's fondness for wine. Thus, he loaded his carriage with over twenty jars of premium Nu'er Hong.

"No need for such formality," the blind Daoist said with a faint smile, fully aware of Yun Yun Yang's intentions.

Unfortunately, Yun Yan Ling lacked spiritual roots and was therefore unqualified for cultivation.

"Bring out the wine," Yun Yun Yang commanded.

Servants quickly unloaded the jars of Nu'er Hong from the carriage and placed them before the Daoist.

"This is a small token of appreciation. I hope the Daoist will accept it," Yun Yun Yang said courteously.

"Brother Yun Yang, take the wine back," the Daoist replied calmly.

"What? Why?" Yun Yun Yang was taken aback. "Daoist, don't you enjoy fine wine? This Nu'er Hong is of the highest quality—rich in flavor and aroma. Surely it will suit your taste.

If this wine is not to your liking, I can send someone to town to purchase another type of fine wine for you to try."

"It's not about the wine," the Daoist said slowly. "As the saying goes, 'no merit, no reward.' Your daughter lacks spiritual roots and cannot cultivate.

I regret that I am unable to assist, so it's best you take the wine back. I don't like owing favors unnecessarily."

His words were simple, yet they struck like thunder.

Yun Yun Yang froze, as if struck by lightning, while Yun Yan Ling stood rooted in place, her expression blank with disbelief.

She had followed her father all the way from town, enduring the bumpy carriage ride, hoping to become a disciple of the Daoist and embark on the path of cultivation.

But now, the Daoist had declared outright that she lacked spiritual roots and had no chance of becoming a cultivator.

The news was a crushing blow. Yun Yan Ling's face fell, her bright eyes dimming as despair overtook her.

"Daoist, please, could you look again? My daughter has been exceptional since childhood—skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She is truly talented," Yun Yun Yang pleaded, unwilling to accept the verdict.

"I have already spoken clearly, Brother Yun Yang. Please return home," the Daoist said with a sigh.

He understood the almost obsessive desire mortals held for achieving immortality and sainthood. Even the slightest chance would drive them to spend everything they had without hesitation.

However, he had to stand firm. Yun Yan Ling's lack of spiritual roots was undeniable, and no amount of pleading could change that.

"Uncle, there's no need to worry," Yun Yan Shuang said, turning toward Yun Yun Yang with a sweet smile after finishing her recitation of the Three Purities Sutra.

"If Sister Ling someday has children with spiritual roots, they too can pursue cultivation."

"Truly?" Yun Yun Yang's eyes lit up.

"It's true. Master said that when two mortals have children, there's always a chance that their offspring will inherit spiritual roots.

Sister Ling is so talented and beautiful. If she marries a suitable husband, I'm sure her wishes will come true," Yun Yan Shuang said cheerfully.

"Good, good! Shuang'er, you've truly lifted a weight off your uncle's shoulders. Thank you!"

Yun Yun Yang's face broke into a wide grin, his gratitude evident.

"Now that Ling is almost sixteen, it's time to find her a good match. I'll start looking for a worthy husband for her soon," he said, his gaze filled with determination as he looked at his daughter, and then at his niece with sincere appreciation.