The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 35 Lanlin Sun Clan

The moon hung high in a sparse sky as a carriage sped along the winding mountain road, heading straight for Yunzhang Mountain.

"Father, I still don’t understand," a young boy of around fifteen, clad in luxurious robes, said from inside the carriage. His brows furrowed as he gazed at the scholarly middle-aged man seated across from him. "Why must we make this long journey to visit the Yun Cang Yun Clan?

"The Yun family is merely a newly anointed cultivation clan, conferred by the imperial court. Our Sun family has three spiritual root descendants, while the Yun family only has two. By all logic, it should be they who come to pay respects to us, not the other way around."

This youth was Sun Fenglin, a spiritual root descendant of the Blue Lin Sun Clan, currently at the Breath Embryo Second Layer of cultivation. Among the clan’s three spiritual root cultivators, he alone had advanced to this level, thanks to a technique the elders had recovered from the remnants of a rogue cultivator’s abode.

"Fenglin," the middle-aged man, Sun Tianming, said calmly, "I’ve told you before—do not underestimate the Yun family just because they are a newly established cultivation clan. They are neighbors to our Blue Lin Sun Clan, and maintaining a cordial relationship is in our best interest. There will undoubtedly be times when our paths cross."

He paused, his expression turning serious. "Moreover, your second uncle, who serves in the court, specifically urged me to establish friendly ties with the Yun Cang Yun Clan and to avoid any hostility at all costs. You know your second uncle well—he never gives warnings without reason. The information he has access to far surpasses what we know. His caution suggests the Yun family is far more formidable than they appear. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Father," Sun Fenglin replied reluctantly, nodding despite his dissatisfaction.

"Good. When we’re guests in the Yun household, you must restrain yourself. Don’t let them notice any hint of displeasure."

"I understand!" Sun Fenglin answered with a hint of impatience. Lifting the curtain, he gazed out at the night-shrouded scenery.

In the distance, a massive mountain began to take shape under the pale moonlight. Beneath its shadow lay a small village aglow with countless lights. Faintly, the sounds of lively chatter and celebration drifted through the air.

Before long, the carriage came to a halt outside the Yun family estate. Stepping down alongside his father, Sun Fenglin’s eyes caught sight of a blind Daoist reclining under a grove of willow trees. The old man was indulging himself in fine wine and delicacies, paying no mind to the world around him.

After polishing off his meal, the blind Daoist sprawled out on a stone bench and promptly fell asleep, his thunderous snores echoing across the night.

Ignoring the eccentric figure, Sun Fenglin followed his father toward the estate gates. There, they were stopped by Yun family guards who, upon seeing their luxurious attire, refrained from acting rudely. "May I ask who you are?" one of the guards inquired politely.

"I am Sun Tianming of the Blue Lin Sun Clan," the elder man replied with a warm smile, cupping his hands in greeting. "I’ve brought my son here to pay respects."

"The Blue Lin Sun Clan?" The guard blinked, the name sounding vaguely familiar. After a moment’s thought, he recalled the Record of Notable Families distributed within the Yun clan—a compendium that detailed the fifty-two cultivation families within Yue Kingdom. Indeed, one of those families identified themselves as the Blue Lin Sun Clan.

"So, you’re from the Sun Clan," the guard said, quickly returning the gesture. "Please wait here for a moment while I inform the elders."

With a nod from Sun Tianming, the guard hurried inside the estate.

Inside, the Yun estate was abuzz with celebration. Lanterns illuminated the courtyard, their warm glow reflecting the joy of the evening. The clan had spared no expense in hosting a grand feast to commemorate their elevation to a cultivation family.

Children darted between tables, playing and laughing. Adults gathered in clusters, their chatter filled with mirth as they enjoyed the food and drink. Women sat together, exchanging tales of family life and household matters, adding to the atmosphere of warmth and harmony.

At the center of it all was Yun Yunyang, accompanied by the clan’s key members. He conversed with Lu Zizai, Chang Yuan, and other dignitaries from Yunzhang County’s administration while also exchanging toasts with the wealthy merchants and nobles who had come to congratulate the family.

"Brother Yun," a rotund merchant in luxurious attire addressed him with a beaming smile, "I noticed some excellent plots of land outside your estate. Would you consider selling one to me? Just name your price, and I’ll pay it without bargaining."

Hearing this, several other merchants chimed in eagerly, expressing their willingness to pay exorbitant prices to acquire land near the Yun family estate. Their ultimate goal was to build grand villas nearby, allowing their families to move closer to the Yun family.

It was the age-old strategy of proximity and opportunity—being neighbors to the Yun clan could lead to invaluable connections. Some hoped to marry their daughters into the Yun family, forging alliances through matrimony. Others dreamed of offering their sons as sons-in-law to the clan.

For many, these aspirations were the true reason behind the lavish gifts they had brought to the feast.

"This is not a decision I can make lightly," Yun Yunyang said with a measured smile, addressing the eager merchants and dignitaries. "I’ll need to discuss the matter with my clan before we make any arrangements. How does that sound?"

He was well aware of the intentions behind their flattering words. Many of them wished to marry their daughters into the Yun family or offer their sons as sons-in-law, hoping to establish ties that would secure their clan’s prosperity. Yun Yunyang himself was not opposed to such arrangements; after all, expanding the Yun bloodline might bring forth more descendants with spiritual roots.

However, he was reluctant to see the area around Yunzhang Mountain overrun with wealthy families. As the Yun clan grew, they would need space to expand their estate. Allowing too many outsiders to settle nearby could become a hindrance.

"That’s fair," one of the merchants replied, sensing the polite refusal in Yun Yunyang’s words. The others exchanged knowing glances and began devising alternate strategies. Many resolved to encourage their younger generations to socialize with the Yun family’s descendants, hoping to lay the groundwork for future alliances.

"Come, Brother! A toast to your clan’s glorious future!" The rotund merchant raised his cup and downed his wine in one gulp.

Yun Yunyang, however, did not drink himself. His cousin Yun Yunrui stepped in, taking the drink on his behalf.

At that moment, a Yun family guard approached Yun Yunyang’s side and whispered, "Yunyang, someone from the Blue Lin Sun Clan has come to visit."

"Quickly, invite them in!" Yun Yunyang’s face lit up with delight.

He had long intended to visit the Sun clan to establish ties between their families, but the pressing responsibilities of managing a growing clan had delayed his plans. The Sun clan’s visit was a fortuitous opportunity he could not ignore.

Turning to the gathered guests, Yun Yunyang addressed them with a polite bow. "Lord Lu, Lord Chang, esteemed guests, please continue enjoying the feast. I must step away briefly to greet our visitors."

With that, he left the banquet, accompanied by Yun Yunrui, Yun Yantian, and Yun Yanshuang, heading toward the estate gates.

"Yun Yunyang greets Brother Tianming," he said warmly as he approached. On the way, he had inquired about the visitor from the guards and learned that it was Sun Tianming, the patriarch of the Blue Lin Sun Clan. The Sun clan was renowned for its three spiritual root cultivators, the strongest being Sun Fenglin, Tianming’s eldest son, who had reached the Breath Embryo Second Layer.

"Brother Yunyang, it’s a pleasure to meet you!" Sun Tianming replied, cupping his hands in return. Recognizing Yun Yunyang as the head of the Yun Cang Yun Clan, he was quick to show respect.

"To think that Brother Tianming would make the journey here late at night—I’m truly honored," Yun Yunyang said, his tone genuine. "I had been planning to visit the Sun clan myself once our clan affairs settled. It seems you’ve saved me the trouble!"

"You’re too kind, Brother Yunyang," Sun Tianming said modestly, then gestured toward the young man standing beside him. "This is my eldest son, Sun Fenglin."

"So this is your eldest! Welcome, Fenglin." Yun Yunyang’s gaze softened as he turned to the boy. "Come forward and greet your Uncle Yunyang."

"Sun Fenglin greets Uncle Yunyang," the young man said, bowing respectfully. Despite his earlier frustrations about the visit, he concealed his dissatisfaction, mindful of his father’s warnings.

"What a fine son you have, Brother Tianming!" Yun Yunyang said, clearly impressed.

"You flatter me, Brother Yunyang," Sun Tianming replied humbly. "And these two must be the Yun family’s spiritual root descendants?"

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"Indeed, they are," Yun Yunyang said, motioning to the two standing behind him. "Tian’er, Shuang’er, come forward and greet Uncle Tianming."

Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang greet Uncle Tianming."

Sun Fenglin’s eyes widened as he observed the siblings. His heart sank, and a wave of disbelief washed over him. Both of them were at the Breath Embryo Second Level, but their cultivation bases were clearly far more stable than his own. The spiritual energy within them was denser and more refined.

What stunned him most was Yun Yanshuang, the younger of the two. She was obviously on the verge of breaking through to the next realm—something he could not fathom.

How could this be? The Yun family was supposed to have only recently produced its first spiritual root descendants. How could they have advanced so quickly… and surpassed him so easily?