"The Dark Alliance?"

New n𝙤vel chapters are published on freeweɓnøvel.com.

Yun Yunyang was visibly surprised after hearing his niece recount the events that had transpired at the Yunzhang market.

"Yes, the two rogue cultivators who maliciously stirred up trouble at the market were members of the Dark Alliance," Yun Yanshuang confirmed, producing a token she had taken from the middle-aged cultivator.

The token was pitch black, made from an unknown metallic material, with the words "Dark Alliance" inscribed in bold, flowing strokes.

"What kind of sect is this ’Dark Alliance’?" Yun Yunyang asked, examining the token with a curious expression.

"Cousin Yunyang, the Dark Alliance isn’t a sect or a cultivation clan. It’s an organization loosely formed by rogue cultivators from all over the Yue Kingdom," Yun Yunrui explained from his seat.

"Based on gathered intelligence, this organization accepts missions from various cultivation families across the Yue Kingdom and publishes them for its members.

Cultivators who join the Dark Alliance can choose suitable tasks from its headquarters. Upon completion, they receive corresponding rewards.

The harder the task, the higher the reward.

This is one of the primary means by which rogue cultivators earn cultivation resources."

Yun Yunrui’s explanation came from the intelligence network he had recently established for the Yun Clan. Clan members stationed in various shops and businesses acted as informants, reporting any noteworthy information to the clan.

These reports were meticulously compiled and stored in the clan’s library, providing invaluable insights for the Linggen disciples and other family members.

"A rogue cultivator organization? This is my first time hearing about it," Yun Yunyang said, nodding in understanding.

"Uncle, my brother suspects that these two rogue cultivators were instructed by the Wang Clan to target our family."

"Without sufficient evidence, this remains speculation. However, the Wang Clan does have the strongest motive to obstruct our efforts in establishing a market.

Since these two rogue cultivators failed their mission, I doubt the Wang Clan will let this matter rest."

"Which is why I request permission to station myself at the market to prevent further interference from the Wang Clan. Once the market operations stabilize, I will return to the clan," Yanshuang proposed.

"Very well. The responsibility is yours," Yun Yunyang agreed.

"I will also dispatch some clan guards to assist you in patrolling and securing the area. You’ll have full authority over them."

"Thank you, Uncle."

Yanshuang, grinning, handed over two storage pouches to Yun Yunyang. "These were taken from the two rogue cultivators. I leave them with the clan for safekeeping.

Inside, there are blank talisman papers and a talisman brush. They’ll be useful for Brother Yantian to practice talisman crafting."

"Haha! Excellent, truly excellent!" Yun Yunyang exclaimed with a hearty laugh.

He had been fretting about how to provide Yantian with the necessary materials for his practice. These ready-made treasures were an unexpected blessing.

"This time, Shuang’er has truly made great contributions. Do you want to keep anything from the storage pouches for yourself?"

"Hehe, I’ve already taken some spirit stones, Embryo Breath Pills, and Healing Elixirs for myself," Yanshuang said with a smile.

"Good. Yunrui, allocate the remaining resources to Yantian, Wenxuan, Wenyu, and Wenrun to aid their cultivation.

As for Wenlong and Wenfeng, they’re still infants and can’t cultivate yet. Set aside resources for them to use in the future," Yun Yunyang instructed.

"Understood, Cousin Yunyang," Yun Yunrui replied, standing to take the pouches and leaving the ancestral hall.

In the days that followed, Yanshuang took up residence at the Yunzhang market to oversee operations and prevent further sabotage.

Yun Yunyang also dispatched dozens of well-trained clan guards to patrol the market regularly.

Additionally, the county magistrate, Chang Yuan, deployed a thousand elite soldiers to patrol day and night, ensuring the market’s safety.

Under such tight security, the hundreds of craftsmen working on the market repairs were well-protected, and progress proceeded smoothly.

A month later, Yun Yanbai and Qin Yue successfully held their wedding. In the presence of their parents, family, and friends, the couple finally tied the knot and fulfilled their long-awaited union.

However, due to the ongoing work at the market...

Yun Yanshui, Yun Yanshuang, and Yun Yanbai were unable to leave their responsibilities at the market to attend Yun Yanbai’s wedding. Instead, they sent their blessings to the newlyweds through messengers.

"Elder, the Dark Alliance’s mission failed.

The Yun Clan’s market is now under the personal protection of Yun Yanshuang. Yun Yunyang and the county captain have also deployed numerous elite soldiers to guard it.

Disciple suspects that the Yun Clan may have deduced that our Wang Clan was behind the trouble.

Moving forward, it will likely be much harder for our Wang Clan to secretly meddle," Wang Zhongtian reported solemnly to Wang Qingshan after learning of the failed mission.

"That Yun Yanshuang is truly remarkable. At such a young age, she’s already at the Embryo Breath Stage, seventh layer.

The two rogue cultivators sent by the Dark Alliance—one at the seventh layer and the other at the fifth layer—couldn’t stand a chance against her alone!"

"Disciple has since sent others to disrupt the Yun Clan’s market construction, but every attempt failed.

The Dark Alliance’s rogue cultivators are simply no match for Yun Yanshuang," Wang Zhongtian said, his face filled with unease.

"Sigh! Enough!" Wang Qingshan sighed heavily. "The Yun Clan is unstoppable now. Unless we send our own cultivators to intervene directly, there’s no suppressing the Yunzhang Yun Clan anymore.

However, doing so would give the Yun Clan evidence to use against us.

If that blind Daoist elder learns of this…"

Wang Qingshan trailed off, his expression growing grim.

The mere thought of the blind elder sent a chill down his spine. Were it not for that figure standing behind the Yun Clan, how could he have allowed the family to rise unchecked?

"Let’s set this matter aside for now. How is the reconstruction of our family’s market progressing?"

"Everything is on schedule," Wang Zhongtian replied. "Disciple has recruited many laborers from nearby counties and dispatched some of the family’s cultivators to assist.

We’ve also hired numerous rogue cultivators from the Dark Alliance.

The reconstruction is proceeding swiftly. I believe the market will be restored to its former state before the Yun Clan completes their new market."

"Once our market is fully rebuilt, our family’s reputation will quickly restore it to its former bustling state, generating a steady stream of wealth for us," Wang Zhongtian added confidently.

"What of the Upper Three Families? Have they caused any trouble?"

"They’ve sent people to sabotage our efforts in secret, but the Second Elder intercepted them."

"The Second Elder is still stationed there?" Wang Qingshan asked.

"Yes. After recovering from the injuries sustained during the Gu Master Cult ambush, the Second Elder personally leads the family’s cultivators to oversee the reconstruction at the Yulin Lake market, ensuring the Upper Three Families don’t interfere."

"With my second brother handling the situation, I’m at ease," Wang Qingshan said, nodding.

"How is Liyuan’s expedition to the Danding Sect ruins progressing? It should have been some time now."

"Yes, Elder."

"Any complications?"

"The soul lamps remain intact, with no signs of mishap. According to reports, Liyuan and his team seem to have acquired some fortuitous opportunities from the Danding Sect ruins and have already returned to the clan."

"Good. In the future, send disciples to continue exploring the ruins for any remaining fortunes.

You may leave now. I must return to my cultivation."

"Disciple takes his leave."

Wang Zhongtian bowed and exited the hall.

Meanwhile, in Yunzhang County, within the Yun Clan ancestral hall:

"Cousin Yunyang, we’ve gathered new information about the Danding Sect ruins," Yun Yunrui said as he entered the hall hastily.

The head of the family, Yun Yunyang, was meeting with Yun Yunlin and other clan elders, discussing important family matters.

"Explain in detail," Yun Yunyang said, his brow furrowing with interest. Continue reading stories on novelbuddy

He had long considered sending Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian to explore the Danding Sect ruins in search of opportunities. However, the potential dangers—combined with the fierce competition from other families and rogue cultivators—had made him hesitate.

He decided to wait until others had explored the ruins to gauge the risks before making a final decision.