The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

"Third Uncle, you must kill Yun Yanshuang!"

Wen Ruli returned to his clan, his expression still brimming with resentment as he addressed his third uncle.

"With the Yun clan's two spiritual roots displaying such talent, they are bound to rise sooner or later," he added, his tone filled with frustration.

"Is this the extent of your perspective? If so, I am deeply disappointed," the middle-aged man said sternly, gazing at the furious Wen Ruli.

"Third Uncle, what do you mean by that?"

"Our true opponents, the ones that truly concern the Qishan Wen clan, have always been the other three major families and the six clans—not some obscure Yun clan.

If you can't let go of your personal grudge over being defeated by Yun Yanshuang, how can the family entrust you with important matters in the future?"

His tone was sharp, and his words cut deep. Wen Ruli froze, a sudden clarity washed over him.

He was right.

The true adversaries of the Qishan Wen clan were the other three families and six clans, each boasting numerous talented disciples and profound foundations. For years, the Wen clan had expended all its resources and energy to maintain its standing among them.

How could he, out of personal frustration, drag the clan into unnecessary conflicts with the Yun Cang Yun clan and risk adding another powerful rival to their list of enemies?

Instead of creating an enemy, it was better to forge alliances.

The Yun clan had shown great potential. No doubt, there were families among the three major families and six clans already considering forming alliances with the Yun clan rather than antagonizing them. It would be foolish to give the Yun clan reason to regard the Wen clan as a threat.

As this realization dawned on him, Wen Ruli noticed that several clan elders had already gone to engage with Yun Yunyang, fostering connections. Even the heads of the three major families and elders from the six clans were making efforts to acquaint themselves with the Yun clan.

"I apologize, Third Uncle. I was too short-sighted," Wen Ruli said, bowing deeply.

"It's good that you've calmed down and reflected. The family's investment in you won't go to waste," his uncle replied with a faint nod.

"Come with me later to the Yun clan's side and formally apologize. After all, your conduct during the duel was rather unbecoming," the elder instructed.

"I will remember your words, Third Uncle," Wen Ruli replied earnestly.

"Brother Yunyang, I am Wen Shuihan," Wen Shuihan greeted, bowing politely to Yun Yunyang as he approached Wen Ruli.

"Brother Shuihan, no need for such formality," Yun Yunyang said, hastily returning the gesture.

He recognized Wen Shuihan as an elder of the Qishan Wen clan and a seasoned cultivator.

"My nephew's temperament was overly impulsive during the duel and nearly caused harm to Yanshuang. Please forgive him," Wen Shuihan said directly, getting to the point.

Beside him, Wen Ruli turned to Yun Yanshuang and bowed deeply. "Lady Yanshuang, I was reckless earlier. I hope you can overlook my offense."

"It's fine. I wasn't hurt, though I did damage one of your spiritual artifacts," Yun Yanshuang replied graciously.

"The artifact is of no consequence. As long as I have your forgiveness, the loss of another artifact is nothing," Wen Ruli said with a warm smile.

Seeing the two juniors put their differences aside, Wen Shuihan exchanged a few polite words with Yun Yunyang before leaving with Wen Ruli.

"The three major families and seven clans are not ones to act recklessly," Yun Yunyang mused aloud.

He thought of how the elders of these families, along with their spiritual roots, had approached him and his family with courteous attitudes during the assembly.

"They're the most dangerous kind of opponent—appearing amicable on the surface while calculating schemes in their hearts," Yun Yanshui remarked with a wry smile.

"Haha! Yanshui, you have a keen understanding of human nature," Yun Yunyang laughed.

"But no matter what they're plotting, as long as they maintain the facade of civility, it's still to our advantage.

The real headache would be dealing with someone irrational enough to stop at nothing to destroy our Yun clan," Yun Yunyang added, shaking his head.

"I doubt the Tongshan Xia clan will let this go. Once the Hundred Clans Assembly ends, I fear they'll make a move against us in secret," Yun Yantian said, his expression grim.

"His Majesty is likely aware of this. After the assembly, I suspect he'll arrange for someone to escort us back in secret," Yun Yunyang replied.

The Xia clan was the only one among the three major families and seven clans with a direct conflict of interest with the Yun clan.

They opposed Bai Li Moxue marrying Yun Yantian. Having failed to achieve their goals during the assembly, it was inevitable that they would act covertly in the future.

That said, His Majesty was a shrewd man and would not sit idly by while the Tongshan Xia clan schemed in secret.

Yun Yunyang found some solace in this. After all, the Yun Cang Yun clan and the royal family, under His Majesty's leadership, were currently bound together in mutual interests.

Meanwhile, on the platform, the duels had concluded for the round.

Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang both advanced to the second round with ease. Neither sibling had to expend much effort, as their opponents from the other families chose to forfeit rather than face them.

The strength displayed by Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang was simply too overwhelming, far exceeding their peers.

Of particular note was Yun Yanshuang's match against Lu Shanglin. Aware that he was no match for her, Lu Shanglin decisively forfeited.

"My next opponent is Ye Xiaolin," Yun Yantian said, his gaze sweeping toward Ye Xiaolin in the distance.

Sensing his stare, Ye Xiaolin returned it with a faint smile.

"My opponent is the other Ye family spiritual root, Ye Xiaomo," Yun Yanshuang replied, glancing at the figure beside Ye Xiaolin.

"That Ye Xiaomo isn't weak. Like Ye Xiaolin, he's also reached the Ninth Stage of Embryo Breath. You must be cautious," Yun Yantian said with a serious tone.

"Don't worry, Brother Yantian," Yun Yanshuang said with a gentle smile.

"The semifinals are next. The first match will be between Yun Yantian of the Yun Cang Yun clan and Ye Xiaolin of the Canglan Ye clan," Li Qing announced from the platform after the previous rounds of fierce competition.

Seeing the two spiritual roots from the Yun Cang Yun clan reach the semifinals brought a sense of satisfaction to Li Qing. It was a testament to both his and His Majesty's judgment.

The rise of the Yun Cang Yun clan would undoubtedly become a significant asset to the royal family in the future.

"Immortal Li, I forfeit," Ye Xiaolin said, rising to his feet with a polite bow before Yun Yantian could even take the stage.

"What? Ye Xiaolin forfeited?"

"It can't be helped. Yun Yantian's reputation has grown too strong. From start to finish, he hasn't even shown his full power.

Especially during his match against Xia Changqing, the sheer might of his spear technique was terrifying—comparable to the strike of a Qi Refinement cultivator.

Though Ye Xiaolin is at the Ninth Stage of Embryo Breath and possesses many secret techniques granted by his family, even he can't guarantee victory against Yun Yantian.

If he were to face him head-on and end up heavily injured, it could even damage his foundation. If I were in his position, I'd choose to avoid the fight too."

The crowd buzzed with speculation and discussion at Ye Xiaolin's unexpected forfeit.

"Brother Xiaolin, I appreciate your courtesy," Yun Yantian said, clasping his hands in Ye Xiaolin's direction.

"Brother Yantian, your skills are remarkable. I know I'm no match. Let's meet privately sometime to discuss cultivation," Ye Xiaolin replied with a smile.

"I'd be delighted."

"Since Ye Xiaolin has forfeited, Yun Yantian advances to the finals," Li Qing declared.

"Next, the second match: Yun Yanshuang of the Yun Cang Yun clan versus Ye Xiaomo of the Canglan Ye clan."

"Immortal Li, I also forfeit," Ye Xiaomo said, standing and bowing respectfully.

The crowd was stunned once again.

"With both matches ending in forfeits, the finals will be a match between Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang!" Li Qing said with a wry smile.

"Immortal Li, I forfeit," Yun Yanshuang announced as soon as she took the stage.

Li Qing's eye twitched at her words.

Could you be any more obvious about wanting your brother to win? At least step onto the platform and go through the motions!

However, since Yun Yanshuang had publicly conceded, Li Qing had no choice but to accept it.

"The winner of this duel tournament is Yun Yantian of the Yun Cang Yun clan!" Li Qing announced loudly, composing himself.

Applause erupted from the various families and spiritual roots.

Yun Yantian's strength was indisputable. Among the younger generation, there were few who could rival him. His extraordinary spear techniques had left a lasting impression on everyone.

His victory was one that many acknowledged wholeheartedly.

"Haha! Fascinating! Absolutely fascinating!"

From his throne, Bai Li Xi laughed heartily. Seeing Yun Yantian dominate the tournament with ease filled him with delight.

Beside him, however, the Empress of the Eastern Palace wore a darker, more complex expression.