The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 199: Today is Different than Before

Wang Chongtian's emotions were complicated.

Ever since learning that their patriarch, Wang Qingshan, had perished on Mount Wanlong during the Hundred Clans Assembly, it felt as though the sky itself had collapsed.

Their Wang family had painstakingly cultivated a Foundation Establishment immortal cultivator, only to lose him so suddenly!

What infuriated him even more was that the family had yet to identify the culprit behind their patriarch's death.

The only solace was that the Wang family still had another patriarch, Wang Qinglin, holding the fort. Furthermore, his son remained full of potential.

While their hopes of ascending to become the fourth great family of Yue Kingdom had been dashed, their family's foundation was still intact. There was still hope for the future.

Otherwise, they might end up like the Tongshan Xia family, whose downfall would be nothing short of catastrophic.

This time, Wang Chongtian had brought several key members of his family to visit the Yun Cang Yun family, hoping to negotiate a partnership. Together, they could seize all of the Xia family's resources within Tongshan County.

"The Yun family… they're not what they used to be," one of the Wang family's core members remarked as they stood at the entrance to the Yun family estate.

"The Yun family's development has been smooth, and His Majesty has even betrothed the Seventh Princess to Yun Yantian.

From now on, the Yun family will be connected to the royal family. His Majesty will continue to support them in secret.

The Yun family will only grow stronger with time.

"It's highly likely that once the Tongshan Xia family falls into ruin, the Yun Cang Yun family will rise to take their place as one of the three great families and seven prominent clans within Yue Kingdom."

"Who would've thought that this once insignificant, obscure cultivation family could grow so powerful in just a few short years?" another Wang family member muttered begrudgingly.

Back then, the Yun Cang Yun family had been at the mercy of their Yulin Wang family.

Whenever Yun Yunyang visited, the Wang family would deliberately keep him waiting for half an hour to assert their superiority.

But times had changed.

The Yun family had risen in strength.

Now, when facing the Yun family, the Wang family's core members realized that their past sense of superiority had completely vanished.

All that remained was fear and apprehension toward the Yun Cang Yun family.

"Enough. Be careful what you say; someone might overhear," Wang Chongtian scolded in a low voice.

The Wang family members immediately fell silent, glancing nervously at the blind old daoist resting beneath the shade of a willow tree.

"Brother Chongtian!"

Yun Yunyang emerged with several core members of the Yun family to greet them, his face adorned with a warm smile.

In the past, Yun Yunyang had always addressed Wang Chongtian as "Big Brother Wang," but now, he simply called him "Brother Chongtian."

Though the change in address seemed subtle, it subtly signified the growing strength of the Yun Cang Yun family, which no longer needed to depend on the goodwill of the Yulin Wang family.

"Brother Yunyang, it has been a long time!"

Wang Chongtian didn't seem to mind the change in address. He clasped his hands in a respectful gesture.

"Brother Chongtian, and all of you, please come inside!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Yun Yunyang extended his hand in invitation and led Wang Chongtian and his entourage into the estate.

"Seizing the resources of the Tongshan Xia family?"

Upon learning the purpose of Wang Chongtian's visit, Yun Yunyang sipped his spiritual tea, his expression becoming serious.

"Yes," Wang Chongtian confirmed.

"The Xia family currently has no capable leader to take charge and is already showing signs of internal division.

"Meanwhile, His Majesty is deliberately suppressing them.

This is the perfect time for us to join forces and seize their resources.

"What do you think, Brother Yunyang? Would you consider partnering with my Wang family for this venture?"

"I'm afraid it may not be appropriate," Yun Yunyang replied.

"What's inappropriate about it?"

"Our Yun family has a shallow foundation and isn't suited to engage in conflicts with the Tongshan Xia family, so…" Yun Yunyang trailed off, adopting an apologetic expression.

"Brother Yunyang, surely you jest. Others may not know the true strength of your Yun family, but I do," Wang Chongtian said with a sly smile.

"Currently, the other three families and five clans are all planning to carve up the Xia family's assets.

"If the Yun Cang Yun family joins in, you're bound to claim a share of the spoils.

"With your family becoming part of the royal lineage, the Xia family wouldn't dare retaliate afterward. Why, then, are you being so cautious?"

Wang Chongtian continued his attempts to persuade Yun Yunyang, hoping to involve Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang in the struggle against the Xia family's young talents.

That way, in the chaos of the conflict, Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang might meet an untimely end…

"Brother Chongtian, I'm truly sorry. Our Yun family simply wishes to focus on cultivating our little patch of land and gradually developing ourselves.

"As for such disputes, we really prefer not to get involved."

Yun Yunyang remained steadfast in his decision, refusing to participate in the efforts to take down the Xia family.

After all, the other three families and six clans weren't easy opponents, either.

If they joined forces to destroy the Xia family and the spoils were unevenly divided, it would inevitably lead to further conflicts and disputes.

Besides, was the Wang family really here just to seek cooperation?

They had secretly plotted against the Yun Cang Yun family more than once or twice, nor had they hesitated to target his nieces and nephews in an attempt to weaken the Yun family's future potential.

If Shuang'er and Yantian were to go, Wang Liyuan and the other talented cultivators of the Wang family would undoubtedly try to sabotage them.

"Brother Yunyang, are you sure you won't reconsider?"

Wang Chongtian's expression remained calm, but inwardly, he was seething—this Yun Yunyang was as cunning as a fox, far too cautious for his liking.

"Brother Chongtian, there's truly no need for further consideration," Yun Yunyang replied with a slight smile.

"Ah, so be it! Since Brother Yunyang's mind is made up, I won't insist further.

"There are still many matters to attend to within my family, so we won't stay any longer."

"Brother Chongtian, won't you stay for a meal before leaving?"

"No need. Family matters take precedence!"

Wang Chongtian waved his hand with a forced smile and left with the Wang family members, his face dark with displeasure.

"Yunrui, summon Shuang'er, Yantian, and Xuan'er to come here."

Watching Wang Chongtian and his group depart, Yun Yunyang gave the order with a faint smile.

"Understood," Yun Yunrui replied, quickly rising to carry out the task.

"Uncle."

"Grandfather."

Soon, Yun Yanshuang, Yun Yantian, and Yun Wenxuan arrived at the ancestral hall, bowing respectfully to Yun Yunyang, who sat at the head of the room.

"The Wang family visited earlier," Yun Yunyang began.

"I had a brief chat with Wang Chongtian. From what I gathered, the other three families and six clans are no longer content to merely covertly consume the Xia family's resources and territory.

"In the coming days, they are likely to join forces and take open action against the Tongshan Xia family."

Yun Yunyang spoke slowly, his gaze sweeping over his niece, nephew, and grandson.

"So, Grandfather, do you want us to target the Xia family as well?" Yun Yanshuang asked.

"Yes. However, you three must act in secret and ensure that the other three families and six clans don't discover your presence," Yun Yunyang said with a nod.

"Especially you, Shuang'er and Yantian. The Wang family has long seen the two of you as thorns in their side."

"Understood, Uncle."

"We'll be careful," the two replied in unison.

"Xuan'er, you're nearly seven now, and your cultivation has already reached the fifth stage of the Embryo Breath Realm. You're progressing rapidly.

"This time, follow your Aunt Shuang and Uncle Yantian on this outing. It will broaden your horizons and serve as a valuable experience."

"Remember, a flower raised in a greenhouse cannot withstand too much wind and frost."

Standing, Yun Yunyang approached Yun Wenxuan, placing a hand on his head and speaking solemnly.

The path of immortality was fiercely competitive. Only by growing stronger could one survive and thrive.

He hoped his grandson could follow in the footsteps of Yanshuang and Yantian, gaining valuable experience and eventually becoming a pillar of the Yun family.

Only with strong descendants in every generation could the Yun family remain prosperous.

Otherwise, like the Tongshan Xia family, whose younger generation was weak and divided, they would face the inevitable fate of being consumed and torn apart by others.

"Grandfather, I understand," Yun Wenxuan nodded earnestly.

"Shuang'er, Yantian, I'll have to trouble you to take good care of Xuan'er this time."

"Remember, this mission to seize resources is secondary. Preserving your lives is paramount!"

"If you encounter resources that are impossible to claim, don't dwell on them.

"Keep in mind that Sun Fengli of the Blue Scaled Sun family perished because of his obsession with a chance encounter in the ruins of the Pill Cauldron Sect. His death led to internal chaos and eventually the fragmentation of his family."

"We understand, Uncle," Yanshuang and Yantian replied seriously.

"In the coming days, the family will allocate resources to the three of you. Before the other three families and six clans launch their attack on the Xia family, focus on stabilizing and improving your cultivation."

"Yunrui, you'll be in charge of arranging the cultivation resources."

"Understood, Brother Yunyang. I'll handle it right away," Yun Yunrui replied.

"All right, that's all for now. Everyone, go rest and relax for the time being. Take these next few days to recuperate."

With that, Yun Yunyang dismissed the group, his words filled with a calm authority that left no room for debate.