The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 54 No rush for now

The Wang Residence was a picturesque estate nestled against a hill, surrounded by lush greenery and a serene lake. Its location, far removed from the bustling streets of Yulin County, was a clear indication of the wealth and privilege afforded to its owner, Wang Linyue, by the Yulin Wang Clan.

As the morning sun pierced through the lingering mist, Yun Yunyue, along with Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian, approached the grand estate. The air here was rich with spiritual energy, far more potent than in the county town, a testament to the strategic positioning of the estate.

Knocking on the large wooden doors of the residence, Yun Yunyue waited patiently. Moments later, a wizened but spry old steward, clad in a neat blue tunic, answered. His cautious gaze quickly softened upon hearing Yun Yunyue’s introduction.

"Ah, so you must be Mr. Yun from the Yuncang Yun Clan! My lord mentioned you would be visiting. Please, come in."

The steward’s demeanor was warm and respectful as he opened the gates wide, gesturing for the three visitors to enter. The trio stepped through the gates, finding themselves in a sprawling courtyard adorned with meticulously maintained flora and a koi pond that shimmered in the early sunlight.

"My lord is in the study, awaiting your arrival. Please, follow me," the steward said with a polite bow, his voice exuding practiced hospitality.

"Many thanks," Yun Yunyue replied courteously.

As they followed the steward, the group passed through a series of beautifully crafted wooden corridors and open-air walkways that provided a stunning view of the surrounding scenery. Despite the serene beauty, a faint tension lingered in the air, unspoken yet palpable.

Arriving at the study, the steward knocked gently before pushing the doors open. Inside, Wang Linyue sat at a grand desk, poring over a scroll. His expression was calm but focused, exuding an air of authority.

Upon seeing his guests, he stood and greeted them with a warm smile. "Ah, Mr. Liu! I’ve been expecting you. Please, come in, come in!"

Yun Yunyue and his two younger companions stepped into the study. The room was lined with bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls, a clear reflection of Wang Linyue’s status as a cultivator and scholar.

"Mr. Wang," Yun Yunyue began, cupping his hands in greeting, "thank you for graciously inviting us to your home."

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"The pleasure is mine," Wang Linyue replied, gesturing for them to take a seat at a low table where tea had already been prepared. "I trust your journey here was uneventful?"

"Indeed, and we appreciate your hospitality."

The group settled in as the steward served tea, and Wang Linyue got straight to the point. "I understand you’re here seeking a recipe for spirit pills. As it happens, I may have what you need."

Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian exchanged a glance of excitement, but their uncle’s expression remained calm. "If that’s the case, Mr. Wang, we are eager to learn more. However, I hope you understand that such a transaction must be handled with care."

"Of course," Wang Linyue said, his smile unwavering. "But first, I must inquire—what price are you willing to pay for such a valuable item?"

Yun Yunyue hesitated briefly, carefully choosing his words. "We’re prepared to offer ten low-grade spirit stones, as well as additional compensation if the recipe proves genuine and useful."

Wang Linyue chuckled lightly, his eyes narrowing. "A fair starting offer. But tell me, Mr. Liu—do you know the true value of a spirit pill recipe?"

Yun Yunyue met his gaze evenly, understanding the subtle challenge. "Its value lies in its rarity and the potential benefits it brings to those who possess the skill to utilize it. However, its worth also depends on its authenticity and the resources required to implement it."

Wang Linyue’s smile widened, impressed by the measured response. "Wise words. Very well, let us discuss the details."

Unbeknownst to the group, a shadow watched from the corridor, concealed behind a decorative screen. Mu Zizhao had stationed himself nearby under Wang Linyue’s orders, ready to intervene should the situation take an unexpected turn.

His expression was grim as he listened to the exchange. Although Wang Linyue’s tone was friendly, Mu Zizhao knew his master’s darker intentions. The apparent generosity was a facade—if the Yun Clan revealed any sign of involvement in Daoist Kuang’s death, Wang Linyue would not hesitate to act.

"Let’s hope this meeting ends peacefully," Mu Zizhao murmured under his breath, though he doubted that would be the case.

Back in the study, the discussion continued as the tea cooled, each side probing the other for weaknesses and hidden agendas. The stage was set, but the players had yet to reveal their full hands.

The atmosphere in the study grew tense as Wang Linyue’s words settled. His voice, calm yet tinged with an undercurrent of accusation, filled the room like a coiled snake ready to strike.

Seated across from him, Yun Yunyue maintained a composed expression, though his thoughts raced. Beside him, Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian exchanged a brief glance, both alert and guarded.

"I see," Yun Yunyue said slowly, his tone even. "It’s unfortunate to hear about your friend’s demise. However, I assure you, Wang Brother, that my clan has no involvement in such a matter."

Wang Linyue’s sharp gaze lingered on Yun Yunyue. "No involvement, you say? And yet, the artifact tied to my friend’s life ended up in your clan’s possession. Don’t you find that... peculiar?"

Yun Yunyue met his gaze without flinching. "Peculiar, perhaps. But as I mentioned, the whisk was found by one of my clan members during a routine journey through the wilderness. We had no knowledge of its previous owner."

The tension in the room thickened, the weight of unspoken accusations hanging in the air.

"I am a straightforward man, Yun Brother," Wang Linyue said, leaning back slightly. "Let us not dance around the matter. My friend, Daoist Kuang, was no ordinary figure. For his prized possession to end up in your hands, there are two possibilities."

He raised one finger. "First, he truly did lose it, and your clan found it through sheer chance—a possibility I find exceedingly slim."

He raised a second finger. "Second, your clan was involved, directly or indirectly, in his death. As much as I respect the budding reputation of the Yuncang Yun Clan, you must understand that I cannot simply overlook such a possibility."

Yun Yunyue’s eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained calm. "Wang Brother, are you accusing my clan of murder?"

Wang Linyue raised his hands in a placating gesture, his smile sharp. "Not an accusation, merely a desire for clarity. If my suspicions are misplaced, then I will gladly offer my apologies and the spirit pill recipe as compensation for your trouble. However, if there is truth to them, I must seek justice for my fallen friend."

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Yun Yanshuang tightened her grip on her jade bracelet, her other hand resting lightly on the hilt of her peachwood sword. Yun Yantian’s posture, though outwardly relaxed, shifted ever so slightly, his hand subtly inching toward his short spear.

Yun Yunyue finally broke the silence, his voice steady. "Wang Brother, my clan operates with integrity. We harbor no malice toward your late friend, nor do we wish to sully relations with the esteemed Yulin Wang Clan."

He leaned forward slightly. "If you require proof of my clan’s innocence, let us seek out a neutral party—a respected elder or a cultivator of standing—who can divine the truth of this matter."

Wang Linyue’s expression flickered, caught between skepticism and consideration. "A neutral party, you say?"

"Yes," Yun Yunyue replied firmly. "Someone impartial, whose judgment neither of us can dispute. After all, baseless conflict benefits no one."

Wang Linyue stroked his beard thoughtfully. Beside him, Mu Zizhao watched the exchange with a neutral expression, though his hand rested on the hilt of his sword.

Finally, Wang Linyue nodded. "Very well. If your clan is indeed blameless, then I have no quarrel with you. But if evidence surfaces that ties your clan to my friend’s death…"

His voice dropped, cold and sharp. "…there will be consequences."

Yun Yunyue inclined his head slightly. "Agreed."

The atmosphere remained tense as Wang Linyue gestured for the steward to escort the guests out. Yun Yunyue rose smoothly, his younger companions following suit, their eyes keenly observing every movement in the room.

As they exited the grand estate, the morning sun filtering through the trees, Yun Yunyue turned to his niece and nephew.

"Stay vigilant," he said quietly. "This matter is far from over."

Yun Yanshuang and Yun Yantian nodded, their expressions serious.

Unknown to the group, Mu Zizhao watched from the shadows, his eyes narrowing. "Neutral party or not," he murmured under his breath, "I will uncover the truth... one way or another."