The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace

Chapter 111 - 111: Only Self-Strengthening

"Indeed, strength commands respect. This has always been the unchanging truth of the world," Yun Yunrui sighed as they made their way back to the village, reflecting on the Wang family's drastically different attitude toward the Yun clan that day.

"It's all thanks to the Daoist elder. Without his intervention, we wouldn't have known how to handle the Yulin Wang clan's oppression," Yun Yunyang replied softly.

"That's true," Yunrui agreed. Over the past few days, the Yun clan elders had wracked their brains trying to come up with a solution to the Wang clan's demands for Yanshuang's hand in marriage. None of their plans seemed viable, leaving them anxious and restless.

"However, we can't always rely on the elder," Yunyang said, clasping his hands behind his back as his gaze wandered over the bustling lives of the villagers. He watched as the younger generation, carefree and full of laughter, ran through the village under their protection.

"Only by becoming strong ourselves can we avoid being bullied, insulted, or coerced," he continued, his voice resolute.

Beside him, Yunrui looked at the children playing happily and nodded with newfound determination. "Exactly. Strength is the only way."

"Our Yun family still has a long road ahead," Yunyang said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "The borders of Yue Country will never be the limit of our ambition."

"By the way, Brother Yunyang, are you really planning to attend the Wang family's ceremony in a few days?" Yunrui asked.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I go? The Wang clan's ancestor personally came to invite us. Not attending would be a slap in their face."

"True enough," Yunrui admitted, nodding.

"Who will accompany you?" he asked after a pause.

"Yanshuang and Tian'er will join me," Yunyang replied. "They are the strongest Spirit Root cultivators in our family. The ceremony will attract cultivators from across Yue Country, including possibly the three great families. It will be a good opportunity for Yanshuang and Tian'er to meet peers, broaden their horizons, and establish connections."

The ceremony, as Yunyang saw it, was similar to the tea gatherings of mortal merchants—a chance to network and gain insight into the competition.

"Oh, and another thing," Yunyang added, "take this deed and a team of people to the cultivation market to formally take over the shop the Wang family gifted us. Make sure it's well-managed. From now on, all the black obsidian we mine, the spiritual rice we harvest, and the spiritual artifacts Yanshuang refines will be sold directly through the shop. There's no need to go through the Wang family anymore."

"Who will manage the shop? Do you have someone in mind?" Yunrui asked.

"Second Brother is busy training the clan soldiers and managing the obsidian mines in Yunshan. Third Brother oversees the spiritual springs, fields, and harvests on the back mountain. Fourth Brother is handling the weapons workshop, and you're helping me with clan affairs. Cousin Yunxun is immersed in his alchemy re

"That's right! What do you think, Brother?" Yanshuang replied with a cheerful smile as she presented the furnace.

"It's decent quality and looks great. But isn't it a bit… small?" Yanshui teased.

"I couldn't help it! I didn't have enough Greenwater Essence, so I could only make a small one. But it doesn't matter—it works just fine for alchemy. Once I can get more Greenwater Essence, I'll craft a larger and better one," Yanshuang said confidently.

"That's fair enough. The family's resources are better than they used to be, but still limited. Having a functional furnace is already quite fortunate," Yanshui admitted. "So, when are you planning to start refining pills?"

"After I return from the Wang family's ceremony with Uncle and Yantian," Yanshuang replied.

"You're going to the Wang family?" Yanshui's brows furrowed in concern.

"Don't worry. The Wang family won't dare harm me. Uncle said their ancestor personally came to apologize today!" Yanshuang said with a playful grin.

"Huh?" Yanshui was stunned.

"Hehe! It's thanks to my master!" Yanshuang giggled.

"Your master has such influence?" Yanshui asked in astonishment.