"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.
This content is taken from freёwebnovel.com.
"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 research," Yunyang said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "This shop is critical to our family’s growth and needs someone capable to oversee it—someone skilled in commerce."
"How about Ling’er? She and her husband can manage it together," Yunrui suggested with a laugh.
"Haha! That’s exactly what I was thinking," Yunyang said. "Over the years, Ling’er and Qin Zhan have expanded the family’s textile and tea businesses significantly. Both of us have seen their success firsthand. Ling’er has been learning business from me since she was a child, and Qin Zhan, coming from the wealthiest family in Yun Cang County, is well-versed in commerce. They are the perfect duo to manage our first shop in the cultivation market."
"Then I’ll summon Ling’er and Zhan’er back so you can explain everything to them," Yunrui said.
"Do it as soon as possible," Yunyang said with a nod.
The sun hung low on the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues of red and orange as evening descended. Beneath the glow of the sunset, a carriage rolled slowly into the Yun family village.
From within the carriage, a graceful woman stepped out, dressed in a flowing blue gown that exuded elegance. She was accompanied by a handsome young man clad in fine robes.
It had been five years.
Yun Yanling had grown even more beautiful and captivating over time. Her maturity lent her an air of refined charm, making her seem like a living masterpiece under the setting sun.
The young man, Qin Zhan, had also matured. The years had sharpened his once-youthful features into something more striking and robust. His handsome face, chiseled like a sculpture, radiated the calm confidence of a man who had found his footing.
"It’s been years since I last returned. The family has changed so much," Yanling said with a soft smile as she took in the familiar yet transformed Yun family village.
For years, she and Qin Zhan had traveled far and wide, tirelessly working to expand the market for the Yun family’s textiles and tea throughout Yue Country. Their efforts had brought significant wealth to the clan, though it had meant they seldom returned home.
"Indeed," Qin Zhan said softly, wrapping his arm around his wife’s shoulder with a warm smile.
"I wonder why Father suddenly summoned us back," Yun Yanling said curiously.
"You’ll find out when we meet him," Qin Zhan replied with a smile as he led Yanling toward her father’s house.
"Father."
"Papa!"
The moment they stepped into the courtyard, Qin Zhan and Yun Yanling greeted Yun Yunyang, who was sipping tea while supervising Yun Wenxuan’s writing practice.
"You’re finally back. Come, have a seat," Yunyang said warmly, gesturing for them to sit.
"Papa! Mama!" Wenxuan shouted joyfully upon seeing his parents. He made to drop his brush and run toward them for a big hug.
"Finish the work Mr. Yu assigned you first. No playing until it’s done," Yunyang said sternly, his expression turning serious as he reprimanded his grandson.
"Alright… I understand," Wenxuan replied sulkily. He returned to the stone table and reluctantly resumed copying scripture.
"Father-in-law, is there a particular reason you’ve called us back?" Qin Zhan asked respectfully as he took a seat next to Yunyang.
Yanling, meanwhile, sat beside her son, asking about his recent activities and personally supervising his studies.
"The family has acquired a shop in the cultivation market. We plan to use it to sell the obsidian we mine, the spiritual rice and herbs harvested from the fields, and the spiritual artifacts Yanshuang has been refining. This shop is critical for our family’s development, so I need you and Ling’er to manage it. The two of you are the most suitable, given your expertise in commerce. I’m confident that with your skills, the shop will thrive," Yunyang explained.
"I see," Qin Zhan said with a nod of understanding.
"Father, if Qin Zhan and I go to manage the shop, who will oversee the family’s textile and tea businesses?" Yanling asked.
"The family will select appropriate personnel to take over your current responsibilities," Yunyang replied. Read exclusive chapters at freewebnovel
"For now, stay home for a few days and spend time with Wenxuan. Once the shop in the cultivation market is ready and all the goods are prepared for sale, you two can set off."
"Understood," Qin Zhan and Yanling replied in unison.
Under the shade of a tree in the courtyard, Yun Yanshuang held a small alchemy furnace in her hands. Its surface was a vibrant greenish-blue, with three legs, two handles, and intricate engravings of birds, fish, and insects. The exquisite craftsmanship made it a striking piece.
"This is the alchemy furnace you made?" Yun Yanshui asked, inspecting the furnace with an intrigued expression.
"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.