The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 169: Life in All Its Forms

"How does the Seventh Princess even know someone from the Yuncang Yun Clan?"

"No idea."

"Not only that, but it seems the Seventh Princess and that Yun scion share mutual affection."

"Moreover, the Emperor seems fully aware and entirely unbothered by it."

"There’s definitely more to this than meets the eye. The implications are... significant."

Throughout the banquet, various clan scions and elders exchanged whispers, their gazes occasionally darting toward Yun Yantian and Baili Moxue.

These were seasoned individuals, their cunning honed through years of navigating power and intrigue. How could they not notice the subtle yet undeniable bond between Yun Yantian and Baili Moxue?

Envy and jealousy simmered among many of the young scions.

If the Yuncang Yun Clan became connected to the royal family through marriage, it would undoubtedly receive the Emperor’s favor and rise to unprecedented heights.

"The Yuncang Yun Clan—a relatively obscure cultivation family—has somehow captured the Emperor’s attention to the point of arranging a marriage with the Seventh Princess.

What could the Emperor possibly be thinking?"

Lu Shanglin muttered to himself, his expression sour as he sipped his spirit wine, his gaze flitting between Yun Yantian and Baili Moxue.

"The Yuncang Yun Clan isn’t as insignificant as it appears. In just seven years, two of their scions have risen to prominence. Most notably, Yun Yanshuang has reportedly comprehended Sword Intent.

She even defeated Wang Lijiao from the Wang Clan with ease, using Sword Intent, at a Yun marketplace," Ye Xiaolin said with a faint smile, a mix of astonishment and respect evident in his tone.

"Comprehended Sword Intent? It seems that clan isn’t to be underestimated," Lin Tiansheng remarked, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword as he observed Yun Yanshuang laughing and playing with Yun Yanshui.

A spark of interest lit his eyes—he was eager to test the Sword Intent that had defeated Wang Lijiao.

"I heard Wang Lijiao was killed recently," Lu Shanglin said abruptly.

"Yes."

"Has the Wang Clan found out who did it?"

"No. They’ve uncovered nothing. The Wang Clan has suffered a rare humiliation," Ye Xiaolin replied with a cold smile.

"Ha! Excellent! I don’t know who did it, but anyone who eliminates a talented Wang scion and leaves the Wang Clan to swallow their pride deserves recognition.

If I ever meet the person who killed Wang Lijiao, I’ll gladly share a drink with them."

The thought of the Wang Clan being unable to trace the culprit filled Lu Shanglin with satisfaction.

The frustration he had endured days ago at the ruins of the Danding Sect—watching Wang Liyuan walk away safely under the protection of Xia Changqing and the six allied clans—evaporated entirely.

"Whoever it was won’t reveal themselves easily. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have assassinated Wang Lijiao in the first place.

It’s clear they must have a personal grudge against him but fear facing the Yulin Wang Clan directly," Ye Xiaolin surmised.

"Xiaolin, are we going to act against Wang Liyuan this time?" Lu Shanglin’s eyes gleamed sharply. Compared to the minor Yuncang Yun Clan, the Wang Clan remained their true rival.

For years, the three great clans had sought to topple the Wang Clan, determined not to let it rise above them—especially not above his own Chuanyin Lu Clan.

The Wang Clan’s current foundation was already on par with that of the Chuanyin Lu Clan. If left unchecked, it was only a matter of time before the Wang Clan surpassed them entirely.

"We’ll make our move," Ye Xiaolin said with a faint smile.

The failed attempt to eliminate Wang Liyuan at the ruins of the Danding Sect still rankled him.

But since then, rumors suggested that the Wang Clan’s alliance with the other six clans was deteriorating.

If the allied clans’ scions acted independently during the mountain excursion, Wang Liyuan would lose any support. That would present a golden opportunity for the three great clans to strike and end his life.

"Ha! This time, we’ll make sure Wang Liyuan doesn’t leave that mountain alive," Lu Shanglin said, downing his spirit wine with a dark glint in his eyes. His gaze shifted toward Wang Liyuan, seated at another table, calmly sipping his wine.

Though he felt Lu Shanglin’s piercing stare, Wang Liyuan remained unfazed.

However, the tension among his companions—Wang Lizhu, Wang Lilong, and other Wang Clan scions—was palpable.

They all knew that once they entered the mountain, another bloody clash with the younger generation of the three great clans was inevitable.

"Congratulations, Sister, on finding such an excellent match!"

A regal woman dressed in a flowing blue palace gown, accompanied by a group of attendants, approached the East Palace Consort with a smile.

"Congratulations, Sister, on securing such an excellent match."

"It’s all the Emperor’s doing. I didn’t approve it," the East Palace Consort replied coldly, her narrow eyes sweeping disdainfully over the woman beside her.

The visitor was the North Palace Consort, a frequent rival. Using her connection to the Lu Clan, one of the three great families, she often wielded her status to deliver subtle jabs.

Hmph! Just a lowly concubine-born member of the Chuanyin Lu Clan!

If not for bearing a dragon-blooded son with notable talent, how could she possibly stand as an equal to me or become the North Palace Consort?

"Sister, judging by your tone, you don’t seem too pleased with this match," the North Palace Consort said with feigned innocence.

"But what can you do? The Emperor personally approved it. Surely, Sister wouldn’t secretly interfere? If His Majesty were to find out, you might find yourself banished to the Cold Palace!"

She knew the East Palace Consort’s plan to marry Baili Moxue into the Yulin Wang Clan to strengthen ties between the Tongshan Xia Clan and the Wang Clan. It was a calculated move to better counter the three great families.

But fate had thwarted those ambitions, leaving her "Sister" bitterly disappointed.

As a rival in the imperial harem, the North Palace Consort would never pass up an opportunity to mock her.

"Have you said enough?"

The East Palace Consort’s delicate brows furrowed, her irritation growing.

If not for the Emperor’s presence and the many guests in attendance, she would have shown this "younger sister" no mercy.

"Sister, are you angry?"

"You should worry more about your son. Displaying such extraordinary talent among the princes and princesses is bound to provoke envy—and perhaps even peril."

"You needn’t concern yourself, Sister."

"Well, excuse me, Sister, I must go greet the other consorts," the North Palace Consort said with a sly smile before turning to leave.

"Oh, and Sister, there’s no need to trouble yourself over Moxue’s marriage. I’d be more than happy to assist you with it."

"You expect me to believe you?"

"Come now, Sister. You’ll see the results soon enough."

With a mysterious smile, the North Palace Consort departed, her entourage of attendants trailing behind.

On the imperial throne, Baili Xi observed the verbal sparring and subtle machinations among his consorts and the royal family. A sigh escaped his lips as he took in the endless scheming and rivalry.

But when his gaze fell upon his daughter, laughing and chatting with the three siblings of the Yuncang Yun Clan, a faint smile of relief crossed his face.

’If only Moxue’s marriage into the Yun Clan could allow her to live peacefully, free from the constant intrigue of the palace...’

The banquet offered a microcosm of human nature in all its forms.

Baili Xi witnessed it all, but amidst the currents of ambition and manipulation, the interactions among the Yuncang Yun Clan stood out as a refreshing contrast—simple, genuine, and free of pretense.

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Guard has opened the barrier to Wanlong Mountain as commanded," reported Eunuch Wei, shuffling into the Wanlong Hall and bowing respectfully.

At his words, the lively atmosphere of the hall quieted instantly, and all eyes turned to Baili Xi.

"I see," Baili Xi said, rising from his seat. His gaze swept over the gathered scions of the various clans.

"All clan scions under the age of twenty-five, leave the hall at once.

You will be guided by celestial cranes to the entrance of Wanlong Mountain.

Remember, you have only three days within the mountain. After three days, you must return.

The barrier will not open again for another ten years.

If you’re trapped inside, subjected to the onslaught of beasts and malevolent forces, whether you survive ten years will be uncertain."

His solemn words weighed heavily on the young cultivators.

"Go," Baili Moxue said softly, rising from her seat. Together with Yun Yantian and Yun Yanshuang, she left the hall.

The scions of the three great families, seven allied clans, and other factions followed suit, preparing to enter the mountain.

Even some of Baili Xi’s princes and princesses joined the exodus.

The allure of Wanlong Mountain’s legendary fortunes was irresistible, even to those born into the royal family and accustomed to abundant cultivation resources.

The mountain, ancient and shrouded in mystery, held countless untapped opportunities. Even for those of noble birth, its hidden treasures were a source of boundless envy and desire.

"So, it begins," muttered Baili Qingsun, standing at the rear of Wanlong Mountain. Having just opened the barrier, he watched as celestial cranes carried the scions of various clans toward the mountain’s entrance.

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Behind him stood ten elders.

Among them were three Foundation Establishment cultivators from the three great families and the patriarchs of the Wang Clan and the six allied clans.

"Let us see which among the young will claim the mountain’s fortunes this time," one elder said, his voice tinged with both curiosity and anticipation.