The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 40: A New Look

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"Fourth Uncle."

As Yun Yunshan entered the weapons workshop, he was greeted by his two nephews, Yun Yansong and Yun Yanbai.

"What are you two doing here?" Yun Yunshan asked, surprised.

"Sister Ling’er is overseeing the construction of the workshop, so we thought we’d come and help out," Yansong replied.

"You’re both too young to be doing hard labor here," Yun Yunshan said with a frown.

"It’s alright, Fourth Uncle," Yanbai said quickly. "We’re just assisting where we can, not doing anything too strenuous."

"Yeah, Sister Ling’er has been working tirelessly. We just wanted to do our part to help her. After all, everyone is contributing to the clan," Yansong added with a smile.

Hearing their earnest words, Yun Yunshan felt a surge of pride. He had watched these two boys grow up, and he remembered how they used to get into trouble as children, learning bad habits from their father, Yun Yunfeng. Their mischief had earned them a poor reputation in the estate.

But Yun Yunshan had always believed their core nature wasn’t bad—they just lacked proper guidance. For years, he had wanted to steer them in the right direction but had been unable to because of his brother’s interference.

It wasn’t until their eldest brother, Yun Yunyang, returned to the estate that Yansong and Yanbai began to change for the better under his influence.

"You’ve both done well. When the family prospers, we’ll make sure to find suitable matches for you—fine young women to continue your line and grow the Yun family," Yun Yunshan said with a warm smile, ruffling their hair affectionately.

"Hehe, Fourth Uncle, we’re still too young for marriage!" Yansong said, scratching his head awkwardly.

"At least four or five more years, right, Fourth Uncle?" Yanbai chimed in, laughing.

"By the way, where’s your father? Is he still out clearing new fields with the others?" Yun Yunshan asked.

"No, Father’s recovered enough to move around, so he came here to help with the workshop. He’s over there, carrying wooden posts," Yansong said, pointing toward the far side of the workshop.

Looking in the direction Yansong indicated, Yun Yunshan saw his third brother, Yun Yunfeng, hauling massive wooden beams alongside other clan members. The sight left him momentarily stunned.

He couldn’t believe his eyes—his brother, once notorious for being lazy and scheming, was now actively contributing to the clan’s efforts. Not only that, but Yunfeng seemed to be getting along well with the others.

"Hehe, surprised, aren’t you, Fourth Uncle?" Yansong asked, grinning.

"We were just as shocked when we saw him helping out after his recovery," Yanbai added. "But we’re really happy about the change."

After all, what son wouldn’t want to see their father turn over a new leaf and become someone they could be proud of?

"It is surprising," Yun Yunshan admitted, shaking his head with a wry smile. "It seems Big Brother’s punishment really got through to him."

"Father said the same," Yansong said with a laugh. "He told us that Big Uncle’s beating knocked some sense into him and warned us never to follow his example—unless we wanted to get whipped in front of everyone too!"

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"Haha! That does sound like something Third Brother would say," Yun Yunshan said, laughing heartily. "Alright, you two get back to work. I’ll go have a word with your father."

"Okay, Fourth Uncle!" Yansong and Yanbai replied in unison, scampering off to help their uncles and cousins.

"Third Brother," Yun Yunshan called as he approached Yun Yunfeng, who was still carrying wooden posts.

"Fourth Brother, what brings you here?" Yunfeng asked, setting down his load and wiping his hands.

"I’m here to help monitor the workshop’s progress since Ling’er has been overworking herself," Yunshan explained.

"Ah, I see," Yunfeng said, nodding in understanding.

"I spoke to Yansong and Yanbai earlier. They told me about the changes you’ve made recently. Honestly, Third Brother, I’m impressed," Yunshan said with a smile.

"Come on, don’t flatter me," Yunfeng replied, waving a dismissive hand. "After getting publicly whipped by Big Brother, I’d have to be a fool to keep messing around. Who knows what he’d do to me next if I didn’t shape up?"

Yunfeng handed his brother a bamboo tube filled with fresh water. "Here, have a drink."

"Thanks," Yun Yunshan said as he accepted the bamboo tube.

"No need for thanks between brothers," Yun Yunfeng replied with a grin, taking another bamboo tube for himself. He gulped down the water and used the cloth on his shoulder to wipe the sweat off his face.

"About the… uh… injuries on your backside…"

"Don’t bring that up!" Yun Yunfeng interrupted, pointing at his younger brother with mock severity. "That’s ancient history. I’m fine now, so let it go!"

"Alright, alright, I won’t mention it again," Yunshan said, laughing.

After a brief pause, Yunfeng grew more serious. "Looking back, I really was out of line back then."

His tone softened as he continued, "The family is in a crucial phase of development now. Big Brother, Second Brother, you, and so many others are working tirelessly for the clan’s future, while I was just lazing around and causing trouble.

"If it weren’t for that beating from Big Brother, I’d probably still be the same useless fool."

"No father wants to set a bad example for his sons. I just didn’t think about that when I was younger," Yunfeng said with a sigh. "But now, seeing how Yansong and Yanbai have turned their lives around under Big Brother’s guidance, I’ve come to realize the importance of being a good role model."

"I’m glad you’ve come to understand this, Third Brother," Yunshan said, smiling warmly. "I’m sure Big Brother and Second Brother would be just as happy to hear it."

"Let’s keep it between us," Yunfeng said, waving his hand dismissively. "Big Brother and Second Brother are busy enough with clan matters. I don’t want them worrying about me."

"By the way, you seem to have a good relationship with the blind Daoist Elder," Yunfeng added casually.

"We get along well enough. Why do you ask?" Yunshan replied.

"If you see him again, help me apologize. I was rude to him in the past," Yunfeng admitted.

"Why not go and apologize yourself?" Yunshan asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You know what I’m like! You think I’d walk up to someone and apologize?" Yunfeng retorted, sounding half-annoyed, half-embarrassed.

Yunshan chuckled, shaking his head. He knew his brother too well. Yunfeng’s pride made it nearly impossible for him to offer direct apologies.

"Fine. I’ll pass your words along. Knowing the Daoist Elder, he likely hasn’t taken your earlier behavior to heart," Yunshan assured him.

"Thanks, Fourth Brother," Yunfeng said with a smile. "Alright, I’d better get back to work. The workshop is almost finished."

Feeling a sense of relief after their conversation, Yunfeng headed back to help the others with the construction.

"Big Brother really is the only one who can keep Third Brother in line," Yunshan murmured to himself, watching Yunfeng walk away. With a shake of his head and a soft chuckle, he turned his attention to the workshop.

Inside, Yunshan met with the craftsmen and requested that a specialized artifact crafting chamber be added to the workshop before its completion. He had his son Yanshui in mind, knowing the boy would need a proper space to hone his skills.

In the cellar, Yun Yanshui was deep in study.

"With spiritual energy as the fuel, one can ignite ordinary flames to refine spirit stones and fuse them with base metals, thereby transforming them into spiritual iron…" Yanshui murmured as he transcribed notes from Hundred Essentials of Artifact Crafting. The concepts etched themselves into his memory.

"Once I’ve found the right place, I’ll give it a try. But it definitely can’t be in Father’s shed—too many uncles and elders passing by might see," he mused.

"Yanshui," came his father’s voice.

"Father," Yanshui greeted, looking up.

"Time to eat," Yunshan said, placing a tray of food on the table. His gaze softened as he noticed how close his son was to finishing the transcription of Hundred Essentials of Artifact Crafting, with only Compendium of All Spiritual Mines left to copy.

"Father, I’ve already figured out how to refine spirit stones and fuse them with base metals to improve their quality," Yanshui said with a grin. "The only problem is, I don’t have a dedicated place to practice artifact crafting."

"Your sister Ling’er has been overseeing the construction of a weapons workshop outside the estate. I visited it today and made sure the craftsmen included a special artifact crafting chamber," Yunshan said with a knowing smile.

"Wow! I didn’t expect you to think of everything, Father!" Yanshui exclaimed, his face lighting up.

"Alright, enough chatter. Eat your food," Yunshan said, smiling as he sat down beside his son.