The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 41 Don’t Let Me Down

YunYanshui had confined himself to the cellar for several days.

During this time, he meticulously transcribed Hundred Essentials of Artifact Crafting and Compendium of All Spiritual Mines into new volumes, carefully storing the copies for his own reference. Meanwhile, his father took the original texts to the newly constructed family library, a symbol of the clan’s budding legacy.

For days, Yanshui immersed himself in the knowledge contained within those pages, committing the details to memory. It was a discipline and focus that would have been unthinkable for his past self, who could never sit still for so long, let alone spend days studying.

Perhaps it was the transformation brought about by his cultivation. His mindset had changed, becoming calmer and more resolute. Not even the playful invitations from YunYandong and the other children—urging him to join them for fishing trips to the Li Zhai Gorge—could tempt him to leave the cellar.

Of note was the state of his dantian. The spiritual energy within had once again reached its peak, brimming to the point of overflow, signaling an impending breakthrough to the fourth layer of the Breath Embryo Realm. Through his spiritual imprint, Yanshui sensed his younger sister’s cultivation progressing rapidly, while his cousin Yantian had recently stabilized at the third layer.

"You’ve been down here all this time?" YunYunshan asked, stepping into the cellar. His eyes softened as he saw his son hunched over a book, completely engrossed.

He couldn’t remember ever seeing Yanshui so calm and focused before.

"Yes, Father," Yanshui replied, looking up briefly. "I’m reviewing the intricate steps of artifact crafting. There’s no room for error—any mistake, no matter how small, could lead to failure.

"And if that happens, the eight lower-grade spirit stones I’ve set aside will be wasted. I can’t afford any missteps," he said seriously.

"I see," Yunshan said with a nod. "First, eat something. Your mother sent some fruit for you too."

"She’s the best!" Yanshui grinned, immediately digging into the food. His mother had prepared all his favorites—braised chicken with mushrooms, spirit rice and shrimp porridge, and fragrant twice-cooked pork. The aroma alone was enough to make his mouth water.

"Slow down, or you’ll choke," Yunshan said, shaking his head with a wry smile.

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"How’s the weapons workshop coming along, Father?" Yanshui asked between bites, his curiosity piqued.

"It’s nearly finished," Yunshan replied. "The private crafting chamber I had built for you is also complete, stocked with various ironworking tools. I’m just not sure if they’ll be sturdy enough to handle spirit-infused iron."

"As long as it’s ready, that’s all that matters. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the workshop and begin my first attempt at crafting," Yanshui declared.

"So soon?" Yunshan asked, surprised.

"I’ve already memorized the key steps from Hundred Essentials of Artifact Crafting," Yanshui explained. "Crafting takes a lot of time. It will take at least two months to create a spiritual bow and arrows. My goal is to finish before the clan’s New Year festival."

"Then I’ll make the necessary preparations to ensure no one discovers your work—or your identity as a cultivator," Yunshan said with a nod. Once Yanshui had finished his meal, Yunshan took the empty dishes and left the cellar.

At the base of Yunzhang Mountain, YunYanling stood atop a small hill, her white dress flowing gently in the breeze as she gazed down at the Yunfamily estate.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of her father, YunYunyang, and the clan’s core members, the estate had undergone a remarkable transformation. What was once a dilapidated village of thatched roofs and crumbling homes had been rebuilt into a stately compound befitting a noble lineage.

The newly constructed library towered over the estate, a repository for the clan’s growing collection of knowledge. Nearby, the treasure house stood ready to store the family’s cultivation resources—though it currently lay empty, awaiting the fruits of the clan’s future prosperity.

Looking down at the estate, nearly unrecognizable from its humble beginnings, Yanling’s lips curled into a smile. "I never thought our family would come this far."

"It’s only the beginning," came a calm voice from beside her.

A young man stepped forward, a faint smile on his lips as he gently wrapped an arm around her waist. His features were sharp and elegant, his eyes brimming with quiet confidence. Though only fifteen, he carried himself with a poise and maturity beyond his years.

This was Qin Zhan, son of Qin Yang, the wealthiest merchant in Yunzhang County. From a young age, Qin Zhan had shown extraordinary intelligence, learning the intricacies of business from his father and becoming skilled in social diplomacy. He was well-connected, familiar with the children of nearly every prominent family in the county.

Yet, despite his affluent background, Qin Zhan was neither arrogant nor domineering. His humility and kindness set him apart, making him the pride of his family.

Unlike many heirs of wealthy families, Qin Zhan was known for his humility and kindness. He treated others with respect, honored his elders, and conducted himself with a maturity that set him apart. Among Qin Yang’s three sons, he was undoubtedly the most admired and cherished.

During YunYunyang’s early days as a small-scale cloth merchant, he had crossed paths with Qin Yang on numerous occasions. Despite the disparity in their wealth, Qin Yang had always treated Yunyang as an equal, even fostering a warm friendship. Naturally, Qin Zhan had followed his father’s example, always addressing YunYunyang respectfully as "Uncle Yunyang."

As a child, YunYanling had encountered Qin Zhan during one of her father’s trips to Yunzhang County. Back then, Qin Zhan was a figure of admiration, surrounded by adoring crowds. Many of the county’s wealthiest young women sought his favor, and Yanling couldn’t help but be drawn to him as well.

However, her feelings remained hidden. At the time, her family’s humble status left her feeling unworthy of his attention. She buried her admiration deep within her heart, never daring to express it.

She had resigned herself to the idea that their paths would never cross again. Yet, to her surprise, her father had noticed her feelings for Qin Zhan years ago. When the Yunfamily ascended to the status of a cultivation clan, Yunyang began making quiet arrangements to bring Qin Zhan into their family as a son-in-law.

"Are you truly willing to marry into my family?" Yanling asked softly, resting her head on Qin Zhan’s shoulder. The entire situation still felt like a dream.

Two days ago, her parents had met with Qin Yang and his wife to finalize the marriage arrangement. To her astonishment, Qin Zhan had not only agreed but had shown genuine eagerness to formalize their union.

She had always known Qin Zhan held feelings for her. Yet, her insecurities had kept her from accepting his affections, fearing her family’s status at the time would never win the approval of his parents.

Now, with the families officially joined, she could hardly believe it was real.

"My dowry has already been delivered. What do you think?" Qin Zhan teased, his playful smile lighting up his face. "I only ask that you don’t let me down."

"If you treat me well, how could I ever let you down?" Yanling replied with a warm smile of her own.

"In a few days, we’ll be married. Let me take you to meet my uncles and the rest of the clan," he said.

"You should have done that long ago!" Yanling said with mock indignation. "All this time, you’ve kept me to yourself, showing me the countryside but never introducing me to anyone."

Qin Zhan chuckled, taking her hand in his. Together, they walked down the hill, their shadows stretching long under the golden rays of the setting sun, merging into one on the ground.

"I heard Sister Ling’er got engaged?" YunYanshuang asked curiously during dinner, her gaze fixed on her father.

"Yes, to Qin Zhan, the son of the wealthiest merchant in Yunzhang County," Yunshan replied with a smile. "Two days ago, your uncle met with Qin Yang. As it turns out, Ling’er and Qin Zhan knew each other as children and already had mutual feelings for one another. The arrangement was made swiftly."

"The son of a wealthy merchant?" Yanshui chimed in skeptically, setting down his chopsticks. "Father, are we sure this Qin Zhan isn’t just another spoiled rich kid? The wealthier they are, the more trouble they seem to stir. I’ve heard plenty of stories from the uncles—about rich young masters frequenting brothels under the guise of listening to music. Who knows what they’re really doing?"

"Watch your mouth, you brat!" Yunshan scolded with a laugh. "You don’t trust Ling’er’s judgment? Or your uncle’s?"

"Fair point," Yanshui admitted sheepishly. "Uncle’s been around long enough to spot a good man. If he approved of Qin Zhan, the guy’s probably decent."

"Even if he weren’t," Yunshan added, his tone firm, "our family is not what it used to be. Compared to the Yunfamily, Qin Zhan’s background is nothing. If he dares mistreat Ling’er, your uncle, your second uncle, and I won’t let him get away with it."

Yanshui grinned, his earlier worries melting away. "I guess I was just overthinking things!"

Indeed, the thought of Qin Zhan acting out against Ling’er seemed laughable now. The Yunfamily’s newfound prestige was leagues beyond what it had been, leaving no room for someone like Qin Zhan to take them lightly.