The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 52: Money and Goods

As the vibrant activity of the Yulin Market buzzed outside, the quiet interior of the Canglan Ye Clan’s shop provided a stark contrast. The group sat around a polished wooden table adorned with steaming tea and an assortment of delicately arranged pastries.

Yan Shui, ever the opportunist when it came to food, eagerly devoured the refreshments, his enthusiasm earning a mix of amusement and exasperation from his companions. "These pastries are really good," he mumbled through a mouthful. "The tea’s not bad either."

Yan Shuang shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You’re here to sell the dust whisk, not eat your weight in pastries."

Ignoring her jibe, Yan Shui turned to his uncle. "Second Uncle, this market is full of interesting things. Once we sell the whisk, can we take a look around? I saw a stall earlier with glowing stones. They might make a good keepsake."

Yan Yue, his expression measured and calm, sipped his tea before responding. "Our primary goal is to sell the whisk and secure a pill formula for your Uncle Yun Xun. The clan’s resources are limited, and our focus must remain on essentials. Anything else will have to wait until the clan is more financially stable."

Yan Shui sighed but nodded reluctantly. "I understand. Maybe next time."

On the second floor, the shopkeeper, an older man with sharp eyes and a meticulous demeanor, carefully examined the whisk. His fingers ran along the worn handle, tracing faint inscriptions that still radiated traces of spiritual energy. Despite its worn appearance, the whisk retained a faint aura indicative of its former quality.

The shopkeeper adjusted his glasses, his expression growing contemplative. "A lower-grade spiritual artifact... likely Yellow Rank, Grade One at its peak. However, it has degraded significantly over time. Its value now lies more in its historical curiosity than practical use."

He turned to the shop assistant. "Inform the guests that we are willing to offer five lower-grade spirit stones for this item. If they wish to negotiate, I am willing to entertain a reasonable counteroffer."

Back on the ground floor, the shop assistant returned, his steps brisk but respectful. Bowing slightly, he presented the offer. "Honored guests, our shopkeeper has appraised your artifact. Given its current state, we are prepared to offer five lower-grade spirit stones for it. If you find this unsatisfactory, we are open to further discussion."

Yan Yue exchanged a glance with Yan Shuang and Yan Tian, gauging their reactions. "What do you think?" he asked calmly.

Yan Tian leaned back, thoughtful. "For an item in such a degraded state, five stones isn’t unreasonable. However, we might be able to push for six, considering the whisk’s origins and the craftsmanship it once boasted."

Yan Yue nodded, turning to the assistant with a polite smile. "Your offer is appreciated, but given the artifact’s craftsmanship and the historical significance it holds, we believe six stones would be a more appropriate valuation."

The assistant hesitated, bowing slightly. "I will convey your request to the shopkeeper. Please allow me a moment."

As they waited, Yan Shui’s attention drifted to the bustling market visible through the shop’s window. His eyes lit up as he spotted a vendor displaying an array of colorful crystals that shimmered in the morning light. "Look at those," he whispered to Yan Shuang. "They’re glowing even in daylight. How do you think they do that?"

"Focus, Shui," Yan Shuang chided lightly, though she couldn’t help but glance at the vendor herself. "We’re here to do business, not shop."

Moments later, the assistant returned, a satisfied expression on his face. "Our shopkeeper has approved your counteroffer. Six lower-grade spirit stones for the artifact. Do we have a deal?"

Yan Yue smiled warmly. "We have a deal."

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With the transaction complete and the spirit stones safely tucked away, the group stepped back into the lively streets of the market. Yan Shui immediately turned to his uncle with a hopeful expression. "Now that we have the stones, can we at least take a look at that glowing crystal stall? Just to satisfy our curiosity?"

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Yan Yue chuckled, patting his nephew’s shoulder. "Alright, but remember—just looking. No impulse purchases."

With a triumphant grin, Yan Shui led the way, his excitement infectious. Yan Shuang and Yan Tian followed, their interest piqued as they navigated through the vibrant tapestry of the Yulin Market, each step offering new sights and possibilities.

The lively streets of Yulin Market faded into the background as the group made their way back toward the docks. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of the lake, mingled with the energy of countless vendors calling out their wares.

As they neared the docks, two men in azure robes stepped into their path. Both carried themselves with the deliberate calm of seasoned cultivators, their eyes sharp and probing. The taller of the two, with a square face and thick eyebrows, stepped forward. His voice was deep but measured.

"Greetings. I am Wang Linyue. Might I inquire how to address this esteemed gentleman?"

Yun Yunyue immediately paused, his instincts on alert. While the man’s tone was polite, his piercing gaze betrayed a deeper intent. Adjusting his expression into one of calm neutrality, Yunyue nodded courteously.

"Greetings, Brother Wang. I am Yun Yunyue, of the Yuncang Yun Clan. May I ask what business brings you to us?"

Wang Linyue’s sharp eyes flicked briefly to the Yun siblings, lingering momentarily on Yan Tian and Yan Shuang before settling back on Yunyue. "Ah, the famed Yun Clan—recently ascended to the ranks of cultivation families, if I am not mistaken. It is an honor to meet you."

The words, though complimentary, carried an undertone that put Yunyue on edge. "The honor is mine," Yunyue replied smoothly. "What might Brother Wang wish to discuss?"

The other cultivator, standing slightly behind Wang Linyue, crossed his arms, his expression less restrained. "Forgive our directness, but moments ago, we witnessed your transaction involving a certain dust whisk at the Canglan Ye shop. Might I inquire how this object came into your possession?"

Yun Shuang and Yan Tian exchanged a wary glance, sensing the tension building in the air. Yan Shui, less practiced in diplomacy, frowned openly. "Why? Is there a problem with the whisk?" he asked bluntly.

Wang Linyue’s companion took a half-step forward, his brows knitting together in a faint scowl. "The whisk, if I am correct, once belonged to an acquaintance of ours—Daoist. Its sudden appearance here, separated from its owner, raises certain... questions."

Yun Tian stepped forward to stand beside his uncle, his voice calm but firm. "With all due respect, we obtained the whisk fairly. Its former owner was a rogue cultivator who sought to harm innocents within our territory. If you wish to discuss the matter further, I suggest we do so without casting unnecessary suspicion on my family."

Wang Linyue raised a hand, signaling his companion to step back. "Peace, Brother Yun. My companion speaks hastily. It is not suspicion, but concern that compels us to ask. Daoist was... known to us, and hearing of his demise is troubling news. We only wish to confirm the circumstances."

Yunyue’s eyes narrowed slightly. "The circumstances are straightforward. Daoist preyed upon mortals and defied the laws of heaven. His actions left us no choice. If Brother Wang wishes for further details, I suggest we continue this discussion elsewhere—away from the public eye."

Wang Linyue inclined his head, acknowledging the point. "Fair enough, Brother Yun. You have my thanks for your candor. Please forgive any offense caused by our questions. We merely wished to ensure that justice was served."

As the two men stepped aside to allow them passage, Yun Tian leaned in close to Yun Yue. "Uncle, do you trust their words?"

Yunyue’s gaze remained fixed on the path ahead. "Not entirely. Keep your guard up. Men like these rarely approach without a hidden agenda."

Yan Shui, still watching the azure-robed cultivators from the corner of his eye, muttered under his breath, "They seemed awfully interested in something we were ready to sell for a handful of spirit stones. Makes you wonder how valuable it really was."

Yan Shuang placed a hand on her brother’s arm, her tone quiet but steady. "What’s done is done. Let’s not dwell on it. The important thing is that we got what we came for."

As they approached the docks, the rhythmic lapping of the lake’s waters filled the air, mingling with the hum of activity as boats prepared to ferry passengers back to the mainland. Despite the tension of the recent encounter, the siblings couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief as they boarded the waiting vessel, leaving the bustling market—and its myriad dangers—behind.