Unstable Peace

After completing the circulation of energy, Wu Tong found it hard to believe that she had successfully guided Qi into her body, and stood stunned in place.

Elder Yu appeared soon after and told her that it was the result of her diligent hard work, which had opened the path of cultivation for her.

Learning that Elder Yu had been watching her, Wu Tong was deeply moved and bowed her thanks.

"If it weren't for the Yang Family, Wu Tong would likely be a corpse in the woods by now. Not only did they save my life, but I've also had the fortune to enter the path of cultivation. Such great kindness can never be forgotten!"

"I vow to do my utmost to serve the Yang Family in this life, no matter the cost!"

Elder Yu gently helped her up and encouraged her softly, "Having this intention is good. Your path is still long, take your time. Alright, hurry back and rest."

"Yes, Ancestor Yu!"

Wu Tong responded with a brilliant smile and skipped back to her room.

From that day on, her cultivation was still difficult, but it was no longer stagnant as it had been before.

Every small improvement was enough to fill her with joy.

With these two children's cultivation on the right track, the Yang Family entered another period of stable development that lasted for a year.

During this time, White Stone Town was rebuilt. With the Yang Family's help and operations, some of the residents from the South Bank returned to live in the town, bringing renewed vitality.

The shops on the Yang Family's three streets opened for business, booming and bringing in impressive revenue.

The four mines they managed were producing steadily, and the people below the mountain lived in peace and contentment, creating a scene of burgeoning prosperity.

On Mist Mountain...

Zhao Qi steadily advanced, opening twelve Qi Meridians and successfully condensing a Qi Mansion.

He became the first non-family cultivator in the Yang Family's history, apprenticed himself to Elder Yu, and learned a five-element sorcery, the Golden Light Technique.

Wu Tong had also opened four Qi Meridians and estimated that she would be able to condense a Qi Mansion in about two more years.

With Chen Yang's full assistance, Yang Lingrui's cultivation reached the peak of the Third Level of Qi Gathering, just one step away from the Qi Gathering Mid-stage.

He had been in seclusion for over a month to break through. Although it was only one level from three to four, it was actually a small stage transformation that could not be taken lightly.

Yang Lingqing's Qi Meridian injury on her left shoulder had long since healed, and her cultivation efficiency had improved by another half percent. Her realm had also easily broken through to the Third Level of Qi Gathering.

In the Yang Family's council hall.

Yang Lingqing sat at the head of the table, presiding over the family's affairs as usual, listening to the reports on various matters below.

Everyone in the Yang Family knew in their hearts that she was destined to be the future head of the family.

"We've received news from White Stone Town that due to the ongoing dynastic wars, rampant bandits have appeared within our borders, requiring increased vigilance."

Yang Xiaolei said, "A few days ago, a hunter discovered what appeared to be traces of bandits in the western forest and reported it back to the family."

Upon hearing of the bandits' presence, everyone below looked worried.

They had all heard the rumors about the bandits recently; it was said that these people were like mad dogs, committing all sorts of atrocities through burning, killing, and looting.

"The family has already dispatched an Immortal Master to investigate the situation with the bandits in the west, so there's no need to worry too much. For the next few days, try not to travel far unless absolutely necessary."

After reassuring everyone, Yang Lingqing looked at Yang Feiyun and said, "Father, issue my decree. From today onwards, the clan soldiers on the North Bank are to maintain constant vigilance day and night. Remind traveling merchant teams to avoid traveling at night, and inform all inns and restaurants that prices are not to be inflated during this period of banditry. The Yang Family's domain will not engage in opportunistic business. Also, send our family's weapons to the South Bank so they have the means for self-defense."

"Yes, as per Immortal Master Lingqing's decree!"

"There are no further matters for discussion today, you are all dismissed."

After everyone dispersed, Yang Feiyun sighed, "Alas... it's only been a year of peace, and now there's trouble again."

"You know how the world is, Father. Peaceful times never last long."

Yang Lingqing said, "Our family's situation is still quite good. We have enough people now, and we have cultivators to call upon. Ordinary banditry is not a major concern."

"Lingqing is right."

Yang Feiyun and Yang Lingqing agreed wholeheartedly. The Yang Family's current strength was sufficient for self-preservation, as long as it wasn't a catastrophe like a beast tide.

"The Tianyou and our Tiger Chasing Dynasties have always minded their own business, and it's been this way for so many years. Why are they fighting this time?" Yang Xiaolei asked, puzzled.

"All the world rushes about for profit; all the world struggles for gain."

Yang Lingqing stood up and said, "There are no conflicts or disputes in this world without reason. This war between the two countries is simply about vying for a piece of the spoils from the disintegration of the Eastern Desolation Dynasty."

The Tianyou Dynasty was to the north, and the Tiger Chasing Dynasty was to the south. The two countries bordered each other, and both faced the East Wilderness Dynasty to the east.

Not long ago, the Eastern Wasteland Dynasty had split due to internal strife, disintegrating into several smaller states.

This vast expanse of chaos was a breeding ground for all sorts of elements, and both the Tiger Chasing and Tianyou Dynasties wanted to gain some advantage from it, which led to friction and eventually war.

Both sides wanted to interfere with the other as much as possible to gain more benefits.

This resulted in a relaxation of control over the eastern borders of both countries, and the current bandits were entering the dynasties from that area.

The Yang Family was located in the eastern part of the dynasty, making the bandit problem even more severe.

"Hiss... is the Great East Wilderness truly gone?"

"A hundred years ago, before our Tiger Chasing Kingdom was even established as a dynasty, we were merely their vassals. I never expected that the East Wasteland would fall before us. Truly, fate plays cruel tricks."

The two Yang brothers let out sighs of lament.

After the meeting ended, Yang Lingqing returned to the forbidden area on the cliff and happened to meet Zhao Qi, who was returning.

He was referring to the "Immortal Master of the family" he mentioned earlier.

Zhao Qi, having successfully achieved Qi Gathering and cultivated Golden Light Technique, had become an important mobile combat force for the Yang Family.

He had spent time in the mountains with Elder Yu recently to temper his state of mind, and his overall demeanor had matured considerably.

"Greetings, Senior Sister Lingqing," Zhao Qi said, bowing.

Having now taken Elder Yu as his master, he addressed the cultivators of the Yang Family as fellow disciples.

"Thank you, Junior Brother Zhao. And who are these two?"

Yang Lingqing looked at the two half-dead bandits he was holding.

"A total of twenty-six bandits, all eliminated."

He placed the two in his hands on the ground. "These are the two leaders. I noticed they were somewhat different from the others, so I brought them back."

"Oh?"

Yang Lingqing reached out and took them, then released her divine sense to investigate. She frowned slightly.

The Qi Meridians at the crown of their heads were already awakened. This meant they had at least broken through eight Qi Meridians.

"These bandits actually have cultivation methods?"

Upon discovering this, Yang Lingqing immediately raised her guard.

If they were ordinary mountain bandits and highwaymen, it would be one thing, posing no substantial threat to the Yang Family.

But if cultivators were mixed in among them, the situation would become much more complicated.

"Junior Brother Zhao, I'll have to trouble you to go to White Stone Town again and report this matter to the Old Ancestor."

"Yes, Senior Sister Lingqing, I'll depart immediately."

Zhao Qi dared not delay and set off at once.

Yang Lingqing entered the main courtyard of the forbidden area. One of the stone chambers within was faintly emitting spiritual power fluctuations.

This was Yang Lingrui's place of secluded cultivation, personally built for him by Yang Guanfeng and Elder Yu.

"The situation here is already like this; I wonder how Linghu is doing over there."

Yang Lingqing sat on a meditation cushion, feeling some worry.

The remote mine to the north was far from the Yang Family and located at the border between two towns. She imagined the banditry there would be even more severe.

Currently, Elder Yu was guarding the family's mining operations, Yang Guanfeng had gone to White Stone Town on the Dynasty's orders, and Lingrui was in a critical period of breakthrough during his seclusion. She had to stay home to protect him and could not get away.

Otherwise, she would have definitely gone herself.

As she was worrying, a thought arrived, informing her that Yang Linghu was fine.

Yang Lingqing's eyes flickered, and she turned towards the ancestral hall to offer thanks. "Thank you, Immortal Venerable Spirit Stone, for your care."

Chen Yang now had the soul fires of five members of the Yang Family within him, allowing him to know their status.

"Linghu is safe for now. Looking at Lingrui's flame, it seems he's not far from breaking through. We'll get another substantial boost then," Chen Yang murmured to himself.

His own cultivation progress had not lagged. He was now only a quarter away from filling his spiritual power space again. Once he received the backlash from Yang Lingrui's breakthrough, he would be even closer.

If nothing unexpected happened, he would reach the Late Qi Gathering realm before the other members of the Yang Family.

But it was for the best. The stronger his own power, the better he could protect the Yang Family.