After He Shenglai finished speaking, he walked away to inspect spiritual plants elsewhere, leaving Yang Lingrui deep in thought.
After a long while, Yang Lingrui suddenly turned and glimpsed a figure lashing laboring cultivators with a steel whip.
It became clear that neither Li Qingwan’s nor Zi He’s earlier assumptions about He Shenglai’s motives had been correct.
The talk of "proving the Dao through killing" or "sharpening one’s blade" was merely a front.
He Shenglai’s true aim was to validate his own cultivation path through Yang Lingrui’s future achievements.
Simply put, the higher Yang Lingrui climbed, the more He Shenglai would benefit.
Unlike most who prioritized cultivation level or combat strength, the He Family heir cared more about whether his chosen path could endure.
For He Shenglai’s eventual success would determine if the He Family could challenge the Su Family’s legacy in the coming years.
Understanding this chain of cause and effect, Yang Lingrui sighed inwardly.
Among those he knew, only Yang Lingqing might rival the man’s strategic vision.
……
He Shenglai’s prediction proved accurate. Two days after their field conversation, a crimson-and-gold cloud ship landed at Song Mountain’s base.
Ten officials from the Zhuhu Dynasty arrived, led by Deputy Patrol Leader Xuan Zhou himself, bearing the precious Noble Family Order.
Forewarned by Gao Hui, the Yang Family had spent a frantic day preparing.
Yang Lingqing coordinated every detail flawlessly.
Old Yu returned from Sanglu Valley to oversee the main family, while Liu Zihao took his place at the valley.
With this decree, the Yang Family officially joined the ranks of the Zhuhu Dynasty’s noble houses.
The dynasty’s lavish gifts included: a small superior-quality spiritual crystal vein, an Early Stage Condensing Essence treasure building, and an open-ended land grant.
Four dynasty Condensing Essence cultivators embedded the crystal vein within Song Mountain for the Yang Family’s future use.
Following Yang Lingqing’s plans, the treasure building rose west of the Forbidden Area’s main courtyard.
The land grant sparked deeper discussion.
"Yang Master," Xuan Zhou explained in the new treasure building’s top-floor meeting hall, "this grant has no time limit. You may claim suitable lands later by presenting this document."
Yang Lingqing paused thoughtfully. "Master Xuan, could this grant secure lands from the Eastern Expedition territories?"
Appreciation flashed in Xuan Zhou’s eyes. "Certainly, though the campaign’s outcome remains uncertain. The wait could span years."
"That suits us well," Yang Lingqing replied. "Our foundation remains weaker than established families’. Rushing expansion could prove unwise."
Her measured response impressed Xuan Zhou. Most new noble houses greedily marked maps like overeager upstarts upon receiving such grants.
Only a few families maintained their composure, resisting temptations while keeping their eyes on long-term goals.
Since arriving at the Yang Family and speaking with Yang Lingqing, Xuan Zhou grew increasingly convinced their rise wasn’t accidental.
Contrary to outsiders’ belief, it wasn’t just because they’d produced a prodigy like Yang Lingrui.
Even without him—or if he’d been less remarkable—the Yang Family would still have risen under the leadership of their clear-sighted female cultivator.
Yang Lingrui’s achievements merely accelerated the process.
“Yang Master sees things clearly,”
Xuan Zhou remarked before producing a registry. “I heard your family received a recommendation letter from the He Family. Is this true?”
“It is.”
Yang Lingqing retrieved the letter and handed it over. “This came from Lord He Shenglai, intended for my clan brother Yang Lingrui to join the court. But as Lingrui had no interest in politics, it remained unused.”
After verifying its authenticity, Xuan Zhou said, “Yang Master, your family now has Yang Lingrui as its pillar and Yang Lingshu as a sect’s direct disciple. Yet none have entered the Zhuhu Dynasty’s court.”
Yang Lingqing sipped her tea calmly, then voiced concern. “But the letter names only Lingrui. Substituting another might breach protocol. Moreover, we lack experience in court affairs. The political path is treacherous—one misstep could shatter us.”
She’d understood the dynasty’s motives when they offered the Noble Family Order early. Though less valuable than the He Family’s patronage, this gesture still strengthened ties.
Xuan Zhou’s unspoken message was clear: the dynasty wanted Yang members in court to deepen their alliance.
While beneficial, Yang Lingqing couldn’t acquiesce blindly. Her kin could serve, but only with imperial guarantees—exemption from the Promotion Decree’s restrictions on cultivation and guidance from seasoned mentors to navigate bureaucratic pitfalls.
Xuan Zhou, shrewd in such negotiations, recognized her terms. The dynasty, prepared for the Yangs’ meteoric rise, had planned accordingly to avoid repeating the Li Family’s downfall.
“Set your mind at ease, Yang Master. My presence here signifies the dynasty’s pledge.”
He opened the registry to a page bearing his name with a blank space below. “I’ll personally mentor any Yang descendant entering court. While I can’t promise rapid advancement, I’ll ensure their path remains secure.”
“How thorough. My worries were unnecessary, Master Xuan.”
Yang Lingqing summoned Wu Tong, who soon escorted Yang Yuanliu in. The young man, brought to the mountains by Yang Lingqing himself, had reached the Second Level of Gathering Qi.
Though less favored than Yang Yuanhong, he’d received Yang Lingqing’s guidance. Sadly, his modest talent and lack of recognition from the Immortal Master’s spirit pearl limited his cultivation prospects.
Competent in minor tasks, his gentle nature hindered decisive leadership. Aware of being the least remarkable among the Yang Family’s five cultivators, he’d approached Yang Lingqing after Yang Lingrui departed for the border.
“Master, staying home to cultivate won’t let me contribute meaningfully. I wish to serve our family elsewhere.”
Yang Lingqing had agreed but awaited the right opportunity—now delivered by Xuan Zhou. Henceforth, Yang Yuanliu would study under Xuan Zhou at Chongtian City’s Immortal Patrol Office, finding his worth beyond cultivation.
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