Chapter Thirty-Six: Gathering the Heart (Part One)

The old man nodded silently. He understood that after today’s conversation, Yun Yufeng was destined to be drawn into the ancient disputes from millions of years ago. Even without their intervention, Yun Yufeng would inevitably become involved—such was fate—but the meaning behind it all had now changed.

The old patriarch burst into hearty laughter, tears streaming down his face. “Back then, you were the hope of the clan. Sword in hand, you entered the Cloud Realm, challenging the mightiest of the younger generation, Cloud Ironclad. In the end, you narrowly lost, and out of shame, kept to the Scripture Pavilion for decades. We owe you much. Now, your grandson displays monstrous talent once more; the clan’s revival rests with your bloodline. Is this fortune or misfortune?”

The old man’s face remained expressionless as he spoke slowly, “A true man should journey the martial world with sword in hand, seeking justice and vengeance with passion. I won’t interfere with Yufeng’s choices, but whatever he decides, I will support him. I have little to offer, but with my broken body, I must stand as his pillar.”

“Feiyan, have you thought this through?” the patriarch asked, hesitating slightly.

“I will not meddle in clan affairs. However, if anyone manages to break through the fifth level of the Heart Technique, they may come to me.”

“Very well. Though none have achieved it yet, I believe it won’t be long. No one has ever dared to attempt the breakthrough alone, thus they hesitate and hold back.”

“Indeed. Keep Yufeng’s matters strictly secret. Let none of this be tied to him.”

“I have already considered this fully. Everything begins with me—I will take full responsibility.”

“Good. Perhaps the clan’s resurgence may begin from this very day.” Even as he spoke these resolute words, a trace of reluctance flickered between the old man’s brows.

“I will go and arrange everything now. I’ll take my leave.” The patriarch rose and prepared to depart.

The old man activated a portal, letting the patriarch out, then returned to his cushion, sitting cross-legged to cultivate. His breath drew in and released energy, and a gentle breeze stirred around him.

After leaving the Scripture Pavilion, Yun Yufeng returned straight to his small courtyard, remaining in his room as he scribbled away with pen and paper. Only today did he learn that the clan held many secrets, hidden from the world.

The Scripture Pavilion, for instance, was actually located beneath the mountain peak, and his grandfather, who had never appeared before, was truly an Imperial Lord. Yet even as an Imperial Lord, he remained confined to this remote corner—why? The teleportation array could only be constructed by an eighth-rank spatial archmage, and yet the clan possessed one, though it had long been in decline—why?

Yun Yufeng knew there were reasons for everything. But unless the patriarch spoke, no one would know. At least, he now understood that without sufficient strength, one could not access the core secrets. This was inevitable.

Since that was the case, he would uncover them step by step. Once he had the strength, there would be no more secrets kept from him.

The soft, continuous scratching of his pen echoed as sheet after sheet of paper was filled with dense writing and intricate diagrams. Time passed. Yun Yufeng would sometimes bow his head in thought, sometimes discard a page and start anew. Only when the cicadas sang faintly in the valley did he finally set down his pen, massaged his temples, gathered his drafts, and stepped outside. He lay down on a reclining chair beneath the shade of a tree in the courtyard, closed his eyes to rest, while Emerald Nong sat beside him, gently fanning with a woven fan.

As soon as the old patriarch returned, he issued commands. Yun Qinghe was to return immediately, and Yun Junyong, Yun Zhanfei, and Yun Yitian were summoned as well.

With a fluttering of wings, four carrier pigeons soared into the sky, each heading swiftly toward its destination.

“Pass down my orders: summon all the elders. There is an important announcement in the council hall,” the patriarch commanded briskly. The steward hurried to relay the message.

Soon, everyone assembled in the council hall. Once all were seated, the patriarch waved his hand, and attendants placed a jade wine cup before each elder.

The elders were puzzled; never before had wine been served at council meetings—only tea. Before anyone could speak, the patriarch dismissed all unrelated personnel with a wave, then personally took a wine jug and filled each elder’s cup. Instantly, a fragrant aroma filled the room; the wine’s color was alluring.

Some elders, known for their love of fine drink, could barely contain their excitement, their eyes fixed on the wine. Were it not for the patriarch’s presence, they would have downed the contents in an instant.

The old patriarch, pleased with their reaction, sat at the head of the table, gently tapping the tabletop. “Today, I happened upon a jug of exceptional wine and have invited you all to taste it. I’ve never encountered such a wine before; acquiring it so suddenly is a delight. Let us drink it together. Though the wine is rare, each of you has labored selflessly for the clan and is well deserving.”

At the far end, a round-eared elder spoke with a pained expression, “Patriarch, if this wine were auctioned, it might fetch an astronomical price. To simply drink it is such a waste.” Several elders beside him nodded in agreement.

The patriarch’s heart grew heavy at these words. These elders, having devoted their lives to the clan, could still resist such temptation—truly commendable. “I know your hearts well. For decades, I have led this clan through hardship after hardship—my efforts have not been enough.”

“Patriarch, you shouldn’t say such things. We all witness your dedication,” said Grand Elder Yun Feiying, rising to his feet.

The patriarch sighed, but his gaze suddenly cleared. “Today, I have called you here to let you taste this wine. What do you think of it?”

No one spoke; all knew well that a council meeting could not possibly be just about a cup of wine. Yet, this time, they were mistaken—it truly was just about the wine.

“Finish the wine before you, then share your thoughts on it.”

Those fond of drink could wait no longer. They raised their cups, sipping slowly, faces suffused with bliss as if transported to another realm.

After a moment, the most enthusiastic drinker spoke first. “Patriarch, in my experience, this wine is crystal clear, with a rich and mellow aroma—truly a top-tier vintage. Though it lacks the floral fragrance of the Hundred Blossom Brew and the special properties of certain medicinal wines, it possesses its own fiery strength. True men should drink such wine.”

Others joined in. “To my knowledge, the potency of this wine far surpasses anything currently on the market, and it would also reduce transport costs.”

“With wine like this, the clan will surely prosper.”

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