Chapter Forty-Four: The Visit of the Man in Black

In the courtyard of Yun Yexiang, stone dust whirled through the air as intense fluctuations of battle energy surged and clashed, shattering rocks one after another. After a long while, the commotion finally subsided. Yun Yexiang, clad in blue, was covered in a thin layer of stone powder, drawn to his garments as he absorbed energy.

He walked to the last seemingly intact stone, drew his sword, and split it open. The heart of the stone was riddled with dense cracks. Gazing at the stone before him, Yun Yexiang broke into a radiant smile. After a week, he had finally grasped the method. Its power was beyond expectation; before fully understanding it, this was undoubtedly a hidden ace—formless and elusive, impossible to trace.

Yun Yexiang pondered. The day by the lake, when the stone heart turned to powder, seemed to mark his first insight. Could it be that the technique he practiced happened to enhance this power? Yet, it made sense; creating or improving a technique was no simple task. Though this was merely an improvement in the use of battle energy, perhaps it was time to visit the Scripture Hall.

As he was thinking, a guard arrived to deliver a message: "Young Master Yun Yexiang, the Grand Elder requests your presence."

He dusted off his robe and, with a burst of energy, his blue attire was spotless once again. He replied casually, "Lead the way. I happen to have something to discuss with Grandfather."

"Yes, Young Master."

He arrived at Yun Feiying's study. The elder, with a hooked nose, sharp features, and piercing gaze, sat at the head of the table. Yun Yexiang lowered his eyes and stood quietly at the corner.

"Enough of that. Do you really think I know nothing? I can weigh your worth quite clearly. Fetch a stool and sit," Yun Feiying looked at his seemingly obedient grandson, nearly bemused to laughter.

Yun Yexiang smiled brightly, "Grandfather truly knows how to care for his grandson."

"Save the pleasantries. I called you to ask a few questions."

"Yes, Grandfather, please."

"This time, the family needs to select a few trustworthy people to handle certain matters. If chosen, at the very least, you’d enjoy riches as long as the family stands. Do you have any thoughts?"

Yun Yexiang blinked and asked, "May I inquire, what about Yun Yufeng?"

Yun Feiying glanced at his grandson in surprise. "He won’t go, naturally."

"Then I won’t go either. If he won’t, it means the opportunity isn’t that valuable, not worth pursuing."

"I expected your refusal. But I’m curious—your reasoning is based on Yun Yufeng. Did something happen between you two?"

Yun Yexiang smiled, "Not really, just chatted for a while."

Yun Feiying’s gaze grew more peculiar. You two, chatting? That friendly? Is that even possible?

Yun Yexiang felt uneasy under his grandfather’s scrutiny, and forced himself to reply, "It really was just a conversation."

Yun Feiying smiled inexplicably, "Then it’s just a chat. That’s a good thing."

"Mm, mm," Yun Yexiang nodded repeatedly.

"Actually, Yun Yufeng’s actions aren’t a reliable basis for your judgment this time, since he initiated the matter himself."

"In that case, I have even less reason to go. If he started it but won’t participate, it must be just business-related. I’m only interested in strengthening myself now."

"You know, to control the family, you must grasp these vital interests. This matter is important—a coveted prize everyone wants a piece of," Yun Feiying shook his head.

"Grandfather, I believe that with power, everything else follows."

"That’s true, but power alone, without control, makes many things difficult."

Yun Yexiang fell silent. In truth, he thought such petty family intrigue beneath him. But he dared not say it, lest he receive a stern lecture.

"Do you know why I’ve always suppressed your third uncle’s branch?" Yun Feiying pressed on.

"Why?" Yun Yexiang looked up, uncertain.

"Ten years ago, your third uncle advanced to Emperor Lord. Since then, I’ve used my authority to gradually suppress his branch—not to harm him, but to weaken their influence. Otherwise, with an Emperor Lord’s word, all efforts would be in vain. Soon, a new clan leader will be chosen; the old one is aged and must step down, per tradition, giving the young a chance."

Yun Yexiang offered a wry smile, "Grandfather, it’s unnecessary. Third Uncle has guarded the Scripture Hall for decades; that alone shows he has no interest in leadership."

"He’s uninterested? How do you know his descendants are too? If they desire it, do you understand the depth of parental affection?"

"Then, Grandfather, do you think I’m suited to compete?" Yun Yexiang asked helplessly.

"You hide your skills well, but I see through you. Do you think I don’t know why you lost the jade pendant? I just think you’re too extravagant," Yun Feiying sighed, frustrated with his evasive grandson.

Yun Yexiang felt vexed. The old man was too cunning; age brought wisdom, indeed.

"But Grandfather, people’s hearts change. Back then, my vision was too narrow."

"Oh? What changed? Your mindset seems unstable."

Yun Yexiang smiled bitterly, "Everyone says Emperor Yun Shang is the foremost among the younger generation. I believed it too. But now I know, given time, he’s not an obstacle."

"Good. A real man faces no obstacles. I’m gratified."

"Yun Yufeng asked me, ‘What about Emperor Yun Shang?’ Grandfather, do you know what he meant?"

"Tell me."

"He just wanted to know if Emperor Yun Shang would retaliate against his siblings."

Yun Feiying’s sharp face twitched, his eyes surprised, "He intends to target Yun Shang Mo?"

"His question must have its reasons. We need only observe," Yun Yexiang replied, not wishing to speculate, remembering the generosity by the lake.

Yun Feiying's gaze lingered in silence, then he changed the subject.

"Since your ambitions lie elsewhere, I won’t force you. I trust you have your own plans."

"Thank you for understanding, Grandfather."

"Go on, then."

"Farewell." With a slight bow, Yun Yexiang strode out.

Yun Feiying lowered his head and sighed softly, "Yun Yufeng… what is so special about you? My most outstanding grandson speaks from your perspective—such a rapid shift in roles!"

Back in the courtyard, Yun Yufeng absentmindedly ate a few bites before retreating to his study. The young maid Cui Nong stared at his back, biting her lips in frustration. Nearby, Cai Die struggled to suppress her laughter, her petite frame swaying gently. As Yun Yufeng closed the door, Cai Die could contain herself no longer, and her silvery laughter rang out across the courtyard. Cui Nong’s face was dark as soot; with a huff, the two began to tussle.

"Hehe, you dare tickle me? Careful or there’ll be no share for you when I cook something delicious."

"Go ahead, tickle! You always make extra—my portion is guaranteed."

"Ah…"

"Shh… Don’t disturb the young master. Come on, let’s return to our rooms. The young master is so good; it’s easy serving him, we don’t have to attend to him constantly."

"Of course. Don’t you know who our young master is? He’s quite the rising star these days." Cui Nong was proud—she was the lady’s designated concubine, and that alone was enough to make her blush with satisfaction.

"Just keep boasting."

"Hmph!"

Yun Yufeng entered his room and sat cross-legged on his cloud bed, quietly savoring the ancient will within him. For a moment, a desolate, ancient, yet proud and unyielding aura radiated from him, vast and imposing. His mind embraced it, his own will rapidly strengthening, his sea of consciousness expanding in an orderly fashion, as if nourished.

He was not yet in deep meditation; he observed his own changes, carefully feeling the ancient will. His soul seemed cleansed, its strength sublimated.

The sea of consciousness did not surge in waves, but gently rippled as always, while a heavy pressure pressed in from all sides.

The membrane of his sea of consciousness was nearly open, allowing a torrent of soul energy to flood in, slowly expanding the space within.

Nearly half the night passed before Yun Yufeng finally calmed. He stretched his arms and habitually scanned his surroundings. His formidable spiritual power swept outward, enveloping the entire estate within a five-mile radius.

Outside the estate, a masked figure clad in black night attire moved like a wisp of smoke, deftly evading the Yun clan sentries, heading deeper into the estate.

The radiating spiritual force brushed over the figure, who paused, sensing something amiss. After searching the area and finding nothing, he continued toward the manor’s center.

Yun Yufeng’s spiritual power hovered around the intruder, monitoring every move. At first, his unchecked scrutiny nearly alerted the intruder, but he quickly suppressed the fluctuations, hiding his presence so well that the intruder detected nothing.

Like smoke, the masked man slipped toward the clan leader’s residence, avoiding every obvious and hidden guard along the way.

Yun Yufeng was puzzled. This person was clearly not a clansman, yet was so familiar with the estate’s layout—even the secret guards. It was likely a problem within a key member’s household.

But who was this intruder? Could it be someone from the town’s other two families—the Chen clan or the Gu family? And who was the traitor within the estate?

Waves of Rising Tide editors jointly recommend the Rising Tide website’s collection of hot novels—now online, click to add to your favorites.