Chapter 99

Yang Linghu thought it unwise for Yang Lingqing to personally visit the hidden treasure, so he traveled to Song Mountain to discuss with her.

He suggested leading the team himself, but Yang Lingqing flatly refused.

"That’s out of the question. Sister-in-law is still pregnant—we can’t send you away," Yang Lingqing stated firmly.

"Lingqing, you’re now the Yang Family’s Master. If anything happens to you during this trip, who’ll manage our household?" Yang Linghu shook his head and pressed, "You know deep down I’m the right choice. The Black Snake Secret Treasure only permits early-stage Gathering Qi cultivators. With my current power and techniques, even sect disciples couldn’t rival me."

"Any other family member could risk this—but not you."

"Have you forgotten the Elder’s final command? He ordered that external matters should first fall to me unless absolutely necessary. You mustn’t move!"

Yang Lingqing turned away, brows knitted tightly.

"I understand your arguments, but circumstances have changed."

"I’ll have Wu Tong stay here with you while I go."

"Impossible!"

"Why are you being so stubborn today?"

As tensions rose between the siblings, Yang Lingrui quickly intervened.

"Brother Hu, Sister Qing—let’s calm down. We still have time before departure to discuss this properly."

He guided both individuals back into the room where they settled on floor mats.

"Each generation bears its own duties—you taught me that," Yang Linghu reminded quietly.

Rare frustration showed in Yang Lingqing’s eyes. "Sister-in-law’s carrying your child. I can’t let you risk yourself."

"I know your concerns, but consider this—He Shenglai delivered the imperial decree from the dynasty personally, bypassing Gao Hui. That speaks volumes."

Yang Linghu leaned forward. "The dynasty’s invested heavily in our family expecting returns now. This imperial decree mission marks the Yang Family’s first move in their grand scheme! Fail this step, and we’ll lose their trust forever—become disposable pawns!"

Silence blanketed the room.

If Yang Linghu grasped this, Yang Lingqing certainly did too. The gold seal’s authority on the decree left no room for failure—unlike previous tasks routed through Gao Hui.

By both strength and combat experience, Yang Linghu surpassed her. Logically, sending him best served both family leadership and mission success. Normally, she wouldn’t hesitate.

But Wu Tong’s pregnancy changed everything. Should misfortune strike Yang Linghu, his wife would suffer another devastating loss—their unborn child never knowing its father.

As the three sat wordless, movement outside signaled someone entering the formation.

Yang Shu hurried outside and called out loudly, "Master! A letter!"

Yang Lingqing rose and stepped out, accepting the letter. As she opened it, her expression froze momentarily.

The handwriting belonged to Wu Tong.

Only twelve brief words were written:

"Master shouldn’t concern herself with me. Focus on family affairs!"

Yang Shu stood nearby with bowed head. "Sister-in-law insisted I deliver this. I couldn’t dissuade her…"

"No matter. I understand."

Yang Lingqing carefully refolded the letter along its creases and clenched it in her fist.

"How undignified I’ve been today – not at all fitting for a Master."

She gave a bitter chuckle before turning back toward the room, her usual composure returning.

"Yang Linghu, Yang Lingrui. Step forth."

"Yes!"

Two figures rushed out and dropped to one knee before her.

"You’ll lead a team to the secret treasure site in seven days. Retrieve the treasures."

Yang Lingqing continued, "This mission is perilous. Stay vigilant. Preserve your lives above all. Clear?"

"Understood! We obey the Master’s orders!"

Once preparations were settled, Yang Linghu escorted Wu Tong from Sanglu Valley to Song Mountain under Mayor Gao Hui’s personal protection.

The Yang Family emptied their vaults for this venture.

Diamond talismans, mountain-opening talismans, spiritual shield talismans, divine movement talismans, and assorted purchased elixirs were distributed among the six cultivators’ storage bags.

Yang Lingqing specially allocated one rejuvenating elixir each to Yang Lingrui and Yang Linghu.

The dynasty’s rewards hadn’t come freely after all –

This single expedition drained every resource the Yang Family possessed.

Seven days vanished like morning dew. Yang Lingqing personally saw off the six cultivators.

After reporting through official channels, Gao Hui obtained permission to accompany them through Moon Watching City’s borders.

Returning to the courtyard afterward, Yang Lingqing found Wu Tong clinging to the doorframe, peering into the distance.

"Sister-in-law!"

She rushed to support the woman. "You should call for me when leaving your room."

"I know. I just… wanted a final glimpse." Wu Tong murmured.

Yang Lingqing fell silent. She helped Wu Tong shuffle to the cliff’s edge where Yang Linghu’s retreating form still lingered as a speck against the horizon.

They stood watching until the distant shadow dissolved into empty sky before returning indoors.

A month slipped by.

One evening after settling Wu Tong to sleep, Yang Lingqing entered the ancestral hall.

Despite the vastness of her home, this spot brought Yang Lingqing the most peace. Yet the empty space at its center inevitably reminded her of the Immortal Master.

"By my count, the Immortal Master’s secluded cultivation has lasted two years now," she mused. The Yang Family had endured these years safely, fulfilled both contracts on time, and today’s sight of clansmen venturing out fully armored with talismans all traced back to Chen Yang’s tireless efforts from that crucial year. Without his thorough preparations, who knew what state the Yang Family might be in?

Buzz—

As Yang Lingqing pondered when her master might emerge, a vibration hummed through her sea of consciousness. After momentary surprise, joy blossomed across her features. The Immortal Master had ended his seclusion!

Sanglu Valley, cavern abyss.

Old Yu bowed deeply as stone doors ground open. "We welcome the Immortal Master’s return."

"Two years’ slumber… feels no different than a night’s rest to me."

Chen Yang first inspected his internal condition. Relief washed over him seeing all seven soul fires still burning. "Better than waking to find them wiped out – that would’ve been disastrous."

Through Thought Transmission, he summoned Old Yu to recount recent events. "Pity I awoke a month late. Could’ve given them those spirit pearls sooner."

Having reached the Perfected Gathering Qi Realm, Chen Yang now wielded a new ability – channeling the power of wishes within his white space to nurture spirit pearls. While he knew cultivators could refine these pearls, their exact effects remained unclear.

Manifesting a spirit pearl, Chen Yang sent it into Old Yu. The elder felt warmth spread through his torso as the pearl journeyed along his Qi meridians, circling yet refusing to settle before returning to its creator.

"Ah. The wish-forged pearls possess awareness," Chen Yang observed. "They choose their own cultivators."