Chapter 87

Chapter 87: The Chess Pieces

"I trust Mayor Gao’s judgment."

Yang Lingqing paused, choosing her words carefully. "But the Yang Family has toiled for decades to reach this standing. Lingqing must exercise utmost caution, fearing any entanglement in troublesome affairs might destroy our hard-earned legacy overnight."

She fully grasped Gao Hui’s implications.

This was the dynasty’s strategic maneuver across its territories—an unstoppable tide.

Though insignificant, the Yang Family had caught He Shenglai’s attention through their actions during the Sanglu Valley incident.

After his report, the He Family apparently saw potential in this small family, offering support within the dynasty’s grand scheme to bolster their growth.

Naturally, such favors came with strings attached. When the true power struggle commenced, the Yang Family would be expected to perform their designated role.

"Mayor Gao," Yang Lingqing cut straight to the point, "if we follow this tide, does that make us mere pawns on this chessboard?"

Her bluntness made Gao Hui straighten in his seat.

"Precisely! Lord He sees great promise in Lingrui. He believes your family could become a long-term asset—perhaps even a clever minor move in this grand game."

Understanding dawned on her. "Very well. With your assurance and Lord He’s favor, the Yang Family accepts this reward."

Though aware they’d be manipulated, Yang Lingqing agreed regardless.

The Yang Family currently held no bargaining power against the dynasty or the He Family.

Without strength, maintaining independence during such political currents was pure delusion—a childish fantasy.

Being a chess piece surpassed becoming disposable fodder.

Given their current standing, without He Shenglai’s endorsement, they wouldn’t even qualify as board pieces.

The Li Family’s downfall served as stark warning against defiance.

But progress required patience—meals eaten bite by bite, roads walked step by step.

The Yangs couldn’t leap from bowl-dwelling shrimp to master players overnight.

Transitioning from being prey on the table to becoming valued pieces already marked significant progress. Rushing would ruin everything—careful planning was essential.

Moreover, serving as the dynasty’s pawn currently benefited the Yangs more than it harmed them.

These cultivation resources meant everything to their growth, yet amounted to less than a hair on nine bulls for the dynasty and He Family.

Future tasks for the regime would bring similar rewards.

Yang Lingqing stored the pouch before asking, "What exactly does Lord He expect from us?"

"Three tasks." Gao Hui delivered the demands plainly. "First: Establish a Sanglu Valley branch to secure your influence across the three towns. Ideally, absorb nearby independent clans.

Second: Yang Lingrui’s cultivation realm. That superior quality cleansing elixir and heavenly protection talisman for breakthrough chances? Lord He provided them. He must reach late-stage Gathering Qi within ten years.

Lastly…" The mayor hesitated. "Yang Master, did Lingrui encounter Su Family members at the Golden Scales Ceremony?"

"He met Su Lingyun." Yang Lingqing nodded. "She interrogated him, claimed our talisman inheritance could complement theirs for advancement, then ordered a hundred divine movement talismans for study."

Since the dynasty already knew, concealment served no purpose.

"Is it really true! Alas… it was my negligence that caused Lingrui to suffer."

Gao Hui shook his head and sighed, "Su Lingyun is known for being unpredictable and, backed by her family, acts without restraint. No one who falls into her hands escapes without being tormented."

"She likely saw Lingrui’s exceptional talent and used this transaction as a lever to pull your family in."

Neither the dynasty nor Gao Hui knew what exactly happened during the ceremonial gathering, so they assumed the Su Family wanted to invest early in the Yang Family.

This was the misunderstanding the Yang Family had mentioned before.

Initially, after He Shenglai reported his judgments, the He Family looked down on the Yang Family.

Such a tiny family was insignificant in scale, lacking even a late-stage Gathering Qi practitioner, making them too weak.

But after learning from Tiangong Pavilion about Yang Lingrui’s contact with the Su Family, the He Family’s attitude wavered.

Backed by the Canglan main branch, the Su Family held high status within the dynasty and rarely acknowledged ordinary forces.

If the Yang Family caught their attention and gained an audience, they must have something special.

Because of this, the He Family slightly adjusted their plans submitted to the dynasty, treating the Yang Family as a minor chess piece.

"Alas… Mayor Gao must understand our Yang Family only thrives in small matters here. Against true families like the Su and He, we’re utterly powerless."

Yang Lingqing sighed with a helpless expression, then asked, "Mayor Gao, what’s the final task?"

Gao Hui answered, "Simple—your family must declare you’ll do business with the Su Family but avoid becoming too close, as Lord He wishes."

Yang Lingqing immediately frowned, worry flooding her eyes.

Noticing this, Gao Hui reassured her, "Yang Master needn’t fear being caught between them. With the dynasty’s support, the Su Family won’t oppose this significant arrangement."

"Very well. Please inform Lord He my family agrees to all three tasks."

Yang Lingqing stated.

While Gao Hui visited the Yang Family, a letter reached Jingyun Peak.

Pei Xuejian retrieved a jade slip from beneath a celestial crane’s wing and carried it into a mountain pavilion.

A well stood in the pavilion’s center. Su Lingyun sat fishing nearby while Old Qin dozed beside her.

Across the room, a porcelain-doll-like little girl maintained a horse stance, holding two large stones aloft.

"Old Qin, did you actually put fish in here?"

"Of course!"

"Alas… another wasted day. Such a pity—my sister’s charm deserved better."

Pei Xuejian entered then.

"Young Master, the dynasty’s letter has arrived."

"Let me see."

Su Lingyun propped up her fishing rod and examined the jade slip.

Three moments later, she nudged Old Qin awake, boasting, "See? I was right! It’s the He Family!"

Old Qin scanned the slip and smirked, "Typical He Family. Only dynasty folks enjoy tampering with cultivators’ seas of consciousness."

"What do you know? Controlling people works best this way. Not everyone’s as soft-hearted as my Su Family."

Su Lingyun shook her sleeves and stretched by the window, gazing at the clouds.

"Ah—finally! Years of dull fishing end today. I wonder how many rare treasures and hidden wonders Tiger-Chasing will unveil. Thrilling!"

A clatter sounded beside her. Su Lingyun turned to see the little girl collapse, stones tumbling down.

Panic filled the child’s eyes as she scrambled to retrieve them.

Mid-motion, her eyes glazed over, and she fell lifeless.