Chapter 132
by post_apiChapter 132: Three Years Have Passed
The tasks in the spiritual plant garden were handled in rotation by Liang Yi, Zhao Qi, and Wu Tong.
After being counseled by others, Liang Yi gradually resolved his inner conflicts. Within half a month, he successfully entered meditative cultivation again.
With the Purple Core Flower, Yang Lingrui soon announced his entry into secluded cultivation, aiming to achieve another breakthrough within seven months using this treasure.
During this period, Yang Lingshu settled in the Forbidden Area of Song Mountain, peacefully following Chen Yang’s guidance without shuttling between the mountain and valley, finalizing preparations to join Wanhuamen.
After accepting the Huang Family as affiliated families, the Yang Family took no further action.
Since this was their first attempt, Yang Lingqing chose caution over haste, deciding to observe the Huang Family’s and other factions’ reactions before making plans.
The Huang Family acted swiftly. Once the three Hall of Yang’s Lineage structures were completed, they promptly conducted their first Grand Ceremony.
For the first time, Chen Yang received the power of wishes from outside the Yang Family—over eighty strands in total.
“One family alone provides this much. With more, the time needed for a breakthrough would shrink further,” Chen Yang mused. “But rushing is unwise. Lingqing’s caution makes sense—using the Huang Family as a trial. Once Yang Lingrui reaches the perfect realm in a few years, expanding will be safer.”
Over the next month, cultivators bearing secret orders gradually gathered at the dynasty’s eastern region and northern front.
Their departure left the Wangyue territory sparsely populated, with only a handful of weaklings remaining.
Many independent families retreated to dynasty-controlled towns, while small sects dissolved entirely. Surviving groups retained just one or two early-stage cultivators; mid-stage cultivators became scarce.
This upheaval shattered the existing power hierarchy, allowing new factions to emerge.
The dynasty’s maneuver effectively refreshed the Gathering Qi forces under Wangyue’s rule, elevating formerly insignificant families and sects.
Later, border reports revealed the Quelling Chaos campaign’s unprecedented brutality.
Cultivators below the Condensing Essence level sent to the front lines were nearly wiped out, with only a handful surviving. Months later, even Condensing Essence cultivators suffered severe injuries and dropped realms.
Protected by the dynasty’s decree, the Yang Family avoided this disaster. Yet through these events, Yang Lingqing discerned Tiger-Chasing’s true intent.
Though the dynasty’s grand scheme appeared to target sects, subtle clues and outcomes hinted at deeper ambitions.
Under the moonlight, Yang Lingqing paced alone through the forest. A sudden realization struck her:
The dynasty was purging and reorganizing its internal forces! Combined with the outskirts’ tensions, their goal became evident.
“The dynasty’s top officials must have already secured their plans,” she murmured.
Standing at the cliff’s edge, she gazed eastward beneath the moon, eyes fixed on the darkened horizon.
“After years of careful planning and restraint, Tiger-Chasing finally resolved to bare its fangs against the leaderless Eastern Wilderness!”
…
In early spring, Song Mountain was cloaked in fresh greenery.
Treading atop grassy tips, Yang Lingrui, Yang Lingshu, and Lv Fangxuan reached the eastern foothills.
Possessing a spirit pearl and maintaining a steady temperament, Yang Lingshu had methodically advanced his cultivation level to the third tier.
Lv Fangxuan, never lacking in talent, had trained with redoubled diligence since Lv Lianshun’s death, recently breaking through to the second tier.
As for Yang Lingrui? From the moment he embarked on the Path of Cultivation, progress had flowed effortlessly.
After seven months of secluded cultivation, he had surged directly into the eighth tier!
Behind the trio stood Yang Family cultivators gathered to bid them farewell.
All were present except Old Yu, who remained guarding Sanglu Valley.
Yang Lingqing stepped forward to speak, but a boisterous figure darted ahead first.
“Second Uncle! Third Uncle!”
Yang Yuanhong’s booming voice carried across the slope as he executed a formal bow.
“This journey spans great distances! Yuanhong respectfully wishes both uncles auspicious stars above and abundant martial fortune ahead!”
He promptly turned with childish pride, adjusting his tiger-head hat before planting hands on hips and grinning at Yang Lingqing.
“Aunt! I recited everything perfectly—not one wrong word!”
“Hahaha…”
“Our Yuanhong grows more capable daily.”
The boy’s antics drew laughter, scattering the gathering’s melancholy.
“Ow-ow-ow!”
Yang Yuanhong’s triumph ended abruptly as Yang Lingqing pinched his ear.
“But I did it right!” he protested, puffing his cheeks.
Releasing him, Yang Lingqing tapped his forehead. “The words were correct, but you overlooked Master Lv.”
Yang Yuanhong smacked his brow. “Ah!” Scampering to Lv Fangxuan, he bowed again.
“Master Lv, forgive this oversight! Yuanhong wishes you smooth travels and boundless progress on your Path of Cultivation!”
“Well said, well said.”
Lv Fangxuan crouched to pat the boy’s head. “I shall treasure these blessings, Yuanhong.”
Wu Tong guided the child back as Yang Lingqing approached the travelers. “Exercise caution in all matters,” she simply stated, concluding the farewells.
Yang Lingrui’s destination was Chongtian City, Tiger-Chasing’s capital, where he would participate in the renowned Gathering Qi to Condensing Essence performance.
Yang Lingshu and Lv Fangxuan journeyed to join Wanhuamen as sect disciples.
Though three cultivators departed the household, Yang Lingqing’s heart remained steadier than in past trials.
After the crowd dispersed, she wandered to the sealed courtyard’s now-open gate.
Suppressing her aura, Yang Lingqing slipped inside to find a small figure earnestly patting soil around a burial mound with a tiny shovel.
“Father! Today I properly bid farewell to both uncles and Master Lv using Aunt’s taught phrases!”
Yang Yuanhong chattered while digging. “Mother says I must become the main family’s pillar after they leave—I’ll bear this responsibility!”
He stabbed the shovel upright, producing a cloth to polish Yang Linghu’s gravestone. “Don’t worry, Father. Yuanhong will obey Aunt and Mother always!”
Yang Lingqing retreated silently from the courtyard.
“Master.” Wu Tong inclined her head.
“Sister-in-law, the boy matures daily.” Yang Lingqing’s smile bloomed.
Three years of meticulous guidance—from daily habits to foundational principles—had steered Yang Yuanhong clear of reckless impulses. Witnessing his wholesome growth brought profound relief.
“Walk downhill with me, Sister-in-law.”
“Gladly. We’ll fetch Yuanhong more honey cakes.”