Chapter 17

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Chapter 17: The Fisherman

Back at home.

Yi Lingyu suddenly remembered something and asked, “Brother, if you give her the herbs, what will happen to Grandpa?”

“I have my own way,” Yi Qianmo replied with a confident smile. “You go see Grandpa, and I’ll take care of the rest.”

After Yi Lingyu left, Yi Qianmo immediately took the herbalist to the accounting room and collected a thousand taels of gold.

The old man had never seen so much money in his life. Trembling with gratitude, he bowed repeatedly to Yi Qianmo, expressing his thanks.

However, Yi Qianmo interrupted him, saying, “I have something I want to ask you.”

“Please ask, young sir. I will share everything I know,” the old man replied respectfully.

“Where did you find that herb?” Yi Qianmo asked.

Although the spiritual herb was valuable, Yi Qianmo knew its growing location might be even more special. A place rich in spiritual Qi must be extraordinary—enough to justify giving away such a rare herb.

The old man hesitated, clearly troubled.

“I understand this is your livelihood,” Yi Qianmo said gently. “But with the thousand gold coins I’ve given you, you can live worry-free for the rest of your life. Consider this as part of the price I paid for more than just the herb.”

The old man thought for a moment before nodding. “Alright, I will tell you.”

As night fell, Yi Qianmo quietly left his home and headed quickly out of Green Cloud City.

Meanwhile, within the city, the leaders of the two great families had gathered.

“This guy is too arrogant,” said Huang Lixing, the leader of the Huang family. “He kills someone, then still dares to parade himself in public.”

The Huang family, one of the three major powers in Green Cloud City, was weaker than the Yu and Lei families. Huang Lixing, however, was a masterful tactician and skilled warrior.

Lei Yuntian, the head of the Lei family, frowned at Huang Lixing’s remark. His meaning was clear: if Yi Qianmo was out in the open, why hadn’t the Huang family already taken action?

“I came here to speak frankly,” Lei Yuntian said, his tone serious. “The Yi family has the Great Yi Sword Technique. You’ve seen its power for yourself. With one skilled master already and Yi Qianmo rapidly approaching that level, how long before Green Cloud City cannot contain them?”

Huang Lixing’s expression darkened as Lei Yuntian continued.

“Do not forget, the Yi family holds grudges. Thirteen years ago, your family played a part. If Yi Qianmo grows stronger, neither the Huang family nor mine will survive his revenge.”

The room grew silent as Lei Yuntian’s words sank in.

At that moment, a servant entered the room, bowing deeply. “Report: Steward Yu of the Yu family is here to visit.”

The two family leaders exchanged a glance.

“He says he knows you are both here,” the servant added cautiously.

Their faces grew tense.

Moments later, an elderly man in fine clothing entered the hall. His every move carried the prestige of the Yu family.

“I come bearing a message from the family head,” Steward Yu announced, his tone formal. “As of this moment, Yi Qianmo is no longer a son-in-law of the Yu family. This news will be announced across Green Cloud City tomorrow. Henceforth, the Yu family will not interfere in any matters regarding the Yi family. Good evening.”

With that, Steward Yu turned and left without waiting for a response.

Lei Yuntian’s face twisted with anger. “Damn that old fisherman! This is a clever trap.”

Huang Lixing frowned. “Explain yourself.”

Lei Yuntian slammed a fist against the table. “The Yu family raised Yi Qianmo in secret, ensuring he grew strong enough to oppose us. Now they’ve cut ties, knowing we’ll have no choice but to fight the Yi family to the death. Meanwhile, they sit back and reap the benefits.”

Realization dawned on Huang Lixing, and he gritted his teeth in frustration. “The Yu family wants everything! What do we do now?”

Lei Yuntian’s eyes gleamed coldly. “We must destroy the Yi family and show goodwill to the Yu family. It’s the only way to secure our survival. And if we can claim the Great Yi Sword Technique for ourselves, we may even stand a chance against the Yu family in the future.”

Huang Lixing nodded firmly. “I will inform my father immediately. By the day after tomorrow, we will attack the Yi family and take back what should have been ours!”

Steward Yu returned to the Yu family estate and made his way to the pavilion on the lake.

There, Yu Changqing—the head of the Yu family—was speaking with a woman dressed in white. Despite being the most powerful figure in Green Cloud City, Yu Changqing treated the woman with the utmost respect.

This woman was none other than the one Yi Qianmo had encountered at the Medicine Market.

“Sir, I’ve delivered the message to the two families,” Steward Yu said as he approached the pavilion.

Yu Changqing waved dismissively, and Steward Yu retreated.

“I heard His Highness met Yi Qianmo at the Medicine Market,” Yu Changqing said, addressing the woman.

“Indeed,” she replied with a nod.

“What does Your Highness think of him?”

The woman considered for a moment. “He is proud and unwilling to bow to others, yet he possesses skill and character.”

Yu Changqing studied her carefully. “I’m curious: does Your Highness believe my Yu family secretly raised him to deal with the other families?”

The woman raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that exactly what everyone in Green Cloud City believes—except, perhaps, Yi Qianmo himself?”

Yu Changqing chuckled. “That’s precisely the truth. The boy remains unaware of how deep these waters run.”

He then explained the events of the past thirteen years.

“So Yu Youwei really damaged his energy center back then?” the woman asked skeptically. “But his current strength…”

“That is the mystery,” Yu Changqing admitted. “I suspect Youwei spared him, leaving him a sliver of hope to survive.”

The woman smiled faintly. “Perhaps she still harbors feelings for him.”

Yu Changqing’s expression hardened. “Feelings or not, she has left us a problem to solve. For now, I’ll let the Lei and Huang families handle the Yi family. When the time comes, we’ll clean up the remains.”

The woman’s eyes sparkled with interest. “This is turning into quite a spectacle. I think I’ll stay a few more days to watch it unfold.”