Legacy of the Spirit Stone

Chapter 47 – Arrive at Wind Ling

The next morning, the cultivator teams from the three towns gathered at the south gate of White Stone Town.

This time, there were four from White Stone, three from Willow Leaf, and five from Clear River, making a total of twelve cultivators.

Among them, the leaders from White Stone and Willow Leaf were both at the Qi Condensation Third Layer.

Although Clear River Town had the most cultivators, their leader was only at the Qi Condensation Second Layer, with the remaining four at the First Layer.

"Lin Yu from the Lin family of Willow Leaf Town, greetings to Fellow Daoist Lingrui."

Upon seeing Yang Lingrui, the Lin family cultivator, who was in his early thirties, approached to greet him.

Over three years ago, when Yang Lingrui successfully formed his Qi Palace, the Yang family hosted a banquet for the entire town. He had attended with his elders and met Yang Lingrui once.

"In just three short years, he has reached the Qi Condensation Third Layer. Although his aura is still somewhat unstable, such talent is truly extraordinary," Lin Yu thought to himself.

Before leaving, his elders had instructed him that the primary goal of this journey to explore the ancient tomb was to establish good relations with the Yang family, which would greatly benefit the future development of their own family.

Yang Lingrui smiled and nodded in response, "It's been a while, Fellow Daoist Lin. Your cultivation has grown much stronger; it seems the Fourth Layer is not far off."

"Ah, it's just the result of years of hard work, nothing compared to you," Lin Yu waved his hand, though he was inwardly surprised.

He had consciously suppressed his own aura, yet Yang Lingrui's perception was so sharp that he saw through him at a glance.

"Lu Liang from the Lu family of Clear River, greetings to you both, seniors."

As the two conversed, Lu Liang took the opportunity to step forward and pay his respects.

He was the leader of the Clear River Town group, appearing to be over forty, yet he had to address the two younger than him as seniors.

This was the rule among cultivators, where only cultivation level mattered, not age.

In this circle, trying to pull rank based on age simply wouldn't work.

"Is it just you from Clear River this time? Is the Zhang family still in seclusion?" Lin Yu asked.

Lu Liang quickly replied, "Yes, the mayor has visited Mulberry Dew Valley several times, but hasn't been able to enter the Zhang family."

"Strange, with the Zhang family's strength, even without their head, having three cultivators should make them a top force in the area. Why would they act like this?" Lin Yu was puzzled.

The Zhang family's influence in the Clear River Town area was comparable to the Yang family's between the two towns.

In the current situation, they should have the capability to expand their influence, just like the Yang family.

Why would they choose to remain secluded in that valley, even giving up the opportunity to explore the ancient tomb?

Yang Lingrui listened quietly as the two discussed the Zhang family.

They were unaware of Zhang Chen's death, which was why they were confused by the Zhang family's actions.

The Yang family had discussed this matter internally and came to two conclusions.

One was that Yang Lingrui had killed Zhang Chen, which might have made the Zhang family feel threatened from outside. With Zhang Tianqi being reassigned, the Zhang family chose seclusion for self-preservation.

The other conclusion was based on the jade Zhang Chen carried.

Elder Yu had examined it and found that its craftsmanship didn't resemble modern techniques but seemed ancient, yet it appeared new.

This indicated that it wasn't a Zhang family heirloom but acquired from elsewhere.

Considering the Zhang family's seclusion in Mulberry Dew Valley, Yang Lingqing speculated that there might be another secret hidden in the valley, causing the Zhang family to remain inactive for years, even when opportunities for expansion were ripe.

At this moment, the two chatting simultaneously looked at Yang Lingrui.

The Yang family and the Zhang family had some conflicts over mining rights, and several surrounding families were somewhat aware of this.

So naturally, when the Zhang family secluded themselves, people thought of the Yang family.

"You don't need to look at me. We abandoned the northern remote mine when the bandit troubles started, and it's still unguarded to this day, with no ties to the Zhang family," Yang Lingrui shook his head with a smile. "So we're just as puzzled about this matter."

Hearing this, the two understood, as the Yang family's withdrawal of miners wasn't a secret.

Moreover, when they were ambushed by bandits halfway, it was the troops from White Stone that came to their rescue.

While the three were talking, Zhao Qi stood silently behind Yang Lingrui.

He stood with his head slightly lowered, listening to the conversations of the other cultivators around him.

Before leaving, Elder Yu had specifically instructed him that with his level of cultivation, he might not be able to help Yang Lingrui in a fight.

So his tasks were threefold: first, to protect himself; second, to listen and observe, assisting Yang Lingrui in filling any gaps; and finally, to gain experience.

"Hahaha, sorry to keep you all waiting."

After everyone became acquainted, Gao Hui appeared at the right time, distributing maps to everyone and handing the seal representing White Stone Town to Yang Lingrui.

"The journey is long, so I hope everyone will be extra careful. I wish you all good fortune and protection from the stars."

"Thank you for your kind words, Mayor Gao."

The group then set off in the direction of Windridge Town.

At the same time, other teams of cultivators from several towns also set out for Windridge Town.

Among them, the most powerful was Emerald Stream, the first town under Moonwatch's jurisdiction.

Emerald Stream Town was the closest to Moonwatch City among the eight towns, the largest in scale, and had the largest population.

These were still manageable, but more importantly, there was a Li family in the Emerald Stream area.

The Li family had an Ancestor with a perfect Qi Condensation Twelfth Layer cultivation, unmatched below Core Formation.

The dynasty's original intention was to send him east to quell unrest, but due to the Li family's sect background, they managed to send two late Qi Condensation cultivators instead, keeping their Ancestor to stabilize the family foundation.

This time, the Li family sent three cultivators: one at mid Qi Condensation and two at early Qi Condensation.

The mid Qi Condensation cultivator was Li Cheng, who was familiar with Elder Yu and had previously purchased items from the Yang family at the marketplace.

His cultivation had grown since then, now reaching the peak of the Qi Condensation Sixth Layer.

This journey to explore the ancient tomb was also an opportunity for him to seek a breakthrough.

Half a month later, the cultivators from the seven towns arrived at Windridge one after another.

Due to this event, Windridge Town's mayor, Duan Yong, had specially built a courtyard outside the town for them to rest.

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"Young Master Li! Welcome, welcome!"

The Emerald Stream Town team was the last to arrive, and Duan Yong personally went out to greet them.

"Mayor Duan, it's been a while."

Li Cheng cupped his hands and joked, "How have you been since coming to Windridge Town? No issues with the local climate?"

"Hahaha, Young Master Li still enjoys teasing me. There's no such thing as getting used to it or not. Having a stable place to settle is better than anything, so what could I possibly be dissatisfied with?" Duan Yong laughed heartily.

From this conversation, it was clear that the two were old acquaintances and had a good personal relationship.

"Let's talk as we walk. What's the situation with the ancient tomb?"

"No problem, you all have had a long journey, please follow me."

On the way to the courtyard, Duan Yong explained the situation regarding the ancient tomb to Li Cheng.

The ancient tomb was discovered a month ago, and when Duan Yong went to inspect it, the entrance was already visible.

"I interrogated those tomb raiders several times and confirmed they had no background, but the restriction at the entrance is formidable, and Windridge Town alone can't break it," Duan Yong said.

Li Cheng thought for a moment and asked, "Since the tomb is here, doesn't the sect on Lone Moon Mountain have any interest?"

"People from Lone Moon Mountain did come, and it was a Core Formation cultivator, but, um..."

Duan Yong's expression became awkward, and he hesitated to continue.

Seeing his expression, Li Cheng understood, "I see, they weren't interested, right?"